santa monica mirror jan. 13, 2012

BRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Measuring in at 66 feet highwith a diameter of 167 feet,Cirque du Soleil’s GrandChapiteau (big top) now standstall next to the Santa Monica Pierin its final stages of constructionfor its two-month run of “OVO”that begins next Friday.

More than 1,000 tons ofequipment has now beenunloaded from 61 trailers that arepart of the touring production.

Earlier this week, “OVO”company manager Rob Nau-mann escorted the media aroundthe Cirque du Soleil village in thepier’s northern car park andtalked about setting up the bigtop that has four masts eachstanding 80 feet tall and almost2000 three-foot long stakesdriven into the asphalt.

“With all the sophisticationand technology of Cirque, whatyou are going to see here is alldone by manpower,” Naumannsaid before the tent raising. “Wehave a little over 100 people whowill be grabbing our side polesand manually be pushing them upby hand. We’ll have a few otherpeople cranking on our winchesto tighten the whole thing into asafe and secure structure.”

He said a crew of 50 perma-nent construction workers trav-eled with the show. Another 20Cirque workers classed as “fly-ins” arrived early last week forthe set-up – the same crew thathelped tear down the “OVO”show in Mexico City a few weeksago. On top of that, Cirque hasalso hired between 75 and 120local construction workers dailyto chip-in with the set-up, whichalso includes the installation ofthe entrance, hospitality andrehearsal tents, box office, admin-istrative offices, and kitchen.

Now that the canvas is raised,

riggers have begun to hook upwinches and cables into the roof.The backdrop of the stage is ahuge climbing wall, which israised into place using hydraulics.Completion should hit the 100

percent mark mid-next week intime for rehearsals on Thursdaybefore the show’s premiere thenext day.

SportsSt. MonicaNew Gym For The Mariners

A14 PHOT

OBY

ROG

ERM

ORA

NTE

R E F L E C T I N G T H E C O N C E R N S O F T H E C O M M U N I T Y

SantaMonicaTaxi.com

$30 from SM to LAX

Call for Specials 331100..444444..44444444Santa Monica's Only Multi Award-Winning Taxi Company!

GABY SCHKUD310. 586.0308

Top 1% 2009 - NRTColdwell Banker-NRT

GABY SELLS

No one covers the news that matters to you

like your community newspaper.

Your Community.

Your Newspaper.

100 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica

331100..339955..99992222

Samuel Moses, CPATAX$27.75

from SM to LAX

310.444.7777

CALL

NOW!• Low Prices• Reliable Service• On-Time

JJAANNUUAARRYY 1133 -- 1199,, 22001122 •• VVOOLLUUMMEE XXIIIIII,, IISSSSUUEE 3322

This Week!EPISODE II

Monday, Jan. 16

Martin Luther King, Jr.Weekend Celebration Highlights

SMC’s Promo Pathway Inaugural Class Graduates

Photo LA Global Dealers In Town

Downtown Santa Monica Inc.Promoting Community Life

SANTA MONICA

BEAT

www.smmirror.com

Tune In Every Monday At 9 a.m.SMMIRROR.COM

Local News Just Changed!

I N S I D E

BEGINS THIS SATURDAY PAGE B2

NNOOIIRRFFEESSTT 22001122

COURTESY PHOTO

Cirque Du Soleil Returns!

“OVO” company manager Rob Naumann says its Grand Chapiteau (bigtop) will be able to hold about 2500 people when performances beginnext Friday. PHOTO BY BRENTON GAREN

CIRQUE TENT PAGE A4

PARIMAL M. ROHIT

STAFF WRITER

A public-serving facilityalways seems to be a great ideauntil that facility is planned infront of or near one’s home.That “not in my back yard” –or NIMBY – mindset has pre-vented freeways from beingbuilt and affected how countryofficials planned the route ofthe new Expo Line into SantaMonica.

At the first council meet-ing of 2012 on Tuesday, severallocal residents appeared atCity Hall to express theirreservations about a publicpark catering to children of allcapacities.

What started as an ambi-tious plan to bring the first-ever universally accessibleplayground to Santa Monicaturned into a divisive debateabout safety, homeless activity,and other potential negativeelements taking over a smallportion of Santa MonicaBeach.

The playground’s designcalls for a 20,000-square-footfacility that is meant to giveable-bodied and disabledyouths the same access to aplayground hailed from theSea Colony complex. If real-ized, the universally accessibleplayground would be in anarea on Barnard Way inbetween Sea Colony andSanta Monica Beach.

Based upon the rendereddesigns of the planned play-ground, residents were mostconcerned about noise andpotential homeless or gangactivity in the area.

Universally Accessible PlaygroundUnsafe: Residents

PLAYGROUND PAGE A9

SANTA MONICA

BEAT

A2 NEWS in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

Downtown Police SubstationCloses In Parking Structure 6

BRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In preparation for the closure of ParkingStructure 6 at 1431 Second Street nextmonth for demolition and reconstruction,the Santa Monica Police Department willclose its street-level substation and relocateits 15 personnel to police headquarters ablock away on Olympic Boulevard.

Although the substation is closing, thedepartment reassures the public that policeservice will remain the same with continuedpatrols in the Downtown area on foot andon bicycles.

SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said six offi-cers and a sergeant, as well as seven Down-town Service Officers and their supervisorwould relocate as part of the closure.

“They will report here, get their equip-ment, then respond out to Third Street asthey would on Second Street, they just haveto go another block further,” Lewis said.“Nothing will change. It will be seamless.”

Anyone who needs to file a report orobtain assistance with a non-emergencyissue should call 310.458.8491 or visit theSanta Monica Police Department’s PublicSafety Facility located at 333 Olympic Drive,

Santa Monica.Lewis said there was no plan for a new

police substation in the new parking Struc-ture 6 when complete, but the departmentwas in talks with Downtown Santa Monica,Inc. to establish a kiosk on the Third StreetPromenade.

“They are looking in the 1200 block,maybe the 1300 block, to put the kiosk,” hesaid. “Obviously officers wouldn’t work outof it like a business, but it’ll be open foranswering questions, the officers can storebikes there, and the public can go there anddo small reports.”

The department had a kiosk on ThirdStreet Promenade up until eight and a halfyears ago when the substation in ParkingStructure 6 was established.

For emergencies, and to report suspi-cious activity or a crime in progress, the pub-lic should call 911.

Parking Structure 6 is scheduled toreopen late in 2013 with more than 700 spaces,which is more than double its current 342spaces.

Contact Brenton [email protected]

Downtown Service Officer Darryl Hooks inside the bike room at the department’s Parking Struc-ture 6 substation. All the equipment will be relocated to police headquarters a block away sopreparation for the demolition of the parking structure can begin. PHOTO BY BRENTON GAREN

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012 NEWS in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM A3

Household Hazardous WasteDrop-Off Service Extended PARIMAL M. ROHIT

STAFF WRITER

Four months into the Household Haz-ardous Waste Home Collection Pilot Program,the Santa Monica Office of Sustainability andthe Environment (OSE) has announced theHousehold Hazardous Waste Center wouldcontinue its drop-off service between 9 a.m.and2 p.m. each Saturday through June.

Of course, the OSE hopes to eventually doaway with the drop-off service and eventuallyhave Santa Monica residents participate in theHome Collection service.Accordingly,the OSEis offering a free premium stainless steel waterbottle to the first 200 residents to scheduleHome Collection service this year.

As part of the Home Collection service,participants schedule a pick up of certain haz-ardous materials (HAZMAT) from theirhome, which would then be placed in a collec-tion kit that may be left at one’s doorstep or ata predetermined location on collection day.

Residents do not have to be home when thekit is collected.

Waste Management developed the House-hold Hazardous Waste Home Collection PilotProgram in conjunction with the City of SantaMonica and the OSE.The door-to-door service

regularly collects HAZMAT from residents.Items found in one’s home that are usually

considered as HAZMAT include paint, batter-ies, engine oil, spray paint, and many otherhousehold cleaning items.

Santa Monica is the second Los AngelesCounty municipality to incorporate such a pro-gram; the City of Manhattan Beach was thefirst. The HAZMAT pickup service launchedon Aug. 23, 2011.

The City and Waste Management originallyplanned to completely phase out the drop-offcenter,located at 2500 Michigan Avenue just offInterstate 10 at Cloverfield Boulevard, earlierthis month.

There is no charge for the service noris there a limit on how much HAZMATmay be collected. The collection routesare determined on a demand basis. It maytake about two weeks from initial contactto household pickup.

To schedule a collection service, residentsmay call Waste Management at 800.449.7587between 8 a.m.and 5 p.m.,Monday through Fri-day, send an email to [email protected] obtain more information at www.WMaty-ourdoor.com. For additional information,please visit sustainablesm.org/hhw or call310.458.2213.

The Household Hazardous Waste Center will continue its drop-off service each Saturday throughJune, but the City hopes more residents will take part in its Home Collection service.

PHOTO BY PARIMAL M. ROHIT


Naumann said the big top tent pro-vided for a traditional, intimate setting.

“There’s not a bad seat in the big top,”he said. “It’s 2500 people, but there’s noseat that’s more than 50 to 60 feet awayfrom the stage. You see the expressions onthe artists’ faces; you see the individualmake-up they do. This is where Cirquestarted.”

This tent has been used in several pro-ductions dating back to 2006 when it wasfirst used for the production of “Varekai” inAustralia. Following “Varekai,” the tentstayed in Australia for the touring produc-tion of “Dralion” before it was packed upand flown to Montreal for the launch of“OVO” three years ago, and it’s been onthe road ever since.

Naumann said the lifespan of a tent wasabout 12 to 15 years depending on weatherconditions it has to withstand.

“The tent is pretty much the samedesign, the same structure, and way to raiseit is the same as 100 years ago,” he said.

“It is anywhere from six to eighteenlayers where they will double it over so it’sstrong, it insulates from the heat or coldoutside.”

OVO is a story of a day in the life of acolony of bugs that’s promoted as a head-long rush into a colorful ecosystem teemingwith life, where insects work, eat, crawl,flutter, play, fight, and look for love in anon-stop riot of energy and movement.

Performances will be held Tuesdaysthrough Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays andSaturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 1p.m. and 5 p.m.; and dark on Mondays. Aspart of the Cirque du Soleil village, a boxoffice will be located inside the entrancetent through a designated box officeentrance, as of Thursday, Jan. 19 between5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Regular box office hours will be 12 p.m.

– end of show Tuesday through Saturday;11 a.m. – end of show on Sunday and willbe closed on all Mondays and the followingTuesdays: Feb. 7, Feb 28, and March 20.

For more information about the showthat runs through March 27, visitwww.cirquedusoleil.com/OVO.


CIRQUE TENTFROM PAGE A1

Workers hoisted more than 100 steel poles manually on Tuesday. PHOTO BY BRENTON GAREN

BRENTON GAREN

EDITOR IN-CHIEF

Heal The Bay’s Mark Gold Steps Down As President

Heal the Bay president Mark Goldannounced Tuesday that he is steppingdown from the environmental organiza-tion to accept a position at the Universityof California at Los Angeles as associatedirector of its Institute of the Environ-ment and Sustainability.

Gold, a 23-year veteran of Heal theBay, is returning to his alma mater to pro-vide leadership at the Institute’s CoastalCenter. As part of his managementduties, he will also help spearhead effortsto build the Institute’s education,research, and public outreach programs.He begins his new duties at UCLA Jan.30.

Executive Director Karin Hall andAssociate Director Alix Hobbs will con-tinue to provide day-to-day managementand organizational and fiscal oversightfor the environmental group. Gold willcontinue to serve on Heal the Bay’sboard of directors.

Santa Monica Annual Homeless CountApproaches; Volunteers Needed

The annual street-by-street enumerationof homeless individuals in Santa Monica willtake place on the night of Tuesday, Jan. 25,and will be conducted by the City of SantaMonica. This annual count helps assess theeffectiveness of the City’s efforts to addresshomelessness.

The City’s annual count goes above andbeyond the federal and regional require-ments to conduct bi-annual homeless countson odd-numbered years and demonstratesthe City’s commitment to address homeless-ness.

The City of Santa Monica seeks 200 vol-unteers to assist with the 2012 Count, whichwill take place Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. with training anda kickoff event at the Santa Monica CivicAuditorium.

Interested volunteers can RSVP by visit-ing www.smgov.net/homelesscountvolun-teer.aspx or by contacting Tommy Jaime at310.458.8701 or [email protected].

New SMMUSD President, Vice PresidentElected

The Santa Monica-Malibu UnifiedSchool District Board of Education electedBen Allen as its President and LaurieLieberman as its Vice President at its regularmeeting on Dec. 15, 2011. Both Allen andLieberman were elected unanimously bytheir peers.

Allen has been a board member since2008, serving as Vice President last schoolyear. He is an attorney and SMMUSDalum.

Lieberman has been a board membersince 2010; this will be her first time servingas an officer of the board. She is also anattorney and her children attend SMMUSDschools.

Allen and Lieberman will serve in thesepositions for one year. The Board of Educa-tion elects a new President and Vice Presi-dent every December during its annualorganizational meeting.

NEWS BRIEFS

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012BusinessVOLUME XIII, ISSUE 31

w w w. s m m i r r o r. c o m A5

Sponsored by

BRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For more than 25 years, SamuelMoses has been a Certified PublicAccountant. Before starting his account-ing career, he operated his own smallbusiness, which made him very aware ofthe problems and concerns facing a busi-ness owner.

Moses’ career in accounting began withArthur Anderson & Co., the then-largestCPA firm in the world. He eventuallyformed his own accounting firm in SantaMonica. His office has always been withina block or two of the Third Street Prome-nade, and his current office has been at 100Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica for the pasteight years.

Moses says he always enjoys meetingnew clients because every new person pro-vides a fresh set of issues and problemsthat he can help solve. He says he finds itvery enriching to develop strategies andtechniques that can save his clients bothmoney and anxiety.

With tax return season here, what are thebenefits of an accountant taking care of anindividual’s tax return opposed to anonline tax return website?

The greatest benefit is simply knowl-edge. Online services can prepare an ade-quate return if everything is input in theproper areas and nothing is left out. Theadage I use is: “I give you a nice new air-plane. You start down the runway and takea wing off. It isn’t the fault of the plane, butof the unskilled pilot.” A CPA knows theins and outs of taxes, and can advise andguide you thought the maze that is theInternal Revenue Code. A professionalwill also often find opportunities, deduc-tions, and strategies that you might neverrealize existed.

For anyone who chooses to do a tax returnonline, do you have any advice?

Just be very aware of what you don’tknow. It is very easy to leave something offor put the data in the wrong field. If thathappens you might end up paying moretax, taking an unsuitable or illegal deduc-tion, or creating an audit risk. Most peoplepay someone else to cut their hair, changetheir automobile oil, clean their teeth, etc.It isn’t because they can’t do those tasksthemselves; it is because they feel safer andmore secure knowing a skilled and trainedprofessional is performing the work. Aprofessional can also save you a lot of timetrying to learn the tax laws and nuances foryour once a year challenge.

What other areas do you specialize in andwhat services are offered?

I prepare all types of tax returns forindividuals, corporations, partnerships, andtrusts. I specialize in small businesses, start-ups, professionals, real estate, and enter-tainers. I also see many people who haven’tfiled their taxes in years or who have taxaudits or notices. I offer a full range ofservices, including tax preparation andplanning, tax audits, financial statements,bookkeeping, payrolls, incorporations,Offers in Compromise, and consulting.

With today’s ever changing economy andtax laws, what makes you stand out when itcomes to offering counsel on financial andbusiness decisions?

I am always very willing to help myclients solve their tax and business issuesand problems. I don’t like to tell a clientthat something can’t be done, but I try tofind ways to make it work. I like to think ofideas and techniques that can help myclients with their taxes, business, and life. Ikeep aware of new tax and business laws,regulations, and issues. I also use my broad

knowledge in many different areas to helpidentify my clients’ other needs and whenappropriate refer them to attorneys, finan-cial advisors, and other professionals.

Do many people file their taxes late?I see many, many people who are filing

their taxes anywhere from a few months toa few years late. It is amazing how manyindividuals haven’t filed income taxes fortwo, three, four or more years. When mostfinally file, they are motivated by a noticefrom the Internal Revenue Service or theState of California.

Once a person doesn’t file for the firstyear, he or she tends to be afraid of gettingcaught, so they don’t file taxes the nextyear and so on. Non-filers are often sur-prised to learn that there is no statute onback taxes you owe. However if they wouldbe due a refund, they can only receive it forthree years from the due date. After that,the refund is forfeited, and the governmentjust gets to keep the money. This is just oneof the government’s tools in discouraginglate filing. I have seen some taxpayers losethousands of dollars in old refunds becausethey wrongly thought they owed taxes anddidn’t file until it was too late.What do you enjoy about being a CPA?

I enjoy helping my clients solve theirproblems, save money, and grow their busi-nesses. I try to be very creative and lookfor new avenues to assist them. I particu-larly enjoy seeing new businesses or start-ups as they provide the most opportunitiesfor me to help. They may need advice onincorporating, bookkeeping, marketing,business licenses, pension plans, consulting,etc. I try to give them the best start I can,as so many businesses fail due to lack ofplanning or proper advice.

As we begin 2012, what advice can you giveour readers?

You always hear the standard taxadvice about saving receipts, keep goodmileage logs, document you charitabledonations, etc. However, you should alsoknow that there are many creative choicesthat can be used to save taxes. You canseek out tax-free investments or look intopension vehicles that give you solid deduc-tions save for your future and even offergood legal protection. You should also tryto file your taxes by April 16, and if youcan’t, be sure to file your extension toavoid penalties.

If you have an idea for a new ventureor business, you should consider launchingit now. The longer you wait, the longer itwill take to grow, and in the meanwhilesomeone else may start a similar enter-prise. Remember, there is no better timethan the present.


2012 State Of The City ApproachesBRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Time is ticking when it comes to buyingtickets to the annual State of The City event,which will be held Thursday, Jan. 26 at theSGI-USA World Culture Center in SantaMonica.

This year, the focus is on trends in tech-nology and business in Santa Monica.

Attendees will hear from an expertpanel of business and community leaders,learn about the latest technology for busi-nesses during the networking reception, andcelebrate the year’s outstanding businesshonorees.

The Santa Monica Chamber of Com-

merce has selected Santa Monica Collegefor the 2012 Economic Excellence Awardfor its large workforce, its job training pro-grams, and its top-quality education.

“Santa Monica College has been a stabi-lizing economic force as one of the city’slargest employers and most active commu-nity partners,” said Santa Monica ChamberPresident Laurel Rosen.“The college is edu-cating our workforce of tomorrow and pro-viding the resources and tools ourbusinesses need to succeed today, helpingcreate a vibrant and strong local economyfor all in Santa Monica. The college is verydeserving of this honor.”

SMC President Dr. Chui L. Tsangsaid the college was honored to receive

the award.“Not only does SMC provide an out-

standing education in preparing students forthe best universities, we are a formidableeconomic presence in Santa Monica, with aworkforce of 2,200 and an annual payroll of$110 million,” Tsang said.

Aside from SMC, the other honoreesare:

• The local small business CoLoft, whichwill receive the Innovation Award. Cateringto start-ups, small businesses, and entrepre-neurs, CoLoft takes an innovative approachto workspace allowing for great collabora-tion, success, and growth.

• Brad Cox will receive the LeadershipAward for his transformative leadership in

helping usher in a new era of collaborationamong Santa Monica’s public administra-tors and business stakeholders. Cox is SeniorManaging Director of Trammell Crow Com-pany, Chair of the Santa Monica Alliance,Immediate Past Chair of the Los AngelesBusiness Council, and Vice Chair of theSanta Monica Chamber of Commerce.

The State of The City event on Jan. 26will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. atSGI-USA World Culture Center, 525Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica.

More information can be found atwww.smchamber.com/SOTC.

Tickets can be purchased at http://state-ofthecity2012.eventbrite.com or by calling310.393.9825.

Up Front With Samuel Moses

PHOTO BY VICTORIA VALLEJO


Public Hearing Set For Vacation Of Right Of WayPARIMAL M. ROHIT

STAFF WRITER

A public right-of-way may soon disap-pear in favor of a newer one in light of theplanned Palisades Garden Walk and TownSquare project, as the Santa Monica CityCouncil scheduled a Valentine’s Day pub-lic hearing on the issue at its meeting onTuesday.

The public right of way attached toOlympic Place South, and a portion of FirstCourt Alley just west of City Hall, wouldbe removed. In its place, a new right of waywill extend from the First Court Alley allthe way through a the city-owned parcellocated at 1665 Ocean Avenue.

“With the development of the Pal-isades Garden Walk and Town Squareproject, the need for a public right-of-waywithin the park site is no longer required inthe area north and east of Chez JayRestaurant,” a staff report on the matterstated. “A public right-of-way vacationcombined with the relocation of vehicularaccess to the City-owned propertybetween Chez Jay and the Ocean LodgeMotel site is an essential component of theproject.”

The current right-of-way is an alleywayrunning east to west “along the northernedge of Chez Jay.”

According to Public Works DirectorMartin Pastucha, the right-of-way runningnorth to south along First Court Alley ispreferred to be part of the new right-of-way.

“These two areas are to be incorpo-rated into the park and would allow forfuture expansion into the park for anydevelopment of the Civic Center SpecificPlan, including a park restaurant,” the staffreport further stated.

According to the plans, a newly dedi-cated public right-of-way would be about25 feet wide and “connect with the existingsegment of 1st Court Alley behind theOcean Lodge Motel.”

Continuing through a vacant parceland between two businesses, current park-ing conditions would be unaffected by thenew right-of-way; all existing utilities andeasements would also remain intact.

Access to the new public right-of-waywould be from the new Olympic DriveSouth and from Ocean Avenue.

The public hearing is scheduled at 5:30p.m. on Feb. 14 at City Hall.

All seven council members were inattendance at the first public council meet-ing of 2012.

Contact Parimal M. [email protected]

Montana Ave. Library To CloseFor Six Weeks Of RenovationsBRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Montana Branch Library will closeon Monday for six weeks for the first majorinterior improvements in about a decade.

Susan Annett, Principal Librarian, Pub-lic and Branch Services at Santa MonicaLibrary, said the closure was required so theentire branch could be recarpeted.

“Once you do that, you basically have totake all the books off the shelves and pack-age them up so the carpet can be laid,”Annett said.

“They are putting in some new shelvingon the adult side of the library.That requiresbolting the shelves to the floor for seismicsafety. It’s also being painted throughout.”

Annett estimated there were about50,000 books in the library.

She said the last time the branchreceived major interior improvements wasin 2001/02 when the community room wasbuilt as part of the branch’s remodeling.

“The branch get about 400 to 500 visitorsa day,” she said. “That’s a lot of foot traffic.”

She said the branch’s exterior bookreturn box would continue to operate duringthe closure.

“Anybody can continue to return theirbooks to those exterior book-returns andwe’ll bring them to the main library andcheck them in there until the branch is readyto accept those books back,” she said.

“People don’t need to worry about theirmaterials languishing in the book drop.Theywill be checked in on a daily basis.”

Montana Branch staff will be reassignedto the Main Library during the six-week clo-sure.

In addition to the new carpet, paint, andshelving for the adult books and media col-lections, the 52-year-old branch will alsoreceive a new configuration for the adultcomputers to fix the problem of glare on thescreens from a nearby window.

A more efficient service desk will be cre-ated; more self-checkout stations will beadded to reduce wait times; and additionalseating will be created in the teen area.

The Montana Branch will reopen onSaturday, Feb. 25, with an open houseplanned for the spring.

For more information, visit smpl.org.


Montana Branch Library Manager Terrie Dorio and her staff will be reassigned to the MainLibrary on Monday while their branch is renovated. PHOTO BY BRENTON GAREN


Drago Closing After 20 YearsANNE NAGAMOTO

MIRROR CONTRIBUTOR

Only months after celebrating its 20thanniversary, acclaimed Italian restaurantDrago Santa Monica on Wilshire Blvd.near 26th Street has announced it willclose at the end of January.

Chef and owner Celestino Drago toldThe Mirror the restaurant’s lease wasexpiring and he wouldn’t be renewing it.He had considered giving the restauranta major remodel, but decided it wouldn’tmake business sense to do so.

“It was a great experience, a beautiful20 years,” Drago said.

Chef Drago said reaction to the newsof the restaurant’s closing had been swiftand supportive.

“People have been calling to ask, ‘areyou going to open another restaurant,’and they want to get a reservation beforethe restaurant closes. It’s very nice to seeall the support,” he said. “I think therestaurant feels like home for a lot ofpeople.”

When Drago Santa Monica opened in1991, there weren’t many well-knownfine-dining destinations in Santa Monica.It was stylish and chic, and quicklybecame a sensation; people dressed intheir Armani suits clamored for a table atthe hottest Italian restaurant in LosAngeles.

Over the years, the restaurant wonnational attention for its cooking. Whilenorthern Italian cooking prevailed inmany restaurants, Chef Drago alsocooked dishes from his native Sicily.

“I wanted people to know what Sicil-ian dishes are like,” he said.

Chef Drago and his brothers would goon to open and close several other restau-rants in Los Angeles, though DragoSanta Monica remained the flagshiprestaurant for years. But that changedwhen the newest restaurant, Drago Cen-tro, opened three years ago in a bankbuilding in downtown Los Angeles.

The glamorous Drago Centro is big-ger than Drago Santa Monica, has a morecontemporary, seasonal menu, and cost$7 million to design and build.

Drago Santa Monica regulars who willmiss their handmade Pappardelle pasta withPheasant and Morels ($18) and otherfavorite dishes will likely find them on themenu at Drago Centro downtown or atEnoteca Drago and Il Pastaio in BeverlyHills.

Before riding off into the sunset,Drago Santa Monica will bring back pop-ular dishes from its original menu duringthe restaurant’s final weeks.

Examples of these dishes areSpaghetti con Bottarga ($18), a Sicilianbaked ziti wrapped with eggplant ($18),and a sausage-filled quail with grilledpolenta and saltimbocca sauce ($30).

Drago Santa Monica2628 Wilshire Blvd.310.828.1585www.celestinodrago.com

Contact Anne [email protected]

The private dining room at Drago Santa Monica will host its final guests this month as the restaurant will close Jan. 31

COURTESY PHOTO

Chef and owner Celestino Drago will close thedoors to his acclaimed Italian restarant Dragoon Wilshire Blvd. at the end of this month.

COURTESY PHOTO

Restaurant NewsIn other restaurant closure news,

Rockenwagner bakery/souffle bar andBeachy Cream ice creamery are the lat-est shops to close in The Market at SantaMonica Place’s rooftop dining deck.

These closures follow on the heels ofthe quiet departure in late 2011 of tratto-ria Primi Al Mercato and Chinese fusionrestaurant Xino. Marketing ManagerNicole Flynn of The Macerich Company,which owns the mall, told The Mirrorthat new additions to the dining deckshould be announced in the next 60 daysand might include a produce shop,butcher, and additional bakery.


Help Pub Crawl Organizer Win$50K For Westside Food Bank

BRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Westside Food Bank is in the running towin enough money to provide 200,000 mealsthanks to the efforts of Kim Koury, theorganizer behind the annual SANTA Mon-ica Pub Crawl.

Koury is currently a top five finalist forExaminer.com’s “America Inspired” Awardafter being selected from a pool of about 200nominees nationwide after she was recog-nized for her work creating the pub crawlthat benefits the Westside Food Bank.

Now through Jan. 27, Koury is asking forthe Santa Monica community to sign-up andvote for her daily in the “passion” category.

If she has the most votes at the end ofcontest period, she will collect a $50,000check that will all go to Westside Food Bank,which will help the non-profit provide about200,000 meals to those in need.

“I’ve been involved in many civic andcharity projects over the years, but neverbefore have I been so moved by the plight ofpeople in my own community,” Koury said.“There are ‘nice-to-haves’ and then thereare the essentials in life, and if a child is hun-gry, it’s the community’s responsibility tostep in and do something. Call it Christiancharity, call it civic duty, but it’s not some-thing we can afford to let slip through thecracks.”

Koury said the Westside Food Banksometimes had to turn people away whenthe shelves were empty.

“I want those shelves packed with foodyear-round,” she said. “Hunger knows noseason.”

She said the Westside Food Bank wasn’tjust a charity, but rather an essential service.“We’re talking about feeding the children ofa single mom who works two jobs, feeding

the elderly who have no family, and feedingthe homeless,” she said. “The Westside FoodBank is run with the utmost efficiency, andwhen I was searching for somewhere tomake a difference, I was so moved by thestaff’s commitment.”

To vote, visit Examiner.com, click on“America Inspired” and search for KimKoury’s name in the category of “Passion.”

The winner will be announced on Feb. 1.Visit Koury’s page directly to vote at:

http://www.examiner.com/happy-hour-in-los-angeles/craving-cocktails-santa-monica-pub-crawl-feeds-the-needy-this-christmas.

If Koury wins the $50,000 for the WestsideFood Bank, it will help provide about 200,000meals to those in need.

COURTESY PHOTO

Isn't It Time forYour Business to Grow?

ADVERTISE WITH THE MIRROR

Call today. 310.577.6507

SANTA Monica Pub Crawl organizer Kim Koury (center) raised $17,500 for the Westside FoodBank at December's pub crawl. She is pictured with Buy Local's Jennifer Taylor (left) and WestsideFood Bank’s Genevieve Riutort. PHOTO BY TIFFANY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY


Other concerns included proper (andfree) parking, and whether children wouldbe able to cross the adjacent bike path inorder to access the nearby restrooms with-out the threat of oncoming bicycle traffic.

Some of the concerns stemmed from theplayground’s design, which, according to thestaff report, called for a “Ship Concept.”With a faux naval vessel, complete withwhite sails and hulls, built into the sand,some residents worried that the homelessmight take residence – and perhaps forni-cate – in the large prop.

“Many of us strongly object to the pro-posed location. Our reasons are safety,health, sanitation, and noise. I’m sure theplayground expansion is well-intentioned,but the location is horrible,” resident SteveUnger said. “It’s a big mistake. It will notserve or benefit the Santa Monica commu-nity. If there were ever a foreseeable hazard,this is it.”

Unger also pointed out that there werehomeless people, gang members, and “drugpushers” already populating the area wherethe planned playground would be con-structed.

“The proposed location may be univer-sally accessible, but it is definitely universallyunsafe,” Unger added.

One Sea Colony resident expressed sup-port of the playground, adding he suspectsmany others at the residential communitywould do the same.

“This is a public beach. Disabled chil-dren and their families have as much rightand access to that beach as anyone else,”Shawn Casey O’Brien told council mem-bers. “You are living in a tourist destinationthat is second only to Disneyland. If youdon’t like crowds, then you shouldn’t be liv-ing at the beach in Santa Monica.”

The seesaw public debate essentially fellin line with the comments expressed byUnger and O’Brien. On the one end, theplayground was an open invitation to urbanills and would possibly disturb the lifestylesof the Sea Colony residents. On the otherend, the playground served as a symbolicand practical gesture in ensuring childrenwith special needs would be allowed toenjoy Santa Monica Beach no differentfrom anyone else.

Council members deliberated for morethan one hour looking at points raisedbefore ultimately agreeing unanimously tomove forward with the playground’s plans

while also considering alternatives for childsafety.

Mayor Pro Tem Gleam Davis thoughtthe playground’s planned location onBarnard Way was the best option available.She also pointed out that the safety concernof having to cross the bike path to get to therestroom was an issue for beachgoers andplayground visitors alike.

“I think it’s fabulous to have a univer-sally accessible playground. I think this is alovely spot for it because it is on the beach,”Davis said. “It will let people of all abilitiesenjoy our beaches. That’s not to say theremay not be problems. I understand the con-cerns of the residents, but I think most of theconcerns that I heard the residents express… were existing concerns.”

Mayor Richard Bloom pointed out therewas still work to do before the final designswere formally approved and that many ofthe concerns residents raised in councilchambers might be addressed by the timethe playground becomes a reality.

“We did not address every issue that res-idents would have liked us to address, but Ido think we got to most of them,” Bloomsaid. “Staff is convinced that in the comingprocess they will be able to address some ofthe other concerns.The finished product is, Ibelieve, going to be something that will notcause the kinds of problems that are a con-cern here tonight.”

Putting the playground into perspective,the usually progressive Bloom said hebelieved Santa Monica was overdue to havea universally accessible playground.

“Someone observed we are behind thecurve on accessible parks. Well, we certainlyare,” Bloom said. “But we’re not alone. Theentire country is behind on accessible parks.I am hoping that this will demonstrate lead-ership in Santa Monica. There are a few(cities) out there (with universally accessibleparks), but there needs to be many, many,many more.”

Looking ahead, the complete designdevelopment plans are expected to be com-pleted by March, with the Coastal Commis-sion reviewing plans as early as next month.Construction documents are expected to becomplete by May, with council memberspotentially deciding whether to award a con-struction contract in July.

Construction would start in August if allgoes as scheduled.

All seven council members were presentat the Jan. 10 council meeting.


PLAYGROUNDFROM PAGE A1

Council members unanimously voted to move forward with the playground’s plans while alsoconsidering alternatives for child safety. RENDERING COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA


TIM BROUGHTON

MIRROR CONTRIBUTOR

The Ex-Boyfriend Came InHandy.

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 1:25 a.m. offi-cers of the Santa Monica Police Depart-ment went to the 900 block of Sixth Streetin order to investigate a report of anattempted burglary. When the officersarrived, they spoke with the female victimwho told them she had been at home withher boyfriend when she noticed her bed-room window was being opened from theoutside.The woman and her boyfriend saidthey then saw a hand reach through andpull the curtains away from the window,and then they heard a voice that was famil-iar to the woman. It was the voice of herex-boyfriend, and he was speaking to her!The woman, although shocked, was notoverly surprised because the ex-boyfriendhad broken into her apartment on a previ-ous occasion to confront her. The officersexamined the window and noticed the out-side screen had been removed and waslying on the ground. Additional officerswere notified and were able to locate thesuspect driving eastbound on the 10 Free-way. Officers conducted what is known as a“high-risk traffic stop” and the suspect wasarrested without further incident. Basedupon the investigation, this 27-year-old LosAngeles resident was charged with bur-glary. His bail was set at $50,000.

He Threw A Fit (Among Other Things).

On Thursday, Jan. 5, at 10:57 p.m. offi-cers of the Santa Monica Police Depart-ment went to the 1800 block of NinthStreet after they had received a report of adisturbance inside a residence. When theofficers arrived, they heard screaming andthe sound of objects being thrown aroundinside. The officers were able to speak withthe female victim who had escaped andtold them her boyfriend was drunk andhad become violent. The officers noticedshe was bleeding from her chin. They alsolearned from the woman that she had beenin a relationship with the man for manyyears and they had produced two offspringtogether. The woman continued to explainthat earlier that evening her boyfriend hadbeen upset because he had not been ableto find a job – and that’s when he decidedto display his anguish by drinking andsmashing things inside the home. At onepoint he smashed a glass jar on the floorand a shard of glass had struck the girl-friend on the chin, which caused the cut.The woman was eventually treated at thescene for her injury. The officers madeattempts to speak with the boyfriend, buthe didn’t seem too enamored by the ideaof chatting to them, so he fled out of theback door and into the alley. The officersfollowed him and he continued to be unco-operative. He was eventually restrainedbut he became very violent so they tasedhim and took him into custody. The manwas checked out at a local medical facilityto make sure that he hadn’t suffered anyinjury from the taser experience. He wasthen cleared for booking. This Santa Mon-ica resident, aged 39, was charged with cor-

poral injury upon a spouse, resisting policeofficers, and public intoxication. His bailwas set at $50,000.

Beer, Whiskey, And Urine.On Friday, Jan. 6, at 3:05 p.m. officers of

the Santa Monica Police Department wentto the 1100 block of Alley Nine in order toinvestigate a disturbance. When theyarrived, they spoke with the reportingparty who informed them there was a per-son in between the two properties on theblock that had been yelling and behavingin a way not appreciated by the residents.Officers found this man and noticed thathe was very, very drunk. The officersnoticed he was staggering, and slurring hiswords (it is not clear what the words were,exactly, but one can assume that he wasprobably not reciting The Sonnets). Theofficers attempted to arrest him, but heresisted and ran away.The officers grabbedhold of the man at which point he began toflail his arms around wildly, so the officers

took him down to the ground, where hewas subdued and taken into custody. Theofficers then went to the area where he hadoriginally been reported to be causing anuisance and they found several emptycans of beer, an empty whiskey bottle, andseveral puddles of urine. The officers con-cluded that this was the mark of the man,and he was later charged with public intox-ication, and resisting police officers. Hisbail was set at $10,000.

Editor’s Note: These reports are part ofa regular police coverage series entitled“Alert Police Blotter” (APB), which injectssome minor editorial into certain policeactivities in Santa Monica. Not all of TheMirror’s coverage of incidents involvingpolice are portrayed in this manner. Moreserious crimes and police-related activitiesare regularly reported without editorial inthe pages of the Santa Monica Mirror andits website, smmirror.com.

A l e r t : P o l i c e B l o t t e r

THINKSTOCK


Samohi Alum Spearheads Homegrown Art Show And Sale

PARIMAL M. ROHIT

STAFF WRITER

It is easy to assume that when a teenagergraduates high school and leaves home toattend college in another state that they willreturn home sparingly, oftentimes just tovisit family.

When Caer Ferguson graduated fromSamohi almost three years ago and movedto the School of the Museum of Fine Arts(SMFA) at Tufts University in Boston,Mass., she knew she would return to SantaMonica. Unlike most college students in herposition, though, she is both visiting familyand making a significant difference in thelocal arts community.

Interestingly enough, Ferguson’s contri-butions to local arts were very muchinspired by working with her father duringher days at Samohi.

On Thursday, the Homegrown Art Showand Sale returned to Samohi for the secondtime.The event was introduced by Fergusonlast year, her second year at the SMFA. Itwas during her early days there at Tuftswhen she realized the need to bring a localart show and sale back to home to SantaMonica.

Of course, the original spark was litwhen she worked on a similar project withher father, Scott.

“The original homegrown sale was a sis-ter-project to the homegrown orchestralsalon series that my father, Scott Ferguson,ran for the last couple years,” Ferguson said.“I had never tried to plan an event of thisscale while at I was at Samo. It is honestlytoo large of a project to do while you arealso high school student.”

Taking on this project as a college stu-dent, however, seemed so much more feasi-ble, especially considering how shewitnessed firsthand how such an art showand sale could be organized while attendingthe SMFA.

“One of my other inspirations was theart sale my school, The School of theMuseum of Fine Arts, puts on each year toraise money for student scholarships,” shesaid. “Their model was to sell the pieces ofstudents, teachers, alumni, and affiliatedartists with half of the proceeds goingtowards the school’s financial aid but theirsale is many, many times larger than thehomegrown sale.”

With inspiration in tow, Ferguson startedto ponder how she could bring a similar artshow and sale concept to Santa Monica,both to raise awareness of and funding forthe arts.

“The arts has always been a programthat really has to fight to get any funding.Beyond funding, I think the greatest part of

this show is the experience it gives the stu-dents,” Ferguson said. “I remember sellingmy first piece at the Museum School’s artsale and it was a validating moment. Thatsomething that I put hours of thought andeffort into was worth a quantifiable amountto someone else I didn’t even know.”

In interacting with local high school stu-dents who share her passion for the arts, Fer-guson often gave valuable advice on how tomake a viable living as an artist.

“During the time I have been workingwith the Samohi students, I have talked tothem about how to price and hang work andhave tried to run the event like a profes-sional gallery would. This would hopefullystart forming strong skills if any of themwere to pursue a career as a professionalartist,” she said.

Accordingly, Ferguson does hope theHomegrown Arts Show and Sale willbecome a valuable platform for local artiststo congregate to not only showcase theirrespective works, but also to earn somemoney for their creative labors, as well.

She also believes the Samohi event maybe a better alternative for artists than thehundreds of art galleries smattered acrossSouthern California.

“Homegrown can be a venue for artistswho may or may not have many gallery con-nections, to still be able to sell their work.Hopefully the event will also open doors formany of these artists,” she said.“The show isopen to any member of the Samohi commu-nity, and I have noticed a significant raise insubmissions from alumni than last year. Foralumni who are up-and- coming artists, it canbe difficult to find places to sell your work.As far as I can tell, the gallery world can bevery tricky.”

Looking forward, she hopes the Home-grown Art Show and Sale will eventuallyoutgrow Samohi’s Roberts Arts Gallery,where this year’s event was held.

“I hope I can continue to come back andassist the art department for that long, but asa young artist myself, it is hard to predictwhere I will be in a couple years,” shehumbly stated. “If life allows me that luxuryof coming back, I hope it grows in size andquality. I could see it growing to be held inmore than just the school’s Roberts ArtGallery. Also, as more alumni participate inthe show, I assume the quality of workwould also rise.”

As the Homegrown Art Show and Saleaims to become more prominent, “Home-grown” will feature the works of manySamohi students, including those enrolled inthis year’s advanced placement art classinstructed by Amy Bouse.

“It would be great if the show was ableto showcase work from the entire depart-

ment … Or who knows, the whole district. Iam the type to dream big,” Ferguson said.

Part of Ferguson’s big dreams includeshaving the City Hall support more artisti-cally themed programs.

“While Santa Monica certainly is veryaccepting of the arts, I do wish that the citywould become even more involved and sup-portive of the arts,” she said.

In the meantime, Ferguson is happy towork with many young artists through theHomegrown Art Show and Sale.

“I think that this show will reallyshowcase the talent that is all around usand remind us all of how much art is

worth,” she said.The Homegrown Art Show and Sale

also featured free refreshments and livemusical performances. As part of the event,50 percent of the money raised was directedtoward the school’s art department to coverexpenses, while the artists received the other50 percent.

For more information of the event,please contact the Samohi Art Dept.through the school’s main telephone line at310.395.3204.


Some of the artworks that werepart of the Homegrown ArtShow and Sale at Samohi onThursday. COURTESY PHOTO

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

A12 w w w. s m m i r r o r. c o m

OpinionEditorialVOLUME XIII, ISSUE 31

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. January 15, 1929- April 4, 1968

The Civil Rights Movement capturedthe imagination of the country. It was 1965,the Rev. Martin Luther King, working to getvoting rights for African-Americans,planned to lead a 50-mile march from Selmato Montgomery, Alabama.

It was, finally, the right time to do theright thing. I wonder how that happens. Howis it that something intrinsically right cantake so long to be possible? The prejudice,segregation, and Jim Crow laws were alwayswrong. How did they last so long? For thatmatter, how did they ever begin?

Eight of us, all college students, drove ina University of San Francisco station wagonfrom San Francisco to Selma,Alabama to bepart of the march.

We knew Alabama State Troopers hadturned the marchers back each time theytried to cross the Pettus Bridge onto thehighway to Montgomery. Photographs ofthe marchers had been front-page news inpapers across the country. Now, students,teachers, religious leaders, and civil rightsworkers, from all over the U.S., were comingto Selma to join the march, forcing the focusof the nation on the right of the marchers toproceed and on the issue of voting rights.

The trip across country was differentfrom any other car trip I had taken in mylife. By the time we got to Texas it was clearto us that people knew who we were andmany didn’t like us. We drove straightthrough, stopping only when we needed to,quickly buying food in convenience storesand eating in the car.We talked and talked –civil rights, philosophy, religion, the VietnamWar – in the way of college students every-where.

I talked about my father. My family livedin Minnesota when I was in elementaryschool and we went to Florida for a wintervacation. My father would hold the door fora black woman and say, “after you Ma’am,”he would address black men as “Sir”, hewould tell a black person in a store that theywere next and should go ahead. I took it forgranted. It was just my father being hisusual, polite self. It wasn’t until I returned tothe South as a young adult that I realizedthat his politeness defied the culture of theJim Crow South where no white man everheld the door for a black woman and whereall black people in a store waited until all

white people had been served, even if thosewhite people came in after them. My fatherwasn’t a person for political action. I neverknew him to go to a rally or a meeting orwrite a letter to the editor. But he was a manof personal responsibility.

After several days of driving we arrivedin Selma and went to the church that was thecenter of the Civil Rights movement. Wewere expected and they gave us the name ofthe man who was going to put us up andcards that we could use for meals. I still havemy card. It says, “Susan Cloke is a guest inSelma and is entitled to free meals.”

Our host seemed old to me, but I thinkthat was because I was so young. He livedalone and his house, really a cabin, wassmall. He had cleaned the unpainted woodby washing the floors and walls with boilingwater. The stove was on the back porch andhe had a pot of beans waiting for us. I likedhim right away for his kindness and his soft-spoken manner. We sat on his front stepsand talked with him until it was time to goback into town for the meeting at thechurch.

It was at the church that I first heardRev. King speak. I have long remembered,and thought about a particular speech,which I can’t find and so this is not an exactquote, but what he said, much more elo-quently than I can, was “Morality is like amuscle. If you don’t use it to make smalldecisions then, when you need it, it won’t bestrong enough to do what needs to be done.Don’t think, ‘well, I don’t have to do thisright thing because it’s not important and noone will even notice I didn’t do it’ and thenthink you will be able to do the right thingwhen it is important. That won’t work. Dothe right thing now and when you reallyneed to act you will have the neededstrength to see you through.”

The Selma Montgomery March startedat the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma,Alabama. The first attempt to cross the Pet-tus Bridge on March 7, 1965, was led by JohnLewis of SNCC (Student Non-ViolentCoordinating Committee) and Rev. HoseaWilliams of SCLC (Southern ChristianLeadership Conference). March 7, 1965became known as ‘Bloody Sunday’ becauseAlabama State troopers beat and gassedand wounded the marchers.

On March 21, 1965, on the third attempt,with a court order in our favor, we crossedthe bridge and started for Montgomery. Onthe fifth day of the march, near Mont-gomery, thousands of people joined with theseveral hundred marchers who had walkedall the way. To ‘give witness’ was the expres-sion used.

King in his Montgomery speech said, “Iknow you are asking today,“How long will ittake?” Somebody’s asking, “How long will

prejudice blind the visions of men, darkentheir understanding, and drive bright-eyedwisdom from her sacred throne?” Some-body’s asking, “When will wounded justice,lying prostrate on the streets of Selma andBirmingham and communities all over theSouth, be lifted from this dust of shame toreign supreme among the children of men?”Somebody’s asking, “When will the radiantstar of hope be plunged against the noctur-nal bosom of this lonely night, plucked fromweary souls with chains of fear and the man-acles of death? How long will justice be cru-cified, and truth bear it?” I come to say toyou this afternoon, however difficult themoment, however frustrating the hour, it willnot be long, because truth crushed to earthwill rise again. “How long? Not long,because “no lie can live forever.” How long?Not long, because “you shall reap what yousow. How long? Not long, because the arc ofthe moral universe is long, but it bendstoward justice.”

President Johnson, responding to theSelma Montgomery March, took the VotingRights Act of 1965 to Congress with thesewords, “Even if we pass this bill, the battlewill not be over. What happened in Selma ispart of a far larger movement, which reachesinto every section and state of America. It is

the effort of American Negroes to secure forthemselves the full blessings of Americanlife. Their cause must be our cause, too,because it is not just Negroes but really it isall of us who must overcome the cripplinglegacy of bigotry and injustice. And we shallovercome.”

Martin Luther King Jr. stood next toPresident Johnson as the President signedthe Voting Rights Act into law on August 6,1965. Rev. King was the leader of the Birm-ingham Movement and his “Letter from aBirmingham Jail” was a manifesto for theCivil Rights Movement. He was a recipientof the Nobel Peace Prize. He was a leader ofthe Civil Rights Movement, a leader of allAmericans and a world leader. He was 39years old on April 4, 1968 when he wasassassinated.

Rev. King’s message of non-violencegave people hope and inspiration. He wouldinterweave stories from literature, from thebible and from history into his sermons onthe power of non-violence to change theworld. Rev. King, in his own words, “Speaktruth to evil. Speak truth to power. Butspeak without hatred.”

Contact Susan [email protected]

SUSANCLOKE

Mirror Columnist

Exercise Your Freedom of Speech. Send us your [email protected]

L E T T E R S T O

T H E E D I T O R

The Mirror invites letters from readers onany subject. All lettersmust include the phonenumber and address ofthe writer. Letters aresubject to editing fromthe Editor for reasonsincluding length or ques-tionable content. Viewsexpressed in Letters tothe Editor are not neces-sarily the views of The

Santa Monica Mirror.

Mail :3435 Ocean Park Blvd.,Suite 210,Santa Monica, CA 90405

E-mail:[email protected]

MIRROR

STAFF

Member of

MIRROR MEDIA

GROUP

PUBLISHER

T.J. [email protected]

310.577.6507 ext. 104

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Brenton [email protected]

310.577.6507 ext. 107

STAFF WRITER

Parimal M. [email protected]

PRODUCTION

MANAGER

Gail Hodge

VIDEOGRAPHER

Spencer Lee

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Beverly Cohn

CONTRIBUTORS

Tim BroughtonSusan ClokeTom Elias

Roger MoranteAnne Nagamoto

Steve StajichSallie Oto

VICE PRESIDENT

OF SALES

Judy [email protected], ext. 134

DISTRIBUTION

Jaime AmaroFax: 323.780.4880

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012 OOPPIINNIIOONN in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM A13

Santa Monica Learns How To Drive… Safely

At a meeting of a neighborhoodgroup just before the holidays, represen-tatives of the Santa Monica PoliceDepartment reacted with grins when myquestion to them suggesting ‘stings’ tocatch drivers texting or using mobiledevices illegally came up in a Q & A ses-sion. They weren’t chuckling becausethey thought the idea was silly;far from it:They already had plans on the books todo just that in the New Year. Although“sting” is probably my choice of words,not theirs.

This month SMPD motor officerswill “target”drivers talking or texting ontheir phones. The California law onhandheld cell phones, one of the first inthe nation, went into effect in 2008. Aban on texting followed in 2009.And fol-lowing all that, you still can see peopletexting and looking down at theirphones as they drive their two-ton vehi-cles through our city.And following that,you can still read about accidents ensu-ing from these exact behaviors.

Behavior. Use of that word suggeststhat said behavior can be modified. Solet’s talk about one example that

involved your humble columnist.While waiting for a traffic light to

change at the corner of Lincoln andVenice, I noticed that I could get over tothe turn lane I coveted simply by drivingover a double yellow line. Now thisbehavior is something you can witnessor even participate in almost every timeyou are out driving. If driving fast andcrazy is something true about New YorkCity drivers – especially cab drivers –then blithely violating double yellows iscertainly an LA driver trait. But it hap-pens to be illegal. Sure enough, anLAPD cruiser was parked right wherehe could see me drive over the line.

I gently noted to the friendly officerthat I must have personally witnessedhundreds, nee thousands of drivers overtime, do the exact same thing. That didnothing;he kept writing the ticket,whichI paid. It came to a little over $200 andsome irritating monkey business when Iattempted to pay the fine in person. Butthat’s another column.

Let me assure that a $200 fine wasjust what I needed to deepen my respectfor double yellow lines.But it also set offa light bulb: Why aren’t the police outwhere they know they nail people driv-ing over double yellows (Ocean Parkgoing east where it meets Lincoln:Thank me later, SMPD) and raisingthousands of dollars that might be usedto cover various shortages in budgets?Two days ago I patiently waited to entera turn lane without violating the doubleyellows, and counted five vehicles driv-

ing right over the lines. That’s $1000 infines (or as I would dream it, schoolmusic programs) right there… in lessthan two minutes.

I won’t pretend to speak for thepolice, but I’m pretty sure that part ofthe thinking in not staking out a jackpotcorner like the one I just described isthat law enforcement isn’t intended tobe that repressive or be preoccupiedwith the business of revenue gathering.Although there’s an argument in theresomewhere regarding the energy anycity, not just ours, puts into realizing rev-enue from parking tickets. You buy thescooters to bust people for parking vio-lations, you then need to pay for thescooters, and the officers patrolling withthem. And then if those involved workwith vigilance, well, that’s a pretty goodreturn on investment. But again, that’svigilance regarding parking problems.

But as I learned to adjust my behav-ior after my ticket for violating a double-yellow line,so do I think the city is out tochange our headset regarding phonesand driving. Let’s be honest: We’re notusing phones and texting illegally whilewe drive because we’re all waiting anx-iously for word that a kidney donor hasbeen found.We’re doing it for a combi-nation of reasons, many of which plugdirectly into vanity and ego.How odd tofind those elements in anything bedevil-ing Southern California, huh?

Mobile devices have, in this colum-nist’s view, created a new pathology ofself-worth. The very idea that one

must… MUST… respond quickly tomessages sent by another seems undeni-ably predicated on a profound change inhow we see ourselves and our integra-tion to life. “They need me. I mustrespond now. Without me and myexpression of my thoughts NOW, thingswill be wrong.” Not to put a pin in any-body balloon, but how did Gandhiaccomplish so much without a mobiledevice? Although widely acknowledgedas a pretty good lobbyist for her causes,Mother Teresa seems to have accom-plished a lot without undue anxietyabout texts and e-mails.

It won’t be enough if those who stillbelieve they should drive and operatemobile gear in violation of the law simplyview a ticket and fine from SMPD as anannoyance. What you should consider isthat you have also been busted for mak-ing some rather fantastic assumptionsabout your need for connectivity in everysingle moment of your day. It’s not thatyou don’t matter; it’s that your need tocommunicate to remind yourself that youmatter, will never have priority over thesafety of others.The officer that ticketedme for crossing a double yellow repeatedseveral times that a driver should imaginedouble yellows as though they were abrick wall. Santa Monica Police maysoon be telling you that you need to imag-ine driving your car as though you weredriving a car.

Contact Steve [email protected]

STEVE STAJICH

Mirror Columnist

State Budget Wouldn’t Look Very Different With Whitman

Now that Jerry Brown has gonepublic with the second attempt of hislatest turn as governor to deliver a bal-anced budget, it’s fair to speculateabout how different things might betoday if he’d lost to Meg Whitman, hisbillionaire 2010 Republican opponent.

The answer: Not very, mostlybecause it’s unlikely any governorcould make many different choices.Most variations would likely be theconsequence of having a Republicangovernor committed to the standardGOP no-new-taxes pledge pittedagainst solid Democratic majorities inboth houses of the state Legislature.

In brief, it’s doubtful legislativeDemocrats, beholden as they are tolabor union campaign donors and lib-eral interest groups,would accept someof the very same cuts they’ve agreed tounder Brown.

Make no mistake, those lawmakersare unhappy with the budget slashingBrown conducted last year. Some –most notably state Senate President

Darryl Steinberg – say they won’t goalong with the further social serviceand education reductions in Brown’snewest financial plan until they seewhat state government’s cash flowlooks like two or three months fromnow.

But they’re not digging in theirheels against Brown, as they mighthave with Whitman, the former eBayexecutive now ensconced at the helmof the Hewlett-Packard computer firmin Palo Alto. Yes, Brown’s plan bal-ances the budget mostly at the expenseof the poor, the elderly and students.But few come out and call him inhu-mane, as they would label any Repub-lican doing the same things.

There are, of course, areas wheredifferences would be certain. For one,over his two budget plans, Brown hasmade either real or proposed cuts ofmore than half a billion dollars to theUniversity of California and CaliforniaState University systems. Most of thatmoney will be exacted from studentsand their parents in the form of jacked-up tuition and fees, as the state’s levelof support for higher education ebbs toan all-time low. Plus, Brown threatensto cut another $4 billion-plus frompublic elementary and high schoolsunless voters approve a tax increasenext fall. Not exactly the “educationgovernor.”

Whitman, by contrast, pledged to

“invest $1 billion” in those same publicuniversity systems,promising to get themoney via “savings from welfare andother budgetary reforms.” Of course,it’s questionable whether she couldhave made changes of that scale overthe objections of the Legislature, so theresult might have been a stalemate,with the UC and CSU systems windingup with about their previous levels ofsupport.Either way, they would be bet-ter off today had Whitman won. Sowould elementary and high schools,where Whitman probably would noteven have tried to eliminate or delaytransitional kindergartens for childrenborn between September and Decem-ber, something Brown now proposes.

But welfare recipients and in-home health care clients and providersmight be even worse off than they’vebeen under Brown. Whitman, forexample, vowed to blue-pencil entirelythe in-home care program and essen-tially let helpless and often pennilesselderly and paraplegic persons some-how try to fend for themselves. Per-haps she believed, as RepublicanCongressman Ron Paul of Texas hasclaimed in several of his party’s presi-dential debates, that “volunteers wouldcome forward” to do the job.The real-ity is there might have been some suchvolunteers, but only a fraction of whatit would take to replace the entire pro-gram.

In this area, Brown hasn’t behavedvery differently from what Whitmanoutlined. His budgeteers tried to axethe in-home care program last yearonly to see legislative Democratsrevive it, although to a lesser extentand expense than its previous form.Brown also cut the state’s welfare-to-work program substantially and pro-poses to chop it more.He seeks,for onething, to end welfare payments for par-ents who don’t meet work require-ments after 24 months, rather than thecurrent four years. Combined with hisprojected cut to child care subsidies,that would lop more than $1 billionfrom the next budget, just about whatWhitman said she would transfer tothe colleges.

All of which means that in his newincarnation, Brown does not exactly fitinto the “tax-and-spend” liberal cate-gory, as Republicans often claim.Plainly, he is also no slave to the unionsthat largely paid for his campaign (askunionized workers at state prisons,where more than 3,000 jobs may beeliminated).And it means that a Whit-man administration, had she tried tokeep her campaign promises,might nothave been all that different for almosteveryone except university studentsand professors.

Contact Tom [email protected]

TOM ELIAS

Mirror Columnist

SportsLocal TeamsVVOOLLUUMMEE XXIIIIII,, IISSSSUUEE 3311

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

Samohi Wins League OpenersSPENCER LEE

MIRROR CONTRIBUTOR

The Samohi boys’ and girls’ basketballteams delivered when they needed it onWednesday night.

Coming off a tough seven-point loss toSaugus on Friday night, the Lady Vikingsbounced back with a 61-51 win against theInglewood Sentinels.

Imani Holloway was a force, blockingshots, grabbing rebounds and scoring 18points, usually after Aneise Palmore got herthe ball in transition. Palmore added 14points and Christina Rimicci had 12 points.

Inglewood’s Tiara Chisolm scored 17points in the loss, followed by Delesia Scur-rey’s 12 points and Zhane Carter’s 11 points.

Meanwhile, the Vikings’ Jordan Math-

ews had a worthy adversary when the Sen-tinel boys walked into the Samohi gym.

Kristopher Randall matched everythingMathews did when Inglewood put the ball inhis hands. Both scored 21 points in the firsthalf and the Vikings led by two at halftime.

But the Viking defense adjusted andheld Randall to only four points in the sec-ond half.

And after a lengthy breather, Mathewscame back and kept scoring.

“At halftime, we just reminded the guyswe need to be aware of where (Randall)was,” said Samohi coach James Hecht.“He’sone of the better shooters we will face thisseason.”

The Samohi bench found an answer andused tough defense to pull away from theSentinels, and Mathews added the final

touch with 32 points on the night in the 76-68 win.

The Vikings’ Trey Thompson added 12points and Jordan Walker put up nine.

Randall finished with 25 points, andwhen he went on a drought in the secondhalf, Randy Onwuasor took care of theshooting from the outside, and NicholasSmiley picked up the slack inside. Onwuasorfinished with 16 points and Smiley finishedwith 13 points (all in the second half).

Both Viking teams will play at CulverCity tonight.Tip-off for the girls is scheduledat 6 p.m. before the boys’ game.

Contact Spencer [email protected]

SPENCER LEE

MIRROR CONTRIBUTOR

New floor. New sound system. Newscoreboard with new Mariner Visionattached.

And that wasn’t even half of the remod-eling.

From the moment people walked intothe St. Monica gymnasium on Saturdaynight, they knew St. Monica meant businesswith their renovation.

“The St. Monica community were veryimpressed and blown away with all of thenew and improved features of the gym,” saidMariner basketball coach Khi-Min Jung.“Many people said they did not recognizethe gym and that it still smelled new.”

And the basketball games weren’t badeither.

The Lady Mariners held the ChadwickDolphins to four points in the third quarterto pull away for the 47-40 win.

But the boys’ game showed the power ofhome-court advantage.

A slugfest between the Mariners and theSt. Anthony Saints led to a double-overtimethriller. With just seconds left in regulation,St. Anthony’s Jionntay Spear spun to thebasket past Troy Whiteto II and tied thegame with a lay-up off the glass. Then, withjust seconds left in the first overtime, St.Monica’s Dennis Ashley was fouled frombeyond the arc and connected on two ofthree free throws to tie the game again andsend it to a second overtime.

The Mariner student section never satdown and the acoustics bellowed the howlsof Mariner pride from the end of third quar-ter (when House of Pain’s “Jump Around”came over the loud speaker) to the thrillingend where some great ball movement andclutch Mariner free throws finally shut thedoor on the game.

“That game will be forever etched inpeople’s minds when they think about thefirst game played in the newly-refurbishedgym,” Coach Jung said.

The St. Monica community smiled. Mon-signor Lloyd Torgerson smiled his trade-mark. The student body stormed the court

and hugged their players after the 65-62 win.No Mariner could have asked for a betterbeginning.

Contact Spencer [email protected]

The St. Monica Mariners celebrated theirnewly renovated gymnasium with wins forboth the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketballteams on Saturday night. The new scoreboardfeatures Mariner Vision

PHOTO BY ROGER MORANTE

St. Monica Shows Off New Gym

Jordan Mathews attacks the basket againstInglewood on Wednesday night.

PHOTO BY ROGER MORANTE

A14 w w w. s m m i r r o r. c o m

LOW PRICES FOR YOUR EVERYDAY NEEDS

FULL SERVICE MEATS

1650 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica 90405Corner of 17th St. & Ocean Park Blvd. 310.452.2493

lb.

$699

Open Daily: 7am-9pm

www.bobsmkt.comV I S I T U S A T

Bob’s now delivers to your home!Call 310.452.2493 to place your order

CHEF’S CORNER

Boar’s Head

GENOA SALAMI

$699lb.

Flank

STEAKMarinate and Grill!

Bob’s Own

GROUND TURKEYLean, Freshly Ground

Boar’s Head

MOZZARELLA CHEESE

Arrowhead

SPRING WATEROne Gallon

FARM FRESH PRODUCE

SlicedTo Order

SlicedTo Order

Tiger’s Milk

PROTEIN BARS1.23 oz.

Sweet

PINEAPPLES

lb.

Tropicana Pure

ORANGE JUICEPremium, 59 oz.

$799lb.

First of the Season

NECTARINESFrom Chile

Nature Valley

GRANOLA BARS7.4 to 8.9 oz

$299

lb.

$1199

Healthy Choice

SOUPS15 oz.

Fresh

GREEN BEANS

Prices Valid January 12 – 18, 2012

Wild Caught

AHI TUNA

Let theexperts at Bob’s

cater your next party!

310.452.1114

89¢lb.

Springfield

PAPER TOWELSJumbo Roll

Roma

TOMATOES

99¢lb. 99¢

lb.

Kern’s

NECTARS 11.5 oz

99¢

$899

“Rick’s Pick of the Week”WINE & LIQUOR

Paringa 2009 Australian

Leese-Fitch 2009 California

750 ml.

$899750 ml.

SHIRAZ

MERLOT

“big, fat, juicy”

“elegant and smooth”

Catchof theWeek!

for3 $1

$399

Fresh

BLUEBERRIES6 oz.

Package

USDACHOICE

99¢lb.

for2 $4

for10 $5f

or2 $3

for2 $5f

or10 $10

Kettle

CHIPS8.5 oz.

for2 $5

+crv


Katz Will Transfer To San Diego StateAfter a month and a half making a deci-

sion, quarterback Ryan Katz has decidedwhere he will play in his final year of eligibil-ity.

The former Samohi quarterback spentthe past four years at Oregon State,but witha release of his scholarship in Novemberand a degree in hand, Katz will go competefor the San Diego State Aztecs’ startingposition right away next fall.

Katz threw for 2,722 yards and 19touchdowns for the Beavers and started 14games.He was benched after halftime of the2011 opener.

SMC Looks to Bounce Back After Loss inConference

The SMC Corsairs stumbled on theroad Saturday night. West LA’s 10-pointlead at halftime was too much to overcomeas the Wildcats triumphed 72-67 over theCorsairs.

SMC will play at home against Glen-dale this Saturday night at 7 p.m.

New Roads Pulls Away From PacificaChristian To Open League Play

The New Roads Jaguars used tempo,defense and a terrible Sea Wolf shootingnight to win 43-22 on Tuesday.

New Roads had Kiara Rogers lead theteam with 15 points while SummerHummes followed up with 13 points.

Shanon Volpis and Emilie Skoog bothhad six points for Pacifica Christian in thelosing effort.

Both Crossroads Teams Fall To BrentwoodThe Brentwood Eagles are always the

measuring stick for the Crossroads Road-runners.

They are usually ranked.They are in theDelphic League. And they usually win orare at the top of the league.

And by this measurement, the Road-runners found out Friday night they stillhave work to do.

The Crossroads girls’ basketball teamhad no answer for Eagle Kennedy Martin.Her 21 points and Stevie Schlessel’s 16points doomed ‘Roads in the 68-49 Brent-wood win.

The boys’ team also struggled againstBrentwood and fell 64-44.

The worst part for the boys is that theyfell to Marshall 47-44 four nights later,whichputs them two games below .500 on theyear.

S P O R T S B R I E F S

SANTA MONICA

BEATTune In Every

Monday At 9 a.m.SMMIRROR.COM

Local News Just Changed!

A16 WWW.SMMIRROR.COM JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

DRE# 00902158

Near Montana Avenue shops and restaurants

Impeccable 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome

Wood floors, crown molding and plantation shutters

Private patio, direct garage access and extra storage

Offered at $749,000

PRIME SANTA MONICA

Available

©2011 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRTLLC. Coldwell Banker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage,lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

Amazing, unobstructed city-to-ocean views

Three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms + family room

Open living/dining room with walls of glass

Private yard with large pool & two patio areas

Lease for $7,500/month

PANORAMIC VIEWS

Lease/Available

Cul-de-sac location with large lot

Bright, open living/dining opens to yard

Grassy front yard, canyon view + cool ocean breezes

Potential to expand, remodel or start over

Offered at $1,149,000

BLUFFS CHARMER

Available

Located in desirable gated Sea Ridge Community

Beautifully done 3 bedroom, 3 bath unit

Open liv/din with soaring ceils + eat-in kitchen

Close to pool area and plenty of visitor parking

Offered at $895,000

DESIGNER’S TOWNHOME

Short Sale

Four bedrooms, 4 baths plus family room

Office with beautiful built-ins and views

Large patio, grass yard, bbq bar, spa

Excellent floorplan and indoor/outdoor flow


LARGE YARD & BEAUTIFUL VIEW

Available

Over 7,000 ft 7bd, 6.5ba + office near Village

Gourmet kitchen & breakfast off large family room

Huge lower level game/media room + bonus rooms

Private yard, patio, bbq area + ocean view rooftop deck


1015 CHAUTAUQUA BLVD.,PACIFIC PALISADES

Open Sunday 1-4pm

310.230.7373 • [email protected]

Scan the QR code for more property info, Real Estate tips,

trends & articles. Download a free QR reader at your mobile's app store.

WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING OVER & OVER,THEY GET TO BE PRETTY GOOD AT IT!

Call today for a confidential, no-cost, no-obligation meeting with Michael.3 1 0 . 2 3 0 . 7 3 7 3

Meet The Edlen Team…

With more than 50 sales and leasesin 2011, and nearly 1,000 sales todate, Michael and his team continueto help clients succeed in achievingtheir real estate goals, and strive toexceed their every expectation alongthe way!

“Many, many thanks for anothersuccessful real estate sale. Rubenjoins me in appreciating all the hardwork and mounds of paperwork youall did to make this happen so quickly.Just like on our other property, wejust sat back and enjoyed theprocess!” — Cathy Rodriguez

“You guys! You wonderful guys!Well, actually one guy and four gals...I just love you guys and thank youfrom the bottom of my heart.”—Norma-Claire Vojacek

“The Wall Street Journal namedMichael Edlen #82 out of the Top1,000 agents in the United States.”

“Thank you to the Edlen Team forthe exceptional service. We felt wellcommunicated with and perfectkyhandled throughout the process. Your

handoffs from phase-to-phase were simply terrific!” —Richard & Pam Wilkes

“Michael Edlen was selected for thehonor of Top 250 Sale ProfessionalsBy Transaction Volume” by Real-Trends.com

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012THE SANTA MONICA MIRROR’S

SENIOR SCENE

• Releasing Your Mind From Technology Overload• Ten Tips For A Healthier 2012• New Quiz For Guidance With Aging Parents

TTHHIINNKKSSTTOOCCKK

2 SENIOR SCENE in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

1620 14th StreetSanta Monica, CA 90404

310-450-1515SantaMonicaMiniStorage.com

Hospital & HomePrivate Duty Registered Nursesand Caring Personal Attendants

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:• Assisting with Activities and Daily Living such as Dressing, Grooming,

Toileting, Bathing, Feeding, Ambulating, and Transferring• Assisting with Medication• Meal Preparation• Light Housekeeping and Laundry• Escorts to Doctor's Appointments, Community Service, Errands

3350 Wilshire Blvd., #620, Los Angeles 90010www.cahomecarenursing.us

310.383.5077 • 310.925.9803 • 213.446.7776

Releasing Your Mind From Technology OverloadMARK UNDERWOOD

In 2012, resolve to use technology as atool to help run your life rather than beingoverrun by technology. Have you everthought that you live in a world where youfeel constantly distracted? Do you feel stuckin a maze of technology overload? Are youconstantly checking email and voice mailand can’t seem to stay away from one screenor another –TV, videos, or computers forvery long?

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.

One in three Americans says they are tech-nologically stressed. For better or worse,daily routines have become ever moreentwined with technology.

Living in the fast lane of today’s techno-logical advances has some people feelinglike they’re running on empty – every day,all day. You might even feel like a characterin Alice in Wonderland. In Lewis Carroll’sfamous classic, Alice’s Adventures in Won-derland, the topsy-turvy world of Alice isdescribed in a warning. “You have to run asfast as you can to stay where you are.”

THINKSTOCK

In a recent study conducted by Cam-bridge University, nearly a third of thestudy’s participants described feeling over-whelmed or overrun by technology. Keepingup with technology has some people on therun to buy the latest gadgets. Computerscontinue to get smaller and faster, and witheach new product generation, we tend tointegrate even more technology into ourdaily lives.

If too much technology usage is causingcontinuous stress it’s time to look at howyou can adjust the cyber overload in yourlife. Could spending an inordinate amountof time in front of a computer screen be badfor your health?

An overload of stress can lead tonumerous health problems. It can lowerimmune system response, increase bloodpressure, lower productivity, and introducea menu of other maladies we have all expe-rienced from time to time.As society swirlsaround a constant stream of information,there is always a deluge of sources, fromthousands of TV channels to billions ofinternet pages. Today’s society is an age ofsearch engine results sent to computerswithin a quarter of a second. Alice in Won-derland could understand why so many ofus feel overrun and lost.

How best to manage technology-relatedstress and how do you cope with stress ofkeeping up with the ever-changing world ofcyber space? One word: triage. There is sim-ply too much to do and too much to learn totackle at once. Our lives are busy enoughwithout adding the stress of technology.

Triage means prioritization to make surethe biggest problems (and usually the moststressful) are taken care of before movingon to less important concerns. We have tocultivate a relationship with technology, andidentify our strengths and stressors.

Look at decreasing cyber stress this way:• Faster is not always better, especially if

you are left behind!• Sidewalks are not highways

• You can triage away your tech stressTake time to think what may be causing

you stress. Remember that computer tech-nology is all about making things workfaster. It’s up to you to slow down and eval-uate what you need to eleviate the stress.

Narrow your scope on the worldwideweb. Instead of being inundated by informa-tion and trying to handle it all, narrow yourweb browsing to a more comfortable selec-tion. This is the sidewalk view versus thehighway view.

The great benefits of the informationage come with costs. We must be good man-agers of our time and set aside energy forcomputers, technology, and by-products ofstress from such work. Change is an essentialaspect of technology. Change is often stress-ful for many of us.

In general, technology should be makingyour daily life a little bit easier-not the otherway around. Setting goals for how much youwant to learn or undertake is a good strategyfor not becoming overwhelmed. Limit your-self to incorporating new technology slowly.This way you won’t clutter up your alreadycrowded mind with an unfamiliar, unlearnedtask. Take your time, ask for help, and gooutside-and watch out for rabbit holes!

Mark Underwood is a neuroscienceresearcher, president and co-founder ofQuincy Bioscience, a biotech companylocated in Madison,Wisconsin focused on thediscovery and development of medicines totreat age related memory loss and the diseasesof aging. Mark has been tapped as an expertin the field of neuroscience for The WallStreet Journal Morning Radio, CBS andCNN Radio among others. Mark is also acontributor to the “Brain Health Guide”which highlights the research at Quincy Bio-science and offers practical tips to help keephealth brain function in aging. Visitwww.TheGoodNewsAboutAging.com formore articles and tips for healthy aging.

W i s e & H e a l t h y A g i n g

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012 SENIOR SCENE in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM 3

Each office independently owned and operated

CALL FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

Our CAREGIVERS are bonded,insured, trained and screened

(Including criminal background checks)

LLEETT UUSS BBEE YYOOUURR HHEELLPPIINNGG HHAANNDD AATT HHOOMMEECompanion Care

Transportation

Meal Preparation

Light HousekeepingBathing and Personal HygieneLaundry and Linen Washing

Respite Care24-Hour Care

310-842-9700 www.comfortkeepers.com

FREE DAY(Limited time offer)

SONJA ROSEN, M.D.

Best wishes for ahappy and healthy NewYear! What better timethan now to resolve toachieve better health? Myresolutions are to 1) exer-cise every day with myfamily, 2) start practicingthe cello again, and 3)

continue to read more literature.Here are 10 resolutions for better health at

any age:

Eat a well-balanced diet low in saturated fats.A Mediterranean,heart-healthy diet rich in

olive or canola oil, fresh fish, lean meats, redwine (in moderation), whole grains, walnuts,and organic fruits and vegetables helpsdecrease bad cholesterol and your risk of devel-oping heart disease or diabetes. Non-fat Greekyogurt is highly recommended, and what I noweat for breakfast every morning with a scoop ofblueberries. Make sure there is no added sugaror artificial sweetener!

“Use it or lose it!” The more you move your limbs, the better.

Walking for 20 minutes five days a week can helpreduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s dis-ease, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes.However,be careful not to overstress your bodyand joints,and always consult your doctor before

starting a new exercise program.

Maintain a healthy weight.Losing weight at any age can be diffi-

cult, but it is worth it. Don’t be over-whelmed if you have a lot of weight to lose.Set a realistic goal for yourself and con-sider getting help from a diet program likeWeight Watchers. Losing just a few poundsaround your waist can help reduce yourrisk of developing diabetes.

Use your mind.As with your body,“use it or lose it”applies

to your mind too.Instead of watching television,you might read a good book for an hour. I lovemysteries,and my favorite series is the “Sir JohnFielding” mysteries by Bruce Alexander Cook.

Stay positive! Even if you have had a difficult year or suf-

fered the loss of a loved one, try to focus on thepositives.Remember all of your many blessings-- your friends, family, health, and independ-ence. Positive thinking benefits your overallhealth.

Socialize with family and friends! Get a Facebook account and get reac-

quainted with your old grammar or high-school buddies! Attend free concerts or joina book club, temple, or church. These days,you can even reconnect with old friends onthe internet.

S A N T A M O N I C A H E A L T H C E N T E RListen to classical music!

Studies show that classical music, in addi-tion to providing personal enjoyment, helpsheart health and also can reduces stress,anxiety,and tension.

Establish a relationship with a primary careprovider (PCP).

Whether you see a geriatrician, internalmedicine specialist, or family medicine doctor,it’s important to have a primary care physicianwho can help you stay healthy via preventiveefforts or regain your health during an illness.

Make sure to get enough sleep.Chronic sleep deprivation adversely affects

mood and also is associated with long-term

health consequences, including diabetes, highblood pressure, and heart disease. Therefore,getting adequate sleep can help increase lifeexpectancy.The ideal amount varies per person,but make sure you feel well rested in the morn-ing.

Enjoy life and seize the day! Do something you love.There is no time like

the present to accomplish what you want to do.Dr. Sonja Rosen, board-certified in both

geriatrics and internal medicine, is a geriatricianwith the highly ranked UCLA Geriatrics Pro-gram in Santa Monica.She is also medical direc-tor of the Geriatrics Unit at UCLA’s new SantaMonica campus. Call 310.319.4371 for moreinformation.

Ten Tips For A Healthier 2012


R E L I G I O U S D I R E C T O R Y

KEHILLAT MA’ARAV1715 21st Street, (just south of Olympic)

310 829-0566Shabbat Service every Sat. morning 9:30 am

and the first Fri. of the month at 6:30 pm Every Sat. morning, beginning at 9:30 am,

join us or a warm and embracing egalitarian service.

Weekly Tot Shabbat Shabbat Club for kids 6-12Religious School and Adult Education

KM-synagogue.org

PILGRIM LUTHERANA Lutheran Missouri Synod Congregation

1730 Wilshire Blvd., Santa MonicaChurch (310)-829-4113School (310)-829-2239

Contempory Worship 8:30 am with Praise BandTraditional Worship 11:00 am

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pmwww.pilgrimlutheranchurch.org

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

OF SANTA MONICA1008 11th St (at Washington Ave)

Free Parking in Garage Sunday Worship Service – 10 am Nursery Care & Sunday School

Weekday Preschool www.santamonicaumc.org

Church Office: 310-393-8258Preschool: 310-395-7292The Rev. Patricia Farris,

Minister

LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH,A FAMILY CHURCH

1220-20th Street (at Wilshire)Lighthouse Church 310-829-2767Church School K-8, 310-829-1741

Sunday Services: 9:30 AM Bible Study11:00 AM & 6:00 PM Worship Service

Tuesday 9:00 AM Women’s Bible StudyWednesday 7:00 PM ServicePioneer Club Kids Program

Spanish Services: 2:00 PM Sunday,7:00 PM Tuesday

Youth Group Friday: 7:30 PMNursery & Sunday School for all ages.

To advertise in our Religious Directory,

Call Judy Swartz 310-577-6507, ext. 134

Non-Medical Senior Services and Care From Our Family to Yours

Medication RemindersMeal PreparationLight HousekeepingDriving ServicesLaundryGrocery ShoppingErrand ShoppingDaily “TLC” Phone Calls

Live-In and Scheduled Hourly Rates Available

All Of Our Caregivers Are Screened, Bonded & Insured

For More Information Call (888) 786-8088www.helpinghandsforseniors.org

Serving Los Angeles and beyond. Free consultations.

New Quiz For Guidance With Aging ParentsMIRROR STAFF

You just returned home from holidaybreak with the horrifying realization thatMom or Dad needs help. You kept quiet infront of your parents, not to disrupt the goodtime, but when you get back home, settledinto your routine, Mom’s forgetfulness orDad’s clumsiness haunts you. You and yoursiblings don’t agree on the severity of theproblem. You’re panicked. Unsure. How areyou supposed to know if Mom or Dad needshelp and to what degree?

That’s why Senior Helpers, one of thelargest in-home senior care companies in thenation, has created the Senior Helpers’ StayAt Home Score quiz. It’s a quick, eight ques-tion quiz adult children take to help deter-mine whether their parents can liveindependently in their own home.

The quiz was created for Senior Helpersby Dr. John Bowling, a professor at South-ern Oregon University and an expert onsenior care and positive aging. After youtake the quiz, you have a good indicator ifMom or Dad needs help.

“Aging parents may insist they’re wellenough to live in their own homes even ifthey’re not,” says Dr. John Bowling, seniorcare and positive aging expert, and creatorof the Senior Helpers’ Stay At Home Scorequiz. “I developed this quiz to give adultchildren a guideline to determine their par-ents’ needs, whether they are self-sufficient,if they can live at home with help from an in-home caregiver, or if it’s time to move themto a place where they can get round-the-clock care.”

Here are two sample questions. Thereare always five answers that range fromNever to Always.1. Support. My parent has easy access to acaring support system of family and friends

that he/she can rely on for daily assistancewith physical, financial, and emotionalneeds. These family members and friendscan provide this support willingly, withoutcompromising their own daily lives andschedules.2. Mobility. My parent is very mobile andcan walk indoors and outdoors easily, with-

out falling. He/she can get into and out ofbed, chairs, showers and tubs easily, and canclimb stairs without slipping or pausing.He/she can safely operate an automobileand navigate city streets and highways.

Did you know?• More than 10,000 people officially will hitsenior status each day of 2012.• One in eight adults in America is a senior.• The U.S population will add one new sen-ior every 13 seconds this year.

• About 10,000 Boomers will turn 65 everyday.• This phenomenon will continue, every sec-ond and every day, for the next 18 years.• The senior population (65 and older) in2030 is projected to be twice as large as in2000, growing from 35 million to 72 millionand representing nearly 20 percent of thetotal U.S. population.

To find out more about the SeniorHelpers’ Stay At Home Score Quiz, visitwww.stayathomescore.com.

THINKSTOCK

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012 SENIOR SCENE in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM 5

NAPSI

While hair loss may be an inevitable partof aging, men no longer have to live with it –or suffer from the psychological, profes-sional, and social consequences.

According to the International Societyof Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), atleast 35 million men in the U.S. are affectedby male pattern baldness, and by age 50,approximately half of all men will experi-ence hair loss.

While prescription remedies such asPropecia and Rogaine offer some benefits,the only way to permanently restore one’shair is through hair restoration surgery.

The ARTAS System is the newestmethod in hair restoration, using FDA-cleared technology that was developed withseveral leading hair restoration physicians.This computer-assisted, image-guided hairrestoration technique offers a minimallyinvasive solution for permanent, natural-looking results.

Hair restoration is performed as anoffice-based procedure. Implanted hairsdevelop their own blood supply and begin togrow, and new hairs are seen in a fewmonths. New hair continues to grow over

the course of a year, making gradual changesin a person’s appearance. The popular cos-metic procedure works by moving healthy,functioning follicles to the areas of thepatient’s scalp most affected by baldness.

Losing one’s hair can make men feel lessattractive and less confident.

“I started losing my hair when I was inmy mid-20s and it was a huge blow to myself-confidence. I have been seeking a per-manent solution ever since,” said VincentDeLany, who recently had his hair restoredwith the ARTAS System. James Harris,M.D., of the Hair Sciences Center of Col-orado in Denver, performed the procedureon DeLany.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with theresults—which were consistent with whatwe saw during the clinical trial across abroad group of patients,” said Dr. Harris.“This technology allows patients to perma-nently regain the vitality of their appearanceaffected by hair loss.”

“My entire practice is committed tohelping patients with various degrees of hairloss and providing them with state-of-the-artoptions that are very safe and effective,”commented Craig L. Ziering, D.O., FAOCD,founder and medical director for Ziering

Medical Worldwide.“The ARTAS System isan excellent solution to hair loss that is lessinvasive and offers a quicker recovery timewhile maintaining natural, permanentresults.” This procedure offers many bene-fits.There are no stitches, so you can quicklyreturn to your daily activities. Those whoundergo the procedure experience little dis-

comfort and no linear scalp incision, makingit possible to wear their hair very short with-out concern for visible scarring.

Also, a person’s appearance graduallychanges over time for more natural-lookinghair regrowth.

To learn more about the ARTAS Sys-tem, visit www.artashair.com.

Breakthrough Technology ToPermanently Combat Hair Loss

THINKSTOCK

DR. MAO SHING NI

SPECIAL TO THE MIRROR

Many people do notlike the idea of aging, butage does not necessarilyhave to mean gray hair,sagging skin, lost muscle

tone, and sinking energy levels. There aremany natural ways to keep your energyhigh, your skin healthy, and to encouragecell rejuvenation. Below are a few tips tohelp you stay young and healthy well intoyour golden years!

Regrow Healthy HairThere are many natural methods to

help regrow hair as well as cover yourgrays. If hair loss is your concern, you canreplenish hair growth with the Chineseherb arbovita (also called Platycladus ori-entalis and Semen Platycladi). Applyarborvita to stimulate follicles, improveblood flow, and strip away root-cloggingoils. I have recommended this herb to mypatients over the past 20 years with verygood success. A natural herbal blend thatcombines herbs to nourish hair folliclesand promote healthy hair is my Hair Nur-ture formula. A Chinese herb for grayinghair is “Shou wu” (also called “fo-ti” orpolygonum root). Found in a hair nurturesupplement available in Asian herb stores,it’s used to restore hair growth and reversegraying. Eating black sesame seeds, blackbeans, and walnuts are thought to reversegraying hair, too.

You can also cover up the gray by usingnatural colorants to dye your hair.Chamomile and lemon juice can color lighthair. Henna works well for shades of lightbrown and red. Coffee or black tea can beused by brunettes. Here’s how: Brew two tofour cups of strong coffee (or tea), and allowto cool. Pour over dry, tangle-free hair.Thor-

oughly saturate your hair, and use your fin-gers to work through. Leave on for ten totwenty minutes and then rinse out. Be mind-ful of staining carpets and other items. Thismethod is a way to naturally dye your hairover time, but its temporary, and must berepeated regularly. For a dark black hair col-oring, you can make the coffee mixture andadd in some squid ink.

Revitalize Growth Hormones The term “human growth hormone”

may bring to mind images of athletes andbodybuilders. In reality, HGH, which is pro-duced by the pituitary gland in the brain,maintains healthy cell growth for everyone.When we’re young, we secrete a lot of thishormone to build bones and develop mus-cles. After age 25, HGH production wanes,and our bodies tend to have less lean tissue,more fat, and thinner skin; hair begins to fallout and mental function declines – all thishappens because our cells aren’t replacingthemselves as efficiently as before. I do notrecommend using artificial HGH supple-mentation, as it has possible side effects,including joint discomfort and blood sugarimbalance.

Instead, you can stimulate your body toproduce more HGH on its own by doingsquats to exercise the large muscles. In onestudy, squatting exercises caused an eight-fold increase in HGH levels.You can also doleg presses at the gym. At home, simplygrasp a heavy object, bend your knees, keepyour spine straight, squat down and hold theposition, count to 10, then come back up. Ofcourse, be mindful of your knees and don’tdo this if you have knee issues.

Maintain Energy I have many patients that complain

about one of the hallmarks of aging: waningenergy. Here are some energy-enhancingstrategies:

D R . M A O ’ S W E L L N E S S L I V I N G

Restore Energy And Regain Youth

VVOOLLUUMMEE XXIIII,, IISSSSUUEE 3322

6 w w w. s m m i r r o r. c o m

Health& FitnessJANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

• Magnesium is an essential mineral thatmitochondria, the tiny power generators inyour cells, require to help your body pro-duce energy. Many people don’t get enoughof this essential mineral, because two com-mon dietary habits leach magnesium fromour bodies: using too much salt and eatingtoo much dairy.You can get your fill of mag-nesium from eating whole grains (such asbrown rice, oats, millet, and whole wheatproducts, like bread and pasta) and a varietyof nuts and seeds. Have a daily handful ofpumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflowerseeds, almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews. Ifyou prefer capsule form, try taking 500 mgof magnesium daily.

• Fatigue can also come from a defi-ciency of B vitamins. Get your B’s from eggs,fish (especially shellfish), orange juice, leafygreen vegetables like spinach and collard

greens, and sunflower, sesame, and otherseeds. Or take B vitamins as a daily supple-ment – just be sure the product includes thewhole complex and is formulated to avoidimbalance.

• For a pick-me-up, drink two to threecups of ginseng tea every morning. Unlikecoffee, which stimulates the central nervoussystem, ginseng elevates energy gently.

• Start practicing Tai Chi, Qi Gong, orDao-In yoga, which are gaining popularityin the US. These gentle exercises promoteenergy, balance, and a calm mind. Manyrecent studies have confirmed their balanc-ing action for blood pressure, sugar, choles-terol, equilibrium, and other organfunctions. Though these exercises will makeyou feel younger than your years, they canbe practiced at nearly any age – my own TaiChi teacher was 90 years old.

May you Live Long, Live Strong, andLive Happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr.Mao, is a bestselling author, doctor of Orien-tal Medicine, and board certified anti-agingexpert. He has appeared regularly on “Dr.Oz,” “The Doctors,” and “EXTRA.” Dr.Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, andChinese medicine with his associates at theTao of Wellness in Santa Monica and New-port Beach. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr.Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellnessmore than 25 years ago in addition to found-ing Yo San University in Marina del Rey. Tosubscribe to his tip-filled newsletter pleasevisit www.taoofwellness.com. To make anappointment for evaluation and treatmentplease call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr.Mao at [email protected].

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012 HEALTH & FITNESS in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM 7

A NEW YEAR! A NEW YOU!GET FIT NOW!with Cheryl ChalekCertified Personal Trainer

Specializing in Women’s Fitness

• In-Home Training• Improve Heart Health• Strengthen and

Tone Muscle

• Increased Bone Mass• Weight Reduction• Improved Flexibility

Call Today For A FREE Consultation 310.281.3320

Monday - Sunday 11 am - 8 pm

MIRROR STAFF

There was a hive of activity at the newUCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica onSunday as it officially opened its doors. Aspart of the opening, about 125 adult andpediatric patients were carefully trans-ported into new hospital buildings on theSanta Monica campus, as well as the exist-ing Merle Norman Pavilion.

Teams of doctors, nurses, and movingspecialists transported patients to ensurethey were safely and efficiently relocatedto the new hospital. The move followedmonths of extensive planning to preparethe hospital for licensing and occupancy,and to orchestrate the extremely detailedsequence of patient relocations.

Part of a system-wide rebuilding proj-ect, the new Santa Monica campus featuresthe UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica;a branch of Mattel Children’s HospitalUCLA; the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hos-pital; and the UCLA Rape Treatment Cen-ter. The new main entrance to the campushas returned to its former location at 125016th St.

The new campus complements exist-ing, world-class services provided byUCLA Health System facilities thatinclude Ronald Reagan UCLA MedicalCenter, Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neu-ropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA, the Mat-tel Children’s Hospital UCLA, and morethan 80 primary and specialty offices

throughout greater Los Angeles.“Every patient who comes to us

deserves the best, and every one of them,when they leave us, should be an ambassa-dor to tell others about the great care andservice they received at UCLA,” said Dr.David Feinberg, president of UCLAHealth System. “This wonderful new facil-ity not only accommodates scientific andtechnical excellence, but also creates anenvironment that is healing.”

Dr. James Atkinson, who oversaw therebuilding project and serves as medicaldirector at the campus, said the movemarked the final stage in the transforma-tion of the hospital from a private commu-nity hospital to an academic-communityhospital that “delivers world-class UCLAcare to every patient.”

He added that the Santa Monica cam-pus will provide the full continuum of serv-ices, from neonatal intensive care togeriatric medicine, and serve as the inpa-tient home of UCLA’s highly regardedorthopaedic, geriatric, and general medi-cine programs.

Key components of the new campusinclude:• The Orthopaedic Hospital Institute, fea-turing an outpatient clinic for adult andpediatric orthopaedics, the UCLA Depart-ment of Orthopaedics administrative andfaculty offices, a library, and museum-styledisplay cases.• 266 inpatient beds, most in private, spa-

cious rooms that featurefamily space and sleeperchairs for rooming-in.• A 22-bed adult and pedi-atric intensive care unit withthe latest technology and360-degree access topatients.• Santa Monica’s only inpa-tient pediatrics unit, a 26-bedfacility.• Integrated interventionaland surgical services, includ-ing radiology and cardiac-catheterization labs, 16state-of-the-art operatingrooms and pre- and post-anesthesia care units.• A conference center with meeting roomsand a 90-seat auditorium.• A new cafeteria with indoor and outdoorseating.

Several key services opened during aprevious phase, including the NethercuttEmergency Center in 2007, which nowserves almost 40,000 patients annually, andthe BirthPlace in 2008, with its comfort-able, hotel-like labor, delivery and recov-ery rooms and 16-bassinet neonatalintensive care unit.

The design of the hospital is inspirednot only by the Northern Italianate archi-tecture of original buildings on the UCLAcampus, but also by hospitality concepts

that speak to the character of the building,its public spaces and patient rooms. Morethan 25 percent of the new campus is ded-icated to green and open spaces.

Now that patients have been movedinto the new facilities, the hospital’s exist-ing, nine-story Tower building will bedemolished to make way for additionallandscaped gardens. A majority of the con-crete and steel from the Tower will berecaptured, ground, and recycled into newconcrete and steel for future projects. Finalsite improvements should take about oneyear to complete.

Funding for the $572 million projectwas provided by multiple sources includingFEMA grants, bond initiatives, and dona-tions from individuals and corporations.

One of the 125 patients moved on Sunday into the new UCLAMedical Center, Santa Monica. PHOTO BY VICTORIA VALLEJO

Patients Move Into New Medical Center


QUALITY CAREGIVERSBonded & Insured

• Personal Care • Transportation – Dr. Appts., Errands, etc.

• Companionship • Dementia Care• Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping

Hourly/Overnight/24-Hours • 7 Days a Week

310-590-1685www.homeinstead.com

Brookdale Senior Living® communities provide active retirement livingfor thousands of residents, serving seniors and their families since 1978.Today,Brookdale is the nation’s largest owner and operator of senior livingcommunities throughout the United States and a leading national providerof senior-related services.Our assisted living facilities and other retirement

living communities feature a high quality of life and the highest levels of personal service.

In Santa Monica 310-399-3227 & 310-393-2260, and in Tarzana 818-342-0003.www.brookdaleliving.com

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING

At HEARx West, hearing health care is treated with therespect found in any medical environment. All of the cen-ters have licensed professionals on staff to meet your hear-ing health care needs and utilize advanced computerizedtesting equipment to ensure that each patient receivesaccurate testing and optimum hearing aid fit and perform-

ance. HEARx West offers the latest innovations in hearing aids in all sizes and lev-els of technology to meet your hearing needs and budget.

For more information call1-877-714-2828 or go to our website at www.hearusa.com.

HEARX

Comfort Keepers keeping seniors in the comfort and safety of their ownhome is what we are all about. Is mom taking her medications, eating prop-erly,or needing assistance with personal hygiene? Our caregivers are bonded,insured, trained, screened, including criminal background checks. They arequalified to provide meal preparation, light housekeeping,bathing,groomingguidance, personal hygiene and much more.

For a free in-home consultation please call 310-842-9700 or www.comfortkeepers.com

COMFORT KEEPERS

Whether you are looking for someone to help you or a lovedone a few hours a week or need more comprehensive assis-tance, Home Instead can help!

Companionship • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping

Transportation/Errands • Alzheimer’s Care • Personal Care

To you it’s about making the right choice…To us, it’s personal. Each HISC officeis independently owned and operated

Please call for a free, no-obligation appointment: 310-590-1685www.homeinstead.com

HOME INSTEAD

• ECO Friendly Fabrics• Largest Selection of

EXCLUSIVE Outdoor Patterns• Onsite Custom Cushions

and UPHOLSTERY

15 % off when you mention this ad!

Diamond Foam & Fabrics 611 So. La Brea Ave. • Phone: 323-931-8148

1/2 block north of Wilshire on 6th and La Brea

THE SANTA MONICA MIRROR’S JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

DESIGNED FOR YOU AND YOUR

CLEANING NEEDS!Reasonable Rates - Call Today!

One Time • Weekly • Monthly

310.399.2778

A Private Company NotA Referral Agency

Lice

nsed

• B

onde

d •

Insu

red

FREE

EST

IMAT

ES

• Residential & Commercial• We Supply All Cleaning Materials & Equipment• Construction Cleaning Available

SEVEN DAYSSEVEN DAYSCharles FoxTo Perform At Main Library

Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson Show

Coming To Staples Center

NoirFest 2012 Begins Saturday

Getting Down At YogaHop

Composer Charles Fox will visit the Santa Monica Main Librarythis Saturday to discuss his book “Killing Me Softly: My Life inMusic” and perform some of his hit songs. COURTESY PHOTO

B2 SSEEVVEENN DDAAYYSS In the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ShowPerforms In Downtown LA On Jan. 27-29

BRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Michael Jackson fans get ready –Cirque du Soleil’s touring tribute show tothe King of Pop is only two weeks awayand tickets are limited with only threeperformances in Los Angeles.

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTALWorld Tour will take over Staples Centerin downtown L.A. from Jan. 27-29 with 8p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday and a4 p.m. show on Sunday.

The touring show has already visited24 North American cities, including athree-week stint at Mandalay Bay in LasVegas in December.

When the lights of the theater dim,the audience is taken into an imaginaryworld inspired by Michael Jackson.

The two-hour show calls on dozens ofMichael’s hits, pairing them with extraor-dinary feats by the cast of internationalperformers.

The show constantly changes its pacefrom an early act in front of the gildedgates of Neverland, where a Mime awak-ens to the song “Childhood,” to a wild,high-powered number just a few actslater with “Wanna Be Starting Some-thing,” when dancers and acrobats run upand down the Giving Tree and hurl them-selves onto the stage.

Few stage performers have creatediconic looks that are directly related tospecific songs.

Say “Billie Jean,” and the blacksequin jacket, black and white tuxedopants and fedora hat immediately cometo mind. As for “Thriller,” one unmistak-ably sees the red leather jacket with thetwo black diagonal stripes.

In THE IMMORTAL World Tour,there are references galore to Michael

Jackson’s legendary clothing.In total, there are 252 imaginative

costumes and outfits.Gangster types have surreal guns that

seem to be tucked in their pockets but areonly shapes. When they pull the triggerbuilt into their “gun gloves,” streams ofpyro shoot out.

The ghoulish Thriller characters wearpure white, shiny outfits; the bloodyinnards that show behind the wrappingsreflect Michael’s love for horror movies.

The straps duo artists appear as mag-nificent swans; covered in Swarovski crys-tals, their costumes are corseted andlaced in reference to Michael’s corsetedwrist in his “Black or White” video.

The show’s versatile stage is highlytechnical with multiple lifts for scenechanges. A large, multi-purpose LEDscreen was developed: it starts flat on thestage, stands up to act as a projection sur-face, turns into a ramp, and surrounds theGiving Tree like a gradient LED ramp.

In the middle of the stage, there arelarge drawers that serve as steps on whichthe artists perform.

The stage out in the house – called theB Stage or runway – is equipped with aconveyor belt, a lift, and video screen.

The projections throughout the shownot only act as storytelling devices, theyplay a key role in making Michael’s pres-ence palpable. There is plenty of inte-grated video content such as footage ofMichael’s performances and real-timeprojections of the performances on stage.

Fans won’t be disappointed with thesong selection as the range is wide andincludes all the hits that are combinedwith the most amazing theatrical andacrobatic language Cirque du Soleil hasever put together.

From “Smooth Criminal,” to “Human

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will perform three shows in LosAngeles at the end of the month. PHOTOS COURTESY OF OSA IMAGES

Performers manipulate flags in a tribute to the nations and dance styles ofthe world to the song “Black or White.”

The gilded gates of Neverland are featured in many of the acts in the touringCirque du Soleil production.

Nature,” and “Thriller,” it’s a show youwon’t forget.

An audience favorite was the MegaMix Act, which combined “Can You FeelIt,” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,”“Billie Jean,” and “Black or White.”

This sequence is a fusion of music,dance, and acrobatics. During “Can YouFeel It,” acrobats execute a Swiss ringsact moving from stage to sky. This scenesegues into a riveting dance number on“Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.”Michael’s famed choreographic style isshowcased once more during the “BillieJean” sequence; his silhouette is revealedby the dancers’ LED costumes. For“Black or White,” performers manipulateflags in a tribute to the nations and dance

styles of the world, including African,Spanish, Thai, and Georgian dances.

The show’s finale culminates with thesong “Man in the Mirror” – a songMichael often chose to end his concerts –in a celebration of the legacy of animmortal.

Michael JacksonTHE IMMORTAL World TourStaple Center, Jan. 27-29Tickets from $45877.234.8425www.cirquedusoleil.com/michaeljackson


JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012 SSEEVVEENN DDAAYYSS In the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM B3

Charles Fox To Perform At Main Library On SaturdayBRENTON GAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Best known for composing “Killing MeSoftly with His Song,” Charles Fox will visitthe Santa Monica Main Library this Satur-day afternoon to discuss his new book andperform some of his hit songs.

The Q&A and special musical presenta-tion will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In the lead-up to the event, Fox spoke toThe Mirror about his book called “KillingMe Softly: My Life in Music.”

He said the book was based around histime studying in France when he was 18 to20 with his teacher Nadia Boulanger.

“When I was in Paris, I wrote hundredsof letters home to my family as it was ouronly communication,” Fox said. “In thoseletters, I described my life in Paris and Idescribed my teacher and her extraordinaryways of teaching music. It turns out mymother preserved all those letters and I did-n’t find out about them until just a few yearsago because they were in a shoe box in adresser drawer.”

His daughter made copies of the lettersfor family members, but word quicklyspread to a literary agent who told Fox theletters would make a basis for a good book.

Fox said he wrote the first draft in long-hand on yellow pads using the letters as abasis, which took him about two years tocomplete.

“Some of those letters were kind of aportal for me back to my life in Paris,” hesaid.“I’d been very busy for the past 50 yearswriting music. However, Nadia Boulanger Itake with me everyday. That part was some-thing I really wanted to express, my indebt-edness and gratitude I have for her becauseshe gave me virtually a life of music. I thinkabout her everyday and how she informedand influenced me along the way.”

With Boulanger’s teachings in 1959-61under his belt, Fox went on to create manyof the greatest theme songs in TV historyincluding “Happy Days,”“Wonder Woman,”“The Love Boat,” “Love, American Style,”as well as “Monday Night Football” and“The Wide World of Sports,” to name only afew.

He has composed more than 100 motionpicture and iconic television scores, twiceAcademy Award nominated, and he’s a two-time Emmy and Grammy winner as well asa Songwriters, Smithsonian, and Bronx Hallof Fame inductee.

Saturday’s event is free, but tickets arerequired and will be released one hour prior

to the program at 2 p.m. One ticket isallowed per person and guests must be pres-ent to receive a ticket.

The Main Library is located at 601 SantaMonica Boulevard.

For more information, visit smpl.org orcall 310.458.8600.


Charles Fox will visit the Santa Monica Main Library this Saturday to discuss his book “Killing MeSoftly: My Life in Music” and perform some of his hit songs. COURTESY PHOTO

KATHY LEONARDO

MIRROR CONTRIBUTOR

Santa Monica welcomes a new festival thisyear – NoirFest Santa Monica 2012,which startsthis Saturday, Jan. 14 and continues throughMarch 28.

Very much like the Pacific Standard Timeinitiative offered by the Getty Foundation,NoirFest Santa Monica is also a collection ofevents with a unifying theme that continues forseveral months.

However, NoirFest Santa Monica is a grassroots,community-based festival created to cele-brate noir throughout the city.

The festival will include art, film, photogra-phy, literature, music, and spoken word at vari-ous historic venues.

Reminiscent of the cinematic ventures ofthe 1940s and 1950s, NoirFest Santa Monicaproposes to capture noir moments in time.

Santa Monica’s ever present mist hasinspired filmmakers and novelists to use the cityas a setting in many detective stories.

Like a rare black and white image pluckedfrom a film noir or Raymond Chandler novel,NoirFest Santa Monica hopes to rekindle thissimple yet striking part of Santa Monica history.

This Saturday’s opening night reception will

be held at dnj Gallery (J-1) at Bergamot StationArts Center in Santa Monica (2525 MichiganAve.).

Curated by Pamela Schoenberg,this exhibi-tion will feature the work of multi-media artistand long time Santa Monica resident Helen K.Garber in a solo show entitled “EncausticNoir.”

In Gallery II, a classic tribute to noir pho-tography by legends such as famed Parisianphotographer Brassai and several of his con-temporaries will also be on display.

Taking her inspiration from Brassai’s book“Paris at Night,”film noir of the 40s and 50s,andGerman Expressionism, Garber’s work isevocative of the minimal black and white cine-matic style.

Garber said she was excited about herupcoming show.

“I wanted to work with texture and brushesand use inexpensive,no longer needed materialsto create new original, unique objects of art,”Garber said.

With more than four years working ondeveloping this technique, Garber sold a num-ber of pieces,including one to the Irish Museumof Modern Art in Dublin.

The piece has won several awards and wasincluded in the International Photography

Association’s 2011 Best of Show exhibition inNew York.

“dnj Gallery accepted a number of piecesright away and I have just finished the fortiethpiece for the show,”she said.“Too much for oneroom,I will trust curator Pamela Schoenberg tochoose the best to display in her gallery.”

The opening night reception for “EncausticNoir”at dnj Gallery (J-1) will take place from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. with a no-host party immediatelyfollowing at the Upper West Restaurant, whichis the official Bar Noir for the festival located at3321 Pico Blvd. (across from Trader Joe’s).

Upper West Restaurant will feature spe-cially-priced drinks and appetizers as well asintroducing an event cocktail, the Bar Noir

Manhattan.Film Noir masterpieces will be projected

with period music playing at the same time.Vintage attire is recommended.

Admission is free to both venues withno reservation needed, except for dinner.Call for a reservation at 310.586.1111. For afull list of participating venues and an eventschedule, visit www.noirfestsm.com. Formore information about the opening nightreception, email [email protected].

NoirFest Santa Monica 2012 Begins Saturday

One of Helen Garber’s pieces for the openingexhibition at dnj Gallery, which is participatingin NoirFest Santa Monica 2012.

show is based on the children’s picture book“Dream Carver” and was inspired by thelife of renowned Oaxacan woodcarver,Manuel Jimenez. This program is free andopen to the public. 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.310.458.8681, smpl.org.

CLASSICAL Theatrics 2012, A Medley ofclassic scenes from plays by Miller, Shake-speare, Shaw,Twain, and Wilder in this guestevent on the main Stage at Santa MonicaPlayhouse. Today at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan.15 at 6:30 p.m. 310.625.4561. OperaThe-aterInk.com/CLASSICALTheatrics2012

Sunday, January 15

Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra, pres-ents its 6th Annual Commemorative “MLKWeekend Family Concert” at 3:30 p.m. fea-turing Adam Del Monte, guitarist, and AllenRobert Gross, conductor. The programincludes Dvorák’s Three Slavonic Dances;Chen Yi’s Duo Ye; Adam Del Monte’sPaisajes, Concerto for Flamenco Guitar &Orchestra (premiere); and Bizet’s CarmenSuite No. 2. At the SGI-USA Auditorium,525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free andopen to the public. smsymphony.org/pro-gramMLK.html

Stogie MLK Day. On the night before Mar-tin Luther King Day, Santa Monica Play-house and Stogie Kenyatta present a specialone night return engagement at 7 p.m. ofKenyatta’s acclaimed solo show aboutAfrican-American artist/activist Paul Robe-son, a powerful and poignant, entertainingand educational, heartfelt and humorousevening of theatre. Tickets $30. 1211 FourthSt. 310.394.9779 ext.1, SantaMonicaPlay-house.com

The Pacific Palisades Democratic Club, willhold a Candidates Forum for the newly cre-ated 50th Assembly District from 2 p.m. to 4p.m. All three Democratic primary candi-dates — Richard Bloom, Betsy Butler, andTorie Osborn — will be in attendance. Eachwill address the audience and participate ina Q&A. 901 Haverford Avenue in PacificPalisades. 310.230.2084,


LAST CHANCEICE at Santa Monica, for anyone who hasn’tvisited the outdoor ice skating rink at FifthSt. and Arizona Ave., this weekend is yourlast chance. Admission and skate rental is$12.This Monday, Jan. 16 will be the last dayto skate. For more information, call310.496.9880 or visit iceatsantamonica.com

Craig Krull Gallery, concludes threeexhibits this Saturday, Jan. 14, which havebeen part of the Getty initiative, “PacificStandard Time: Art in Los Angeles 1945-1980.”The exhibits are: Julian Wasser’s “LosAngeles,” George Herms’ “Collages,” andEdmund Teske’s “Portraits.” Bergamot Sta-tion, 2525 Michigan Ave. Building B3.310.828.6410, craigkrullgallery.com

Battle of the Buddha, Jeffrey Wisniewskicreates a choreographed fight scenebetween good and evil Buddhas utilizingmotion capture technology. Concludes thisSaturday, Jan. 14. The video begins with onelevitating Buddha which then separates intoone gold and one red who battle each otherrolling half naked around an empty, starklylit space. Patrick Painter Inc. 2525 MichiganAve., Unit A8 and B2. 310.264.5988, patrick-painter.com

Peter Shelton: Eyehand, L.A. Louver con-cludes a survey exhibition of sculpture byPeter Shelton this Saturday, Jan. 14. Includ-ing more than 40 works from 1975-2011, theexhibition encompasses the full range offorms created by the artist over the past 35years, and is presented throughout all L.A.Louver galleries. 45 North Venice Blvd.,Venice 310.822.4955, lalouver.com

THIS WEEKFriday, January 13

Westside Interfaith “MLK Prayer Break-fast,” presented in cooperation with theWestside Interfaith Council from 7:30 a.m.to 9 a.m. An inspirational community gath-ering, featuring speakers, reflection, andprayer. The guest speaker will be Shakeel

Syed, Executive Director of the IslamicShura Council. At Calvary Baptist Church,Carter Center, 1502 20th Street, Santa Mon-ica. Tickets: $25 per person donation, $200for a table of 10.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Awards“Jazz & Blues Dinner Show,” featuring JazzPianist Ron Levy and Sharon Marie Cline“The Divine Miss Cline” plus Blues SingerSista Jean. Enjoy a complete gourmet din-ner along with intimate musical perform-ances from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Upper West.$50/person donation. Proceeds to benefitthe Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Westside Coalition’s Education Awards forWestside high school and community col-lege students. 3321 W. Pico Blvd., SantaMonica.

MLK Education Awards “R&B DanceParty,” featuring the Derek BordeauxGroup from 10 p.m. to midnight. One ofthe hottest bands in Southern Californiafor more than 25 years, the Derek Bor-deaux Group has performed in SouthernCalifornia and Las Vegas, becoming one ofthe most sought after artists for their sul-try renditions of Motown classics, jazz,R&B and blues standards. At Upper West,3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.Advance Tickets: $25/person donation.Tickets are for admission only. Additionalcharge for food and beverages. Proceedsto be used for the Rev. Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr. Westside Coalition’s EducationAwards for Westside high school and com-munity college students.facebook.com/events/ 252338431495721

Saturday, January 14

“MLK Kidz Party,” a child-friendly intro-duction to the life and teachings of MLKfrom 9 a.m. to noon. The morning will fea-ture live music for children by MichaelCladis; “We Shall Overcome,” by CreativePlayGround; face painting, Wet-On tattoosand stickers; art projects and origami;Fabian’s Foto Booth and more. VirginiaAvenue Park’s Kidz Zone, 2200 VirginiaAve. Free and open to the public. face-book.com/events/117887414944593

C A L E N D A R

CALENDAR PAGE B6

MLK Westside Teen Unity “Peace In,” fea-turing “Dreams of King,” by actor Gerald C.Rivers; DJs & live teen bands; spoken wordpoets, art and more from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.TheTalking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 LincolnBlvd., Venice. Free and open to the public.

12th Annual Lei-Out Beach Ultimate Fris-bee, is an annual beach ultimate frisbeecompetition where some of the best playersin the world come to compete in SantaMonica. Today and tomorrow from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. lei-out.com

Charles Fox presents Killing Me Softly, tocelebrate the release of his new autobiogra-phy, Grammy and Emmy winning composerCharles Fox plays and discusses some of themany songs that have won him acclaim,including the Roberta Flack classic “KillingMe Softly with His Song,” the theme songsto “Laverne & Shirley,” “Love AmericanStyle,” and so much more. Ticketed event,which will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Freetickets released one hour prior to programat 2 p.m. One ticket per guest. Guests mustbe present to receive a ticket. 601 SantaMonica Blvd. 310.458.8600, smpl.org.

MANvBAR 7 Santa Monica Pub Crawl, inthe 7th installment of the charity pub crawlseries, MAN v BAR returns to Santa Mon-ica, benefiting the Leukemia & LymphomaSociety’s Team in Training. Final Schedule:The Yard 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., West 4th Jane3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monsoon Cafe 5 p.m. to6:30 p.m., Wokcano 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $20for wristband to get your drink specials allday/night. Admission $20. 626.201.5846,manvbar.com

Y Annual Open House, facility tours andone week free pass from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Free group exercise classes from 8:30a.m to12:30 p.m. YMCA Program presentation bySenior Program Director Lidia Magarianfrom 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free admis-sion. Santa Monica Family YMCA. 1332Sixth Street. 310.393.2721, ymcasm.org

The bilingual puppet show Dream Carver,presented by Swazzle Puppets, comes to theFairview Branch Library at 2:30 p.m. The

Exhibition Opening Reception: NY/LAFeaturing Adam Berg and Georgi TushevFriday, Jan. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.Santa Monica Museum of Art2525 Michigan Ave. G1

The Santa Monica Museum of Art will host an ExhibitionOpening reception for NY/LA featuring Adam Berg andGeorgi Tushev in its two project rooms.SMMoA DeputyDirector Lisa Melandri is curator of Adam Berg:Endangered Spaces,which is a new,multi-dimen-sional video, sculpture, and photo installation that explores the relationship between man-madeenvironments and displaced wildlife. In this work,Berg identifies a parallel future between endan-gered animals and threatened architectural spaces. New York-based independent curator JeffreyUslip is curator of Georgi Tushev:Strange Attractor,which presents a series of paintings and workson paper that investigate the effects of oil paint exposed to extreme magnetic fields.Tushev’s worksubverts the traditional medium of painting allowing viewers to consider the cellular cycle of lifeand the material possibilities of paint. For more information, visit smmoa.org.

Photo LA - The 21st Annual InternationalLos Angeles Photographic Art ExpositionFriday, Jan 13. through Monday, Jan. 16Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St.

Photo LA returns to the Santa Monica Civic Audito-rium for its 21st edition this weekend. Continuing thediscourse on photography’s place in the fine arts, Photo LA provides dealers from aroundthe globe a platform for the exhibition of vintage masterworks, contemporary photography,as well as video and multimedia installations. This exciting juxtaposition creates the charac-ter that is Photo LA. In addition to its program of lectures, panels, book signings, and spe-cial installations, it is pleased to announce Salon de Tableaux, an area of tabletoppresentations showcasing vintage, vernacular, and unique photography. For more informa-tion, visit photola.com.

W H A T ’ S H O T

Information for Seven Days should be sent to [email protected] two to three weeks before the issue in which the event is to appear. Include date, time of day, price, venue, brief description of event, and contact number.Submission does not guarantee listings and the Mirror reserves the right to edit copy as appropriate.The editors regret that they cannot respond to queries about publication of submissions. E-mail: [email protected]

ANTHONY FRIEDKIN, WOMAN BY THE POOL,BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, 1975

my favorite cakery Sweet Lady Jane).With the baker’s dozen of coffee shops

and restaurants up and down the street, youhave plenty of options to pick and choosehow you make your morning/evening fol-lowing your class.YogaHop’s Angle: If you are okay with pos-sibly finding yourself doing The Plow to“Bottoms Up” (Trey Songz), then this is theyoga studio for you. Self-described as “flow-ing yoga,” YogaHop will take you throughthe typical Power yoga series while swap-ping the usual meditational soundtrack for,well, music that will make you want todance.What: Fitness and Recreation, GroupClassesWho: A-traditional yogis who like hip-hop,

rock, and popCost: Five classes/$90, 10 Classes/$150, 20Classes/$260, Unlimited options available(see website for details)Bring: Yoga mat and water (if you don’thave one or neither you can rent/purchase atthe front desk)Reserve: Your spot in class online. Eversince a mention in “Self Magazine” and alocal Living Social deal, most of the classesat popular times are sold out.

YogaHop1612 Montana Ave, Second floorSanta Monica, CA 90403310.829.5000www.yogahop.com

On a recent morning visit to YogaHopon Montana Avenue, I did Downward-Fac-ing Dog to Juvenile’s “Back That Ass Up.”

Now, if the idea of fixating in WarriorTwo to 50 Cent makes you cringe – thisprobably isn’t the place for you.

But here’s the thing: sometimes, I thinkwe yogis take ourselves too seriously. Sure,I’m all for the meditation, mindfulness, and“letting go of my thoughts” – but a few timesevery month I honestly wouldn’t mindsilently rocking out while breathing in toCrescent Moon – and YogaHop is just theplace for that.

Pleasantly, YogaHop’s classes go by

really quickly. While the idea of juxtaposingpop music with a yoga practice might soundlike hubris at first and hilarious at best, it’sactually truly brilliant.

The analogy between regular yoga andyoga with heart-thumping rap is somethinglike having a cookie, or having a warmcookie with a glass of chilled milk.

Granted, the sonic distraction is not foreveryone, but if you’ve ever experienced adead iPod half way through a run and feltlike somehow you either got slower or the-course got longer – you will appreciateYogaHop’s promise of that much-craved“distraction” we all want when we work out.

Granted, it’s much more awkward if youstart singing along when your favorite songcomes on - but then again, being sweaty andcontorted in braided positions inches awayfrom your neighbor is always treading onshameless, so why not add the cherry on top.

Don’t get me wrong; while I’ve sung highpraises of YogaHop, I still haven’t men-tioned the best part, which would be thelocation on Montana Ave (right across from


Getting Down At YogaHop&OUT

ABOUTWith Sallie Oto

BB AA CC KK ((UUnnffiilleedd)) TT AA XX EE SS

Our Specialities include Back Taxes & Tax Negotiations

Samuel Moses, CPA100 Wilshire Blvd., #1800, Santa Monica, CA

331100..339955..99992222

All Walk-Ins Welcome

(310) 315-21312905 Pico BlvdSanta Monica

(310) 255-79161840 Lincoln BlvdSanta Monica

(310) 255-79161920 Lincoln BlvdVenice

Three Locations To Serve You

Haircuts for Adults and ChildrenStraight Razor Shaves

A Real Traditional Barbershop!

THINKSTOCK COMPOSITE


palisadesdemclub.org

French hornist Tim Battig and Friends, inconcert at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church at 3p.m. Works by Tim Battig, Carl Reinecke,Max Bruch, and a surprise or two. Free admis-sion, free parking, free-will offering. 1343Ocean Park Blvd. 310.452.1116, mtolive-lutheranchurch.org

Noted producer, talent manager, and clubowner, Fred Weintraub will sign copies of hisnewest book, “Bruce Lee, Woodstock andMe” at Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica at 2p.m. 1201 Third Street Promenade,310.260.9110, bit.ly/uS550F

Monday, January 16

27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. NationalHoliday Celebration and CommunityInvolvement Fair, a multi-ethnic interfaithprogram, with featured speaker Congress-woman Janice Hahn; music and dance per-formances; education awards presentations;inspirational readings and more from 9 a.m.to noon.This annual celebration of the officialKing National Holiday has grown to becomeone of the largest and most diverse celebra-tions of its kind on the West Coast. At SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., SantaMonica. Free and open to the public. The cel-ebration is followed by a CommunityInvolvement Fair, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, across the street at 606 Wilshire Blvd.,Santa Monica. The fair will offer refreshments and informational displays by avariety of community organizations. Free andopen to the public. facebook.com/events/109136529159790

“New Year, New Beginnings.” Playwrightand Annenberg Community Beach House2012 Writer in Residence Lucy Wang startsher 10-week residency off with an afternoonof reflection and sharing from 2 .m. to 4 p.m.Express your vivid memories and discovernew inspirations in an evening of storytellingexchange. Free. The Annenberg CommunityBeach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway.310.458.4904, beachculture92-eorg.eventbrite.com

Tuesday, January 17

Democratic Party Assembly CandidateForum, for the new 50th Assembly Districtwill be held at 6:30 p.m. featuring Democraticprimary candidates Richard Bloom, BetsyButler, and Torie Osborn. Santa MonicaLibrary, second floor, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.Free and open to the public. santamonicade-mocrats.com

Wednesday, January 18

2012 Green Living Workshop. Are you strug-gling with your New Year’s Resolution?How about learning to Conserve naturalresources, save water, and making your homemore energy efficient at this free workshopfrom 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa MonicaMain Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. $25donation. 310.458.8716, sustainableworks.org

Thursday, January 19

“All Systems Go,” as part of the Getty’sPacific Standard Time Initiative, The Ble-icher/Golightly Gallery is pleased to present

“All Systems Go” – A Solo Exhibition byDave Quick with an artist reception from 6p.m. to 10 p.m.This exhibition features a com-pelling array of Quick’s multi-media artworksincluding his signature narrativetableau/assemblages and his quirky kineticinstallations. The exhibition continuesthrough Jan. 25. 1431 Ocean Ave.310.878.2784, santamonica.bgartdealings.com

Quality of Life Forum series, will be held at 7p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin LutherKing, Jr.Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.Hosted by Kit Cooper, founder of the Qualityof Life Project, the Forum is a semi-regularprogram at the Main Library that spotlightsaccomplished, engaging, and grounded guestspeakers who share best practices on whatthey do to get the most out of life. Admissionis free, and seating is first come, first served.310.458.8600, qualityoflifeproject.org

EXHIBITSJust Occupy, Robert Berman Gallery pres-ents Just Occupy – a pop-up exhibition docu-menting the Occupy movement featuringphotojournalists Ted Soqui and ChristopherFelver Jan. 14 through Feb. 28. Also featuredin Just Occupy will be a series of photo-graphic collages by photojournalist Christo-pher Felver, who is known for hisdocumentary photographs of the beats, poets.and musicians. Gallery hours Tuesdaythrough Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525Michigan Ave, C2/D5. 310.315.1937, robert-bermangallery.com

NY/LA, an innovative program initiative thatdiversifies Santa Monica Museum of Art’scuratorial voice through an all-new, annualexhibition series. Developed by New York-based independent curator Jeffrey Uslip andSMMoA Deputy Director and curator LisaMelandri, NY/LA connects emerging con-temporary artists on the East and West coasts.NY/LA will debut at SMMoA with two exhi-bitions on view from Jan. 14 through Feb. 25:Adam Berg: Endangered Spaces (LA) in Pro-ject Room 1 and Georgi Tushev: StrangeAttractor (NY) in Project Room 2. 2525Michigan Ave G-1. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org

Home.Sweet.Home: Gerald Slota and NeilLaBute, Robert Berman Gallery presentHome.Sweet.Home: a collaborative exhibi-tion of images by artist/photographer GeraldSlota with captioning by celebrated play-wright/filmmaker Neil LaBute through Feb.4. 2525 Michigan Ave, C2. 310.586.9128,robertbermangallery.com

Art Mortimer: Pacific Ocean. Since 1971 ArtMortimer has painted nearly 100 murals,including major public murals in ClaremontCA, Billings MT, 29 Palms CA, Lompoc CA,Susanville CA, and many Southern Californiacommunities. A selection of paintings byMortimer will be on display through Feb. 4 atSchomburg Gallery. Wednesday through Sat-urday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2525 MichiganAve, E3A. 310.453.5757,SchomburgGallery.com

Refocus: Multicultural Focus, a photographyexhibition organized by Sheila Pinkel runthrough Jan. 29. In 1981 the exhibition Multi-cultural Focus was mounted at Los AngelesMunicipal Gallery Barnsdall Park whereJosine Starrels was Gallery Director. Theexhibition was organized by Sheila Pinkel forthe Los Angeles Center for Photographic

CALENDARFROM PAGE B4

CALENDAR PAGE B7

Friday, January 13

The Goods with DJ AnthonyValadez, KG Superstar @ Zanzibar

Ray K Acoustic Happy Hour,NeilDaly, Juan Ruiz “Miel” @ Bar Pico

Cash’d Out @ Harvelle’s

‘Nette Radio Night @ The Talking Stick

David Rosenfield @ Trip

Swahili Blonde with Free MoralAgents, Raw Geronimo The RossSea Party, Brady Spear (DJ set) @Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Cash’d Out @ Harvelle’s

Saturday, January 14Silent Frisco ft. Talking Heads vs LCDSoundsystem with Aaron Castle andthe Bonnaroo Silent Disco resident:MOTION POTION @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Mark Fonseca, Blues Bettie,Wooden Robot @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch

DJ Paul Loeb @ Bar Pico

Sista Monica Parker @ Harvelle’s

Modern Vintage,The Withers,Ultramunx, Gavilan and the Connections @ Trip

Grassroots Acoustica @ The Talking Stick

Quality with DJs Haul & Mason @ Zanzibar

Sunday, January 15

The Toledo Show @ Harvelle’s

Jaclyn Rose, Joie Blaney @ Trip

D. Bess with Will Morrison @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Stone Groove featuring DJs Tailwind Turner, Cee Brown,Mantron, Spill @ Zanzibar

Pico Joke Show @ Bar Pico

BluesTime with Tom Gramlich &Mystic Miles @ The Talking Stick

Monday, January 16Casey Hurt, Brayden Pierce, KristiBride and the Light @ Trip

Tumbao Salsa Dura @ Zanzibar

MoZaic Open Mic @ The Talking Stick

Ultra Love @ Harvelle’s

Tuesday, January 17

Open Mic, The Vignatis @ Bar Pico

La Vie and friends @ Harvelle’s

Stef & Steve’s Folk-Rock ‘n’ BluesNight @ The Talking Stick

Touché Tuesdays with Coco Morier,Future People, Traps PS + DJ setby Billy Scher (of American Roy-alty) @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Casual Encounters Live Band Karaoke@ Trip

Wednesday, January 18

Open Mic with Carolyn and Nancy@ The Talking Stick

TRiP Tease Burlesque @ Trip

Sundress with The Sister Ruby Bandand Burroughs @ Central Social Aidand Pleasure Club

Small Animals , The Trades @ Bar Pico

Luminous Movement: MakepeaceBrothers, DJ Fabian Asultany, DJDrez @ Zanzibar

House of Vibe All-Stars @ Harvelle’s

Thursday, January 19

Jani Kosturski @ The Talking Stick

Sunride Divide, Friends In LowPlaces @ Bar Pico

City of Blue, Sergio Michel @ CentralSocial Aid and Pleasure Club

Afro Funke Thursday: DJ CAM(France) @ Zanzibar

The VS (Versus) @ Central SocialAid and Pleasure Club

Harlow Gold @ Harvelle’s

M u s i c


Studies and curated by 12 artist/curators inthe Los Angeles area, three each from theAsian, Black, Latino, and White communities.Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6p.m. Arena 1. 3026 Airport Avenue.310.397.7456, santamonicaartstudios.com

The Dead Are Here, in his first solo LosAngeles show in more than two decades, NewYork artist Izhar Patkin, will début “TheDead Are Here” (2009), a room wrappedwith 14’ tall wall size paintings in ink on tullecurtains. It runs through Feb. 18. ShoshanaWayne Gallery. 2525 Michigan Ave. Suite B1.310.453.7535, shoshanawayne.com

Magical Thinking, an ambitious new exhibi-tion at Rosamund Felsen Gallery features thework of Los Angeles painter KarenLiebowitz, Philadelphia-based Nancy Blum,and Los Angeles-based Vanessa Conte. Theexhibition opens to the public through Feb. 4.Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturdayfrom 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 2525 MichiganAvenue, B4. 310.828.8488,rosamundfelsen.com

Buy Local: Think International, a new exhibi-tion at TAG Gallery at Bergamot Station willbe on display through Jan. 28. The 40 diverseartists of this gallery will display their latestwork in a group exhibition. The exhibit willspan all media and genres of painting, photog-raphy,and sculpture.2525 Michigan Avenue,D-3. 310.829.9556, taggallery.net

Peter Fetterman Gallery, through March 1,2012, is featuring two exhibitions: a series ofimages by distinguished contemporary photog-rapher Jerry Uelsmann and introducing thework of Finnish photographer Pentti Sammal-lahti with a selection of images shown in LosAngeles for the first time. Gallery hours areTuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm. 2525Michigan Avenue A-1, 310.453.6463, peterfet-terman.com

Trunk Gallery presents “Fetish,” featuringJames Mullen, Kari Harvey and other artistsworking with doll parts, mannequins, and nails.Gallery open Thursday through Sundays from12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Show runs through Jan. 22.12818 Venice Blvd., L.A. 310.483.7221, trunk-gallery.org.

Wall Works:The Walls Have Eyes, at the SantaMonica Museum of Art is its most extensiveeducational public art program, connectingacclaimed contemporary artists with the imagi-nations of local students. The exhibit is a col-laboration with Los Angeles-based ceramicartist Peter Shire, and will be on displaythrough Feb. 26, 2012. Bergamot Station G-1,2525 Michigan Ave. 310.586.6488, smmoa.org

Beatrice Wood: Career Woman-Drawings,Paintings, Vessels, and Objects, through March3, 2012. Santa Monica Museum of Art, Berg-amot

THEATEROur Town, Oscar-winner Helen Hunt stars inthis groundbreaking new version of Wilder’siconic American play starting today, Jan. 13through Feb. 12. Our Town tells the story ofyoung lovers George and Emily, whose life in asmall New England town becomes a micro-

cosm of every day life.The wisdom of the play,rendered through a deceptively simple story,makes Our Town an enduring treasure of theAmerican theater. Tickets $40-$175. Perfor-mances daily at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. exceptMondays. The Broad Stage. 1310 11th St.310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com/show_info.php?show_id=24

Enchanted Fairytale Interactive Theatre forKids and their Grown-ups, children aged 4 to10 join in on stage for a totally interactive after-noon of story-telling, sing-a-longs, crafts, face-painting, enactment of a fairytale, theatregames, refreshments and special surprise giftsin this delightful Santa Monica Playhouse Spe-cial Event for youngsters and their grown-ups,hosted by the gaily costumed Enchanted Fairy-tale Players. It will recur weekly on Sundaysfrom 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Jan. 29. $15 forchildren, free for adults. 1211 4th St.310.394.9779 ext. 2, santamonicaplayhouse.com

Filthy Talk For Troubled Times. City Garage,resident company at Track 16, Bergamot Sta-tion, under the patronage of Tom Patchett, willcommence its West Coast premiere of NeilLaBute’s Filthy Talk for Troubled Times todaythrough Feb. 26. LaBute, known for his bitingportrayals of misogynistic and deceitful men,subtitles the work “scenes of intolerance.”Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.;Sunday at 4 p.m. Building C1, 2525 MichiganAve. 310.319.9939, citygarage.org

COMMUNITYANNOUNCEMENTS/ONGOING EVENTSAxiom Health Presents Progressive MuscleRelaxation Therapy Classes for pain manage-ment without the use of drugs and their harm-ful side effects. Easy to learn, practical to useanywhere or anytime healing body and mind.Taught by Dr. Bonnie Hemauer, Ph.D. (Dr. B.)who for 25 years has specialized in self-help,relaxation/meditation therapies, and preven-tion of stress causing diseases.Excellent for ath-letes. Ongoing, Mondays from 7 p.m.to 8 p.m.and Sundays at 1 p.m. in Santa Monica. Callfor more information at 310.433.2382

The American Red Cross is looking for volun-teers. Various positions are available. To vol-unteer, call Tom Viscount at 310.394.3773 ext.112 from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Do You Have the Heart for Hospice? RozeRoom Hospice seeks volunteers to providesupport and companionship to terminally illpatients and their families. Training is free. Wehave patients at home and in nursing facilitiesthroughout the Westside and Los Angeles. Formore information, contact Kathleen McMa-hon,Volunteer Coordinator, at 323.938.1155 [email protected]

Donate blood on Monday and Wednesdays atthe American Red Cross of Santa Monica,145011th St.. Hours for donations vary, so call toschedule an appointment.1.800.GIVE.LIFE or1.888.POR.FAVOR

The Downtown Santa Monica FarmersMarket is held Wednesdays at Arizona Aveand Second St. and Saturdays at Arizonaand Third St. The two weekly markets arewidely considered to be among the best onthe west coast and feature field-fresh pro-duce, hundreds of kinds of vegetables, bril-liant cut flowers, breads, cheeses, deliciousfoods, live music, and more. 310.458.8712,smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket/


Free help with anxiety, depression, stress, andanger. Recovery International provides toolsand practice in changing thinking habits so indi-viduals can gain personal control over distress-ing emotions and improve general well-being.This worldwide non-profit organization,founded in 1937, holds weekly meetings everySaturday, 12 p.m., at Trinity Church, Californiaand Eleventh Street,Santa Monica. Donationsare requested but not required. For more infor-mation, call Randy at 310.828.9328 or go tolowselfhelpsystems.org

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a 12-step program for those struggling to controltheir relationship with food, has three meetingsevery week in Santa Monica.Tuesday, 7 p.m. to8:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, YouthLounge, 1220 Second St., Santa Monica;Wednesday,7 to 8:30 a.m.,Unitarian Universal-

ist Community Church,The Cottage, 1260 18thSt.,Santa Monica;and Saturday,9 to 10:30 a.m.,First United Methodist Church, Room 101,1008 11th St.., Santa Monica. Free. Call:800.600.6028 or see: foodaddicts.org

Heart Centered Toastmasters Club meets 7:15p.m. to 8:30 pm Thursdays in Santa Monica.Practice and improve your communicationskills in a warm, heart-centered environment.Call Cynthia at 310.995.4283 for more informa-tion.

Homeless discussion and advocacy group, SideBy Side, for homeless and non-homeless citi-zens every first, third, and fifth Thursday ofeach month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ken EdwardsCommunity Center, located at 1527 4th St.,

CALENDAR PAGE B8

Any resident interested in listening to andtalking with local homeless can come to thisregular meeting. Side By Side has met con-tinuously at Ken Edwards since 1996.

Joel S. Goldsmith Tape Group meets Mon-days to listen to the taped class work of JoelS. Goldsmith on his spiritual teachingknown as The Infinite Way. 7:15 p.m. (silentmeditation), 7:30 p.m. (tape played),8:30 p.m. (silent meditation). New Age Bibleand Philosophy Center, 1139 Lincoln Blvd.(rear entry only off alley) in rear classroom.$5 minimum donation appreciated. 310.963.9377 or email [email protected]

Meals on Wheels West needs volunteers todeliver meals to homebound people inSanta Monica. Deliveries are from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. To vol-unteer call 310.394.7558

A new Grief Support Group for Parentswho have lost children to addiction, drugs,medications, alcohol. Santa Monica nearOcean and Montana Ave. Dates and timesTBA. 310.917.5008, grasphelp.org, [email protected]

Free Qigong class for cancer survivors inClover Park, located at 2600 Ocean ParkBlvd, on Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.These classes are offered through the Can-cer Support Community-Benjamin Center,

and are taught by Michael Sieverts, an 11-year brain cancer survivor. For more infor-mation, call CSC at 310.314.2555 or go towww.cancersupportcommunitybenjamin-center.org

YWCA Winter class sessions are now underway. Sign up now for classes for adults andteens: Barre, Belly Dancing, Core Pilates,Dancing like the Stars Ballroom Dance,Gentle Exercise, Life Drawing, Step Aero-bics and Step Interval, Strength Training,Strong and Stretched, Timeless Body,Women’s Basic Ballet, Yoga, Yoga for Can-cer Survivors, Yoga with Bhavani, ZumbaGold. For children and youth: AfternoonKids Club (ages 4 to 6), Ballet (ages 6 1/2 to9), Basketball (ages 4 to 14), BroadwayStars Gymnastics (ages 6 to 10), CreativeDance and Pre-Ballet (ages 3 to 6), WorldDance Fusion (ages 7 to 12), Karate forKids (ages 5 to 10), Little Tumbling Stars(ages 3 to 5), Tiger Kick Fit (ages 3 to 5),Twinkle Toes Ballet and Tap (ages 2 to 3),Toddler Tumbling Fun (ages 2 to 3.5) Forjust $25/year (youth ages 17 and under),$30/year (seniors 55+) and $45/year(adults), you can become a member of theYWCA Santa Monica / Westside. To sign upfor one or more of any of the above classes,visit smywca.com or call 310.452.3881

Zen meditation group led by Sensei DaishinBuksbazen, teacher at Zen Center of LosAngeles meets weekly on Wednesdayevening at the Hill Street Center, 237 HillSt., Santa Monica. Meditation instructionfor newcomers held from 7 to 7:30 p.m.,Zazen from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Dharma talk thefirst Wednesday of each month. ContactSensei Daishin at 310.315.3506



Catch our

Health & Fitness IssueOn Newstands January 20th

To Advertise, Call 310.577.6507

New Year,New Start...

Have an Extra Bedroom?

Join our fast growing team! Universal Student Housing is look-ing for caring individuals who can provide a “home away fromhome” for students from all over the world! Since 1998 we’veexpanded our service area and now work with over 60 majorUniversities throughout Southern and Northern California.

Apply online today at www.ushhost.comThere is no cost or obligation! Refer a friend and earn $50 when they receive their student!

Earn up to $750 a month!

For more details call:(310) 824-4908 or email us at [email protected]

HOLIDAY MATHIS

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Bring youremotions to everything you do. You couldmiss something by living too much in yourhead or approaching every situation from anintellectual standpoint. Engage your bodyand feelings.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Somethingthat only takes a moment or two – forinstance, keeping your keys in the sameplace consistently or writing down allappointments – will yield a huge return onyour investment of attention.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) An old sayinggoes “loose lips sink ships,” and that’s not allthey sink. Relationships, opportunities, andreputations also hang in the balance now. Byremembering past mistakes, you’ll be carefulof what you reveal and to whom.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You haven’thad the time to read as much as you wouldlike. An obligation will drop from yourschedule, and the ideal way to spend thisnewfound time will be with your nose in abook.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) One person sees abig dog and thinks: threat. Another personsees the same dog and thinks: friend. Eitherone could be correct. Realizing that othersdon’t perceive things as you do gives you anadvantage today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) There are thosewho will take up your time with pointlesschatter. If it’s pleasant, you won’t mind. Butif it’s both pointless and boring, you’ll takeprecautions not to be caught in the same sit-uation again.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) There will be anopportunity to make money while learning.You probably won’t be making much, butthe education is so valuable that you’ll comeout very much ahead if you seize thischance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Gentle move-ment will bring harmony to your world.Walking is a kind of active meditation.Also,the sensory input of the changing scenery islike a wonderful workout for your brain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Kind-ness is your calling card. You’ll embody thequalities of compassion, patience and lovejust when someone in your midst mostneeds this influence.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You’ll havea competitive edge because you don’t mindseeing an endeavor for the competition itreally is. Others might say it’s “just for fun,”but part of the fun is that only one team canwin

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Mix withthose who have experience in the realm inwhich you want to succeed. Learn fromsomeone who has “been there and donethat.” You’ll gain insights and create thesame success for yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You’ll be sur-prised by the shards of past pain thatreemerge long after you thought you werepast it. Be patient. Moving on is a process.You’re developing perfectly.

STAR GAZINGNY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Last Week’s Answers

ACROSS1 A person can take big strides with

this6 Hannibal’s foil in “The Silence of the

Lambs”13 Museum piece20 Forum fashions21 Glade, e.g.22 Hue akin to olive23 ___-Itami International Airport24 “Just do drills for now”?26 Undo28 Back to Brooklyn?29 Slaughter30 Disturb one’s neighbors at night?37 Comic strip

“___ and Janis”38 Inflation-fighting W.W. II org.39 A pop40 Former bill42 Handful44 Table saver47 Don Quixote’s love52 Duffer’s feeling toward a putting pro?54 Meeting one’s soul mate, perhaps?56 Bogart’s “High Sierra” role57 Clive Cussler novel settings59 Weight allowance60 “Behold,” to Brutus61 Represent with a stick figure, say63 Words on a Wonderland cake65 Nonentities67 Successfully perform a download?71 Who wrote “A true German can’t

stand the French, / Yet willingly he drinkstheir wines”

75 Chamber exit76 One who discriminates?81 Naysayer82 Fr. title83 Fen-___ (former weight-loss drug)86 Grow dark87 Applied foil at the Hershey’s factory?91 One man’s declaration to an upset

party planner?93 Sewing aids94 Rider on a crowded bus, maybe96 “I knew it!”97 Relations98 Shoppe modifier99 Foreign football score

101 Blue shade105 Drive by the United Nations?113 Ponders

Fill in the squares so that each row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9

DOING WITHOUTBy Tony Orbach / Edited by Will Shortz

115 Upton Sinclair novel on which“There Will Be Blood” is based116 Slum-clearing project, say117 Impostor’s excuse?124 “Me, Myself & ___”125 Tainted126 Part of some Tin Pan Alley music127 Went into la-la land, with “out”128 Take control of129 Original130 Twisty curves

DOWN1 Bundle bearer2 “I’ll have ___”3 Response to a pledge-drive

request4 Glen Canyon reservoir5 Get a bit misty6 Academy enrollee7 Constellation whose brightest star

is Regulus8 Prince Valiant’s eldest9 Bunkum

10 EarthLink, e.g., for short11 Actor Firth12 Thrill13 One may be overhead14 “Little” singer of the ’60s15 Coll. elective16 Capital city on the Atlantic17 Pundit Bill18 Model19 Vodka drink, informally25 “Definitely!”27 Go into la-la land, with “out”31 Strong cast32 2010 Emma Stone comedy set in

high school33 Highway sign abbr.34 Was audibly surprised, maybe35 Shake36 Holiday season event41 Loos42 Animal house, say43 Creepy: Var.45 Start46 Hovel47 Removal of restrictions, infor-

mally48 Path of Caesar49 One-named singer for the Velvet

Underground50 Suffix with depend

51 They might have it52 Some appliances53 Nag’s call55 ___-shanter58 Tarot user, maybe62 New York’s Tappan ___ Bridge64 Flat: Abbr.65 Kill quickly66 “South Pacific” hero68 Diplomatic efforts69 Hindu spring festival70 French income71 Exclaim breathlessly72 Ready for service73 Conseil d’___74 Sports contest77 Men of La Mancha78 4-Down locale79 Actress Sofer80 Goal82 Food in Exodus84 Language from which “bungalow”

and “jungle” come85 Saxony seaport88 Bad response upon first seeing one’s

new haircut?

89 Insomnia cause90 Adaptable aircraft92 From now on95 Khan man?

100 Take charge?101 Drivers of some slow-moving vehi-cles102 Allotment103 Kind of nerve104 One way to go, betting-wise106 Word after an ampersand, maybe107 Body cavity108 Eccentric109 What Oliver asked for more of110 Berlin Olympics star111 Rajah’s partner112 Malamutes’ burdens114 “Auld Lang ___”118 Musician Montgomery119 Things that may be 65-Downed120 Cadge121 Inventor Whitney122 Itch123 Motor finish?


Seafood • Pasta • Pizzas Salads • Steaks

713 Montana Ave., Santa Monica

310.393.2944

www.spumonirestaurants.comOther locations: Santa Monica, Brentwood, Calabasas, Stevenson Ranch

FREE LUNCH OR DINNERBuy one lunch or dinner entree and two drinks at regular price, get a second lunch or dinner

entree of equal or lesser value FREE.

(Valid Sunday – Thursday Only)With coupon only. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer.

One coupon per table. Valid at Santa Monica location for dine in, take out and delivery. Max discount is $13.95. Not valid with lunch specials or on holidays.

Expires 12/30/11

15 Years Serving The Community

Voted by ZAGAT asTop 1000

ItalianRestaurants

2009

COMING SOON!Spumoni Creamery

featuring homemadegelato, crepes,

pastries and more!!!

Dine-In • Delivery • Take-Out • Catering

310-829-7829www.earthwindandflour.com

2222 Wilshire Blvd.Santa Monica

Catering for your party or business meeting.

Discover why we are one of the most popular catering sources in L.A.

We’ve delivered great food, on time, and for

sensational prices for 28 years.

P I Z Z A • P A S T A S S A L A D S • S U B S

Thai & Sushi

Authentic Chinese

1333 Third Street PromenadeSanta Monica 90401

p. 310.260.1994 f. 310.260.1964

www.yangtzerestaurant.com

SPECIALSushi $2.99Roll $3.49

On selected items.

Yangtze RestaurantDelivery & Take Out Available

B10 DDIINNIINNGG In the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

Top Samplings AtPourtal Wine Bar

ROGER MORANTE

MIRROR CONTRIBUTOR

With an ocean view and a dog friendlypatio, Pourtal Wine Bar is a very differentwine tasting bar.

Inside, guests can sip wine in a luxuriantlow-lit lounge surrounded by soy stainedwooden floors, recycled glass countertops,

and bottles of wines from all corners of theworld.

Just steps away from the Third StreetPromenade, Pourtal Wine Bar offers every-one the ability to sample wines from uniqueregions for a fraction of the cost.

“We have a rotating selection of wines

POURTAL PAGE B11

Pourtal Wine Bar allows guests to load money onto a wine card, which then allows them tochoose different wines at various stations around the bar. COURTESY PHOTOS

JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012 WWW.SMMIRROR.COM B11

ESSENTIAL HOME REPAIR

Please Call James [email protected]

Serving The Westside for 25 years!

Reliable • Honest • Fair Prices

Door Knobs to Kitchen Remodels ......We Do It All!!!!

We don't want just a job,We want a customer for Life!

Complete DraperyServices & More

• Window Treatment:Repair & Facelift

• Drapery Repair & Cleaning

• Window BlindsInstallation/Repair

Please call for anAppointment

310.246.0776

HHOOMMEE IIMMPPRROOVVEEMMEENNTT DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT

YOUR ONE STOP SHOPSpecializing in:• Painting Interior & Exterior• Waterfproofing• Roofing• Earthquake Retrofitting• Remodeling Bathrooms

& Kitchen• Concrete Waterproofing• Carpentry

FOR FREE ESTIMATESCALL 800-863-8181 Lic. 682929

Over 30 yrsexperience!

21st Century Home Improvement

HELP WANTED

JEWELRY BUYER$ CASH CASH CASH $

Buying Gold • DiamondsAntique Jewelry & Fine Watches

• Free Consultation• Get Our Appraisal

• Convenient Montana Avenue Location

Top Dollar Paid!Call 310-917-9232

for appointment

Doing business in Santa Monica for over 10 years

Lic # 19651223

COMMUNITYCLASSES

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES Sand & Sea fitness Room.

For more registration information go to annenbergbeachhouse.com

or call 310-458-4904

LEARN TO LET KIDS BE KIDSAttend the Learn

To Let Kids Be Kids workshop. Go to www.icanwinnow.com/

learn-to-let-kids-be-kids/To get more information and sign up

SR. BPEL DEVELOPERS INSANTA MONICA, CA. DSGN

deploy & maintain BPELprocesses resp. for inbound/outbound data transfer. Reqs:

Bach + 5 yrs. exp. Apply: Beach-body LLC, Attn: People Dept.,

Job ID#SBD630, 3301 Exposition Blvd, 3rd Floor,

Santa Monica, CA 90404

INTERESTED IN WORKING FROM HOME?

AND make more money with Flexible working hours?

Requirements: Applicants must beover 18yrs., have good communica-

tion skills, and internet access. Any previous experience

could be useful. Qualified applicantsshould send their resume to

Michael Clarks e-mail: [email protected]

for more information.

PRINCIPAL DATA SCIENTIST. Lead in the design/development/

execution of matching related predictive models and analytics.

Ph.D in business, statistics, mathematics, econometrics,

computer science, information systems, or informatics

+ 18 mo exp as consultantresearcher/computer researcher req.

Extensive SQL expertise, SAS, SPSS, or similar stat package &

knowledge of scripting languages req.Send resume toeHarmony Inc

2401 Colorado Ave 2nd Fl. Santa Monica CA 90404

Attn: Ashlee B

DOG LOVER?

Will you watch a dog in your home

while the owner’s away?

Home Full Time? (not 24/7)

Earn $22 per day and up.

www.sleepoverrover.com/become.asp

or call 866-867-5048

CC LL AA SS SS II FF II EE DD SS

FULL TIME POSITION FOR AN EXPERIENCED

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN to join our newly remodeled

veterinary hospital in Santa Monica.We are family owned and operatedand have been in our current loca-

tion for over 30 years. We arelooking for someone to join our 4doctor staff who is friendly and

wants to be part of a team.If you have experience and are

interested, email resume [email protected]

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEERSanta Monica, CA.

MS Degree: Java/J2EE, Web Serv./REST, Event-driven

SOA, Oracle, Hibernate/ Spring.Resume: EPAM Systems, 41 University Dr., # 202,

Newtown, PA 18940

LEAD SOFT. ENGINEER SANTA MONICA, CA.

MS Degree: Java/J2EE, Spring techn.,

JPA/Hibernate, Oracle. Resume: EPAM Systems, 41 University Dr.,# 202,

Newtown, PA 18940.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER SANTA MONICA, CA.

MS Degree: Java/J2EE, Web Serv./REST, Event-driven

SOA, Oracle, Hibernate/ Spring.Resume: EPAM Systems, 41 University Dr., # 202,

Newtown, PA 18940.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER TEAM LEADER,

SANTA MONICA, CA. MS Degree: Java, Oracle/HyperionBI, SQL, OLAP, C++; Res: EPAM

Systems, 41 University Dr., # 202,Newtown, PA 18940.

FORECLOSED HOMES!

FREE List w/ Pics!

www.DistressedHomesDirectory.com

Free Recorded Message

800-326-5392ext. 1042.

DRE# 01161881

REAL ESTATE

PRODUCT TECHNOLOGIST SANTA MONICA, CA.

Lead & oversee s/w implementationprojects involving the dsgn, config., & integration of healthcare s/w apps.

Reqs: Bachelors in Info Tech, Comp Sci, or rel. field + 3 yrs of exp.

Apply: Orion Health, Inc., Attn: A. Barriciello,

Job ID# PT901,225 Santa Monica Blvd.,

10th Fl, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

PRINCIPAL J2EE DEVELOPERSSANTA MONICA, CA.

Supervise agile/scrum dvlpmnt teams of 3-5 developers

each in dvlpmnt of Java/J2EE apps,portlets for new pages

on company website, & web apps & svcs. Reqs: Bachelors in

Comp Sci, Engrg or rel. field. + 4 yrs of exp.

Apply: Beachbody LLC, Attn: People Department,

Job ID# PJ2D9,3301 Exposition Blvd, 3rd Fl,

Santa Monica, CA 90404.

from all over the world featuring small pro-ducers that are mostly naturally made,meaning no use of pesticides and minimalintervention during the wine makingprocess,” said Pourtal owner Steven Abron-son.

“When you go to the supermarket or alot of the larger grocery stores, a lot of thewines that you find there are actually quitemanipulated wines.”

Abronson said he knew all of his wine-makers.

“We know that they care about the landas much as they care about their wine,” hesaid.

Organic and unique are just two of thequalities Pourtal Wine Bar has to offer.

“Most of the wines are of small produc-tion and naturally made,” said wine directorRachel Bryan.

Bryan, who also doubles as food direc-tor, works with Chef Peter to come up withfun food and wine pairings.

Chef Peter throws together a deliciousPersimmon Salad, sears a filet mignon sliderperfectly, and creates a not-to-be-missedChocolate and Blue Toast crustini.

Paired with a few cheeses, prosciutto, andsalami, and the self-indulgence is complete.

“I am normally not a Zinfandel fan, butthe 1982 (Sonoma California Joseph Swan)Zinfandel has an alcohol content of 13 per-cent,” Bryan said. “You can’t taste 30 yearold wine everyday so it’s kind of nice andone of the reasons I included it in the selec-tion.”

The reason that guests can drink expen-sive wine for a low price is simple.

“We price the wines by the ounce, whichis basically what it would be for a fifth of aglass of wine,” Abronson said.

Abronson recommends putting $20 on awine card in order to access Pourtal’s largeselection of wines, which is a whole lot offun.

Simply pick a wine to taste, insert thecard into the corresponding slot for that bot-tle, push the button, and out comes an ounceof the selected wine.

“We rotate the themes every month,”said Abronson who just ended Pourtal’s“Cradle of Wine” wine tasting tour from theMiddle East.

He said this month the wine bar wasfocusing on Australian wines.

“We have a lot of wines here that a lot ofpeople have never heard of before,” he said.

Try a dry 2008 Brooks “Ara” Riesling

and indulge in its flavors of spice, apple, andhoney or its sister red wine – a 2009 PinotNoir.

This small family-owned Riesling waspicked for the Alice Waters menu and evenincluded in President Obama’s inaugurationdinner.

For that Oak taste, indulge in a Broad-side “Margarita Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvi-gnon 2009 Paso Robles that will present alight oaky taste without the heavy oak price.

A Californian Red Poco a Poco Zinfan-del 2009 boasts a taste of bing cherry andchocolate, and the 2010 Racines De La TerreMalbec from France goes great with somesoft ripened cheese.

For dessert, an aged Ramos Pinto TawnyPort from Portugal will sweeten the moodwith its undertones of nuts, cherries, plums,and raspberries, and the Cebada BlueberryWine from Lompoc, CA. speaks for itself.

Pourtal Wine Bar104 Santa Monica Blvd.Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 4 p.m. to 10p.m.Friday 4 p.m. to midnightSaturday 2 p.m. to midnightSunday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.310.393.7693www.pourtal.com

Contact Roger [email protected]

POURTALFROM PAGE B10

The filet mignon sliders are a hit.

S/W SYS-S ARCHITECTSANTA MONICA, CA.

MS Degree; Java/J2EE, Spring, Hibernate, Oracle,

Testing frameworks, HTML/XML,Web Serv., Scrum.

Resume: EPAM Systems,

41 University Dr., # 202,

Newtown, PA 18940.

B12 WWW.SMMIRROR.COM JANUARY 13 – 19, 2012

santa monica mirror jan. 13, 2012

Documents

cirque workers

cirque hasalso

towndowntown santa monica

santa monica pierin

n s i d ebegins

week intime

santa monicas

santa monica331100