INSIDE
World-Renowned Trumpeter Plays on Ruins of Palisades Home smmirror.com
February 7 - February 13, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 8
SaMoHi Science Teacher Arrested for Alleged Student Relationship Ingo Gaida Faces Misdemeanor Charges After Investigation into Inappropriate Conduct
A Santa Monica High School science teacher was arrested Wednesday, accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old female student, according to police. The arrest of Ingo Horst Gaida, 58, of Los Angeles, followed an investigation that began after Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) detectives were alerted to the alleged misconduct on Jan. 27. The inquiry revealed a disturbing pattern of inappropriate behavior that reportedly started towards the end of last
year and took place at multiple sites across Los Angeles County. Authorities moved swiftly, culminating in Gaida’s arrest on Feb. 5, where SMPD detectives, alongside uniformed and undercover officers, served arrest and search warrants. Gaida faces charges of annoying or molesting a child under 18 and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, both misdemeanors. He was released from custody with a citation to appear in court, marking his first encounter with the criminal justice system. The case has been forwarded to the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office for prosecution. As this story unfolds, the community is left to grapple with the betrayal felt in one of its educational institutions. SMPD is now reaching out to the public for additional information or reports of similar misconduct, urging potential victims or witnesses to contact Officer Destinee King, Sgt. David Haro, or the SMPD Watch Commander.
Santa Monica’s Earth, Wind & Flour to Close After More Than Four Decades Known for its laidback atmosphere and commitment to traditional California Italian cuisine, Earth, Wind & Flour has remained largely unchanged since its opening After more than four decades serving the Santa Monica community, Earth, Wind & Flour, a beloved California Italian restaurant, will close its doors for good on February 23. Owner Dennis Klempner, 83, confirmed the closure, citing the sale of the building. “It wasn’t my choice to leave, but the building was sold, and the new owners have their own plans,” Klempner said. “But I don’t see it as a negative. I needed something to make me retire.”
Klempner, who has worked in the restaurant industry for 67 years, opened Earth, Wind & Flourin Santa Monica in 1981. Over his long career, he founded multiple restaurants, including Pizza Peddler in Encino, Michael J’s in Sherman Oaks, and Zach’s Italian Café in Studio City. While he sold most of his ventures over the years, the Santa Monica location remained his longest-standing establishment. Reflecting on his decades in the industry,
Klempner said the restaurant has always been a place for the community to come together. “People have met here, gotten married, and even had their kids work here. Employees have stayed with me for 30, 35 years,” he said. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to traditional California Italian cuisine, Earth, Wind & Flour has remained largely unchanged since its opening. Its old-school charm and
welcoming environment made it a local staple for both in-house dining and nights out at its full-service bar. While the closure marks the end of an era, Klempner is looking ahead to new pursuits. “I love cars, I own a beauty salon, and I’m always looking for something new. That’s just who I am,” he said. An avid gym-goer, Klempner remains active and open to the future.