Santa Monica Mirror / Yo! Venice: Jan 29 - Feb 04, 2026 by Mirror Media Group/ Modoc Media/ Englewood Review

Santa Monica Council Keeps Disabilities Commission as Independent Body

Thousands in Equipment Stolen From Filmmaker’s Santa Monica Home

Known for his work across cinematography, directing, and editing, Ruiz-Healy returned home to find his house occupied by squatters

Indie filmmaker and award-winning cinematographer Fidel Ruiz-Healy is recovering from a devastating home robbery that left his Santa Monica residence uninhabitable and stripped of nearly all his professional equipment.

Staff had recommended consolidating the three commissions into a single Housing and Human Services Commission with seven members to streamline operations

Ruiz-Healy, known for his work across cinematography, directing, and editing, returned home on Sept. 16 from a work trip to find his house ransacked and reportedly occupied by squatters. According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by friends and collaborators, “every single crevice” of the home had been turned over. Alongside trash and discarded weapons left behind, extensive damage was done to the plumbing, including cut wires, rendering the home unlivable.

The Santa Monica City Council has decided to retain the Disabilities Commission as an independent body, rejecting a staff proposal to merge it with the Housing and Human Services commissions.

The decision came during a Jan. 13 meeting as part of a five-year review of the city's 20 boards, commissions and one task force aimed at improving efficiency and reducing administrative costs.

Most concerning for the filmmaker is the loss of virtually all of his camera equipment — the tools that form the backbone of his career and sole source of income. The theft included high-end gear such as a RED Dragon camera package, Leica R and Nikon AIS lenses, tripods, lighting meters, hard drives, and a MacBook Pro. Several

Staff had recommended consolidating the three commissions into a single Housing and Human Services Commission with seven members to streamline operations and align with departmental structures.

The council also approved converting the Urban Forest Task Force into a formal commission, reducing membership on the Arts Commission and Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission, and making other administrative changes.

Additional measures include shortening reappointment waiting periods, revising

absence policies and eliminating council liaisons to advisory bodies.

Santa Monica police have assigned a detective to the case, and neighbors have been alerted to report any leads. Organizers shared photos of the aftermath to show the scale of the damage and say they are continuing to adjust the fundraising goal to account for the full cost of replacing

Those

continuing to adjust the fundraising goal to account for the full cost of replacing

Those wishing to contribute can visit the GoFundMe page titled “Help Indie Film

SMPD Arrest Man with Drugs, Loaded Gun

After Traffic Stop

Changes will take effect July 1, 2026, pending ordinance updates.

SMPD Arrest Man with Drugs, Loaded Gun After Traffic Stop

Suspect Flees Briefly Before Police Recover

Santa Monica Police recover unregistered firearms during separate traffic stops

Arrests were

Suspect Flees Briefly Before Police Recover Cocaine, Mushrooms, and Marijuana

Cocaine, Mushrooms, and Marijuana

made

When officers approached and attempted to detain the man, he became uncooperative and repeatedly reached toward the center console, police said. A brief struggle followed before the suspect fled on foot. Officers apprehended him a short distance away.

on weapons charges after officers seized loaded guns.

A traffic stop in Santa Monica led to the arrest of a man found with a loaded handgun and a significant quantity of drugs, police said Thursday.

Santa Monica Police Department officers, patrolling the 00 block of Bay Street around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, observed a parked vehicle with the driver’s door open. The driver was seen handling suspected drug paraphernalia, according to a police statement.

Santa Monica police officers recovered two firearms during separate traffic stops conducted recently, resulting in arrests on multiple weapons-related charges, authorities said.

A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun positioned between the driver’s seat and center console, within the suspect’s reach. Authorities also recovered a significant amount of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana.

In both cases, officers arrested the suspects on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle on a public street, a violation of California Penal Code 25850(a). Police also cited violations of Penal Code 32310, which prohibits possession of high-capacity ammunition magazines.

release additional details about the suspects or locations of the stops.

Police officials said removing illegal weapons from circulation helps reduce the potential for violence and enhances public safety.

The suspect, whose identity was not released, remains in custody pending further investigation, police said. No additional details were immediately available.

Officials said the firearms were unregistered and seized during routine enforcement activity. No injuries were reported in connection with the incidents, and investigators did not immediately

The Santa Monica Police Department encouraged residents to report suspicious activity. Emergencies should be reported by calling 911, while non-emergency concerns can be directed to the department’s dispatch line at 310-458-8491.

wishing

contribute can visit the GoFundMe page titled “Help Indie Film

Santa Monica History Museum Opens Exhibition on Food and Cultural Traditions

The show traces the influence of the Great Migration and global immigration on the city’s food culture, highlighting how movement, memory and resilience shaped local culinary practices

A new exhibition exploring the role of food in shaping cultural identity and community is now on view at the Santa Monica History Museum.

Titled Food & Family: African American and Intercultural Traditions in Santa Monica, the exhibition examines how everyday cooking, shared meals and culinary traditions have connected families and neighborhoods across generations.

The show traces the influence of the Great Migration and global immigration

on the city’s food culture, highlighting how movement, memory and resilience shaped local culinary practices.

The exhibition is presented in the museum’s Quinn Gallery and focuses on African American and intercultural food traditions that developed through family recipes, community gatherings and neighborhood foodways. Organizers say it also highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of middle-class home cooks whose traditions continue to influence Santa Monica’s diverse food landscape.

In addition to family and cultural

traditions, the exhibition explores mutual aid and grassroots food initiatives, documenting how residents used food as a means of support, care and communitybuilding.

“This exhibition reminds us that food unites people from all walks of life,” said Carolyn Edwards, co-founder of the Quinn Research Center. “Food not only provides nourishment — it can be a bridge, bringing cultures and generations together and helping us see ourselves as part of a larger community.”

Museum officials said the exhibition offers insight into Santa Monica’s

cross-cultural history by examining the intersections of migration, memory and food. The show emphasizes how cooking and sharing meals — within families and across neighborhoods — have helped sustain social bonds and a sense of belonging.

Food & Family is now open to the public at the Santa Monica History Museum, located at 1350 7th St. The museum is open Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Planning Ahead: A Final Gift of Love

For many people, conversations about the end of life feel distant, uncomfortable, or easy to postpone.

There always seems to be more time — more trips to take, more milestones to reach, more moments are still waiting to unfold.

That’s what Shirley believed, too.

She and her husband had built a life full of love, laughter and shared adventures. They raised their children together, traveled whenever they could, and cherished celebrating holidays and family events. Like many couples, they never spoke about what would happen “someday.”

Loss felt far away. Time felt endless. Until it wasn’t.

When her husband passed unexpectedly, Shirley found herself facing dozens of decisions she had never imagined making alone. In the midst of her grief, she wanted one thing above all else: for his farewell to reflect who he truly was — not to be defined by his death, but by the life he lived.

When the unexpected time came, she knew she would find comfort and clarity with the professionals at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Hillside is known as a Jewish and interfaith cemetery, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and values. Its mortuary proudly serves families of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds.

From the moment Shirley arrived, she felt welcomed, heard and supported. She met with one of Hillside’s Family Service Counselors, who didn’t rush her or overwhelm her with logistics. Instead, they listened.

Shirley shared stories about her husband’s devotion to their children, his curiosity about the world and his love of travel. She laughed through tears as she recalled his sense of humor and the way he always made strangers feel like friends.

Through these conversations, a service began to take shape. Not as a checklist of tasks, but as a heartfelt tribute. Family and friends gathered to celebrate a life well lived, offering stories, comfort and connection. In that shared space, Shirley felt assured, surrounded by love and reminded she was not alone.

In the quiet moments that followed, Shirley realized something she hadn’t expected: how much easier this journey could have been if the plans had already been made.

With so many decisions required in such a short time, she saw the value of planning ahead — not for herself, but for her children. She didn’t want them to face the same uncertainty, stress and emotional weight she had carried.

So, Shirley made a choice. She met with Hillside again. This time to thoughtfully plan her own final arrangements. With time, clarity and guidance, she was able to express and document what mattered to her: her values, her wishes, and how she wanted her life to be remembered.

Now, she carries a sense of peace knowing her children will one day be spared difficult decisions, free to focus on love and remembrance instead.

Today, Shirley has returned to her routine. She goes to her weekly bridge class, meets friends for coffee and continues to honor her husband’s memory in quiet, meaningful ways. When she thinks about the future, she feels calm and secure, comforted by the thought that one day, she will rest beside the man she loved so deeply.

Planning ahead, she learned, isn’t about preparing for loss. It’s about protecting the people you love.

At Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, advance planning is viewed as an act of compassion — a way to honor your life, your values and the family you leave behind.

Whether rooted in Jewish tradition or

guided by other faiths and beliefs, every family is supported with dignity, care and respect.

“When we plan ahead, we spare our loved ones from making difficult decisions in moments of deep emotion,” says Rafael Ochoa, Hillside’s General Manager. “It’s a simple gift: clarity instead of chaos, peace instead of pressure, and space for healing when it matters most.”

With thoughtful guidance, families can make meaningful choices about services, traditions and personal touches that reflect a life’s story. These conversations, held in calm moments rather than times of crisis, allow wishes to be honored with intention and love.

For Shirley — and for many others — planning ahead becomes a final gift of love.

the nest school is an intimate montessori preschool located in santa monica. contact us to learn more about our program.

website: thenestschool.org

email: hello@thenestschool.org phone: 310-734-0305

non-discrimination policy: the nest school welcomes children and families from all backgrounds. We admit students of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family structure, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The nest school does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or other school-administered programs.

CuriousCity 1/30/26: JUST BEGINNING?

By Charles Andrews

THESE ARE HISTORIC DAYS

Our young children or grandchildren will be reading about this time, and the account they get in schoolbooks depends on how it plays out in the next few days and weeks. Will they get real history, or “1984”?

And how will we answer their questions?

Mom… Grandpa… what did you do when the soldiers came, and they killed people, and they sent children off to prison camps? And they wouldn’t let you vote anymore? It must have been scary and awful! But what did you do?

Now… is that time they will be asking about. Today. Yesterday, actually, last month, one year ago.

I spoke to a friend in another state (not one really under attack, yet) two weeks ago who said she finds herself crying every

day. I don’t think she’s the only one. This is so disturbing, even for those of us with no direct incident (so far), so imagine the lifelong trauma, especially for young children, who might see their nanny or neighbor or classmate dragged away by big masked men with guns, or come home from school to find their parents gone, no idea where they are. I think it might even be possible to be traumatized by seeing it happen on TV. I’ve had some unsettling dreams lately.

This is unprecedented. We all must do something, as difficult as that may seem –in the long run, it will be more difficult to do nothing – and the incredibly brave citizens of Minneapolis will go down in history, but wait! Take heart! This is an unprecedented and wonderful opportunity as well. To not only nip growing U.S. autocracy and fascism in the bud, to send it packing, to not only change things radically with the mid-term elections (if we have them - no, seriously), but to remake this great nation in the image many of the Founding Fathers intended. It’s not often in life or in history that you get a second chance.

THEY DID AN AMAZINGLY GOOD JOB

Their very notion of a democracy was unheard of. They had no example to guide them. They invented it all and left us a precious blueprint. The US of A has always been a work in progress, imperfect, incomplete, failing in some ways, and some of that progress has been

glacial. But the guiding ideas and words remain across two and a half centuries: We the people, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, we hold these truths to be self-evident, all men are created equal, endowed with certain unalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Sacred stuff. And Trump and his minions have walked all over our Constitution. We must, and shall, reclaim it from these barbarians, but it is equally important that we take the next steps and bring its precious precepts finally to fruition. And that will take work –

A SECOND AMERICAN REVOLUTION

I get so frustrated talking with friends who are only intent on “winning the midterms.” Very important, of course, essential, but only a first step, and without more, it is useless, a disguised pyrrhic victory. If a 1,000 lb. alligator is sitting on

my foot and crushing it, I need to get him off my foot, and that will feel much better. But he’s still there, and still intent on eating me.

We need to elect representatives and leaders who will do just that, represent and lead… us, we the people. If we just defeat the GOP, we are still slaves to the oligarchy, and nothing has really changed.

Santa Monica, the same holds true here. Enough of City Councils that are beholden to corporate donors, and following ideologies that are destroying our great city and not putting residents first. Enough. Santa Monicans and Americans are better than this.

Charles Andrews has lived in Santa Monica for 40 years and wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world. Really. Send love and/or rebuke to him at therealmrmusic@gmail.com

To receive his columns by email, join his MUSIC, POLITICS, LIFE substack, free, no strings, at: https://bit.ly/3UGkK1F

Here’s How to Apply for a Cannabis Retail License in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has Launched a Cannabis Retail Licensing in Designated Zones. Here’s How to Get a License

adult-use cannabis retail and delivery businesses in Santa Monica, with a social equity component aimed at reducing barriers for applicants affected by past criminalization.

The city will process applications on a first-come, first-served basis in designated non-residential zones, including downtown, mixed-use, commercial, Bergamot, employment and oceanfront districts.

Cannabis businesses are prohibited within 600 feet of schools, youth centers and state-licensed day care facilities.

Adult-use sales are subject to a 4% gross receipts tax, while medicinal sales carry a 2% rate. The tax was approved by voters in 2022 and increased in 2024; it cannot exceed 10% without voter approval.

Non-city-based delivery operators must hold a valid state license, provide proof of compliance in their home jurisdiction, meet vehicle and insurance standards and obtain a Santa Monica business license and cannabis delivery permit.

The social equity program, informed by a 2025 assessment and community workshops, seeks to address disproportionate impacts of past cannabis laws on marginalized communities.

Resources for applicants, including business support lists, are available on the city's website.

Detailed guidelines, zoning maps and application materials can be found at santamonica.gov/cannabis.

Mary & Robbs: A Timeless Westwood Diner With Sizzling Roots

One of the oldest continually operating American diners on the Westside, founded by husband-andwife duo Mary and Robbs Singleton in 1947, continues to preserve the authentic diner experience and deliver outstanding customer service.

In a city where restaurants come and go, Mary & Robb’s remains a constant — complete with hearty portions, familiar favorites and the kind of service that keeps families coming back.

The menu strikes a careful balance between classic diner staples — chili dogs, burgers, New York steak and eggs — and thoughtful variety. Alongside the return of a German hot dog served on a French roll are turkey, veggies, impossible and salmon burgers, corned beef and mushroom burgers: something for every appetite. While dining for breakfast or brunch, enjoy unlimited bottomless mimosas with colorful flavors including pomegranate, cucumber, mango, watermelon, peach or blueberry.

Mary & Robbs began as a charming neighborhood soda shop in the late 1940s where locals gathered for simple treats and conversation. By the late 60s, it had grown into a full-service restaurant, cementing its role as a Westwood favorite for heart meals and friendly service.

As time would have it, ownership has changed twice since its initial opening, but its Westwood legacy has remained remarkably intact for decades.

“For generations, families have enjoyed Mary & Robbs and its authentic diner experience. Passing down this tradition is the longtime commitment of our chef who has served the same, well-loved meals that

With a menu rooted in consistency, Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe is held together by tradition, loyalty and the simple promise of good food at the right price.

everyone loves for the last 40 years,” said Roozbeh Farahanipour, the current owner of Mary & Robbs since 2020. “We are proud to call our staff family.”

That sense of family is evident the moment you walk through the door. On weekdays and weekends alike, people fill the booths — students, longtime residents, families, and visitors all sharing the same space. The pace is unpretentious and welcoming, with staff who remember faces, orders, and stories.

To Roozbeh, this restaurant feels like coming home. Hearty breakfasts, classic

comfort plates and friendly smiles make every visit special. Whether you’re grabbing a quick take-out meal or settling in for a relaxed brunch, Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe invites you to experience good food, genuine service and the spirit of a classic American diner.

Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 1455 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024. The restaurant can be reached by phone at 310-478-3822. Menus can be found online.

NOW ENROLLING TK - KINDERGARTEN

Santa Monica’s Housing Push—and the Ethics Crisis Behind It

SM a.r.t.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

Santa Monica’s housing debate is no longer just about zoning, density, or state mandates. It has become a test of basic political ethics—and of whether residents can trust how major land-use decisions are being made at City Hall.

At the center of the controversy is a formal ruling by California’s political watchdog, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The FPPC ordered City Councilmember Jesse Zwick to completely recuse himself from all housing- and zoning-related matters.

The ruling is unusually strict. Zwick is barred not only from voting, but from participating in discussions, attending closed sessions, or even remaining in the room when housing items are considered. Before leaving the chamber, he must publicly state the source of his conflict of interest.

The reason is straightforward. Zwick holds a paid position with the Housing Action Coalition (HAC), a pro-housing advocacy organization whose mission, funding, and legislative goals are directly tied to increasing housing production and changing zoning rules. The FPPC concluded that City Council decisions on housing could materially affect Zwick’s employer—and therefore his income. Under California law, that alone is enough to disqualify him.

This ruling did not come out of nowhere.

For months, neighborhood groups and civic organizations had raised concerns about conflicts of interest, private communications, and a pattern of rushing major zoning changes through with limited public scrutiny. Public records reportedly show Zwick engaging in private, behind-the-scenes communications, known as ex parte communications, with housing providers and developer executives while public hearings were still underway. These conversations were not shared with residents speaking at the meetings.

One such exchange allegedly occurred during a December 17, 2024 City Council meeting—while public comment was still ongoing.

The fallout has been immediate. Santa Monica has been forced to begin ratification proceedings, meaning the city must re-vote on multiple housing-related decisions that were approved while Zwick was either employed by HAC or negotiating for that role. These include votes on local density increases, duplex regulations, and small-lot subdivisions.

Many residents argue this isn’t enough. If conflicted participation shaped the outcome, they say, the city should void those decisions altogether—not simply re-vote and move on.

That demand grows sharper when the substance of the policies is examined.

State law SB 1123 already represents a major change to single-family zoning. It allows single-family lots to be split

into parcels as small as 1,200 square feet, potentially accommodating up to five starter homes. Santa Monica was required to implement this law, but it was not required to go further.

City Council did not push back on SB 1123 before it became state law—it proposed adding its own local zoning changes on top of SB 1123. These additions would significantly increase density in singlefamily neighborhoods such as Sunset Park, Pico, NOMA, Ocean Park and the Northeast.

The proposals included allowing three-story buildings, increasing allowable building size by 50 percent, and reducing setback requirements.

In fact, the resulting density would exceed what is currently allowed in some zones slated for multifamily housing.

Supporters framed these changes as necessary to support families and affordability. Councilmember Dan Hall argued that three-story buildings might be needed to accommodate three-bedroom units. Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya and others described the proposals as being “in the name of families.”

Putting it politely, critics aren’t buying it. Larger buildings and more square footage don’t automatically produce affordability— especially in one of the most expensive housing markets in California. What they do reliably produce is higher project value and higher returns.

According to multiple accounts, the specific terms of the proposal—three stories and a 50 percent increase in allowable building area—did not originate from a city planning analysis. Instead, they reportedly came from a developer’s email to Councilmember Zwick. To opponents, this looks less like thoughtful housing policy and more like developer-driven rezoning wrapped in political “happy” language.

How the Council tried to pass these changes only deepened public mistrust.

The Council initially attempted to adopt the SB 1123 implementing ordinance as an “emergency” measure. Declaring the existence of a “current and immediate threat to public health, safety, and welfare,” allowed it to take effect immediately—bypassing normal safeguards such as Planning Commission review, extended public notice, and meaningful community input.

Residents described the process as rushed and opaque. The claim of urgency, they argue, was questionable—especially since the ordinance went far beyond what state law required.

The emergency designation didn’t hold up. Legal challenges followed. The Council ultimately rescinded the ordinance, effectively ending the lawsuit. But rather than abandoning the expanded density proposals, the city shifted to “studying” the same changes through other legislative paths. Exactly how City Council intends to revisit these issues while conveniently overlooking Mr. Zwick’s earlier, ethically questionable remarks remains unclear..

All of this has fueled a broader public outcry. Why, residents ask, is the Council pushing local density increases that exceed sweeping state mandates? Why were these changes rushed through under dubious claims of urgency? And why do so many of the policy details align so neatly with developer wish lists?

This is no longer just a policy disagreement. It is a credibility problem.

Housing reform is difficult and controversial by nature. But it cannot be credibly debated when conflicts of interest, private communications, and procedural shortcuts shape the outcome. Santa Monica now faces a clear choice: treat this episode as a technical compliance issue—patched up with recusals and re-votes—or recognize it as a warning sign about how power is being exercised at City Hall.

Transparency and accountability are not obstacles to housing policy. They are prerequisites.

The implications for the upcoming election are clear. Voters will be asked a fundamental question: Should Santa Monica’s future be

shaped through transparent, accountable governance—or through insider-driven processes that treat public participation as a formality?

This November, housing policy will be on the ballot. But as this episode makes clear, trust may be the issue that ultimately decides the race.

Daniel Jansenson, Architect, for SMa.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow.

Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, former Planning Commissioner, Robert H. Taylor, AIA, Architect. Dan Jansenson, Architect, former Building and Life Safety Commissioner. Samuel Tolkin, Architect, former Planning Commissioner, Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE. Jack Hillbrand AIA, Landmarks Commission Architect, Phil Brock, former SM Mayor (Ret.), Matt Hoefler, architect, Heather Thomason. Community Organizer.

City Attorney Seeks Funds to Oppose Venice Dell Project, Developer Says

Venice Community Housing, a nonprofit developer, said the continued legal opposition threatens the project’s viability and could put the city at risk of losing state funding

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office is set to return to the City Council on Wednesday seeking an additional $760,000 to continue legal efforts opposing the Venice Dell affordable housing project, according to Venice Community Housing and its supporters.

If approved, the request would bring the city’s total spending on litigation related to the project to roughly $1.3 million. The Venice Dell development, which would include 120 units of housing for lowincome and formerly homeless residents, has already been approved by the City Council and awarded $42.5 million in conditional state funding.

Venice Community Housing, a nonprofit developer, said the continued legal opposition threatens the project’s viability and could put the city at risk of losing state funding, facing penalties, and undermining its state-mandated Housing Element commitments. The organization said delays also jeopardize decades of

work by nonprofit developers who provide affordable housing and supportive services across Los Angeles.

The funding request follows a similar proposal last fall that was ultimately removed from council consideration after public opposition, according to housing advocates.

The Venice Dell project is planned for Lot 731, a 2.65-acre, city-owned parking lot west of Abbot Kinney Boulevard that currently provides about 200 public parking spaces and generates approximately $1 million annually in revenue. The project was first approved by the City Council in 2021 and reaffirmed in 2022, but has since faced lawsuits, administrative delays and political opposition.

In October 2025, the City Council voted to direct staff to explore converting Lot 731 into a mobility hub while studying whether the affordable housing development could be relocated to a nearby parcel, Lot 701. The motion was introduced by Councilmember Traci Park, who represents the district and has been a longtime critic of the Venice Dell proposal.

Under Park’s plan, Lot 731 would be redeveloped to include parking, electric vehicle charging stations, bike and micromobility infrastructure, community shuttles and emergency staging space. Housing would be evaluated for Lot 701, which is zoned for residential use and currently hosts a farmers market.

Park has argued that the original Venice Dell project was flawed, citing concerns over coastal access, parking loss and the project’s cost.

Developers and housing advocates have pushed back, saying the state funding

awarded to Venice Dell is tied specifically to Lot 731 and cannot be transferred.

They note that the California Coastal Commission approved the project in December 2024 after years of review and legal challenges.

Venice Community Housing said that continued opposition from the city risks derailing a project that is already entitled and funded at a time when Los Angeles faces an ongoing housing and homelessness crisis.

Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles Campus 55

Better is helping our community breathe easier after a disaster.

Bilingual - French/English

The Disaster Relief Pulmonary Clinic at Saint John’s was founded to help restore the lung health of our community after the January fires.

The clinic offers specialized care to first responders and residents, focused on their long-term pulmonary health needs. Helping our neighbors heal is just one of the many ways we do everything for the better.

OPTION A: 5 DAYS/WEEK

OPTION B: 3 DAYS/WEEK (M/W/F)

LUNCH & SNACK INCLUDED

MUST BE 2 YEARS BY DEC 31ST TO ENROLL POTTY-TRAINED NOT REQUIRED 8:00AM - 2:30PM Extended care available until 4:45pm 3055 Overland Ave, Los Angeles 90034 admissions@lyceela.org License #197404606

Better is helping our community breathe easier after a disaster.

The Disaster Relief Pulmonary Clinic at Saint John’s was founded to help restore the lung health of our community after the January fires.

Venice Shorts: Brian Averill

Resigns as President of VNC

A photographer by occupation, Averill was a local advocate for the surfing community and strong supporter of Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11)

By Nick Antonicello

In what was rumored for weeks, Brian Averill has resigned as president of the Venice Neighborhood Council according to the board’s website and an email by Averill delivered to the neighborhood today.

Averill, a popular member of the Venice community was elected in 2023 when he defeated the incumbent Vice-President

Daffodil Tyminski 563-329, sought reelection to a second term last year and was unopposed, receiving 385 votes.

A photographer by occupation, Averill was a local advocate for the surfing community and strong supporter of Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11), herself a Venice resident.

In an email blasted this morning Averill noted the following:

“After some reflection, I’ve decided to pass the presidential torch as we head into 2026. It’s the right moment to shift my time and energy back toward creative work, my clients, and two new film projects that will definitely demand more bandwidth this year. Volunteer-wise, I’ll continue helping organize the surfing, art, and live music events — the parts of Venice where I feel most connected and most able to contribute in a real way.”

“I want to thank the partners who’ve moved Venice forward over these last few years. It’s been genuinely great working with Councilwoman Traci Park and her

team — especially our Venice Deputy, Sean Silva, whose consistency, presence, and follow-through have been invaluable. From my vantage point, they are the foremost reason our neighborhood has improved over the last few years, and their dedication, drive, and work ethic are truly incredible. Venice is very lucky to have them in our corner.”

Board infighting was obvious over the last several meetings as Treasurer Helen Fallon, Outreach Officer Erica Moore and Community Officers Lisa Redmond and Sarah Mahir were critical of Averill. Sources also told Yo! Venice that several conversations with DONE amounted to no action by the controversial city agency.

In an e-mail inquiry to Carmen Chang last week, the DONE General Manager, responded with “no comment” regarding any impending resignation by Averill and directed all questions be routed to Ava Marinelli, the agency’s public information officer.

According to the VNC website, all

interested parties in filling the vacancy have until February 12th to apply, and that a formal vote of the remaining twentymember body will be taken at the February meeting scheduled for the 17th beginning at 6:30 PM at the Westminster elementary school.

According to the VNC BY LAWS, the vacancy will be filled by a bona fide stakeholder and that a majority vote of the board be required to fulfill the remainder of the term.

As of this writing, there are no declared candidates seeking the unexpired office. Vice-President Gary Pearl is expected to assume the role of acting President until a successor shall qualify.

Mar Vista’s Beethoven Market Loses Liquor License Over Violations

The

restaurant,

which opened after

Adler purchased the former grocery store, has faced ongoing complaints from neighbors about noise, parking and alcohol

service

The city has revoked the liquor license for Beethoven Market in Mar Vista after multiple violations of its Restaurant Beverage Program authorization, an expedited permit for alcohol service at sit-down restaurants.

The Department of City Planning terminated the authorization effective immediately in a Dec. 18 letter to owner Jeremy Adler, citing three citations issued between May and September 2025 for breaches of operational conditions.

The violations included failure to comply with requirements on hours, renovations and

zoning under the program, according to the letter.

Beethoven Market, which opened in March 2025 at 12904 Palms Blvd. after Adler purchased the former grocery store, has faced ongoing complaints from neighbors about noise, parking and alcohol service, Eater LA reported.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JOHN MICHAEL MURPHY

Better is helping our community breathe easier after a disaster.

The restaurant is no longer serving alcohol while working with city officials on the issue, a spokesperson told Eater LA. Adler posted a statement on the business’s Instagram and website asking for community support.

The Restaurant Beverage Program allows qualifying restaurants to obtain alcohol permits faster and at lower cost than traditional processes.

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: JOHN MICHAEL MURPHY

A Petition for Probate has been filed by CHRISTOPHER MURPHY in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 25STPB13513

The Petition for Probate requests that CHRISTOPHER MURPHY be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The Disaster Relief Pulmonary Clinic at Saint John’s was founded to help restore the lung health of our community after the January fires.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

The revocation bars the business from using the program for five years and requires a full discretionary conditional use permit for any future alcohol sales.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 25SMCP00599

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 1725 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90401

Petition of: Amelia Rose Mockett by and through Amelia Rose Mockett for change of name.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To all interested persons: Amelia Rose Mockett

Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Amelia Rose Mockett to Amelia Rose Mockett Wieshofer

The court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below

A hearing on the petition will be held in Los Angeles County Superior Court as follows: Date: JANUARY 12, 2026, Time: 8:30 am. Dept.: 62 The address of the court: 4 Main St. – Ste. 20, Los Altos CA 94022

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statues and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner Attorney for Petition: Janet L. Brewer, 4 Main St. Ste. 20, Los Altos, Ca. 94022

Published in the Santa Monica Mirror, 12/05/25, 12/12/2025, and 12/19/2025.