INSIDE Los Angeles County Launches Program to Cancel $500 Million in Medical Debt smmirror.com
December 20 - December 26, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 4
Piano Teacher Arrested by SMPD on Child Sex Abuse Charges The Alleged Incidents Took Place at the Student’s Home and at His Music Studio in Beverly Hills’ French Conservatory of Music.
A Van Nuys piano teacher was arrested
on multiple felony charges after authorities uncovered allegations of months-long sexual abuse involving his 13-year-old student, Santa Monica Police announced. SMPD detectives began investigating 41-year-old Hovanes John Jihanyan on November 19, following a report of suspected child abuse. According to police, Jihanyan engaged in sexual activities with the student beginning in July 2024 when she was 13. The alleged incidents took place at the student’s home, in Jihanyan’s vehicle, and at his music studio in Beverly Hills’ French Conservatory of Music. On December 12, 2024, detectives, with support from uniformed and undercover officers, executed search and arrest warrants in Encino, taking Jihanyan into custody. He was booked on charges including lewd acts
on a minor under 14, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, sexual assault involving a significant age disparity, possession of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a minor. Authorities confirmed that Jihanyan has no prior criminal history. He remains in custody as the case is prepared for filing with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on December 16, 2024. The Santa Monica Police Department is seeking additional information about Jihanyan or potential victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Lizette Hard at (310) 458-2256, Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.
Santa Monica College Seeks Applicants for Vacant Trustee Position The Appointed Individual Will Serve Until the Next Board Election in November 2026
The Santa Monica College Board of Trustees is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat left open after Trustee Barry Snell was elected to the Santa Monica City Council. The appointed individual will serve until the next Board election in November 2026, at which time the position will be filled through the standard electoral process. Applications, available at smc.edu/ BOTMeetings, must be submitted by January 10, 2025. The Board plans to make its selection during its regular meeting on February 4, 2025. The seven-member Board of Trustees serves as the governing body for SMC, which educates over 27,000 students across Santa Monica and Malibu. Trustees are elected by voters within the Santa Monica Community College District. The Board also includes a student trustee elected annually by the student body. Current trustees are Dr. Nancy Greenstein (chair), Dr. Sion Roy (vice chair), Anastasia Foster, Dr. Tom Peters, Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez, Rob Rader, and student trustee Daniel Martinez Garcia.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside within the Santa Monica Community College District, be registered voters, and must not be disqualified from holding civil office under California law. The Board is looking for candidates capable of meeting the responsibilities of a trustee. This includes attending Board meetings and college events,
studying agenda items, and participating in educational programs. Trustees are expected to understand and advocate for the diverse communities served by the college, support its mission, and address educational, social, and economic policy issues. Candidates should also be committed to ensuring the college’s fiscal health and sustainability, hiring and
supporting the Superintendent/President, and fostering collaboration among diverse groups. For more information on the application process, contact District/Board of Trustees Coordinator Lisa Rose at 310-434-4402 or Rose_Lisa@smc.edu.