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October 4 - October 10, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
Castanea Sicilian Cafe: Bringing the Sweetness of Sicily to Venice Beach See Page 6
Santa Monica Nears Agreement to Host Olympic Volleyball, Although It Could Cost City $12M Officials Are Optimistic About Recouping Much of This Through Reimbursements if the Games Are Successful Santa Monica is nearing an agreement to host beach volleyball during the 2028 Summer Olympics, bringing the sport back to its birthplace. City officials are close to finalizing negotiations with LA28, the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, despite concerns about potential financial losses. Hosting beach volleyball could cost the city more than $12 million, according to a city report, though officials are optimistic about recouping much of this through reimbursements if the Games are successful.
“We think we are very close to addressing all the outstanding issues,” Santa Monica City Manager David White told the Los Angeles Times, ahead of a City Council meeting scheduled for October 8, where public comment will be heard. White noted that the timing is appropriate to present the potential agreement to the council, which must weigh the benefits of direct involvement against financial risks. Despite the financial risks, Santa Monica officials emphasize the potential cultural and economic benefits of hosting Olympic events. The city has been in negotiations with LA28 to host the sport’s Olympic events at a temporary 12,000-seat stadium on the sand near the Santa Monica Pier. However, challenges remain. The City Council must decide whether to move forward with signing a Games Agreement that outlines Santa Monica’s responsibilities for municipal services and venue logistics, among other duties. The agreement also notes that LA28 will reimburse the city for certain costs, although the exact amounts remain uncertain. Santa Monica has a rich history with beach volleyball, which first emerged on
its shores in the 1940s. A variation of sand volleyball first occurred on Santa Monica beaches, with the first beach volleyball tournament taking place in 1947 and the first circuit launched in the 1950s, involving hundreds of players on California beaches, according to the Paris 2024 Olympic website. The sport made its 1996 Olympic
debut at the Atlanta Games. The U.S. and Brazil have stood out as strong Olympic contenders in the sport, with a shared 24 medals (10 golds) from a potential of just 42. In the 2020 Tokyo games, gold medalist volleyball players were U.S. player Alexandra Klineman for women’s and Anders Berntsen Mol of Norway for men’s.
Wild Fork Foods: The Next Household Name for Protein By Susan Payne Wild Fork Foods, a modern-day meat and seafood market, is changing the way people shop for and eat protein. Carrying more than 700 products, including 450+ meat and seafood in its stores, Wild Fork Foods seizes flavor and cuts waste using a blast freeze method to preserve food quality, extend shelf life and reduce food waste. Organic, grass fed, free range, all natural, pasture raised, sustainably farmraised and wild caught protein can be found on the shelves, blast frozen and vacuum sealed for an easy, modern protein shopping experience. “Frozen food allows us to offer the lowest prices on meat without compromising quality and carry the widest selection of protein in the market,” said Paras Tulsiani, regional director for
Wild Fork Foods operations in California. On average, Wild Fork Foods sells product nearly 20% less than a traditional grocery store and offers more selection because of its blast freezing technique. Wild Fork Foods carries Wagyu, Iberico and Berkshire pork, Black Angus, a variety of chicken, poultry and seafood and more in its many Los Angeles locations. “The more you carry, the more you’re at risk of losing, but we don’t have that problem. We preserve quality, have an assortment of product and extended shelf life. We’re a destination for protein, meat and seafood, where you can find great quality and a variety of product that is unmatched,” Tulsiani said. Walking into Wild Fork Food locations, customers can experience a team of associates who go the extra mile — not just greeting but offering samples and Cont. on page 4