INSIDE
YOVENICE.COM smmirror.com
January 31, 2025 - February 6, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
Amid ICE Policy Changes, SMMUSD Reaffirms Commitment as “Safe Haven” District Pledges Continued Protection for Students Following Federal Policy Shift
In response to recent changes in federal policy regarding immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has reiterated its dedication to serving as a safe haven for all students, regardless of immigration status. Dr. Antonio Shelton, Superintendent of SMMUSD, along with the Board of Education, expressed concern over the administration’s decision to overturn the sensitive locations policy, which previously protected schools from Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities. “The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District remains steadfastly
committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their immigration status, has access to a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment,” Dr. Shelton stated in an email sent to parents, students, and staff. The district emphasizes that the policy change does not override the constitutional right to education for children, nor does it affect state constitutional protections. A court order would be required for any enforcement actions within school premises. SMMUSD’s Board of Education has previously adopted Resolution No. 16-15 on December 15, 2016, which commits to the education of all children and the protection of undocumented students’ rights. This resolution underscores the district’s values of mutual respect, dignity, and fairness, and it reaffirms the right to education for all students as established by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Plyer v. Doe (1982). A new resolution will be presented to the school board on February 6, 2025,
to reaffirm this commitment. Details and resources will be available on the district’s dedicated webpage, accessible from the “What’s Happening” section on each school site’s homepage. The district does not collect documentation about citizenship
or social security numbers during enrollment and emphasizes strict adherence to data privacy regulations. Families in need of immigration-related support are directed to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).
Santa Monica’s Cherished Cassia to Close After Nearly a Decade After Series of Setbacks Incredible Southeast Asian-Inspired Restaurant Cites Rising Costs, Financial Challenges Cassia, the acclaimed Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant, will close its doors in February after nearly a decade of operation, the owners announced on Instagram. The restaurant, which first opened in 2015, cited financial challenges, rising operational costs, entertainment industry strikes, and the recent wildfires as contributing factors to its closure. This is 2025 second high profile closure in the month of January, following Culver City’s Lustig’s farewell last weekend. It is concerning that such a popular and amazing restaurant that has been around for nearly ten years would be moved to shutter the eatery for these reasons and a few weeks of light customer traffic. It is an alarming and unfortunate
trend for anyone who loves food culture in Los Angeles as well as a loss to the Westside community. To give customers a final chance to dine at Cassia and provide employees time to transition, the restaurant will remain open through most of February, with its final service scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22. Owners Kim, Bryant, Zoe, Josh, Colby, and the RC Family thanked patrons for their years of support. “These years have been truly special, and we’re so grateful for every moment shared with you,” they said. “We were fortunate to survive the pandemic and have enjoyed our wonderful 10-year run, but like many restaurants, we faced new challenges over the past few years,” the owners said in a statement. “While we’ve done our best to adapt, these circumstances have rendered us unable to continue to operate.” Cassia, located in downtown Santa Monica, became a staple in the city’s dining scene, known for its Frenchand Vietnamese-inspired dishes. The restaurant’s team also expressed
sympathy for those impacted by the recent wildfires, calling the devastation an “unprecedented event that will reshape our city.” “Cassia has been more than a job— it’s been a place where friendships were
built, skills were honed, and memories were made,” the statement said. “Some members of our staff have been with us since day one. Saying goodbye to them will, in many ways, be the hardest part of all of this.”