BY NOW, ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE controversy involving the trees on Second and Fourth streets knows that the cutting down of some trees and relocating others, which was scheduled to begin this past Monday, was temporarily halted because of a court order. For many residents, this stay of execution was something of a miracle.
But two weeks from today, the two parties — The Santa Monica Treesavers and City Hall — will be back in court. The outcome is very much in doubt. Or as Treesaver spokesman Jerry Rubin put it, “I’m a Treesaver, not Criswell.” (For those under 55, “The Amazing Criswell” was a flamboyant psychic, best remembered for his spit-curled hair, his stentorian speaking style and his sequined tuxedo. Go to Youtube, type in “Criswell Predicts” and have a laugh.) While the activists might win, the cozy beach town that was Santa Monica is long gone, and to whatever degree the “mom and pop” shops on Second and Fourth represented that past, one day in the future, they will be gone as well. And when rents go up so that only chain stores can afford them, Second and Fourth streets will look like an extension of Third Street Promenade. I doubt many people would refer to the promenade as “cozy” — “crazy” perhaps, but definitely not cozy.
Among other things, the Treesavers have applied for Landmark status for the trees, so maybe I’m wrong. I’m certainly no Criswell, which is just as well, because I don’t look too good in a sequined tuxedo.
Fortunately, there’s some good news from Fourth Street. Michael Eramdjian’s art show on Sept. 23, held at the Cornerstone Music Conservatory, was a huge success. More than 120 people came by to view art, listen to music from the children and be entertained by the gifted mime, Nima Ghassemian, age 12, whose performance honored the life of the late Marcel Marceau. Michael sold 30 paintings, but was more gratified that after 50 years of creating art, so many people had finally seen his work.
But, with the property in escrow, Cornerstone may have to move by Nov. 15. There is an outside chance the owners to be, St. Peter & St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church, may let the school continue to pay rent and stay on. Actually, Cornerstone has found a better space in West Los Angeles, but doesn’t have all the funds to build out the 3,280 square feet. I joke with Ann Pittel, the owner of Cornerstone, that she needs “Habitat for Music.” So, if there’s a licensed contractor out there with a big heart and a love for music, please contact the Cornerstone Music Conservatory.
Just up the street on Fourth is the Santa Monica Playhouse, which has been there for 46 years (also month-to-month). Spokesperson Sandra Zeitzew (say that five times, fast?) says they’re still being there is a miracle in itself. The Santa Monica Playhouse is the second-oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in Los Angeles County. They’re now focusing on trying to make their location “permanent,” but after 46 years, I think it just about qualifies. I love the playhouse and hope it stays on Fourth Street permanently. (Plus, it’d be one less place for a GAP or Starbucks.) As for the “odds and ends,” some updates on subjects of previous columns: • Two weeks ago, at L.A. Valley College, gymnast Ebba Rosenblad, 75, won another gold medal in the Senior Olympics. This is Ebba’s 17th gold. Pretty soon, she’s going to have to rent space at a self-storage. • Her friend, retired postman turned actor, Joe Geletko, 72, recently had a part in the movie “Pathology.” (Due out in 2008.) Joe hopes it’s not type-casting, however, as he played the part of a corpse in the morgue while two medical students made love. (Apparently, not a Disney movie.) • Lastly, my friend and neighbor, Fred Strozier, who played racquetball until he was 89, turned 92 this past August. If Freddie knows what’s good for him, hopefully he won’t have forgotten his wedding anniversary to wife Estelle, which was yesterday!
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 12, 2007. Read the original PDF.