> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Much needed dose of reality - URL: https://www.smdp.com/much-needed-dose-of-reality/ - Published: 2007-07-19T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-25T00:22:51.000Z - Author: Melody Hanatani - Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import *Santa Monicans are up for TV’s challenges in many ways* IN REALITY The stars that populate Santa Monica streets don’t only arrive via the movies and television sitcoms. From contests crowning the country’s comedy matriarch to battles determining who can last the longest eating nothing but bugs, reality television in Santa Monica is not only popular to watch, but increasingly popular to participate. The list of reality shows starring Santa Monica residents — both long-time and newcomers — is extensive, including titles such as ’s “Funniest Mom in America,” “Project Runway,” “On the Lot,” “Survivor” and “Grease: You’re the One That I Want.” The contestants are city employees, like Santa Monica Police Department Officer Cristina Coria, who starred in “Survivor: Cook Islands” last year, and entrepreneurs like Aras Baskauskas, who won $1 million on “Survivor: Panama.” The latest show to cast the city’s own is a new series produced by the Food Network, entitled “The Next Iron Chef,” starring Josie Restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine Jill Davie. Davie and seven elite chefs from across the country will vie for a spot in a rotation of Iron Chefs that compete regularly in the network’s popular series “Iron Chef America.” The reality series premieres in October. “We’re totally thrilled that she’s on ‘Iron Chef’ and we hope she kicks butt,” said Josie Le Balch, the owner and executive chef of Josie. Davie, who has helped run the kitchen at Josie since its opening on the 2400 block of Pico Boulevard in 2001, was not available for comment. There is no clear reason as to why Santa Monica produces so many reality stars. Because of its proximity to Hollywood, perhaps the city might be appealing to aspiring actors who see reality television as an easy way to break into the industry. A contestant on Bravo’s search for the next hot fashion designer, “Project Runway,” Vincent Libretti doesn’t buy into the theory that reality stars come to Santa Monica to break into the entertainment world, but rather came to Santa Monica because it’s Santa Monica. There’s a cross-culture and eclectic mix of residents in Santa Monica and among that population are the artsy, creative and daring people who are more likely to be in reality shows, Libretti said. “I think people are just attracted to and like Santa Monica because it’s a pretty cool place. It’s got a lot of beat,” Libretti said. Libretti, a native New Yorker who has lived in Santa Monica for the past 14 years, moved to the west coast three weeks after a vacation in the city. He was hooked from the start. “It’s slightly dirty and, to me, being a New Yorker, I’m attracted to that,”Libretti said. Libretti auditioned for “Project Runway” a little over a year ago after cashing in on his 401K to get back in the fashion game. Competing on a reality show wasn’t something to which Libretti gave much thought, deciding to tryout just one day before the auditions. The show has opened up a world of opportunities for Libretti, who says he now has a strong following of fans. “‘Project Runway’ really lifted my rocket,” he said. Other reality television contestants had-n’t even considered being a part of the genre until the opportunity presented itself. Professional actor and singer, Chad Doreck, who lives in the Santa Monica Canyon, was auditioning for the role of Kenickie on the Broadway production of “Grease” when the casting director suggested he would be better suited for the lead male role of Danny Zuko, which was being cast through a new NBC reality show. “Grease: You’re the One That I Want” followed seven Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski hopefuls as they battled for the part in the Broadway musical. Doreck lasted several rounds before being eliminated in March. Doreck is no stranger to the Los Angeles area, having grown up in Long Beach. He moved to the Westside four years ago. “I think Santa Monica is a place where people come to live in a dream,” Doreck said. “It’s a perfect location, and for those kind of people, they’re more than dreamers because they came out here. “Those are the same kind of people who would want to have that crazy experience of being on one of these reality shows.” Janine Hayes was no fan of reality shows, especially when it came to stand-up comedy. “It’s so important to me and I don’t like it when they take stand-up and change (things around),” Hayes said. Hayes’ perspective changed after her experience on “Funniest Mom in America,” being one of three contestants from Santa Monica. The single mother of four got a call from one of the show’s producers and was convinced to come on board after getting the vibe that the She eventually placed fourth on the show and, as a result, won the chance to perform alongside five other finalists as an opening act for Roseanne Barr in Las Vegas in May. Hayes has pursued a professional career in stand-up comedy for almost five years and believes her stint on “Funniest Mom” has made an otherwise slim resume more substantial. “On top of having learned so many lessons about performing that I didn’t know before, the experience was great,” Hayes said. “My resume is very different now and I’ve got great stories to tell.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/071907-01_01.jpg) MAD HATTER: Baskauskas is able to support his company Tundra Gear with the aid of his ‘Survivor Panama: Exile Island’ winnings. (Photo: Photo courtesy) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 19, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/071907.pdf?ref=smdp.com)