Farhang Foundation mourns the passing of Marjane Satrapi, the internationally acclaimed author, illustrator, animator, and filmmaker whose groundbreaking work transformed the global understanding of Iranian culture and identity. Through her landmark graphic memoir Persepolis, Satrapi introduced millions of readers around the world to a deeply personal and profoundly human portrait of Iran, in an innovative style that expanded the possibilities of storytelling. Her distinctive voice, courageous, insightful, and deeply compassionate, resonated across generations and cultures, making her one of the most influential literary figures of our time. Beyond literature, Satrapi’s contributions to cinema and animation demonstrated her remarkable artistic vision. Her Academy Award-nominated adaptation of Persepolis and subsequent films showcased the power of art to bridge cultures, provoke thoughtful dialogue, and illuminate the complexities of the human experience. Through her work, she elevated graphic storytelling and animation as vital forms of artistic and cultural expression. Marjane Satrapi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that transcends borders and disciplines. Her creativity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling enriched the worlds of art, literature, and film, while inspiring countless artists, writers, filmmakers, and readers around the globe. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, collaborators, and the many admirers whose lives were touched by her work. Her voice will continue to inspire future generations, and her enduring contributions to world culture will not be forgotten. Farhang Foundation

Would you play poker in a room, where if you win, you must fight your way out to keep your winnings? Does that sound far-fetched? We all remember the Hollywood Park Casino of old before the stadium was built. There were many people down there stalking gamblers and following them out to their cars where the winnings would be jacked. Holding a wad of cash is quite a temptation. Sometimes the theft is more subtle receiving the legal definition of fraud. I recently attended a charity event where the main prize was a gamble that was called an “Opportunity Drawing.” For three weeks it was billed as a drawing where someone would receive a wad of Christmas Cash to go on a shopping spree. Tickets were sold at every opportunity and the pot grew. It seemed like a square transaction but as the time of the actual drawing neared something nefarious happened. A few people with almost no skin in the game began rising to make public pronouncements that they would donate their winnings back to the charity. Then came the going around the room to ask selected “donors” what they would do with the winnings. Consensus of those polled was that they would donate the funds back. The full court press was on. They had no intentions of allowing the lucky winner to walk away with the promised shopping spree. The tickets were all neatly stowed in the basket and a proper drawing was conducted publicly. The winning ticket was announced. Then the pressure campaign began. “Are you going to donate the winnings back?” For the winner it felt like a stroll to the car after winning at Hollywood Park. It wasn’t outright theft, but all the elements of fraud were present. What was advertised as one thing at the outset, became something entirely different at the time winnings were paid out. For those of you out there contemplating doing an opportunity drawing as a fundraiser please don’t ever do this. It weakens the credibility of the organization to the point that nobody would ever contribute another dollar to a future event once these tactics come to light. If it begins as an advertised shopping spree, then stick to the plan and give the winnings away without any strings. Don’t plant shills that make pronouncements about giving the winnings back as it cheapens the event and the organization. Always stick to the original plan! Never allow anyone to change the stated mission midstream.

We Give Because it is Effective and Because it is Kind With a few brightly colored leaves, a longer night sky and a wisp of chill in the air, it is November, a time when offices plan potlucks and families count chairs around a table. There is a quieter count happening in kitchens all over the country, too: how many meals are left between now and payday. We are all neighbors here. If you need food, I want you to know where to turn. If you have something to give, I want you to know how to turn that generosity into dinner on someone’s table tonight . If you are looking for help, start with your ZIP code. Feeding America keeps a simple locator that points you to the food bank that serves your community; from there you will see the pantries and distribution hours near you. It takes less than a minute to search, and it works anywhere in the country. If phones feel easier than websites, the USDA runs the National Hunger Hotline . A real person will answer on weekdays from morning to early evening (Eastern Time) and can tell you where to find meal sites, pantries, and other help close to home. The number is 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) in English and 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) in Spanish. Another help line is United Way’s 211 network which exists for moments like this and operates nationwide. You can dial 211 or search online, and an operator can narrow options in your neighborhood for groceries, hot meals, and related support. It operates in every state and most communities and in California there are dedicated portals for statewide and county resources. WhyHunger maintains a hotline and an online finder as well. You can call 1-800-5-HUNGRY, text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479, or look up help on their site . Sometimes one database has a pantry the others missed, so if the first call comes up empty, try a second. You are not bothering anyone by asking. If you are caring for an older adult, go straight to Meals on Wheels America . Enter a ZIP code and you will find the local program that delivers meals and checks in on seniors who should not have to choose between safety and supper. Parents can check No Kid Hungry’ s meal finder for free meals run by schools and community partners throughout the year. Los Angeles readers have a reliable local map through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s locator . It lists partner pantries and reminds you to call before you go since hours can change quickly. 211 LA can also route you to walk-up options if transportation is a hurdle. For our Century City neighbors, these are often the fastest paths to a bag of groceries the same day. If you want to help, money doesn’t just talk, it moves fastest. Local food banks convert dollars into bulk purchases that stretch farther than retail cans and boxes. If you prefer national giving, Feeding America holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator , which is a useful trust signal for offices that need a vetted partner. "We give because it is effective and because it is kind.” Time is a gift, too. Most food banks let you sign up online for volunteer shifts that fit around work, and many will help your company set up a team fundraiser or a virtual drive that does not require anyone to lift a pallet. If your business has surplus edible food, programs like Food Rescue networks and gleaning groups can redirect it to agencies that will serve it tonight. AmpleHarvest.org is great for garden produce and Food Rescue US is excellent for surplus pickups. Ask your local food bank what partnerships already exist, then plug in. When a collection box appears in a lobby, people often ask what to donate. I’ve compiled a smart and simple list for you to save and reference: Shelf-stable protein like tuna, salmon, chicken, or beans; soups and stews with low sodium; rice, pasta, quinoa, oats, and low-sugar whole-grain cereals; vegetables and fruits packed in water or natural juice; tomato sauce and paste that make a dozen meals possible; nut or seed butters; unsalted nuts and seeds; cooking oils; dried fruit (without added sugar); popcorn kernels; shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives; familiar cultural staples your neighbors actually cook with; clearly labeled gluten-free or low-sodium items. When a site accepts fresh food, apples, oranges, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes are workhorses. Avoid expired goods, opened packages, and glass, and call ahead about baby formula since it is routed through specific partners. The goal is food that is nutritious, easy to use, and respectful of the many ways American families cook. If a pantry has their own "Most-needed list” follow that guideline since community needs can change week-to-week. I know you might be reading this from a glass tower on Avenue of the Stars or from a studio apartment where the rent rose faster than your paycheck. You might be the person who signs the corporate match or the person who needs to pick up a box this afternoon. Either way, the first step is small and close at hand. Type in your ZIP code . Make the call. Share this with someone who could use it. We do not have to solve the economy to solve dinner. We only have to trust our strength, reach for one another’s hand and get through the holidays together. I hope you will pick one actionable thing from this list and put a virtual star on your lapel.

By Mustafa Nikzad Kabul / Los Angeles In Afghanistan today, silence is enforced in two ways: through garments and through disconnection. The burqa conceals women from sight, while the country’s chronic internet blackout cuts them off from the world. For Afghan humanitarian and innovator Sara Kazimi, both are tools of control, and both must be resisted. Her response is Vega’s Fabric Of Her Freedom project: an AI-integrated wearable system that reimagines the burqa as a symbol of survival and resistance. Earlier this month, Vega made its international debut at Silicon Valley Fashion Week in Downtown Los Angeles, where ten models walked the runway in prototypes that combined fashion, technology, and defiance. "This was not about glamour,” Kazimi told me. "When I put Vega on that stage, I was saying: Afghan women are still here, and we will not be erased.” Erased Twice Kazimi speaks from lived experience. "I still remember the first time I was forced under a burqa,” she says. "I was a young girl full of questions, and suddenly the world went dark. That blue fabric pressed against my face, telling me I was meant to be unseen, unheard. Years later, when girls were banned from school again, it felt like the same suffocating darkness had returned.” In 2021, when Afghanistan’s banking system collapsed following the U.S. withdrawal, she sat across from Taliban officials and central bank representatives, urging them to adopt digital currency to prevent starvation. "I told them: if you block money, people will die. They nodded, but nothing changed,” she recalls. "I also wrote to the IMF, the World Bank, USAID. My emails are still unanswered. That silence taught me that our suffering was not invisible, it was being ignored.” Today, she believes Afghan women are being erased "twice”, first from classrooms and workplaces, and then from the digital sphere. "Afghan women are being erased twice,” she says firmly. "Once from schools and jobs, and again from the internet. This is not failure. This is strategy. When you cut connectivity, you cut accountability. You cut education. You cut hope.” Beyond Fashion: Survival Architecture Despite being introduced at a fashion show, Kazimi insists Vega is not just a clothing line. "Vega is not just fashion,” she says. "It is a licensing company built on patented technology. I embed encrypted identity, biometric monitoring, and protective systems into textiles. I call it survival architecture.” Her choice of the burqa as the first prototype was deliberate. "The same garment used to erase us now carries memory and defiance. That transformation, from suppression to survival, is the meaning of Vega.” From Collapse to Creation For Kazimi, pain has always been a starting point. "I create from pain. I turn silence into vision,” she says. "When the banks collapsed, when the international community ignored us, I realized I could not wait for permission to build. Every unanswered email became a blueprint. Every closed door became a design.” A Path of Struggle Kazimi’s journey also reflects the broader struggle of Afghan displacement. After leaving Afghanistan, she built her life in the United States, but exile has not erased her past. "I live in safety here, but I also live with survivor’s guilt,” she admits. "I am here, speaking, building, while millions of Afghan women remain voiceless. That is why I cannot stop. Vega is my answer to the silence of exile.” Building Inside Afghanistan Kazimi’s next ambition is to bring Vega’s impact back inside Afghanistan by establishing a women-led manufacturing hub thorough a Kickstarter campaign. Her plans include - creating jobs for women excluded from the workforce, producing children’s clothing for NGOs and orphanages; and developing sustainable industries that reduce reliance on foreign aid. "I don’t believe in handouts,” she says. "I believe in industries that feed people for generations.” Refusing Silence Kazimi’s advocacy has taken her from Kabul to Doha, Washington, and Dubai. "I’ve walked into rooms where men dismissed me the moment I spoke about AI, Web3, and fintech,” she says. "But they all knew who I was. And I never walked out silent. Even if I am just one voice against a system, I will remain that one voice. My silence would be their victory, and I refuse them victory.” Her message is unwavering: "When the world forgets, Vega remembers. And through Vega, Afghan women will never disappear.” Kazimi has launched a Kickstarter campaign to support Vega’s next stage: a women-led manufacturing hub in Afghanistan. Mustafa Nikzad is a journalist based in Europe, focusing on humanitarian issues, sustainability, and cultural innovation.

Why is the Middle Class Being Squeezed Out of the Home Buying Market? Why is the Middle Class Being Penalized on Their Next Home Purchase? The same week that President Biden announced his run for re-election, he also announced, on behalf of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), a new Federal rule that mandates homebuyers with good credit scores to pay a higher interest rate on their mortgage for a home purchase. This extra cost is to offset and lower the mortgage interest rate for those who have lower credit and deemed a high-risk borrower. This ruling, which goes into effect May 1, 2023, is part of the Administration’s plan to make home ownership more accessible for low-income buyers who may be high-risk borrowers. Wealthy individuals, or those with capital and reserves, who are able to pay cash for a home, are not affected by this mandate. It is the Americans in the middle of this economic chasm that bear the burden of this higher rate. This is adverse to conventional lending practices for those who maintain a solid credit rating (typically 680 and above) to benefit by lower interest rates. Low income does not necessarily equate to a low credit score (high-risk borrower). In addition to FHA, VA and CalHFA loans, there is a myriad of existing programs, on both a State and Federal level, to help financially challenged individuals and families to afford a home purchase. For those who can not afford a mortgage at the rates previous to May 1st, there is a high likelihood, that these "high-risk” borrowers, will still not be able to afford, orqualify, for a mortgage, even though these rates have been reduced specifically to accommodate their foray into home ownership. This becomes a bit complex as Loan-Level Price Adjustments (LLPA), which basically are risk-based price adjustments, are factored in. Credit scores are only one factor in the underwriting process. Lenders also evaluate a borrower’s eligibility that include job stability, income, assets, prior housing and rent payment history. In response to the widespread backlash of this ruling, FHFA Director Sandra L. Thompson said, "A portion of their fees are ‘upfront’ fees that are based on risk characteristics of the borrowers and the loans they are obtaining. Said differently, the Enterprises engage in risk-based pricing to, among other things, better ensure their safety and soundness, protect taxpayers, and serve their mission,” in a statement released on April 25, 2023,”…The objectives were to maintain support for purchase borrowers limited by income or wealth, ensure a level playing field for large and small lenders, foster capital accumulation at the Enterprises, and achieve commercially viable returns on capital over time.” The statement continues, "…in January, we announced a recalibration of the upfront fees for most purchase and rate-term refinance loans. These actions work collectively to create a more resilient housing finance system.” These changes made by the FHFA to the pricing framework of government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are just one example of the onslaught of changes that affect the housing sector and dip into the pockets of the Middle Class. The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer, and the Middle Class appears to be subsidizing both sides.

Dr. Ben (Mayor of Century City) Takes Gavel It’s an honor to be the new chair for the century city chamber for twenny twenny. I’m very excited to work along with the board members and the executive committee to make this year and this new decade an exciting time for century city the chamber and all of its members. I have always loved the chamber and over the last 5 years a have seen so much community support for not only my practice but individuals supporting each other to help our community get better and better. My goals for my term as Chairman: • Increase awareness of the chamber here in Century City • Bring more new members and membership to the chamber. • Help increase attendance at Chamber mixers and our main events in 2020. • Most of all, make it a FUN year. About the Century City Chamber of Commerce: The Century City Chamber of Commerce is one of Los Angeles’ most active, involved and relationship-driven chambers! We place special emphasis on our members working together to build effective relationships. We also create relevant programs that help individuals and companies expand their marketplace reach. Under the clear and powerful guidance of many energetic committees and councils, the Century City Chamber has grown to encompass representatives from virtually every industry, helping to make Century City one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious business communities. From the largest corporations to mid-sized businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, our diverse members thrive with one another and with key decision makers. CENTURY CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Influence, Action, Results for Your Business Situated in the heart of West Los Angeles, Century City developed from the back lot of 20th Century Fox Studios, and has become one of the most recognizable cityscapes and corporate engines in Southern California. For more than 45 years, the Century City Chamber of Commerce has been a proven and prestigious leader in the community. In addition to being a 501(c)6 non-profit organization, the Chamber provides networking opportunities, educational programs and informative events. Our top priorities include representing the interests of our members and promoting Century City and beyond. Our reach is as far east as Downtown Los Angeles, as far west as Santa Monica, as far north as the Santa Clarita Valley, and as far south as Santa Ana. The following are a few key ways we work to advocate for the community and our membership: Access to prominent elected officials and decision-makers. Impact on policy matters and infrastructure affecting business and economic development in Century City. Building relationships with the Century City community and other regional organizations. Promoting the vibrancy of Century City. Century City Chamber councils create opportunities for Chamber members to foster relationships with one another on a consistent basis, and also to plan programs and events for the local business community. From the arts to real estate, health to government affairs, our councils and committees plan a wide variety of events in a wide variety of industries. Whether networking mixers, business seminars, or financial workshops, our councils and committees focus on diverse business topics, and recreational and social activities. Click the + symbols below to learn more about the role and contributions of each of Century City Chamber of Commerce’s councils and committees. Arts Council The mission of the Arts Council is to enhance quality of life and provide leadership in Century City and its surrounding communities through the promotion and support of a broad range of artistic activities and initiatives. The Council plans an annual educational panel event on an art related topic such as the "Selling of Art” and facilitates sculpture exhibits on the medians of Avenue of the Stars. The Century City Arts & Culture Foundation is a non-profit 50l(c)(3) institution aimed at furthering the Art Council’s mission through tax-effective fundraising, sponsorships and donations. Click here to learn more about Century City Sculpture – a collaborative effort dedicated to promoting a diverse and inspiring cultural environment that enriches the lives of Century City’s residents, visitors and workforce. Casino Night The Casino Night Committee plans an annual Casino Night event which benefits a selected non-profit in the community. BEL BEL plans the "Century City State of the City” event and other educational programs and networking events about contemporary business issues that interest professionals in Century City. Business Networking Council BNC hosts a monthly happy hour on every 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30pm at various venues, including Craft, to encourage people to get to know one another better, do more business together, and share knowledge and resources. Citizen of the Year Each March, the Chamber bestows its highest civic "Citizen of the Year” award to an individual, a company and a non-profit organization that best exemplifies excellence in corporate and community relations. This Committee calls for nominations, produces the event and showcases the Citizen of the Year honorees to the community. Emergency Preparedness Council The Emergency Preparedness Council meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at noon, alternating between working planning meetings and a speaker series. The Council is working on developing an emergency plan that prepares the community for a disaster, encourages business continuity, and increases communication and collaboration among property representatives, government officials, and local and federal agencies. Golf Committee Since 1980, the Chamber’s annual Century City Golf Tournament has been a great way to meet new contacts and socialize with other professionals during a fun day of golf. Health & Wellness The Health & Wellness Council holds Health & Wellness Expos at several Century City office buildings to showcase local doctors, medical, and health and wellness resources to the community. Women’s Business Council The Women’s Business Council (WBC) is dedicated to inspiring and empowering women executives and entrepreneurial leaders to thrive professionally and personally by connecting and supporting one another through a dynamic, accessible, and diverse network. WBC also known as Women Building Connections, hosts a number of events every year including the prestigious Women of Achievement that has a storied history of honoring some of the most influential women in our community. The Council fosters growth by connecting women in business. For more information on the Century City Chamber of Commerce, membership, benefits, and our Rewards Card Program, please call us at 310.553.2222.

Larry Thompson for United States Congress in California’s 37th District You know him as Larry Thompson, veteran television producer and talent representative. The world may soon know him as Congressman Larry Thompson. Larry Thompson (Independent) is running against incumbent Karen Bass (Democrat) for Representative in the district that houses both Sony and Fox/Disney studios. The Golden Globes were held a stone’s throw from the district Larry Thompson will represent if he is successful in his bid for Congress. This past awards season kicked off with a scathing monologue by Ricky Gervais that lambasted the Industry. So much of what happens globally flows through Tinseltown and the true capital of Lala land is Century City. Thompson sits uniquely qualified to serve as an ambassador in Washington D.C. as America and China move their economies closer together once intellectual property rights get renegotiated. America will need a sage like Thompson to lead that charge protecting one of our most important exports. The 37th district encompasses Century City and Culver City that are homes to motion picture studios. There are many other aspects of entertainment inside this district including most of the talent agents. Many of those that hear about Thompson’s bid as an independent candidate are complimentary but many see him as a potential disruptor at a time when Democrats struggle to forge a cohesive message. "The polarized political positions in our nation have become dangerous in many ways. As an Independent, I want everyone to use Common Sense with Common Civility to find Common Ground to solve our Common Issues,” says Thompson. "I have been a "Representative” of Hollywood Talent for almost 50 years. As either their lawyer or personal manager I have spent a career listening, caring, nurturing, planning, marketing, negotiating, and enhancing their personas and lives. I now want to be a ‘Representative’ of the people who live in our 37th District to do those things for them even more profoundly, give them a voice, and empower their lives.” Thompson has so much of his platform figured out. Using is common sense approach, he could emerge as an important national voice to break the gridlock in Congress. He has this broken down into 14 points. 1. Stop the Democrats in Washington from taking us for granted. 2. Stop the Republicans in Washington from writing us off. 3. Stop our citizens and businesses from leaving our district by making California more affordable. 4. Embrace and help each other, especially the homeless. 5. Be Proud Californians and Patriotic Americans, who respect the laws and Law Enforcement. 6. Address every issue, and be giving, reasonable, and lead by example. 7. Be more constructive and less obstructive. 8. Improve wages, health care, schools, bridges, public transportation, and the potholes in our streets. 9. The solution to Climate Change starts with improving the Political Climate here in the 37th District. 10. Encourage Hollywood to "Protect its Legacy: and incentivize our Music and Film Production in California.11. Lower our taxes.12. Address head-on Comprehensive Immigration Reform.13. Represent equally and passionately each woman, man, and child of every race, creed, color, and sexual preference.14. and Pray to find Common Ground with each other to secure our Future. Thompson knows his platform well. He rattles off three hot buttons. 1. "The Democrats are treating the African American and Latino voters like field hands on the Old Southern Plantations.” 2. "Encourage the private sector and religious organizations to uphold even more their "Good Samaritan” share of the responsibility to solve the Homeless Crisis.” (Proposed Plan - "A one-time ‘All Houses of Worship’ (Church) and State Partnership” for a 5-in-1 Solution. (Solve Homelessness in two steps: Crisis (get them shelter) and rehabilitation (help get them back into society and the work force). Homelessness is the front door to 5 humane issues to address comprehensively: a) substance abuse disorders, b) untreated mental illness, c) histories of incarceration, d) the poor (partially due to high housing and other costs), e) the needy Veterans. These are human crises that we all must solve, not just the government. 3. Hollywood is taxing its own industry by a) allowing actors to walk the red carpet and, instead of promoting their movie, they promote the dress they’re wearing and its designer. Valuable movie-promoting airtime given to the fashion industry! (I should know because I managed Joan Rivers for many years) and by b) industry members feeling the need to constantly voice their political beliefs in a condescending way to its movie-going public resulting in lower award show ratings and a general disconnect and discontent with their world audience. If you think Box Office Receipts are great now, can you imagine how much better it might be if we treated making movies as an entertainment business again and not as a soap box for expressing political positions...? "Encourage Hollywood to protect everyone’s First Amendment rights, but be sensitive and careful not to drive away the paying, movie-going public that finances the lives of so many working people in the industry.” Thompson then turns very sober, "Let’s Start a New Conversation...to Finally Get Something Done.” CCN: You have represented over 200 Stars. Which ones are endorsing you? Answer: "I have always advised my Star clients to not get involved in politics publicly. I don’t expect to change that advice or my expectations of them now that I am running for office.” CCN: How did your clients feel when you told them you are running for office? Answer: "Mixed reactions but all complimentary.” CCN: Have you ever run for political office before. Answer: "No” CCN: At what point did you start considering this is something you wanted to do? Answer: "My first interest was as a teenager in Mississippi witnessing the Felix story, and most recently I got tired of throwing pillows at the TV when the local and national news was on. I will be a new, INDEPENDENT, reasonable voice and candidate that encourages everyone to use Common Sense with Common Civility to find Common Ground to solve our Common Issues. Plus both of my arms got tired.” CCN: Most political observers might not give you a strong chance of winning. Why do you think? Answer: "Most challengers have a tough time defeating an incumbent. I believe in fighting for what’s right no matter what the odds.” CCN: How will you reach voters with your message? Answer: "I intend to use every media outlet, especially social media to get my message of change out.” CCN: If you win, your clients will now be your constituency? Answer: "Yes, my constituency will in fact be my clients.” CCN: What is your message? Answer: "I will be a new, INDEPENDENT, reasonable voice and candidate that encourages everyone to use Common Sense with Common Civility to find Common Ground to solve our Common Issues.” CCN: You are running against an incumbent who handily won the last election. What are your reasonable plans to address this? Answers: 1. Be a much more competitive opponent than she has ever had. I’m running as a "disruptor” with new ideas that are outside the party system, and I have no partisan baggage. I’m not a professional politician. I’ve made a career in business actually getting things done. I am not afraid to speak the truth to power, whether they be Republican or Democrat. I am not bound by rigid ideology and party and will look at each problem, talk to the people who know the most, and make reasonable decisions to solve those problems. 2. Be more interesting and embody more vision of the future than she. (No one knows who Karen Bass is. She has had a free ride. She wins just because she is a democrat in a democrat stronghold. She wins not because of herself, but in spite of herself.) A great deal has happened since Karen’s last win, but she still toes the party line, and has not changed. I am the new change. I will bridge the huge divide that separates the Democrats from the Republicans. 3. Offer solutions to issues in the 37th District that she isn’t even addressing because she is too busy working on the National Democratic Agenda. She has abandoned the people who elected her. I don’t see or feel improvements on the streets. More homeless, more potholes, and more poverty. Less hope, less optimism for a positive future. Yet, Karen continues to do more Washington politicking and party bashing. 4. Expose the Democratic Party in general and Karen Bass specifically as treating for an entire generation the African American and Hispanic voters as "field hands” on the Old Southern Plantations. (Felix Story) Taking them for granted, promising everything, and delivering very little. Times are changing (just ask Kanye West and others). I am running against Karen Bass, the Republican Party, and the Democratic Party. 5. Expose her Jewish indifference by her refusing to condemn multiple anti-Semitic remarks made by her fellow democratic counterparts, Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. She cannot remain silent while Israel is under attack and Antisemitism is growing. 6. Wake up the district, motivate them to change, be the answer to the question they were not even aware of. 7. Change!!!!! 8. Things aren’t just black, brown, and white or red and blue anymore, they are purple. Independent. CCN: Even your most optimistic ally would say your chances of winning are realistically not great. So what does Larry Thompson really want from this election?. Answer: To WIN. Believing that one person, defying all the odds, can make a difference. I read a quote recently at the Museum of Tolerance in our district that touched me deeply. It said, "Change the way you see the world and your role in it.” CCN: Have any surveys ever been taken to gauge how many voters in the 37th district outside the entertainment industry know who you are? Answer: No. How well known is Karen Bass outside of Washington? There is disenchantment, disappointment, and frustration with many Democrat and Republican voters. Candidates, like me, running as Independents against the incumbents are on the rise in the U.S.. As one of the new, self-proclaimed leaders of this movement, I have christened our mission of help and change with the famous, Latin war cry "Dobio Swati,” which when translated means "Day Of Bullshit Is Over. So, Welcome All The Independents.” CCN: How much funding do you expect to raise from donors? Answer: I have raised over $50 million dollars for my productions in Hollywood, but I have never attempted to raise money for myself as a political candidate. So, I really don’t know. But I do plan to use my same successful fundraising technique, which is to take the shoulder pads out of my Tom Ford suits and put them around my knees so I can crawl into the Fundraisers on my knees and beg. CCN: And how much of your own coin are you contributing? Answer: The gap between what I will need to WIN and what I actually RAISE. About Larry Thompson Roman Catholic, Moderate, Independent, Energetic, Entertainment Lawyer, Talent Manager, Film Producer, Author/Motivational Speaker, Husband, Father, A Standing, Strong, Tall, Proud, California Palm Tree Larry A. Thompson, acclaimed Hollywood film producer, talent manager, lawyer, book packager, author, Broadway Producer, and motivational speaker, is founder and President of the Larry A. Thompson Organization, a next-generation, Los Angeles based Talent Management, Motion Picture, Television, and New Media Production Studio. Thompson has managed the careers of over 200 Stars and produced 20 Movies for Television, 5 Motion Pictures, 2 Television Series, 12 Television Specials, and various Series Pilots. His movies made for television include: the high-profile Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton biopic, Liz & Dick, starring Lindsay Lohan and Grant Bowler; the highly acclaimed and successful Lifetime Movie, Amish Grace; the ABC World Premiere And The Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story; CBS’s Lucy and Desi: Before The Laughter; and CBS’s The Woman He Loved (The historical Royal romance of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor). Thompson has received the Industry’s prestigious Vision Award and his productions have won 2 Accolade Awards, 2 Imagen Awards, The Epiphany Prize, The Wilbur Award, The Christopher Award, and have received Nominations for 10 Emmys, 6 Imagen Awards, 2 Prism Awards, the Humanitas Prize, and a Golden Globe. He serves on the Advisory Boards of The Delta Blues Museum, Paulist Productions, and Good News Communications. He is a Founding Member Enthusiast of the Museum of The Bible in Washington, D.C. and a Charter Member of the United States Capitol Historical Society. He is perennially listed in Who’s Who In America and Who’s Who In The World, and on August 1, 2018, Thompson was awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who. The National Conference of Personal Managers inducted Thompson into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame on May 12, 2016. Thompson was also honored on September 19, 2013, by the Talent Managers Association with the prestigious Seymour Heller Award for Lifetime Achievement in Talent Management. These two entertainment industry awards are the highest honors a personal manager can receive for representing talent. Thompson was Knighted in Rome, Italy on May 20, 2017. Grand Prior, Prince Lorenzo de’ Medici, sponsored Thompson, an American of Italian Heritage, into the prestigious Ordine di San Martino del Monte delle Beatitudini (the Order of Saint Martin of Mount of the Beatitudes) as a Patron of the Arts and Protector of the Most Needy and presided at the Investiture Mass of Knighthood at the Chiesa di San Silvestro al Quirinale (Church of San Silvestro at Quirinal Hill). See the Investiture Video. Thompson was born, raised, and educated in Mississippi. After finishing law school at the University of Mississippi in 1968, he drove three days to the corner of Hollywood and Vine to start his dream career in show business. Also from 1968 to 1974, Thompson served in the United States Army Reserve’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps mostly in Torrance, California. Thompson lives in the 37th District with his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Taylor (17), and son, Trevor (14). Larry Thompson For Congress Website www.LarryThompsonForCongress.com Larry A. Thompson Organization Website www.LarryThompsonOrg.com About the 37th District California’s 37th Congressional District is based in Los Angeles County. It includes many neighborhoods West and Southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. The District includes: Culver City, Inglewood, the City of Los Angeles neighborhoods of Mid City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Century City, Rancho Park, Palms, Mar Vista, Sawtelle, Beverlywood, View Park-Windsor Hills, Cheviot Hills, Pico-Robertson, Miracle Mile, Exposition Park, University Park, Vermont Knolls, West Adams, South Los Angeles, Leimert Park, Jefferson Park, Vermont Square, Ladera Heights, Hyde Park, Crenshaw, and Baldwin Hills. The District is highly diverse ethnically. Approximately 40% of the district’s residents are Latino, while 25% are African American, 25% are Caucasian, and 8% Asian. The District has over 738,000 residents, 2 film studios (the new Fox/Disney in Century City and Sony Pictures in Culver City), the University of Southern California, many places of worship, museums such as The Museum of Tolerance, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the California African American Museum, plus many points of cultural interest including some of my favorites, The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center, The Apple Pan on W. Pico, and Hansen’s Bakery on Fairfax! About the Election The Primary Election will be on March 3, 2020. The two candidates that receive the most votes in the Primary Election will advance to the General Election, which will be on November 3, 2020. California Elections have the Top-Two Candidates Open Election System, which means all registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, may vote for any candidate, regardless of political affiliation.

Century City Luxury Condo Options Expand Demand continues for luxury condominiums in Century City. The appetite for ultra luxury living here is reflected in the more that $200 Million Dollars worth of condo pre-sales for new residences in the Century Plaza Hotel $2.5 Billion Dollar redevelopment project now underway. This latest development project includes the 400 room Fairmont Century City Hotel with 63 exclusive condo residences as well as two high rise 44 story towers, "211 Elm” and "115 Park”. There will be a total of 331 luxury condominiums in the project including the hotel and high rise residences. The hotel residences at 2025 Avenue of the Stars are expected to be completed Spring 2020 and the high rise towers are expected to follow in Spring 2021. Prices range from Two Million to approximately Fifty Million Dollars. Hotel residences include the option of single or double story plans. Residential owners will have access to amenities including spa, rooftop pool, terraces and bar as well as the convenience of a French brasserie. The 2 condo towers in progress are expected to offer 6 penthouses of about 11,000 square feet each with private roof top access. The demand for these ultra high end condominiums is a positive indicator for all of the luxury communities in Century City. Currently 2 bedroom units at the Century Park East high rise towers start at about $749,000 and 2 bedroom condos in a low rise guard-gated community here can be found under the One Million Dollar mark. Century City townhomes start at about $1.3 Million. These more moderately priced Century City units also provide luxury resort style condominium living with amenities that include swimming pool, tennis court, and gym facilities and more. The recent Q3-2019 Douglas Elliman Sales Report shows the median condominium sales price in the Century City/ Westwood area at $926,000. Once the Century Plaza hotel project has been completed with retail and dining services, it is expected to add value to all of the other Century City residential complexes. Westfield’s One Billion Dollar revamped Century City Shopping Center with its well curated selection of retail, entertainment and wellness oriented services as well as casual to more sophisticated dining options has created a vibrant eclectic atmosphere benefiting the neighboring residential area. The country has been in a decade long recovery from Spring 2009, the bottom of the Great recession to now. According to CoreLogic home equity values have nearly tripled from Q1 2009 to Q1 2019. The average equity per homeowner rose from $73,000 to $171,000 over that period. There have been reports that more and more buyers are facing affordability issues leading to a drop off in volume of sales and price appreciation. Among the hardest hit have been the California coastal regions. However, despite rising costs for builders and affordability issues for buyers with generally reduced volume of sales activity, well esteemed economists from CoreLogics looks to positive driving forces going forward including lower interest rates making mortgages more affordable. They report home prices appear to be leveling off at the national level, rising about 3.6% year over year so far in 2019. These experts explain that with prices neither rising too fast or too slow and with a growing stream of young households looking to buy homes over the next two decades, the long term view for real estate looks healthy. c. Bess Hochman 2019 For a free courtesy consultation Contact Bess Hochman, a top Westside Real Estate Broker for over 20 years. Bess is also distinguished by holding a law degree. Contact Bess at:310.291.4111 or .E-mail: Bess.CenturyCityNews@yahoo.com

Innovations In Technology For The Home In 2020 More Connected Devices & Advanced Personal Robots The proliferation of home automation means you can control more items around the home with the simple push of a button whether you are at home or a remote location. Advances in digital assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant & Siri have laid the foundation for the interface between human and technological devices to enhance our everyday lives. Analysts report that by 2022 we will have 12.8 billion connected devices worldwide in the home. These include among other items connected refrigerators, microwaves, lights and heating and air systems. It is also predicted 1 in 10 households will have a "housekeeping robot” in 2020. Over the next few years with rapid artificial intelligence advances, expect voice assistants to know by the tone of your voice if you are angry, sad or under stress.There are already personal robots available for about $1,500 to $2,000 using advanced machine learning that can make life easier and more efficient. Mobile Robot solutions like "Temi” provide a super intuitive operating system that hears, speaks, sees and understands you and is always learning how to serve you better. Temi won the "Best of CES Asia Award 2019” as well as the "Best Robot CES 2019.” The creators of Temi explain "As a fully autonomous open Android platform that communicates and interacts with people in a constantly changing environment, Temi is revolutionary.” Temi is a 3 foot tall, 20 pound moving smart home hub with a 10 inch screen. It can support and control smart devices like light bulbs, air conditioning and security cameras. It is also designed with a tray to assist with carrying items. Its inventors envision Temi as an entertainment and information hub that trails you from room to room ready to play music, answer a question or video chat. They say it is so intuitive that the elderly can easily operate it. Healthcare providers can use Temi remotely to monitor patients vital signs from medical devices and the moving video enables physical examination by nurses and doctors. Temi is more than a tablet on wheels. There is also the adorable emotional support robot named Pepper available at about $1,600 from Softbank. This small semi-humanoid is designed with the ability to read emotions. This comes from the ability to analyze expressions and voice tones. More than 12,000 of these robots had been sold as of the Forbes August 28, 2018 report. Pepper is sold on a subscription contract that includes a monthly network data plan and equipment insurance. Over 36 months this brings the total cost of ownership of Pepper to about $14,000. CES 2020, the global consumer electronics trade show in La Vegas promises more of the latest innovation in the home as well as in healthcare and other industries. For more information, Bess can be contacted at 310.291.4111 or Bess.CenturyCityNews@yahoo.com. c. Bess Hochman 2019 October 28, 2019 c. Bess Hochman 2019 Contact Bess:310.291.4111.E-mail: Bess.CenturyCityNews@yahoo.com

Giving That Hits the Mark Where you donate your hard-earned dollars is always a dilemma. The big charities spend so much money on administration and many of the smaller charities are simply too small to be effective. This holiday season, I have a suggestion for you if you need to put your money where you want to help the actual people on the ground. Sara Kazimi travels to Afghanistan where she helps underprivileged people possess the dignity of a job. She isn’t asking you for a handout. She has a value for value proposition for each of you. She has found beggars on the street in Afghanistan and taken them under her wing to teach them how to farm Saffron. The dignity of a job has helped them blossom. Now she brings the product of her labors back to Los Angeles where she presents donors with their own batch of Saffron. Says Sara, "With all of the corruption that’s around the world, I am going to show at least my community and in Afghanistan that when you give, you are going to get the fruits of our labor.” The World Orphanage Foundation When fashion designer Sara Kazimi founded the World Orphanage Foundation in 2011, millions of children worldwide were living without a mother or father, at risk for child-abuse, homelessness, abduction, sex-trafficking, and a host of other ills. So she combined her two great passions: fashion and global peace. And she began to change the world. As a designer, she knew how to create beauty. As a woman, she could feel in her heart how children were suffering for lack of adequate food, shelter, and safety. For lack of love. The World Orphanage Foundation supports the world’s orphanages through fund-raising, media services, web presence, and more. Today, with projects in Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, and Zambia, and dozens of others on the drawing boards, it is well on its way to making the difference Sara Kazimi imagined. Sara In Her Own Words I’m Sara Kazimi, a believer in unity, art, and expression; and this philosophy has resonated in all of my work & personal life. As the founder of LeoBella Inc and the World Orphanage Foundation, I’ve been able to fulfill this dream, and empower others with the same. This passion as a creator & entrepreneur has connected with over 140,000+ loyal customers who all share that same mission. I am an Afghan-Persian American, hails from Herat, Afghanistan, and father from Mashhad, Iran, and mother of two children. From being uprooted in a tumultuousness war-torn region, in concert with the fact that I’m a woman now living in the United States, Expression; Freedom of Expression; Art; Empowerment runs synonymous with every project that I work on. Years prior while discovering myself, one of my biggest breakthroughs was in the success I achieved while working for the Banking Industry. It taught me structure, business structure, finance, and how to understand numbers, agreements, financial statements and the venture capital investment process. All of this has provided me with the insight and knowledge to grasp the Entrepreneurial Spirit in my current work within Design & Fashion. I have facilitated business relationships that enabled mutual understanding of varied market conditions and baseline commonality between diverse consumer populations. I build collaborative initiatives that ignite blended business strategy and productivity without impeding the cost or timeline of deliverables. I’m the Creative Director for LeoBella. We design premium luxury clutch purses & handbags. Each piece is designed and handcrafted to bring out the dazzling shine of the genuine Swarovski crystals that stipple its surface. We also design Jewelry & Private Label in which every piece is created with exquisite workmanship and attention to detail. In this role, I’m responsible for the creative strategy, production to procurement to maximize impact when entering a new market. I have been responsible for establishing, developing, and maintaining creative, conceptual, and design standards in line with established brand standards. My mission described in one word would be "Empowerment”. Life, to me, all comes down to expression and our ability to harness this freedom so that the "voiceless” can eventually express themselves. My Mission is to head to conflicting regions and build Charter Schools, and this is what sparked me to create The World Orphanage Foundation. If it’s not directly me working with these children, then it’s me being the "voice” for them. My Art is their language. And that is how we unite to express ourselves. The World Orphanage Foundation targets children of multi-ethnic, multi socio-economic backgrounds and gift them with a pathway towards higher education, accelerated learning and opportunities to progress as one human race. WHERE FASHION MEETS COMPASSION The LeoBella story To lay eyes on a LeoBella bag is to love it. Each handbag exudes exquisite beauty and craftsmanship.Each is designed to bring out the dazzling shine of the genuine Swarovski crystals that stipple its surface. Unlike other bags,each crystal on a LeoBella creation has been meticulously applied by a trained and certified artisan.(So certain are we of their quality that our artisan will repair at no charge any bag,for life,in the unlikely event that a crystal should ever come loose.) There simply is no finer Swarovski-crystal -embellishment handbag. But the most beautiful feature of a LeoBella bag may be the one you don’t see:the children it saves.we will donate 10% of the price of your bag to the orphanage of your choice,or to the world Orphanage foundation. The LeoBella Collection, fashion elegance, moral beauty.