The Argonaut

07/18/2025

: When I moved to California from the Dakotas, I was shocked to discover that insurance companies often refused coverage based on ZIP codes or denied legitimate claims. It was disgusting to see how late-stage capitalism had turned people’s catastrophes into opportunities for executives and shareholders to get richer, while loyal policyholders were left holding the bag.

It’s hard for me to believe, but I’ve served on the board of the small yet mighty nonprofit Consumer Watchdog for 40 years. Before I get into my Consumer Watchdog

07/17/2025

Dozens of TV shows, short films and epic movies have explored the four gospels of the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ. Joining pieces like 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ” is Angel Studios’ “Testament.” Read about it at https://www.argonautnews.com/arts_and_events/biblical-storytelling-tv-s-testament-shares-book-of-acts/article_c7f81510-6995-45af-a0b8-23959c5b5884.html.

07/15/2025

“Puppet Up! — Uncensored” is no typical puppet show. Learn more at https://www.argonautnews.com/arts_and_events/puppet-up-brian-henson-brings-improv-hijinks-to-town/article_2e9fc16e-ed74-43a4-ada5-e1a7552675de.html.

07/14/2025

Santa Monica writer, producer, cartoonist and podcast host Andy Cowan has built a career by working on various projects, including writing for shows such as “Cheers,” “Seinfeld,” “Third Rock from the Sun” and “The Merv Griffin Show.” His most recent project is his podcast, “The Neurotic Vaccine.”

Recently, Cowan won the 2025 Quill Podcast Award for best comedy podcast for his show.

Santa Monica writer, producer, cartoonist and podcast host Andy Cowan has built a career by working on various projects, including writing for shows such as “Cheers,” “Seinfeld,” “Third Rock from

07/12/2025

As the frontman and lead guitarist of the thrash metal band Beowülf, Dale Henderson had an influence not just locally in Venice but internationally. He died on May 15, but he will forever be seen as an influential figure in the Venice music scene and beyond. More on this at https://www.argonautnews.com/arts_and_events/venice-legend-concert-remembers-beow-lf-s-dale-henderson/article_b32c2d3d-3061-4c4e-8daf-7155c096c8d5.html.

📸: Todd Nadolny

07/11/2025

Gary Calamar and His Imaginary Friends will play at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica this Saturday.

Gary Calamar is best known for his work as a DJ and music supervisor, but he is also a songwriter and musician.

07/10/2025

The Culver City Symphony is marking its 60th year with a nod to Hispanic culture and a classic twist as part of the Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series at Burton Chace Park.

The Culver City Symphony is marking its 60th year with a nod to Hispanic culture and a classic twist as part of the Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series at

07/09/2025

The Los Angeles County Parks Foundation is inviting the running community to “conquer the pier” at the upcoming Venice Beach Run, the proceeds benefiting the local recreation center.

The Los Angeles Parks Foundation is inviting the running community to “conquer the pier” at the upcoming Venice Beach Run, the proceeds benefiting the local recreation center.

07/08/2025

It is the prettiest place on Pacific Avenue between Washington and Venice boulevards in Venice. It’s also the only business on the long and narrow beachside strand. What used to be Sal’s Deli & Market and a vegan pop-up called XMarket is now home to the third LA location of Alana's Coffee Roasters and its cohabitator, The VB Grab & Go, which is the second spot for Chef D Brandon Walker’s The MV Grab and Go. Read at argonautnews.com/food_drink/2-businesses-1-space-alana-s-coffee-roasters-the-vb-grab-go-share-pacific-avenue/article_86108739-70c7-48c3-92c9-06210fa988d5.html.

📸: Chris Mortenson

07/07/2025

Parents, teachers and staff at Broadway Elementary School in Venice are protesting the removal of Principal Rachelle Garmon by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

07/03/2025

At 16 years old, Fiona McGrath pitched the idea of the Los Angeles Theatre Initiative as a way of traveling to Europe with her high school. Now, the 25-year-old works to enrich the lives of college and high school arts students. More on this at https://www.argonautnews.com/arts_and_events/fringe-benefit-los-angeles-theatre-initiative-takes-theater-students-to-edinburgh-and-beyond/article_7dd4a18f-b6d5-4a83-b232-2cb8b09765a7.html.

📸: Lucy Blumenfield

07/02/2025

When a space became vacant between Doobi’s Smoke Shop and Fat Sal’s Deli on the last block of Washington Boulevard, NYC-born, Venice Beach-raised Tima Bell began hatching a plan to bring New York-style pizza to his beloved beach community. His new venture, Washington Square Pizza, pays homage to the lively area that has always been peppered with restaurants and shops. Read at argonautnews.com/food_drink/a-throwback-washington-square-pizza-pays-homage-to-venices-o-g-nickname/article_ca5cf01a-c84d-4a8f-a79c-bd8ce551fe86.html.

📸: Chris Mortenson