Check Out Our Columnists
Lisa C. Alexander
Contributions: Planning Ahead Columnist
Lisa is a Partner in the Santa Monica law firm of Jakle, Alexander & Patton, LLP. Lisa received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and earned her JD from USC. Lisa is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. She is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.
Lisa is active in the community as Past President of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica.
Lisa can be contacted at 310-395-6555, or 310-656-4310.
Scott Andrews
Contributions: Be a Safe and Smart Traveler Columnist
Scott Andrews is a travel content creator, podcast host, and cruise enthusiast. He co-founded The Cruise Dudes brand in 2014. As co-host of The Cruise Dudes Podcast, Scott has spent years exploring cruise ships, destinations, and industry trends, offering listeners insider advice on everything from onboard dining and entertainment to loyalty programs and itinerary planning. With over a decade of travel experience, Scott has built a loyal following among cruise enthusiasts. His hands-on approach to travel, real-world experience, and genuine love of adventure have made him a trusted voice in the traveling community – helping thousands plan memorable vacations.
Stacy McClendon
Contributions: Passing Through the Pico Neighborhood Columnist
Hello! I am Stacy McClendon a mother, resident and community member who loves to write, travel, advocate and volunteer for organizations and causes. During my weekdays I am a staff and team member for the City Of Santa Monica, Office of Emergency Management – Public Safety Communications Office. I am also an Officer for the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Board. In my free time I travel, connect, pen what grabs me, and spend time with family and friends.
I have been writing and loving words for the majority of my life. Early on, my love of books turned into me sharing my words through pen pals, letters and cards given to others. As I grew older, my love of great storytelling viewed and listened to through novels/books, cinema, concerts/events and art continued to spark something inside myself that was waiting to be unveiled and shared. I began writing from my heart and sharing whenever an opportunity presented itself to me. Whether it be through poetry, blogging, journaling and/or magazine and newspaper articles. I thoroughly enjoy meeting, unearthing and sharing community members stories, while also highlighting events, and places to travel and enjoy with family and friends. I am so excited and grateful to share my love of writing through the Santa Monica Star Newspaper and with the community.
Quin Sun Stubis
Contributions: Reflections From The East Columnist
Qin Sun Stubis has been writing her popular “Reflections From the East” column for the Santa Monica Star for more than 15 years. Born in a Shanghai shantytown during the Great Chinese Famine and brought up during the turbulence of the Cultural Revolution, this Washington. D.C.-based writer brings her thoughtful and lyrical style to bear on a wide variety of topics, inflected with both Eastern and Western flavors in a way that transcends mere geography to touch hearts and reveal universal truths.
Qin’s award-winning debut book, “Once Our Lives” is the true story of four generations of Chinese women and how their lives were threatened by powerful and cruel ancient traditions, historic upheavals, and a man whose fate – cursed by an ancient superstition – dramatically altered their destinies. The book takes the reader on an exotic journey filled with luxurious banquets, lost jewels, babies sold in opium dens, kidnappings by pirates, and a desperate flight from death in the desert – seen through the eyes of a man for whom the truth would spell disaster and a lonely, beautiful girl with three identities. Her book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, or your local bookstore.
She also writes poems, essays, short stories and original Chinese Tall Tales inspired by traditional Asian themes appealing to the young and the young at heart in either hemisphere.
Qin Sun Stubis’ website is www.QinSunStubis.com and can be reached at qstubis@gmail.com
Miceala Shocklee
Contributions: Byte by Byte Columnist
Dr. Miceala Shocklee is a part-time freelance writer and editor and a full-time staff veterinarian with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. Miceala started her career in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles and now writes of her adventures from other shores.
Dr. Frank Lavac
Contributions: Paws & Claws Columnist
Medical Director Dr. Frank Lavac, MS, DVM has over 40 years experience in Avian Medicine and Surgery and leads a team of veterinarians and staff at VCA Wilshire Animal Hospital. While Dr. Lavac has a special interest and training in birds and exotics, most of his patients are dogs and cats.
Dr. Lavac has been in practice since 1980. Contact his office for your pets needs today 310-828-4587, or visit the website at: https://vcahospitals.com/wilshire
Maureen Mole´
Contributions: Entertaining With Ease Columnist
Maureen Molé is a lecturer, product spokesperson, and the author of The Book of Entertaining at Home.
Email her at MaureenMole@gmail.com
Jim Harris
Contributions: From the Santa Monica Pier Guy Columnist
Jim Harris is the Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the pier visitor experience, as well as an accomplished author and playwright.
