November 25, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Getting Grouchy: Ed Asner and Ed Weinberger Draw Crowds at SMPL

By Sam Skopp

 

Saturday, Dec. 16, saw the Auditorium at the Santa Monica Public Library’s (SMPL)Main Branch packed to the rafters as they played host to an author talk and book reading by longtime Hollywood actor Ed Asner and screenwriter and producer Ed. Weinberger, both of whom co-authored a book titled, in full, “Grouchy Historian: An Old-Time Lefty Defends Our Constitution Against Right-Wing Hypocrites and Nutjobs.”

“When I heard the book was out, I knew it would really resonate with Santa Monica,” said Public Services Librarian, Programming & Events Robert Graves, who organized the event.

As part of its promotion, Graves created an event page on Facebook advertising the talk and reading as a free event. After receiving more than 89 Facebook RSVPs in a day, Graves decided to turn it into a ticketed event – still free, but requiring a free ticket per each entry, in case the event ended up past capacity.

“People were here almost an hour before we started handing out tickets,” said Graves, who explained that they started handing out tickets an hour before showtime – so, two hours early in total.

The event was loosely structured around Asner and Weinberger reading passages from their book, which they had printed in full in front of them in the auditorium. Graves moderated the event, opening with a prompt for the Asner and Weinberger to respond to some of the many major constitutional issues in the current news cycle.

“It’s a great book. It’s all about The Constitution. He really does a deep dive into the research for it,” said Graves. “He’s basically opposing the kind of Clarence Thomas/Antonin Scalia model of The Constitution.”

Asner, who is 88 years old, got laughs from the audience before he was even onstage, as he loudly told the audience “Quiet!” from the stage’s entrance ramp, as they were murmuring during Graves’ introduction. This was met with laughter and applause from an audience of predominantly seniors.

Afterword, attendees could purchase a copy of the book and get it signed by the authors in the lobby of the auditorium.

For more information about upcoming events at the Santa Monica Public Library, visit smpl.org.

Photo: Sam Skopp
Graves prompting Asner and Weinberger with some of the constitutional issues currently in our news cycle.
Related Posts

Brazen Armed Robbery Targets Two People Outside a Boutique on Rodeo Drive

November 24, 2024

November 24, 2024

Designer Bags, Cash, and Phones Stolen; Victims Threatened with Gun  Four masked robbers committed a brazen daylight robbery on Rodeo...

LAX Prepares for 2.5 Million Thanksgiving Travelers and Worker Wage Rally

November 24, 2024

November 24, 2024

Increased Traffic, Parking Advisories, Demonstration May Impact Travel  Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) expects up to 2.5 million travelers during...

Metro Moves to Revoke $435K Grant Over Culver City Bike Lane Removal

November 24, 2024

November 24, 2024

City Faces Financial Penalties After Altering a Metro-Funded Project A change in plans in Culver City may have financial repercussions...

Pasta Sisters Brings Italian Classics to Your Thanksgiving Table

November 24, 2024

November 24, 2024

Westside Favorite Offers Ready-To-Go Holiday Dishes, Desserts Pasta Sisters, a Los Angeles staple for scratch-made Italian cuisine, is serving up...

San Fernando Valley Man Sentenced for Threatening to Bomb FBI Office in Westwood

November 24, 2024

November 24, 2024

His Disturbing Emails Referenced the “Unabomber” Theodore Kaczynski The sentence is 15 months in federal prison for the man who...

Donate Blood and Save Lives at Culver City Fire Station This Weekend

November 22, 2024

November 22, 2024

Get a T-Shirt, Gift Card for Participating in the Cedars-Sinai Blood Drive The Culver City Rotary Club, in collaboration with...

LAPD Motorcycle Officer Hospitalized After 405 Freeway Crash in Sepulveda Pass

November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

Collision Near Skirball Center DrivePossibly Involving a Tesla Caused Major Traffic  The 405 Freeway was the scene of a motorcycle...

Santa Monica Police Release Body Cam Footage of Deadly Force Incident Outside Headquarters

November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

Graphic Video Shows a Violent Assault on an SMPD Officer by a Knife-Wielding Suspect The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD)...

Breakaway Café Opens New Venice Location with Beachside Grab-and-Go Window

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

Bayse Brothers Bring Their Signature Breakfast Dishes and Good Vibes to Venice Breakaway Café, a popular breakfast and lunch eatery...

Last Minute Additions to the Best Thanksgiving 2024 Feasts and Pies To Go

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

If Other Faves are Sold Out, Here’s All The Quality Places to Try Now Celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary...

Everytable’s Holiday Meal Collaboration To Support LA’s Unhoused Youth

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

Chef Created Thanksgiving Meal Benefits My Friend’s Place. Everytable, the mission-driven company committed to making scratch-cooked, nutritious meals accessible to...

Los Angeles City Council Codifies Sanctuary Protections for Migrants with New Citywide Ordinance

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Mayor Bass Prioritized the Ordinance after Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to officially...

The Palms Community Council’s Executive Committee Schedules Special Meeting for Nov. 20

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Meeting to Address Open Board Positions and Committee Updates The Executive Committee will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Nov....

Hammer Museum Presents 10th Edition of MoMA Contenders: Screenings, Conversations with Top Filmmakers

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Lineup Features Films by Steve McQueen, Sean Baker, and Brady Corbett The Hammer Museum will host the 10th edition of...

Film Review: Wicked

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

By Dolores Quintana Director John Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In The Heights) has crafted an effervescent take on the blockbuster...