n Deciphering outdated parking signs To adhere to parking signs or not adhere?
By Bridget Smith
Four years after the City of Los Angeles reduced its street sweeping schedule, outdated parking restriction signs continue to mislead motorists. Despite the change from weekly to biweekly street cleaning in 2021, parking signs still instruct drivers to move their cars on days when they can legally park.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, StreetsLA, the City’s Public Works Bureau of Street Maintenance, reduced street sweeping frequency by half. At the time, the bureau’s director said that they were considering placing color-coded stickers on the existing signs to reflect the change. However, years later, the signs remain unchanged
State bill threatens city zoning everywhere Neighborhoods
By Suzan Filipek
The community was still fresh from celebrating new safeguards passed to protect single-family neighborhoods when a state bill surfaced last month that could change everything.
If approved, Senate Bill 79 “would open up most single-family neighborhoods throughout the state to more density and height with no public input,” said Cindy Chvatal-Keane, president of the
GRAD SALUTE
Our annual section honoring local high school graduates will be featured in the May issue of the Larchmont Chronicle Advertising deadline is Mon., April 7. For more information or general advertising questions, contact 323-462-2241, ext. 13, or email wyatt@ larchmontchronicle.com.
DEVELOPER Julius LaBonte began subdividing the area’s agricultural land in 1921, but it was Paramount’s gravitational pull that gave the area its character.
Larchmont's forgotten film colony: Paramount Studios
By Philip Alberstat
When Paramount Pictures raised its iconic water tower at 5555 Melrose Ave. in 1926, few could have predicted how profoundly the studio would shape the character of neighboring Larchmont Village. As one of Hollywood’s “Big Five” studios during the Golden Age, Paramount wasn’t just producing films—it was quietly transforming an entire
Los Angeles neighborhood into an extension of the movie industry itself.
Paramount’s own story began in 1912 when Adolph Zukor founded Famous Players Film Company in New York.
After merging with Jesse L. Lasky’s Feature Play Company, the studio relocated operations to California, eventually consolidating at its current
The last day to vote for neighborhood council board members is Tues., April 15. The election will occur by mail for both the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council and Mid City Neighborhood Council.
The deadline to apply for a ballot from the City Clerk’s office is Mon., April 7, for both the GWNC and Mid City—in Region 5. There will be no in-person voting. Ballots can be mailed or deposited in ballot box locations at Fairfax and Memorial branch libraries and at other locations. Neighborhood councils are the first level of city government and a liaison to the mayor’s office, city councilmembers and city departments. Board members serve two-year terms. They are advisory volunteers who can have impact on policy and elected officials. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ yc276425, or call 213-9780444.
By Nona Sue Friedman
With a viola performing on one side of the street, a steel drum and guitar on the other, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, food and more for sale, Larchmont Boulevard is happening. Add to that the twice-weekly farmers’ market and no wonder the street has been buzzing with sidewalk vendors. “It’s like having a festival every weekend. I think it’s fun and lively and brings a lot of people to the neighborhood,” Diane Sherer of Beachwood Drive said excitedly.
But with rents in the thousands monthly, how do store managers feel about these
shops
Tariffs and the Chronicle Editorial
You have definitely heard the word “tariff” being bandied about in the press, among friends and around Larchmont. Tarriffs come with a cost, but have the potential to benefit U.S. businesses down the line. To most people, they might not know how it will affect them.
At the Chronicle, we were notified by our printer that most of the paper stock that newspapers and magazines are printed on comes from Canada because those stocks are less expensive than our U.S. suppliers. There is set to be a 25 percent tariff on paper from Canada, which the printer is going to “have to” pass along to us.
For a local newspaper largely supported by advertisers, this is a very large increase in expenses. One option is go to a print company that uses paper from the U.S. We were warned that our closest paper supplier plans to match the tariff increase by 25 percent, even though it’s sourced in the United States. Whether this is a good tactic for our local U.S. competitor is yet to be seen. This is not a comment on whether tariffs are good or bad, it is just a real life example of the effects on us here at the Chronicle.
As of this writing, the tariff has been postponed. Should it take effect, we will have to examine all of our expenses and rates like most small and large businesses will as they adjust to tariffs.
Do you have a small business? Let us know your experience.
You can show your support for the Chronicle through our QR code on Page 1 with a donation or subscription or by frequenting our loyal advertisers. We are forever grateful.
325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 Los Angeles, California 90004 windsorsquare.org
157 N. Larchmont Boulevard
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it.”
— Hal Borland
Save The Date: WSA Public Safety Town Hall. Join the WSA at the Wilshire Ebell on Wednesday April 23rd at 7pm to meet LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell as well as Windsor Square’s Senior Lead Officers for an open discussion on public safety in the city and in our neighborhood.
o o o
Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Elections: Vote to help decide Windsor Square’s leaders on the neighborhood council so that our comunity has a voice in city government. Voting this year will be entirely by mail. Registration for Vote-By-Mail ballots ends April 7th. To get your ballot, go to https://clerk.lacity.gov/ clerk-services/elections/neighborhood-council-elections/ how-vote Election Day is April 15th.
o o o
Public Safety: The WSA encourages continued vigilance and robust home security. The WSA will resume outreach with regards to the possible introduction of License Plate Reading Cameras on participating streets. The WSA is contributing $1000 to the first block which moves forward with camera installation. Contact: Steve Tator tator100@aol.com
o o o
“ARE YOU PREPARED?” The WSA’s one page sheet on preparing yourself, family and A Guide to Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness is now available online. Download your copy at https://windsorsquare.org/safety-security/ emergency-preparedness/
o o o
WE NEED BLOCK CAPTAINS! Be the leader of your block and the point person for all that’s going on in the neighborhood. The WSA has numerous block captain positions open. It’s a great opportunity to engage with neighbors and community leaders. Send an e-mail to: blockcaptains@windsorsquare.org.
The Windsor Square Association, an all-volunteer group of residents from 1100 households between Beverly and Wilshire and Van Ness and Arden, works to preserve and enhance our beautiful neighborhood.
325 N. Larchmont Blvd., #158, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or windsorsquare.org.
Sun., March 30 — Eid al-Fitr, end of Ramadan.
Tues., April 1 — April Fools’ Day.
Mon., April 7 — Last day to apply for a ballot to vote for Greater Wilshire and Mid City West neighborhood councils.
Tues., April 8 — Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd., midcitywest.org.
Wed., April 9 — Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting at the Ebell of Los Angeles, 742 S. Lucerne Blvd. at 6:30 p.m., greaterwilshire.org.
Sat., April 12 — First night of Passover.
Sun., April 13 — Palm Sunday.
Mon., April 14 — Vaisakhi.
Tues., April 15 — Tax Day and last day to mail ballots
and vote for your neighborhood council members.
Fri., April 18 — Good Friday. Sun., April 20 — Easter.
Tues., April 22 — Earth Day Wed., April 23 — Yom HaShoah.
Thurs., May 1 — Delivery of the May issue of the Larchmont Chronicle
Spaghetti trees and ‘Kick Me’ signs: the joys of April Fools’
By Helene Seifer
The first of April marks a milestone in Larchmont
Larchmont Chronicle
Founded in 1963 by
Chronicle history. All articles from that day forward will be written exclusively by artificial intelligence.
April Fools!
Who among us hasn’t suffered through an April Fools’ Day joke at some point in our lives?
Many associate it with middle school cruelty or silly office pranks, but most of the Western world — and beyond — partake in the frivolity. Its history is long and rich, possibly dating back to the Roman empire.
The exact origin of April Fools’ Day is murky, but there are three leading suppositions.
One points to the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria, a pagan holiday during the spring equinox that celebrated Cybele, the mother of all gods, and the resurrection of her lover, Attis. Romans would dress in disguis-
(Please turn to Page 3)
CORRECTION
Food delivery robots Coco, the delivery robot featured in last month’s issue, can be used through UberEats. It was incorrectly stated as being used though a Coco App.
‘Do you have a summer camp memory to share?’
That’s the question our inquiring photographer asked locals.
“I remember going to sleepaway camp and that year really not enjoying the experience. I wrote home everyday, ‘Save me!’ But I made it two weeks. Accomplishment!”
Sophie McCoy
“A boy tried to kiss me on a kayak! I screamed, ‘Stop!’ Then we were really quiet and uncomfortable getting back.”
Jamisen Jarvis
“I didn’t grow up here. We didn’t do that.” Paula Minetti
“I went on a six-day hike and it really tested my survival skills. It taught me perseverance and how to make a camp fire.”
Alexis Barry
“I remember liking the auditorium events; a performance, like maybe a talent show. And actually we’re looking for a summer camp-type thing for Chloe here.”
David Coughlan with Chloe and Bear
“My parents were not the camping type. I remember getting to the camp with my tent. Mine was much more rugged than the other kids’ who had fancy tents. And, arts and crafts – loved it.”
Larchmont lady
“I grew up in Thailand and there were no summer camps, but my mom sent me to summer swimming courses. I learned to swim.”
Pi Chansuk
April Fools’
(Continued from Page 2)
es and make fun of each other. Hilarious!
Another posited origin story begins during medieval times with the Feast of Fools. Usually occurring on Jan. 1, it was a day spent in role reversals. Low-level clergy dressed above their rank and conducted mock religious rituals. Some dressed as street musicians or donned women’s attire.
The most popular explanation of the beginning of the great prank day is that April 1 marked the start of the new year until the 16th century when Pope Gregory XIII adopted a new calendar to supplant the error-riddled Julian calendar. It took years for the Gregorian calendar to be implemented worldwide, and those who still celebrated the start of the new year on the old date, whether through stubbornness or ignorance, were considered fools. They were teased, sent to accomplish impossible tasks and sometimes even had “Kick Me” signs slapped on their backs, still a common joke today.
The French have a similar tradition, slapping paper fish on each other’s backs on what they call Poisson d’Avril (April Fish). Slapped fish also play a part in Belgium and Italy. Scotland celebrates for
two days: the first is a day of sending unsuspecting people on useless errands, and on the next, they secretly attach a tail or “Kick Me” sign to someone’s back. In Portugal it is common to throw flour at each other on April Fools’ Day. In Poland the day has its own saying: “On April Fools’ Day, trust no one!” Brazilians specialize in elaborate hoaxes on Dia da Mentira, Day of the Lie. Japan’s citizens have not embraced the idea of pranks for the first of April, but their commercial world has fun with such things as the announcement of an airbag for smartphone users who have trouble walking and talking without bumping into things and a Baskin-Robbins ad for octopus ball ice cream.
In 1998 Burger King took out a full-page USA Today advertisement to announce their new Left-Handed Whopper. In 2017 the language app Duolingo announced a course to learn emoji, Lego adver-
tised a smart brick in 2021 that would move away before being stepped on, 7-Eleven introduced the “Tiny Gulp” in 2022 and a new corporate position at Tinder was created in 2024: the “VP of Ghosting.”
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a master at fake news stories for April Fools’. In 1976 they announced that the planets would align in such a way that there would be a temporary decrease in gravity – and people around England reported feeling it! Their most famous April 1 news ruse is from 1957. Their elaborate hoax purported to show footage of spaghetti farmers in Sweden harvesting a bumper crop from their pasta trees.
I asked my AI buddy, ChatGPT, about April Fools’ jokes, and we’d be wise to take its advice: “The key to a successful April Fools’ prank is to keep it harmless and fun, ensuring that everyone involved can share a good laugh.”
Hearty fare and ‘luck o’ the Irish’ was all around
If you’re a “luck o’ the Irish” diehard, chances are you were seated with a rowdy and energetic group of close-knit friends in one of the 89-yearold booths at Tom Bergin’s at 6 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. Traditionalists wait all year to eat a hearty Irish breakfast and to be one of the first to guzzle a green beer in celebration of the Emerald Isle.
Around the Town with Sondi Toll Sepenuk
Hancock Park and Brookside residents Jennifer Rissier, Maureen Donovan, Paria Hassouri and Liz Atlee were among the early birds who got the corned beef hash and the Bergin’s Slam, made
(Please turn to Page 14)
Homelessness money—where did it all go?
By Helene Seifer
“We can’t take a message,” I heard over and over again, from Mayor Bass’ office and from every councilmember’s office I contacted. “Send an email detailing exactly what you want and someone will get back to you.” When? Good question. I remembered that when the Larchmont Chronicle interviewed Kenneth Mejia during his run for city controller, the position he now holds, he promised he would use his analytic skills to create charts and graphs that would rate the efficacy of government programs. I called and emailed his office to hear how Mayor Bass’ Inside Safe initiative fared by the numbers. No answer yet. Governor Newsom allocated $24 billion to tackle homelessness over the last half
(Please turn to Page 23)
Sneezing season: Why it hits and several ways to fight back
The end of March marked the official start of spring. The spring equinox is one of two days in the year when the night and day are equal length; from March 20 onwards we can look forward to longer days, more seasonal fruits and vegetables at the Larchmont Farmers Market and increased wildlife activity. Nonetheless, for some people, spring comes with a different kind of anticipation; that of sneezing, wheezing and consistent congestion. The threat of seasonal allergies is imminent. In this article, we will learn why they happen and what we can do to help find relief from them.
Perhaps you’ve already started to feel the effects of seasonal allergies. For spring allergies, they may start around February, and some researchers report that as climate change continues and flower blooms happening earlier and earlier, the onset of symptoms may continue to shift earlier in the year.
Why do allergies happen? Commonly known as allergic rhinitis in biomedicine, allergies are believed to occur when the immune system overreacts to stimulants. During the change of the season, these stimulants may include mold, spores and pollen. In addition to itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat and congestion, you might also feel other effects like brain fog and fatigue. Typically, exposure to aller-
Health & Wellness
By Priscilla Duggan
gens are harmless, however, when some individuals are exposed to allergens, their immune system releases histamine, which leads to the deleterious symptoms previously mentioned.
The development of allergies includes both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Interestingly enough, recent research suggests that the risk for developing allergies, eczema and asthma may be reduced by taking steps to increase proper colonization of newborn gut microbiota (which may include avoiding Cesarean sections when possible and the routine use of antibiotics).
Being proactive
Using an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine such as Claritin or Allegra can be very helpful, however, take caution not to overuse any remedy as your body will develop a tolerance and may react even more strongly to allergens when you stop taking them. You can also take precautionary steps by using an air purifier that has an allergen setting on it and keeping windows and doors closed. If you find yourself continuing to suffer, you might consider seeing an allergist to discuss what your other options are.
Of course, there are other, less mainstream, treatment
options available.
Alternative treatments
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, allergies are viewed as a result of an imbalance in Qi, a life force, and disharmony between the body’s internal energy and external environmental factors. Treatments may include using a combination of herbal remedies, acupuncture and dietary adjustments, along with acupuncture.
In Ayurvedic medicine, allergies are linked to an imbalance in the three doshas, or body energies; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Treatments often involve detoxification and dietary changes to balance the doshas.
In Islamic traditions, allergies and other illnesses are seen as tests from God or opportunities for spiritual purification, and treatments are drawn from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, including the use of honey, black seed and cupping therapy.
Treatments from European folk medicine traditions document using herbs like stinging nettle, with fresh leaves used in cooking and dried leaves made into a tea.
I spoke with Doctor Yi Qiao, “Astragalus is one of the best herbs to help improve the immune system. It’s a common herb we use in the clinic for allergies and fatigue. We also use it to prevent flu, cold and for general wellness. In addition, the spring
YI QIAO says this tea assists in preventing ‘flu, allergy, strengthens immune system and increases energy.’
season is the time for liver health and one should eat more green-colored foods and sour foods … liver is the organ responsible for stress and depression.”
Yi Qiao says, “I make this tea in my office every week: astragalus, Chinese dates,also known as jujubes, fresh apple, hawthorn berry, goji berry and cinnamon, if you like.”
“Thank you, Yi Qiao!”
“Anytime! I love to share my knowledge about Chinese medicine.”
Yi Qiao, Licensed Acupuncturist, Master of Public
INGREDIENTS INCLUDE
Health, and Oriental Medicine Doctor, received her medical degree from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is licensed in California and teaches at acupuncture schools in L.A. Among numerous accolades, she is on staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Wilshire Boulevard closure til April 7
Wilshire Boulevard, between Crescent Drive and El Camino Drive in Beverly Hills, will be closed March 24 through Mon., April 7, for construction work on the D Line Subway Extension Project of the Wilshire/Rodeo station. Metro advises motorists to follow recommended street detours and allow for extra time when traveling through the area.
apple, astragalus, Chinese date, hawthorn berry and goji berry.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—still true today
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This famous proverb, attributed to Benjamin Franklin in “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” remains as true today as it did when Franklin wrote it in 1732.
Many people pay for alarm systems and surveillance cameras not only to deter criminals but to also alert oneself and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) through a system called “Cry Wolf” (see crywolfservices.com) to suspicious activity.
Consider these practi -
Neighborhoods
(Continued from Page 1)
Hancock Park Homeowners Association (HPHOA).
Personal Safety
By Below the Radar
cal ideas suggested by Don Moore, a Chronicle reader and home security business owner who has serviced Hancock Park for over 40 years: Hang wind chimes on exterior gates that lead to the sides and rear of your property.
“You’d be surprised how loud they are at 2 a.m. when ambient noise levels are at zero.”
Basic measures like always locking doors and windows are essential, as many burglar-
ies occur through unlocked entry points.
An inexpensive simple alarm solution can be done by attaching battery-powered adhesive door or window alarms that emit a loud noise when triggered. And use DIY glass break detectors to sense the distinct sound of shattered glass. One can place fake security cameras or stickers to signal an active surveillance system.
Lighting is essential. Install motion-activated floodlights around your property and use timers to turn lights on and
off at irregular intervals, simulating occupancy when you aren’t home.
Don’t forget the bark of a dog, even a Chihuahua, is noise an intruder wants to avoid.
Digital age considerations
Digital security for smart homes — from cameras to smart locks — offer convenience, but also expose vulnerabilities. We live in an age of electronic devices and they can help and hurt in the goals of personal safety. Limit sharing personal details like vacation plans or home pho-
tos that might signal when you’re away and avoid geotagging posts that reveal your real-time location.
The HPHOA had worked with neighborhood groups and elected and city officials over the past three years to change zoning laws to meet the Los Angeles Housing Element, the state mandate to build an additional 255,000 homes in the city in the next eight years.
But now with SB 79 on the horizon, the Hancock Park
Homeowners Association and United Neighbors — a statewide coalition of residential groups — are back at the drawing board, meeting with city planning staff, City councilmembers and the mayor. They are mobilizing cities across the state and have embarked on an email letter-writing campaign notifying residents of the issue, and they are also calling for a city study on the impacts of the proposed bill on neighborhoods throughout the city.
“We need to get [SB 79] amended so it does not include single-family, HPOZ [Historic Preservation Overlay Zone] or historic districts. Otherwise we will never have homes for working / middle class families, because within 10 years these neighborhoods will be apartments only,” said Chvatal-Keane.
“Nobody is against density. We need more density. It’s where you put it,” she added.
The amended state bill, which, if passed, would override city laws, would allow for more density within a 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile radius from a transit stop. “These 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile radiuses will
seriously impact hundreds of neighborhoods throughout L.A. and pretty much destroy the Valley. Our Greater Wilshire neighborhoods will be heavily impacted,” said Chvatal-Keane.
According to the proposed bill, introduced in January and amended in the Senate March 5, “Building more homes near transit access reduces housing and transportation costs for California families and promotes environmental sustainability, economic growth and reduced traffic congestion.”
The bill is supported by California YIMBY, Bay Area Council and Streets for All, among others.
“SB 79 will make it legal to build multifamily housing near transit, including in areas currently zoned only for single-family homes, by requiring upzoning near rail stations and bus lines… while also bolstering transit use — and the funding stability of public transportation systems,” according to the California YIMBY website.
Two housing advocacy groups, YIMBY Law and Californians for Homeownership, sued the city in February.
(The lawsuit is funded by California Association of Realtors, according to United Neighbors.)
The plaintiffs claim that the city cannot reach its state housing mandate through the new Housing Element because it did not change the underlying zoning of neighborhoods but rather uses incentives for developers (in the CHIP program) to get more housing built.
In December, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP), which provides developers incentives to build 100-percent affordable and mixed-income housing and focus density along commercial corridors, near transit, job centers and public transportation.
Another bill watched closely by housing officials, SB 677, would strip away protections
in place to protect homeowners from developers buying up properties. Safeguards in place include requiring a homeowner to live in a unit for at least five years before a lot is split up for duplexes or other combinations.
skin deep
by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald
Rounding the corner toward summer prompts certain grooming practices to come back into play. Now is the ideal time to prep for a sunny season free of shaving and bothering with razor bumps and skin irritation.
Check check check on the top three considerations skin care professionals and patients alike have for laser hair removal: faster application time, increased comfort and appropriate for all skin shades. Lutronic Clarity II delivers on all three and then some. Higher energy and a wider range of pulse widths plus real-time feedback on skin temperature ensures that hair removal on larger regions goes more quickly and painlessly, and even targets fine hair on all complexions.
Our Nurse Practitioner, Angela, has over 10 years of experience with laser hair removal on all skin types and laser hair removal is one of the most frequent procedures she performs every day. Some tips from her to help you get the most out of your treatments include avoiding tanning and self-tanner and no plucking or waxing at least 4 weeks prior to treatment. You can shave or trim the hair, and its best to shave 1-2 days before your appointment.
Most patients will receive optimal results with six to eight treatments spread out so we advise contacting us now. Next up: gel pedicure please! Adv.
Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology. She is a member of the Botox Cosmetic National Education Faculty and is an international Training Physician for Dermik, the makers of the injectable Sculptra. She is also among a select group of physicians chosen from around the world to teach proper injection techniques for Radiesse, the volumizing filler. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA. Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD.com or call (323) 464-8046 to schedule an appointment.
EVEN THE BARK of a small dog can deter an intruder.
Korean food is not just barbecue: exploring Ktown’s oldest restaurants
As a 36-year-old who has lived in Koreatown for the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching the neighborhood evolve while staying connected to its culinary roots. I know where to find the best seolleongtang, the most flavorful kimchi jjigae and the hidden spots that even longtime locals might overlook. My passion for Korean cuisine extends beyond trends — I appreciate the stories behind each dish and the restaurants that have preserved these traditions for decades.
For many Angelenos, Koreatown is synonymous with sizzling barbecue, but this vibrant neighborhood has so much more to offer. While smoky grills and marinated meats may dominate the popular perception of Korean cuisine, Ktown’s rich culinary history is built on a diverse array of dishes that have been passed down for generations. Some of the area’s longest-standing restaurants continue to serve these traditional specialties, offering an authentic taste of Korea beyond the barbecue grill.
Chung Ki Wa: A classic destination for seolleongtang. Specialty: Seolleongtang (ox bone soup). 3545 W. Olympic Blvd., 323-737-0809. Parking: Limited lot parking; street parking available.
For those seeking a taste of authentic Korean comfort food, Chung Ki Wa is a must-visit. This family-run establishment
Ktown Chronicles by
Jason Oh
specializes in seolleongtang, a rich and milky beef bone soup that has been simmered for hours to develop a deep, velvety broth. Served with rice, green onions and a side of freshly made kimchi, this dish is a staple in Korean households—nourishing, simple, and profoundly satisfying.
Soban: A hidden gem for banchan lovers. Specialty: banchan & galbijjim (braised short ribs). 4001 W. Olympic Blvd., 323-936-9106. Parking: Street parking only.
Soban is one of Ktown’s most unassuming yet exceptional restaurants. Known for its thoughtfully created banchan, this cozy spot elevates the small side dishes that accompany every Korean meal. Banchan refers to a variety of complementary plates—pickled vegetables, marinated seafood and delicate egg soufflés—all carefully prepared to enhance the flavors of the main dish. Pair these with their signature galbijjim (braised short ribs) or haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), and you’ll experience the depth and balance that define traditional Korean cuisine.
Olympic Noodle : Handmade noodles done right. Specialty: Kal-guksu (handmade knife-cut noodles). 4008 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-9310007. Parking: Small parking lot; additional street parking available.
Specializing in kal-guksu (knife-cut noodle soup), this restaurant crafts each bowl with care, ensuring a silky yet chewy texture. Their housemade dumplings, generously stuffed with pork and vegetables, are another highlight.
Hangari Kalguksu: A legacy of hearty soups. Specialty: Chicken kalguksu (handmade chicken noodle soup). 3470 W. 6th St #9, 213-388-2326. Parking: Small lot and street parking available.
For those in search of a warm, nourishing meal, Hangari Kalguksu delivers. Their chicken noodle soup is a standout, featuring handmade noodles in a fragrant, rich broth. It’s the type of dish that locals crave on a chilly evening, offering a taste of home-cooked tradition with every spoonful.
Gwang Yang Barbecue: A different approach to bulgogi
Specialty: Bulgogi (traditional korean marinated beef). 3435 Wilshire Blvd. #123, 213-385-5600. Parking: Valet parking available;limited street parking.
Specializing in bulgogi, this restaurant follows a traditional cooking method from Gwangyang, South Korea, where thin
POLICE BEAT
slices of marinated beef are grilled over an iron griddle rather than an open flame. The result is a delicate, smokysweet flavor that stands apart from the standard tabletop barbecue experience
Culinary heritage
The neighborhood’s oldest restaurants have stood the test of time by staying true to their roots—offering soulful, handcrafted dishes that reflect Korea’s deep and diverse food culture. Whether you’re exploring the comforting warmth of seolleongtang, the refined complexity of banchan or the hearty satisfaction of handmade kal-guksu, there’s always more to discover in Ktown’s rich dining scene. Next time you’re in the area, take a step beyond the grill and explore the timeless flavors that have made these restaurants beloved institutions.
Police deployed to help with rash of burglaries
WILSHIRE DIVISION
According to Officer Tyler Shuck, burglaries are the biggest concern for the area. He is working with the night watch officers to provide extra patrols during peak crime hours, such as dinnertime. He’s also utilizing decoy police vehicles for added deterrence.
BURGLARIES: Suspects broke a side window and gained entry into a home on the 300 block of North McCadden Place
WILSHIRE DIVISION
Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Tyler Shuck 213-712-3715 40740@lapd.online Twitter: @lapdwilshire
at 7:30 p.m. on March 2.
Suspects broke the rear window with a tool and removed property from a home on the 400 block of North Orange Drive on March 7 at 9 p.m. A week later, on March 14 at 10 p.m., this block was the scene of the same type of crime.
On March 8, an apartment on the 400 block of South Detroit Street was burglarized. Suspects gained access through an unlocked balcony
OLYMPIC DIVISION
Furnished by Senior Lead Officer
Daniel Chavez
213-793-0709
36304@lapd.online
Instagram: @olympic_slo1
at 2:30 p.m.
ROBBERY: A suspect approached a victim, pushed him, removed property and fled on foot on March 11 at 10:30 p.m. near the corner of Cloverdale Boulevard and Fourth Street.
ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON: On the 100 block of North Highland Avenue, a suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
SOONDAE GUKBAP from Hankook Soondae.
N A T I 0 N DAY A I
f(fkN
TO OUR DOCTORS
PIH Health extends its deepest gratitude to our outstanding physicians. Every day, these dedicated professionals provide our patients with expert, consistent care. Thank you, doctors, for your dedication to keeping our communities healthy!
PIH Health Downey Hospital
PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital
PIH Health Whittier Hospital
PIH Health Physicians
Is overnight camp really only for kids? Some cater to adults
By Nona Sue Friedman
Hanging with your friends, exploring new and fun activities, doing sports together, sharing meals and sleeping in a bunk are the things that make up summer camp. Those carefree days can fuel a kid for the rest of the year. But why does that fun and sense of community have to stop when you become an adult?
Here are some options for adult camps that could reignite that same carefree feeling.
Camp No Counselors is the place to go for the all-out sports camp experience. Three days to unplug, relax and revel in pure fun is offered at this 75-acre camp in Fresno. It has all the fixings—pool, ropes course, volleyball, basketball, nightly socials, communal meals, paintball, go-karts and a water park on the lake. The list goes on.
Like other camps, once you arrive, everything is included. Come solo, with a friend or a group of pals.
The cost is $975. Find more information at campnocounselors.com.
Feeling artsy?
If the arts and crafts shack was the spot where you spent most of your time as a kid, you are in luck. There are a plethora of places where you can delve in to be your artsy, crafty self.
June is the only month for adults to explore classes galore at Idyllwild Arts in Idyllwild, which is just a few hours’ drive from Los Angeles at the top of a peak in the San Jacinto Mountain range.
Their class choices cover the gamut from stained glass, writing, Danish cord weaving, Hopi jewelry making, beading … the list goes on. Some weeks are themed, such as Metal Crafts Week and the Native American Arts Market.
The program began in 1950 as a beautiful summer destination. Over the years they’ve had some distinguished visiting artists, including Ansel Adams. Participants are encouraged to stay on their campus to enjoy meals together and listen to talks by visiting artists. Costs start at about $1,500 for the weeklong camp, depending on your class and housing choices. More information can be found at idyllwildarts.org.
With a focus on ceramics, Holman Arts & Media Center in Lake Tahoe offers five-day summer workshops.
Nestled just a few minutes from the lake, you can throw pottery on the wheel, coil build vessels or create
a wall sculpture. Also available are plein air landscape painting, the art of handmade books and plein air creative writing.
The schedule allows for free time to explore the area with multiple music festivals happening in town and plenty of hiking. Cost for the week is $800 plus housing. Visit unr. org/laketahoe.
If you want to immerse yourself in a premier destination art program, Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, Colorado, could be the place for you. The five-acre ranch has been teaching summer art classes for almost 60 years. It attracts world-renowned artists to their campus, which is perched among aspen trees in the Rocky Mountains. The city of Aspen is just minutes down the road.
Over the years they have created a campus with multiple art rooms, a café, a gallery, an outdoor sculpture garden and sleeping quarters. The workshops are one or two weeks and focus on seven mediums: furniture making and woodworking, photography, digital fabrication, painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. No experience is necessary. It’s your opportunity to learn a new craft.
The ranch provides accommodations and a meal plan, which is encouraged for participants as a way to fully immerse in the experience and learning opportunities, adding to that “take me away” feeling of camp.
Rates start at $1,290 plus housing. More information can be found at andersonranch.org.
Craftcation is a crafter,s heaven. If you can think it, it’s most likely available during this weekend in April at a hotel in Ventura. The schedule is dizzying with options and organizers actually encourage you to use scissors to cut and paste your schedule together.
Of the 500 or so attendees, some own a craft business, others want to own a craft business and some just want to dive in for crafting fun. All are welcome.
There are three sewing rooms, jewelry making, needle arts, mixed media, dyeing, writing and photography. Yoga, zumba, meditation on the beach, happy hour, trivia night and a fashion show round out the long weekend. The cost is $725 and includes all meals and activities. Register at craftcationconference. com.
Fitness
If you’re not as slim or fit as you were when you first went to camp, how about taking a week or more to change
that? The instructors at Premier Fitness Camp, located on the grounds of the Omni La Costa Resort, will help you with exercise, nutrition and
mental health to become a healthier version of yourself. Or, maybe you are in great shape and just want a whole-
(Please turn to Page 11)
Literature that allows children to dream
By Helene Seifer
April may start out with foolishness, but the rest of the month has more serious intent. April is National Poetry Month and April 19 to 25 is National Library Week. Other dates are set aside to highlight the importance of books to our youth: Wed., April 2, is designated Children’s Book Day, Teen Literature Day falls on Wed., April 16, and El Día de los Niños / El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day / Children’s Book Day) on April 30 emphasizes literacy for all young people, no matter their language or culture.
To honor April’s commemorative days, and allow children to dream, we wanted to identify some of the best books for young people. A perfect place to start is with the dis-
tinguished American Library Association’s book awards: the Newbery and Caldecott.
The 2025 John Newbery Medal for distinguished American Children’s book was given to “The First State of Being” by Erin Entrada Kelly. This science fiction book, for 8- to 12-year-old readers, is about a 12-year-old whose life changes after meeting a boy from the future.
This year’s Randolph Caldecott Medal for distinguished picture book illustrations was awarded to “Chooch Helped” by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. The story, for 4- to 8-year-old readers, features an older sister in a Cherokee family learning to include her little brother in her activities.
For more books, we consult-
Summer Camps
Early Bird Discount Expires May 1
ed local experts: our children’s librarians.
Velear Schrupp, librarian at St. James’ Episcopal School, says, “I suggest books based on a student’s interests and academic alignment, books that can spark joy and books that can spark discussions. I look for ways to help youth make connections to experiences (familiar and different from their own).”
Schrupp recommends the prekindergarten to kindergarten picture book “How to Grow a Friend” by Sara Gillingham, “a sweet story using metaphors to describe what is needed to nurture and grow friendships.”
“A Kind of Spark” by Elle McNicoll, a book for grades three to four, allows readers to understand a neurodiverse
(Please turn to Page 11)
Summer Riding Camps Summer
For over 25 years we have offered a safe, fun-filled program
June 16 - Sept. 8 (weekly) 9 am to 3:30 pm Spring Camp Week of April 14
Applications accepted NOW … first come, first served
• Beginner to Intermediate
• Ages 6 and up
• Patient instructors, gentle school horses
• Limited group size
• Health precautions observed
• Arts & Crafts
Gene Gilbert, USPC Professional Member located at the Paddock Riding Club
3919 Rigali Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Tel: 323-665-8977
gggilbertent@aol.com www.EnterpriseFarms.com
CANOEING ON the lake and around the inflatables at Camp No Counselors.
Photo courtesy of Camp No Counselors
Children’s books
(Continued from Page 10) character who finds her own voice. For grades 4 to 6, the librarian suggests the historical fiction “Sylvia & Aki” by Winifred Conkling, which uses events in California history as catalysts for two characters to test their mettle and bond. Schrupp likes the graphic novel “New Kid” by Jerry Craft for students in grades five to eight. In it, a new kid at school needs to balance fitting in while staying true to himself. Kim Woo, children’s librarian at the Frances Howard Goldwin–Hollywood Library, and colleague Jacqueline Hernandez and student Christian Trejo Guevara recommend “Mi Amigo,” a bilingual picture-book series about two friends, one who speaks English, one Spanish, for 3- to 7-year-olds by local author and educator René Colato Laínez, illustrated by Nomar Perez. Preschoolers will enjoy “First the Egg” by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, a Caldecott Honor book and winner of a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor for best book for beginning readers. Its simple illustrations powerfully demonstrate transformations in nature, such as egg to chicken and tadpole to frog. Other titles proffered by the Hollywood library team include a nonfiction story that
CHILDREN’S BOOKS ON DISPLAY at the Frances Howard Goldwyn-Hollywood Library.
hits close to home, “Stuck!
The Story of the La Brea Tar Pits,” by Joyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, for elementary age children; the 2025 Newbery Honor winner “Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All” by Chanel Miller, for middle grades, which tells the humorous tale of amateur sleuth Magnolia Wu’s attempts to return the wayward socks lost in her parents laundromat. In the Young Adult / Middle School category, “Remember Us” is a coming-of-age story by 2020 McArthur Fellowship awardee Jacqueline Woodson and winner of a National Book Award and Coretta Scott King Award told against a backdrop of a New York neighborhood slowly burning. Young adult readers are also drawn to “And Then, Boom!” by Printz prize winning author Lisa Fipps. In this novel in verse, high school student Joe, who finds himself homeless when his mother leaves, finds strength in art, superhero comic books and a family of stray dogs.
Leslie Gomez, children’s librarian from the Pio Pico–Koreatown Library, shared “Toto” by Hyewon Yum. “It is a sweet story about a girl and her birthmark. She wants to be seen and accepted for who she is and not for her ‘angel kiss.’ I love this story because it shows us that we should see others for who they are and not for their appearance.”
Gomez likes the message in the graphic novel “MixedUp,” by Kami Garcia, about a dyslexic girl named Estella who doesn’t know how to share her struggles with her friends, which “reminds us to talk to someone you trust to find the support you need so that things become easier to manage.”
As the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance state, children need books in their lives because, “Books help develop language skills and nourish empathy. They allow children to safely explore the world, and equally important, books allow children to dream.”
Adult camps
(Continued from Page 10) some camp experience.
The resort encompasses 400 acres of landscaped paradise with multiple pools, a spa, two golf courses and two gyms.
The first night includes dinner, social time and a tour. The next day starts with your intake; height, weight and blood work. Mornings consist of aerobic exercise, afternoons are yoga and maybe a swim or walk. Meals are all non-GMO and no sugar with accommodations for all food preferences and allergies.
Throughout the week you can attend culinary demonstrations, meet with a dietician, and go to a mental health lecture. As the representative said, “Completely change from the inside out. The program transforms lives.”
The week starts at around $4,000 and can go up from there depending on your preferences. Visit premierfitnesscamp.com.
Personal / Growth
Modern Elder Academy is part camp and part school. This organization is the world’s first midlife wisdom school helping people in their 40s to 70s learn about and move confidently into the next chapter of their lives. With retreats titled, “Navigating Transitions,” “Purpose and Passion” and “Vitality in Motion,” there’s something for everyone.
The academy has two magnificent locations. Santa Fe, New Mexico is situated on a 4-square-mile ranch in the secluded high desert with mountain views, hiking and beautiful sunsets. Baja, Mexico is a beachfront property with amenities that read like a resort. Each location is similar to a boutique hotel.
Your days will consist of workshops, meditation, prepared-from-scratch meals and free time to enjoy your surroundings. More information is at meawisdom.com.
Bookish
Is your book group meeting your favorite night out? Or maybe curling up in a corner is your best Saturday? Zibby’s offers multiple weekend retreats each year for book lovers who want to meet and talk to authors.
The weekends allow the intimate group of about 35 to meet authors, learn about their writing process and ask lots of questions. According to Graça Tito, director of events, “The conversations become very personal and intimate because many of the books are memoirs.”
The weekends take place all over the country multiple times a year. Once you arrive, everything is taken care of and included in the payment of about $1,700. Find out more at zibbymedia.com.
Core College Counseling
JUNIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Have you begun searching for colleges? Are you OVERWHELMED by too many college choices? (Did you know that there are more than 4000 colleges across the US?)
How many AP classes does a student need to take to apply to a selective college? Is the FAFSA for everyone? What should I know about the Khan Academy?
REDUCE YOUR ANXIETY!! Make an appointment to meet NANCI LEONARD who has been working with public and private students for 30 years!
Guaranteed: Your stress will vanish! NANCI LEONARD 310-717-6752 nancitheexteacher@yahoo.com
Nanci Leonard is a Certified College Counselor who has assisted thousands of students in discovering colleges that are the right “fit.” Google: Core College Counseling for more information or call 310-717-6752. Nanci has been a Brookside resident for 46 years.
STUDENTS IN a plein air landscape class go to Lake Tahoe for inspiration.
Photo courtesy of Holman Arts & Media Center
Check out the multitude of activities camps
With less than three months of school, the countdown to summer has begun! Now the big question is, what is your child going to do with all that fabulous, unscheduled time off? For teens, getting a job is always a good idea. But, for younger ones, camp is an easy answer. And there is something for everyone.
Camps offer kids the opportunity to delve into a specific area of interest; hang out on a grassy field with a friend; swim in a pool, lake or ocean; do ceramics; surf and even sleep away from home.
Following is a list of overnight camps and day camps. Check their websites for more information.
If you have a favorite camp that we’ve missed, please contact circulation@larchmontchronicle.com.
Overnight camps
Aloha Beach Camp Hawaii 68-729 Farrington Hwy. Waialua, HI 96791 818-919-4600 alohabeachcamphawaii.com
Boy Scouts of America Multiple locations 2333 Scout Way 213-413-4400 greaterlascouting.org
Catalina Island Camps 707 W. Woodbury Rd., #F Altadena
626-296-4040 catalinaislandcamps.com
Camp Hollywoodland Girls Camp 3200 Canyon Dr. 323-467-7193 laparks.org/camp/camp-hollywoodland
Camp JCA Shalom Institute 34342 Mulholland Hwy. Malibu 818-889-5500 campjcashalom.com
Camp Natoma 617 Cypress Mountain Dr. Paso Robles 805-316-0163 campnatoma.org
Fitness By the Sea Pacific Palisades 15700 Pacific Coast Hwy. Santa Monica 810 Pacific Coast Highway 310-459-2425 fitnessbythesea.com
JAG Gym 8640 Hayden Pl. Culver City 310-287-9886 jaggym.com/camps
Learn To Surf 641 Westminster Ave., #5 Venice 310-663-2479 learntosurfla.com
Swordplay LA 919 W. Isabel St. Burbank 818-566-1777
splafencing.com/summer-camps
Traditional Equitation School
480 Riverside Dr. Burbank 818-569-3666 ridetes.com
Vernon Lee Gym Pasadena 1047 N. Allen Ave. 626-796-6011 Burbank 1828 N. Keystone St. 818-558-1177 vernonleegym.com
Special interest camps
California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp 700 Exposition Park Dr. 323-724-3623 californiasciencecenter.org/ summer-camp
New York Film Academy 3300 Riverside Dr. 818-333-3558
NYFA.edu/summer-camps/ SCI–Arc 960 E. Third St. 213-613-2200 sciarc.edu/academics/summer-programs
Summer Discovery UCLA 516-447-4907
summerdiscovery.com/campuses/ucla
Vendors
(Continued from Page 1)
dors. Store manager Anabel Iniguez said, “It’s a totally positive experience. A plus, plus, plus.” Assistant manager Kat Lee concurs, commenting that they often have a flower vendor (Bloomin’ Sid’s) in front of their location. “Having them there has even brought some customers into the store and makes people converse more and stay longer. [It] gives the area more of a hometown feel. Also, the flower stand makes the view out the window a little nicer.” She’s even considering talking to her corporate office about stocking vases for sale to accompany the flowers.
A few doors away is Topo Designs, which has a symbiotic relationship with the artist Roy Cruz, who sets up in front of their sport-themed store. The shop at 138 N. Larchmont Blvd. displays and sells his artwork in their store. The store manager, Morgan Stuart, said, “We had this blank wall here and Cruz’s work fit in perfectly. We sold one. We’ve also used plants in the store from Bloomin’ Sid’s. The vendors really help promote the block.”
Cruz said that by displaying his art on the street he sees people’s reactions, talks to them and gets to know them better than he would at a gallery. He likens the area to the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris.
Evie Brashner, who works at Flannel, 134 S. Larchmont Blvd., says the vendors in front of her store always
ask permission before setting up. She hasn’t minded having them there. It gets people closer to the store instead of just walking by.
On the other side of the street, Kasim Williams, the manager of Res Ipsa at 143 N. Larchmont Blvd., said, “The vendors don’t bother me if they aren’t in front of my store.”
Another vendor, Stella Ousepian, who owned Bonne Chance on Larchmont for over 20 years and sells jewelry and hand-knit items, said, “One of the cosmetic stores gave me a hard time and asked me not to be there, so I moved.”
Melissa Farwell, director of coordination for California Certified Farmers Markets who operate the two on Larchmont, says, “I don’t feel like [the market] has lost any sellers because of the additional street vendors. Most people who come to the market want to support the market, since
our sellers are vetted.”
Are they legal?
Street vending is an integral part of Los Angeles culture. It’s estimated there are about 50,000 sidewalk sellers throughout the city, yet only 687 active permits. That means the majority of people selling on the streets do not have a permit, essentially making their activity illegal.
However, in 2018, California legislation passed Senate Bill 946, which decriminalized street vending throughout the state. As the bill states, “It is the intent of the Legislature to promote entrepreneurship and support immigrant and low-income communities.”
That means vendors are now able to sell their wares without being criminalized for it. There are safety restrictions regarding where a vendor can place his or her stand, but sellers cannot be arrested.
In years past, the City of Los Angeles charged about $300 for a permit, which was unattain-
able for many. Now the cost is $27.51. However, the process to obtain a permit, particularly a food permit, is extremely difficult and one of the main reasons so few acquire them.
Council District 13 (CD13), of which Larchmont Boulevard is part, works with vendor organization Community Power Collective to educate and disseminate information about
Around the Town
(Continued from Page 3)
up of sliced corned beef, crispy smashed potatoes and scrambled eggs, then chased down with traditional Irish coffees. For those who preferred to sleep in, noon sharp was the appointed time to beat the lines for the 1936 Fairfax Avenue venue’s tented parking lot party, which drew hundreds of rocking shamrock revelers. Three bars served drinks magically concocted by leprechauns in the middle of the night. Lunch food included corned beef hash, fried chicken sandwiches and cheeseburgers with chips—in other words, lots of good stuff to soak up the beer. Bagpipers wandered the crowds, encouraging partiers to join and dance in the fun. A DJ kept the party going day into night, not that these celebrants needed anything other than beer, sunshine and friends. The much-coveted outdoor picnic tables were filled shortly after the parking lot opened. It was hard to find a single patron who wasn’t dressed in emerald glory, with even a few Kelly green-clad dogs understanding the assignment. If you can’t be in Dublin itself, Tom Bergin’s is hands down the second best. Just don’t tell your boss the real reason you called in sick that day. That’s between you and your Uber driver.
• • •
The house was packed at Lilian Way’s The Broadwater Theatre Feb. 23 to see local actor and Larchmont resident Andrew Elvis Miller (alongside co-star Taylor Gilbert) in what was “supposed to be” the final showing of the play The Civil Twilight. But this is what one would call “the little play that could.”
Originally slated to run for three
the permitting process and rules and regulations surrounding street vending. But it’s still complicated and difficult. They haven’t received any complaints about the activity on Larchmont.
“As the son of street vendors, I know the importance they have to our city’s culture and economy. We must create a system with residents, brick-and-mortar businesses and vendors that lets vendors operate legally while balancing the needs of the entire community,” said CD13 Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez.
If any residents or businesses in the area want to connect with CD13 about this issue, please reach out to business liaison Hector Vega at hector. vega@lacity.org.
weeks when it opened in October 2024, the high demand has kept it running far beyond its initial end date, and it will now have one final run. The two-person play, written by playwright Shem Bitterman and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, centers on two strangers who get stuck sharing a lonely midwestern motel room when their flight is unexpectedly grounded due to severe weather. The audience is taken for a thrill ride as they watch these two characters burrow into each other’s lives, playing games with each other’s psyches, pasts and futures. After the show, the audience filed into the Broadwater Plunge bar next door to discuss and dissect everything they had just seen and heard. If you want to catch one of the final showings, mark your calendars for the weekends between April 5 and May 11. Tickets can be purchased at theciviltwilight.ludus.com. And now you’re in the Larchmont know!
SHOPPERS STROLL down the sidewalk.
AT BERGIN’S: (Left to right), Maureen Donovan, Jennifer Rissier, Paria Hassouri and Liz Atlee.
BERGIN’S crowd celebrated from early morning to late night.
INSIDE TOPO DESIGNS, artist Roy Cruz (left) and store manager Morgan Stuart pose in front of two of Cruz’s paintings.
First in logic, math and more at Christ the King
Christ the King Junior High students competed in the Academic Decathlon regional competition at St. Monica Preparatory School on March 1 and placed first in Logic, third in Super Quiz and second o verall.
In addition, individual team members ranked first place in their subjects: Alvin Choi (math), Esther Cho (literature) and Emalee Magno (English).
St. Brendan basketball wins CYO conference
By Jim Kalin
St. Brendan School varsity girls’ team finished first place in the Verdugo II CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) Conference. They lost in the first round of playoffs, but the girls had a great season!
Pinewood Derby cars fueled by love and pizza in Scout race
By Jim Kalin
Local Cub Scout Pack 16 held their annual Pinewood Derby race March 7 at the St. Brendan School gymnasium.
The race was accompanied by pizza and cheering. Competition was divided by dens and a double-elimination bracket system for six divisions. A specialty contest was also held.
The only champion from last year’s derby to defend their title was Liam Salviejo. He is now a three-time den winner.
Salviejo is a member of the Bear den, so he’s undefeated in Pinewood Derby den-racing.
Wolf Scout Ellie Ahn won the Champion of Champions race at the evening’s conclusion.
The Cub Scouts and their parents would like to thank pack leader Jackie Miron and the den leaders.
Below are the results of the racing and specialty judging.
Tiger Den:
First - Rio Park-Cardoza
Second - Ezekiel De Naranjo
Third - Indi Sauer-Portes
Most Creative - Christian Miron
Wolf Den:
First - Ellie Ahn
Second - Finn Cikanavicius
Third - Auggie Klein
Most Creative - Ellie Cho
Bear Den:
First - Liam Salviejo
Second - Charlie Gibson
Third - Charles Cordero
SOME OF
Most Creative - Gabriel
Webelo Den:
First - Mason Im
Second - Jordan De Rosas
Third - Catherine Abdelshehid
Most Creative - Jeraldine Miron
Arrow of Light:
First - Aiden Park
Second - Spencer Sauer-Portes
Third - Zachary Bitzelberger
Most Creative - Amalia Vazquez
Siblings:
First - Oliver Gibson
Second - Milo Park-Cardoza
Third - Hailey Im
Not all cars are created equal, but each is fueled by love.
Four lawsuits filed against Television City on CBS site
By Suzan Filipek
One month after City Council unanimously approved the Television City project at the CBS studio site, four separate lawsuits have been filed against the city of Los Angeles for approving the major studio expansion.
The Grove, LLC, A.F. Gilmore Company—owner of the Original Farmers Market— Save Beverly Fairfax and the Beverly Wilshire Homes filed separate lawsuits in February.
The council approved the TVC 2050 Project Jan. 7.
Owner and developer of the site, Hackman Capital Partners plans to modernize the 25-acre studio with 1.7-million square feet of new sound stages and production space.
In their petitions opponents cited the density and size of the project, increased traffic, environmental concerns and other impacts.
In its 33-page petition, A.F. Gilmore of the Original Farmers Market, which is next door to the project, states the project relies upon a Specific Plan, yet “inexplicably, the Specific Plan is neither specific nor a plan.”
The petition also claims the project is in violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). “The City
has run roughshod over CEQA and other state and local laws to grant Developer a long-term blank check to change its plans, build whatever it wants and answer to almost nobody…”
Television City’s other neighbor, The Grove, also called the Specific Plan into question, writing, “The developer and the city have advanced a project that has been and remains frustratingly undefined… The Specific Plan permits up to 1.7 million square feet of commercial uses that could be anything from an office park, to an e-sport tournament area.”
Save Beverly Fairfax, a volunteer neighborhood association, seeks the rescission of the project approval until a thorough and compete environmental review is conducted.
“While masquerading as development aimed at expanding and modernizing television production in Los Angeles, the project fails to address the real issues plaguing Los Angeles production.
“Moreover, nothing in the project requires more than nominal television studio and production space be constructed,” the Beverly Fairfax petition stated.
“[If these lawsuits] succeed
Tarrosa
(Please
CUB SCOUT PACK 16 Pinewood Derby champions are from left to right, Liam Salviejo, Rio Park-Cardoza, Ellie Ahn, Charlie Gibson, Mason Im and Aiden Park.
the winning entries.
ACADEMIC DECATHLON team members (front row, left to right) Francis Benico, Jude Villavicencio, Alvin Choi, Emalee Magno, Zoe Griswold and Savanna Alora. Back row, left to right: Anjella Guiza, Tomasz Bajon, Isaac Kwon and Esther Cho.
BEARS varsity players (left to right) Camila Interiano, Capri Allevato, Julia Vargas, Sky Tecson, Eve Chiles, Nora Langlois, Belinda Vazquez and Eliana Nicolas.
Dodgers have best players; everyone is angry. Should they be?
Tanner Scott or Kirby Yates? It was a conundrum. The Dodgers wanted to bolster their bullpen and had already made several massive moves in free agency, including signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, inking Teoscar Hernandez and Tommy Edman to expensive extensions, acquiring outfielder Michael Conforto and also landing the latest prized and coveted pitcher from Japan armed with a 100 mph fastball, rookie sensation Roki Sasaki. He was coveted by nearly every team in the sport, and it was almost unfair that he picked the Dodgers. The previous year, all they did was commit $1 billion to superstar unicorn Shohei Ohtani and Japanese superstar pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who were also coveted by every team in the sport.
So after an offseason that represented an embarrassment of riches, they just needed to improve their bullpen. Do they sign Tanner Scott, the most coveted and expensive closer on the market, or the more affordable Yates? Well, given the strength of the Dodgers organization and the appeal they have to free agents who want to win and get better at their craft, there could be only one correct answer.
Both. They signed Scott and Yates. Why choose some when you can have it all?
That capped an offseason by the defending world champs in which they got everything and everyone they wanted. It was almost unfair; in fact some teams claimed it was. Commissioner Rob Manfred found himself answering questions about whether the playing field was level. Some teams cried foul!
But the thing is, the Dodgers weren’t doing anything wrong,
Chasing Sports by
Chase Campen
they were just doing everything better than every other team. Drafting better. Developing better. Playing better and making better free agent pitches. They didn’t break any rules. And perhaps that’s what stings fans of other organizations and those organizations themselves. They didn’t cheat. They are just better. Is it bad for the sport? Well, we’ve actually seen this before.
From 1996 to 2000 the New York Yankees won four of those five World Series.
They were a literal juggernaut; three of those titles were sweeps and they never faced a World Series game 7. Unlike this Dodgers team, that Yankees squad was primarily based around home-grown talent. Players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte formed the foundation for those championship squads, but make no mistake, they went star-hunting too.
Among the players they were able to add to those teams via trade or free agency included Darryl Strawberry, Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, David Wells, David Cone, Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, Tino Martinez, David Justice, Jose Canseco and Alfonso Soriano. At least half of those players are Hall-of-Fame caliber, and many were acquired via trade for pennies on the dollar.
Yep, the rich got richer. See a pattern? The sport and fans were so frustrated by the Yankees’ dominance, with their then swashbuckling and big spending owner George Steinbrenner, they nicknamed the franchise the “Evil Empire.”
But guess what? Even with
the hated Yankees dominating, the sport was still fun. The 2001 season culminated with a somber but intense World Series in the tragic shadow of 9/11, and the Yankees actually lost with their unhittable closer on the mound! We saw Barry Bonds break the home record. We saw a fan named Steve Bartman extend the Chicago Cubs’ curse, while the Boston Red Sox finally ended theirs, coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the 2004 American League Championship Series against, you guessed it, the Yankees!
No, we don’t want the best, big market team to win the World Series every year. But you know what we do want? We want them to be good. You know why? When teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, University of Notre Dame and University of Michigan are good, the sport is more interesting. You want the flagship franchises to be relevant; it’s far more interesting that way. Because the next best thing to rooting for your beloved, is rooting against the team you hate. So yes, the Dodgers, like the Yankees are rolling. They just washed the beer off themselves from the parade, restocked their roster and are overwhelming favorites to do it again. But that’s the beauty of sports, and baseball in particular. Nothing is guaranteed. Anything can happen. And that’s why we watch.
FAIRFAX HIGH
Hillary Tong 12th Grade
THE OAKS
Hazel Iha 6th Grade
The month kicked off with the Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement Club participating in the annual MESA Day Competitions hosted by UCLA, with countless medals and awards earned.
To celebrate Pi Day and the diversity of the Fairfax community, students recited memorized digits of Pi in their native language, such as Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Tagalog and Spanish, over the loudspeaker.
The Fairfax Lions of the Police Academy Magnet(PAM) demonstrated their discipline, hard work, and teamwork in the LAUSD PAM Drill Team Competition, winning first place. Students of the LACER ROAR program hosted a three-week-long Russian and Ukrainian course, free to everyone interested, in learning the basics of Slavic languages.
Every year, each grade at the Oaks participates in the Circus, where students perform various acts. Some of the most popular are riding a unicycle, balancing on a ball, walking on stilts, juggling sticks and doing tricks with a diablo (also called a Chinese yo-yo).
In 6th grade, I can perform my favorite act; riding 5-foot high unicycles. These unicycles are tall and heavy and to even get onto it, a ladder is necessary. When I first climbed onto the 5-foot unicycle, I was shaking and could barely pedal. After a week of practicing, I got comfortable riding it and was even able to ride backwards.
The Circus has been a fun event that I looked forward to every year. I’m glad that I’m leaving the Oaks with unique skills and special memories.
DODGERS PLAY the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
Paramount
(Continued from Page 1)
Melrose location. The Mediterranean-style Bronson Gate, which has appeared in countless films and television shows, became the studio’s recognizable face — standing just blocks from Larchmont’s northern boundary.
During Paramount’s formative years under production head B.P. Schulberg, the studio pioneered the star system, launching careers of icons like Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino and Clara Bow. As the studio workforce grew to accommodate ambitious production schedules, Larchmont became the natural residential overflow for those associated with Paramount.
The distinctive village-like commercial district along Larchmont Boulevard developed in tandem with the studio’s expansion. Developer Julius LaBonte had begun subdividing the former agricultural land in 1921, but it was Paramount’s gravitational pull that gave the area its unique character.
While Cecil B. DeMille (who directed dozens of Paramount’s most successful epics) maintained his estate elsewhere, Larchmont became home to the army of skilled professionals who executed his grand visions. Production designers, cameramen, costume department staff and countless other technical specialists found the neighborhood’s location irresistible.
With production schedules
that might begin before dawn and end after midnight, living within walking distance of your soundstage wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity.
The Boulevard Café, which occupied an end spot where Peet’s Coffee now stands, became known for its all-day breakfast service catering to Paramount crew members working across all three shifts. Film editors would gather there to discuss cuts over coffee, sometimes making critical creative decisions away from executive oversight.
Larchmont Pharmacy’s lunch counter (which was located where Burger Lounge currently resides) served as an impromptu meeting place where Paramount screenwriters would pitch ideas to associate producers. The longgone Larchmont Tea Room became a regular afternoon spot for costume department staff, who would bring fabric swatches and design sketches to review in the natural light of the café’s large windows.
As Paramount produced lavish films like “Wings” (winner
of the first Academy Award for Best Picture) and DeMille’s biblical epics, the aesthetic influence spilled directly into Larchmont’s architectural development. Set designers and art directors from the studio moonlighted on residential projects, bringing Hollywood magic to everyday homes.
Several houses on North Lucerne and South Windsor boulevards showcase architectural details remarkably similar to sets from major Paramount productions. After “The Ten Commandments” (1923) popularized Egyptian motifs, these elements appeared in neighborhood home designs. Similarly, the Spanish Colonial Revival style popular in many Paramount romantic comedies of the period found expression in residential architecture throughout Larchmont.
During the 1930s, as Paramount weathered the Depression under the leadership of executives like Barney Balaban, the studio focused on sophisticated comedies from directors like Ernst Lubitsch
The Plymouth School
and socially conscious dramas that reflected American struggles. Many of these films were written in Larchmont living rooms and local cafés by screenwriters who called the neighborhood home.
The symbiotic relationship between Paramount and Larchmont reached its zenith during the 1940s, when the studio’s wartime productions brought unprecedented activity to the lot. Paramount’s famous slogan — “If it’s a Paramount picture, it’s the best show in town” — could easily have been adapted to describe the neighborhood
whose fortunes rose alongside the studio’s success.
Today, as visitors stroll down Larchmont Boulevard, traces of this shared history remain visible in architectural details and the village’s creative atmosphere. That distinctive Spanish Colonial façade or Art Deco flourish might be more than just attractive design—it could be an echo of a long-forgotten Paramount picture, preserved not on celluloid but in brick and mortar, a tangible reminder of when this charming village and a legendary studio grew up together.
Larchmont resident wins Emmy for ‘Percy Jackson’
By A.R. Johnstone
Hancock Park resident Ellen Goldsmith-Vein recently took home an Emmy for her work as an executive producer on “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” A 27-year resident of Hancock Park, Goldsmith-Vein shared the accolades and credit with Rick Riordan (creator of the books and characters), the incredible cast, Denise Chamian (casting director for “Percy Jackson” and a fellow Larchmontian) and her husband Jon Vein, himself an Emmy winner. Ellen Goldsmith-Vein is the owner of The Gotham Group, a talent management and production company started in 1993. She has had numerous successes over the years and reiterated how “blessed and lucky” she is to work with the great people around her and the extremely talented individuals she interacts with to help turn their stories into amazing films and television shows.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Ellen Goldsmith-Vein with her Emmy.
Her upcoming project “Deliver Me From Nowhere” is the eagerly awaited biopic about Bruce Springsteen and the making of his album “Nebraska.” The project is written and directed by Scott Cooper and stars Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”) as Bruce Springsteen.
LARCHMONT PHARMACY, CIRCA 1960, was a popular meeting spot.
PARAMOUNT ENTRANCE is also called the Bronson Gate, from which Charles Bronson took his stage name.
Bears prepare for upcoming CYO golf championships
Ever wonder what a golf ball tastes like? Ask St. Brendan School sixth-grader Logan Lee.
“Logan eats, drinks and sleeps golf,” said Tim Lee, golf coach at St. Brendan School. (The two are not related.)
“That’s all he does. He watches golf on TV. He reads about it. He talks about it.”
Diligence
It would be difficult to find a more dedicated and disciplined athlete than Logan Lee. When the rest of the city has entered that deepest stage of sleep, Logan is starting his day.
“He wakes up every morning at 4:30 a.m. so he and his dad can go play nine holes of golf before he has to be at school,” said Lee.
“The whole house lights up for him in the morning,” said Logan’s father.
Logan’s day always ends at a driving range hitting golf balls, then he’s in bed by 7:30 p.m.
This diligence has paid off.
The CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) held its Spring Tournament at Arcadia 3-Par Golf Course in February. This was the qualifier for the upcoming invite-only CYO Championships, which will be played on Sat., April 5, at Hartwell Golf Course in Long Beach. Logan finished first in the Boys B Division (players in grades five and six) and won the entire par-3 tournament, which meant he beat all seventh to eighth graders, too. Logan was the only golfer to finish under par; he scored 25 for nine holes on a par-27 course.
“There were over 300 golfers, and St. Brendan finished second out of 40 schools,” added Lee.
Momentum
Tim Lee took over the head
Youth Sports
by
Jim Kalin
coach position at St. Brendan this past summer. Last year, there were just nine players on the golf team. This year he has 28. How did Lee grow his program so quickly?
“We have friendly golf outings with other schools,” he explained.
The St. Brendan golfers meet once a month on a Friday afternoon with other schools’ teams at Rancho Park 3-Par Golf Course, a charming 9-hole short course on West Pico Boulevard between the communities of West Lost Angeles and Cheviot Hills. The course is picturesque with bluegrass greens and fairways, and the tree-lined holes range in length from 82 to 148 yards.
“We hold unofficial mini-tournaments at these outings,” said Lee. “It takes some of the pressure off and lets them just have fun.”
Rancho Park is also one of two sites where St. Brendan’s golf team practices. They work on putting and chipping at Rancho Park and driving at Aroma Golf Range on Wilshire Boulevard, which is just blocks from St. Brendan School.
For those who have never been to Aroma Golf Range, it’s worth the visit. Golfers tee off from the back of a highrise building into an immense netted area suspended over a rooftop parking structure overlooking mid-city Koreatown. This is where Logan Lee ends most of his days.
Camaraderie
Tim Lee’s son Colin also golfs and is Logan’s teammate. The two met while on
swim team together.
“They both hit from the white tees now and can drive the ball 250 yards,” said Coach Lee. At a golf course, the white tees are where the advanced players and pros hit from.
Golf is predominantly an
individual sport, but being surrounded by teammates who can push each other is important. St. Brendan has plenty of exceptional golfers who challenge one another, and six qualified for the CYO Championships in Long Beach. Those golfers are Ar-
ram Kharrazi (seventh grade), Logan Lee (sixth grade), Aiden Cha (fourth grade), and Colin Lee (sixth grade), and for the Girls Division, Lacy Park (sixth grade) and Avyn Lee (fifth grade).
Good luck, St. Brendan Bears golf team!
THESE ST. BRENDAN BEARS participated in the CYO Spring Tournament. From left to right, seated: Avyn Lee, Jacob Kim, Jayden Park, Logan Lee, Aiden Cha, Lacy Park. Standing: Ryan Bae, Daniel Baik, Arram Kharrazi, Teddy Weller and Colin Lee.
Monster and hero tale told over dinner
I try to structure this column like a dinner party menu, selecting plays that go together, complement each other, make a theme, provoke a conversation and hope to do it with style. Often, as with cooking, reality intervenes, and one must improvise. Performances get cancelled, disasters strike, deadlines shift. Dinner becomes a smorgasbord. Then, I look for themes to pull things back together.
Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte, at the Music Center through Sun., March 30, is the composer’s most “intimate” opera with six singers and a small
Theater Review by Louis Fantasia
chorus. The music is made up of small ensembles of heartbreaking delicacy, and the tone shifts — or should — from lighthearted romp to something more cynical, or at least sardonic, by the end. Provoked by an aging roué (L.A. stalwart Rod Gilfry), two lads (Anthony León and Justin Austin) enter into a bet to see if their fiancées (Erica Petrocelli and Rihab Chaieb), aided by a fiesty maid (Ana Maria Martinez), will remain faithful to them
during their feigned absences.
The answer is no, but maybe sort of. Women (roughly translating the title) are like that, but, Mozart implies, so are men. As Shakespeare says, “We are all frail.”
The production aims to be a “romp” and stops at that, its unfocused staging rendering the second act nearly pointless. The four lovers, all talented singers, learn nothing about themselves or the nature of love, and we are left wondering if, or why, despite the lovely music, we should care. 213-972-8001; customerservice@laopera.org.
For true intimacy, one could not do better than Megan Gogerty’s Feast, a one-woman riff on the epic poem “Boewulf,” performed by Erin Schlabach and directed by Laura Covelli at The Count’s Den, Saturdays and Sundays through April 6.
Thrilling, suprising,
funny— some shows to binge on
White Lotus: Season three has just come out on Max and HBO. This show is thrilling and funny and will definitely make you want to travel to some exciting locales. Start with Season One; it’s worth it (and former Larchmont resident Jennifer Coolidge is part of the cast).
1883: This limited series, on Paramount+, is the origin story of the Yellowstone series. Brutal, tender, realistic and shot beautifully. Isabel May is a revelation. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s real life chemistry shines through. Sam Elliott is worth watching.
Black Doves: Unexpected role for Kiera Knightley on Netflix. You will be surprised within the first 15 minutes.
ward and cringeworthy situations. Definitely has crude moments and pokes fun at some “sacred” cows.
The Leopard: On Netflix, this Italian period piece based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s classic novel captures the essence of 19th-century Sicily — an island steeped in history, wars, political corruption and romance. Can things really stay the same if nothing changes?
Roast Meals or Full Menu
(Served 11 am - 10 pm)
The Nordic hero Beowulf, you may remember, invades a land not his own in order to slay Grendel. The female trio of writer-director-performer invites us to dinner with Grendel’s mother, who gives us her side of the story: her son defended their land for 12 years, and the “hero” came only for fame and conquest.
How many screenplays have been structured on Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey?” The myths are in our DNA, but this intimate, unmissable production quietly questions whether they should be (leonixtheatre.org).
Ben Whishaw says so much with just a look or a smile. The supporting cast all add to the depth.
Fallout: Amazon Studios takes the source material (a video game) and turns it into a quirky and unique show with a terrific ensemble cast.
Walton Goggins (“The Hateful Eight,” “Vice Principals”) is going to surprise you. You will be left wondering, “What could happen if the world didn’t get along?”
The Righteous Gemstones: Max is the home to the four seasons of this comedy by Danny McBride featuring an all-star cast (including Walton Goggins, mentioned above) and the usual cast of misfits that McBride puts in awk-
Severance: There are two seasons of this critically acclaimed series on Apple TV+. You will recognize a lot of the faces in the terrific ensemble cast, but might not know their names, except for Christopher Walken. Ben Stiller directs. The show might have you questioning how much you like your office job, especially since a lot of companies are having their employees return to work in person.
Silo: A dystopian world where everyone has to live undergound? Apple TV + has given us two seasons. Rebecca Ferguson and David Oyelowo shine in another stellar ensemble cast. Dark and mysterious, this show will have you asking questions and looking for answers.
Running Point: Netflix cast Kate Hudson as a pseudo Jeanie Buss that’s funny, Californian and brash. Fabrizio Guido is lovable and captivating. The show will make you laugh and enjoy living in L.A.
Breakfast book club with some local teachers
By Kari Gips
What do teachers do to refresh their minds and prepare to engage with students and attempt to enrich their lives? We five teachers, some of whom work in elite private schools and others who teach in schools serving low-income areas, meet once a month at different restaurants for a breakfast book club. We laugh, we discuss and as one might expect, we give each other homework to hold ourselves accountable during our time apart.
The books we read are chosen without any strict guidelines. We read fiction; we read non-fiction. We simply encourage one another to throw out ideas for our next read and we see what sticks. Our discussions often stray from the book we have chosen, but we know for sure that we will enjoy the great company, the special bond of friendship and delicious food. Here are our thoughts about a few books we have read in the past six months.
TV City
(Continued from Page 16) in reining in the project, we will welcome a genuine studio expansion that’s compatible with our wonderful community,” stated Danielle Peters
and Shelley Wagers, co-chairs of Neighbors for Responsible TVC Development.
“The Council vote ignored widespread, legitimate objections that the massive project lacks definition and overwhelms surrounding
Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association
Hello, Fellow Larchmont Village residents!
Many times, fighting through bureaucracy to solve problems can be both slow and frustrating. A decade+ ago, friend of Larchmont Councilmember Tom LaBonge spearheaded a project to complete the median strip on Larchmont Boulevard with the construction of several segments on the northern end within our neighborhood. The LVNA supported the establishment of this median as it provided both an element of traffic calming and neighborhood beautification.
The council office also committed, at that time, to the maintenance of the median. For a good period, everything went great.
Then, as many of you know, we began a long period of instability in our council representation. Including Tom, we’ve had 5 different city councilmembers representing this area over last 10 years. Despite assurances made to the community organization contracted to do median maintenance, the city stopped honoring their commitment, didn’t follow through on payments and things started to fall apart.
There were intermittent attempts by private citizens and LVNA members to help but entropy set in. It became clear we needed a long-term solution, so your neighborhood association stepped in.
After a year of diplomacy, negotiation, bridge building and fence mending, the LVNA has resolved this issue. I’m happy to announce (as any of you wandering by North Larchmont during the rain last week may have noticed) the long overdue rehabilitation of the North Larchmont median has begun. Weeding has started, plant maintenance and replacement plus all other necessary work are planned and agreed to. Work crews will be in and out of there in the next few weeks. As spring comes into view, we will have healthy, safe and attractive landscaping to enjoy.
The objective and purpose of the LVNA has, since 1987, been the preservation and enhancement of our neighborhood, bounded by the south side of Melrose Avenue, the north side of Beverly Blvd, the entirety of Arden Blvd and the west side of Wilton Place. We’re all part of a neighborhood we love. We support the establishment of neighborhood specific 501c3 charities. As nonprofit corporations, they can intensely focus on specific issues and fundraise in a way we cannot.
You can be a leader on issues you care about in our neighborhood. Since 1987, the LVNA has operated on a decentralized system where residents with a passion for a subject or issue become experts helping not just themselves but the neighborhood at large. Our board is knowledgeable in most of the subjects any resident could come up against and is ready, willing and able to be a resource and provide resources to help…
Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Elections Information:
Each resident and many stakeholders are entitled to vote both in geographic and stakeholder categories including Area 7, At Large, Business, Religion, Renters etc.
In Greater Wilshire, the important dates for the 2025 elections are ongoing:
Vote-By-Mail Ballot Request Opens: 2/14/2025
Vote-By-Mail Ballot Request Closes: 4/6/2025
Election Day: 4/15/2025
Deadlines to Receive Mail-In Ballots (*Must be postmarked by election day) : 4/25/2025
More info at EmpowerLa.org/elections
Finally, in the wake of the City Council entertaining a motion to make pro-walkable community revisions to Los Angeles’ zoning, Livable Communities have partnered with a consortium of affordable housing development advocates to launch a design contest focused on a key element – mixed use buildings with a single staircase. Check it out at www.singlestair.com/.
You can join or reach out to the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association at lvna.info. Pay your $25.00 2025 dues at lvna.info! You can email the general LVNA box at lvna90004@gmail.com or President Charles D’Atri directly at lvgwnc@gmail.com.
Serving the Larchmont community between Beverly and Melrose, Arden to Wilton Place lvna.info • lvna90004@gmail.com
neighborhoods. A key document calls the studio ‘one possible development scenario,’ and from day one it has looked more like a grab for broad development rights than a genuine studio expansion,” the co-chairs stated. They also objected to Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who at the eleventh hour “swooped in with alarming new ‘conditions of support’ that allow the 1.7 million-square-foot project to go forward with as little as 150,000 square feet of production capacity—less than 10 percent of the total development. Compared to what is already on the lot, this “studio expansion” could reduce production capacity by 74 percent.”
Meanwhile, barring the lawsuits, the $1 billion project is expected to be
Book club
(Continued from Page 20)
Three Days in June is a novel by Anne Tyler about Gail Baines and the experiences Gail has surrounding her daughter’s wedding. As many women inevitably experience at some time in their lives, Gail feels underappreciated at work and at home. Just when Gail’s life is at its nadir, her ex-husband must stay at Gail’s house so he can attend and participate in their daughter’s wedding.
Tyler masterfully transforms what would otherwise be a mundane story about a woman and her life experiences into a delightful and heartwarming ride through the lives of her very likeable characters. With fewer than 200 pages, this was a sweet story and a most worthwhile read.
Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is a thought-provoking exploration of love, marriage and the human condition. The story begins when we meet Phoebe, a woman who is at the end of her rope and ready to give up on everything. Then a persnickety bride enters the story and thwarts Phoebe’s plan to end her life by refusing to let anything ruin her wedding. What follows is a beautiful story about self-discovery, friendship and new beginnings. The Wedding People is definitely a must-read.
These five teachers met while working together in the West Adams area at St. Agnes school. Kari Gips hails from the well-loved local Larchmont family the Cliffords;
completed prior to the 2028 Olympics, a spokesperson for the developer said.
The project will keep production and production jobs in the city and ensure Los Angeles remains the entertainment capital of the world, supporters claim.
The Hackman Capital Partners project retains 265,000 square feet of existing buildings on the 52-year-old
Ana Jelenic’s family lives on Larchmont, and the rest of the ladies live in the surrounding area.
Are you part of a book club?
television studio property. The historic façade along Beverly Boulevard will remain.
Supporters of the project include the Park La Brea Residents Association, Los Angeles Conservancy, Holocaust Museum Los Angeles, Mid City West Neighborhood Council, the Fairfax Business Association, Melrose Business Improvement District and others.
Please tell us about a read your group is enjoying. Write to circulation@larchmontchronicle.com with “Books” in the subject line.
RENDERING shows the Television City project. Courtesy of tvcstudios.com
TEACHERS READ, TOO. (Left to right) Ana Jelenic, Janie Salazar, Monica Escobar, Elvia Navas and Kari Gips.
Homeless
(Continued from Page 3)
decade. My quest is to get information about what happened to the purported $2.4 billion of Los Angeles’ unaccounted for funds earmarked for homeless housing. The biggest problem is there was no tracking of whether any of the various funded homeless programs and providers succeeded. Do
Parking
(Continued from Page 1) and there are no plans to update them. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), who is responsible for maintaining parking signs, has not been funded to make these updates, according to LADOT spokesperson Colin Sweeney. The outdated signs unnecessarily limit parking throughout Los Angeles as motorists rely on these incorrect signs to guide them.
That “No Parking” sign doesn’t always mean you can’t park there
While the outdated signs still indicate weekly restrictions, LADOT has confirmed that parking is legal in these locations when street sweeping is not scheduled. The department has stated that it will not issue citations for violations on these days despite the language on the signs.
Since the signs no longer accurately detail when streets will be swept, StreetsLA offers a notification service that alerts residents via text or email both 24 and 48 hours before scheduled cleaning on a particular route. Drivers can register for notifications for their particular street of interest at streetsla. lacity.org/sweeping. Will the signs ever be updated?
Updating the outdated signage is not relatively costly in terms of materials, but the labor required to address signs citywide presents a significant challenge. In 2021, the city estimated that approximately 75,000 street sweeping signs need mod-
formation will certainly help shed some light on what’s been accomplished.
For three years I wrote about Franco (originally called Giorgio), a homeless man who stood with his shopping cart on Larchmont Boulevard by day and slept by the Beverly/ Rossmore bus bench most nights. I followed his journey
from the street to a senior facility. Along the way I talked with various entities working to find a dignified solution to our homeless problem: nonprofits, city and county officials, medical and psychiatric personnel. There was an extraordinary belief in their power to do good, matched by the extraordinary amount
of overlap in what they were doing and where they were doing it. No wonder we can’t account for all the good that’s been done and all the waste that’s occurred.
I look forward to hearing back from at least some of the people with some of the answers. We deserve to know more.
recently housed Angelenos stay housed? I would settle for details numbering the refurbished housing, new shelter beds, tiny homes, hotel rooms and any other list of what we’ve done to house, temporarily or permanently, the unhoused in our city. The 2025 Homeless Count took place in February, and it will be late spring or early summer before the results are tabulated. That in-
ifications according to media reports. However, the exact number remains unknown, as Los Angeles does not currently have a comprehensive system to track sign placement.
Despite opportunities over the years to update signs as they require routine maintenance and replacement, LADOT has not moved to do so. LADOT spokesperson Sweeney stated that in addition to the need for funding, “Posted signs will not be altered unless the biweekly schedule is codified as permanent.” StreetsLA says, “That would require action by the City Council.” According to LADOT, this is a necessary first step to correcting the signs.
For now, most Los Angeles drivers will continue to heed the outdated parking restriction signs while a savvy few sign up for email and text notifications to advise them when to move their cars.
UNHOUSED MAN on Crenshaw Boulevard three blocks from Mayor Karen Bass’ residence.
SHOULD YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS? East side of Windsor Square signs say not to park, but maybe you can.
STREET SWEEPERS clean our neighborhood twice a month.
Changes to Mills Act could affect historic sites
The Mills Act Historic Property Contract program started in 1996 and according to City Planning is Los Angeles’ leading financial incentive for preservation, offering property tax reductions in exchange for the rehabilitation and preservation of historic properties. Mills Contracts are set at a minimum of 10 years and are automatically renewed annually in perpetuity, even transferring to new owners upon the sale of properties.
On Preservation
by Brian Curran
On March 14 the Los Angeles Department of City Planning and Office of Historic Resources released a new document titled “Mills Act Property Contract Program Draft Policy Updates and Ordinance Amendments,” which outlines City Planning recommendations for the preservation of the program based on comprehensive assessment processes that began in 2020.
Among the most controversial suggestions is the nonrenewal of existing contracts over 10 years old, a move
which would affect many local Mills Act property owners.
Chattel Inc. reviewed the Mills Act, finding it was too big to manage by city staff, and secondly, said the majority of contracts were concentrated in areas “facing low barriers to opportunity.” Addressing the first point, City Planning came up with 10 suggested actions including adding new staff, collecting noncompliance and penalty fees, adjusting tax revenue and creating a new database of Mills Act properties. To address equity, City Planning proposed prioritizing applications for historic multifamily and adaptive reuse projects as well as properties with affordable housing.
One aspect of this which could potentially affect those in our neighborhoods who hold Mills Contracts over 10 years old (myself included) is the suggestion that these contracts not be renewed to allow for new properties to apply.
As a consolation to contract holders facing nonrenewal, the draft states, “Nonrenewal of a contract begins a 10-year wind down, during which time an owner’s property tax valuation is reset to the base year
(Please turn to Page 8)
Tacos and consommé: A taste of Larchmont
By Desmond Garvey
The Pavilions located on the corner of Vine Street and Melrose Avenue has long served as Larchmont’s local grocery store. For those unaware, over the past five years or so, Tacos Guelaguetza — a taco stand located on the sidewalk just south of the Pavilions parking lot — and Birria De Res La Tia Juana — a taco truck situated just off Melrose on Lillian Way — have been locked in a stalemate, competing for the title of best tacos around Larchmont.
You roll into the parking lot around 4 p.m. A taquero shouts at the oblivious first-timer standing in front of you to step up and tell him his order. A line of about 30 others snakes behind you, each patron anxiously waiting for their turn to soak up the heat put off by the trompo rotisserie as it scorches a glistening mile-high stack of al pastor. They stand with their hands in their pockets, chat among themselves and glance at the menu printed on a blue tarp quivering in the wake of cars speeding by. Bulbs strung across the outer edges of the blue tent above the flat top illuminate various meats dancing in their own juices: carne asada, al pastor, carnitas con buche, lengua, chorizo and tripa.
Unaware that the lingerer
in front of you is now gone, the taquero now shouts impatiently at you to step up and order. You get the burrito. He grabs a handful of cheese, raises his arm to shoulder level and sprinkles a precise round layer of shredded queso Oaxaca on the griddle just before quickly slapping a Sonoran-style tortilla on top. “What kind of meat bro?” the taquero to the right of the first asks. You’ll opt for the al pastor along with rice and beans. Not skimping on the portions, he presents to you a mountain of bright orange meat resting on the open-faced burrito. Taking it, sneaking your way around customers waiting to pay, you wind your way to a station with tubs of limes, diced onions and cilantro, radishes and a selection of four salsas: an oil-based habañero salsa (defi-
nitely not for the faint of heart), roasted poblano salsa, a chile de arbol salsa and a tomatillo avocado salsa. A squeeze of lime, a healthy portion of onions and cilantro and a generous scoop of the avocado tomatillo salsa will do. Meander on back to the second taquero you talked to. Without looking he’ll take your plate, roll up the burrito and slide it to the cashier.
Take a spot at the green electrical box or stand in the parking lot, making sure to assume a wide stance as to avoid any unwanted drippings. Don’t shy away from the man handling your burrito; the Sonoran-style tortilla coupled with the melted cheese ensure an airtight seal. Peeling back the foil, the aroma rushes out — smoky, sweet pork bathed in a crimson marinade, the scent of charred edges mingling with hints of pineapple. The onions, cilantro and lime cut right through the richness, allowing room for the creamy yet electric avocado salsa to shine. Each bite is heaven. While all of the other meats on offer are great in a burrito or on tacos, I highly recommend getting the cabeza and carnitas con buche on tacos. Tacos Guelaguetza undoubtedly draws in the most customers and are certainly
(Please turn to Page 3)
BIRRIA TACOS from the truck and consommé in the cup.
LBA board named; beautification update
By Nona Sue Friedman
Romi Cortier of Romi Cortier Design was recently elected president of the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA). As president, Cortier plans to continue beautification of the Boulevard. Previously, he was chair of the LBA’s Beautification Committee.
During his tenure as committee chair, he orchestrated the planting of new flowers and foliage in concrete plant-
ers throughout the village and relandscaped the medians. As president, he is continuing the beautification process.
Beautification project
First up is eight new trash bins, two recycling bins and three benches all in a shade of French blue. According to Cortier, “The French blue will make the Boulevard look different and chic.” These items were installed on the west side of the Boulevard at the
Rollerblade, ride a bike in CicLAvia
It’s time to mount your bike, grab your scooter and put on your favorite sneakers. CicLAvia is coming to town. Koreatown Meets Hollywood is Sun., April 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Designed to get Angelenos out of their automobiles, the car-free event will connect Hollywood, East Hollywood, Melrose Hill and Koreatown.
Participants can run, walk, roll and dance, as long as their mode of transportation is people-powered (with exceptions for those with disabilities).
Resting points — called hubs — and car crossings will dot the 4 3/4-mile route. Travelers can go both ways between Vermont Avenue on the east and Hollywood Boulevard to the north and drop in any-
where along the route, which includes portions of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards. Visit ciclavia.org for more information.
Tacos
(Continued from Page 2) not lacking in the knock-yoursocks-off delicious department. However, they do fall short when it comes to originality.
If an entirely new experience is what you’re looking for, head for Lillian Way. There you’ll find a white taco truck at the curb. Greasy birria de res, with that signature deep red color, has been all the rage lately. Despite the truck’s name, Birria De Res La Tia Juana won’t have this Mexican beef stew on offer. With
end of March. More French blue items are planned for installation.
Cortier has also been busy dealing with an assortment of agencies trying to get the town’s clock working again.
In addition to the new president, the LBA elected vice president Melissa Farwell, who organizes the farmers markets on Larchmont Boulevard; Bob Day of Coldwell Banker as secretary; and treasurer Jennifer Audette of POLAM Credit Union. They will each serve a two-year term.
According to their website, “The LBA was organized in 1965 as a nonprofit, volunteer, cooperative organization of
only one choice of protein on the menu — in an attempt to not scare away picky eaters — the meat remains beef. The consommé is closer to a broth and is reminiscent of Jalisco-style goat birria.
Grab a couple tacos dorados — slow cooked beef cradled in a fried tortilla — and a cup of consommé on the side. The tacos are just fine and the truck is lacking in the tortilla department. These seemingly major drawbacks allow for the consommé to shine and bring it all home. Spiced with clove, cinnamon and bay
businesses, professional firms and property owners located primarily on Larchmont. The organization is committed to supporting and promoting local businesses.”
If you are interested in making a donation to the beautification of Larchmont, please visit larchmont.com.
leaves, a spoonful of this consommé warms you from your soul to the parts extreme.
In the battle for Larchmont’s best tacos, the crown has to go to Tacos Guelaguetza. Tacos Guelaguetza wins with its tried-and-true mastery — a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. However, if you’re in search of something different, Birria De Res La Tia Juana offers a limited, soulful detour. Whether you’re drawn to the familiarity of al pastor or the motherly embrace of a spiced consommé, both spots deliver something unforgettable.
Village Mail-Call makes last call
By Suzan Filipek
Julie Levtow is retiring after 40 years of serving as a notary and taking passport photos at her shipping and mailing business in Larchmont Village Square.
While she is closing Village Mail-Call, at 419 N. Larchmont Blvd., on March 31, she will continue to offer services to her older clientele, many of whom she considers her friends, from her Gower Street home.
Many of her customers are children and grandchildren of her earlier clientele. But
(Please turn to Page 4)
EIGHT NEW trash bins are on Larchmont Boulevard.
Village Mail-Call
(Continued from Page 3)
regardless of their age, Julie welcomes everyone with a smile and helpful attitude. If her Yelp reviews are any indication, the neighborhood will be sorry to see her go.
She’s taken some 14,000 fingerprints in her career — from the ink type to today’s electronic live scan version.
Her late husband, Kenneth Levtow, introduced her to the business and also to the world of opera and symphonies, which have developed into a passion. She is on the Board of the Opera League of Los Angeles and also serves as its photographer. “I joined the board, since I’m already always there,” she said of the performances and lectures held at the Music Center. Her
manufacturing at the time.
Julie joined Kenneth in the U.S., where she earned a master’s degree from U.S. International University (now Alliant International University) in San Diego and had planned to continue in journalism. But, she joined her husband in business and never looked back. (Kenneth Levtow died 20 years ago.)
She’s glad to see Romi Cortier as new president of the Larchmont Boulevard Association and the beautification of the Village, with new planters and benches and other pos-
itive changes made by her longtime neighbor (Cortier owns a hair salon next door to Village Mail-Call.) “It’s really exciting to see all the changes in the neighborhood.”
car has a bumper sticker that reads: “Give Opera a Chance.”
Levtow was a journalist writing about off-shore drilling and other issues for a newspaper in Hong Kong when she met her future husband, who worked in garment
“I’ve seen the industry develop and grow,” she said of her long career. Companies like UPS, which once were only carriers, now offer more services in line with what her shop offered from the start.
In this new chapter of her life, she looks forward to traveling. “I want to see the world and see the other side of the U.S.,” she said. All the while, she plans on keeping a close watch on Larchmont.
Single-family homes
$2,800,000
$1,550,000
JULIE LEVTOW shows a notebook with handwritten entries of fingerprints taken from 1993-96, before her business entered the computer age.
SOLD: This home at
Playing for Change Foundation party
By H. Hutcheson
Playing for Change Foundation (PFCF) celebrated its 2025 Impact Awards in Miami March 15 with an array of prominent figures from Miami and beyond, including Walmart heiress Ann Walton Kroenke, PFCF Executive Director Whitney Kroenke Silverstein, the Marley family, Los Angeles resident Panos A. Panay (president of the Recording Academy). There were music performances by Skip Marley and singer-songwriters JUANES of Columbia and Anitta of Brazil.
PFCF’s achievements include building a cultural art center for children in the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement of Uganda. Its mission is to create positive change through
music and arts education for marginalized youth primarily located in low and lower-middle income countries. PFCF
has programs in 19 countries, with 100 locations in all.
The Kroenke family, owners of the Los Angeles Rams and SoFi stadium, do not have a program for PFCF in Los Angeles, which would make for a great new location.
The theme of the evening was Brazil, with talented youth from Brazil and other countries performing. Gale, a talented young Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, performed, and there was a special honorary award given to Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and the godfather of reggae music. JUANES gave an intimate and inspiring performance and also has similar nonprofit goals.
Among the named sponsors were Jimmy Hutcheson, CEO
Two Stunning Properties Available for Lease Two Stunning Properties Available for Lease
of SPIN magazine, and his wife, Elizabeth, and Tiffany & Co., who created the honorary awards. It was heartwarming to see the auction go wild with a guitar signed by all of the members of the Rolling Stones, trips both to Napa Valley and Jamaica, and one
simply generous auction paddle was raised to donate $250,000 because, as Ziggy Marley said, “Love is my religion,” too.
The after-party continued the Brazilian theme with dancing and partying into the early morning in true Miami style.
JIMMY AND ELIZABETH HUTCHESON of SPIN (at left) with (left to right) Hedy and Andrew Hutcheson and Felicia and Dennis Cunningham with auction item “Love Is My Religion” by Victoria White.
CHRIS BLACKWELL (left) accepting his Tiffany-created award from Cedella and Ronan Marley.
Street lighting outages continue to plague Larchmont area
By Bridget Smith
Residents of the Larchmont area have noticed an increasing frequency of street lighting outages, sparking concern over public safety. According to city officials, the persistent outages are a result of a complex set of issues including a rise in copper wire theft, staffing shortages and a budget that has failed to keep pace with inflation for the past three decades.
Zoe Friedlander, a longtime Norton Avenue resident, shared her frustration after reporting a series of outages that left her street dark over the holidays. “It’s frustrating, but I realize the city has much bigger issues to deal with, and I am committed to being patient,” Friedlander said.
Growing problem
Copper wire theft has become a significant issue, with criminals targeting streetlights and traffic signals. Desperate thieves resell stolen copper wire for a fraction of the cost of repairing the damage. The City of L.A. Public Works Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) oversees the city’s streetlight system and reports that 40% of street lighting outages are directly linked to theft and vandalism. The Los Angeles Police
Department has a task force to go after these criminals, but this has not significantly slowed the problem.
Most streetlights in the city rely on copper wiring, making them easy targets for theft. The BSL is experimenting with theft-resistant solar-powered lights to reduce vulnerability, but these are still in the pilot phase for residential areas and currently only in the East Valley. The BSL is also fortifying equipment by sealing off other points of entry so that criminals cannot get in and has reinforced approximately 200 street lighting circuits in the past year. However, these enhancements affect only a small portion of the city’s vast network and, according to the BSL, at the current rate it would take over 70 years to fortify all vulnerable streetlights.
City response to the crisis
Vahid Khorsand, the newly appointed president of the city’s Board of Public Works, acknowledged the challenges faced by the BSL.
“Ensuring safe, well-lit streets is a fundamental priority, and we recognize the challenges posed by staffing shortages and the rise in copper wire theft.”
Councilmember Hugo
Soto-Martinez, who represents Council District 13, of which the Larchmont area is part, has made streetlight repairs one of his top priorities. As a part of his response, he allocated $200,000 in discretionary funds for overtime pay to create a dedicated street lighting team both this year and last. The funds are meant to cover overtime costs for the remainder of this fiscal year, ending June 2025, with plans to continue this funding annually as necessary.
“These funds are crucial to meet the rise in reported outages and to restore reliable street lighting for our neighborhoods,” Khorsand said,
commending Soto-Martinez’s leadership in addressing the issue. The discretionary funds come from repurposed redevelopment funds for infrastructure repairs including streetlight systems (the Councilmember directs their use in his district).
Soto-Martinez expressed frustration over the long delays in repairing outages, stating, “A broken streetlight shouldn’t take up to eight months to fix.” He noted that the city must “get back to basics” and prioritize these essential services.
Staff shortages continue to hinder progress
Like other city agencies, the BSL is facing significant staff-
ing challenges. Last year, the city enacted a hiring freeze. At that time, the BSL was significantly understaffed, with one-third of all positions vacant, and now those vacant positions have been eliminated as part of a citywide effort to close budget gaps. The resulting staff shortage has led to delays in addressing both repairs and preventive measures. Employees receive 1 1/2 times their regular wage for overtime work.
The road ahead: advocating for change
The challenges of street lighting in Larchmont go beyond simple repairs. With the city budget tight due to broader financial concerns, including the aftermath of recent wildfires, there is growing uncertainty about the future of funding for essential services like street lighting.
One proposed solution is to update the outdated street lighting assessments that have been unchanged since 1996. These assessments, funded through property taxes, generate $42 million annually but fail to reflect rising costs. City officials are interested in a citywide ballot measure that could adjust these rates
(Please turn to Page 8)
100 NORTH BLOCK OF VAN NESS AVENUE, which includes Burns Park, on the evening of March 12.
Spring duck recipe from tour guide Pete Thunder Down Under
By H. Hutcheson
Springtime is here, and, having just completed a tour of Australia, I’m bringing you back a recipe for duck with some native Australian ingredients.
Traversing the Outback, we met Pete Thunder, one of those fantastically unforgettable and passionate tour guides. It happens to be that in his previous life, Thunder was a classically trained chef, but he then decided to live in Uluru upon falling in love with the land and the indigenous Anangu people.
One of his favorite recipes for cooking duck involves the native bush plum, a relative to sandalwood, whose flavors are both sweet and tart. Also called Davidson plum, it can be purchased online, but why not try one of our own local tart plums for the recipe? Satsuma plums are an excellent variety.
As we hiked the sacred
grounds of Uluru, he elaborated:
Preheat the oven to 350 F
Use a sauce pot over low heat to slowly boil and melt:
1 lb. chopped plums
Half a cup Manuka honey
Thick rind strips of one orange
The juice of said orange
One stick of cinnamon
12 cloves in a muslin bag
1/4 cup of light red wine
Score the duck breast for a crispy skin and then rub it with a good dukkah (an Egyptian spice commonly used in Australia). There are variations on this spice throughout the world, but I’m sure over on Westwood Boulevard, in the Persian Square, you will find a beautiful version.
Place the duck breast side up on a roasting rack in a pan and pour the basting sauce you have made over the duck. Place into the oven. Contin-
ually baste the duck every 10 minutes or so.
After the duck has cooked for 30 minutes, reduce the heat to 325 F and continue roasting for another 30 minutes or until the duck has an internal temperature of 165 F.
Allow the duck to rest for 20 minutes before carving.
He suggests sautéing some beautiful green Asian vegetables to serve with the duck such as bok choy, water spinach or daikon radish. Certainly any market in Koreatown could supply some great variations.
Enjoy spring! And maybe go visit Pete Thunder Down Under on a spring break trip! (No kidding. This is really
Street lighting
(Continued from Page 7) to help secure the funding needed for consistent street lighting repairs. Assessment updates could also be tackled district by district. At present, there does not seem to be any real momentum by the city or advocates on tackling this three-decade-old issue at either the citywide or local levels.
How you can get involved
As city leaders finalize the budget for the upcoming fis-
his name!)
Do you have a seasonal recipe for the Chronicle? Write to hedy@larchmontchronicle.com with “recipe” in the subject line.
cal year, now is the time for residents to make their voices heard about BSL staffing shortages. However, there is no logical budgetary reason not to restore and fill positions with dedicated street lighting funding. These funds can only be used on the street lighting system and therefore cannot have much impact on the wider budget crisis.
It is important that the mayor and City Council hear from citizens who want staff restored at the BSL. The mayor’s office is actively putting together the budget for the next fiscal year now and will present the budget to the City Council in late April. The City Council has the opportunity to adjust the budget to their priorities before it is finalized, and concerned residents can make their voices heard at meetings in May.
Advocating for increased staffing, better funding for streetlight maintenance and proactive theft prevention can help ensure safer, more reliable streets for the entire Larchmont community. What can residents do?
As frustration continues to
grow among residents, there are steps the public can take to help address the problem. The first is to report outages to the city’s 311 service by calling 311 or visiting lacity.gov/myla311. After getting a service request number, residents should email that number to Councilmember Soto-Martinez’s office (councilmember.soto-martinez@ lacity.org) to ensure their issue is tracked and addressed promptly.
On Preservation
(Continued from Page 2)
Proposition 13 value and, at 10 years the contract is no longer in effect.”
Affected owners will have the opportunity to comment on the Mills Act through an online feedback form as well as at two public outreach events. Online public comment ends Fri., May 23. Public outreach events are scheduled for Thurs., April 24, at 10 a.m. at the Cultural Heritage Commission Room 1010 City Hall. A virtual event will take place on Mon., April 28, at 6 p.m. The draft can be found online at tinyurl.com/bdzh5uwx.
PETE THUNDER (center, in hat) guides bushwalkers through the Outback, sharing his mouthwatering local duck recipe. Uluru is in the background.
BROOKSIDE AREA has also been dark since December.
CHRIST
THE KING
Anjella Guiza and Zoe Griswold 8th Grade
Students celebrated Mardi Gras by wearing green, purple or gold. March 5 was Ash Wednesday which marked the first day of Lent. Students received blessed ashes on their foreheads.
Eighth graders were very happy to receive letters of acceptance to the high schools they will be attending.
Our St. Patrick’s dinner dance took place on March 16 and featured traditional Irish dancers, Irish music and delicious traditional Irish food.
An elegant afternoon tea at the historic Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena was enjoyed by members of the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society and friends March 9.
“The hotel was very accommodating, the food was great, the company was very festive in their hats and both speakers were excellent,” Vice President of Events Richard
Students celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by dressing in green. Students are now busy memorizing their spelling words and finding sponsorship for our annual Spell-A-Thon on March 27.
LARCHMONT CHARTER WILSHIRE
Emory Tom Kirkwood & Xavier Mason 3rd Grade
“Evil Aliens are taking over earth!!” said Oliver Granillo. April fools!!
All jokes aside, we have some-
Battaglia told us.
Guests were treated to the Royce Room, one of the original restaurant spaces in the hotel when it was built in 1907. Concierge Alejandro Sosa addressed the crowd and the keynote speaker was author Danny Jensen.
The site originally opened in 1907 as the Hotel Wentworth, but heavy rains and high construction costs forced the hotel to close. Railroad tycoon and art collector Henry Huntington purchased the hotel at auction in 1912 and renamed it the Huntington
thing that’s a little more real: Our annual gala. Decorations are in full bloom for it.
Spring break is an incredibly fun experience. Third grader Ryuan said, “Spring break is great and calm! I like to read all throughout it.”
In March, we had an off-campus book fair! Here’s our librarian with more. “At the off-campus book fair we partnered with Chevalier’s Books to encourage families to purchase recommended books from teachers and fundraise with different businesses on Larchmont like Burger Lounge and Jeni’s Ice Cream.”
Easter egg hunt on April 5
Toddlers to 12-year-olds can search for Easter eggs, play games and crafts and enjoy a moon bounce at the Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd., on Sat., April 5, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Spring Egg Hunt will feature events for toddlers to 3-year-olds at 11:30 a.m., 4- to 8-year-olds meet at 12:15 p.m. and 9- to 12-year-olds will gather at 1 p.m.
Bring your own basket to the city of Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation and Parks-sponsored event. Food will be available for purchase. Free.
Hotel. Architect Myron Hunt, who designed the Rose Bowl and Ambassador Hotel, was hired to redesign the main building and grounds.
Nearby at The Grove, family-friendly activities will be offered through Sun., April 20, including a festive petting zoo, brunch with the Easter Bunny and live entertainment. For tickets and pricing, visit thegrovela.com.
WSHPHS President Joseph Guidera (left) and Vice President of Events Richard Battaglia at the tea.
Photos by Mary E. Nichols
NEW MEMBERS Lyma Mehl, Kim Galloway and Erin Dundee.
AT THE TEA: Isabella Battaglia, Emma Daukayev and Langham Huntington Hotel history speaker Concierge Alejandro Sosa.
IMMACULATE HEART
Rosie Lay 11th Grade
Happy Spring! Immaculate Heart ended March with our Spring Luncheon, an annual community-building celebration that brings school families together for a fun afternoon on campus. This year’s theme was “Come Sail Away,” featuring “ports of call” offering global cuisine. There was also music, raffle prizes and the chance to bid on an adorable Doodle puppy.
PAGE ACADEMY
Amanda Arigiropoulos 8th Grade
The fencing team will compete at the SoCal Scholastic League State Championships. Four top fencers, including myself, have qualified to represent our school. Go Pandas! Go Heart!
ST. BRENDAN
Alyssa Lee 8th Grade
congratulate our 8th graders for their high school acceptances in March. Big thanks to our amazing teachers who have supported us throughout the process.
On March 17, we kicked off our annual Penny War fundraiser. We awarded our athletes at the winter sports banquet on March 27. We would also like to
On April 5th, the 2nd graders received their First Holy Communion. We also hosted our first Multicultural Fair celebrating the different heritages and traditions in our community. Our beloved Nick’s Favorite Lunch will be held on April 8th. On April 16th, the eighth graders led the Stations of the Cross before heading to Easter break on the 17th. We wish you all a blessed and Happy Easter!
ST.
JAMES’ EPISCOPAL
Puzzle solution is on Page 9. Answers will also be in our online edition in early April.
In April, Page will have its Move-Up Morning for our JK through 7th grade students. Each grade will have a “sneak preview” of what to expect in the coming year by spending the morning following the next grade’s schedule.
Our lucky 4th to 8th graders will be going to Astro Camp in the middle of the month. The Scholastic Book Fair will also be back along with the Page Annual Egg Hunt, where everyone searches for the special “golden egg.”
Students prepared projects and presentations in celebration of Earth Day on April 22. Standardized testing occurred April 28-30, with practice testing the week before. For a short month, April is jam-packed with activities.
PLOTKE Plumbing Inc.
Madeline Cheng 6th Grade
Every year, the Spring Dance is heavily anticipated by the students — often weeks, if not months, in advance. We have raffles, a photo booth, games and competitions between the grades, but the thing that everyone looks forward to is the theme.
The theme for the spring dance is selected by the 6th grade class. This year it’s a ballroom theme with avant-garde aesthetics, extravagant gowns and debonair suits. We loved the fact that a ballroom theme is broad, allowing for self-expression, over-the-top performances and different interpretations of the theme. I expect plenty of glitter, glamour and excitement at this year’s spring dance!
PILGRIM SCHOOL
Allison Pak 11th Grade
ACROSS
2. Find your way
3. 4000 be Bandhani for camp
6. Summer job
7. Next stop, El Capitan
11. Roasting Marshmallows
12. 1477 Bavaria started sport
14. Lover of fishing
15. Original amateur hour
17. String and fine motor skills
18. Nasty camp visitor
1. Build a bird house
4. Fun version of migration
5. Wes Anderson camp
8. Tharp’s log in Sequoia
9. Bi-pedal Northwest visitor
10. Faster than a canoe
13. As good as partners
16. Less formal than choir
March was Women’s History Month! We kicked off with a panel featuring Pilgrim moms who shared their diverse and unique experiences, facilitated by our student group, Women Standing Together.
The High School Student Association planned a bonding trip on March 19th, where they hiked in Griffith Park.
In with the matzah and hot cross buns to ring in the holidays
April—time of showers and spring flowers, all manner of leavened breads and the complete absence thereof.
When Passover rolls around on the 12th, many Jewish households will have already cleared their pantries of “chametz” — any food made of grain and water that has been allowed to ferment and “rise.”
heights, so much so that you may not be counting down the days (eight in total) until the holiday ends (at nightfall on the 20th, this year).
Fisher
The term (transliterated from the Hebrew ) comes from the Semitic root meaning “to be sour” or “to ferment.” The Hebrew word for vinegar, “chometz” ( ), and its derivative, “chumtza” ( ), meaning “acid,” also trace their origins to this verb.
Out with the chametz and in with the matzah, the unleavened flatbread that’s key to the Passover feast and a handy snack in the week thereafter. With some good butter and a sprinkle of salt, matzah ascends to new
LARCHMONT CHARTER LAFAYETTE PARK
Ella Wolovitch 9th Grade
Recent weeks have been full of spirit and ex citement. On March 1st, we hosted the an nual Jogathon Fundraiser. This event brings in donations to fund our wonderful school programs, such as athletics, visual arts and social studies. To achieve this, students make pages and get donations for running laps. At the event, there’s food, music, games and more to bring excitement and fun! It appeals to all ages, which brings our wonderful and close-knit community together.
The name of this cracker-like holiday mainstay has traditionally been linked to the Hebrew “ ” (pronounced matsáts), meaning “to suck,” referring to something that has been sucked up or drained out. Another theory attributes “matzah” to the Hebrew root describing something prepared in haste, as the Israelites were said to have fled quickly during their exodus from Egypt, without time to let their breads rise.
Come Fri., April 18, some among us may be preparing a wholly different take on bread — the Good Friday staple known as hot cross buns. Made from leavened dough and sanctified with a sugary cross on top, the buns
a basketball competition, lots of fun prizes and a surprise music performance to top it all off. It has been a great month at LFP!
THE WILLOWS
Wren Meltzer 7th Grade
hold symbolism related to the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in the dough recall the spices used to embalm Jesus at his burial, and orange zest calls to mind the bitterness of his crucifixion.
The last rites of Christ are honored in the Czech Republic with mazanec, a loaf baked at Easter and flavored with lemon zest and rumsoaked raisins. The sweet treat is topped off with slivered almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar or otherwise incised with a small cross on top. It’s this final touch that makes holy the mazanec, whose name originates from the Czech “mazat,” meaning “to anoint.”
In Ukraine, Easter celebrations call for paska, a bread decorated with intricate braids, swirls and spirals sculpted in dough. The tabletop showstopper is named for the Greek word for Easter, “pascha,” which is also the origin of the modern-day names for the holiday in Spanish (Pascua), French (Pâques) and Italian (Pasqua), among others. “Pascha” arises from the Semitic “pasha,” meaning “pass over,” as the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ took place during the week of the Jewish Passover.
There are plenty of other yeasty Easter rolls and loaves enjoyed throughout Europe, each with their own blend of spices, nuts and fruits.
The Portuguese folar, made with cinnamon, aniseed and a spirit called aguardente, is named after the Portuguese word “fole,” or “bellows,” per-
haps for the way it fills with air while baking. In Friuli, in Northern Italy, the neighboring country of Slovenia supplies the root word—”guba,” meaning “wrinkle”—for a celebratory spiral-shaped bread called “gubana.” Using a brioche dough, the gubana is filled with a parade of delectable flavors—raisins, candied orange peel, sweet wine or dark rum, breadcrumbs and up to four kinds of nuts. Slovenia has its own version of the delicacy—the walnut-filled rolled bread called potica, from the verb “poviti,” meaning “to wrap in.”
So in between taxes and gardening, be sure to show your affection for the “bread of affliction” (as matzah is so called) or indulge in some fruit-filled Easter fare. Lucky for us, the teachings of testaments old and new give us plenty to chew on.
Additionally, we had a wonderful assembly led by the Black Student Union in honor of Black History Month. There was trivia,
One of the best things The Willows does to begin spring is Intersession. The week before spring break, regular classes pause and students get to participate in a weeklong project. Some of the many different Intersession options are: The Service Squad, where you do things to help the community; The Willows Community School of Rock, where you divide into groups with your friends and write songs with full access to instruments and teachers; and Dancing with the Stars,
where middle school students are paired with lower school students to choreograph a duet with music and costumes. My favorite is Lights, Camera, Legacy, where students make a documentary with videos using footage from the archives and from present day for the school’s 30th anniversary.
ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL
Oona Macek 6th Grade
HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
Alice Markus 6th Grade
Hollywood Schoolhouse has introduced two new, beneficial changes.
As many of you know, March was Women’s History Month (WHM). We had very exciting celebrations at our school. On March 4, we were invited to wear purple tops (the color of WHM) and head down for a commons, which is kind of like an all-school assembly.
We met female heroines and learned about their jobs. Some were even mothers of kids at our school! We also had the pleasure of meeting two firefighters who helped with the Los Angeles firestorm in January. Some other professions included a costume designer, a stylist, an author and a psychologist.
These wonderful women enlightened us about their jobs and told us about their childhood. It was fascinating to hear all of these stories!
The first is adding an all-gender restroom, which is especially helpful for our LGBTQIA2S+ community. It’s also a reassuring reminder to all students that we’re learning in an environment of respect and inclusivity.
The second major change has been the introduction of a regular study period on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Now, students who may be too
overwhelmed or busy to complete their homework on the assigned night can finish their studies the next morning. Teachers are available during this period to provide extra guidance if a student has a question. I particularly appreciate this change because it is not always easy juggling homework with multiple after-school activities, middle school applications and ERB test prep.
WRITER, PRODUCER looking for coach house or equivalent accommodations in exchange for house sitting.
Former property manager. Terrific Organizer. Great for someone who travels.
