LC 05 2023

Top lady golfers play April 27-30

By Suzan Filipek

As the Chronicle’s May issue is delivered throughout neighborhoods, the world’s top female golfers are walking the historic course at Wilshire Country Club (WCC). And readers may join them in the galleries!

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournament — which has 17 of the current top 20 women players in the world — takes place Thurs., April 27, through Sun., April 30.

The winner and other top players will share a whopping $3 million purse — one of the largest for an LPGA event outside of the majors.

While the LPGA Tour has staged its signature Los Angeles event at Wilshire Country Club since 2018, this is the LPGA’s inaugural JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro.

Walter and Shirley Wang

Los Angeles residents and Taiwan natives Walter and Shirley Wang are sponsoring the tournament through their companies. Walter is CEO of JM Eagle, the world’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer. His wife, Shirley, is founder of Plastro, a leading manufacturer of fiberglass entry doors.

At the October 2022

Green corn tamale season!

By

Election is April 30 for GWNC, MCWNC

By Suzan Filipek

Two hyperlocal elections are being held on Sunday for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC) and the Mid City West Neighborhood Council (MCWNC) — advisory groups that discuss and opine about issues at City Hall, from development to homelessness.

SPONSORS of the tournament at Wilshire Country Club, Walter and Shirley Wang.

Green

have returned for their annual appearance at El Cholo (May through October). On the heels of the March 30, 2023 naming of the intersection of 11th and Western Avenue as Alejandro and Rosa Borquez Square, El Cholo owner Ron Salisbury and numerous dignitaries kicked off the green corn tamale season on April 24.

EL CHOLO’S 100TH is recognized at the corner of 11th Street and Western Avenue.

Both councils are holding in-person elections this Sun., April 30. The GWNC’s will take place at The Barking Lot, 336 N. Larchmont Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stakeholders in Mid City West can vote at Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vote-by-mail ballot requests for both areas closed April 11.

Block party in Larchmont this weekend

By Casey Russell

A small committee of neighbors looking to bring the Larchmont Spring Block Party back to Larchmont Village has organized a day of family fun. This Saturday, April 29, the 500 block of North Bronson Avenue will be closed to parking and traffic for the event.

Sponsors include Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez’s office, Larchmont Village

See Block party, p 22

Porsche fêtes its 75th at Petersen Museum

By Casey Russell

To mark the 75th anniversary of Porsche, the iconic sports car, a collection of more than 40 extraordinary vehicles has come to the Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd. At the exhibit, “We Are Porsche,” museum-goers can see how Porsche was transformed into the cultural phenomenon it now is. The exhibit runs through April 2024. Learn more at petersen.org/porsche.

PORSCHE EXHIBIT in the Miracle Mile museum features 40 key examples of the iconic sports car on two floors.

John Welborne

corn tamales

Guest Editorial

By Martha Welborne,

FAIA

Dick Riordan, risk-taker

Since the death of our former mayor, much has been said about how he successfully led the city through crises. While that was certainly true, Dick Riordan also was noteworthy in areas where he was willing to take a risk on a good idea and trust his team to carry it out.

I was fortunate to be involved with him on two such initiatives. First, when I was envisioning the Metro Rapid system (the red articulated buses), I convinced Mayor Riordan to come with me to Curitiba, Brazil in 1999 to see the bus system that officials there had built because they could not afford a subway. Within two years of that trip, Metro had several successful demonstration lines up and running in Los Angeles and now has hundreds of miles in operation.

Then, in 2000, with construction underway on the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Riordan’s friend Eli Broad persuaded the mayor to collaborate with the County to develop the parking lots that then surrounded the Hall, a collaboration they had me manage for the next 11 years. Today, with many thanks due to Dick Riordan, we have the Gloria Molina Grand Park, The Broad Museum, the Conrad Los Angeles hotel, and 707 residential units in The Emerson and The Grand, 20 percent of which are low income.

Dick Riordan was willing to take on ideas others might have thought impossible or foolish. He also was a lot of fun to work with.

GWNC Voting April 30

On Sunday, April 30, 2023 , the Greater Wilshire community will elect 21 board members and 21 alternates for two-year terms on the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC).

We have five Hancock Park residents running in the election this year. All of them would really appreciate your votes. (For each seat, both a board member and an alternate are elected.) Voting in this election enables you to have a critical voice in super-local government. Every vote matters, as many people do not bother to vote in Neighborhood Council elections. The GWNC plays an important role in calling attention to local issues; having adequate effective representation for our neighborhood has proven to be very helpful in accomplishing our neighborhoods priorities.

Please consider a vote for the following HP candidates:

• Cindy Chvatal-Keane is running for the At-Large seat.

• Jennifer DeVore and David Trainer are running for the Area 5 seat.

• Mark Alpers is running for the Special Interest - Other Nonprofit seat.

• Benny Rosenberg is running for the Special InterestReligion seat.

Who is Eligible To Vote in the GWNC Election:

Stakeholders — like all Hancock Park residents — who live, work, or own property in the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council area can cast up to two votes:

1. One vote for a Geographic Area board seat (Area 5)

2. One vote for a Special Interest seat or the At-Large seat. Other stakeholders, i.e., those who declare an interest in the neighborhood (but do not live, work or own property) can only cast one vote for the At-Large seat.

To vote in the election, you will be required to present a drivers license (or any other picture ID with age and address) to show eligibility to vote for all board seats, including AtLarge. In addition, for the Special Interest seats (Other Nonprofit, Religion, etc.) you will be required to provide one additional piece of evidence to support your eligibility as part of that constituency.

Vote in person on Sunday, April 30, at The Barking Lot, 336 N. Larchmont Blvd, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Please bring your specified IDs to register on the spot. Check the document on the City Elections site for specific examples of acceptable credentials (tinyurl.com/9dyxykyd).

Please email any questions to Jen Devore at JenDeVore@ gmail.com or Cindy Chvatal-Keane at snorekel@gmail.com.

Calendar

Fri., May 5 — Cinco de Mayo.

Sun., May 14 — Mother’s Day.

Tues., May 9 — Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting is 6:30 p.m. at Pan Pacific Park Senior Center, 141 S. Gardner St. See midcitywest.org.

Wed., May 10 — Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting is 6:30 p.m. at The Ebell of Los Angeles at 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. See greaterwilshire.org.

Mon., May 29 — Memorial Day.

‘What are your plans for Mother’s Day?’

That’s the question inquiring photographer Casey Russell asked locals.

Thurs., June 1 — Delivery of the June issue of the Larchmont Chronicle.

Letters to the Editor

Multiple musings and interest in ‘Lost King’

It’s refreshing to see a commenter who’s so open about his belief that Edward de Vere was Shakespeare. And his informative review of “The Lost King” [At the Movies, April 2023] has sparked my interest in watching that film. Thanks.

Richard Agemo Washington, D.C.

Some thoughts on the question of Shakespeare vs. de Vere: tinyurl.com/2p926jc6.

Rik Edwards Chorleywood, England

There are three errors in the movie review about “The Lost King.” The director is Stephen Frears (not Richard Frears). The script is by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope (not Richard Frears and Philippa Langley). The book, “The King’s Grave — The Discovery of Richard III’s Lost Burial Place and the

Larchmont Chronicle

Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin

Publisher and Editor John H. Welborne

Managing Editor Suzan Filipek

Contributing Editor Jane Gilman

Staff Writers

Talia Abrahamson

Casey Russell

Helene Seifer

Advertising Director

Pam Rudy

Advertising Sales including Classifieds

Caroline Tracy

Art Director Tom Hofer

Circulation Manager

Nona Sue Friedman Accounting

Jill Miyamoto

606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103 Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-462-2241

larchmontchronicle.com

Clues it Holds,” is by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones (and not Jeff Pope as indicated).

Tracy Bryce Chairperson, Richard III Society Toronto, Canada

When can I return to Lucy’s El Adobe?

I read with great interest and indeed eager anticipation of the reopening of Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe in Hollywood [“Breaking News: Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe plans its reopening,” December 2022]. The article suggested February 2023. It is now April.

Many Angelenos would be eager for an update as to when the restaurant will be open for business or if in fact it will reopen at all.

Mark Rothschild  Westwood

When is the opening? It is now April.

Patti Mullen Park LaBrea

It’s April, and Lucy’s is still closed. What’s up?

Cheryl Marshall

Santa Clarita

[Ed. Note: We also received a recent telephone inquiry on this subject from former Windsor Square resident (now a New Yorker) Alexandra Witt Sorensen. She, like others, recalled our report in December 2022 that Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe was hoping to reopen in February 2023. However, in recent conversations with Patricia Casado, owner and daughter of founders Frank and Lucy Casado, we learned that the shuttered restaurant had been burglarized and vandalized in late March. That and roof repair

(Please turn to page 6)

Write us at letters@larchmontchronicle.com. Include your name, contact information and where you live. We reserve the right to edit for space and grammar.

“It’s our second official Mother’s Day and, this year, I think we’ll actually be able to do something out of the house. Maybe a hike and brunch… and maybe a surprise sprinkled in.”

“Normally my daughter makes me breakfast in bed. She’s away at college but my son is staying with us, so hopefully he’ll pick up where she left off.”

Suzanne Zuaiter with Grayson Hancock Park

“I’ll probably hang out with my fiancé’s mom and stop by my grandma’s to give her flowers. I’ll send my mom flowers, too.”

Marina Thompson Windsor Square

Hannah Edwards, Dorian Damian and Dylan Damian Windsor Village

Charities for children, opera education, a Nobel Prize and more

Exclusive bridal gown designer and Larchmont resident Cocoe Voci’s design studio on Robertson Boulevard in Beverly Hills was the spot for champagne, macarons, shopping and giving on March 29. Voci shares half of her showroom with another designer brand, Chloe Colette, one of 111 local businesses that have partnered with Make March Matter (MMM), an annual fundraising event benefitting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

Founder and creative director of the Paris-, Geneva-, and Los Angeles-based Chloe Colette, Jenny Rizzuto, recently opened her new showroom with head designer Victoria Zito and looks to make a splash with their bubblegum pink sweaters, tops, skirts and dresses, as well as other eye-popping spring colors that will make you say “au revoir!” to all of that winter rain.

SECTION ONE

Around the Town with Sondi Toll Sepenuk

Champagne servers wore Chloe Colette hot pink fuchsia tracksuits to dole out the bubbly as guests opened their wallets for a good cause. CHLA took in 10 percent of sales at the shopping event.

“Make March Matter is a way for community and businesses to come together to support the mission for the hospital,” said MMM official Dawn Wilcox. Also enjoying the event from MMM was Jillian Green.

• • •

The early part of April included a special treat for music lovers in the area. In the exquisite lounge of the 1927 Ebell Club, a full house

MAKE MARCH MATTER for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is the cause for Dawn Wilcox, left, and Jillian Green, who attended the benefit event in Beverly Hills at the design showroom of Cocoe Voci and Chloe Colette.

experienced the 1994 work, “ Impressions of Pelléas for Voices and Two Pianos” arranged by Marius Constant. “Impressions” is based upon the 1898 opera by Claude Debussy (his only opera), “Pelléas et Mélisande,” which is a musical rendition of the

CHLA SUPPORTERS at the March 29 benefit included, from left: Michelle Lucas, Cocoe Voci, Elizabeth Beristain and Jenny Rizzuto.

1892 five-act play of the same name by Maurice Maeterlinck. First performed in 1902 in Paris, the opera is often overlooked in repertoires, according to LA Opera Music Director (and Windsor Square resident) James Conlon. To remedy that, local opera goers had six opportunities to attend LA Opera’s first presentation

since 1995 of what LA Opera describes as “Debussy’s enigmatic operatic masterpiece [that] captures an exquisitely nuanced dream world where forbidden love blossoms.”

Those performances at The Music Center were in addition to a citywide celebration — “Discovering Debussy”

(Please turn to page 4)

MAESTRO JAMES CONLON gave The Ebell audience a pre-performance talk about Debussy and the opera.

mezzo-soprano Madeleine Lyon (Genevieve), bass Alan Williams (Arkel, seated), soprano Deepa Johnny (Mélisande), baritone Ryan Wolfe (Golaud), and baritone Anthony León (Pelléas, seated. The four pianists who accompanied the singers were Yanfeng Tony Bai, Vijay Venkatesh, Hyejin Park and Ryota Yamazaki.

Around the Town

(Continued from page 3)

— curated and directed by Conlon in March and April, of which “Impressions of Pelléas” at The Ebell was the concluding event.

Spotted at The Ebell on April 4 were locals Patty Lombard and Bill Simon, Donna Russell, Janet Ciriello, Robert Ronus and many more. Some of Maestro Conlon’s thoughts on Debussy are included in the LA Opera’s printed program at: tinyurl.com/94y5s3jy.

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE, locals discussing Debussy included, from left, Robert Ronus, Janet

Jennifer

and Ms. Ringo’s husband, conductor James Conlon.

• • •

It was a real achievement, just up on Vine Street, across from Vine Street Elementary School — in the kitchen of Project Angel Food (PAF) — when the sixteen millionth medically tailored meal was prepared and delivered on April 10th.

Equipped with a hair net, apron, and gloves, Mayor Karen Bass joined the assem-

bly line for that day’s meal of stir-fry chicken and fresh vegetables. Next, as the meal containers emerged from the sealing machine and were labeled, the mayor took the one with label “16,000,000,” and handed it to a grateful PAF client, Leon Williams.

As longtime PAF CEO Richard Ayoub watched approvingly, Mayor Bass said, “It is my honor and pleasure to present this 16 millionth meal to a member of our community, Leon Williams. He told me he’s a heart patient. A lot of times when people think of health care they think of doctors and medicine, but they don’t necessarily think of food, which is so important. That is why Project Angel Food is so important.”

Project Angel Food was founded in 1989, and it feeds 2,500 seriously ill people each day, providing more than 1.5 million meals per year.

•

What to do for a big birthday?

Spike Booth (Franklin Otis Booth III, to be precise) chose to give a gift to several dozen of

his good friends. On April 13, he provided them a VIP lunch and a guided tour of the many levels of the fantastic new Sofi Stadium, a two-team football, concert and event venue unparalleled anywhere in the world (for the time being, at least). Joining the Booth party were a half-dozen men from this neighborhood, including Hancock Park’s Dick Lowry and Bob Baker and Windsor Square‘s Peter Ziegler, John

Welborne and Bill Fain.

• • •

One of the older institutions in Los Angeles is the downtown Jonathan Club. Its opulent main dining room was a fitting setting to be talking about the age of the universe and the discovery of black holes that exist within it. Andrea Ghez, professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA (with multiple other (Please turn to page 6)

The Beauty of Experience

Larchmont's own Rebecca Fitzgerald M.D., a board certified dermatologic surgeon, brings extensive experience and up-to-theminute expertise to the convenience of your own neighborhood.

IMPRESSIONS DE PELLÉAS for Voices and Two Pianos in The Ebell’s lounge featured, from left, conductor James Conlon,

Ciriello,

Ringo

THE MUSES support the California Science Center Foundation, this time at an April 17 luncheon at the Jonathan Club.

MEAL SIXTEEN MILLION is delivered by Mayor Karen Bass to Project Angel Food (PAF) client Leon Williams in the PAF kitchen as PAF CEO Richard Ayoub applauds for the local media.

SOFI STADIUM was the venue for Spike Booth (second from left) to celebrate his birthday with two-dozen friends, including locals, from left, Dick Lowry and Bob Baker from Hancock Park and Peter Ziegler and Bill Fain from Windsor Square.

This

Registered Nurses Now Hiring

CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center has been a leading healthcare provider in Los Angeles and a great place to work for more than a century. With the opening of our state-of-the-art new patient tower, our commitment to inclusivity has never been greater as we understand how teamwork and diversity of experience leads to success. Join us.

Valuable workplace benefits on offer: State-of-the-art, technologically advanced campus. Top compensation packages and comprehensive medical benefits that rank among the best in the industry.

Lucrative signing bonuses up to $50,000. Scholarship/tuition/ongoing educational support. Leadership development training and career advancement programs.

Start your future with us today!

•

•

•

Positions: OR, ED, L&D and other departments Online Application: https://careers-hpmedcenter.icims.com

Questions: adriana.venegas@hpmedcenter.com patricia.pineda@hpmedcenter.com

is like my second home and everyone who walks through the doors is like a member of my family.

Loida Umipig, Registered Nurse, Mother-Baby department

Around the Town

(Continued from page 4)

titles and a 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics, to boot) was celebrated as the Woman of the Year by THE MUSES of the California Science Center Foundation. THE MUSES, founded more than 60 years ago to support the California

Science Center and its predecessor, the California Museum of Science and Industry, has recognized a Woman of the Year annually (recent Covid-19 years excepted) since 1965.

More than 200 members of THE MUSES and their guests enjoyed the April 17 luncheon and raffle — and, especially, the experience of listening to

Celebrate All Moms & Graduates

Shops & Eateries

Professor Ghez explain her work studying black holes in space. At the luncheon, it also was fascinating to hear her recount her upbringing and the personal discoveries that led her down the path towards science and discovery.

“The moon landing inspired me as a kid to pursue astronomy, but I also wanted to be a ballerina,” Ghez recounted to the rapt audience. Ghez is a big advocate for inspiring young girls to pursue science and math.

Locals enjoying the luncheon included Margo O’Connell, Mary O’Connell and Melanie Guise of Hancock Park and Judith Miller of Windsor Square. The event was sponsored at the Jonathan Club by Gloria and Richard Pink.

• • •

Volunteers and supporters strutted their merry ways across the Wilshire Country Club’s Hancock Ballroom carpet “runway” for “A Chic Affaire” — a “friend raiser” to help create awareness and recruit new members for one of

Letters

(Continued from page 2) continue to delay a reopening. We shall apprise readers as soon as we know more.]

Restriping no better

Regarding the recent story about Rossmore Avenue re-striping [“Traffic slows on Rossmore after striping,” April 2023], please note that cars ignore lane striping and speed bumps, evidenced by the cars going around the speed half-bump on South Norton Avenue (three of four cars went around the bump that covers only half of the roadway).

Ron Balue Windsor Square

Goodbye, Los Angeles

I was chatting with my lovely neighbor who inspired me to get a meeting with staff of Council District 13. Our meeting confirmed her decision to sell her home and move to a nearby city that has a better handle on the homeless / encampment issues.

For her, as someone who lives near where we were able to get an encampment on Wilton removed, it is a real safety concern. LAPD Hollywood Division has been outstanding dealing with some of those issues.

FYI, I’m informed a new tent went up near our current encampment in the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association (LVNA) area at Raleigh Street by Wilton Place.

I’ve told neighbors to contact our SLO at LAPD, and they’ve reported not hearing back from him.

Keith Johnson Larchmont Village

Los Angeles’ oldest charitable organizations, the Assistance League of Los Angeles (ALLA).

The League, which started here in 1919, currently supports 24,000 disadvantaged youth in the Los Angeles area through its many programs, including the Foster Children’s Resource Center, Operation School Bell, the League Scholarship Program,

the Preschool Learning Center, the Theatre for Children and the Court Referred Volunteer Center.

The April 19 fashion show and luncheon was organized by two of the ALLA’s auxiliary support organizations, the Mannequins and the College Alumni Auxiliary (CAA). The luncheon’s volunteer runway

(Please turn to page 8)

Jamie Yoo named head of CHA

Jamie Yoo has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (CHA HPMC), a member of CHA Health Systems.

Yoo said in a release.

Yoo joined CHA Health Systems as chief strategic operating officer in June 2022 and has been serving as interim CEO at CHA HPMC since October 2022.

JAMIE YOO

Yoo began his new post April 6 at the hospital at 1300 N. Vermont Ave.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for CHA HPMC, he said, as its new patient tower — a state-of-the-art acute care facility — opens in 2024.

“Our hospital is truly a special place, and I am proud of the history that is our foundation, and I look forward to the future we are building towards. We will continue to make the improvements to all areas to build on our success to deliver better outcomes to our patients and community,”

Prior to joining CHA HPMC, Yoo held executive roles at several hospitals and healthcare organizations including serving as CEO of Anaheim Global Medical Center and South Coast Global Medical Center, and as COO at Silver Lake Medical Center.

“Jamie Yoo has a deep understanding of healthcare and brings with him strategic planning experience, operational excellence, and cultivating teams that deliver results,” said Yongseok Kim, CEO at CHA Health Systems.

Yoo, a Southern California native, earned his master’s degree in business administration from the Marshall School of Business at USC and his bachelor’s degree in history from UC San Diego.

Search for Next Great Merchant is on at Original Farmers Market

By Suzan Filipek

Regulars at the Original Farmers Market know that the landmark shopping destination has, since 1934, been offering a dizzying array of groceries and global cuisine at restaurants, bakeries, candy, nut and tea shops, and much, much more.

Soon there will be one more — the lucky winner of the “New Originals Pop-Up Contest — The Search for the Next Great Farmers Market Merchant.”

Earlier this year, small business owners with a grocery, specialty food and / or culi-

nary products business plan were invited to apply for a prime brick-and-mortar location in the Market, rent-free for three months.

Finalists will be announced Mon., May 8, and soon thereafter will undergo a series of reviews including an in-person interview with the Market executive team. A social media voting process and Finalist Showcase Day on Sat., May 20 will follow. The winning merchant is expected to be announced in June and is projected to open its doors by July 2023. Sounds delicious!

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE local supporters (in no particular seating order) include Donna Econn, Dina Phillips, Nancy Gale, Michelle McMullin, Patty McKenna, Karla Ahmanson, Amza Bossom, Kelley Nelson, Amanda Holdsworth and one unnamed.

PROF. ANDREA GHEZ, Woman of the Year 2023, gathered with eighth and ninth graders from St. Mary’s Academy after her talk.

Election

(Continued from page 1)

Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council

For Greater Wilshire, in addition to local residents, stakeholders include employees and property owners plus individuals who are a member of, or participate in, a community organization (such as a local business, school or religious or other nonprofit organization) within the boundaries of the council.

In Greater Wilshire, 39 candidates are on the ballot vying for one of 21 seats as directors of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC) for the following two years. Among categories, 15 are for

geographic areas; others are renters, business, education, religious, other nonprofit and at-large. (Also, 21 alternates will be elected; they are usually those who come in second.)

The bylaws of the GWNC provide that people who document their eligibility to vote in specific categories must vote in person at the polling place on election day. At that time, voters must bring their driver licenses (or other photo ID showing birthday and address). If you also are voting for one of the special interest board seats in addition to the geographic area where you live, work or own property, you also must bring evidence of your participation in that

(Please turn to page 9)

To

Happy

Tailwaggers

Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Candidates

Geographic Areas:

1 — Brookside

Owen Smith

2 — Citrus Square

Jeffry Carpenter

3 — Country Club Heights

Selene Betancourt

4 — Fremont Place

Mark McQueen

5 —Hancock Park

David Trainer

Jennifer Devore

6 — La Brea-Hancock

Sixto J. Sicilia

7 — Larchmont Village

Charles D’atri

Vincent Cox

8 — Melrose Neighborhood

Craig Au Jesseca Harvey

Jason Wood

Ladies’ golf

(Continued from page 1) announcement of their sponsorship of the tournament and the increased prize purse for the players, the Wangs said, “We are incredibly honored to partner with the LPGA Tour as title and presenting sponsors.”

They added, “We are excited to work with the LPGA Tour in enhancing this world-class tournament at Wilshire Country Club, and we look forward to supporting and empowering these incredible athletes with our elevated purse of $3 million.”

Walter and Shirley Wang are heavily involved in philanthropic initiatives throughout the world through their companies and through the Walter and Shirley Wang Foundation. As just one

Around the Town

(Continued from page 6) models wore Jonathan Simkhai designs as guests enjoyed salmon, mixed salad, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, chocolate éclairs, chocolate chip cookies and fresh berries. In addition to 10 percent of all fashion purchases going toward the charity, 20 percent of all proceeds from a boutique set up just outside the ballroom also helped achieve fundraising goals.

CAA Chair June Bilgore emphasized that the Assistance League is the only local organization that gives clothing and other items to disadvantaged Los Angeles children and teens on a consistent basis.

Among those enjoying the runway fashion show were Donna Econn, Dina Phillips, Michelle McMullin,

9 — OakwoodMaplewood- St. Andrews Square

Tess Paige

Alex Nava

10 — Ridgewood-Wilton/ St. Andrews Square

Patricia (Patti) Carroll

11 — Sycamore Square

Conrad Starr

12 — Western-Wilton

(“We-Wil” Neighborhood)

(None)

13 — Wilshire Park

John Gresham

14 — Windsor Square

David Meister

Gary Gilbert

15 — Windsor Village

Bianca Sparks Rojas

Claire Ortiz

Julie Kim

example, the Wangs were the first and major sponsors of the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary “Becoming American: The Chinese Experience,” a Bill Moyers special.

Top Players

In all, the 72-hole tournament will feature 144 women golfers from every corner of the globe said David Tucker, vice president of Outlyr, the LPGA tournament operator. Top players include: No. 2 Nelly Korda, No. 3 Jin Young Ko, No. 4 Atthaya Thitikul and No. 5 Minjee Lee. No. 10 Georgia Hall and Southern California natives (and past LPGA Tour winners)

Danielle Kang and Lilia Vu headline the latest commitments to the tournament. Added viewing areas New at the tournament this year, spectators and guests will

Special Interest Categories:

At-Large

Lucy Pinkwater

Cindy Chvatal-Keane

Diran Yanikian

Business

Michael Knowles

Romi Cortier

John Winther

Education

Scott Appel

Other Nonprofit

Mark Alpers

Brian Curran

Religious

Benjamin Rosenberg

Suzana Kim

John Halbert

Renters

Lourdes Gomez

Tommy Atlee

Annah Rose Verderame

MJ Anderson

John Marchesini

get an even better, up close look with added viewing areas as golfers play on the historic course that opened in 1919. Upgraded food and beverage hospitality also is featured. Single day and weekly grounds passes, as well as upgraded hospitality ticket options, are available when purchased in advance. Tickets can also be purchased at Will Call this weekend, pending availability.

Outlyr and the LPGA have partnered with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and will offer free admission on Thurs., April 27, to all guests who donate three or more nonperishable, un-expired food cans at the admissions tent (accessed from Rosewood Avenue at Lillian Way). Visit lpga.com for tickets and more information.

Kelley Nelson and model / attendee Jan Daley.

And now you’re in the Larchmont know!

Enjoy sweets, adopt a pet April 29

Make a new furry best friend and give a pet a forever home on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day Sat., April 29.

Dylan’s Candy Bar will host the adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Plaza next to the Dylan’s ice cream window at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St.

Dylan’s Candy BarN Animal Foundation, created by Dylan Lauren, owner of the national Candy Bar chain, has partnered with the nonprofit L.A. Love & Leashes for the event.

Nancy Gale, Patty McKenna, Nan Wallan, Karla Ahmanson, Amanda Holdsworth, Angelique Campen, Amza Bossom,

JAN DALEY struts her stuff at ALLA fashion show luncheon at Wilshire Country Club.

Zones (1 seat each):

Zone 1

Hunter Burgarella

Zone 2

Sam Roseme

Zone 3

Amy Goldenberg

Zone 4

J. Keith Van Straaten

Zone 5

Tedd Cittadine

Zone 6

Bob Shore

Zone 7

Brent Kidwell

Thao Tran

Special Interest Categories:

Youth Representative (1 seat)

Clark Raustiala

skin deep

by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

I’ve heard about the latest “Botox” that lasts longer. What can you tell me?

Despite the decidedly unsexy names, neuromodulators or neurotoxins are the group of injectable medications that you’re referring to. The latest cousin to join the party is called Daxxify and it offers a major benefit: smoother lines and wrinkles for about twice as long.

As you likely know, this group of injectables works by freezing muscles underneath wrinkles, causing the tissue to relax therefore creating a smoother appearance of overlaying skin. But Daxxify has a different molecular makeup that includes peptides and amino acids. These hardworking peptides are likely credited with Daxxify’s staying power. In clinical trials submitted to the FDA, 80 percent of people using Daxxify had no visible wrinkles at 4 months, and about 50 percent had little evidence of wrinkles at 6 months. Just like its helpful relatives, Daxxify can be used to treat other than your appearance: it can address migraines, excessive sweating and some causes of an overactive bladder. Many professionals in my line of work are in agreement that Daxxify may become the preferred choice simply because of requiring fewer visits for a myriad of goals.

Contact our office to discuss Daxxify and you may find yourself looking as stunning as ever, yet calling us about half as often.

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 to teach proper injection techniques for Radiesse, the volumizing filler, around the world. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA. Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD. com or call (323) 464-8046 to schedule an appointment.

Homeowners (3 seats)

Shem Bitterman

Valerie Jaffee Washburn

Don Whitehead

Renters (5 seats)

Lauren Borchard

Ramiro Castro, Jr.

Lynda La Rose

Ava Marinelli

Xcevio Zuluaga

Business (6 seats)

Craig Brill

Sara Griebe

Frank La

Henry Mantel

Terence Mylonas

Danielle Rodriguez-

Donovan

Nick Starr

Nonprofit Organizations (6 seats)

Cindy Bitterman

Chris Dower

David Mann

Elizabeth Margaret Mason

Mid City West Neighborhood Council Candidates Election

Christina Mondy

Matthew Peskay

Julian Stern

Members At Large (8 seats)

Shelby Blecker

Aimee Garcia

Ellie D. Goralnick

Dre Guttag

Andrew L. Herman

Benjamin Kram

Christian La Mont

Charles A. Lindenblatt

Michael Schneider

Sandra Sims

(Continued from page 8) special interest constituency (such as a pay stub or membership roster). Therefore, as has been the case since the founding of the local neighborhood council in 2001 and the official certification of GWNC in 2003, an individual voter who lives, works or owns property within GWNC may cast up to two votes. Detailed information about 2023’s GWNC election is at greaterwilshire.org/ 2023-elections.

Information about the certified candidates for the GWNC seats is at tinyurl.com/824npp2j.

Mid City West Neighborhood Council

In Mid City West, 41 candidates are running for 36 seats. There are seven zone representatives, and there are seats for youth, homeowners, renters, business, nonprofit organizations and members at large.

Information about the certified candidates for Mid City West seats is at tinyurl.com/ mua29fum.

Yom HaShoah: a ceremony of remembering

By John Welborne

Survivors and those who perished in the Holocaust were honored at Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 16 at 2 p.m. at Holocaust Museum LA.

Attendees at the outdoor, in-person event at Pan Pacific Park included keynote speaker Jeffrey Abrams, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky.

Also in attendance were Consul General of Israel Dr. Hillel Newman and Wilshire Boulevard Temple Emerita Rabbi Karen Fox. A musical composition by the late Holocaust survivor Herbert Zipper was performed by musicians from The Colburn School.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and uprisings at Sobibor and Treblinka death camps.

FORMER CONTROLLER for the City of Los Angeles, Ron Galperin, reads the Mourner’s Kaddish and El Malei Rachamim at the conclusion of the Yom HaShoah Commemoration in Pan Pacific Park in April.

GREATER WILSHIRE Neighborhood Council returned to in-person meetings at The Ebell in April.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR Harry Davids addresses Yom HoShoah Commemoration attendees in Pan Pacific Park, including fellow speakers such as Mayor Karen Bass. The Master of Ceremonies, Mike Burstyn, sits at left on the stage.

Commemorating and standing strong

Eighty years ago, a small group of Jews living in the Warsaw ghetto bravely sacrificed their lives to stand and fight Nazi soldiers who were rounding up residents of the ghetto and sending them to their deaths. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, the Jewish fighters held off the Nazi army for almost a month, before the ghetto was finally razed to the ground. This act is a testament to the human spirit and a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. It is also a reminder of the spirit of resistance that Jewish people across the world have demonstrated for millennia.

Last month, I had the honor of joining Holocaust Museum LA for its Yom HaShoah Commemoration in Pan Pacific Park, where we marked the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. We heard from Holocaust survivors, from local rabbis and from individuals who were born in refugee camps following the war.

When it was my time to speak, I shared my experience of being a mom to three young Jewish children and my conversations with my oldest, who is just learning about the Holocaust for the first time. For those of you with children, you know how devastating it can be to explain to a

Helping people to stay housed

CD 5 Council Report

by Katy Young Yaroslavsky

child how humanity is capable of such evil.

During our conversation, my son asked how I know that it won’t happen again, and I told him the truth. I told him that it won’t — because we won’t let it. I could tell him that confidently because, every day, I see the resilience of the Jewish community on display here in Los Angeles, as well as the demonstrations of solidarity by non-Jewish allies. Even in the face of a horrific uptick in antisemitic hate crimes here in Los Angeles, including the recent attack on two Jewish men leaving shul in Pico-Robertson, we have come together, and we are fighting back.

Each of us shows up every day and practices that spirit of resistance so that, when our children or our nieces and nephews come to us and ask how we can be sure that the Holocaust won’t happen again, we can confidently tell them that it won’t. Because, working together with intentionality and resolve, we won’t let it.

Did you know that it costs 10 times more money to house someone after that person becomes homeless than it does to keep the person from becoming homeless in the first place?

With the city’s homelessness crisis at the top of mind for residents, our local government has an unprecedented focus on bringing people indoors. We are utilizing programs like Inside Safe and increased resources from the state and federal governments. But these initiatives won’t get us out of this crisis if we don’t prevent more folks from being pushed into the streets in the first place.

Right now, people are becoming homeless faster than they can receive housing. As Los Angeles’ eviction morato-

CD 13 Council Report

by Hugo Soto-Martinez

rium has expired, the disparity could become even worse.

To empower renters and to help prevent illegal evictions, our office put together a list of resources, including:

• A flow chart showing if one might be at risk of being evicted;

• A guide on how to respond to an eviction notice;

• Legal workshops so renters know their rights; and

• Resources on how to form a tenants’ union.

You can find all of these re-

sources and more by visiting bit.ly/larenterhelp.

We also are looking to give people the right to a lawyer in eviction court, just like they have the right to a lawyer in criminal court. We know this will help prevent illegal evictions that force families into encampments. When New York City passed a similar law, 84 percent of renters were able to stay in their homes.  By helping our neighbors, sharing these resources with our communities and supporting hardworking families who are struggling to make ends meet, we can keep folks from living in the streets and start reversing the trends that created this homelessness crisis.

Visit bit.ly/larenterhelp to find Council District 13’s renter resources.

Carolyn Ramsay leaves legacy

By Suzan Filipek

Carolyn

Ramsay,

a muchloved and active member of the community since she moved to Norton Avenue in 1993, is heading back to her hometown at the end of May.

Among her numerous Los Angeles leadership positions, Ramsay served as a deputy for Councilman Tom LaBonge and, then, chief of staff. More recently, she has been the executive director of the Los Angeles Parks Foundation for the past five years. Among numerous achievements for the Foundation, she launched the Los

Angeles Park Forest Initiative that, to date, has planted shade trees at 22 parks.

Her involvement with the environment began soon after she arrived in Los Angeles with her husband, Andy Goodman. She worked as a freelance writer, including for the Los Angeles Times Magazine and New York Times, and she dove into community issues.

She started the nonprofit Olive Branches to raise funds for parks, school gardens and medians including two on Larchmont Boulevard today. She served as president of the Windsor Square Association and worked to secure the Windsor Square Historic

be closer to both of their families.

CD 13 hires a new field deputy for Larchmont, Windsor Square

Councilman for District 13, Hugo Soto-Martinez, has hired a new field deputy for Larchmont Village and Windsor Square. Karla Martinez took the post in mid-April. She grew up in Ontario, Calif. and graduated from USC.

In addition to Larchmont and Windsor Square, her area includes Greater Wilshire, East Hollywood and Los Feliz. She can be reached at karla.g.martinez@lacity.org or at her office phone at 213-8473878.

Local residents to present Twice a Citizen Awards

The Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation (LAPRF) will present the 2023 Twice a Citizen Awards on Sat., May 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Presidents of LAPRF, local resident Karla Ahmanson and her co-president Michael Sellars, will present the two Angeleno couples being recognized by the foundation along with two retired reserve officers receiving awards. The couples are honored for donating their time and resources to supporting

local causes while the reserve officers are honored for their many years of service.

LAPRF partners with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to recruit volunteers who donate their time to protect and serve our city. The volunteers receive the same training as full-time LAPD officers and work in tandem with the officers. The program has been in existence for more than 75 years. Its efforts are meant to build a bridge between the communities. RSVP at info@ theproperimageevents.com.

Preservation Overlay Zone. Ramsay and Goodman will be moving to New York City to

Forbidden love, American dream and real-life ‘Blue’ on stage

Plays are sprouting all over town like dandelions after the rains!

LA Opera presented a world-class, richly textured production of Claude Debussy’s “Pelléas & Mélisande” (1902). Based on Maurice Maeterlinck’s 1892 play, the opera explores the longings of forbidden love. Golaud (Kyle Ketelsen) finds Mélisande (Sydney Mancasola) in the woods, brings her home (and marries her when older), only for her to fall in love with his half brother, Pelléas (Will Liverman). Happiness turns to tragedy, and love, like water (a major symbol in the opera), can only breed disease and death when it stagnates, festers and is not allowed to flow.

Conductor James Conlon brought out Debussy’s Impressionistic palette, but lovers Mancasola and Liverman lacked any chemistry, undercutting the score’s tension and putting the focus on the jealous Ketelsen. The result had more in common with Othello than Romeo & Juliet, which might bode well for the Opera’s next production: Verdi’s “Otello.”

LA Opera will present a live simulcast of its May 13 opening night at both Cal State Dominguez Hills and the

Theater Review by Louis

Fantasia

Santa Monica Pier.

For more information, go to LAOpera.org/OperaAtTheBeach or LAOpera. org/OperaOnTheLawn. The live-streamed performance, starting at 7:30 p.m. on May 13, is free.

Repressed desires are at the center of William Inge’s “Picnic at the Odyssey.” Featuring an all-Black cast and set in Kansas in the 1960s (rather than Inge’s 1950s), the production, under John Farmanesh-Bocca’s direction, features a strong, talented ensemble which seems to populate a world created by August Wilson rather than Inge.

Inge’s theme is the claustrophobic, smug, American small-town mentality that keeps desire and dreams, especially sexually charged ones, at bay. The script is still topical (the local library bans Carson McCullers’ “The Ballad of the Sad Cafe”), but something goes amiss and off-key in the updating.

Inge’s critique of the American Dream (shared with contemporaries Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams) is lost in this well-intentioned transposition to an under-represented world. (Through May 28: OdysseyTheatre.com; 310-477-2055, Ext.2.)

Repressed is the last word anyone would apply to Ava Gardner, whose life is on stage at the Geffen in “Ava: The Secret Conversations.” Based (as was an earlier, different production reviewed in February) on Gardner’s biography (ghost written by journalist Peter Evans), the dirt is dished about her multiple marriages as well as numerous relationships.

Actress Elizabeth McGovern, who wrote the three-character play, has enough star-power to command the stage, but occasionally slips into a generic star-is-born stagey alcoholism. Aaron Costa Ganis nearly steals the show with his quick-change impersonations of Evans and husbands Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra, but there is more information than insight to the script. Still, the Gen Zers in the row ahead of me were completely baffled. “Who ARE these people she keeps talking about?” one whispered. Oh, dear!

What to watch for

Presented by Latino Theater Company, “Whittier Boulevard,” a world premiere, tackles ageism while searching for the divine in each of us. LATC through May 28; 866811-4111; latinotheaterco.org/

Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” is at the Pasadena Playhouse through May 28; 626-356-7529; pasadenaplayhouse.org.

Three years after his death, William Shakespeare’s closest friends put together The Book of Will, otherwise known as the “First Folio.” At A Noise Within through June 4; 626-356-3100; anoisewithin.org

“Six,” the musical, lets the queens of Henry VIII have their say and get their revenge! Pantages Theater through June 11; 323-468-1770; hollywoodpantages.com

Oh, dear!! (Through May 7; tickets.geffenplayhouse.org; 310-208-2028.)

The Independent Shakespeare Company, known for its family-friendly Shakespeare in Griffith Park, is presenting an equally friendly version of Noël Coward’s classic, “Private Lives,” at its Atwater Village indoor ISC Studio. Set in Acapulco and Palm Springs of the 1950s (instead of Coward’s Riviera and Paris), the production owes more to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz than Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. Slapstick and farce replace wit and style, and the production makes up in energy what it loses in elegance. A fun night, but I’m not sure the Master, Coward,

would approve. (Through May 7; iscla.org; 818-710-6306.)

The best production this month is Rogue Machine’s “Blue” at the 29-seat Henry Murray stage at the Matrix. June Carryl’s 65-minute script about the interrogation by a Black, female LAPD detective of a white cop who has shot a Black vet at a traffic stop veers close to cliché, but that may be because the scene has been played out in real life too many times (not just in L.A.!). Julianne Chidi Hill and John Colella give memorable, gripping performances under Michael Matthews’ taut, immersive direction. (Through May 14; roguemachinetheatre.com; 855-585-5185.) Plenty of options — go!

‘Coronation Concert’ at All Saints’ Church Family drama, climate change told in ‘Scintilla’

By Nona Sue Friedman

The coronation of King Charles III will be celebrated at All Saints’ Church, Beverly Hills, with music written by J.S. Bach and George Handel

Fri., May 5, at 8 p.m., 504 N. Camden Dr. Handel’s Coronation Anthems 1 and 3 were originally written for the coronation of George II in 1727.

In addition to these compositions, the “Coronation Concert” features uplifting and joyous songs written in the 18th century.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Payment is accepted at the door or online at allsaintsbh.org. Entrance is free with Music Guild donor season pass.

Oscar-nominated Alessandro Camon and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, the cast includes David Gianopoulos, a longtime resident of Windsor Boulevard.

Watch ‘Moana’ under the stars at Hollygrove campus

The world premiere performance of “Scintilla,” presented by the award-winning Road Theatre Company, runs through Sun., June 4, at the NoHo Seniors Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd. Climate change takes root in this family drama set in the woods near California’s Wine Country. Written by

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Visit roadtheatre.org for tickets and more information. Bring a blanket, chairs and the entire family and enjoy a movie under the stars at the Hollygrove campus, 815 N. El Centro Ave., on Sat., May 20, at 7 p.m.

The evening will feature a screening of the Academy Award-nominated movie “Moana,” beginning at sunset. All proceeds support privately funded Hollygrove programs, which offer mental health, substance use treatment and more in the

local Hollywood / Larchmont area. The Hollygrove campus was once the home of Norma Jeane Mortenson before she became Marilyn Monroe. At the movie night, food from Tacos Igualas will be included with admission along with pre-movie entertainment and games courtesy of The Amazing Kid Company. Parking is at 5851 Waring Ave. Tickets are $25. Sponsorships are available. Visit pacificclinics.org.

Two-country friendship inspires K-Town Persian restaurant

On a commercial street at the western boundary of Koreatown, the area’s first Persian restaurant sits on the same block as a Korean corn dog spot, a Chinese lamb restaurant, a boba shop, a T-shirt printing company, an Italian furniture store and a dental chain.

The TehranRo Grill opened in August 2021 when the pandemic restrictions were beginning to loosen. Friends

Pasha Tootoonchi and Hassan Mohammadyar recognized that residents of Koreatown, Greater Wilshire and Miracle Mile needed to travel to Glendale or Westwood for authentic Persian food, and the two friends decided to fill the void.

Tootoonchi and Mohammadyar specifically wanted to locate TehranRo Grill in K-Town as an homage to the close relationship Korea (later, after the split, just South Korea) and Iran (formerly Persia) have enjoyed for more than 1,600 years. First, the countries established cultural exchanges, then, in 1962, they formed an economic partnership.

In 1977, the then mayor of Tehran visited Seoul, and the cities agreed to each name

On the Menu

by

Helene Seifer

a street after the other as a token of friendship. Tehran renamed a street Seoul Boulevard and later developed Seoul Park and filled it with pine trees that are very common in Korea and rare in the Middle East. Seoul turned a formerly dull street into Teheran-ro or Tehran Boulevard, which is now in one of the wealthiest areas in Seoul, filled with skyscrapers and rolling in venture capital and IT entrepreneurs, earning it the nickname “Teheran Valley” in deference to Silicon Valley. Note that “Tehran” has many English spellings, and different ones find their ways into different uses.

Back here in Los Angeles one enters the TehranRo Grill off cacophonous Western Avenue into a small, enclosed patio with an enormous fountain. Most people head indoors to either order take out or take a seat in the simple room with colorful

accents and tables separated by rough-hewn wooden dividers. The biggest decorative elements are inset squares of brick on the wall and a large screen with a travel video on a loop. Nicer than a fast-food joint; not quite on par with a charming café.

The food, however, is quite good. The gluten-free menu features what kabob lovers have come to expect from a Persian grill restaurant, plus several interesting sides and mains.

Diners are served squares of flat bread with sliced onions and mint. To amp up the bread course, we ordered creamy $7 hummus and a side salad. The $8 refreshing Shirazi salad presented a crunchy mix of cucumbers, tomatoes and onions tossed in an olive oil, lime juice and mint dressing.

There are nine different choices of kabob plates, $19$29, and each comes with two skewers, basmati rice with saffron and a charbroiled tomato. Selections include juicy, well-seasoned koobideh (ground beef and lamb), chicken or filet mignon shish kabobs, salmon, jumbo shrimp and Cornish game hen. We ordered the koobideh

and chicken skewers. The flavorful ground meat skewers were our favorites. The chicken was beautifully grilled but bland and benefited from the garlicky mayonnaise that came with our $9 order of grilled eggplant, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes.

We also tried one of their special dishes: the marinated lamb shank, $19. Fall-off-thebone tender and not gamey, this plate was also enhanced by a hit of TehranRo’s garlic

Heidi Duckler

Dance at The Ebell luncheon May 1

The Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., will feature Heidi Duckler Dance (HDD) on Mon., May 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of its Speaker Series. “Everyday is Different,” an interdisciplinary presentation of film, music and dance, will include a live performance featuring musician Jeonghyeon Joo and dancer Nadia Maryam and a film highlighting moments from HDD’s 2022 season. Ms. Duckler will also participate in a discussion about her creative process. For tickets visit tinyurl.com/5enyuv8h.

mayo.

Overall, it’s worth hazarding the fiasco that is K-Town parking to enjoy some very good kabobs. You just might want to reward yourself with some beer, wine or soju after your ordeal.

TehranRo Grill, 414 S. Western Ave., Unit D. 213-529-4111.

‘Godfather’ dinners on menu at the Academy Museum

To coincide with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures exhibit, “The Art of Moviemaking: The Godfather,” which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed film, Fanny’s is offering weekly themed family-style Sunday suppers.

Rotating Italian dishes are inspired by famous lines from the film, such as A Pasta You Can’t Refuse, Sonny’s “Bada Bing” ribs and Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli.

Four-course “Godfather” dinners are $85 per person excluding drinks.

Fanny’s at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. 6067 Wilshire Blvd. 323-9303080. Make reservations at OpenTable or Resy.

Best ‘Madoff’ yet; secret agents, FBI on hunt in well-made thrillers

Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street (9/10): Four episodes. TV-MA. Netflix. What Bernie Madoff actually did is explained, and the people who coordinated with him are exposed. I’ve seen all the Madoff treatments, and this is the best.

Agent Hamilton (8/10): Season 2, eight episodes. MHz Choice. TV-14. Charismatic Jakob Oftebro stars as Carl Hamilton, a former Swedish secret agent who is hired by the Swedish Security Service (SÄPO) to find out who is responsible for a series of cyberattacks and bombings. He must fight against the powers in his own agency as well as Intelligence agents of Russia and the United States who seem to be conniving with international business interests (like the World Economic Forum?) encouraging a new Cold War. Based upon

the novels by Jan Guillou, but updated to include modern technology, various episodes have different directors but all keep the same motif. Shot in Sweden, Lithuania, Morocco and Zagreb, Croatia, this is the second season of a well-made thriller that keeps the viewer involved throughout. The first season may be viewed on Prime Video.

The Night Agent (8/10): 10 episodes. TV-MA. Netflix.

Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Brasso) is a newbie FBI agent locked in an office in the lower echelons of The White House waiting for a phone that never rings to ring. When it does finally ring, he finds himself smack dab in the middle of a conspiracy that involves the Deep State threatening to take over the government as he is stuck with protecting a vital witness, Rose Larkin (Lucianne Buchanan), and,

At the Movies with Tony Medley

ultimately, saving the country. He is vilified, and they are chased by everyone including his own FBI, and he doesn’t know whom to trust.

Rabbit Hole (7/10): Eight episodes. TV-MA. Paramount+. While it’s got tension, it is diminished by the production, like the convoluted back-and-forth switches in time that can be annoyingly confusing. Then there is the whispered dialogue of star Kiefer Sutherland, the master of mutter, when everyone else is speaking normally. Subtitles, please! Even worse is

the dark cinematography. Not only is it hard to hear, it’s hard to see.

In a nutshell, John Weir (Sutherland), some sort of corporate espionage expert, is framed for murder (in an only-in-Hollywood elaboration), so he spends the rest of the time trying to clear himself, stay alive and figure out what’s going on in what appears to be a grandiloquent scheme to, what? Take over the world? The producers did not grant access to the last two episodes, so this is based on the first six. As a result, fortunately, I don’t have to sit through the last two unless I really want to, which I probably don’t.

To Catch a Killer (4/10): 119 Minutes. R. This is a strange story of the chase to find a serial killer. Eleanor (Shailene Woodley) is a fledgling police investigator who

has a troubled past when she is drafted by the FBI’s chief investigator (Ben Mendelsohn) to help track the killer down. She is demeaned by others because of her youth, inexperience and psychological problems, but Mendelsohn has faith in her mainly because he recognizes that her verstehen makes her the only person who could somehow intellectually identify with the killer and understand him.

It’s a tenuous proposition, and it leads to a denouement that challenges reason, given the sociopathy of the killer. Worse, it treats the vicious cold-blooded killer with surprising and blatantly unjustified sympathy and understanding.

Mafia Mamma (3/10): 101 Minutes. R. Anything you can do, I can do better. / I can do anything better than you.

-Irving Berlin

“Annie Get Your Gun,” 1946 Berlin beat director Catherine Hardwicke to this story 77 years ago, and he did it better. This movie epitomizes why everyone acknowledges that comedy is hard and requires unique talent for both director and actors. Toni Collette portrays a normal, if unconfident, American mother who works at an advertising agency where she is unappreciated due to her sex. She goes to Italy to attend her grandfather’s funeral. But this is no ordinary grandfather. He was a mafia godfather, unbeknownst to her.

From a screenplay by Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon, what follows is a silly screwball comedy attempt with Collette giving an inept Lucille Ball imitation as she fumbles her way into reluctantly replacing her grandfather as the godfather. It is so implausible with so many unlikely events that it’s more pitiful than humorous. I didn’t even smile once, much less laugh. Worse, it has a twist that strains credulity. The one thing that made this mildly watchable (ergo my 3/10 rating) was the location with beautiful shots of Rome and other parts of Italy. Even with talent, it would take a thaumaturge to make something of this bunkum.

Eco Fair is May 7

A free family-friendly Eco Fair is on Sun., May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 546 N. June St. The second annual event will feature games, music, planet-conscious vendors and information on recycling and rebate programs. Everyone is welcome to this Hang Out Do Good event, but space is limited. RSVP at tinyurl.com/ ynb696a4. To volunteer write hangoutdogood@gmail.com.

Area youth share camaraderie on Loyola swim team

During my first year of college dormitory living, I roomed with a swimmer. I wrestled, and Steeb Hall, located on Ohio State’s south campus, was where most of us Buckeye athletes lived.

Wrestlers work hard. Add that we have to lose weight, and there probably isn’t a more demanding sport. That’s what I believed until my first year in the dormitories. My roommate woke at 5:30 a.m. five days a week, then walked — no matter what the weather was like — to Larkins Hall, where Ohio State’s aquatic facilities were located, so he could practice before breakfast and classes. Then he’d return to the pool later that afternoon to join his teammates for their second practice of the day.

I became thankful I only wrestled. The plunge

Loyola High School’s pool is outdoors. The water is heated (they use a cover to reduce energy costs) but, with the brisk temperatures this winter, the

pool temperature remained below comfortable. It’s surprising anybody goes out for the swim team or gets in the pool.

“A lot of us just sit on deck stalling as long as we can,” said junior Kenny You. “It’s only a few minutes of being cold, but I don’t think anyone ever gets used to it.”

Frigid water isn’t the only challenge that makes swimming one of the most difficult sports.

“Training often includes multiple timed sprints or distance swims with very little rest,” explained You. “Most of that time is spent staring at a black line on the bottom of the pool for hours on end as we push our bodies to their physical limits for the smallest improvements.”

“A lot of people don’t understand the level of training this requires,” said Joe Drynan, a senior who likes the 500-yard freestyle race. “Swimming engages almost every muscle in

Youth Sports by

Jim Kalin

the body, and we have to work out while holding our breath most of the time. I would say it is fairly difficult.”

Starting young

Eugene Choi is a junior who likes to swim the 100- and 200yard freestyle races. He recently logged his personal best times during an invitational hosted by Loyola High School at USC’s Uytengsu Aquatics Center that saw the Santa Margarita High girls’ 200 freestyle relay set a national high school record.

“I began swimming when I was 5,” said Choi.

Kenny You was also 5 when he started.

“My parents wanted me to do a sport when I was little, and I initially took lessons at the YMCA,” said You. “I started swimming competitively when I was 11 for LACC (Los Angeles Community College) in Rapids

Swim Club, then Team Century Swim. My favorite race is the 100-yard backstroke.”

Joe Drynan started later than Choi and You. He was in fifth grade when he began.

“It was initially just for fun,” said Drynan. “I swam for team HPSC (Hancock Park Swim Club), which had a name change to BLAST (Burbank-Los Angeles Swim Team). We swam at Marlborough’s pool.”

Camaraderie

Strenuous training builds camaraderie, but so do other things. One tradition at Loyola pertains to every first-year member of the varsity swim team. They get their heads shaved. Without humor, reward and student leadership (the team captains are Max Cahill and Rex Mauer), there is no team unity.

Two years ago, on April Fools’ Day, the swim coaches

decided to play a joke on the team. None of the coaches showed up for practice. So what did the swimmers do?

“After about an hour of waiting we all went to eat breakfast together,” said You. Talk about getting the last laugh!

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL

Evan Listi

6th Grade

At St. James’ we have our Night of the Arts on May 11. It is a joyous evening where students showcase what they have been learning in music and performing arts. The 6th graders will be singing “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift and I can’t wait to see the other grades’ performances.

Another highly anticipated day in May is Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day on May 12.  We bring our loved ones to school and they get to see what it’s like being a St. James’ student.

May is also the time that 5th and 6th graders travel for their overnight field study trips. The 6th graders will travel to Washington D.C. It is such an amazing experience to be able to see, in-person, the things we have been learning about in class. It is definitely a highlight of the year for most 6th graders. The 5th graders will be taking an equally exciting trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. I know the 5th graders are looking forward to this out-of-this-world trip!

LOCAL RESIDENTS Joe Drynan, Eugene Choi and Kenny You swim for Loyola High School.

LOYOLA SWIMMER Eugene Choi starts a race.

Photo by Cathy James-Perez

SENIOR at Loyola High School, Joe Drynan, after he makes the turn.

Photo by Cathy James-Perez

KENNY YOU in the pool.

Photo by Cathy James-Perez

Camp Manu gives kids survival skills and adventures in nature

By Casey Russell

Toigo organizes adventure day trips, hosts sleepaway survival week camps, has done a number of camps with the Girl and Boy Scouts, provides nature programs and field trips for some schools and also offers after-school hiking programs.

Toigo started her business after she noticed that many Los Angeles kids were “confined in their schools and homes… It felt like they were losing connection with nature.”

“We can’t save our planet or our wildlife if we lose our connection with nature,” she said.

Toigo knows a lot about nature and wildlife. She was raised on a sugar cane farm outside of Ingham, Australia, and she grew up exploring and learning from nature. She has experience in desert, jungle, mountain and urban environments and, as a wellknown survivalist teacher, has appeared on top survival and nature platforms, including the Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

For her day camps, the outdoor enthusiast picks kids up

E.S.L.A.

By Isabel Viola 12th Grade

After a relaxing and well-deserved spring break, the ESLA community is back to school and prepared for the last stretch of this semester. Our seniors are thrilled for their upcoming prom and everyone is excited to see how they execute the chosen theme, Met Gala. With all college decisions now released, we are so proud of our graduating class and where they have chosen to go. We know that they will continue to uphold ESLA’s virtues as they take their first steps into adulthood.

The freshness of spring has inspired ESLA to introduce a brand new program into our curriculum: peer tutoring! Hosted by the Academic Council, council members will assist their fellow classmates on schoolwork while providing a focused and designated space for people who want to get ahead of assignments. This is a great opportunity to receive extra help by people you are familiar with while simultaneously strengthening connections throughout the community. We are all looking forward to seeing how it goes!

at Griffith Park and takes them to the day’s location. Campers visit areas of Malibu and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains and areas in the Angeles Crest National Forest. (Parents are always provided Google Maps of locations.)

The day starts at 9 a.m. and ends back at Griffith Park at 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival at the day’s site, everyone partakes of organic, gluten-free foods, which Toigo brings to sustain

(Please turn to page 17)

THE OAKS

By Amelia Goldberg 6th Grade

The campout is an absolutely core part of my experience at The Oaks. For one weekend each year, the whole school camps out together in Hurkey Creek near Idyllwild.

We have an Olympics event, with three-legged races, relay races and other fun activities. Kids always bring bikes to get around the campsite, which is divided by grade. We have a lot of potlucks and community meals. There is also a concert of sorts, where the community sings songs that carry tradition and meaning for the school, such as “Big Yellow Taxi,” “California Dreaming,” “Imagine” and others.

Last year the 6th grade class hosted several events at their campsite, and our 6th grade class hoped to live up to the sound bath they hosted. The nearby lake is also a huge draw for some classes. It’s so cold!

The campout is a time for traditions and nostalgia for many students, teachers and parents. It’s a great way for all of us to spend time together before the close of the school year.

HAPPY CAMPERS ready for a night under the stars.

Founded and run by Manu Toigo, Camp Manu is a camp experience unlike others in Los Angeles.

MANU TOIGO

Camp Manu

(Continued from page 16) energy and strength throughout the day. Toigo teaches kids how to prepare for a healthy day and why it’s important. She also encourages campers to drink lots of water. “It’s all about safety, preparedness and educating kids to be observant and aware of their surroundings.” She has one or two other experienced adults with her on all adventures, and she carries an emergency beacon that, when set off, instantly activates a rescue. She has never had to use it on any camp outing.

After running through safety protocols, the group sets off to explore. “It’s an adventure, but they’re also learning life skills in order to be safe in their environments. As we walk along, there are lots of stops because I notice things and I show them and we talk about it.” Kids are introduced to local flora and fauna. “Yucca

PILGRIM SCHOOL

By Allison Pak 9th Grade

Pilgrim school had a great spring break, but it’s great to be back and see everyone. We will be welcoming the new families on campus at the New Family Reception on April 20. We are so excited to welcome them.

The musical “Matilda” will be from April 27 through 29, and tickets are already sold out.

High school students have been working really hard to prepare for the AP exams that start in early May. Seniors have received admissions to many wonderful colleges and universities like Brown, USC, Howard, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Carnegie Mellon, Berklee School of Music and many more. We are so proud of our seniors.

OAKWOOD SCHOOL

By Scarlett Saldaña 12th Grade

With a month left in the school year, many of our annual events have started to build up. Students will attend IDEAS Summit, a themed, threeday event that features discussions surrounding identity, diversity, equity and action. Last year, our theme was “Building Coalition for Racial & Social Justice,” and students spoke about effective ways to build unity to help sustain change at Oakwood and beyond.

The secondary school will come together soon for one of the most

gets a lot of returning kids and loves to hear kids who have adventured with her for years now talking about wanting to go into careers like marine biology or anthropology.

CAMPERS getting nice and dirty exploring.

is one of my favorites,” said Toigo. “The flowers can be eaten, the stalk can be used as a fire tinder or as a cooking container or musical instrument. The spiny leaf, I have kids unravel, pick open and separate the tiny strands. If you rub these with water, you have a wonderful soap. You can also use the strands to make cordage and rope… I teach kids things like this and they’re fascinated by it… I’ll have parents call me, and they can’t believe their kids know this stuff.”

The camp leader says she

beloved Oakwood traditions, Arts Festival. It is a day celebrating students’ work in visual and performing arts. There are activities like a silent disco and karaoke. After exploring different installations, everyone gathers in the gym to enjoy a variety of music and dance performances from students and faculty.

While it is certainly a bittersweet moment for the seniors as they experience their last Arts Festival and truly embrace the moment, it remains my favorite event. It reminds me of the supportive community at Oakwood.

ST. BRENDAN

By Jack Byrne 8th Grade

St. Brendan had a great month of April.

We began by celebrating an Easter tradition as 8th graders helped their kindergarten little buddies dye eggs. It was very fun and there were so many cool designs.

A new tradition began as the 8th graders presented the Living Stations of the Cross. We recreated and reflected on each Station.

St. Brendan School will present the “Matilda, Jr.” musical! Students from 2nd to 8th grade are performing April 28 and April 29. Some of the actors include 8th grader John Gonzalez as Ms. Trunchbull, 8th grader Noah Fox as the escapologist, 6th grader Alyssa Lee as Miss Honey and 3rd grader Avyn Lee as Matilda.

Lastly, St. Brendan held an auction to raise money for its new TK program. Thank you for reading the St. Brendan section in the Larchmont Chronicle

Toigo believes that the more time people spend outdoors, the healthier they’ll be. She notes that kids with behavioral issues and immunity issues are helped by time in nature, and she encourages kids to get dirty.

Overnight camping

The overnight, weeklong

camps are located at campgrounds ideal for survival training. Kids learn how to start a fire, find and cook food, stay warm, find water and make shelter. They learn navigation and do a mock search-and-rescue. They sleep on cow hides under shelters they make themselves from tarps and ropes. All food is included in the camp’s price, and parents are allowed to come along for the weeklong camps at no additional cost.

While campers sleep at the

campground, they get to spend their days at one of two exotic animal sanctuaries and get time at a river learning how to build a bamboo watercraft. Clearly, Toigo loves her job. “We got to see a vulture today! It was beautiful! It’s their first time seeing these things. It’s [the kids] that make me so excited about what I do.” An Adventure Day week starts at $590 per person, and an overnight survival week is $990. For more information, visit manutoigo.com.

Marionettes entertain throughout the spring

By Nona Sue Friedman

Marionettes will keep you busy this time of year, starting on Sun., April 30, with Bob Baker Day! This is a wildly creative, all-day event filled with making art and being entertained by puppets and clowns while enjoying the great outdoors.

It’s a celebration to honor the man behind the namesake marionette theater. Festivities take place from 10

a.m. to 5 p.m. at Los Angeles State Historical Park, 1245 N. Spring St. The event is free, but reservations are required at bobbakerday.com. A $20 donation is appreciated.

While at the event, pick up a copy of “Enchanted Strings,” a colorful coffee table book about the late Bob Baker and his theater. It’s a comprehensive history that is filled with photos.

If you still want more, visit

the theater at 4949 York Blvd. in Highland Park on Sat., May 6, at 7:30 p.m. for a special evening of puppets and bubbles. A bubble-making master will create all kinds of bubbles while interacting with the audience and puppets. Lastly, “¡Fiesta!” is being performed through Sun., June 25. This is a classic production with dancing cacti and puppet mariachis. Visit bobbakermarionette.com.

PLAYING WITH HEART! The 2023 Gus Deppe H.E.R.O. (Heart, Effort, Relentlessness, Optimism) Award winners were announced recently. St. Brendan Basketball Association’s version of an MVP (Most Valuable Player) award is given each spring to one player from each division for good sportsmanship and hard work, qualities exemplified by Gus Deppe, a 10-yearold St. Brendan fourth-grader who died in June 2012. This year’s awardees are, left to right: Micah Minton, Alligators; Davis Bolden, Bobcats; Rex Wright, Cobras; and Joe Fiedler, D-League. Deppe’s parents Cecilia and Paul Deppe are rear left and right.

LARCHMONT CHARTER

By Yena Rhee and Alastair Ayandele 4th Grade

As you know, May can be a fun month, so let’s hope it’s fun this year too!

Mr. Malcolm explained that in music, he will be spending lots of time with the 4th graders. “We’ll let them choose what songs they want to do,” he said. That’s because we’re about to have our step-up ceremony to honor [the 4th grade students’] last year at Hollygrove. In music class, we’ll learn about famous figures including David Bowie, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Prince.

Ms. Sabina is hosting an Art Show on May 25, and the release of the art book will also be in May. She shared, “We’ll also be preparing for graduation.”

Ms. Eva, our principal, said students take a state test in grades three and four called the CAASPP. Testing will be spread across three weeks, and the campus will be set up so students taking the test can focus.

Teacher appreciation week is in May, so make sure to treat teachers well for that!

MARLBOROUGH By Avery Gough 11th Grade

The first two weeks of May can be extremely stressful yet rewarding for students.

AP exams begin during the first week of May and continue until May 12. Upper class students are wrapping up final projects and studying for ACT and SAT exams.

The annual Junior Ring ceremony is on May 11. Juniors receive their class rings to signify entering senior year at Marlborough. This ceremony is followed by the Pin ceremony on May 23 for our rising sophomores. In both the Pin and the Ring ceremonies, students wear a formal version of the uniform. Being both “pinned” and “ringed” are long-standing traditions students look forward to as milestones in their Marlborough career.

Senior prom is on May 20, and can be seen as the final activity of the leaving Senior class before graduation festivities, which includes the Senior Sleepout on the May 24. We say goodbye to the class of 2023 on the May 25. Congratulations to our seniors and happy summer everyone!

Promote learning and family bonding with new experiences

By Casey Russell

Teaching our kids to form everyday routines can be so helpful. Kids learn to start the day by brushing their teeth, getting dressed and finding some breakfast. We encourage them to be in charge of cleaning up their toys and doing their homework. They learn their bedtime routines and feel safe and secure knowing what to expect, and they feel confident realizing how much they can do for themselves.

But while routines are great for many aspects of life, it’s important to make sure we give our kids opportunities for new experiences from time to time.

Shaking things up

New experiences help kids learn and grow. They give them opportunities to discover new skills, likes and dislikes. They push kids out of their comfort zones and encourage them to work through things that don’t come easily. These opportunities give children practice with resilience and perseverance while helping them become well-rounded humans.

Catering experiences to age

Obviously, in thinking about what experiences to provide, the age of your child matters. Things that seem mundane to adults can be magical to a baby or toddler, especially if we talk to him or her about what’s happening. Getting your car serviced? Ask if you and your little one can watch.

Turning on the sprinklers?

Let your kids run through the water. A routine task can actually be interesting and fun to a young child.

Little kids love to go to parks. Making a point of venturing to different parks and playgrounds once in a while gives young kids the chance to explore the different things each has to offer. Some have sand, some, different climbing apparatuses — each challenging kids’ physical abilities in unique ways.

As your child gets older, hopefully, she’ll find an activity that brings that special excitement and light to her eyes. While encouraging this passion, also find opportunities to let her explore new activities. Maybe your kid loves soccer. Great! She might also enjoy playing the drums, being in a school play or teaching herself how to paint with watercolor at home. Making a point of introducing new ideas and reserving some unscheduled time can allow our kids the chance to discover new things about themselves.

Family experiences

Experiences that are meaningful tend to stick with us. And family time is great for

Tips on Parenting

by Casey Russell

having bonding experiences that allow parents and kids to see the wonder of the world.

If you’re looking for something to do relatively near home, consider driving to the mountains for a family ski day, doing a day hike to Switzer Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains, taking a blanket to Griffith Observatory’s lawn to gaze at the stars together or spending an afternoon at a tide pool.

Longer family trips give kids the chance to see how varied our world is. Family vacations can expose us to the myriad ways in which people live — opening not only our kids’ eyes, but our own. They give us a chance to get out of our habitual roles and routines and allow family members a chance to learn new things about each other. As a bonus, our kids can

PAGE ACADEMY

Isabella Argiropoulos

7th Grade

April was a short, but busy, month at Page Academy. We returned from Spring Break and kicked things off with Panorama Picture Day. We also participated in “Move Up Morning” during which students were given a sneak peek of what to expect in the coming year by following the next grade level’s schedule.

We recently held our second Scholastic Book Fair of the school year and celebrated Earth Day. Students participated in various events, including planting in our school garden and attending an assembly during which each class presented their Earth Day poster.

Standardized testing began on April 24th and the month ends with International Day on the 28th. There will be presentations on our students’ heritage and students dressing in traditional dress from their families’ native countries!

In May, we will celebrate our amazing teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Students will also be working on Mother’s Day surprises and Page will be holding a special event for Mother’s Day on May 12th.

Spirit Week is coming up and there will be unique outfits. The most creative costumes and the best school spirit will be rewarded with some cool treats!

see that we are unafraid to try something new — unafraid to possibly fail or eat something we’ve never tried. We can find joy together while learning and discovering new things.

Promoting learning

All of us, but kids especially, learn by doing. Hands-on experiences awaken multiple senses — touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing. That’s one of the reasons many of today’s schools strive to give

kids an experience-centered, inquiry-based education. New synapses are formed as young kids experience novel things. And the synapses are strengthened as the new experience is repeated. This has been shown to increase mental activity, to help kids retain learning and also to promote memory skills.

The great thing is that simply becoming aware of the benefits new experiences can bring gets our brains primed to look for

them. With summer approaching, lots of opportunities for adventures will be available. And by taking a moment to think about what your family members might enjoy, you’ll be on the path to making some great memories together. For more parenting tips, check out my book, “The Handbook for Life With Little Ones: Information, ideas and tips for birth to age five,” on Amazon.

Summer Riding Camps Summer

For over 25 years we have offered a safe, fun-filled program

June 5 - September 12 (weekly) 9am to 3:30pm

- Applications accepted May 1 — first come, first served

- Beginner to Advanced

- Ages 6 and up

- Patient instructors, gentle school horses

- Limited group size

- Health precautions observed

- Arts & Crafts

www.EnterpriseFarms.com

NEW COVENANT ACADEMY

By Sue Jung Park 10th Grade

For New Covenant Academy, May is a month full of celebrations!

Everyone in the school is finishing off the 2022-2023 school year strong! The school transitioned to a different curriculum program

this year. Transitioning can be challenging, but ultimately, we gained a deeper understanding of different subjects built our critical thinking skills.

The school’s annual commencement will celebrate all the

accomplishments of the graduating class of 2023. This year’s graduating class received many college acceptance letters, and have committed to exceptional schools. Congratulations, and we are so happy for all of you seniors!

In addition, NCA’s summer school program is starting soon. It will provide students with preparedness for the upcoming

school year and many clubs are available for students to join.

THIRD STREET

By Ren Stoppani Brown 5th Grade

I am graduating in June and going to middle school in the fall! The parents and teachers are planning lots of fun activities for us to say goodbye to each other.

But before we depart, there are some events this May. First, we will have the annual Walkathon to raise money for Friends of Third. There will be a walking challenge, an obstacle course and other activities for all students to enjoy.

Friends of Third supports our tech lab, science lab, library, music, drama, PE, visual arts and field trips. All these programs make Third Street a special school.

But on the not so fun side, our school will also have two weeks of standardized testing at the end of May.

This summer, kids can attend Got Game Summer Camp at Third Street School. I attended last year and there were lots of activities to try, like oasis, bottle rockets, gaga ball and more. They also have field trips each Friday!

CATHEDRAL CHAPEL

By Olivia Sherman 6th Grade

We are proud to announce that our school won First Place in the regional event for the Academic Junior High Decathlon. The decathlon took place

on March 24 and we won third place in the nation. We also had students that placed third in the nation in Religion and Fine Arts.

We concluded the season of Lent with our reenactment of the Stations of the Cross prepared by our 8th graders. We celebrated Easter with a Sunday Mass and Easter egg hunt.

Our softball and track teams are practicing for upcoming games and meets. Our school hosted its annual Jog-a-thon on April 21.

Lastly, our students will compete in our annual Geography Bee, starting with class challenges.

CHRIST THE KING

Joshua Lo 8th

Grade

The Track and Field season has begun and students are practicing their running and jumping skills to build their endurance. Our Drama Club is preparing for their production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Students are practicing singing, acting and choreography skills. As a reward for their hard work, decathletes are celebrating their victory with a trip to Universal Studios. And, the 8th grade will soon have a retreat at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center.

Christ the King School is having a Fun Run on May 5th. Students will be doing a variety of physical activities to test our athleticism. With Earth Day approaching, our student council is organizing an assembly to spread awareness about pollution and educate students about what we can do to help the earth.

Student is semifinalist in NASA competition

By Casey Russell Hancock

Park Elementary 9-year-old Nikhil Gaddam was recently selected as a semifinalist in the “Power to Explore” NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) competition.

NASA challenged students across the country to learn about Radioisotope Power Systems, a nuclear energy technology. Entrants were asked to imagine “how their ‘personal super powers’ would energize their success on their own radioisotope-powered science mission,” according

to the NASA website. The contest received nearly 1,600 entries. Gaddam was one of only 15 semifinalists in his grade category.

The third-grade science enthusiast came up with a mission that would send a rover to Venus. He postulated that probing our neighboring planet’s carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere and studying how Venus has changed over time could tell us a lot about global warming.

To see this local student’s NASA-recognized entry, visit tinyurl.com/mv8fpx47.

NIKHIL GADDAM with his telescope.

ANDERSON MUNGER FAMILY YMCA 4301 W. THIRD ST. LOS ANGELES. CA. 90020

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE

Miles

Hoffman

6th Grade

Hello everybody! The 6th graders all just finished the challenging yet exciting middle school application process. The schools my classmates and I will be attending include Oakwood, Campbell Hall, Buckley, Harvard-Westlake, Pilgrim, ESLA and St. Margaret’s.

Another cool thing that the 6th graders have been looking forward to is AstroCamp. It’s a field trip that the graduating class at Hollywood Schoolhouse attends each year. Some of the activities include building and launching rockets, human foosball, ziplining, night hikes, telescope viewing and more! There is even a huge soccer field, an indoor basketball court and a swimming pool.

Right now, we are working on our inventions for the Makers Fair, which challenges us to make our own themed creations. This year’s theme is sustainability.

Lastly, the 5th and 6th graders are going on a field trip to the Mayan exhibit at the California Science Center. We will take a bus together, see the exhibit and fill out a questionnaire about the Mayans. Well, that’s all from me. See you next time!

THE WILLOWS

By Simone Meltzer

8th Grade

The Willows is back from spring break and our middle schoolers are singing in the hallways, literally. The 8th graders started this first week with some exciting news; the cast list for the spirit week play!

As an annual tradition, the graduating class performs a play on the last week of school. “The Prom” will be this year’s production. It’s a modern romantic drama that follows a lesbian couple in Indiana that is banned from going to their school’s prom.

Our first rehearsals were preceded by two days of auditions that entailed the whole grade singing, laughing and cheering their fellow students on. Before taking turns singing and reading

TIMBERWOLVES, the varsity girls’ soccer team at Larchmont Charter High School at Lafayette Park, won the City Championship in Division 4 out of 30 teams. (They subsequently lost at the quarterfinals.) Front row, left to right: Sophia Bazini-Barakat, Annika Salinas and Rose Matheu; second row standing left to right: Madeline Urizar, Ada Travis, Rachel Kang, Avery Owen-Lara, Melis Paz Soldan, Biancca Dominguez, Allyson Avalos; back row left to right: Hannah Bloomfield, Harper Keiner, Veronica Toscano, Harper Brown, Jill Gray, Jareline Garcia-Diaz and Coach David Brown.

lines, we were asked not to clap to in case students might feel uncomfortable, an instruction that was soon forgotten as we broke into goofy rounds of applauds and cheering after every rendition or reading. The catchy songs can still be heard in the hallways between classes, homerooms, or lunch periods, much to the annoyed looks from other grades.

CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION

By Eloise Cotteleer 5th Grade

The Center for Early Education’s Olympic Games will soon be here! This year CEE’s 41st Olympic Games will be held in late May. This tradition is very popular at The Center because it brings the entire community together, since most of the grades compete.

Just like the real Olympics, we take an oath as athletes. There is also a torch ceremony, and every class performs their own dance at the opening of the Olympics! Every year the 5th graders perform the Tinikling dance, which is one of the most popular dances in the Philippines and definitely the dance everybody loves to perform at CEE.

At the CEE Olympics, students compete in all different kinds of sports such as the dash, cup stacking, jump rope, basketball shot and the long jump. Even though every team wants to win, we are always reminded by our teachers to focus on the best we can do. We try not to worry about winning or losing but do our best and have fun…although a gold medal would be nice too!

RICHARD RIORDAN died on April 19. He was 92 years old. Elected as mayor in 1993, he served two terms. Here, he is shown near Wilshire Boulevard with community leaders and local children on a Saturday morning kicking off the second year of a tree-planting program planned for a threemile section of Wilshire Boulevard and due for completion in 1996.

Block party

(Continued from page 1)

Neighborhood Association and Hancock Homes Realty, and many other local businesses and organizations also are contributing.

Four food trucks will be on site with food for purchase, but the block party is free for all who attend.

Annie O’Rourke, who helped organize the event, told us there will be “free tarot card reading.” The event also will feature live music, arts and

crafts, river rock painting (operated by a painting teacher from Ann Bridges Art Studio), water play, a chalk course — for scooters and bikes — and a scavenger hunt.

Stop by between noon and 5 p.m. For more information, email larchmontvillageblockparty@gmail.com. In conjunction with the event, the committee has set up a GoFundMe page for donations. All proceeds will go to Alexandria House, a local transitional home for women and children. Visit gofund.me/55fb404d.

By Casey Russell

Kevin Proulx

Windsor Village has been taking care of, rescuing and re-homing tortoises for the past 20 years.

As of September of last year, TortoiseLand is officially a 501(c)3, and Proulx is eager to ensure its success.

In an effort to raise funds for the 38 baby and 40 adult tortoises he currently has in his care, the first annual community yard sale and silent auction fundraiser for TortoiseLand will take place on Sat., May 20, and Sun., May 21, at 911 S. Lucerne Blvd. near Harold Henry Park.

To donate goods for the event, please email thetortoiseguykevin@gmail.com or

visit the nonprofit’s website at: thetortoiseguy.com.

Pets of Larchmont

And, get ready to hear about more Larchmont area animals and pets in the Chronicle’s Pets of Larchmont issue this July. We will be including photos of local pets. Email pictures of your furry, feathered or shelled family members to: suzan@ larchmontchronicle.com.

LVNA BLOCK PARTY, in its 2018 version

KEVIN PROULX with a baby tortoise at TortoiseLand.

of

Photo by Keith Johnson

356 S. Hudson Ave.| Hancock Park| $19,500,000

An Exquisite, Rare Gated Tennis Court Estate! 4 stories, 10 beds/14 baths, theater. By appt only.

Lisa Hutchins 323.216.6938 CalRE #01018644

109 Fremont Pl. | Hancock Park| $7,500,000

BORN IN 1948

Linoleum City celebrates 75 years of red carpets and fancy flooring. Page 7

242 N. Dillon St| Silver Lake | $1,399,000

A wonderful opportunity to build a four-plex or four small lot homes on a 6,370 sq.ft. lot in LARD 1..5 zone.

246 S. Irving Blvd. | Windsor Square | $3,775,000 Stately Traditional in prime Windsor Square HPOZ near Larchmont Village. 4 beds + 3.5 baths. 246Irving.com

Loveland Carr Group 323.460.7606 CalRE #01467820, 0888374

Loveland Carr Group 323.460.7606 CalRE #01467820, 0888374

Stunning Contemporary 2sty, renovated 6 bd/3 + fam rm. 3600s ft. Fab kitch.Sound proofing dbl paned wndw Cecille Cohen

213.810.9949 CalRE #00884530

New book by local shines light on cars and early Los Angeles

By Casey Russell Hancock Park resident

Darryl Holter, co-owner of Chevalier’s on Larchmont Boulevard, has a new book out. Written with Stephen Gee, the book includes a foreword by erstwhile “Tonight Show” host and car aficionado Jay Leno.

The book, “Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900-1930,” is packed full of local history gems. Sprinkled with vintage photos and original cartoons, the book enlightens readers about the role Los Angeles’ early auto retailers played in the growth of the car industry and the city.

Holter’s father-in-law, Nickolas Shammas, was one of these early automobile dealers. He founded Felix Chevrolet and, for decades, Holter ran the family business, which had expanded to multiple dealerships along what is today known as the “Figueroa Corridor” in Downtown Los Angeles. Holter’s interest in history and his connections to the automobile industry led him to write this book. He previously has written “Workers and Unions in Wisconsin: A Labor History,” “The Battle for Coal: Miners and the Nationalization of Coal-Mining

in France” and “Woody Guthrie L.A. 1937 – 1941.”

Readers will learn about the creation of the Los Angeles Auto Show, which moved from Downtown for a very long run at the Pan Pacific Auditorium before moving back Downtown to the new Convention Center in 1972. Omnipresent in the history recounted in Holter’s book is dealership owner Ralph C. Hamlin, father of the late local resident (at 101 S. Hudson Ave.), and longtime Junior

(Please turn to page 3)

ANNUAL exposition of automobiles took place for many years at the Pan Pacific Auditorium, whose architectural style is mimicked by the recreation center there now, by the entrance to Disney’s California Adventure and by the parking lot entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida.

AUTHOR Darryl Holter at Seaver Center Library at NHM.

AUTO SHOW history in the 1960s, when the show was at the Pan Pacific Auditorium, now a city park and flood retention basin.

Driving Force

(Continued from page 2) League of Los Angeles (JLLA) member (and president from 1943 - 1944) Marjorie Hamlin Rainey. Family fortune allowed her to donate $1 million as the lead gift to build the two-story French Regency building at 630 N. Larchmont Blvd. just north of the Larchmont Chronicle’s

latest home. The JLLA headquarters building was named Rainey House in her honor.

Through the text and the book’s many vintage photographs, readers will become privy to the untold story of individuals who chose to take a chance on a new invention and industry that ended up changing American cities completely.

To pre-order “Driving

Force,” visit tinyurl.com/ wac8epjv. It will be available in bookstores, including at Chevalier’s, on May 9.

Chevalier’s Books will be hosting the launch of Zev Yaroslavsky’s new book on Tues., May 30 at 6 p.m. Exclusive signed copies of the book, “Zev’s Los Angeles: A Political Memoir: From Boyle Heights to the Halls of Power,”

will be available at the event at 133 N. Larchmont Blvd. Yaro-

RALPH AND CLARE HAMLIN with daughter, Marjorie Rainey, center. Photo courtesy of Kathleen M. Bailey

ORIGINAL RALPH C. HAMLIN automobile dealership on South Main Street circa 1906, before expanding to a larger facility on Flower Street. Photos above courtesy of Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Seaver Center for Western History Research, Ralph Hamlin Collection.

HAMLIN’S FRANKLIN CAR dealership on Flower Street.

RAINEY HOUSE, home of the Junior League of Los Angeles, which was built with money donated by JLLA member Marjorie Hamlin Rainey.

Photo by Casey Russell

VOLUNTEERS gathered last month for the Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) annual cleanup and to celebrate and steward the region’s 51-mile winding connective center.

Photo courtesy of FoLAR

slavsky’s public service career spanned four decades on the City Council and the County Board of Supervisors. The book is co-written with journalist Josh Getlin.

‘Zev’s Los Angeles: A Political Memoir’ set to debut at Chevalier’s Books May 30

Saving water, composting— what’s next for 80-year-old PLB?

By Suzan Filipek

It’s never too late to change. Just look at Park La Brea (PLB).

The 80-year-old apartment complex — the second largest in the country — was recently awarded an Innovation Award for its “out-of-the-box” irrigation system credited with saving 30 percent of water use annually, said Aryn Thomez, vice president of property management for Prime Residential,

which owns Park La Brea.

Thomez was pleasantly surprised when she got a call out of the blue announcing the honor.

“We didn’t even know we were in the running for the award,” Thomez said last month in her garden-view office.

The award was presented recently by the Better Buildings Challenge, a United States

Dept. of Energy program that encourages sustainability and recognizes innovative projects.

The water-saving system was installed in 2022 soon after Thomez took the helm of the 4,250-unit residential complex at 6200 W. Third St. It is estimated to save up to 23 million gallons of water each year.

Thomez, who brought her experience working with new real estate developments, was

looking for innovative and forward-thinking ways to improve the complex.

Since landscape is such a huge component of the 150acre property, she thought it might be worthwhile to switch out the traditional weather-based irrigation system — common to apartment buildings — for a system specific to larger sites like cities and golf courses.

With rebates in hand from the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power, Thomez and members of her 200-member staff worked with the company UgMO to install 770 plastic sensors 6 inches deep throughout the property.

The cellular communication-based system monitors temperature and soil conditions of plants and trees in specific areas and reports data to Thomez and the landscape crew. “It’s a much better way of doing it than asking when was the last time it rained,” Thomez smiles.

The project will be finetuned over time to further reduce water usage and monitor leaks and faulty sprinklers. Cost savings will be passed

along to residents.

She plans to introduce indigenous plants over time, said Thomez, who grew up in Minnesota. She feels at home in the lush grounds at Park La Brea, a welcome break in the center of a busy metropolis. She walks through the complex’s two parks from her garden apartment to her office each morning.

She rose up the ranks in her 20-year career and worked in Washington D.C. and New York before moving to California seven years ago. She oversaw developer Greystar’s Southern California region for its newly developed and owned assets before joining Prime. Composting, EVs too

She also has overseen a compost program to divert food waste from the landfill for all 4,000+ units at Park La Brea. She will talk about the program at the WasteExpo this month in New Orleans, along with representatives from PLB trash collector Athens Services.

Also in the works are plans to increase the site’s EV charging stations. “I am a gogreen kind of gal,” she said.

PROPERTY MANAGER Aryn Thomez at Park La Brea.

Visit private gardens, raise funds for islands, see local trees

By Suzan Filipek

Everything is coming up roses, wisteria and a bountiful array of other colorful flowers when A Secret Garden Tour comes to our neighborhoods on Sat., June 3, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Five to six private gardens — the number is still being sorted out — will be on the tour and fundraiser in Windsor Square and Fremont Place.

Music, a plant sale and a silent auction will also be featured on the tour, which is not so secret, it turns out; rather, the name of the event is a take on the recent musical at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Confirmed gardens for the visit (as of presstime) are those of Leah Fischer and June Bilgore in Windsor Square and Patty Lombard in Fremont Place. Theirs are among the gardens that will offer a sensory and visual delight to visitors on the tour. Bilgore is also the silent auction chair of the event, hosted by the Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society (WS-HPHS).

Organizers of the June 3 tour are Chronicle co-founder Jane Gilman and Richard Battaglia, WSHPHS president.

Islands of Rossmore

“The garden tour, like our home tours, depends upon the generosity of these wonderful homeowners who are willing to expose their secret private gardens for a good cause. This year’s cause is the ‘Islands of Rossmore and Beverly Project’ which is long overdue,” Battaglia told us.

The two triangular pedestrian islands are at the southwest and northeast corners of the busy intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Rossmore Avenue, as the project’s name says.

During the years that this project has been in the talking stages, other pedestrian islands were transformed on Wilton Place at Second Street and at First Street. One also was improved on the corner of Sixth Street and Norton Ave., Battaglia tells us.

“The Larchmont Boulevard medians were finished ages ago, while the two concrete eyesores on Rossmore and Beverly, the gateway to both Hancock Park and Windsor

Square, are still just looking ragged and derelict.

“This is not going to be done overnight and is certainly a process, but we have a good team in place,” he added.

The “Islands” committee includes both Michele Flores, field deputy, and George Hakopiants, deputy district director, for Councilwoman Yaroslavsky.

Others beside Battaglia are Cindy Chvatal, Joyce Kleifield, Joseph Guidera, Patty Lombard, Brian Curran, June Bilgore and Alysoun Higgins. “Landscape designer and Historical Society member Jeffrey Smith did a fantastic job on the renderings [for the islands]. Everyone was very impressed,” added Battaglia.

For tickets to the event visit wshphs.com.

Walk with a Lumberjack on May 6

Urban Lumberjack Steve Marshall will give a Tree Walking Tour of the neighborhood on Sat., May 6, beginning at

10 a.m. at First Street and Larchmont Boulevard. The tour will head east to Wilton Place, south to Second Street and return east along Second Street to Larchmont. Wear comfortable shoes. Visit theurbanlumberjack. com. For tickets visit wshphs. com.

from left (in her garden) Leah Fischer, Patty Lombard and June Bilgore.

JMS DESIGN provided a plan and plant photos for the two Hancock Park pedestrian islands at Beverly Boulevard and Rossmore Avenue (above). At right, the current condition.

Linda Dishman to leave a ‘strong’ Los Angeles Conservancy

By John Welborne

Linda Dishman, president of the Los Angeles Conservancy, is stepping down after helming the nonprofit for 31 years.

“It has been a great run, but I feel the time is right to leave, both for me and for the organization,” Dishman told supporters via e-mail in midApril.

“The Conservancy board and staff are strong, and we’ve hired a search firm to find the next leader,” she added.

Dishman announced that she would be retiring this coming November.

In a statement released by the organization, Conservancy Chair Joy Forbes said, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to thank Linda for her passion and dedication as the Los Angeles Conservancy’s leader for 31 years. As the Conservancy celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, I note that Linda has been at the helm for twothirds of our history.”

“While her absence at the

LINDA DISHMAN

organization will be felt, we will continue to see the fruits of her labor in the many historic places across Los Angeles County,” she continued.

The board of directors has hired Envision Consulting to manage the search process and anticipates having a successor in place before Linda’s departure on Nov. 30, 2023.

Since Dishman’s arrival at the Conservancy in 1992, the group has been successful in saving iconic buildings

threatened with demolition, such as the May Company (now the Academy Museum), Herald Examiner, Sheraton Town House, Downey McDonald’s, St. Vibiana Cathedral and the Century Plaza Hotel. The Conservancy has also expanded to saving places important within a broader and more diverse community — such as the Paul Revere Williams House.

The Conservancy helped add 14,000 units of housing in the Historic Core of Downtown as part of its Broadway Initiative, and the group has become a national leader in the effort to recognize Modernism.

Its Preservation Positive Report in 2020 validated that historic buildings and neighborhoods are a community asset enjoyed by economically and racially diverse residents.

“One of my favorite parts of leading the Conservancy has been working with so many people who believe in the power of our historic buildings to inspire and bring communi-

ties together,” said Dishman. Historic preservation has been Dishman’s passion and profession since 1977 when she was an intern at the California Office of Historic Preservation in her Sacramento hometown.

“I have met incredible people through this work, including

my husband, and I have made many friends.

“It has been my honor to help preserve the places that hold the history and future of Los Angeles County. Thank you.”

And “thank YOU,” Linda Dishman.

Last Remaining Seats returns with a classic film lineup

(1940) screens at the Los Angeles Theatre on June 10 at 8 p.m.

“Metropolis” (1927) kicks off the program on Sat., June 3, at 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. The 1973 film “Enter the Dragon” with Bruce Lee screens at the Orpheum later the same day at 8 p.m.

“Planet of the Apes” (1968) is at the Los Angeles Theatre Sat., June 10, at 2 p.m.

“The Philadelphia Story”

“Auntie Mame,” a 1958 comedy, brings Rosalind Russell to the Million Dollar Theatre Sat., June 17, at 2 p.m. The same day, James Stewart and Kim Novak star in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” at 8 p.m. at the Million Dollar.

Live music, Q&A sessions and other programming accompany some of the screenings. Visit laconservancy.org for tickets and more information.

By John

Welborne Neighbors convened on April 15, at the corner of Beverly Boulevard and Poinsettia Place, to eat gelato and celebrate a recent addition to the city’s list of Historic Cultural Monuments.

Two groups, Save Beverly Fairfax and the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, nominated the Silberberg Building for designation, approved March 3 by the City Council. The 1931

building now houses ice cream parlor Gelato and Angels.

The report and recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Commission (available at tinyurl.com/32tm92fh) notes that “the La Brea Mortgage Company, founded in 1928 by realtor and businessman Abraham Silberberg, was one of many businesses established to serve the Jewish community that developed in [the area].”

Annual Garden Tour and Showcase House

Single family homes

Come

legendary

*Sale

prices for March.

Another local monument

Condominiums 425 S. Plymouth Blvd. $16,000,000 619 S. June St. $11,000,000 226 S. Windsor Blvd. $10,500,000 357 Lorraine Blvd. $7,750,000 415 S. June St. $7,075,000 129 Fremont Pl. $6,500,000 400 S. Arden Blvd. $5,967,000 244 N. Rossmore Ave. $5,100,000 336 S. June St. $4,900,000 537 N. Cherokee Ave. $4,848,545 157 S. Lucerne Blvd. $3,975,000 637 N. Lucerne Blvd. $3,738,888 148 S. Highland Ave. $2,900,000 720 Lorraine Blvd. $2,700,000 913 S. Mullen Ave. $2,695,000 755 S. Highland Ave. $2,564,427 512 N. Gower St. $2,350,000 515 N. McCadden Pl. $2,275,000 339 N. Irving Blvd. $1,843,000 318 N. Citrus Ave. $1,760,000 618 Wilcox Ave. $1,150,000 4100 Wilshire Blvd., #107 $955,000 600 S. Ridgeley Dr., #309 $870,000 600 S. Ridgeley Dr., #205 $845,000 5601 W. Olympic Blvd., #303 $808,000 961 S. Manhattan Pl., #3 $705,000 861 S. Windsor Blvd., #102 $689,000 102 S. Manhattan Pl., #104 $610,000

Real Estate Sales*

Design for Living

celebrates

By Helene Seifer

Once upon a time in the windy city of Chicago, two brothers owned a flooring store, Artistic Linoleum. As sometimes happens in families, the brothers Ed and William (Bill) Stifter had a falling out, resulting in Ed buying out the business. Bill and his pregnant wife Geraldine (Gerry) hopped on a train and headed to Colorado to conquer the flooring market there.

As luck would have it, a torrential downpour greeted them in Denver, so they rode to the end of the line in sunny Southern California.

The year was 1948, and Linoleum City was born, staking out a site on Route 66, Santa Monica Boulevard. The first shop was across from the Sears Roebuck & Co. there. Next, it moved into a bigger space next to

Sears, eventually settling into a 15,000-square-foot showroom in its current Santa Monica Boulevard location, outlasting Sears.

Still in the same family 75 years later, the current owner, Fred Stifter, is the baby who Gerry was carrying on that move west. Other family members work there, including Fred’s niece, Vice President Patricia Walters.

Those who are not technically family agree that all are made to feel as though they belong, from the fork-

red carpets and fancy floors

lift drivers to flooring artist Laurie Crogan of Crogan Inlay Floors, who works with Linoleum City to create elaborate linoleum inlay designs for customers.

“We are family,” emphasizes Crogan, whose designs include a leaf inlay for singer Phil Collins, a basketweave pattern for a home in Windsor Square and a bordered medallion for the Plymouth Boulevard kitchen of interior designer Scott Lander.

Walking into Linoleum City, one is greeted by a Crogan inlay floor. Then one realizes the enormous array of flooring options available.

“We stock close to 100 different patterns of sheet vinyl,” Patty Walters says. “We have 40 styles of linoleum, 100 styles of carpet. Overall, hundreds of thousands of square feet of flooring.” Linoleum City always keeps at

least 6,000 square feet of red carpet on hand. They also have a Glendale warehouse filled with overflow.

According to Fred Stifter, his father almost immediately realized there was a huge market in the entertainment industry and began importing specialized flooring and

working with manufacturers to create unique looks for the film and television business. Today Walters estimates that 70 percent of their business comes from entertainment companies. This year alone, according to Walters, Linoleum City (Please turn to page 8)

OWNER Fred Stifter and Vice President Patricia Walters.

PERFECT border work inlaid by Crogan Inlay Floors.

Linoleum City

(Continued from page 8) provided red carpets for the Golden Globes, the SAG Awards, the Academy Award stage carpeting and after-parties, the People’s Choice and

DESIGN FOR LIVING

Kid’s Choice Awards and numerous movie premieres.

In the past, their carpets were also used in the opening ceremony of the 1984 Olympics and for Pope John Paul II’s September 1987 visit to California.

As their name implies, Linoleum City is a large supplier of linoleum tile for residential and commercial use. Although, as Stifter explains, the United States stopped manufacturing real linoleum around the time vinyl floor-

INTERESTING PATTERNS abound in the showroom. ing became popular in the 1950s. Linoleum City maintains a supply of high-quality linoleum sourced from Europe. As it is a natural product made from linseed oil, pine resin and ground cork dust, environmentally conscious consumers are turning once again to real linoleum for their homes.

Linoleum City also works with manufacturers to develop interesting patterns for their sheet vinyl such as a black-and-white hexagonal print that mimics the old honeycomb tiles found in many of the original bathrooms in our historic neighborhood houses. That pattern is in demand with art directors, who placed it in the opening sequence of the William H. Macy series “Shameless” and in all of the bathrooms in Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Christmas,” among other productions.

As Walters observes, “Everybody needs flooring.” John C. Riley visited the store and bought linoleum tile flooring for his airstream trailer. Coachella acts perform on Linoleum City flooring, as did Michael Jackson. Kim Kardashian purchased rubber flooring for her home gym, and Jason Alexander opted for their carpeting. Mikhail Baryshnikov danced on it, “All in the Family’s” Archie Bunker argued on it, “Desperate Housewives” were desperate for it, and the family in Steven Spielberg’s “The Fablemans” lived with it.

Fred Stifter reflects on what he has most enjoyed about life with Linoleum City — “friends that I’ve made over the years, and carrying on a tradition of a family business.”

Linoleum City, 4849 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-736-3200.

Beastly Ball to honor Tom LaBonge June 3 at the Zoo

By Suzan Filipek

The late Councilman Tom LaBonge will posthumously receive an award at the Beastly Ball Sat., June 3, at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo.

The party will start “Down Under” in the Australia section and make its way through the lush grounds.

Participating eateries include Pink’s Hot Dogs, Little Sister, El Cholo and more. Actor Joel

McHale will host the fundraising gala.

Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association Trustee Diann Kim also will be honored, and LaBonge will receive the Betty White Conservation Hero Award for his longtime advocacy for the Zoo and Griffith Park.

For tickets and information, visit lazoo.org/beastlyball or call 323-486-4253.

ROLLS AND ROLLS of flooring at Linoleum City.

Contemporary home is new but keeps Larchmont scale

By Suzan Filipek

The third time is the charm for this growing family which recently moved into its almost dream home in Larchmont Village.

The couple completed interior remodels at their first two homes. This new one, a 1929 bungalow found for them by Realtor Ali Jack, was just what they were looking for.

“It was in a very deteriorated state and needed serious TLC,” said homeowner Danielle Rago.

“It gave us the opportunity to build something new and different... We were also planning on starting a family and had fallen in love with the Larchmont neighborhood.”

The project also gave Rago, cofounder of This by That, a public relations and advisory agency for progressive architects, the opportunity to work with one of her favorite clients, architects Claus Benjamin Freyinger and Andrew Holder of The LADG. They maintained the original home’s quadrant layout and took off from there.

A surprise design element of the home is a stainless

steel column rising from the backyard swimming pool to support an overhang.

“Interesting,” is how Rago and her husband Darren Hochberg described the concept when it was first presented to them. “It’s definitely a point of interest. It’s a fun place to put it,” Rago said of the beam rising from the water.

They saved half of the original home’s existing footprint and used the same foundation and framing to build addi-

tions to the front and back of the northwest and northeast sides of the house.

The original 1,426-squarefoot home was reconfigured into a 1,950-square-foot three-bedroom house and accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

The result, on Plymouth Boulevard, was recently featured in the March/April cover story of Dwell Magazine.

Other features of the finished house include preserving the massing of the

front of the house to keep in line with the neighborhood, and the addition of a vaulted, double-height roof in the center of the home above a striking all-white quartz kitchen — the heart (and hearth) of the home.

Rather than have a fireplace, family and friends gather around the kitchen, explains Rago.

The home has open spaces with indoor/outdoor living and sustainable landscap-

(Please turn to page 10)

Featured Listings for the Month of May by June Ahn

109 Fremont Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90005 Offered at $7,500,000

A park-like gated community with 24 hr. security guard. Step inside to a stunning 2 -story entry. Exceptionally elegant and charming home on a nearly 1 - acre corner lot located in the middle of the west side street. Extraordinary provenance abounds in this truly special, architecturally designed beauty! Offers warm woods, hardwood floors, large marble fireplaces in the living room, family room and upstairs bedroom, and natural light throughout from an expanse of French doors and windows. The gourmet kitchen has stone floors, marble countertops, coffered ceilings, beveled stained glass windows, with built -in subzero refrigerator, microwave oven, double oven, double dishwashers, double clay sinks and coffee station. The kitchen door leads to the side back yard with built -in BBQ, limestone fireplace and limestone table which seats 12. 3 kingsize master bedroom suites with en -suite full bathrooms, and a library room upstairs. French doors from the second floor and master open to a terrace with circular stairs down to a second patio and lush backyard. The maid's room/office has a bathroom and shower. Laundry inside, breakfast room, dining room, family room leading to the beautiful and expansive backyard with mature trees and swimming pool with jetted spa. Guest house over the garage. Parking spaces available for nearly 20 cars on the private street owned by the subject property.

THE NEW DESIGN has massing similar to other bungalows in the Larchmont Village neighborhood.

THE HEARTH OF THE HOME is the kitchen, here a striking visual in white. Photos by Marten Elder

DESIGN FOR LIVING

Huntington’s Tea Room gets a face lift

By Nona Sue Friedman

The historic 1911 Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, is reopening on May 24 after being closed for the past three years.

The new and improved space boasts an outdoor pavilion that opens onto the Shakespeare Garden and a room for private events that faces the Herb Garden.

A traditional English tea with sweet and savory tarts and scones will be available. A high tea with champagne and lobster salad in phyllo is another dining option. According to Huntington President Karen. R. Lawrence, “These innovative upgrades will make for an extraordinary tea experience.”

The structure was originally built for Henry E. Huntington as a billiard room and bowling alley. It has been serving traditional English tea to the public since the 1980s.

Start making reservations Wed., May 10 through Open Table. Visit Huntington.org for additional information.

New home

(Continued from page 9)

ing. While city constraints prevented the couple from increasing the square footage by much, privacy is increased by putting the bedrooms in front of the house and living areas towards the rear.

Common materials found at Home Depot like stucco, plywood and asphalt shingles are used in an unconventional way — the shingles wrap the underside of the roof and create a dramatic overhang.

More outdoor living was added by converting the existing garage into the ADU. A folding glass wall opens to the

The result?

The perfect home for the couple and their two children — 3-month-old Julian and nearly 3-year-old Oliver — and a Maltese named Melrose.

Spring Home Tour

The home will be part of AIA/LA’s Spring Arch Tour Fest on Friday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. Rago and her architect Freyinger will lead the tour.

Tickets go on sale soon at aialosangeles.org.

AT HOME. Darren Hochberg, Danielle Rago, Oliver and Julian with Melrose. Ilene Squires Photography

STAINLESS STEEL support column rises from the pool to support an overhang wrapped in asphalt shingles.

OUTDOOR / INDOOR living is featured throughout the property. Photos above by Marten Elder backyard for entertaining.

NEW PAVILION looks out onto the Shakespeare garden.

Photo courtesy of The Huntington Gardens

Be a looky-loo for a good cause — see the Showcase House

I have to confess, as a connoisseur of historic houses, weekend open houses and designer showcases have always held a special allure for me. For a looky-loo like me, driving through historic neighborhoods of Los Angeles, most especially our own, one gets familiar with architectural styles, architects and the nuances of historic periods, but very rarely, unless invited in or they come up for sale, does one get to see the inside of these splendid houses. Does the language of the architecture continue inside or change? How do the occupants interpret the interior spaces and fill them? I often think of how I would decorate these interiors, how I would respond to the features or quirks of a house, what it would feel like living there. So I was particularly excited to be invited to preview this year’s 58th Pasadena Showcase House of Design, which is being held at one of Pasadena’s grand estates, the 1933 Colonial Revival-style Stewart House.

Stewart House

The house was designed by one of Pasadena’s most cel-

DESIGN FOR LIVING On Preservation

by Brian Curran

ebrated architectural firms, Marston and Maybury, designers of such Pasadena landmarks as the Chinese-inspired Grace Nicholson Building (home of the USC Pacific Asian Museum), the Old Pasadena Post Office, the Shakespeare Club and the Westminster Presbyterian Church. The client was Union Oil Company of California heir Arthur Stewart (grandson of founder Lyman Stewart) and his wife, Ruth Nicholson Stewart. For this home, the architects composed a 1930s version of Dallas’ South Fork, a grand columned manse with a semi-circular tree lined drive set on two acres of the former Rancho Santa Anita. Adjoining the house was a motor court, a pool complex and tennis court. At the time it included a stable and corral as well. This is the second time the house has been the Pasade-

na Showcase House of Design, the first time being in 1983. Decorator showcase houses pose a particular challenge, not only to visitors, but to the architectural historian, because organizers take a magnificent house, remove everything of the owners’ and allow a designer to interpret a single space or room. For this year’s Pasadena Showcase House, these individually-designed spaces are united only by a chosen color palette starting with the Dunn-Edwards 2023 Color of the Year, which happens to be Terra Rosa, a rich dusky rose color.

With more than 30 interiors and garden spaces on view, this could be a bewildering kaleidoscope of color, pattern, texture and styles obscuring Marston and Maybury’s sophisticated layout and rooms. Luckily the creative skill on display — even when it veered toward the contemporary or experimental — was successful in enhancing spaces that might be passed by or considered an afterthought.

What struck me in the midst of all this elegant showmanship was how intimate the spaces were, belying the

grandeur of the towering entrance portico with its lantern draped with chains. Visitors pass through this public projection of wealth and power into the private realm of the family typified by lower ceilings, smaller proportions and narrow passages for servants to circulate unseen. The entry hall and staircase are surprisingly understated after such a grand entry, almost a passage to quickly move to the drawing or dining room or wait while the lady of the house descends the stairs on her way for an evening out. Circulation proceeds to the right with the largest room of the house,

the drawing room, which branches off to the garden room with an adjacent “speakeasy” and finally to the gilded cigar box sanctum sanctorum, the gentleman’s library.

It became clear that the house was designed to allow flow through the garden room to a terrace, then to the rear garden and lawn as well as the pool and tennis court. The size of the rooms would not allow for the type of entertaining required by a Union Oil executive and his society wife, so, for large-scale entertaining, the massive expanse of rear yard must have come into

(Please turn to page 16)

STEWART HOUSE in Pasadena in 2023.

Photo by Susan Pickering Photography

By Casey Russell

Some new stores have recently opened on Larchmont Boulevard, and their managements report that the businesses are doing well.

The manager of Boba the Great at 142 N. Larchmont told us that the store has received a warm welcome from the community.

“People who don’t even know what boba is pop their heads in and say, ‘Hey, welcome to the neighborhood!’ It seems to be a courteous, nice place.”

Boba the Great brews all its teas and purees in-house. The Signature Brown Sugar Milk Teas and the Signature Ice Teas have been quite popular, we were told. When asked what days and times seem to be busiest, the manager said

that when school gets out, a lot of business comes in. The early hours on Sundays have been very busy as well.

So what is boba? It’s a sweet tea-infused drink with option-

al sugary tapioca pearls lining the bottom, slurped with a straw.

Nearby, at Velvet by Graham and Spencer, 146 N. Larchmont Blvd., assistant

store manager Kathryn Fissel told us the community has been extremely kind and welcoming. “We’ve received lots of little goodies from shops around just saying hello and

welcome. It’s a really nice community here,” she said.

Velvet is a men’s and women’s clothing store. It already has seen repeat customers with people on their daily walks popping in to see what’s new. “The reaction of the people around us tells us this seems to be a really good fit,” said Fissel.

Thirteen Lune, 120 N. Larchmont Blvd., is getting closer to opening its doors and plans to be welcoming customers starting Fri., May 5. The shop will feature an assortment of beauty products for all skin colors.

New Italian restaurant coming to the Boulevard Beloved Italian restaurant Vernetti, which was opened on the Boulevard in 2014 by Steve and Joanna Vernetti, will be closing at the end of May. The couple said they have enjoyed serving Larchmont but are ready to move on to other things.

The space at 225 N. Larchmont Blvd. is being taken over by Hancock Park resident Shereen Arazm, an owner of Terroni on Beverly Boulevard. Arazm will be offering food from the Terroni Italian-based menu and special dishes for the new Larchmont Boulevard eatery.

Business owner Jess Rona of Jess Rona’s Grooming at 656 N. Larchmont Blvd. has been working to share her entrepreneurial skills. For the past several years, the pet groomer has offered a course to help small business owners on their journeys to becoming successful.

Rona knows how overwhelming it can be to start and run a business. Ten years ago, she was grooming pets in her garage.

But her now busy brickand-mortar store speaks to the success she knows is possible for people.

This year’s updated course is currently available for purchase on her website at jessronacourses.com.

SMILING ASSISTANT MANAGER is ready to greet customers at Velvet by Graham and Spencer.

THIRTEEN LUNE is beginning to stock its shelves. Founder Nyakio Grieco is shown in the store. Photo by Thirteen Lune

STRAWBERRY CREAM boba at Boba the Great.

DESIGN FOR LIVING

LCDQ Design fest on La Cienega brings fashion to home design

By Suzan Filipek

A design extravaganza, Legends 2023, returns to the La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ) Tues., May 9, to Thurs., May 11.

The event’s 13th year is a nod to fashion royalty and features its crown jewel: the transformation of shops and showroom windows by superstar designers.

Inspired by this year’s theme, Fashion of Home, Sarah Jessica Parker’s designer will partially recreate the actress’s dressing room at Mecox, one of some 45 shops and showrooms in the LCDQ.

This year’s Living Legend awardees — interior designers San Francisco-based Ken Fulk and New York City-based Alexa Hampton — will be honored at the opening party

at Catch Steak. Fulk will sign copies of his new book, “The Movie in My Mind,” May 10 at the Rug Company.

Past honorees include the late Suzanne Rheinstein of Windsor Square, who was named a Living Legend in 2019.

Two days of programming include eight keynote panels, cocktail parties and book signings. The opening keynote, “Chic Is Chic! The Powerful Pull Between Interiors and Fashion,” is by Galerie magazine’s managing editor. Design Dating Game features House Beautiful’s senior style director, followed by mariachis and a taco truck, and Uncommon Kitchens is among many topics explored at events at various showrooms. A closing disco party

LEGENDS

a new showroom.

The LCDQ is one square mile of showrooms and shops around the intersection of La Cienega Boulevard and Melrose Place and Avenue. The design quarter has extended its boundary on Melrose to include a design-rich block of showrooms west of San Vicente Boulevard for Legends 2023. Part of the event’s proceeds will support Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles.

To register and for more information, visit lcdqla.com/ legends-2023.

Virginia Robinson Gardens is ‘Back in Bloom’

By Suzan Filipek

After a three-year hiatus and a yearslong drought, the Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) Tour and Showcase House promises a colorful and splendid return.

Four private gardens nourished by months of rain will make for verdant showpieces in the romantically themed “Back in Bloom,” on Sat., May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The romantic theme… celebrates a new beginning and the return to VRG’s beloved Garden Tour after a threeyear hiatus,” co-chair Betty Goldstein writes on the Gardens website.

“This is our premier fundraiser where funds are raised for the restoration needs of the estate and the Children’s Science program which has served more than 5,000 children throughout the pandemic years, keeping Mrs. Robinson’s legacy for the welfare of children alive,” Goldstein added.

The 34th annual event in Beverly Hills also takes visitors on an exclusive “behind-thehedge” look at the lush gardens and the estate built in 1911 for Virginia and Harry Robinson of the Robinson de-

DESIGNER Alessandra Branca’s Legends 2022 window for Serena & Lily was inspired by designer Michael Taylor’s iconic California style.

2019 “Conversation with Suzanne,” speaker Suzanne Rheinstein is shown with fellow designer and fan Joe Lucas of showroom Harbinger on La Cienega. will be hosted by Ben Soleimani in

Pacific Outdoor Living family celebrates landscape longevity

By John Welborne

For more than 20 years, landscape design-build firm Pacific Outdoor Living (POL) has been serving residents of Los Angeles County. In just our Larchmont Chronicle distribution area, POL has undertaken more than 80 projects for area homeowners. Since beginning the company, founder Terry Morrill and his sons, Trent and Chad, and their large staff of nearly 100 employees have completed in excess of 10,000 outdoor renovation projects.

Terry Morrill told us that he actually lived in our community early on — on Windsor Boulevard — at the time he began the company. He said, “What began as a company run out of my garage is now a flourishing business.” A landscape contractor with a large corporate yard in Sun Valley, POL’s work includes landscape design, swimming

Virginia Robinson

(Continued from page 14) partment stores.

Usually open by appointment only, the six-acre property, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will be transformed by area designers and florists.

Victoria Kastner, author and historian emeritus of Hearst Castle, will serve as Grand Marshal, and she will be signing copies of her book, “Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect,” now in its third printing.

Co-chairs of the event are past president Betty Goldstein, Elaine Stein and Nicole Antoine. Windsor Square resident Suz Landay is on the committee and Patty Elias Rosenfeld is a donor.

A catered gourmet lunch will be served on the Great Lawn with an array of desserts in the Pool Pavilion. A fashion show, silent auction and popup shops will also be featured. New this year will be a hat contest with prizes.

Visit robinsongardens.org for tickets and more information.

pools, hardscapes, lighting, custom fire features, outdoor kitchens, pergolas and more.

Terry Morrill also told us of the pride he has in his large team. “We have picked up dozens of awards along the way; have been featured on HGTV and the Inc 500 list; we have participated in the Pasadena Showcase House for decades; and we have received hundreds of glowing reviews across Yelp, Google and other home improvement platforms.”

He added that a significant reason for his company’s success and customer satisfaction is that POL is family owned and operated. “I run the company with my two sons. Trent runs our production team, and Chad runs our sister company, California Waterscapes, which handles all pond builds and

custom water features. Many of our employees have also been with us for decades and have brought their family members in to work with us as well.”

He also notes that POL’s construction is done by in-house crews. “We have separate

crews for every service we offer, from demolition to landscaping to pavers and swimming pools. We do not use subcontractors, the reason being that our quality assurance will always be top priority; we cannot guarantee that other contractors in our industry share the same goal.”

Pacific Outdoor Living also focuses on a design approach that it has instituted in the past five years. Morrill explained: “We have implemented a design process that no other contractor is doing

in the industry. It is called the Site Analysis Program. This is the homeowner’s greatest resource. It saves the homeowner and us time and money, and it enables us to always stay within a homeowner’s budget.” Morrill added that videos he made for the company’s website explain POL’s three-step process: site analysis, landscape design and construction. View his videos at tinyurl.com/yua98sdj.

Because of the company’s success, the Morrill family has expanded its service area from Los Angeles to nearly the entire coast of California. The service area now covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties. The main website for POL is pacificoutdoorliving.com.

Zeb and Bob Vacca Owners

VIRGINIA ROBINSON Gardens will be open for viewing May 20.

PACIFIC OUTDOOR LIVING founder Terry Morrill (at right) with sons, from left, Trent and Chad.

DESIGN FOR LIVING

On Preservation

(Continued from page 11) play. The Stewart House’s rear façade was also columned but with a second-story balcony off the primary bedroom suite and above the garden room. This served well as theatrical backdrop to the backyard entertainments and at night must give off a southern “moonlight-and-magnolias” atmosphere.

Favorite rooms

But what of the designs?!

My favorite rooms of the house were the mirrored chinoiserie Living Room by Tocco Finale, the Speakeasy and Hall by Sukeena Homes, the Primary Suite by Courtney Thomas Design, the second floor Terrace by Meredith Green Designs and the Artist’s Wunderkammer by Rosemary Home Design.

This last room was particularly interesting as Rosemary Home Design was the only firm that referenced the original chatelaine of the house, Ruth Nicholson Stewart, who was an avid traveler, artist and collector.

The Art Nouveau-inspired

studio with its eclectic collections of flora and fauna as well as handmade furniture by Christopher Grant Ward are particularly worth a look.

The Pasadena Showcase House of Design is open through May 21 daily except Mondays. Tickets can

be purchased online at pasadenashowcase.org/events/ tickets/ or by calling 626-6061600. All proceeds from the tour admissions, shops and restaurant go to the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts philanthropic activities. They include gifts and grants for music education, scholarships, concerts and music therapy as well as to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the

Music Mobile program which has introduced orchestral instruments to thousands of third-graders, an Instrumental Competition, awarding monetary prizes to exceptionally talented young musicians, and the Youth Concert, which has brought nearly 250,000 fourth-graders to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for exuberant performances by the LA Phil.

BACK TERRACE and lawn for Stewart House entertaining.

Photo by Susan Pickering Photography

THE LIVING ROOM in the 2023 Showcase House, with design by Tocco Finale. Photo by Chris Considine Photography

LIBRARIES

FAIRFAX

161 S. Gardner St. 323-936-6191

JOHN C. FREMONT

6121 Melrose Ave. 323-962-3521

MEMORIAL

4625 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-2732

WILSHIRE

149 N. St. Andrews Pl. 323-957-4550

HOURS

Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tues. and Thurs., noon to 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Mon., May 29 for Memorial Day.

LIBRARY CALENDAR

Cowboy trick roping, a comedy about Einstein and live music

FAIRFAX LIBRARY

Kids

Cowboy Ken: His show includes cowboy songs, trick roping, stories and large puppets on Tues., May 2, at 4 p.m.

Adults

English conversation: Every Monday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. practice everyday English with an instructor and peers.

Walk-in tutoring: Every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. come for help with searching the internet, job resumes, applications and filling out forms.

All ages

Book Sale: Browse used books every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. All sales support the library branch.

FREMONT LIBRARY

Teens/Adults

The life and times of A. Einstein, a comedy: An off-

beat solo comedy show in celebration of Jewish Heritage Month is about the life of Albert Einstein from his secretary’s perspective. The performance takes place Tues., May 9, at 4 p.m.

All ages

UCLA Gluck String Quartet: A live musical performance on Sat., May 20, at 3:30 p.m.

UCLA Gluck Jazz Ensemble: Live horns and strings will fill the community room with music on Sat., May 27, at 3:30 p.m.

MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Toddlers

Story time in the park: Drop in to listen to stories and sing songs in Memorial Park adjoining the library Wednesdays, May 3 and May 31, at 10:30 a.m.

Kids

Día Folkoric Performance: Celebrate Día with art, music and storytelling. The event is

capped off with a dance performance in the park on Sat., May 6, at 1 p.m.

Reading to the rescue: Let your child read aloud to an adorable rescue dog on Wed., May 10, at 4 p.m.

Kids & Teens

Drop-in tutoring with Steve: Need a refresher on some academics? Stop by Thurs., May 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. for one-on-one assistance with any subject.

Teens

Miniature plant terrarium: Create a miniature plant terrarium to take home on Thurs., May 4 at 4 p.m.

Adults

B.Y.O. needle arts: Bring your own needlecraft to work on while sitting with others on Mon., May 1, at 1 p.m.

Art class: Color or paint with peers on Wednesdays, May 3 and 31, at 3 p.m.

Book club: Discuss “Has

(Please turn to page 20)

Craft Contemporary prepares for its next chapter

By Helene Seifer

Suzanne Isken, executive director of the Craft Contemporary, announced that, after more than 12 years at the museum, she is retiring. She pledges to stay with the organization until it finds a replacement.

SPRING @ THE WALLIS

MAY 20

Miró Quartet & Special Guest Kevin Puts

MAY 25

Jeffrey Kahane, Piano: Goldberg Variations

JUNE 1

Jordan Bak, Geneva Lewis & Evren Ozel

JUNE 9-10

Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River

JUNE 11

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Nathalia

Dance Sunday with Debbie Allen

Dance Academy: African

2022/2023 SEASON

GET YOUR TICKETS! TheWallis.org

It won’t be easy to find a new executive director who is as passionate and committed to the presentation of the diversity of contemporary crafts as Isken. Previously the director of education at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Isken used her broad knowledge of contemporary art ideas to oversee the transition of the more limited scope of the Craft and Folk Art Museum into the Craft Contemporary’s embrace of diverse artistic expression.

A board committee has gathered names of potential replacements from its own knowledge base, and Isken also has recommended museum professionals to consider. The board then retained Museum Management Consultants to lead the national search. That firm commenced work in April and hopes to have a new museum executive director in place by May or June.

“Small places like this [the Craft Contemporary] give neighborhoods their flavor,” asserts Isken. “Why do you like a neighborhood? Not the big bank on the corner. Not the CVS. People want convenience, yes, but that’s sterile. It’s the shops and restaurants and small museums.” She concludes, “We have a really important place on the Miracle Mile.”

Craft Contemporary, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., 323-937-4230.

JEFFREY KAHANE

ALONZO KING LINES BALLET: DEEP RIVER

GENEVA LEWIS JORDAN BAK EVREN OZEL

SUZANNE ISKEN, executive director, Craft Contemporary, in front of a piece from the exhibit “Alicia Pillar: Within.”

Photo courtesy of Craft Contemporary

Kids’ games and flowers are at Van Ness this May

Join in the fun at Van Ness Avenue Elementary School on Sat., May 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parents at Van Ness Elementary (PAVE) will hold a Family Fun Fest to raise money for the school. Enjoy an afternoon of kids’ games, food, music, a petting zoo and more.

Entry tickets will be on sale soon for $5 per person or $20 per group.

PAVE is also running a spring flower sale. Pre-order small bouquets in pots ($20), or large bouquets in watering cans ($30), through May 10. The orders (online only) can be picked up on Fri., May 12 in the parent center at Van Ness Elementary. Visit parentsatvanness.org for more information.

Libraries

(Continued from page 20)

Anyone Seen my Toes” by Christopher Buckley on Fri., May 5, at 1 p.m. Book title for June is “Empty Theatre,” by Jac

Jemc.

WILSHIRE LIBRARY

Babies

Story time: The littlest ones

Christ the King School Fun Run

To raise funds for the physical education and sports programs at Christ the King, the school is holding its inaugural Vikings Fun Run Fri., May 5. All TK through 8th grade students will run laps while music plays and teachers and parents cheer. The school aims to raise enough money to update play equipment, team jerseys and the outdoor canopies. If interested in making a donation, email: principal@cksla.org.

listen to stories in the library at 4 p.m. on Fri., May 12.

Toddlers

Story time: Listen to stories, sing songs and stretch with Sybil on Fridays, May 5 and 12, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Kids & Teens

Mexican paper cutting: In celebration of Mexican heritage month learn papel picado, Mexican paper cutting craft, from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tues., May 2.

DIY Mother’s Day cards: Make a card for your mom with paper, stickers, envelopes and markers available Mon., May 8 through Sat., May 13.

Teens & Adults

Henna tattoos: Henna artist Manjushree Normulwar will present a brief history of the art and culture of henna and

Wilshire Library’s book and bake sale is May 6

By Nona Sue Friedman

The green light has been given to the Friends of Wilshire Library to once again have its semi-annual book and bake sale. The sale will take place on the sidewalk in front of the library at 149 N. St. Andrews Pl. (at Council Street) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat., May 6.

Given that it has been several years since the last sale, there will be a plethora of hardcover books, kids’ books, art books, DVDs and CDs available for purchase. While you’re there, pick up homemade baked goods to relish while reading your newest novel.

Thank You to all our Larchmont customers

Call 310-652-0123 • At 8914 Santa Monica Blvd. (between San Vicente & Robertson in West Hollywood)

Weekday: 8am-7 pm • Sat: 8am-5:30pm • Sun: 10am-5pm

The event features the debut of the group’s “blinddate-with-a-book” program. Staff will curate books ahead of the sale, wrap them in plain paper and mark the genre of the book. These selections will be sold for slightly more than the $1 adult hardcovers.

then offer participants a personal henna tattoo on Thurs., May 11, at 4 p.m.

Adults

Write your own story: Author and journalist Alison Singh Gee will lead a discussion and writing workshop about creating your own Los Angeles life story on Sat., May 13, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

100 years of Girl Scout photos at Central Library

By Nona Sue Friedman

A photo exhibit at the Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., shows Girl Scouts in Los Angeles during the last 100 years. The exhibit consists of images from the Herald Examiner and Valley Times along with numerous local photographers.

See how the uniforms evolved over the decades, the events participated in by the Scouts and how their cookies have changed. The exhibit is free and runs through Sun., Aug. 13.

If you are a Girl Scout, the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is offering its own official Girl Scout patch. LAPL has partnered with Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles to help

Scouts understand the importance of LAPL to build strong communities and teach the girls about the services available at all local libraries. To qualify for the patch, there are a few online and in-person projects to complete. Visit lapl.org to learn more.

OFFICIAL PATCH from LAPL is available to Girl Scouts.

Photos courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library

COOKIE SELLERS from the San Fernando Valley take a break in 1960.

HENNA TATTOOS come to the Wilshire Library May 11.

Safety and community were key topics at LBA meeting

By Nona Sue Friedman

More than 80 neighbors participated in a safety meeting hosted by the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA) on April 1. The LBA invited LAPD Senior Lead Officers Joseph Pelayo and Dave Cordova along with LAPD Wilshire Division Capt. Sonia Monico. The LBA also invited representatives from Council District 13 (CD13). The Zoom meeting was recorded and is available at tinyurl. com/2ucftzzz. The main concerns discussed during the meeting were safety at homes and businesses and the homelessness crisis occurring in the area, specifically on Raleigh Street.

Officer Pelayo spoke of the “abundance of residential burglaries in Larchmont Village in the last several weeks.” He continued by stating, “It is the number one priority for the Olympic Division.”

There were 15 burglaries in the span of four weeks. Two “hot-prowl” burglaries happened during the day while someone was homewhich Pelayo commented is the scariest. Olympic Division has added squad car patrols to the neighborhood as well as undercover units.

Pelayo appealed to all res-

idents to report any and all suspicious activity. “We must get the community involved to catch the burglers.”

When asked the best way to combat the growing crime in the area, all of the officers said “Get to know your neighbors.” They recommended in-person meetings for residents and officers to attend. Another suggestion from one resident was to reinitiate block captains.

Business Nuisance

One viewer, Romi Cortier, brought up an issue his salon on North Larchmont Boulevard has been having for a couple of months.

A well-dressed woman rings his business’s doorbell regularly. She claims to have an appointment, which she doesn’t. Cortier said there have been days when she has

rung the doorbell up to 20 times. She is banned. She has become a nuisance.

A representative from DR Pilates, located across the street, chimed in saying the same woman had been coming to their studio months earlier. She refused to pay for her sessions and is no longer allowed in the studio. The person from DR Pilates heard that other nearby merchants had similar issues with this woman.

Cameras

Camera coverage, especially in the alley behind Wells Fargo Bank, was addressed. How much of the alley is covered by cameras? No one knew, but the LBA was going to look into it.

Placing more cameras in the alley was mentioned as a possible deterrent to crime. In

March, a woman was robbed in the Wells Fargo parking lot. Todd Warner of Tailwaggers said that his staff has had issues with crime stemming from the alley.

The Chronicle reached out to Peter Nichols, executive director of Melrose Action, to learn about license plate recognition cameras which have been installed along Melrose Avenue. Nichols said the cameras have changed the type and amount of crimes committed in that area. In addition to curbing crime, LAPD has found the information acquired from the cameras to be extremely beneficial to investigations.

According to Nichols, “Melrose was the first community to use the cameras on a large scale” and it has become a model for the company,

Flock Safety. He is currently consulting with numerous municipalities in Southern California to implement a similar program.

Nichols said he’s really happy to see Larchmont business booming, but he thinks it’s time for the Boulevard to get these cameras.

Homelessness

A homeless man on Raleigh Street near Wilton Place has been violent towards residents for many months, it was reported in the meeting. He has refused services numerous times and continues to live on the street. Neighbors have contacted the office of Council District 13 as well as LAPD on multiple occasions. Neighbors say they are at wits’ end with the situation.

Frustration with CD13

Resident Eve Hyman wanted to know what are her rights? She feels unsafe on her street in that area.

Alejandra Marroquin, a CD 13 District Director, said the councilman’s office is working on a very humane approach to deal with the homelessness situation. His homelessness team is mapping areas, offering services and targeting larger encamp-

(Please turn to page 23)

LAPD OFFICERS Joseph Pelayo and Dave Cordova and Capt. Sonia Monico attended the LBA safety meeting.

POLICE BEAT

Side windows, back yards are avenues for thieves in area

WILSHIRE DIVISION

BURGLARIES: After jimmying the side window of a home on the 800 block of North Orange Drive, a thief stole credit cards, documents, a laptop computer and cell phone accessories before fleeing on April 6 between 5:30 and 6 a.m.

Two suspects jumped a fence into the backyard of a home on the 400 block of North McCadden Place. They smashed the rear glass door and ransacked the home taking money and a safe on April 8 at 12:30 a.m.

The garage door of a home on the 200 block of South Detroit Street was pried open. The suspect stole a bike, camera equipment and tools between 11 p.m. on April 8

OLYMPIC DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer

Joseph Pelayo

213-793-0709

31762@lapd.lacity.org

Twitter: @lapdolympic

and 8 a.m. on April 9.

Two suspects smashed the rear window of a home on the 700 block of South Citrus Avenue. Money, a safe and a computer tablet were

WILSHIRE DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer

Dave Cordova

213-793-0650

31646@lapd.lacity.org

Twitter: @lapdwilshire

stolen before they fled in an unknown direction on April 9.

BURGLARY FROM VEHICLE: A catalytic converter was stolen from a white Toyota Prius on April 3 on the

Irving burglar’s trial postponed again

The preliminary hearing for Anthonee Banks, charged with burglarizing a home in the 300 block of South Irving Boule-

vard on Thanksgiving Day, has been postponed until Fri., May 5. His hearing has been postponed twice. He is out on bail.

PLOTKE Plumbing

400 block of North Sycamore Avenue at 5:30 a.m.

The side window of a white Ford Expedition was smashed, the interior ransacked and the rear license plate stolen on the 100 block of North Orange Drive between 5 p.m. on April 3 and 5:30 a.m. on April 4.

Another catalytic converter was stolen from a red Toyota Prius that was parked in a home’s driveway on the 600 block of South Highland Avenue between 7:30 p.m. on April 3 and 7:30 a.m. on April 4.

THEFT: Shoes were taken off the porch of a home on the 400 block of South Sycamore Avenue on April 1 at

6:30 a.m. The white female suspect came back a second time and was caught by the owner.

GRAND THEFT AUTO:

A grey Kia was taken from the street on the 800 block of North Las Palmas Avenue between 7 p.m. on April 3 and 9 a.m. on April 4.

OLYMPIC DIVISION

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT:

A suspect was walking down the 800 block of South Wilton Place when he kicked a victim and then brandished a sharp metal object. The victim fled in fear on April 18 at 11:50 p.m. The suspect was arrested.

Communication was key in an intruder’s arrest on Lucerne

By Nona Sue Friedman

The communication chain of Lucerne Arden United (LAU), located in the Larchmont Village Neighborhood north of Beverly Boulevard, worked wonders at a recent attempted home break-in on April 16.

It all started when a neighbor noticed people going in and out of a newly built home on North Lucerne Boulevard, just south of Melrose Avenue, and contacted the homeowner. The homeowner, who had recently moved out but still owned the home, called 911 and simultaneously messaged LAU asking for help.

The LAU group went into action. Many called 911 while others arrived at the home to record and to witness anyone coming to or leaving the premises. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) sent a helicopter and half a dozen black-and-whites arrived at the scene.

LAPD cautiously entered the home, apprehended one intruder and arrested him for trespassing. The suspect cannot afford bail and will stay in jail until his preliminary trial.

INTRUDER gets comfortable after breaking into a vacant home near Lucerne Boulevard and Clinton Street.

The alleged others had run away.

The next day, another man entered the same empty home through the same window. This time, the alarm went off. The police were dispatched and neighbors, through LAU, went to the home. The intruder had fled the premises upon hearing the alarm. Luckily, LAPD found and arrested the man. He had a credit card on him belonging to the homeowner and was arrested for burglary.

The owner of the home is eternally grateful to all of the parties involved.

Photo courtesy of Lucerne Arden United

POLICE ARRIVE en masse to a home invasion call.

Photo courtesy of Lucerne Arden United

An expedition into the apostrophe, apocalypse and

One swift upward flick, four syllables and countless hours saved by turning twoword phrases into tidy little contractions. The apostrophe (’) is where this month’s etymological expedition begins — and ends.

The apostrophe is the faithful understudy of the letter “o” in “isn’t” and “u” in “let’s,” and it’s the go-to glyph for indicating the possessive case. The background of the word “apostrophe” is a matter of a bit more speculation — it traces its roots to the Greek apo meaning “off” or “away from” and strebh meaning “to turn.” Some scholars have theorized that this origin may be due to its function in “averting a hiatus” (like the break between the words “will” and “not” reconciled by the word “won’t”), though the apostrophe symbol’s curved, contrapposto shape could also be the culprit. It’s worth noting that the root strebh also supplies us with the term “strobe” — a light that

LBA meeting

(Continued from page 21) ments which are mostly in the Hollywood area. His office can only encourage individuals to take housing offers.

Pelayo chimed in, with an air of frustration, saying that this homeless individual is just one block away from two schools, implying something really bad could happen. He continued to say, “We can’t do much without [help from] CD13.”

Resident Pat Kelly stated that Marroquin’s answer to Hyman’s plea for help “was not acceptable from an elected official who is supposed to be looking out for the safety of their residents. It’s far too bland and generic of a response. It’s disheartening.”

Keith Johnson, of Larchmont Village, brought up a homelessness meeting that he had organized with Councilman Soto-Martinez’s office. The Councilman’s office cancelled the meeting at the last minute [but it was resched-

“turns” on and off repeatedly, producing a flashing effect.

The apo in “apostrophe” appears again in “apocalypse,” a word that once described prophetic revelation, but since 1858 has been more synonymous with cataclysmic disaster — not that these two definitions are necessarily antithetical to one another, of course. Apo is paired here with “calypse” from the Proto-Indo-European root kel, meaning “to cover, conceal or protect.” Thus roughly translating to “away from concealment (or protection),” it’s tempting to ponder what precipitated the transition of this meaning from the disclosure of divine knowledge to the literal end of the world. As French writer André Maurois reflected, “There are certain persons for whom pure Truth is a poison.”

The root kel forms a bridge between “apocalypse” and its unlikely relative, “eucalyptus.” Today a ubiquitous flora throughout Los Angeles, the

Word

Café

by Mara Fisher

tree known for its imposing height, papery bark and fragrant, sickle-shaped leaves was a newcomer when it arrived in California from its native Australia during the Gold Rush. Eucalyptus trees were introduced as a fast-growing resource for energy and building, but eventually proved terrible for woodworking and highly susceptible to fire. The tree’s distinctive anatomy is defined in part by petals that fuse to form a cap called an “operculum,” a common underfoot sighting at our city parks and sidewalks. The name “eucalyptus” refers to this cap, pairing the Greek

root eu, meaning “good” or “well,” and kalyptos from the root kel, meaning “covered.”

If you’ve attended a funeral in your lifetime, you’ve undoubtedly heard a eulogy — a commendatory oration or writing typically reserved for memorializing the deceased. Sharing genetic material with “eucalyptus,” “eulogy” pairs the root eu with the Greek logos, meaning “speech.” Eulogies are just that — “good speech” — and are considered appropriate even when the subject of praise is alive and present.

From kudos to a love poem to a glowing review, reflections on one’s good character needn’t fall only on deaf (or dead) ears.

We round a corner as we come to a different type of speech: the apology. Another sense-shifter, the word “apology” was originally more about self-justification than a true mea culpa. From the Greek roots apo and logos, rough-

ly translating to “away from speech,” the apology was a rhetorical tool used to deflect and defend. Socrates defined “apology” as “a well-reasoned reply; a ‘thought-out response’ to the accusations made,” while Samuel Johnson’s 1755 “A Dictionary of the English Language” wrote that “apology . . . generally signifies rather excuse than vindication.”

Later, Benjamin Franklin cast his vote for the value of admitting fault when he advised, “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” Coincidence or not, it was in Ben’s day that the main sense of the word “apology” metamorphosed to the expression of error and regret we (hopefully) know it as today.

Waving farewell to the word “apology,” its root apo carries us back to familiar ground. The apostrophe, whose rounded contour once seemed to turn away, now greets us warmly after a long journey.

uled and took place — Ed.].

The meeting closed with comments from LBA president John Winther and Warner. They said that there is work to be done to improve the safety of the neighborhood and the meeting was a good start.

COFFEE WITH A COP. Senior Lead Officer Joseph Pelayo, far right, joined LAPD Olympic Division colleagues and Starbucks employees at a recent event. Capt. Aaron Ponce, commanding officer at Olympic, is far left.

Photo by Nona Sue Friedman

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION PLUS A DASH OF HOLLYWOOD HISTORY

THIS CORNER LOT CHARACTER FILLED HOME WELCOMES YOU INTO A FORMAL 2 -STORY ENTRY WITH A GRACEFUL CURVING STAIRCASE. LARGE SUN-FILLED DINING ROOM AND LIVING ROOM WITH BEAUTIFUL MANTEL AND ORIGINAL WALL SCONCES. UPDATED KITCHEN HAS LOTS OF LIGHT, WORK SPACE, STORAGE AND HIGH END STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES. ONE BED AND FULL BATH DOWN. VERY SPACIOUS PRIMARY BEDROOM UPSTAIRS WITH DECORATIVE FIREPLACE, 2 DRESSING ROOMS AND A LARGE PRIVATE REMODELED BATHROOM.

TWO ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS SHARE ANOTHER REMODELED BATHROOM. PRIVATE YARD FEATURES A ROSE GARDEN, LARGE POOL WITH ENTERTAINING SPACE PLUS A 3 CAR GARAGE THAT HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO A HOME THEATER WITH A FULL BATHROOM. RUMORED TO BE THE HOUSE WHERE GENE WILDER AND MEL BROOKS WROTE YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN AND WHERE COUNTLESS CELEBRITY PARTIES WERE HELD OVER THE YEARS. UPDATES INCLUDE A NEWER ROOF, CENTRAL AIR/HEAT, COPPER PLUMBING, UPDATED ELECTRICAL AND A NEW SEWER LINE. TRUST SALE.

100 SOUTH McCADDEN PLACE ǀ $4,995,000