Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 59, NO. 6
• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
JUNE 2021
On the BOulevard
IN THIS ISSUE
Summer, warm days lift spirits on Larchmont n Centennial plans underway
GRADUATION 2021
CLASS OF 2021. Area high school students mark the occasion with services and celebrations. See story in Section 3, page 4 BUCOLIC street is at a crossroads.
FORREST GUMPinspired runs?
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BETTER, WILDER tiny forests. 2-7 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:
Youth sports, schools, city are readying for openings
High school grads are excited to attend on-site classes in their chosen universities in the fall. Also, school board officials have announced that classes will re-open in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Meet our area graduates and read about school news in our special section, Graduation 2021, in Section Three. Wilshire Warriors In sports, Goldie’s Youth Sports is tentatively prepping for an opening soon at St. Brendan School gym (no date yet, though). Soccer season will kick off in September with sign-ups taking place now. See story below.
Wilshire Warriors championships will take place in mid June. “It’s been a really great season,” President Emeritus Tom Eisenhauer of Wilshire Warriors Youth Baseball tells us. See story on p 14
Councilwoman Nithya Raman announced at the La Brea Hancock Homeowners meeting that City Hall would reopen June 15 .... “We have better times ahead, and those are starting now,” Raman said. See La Brea Hancock, p 2-4
Yoga poses for a comeback n Community rallies for longtime Boulevard studio By Suzan Filipek The Center for Yoga — one of the oldest yoga studios in Los Angeles, maybe the oldest — is poised for a comeback at 230 N. Larchmont Blvd. Since the 1960s, students have lifted their arms in sun salutes and have breathed and stretched into other ancient poses in the multi-storied
Registration open for AYSO fall soccer season
Registration is now open for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) fall soccer season for Region 78, which covers Hollywood, Larchmont and Wilshire. While the program is still in the planning stages, Kurt Muller, regional commissioner, says the season is set to begin in September. The league is open to players five to 17 years old. Health and safety protocols for the soccer program include social distancing. For more information, email ayso78registrar@ gmail.com or visit ayso78. info.
Los Angeles set to re-open June 15!
By Suzan Filipek Sunny skies and a warm breeze mean summer is on its way. The city, county and state rules allowing all of us to function more fully, starting June 15, have also lifted spirits of shoppers and diners on Larchmont Boulevard. Larchmont 100 Looking ahead to the fall, talks continue among Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA) members who are spearheading the Boulevard’s 100th anniversary celebration for October 2021. Committees are in their early forming stages, and volunteers are being sought from throughout the community to help raise a glass to toast the Boulevard’s first century and See Larchmont 100, p 22
Left: CENTER FOR YOGA on Larchmont Boulevard.
Miracle Mile Chamber meets Councilmember Raman
n Field manager was also introduced to the group By Caroline Tracy The Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce (GMMCC) featured two special guests at its meeting in May: Council District 4 (CD4) Councilmember Nithya Raman, and her Miracle Mile Field Manager, Tabatha Yelos. The meeting took place over Zoom and allowed members to get acquainted with their new
City Council representative. The lunchtime meeting started with new member introductions and current member updates. Yelos explained her role and shared her contact information before introducing the councilmember. Raman made it clear that she was interested in working with the Miracle Mile Chamber See Mile, p 22
building with views of the street below. Many walked a few blocks from home and up the studio’s steep wooden stairs, carrying rolled yoga mats. Others drove, as the ancient practice took on a modern-day zeal. When COVID-19 hit, as did many shops and businesses on Larchmont and throughout the country, the yoga center saw its last down dog and shuttered its doors. But it’s a new day in the decades of twists and turns at the Larchmont yoga studio, See Yoga, p 22
Pets of Larchmont
Send a photo of your dog, cat, bird or other best friend, to be included in our annual Pets of Larchmont section in the July issue of the Larchmont Chronicle, to suzan@larchmontchronicle.com. For information on advertising contact Pam Rudy, 323-462-2241, ext. 11. Deadline is Mon., June 14.
www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!
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Editorial
Calendar
By John Welborne Wall Street “housing” bills
Local residents should continue being wary of the so-called “housing” bills being proposed in Sacramento. State Senate Bills 9 and 10 are moving through the legislature. These are just the latest versions of the previously-defeated SB 827, SB 50, and SB 1120. Background: tinyurl.com/2bhxvwhh The lobbyists for Wall Street investors and for developers, builders, and brokers just keep on coming. Learn from this website created locally in Sherman Oaks — unitedneighbors. net — how you can protect your home and your block.
Soon-to-Be Commander Shannon K. Paulson
“Congratulations” are in order for LAPD Wilshire Division Commanding Officer Capt. Shannon K. Paulson, who heard last week from Police Chief Michel R. Moore that she is being promoted to Commander. Sometime this summer, she will be moving downtown to be the assistant commanding officer of the LAPD’s Counter-Terrorism & Special Operations Bureau. Since Jan. 2020, Capt. Paulson has been a progressive public safety leader in our Greater Wilshire community. She will be missed in our neighborhoods, but now the entire city will benefit from her commitment to modern policing. Her new challenge is a fitting one based on her wide career experience: tinyurl.com/a9jwzkj8
Help Us to Save Our Neighborhood In a poorly thought-out strategy to address the affordable housing shortage, members of the state legislature have proposed legislation that will allow for the subdivision of R-1 neighborhoods and the construction of multiple multi-story buildings on lots currently containing one house. SB9 and SB10 are promoted as solutions to providing affordable housing near public transit. Unfortunately, this plan will only result in more expensive, empty buildings, over-parking (on streets that have no capacity) and increased use of public utilities. Additionally, there is no requirement that developers contribute to upgrading public utilities or set aside significant numbers of units that are affordable and will remain so. SB9 and SB10 will ultimately destroy neighborhoods and incentivize the construction of unaffordable housing. The United Neighbors volunteer group has put together a video that explains what our city will look like if SB9 and SB10 are passed. You can find the video, titled ‘SB9 and SB10 Will Destroy California’s Neighborhoods,’ on our website. Take a look and then write your state representatives and our Councilmember and tell them what you think. Our current Council Field Deputy, Su Lee, will be transitioned into a new role in the council office. The council office is hiring new field managers and once someone is hired and trained, Su will move to another role. As the weather gets warmer, don’t forget to water your trees. If you need a tree in your parkway, contact the Association at hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/ o o o If you are planning to make any changes to the streetvisible portion of your house, hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan can be found at preservation. lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. Also a form is online at: preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening. checklist. Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/ programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.
Adv.
Wed., June 9 – Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting via Zoom. Check greaterwilshire.org to confirm and for online login. Sat., June 12 – LA River Cleanup by CD 4 Office and Friends of the LA River, with shifts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer: tinyurl.com/ ywaaesa Mon., June 14 – Flag Day. Sun., June 20 – Summer begins. Sun., June 20 – Father’s Day. Thurs., July 1 – Delivery of the July issue of the Larchmont Chronicle.
Letters to the Editor Battle for the soul of Council District Four?
A Letter to the Editor from 30-year Windsor Square resident Jane Usher, a former president of the Windsor Square Association and also a former president of the City of Los Angeles City Planning Commission, states her concerns about proposed State Senate Bills 9 and 10 and Fourth District Councilmember Nithya Raman’s recent statement about this legislation. The letter appears on page 11 of Section 2. — Ed. CORRECTION Cuningham, a Culver Citybased architecture firm, was misidentified in last month’s article, “Art Deco-inspired mixed-use building readies for June opening,” describing the Crescent Capital Partners development, Gillis House, at 5570 Melrose Ave.
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‘How will you celebrate your graduation this year?’
That’s the question inquiring photographer Caroline Tracy asked locals along Larchmont Boulevard.
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Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-462-2241 larchmontchronicle.com
“I’ll probably have a nice dinner with family to celebrate. Also, our school is dedicating two weeks to senior activities such as senior beach day, prom and other fun activities, so I’ll probably hang out with a lot of friends before I leave for college.” Ellie Baron (right) Hancock Park and Kacey Kim (left), both seniors at Harvard Westlake
“I’m graduating from UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade – Improv and Sketch Comedy) this spring. To celebrate, I’m taking a trip to Bolivia.” Harry Galloway Windsor Square
Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin
606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103
“My brother is coming home for my graduation, and I haven’t seen him in 10 months. He left in August for school in Canada and hasn’t been able to return yet because of the pandemic — so that’s definitely the most exciting thing for me.”
“I am actually graduating 8th grade from Marlborough. The school is focusing more on the senior celebrations, but I’ll celebrate my middle school graduation with family and friends.” Millie Reich with her dog Bea Arthur Windsor Square
Larchmont Chronicle Publisher and Editor John H. Welborne Managing Editor Suzan Filipek Associate Editor Billy Taylor Contributing Editor Jane Gilman Staff Writers Talia Abrahamson Helene Seifer Advertising Director Pam Rudy Advertising Sales Caroline Tracy Art Director Tom Hofer Classified and Circulation Manager Rachel Olivier Accounting Jill Miyamoto
‘How will you celebrate ... ?’
“A bunch of my friends from 3rd Street are going to Astro Camp for a weekend. We usually do this as a class trip during 5th grade but we couldn’t this year because of COVID. We’ve also had a couple of fun Zooms, such as ‘5th Grade Idol’, and we got goodie bags with 3rd Street commemorative T-shirts and water bottles.” Brooklyn Coscas 3rd Street Elementary
“Our graduating class is having a picnic in the park to celebrate. We don’t know for sure what the actual graduation ceremony will be, but we are practicing and will be performing ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ on our ukuleles.” Lili Adina Soref 3rd Street Elementary
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SMOKE DAMAGE shows on the windows of the four-story office building at 5724 W. 3rd St. at the corner of Detroit St.
ALL THAT REMAINED on the Sunday morning following the fire.
By John Welborne A fire of unknown origin broke out at a tent encampment on Third Street last Saturday night, May 29. The blaze was on the southeast corner of Detroit St. at 5724 W. Third St. The four-story office building involved is adjacent to the CVS Pharmacy on the southwest corner of La Brea Ave.,
and the building is cater-corner to the elementary and middle school Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov / Ohr Eliyahu on the northwest corner of 3d and Detroit. Due to the rapid response by City of Los Angeles firefighters, no other buildings were involved in the fire. The only apparent damage was to the tent, or tents, and the contents
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Encampment fire on 3rd St. chars wall
thereof, as well as to the exterior walls of the office building. In a timely alert from the office of Councilmember Nithya Raman, specifically an e-mail message from Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director Andrea Conant, neighbors were notified at 11:16 p.m. of the fire. Explained Conant: “[W]e are (Please turn to page 20)
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NATURAL HISTORY. SCHOOLS YOUTH SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT Movies Theater On the Menu HOME GROUND
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Real Estate Libraries, Museums Home & Garden
LARCHMONT TREES. 5 ON PRESERVATION 8 THE NIMBY DIARIES 10 REAL ESTATE SALES 12 LIBRARIES 17 MUSEUMS 17 POLICE BEAT 18 POKER FOR ALL 19 BEEZWAX 19 CLASSIFIED ADS 19
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Dinosaur Ball unveiled green sauropod, welcomed hundreds
By John Welborne This year’s Dinosaur Ball will go down in history — many millions of years of history. More than $900,000 was raised at the National History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHM) biennial event to support its online resources and education programs. The virtual event on May 15, with the theme “Opening New Doors,” welcomed 330 attendees. NHM President and Director Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga thanked museum supporters, who, she said, “were a huge
part of why we have been able to be ‘open’ even when we weren’t and why we could show up in important ways for our county and its people this past year. “Because we serve the second largest school district in the country and the largest in the state, we also play a critical role in educating diverse new generations of scientists who will ask questions from different perspectives that are bound to lead to new solutions,” Bettison-Varga continued. The 2021 Dinosaur Ball honored Jared M. Diamond, a
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“an oasis in the city”
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sPonsored By Larchmont BouLevard association
Photos courtesy of Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County
Pulitzer prize-winning author and professor of geography at UCLA. Bettison-Varga introduced a live conversation between Diamond and journalist Patt Morrison. The evening also debuted the new interactive exhibition of Gnatalie, a recently excavated green sauropod. Gnatalie, soon-to-be-the-first green dinosaur mounted in the world, will be installed in the new Judith Perlstein Welcome Center in NHMLAC Commons, slated to open in summer 2023.
GNATALIE, a recently excavated sauropod and soon to be the first green dinosaur mounted in the world, will be installed in the new Judith Perlstein Welcome Center in NHMLAC Commons, slated to open in summer 2023.
Hancock Park, LADOT collide on Fourth St.
when you visit
www.Larchmont.com
DR. LORI BETTISON-VARGA and journalist Patt Morrison at the Dinosaur Ball.
By Suzan Filipek The city’s vision for safe and bucolic crossings across neighborhood streets for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, à la Amsterdam if you will, has hit a roadblock in Hancock Park. While getting people out of their cars is a lofty goal, it is not a realistic one in the here and now, said Cindy ChvatalKeane, president of the Hancock Park Homeowners Association (HPHOA). The homeowner group
heard from representatives of the Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation (LADOT) on their Planning for Stress-Free Connections program at a Zoom meeting May 11. Chief among homeowners’ concerns is a proposal to place bike signal lights and forced vehicle turns on Rossmore and Highland avenues at Fourth Street, which, they say, would cause hazardous back ups and road blocks for commuters and residents alike. Many of the about 50 residents in virtual attendance spoke out against the “fatally flawed” plan. “Your plan is premised on the notion that we need to place, ahead of all of those people that are riding cars on those roads, people who are riding bikes on Fourth Street
STRESS-FREE Connection is proposed on Fourth Street.
because you think it is good policy,” said Rossmore resident George Phillips. “What is the purpose … and the data of cyclists versus driv(Please turn to page 16)
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Larchmont stars in a tale of love, chaos and community in the community. Larchmont Boulevard “Larchmont was like a small town, an island in the midst of the city,” explains the author. “I felt a real connection to the neighborhood. I loved going into stores on Larchmont. It was where my mother socialized when she’d run into friends there.” Haldeman says, “I wanted to bring it to life.” The granddaughter of Goodwin J. Knight, the 31st Governor of California, who she called “Papa,” Haldeman recounts in her new book her grandfather’s great love of
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Larchmont Boulevard. A jovial man, who lived on nearby Arden Boulevard, he was often seen on the boulevard in a beige jumpsuit, doing a little jig when he saw people he knew. His attachment to the street was so strong that, when he died, his second wife, Virginia, directed the funeral procession to drive down the boulevard so the Governor could say a final goodbye. The book teems with local references: buying tennis shoes from The Larchmont Bootery, frequenting The Golden Comb Hair Salon, hanging glass bulb Christmas tree decorations from Landis Department Store and biking to the Boulevard for turkey sandwiches from Jurgensen’s. Haldeman’s memoir is peppered with memory-jogging references to Brylcreem, Slicker Frosted Lipstick and Van de Kamp’s molasses cookies. Her world was populated with people who chain-smoked Larks or unfiltered Pall Malls, drank vodka rocks or bourbon, and frequented Perino’s, Scandia or Hamburger Hamlet. As Haldeman and her sister navigate the chaos engendered by her father abandoning them, her mother’s remarriage to a man with four difficult children, and ongoing financial woes, their 4,500 square foot colonial home at 127 Fremont Place reflected the constant upheaval and neglect they felt. Rooms changed function depending upon how many stepsiblings needed sleeping
HEATHER HALDEMAN wrote a memoir of growing up in Fremont Place. Heather is at left, and her mom, Marilyn Eaton, is at right.
quarters. The pool sparkled, and the backyard was manicured when times were good, ignored when finances were tight. Rugs became threadbare. Window shades faded. The house started to reflect the stress of its inhabitants. Cousin Jonathan That included Haldeman’s cousin Jonathan Weedman, who also had a chaotic home life, and who was usually included in Eaton family events. The author remembers him as “a spoiled brat.” In a memorable Thanksgiving incident (pictured), Jonathan refused to eat the turkey, demanding a peanut butter sandwich. When Marilyn refused to accommodate him, he stormed away from the table, fine linen napkin in hand, and incinerated it in the fireplace. Haldeman emphasizes that Jonathan matured into a man who “has compassion for everything and everyone. He ran the charitable foundation for Wells Fargo for many, many years. I adore him!” She credits him with motivating her to write her story when he
brought her a memento from the Fremont home after her mother married for the third time, sold the property “as is,” and the home was torn down. “Jonathan dashed over to Fremont looking for tangible evidence of where we came from — an actual ‘thing’ that you can hold in your hand,” she explains. Amidst the rubble he rescued a piece of the balustrade from an upstairs balcony and gave it to Haldeman. She placed it on her desk (Please turn to page 21)
AT EATON FAMILY’S former home at 127 Fremont Pl., sisters April Eaton Aubery and Heather Eaton Haldeman flank cousin Jonathan Weedman.
Gia Marakas
Classically trained
Certified Pilates Instructor ©LC1020
By Helene Seifer Larchmont Boulevard, Fremont Place and the surrounding neighborhoods feature prominently in a new memoir by Heather Haldeman, “Kids & Cocktails Don’t Mix.” The mother of three grew up in Fremont Place in the 1960s and ’70s, when women dressed for their men and connived to attain what they wanted. With her indomitable mother, Marilyn Knight Eaton, her philandering lawyer father and April, Heather’s golden-haired, favored older sister, chubby “Heatherbean” sought refuge
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Rediscover La Brea Tar Pits Come see science in action outdoors and indoors in the world’s only urban Ice Age excavation site right here in the heart of L.A. New discoveries happening daily!
Buy your tickets today TARPITS.ORG Members visit for free. Join today!
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AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP runner Stan Cottrell, age 78, briefs friends and the press in May at the Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center, just prior to starting his 100-day, cross-country run to Washington D.C.
STAN COTTRELL and supporter Dan Olsen pose before one of the two RVs that are accompanying the runner as he heads east.
‘Run, Forrest, run!’ — or is it Stan and Seb?
By John Welborne What is it with Forrest Gump and running? In May, our local neighborhoods welcomed not one, but two, self-described Gump-like men who were either embarking upon, or just completing, runs across America (on foot!). I met the first on a cool morning in the parking lot of our own Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center (exterior architecture modeled after the late, lamented Pan Pacific Auditorium of the Auto Shows of my youth). Stan Cottrell had gathered with friends and sponsors for the beginning of his 100day run from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. On foot! And I should mention that he was embarking on this journey on his 78th birthday. Cottrell, a delightful Southern gentleman, was not confronting the challenges of this supreme athletic effort unknowingly. He has done things like this before. As reported on the website for this latest undertaking, Cottrell has run “across 40 different countries and has accumulated more than 250,000 miles of running in his 63-year career. That’s more than 10 times around the earth.” Learn more about him, the 2021 Amazing Friendship Run and the non(Please turn to page 21)
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STAN COTTRELL is 78 years young.
THE REAL FORREST GUMP (actor Tom Hanks, of course) ran back and forth across America in the 1994 movie from Paramount Pictures.
skin
deep by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald When Will Smith posted a pic of his belly, (aka “COVID cushion”), with a pledge to no more midnight muffins, men across the country decided to turn the page on being in the worst shape of their lives. Whether getting shredded like the Fresh Prince or a less portly dad bod is the goal of a man in your life, this Father’s Day you can gift him with a jump-start to a leaner physique. CoolSculpting is the widely popular alternative to liposuction that freezes fat cells to the point of elimination. Our office offers several uniquely shaped applicators to target every man’s least favorite pockets of fat including the waist, belly, thighs, arms, even under his chin. Within three weeks he’ll begin to notice changes in how he looks and how his clothes fit, and the changes will continue over the next six months. As he simply maintains his typical weight, the results will endure. Now imagine offering your man the benefits of a multitude of workouts without the time, energy and sweat expenditure. CoolTone is the physical equivalent of doing 2,000 sit-ups in 30 minutes - the perfect complement to tighten and tone muscles after his CoolSculpting procedure. Here’s how it works: a paddle-like device placed on targeted zone emits magnetic energy. That energy prompts thousands of involuntary muscle contractions to strengthen muscle fibers. To maintain his new physique, we’ll recommend he come in for a maintenance session every few months. Contact our office and we can help you design the perfect Father’s Day package for your own prince.
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. Adv.
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JVS SoCal turns 90 years, hosts virtual event
AvivaWalks! in person, virtually at Reservoir Trail Join AvivaWalks!, a community walk / run / hike, to raise funds to support services for area children, youth and families. It is the group’s first walk. Participants can join virtually all month long, or in-person on the Hollywood Reservoir Trail on Sat., June 12 from 7 to 11 a.m. Water stations will be available to fill up your own reusable water bottles, and snacks will be provided to replenish energy. Keep track of your steps and send in your results to earn a 5K medal. Tag them on #AvivaWalks@2020. Create a team or join one. Aviva provides supportive housing, crisis intervention, mental health services and foster and adoption programs. Visit aviva.org for more information.
JVS SoCal, which began as the Federated Jewish Employment Bureau in 1931 to help workers and refugees find employment, celebrates its 90th anniversary with a virtual event Thurs., June 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A VIP reception begins at 5 p.m. Honorees include Ronny Bensimon, Founders Award; Adam Abramowitz, Generation Impact Award; Valeria Elizarraraz and Lovely Porter, Inspiration Awards; and Arbi John and Pacific Western Bank for the Corporate Partnership Award. The nonprofit, which now also provides career training programs, helps approximately 50,000 Southern Californians each year. For more information, visit jvs-socal.org.
325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 Los Angeles, California 90004 157 N. Larchmont Boulevard
Neighborly Spirit
Project Angel Food, 922 Vine St., brought volunteers back into their kitchens last month. The program will start slowly, with three volunteers allowed per morning and afternoon shift at first. After an evaluation period, more volunteers will be added over time. Volunteers must have previously volunteered in the kitchen, go through reorientation, be fully vaccinated and follow COVID-19 guidelines such as frequent handwashing, temperature checks and distancing as required. The program, which has been suspended for more than a year due to the pandemic, had 4,700 volunteers per year pre-COVID. At the time, Project Angel Food was feeding
The Windsor Square Association established its Block Captain network as a way of keeping the neighborhood informed about issues that affect us all, and, just as important, bringing neighbors together for our common good. We’d like to share a heartwarming story of how one Block Captain went out of her way to lend a helping hand to her neighbors. Below is an excerpt (lightly edited) from a letter written to the WSA in appreciation: Hello! My name is David Baik and [my elderly parents] reside on South Arden Blvd. I want to commend Alex Marx, the block captain, for helping my parents [on a recent evening] when they locked themselves out of their house after going for a walk. After seeing my parents sitting on the stairs of the front of their house for hours in chilly weather, Alex and other neighbors kept them company and give them hot drinks. Alex also called a locksmith to open the front door so my parents could get back inside. In these trying times, it is unusual to see such a good Samaritan, but she simply said that she did her duty as a good neighbor. Mr. Baik went on to make a donation to the Windsor Square Association, in gratitude for his Block Captain’s kindness. We thank him for that and for sharing this wonderful story. We commend Alex Marx for her exemplary community spirit! We urge you to get to know your own Block Captain, who can be a valuable resource. Among other things, your captain will have contact numbers for your neighbors, as well as emergency service information, which can enhance safety for the entire block. The Block Captain network will update you on local trends, such as newly proposed zoning laws or traffic concerns. Connecting with each other makes Windsor Square an even better place to live, and the Block Captain network is committed to facilitating that. Almost every block in Windsor Square has a Block Captain, but if yours is not represented, consider volunteering. Contact us at wsinfo@windsorsquare.org if you’d like more information.
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Larchmont Sanctuary hosts Bloodmobile
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Unfortunately, we had a relatively dry winter, and by now, we all know what that means — water scarcity. The City of Los Angeles is urging residents to reduce water usage wherever possible, especially in landscapes. Some important tips: • Do not run sprinklers during hot daylight hours, as more than half of the water evaporates before it hits the ground. You pay for that water — make sure you get your money’s worth! • Check your sprinklers to make sure they aren’t wasting water by spraying the sidewalks or street, and that there are no broken heads or leaks. Don’t assume someone else (a gardener?) will monitor your sprinkler system, without specific instructions. • Keep your trees well-watered, even if you skimp on lawns and shrubs, as trees provide cool shade and benefit our entire neighborhood. And that’s neighborly, too! The Windsor Square Association, an all-volunteer group of residents from 1100 households between Beverly and Wilshire and Van Ness and Arden, works to preserve and enhance our beautiful neighborhood. Join with us! Drop us a line at 325 N. Larchmont Blvd., #158, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or visit our website at windsorsquare.org. ADV.
APPRECIATION DRIVE Co-Chairs Carlotta Keely (far left) and Mimi Techentin (second from right) led the culmination of a Children’s Chain of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles fundraising effort in May. The drive was held in honor of National Nurse Appreciation Week and included a gift of Polo shirts for the nurses of 6 West. Generous contributions came from patron supporters and a partnership with Ralph Lauren Beverly Hills, which donated a portion of sales to Children’s Chain.
Project Angel Food brings back volunteers to serve 1,000s daily
www.windsorsquare.org
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Children’s Chain honors CHLA nurses
Larchmont Sanctuary Spa, 331 N. Larchmont Blvd., will host the Red Cross Bloodmobile Tues., June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments to give blood can be made by visiting tinyurl.com/4tt46c3z or call the Red Cross at 1 (800) 733-2767. Other local businesses that are having blood drives in May and June include Anderson Munger Family YMCA, 4301 W. Third St., the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. and the Los Angeles Police Dept., Olympic Division, 1130 S. Olympic Blvd. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org.
1,500 people daily. Currently, Project Angel Food is feeding 2,300 people per day and has worked with chefs from restaurants in Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills to help fulfill the need. Volunteer delivery drivers are also needed. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least three times in a two-month period to use their own cars to deliver a week’s worth of meals to eight to 10 clients. Project Angel Food delivered its 14 millionth meal on Thurs., June 3 at noon with the help of founder Marianne Williamson. For more information, visit angelfood.org.
Walk and Play for Children’s Hospital
Help raise money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles at the fifth annual 3K walk and family fun festival, from the comfort of your home, beginning Wed., June 9. After registering and creating fundraising pages, participants are given a map of the 3K walk, which they can complete at their own pace, and they also can take part in the event at the online hub. Get Up and Play sports clinics will be available before the event from Wed., June 9 to Fri., June 11 at 3 p.m. The virtual walking event begins Sat., June 12 at 9 a.m. For more information, visit walkandplayla.com.
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Monitoring the pulse of COVID-19-era sports competitions The pandemic certainly laid waste to youth sports programs. However, after going idle last year, Wilshire Warriors baseball is back — somewhat. Other sports face a more difficult return. Competitions where participants are closer than the mandated 6-foot safety zone more than half the time, have been slow to return. Vaccinations and mask protocols have semi-restored faith in a return to normalcy, though recent outbreaks like the present onslaughts in Nepal and India have resurrected ques-
Youth Sports by
Jim Kalin tions, to some people, about the future safety and necessity of anything extracurricular. Winter’s two traditional school sports, basketball and wrestling, struggled through a second pandemic-trampled season, and next year will likely contain more restrictions
and abbreviated schedules. No trickle down The 2020-21 collegiate basketball season gave hope, although the same format and protocol did not trickle down to high school and youth programs. College basketball enjoyed a complete season of cross-pollination (games played against teams outside their conferences), no masks, conference championships, and, ultimately, the NCAA Tournament. How great to see USC and UCLA progress so deep into the bracket! And that huge gust in March?
That was the collective sigh of ESPN, CBS Sports and the NCAA. In California, the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) reconfigured the high school basketball and wrestling seasons from winter to winter / spring, with fewer competitions than usual. At the youth level, the season was even more abbreviated. The basketball teams that play at St. Brendan played only six games spread out against just three opponents. Masks were mandatory during practice and competition, and games were played outside. Spectators were permitted but had to maintain distance from one another. The oldest sport Wrestling faces bigger challenges for a return to prepandemic velocity. For competitors, masks are an impossibility, and no sport demands more invasion of personal space. College wrestling and basketball did not share the same freedoms. College wrestling was able to navigate through a shortened season. Teams could only wrestle in-conference at dual meets, though many were cancelled due to competitors testing positive for COVID-19. But college wrestling did succeed in completing its national tournament, and the three-day event was broadcast live on ESPN. California colleges that produced 2021 All Americans included Fresno State, Cal Poly, and Stanford. High schools California high school wrestling took a giant hit this season. Last year’s California state tournament occurred in
late February 2020, just prior to the shutdown. Lucky. States that scheduled their high school championships in March were unable to finish the season or crown individual champions. For the first time since 1973, when the CIF began conducting a state wrestling tournament, California high school wrestlers will not be able to compete for individual titles. “I was informed by my CIF Southern Section advisory board back on April 12 that there would be no individual postseason advancement,” said Beverly Hills High head wrestling coach Ryan Faintich. “That means no CIF, Masters, or state wrestling tournament.” Due to California COVID-19 Public Health Guidance preventing more than one contest per day, and restrictions on multi-team events (only two teams can compete), the CIF cancelled plans for an individual state tournament and will focus on the Team Duals instead. “The playoffs will be spread out over two weeks, with matches taking place at designated home team locations,” explained Faintich. Beverly Hills faces quite a challenge. Due to COVID-19 and other factors, they don’t have a full lineup at the varsity level. Students like team captains Reef Travish and Garrett Volk have experienced a senior year very unlike what they had expected. “Suffice it to say, it will be difficult to improve upon our team’s historic runner-up finish at CIF Duals last year,” said Coach Faintich.
Fall Soccer Returns... Let the GAMES begin!
2021 Fall Soccer Season Registration Opens June 1st (Season Starts in September)
AYSO Region 78 Hollywood-Wilshire...a soccer tradition in LARCHMONT & our neighboring communities since 1976! Register NOW for our 2021 Fall Season...OPEN to all players ages 4-18. We expect a FULL season so please consider volunteering!
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BEVERLY HILLS HIGH senior captains Reef Travish (left) and Garrett Volk.
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Larchmont Village
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Wilshire Warriors head into championship games
month. The Warriors hope to send teams back to Coopertown, next year, however. More than 500 kids between the ages of five and 14 participated this season. Games and practices have been taking place at Pan Pacific Park “thanks to outstanding support from City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks staff,” says president emeritus, Wilshire Warriors, Tom Eisenhauer. The 2021-22 club baseball season, which has a limited number of teams and runs September to August, will hold tryouts in August. The 2022 spring recreational season — which runs March to June — will likely open registration at the beginning of December. For more information, visit wilshirewarriors.com.
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THE 12U WILSHIRE WARRIORS travel team will play in the Nationals this month. Pictured from left to right starting in the back row are Jake Beattie, Gabriel Hart, Holden Scher, Benett Pace, Alex Choi, Jack O’Brien and Coach Roberto Johnson. In the front row are Ethan Juarez, Judah Feldman, Jack Schechter, Henry Fousekis and Chase Rudoy. Not pictured is Matthew Sanchez.
Octavia Butler’s life celebrated at Library
Celebrate the life of Octavia Butler at a series of virtual events hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library and The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. Born in Pasadena, Butler was a science fiction author, who in her 30-year career wrote 12 books and one collection of short stories. The joint celebration will highlight Butler’s work, legacy and community. All events, which start June 5 and run throughout the month, are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Events include a virtual book club chat, Sat., June 5, from 4 to 5 p.m., on Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” book. Join Albert “Joey” Jefferson virtually from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Sat., June 12, from 2 to 3 p.m., to learn about a mountain on Pluto’s largest moon named
for Butler. Take a tour (virtually) of the “Octavia Lab” at the Central Library Fri., June 18, from 4 to 5 p.m., and become inspired by the projects and equipment available in that studio space. Join writer Sabine Maxine for a “make a zine” Juneteenth session on Sat., June 19, from 4 to 5 p.m. Author Lynell George will host a virtual conversation on Fri., June 25,
from 4 to 5 p.m., on her own new book “A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E. Butler.” Finally, you may meet the adaptation team for the “Parable of the Sower” graphic novel, John Jennings and Damian Duffy, as they explain on Sat., June 26 from 4 to 5 p.m. how a graphic novel is made. For more information, visit lapl.org/labs/celebration.
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After a year off in 2020, the Wilshire Warriors started up their 2021 recreational baseball league back in March. With the spring season winding down, the league heads into its championship games Sat., June 12 for playoffs for age divisions 9U, 10U and 11/12U. Divisions 8U and younger will have their final games Sun., June 13. While the Warriors will not be going to Cooperstown, N.Y. this year, as they do most years, following the local championship games, the 12U travel team will go to the Youth Baseball Nationals in Lake Tahoe. The Warriors, which are part of the SoCal North Zone of PONY centered at Camarillo, will also send some teams to participate in the PONY AllStars tournament later this
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Students stayed home in the spring, but there’s hope for the fall
By Billy Taylor the idea, noting that about Classrooms (mostly) opened, three-quarters of its members but the students stayed away. were against such an extension, That’s the dismal reality facing Melvoin is hopeful that more many local schools, according families take advantage of the to the “Los Angeles Times,” LAUSD summer learning prowhich found grams. last month “We should have some In fact, the that only sevLAUSD this semblance of normalcy by en percent of summer is fall,” said LAUSD District high school providing all Four Board Member, students and current stuand local resident, Nick about 30 dents with percent of Melvoin. “To me, that in-person and e l e m e n t a r y means a full day of class.” online sumschool chilmer learning dren had returned to a Los opportunities that combine acaAngeles Unified School Dis- demic instruction with virtual trict (LAUSD) campus. activities. Visit achieve.lausd. LAUSD Superintendent net/summer2021 to learn more. Austin Beutner addressed the “We should have some semissue in a May 4 statement, blance of normalcy by fall,” saying: “While we have worked said Melvoin. “To me, that tirelessly to reopen schools, means a full day of class.” many students are not yet To read more from Melvoin, back in school classrooms.” find his guest column in this Looking forward, Buetner month’s special Graduation said that come August, and section. the start of a new school year, things “should be different.” LAUSD board member To learn more, the Chronicle met virtually over Zoom with LAUSD District Four Board Member, and local resident, Nick Melvoin last month to discuss this issue and more. Why aren’t more kids in the classroom? “It’s a good question,” says Melvoin. “I’m disappointed in that more kids should be back in school,” he continued. “But I know that there is still fear out there, and I know that there’s been a lot of talk about how dangerous schools can be during a pandemic.” Melvoin says that he and his fellow LAUSD board members are working to change that perception by sponsoring programs that bring parents and students back to campus: “We are trying to use the infrastructure to get parents back on campus, and to be comfortable to be there.” The LAUSD has put into place a high standard of pandemic safety practices that include upgraded air-filtration systems, extra custodial staff to clean and sanitize schools, adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as a comprehensive system of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at schools, Melvoin explained. While suggestions to extend the school year were axed after the teacher’s union (United Teachers Los Angeles) opposed
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LADOT
(Continued from page 4)
FOURTH STREET, here at Rossmore Avenue, already is stress free, residents told Department of Transportation officials.
BIKE TURN SIGNALS AND RESTRICTED TURNS were installed at La Brea and Rosewood, a commercial corridor, above.
Institute at San Jose State University. In it, a survey of 800 people found 71 percent
said Severin Martinez, StressFree Connections Project Manager, LADOT. The City of Los Angeles conducted its own surveys of dozens of streets, including 10 “challenging” intersections, three of which are in the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council: St. Andrews Place and Beverly Blvd.; Highland Ave. and Fourth St. and Rossmore Ave. and Fourth St. At the Zoom meeting, Chvatal-Keane questioned the data collected, which she said was from anonymous cyclists who responded to signs posted on neighborhood streets and from bicycle lobbyist groups. “People who live here are not being considered. … You are creating a problem by saying there is stress, and you then are creating a solution for a problem that does not exist,” said Chvatal-Keane. She called for the grant’s allocated funds to be spent to improve the Fourth Street Greenway to benefit all who use the street, such as to paint crosswalks and synchronize the neighborhood’s existing six traffic lights. “We do not believe it is fair to focus on only a small category of users — those who ride bikes.” An HPHOA survey found 400 residents in support versus four opposed to the homeowner’s association-suggested improvements, compared to the ideas being floated by the bicycle lobbyists and the city, i.e. new bike signals. Members of HPHOA questioned the wisdom of impeding car traffic under the StressFree program, which is a part of the city’s Mobility Plan 2035, when many residents already have trouble backing out of their driveways. “What we’re concerned with is when you put a light between
strongly agreed they would like to bike if the journey were safe, pleasant and convenient,
two existing lights you’re going to get back ups,” said Highland Ave. resident Clif Lord. “This isn’t Amsterdam … ” The city’s “green mobility is going to be electric vehicles … this is pie in the sky,” and dangerous, he added, also saying that restricted turns will cause drivers to wiggle down residential streets. Traffic study Attendees asked for a comprehensive traffic study and questioned why Third and Sixth streets were not being studied, which are dangerous, unlike Fourth St. (The portion of Fourth being discussed runs westward 3.5 miles from Hoover Street through Hancock Park to Cochran Ave. at Park La Brea.) According to city reports between 2010 and 2018 (the last year to release findings), while there were no reported fatalities anywhere on Fourth St., there were three on Highland — at Third St., Beverly Blvd. and just south of Melrose Ave. Two more fatalities took place on Beverly Blvd. at S. Hudson Ave. and at Beverly and Rossmore. (See tinyurl.com/ fe873vwc, click Memorial Map.) Another LADOT program, Vision Zero, specifically targets safety conditions, city officials say. The Stress-Free Connections project is charged with reducing cars on the roads, explained Rubina Ghazarian, Stress-Free Connections Project Manager. Enforcing existing speed limits and stop sign laws would be a better first step, meeting attendees argued. “I use Fourth St. all the time, and I don’t have stress crossing the street,” said George Phillips. “When 80 to 90 percent of the neighborhood oppose, you need to listen to this,” said (Please turn to page 17)
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ers?” asked resident Jon Vein. “We all want people to get out of their cars. But if it’s to go shopping it’s not going to happen …” A state grant-funded LADOT study queried cyclists and those on foot who were heading to work, to shop and do other activities in the densely populated area of two million residents, said city Supervising Transportation Planner David Somer. The city’s program follows findings of a study from the 2012 Mineta Transportation
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Angelini’s culinary empire turns 20 in his adopted City of Angels
By John Welborne This year marks the 20th anniversary of Gino Angelini bringing his fine Italian food to our neighborhood. His Angelini Osteria at 7313 Beverly Blvd. is one of the city’s most popular restaurants. Gino Angelini developed his love of food as a child growing up in San Clemente, a small town in the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy famous for its rich gastronomic tradition. He spent his days cooking with his mother and grandmother, savoring their simple, country meals, deciding to devote his life to food at the age of 14. Gino became the youngest chef in the region’s top hotels and restaurants, where his notoriety continued to rise. He co-founded a popular Italian gourmet magazine, served as president of the Association of Chefs Romagnoli and was appointed the Italian Vice Commissioner of EuroToques International, an organization committed to safeguarding and promoting qual-
LADOT
(Continued from page 16) Alfredo Diaz. “I am flabbergasted that you are not fixing the roads. That’s a great first step. How about fixing the sidewalks, or curb cuts for wheelchairs?” asked Windsor Square resident Jane Usher, a longtime walker in the neighborhood. June Street resident Ira Smedra said, “I have been pleading for years for an overall traffic study of Hancock Park… We have to go out two to three miles to see effects and come up with mitigation.” “We need to see your data. Who’s coming up with these data that says this is a good idea? Because we don’t think it’s a good idea, and we live here. …” said Chvatal-Keane. Ghazarian responded that data collected did not count numbers of cyclists or pedestrians at street corners but rather looked at flows to reach the city’s goal to increase cycling, walking and other non single-occupancy vehicle modes, “because we need to.” “No street treatments of projects have been proposed to date as the program is still in its initial phase,” another LADOT spokesman said. But Chvatal said that the city has presented similar proposals since 2011, also without consulting the residents who will be most impacted. The city’s final draft of its study is expected to be released in the fall. For more information on the Mobility Plan and safe streets, visit stressfreeconnections@lacity.org
ANGELINI OSTERIA and Angelini Alimentari are side-by-side on Beverly Boulevard.
CHEF GINO ANGELINI and his wife and partner Elizabeth.
ity and authentic food within the European network. Gino came to Los Angeles in 1995, and was chef at Mauro Vincenti’s legendary Downtown eatery, Rex Il Ristorante, in Wayne Ratkovich’s Oviatt Building. (The beautiful space is now the Cicada
Club restaurant.) Gino later went west to Vincenti Ristorante in Brentwood. In October 2001, he and his wife, Elizabeth, opened Angelini Osteria on Beverly Boulevard. Over the years, Angelini Osteria has developed a reputation for unassuming and authentic dishes served in an intimate setting. The Osteria has blazed the trail for many Italian dishes in Los Angeles, including its
linguine sea urchin and spaghetti Norcina (with truffles). Since opening Angelini Osteria, the Angelinis have grown their expanding culinary portfolio into the Angelini Restaurant Group with properties that include the adjacent Angelini Alimentari, Angelini Catering, and Gino Angelini Authentic Italian Artisanal Sauces. During the recent pandemic restrictions, Angelini Osteria
has taken full advantage of wide sidewalks and an interior courtyard to provide extremely popular outdoor dining. Gino continues to spend time in Italy, where he participates in culinary exhibitions and teaches master classes at notable institutions such as Casa Artusi, the very first center of gastronomic culture to be established and devoted entirely to Italian home cookery. Learn more at angelinierestaurantgroup.com.
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Mysteries: Canary Islands, Woody in New York, opiates, Nazis’ Axis Sally Hierro (9/10): Eight onehour episodes in the first season. NR. This is another gem on MHz Choice, the streaming service specializing in foreign films/series. It’s a murder mystery set on the Canary Island called Hierro where it was filmed. Candela (Candela Peña) is a magistrate (judge) sent to the small community where everyone knows everyone else, to discover who murdered a potential bridegroom on his wedding day. Everyone thinks that Diaz (Darlo Grandinetti), the father of the bride to be, Pilar (an astonishingly beautiful Kimberley Tell; just looking at her alone makes it worthwhile), is the murderer. And Diaz has a shady reputation, including a prior stint in jail for murder. It is lovingly filmed by cinematographer José Luis Bernal who showcases the beauty of Hierro time and again with picturesque locations. But it’s not just a murder mystery; it’s also a story of relationships and people. The characters are complex, and the acting is uniformly superb. It captivated me. Spanish. MHz Choice. Hacks (9/10): Ten episodes. TV-MA. Jean Smart stars as a standup comedi-
enne on the downside of her career, aided by her reluctant novice aide Hannah Einbinder in this sharp critique of the industry. Both give sparkling performances with fine direction from sharp scripts. A winner. HBO. The Crime of the Century (8/10): Two-part documentary. TV-MA. This is a scathing attack on the pharmaceutical industry in general and two miscreants Purdue Pharma Research & Development and Insys Therapeutics specifically. Living with pain must be horrible. People will do virtually anything to get rid of, or reduce, the pain. That makes them easy victims for sociopathic pharmaceutical entrepreneurs who manufacture synthetic opiates like the Sackler family of Purdue, who made and promoted Oxycontin, and John Kapoor of Insys, who made Subsys, a sublingual liquid form of the massively addictive drug fentanyl, and this film goes after both with a vengeance, although Kapoor gets most of the attention, probably because the Sacklers were wise enough to successfully avoid damaging videos. There is a lot to this documentary and it’s well worth seeing. It will make you wary, however,
At the Movies with
Tony Medley of believing everything doctors prescribe and the government tells you. HBO. Allen v. Farrow (7/10): Four episodes. TV-MA. Ah, advertised as an HBO documentary television miniseries directed by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering that explores an allegation of sexual abuse made against Woody Allen in 1992, it is so one-sided that it turns out to be more of a propaganda piece than a “documentary.” If watched in a vacuum, it is a damning indictment of Woody Allen, but it only tells one side of the tale. Mia Farrow tells her story, and it is backed up by Daughter Dylan mouthing allegations, actions allegedly performed by Woody. After watching all four episodes, one comes away with the idea of guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt. However, after watching the series and being relatively convinced that Woody was a bad guy, I read Woody’s autobiography, “Apropos of Nothing,”
published in 2020. Woody was not interviewed by Dick and Ziering, nor was anybody presented who told Woody’s side of the case in HBO’s doc. In his book, however, he presents his defense in detail, and it is compelling. Without going through all the allegations in Allen v. Farrow, the most damning part about Allen is daughter Dylan’s personal testimony of what happened. In Allen’s book, he presents evidence that Dylan’s testimony is false. Allen claims, and he is backed up by his son Moses, that Dylan was coached by Mia strenuously to go over the false story time and again, one time when she was stark naked, until she got it to Mia’s satisfaction. He also presents evidence, validated by two of Mia’s children, that Mia was a terrible “Mommy Dearest”type (Christina Crawford’s 1978 exposé of her mother Joan Crawford) mother, and that she abused and neglected her adopted children, especially Soon Yi, who became Woody’s wife. Woody was also exonerated by a trial and a psychological report by Yale University. Woody’s marriage to Soon Yi has been enormously controversial. But he explains it in a
rational, understandable manner that makes perfect sense. And, as an aside, although Woody does not mention this, Charlie Chaplin was 54 years old when he married Eugene O’Neill’s daughter, Oona, when she was only 18 (breaking JD Salinger’s heart in the process). They had a long and successful marriage that produced eight children, living in Switzerland after Chaplin was banned from the United States. Woody and Soon Yi have been married for 24 years without a hint of trouble. It is hard to give this miniseries a rating because I believe it is propaganda. But it is interesting. Frankly, I am astonished that HBO would present such a stunning, one-sided piece of agitprop, if you will, without some sort of warning. It is almost as if HBO is a coconspirator against Woody. However, my recommendation is to also read Woody’s autobiography, which is wellwritten and highly readable aside from the part about Mia Farrow, and make up your own mind. HBO. American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally (5/10): 108 minutes. R. Mildred Gillars (Meadow Williams) was (Please turn to page 19)
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Theaters re-open … at the end of the 1919 Spanish flu pandemic!
“It was like you flipped a switch. Businesses and theaters opened up again.” So said a North Carolina patron in 1919, at the end of the “Spanish” flu pandemic (“Theatre and the Last Pandemic,” American Theatre Magazine, 3/24/20). “It was like you flipped a switch. Businesses and theaters opened up again.” Sound familiar? “Hamilton,” “Wicked” and “The Lion King” will all be back on Broadway in September, closely followed by other staples such as “Moulin Rouge,” “Come From Away” and Disney’s “Aladdin.” The “New York Times” and “New York Post” have, for once, been in sync exhorting New Yorkers to go and buy theater tickets and not wait for tourists to save Gotham (the top ticket to “Hamilton” is now only $549 instead of $847!). Producers and Actors Equity are negotiating staggered curtain times and issues of masks, vaccinations and ventilation, as well as the possibility of doing fewer than eight shows a week if demand is soft. During the 1918-19 pandemic, the New York theaters did not shut down, even though theaters elsewhere across the country did, to nation-wide losses that equaled $8-10 mil-
lion in today’s dollars. NYC Health Commissioner Royal S. Copeland determined that by staggering opening times (he did this across all industries) and “eliminating the sneezers and coughers,” forcibly if need be, from public spaces, he could “prevent panic” and maintain the City’s mental as well as physical well being. About 20,000 New Yorkers died under Coleman’s plan (just over 33,000 NYC residents have died from Covid-19), but it is difficult to say if there would have been fewer deaths with a “lockdown.” New York was definitely the outlier in its response to the 1918-19 pandemic. 1919 saw such stars as Harry Houdini and W.C. Fields on Broadway, as well as musical extravaganzas such as the Ziegfeld “Follies.” But the post-War, post-influenza American theater also saw the
by
Louis Fantasia start of a new American drama. In 1920 Eugene O’Neil won the Pulitzer Prize for “Beyond the Horizon,” followed a year later by his “Emperor Jones.” American dream stuff O’Neill had started his playwriting efforts in Provincetown in 1915, then moved to Greenwich Village, where the socialist / communist critique of “this American Dream stuff,” as an O’Neill character says, was supported by friends such as John Reed (“Ten Days that Shook the World”) and Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day. (See Warren Beatty’s 1981 film “Reds” for a look at
plays of Ibsen and Chekov in America, and helping to establish the American repertory system. 1919 also saw runaway inflation, followed by the depression of 1920-21, as prices and unemployment “self-corrected” (via “laissez-faire” government economic policies) to the twin shocks of the flu and returning WWI vets. The short but painful depression was followed by a roaring decade of growth and good times, encouraged by the same “laissez-faire” economics of subsequent administrations, until the other shoe dropped in 1929. Then somebody “flipped a switch” again — only this time in the opposite direction — and the failure of this “American Dream stuff” that O’Neill and others had criticized became all too clear. The rest is history… hopefully not to be repeated.
SUMMER IS HERE AND LIVE MUSIC IS BACK!
SUMMER SOUNDS
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Movies
(Continued from page 18) a woman who was trapped in Nazi Germany after Pearl Harbor and also didn’t want to leave because her fiancé, John Kelly (Mitch Pileggi), an American who became a naturalized German citizen, said he would not marry if she returned to the States. According to this film, she had been broadcasting some propaganda for Reich Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels (Thomas Kretschmann), and she was faced with a life-ordeath choice: continue, or suffer the consequences (death or concentration camp). The film also posits that Kelly got her the job with Goebbels and that Goebbels wrote all her scripts and abused her. It also shows that Kelly was around all the time. Alas, ’tain’t so, McGee. As near as I can determine, Goebbels wasn’t involved that much. Max Otto Koischwitz (Carston Norgaard), who was program director, wrote all her scripts. Also, her boyfriend, actually named Paul Karlson, was sent to the war front, and he died before she became Axis Sally. The film is interesting, but it is diminished by its unreliability and apparently undeserved sympathetic treatment for a woman who was ostensibly much more cooperative with the Nazis than shown here.
Theater Review
the era. Jack Nicholson plays O’Neill.) Joining O’Neill on the Great White Way was such thoughtful fare as Booth Tarkington’s “Clarence” (“the finest light comedy written by an American,” said one reviewer), Shalom Aleichem’s “It’s Hard to be a Jew” (the basis for “Fiddler on the Roof”), John Galsworthy’s “The Skin Game” (a proto Downton Abbey critique of the failure of the aristocracy after WWI, best known for its line, “Who knows where things end once they begin?”), and Molnar’s “Liliom,” the basis for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “Carousel.” “Liliom” had failed in London, but its star, Eva Le Gallienne (1899-1991) was convinced of the play’s strengths. Miss Le Gallienne (as she was referred to even in my graduate school days), was a major theatrical figure, as both actress and translator, popularizing the
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Rooftop pop-up and food truck make great dining options One of my favorite restaurants before the pandemic hit was Broken Spanish, a soulful, modern Mexican place downtown. Unfortunately, it became one of COVID-19’s many casualties’ and I mourned the loss of chef Ray Garcia’s lamb tamales and his signature chicharron, a south-of-the-border pork belly dish similar to porchetta. Lucky for us, we have one more chance to experience chef Garcia’s innovative cooking at a pop-up on the roof at NeueHouse in Hollywood, currently scheduled to remain open through July 31.
Hard to imagine feeling any safer than on a breezy roof with distanced tables. Rugs are scattered about to add charm, leafy greenery abounds, and string lights and candles add a festive garden atmosphere. A soaring clear rain-proof covering and curtains are ready to protect in case of inclement weather. Relaxed with mezcal cocktails in hand, we surveyed the short menu, which includes some of Chef Garcia’s greatest hits, including the deeply flavored, crispy, fatty-in-all-the-rightways chicharron and popular duck meatballs with nopales
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Helene Seifer (cactus paddles) and bacon, $45 and $18, respectively. The $23 aguachile was a spectacular dish, both a visual and flavor treat. Slivered rounds of diver scallops floated in a green lime and chile-infused water bath, topped with avocado, Peruvian pichuberries, sour prickly pear pieces and crunchy, delicious sprigs of ice plant. If I could eat this every day, I’d die happy. Another favorite dish was the vegetarian tamale. The large $17 steamed masa was decorated with coins of serrano chiles and fennel fronds. It sat atop a pumpkin seed sauce and was stuffed with honeynut squash, fennel, mild poblano peppers and pumpkin seeds. Slightly sweet and rich, this was the best meatless tamale I’ve had. My husband’s favorite plate featured meaty roasted oyster mushrooms, $19, with a chile-nut salsa, cactus salad and flour tortillas for a buildit-yourself experience. This is apparently one of the most ordered items on the menu, and it’s easy to see the appeal of chewy, garlic-tinged fungus. I love black cod in all its iterations, from miso cod to butter and vinegar braised versions. Here, the $33 delicate, silky fish was roasted in achiote paste (a
spice mix that includes cumin, annatto seeds and cloves) and served with black beans, a pool of dark charred chile mole and garnished with pickled red onions, avocado cubes and some spring greens. For a sweet finish we opted for the $12 deconstructed Pavlova. A ball of meringue sat in a moat of lemon curd, topped with artistic splashes of passion fruit pearls and candied lemon peel and kumquat halves. Break the meringue with a spoon and crème Anglaise oozes out to finish the dish. A sophisticated ending to a beautiful evening. Broken Spanish at NeueHouse, 6121 Sunset Blvd. 323-337-1420. Myriad food experiences in Los Angeles offer unexpected delights, from classy to déclassé, and the latter is where we chose to spend my birthday lunch. On a nondescript block in East Los Angeles, we gorged curbside on Mexican fare from acclaimed seafood food truck Mariscos Jalisco. Patrons place their orders
at the white truck’s window and then claim a spot on a neighboring low wall. Be forewarned: everything is served on flimsy paper plates and your lap is your table, so don’t come here in your finest attire! Lauded for their shrimp tacos, we ordered two each, $2.50 apiece. Fried taco shells are loaded with minced shrimp and smothered in avocado slices and salsa, with hot sauce on the side. Juicy, drippy, crunchy, a perfect treat. We loved the Poseidon plate, a cold array of spicy mixed seafood, mainly shrimp and octopus, $8. To balance the heat we ordered the mild “mixta,” a tostada topped with a mixed seafood ceviche, chopped onion and cilantro, $7. We added hot sauce to perk this one up. I can’t think of a more quintessentially L.A. birthday celebration than munching happily, on the cheap, chins covered in lime juice and dripping chile-red hot sauce. Mariscos Jalisco food truck, 3040 E. Olympic Blvd, 323528-6701.
TENTS up against the office building and along Third Street’s southern sidewalk — two blocks east of LAFD Fire Station 61.
Fire
(Continued from page 3) aware there was an encampment fire this evening at 3rd and Detroit Street. I visited the site personally to assess the situation first-hand. LAFD Station 29 [in Windsor Square] ended up taking the call since Station 61 was out on another incident.” In response to the Council Office’s immediate request to LA Sanitation, a crew was at the site cleaning up mid-day
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Haldeman
(Continued from page 6) in the Pasadena home where she lives with her husband Harry “Hank” Haldeman, also originally from the neighborhood. Hank and his siblings grew up on Muirfield Road in Hancock Park, just two blocks
JUNE 2021
north of Fremont Place. Hank’s family was the opposite of Heather’s, she notes. They were “shockingly normal” and nonjudgmental. This in spite of the fact that her father-inlaw H. R. (Bob) Haldeman was convicted for his involvement in the Watergate scandal when serving as President Nixon’s
RUNNER SEB CAM, from England, and his utility belt in San Francisco prior to ending his cross-country run in Los Angeles in May.
Runners
(Continued from page 8) profit organization that Cottrell founded in 1983 to use runs like these to build international friendships: facebook. com/AmazingFriendshipRun Yet another runner Certainly warranting comparison to the 78-year-old runner who is heading east to Washington, D.C. is 39-yearold Seb Cam, who arrived in Los Angeles in mid-May — after running west across the United States from Miami to Hollywood, basically all alone, for about 600 days. Cam describes himself as an “ultra-running fruitarian athlete.” He is notable for the clear contrast he presents to 78-year-old Cottrell’s entourage that includes two RVs and medical and other support staff. Cam has only a utility belt that carries everything he says he needs! What a difference 40 years can make! Cam left his native England in 2019, arriving in Miami. He has been running ever since, and he says his goal is to run around the world. After enjoying his U.S. visa a bit more by staying with friends in Los Angeles, Cam says his next target may be “Down Under” — possibly Australia or New Zealand. Whether he succeeds in his ‘round-the-world quest will be interesting to learn, but I can attest that he is a very interesting conversationalist. Cam also has managed to generate sufficient publicity, together with the unexpected kindness of strangers, to support him in his quest. He also provides frequent updates about his activities on YouTube channel youtube.com/SebCam. So ... “Run, Stan, Run!” And “Run, Seb, Run!”
SECTION ONE
chief of staff. The balustrade that cousin Jonathan recovered inspired an essay, which she later ex-
panded into this memoir. Copies of the book “Kids & Cocktails Don’t Mix” are available through Chevalier’s
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Books on Larchmont, and can be ordered at chevaliersbooks. com, and on BarnesandNoble. com and Amazon.com.
THANKSGIVING DINNER at the Eatons’ Fremont Place home circa 1968, clockwise from left, Marilyn Eaton, April Eaton, Jonathan Weedman, Virginia Knight, Bob Eaton, Carolyn Weedman, Heather Eaton, former California governor Goodwin J. Knight. Photos courtesy of Heather Haldeman
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Larchmont 100 (Continued from page 1)
kick off its next one. In addition to the Sept. 30 publication of the October issue of the Larchmont Chronicle, including a special 100th Anniversary Souvenir Collector’s Edition with a history of the Boulevard from its founding in 1921, tentative dates being discussed for the main events focus on Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24. Under discussion is inviting neighbors from around the community to gather at a Larchmont 100 “Saturday Evening Open House and Street Party” on Oct. 23. It will be a time to greet friends and neighbors — in person — while enjoying Larchmont’s official Centennial Ceremony followed by mingling on the Boulevard with music and beverages. The plan is that
Mile
(Continued from page 1) and getting to know members, perhaps by walking the district on Wilshire and engaging business owners in person. During the Q&A portion, concerns arose about a rumored homeless shelter site on a city public parking lot across from Cathedral Chapel School on
SINCE 1966 (except 2020 because of COVID-19) the annual Larchmont Family Fair has been a neighborhood mainstay.
many Larchmont retailer windows will be decorated to celebrate the Centennial, and restaurants and other eateries will be open for dinner. For information on participating on the Street Party Honorary Committee, contact Daryl Trainor Twerdahl at 323-6971438 prior to July 15. The concept being discussed
for Sunday, Oct. 24 is for neighborhood families to visit the Boulevard the day following the Street Party, between noon and 5:30 p.m., for the annual (except 2020!) Larchmont Family Fair. The traditional family event will include nonprofit organization booths plus rides and other attractions, food for purchase, a
S. Cochran. Raman explained that no such project had been approved yet, but promised to look into the matter and work together with any business affected by future site locations. “The Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce was delighted to finally meet our Council District 4 representative, Nithya Raman,”
said Meg McComb, executive director, GMMCC. “We all appreciated her focus in hearing what our community’s concerns are. Her enthusiasm was engaging — she hopes to do a ‘Saturday Walk’ of our area to meet the businesses in person and was especially excited about the next Fire Station Pancake Breakfast. So are we!”
Wayne Alan Thomas January 21, 1938 – April 28, 2021 Wayne Alan Thomas was born in Santa Monica, CA to Keith N. and Betty Thomas, and lived in Los Angeles his entire life. He graduated from Dorsey High School, Occidental College, and USC graduate school with honors. After serving as Captain in the Air Force, Wayne began his own business, QC Corporation, developing packaging products and commercial design. Other business endeavors included QC International, co-owner of Kona Properties, HI and Hidden River Ranch, Jolon, CA. Wayne was invited to guest lecture on consumer product marketing, and taught university courses in packaging engineering and graphics. He was active in Boy Scouts of America, Director of Los Angeles Easter Seal Society, a board member of the Wilshire YMCA, and a Past Master of Golden Gavel Lodge, formerly Larchmont Lodge, F&AM. Wayne was honored to be a Larchmont Man of the Year and designed the logo for the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society. Wayne was president of the Jonathan Club from 1994-1995. One night in 1965 at the Jonathan Club Wayne met Donald, Marilyn, and Virginia McLarnan (in that order), which was the beginning of Wayne and Marilyn’s 55-year adventure. After their marriage in 1966, Marilyn and Wayne moved to their forever home in Windsor Square, around the corner from the McLarnan home, to begin their family.
Soon, with five kids in tow, they were off RVing to National Parks, Mexico, and the Hidden River Ranch. Later travels to Europe, South America and Hawaii brought more memories. In retirement, Wayne and Marilyn toured France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and New Zealand in Wayne’s 1912 Model T Ford and 1932 Model A Ford Deluxe Roadster. Wayne was kind, generous, calm, patient, smart, always a gentleman, strong and tough, he never gave up in his long fight against Parkinson’s. He is loved and missed by his devoted wife, Marilyn and his children and grandchildren: Lisa and Ronan Vance, Ginger, Nathan, Violet; Glen and Jeannette Thomas, Grace, Gavin; Lora and Keith Luczywo, Penelope, Maceo; Lynda and Peter Benoit, Thomas, Jane; and Kyle Thomas; and by his brother Keith and wife Anita Thomas. A celebration of Wayne’s life will take place at a later time.
ADV.
LOCAL NONPROFIT GROUPS sponsor booths explaining their schools, goals, programs and more. And sometimes have food for sale!
costume contest and a talent competition! Assuming that the event will take place again this year, as hoped, the person for nonprofit organizations to contact now for more information about having a booth is Anne Loveland at 323-4607606. More good news Good news on the Boulevard includes the possible return of a yoga studio in the former home of the Larchmont Center for Yoga. If that
happens, it will be the result of some hefty community lifting from area residents. See the story starting on Page 1. Finally, there is a new book that shares a young woman’s tales about life on and around the Boulevard in the 1960s and 1970s, when “Larchmont was like a small town, an island in the midst of the city.” Sort of like it is today. The story is on Page 6. And that’s some of the news On the Boulevard!
Yoga
thanks to a substantial initial investment that has been received, according to the email chain. The Chronicle was not able to reach anyone on the email by press time. A bit of legend, history White’s studio gained a following and recognition from its 1967 founding and throughout the ensuing decades for its training school and offering of multiple branches of yoga. Before coming to Larchmont, White, who is now based in Santa Barbara, had opened a yoga studio on Sunset Blvd. He relocated first to a space at 115 N. Larchmont that was being used as a John Birch Society book warehouse. (Today it is A Silver Lining, the picture framing store.) Continuing on the website whitelotus.org: “The Larchmont Blvd. owner [of 230 N. Larchmont] didn’t want to rent it ‘to a group of Hindu hippies,’ but after a favorable front-page article in the “Los Angeles Times” on the Center, he relented. … “They found that the facility had once been a dance hall and uncovered wonderful hardwood floors! They set about knocking out walls and refinishing the floors. A Yoga deck was built on the roof and classes boomed with standing room only. “The Center was the first stopping place of visiting Yoga dignitaries. This was the turbulent sixties! Yoga was exploding and taking root in America. Ganga gave demonstrations at the Human Be-In and the first Love-Ins. He also flew in Swami Vishnu’s peace plane over the War Moratorium demonstration in San Francisco, dropping flowers and peace leaflets. Times were exciting.”
(Continued from page 1) founded in 1967 by yoga pioneer Ganga White. Community support “A group of neighbors in the Larchmont Village, Windsor Square and Hancock Park neighborhoods are forming a corporation to re-open the Center for Yoga on Larchmont,” Vincent Cox, vice president of the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association, wrote in a letter. “The yoga studio drew hundreds of students each week. We support the effort to return this community asset to our neighborhood,” he added. In 2004, White’s Larchmont yoga studio had been taken over by a national chain, Yoga Works. Plans are to return it to its familial roots, Cox writes. The studio would best be owned and operated by members of the community “remote from the whims and fancies of a franchise operated by a national company. … “Now that we are seeing the beginning of the end of the pandemic, a return of this yoga studio… would be a welcome rebirth,” Cox concluded in the April 30 letter. A similar letter of support was sent by the Windsor Square Association May 14. According to an email chain among the Center for Yoga’s former teachers, managers, owners and the studio’s business start-up expert, the studio is expected to open September 1. The lease is still being finalized, and some improvements, — including replacing the HVAC system and painting — are planned. The studio’s resurrection is
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Matthew Hancock, flaneur of Larchmont Boulevard, 1954-2021
When I did not receive a thank-you note in February for the Valentine I had sent to Matthew Hancock, I knew he was no longer with us. He was a meticulous and faithful writer of thank-you notes, even thank-you notes for thankyou notes. My daughter and I sent a pear tart to him at home in January, when we knew he was terribly ill. A thank-you postcard was dispatched nonetheless. He was a meticulous and faithful friend, too. After my husband Bill died and I left the neighborhood and the city in 2016, he sent gifts from his collection of treasures: a book about the homes of Georgia O’Keeffe; an article from an architectural magazine, circa 1929, about the newly built Bullocks Wilshire (where Matthew worked for about 20 years), and in October 2020, a beautiful piece of sequined embroidery on black silk. Those of you reading this column likely knew Matthew as a hair stylist for many years at Haas & Co. A few years ago, he moved north on the Boulevard to Romi Cortier Design. Larchmont Chronicle former columnist Patty Hill often reported on his doings as a man about town. He was a cook, a gardener, and loved interior design, too — a man with a sharp eye for the telling detail. His text message to clients, announcing his retirement due to ill health, came toward the end of 2020. In about 2007, I was on Larchmont and saw a woman with a great haircut. I stopped her and asked about it. It was Matthew’s precise work, and that’s how we met.
Home Ground by
Paula Panich
We immediately hit it off, both of us unruly Scorpios. We had many adventures over the years — including visiting Robert Irwin’s Getty Garden and the vintage couture store, Paper Bag Princess. He also endured my tireless interrogation regarding his first profession, straight out of high school at age 17: mortician. Matthew’s interest in and involvement with fashion was formidable. He trained for many years with a retired fashion designer, and he became an expert tailor and designer himself. Couture embroidery Matthew spent his summer vacations in Paris, studying couture embroidery at the Ecole de Broderie Lesage. He was involved with FIDM, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where he designed the wigs for a “Star Wars” retrospective held there. Matthew had a wonderful, sharp, incisive and ironic sense of humor. It was never more clearly on display than in the writing he did, at my goading, about his adventures in the 1970s, in mortuary school as apprentice and employee at a Los Angeles mortuary. His tales made me laugh so hard I almost fell out of my chair at Haas & Co. You have to write these down, Matthew, I said. You must — and he did. In the 1970s, he
was working at the very end of a business structure that had been in place for decades — that of the live-in mortician. During his 24-hour shifts, Matthew shared a dormitory room with another apprentice, in case they were needed at any hour to pick up the deceased from hospitals or morgues. (“D.B.s,” in the language of the profession.) The guys sometimes snuck out to go to bars. Matthew loved giant old American cars, and this was clearly something in play when he was a 17-year-old.
The mortuary housed three “Cadillac Funeral Coaches (1964, 1968, 1974)” and a Dodge Dart for running errands, which he raced on the freeways of Los Angeles. In 2018, Matthew sent me his handwritten essays. It is impossible to forget his portrait of the mortuary’s accountant, who absconded with something close to a million 1970s dollars. He wrote that he would always remember the pathetic egg salad sandwiches the guy ate every day for lunch.
MATTHEW HANCOCK.
Photo courtesy Romi Cortier
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MUSEUMS
New 21-story tower in the Mile was envisioned by the late Jerry Snyder.
Wilton Place Craftsman had all the markings of a historic home.
Real estate MuseuMs, Libraries HoMe & Garden
Modern Art gets a fresh perspective in a new exhibit coming to LACMA.
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LARCHMONT CHRONICLE
JUNE 2021
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
GWNC Land Use considers historic Rossmore apartment project
By Billy Taylor Representatives from Atlanta-based developer Domos Coliving returned to the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council’s (GWNC) Land Use Committee last month to present more detailed plans to renovate an apartment building at 410 N. Rossmore Ave. Domos had previously agreed to return at the committee’s request to allow for the project’s architect, Lorcan O’Herlihy, to present his plans directly to the group. Among other things, O’Herlihy explained to committee members his inspiration for the reconfiguration of a historic Hancock Park apartment building located opposite the Wilshire Country Club. “We are adding new housing and celebrating the existing building,” said O’Herlihy as he described the adaptive reuse project, to restore and modernize the original 1930s structure while constructing five additional floors of rental space. Once complete, the project will add more than 142 new rent-controlled units to the market. The project represents a new paradigm and contribution to relieving the housing crisis in Los Angeles,
RENDERING presented to the GWNC Land Use Committee by architect Lorcan O’Herlihy compares what is allowable under city zoning laws versus what is being proposed (at right).
O’Herlihy explained. Not only does it carefully adapt a historic building, but it also creates additional housing in a hybrid model of coliving and traditional apartments. In coliving suites, residents have private bedrooms and baths but share kitchen and living room facilities. Resident holdouts Since taking ownership, Domos has been in negotiations with existing residents, offering either “cash for keys” buyouts, or the option to return to the building postrenovations under the city’s tenant habitability plan, which
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Other local residents complained about the lack of parking for the project, additional traffic and the potential for an increase in short-term tenants moving in-and-out. When the topic of existing residents was raised, Domos Director of Design and Construction, Richard Loring, said he was “happy to address that.” “First of all, when we bought the building, I actually moved in, and I was able to interact and develop positive relationship with most, not all, of the residents,” said Loring. He explained that, of the
covers the cost of temporarily relocating in alternate housing. Not all residents are happy with those options. This project “is a chop shop” that is displacing a community, resident Cinzia Zanetti told GWNC committee members. “I have been in the building over 30 years and have that unit with the balcony for a reason. They are trying to displace me and other tenants with a massive reconfiguration and complete disregard for the law,” read Zanetti’s written statement submitted for the meeting.
original 56 residents, 40 have negotiated with Domos a buyout, with an average compensation of $64,000. The average compensation rate for buyouts in Council District Four is $21,000, Loring said. “I think it’s important for the committee to realize, when you have a developer that’s paying three times what the average is for buyouts, that developer isn’t behaving in a way that is below market expectations. “We think that the way we’ve interacted with residents here is a model for how developers should approach such a development. We take pride in that,” said Loring. Addressing concerns about potential transient tenants, he also noted that Domos will offer 12-month leases for the coliving units: “We are not marketing the units any differently than any other apartments in Los Angeles.” Committee opposes After a somewhat contentious public comment period, committee members voted, six to four, to approve a motion to oppose the project as presented. The Chronicle contacted Domos’ Loring to get his reaction the morning after the (Please turn to page 19)
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
3
Does earthquake fault pose a danger, or not? Does an active, and dangerous, earthquake fault run under the site of the proposed Hollywood Center Project? Developers of the 46- and 35-story skyscrapers — which would be the area’s first at those heights — say the project is safe to build. The findings of its consultant geologists differ, however, from those of staff members of the California Geological Survey. The state’s findings say the site is on top of an active fault and that lives would be at risk if the project is approved. The city has ordered the developer, Millennium Partners, to dig a trench under the site of the proposed project to determine the presence of earthquake faults. The trench is next to the Capital Records building and
north of the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The project had been set to transform the aging block when developers first announced it a decade ago. The project also includes two 11-story buildings for low-income seniors. All in all, it will have about 1.3 million square feet of developed space on 4.5 acres of land, and it will add 1,000 housing units and 30,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. An alternate plan includes 880 housing units and a 220-room hotel. The City Council is expected to vote on the differing geologists’ findings and the future of the project. “The trenching continues at the Hollywood Center site, so that the issue of potential seismic activity at the site
AERIAL PHOTO shows an exploratory trench dug at the site of the proposed Hollywood Center Project. City officials seek to make geological findings related to an earthquake fault under the site.
Photo by Gary Leonard
can finally be addressed. Once completed, the findings will be
available,” Dan Halden, interim communications director
in the office of Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell said.
La Brea hotel / residential project moves ahead; Appeals denied
By Suzan Filipek The Los Angeles Planning Commission denied appeals of a hotel / residential complex planned at 629 S. La Brea Ave., paving the way for the mixeduse project to move forward. The Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of the eight-story, 121-apart-
ment and a 125-hotel room building at the May 13 meeting on Zoom. Many residents spoke in favor of the CGI Strategies development, just north of the under-construction Wilshire / La Brea Purple (D) Line subway station. During the public hearing,
speakers welcomed a hotel to the area and approved of the building’s green design with car and bike share offerings and other programs in the transit-adjacent corridor. The project’s 13,000 square feet of commercial space will add to the area’s walkability factor, and many speakers
were pleased that the developer increased the affordable units from 15 to 19 units. However, nearby residential neighbors on Detroit St. and a next-door business owner said the hotel’s daily deliveries and valet parking would add stress to the already impacted alley, as well as on La Brea.
“The community is already here, and this project has to fit into the community,” said James O’Sullivan, of Fix the City and a representative for appellant Alyssa Ashton Shah, owner of Design Mix Furniture, 611 S. La Brea. “With the museums, we (Please turn to page 14)
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
La Brea Hancock residents talk trees, speeding cars with Raman
By Suzan Filipek Trimming tree branches in danger of falling, accidents caused by speeding drivers, and real estate development were among topics at the La Brea Hancock Homeowners Association meeting May 19. Councilwoman Nithya Raman told the 20 residents in attendance at the Zoom meeting that City Hall would reopen June 15 and that trash collection and other services would soon be improved. “We have better times ahead, and those are starting now,” Raman said. While the pandemic slowed the new councilwoman’s efforts since taking office in December, she has since hired a 24-mem-
ber staff, including Andrea Conant, deputy chief of staff. “It was a very, very strange time to be taking office,” Raman said. “Andrea was hired weeks before we met her in person. Now we’re getting back to normal.” Also on staff for Council District Four are a homeless coordinator and a tenant policy advocate, and Raman sits on Council committees that deal with issues of digital divide in Los Angeles, procurement reform, immigration affairs, housing and the homeless. A volunteer corps that had been created, before her election campaign, has continued, providing vaccine distribution to seniors, maintaining a list
of shelter beds and helping with homeless encampment clean-ups. Tree trimming La Brea Hancock President Cathy Roberts told the councilwoman that the area’s London plane sycamores on 11 blocks are 60 years old. Coupled with climate change and invasive insects, their branches are a safety hazard. So far, branches have only fallen on cars, but they are a concern, Roberts added. Speeding drivers Speeding on Sixth Street is another problem. One resident mom has had cars land in her front yard. “We don’t allow the kids in the front yard. It’s not safe,”
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said the mom, Mansfield Avenue resident Jenn Rojas. She has a file of paperwork she’s collected of accidents during the four years she has lived here and which she shared
with former Councilman David Ryu. Her family built a wall three years ago when a car almost entered their property. Six (Please turn to page 14)
THE DESIGN by TCA Architects features a contemporary building with a central courtyard.
Eight-story mixed-use project proposed at Wilshire / Highland
An eight-story, mixed-use development is proposed on the site of a strip mall on the northwest Wilshire Boulevard and Highland Avenue, according to plans submitted to the City Planning Dept. The Pacific Springs LLC development includes 242 apartments above 11,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and a three-level, underground garage with 354 parking spots. Under the city Transit Oriented Community (TOC) guidelines — a TOC being defined as the area within one-half mile of a major transit stop — the proposed new building is larger than allowed by city zoning in exchange for 25 of the proposed apartments being set aside as extremely low-income units. The design by TCA Architects features a contemporary building with a central court-
yard. Amenities include a rooftop deck facing Wilshire and Citrus Avenue. As proposed, the project would vacate a segment of alley which runs behind the strip mall to merge the site with an adjoining parking lot to the north. This space would be converted into an 18,000-square-foot landscaped green space, similar to Mansfield Avenue Park across Citrus Avenue. Ground-level townhome units would line the new green space along the northern side of the building. Thus far, the preliminary plans have been presented to local homeowner groups with more meetings planned in the near future, said Cathy Roberts, president of the La Brea Hancock Homeowners Association. The project is close to the new Metro Purple Line station at Wilshire and La Brea, scheduled to open in 2023.
Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
5
New parkway trees planted thanks to resident volunteers
6407 Drexel Avenue Co-listed with Bryant \ Reichling
440 S. June Street
PARKWAY trees being planted May 22 on Clinton Street.
gorgeous,” he explains. The Larchmont Tree Project is only possible with the support of resident volunteers, who seek out homeowners missing trees in their parkways to convince them of the many benefits that come with a lush canopy. “Volunteers and block captains are the essential ingredient to the project,” said Wilkerson, who explained that identifying a location for the trees is the easy part;
getting in touch with the homeowner is the hard part. “People no longer answer their doors, so it’s hard to make contact. That’s why volunteer block captains are essential because they often have existing relationships with neighbors.” Once a signature of approval is obtained from the homeowner, the project coordinates the rest. LA City Plants provides the grants, which means that the trees are free for
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ed,” Wilkerson reflects. If you would like to get involved with the group, contact Larchmont Trees Project on Facebook.
NOTES accompany the new Larchmont parkway trees.
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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.
By Billy Taylor The Larchmont Trees Project was busy last month getting 16 new parkway trees planted in the neighborhood. Larchmont resident Haines Wilkerson, the group’s coordinator, told the Chronicle that, during the pandemic, he had the necessary free time to reorganize the group of volunteers: “We got the band back together again!” Months of planning came to fruition on May 22 when a truck full of trees arrived, ready to plant in the parkways along Lucerne, Rosewood and Clinton in the Larchmont Heights neighborhood. The Larchmont Trees Project, first started in 2001, works to fill treeless parkways, with help from LA City Plants and the Los Angeles Beautification Team. “We believe that the magicin-the-street happens when the street is lined on both sides with consistent tree types,” said Wilkerson. As an example of his group’s success over the years, Wilkerson points to the 600 block of N. Lucerne Blvd., which at one point was nearly treeless: “It was a concrete expanse, desolate and barren, with the Hollywood sign behind it, but now the block is green and
6
Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
Last call for Rite-Aid on Crenshaw? Windsor Village hopes so
By Suzan Filipek Windsor Village residents are protesting the renewal of a liquor license at their neighborhood Rite-Aid, because of public drinking of alcohol on store grounds and near the area’s single-family homes. “The Windsor Village Association (WVA) has for some time tried to work with Rite-Aid about several issues without success, and we have reached a tipping point…” WVA President Barbara Pflaumer said. “The sale of alcohol is extraordinarily problematic for the neighborhood,” added WVA board member Jeff Estow. Estow is the closest neighbor to the store, at 959 Crenshaw Blvd. He said he daily picks up empty bottles of beer, wine and vodka and other spirits he finds littered on the grounds of the pharmacy and store. The homeowners association filed a complaint with the state Alcoholic Beverage Control, LA/Metro Central Office. “ABC has assigned an agent to look into this concern. I am unable to comment further at this time,” said John Carr, ABC agency information officer. Listed under owner Thrifty Payless, the store’s next alcohol license renewal is June 30.
HOMEOWNERS have filed a complaint with state Alcoholic Beverage Control against the Rite-Aid at 959 Crenshaw Blvd.
A senior real estate director with the Pennsylvania-based Rite Aid Corporation refused comment but said the matter has been turned over to the company’s legal and communication department, who did not get back to us by press time. Landscape issues The landscape is another point of contention with the neighborhood. The area includes a triangle of grass at the corner of Olympic and Victoria Ave. and another strip of land behind the parking lot on Victoria. A homeless encampment has intermittently sprung up at the triangle median the past
1218 months, and while at the moment it has been disbanded, it has only exacerbated the issue, Estow added. A 1998 agreement between the city and Rite-Aid called for the drug store and pharmacy to maintain the green space around their enterprise. “They have not delivered on this promise,” Pflaumer said WSA members have reached out to Councilwoman Nithya Raman and the District Four office for support. “Windsor Village is a lovely neighborhood. We take real pride in our community, work diligently to maintain our friendly, clean and warm society of people.
DRINKING on the grounds is a nuisance to neighbors.
CORNER at Olympic and Victoria has been a homeless camp.
“We have no objection to the presence of the Rite Aid, but we feel strongly that they
need to honor their original agreement with us,” added Pflaumer.
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The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. CalRE #00616212
Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
7
Building a better forest — outsized outcomes in tiny spaces
By Helene Seifer As we grapple with pollution, climate change, soil erosion and threats to biodiversity, we should remember a lesson every child learns in elementary school: trees are good for the planet. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, as quoted on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website, “In one year a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange.” Mindful of the value of trees beyond their beauty, we plant greenery in parkways and along freeways. However, evidence exists that there is a more efficient protocol for aiding our planet and improving the quality of our lives. Theory In the 1970s the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki began thinking of forests as tree communities. He developed a reforestation approach of densely planting a mixture of native trees, the types that would have grown there before human influence. After preparing the soil with locally sourced supplements and analyzing historic and contemporary data on indigenous vegetation, the next step in the Miyawaki
ONE-MONTH OLD MIYAWAKI METHOD TINY FOREST in the Netherlands. Photo courtesy Shubhendu Sharma, Afforestt
approach to a better forest is to plant a multiplicity of species in four distinct layers: lower shrubs, sub-tree layer, tree layer and taller-growing trees to form the forest canopy. In direct contrast to traditional row plantings, used by loggers to replace the trees they cut down in the forest, the Miyawaki method imitates how trees develop in the wild, randomly spaced in heterogenous groupings, which encourages healthy competition among the greenery. Compact, diverse forests take hold very quickly, maturing 10 times faster than trees planted on a grid, and creating 20 times more biodiversity, an outsized outcome in a tiny space. After two to three
years of human caretaking, the new forests become selfsustaining, making them very practical additions to urban, rural and traditionally forested landscapes, even in places with depleted, barren soil. Theory into action At least that’s the theory. Winner of the Blue Planet Prize, given by the Asahi Glass Foundation to recognize contributions to environmental science, Miyawaki put his theory into action, planting over 40 million trees in site-specific forests in Japan and 14 other countries, including China, where he oversaw restoration of the forest along the Great Wall. Impressed by Miyawaki’s ideas, Shubhendu Sharma, an
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CHILDREN MEASURE FOREST GROWTH, same Netherland forest, at nine months. Photo courtesy Shubhendu Sharma, Afforestt
engineer for Toyota in Japan, created a standardized guide for the Miyawaki Method. His
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SITE OF FUTURE FOREST in Griffith Park.
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
The plot thickens on illegal demolition at Wilton Place home
When last we checked in, 215 South Wilton Place, otherwise known as the architecturally significant 1907 Thomas C. Churchill Residence, had been willfully despoiled by its new owners, K-Pop star Samuel Arredondo, his mother Kyung Ju Kim and Mr. Roy Yun. When the city, alerted by neighbors, finally brought an end to the illegal work, the historic Craftsman interior, carefully restored by the previous owner, had been illegally demolished, oak floorboards ripped up, rare woodwork torn out, original horse hair plaster walls brought down to the studs. A letter from the City of Los Angeles to these new owners, dated April 12, indicated that the city representatives were appalled at the “deplorable condition of the property.” The city
ordered a halt to all work, but also emphasized that the house was under a Mills Act contract — a preservation incentive that significantly reduces an owner’s property tax burdens. The city then said the owners had 30 days to assemble a team of qualified preservation experts to bring the house back to mandates with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation, or face the cancellation of the contract. Once cancelled through unpermitted and unapproved work, an owner loses its tax break, and the owner must pay a 12.5 percent fee to the County of Los Angeles — in this case roughly $225,000. Call a lawyer! Not surprisingly, the new owners, in a letter from their lawyer to the city on May
CRAFTSMAN DINING ROOM before the unpermitted, illegal demolition.
On Preservation by
Brian Curran
4, feigned ignorance of the house’s landmark designation and its Mills Act contract. They blamed the seller and the realtors for negligence in not informing them of their obligations in buying this particular historic home. They further requested a reduction in the cancellation fee and complained of their estimated high costs of remediating the damage they had caused ($300,000!). Well, the city wasn’t having any of it. In its reply through the City Attorney on May 11, the city reminded the owners of their obligations under the contract and explained that the penalties were non-negotiable as they are set by state law. The City Attorney also pointed out that any demolition or alteration of the property, as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument (HCM), is subject to prior review by the Office of Historic Resources. A Mills Act contract is part of the title to a property, appears in title reports, and is posted as
HARD TO MISS was the historic marker outside the front entrance of 215 S. Wilton Place when the home was being sold.
a part of the city’s public “ZIMAS” property record system. Not to forget that there was a city plaque on a brick column right by the front entrance! So now, the good Mr. Arredondo, Ms. Ju Kim, and Mr. Yun find themselves in a legal and financial bind of their own making. Contracts being legal agreements are by nature not easily gotten out of, especially those that provide exceptional benefits such as the Mills Act. The trio’s lawyer seems to think that his clients can simply pay the cancellation fee of 12.5 percent and then cancel or not renew the contract. First, his clients cannot cancel the contract, only the government (Please turn to page 9)
POST-DEMOLITION photo of the formerly beautiful dining room, taken from the kitchen entrance (the portal at the right in the “before” photo at left).
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Larchmont Chronicle
On Preservation (Continued from page 8)
can; and second, his clients can choose not to renew the contract, but they still will be obligated to fulfill the terms of the preservation-related terms of contract until it expires, which could be up to 10 years. But the fact remains: the new owners’ illegal actions make them in violation of the contract, and it is only the government that has the choice to sue for mandates or to cancel the contract, as the city has threatened. When so cancelled, the owners must pay the hefty fee and will incur taxes on the full
Tiny forests
(Continued from page 7) projects worldwide. The TED Talk given by Sharma emphasizes that a forest of 300 trees can “grow on an area as small as the parking spaces of six cars — for less than the price of an iPhone.” Sharma is not alone in picking up the tiny forest mantle. Nonprofits, corporations and governmental infrastructure programs worldwide have experimented with tiny space planting. The Miyawaki Method has been extensively tested in dry and alluvial tropical zones in Asia, South Asia and the Amazon, and tiny forests
JUNE 2021
market rate of the property. More than just Mills Act But cancellation of their contract still does not get the owners out of their self-inflicted Wilton Place quagmire. The property remains a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Therefore, in order to get any future permits (their first, apparently), the owners will have to comply with the Office of Historic Resources and the Cultural Heritage Commission requirements to restore the significant interiors as they were. Being the owner of a house of this vintage and importance, and knowing the costs
involved just to maintain it, the $300,000 figure that the owners’ lawyer tossed out sounds a bit low to actually recreate a series of lost interiors, elements of which must be custom reproduced out of expensive materials. Regardless, that is the owners’ self-inflicted challenge. “Nuclear option?” The “nuclear option” for the trio would seem to be to seek cancellation of the contract and removal of the HCM designation, but this would require paying the cancellation fee, the extra taxes and the extensive costs of compiling an Environmental Impact Report ... plus
dot Europe, as well. Since 2009, over 100,000 trees have also been planted in North America using the dense and diverse forestry concept, but only one has been tested in California’s Mediterranean climate. The Yokohama Tire Company Forever Forest initiative planted 3,900 trees in Fullerton on the grounds of what was then their headquarters. Hancock Park Garden Club Los Angeles soon will have a local opportunity to test the efficacy of the Miyawaki Method. The Bette Davis picnic area of Griffith Park, named for the actress who lived on nearby Rancho Drive, has been selected as a site for a new com-
pact forest. In April 2021, the Board of Commissioners of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) approved a proposal to plant a 1,000-square-foot circular micro forest with a bifurcating path for hikers to enjoy. The Hancock Park Garden Club has provided RAP with the means for implementing the plan. Garden Club volunteers will install and maintain the forest for two years, by which time it should be fully established and self-sustaining, building a better forest for our community. There soon will be more to see and learn at this latest, local implementation of the Miyawaki Method.
SECTION TWO
one case — while the loss is devastating, although it can be remedied — the enforcement mechanisms coming into play are ironclad and prohibitively expensive enough to serve as a deterrent. The former owner of 215 South Wilton Place, Marita Geraghty, must feel some comfort that the protections she worked hard to put in place [HCM designation and the Mills Act] are working as designed to protect the house from further harm and might even force its restoration. Stay tuned! As for the demolition desperados on Wilton Place: Again, caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware!
hiring land use attorneys to see them through the process of de-listing, which could take months, if not years. While this is something a major developer might undertake for a large commercial project, I think it an unlikely one for a regular homeowner. Even if accomplished, the result would be that the property then would remain as merely a “contributor” to the nation’s Wilton Historic District, and only the house’s outside façades visible from the street would remain subject to government review. While I can often be critical of Los Angeles’ stewardship of its historic resources, this is
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
Should housing be a human right? This really is a no-brainer
Simply put, should everyone who lives and works in Los Angeles be able to find an affordable place to live? I believe this is a “no brainer”! All residents should be able to find affordable housing within a reasonable distance of their work and children’s schools. So why do we push back against affordable housing in our own neighborhoods? One of my previous columns examined the ways in which we define people who live on the street. We’ve become accustomed to the idea that if we build affordable housing, then lazy, drug-addicted or mentally ill people will move into our neighborhood. That is a myth. It’s time we examine how these myths also affect us, our community and our city. These myths were used to rationalize discriminatory policies and the budget cuts that dismantled our mental health care system several decades ago, relegating people with mental health issues to endure a life of undiagnosed and/or untreated mental health conditions. The lazy “welfare mom” myth was used to make cuts in the “safety-net” and is evident in the scarce resources in impoverished neighborhoods, lack of health care, poor schools and food deserts. Poverty, trauma, mental health and
substance use are a few of the leading causes of homelessness. Lack of affordable housing But one of the largest contributors to our increasing homeless population is a severe lack of affordable housing. Housing prices in Los Angeles are some of the highest in the nation. While the price of housing has increased, wages have stayed relatively flat. In a healthy and equitable rental market, our rents should not exceed 30 percent of our income. Today, 60 percent of renters pay as much as 90 percent of their income on rent. Affording rent is nearly impossible for a large percentage of our low-wage workers. We’ve gained a heightened appreciation for our “essential” workers during this pandemic. We also have learned that the overcrowded housing utilized to afford even the most basic rent puts these very workers at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and of death. We now understand what an essential worker is, someone who is essential for our communities to continue functioning. I think it is time we raise our employees’ salaries so they can afford to pay their rent. A city functions well when every citizen who lives and works there is a valued piece of
The NIMBY Diaries by
Marilyn Wells the whole. Quality of life affects everyone. When a part of the whole is struggling to keep up and can’t afford a place to live, we all suffer. If the home health care worker who cares for your elderly mother drives two hours to and from work, she is not a thriving member of our community. If she has kids, the hours away from home and the stress of trying to afford rent make it difficult for her children to thrive. Who cooks their dinner and helps them with their homework? If a student at the local community college can’t afford housing and has to live in a car (as many do), mental health and physical health suffer and the chance of graduating falls tenfold. We all lose, because we are missing the opportunity to hire a resilient individual with a strong work ethic who has had to work harder than most of his or her fellow students. Are we ready to accept that everyone deserves an afford-
able home that allows him or her to remain safe in difficult times? TOC / affordable homes As overwhelming as it may seem, our homeless problem IS solvable, and we hold the solutions to these seemingly intractable problems. We need to support the building of affordable housing in all of our neighborhoods. But if we continue to prevent the development of adequate affordable housing, the problem will never be solved. Some of the recent city and state legislation, such as TOC (Transit Oriented Communities) laws, allows us to build more housing more rapidly. If we say “no” to housing because the number of parking spaces is lowered, or because the proposed building is a story or two taller than the buildings nearby, and/or the driveway will cause traffic congestion, we are saying “no” to affordable housing (and we are increasing the cost of that housing, paid in part by our taxes). That is because buildings with TOC incentives add affordable units. Therefore, we also will benefit. The “T” in TOC stands for “transit.” Many people do not own a car because they can’t afford one or because they don’t want one. I’d vote
for less parking and fewer cars on the road! The “C” in TOC stands for “communities.” Let’s vote to give our home health care workers and our college students an opportunity to live in our community. Change is hard, but — if we want our city to thrive for all of our citizens — we need to accept necessary change. If we want clean streets without tents and tens of thousands living in their cars, and a healthy and safe community for our essential workers and neighbors, we can no longer ignore the simple fact that many of our land use, zoning and housing policies exclude lower wage earners and people of color from living in safe and affordable housing near their places of work. It’s long past time for us to create a city we are proud of. A city that is proactively working to solve homelessness by supporting legislation on both the state and local level, neighborhood by neighborhood, that creates more equitable housing for all of the members of our community. Larchmont Chronicle guest columnist Marilyn Wells, Psy.D. is a resident of Hancock Park and an advocate for people with lived homeless experience. She is a co-founder of storiesfrontline.org.
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
11
Letters to the Editor Battle for soul of CD4?
Most of the neighbors I know intend to work feverishly with our new Councilmember Nithya Raman so that, together, united, we help enable all Council District 4 residents to thrive. On May 21, I wrote to our Councilmember’s field manager, Su In Lee, on the pressing topic of the opportunistic housing bills being pushed by real estate and construction interests in Sacramento. I wrote to our Councilmember not only as a 30-year resident of Windsor Square, but also as a former President of the Windsor Square Association and as a former President of the City Planning Commission. For Larchmont Chronicle readers, I offer, in what follows, my response to Councilmember Raman’s recent position statement regarding Senate Bills 9 and 10, which in large part eliminate single-family zoning. Her statement is on online at: tinyurl.com/9484kups. My letter to Su In Lee (slightly abbreviated) follows: “[Councilmember Raman’s] statement may either create a tremendously helpful community dialogue or a fierce battle for the soul of CD 4. In either event, I fear that Councilmem-
ber Raman may find herself at war during the entirety of her City Council tenure for the insensitivity of this most recent statement to a wide swath of her constituents. “I offer these, for her and your consideration: “Senate Bill 9. I am pleased that the Councilmember is opposed to SB 9. However, her stated reasons for opposition repudiate a good portion of my life’s work. I have a passion for history and diversity, which I treasure in all forms and locations. I seek to protect their legacy for all of us. Why then does the Councilmember discount the value of, and ask to place on the chopping block, the Los Angeles historic neighborhoods? The workmanship of these homes is unparalleled; it cannot be recreated. Undeniably, some of these properties were once subject to hateful exclusionary restrictions on sale. But NONE continue to bear that stamp of shame. It is unlikely that I, a widowed self-supporting Jewish female, could own my historic home if these disgraceful wrongs of history had not been righted. But shouldn’t we salute this progress, with my eternal devotion to my former boss
Mayor Tom Bradley and the many who walked in his shoes and led this very fight against racial, religious and gender restrictions? They are heroes who would not endorse this misuse of their hard-fought gift to us. “Senate Bill 10. The Councilmember’s support of SB 10 takes my breath away. As you surely know, I was a devoted Planning Commissioner in this City. According to the Councilmember’s biography, she is also a proud urban planner. What does this shared résumé feature mean? Most simply stated, Planners work to define our physical spaces. The discipline demands vision. It does not condone shrugging your shoulders at, and vocally discrediting, a lousy Senate proposal, while then acting to support it anyway, giving developers “options” to build, build, build, like a house afire. The Planner’s unenviable task is to create a livable City for everyone. The topics are hard. Their solutions often intractable. Where do we authorize housing? How do we DEMAND and DELIVER affordable housing? (Note to self, this answer is easier than you may think.) With what height, shade, landscaping, and open space
“THIS COULD BE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD THIS FALL,” warns an image in a presentation by organization United Neighbors, an alliance of communities opposed to Senate Bills 9 and 10. See: unitedneighbors.net.
requirements, so that our neighbors and the climate win, too? Or do we just throw up our hands in despair, as the Councilmember has done with her support of SB 10, refusing to even tackle these subjects? I, for one, stand against this free-for-all, where the beauty, and yes, damn it, the thoughtful Planning, of our physical spaces is thrown away like yesterday’s news. “Su, I realize that I must give you latitude and a learning curve. The Councilmember and all of you are new to your responsibilities. But this is an ignoble opening salvo. And, I am not naive. I shudder at the mayhem it may portend. Is there so much anger at success that it must be
stripped from existence in our most diverse neighborhoods, where those voters who are still waiting for their own success may allow? Ironic that our choice to live in diversity may be our downfall. Notably, the Councilmember has expressly removed her own home from the list of the locations that may suffer under her leadership. “Su, please tell the Councilmember that I hope that dialogue and wisdom will prevail. I will be your most willing partner in these discussions. “Many thanks for sharing the Councilmember’s statement with me and for seeking my response.” Jane Ellison Usher Windsor Square
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
Real Estate Sales
Bernstein’s book on preservation is focus of WSHPHS talk
Real Estate Sales Condominiums
SOLD: This townhouse condominium at 608 Wilcox Ave. in Hancock Park was sold in April for $1,135,000.
Single family homes 326 S. Windsor Blvd. 326 S. McCadden Pl. 404 Lorraine Blvd. 330 S. Irving Blvd. 201 S. Plymouth Blvd. 75 Fremont Pl. 824 S. Citrus Ave. 653 S. Orange Dr. 134 N. McCadden Pl. 611 N. Curson Ave. 801 Muirfield Rd. 136 S. Vista St. 119 S. Alta Vista Blvd. 156 S. Arden Blvd. 138 N. Wilton Pl. 518 S. Van Ness Ave. 890 S. Bronson Ave. 516 N. Citrus Ave. 465 S. Citrus Ave. 208 S. St. Andrews Pl. 417 N. Windsor Blvd. 547 N. Detroit St. 5128 Melrose Ave.
$9,415,000 6,900,000 4,850,000 4,325,000 4,200,000 4,200,000 3,650,000 3,570,000 3,055,500 2,800,000 2,525,000 2,349,000 2,335,000 2,300,000 2,275,000 2,150,000 2,050,000 1,731,250 1,685,000 1,540,000 1,463,000 1,311,260 995,000
608 Wilcox Ave. 611 N. Bronson Ave., #10 835 S. Lucerne Blvd., #301 651 Wilcox Ave., #2F 739 Lorraine Blvd., #304 821 S. Mansfield Ave., #2 970 S. St. Andrews Pls., #205 853 S. Lucerne Blvd., #101 4822 Elmwood Ave., #305 350 S. Norton Ave., #H 585 N. Rossmore Ave., #310 5037 Rosewood Ave., #314 5037 Rosewood Ave., #209 4813 Oakwood Ave., #302 811 S. Lucerne Blvd., #202 600 S. Ridgeley Dr., #307 4830 Elmwood Ave., #103 443 S. Gramercy Pl., #C 4943 Rosewood Ave., #104 5051 Rosewood Ave., #204 533 S. St. Andrews Pl., #403 648 S. Ridgeley, #205
$1,135,000 1,040,000 976,000 967,500 949,000 850,000 830,000 799,000 799,000 780,000 780,000 738,000 735,000 728,000 720,000 715,000 660,000 644,000 620,800 600,000 450,000 385,000
Hear a talk on “Preserving Los Angeles: How Historic Places Can Transform America’s Cities” by principal city planner Ken Bernstein and photographer Stephen Shafer on Wed., July 7 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The talk, hosted by the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society, will focus on City of Los Angeles historical preservation programs and the citywide survey of local historical resources and monuments. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members, or $66 including an autographed copy of the book for members and $71 for nonmembers, which includes an autographed copy of the book. For more information on this and other talks in the series, visit windsorsquarehancockpark.com.
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JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
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La Brea Hancock
(Continued from page 4) crashed through the wall and likely could have hit her two young boys, who were in the living room directly behind it, she said. A day earlier a speeding driver injured a young girl. “Speed on the street is a real issue,” Rojas said.
Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
The city Dept. of Transportation met with residents in 2020 and has not yet responded. “[They] can’t do anything until [they] have the study,” Rojas said. The councilwoman said she would follow up on the tree trimming and driving conditions on Sixth Street. In other news shared with residents at the meeting, deputy chief of staff Conant said
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public comment on the (maybe “K”) northern extension of the Metro Crenshaw Line ended May 28. It is the very beginning of a long process, said Conant. Alternative routes are being considered up Fairfax or La Brea, she said. The Draft Environmental Impact Report is expected in 2023. Better development Residents also asked that developers consider better design with deeper setbacks and adding more trees and affordable apartments. Raman in turn asked the neighbors to step up when affordable housing options are proposed. More building is needed, she said, and underutilized city properties for homeless shelters and RV parking are limited in the district. But Roberts said the neighborhood was “under assault” with potential development … because of the area’s close proximity to the Purple (D) Line subway station under construction at La Brea because of state legislation under consideration, (Senate Bills 9 and 10). Instead of adding housing and density on single-family zoned streets, residents pointed to opportunities at large intersections, such as the eight-story mixed-use project proposed at Wilshire Boulevard and Highland Avenue. It (Please turn to page 15)
HOTEL and residential complex is planned on La Brea Ave., just north of the subway station opening in 2023.
629 S. La Brea (Continued from page 3)
definitely could use a hotel. I think a lot of people would support that. The rest of the project I’m not so sure,” O’Sullivan said. A representative for the appellant Unite Here Local 11, the hotel workers’ union, which had filed an appeal, said the group no longer opposes the project because of its green building technology and five more affordable units. The proposed 200,000-square-foot building’s one- two- and three-bedroom apartment units are above the ground floor and two levels of subterranean parking with a total of 185 parking spaces. The project is designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, partnering with Togawa Smith
Martin. Amenities include a rooftop lounge and pool deck. Because of its affordable housing and location within walking distance of a subway station, the developer received an 80-percent density bonus under the city’s Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) program. The project, filed under applicant La Brea Bliss LLC, had been conditionally approved by the city Planning Dept. staff on Jan. 21. A conditional use permit for alcoholic beverages was also approved in January. According to CGI Strategies’ website, the project is anticipated to break ground in 12 to 18 months, subject to close of escrow and completion of entitlements for the project. Construction will take approximately 24 months plus a sixmonth stabilization period.
Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE shares the southern half of its city block with the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, designed by the New York office of the international architectural firm OMA, founded by Holland’s Rem Koolhaas. The new building, nearly complete, stands in contrast to the original sanctuary completed in 1929 and designed by A.M. Adelman, S. Tilden Norton, and David C. Allison. Note to Readers: The Larchmont Chronicle is putting our monthly photo coverage of the construction on pause until closer to the new building’s opening. Stay tuned for news reports as the opening draws near! Aerial photograph by Gary Leonard, April 25, 2021
La Brea Hancock
(Continued from page 14) includes 242 apartments over ground-floor retail. The project’s developer met with the homeowner group in April. Residents’ concerns included the building looming over neighbor yards, and residents asked for stair-stepping in the rear. The developer plans to return to hold a joint meeting with several neighboring groups soon, Roberts said. Also at the meeting, Hancock Park residents Clif Lord and Jennifer DeVore spoke to their La Brea Hancock neighbors about a city-proposed Stress-Free Connections program for pedestrians and bike riders, part of which would run along Fourth Street. “It’s been a contentious issue for years,” said DeVore. A city study was “incredibly biased” towards cyclists and assumed Rossmore and Highland at Fourth Street were stressful, she said. La Brea Hancock residents responded that they would study the issue, but they added that traffic improvements might be needed at busy Highland Avenue intersections.
Wildlife online workshop in June
Los Angeles City Planning has released a Draft Wildlife Ordinance and a new Wildlife Pilot Study webpage. To learn more, attend a workshop Thurs., June 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The study supports important habitats and regulations for new development that can be more compatible with the land, water, plants and animals to make the city a world class natural environment. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2kn7x759
SECTION TWO
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
ONE MUSEUM SQUARE apartment tower, center left, features panoramic city views.
Snyder’s One Museum Square now open By Billy Taylor The Miracle Mile’s newest residential development, One Museum Square, officially completed construction last month. The 21-story tower, comprised of 285 residen-
tial apartment units, is now open and accepting tours by appointment. Located at 640 S. Curson Ave., the 296,000 square foot project, previously known as the Wilshire Curson Apartments, was developed by the J.H. Snyder Company. One Museum Square — the first project the firm has completed since founder Jerry Snyder died last year — includes a large open-air activity patio with dining and lounge seating, a residents’ lounge that opens up to another patio, flexible workspaces, fitness center and a rooftop pool. “Our vision for the project was to create a metropolitan oasis that embodies sophisticated, luxury design both inside and out and creates an elevated resident experience for area professionals,” said J.H. Snyder Partner Lon Snyder. MVE + Partners When deciding on an architect for the project, the late Jerry Snyder tapped his longtime friend and architect Carl McLarand of MVE + Partners to create a building worthy of the location on the east edge
of the County’s Hancock Park, immediately overlooking the Tar Pits Museum. The two men had worked together previously to produce notable Los Angeles-based projects such as the Wilshire Courtyard, the Santa Monica Water Garden and the Howard Hughes Entertainment Center. “It is a very unique opportunity in that One Museum Square is sitting perpendicular to the axis of the La Brea Tar Pits, which is like the Central Park of Los Angeles,” said Carl McLarand, of the project. “By its very nature it will be iconic. There are a number of unique features in this building, like the predominance of glass and the view, that are unlike any other.” One Museum Square offers a mix of studio, one- and twobedroom units ranging from 495 to 1,300 square feet complete with private glass balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Visit omsapts.com
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
17
Exhibit offers a fresh take on LACMA’s Modern Art Collection
Picasso, Giacometti and Matisse are among the nearly 200 artists whose works are featured in a sweeping new exhibit that offers a fresh perspective on the holdings of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The exhibit, Modern Art Collection, opens Sun., June 13 on Level 3 of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd. The show features 250 works and includes German Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism and art of
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 ASK A LIBRARIAN 213-228-7272 infonow@lapl.org HOURS *Fifty branches are now open for limited hours and service. Libraryto-Go will continue at Fairfax and other select libraries. Hours for regional libraries are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. For information, ask a librarian or visit lapl.org.
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Southern California. The comprehensive new exhibition includes some works previously located in the Ahmanson Building. The new presentation is suffused with natural light from the Renzo Piano-design skylights of BCAM (the Broad Contemporary Art Museum), and the new exhibit spaces have been redesigned in collaboration with Frank O. Gehry and Associates. Several included works are drawn from the museum’s Decorative Arts and Latin American holdings. “This installation is an opportunity to rethink how we display our collection and bring together longtime favorites with works that have never been on view …” said Stephanie Barron, senior curator and department head of Modern Art at LACMA. “Many of our most beloved modern art masterpieces are now in a fresh and beautiful context in BCAM — framed in Renzo Piano’s light-filled galleries …” said Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director.
LACMA’S NEW INSTALLATION of Modern Art is on BCAM level 3, ongoing from June 13, 2021.
Photo by and © Fredrik Nilsen
The exhibit includes new interpretive texts, audio tours, a 30-minute film and a collection soundtrack. Purchase advance, timed tickets at lacma.org. The exhibit is ongoing.
Local library branches open for limited services Wilshire library branch and John C. Fremont library branch are now open for limited services. This includes 60-minute browsing sessions, computer access and picking up books on hold. Wilshire and Fremont join other branches added to Los Angeles Public Library’s rolling reopening schedule. The Memorial branch opened for limited services last month. Fairfax library continues to operate the Library-to-Go program.
Under the reopening, hours for branches continue to be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit lapl.org/reopening.
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Pilots’ Robert DeLeo. This is the first year the event has held an art auction. It features 65 original pieces with contributions from comedian Mike Myers and the late poet Allen Ginsberg, among others. The theme is nature, wildlife, climate change and the planet. Last year, which also was a virtual event, more than 21,000 people from around the world joined in, says Tom Jacobson, GLAZA president. For more information, visit lazoo.org/beastlyball.
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
SECTION TWO
POLICE BEAT
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a few doors down, a safe was stolen from inside a home on the 300 block of S. Mansfield Ave. after a suspect smashed a balcony door to gain access and kicked open the back door to flee the location on May 15 at 8:35 p.m. BURGLARIES THEFTS FROM VEHICLE: Clothing was stolen from inside a vehicle parked on the 600 block of N. Sycamore Ave. after a suspect smashed the rear side window on May 6 between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Consumable goods were stolen from inside a vehicle parked on the 400 block of N. Sycamore Ave. between May 7 at 5:30 p.m. and May 8 at
12:15 p.m. Clothing was stolen from a vehicle parked on the 100 block of N. La Brea Ave. on May 6 between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Documents and credit cards were stolen from inside a vehicle parked on the 400 block of S. Sycamore Ave. after a suspect used a tool to gain access on May 4 between 3 and 3:14 a.m. OLYMPIC DIVISION BURGLARIES: Two suspects entered a homeowner’s yard on the 800 block of S. Bronson Ave. and stole a bicycle on May 2 between 7:20 and
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‘Ellroy Palooza’ at Chevalier’s Books
Hear James Ellroy discuss his new book, “Widespread Panic,” with John Anderson, Grant Nebel, Joan Renner and Zoe Dean, on Tues., June 22 at 5 p.m. Participants can pre-order signed copies of the books.
In addition, the first installment of the Liz Newstat poetry series, hosted by Brendan Constantine, will be Wed., June 9 at 7 p.m. RSVP for the events at chevaliersbooks.com.
Pride makes a difference with Big Sunday
The Los Angeles Pride celebrations may be smaller this year, but Big Sunday, 6111 Melrose Ave., will be participating in the “Pride Makes a Difference” philanthropic program this month. The campaign encourages volunteers and donations, in partnership with Big Sunday, to aid food insecurity, housing insecurity, health and wellness, and protecting the environment in underserved communities, including the LGBTQ community. Participants in the campaign can register at Big Sunday to donate, volunteer or drop off goods all month long. There will also be an Amazon registry link available. For more information, visit bigsunday.org.
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on the 400 block of N. Plymouth Blvd. between May 19 at 5 p.m. and May 20 at 7 a.m. GRAND THEFTS AUTO: A 2015 Kia Optima was stolen while parked on the 700 block of S. Gramercy Dr. between April 30 at 11 p.m. and May 1 at 9 a.m. A 2018 Kia Sportage was stolen while parked on the 1300 block of S. Van Ness Ave. on May 1 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. A suspect attempted to steal a gray Nissan Maxima parked on the 100 block of S. Norton Ave. on May 2 at 3:30 a.m. when the owner ran outside causing the suspect to flee in another vehicle.
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8:30 a.m. Despite a locked and secured gate, a suspect entered a property by cutting a hole in the fence at a home on the 500 block of S. Van Ness Ave. on May 16 at 6:05 a.m. The suspect got to the front door, damaging a camera, before forcefully attempting to break the door’s lock. Unsuccessful, the suspect fled, but the incident was caught on security cameras. A suspect broke the lock to a front door and made entry to a home on the 900 block of S. Wilton Pl. on May 17 at 7:45 p.m. Appliances were stolen from inside a home being renovated
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WILSHIRE DIVISION BURGLARIES: Money was stolen from inside a home on the 600 block of S. June St. after a suspect smashed a rear window to gain access to the residence between April 27 at 2 p.m. and April 28 at 1 a.m. Money was stolen from inside a home on the 100 block of S. Arden Blvd. after a suspect used an unlocked front door to quickly gain access on May 12 at 9:10 a.m. Three suspects jumped out of a van that pulled into the driveway of a home on the 200 block of S. Rossmore Ave. on May 14 at 8:25 p.m. The men started to remove a window screen to gain access to the residence when the homeowner, who was inside, called out to her dogs, causing the suspects to flee. Money and jewelry were stolen from inside a home on the 300 block of S. Mansfield Ave. after a suspect used a tool to gain entry and ransacked the interior on May 15 between 7 and 10:45 p.m. Around the same time, just
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Strategies and Tactics, Part II: Thin the field, raise the pot Last month, in Part I, we defined strategies and tactics as applied to poker. A strategy is a plan of action; and tactics are the ways to execute your strategy. To explain, we used an example of a player who had been dealt A-K offsuit — a great drawing hand. Let us now look at two different examples when playing lowlimit hold’em. Pocket Kings It is a low-limit hold’em game, and you have been dealt
Poker for All by
George Epstein pocket Kings — a made hand. At this point, you are almost certain to be well in the lead. Only pocket Aces is a higher starting hand. And the odds are 221-to-1 against it! But,
with eight opponents in the hand and five more cards to be dealt out, there is a reasonable chance someone will draw out on you. So, in this case, your best strategy is to thin the field. And your only tactic is to raise the pot. Make the raise with confidence — sort of a reverse tell — to encourage some opponents to fold their hands. Ideally, you would like to have three opponents staying to see the flop. (Certainly, you do not
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meeting. “There were a lot of people spreading misinformation and lies,” said Loring, who noted the “appalling” way that he and Domos Principal Daniel Alexander were treated by the public speakers. “The committee didn’t even try to stop the nonsense.” What’s next? Loring says that Domos is moving forward. “We submitted a building plan check, and we will continue to work with residents that want to work with us to make the transition as smooth as we can.” But make no mistake, said Loring: “We are committed
STREET VIEW of what the reconfigured building at 410 N. Rossmore Ave. will look like after the project is complete.
to this project, and we are doing this project. It is a ‘by-right’ development, so if you don’t like the city’s zoning code, go to City Hall and change it. Otherwise, get out
of our way.” Construction is expected to begin in late September.
want all of your opponents to muck their hands, resulting in a very small pot should you have the best hand at the end.) Small pairs Suppose you found yourself with a pair of 5s in the hole. That hand almost certainly must improve to win the pot. You are hoping to catch a set of 5s — or better — on the flop. The odds are about 8-to1 against you. So, what is your best strategy? In this case, the best answer is: “It depends!” In general, your best strategic goal is to see the flop multi-handed (so there will be a better chance to build the pot if/when you connect) and, with no raises pre-flop, invest as little money as possible until after you see the flop. What are your best tactics to achieve this goal? Much depends on game texture, the types of players you are up against, and position. From an early/middle position, just call along before the flop. At a table with lots of tight players, you dare not raise; keep them in the pot until you see if the flop improves your pocket 5s. Prefer that no one
raises (minimize your investment pre-flop). If you are in a late position, you can see if these tactics are fulfilled before you must make your investment. That is relatively easy at a loose table. If no one has raised, consider making the raise to steal the blinds. On the other hand, from an early position, be prepared to fold your 5-5 unless it is a loose-passive game so it will be cheap to see the flop. Should there be a raise, do not hesitate to fold your hand. With only two outs to improve your small pocket pair, most of the time, expect to muck them after the flop. Do not defy the laws of probability. Do not chase. Life/Poker Quote of the Month “We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.” – Helen Keller George “The Engineer” Epstein, a long-time local resident, is the author of three poker books, including, “The Art of Bluffing” and “Hold’em or Fold’em – An Algorithm for Making the Key Decision.”
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JUST LISTED 2801 Belden Drive | Hollywood Hills | 90068
Rare 1926 Mediterranean Castle by Architect Elmer Grey 5 BD | 4.5 BA | Approx. 3,880 SF | Listed at: $3,195,000 Guest Apartment, Indoor/Outdoor Entertaining, Private, Panoramic Views Designed by lauded Beverly Hills Hotel architect Elmer Grey, Hollywood Hills House rises from historic stone walls to command its privileged Beachwood Canyon promontory inviting spellbinding views. Privacy abounds in this sophisticated 5-Bed, 4.5-Bath gated aerie. Verdant and tranquil landscape complements the residence, providing optimum indoor/outdoor entertaining. Prized location offers true “Town & Country” living. Moments from Griffith Park, Lake Hollywood, Hollywood Sign, and Beachwood Stables. Bret Parsons Founder & Executive Director, Architectural Division
Jill Galloway
310.497.5832 bret@bretparsons.com DRE 01418010
323.842.1980 jill@jillgalloway.com DRE 01357870
Director, Estates Division
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. DRE 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.
Larchmont Chronicle JUNE 2021
Congratulations,
Class of 2021!
Cathedral Chapel School
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Local graduates reveal their choices for universities By Billy Taylor
Leaving lockdown for an active campus life New Covenant Academy student Rebecca Han has lived her entire life in the area, first in Hancock Park and now Larchmont. When asked about her senior year, Han says that she would describe her feelings in one word: “ambivalent.” On the one hand, Han says she didn’t mind taking classes while at home during the pandemic where she could stay “cozy and comfortable,” but on the other hand, she says it was disappointing to miss out on special senior activities, like the senior field trip and “Grad Night” at a local amusement park. “Not being able to experience any of the excitement that comes with senior year was quite a bummer,” Han told the Chronicle last month. “I am beyond sad that I wasn’t able to spend quality time with my classmates in my last year of high school.” Regardless, Han didn’t let the pandemic keep her from participating in school clubs and outside organizations.
Rebecca Han Prior to the pandemic, Han created a school club called “GREEN NCA” to raise awareness for environmental matters and give students an opportunity to consider issues like plastic pollution and global warming. “We were actually in the final steps of planning a school beach cleanup day as well as a community cleanup day, but unfortunately, we had to cancel it because of the pandemic,” said Han. Still, club members met over Zoom to contribute ideas for future projects. “One huge initiative that we developed from those meetings was a
project called “Recycling AtHome,” Han explained. Over the span of nine months, Han says they were able to collect enough material to donate $60 to the Environmental Defense Fund foundation: “Although $60 does not sound like much, the more than 20 bags of recyclable items that we were able to collect and turn in sure made a noticeable difference!” When it came time to apply for college, Han says that several factors were important to her search, such as school size, student life, academic rigor, cost and location. With those metrics in mind, she narrowed her top three picks to Pepperdine, UCLA and Vanderbilt. “In the end, it came down to two universities: UCLA and Vanderbilt,” said Han. “After a lot of contemplating and decision-making, I am beyond happy to announce that I’m committed to UCLA, where I will study for the next four years.” Han picked UCLA for several reasons. “From the moment I first visited UCLA at the age of 14 for an event, I have dreamed of going there,” she explained.
Han also wanted to stay in California (“Frankly, I don’t want to leave this amazing environment behind.”), and the architecture and campus life at UCLA didn’t hurt either. “Since I have attended a small, private school with under 200 students for the past 12 years, I wanted to go to a college where I would be able to meet a lot of new people and break out of my comfort zone, and UCLA offered that.” Han says that she hopes to study on-campus when classes start in the fall, although a final decision from UCLA has yet to be announced. Not sure about a major quite yet, Han says that she has a broad range of interests that she’d like to study: “I know that I want to study within a field where I can learn or grow to be a strong advocate for others.” Moving to Dallas to study business Loyola student Elias Mansour has roots in the neighborhood. Both of his parents grew up in the area, and the family now lives in Windsor Square. Mansour attended St.
Elias Mansour Brendan until high school, when he transferred to Loyola. When asked about his senior year, Mansour said that the pandemic greatly affected his plans: “As a freshman picturing what my senior year would be like, I did not expect to be doing it all from home on my laptop.” Mansour explained that Loyola has been conducting a “hybrid in-person format” for the past few months, but that it “definitely does not feel the same” as before the pandemic. When considering colleges, he started with a list of six. (Please turn to page 3)
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“My family and I had planned to visit schools over spring break last year, but the pandemic forced that trip to be cancelled,” said Mansour. Luckily, he was able to tour two schools, Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. Mansour said that he would have applied to more colleges if he had been able to visit them. Nonetheless, he says that he is “beyond happy” with his decision. “I will be attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas next fall. The first time I saw SMU, I knew it was for me,” says Mansour. In fact, after touring the campus last fall, Mansour says that he turned to his mother, then and there, to declare that’s where he wanted to be for the next four years. “I applied for ‘Early Action’ and sent in my deposit last December, leaving me stress-free for the entire second semester,” Mansour explained. SMU has announced that it will be fully in-class by fall, “which I cannot be more excited about,” said Mansour. He has been accepted to SMU’s Cox School of Business, where UL A T E H E
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person classes in the fall, and she is considering a major in history. “As for future career goals, I have no clue what I want to do with my life,” Lanza concludes.
he plans to major in Business. “I am also considering a double major or minor in Film and Media Arts. “My future career goal is to be in the entertainment industry working at a film production company.” Leaving Larchmont to find a major in Washington Immaculate Heart senior Quinn Lanza is no stranger to the community. Having grown up in Larchmont, Lanza attended Larchmont Charter for elementary before transferring to Immaculate Heart. You may even have seen her selling cookies for Larchmont Village Girl Scout troop 495 in years past. Lanza also served as the student reporter at her school for this paper. “Although the limited social interaction and virtual classes weren’t ideal, my senior year was fine,” said Lanza when asked how she had adapted to life in lockdown. “I was even able to get out of the house and play soccer for my high school team this spring,” Lanza said. “Our season was postponed and was shorter than usual due to the pandemic, but it ended up being a lot of fun.” For college, Lanza says that she applied to 10 different
Quinn Lanza universities. She was lucky in that she had visited most of them in the summer of 2019. “I was never set on one college, but I knew that I wanted a medium-to-large sized school that was either in or near a city,” said Lanza. It came down to Fordham, UC Santa Cruz and the University of Washington. In the end, Lanza committed to the University of Washington. “I could see myself there more than I could at any of the other schools. It was a difficult decision to make, especially because I do not know what I want to do after college and couldn’t base my decision off of a specific program or major.” She is excited to attend in-
Heading east to explore academic majors Larchmont Charter senior Kayla Kwak has attended the local charter school since kindergarten, and she credits the Larchmont community for shaping “a big part” of her youth. Positive about the past year, Kwak says that senior year was “overwhelming” but that it was still her “favorite year” of high school. “Sure, it wasn’t anything like a typical year at school, but I think that’s what made it even more unique and memorable. Outside of school I grew even closer with my friends, met so many new faces and took so many new opportunities.” Kwak says that the closeknit community at Larchmont Charter made it easy to engage with classmates and teachers. Still, she found herself constantly thinking about her future. “I knew I wanted to go to college and so a big part of my senior year was that search.” Starting with
Kayla Kwak a list of 15 colleges, Kwak first had to narrow the list. “I’m indecisive, so deciding on which colleges to apply to might’ve been the hardest part,” she says. Kwak was able to visit about seven of those schools, located in California, but she says that it was difficult to travel to schools in other regions. In the end, Kwak’s top three schools were NYU, Northeastern and USC. “I’m excited to say that my final decision is NYU!” said Kwak. “The school has an incredibly vibrant community, especially it being in the heart of New York City. I knew I would be able to thrive as a student. Being able to experience the diversity, the people, (Please turn to page 12)
Immaculate Heart Congratulates the Class of 2021! A Catholic, Independent, College Preparatory School for Girls Grades 6 – 12
Our graduates have been accepted at universities and colleges across the country, including: American University ArtCenter College of Design Bard College Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Bryn Mawr College California State University, All Campuses Cal Poly Pomona Cal Poly San Luis Obispo California College of the Arts Carnegie Mellon University Chapman University College of the Holy Cross College of William & Mary DePaul University Denison University Emerson University Fordham University Georgetown University Gonzaga University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Howard University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Macalester College Mount Holyoke College Mount St. Mary’s University Muhlenberg College New York University
Oberlin College Occidental College Pepperdine University Reed College Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts Scripps College Seattle University Syracuse University The George Washington University Texas Christian University The New School Trinity University Tufts University University of Arizona University of California, All Campuses University of Michigan University of Minnesota Twin Cities University of Oregon University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of St. Andrews University of Washington University of Wisconsin Madison Vassar College Wesleyan University Whitman College
5515 Franklin Avenue ♥ Los Angeles, CA 90028 ♥ (323) 461-3651 ♥ www.immaculateheart.org
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Schools recommence in-person graduation ceremonies
By Rachel Olivier During a year unlike most, seniors, their families and school officials worked together to create commencement ceremonies that were safe, hopeful and properly acknowledged the accomplishments of the class of 2021. ❏ ❏ ❏ Immaculate Heart High School, class of 1991 graduate, Tyra Banks, addressed 108 seniors Wed., June 2 at the Hollywood Bowl. Banks is an entrepreneur, supermodel and Emmy-award-winning television producer and personality. This year’s student speaker
TYRA BANKS
DANIELLE SANCHEZ
for Immaculate Heart was Danielle Sanchez. Last year, Immaculate Heart High School broke with their long tradition of commencement ceremonies at the Hollywood Bowl and held a socially distanced ceremony for 2020 graduates in the gardens on campus. Westridge School will present diplomas to 75 seniors at an outdoor celebration Fri., June 4. Accepting diplomas will be 46 students graduating at Shalhevet Fri., June 4. Loyola High School will honor 293 graduating seniors at Hank Hernandez Memorial
NEW COVENANT ACADEMY class of 2021 surrounds principal Jason Song, center.
Field on Sat., June 6. In addition, in acknowledgement of last year’s class, which held a virtual ceremony, there will be an on-campus celebration on the eve of the feast day of St. Ignatius, Fri., July 30, at the newly re-imagined Hayden Circle. At Pilgrim School, 20 high school seniors will graduate
Mon., June 7 on the “Field of Dreams” athletic field. The Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA) honors 45 seniors graduating at an outdoor on-campus ceremony on Wed., June 9. Episcopal School of Los Angeles will hold an oncampus outdoor ceremony for its 25 graduating seniors
Fri., June 11. Interim head of school Andrew Wooden will address the students. Last year’s commencement was held online. Harvard-Westlake graduates will number 285 as they accept diplomas in an outdoor ceremony on campus on Ted Slavin Field Fri., June 11. (Please turn to page 6)
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GRADUATES OF 2021 Schools recommence (Continued from page 4) There will be 425 Fairfax High students graduating at a socially distanced ceremony at Van Cleve Field stadium Fri., June 11. Larchmont Charter High School’s 89 seniors will be accepting diplomas Fri., June 11 at the Million Dollar Theater. Of those graduates, 18 have been together since kindergarten. Besides having an in person commencement ceremony this year, Larchmont Charter also is holding an in-person Prom and Grad Night. o o o
Earlier commencement ceremonies School principal Jason Song addressed 20 seniors who accepted diplomas in an outdoor ceremony at New Covenant Academy May 13. Capt. Estrada of the U.S. Navy officially welcomed graduate Vincent Kim to the Naval Academy. He follows his sister, Ami, (class of 2019) who was also accepted into the Naval Academy. There were 87 seniors who accepted diplomas on Booth Field at Marlborough School May 27. Marymount High School held an (Please turn to page 7)
CAP, GOWN & MASK was the academic regalia for Marlborough Head of School Dr. Priscilla Sands distributing MARLBOROUGH GRADUATES before diplomas to 2021graduates. their procession across the lawn.
new
MARLBOROUGH CLASS OF 2021 members gathered on stage for their outdoor graduation ceremonies.
CAPS FLEW IN THE AIR to celebrate the end of high school and the commencement of the next stage of Marlborough graduates’ lives.
Photos by Laura Kleinhenz, Docuvitae
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COMMENCEMENT was held outdoors at New Covenant Academy on Sixth Street.
MARYMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL’S Class of 2021 graduated on May 28.
Schools recommence (Continued from page 6) outdoor ceremony for 95 seniors Fri., May 28. o o o The following schools had not confirmed details by press time, but have commencement ceremonies scheduled. Buckley seniors graduated Fri., May 28 on campus at the Disney Family Pavilion. Notre Dame Academy seniors accepted their diplomas Sat., May 29. Seniors at Los Angeles
County High School for the Arts graduated Wed., June 2. Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles has Mon., June 7 as the school’s commencement date. Los Angeles High School will hold a commencement ceremony on the athletic field Thurs., June 11. Right: NEW COVENANT ACADEMY school principal Jason Song addresses seniors at graduation.
VINCENT KIM, New Covenant Academy, is officially accepted into the Naval Academy by Capt. Estrada.
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AN OUTDOOR CEREMONY was held for the 95 seniors at Marymount High School.
Back to School Edition Publishes Thursday, September 2
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Call Pam Rudy to reserve your space by Monday, August 16 pam@larchmontchronicle .com
BRAWERMAN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EAST
Congratulations to our Class of 2021 FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
OUR GRADUATES HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THESE OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS The Buckley School Campbell Hall Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Geffen Academy at UCLA Milken Community Schools Pilgrim School Tree Academy Windward School
For more information, visit: brawerman.org/east
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GRADUATES OF 2021 Marlborough story — 50 Years ago CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021!
“During the 1920s, the school was on five acres of land with a view of the Sierra Madre and San Bernardino mountain ranges and provided opportunities for walking, horseback riding and other forms of country life. The street cars ran only to Larchmont Boulevard, so a wooden plank from Larchmont to the school porch was provided for the students’ convenience.” This excerpt is from the Larchmont Chronicle Souvenir Collector’s Edition published in 1971 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Larchmont shopping district. This coming October’s issue will salute 100 years of history.
WWW.BUCKLEY.ORG
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Graduation is on! And other good news from LAUSD By Nick Melvoin Masks off to the Class of 2021! We are nearing the end of an incredibly difficult school year for our kids and families, and as your Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board representative, I want to provide an update on our plans to navigate the path to recovery for our students and families. Our schools are currently open for hybrid instruction with childcare options, and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate our graduates in person in the coming weeks now that schools can officially hold inperson, socially distanced graduation ceremonies this year. As we send our new graduates into this new world, we are also planning for a future that will give our school communities the guidance, resources, and funding they need to chart a path forward for next year’s students. This fall, all students will have the opportunity to participate in full-time, on-campus, in-person instruction. As we finalize labor negotiations, we know that full-day programs for both elementary and secondary students will look much like they did prior to
the pandemic. We will put all the necessary health and safety protocols in place in accordance with County and State public health guidance. We are currently enrolling students of all ages for next year — visit your local school or check out apply.lausd.net for more.
LAUSD Report by
Nick Melvoin Vaccination To continue leading the vaccination efforts in Los Angeles County, the LAUSD has introduced a new mobile initiative to offer vaccines at school sites to students ages 12 and over with a consenting parent or guardian present. In addition to our school-based clinics that have been vaccinating school staff and community members, this effort will expand access and help Los Angeles reach herd immunity as quickly as possible. This program is up and running and should reach every middle and high school before the end of this school
LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin speaks to Palisades High School graduating seniors in 2019.
year. You can learn more and sign up at dailypass.lausd.net. We are also preparing for upcoming summer learning programs available to every LAUSD student. These programs include both in-person and virtual options, with academic, enrichment, and childcare opportunities. Learn more at achieve. lausd.net/summer2021 Campus improvements Over the past weeks, the LAUSD Board has continued discussions and approved historic investments in our schools, including funding for additional mental health support, tutoring, teaching
staff and nursing services. The Board also recently voted for a more equitable path to recovery, increasing our Student Equity Need Index (SENI) commitment for next year to $700 million to be allocated to schools on the basis of need. This flexible, locally-controlled funding source will help your individual school sites meet the unique needs of their students and communities. As we continue preparing for the short- and long-term recovery from this crisis in our school communities, I will continue pushing for transparency, accountability and student-centered deci-
sions. We need to put the needs of our kids first in order to ensure that they can fully heal and overcome the trauma and loss of this past year. You can always find more information and sign up for our newsletter on my website at boardmembermelvoin.com and follow me at @nickmelvoin on Facebook and Twitter for more of the latest news and updates. Wishing you all a great summer and another big congratulations to the Class of 2021! Nick Melvoin is a local resident elected as one of the seven board members of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021
2021 High School Acceptances: Arete Preparatory Academy* | Archer School for Girls | Brentwood School* | Buckley School* Campbell Hall School | Chadwick School* | Crespi Carmelite High School | Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences* de Toledo High School | Episcopal School of Los Angeles | Geffen Academy | Harvard Westlake School* Immaculate Heart High School | Loomis Chaffee School (CT)* | Loyola High School* | Marlborough School* Marymount High School* | New Roads School | Notre Dame Academy* | Notre Dame High School Pacifica Christian High School | St. Bernard High School* | St. Paul’s School (NH)* | Vistamar School* Wildwood School* | Windward School *Denotes Turning Point graduate(s) enrolling next fall.
8780 National Boulevard | Culver City, California 90232 | www.turningpointschool.org
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Yavneh student to apply lessons to future
By Sophie Rosenberg 8th Grade This past school year has had its share of challenges, but it has also been a positive experience. At Yavneh Hebrew Academy, we have been privileged to have in-person learning for the majority of the school year. There are many rules in place so that everyone on campus can be safe. Although we have had all of these new safety measures, Yavneh still has done their best to make school fun and enriching for us. The middle school classes took different outdoor field trips including the beach, snow tubing, and even color war. One day we also made signs and cards to bring to doctors and nurses at a local urgent care clinic to show our appreciation; we thanked them for being the true heroes during the pandemic. Although it was difficult to adapt to learning on Zoom, the students at Yavneh were able to cope. Sometimes, I would go to my friends’ house to Zoom with them in their backyards or bike-ride with them around the neighborhood. I have also grown in my knowledge of
IMMACULATE HEART By Quinn Lanza 12th Grade
technology like learning how to make online presentations, scan papers, and create my own Zoom meetings. Finally, I am grateful to all my teachers that gave so much to their students despite the pandemic. My upcoming graduation will be different this year because guests will be limited, but I am so thankful, however, that there will be an in-person ceremony. Overall, I will take the lessons learned from this past year and apply them in the future as I head into high school. Sophie will leave Yavneh this month as the valedictorian of her class to attend YULA Girls High School in Pico-Robertson.
The 20202021 school year has come to an end and this past month has been a busy one as IH closes out the year with such events as the Baccalaureate Mass, Class Day and Prom. Prom was planned, organized and decorated by the juniors, who chose an “Under the Stars” theme. Although Prom was attended only by the senior class and no guests were allowed, the night was a success! The event took place on the Immaculate Heart softball field and was the largest gathering of the senior class in over a year. Earlier in the month, some seniors also attended an ice cream social to celebrate the end of the college admissions process. They came wearing their college sweatshirts and were able to socialize over an ice cream bar. Seniors signed each other’s polos as they recognized their hard work of the past four years. Meanwhile, after completing Advanced Placement (AP) tests both in-person and online, all high school students successfully completed their final CAP
(Cumulative Assessment Period). The month of May is also when members of next year’s Associated Student Body (ASB) officers were elected. This year, we saw an increase in the number of students running for both their Class Board and for the school’s ASB. After the votes were counted, students chose Samara Halloway to serve as next year’s student body president, along with vice president Sophia Tang. In other news, Immaculate Heart High School sports ended on a high note with both basketball and soccer advancing to the California Interscholastic Federation Souther Section (CIF-SS) playoffs and both Varsity Swim and JV Swim doing well in the Sunshine League. It has been a tough year for sports but our teams have managed to go from virtual practices to dominating in their leagues. Coming up on Wed., June 2, the 108 members of the Immaculate Heart Class of 2021 will receive their diplomas on the stage of the Hollywood Bowl. The commencement speaker will be Immaculate Heart alumna Tyra Banks, a supermodel and award-winning television producer and personality who is a member of Immaculate Heart’s Class of 1991.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. BRENDAN’S CLASS OF 238 S. Manhattan Place, Los Angeles, CA 90004 | www.stbrendanschoolla.org
Jonas Abuel -Providence Lucas Bland - Loyola Sue Blando - Marlborough Brock Bojorquez - Loyola Lindsey Chang - Marymount Tyler Chong - Loyola Nicholas Day - Loyola AJ De Luna - Loyola Mia Fleming - Immaculate Heart Michael Hanna -Loyola Matthew Hoegee -Loyola
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Riley Houlihan - Immaculate Heart Spencer Hoye - Loyola Grace Interiano - Immaculate Heart Alexander Jankowski - Loyola Isabella Karkus - Marymount Henry Kaufman - LACHSA Dale Kim - Havard Westlake Elizabeth Kim - Bishop Conaty Jean Kwak - Marymount Joanne Lee - Marymount Samuel Lee - Loyola
BUCKLEY
By Jasper Gough 11th Grade Buckley had its annual fair May 19, this year dubbed To Buckley With Love: A Virtual Variety Show, which did not take place at the Santa Monica Pier, but was instead broadcast over Zoom. It featured performances by the 5th Grade Chorus and the Foo Fighters. The event raised money for the Griffin Relief Fund which provides short-term tuition assistance to families. We’d like to thank all contributors. The last day of final exams is June 1. This year, many final exams were video projects and research papers, although several teachers still hosted timed exams on Zoom. June 3 marks the last day of school before summer break. The Senior Graduation Ceremony will take place at school in our Disney Family Pavilion, and all seniors who test negative for COVID the week prior or have been vaccinated will collect their diplomas in person. Buckley will offer limited summer school programming starting June 7. Have a nice Summer Break!
2021
Jordan Lestz - Loyola Oliver Lifton - Larchmont Charter Chase Nam - Loyola Eion Nunez - LACHSA Lion Paulson - Loyola Julie Sok - Marymount Laszlo Suveg - Loyola Walter Thrasher - Loyola Stella Vernetti - Immaculate Heart Annie Wells - Marlborough
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
GRADUATE EDITION
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GRADUATES OF 2021 THIRD STREET
NEW COVENANT ACADEMY
It is hard to write this, my last column for the Larchmont Chronicle as a Third Street Elementary student. When I first got the news that I had been selected to write on behalf of my school two years ago, I was both nervous and excited. I have always loved writing and I was thrilled with the idea of people reading my work. Reporting for my school has been a privilege and a great learning experience. It has also kept me more connected with the Third Street community that helps make our school so awesome. Even when the pandemic caused our campus to close, I was still able to write about all the creative virtual events organized by our amazing teachers, principal, staff, and volunteer parents. As you read this, I am eagerly waiting for my graduation ceremony. Although I do not know much about the ceremony itself (COVID makes everything more complicated), I do know that it will be extra special because Third Street events are always unique and creative. On behalf of the Class of 2021, I would like to thank all the teachers who helped us learn and grow! I am grateful for all the amazing friends I have made at Third Street and all the memories we made together. Third Street will always have a special place in my heart and I hope my writing has expressed how proud I am to have been a Third Street student. Hooray for the Class of 2021!
It has been a difficult year for us Huskies with online learning and events, but I am happy to report that school is reopening, and students are slowly returning. Everyone is following solid COVID-19 procedures set in place, and students are benefiting greatly from inperson classes. Teachers and our student council are working hard to create the most enjoyable and comfortable environment where students can learn. Hopefully, we get to see more of you at school soon. Seniors have received their college acceptances, and as per usual, have committed to exceptional schools. Our students were selected to attend Tufts University, Carnegie Mellon University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, Pepperdine University, NYU, Syracuse, Case Western Reserve, Vanderbilt University, US Naval Academy, American University, and many other prestigious institutions. As for a note-worthy occurrence, siblings Ami and Vincent Kim will be studying at the US Naval Academy. Ami, also an NCA graduate, has been attending the academy for over two years, and Vincent will soon join her. Congrats, we are so happy for all you seniors! To celebrate our graduates, students can attend our in-person or online graduation. We have tons of fun and exciting events planned and wanted to congratulate every-
By Sofia Kirilov 5th Grade
By Dale Lee 10th Grade
one on an awesome year and more to come! Finally, our summer school program will be taking place starting on June 1st. Students will take classes in all subjects, preparing them for the school semester as well as the IB DP, PYP/MYP, and SAT testing. The IB DP is a program we’ve used for over 12 years, and we firmly believe it is superior to the AP Program. IB DP was only available for Grades 11 and 12, therefore we are so
excited to announce the new PYP/MYP, a program very similar to IB DP, which will be utilized for all students. In addition to those mentioned, we are also offering clubs and courses in which students can choose to meet their specific needs and wants. From a robotics club to a basketball team, gardening, we are sure there will be something for everyone. We hope you’re thrilled about NCA’s next great chapter.
MARLBOROUGH
will be back on campus full time with the whole school beginning next fall. Marlborough summer school is still being offered, and rising tenth graders and beyond can apply to work at the summer school. It is a good way for students to stay connect with school even during break. Have a great last few weeks of school and happy summer everyone!
By Avery Gough 9th Grade
The school year is coming to a close, and Marlborough students are beginning to wrap up the year. In the past few weeks, students in the upper school have taken the SAT and AP exams. May 11 was last day of classes. It is a tradition for the graduating class to throw a senior prank. This year the seniors decorated the stairwell and surrounding areas with police tape and hung-up signs to make the school look like a fraternity party. They also dressed up to tie together the look. Usually, the seniors sleep in the library the night before their prank, but this year is unconventional, and instead the seniors slept on the field in tents. The last day of classes for Grades 7 to 11 is May 25, and graduation is May 27. Though I am sad that the year is coming to a close so soon after we were allowed back on campus, I am thrilled that summer is almost here, and it gives me hope that we
Graduates
(Continued from page 3) the extremely unique community that’s full of opportunities was a place I wanted to be at,” she explains. Kwak was accepted to a two-year program at NYU called Liberal Studies, which will allow her to explore multiple interests, and then she can transfer into a different NYU program depending on the path that she takes. This approach is exactly what Kwak was looking for. “There are so many things that interest me, and I don’t have a specific major in mind,” says Kwak, who plans to take classes in political science, media and marketing.
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GRADUATES OF 2021 HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
By Emily Mansourian 6th Grade This past year at Hollywood Schoolhouse has been really informative and productive in my opinion. I feel like my grades have improved, and I’ve excelled in subjects I struggled with before. I also feel that our smaller class sizes led us to be more connected as students and life-long friends. One of my favorite things that I enjoyed this year was when my grade and I would play kickball and dodgeball. Playing together was a wonderful way to bond. We’ve done so much to get here and graduate that now, it doesn’t feel real. My 6th grade class is very excited to move on to our new schools this fall. My friends and I have each gotten into the right school for us. That’s the amazing thing about HSH; our students end up at a variety of schools. For example, my friend Noah is going to Harvard Westlake, while my other friend Zoi is going to Campbell Hall. Other students are going to Oakwood, Pilgrim, Buckley, Sierra Canyon, and the list goes on. Some things I will miss at HSH are the greetings that I receive from Ms. Madeline, and our P.E. classes with Coach Arie. Another one of my favorite things to do at the school is watch the talent show. It’s always so exciting when you get to experience the talent your school has! I know
there are many things to miss, but the thing I will miss most of all are my classmates. My fellow students and I have been together since we were 3 years old, as the Schoolhouse is a Preschool - 6th grade, and for that I am thankful. It is bittersweet to leave a school you LOVE so much. I will really miss Hollywood Schoolhouse.
MELROSE ELEMENTARY By Bella Cho 4th Grade
Here at Melrose Elementary Math/Science/ Technology Magnet School, the campus has finally opened. It has been about a month, and Principal Needleman says that approximately half of the students have come back to school, while the rest are still on Zoom. The school opens at 8:30 and ends at 11:30 for 4th graders who chose to come to school. For other 4th graders who preferred Zoom, school starts at 12:30 and ends at 3:30. Every morning, as we enter the school, a school staffmember scans the daily pass and takes our temperature. We are six feet distancing and are still wearing masks. We wash our hands often and get COVID tests weekly. Teacher Appreciation Week for Melrose has just ended, and we thank our school staff and teachers who are working hard to make school safe. We hope that the vaccine will be approved for elementary school students, and that the COVID pandemic will be over very soon, so we can meet everyone on campus without masks.
LARCHMONT CHARTER
SAINT BRENDAN
Larchmont Charter senior Goeun Lee will be attending Yale University in the fall. She is one of two students from Larchmont to be admitted into Yale. After being rejected from her dream school Stanford, she was discouraged. This led her to apply to many prestigious colleges. She was accepted to most of these, including MIT and Princeton. She explained, “Rejection is redirection. Don’t be scared to get rejected. It’s just a way to discover where you’re heading in the future.” Lee said that she isn’t “a genius or anything” — she just utilized resources around her and went after extracurriculars. She was a student reporter for the Korea Daily, the head of a few different clubs, and took classes at LACC. However, her true spark lies in mental health work. She volunteered with Cedars Sinai and she founded Larchmont’s Mental Health Awareness club. Lee said, “I’m a first generation low-income student and an immigrant from South Korea. I’m not a perfect fit anywhere, but I hope my story can inspire students to know they can do it too.”
St. Brendan School is wrapping up the school year by bringing all of its students back on campus. Since our students are returning, we are able to carry out many activities, which include an 8th grade Baccalaureate mass with Father Brian, a Fun Run, and a recycling drive to raise money for Ryan’s Well. In addition to these events, we will be hosting our annual talent show to let our students share all of the skills they have learned over the past year. We are also now able to perform more hands-on activities during class because of everyone’s return. Some of these include the egg drop, the natural disaster showcase, and the student council elections. As the school year ends, the 7th grade class will be hosting a luncheon to honor the 8th grade students leaving for high school. Our graduation will take place on the grass field where we will say farewell to our teachers and mentors who taught us to be the successful students we are today. Thank you, St. Brendan School!
By Sally Shapiro 11th Grade
By Lucas Bland 8th Grade
Virtual day camp explores dinos, city wildlife Registration is still open for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s virtual day camp, which runs from Tues., July 6 to Fri., July 30. Kids in grades kindergarten to 5th grade can virtually learn about dino-
saurs, dire wolves and alligator lizards, depending on the theme of the week. Camp is $100 per camper for members and $175 for non-members. For more information, visit nhmlac. org/adventures-nature.
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Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
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GRADUATES OF 2021 EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES
Congratulations to the
Graduating Class of 2021!
©LC0621
Our graduates will attend the following Catholic High Schools Cathedral High School Immaculate Heart High School Immaculate Heart High School Immaculate Heart High School Providence High School Loyola High School Undecided Loyola High School Undecided Marymount High School Loyola High School Notre Dame High School Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto Providence High School Loyola High School Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto Loyola High School Holy Family High School Marlborough High School Unknown
617 North ArdeN Blvd. l.A. 90004 (at Melrose & Vine)
By Scarlett Saldaña 10th Grade
By Hank Bauer 11th Grade
CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL
Elijah Allen Allison Bailly Valentina Chavez Scarlett Gonsalves Sophia Gonzalez Dylan Kim Jay Kim Tony Kim Cayla Lee Jacqueline Liego Lawrence Notar Francisco Paredes Karely Paxtor Kelcey Raiz John Sarmiento Benjamin Serafin Carmela Torralba Henok Tsega Valerie Valencia Wynter Williams Alex Zepeda
OAKWOOD SCHOOL
(323) 462-4753
Recently, ESLA students have been allowed to return to campus and take in-person classes, creating a new hybrid learning environment with new challenges; due to the small campus, middle schoolers can attend classes on campus on Mondays and Tuesdays, while upper schoolers can do the same on Thursdays and Fridays. In order to maintain safety, students must be socially distanced at all times, follow assigned seating, and wear a mask (except for during lunch, when they must eat outside while facing away from each other). Despite the faculty’s thorough preparations, complications were bound to appear. For example, the noon heat grew uncomfortable as summer approached, so the school adapted the aforementioned lunch arrangements by spreading students across assigned classrooms. Another surprise was the lack of trash cans in the new, COVID-prepared bathrooms, which yielded a lunch announcement requesting that students alert teachers of any other changes that may improve qualityof-life, alongside trash cans. I feel proud to be a part of a community that is willing to acknowledge opportunities to improve itself and work hard to adapt to this unprecedented situation.
As all of the schools shifted to online learning last year, going on Zoom and learning at home became a norm. Students grew accustomed to waking up minutes before school began, knowing that their classes were just a click away. Schools also needed to host everything online, finding creative ways to replace the usual in-person activities. Then this year, Oakwood students needed to adapt to the routine of having half of the student body learn on campus, while the other half learn online. While these continuous changes, especially the transition to hybrid learning, have been unnatural for students that became used to learning online, it has helped many of us gain a sense of normalcy and hope in this ever-changing COVID world. Due to these hopeful changes, Oakwood School has found ways to host a few small, in-person events before the last day of school arrives, while still taking certain safety precautions. A few weeks ago, we hosted “JustArt,” an exciting event that featured films, sculptures, paintings, and photographs, created by students, faculty, and alumni. Lastly, congratulations to all the graduating seniors, and hopefully, everyone will be back at school in the fall, and the days of Zooming are a thing of the past.
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD
Briskin Elementary School congratulates every one of our sixth graders for being accepted to one of their top choice middle schools! Congratulations to Class of 2021! Raphael Alcairo Ashley Arguera Charlyz Aislinn V. Bayani Julio Cano-Aguilar Leilani Carbajal Michael Cavallier Yael Chavez Hernandez Francesca Mikayla Chavez Oviedo Erick Alexander Cruz Haylin Yissel De Leon Barrios Angella Rebecca Fuentes-Caceres Ashley Galindo Rios Maria Guadalupe Genis-Enriquez Charlie Marie Gonzalez Edwin Ha Rham Kim Jesus Al King Victoria Lara Cervantes
Natane S Latimore Nathan Morrison Lopez Hernandez Damien Reese Lopez-Hernandez Cristian Alejandro Luna Felipe Kylee Tuazon Macatol Gabriel Navarrete Paz Jaden Aaron Nolasco Beaux Daniel Quilatis Alexa Jackeline Rendon Giovanni Reyes Annabell Rodriguez Christopher Rodriguez Logan Kingsley Rodriguez Fabian Sanchez Alfonso Lee Taylor Rachel Stacy Vasquez Noah Eder Villegas
Van Ness STEAM School vannesselementary.com
501 N. Van Ness Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004 323 – 469 – 0992
MAZEL TOV!
©LC0621
Enrolling TK – 5th Grade for 2021 - 2022 School Year
7300 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. | LOS ANGELES, CA | WWW.BRISKINELEMENTARY.COM
Mandarin Foreign Language Computerwisekids Technology Visual Arts Theater Arts
EnrichLA Edible Gardening GotGame PE Orchestra Dance Robotics
Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2021
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GRADUATES OF 2021 Cathedral Chapel School
2017 Academic Junior High Decathlon STATE CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to the 2021 Graduating Class from Cathedral Chapel School!
GALA, Fairfax high school students receive scholarships Grace Kim, Grace Lee, Ashley Chang, Humairah Djafar, Raquel Bravo, Tora Hoar Vea and Angela Cui were awarded the 25th annual Irene Epstein Memorial Scholarship by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) in an online ceremony May 12. Besides the scholarship, the students from the Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA) and Fairfax High School were presented with a
commendation signed by members of the Los Angeles City Council, as well as Mayor Garcetti. The Irene Epstein Memorial Scholarship program was initiated in 1996 after the death of Irene Epstein, George’s wife, to assist financially needy, academically deserving students attend college to study engineering, science, mathematics or medicine. For more information, visit lasampe. org.
Sander Im Loyola High School
Delano Oppong St. Monica High School
Brandon An Buckley School
Dylan Jacob Palos Verdes High School
Sean Park Cathedral High School
Antonio Ariza St. Augustine High School
Noah Jeong Loyola High School
Sanaa Pitter St. Monica High School
Aidan Arroyo Cathedral High School
Ava L. Johnson Cathedral High School, N.Y.
Veronica R. Salonga Notre Dame Academy
Sarah Baumann Immaculate Heart High School
Kyle Kim St. Monica High School
Victoria R. Salonga Notre Dame Academy
Michael Kim Loyola High School
Justin Sato CA Academy of Math and Science
Alexis Bodnar Ipoly High School Caitlyn Castaneda Bishop Conaty High School Beltran DeMendoza Loyola High School
Zaiden Kinney Mater Dei High School
Darrel Shin Notre Dame High School
Atticus Li Geelong Grammar School, Australia
Jacob Diaz Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet
Benjamin Song Loyola High School Giada Vargas Immaculate Heart High School
Elizabeth Lo Notre Dame High School
Matthew Gomez-Li Cathedral High School
Robert McGregor Crespi Carmelite High School
Julia D. Yanez Notre Dame Academy Maya Zagross Laurel Springs Academy
Joan H. Huh New Covenant Academy
©LC0621
ZOOM SAMPE LA board meeting where 2021 scholarship students were honored included, from left to right, top to bottom: board members Sana Elyas, Alma Saiya and Clement Hiel, City Council 5th District Chief of Staff Joan Pelico, scholarship awardee Angela Cui, board member George Epstein and daughter Sue Epstein, board member Eric Ehlers, scholarship awardee Grace Kim, scholarship awardee Humairah Djafar, GALA college counselor Tiffany Harvey, scholarship awardee Grace Lee, GALA principal Elizabeth Hicks, scholarship chairman Howard Katzman, board member Alan Hyken, Fairfax High college counselors Bari Best and Virginia Morales and scholarship awardee Ashley Chang.
Yva Akounou Marymount High School
A Catholic Education is an Advantage for Life!
755 S. Cochran Ave • 323-938-9976
THIRD STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Our 5 th grade class is off to great places! Beverly Vista DNA Prep Academy Garfield Middle School Girls Academic Leadership Academy Hale Charter Academy, VAPA Program Immaculate Heart John Burroughs Gifted Magnet
Marina Del Rey Middle School Millikan Performing Arts Magnet Thomas Starr King Gifted Arts and Tech Palms Middle School Stevenson Ranch The Science Academy STEM Magnet HGHA
John Burroughs Middle School
Thomas Starr King Environmental STEAM Magnet
Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies
Thomas Starr King Film and Media Magnet
201 South June Street Los Angeles, CA 90004
www.thirdstreetschool.com
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JUNE 2021
GRADUATE EDITION
Larchmont Chronicle
Congratulations,Class of 2021! We are incredibly proud of our Class of 2021 graduates who were all admitted to four-year collegiate programs and gained acceptance to over 150 college and/or university programs. Please note that all institutions with one or more graduates attending are denoted in bold, and that a school denoted with an * indicates multiple enrollees. Amherst College Barnard College Bates College * Bennington College Boston College * Boston University * Brandeis University Bucknell University Chapman University * Colgate University Cornell University Creighton University Dartmouth College Drexel University Emerson College George Washington University Gonzaga University Hamilton College Harvard University * Holy Cross College Loyola Marymount University * Marquette University Mount Saint Mary’s University New York University * Northeastern University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Pitzer College
Saint Mary’s College of California Southern Methodist University * Syracuse University * Texas Christian University * The American University of Paris The University of Alabama Tufts University * Tulane University of Louisiana * University of California, Berkeley * University of California, Irvine University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara * University of California, Santa Cruz * University of Chicago * University of Denver University of Miami University of Michigan * University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame * University of Oregon University of Rochester University of San Diego * University of Southern California * University of Wisconsin * Vassar College Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis *
For more information on this outstanding group of young women, please visit: www.mhs-la.org/Classof2021