Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 56, NO. 7
• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
IN THIS ISSUE
Notable sales on Boulevard; violin shop closes doors
Communities debate limits on billboards
n Digital signage looms at top of debate
PETS of Larchmont. 18
BIRTHDAY tales.
14
SUMMER flavors are here. 16
AUTHOR at home. 2-21 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11
By Sarah Ryan The debate on billboards in Los Angeles has not been resolved since the Chronicle last reported on it in July 2017. However, 20 neighborhood councils recently have weighed in by submitting Community Impact Statements advocating limits on digital signage as per the “Version B+” draft billboard ordinance advanced by the City Planning Commission. This version comes in contrast to a subsequent draft proposed by the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee of the City Council. The PLUM plan, supported by billboard companies See Billboards, p 6
Housing: it's more than a roof overhead n Alexandria House
This is part two of an article on the local Alexandria House, homelessness and housing begun in the June 2018 issue. By Rachel Olivier Last month, in part one of “Housing is more than a roof overhead,” we explained how homelessness is complicated. Typically, the first step in getting shelter, if one isn’t able See Alexandria House, p 30
Mailing permit:
JULY 2018
n Gilmore purchase of Lipson falls through
HANS WEISSHAAR violin shop closed after seven decades and is among the latest changes in Larchmont Village.
Leafblowers have negative impact on quality of life n Few laws have been flouted more; solution exists By Billy Taylor Windsor Village resident Laurie Metcalf called the Chronicle last month sick and tired of the seemingly constant roar of gas-powered leaf blowers on her street. “Every single day there is someone outside with a leaf blower. It’s been going on for years,” she complained. “It creates terrible noise and air pollution — it has a major impact to our quality of life.” How can this be legal? Asked Metcalf. Short answer: it’s not. In 1998, the Los Angeles City Council banned gasolinepowered leaf blowers, stating “no gas-powered blower shall be used within 500 feet of a residence at any time. Both the user of such a blower as well as the individual who contracted for the services of the user, if any, shall be subject to the
requirements of and penalty provisions for this ordinance.” Since the ban was enacted, however, few laws have been flouted more, critics complain. When Laurie’s husband confronted the leaf-blowing bandits on her street, warning them they were ready to call See Leaf blowers, p 3
By Billy Taylor In recent weeks, there were two notable sales transactions either underway or completed on Larchmont Boulevard, as well as leasing activity that continues apace. Perhaps most important, as reported in the June Larchmont Chronicle, was the prospective sale of the historic Lipson Building to the A.F. Gilmore Co., owner of the Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax. As the Chronicle went to press, we learned that the Gilmore Co. decided to back away from purchasing the property. (The seller's broker did not return calls by press time.) The second transaction is the completed sale of the building at 627 N. Larchmont, which has housed the Hans Weisshaar violin shop since 1947. The new owner, who asked to remain anonymous, See Larchmont Blvd., p 4
Summer fun: Walk among the stars, stay close to home n Travel reports from Paramount to Thailand By Rachel Olivier What to do with visitors this summer when you want a fun outing that’s close to home? Why not check out the daily tours at nearby Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave.? As a place in history and our community, Paramount is the home of movies from “The
Godfather” and its sequels to the “Star Trek” franchise. And it’s also where a young man named Charles Buchinsky got his start, and his stage name, and became Charles Bronson. Why do it? Visitors have come to town, and you’ve already done DisSee Summer Fun, p 12
Eateries, groceries serve their best at Farmers Market ALEXANDRIA HOUSE.
Women of Larchmont
Our annual section, which has honored local women since 1965, will be published in the August issue. Advertising deadline is Mon., July 16. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-4622241, ext. 11.
n Firefighters cook a mean bowl of chili
Enjoy food from more than 50 grocers, eateries and restaurants at the 10th annual Taste of Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., Tues., July 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Celebrating the World of Flavor.” Proceeds from the event will support the work of First-In Fire Foundation. Local firehouses Fire Station 61 and 58 will be on site serving up their firehouse chili (a vegetarian option will also be available). On the Plaza, there will be a shiny fire truck for photo opportunities and a craft table where kids can pick up a First-in Fire Foundation coloring book. Firefighters will be on hand to answer See Taste of Farmers Market, p 6
LOCAL firemen at last year's Taste of Farmers Market. This year's Taste is July 24.
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