LC 08 2021

Larchmont Chronicle

VOL. 59, NO. 8

• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •

IN THIS ISSUE

Center for Yoga to open, thanks to a team of locals

Ridley-Thomas, Raman reflect

on their first six months

n Councilmembers give us an update

SECTION 3

MUSICAL campaign.

3

WISHES fulfilled for Chevalier’s.

11

EVERYTHING coming up Cézanne.

2-5 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:

By Helene Seifer and Billy Taylor Councilmembers Nithya Raman (CD4) and Mark RidleyThomas (CD10) were part of a slate of new City Council members to be sworn in for a fresh term at the end of last year.

The Chronicle asked both of our new representatives about their first six months on the job.

Nithya Raman Q: What was your biggest surprise since taking office?

A: “I think the biggest surprise for me would be something that I talked about on my campaign — which was made much more clear to me once entering office — how deeply our system for homelessness response is broken. Often city services have departments that will conduct the work at hand with or without a counSee Councilmembers, p 6

Get ready for Back to School

Our annual Back to School section in September will highlight students, faculty and schools! Advertising deadline is Mon., Aug. 16.

For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-4622241, ext. 11.

n Opening celebration offers free classes

ENJOYING THE SUN IN PUERTO RICO is the Cox family from near Park La Brea, with parents Jessie and Jeremy (rear) and sons Zen (7) and Kingston (9).

By Suzan Filipek The Center for Yoga may be housed in a creaky old building, circa 1925, but to the yoga community it is sacred, holy ground. And to the Larchmont business community — with its hundreds of yogis stopping at shops and restaurants — the Center had been a lifeline.

“This studio has been an iconic studio since the very beginning. It has a spirituality and an energy about it,” said Dinah Buckhantz, an investor and board member of the recently incorporated Center for Yoga, Inc. The longest continually runSee Center for Yoga, p 8

It’s a tale of two summers as On the residents head out of town BOulevard n For some, it’s a better summer than before

By Caroline Tracy The summer of 2020 was dismal for many families in our Larchmont enclave. COVID numbers weren’t at their worst, but that didn’t make up for the fact that vacation plans were squashed, and camps were half-operational.

The dog days, as they say, dragged on.

Next, we entered an apocalyptic autumn, with ash fill-

ing the sky and no in-person school. By Halloween, COVID numbers were ticking up again and, by the holidays, many travel dreams were again deflated.

With the spring came vaccines, the return of school and hope for summer.

Summer 2021 As I write this, I am looking out over the Hudson River.

See Two summers, p 14

Reservoir renamed in honor of Mr. Los Angeles

n ‘He worked with the LADWP, always advocating on behalf of our residents’ needs ...’

By Suzan Filipek Mr. Los Angeles, as the late 4th District Councilmember was called, was honored at the recent dedication of the Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex.

“This may be the single best place in Los Angeles to cherish his legacy, and I can’t help but think that Tom would be proud of our efforts to turn this facility into a place that embodies the principles of sustainability and community that defined See Tom LaBonge, p 18

AUGUST 2021

MAYOR Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Nithya Raman, members of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin Adams, LADWP staff and members of the LaBonge family pose in front of a banner for the Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex.

Larchmont ’21 conversations continue n Parklets add value

By Billy Taylor Last month, the Larchmont 2021 group hosted its second of three planned “community conversations” about the future of Larchmont Boulevard.

The first event, hosted June 28, was focused on retail trends, while the July 12 meeting topic was “Main Street Placemaking,” or how to enhance a street to meet the needs of its neighboring community.

The Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA) is spearheading the effort through its Larchmont 2021 Committee, headed by LBA board member Patty Lombard, who opened last month’s meeting and welcomed Windsor Village resident John Kaliski as the event’s moderator.

Kaliski, who is an architect and urban designer, said that the goal of the meeting was to “explore means, especially short-term, to support existing — and foster new — neighborhood-oriented retail and enhance Larchmont VilSee Larchmont, p 9

www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!

2

SECTION ONE

Editorial

By John Welborne

Rezoning not required to produce needed “affordable” housing The Larchmont Chronicle and our readers, I hope, are grateful to Hancock Park neighbor Marilyn Wells for contributing six informative columns, over the past six months, dealing with the omnipresent and critical issue of unfortunate people living on the streets and sidewalks. Her final column appears on Page 2 of Section 2, and I commend it to our readers.

I absolutely agree with Wells that affordable housing must be built throughout the City of Los Angeles. However, I take issue with her suggestion that zoning changes are necessary for this to happen.

What really is required is for government, primarily state government, to provide taxpayers’ money to support construction of such affordable (below-market-rate) housing.

Although a particular state senator from San Francisco seemingly has a personal vendetta against owner-occupied, singlefamily homes and neighborhoods, his approach of shoving apartment buildings onto those existing residential streets is totally unnecessary to create needed, additional multi-family housing.

In fact, what most certainly will be shoved into city-center single-family neighborhoods — like those surrounding Larchmont Boulevard — would be high-end duplexes and expensive “big white box” condominiums or small-lot subdivision townhouses.

For-profit developers are not going to build inexpensive housing in an area where land values are so high.

Zoned land exists already The simple fact of the matter is that, throughout the City of Los Angeles, there exists underutilized land along major streets and boulevards (see, for example, many underutilized commercial blocks on Third Street, Beverly Boulevard, La Brea Avenue, Sixth Street, etc.) that already are zoned for commercial or multi-family residential uses. This land already can be (and is being) developed with needed apartments. Without public subsidy, however, these projects will continue to be expensive, market-rate apartments like those our readers have seen arising in recent years.

Anyone can see that Los Angeles has the already-zoned land.

(View all the multi-family and commercial parcels in our area: tinyurl.com/and4jpuv.) There is no need to destroy single-family neighborhoods.

A 2019 McKinsey Global Institute study regarding affordable housing in Los Angeles (tinyurl.com/p28xx5wf) shows that, even for the excessively high growth projections (Regional Housing Needs Assessment — “RHNA”) dictated from Sacramento, every bit of “housing needs“ for our city (tinyurl.com/27mux8y7) can be met without changing any single-family zoning or disrupting any single-family neighborhoods (McKinsey page 28).

Those are the facts. And any astute observer will see that multi-family buildings already are being built, slowly but surely, on underutilized commercial portions of streets such as Third and Sixth.

Sacramento’s latest “bad bills” This year’s bad legislation from Sacramento, seeking to dictate the undoing of single-family streets and neighborhoods, has yet to be approved by the full State Assembly.

SB 9, SB 10 and SB 478 were written by, and are financed by, builders and investors who produce and manage lucrative, not affordable, housing. For the past three years, similar bad bills have been defeated in Sacramento. There still is time (but not much) to stop this year’s greedy and overreaching special-interest legislation that will not result in affordable housing.

Legislature’s recess ending After the State Assembly comes back from recess on Mon., Aug. 16, there will be an opportunity for a majority of those elected Assemblymembers to vote “no” — to reject, once again, this petulantly vindictive and confiscatory legislation emanating from State Sen. Scott Wiener and his allies.

Do not be fooled. These bills are not designed to, nor will they result in, needed affordable housing. These proposed Senate Bills (already adopted in the Senate) will make windfall profits for property owners and developers while markedly decreasing the quality of life on owner-occupied, family-oriented, low-density neighborhood streets throughout the State of California.

And what can we do?

We Mid-Wilshire residents absolutely should make telephone calls to, and request meetings and conversations with, our two local Assemblymembers — while they are back here in their districts until mid-August.

(Please turn to page 4)

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

Calendar Wed., Aug. 11 — Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting via Zoom.

Check greaterwilshire.org to confirm and for online login.

Mon., Aug. 16 — Los Angeles Unified School District begins new school year.

Thurs., Sept. 2 — Delivery of the September issue of the Larchmont Chronicle.

Mon., Sept. 6 — Labor Day. Tues., Sept. 7 — Rosh Hashanah.

‘What is your favorite summertime memory?’

That’s the question inquiring photographer Talia Abrahamson asked locals along Larchmont Blvd.

Letters to the Editor Joy to see flags waving

My husband joins me in saying how special it is to have the realtors distribute American flags to all of our homes in Hancock Park and Windsor Square in recognition of the 4th of July. We love and appreciate it. It is such a joy to open the door in the morning and see the flag waving at us.

Judith Miller Windsor Square

ner / intermediate.

Lisa Walford and Marla Apt were two of my favorite teachers … but there were so many good ones that I also experienced (Anna DeLury, Carmen Fitzsimmons, Chigusa Saga, Koran Paleman, Hikiru, Tod Nemo, etc.). I can’t wait to reconnect to my yoga community!

Sasha Marcus Beverly Grove

Exciting yoga opening

Rita Moreno: Just a girl

I am so very excited about the re-opening of The Center for Yoga (“Yoga poses for a comeback,” June 2021) and that it will again become independent of YogaWorks or any big brand corporation — where making a big profit far outweighs any true yogic principles.

I first dipped my toe into my yoga education at the Center for Yoga in the early 70s, and I so look forward to returning to the place where my yoga journey first began. I do hope Iyengar yoga will be on the schedule. Pre-pandemic, I was an intermediate / advanced practitioner. Post-pandemic, I would classify myself as begin-

Larchmont Chronicle Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin .

.

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 606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103

Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-462-2241 larchmontchronicle.com

I enjoy receiving your paper and regularly read Tony Medley’s column, “At the Movies,” but his film review in the July 2021 issue really made my blood boil!

I’d often overlooked his comments along the lines of “even though this movie was a ‘chick flick’, I enjoyed it,” just writing him off as another insensitive male, but I was deeply offended by his review of a new documentary entitled “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It.” His review reeked of outright sexism, misogyny and his own right-wing political views.

Not only does he make clear he believes women should not have the right to control their own bodies with his sentence: “One nauseating segment is how Moreno gushes about having an abortion …” but (Please turn to page 19) Write us at letters@larchmontchronicle.com. Include your name, contact information and where you live. We reserve the right to edit for space and grammar.

CORRECTION In our July 2021 article, “Community was left out of Raman’s housing plan,” there was a typographical error in the second paragraph, which should have read: “Raman filed a motion last month to redevelop the 41-car city parking lot at 728 Cochran Avenue for permanent supportive housing and/or 100 percent affordable housing.” It incorrectly said “permanent affordable” instead of “permanent supportive.”

“I moved from Ithaca, New York, and lived here for 47 years.

The best memories for me are my kids growing up here.”

Diane Sherwood Windsor Square

“I would say going to the beach and surfing when I was younger. I used to live in Huntington Beach. But my favorite activity here is coming down to Larchmont and having a Jeni’s ice cream cone and going to the Farmers Market.”

Lynne Meredith Windsor Square

“One of my favorite summertime memories is going to an amusement park. I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and it was called Belle Isle. We used to catch a boat, and it was a nice boat ride, and they had music playing and families getting together. We used to go every year, sometimes twice a year with my grandmother, mother, father, brothers and sisters.”

Kenneth Manning Hollywood

“Taking my kids to the beach.

Any beach.”

Paul N. Larchmont Village

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

3

Music and art direction – A local business owner combines talents

By Caroline Tracy Flip through any Larchmont Chronicle of the past few years with a Rhodes School of Music ad in it, and you will be met with a creative photo treatment featuring a child holding his or her instrument. The ads struck me during a recent flipthrough (for research purposes) of past issues of the paper.

Simple yet polished, and many in full-page format, the ads apparently feature actual (and likely local) students. I commenced an investigation and learned that David Rhodes, owner of the school, is creative in more ways than just music, and he is a community champion to boot.

When I spoke to Rhodes, I first wanted to confirm that the children featured in the ads are indeed pupils of Rhodes School of Music and not model stand-ins.

“Yes they are, and, being situated here on Larchmont,

SECTION ONE

TAILS WAGGING.

13

SCHOOLS YOUTH SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT On the Menu Theater Movies

10 12 15 16 17

SECTION TWO VIEW:

Real Estate Libraries, Museums Home & Garden

HERO WANTED.

8

THE NIMBY DIARIES 2 HOME GROUND 5 REAL ESTATE SALES 6 ON PRESERVATION 8 LIBRARIES 12 MUSEUMS 12 POLICE BEAT 14 BEEZWAX 15 CLASSIFIED ADS 15

SECTION THREE WOMEN OF LARCHMONT

POKER FOR ALL

6

most are hyper-local,” Rhodes shared.

My next question, “was such a great idea the work of an advertising or creative agency?” was quickly answered.

Rhodes himself came up with the idea. So the piano instructor, composer and owner of the school is also a creative director and marketing talent.

“No, I didn’t use a marketing firm or ad agency or anything like that,” Rhodes told me. “I like to be hands-on and design things myself. I played around with a couple of ideas before settling on the concept of the kids with their instruments.

Seeing the kids looking so happy seemed to lend a certain potency. It also conveys a real sense of community when you see the community reflected back from the ad.”

To execute the idea, Rhodes uses photos captured on recital day and obtains permission from parents for usage across

LOCAL musicians are (left to right) Aria Uttamchandani, Halle Benincasa and Luke Villalpando.

all marketing channels.

“I always hire a professional photographer to cover our recitals, and I rent out a cool art space for the occasion, so there’s all sorts of fanfare around the actual concert and the photo shoot,” says Rhodes.

“I offer free family photos in addition to the student por-

traits. The whole atmosphere on that day is celebratory and, again, really touches on the community aspect of the school.”

Speaking of community, Rhodes, in addition to featuring locals who patronize his school, also is an active board member of the Larch-

mont Boulevard Association (LBA). He is a major asset to the group, according to fellow LBA board member Vivian Gueler.

“David is always willing to help out and is a technical wizard,” Gueler remarked.

“He is the first person to solve (Please turn to page 4)

4

Britain has a new Consul General in Hancock Park

By Billy Taylor British Consul General Emily Cloke is the latest representative from her country to call the 1928 Wallace Neff house in Hancock Park home.

“I feel privileged to live in a house that has been a symbol of the U.K.-U.S. relationship,” Cloke said of the June Street property purchased by the British Government in 1957.

In fact, Cloke told the Chronicle last month over Zoom, she has come to love the neighborhood.

“Larchmont is incredibly green and welcoming. And as a ‘foodie,’ I have been to Jeni’s Ice Cream and Larchmont Wine and Cheese many times,” she said with a laugh.

“And we’ve spent a lot of time at Chevalier’s Books.

“Larchmont is an amazing place,” said Cloke.

Having arrived in Los Angeles last fall with her husband

Rhodes School (Continued from page 3)

any technological issue we have whether it be with new media we’re using or the website or digitizing something. He’s just great to work with, always pleasant and a true advocate for business on Larchmont.”

Here at the paper, it’s been a delight chronicling the Rhodes story. Also, now I know who to call whenever I have a musical, creative or technological emergency.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

EMILY CLOKE

Tony and a new toddler — Cloke was on maternity leave up until her new assignment began — she admits that getting set up in her new post hasn’t been the easiest due to the pandemic. “There is a different dynamic,” she says of the challenges that come with working around pandemic related restrictions. Still, she’s focused on the work at hand.

“What we do at the consulate is look for partnerships.

We are looking for opportunities. I’m here to represent the U.K. and look for ways to work together,” said Cloke, who has an impressive background in diplomacy, law and trade issues. Having grown up in London, which she describes as “an amazing, global city with lots of multi-cultural influences,” Cloke studied law at Cambridge and started her career as a lawyer in the City of London. Her recent roles include as Deputy CEO for the UK-Africa Investment Summit hosted by the Prime (Please turn to page 19)

Brightman is Ebell’s first ever Executive Director

By Helene Seifer Most organizations are counting their blessings if they survived the pandemic. The Ebell of Los Angeles is emerging from lockdown with renewed vigor and a new executive director, Dr. Stacy Brightman, the first to hold the position in the club’s 125-year history.

Brightman comes to the women’s organization from the Los Angeles Opera where, as vice president of LA Opera Connects, she oversaw four countywide festivals, some of which were presented at The Ebell.

She grew the opera community and education programs and fostered partnership opportunities. She was responsible for expanding the reach of the Opera by hundreds of thousands of constituents.

Brightman believes The Ebell and opera have a lot in common. “Opera is the magical interdisciplinary art,” she muses, as it combines theater, dance, literature, music. “In its own way,” she continues, “The Ebell is quite operatic. It encompasses so much.”

A live theater-lover, she earned her doctorate in dramatic arts and theater research from the University of California, Davis. Coincidentally, Brightman wrote her

AMY FORBES

STACY BRIGHTMAN

dissertation on Los Angeles theater in the 1930s, in which the Wilshire Ebell Theatre played a prominent part. Her career in the arts also includes teaching theatrical history at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing and an eight-year stint at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. She currently is enrolled in a masters degree (Please turn to page 9)

Editorial

(Continued from page 2) Our two representatives are: Richard Bloom, Assembly District 50 (basically Plymouth to the west), local telephone number 310-450-0041; and Miguel Santiago, Assembly District 53 (basically Plymouth to the east), local telephone number 213-6204646.

If you know other Assemblymembers, anywhere in California, call them too!

Ask them to vote NO on SB 9, SB 10 and SB 478.

For additional information,

Amy Forbes heads Center Theatre Group; Ahmanson joins

By John Welborne The Center Theatre Group Board of Directors has elected Amy R. Forbes as its president.

The longtime Windsor Square resident began her new post July 1.

She is a current member of the Windsor Square Association board of directors, and she was an influential leader of the successful effort to make Windsor Square an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ).

Forbes has spent her legal (Please turn to page 16) take a look at an article in the specialist publication, “The Planning Report,” written recently by Fifth District City Councilmember Paul Koretz.

This excellent, current commentary on the three bad bills also urges us residents to reach out to our Assemblymembers.

See: tinyurl.com/4b5tbwec In addition, many of our local homeowner associations are members of United Neighbors, a Sherman Oaks-based community group opposed to the bad bills and also a repository of excellent explanatory information at: unitedneighbors.net

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

5

6

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Councilmembers

(Continued from page 1) cil office. That’s not the case for homelessness response. I knew some of that coming in, but I was surprised with how broken the coordination is on the issue.”

Q: What has been the biggest challenge?

A: “I took office at the peak of the COVID crisis. My first day was Dec. 14, during a major surge, when it wasn’t safe to come to City Hall. And most difficult, I was not able to engage with constituents in person. That was the biggest challenge of all. In recent weeks, we’ve been able to conduct more meetings, and not only has the job become easier, but also the joy has come back to the work. To me, there’s nothing more joyful than to meet with constituents.”

Q: While in office, what are two accomplishments that you’ve started and finished?

A: “This is a little bit of a cheat, because I technically didn’t start it, but the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance recently passed. When the ordinance came to the Housing Committee where I am vice chair, I was able to add a number of amendments that strengthened the ordinance with further definitions of behavior that qualifies as tenant harassment, and a ban on raising rent for rent-stabilized units that become vacant as a result of tenant harassment violations.

MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS is dedicated to establishing a Right to Housing.

NITHYA RAMAN speaks at a recent groundbreaking ceremony to restore trees on the upper Vermont median leading into Griffith Park.

“Something else that I’m particularly proud of is my participation in the budget process this year. Thanks to our advocacy, we were able to restore the Dept. of Recreation and Parks operations and maintenance budget to allow for 140 lost positions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to be refilled.”

Q: What are two items that you’ve started while in office, but need more time to finish?

A: “The first item is the issue that we’ve talked about so much, homelessness. We have made an incredible amount of progress, and I’m proud of what we’ve done so

far. We have created a twoperson homelessness support team, which is purely devoted to tracking the homelessness response. We are filling the gap by helping to coordinate in our office between city agencies for services in Council District Four. Another item is identifying opportunities for affordable housing construction. That process is very, very long. I’m proud that we’ve identified two sites that are city-owned lots, and we’ve kick-started that process including community engagement. Additionally, we’ve put forward a motion that speeds up the process on how approv-

We’re Open!

Tailwaggers Larchmont Village 147 North Larchmont Blvd.

1929 N. Bronson Ave., Hollywood 801 N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood Free Same-Day Local Delivery Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8am-9pm • Sun. 9am-8pm

323.464.9600 www.tailwaggerspets.com Locally & Independently Owned Since 2003

al is given that will hopefully put this kind of housing at the front of the line.”

Mark Ridley-Thomas Q: What was your biggest surprise since taking office?

A: “I remain deeply concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. To date, only 52 percent of Latino and 43 percent of Black individuals have received at least one dose of the vaccine and, as a result, people of color also represent an outsized share of the cases and deaths from COVID-19.

We must work harder to find effective ways to earn the confidence and cooperation of communities of color, or we will face a prolonged pandemic and more unnecessary deaths, predominantly among people of color.”

Q: What has been the biggest challenge?

A: “There is no greater threat to our city and our moral consciousness than homelessness. Data has shown that more than 41,000 people in Los Angeles on any given night are experiencing homelessness, and roughly four people die on our streets every day.

“This is why fighting homelessness is my highest and

most important priority, and why we must fight to create a Right to Housing for every man, woman and child in our city. I have focused on establishing a framework for establishing this right … [and am working on] putting a plan together on how we may begin to implement this vision, which we anticipate being before the Council this fall.”

Q: While in office, what are two accomplishments that you’ve started and finished?

A: “When I first took office last December, I made a commitment to serve the residents of the 10th District.

“During this short time, I have hit the ground running. My team is working with People Assisting The Homeless (PATH), The People Concern and LAHSA [Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority] to house unsheltered individuals living in Mid-City and Koreatown, including at two Project Roomkey sites.

“I also worked to bring key stakeholders together to complete the Lafayette Bridge Home Site, which now provides interim housing to 72 men and women who experienced homelessness in the (Please turn to page 18)

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

7

SECTION ONE

Center for Yoga (Continued from page 1)

ning yoga studio in Los Angeles — since 1967 — chanted its last Namaste last year and shuttered its doors.

But yogis of all levels will soon be stretching into sun salutations, cobras and other classic yoga poses when the studio re-opens Tues., Aug. 24 as a community-ownedand-operated center — thanks to a team of locals who have stepped up to the mat.

“It’s a beloved space and a sacred space for a lot of people.

I couldn’t let it vanish for COVID. I had to do something,” said Jae Yoo, executive director, Cushman & Wakefield, and also a board member of the NEW Center for Yoga. He was instrumental in negotiating a 10-year lease for the space at 230 N. Larchmont Blvd.

Re-opening day Aug. 24 To celebrate opening day, the Center for Yoga will offer a full day of free classes Aug. 24, beginning with an all-levels class at 11 a.m., taught by world-class teachers Jeanne Heileman, Joe Kara, Patti Lewis, Andrea Marcum and Lisa Walford.

Center for Yoga former manager Deb Anderson will return as general manager, working alongside consultant Lisa Haase, who was the owner / director of the Center from 2000-2004.

Walford, who began at the Center in 1982 (literally, she used to live in an alcove above the main studio), returns as

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

The video “was about memThe Larchmont Boulevard Association, the Windsor ory and loss,” said Center Square Association and the board member and Hancock Larchmont Village Neigh- Park resident Katharine Deborhood Association threw Shaw, president of Philanthroin their support, and leasing pology. It motivated her to get agent Jordan Wheeler also involved and draw on her explayed a part. When mem- perience running a $388 milbers of the team told him, lion capital campaign for the “‘We don’t have a penny, but new Academy Museum (set we think we can raise a lot of to open Sept. 30 on Wilshire money,’ I thought he would Boulevard at Fairfax Avenue).

Center for Yoga investor and laugh at us,” Barton said. But instead, Wheeler said, “I was entrepreneur Sam Doniger hoping something like this grew up on Beachwood when the only chains on Larchmont would happen.” were banks. He signed on to Storied history MEMBERS Of THE TEAM that saved the Center for Yoga, MiThe building’s storied past help save the center “to keep chael Barton, Katharine DeShaw and Sam Doniger. Not shown began as a Masonic Lodge — Larchmont, Larchmont. are Dinah Buckhantz, Randy Pasqual, Lisa Walford and Jae Yoo. framed photographs of Ma“I think Larchmont is clearsonic leaders are in the alcove. ly in transition, and I hope one of the studio’s four inves- Works in 2004, until the pan- Later, the studio served as a the Center for Yoga will prodemic hit, and the national dance school before yogi pio- vide a unifying force for what tors.

“To be a part of the reopening chain closed the studio. neer Ganja White opened the the Boulevard used to be … a Returning the center to studio in 1967. of the Center is very special,” community-focused establishsays Walford. “The Center’s pre-pandemic numbers, when Two locals — architect Mary ment.” impact extends far beyond its 1,500 students took weekly Pickhardt and designer Bebe Barton is the sole member physical space, into the Larch- classes here, will be a chal- Johnson — are volunteering of the board that is not a yogi, mont Village neighborhood, lenge, said Center for Yoga their services in the upgrade, but he appreciates the center the city of Los Angeles, and board member and Windsor which includes replacing and sees its value. the broader yoga community.” Square resident Michael Bar- 1980s lighting with a 1920s “I love the neighborhood,” ton, managing director of Mi- schoolhouse style.

Local investor and the yoga center “is in the Board president and inves- chael Barton Consulting.

A massive Buddha stone heart of Larchmont. It’s an old Barton wrote the business sculpture that’s been in stor- cranky building that everytor Randy Pasqual, Plymouth Boulevard, didn’t think twice plan for the revamped Center. age at a local’s home will be body loves,” Barton smiles. when he learned neighbors It’s his 27th, and most recent, returned, and a mural will be Buckhantz, who practices start-up. were looking for investors. four to five times a week, “fell painted on the lobby wall.

“This is way more old “I’m all in,” said Pasqual, The maple floors will be in love with yoga, and I fell in who is borrowing on his finan- school,” compared to his other cleaned, and the building’s 22 love with the studio.” cial and management experi- projects. But the same busi- colors of interior paint will be During good times and bad, ence running his family busi- ness rules apply. “A company reduced to one neutral shade. “the practice itself, and the is a company,” said Barton. ness.

A new heating and air condi- community and teachers, kept A modest roster of 60 class- tioning system with COVID- me grounded and strong…

“Our primary goal is to bring back the yoga center to es a week to start is hoped to safe filters will also be ready in and very limber as I age… the community, for ourselves be increased to 120 weekly time for the opening.

“The response from the and everybody else,” Pasqual classes, offering an eclectic apcommunity has been amazBoost the Boulevard proach by experienced teachsaid.

The investors hope the stu- ing, from the associations The Center for Yoga was ers, for which the studio was dio’s reopening will also give a and from the business ownpurchased and run by Yoga known. boost to Larchmont business- ers. We hope it’s a win-win for es, which have suffered from the whole community,” said the pandemic and were hard Buckhantz.

Founding monthly memhit by the studio’s closure.

Upon hearing about the clo- bership starts at $145. More sure, Kim Fisch, who taught information about the Center NEW YEAR at the Center for Yoga for 14 for Yoga, including the class NEW YOU! years, was inspired to launch schedule, instructor informa“Revolving Around the Cen- tion, and special membership can be found at center,” a documentary-style poderase the holiday stresses with… SPA, spin,packages DMH , mani ped terforyogala.com cast.

LARCHMONT IS BACK IN BUSINESS! Come visit us or Go Online: larchmont.com ©LC0721

8

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Larchmont

(Continued from page 1) lage.” To learn more about best practices and improvement ideas, Kaliski welcomed two guests, Howard Blackson, a San Diego-based urban designer with specific expertise in neighborhood development and advocacy, and Lindsey Wallace, director of strategic projects and design services for the Main Street America Institute.

Blackson told meeting participants about how mixeduse development, a technique popular over the past decade, has helped to energize today’s streets with a variety of uses, such as vehicle traffic, parking, bus stops, parklets, food trucks and more. But with the pandemic, and the need for more outdoor space, a new trend of “curbside management” emerged. Blackson said that residents should keep three things in mind as they con-

Stacy Brightman (Continued from page 4)

program for nonprofit management.

“We are very excited about Stacy,” enthuses Ebell president Patty Lombard. “She has an extraordinary background that perfectly suits our unique operational structure. And, most importantly, she shares our aspirational mission.”

An Ebell member since she toured the club in 2019, Brightman was “bowled over” by the magnificent architecture and the club’s mission to educate and enlighten women and contribute to the community.

“I think an organization for women uplifting other women is needed now more than ever,” she states.

Brightman lives in Claremont, California (near her undergraduate alma mater, Pomona College) with her

PARKLETS may be a streetscape tool useful on Larchmont. The one shown here is in San Francisco.

Photo by Mark Hogan

sider changes for Larchmont: Design at the neighborhood scale, and think about loss of street parking as an opportunity to gain other kinds of spaces; Design for time, not speed, as people spend more money if they’re encouraged to stay longer; and change the

“first come, first served” attitude about parking. According to Blackman, building for social and cultural value will always translate into economic value, but that the reverse does not always work out.

Wallace, who was speaking from Chicago, told the group

husband of 30 years, lawyer John Hochhausler. They have two young adult children, Christian and Gwyneth. However, she grew up at Fourth and Rampart with her mother, Pauline, and a much-older sister. Although her mother only completed the ninth grade, she valued education and believed that the most important thing you could do for a child was to give him or her an education and exposure to the arts.

Her mother believed “The arts rounded your soul,” Brightman recounts, “and those two things together would magically open any door.”

Brightman explains that even with limited funds, her mother was “brilliant at finding any kind of free, low cost, accessible programs. We may have been in the back row, but we were in the room. What she was doing is what The Ebell is trying to do — expand our ho-

rizons.” Brightman continues, “I want The Ebell to be the cultural and scholarly heart of Los Angeles.”

President Lombard summarizes, “Thanks to the leadership of 63 other presidents who preceded me, we are blessed with a treasured historic campus that we hope will become the center for women’s issues, education, art and culture in LA. I know that sounds very aspirational, but we are inspired by Stacy and the significant needs in our community.”

Stacy Brightman considers her Ebell future, working with an active membership, a dedicated board of directors and, as she states, a “worldclass team” on staff: “I hope to bring a real sense of energy and excellence and also joy. It is an extraordinary blessing to do this work. We get to make the world a better place.”

For the food insecure in our area, HopeNet’s network of 13 food pantries and meal programs are a primary source of nourishment. The need for healthy food has only increased during the pandemic.

For 26 years, HopeNet has partnered with the Larchmont community to end hunger for our neighbors at the annual Taste of Larchmont fundraiser. Due to the pandemic, the Taste of Larchmont is canceled for another year. Despite this, HopeNet will insecurity. When you donate, you will not only help HopeNet close its fundraising gap, you will also support the Larchmont community. Qualifying donations will be shared with Larchmont businesses, and you will receive a gift card to a Larchmont eatery as a thank you. Support two great causes today!

Give online at bit.ly/3kc1lEA

that the pandemic has created a great “opportunity phase” as the economy reopens.

As an example of two kinds of streetscape tools that could be useful on Larchmont, Wallace highlighted “parklets” and “pedlets.” A parklet is a small space adjacent to or actually in the street space,

9

to be used for dining, seating or just gathering. A pedlet is an extension of pedestrian space into the street, allowing more space on the sidewalk to be used for dining, retail or other purposes. Wallace explained that cities that have studied the impact of parklets and pedlets have found that economic benefits far outweigh the cost of the lost parking spaces they replace.

To watch a recording of the two-hour meeting, visit youtu.be/Q4UG2Gz7hIA Third session July 26 The final planned conversation, a “Community Listening Session,” was scheduled for July 26 at 7 p.m., a date that falls after deadline for this issue. However, organizers tell the Chronicle that the online and recorded meeting will build off of the two previous sessions with the opportunity for community stakeholders to ask questions and share ideas.

Visit Larchmont2021.com for more information.

325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 Los Angeles, California 90004 www.windsorsquare.org 157 N. Larchmont Boulevard

Act Now To Save Our Neighborhoods!

Senate Bills 9 and 10 will be up for a final vote in Sacramento on or after August 16. It is imperative that we contact our State Assembly Members, Richard Bloom and Miguel Santiago, and urge them to vote NO. Why? The legislators behind SB 9 and 10 (and the many other previous attempts) want to put an end to ALL single-family zoning. SB 9 and 10 would allow developers to build multistory apartment buildings right next door to single-family homes.

The sponsoring legislators are spreading the false narrative that single-family zoning is the cause of our affordable housing crisis, but the fact is that these bills will not help solve that very real problem. These bills will only benefit developers and speculators by increasing housing costs and creating more market-rate housing. Nowhere in these bills are there any provisions for creating affordable housing!

We are not NIMBYs if we oppose SB 9 and 10. We can strongly endorse the creation of more truly affordable housing.

SB 9 and SB 10 are not solutions to our affordable housing crisis.

Current City of Los Angeles zoning provides centrally located land for multi-family construction, without destroying vital, contributing, low-density, owner-occupied neighborhoods. A further concern with what Sacramento is trying to prescribe throughout the state is that it ignores experience: local control of zoning is essential. For one thing, local control and understanding will result in the needed denser housing being built in areas with appropriate infrastructure. If our elected legislators would please just disregard the influence of self-interested developers, and ask the right questions, our representatives then could find a real answer to our affordable housing crisis. SB 9 and SB 10 are not an answer. Go to these websites for more information: www.unitedneighbors.net www.liveablecalifornia.org And most important of all, contact our State Assembly Members before August 16 and urge them to vote NO on Senate Bills 9 and 10.

Assembly Member Assembly Member Richard Bloom Miguel Santiago District 50 District 53 (generally Plymouth to the west) (generally Plymouth to the east) 310-450-0041 213-620-4646

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.

©LC0821

Larchmont Chronicle

10

Alumni return to stage a musical July 29 – Aug. 1

The theatrical production “Caroline, or Change,” which was shut down by the pandemic in March 2020, will get its moment on the Immaculate Heart stage thanks to efforts by the school’s alumni.

Former students from the last 10 years will join members of the original cast to tell the story of Caroline Thibodeaux, a Black maid whose world in 1963 Louisiana ripples with change.

“The cast felt very connected to Caroline’s struggle,” said drama teacher Heather Chesley. “We kept thinking we would reopen in two weeks, two months, and we could share this very important story. Now, our cast and alumni will return to present this story that ignites discussion and empathy.”

Recent alumna Khafira Freeman, Class of 2020, who is now a student at New York University, will return to the stage as Caroline, the role she prepared to play before the original production was cancelled.

The show runs from Thurs., July 29 to August 1. Visit immaculateheart.org.

Let the GAMES begin!!

New coach to lead Loyola High team Loyola High School of Los Angeles has tapped Damaine M. Powell to helm its varsity basketball program.

Coach Powell comes from St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, where he was the head coach for the past seven years. “I’m very excited to join one of the best academic institutions in the state of California,” said Coach Powell. “I’m looking forward to joining an elite team of administrators to continue the excellent tradition of boys’ basketball at Loyola.”

At St. Paul’s, his team twice had the best record in school history and clinched the conference championship four times. His 26 years of coaching experience include serving as the coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills for 10 years, winning the conference championship three times, coach at Compton College, winning two state

OAKWOOD SCHOOL

By Scarlett Saldaña 10th Grade

2021 Fall Soccer Season Opens September!!!

Register NOW

www.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

.info

As the Oakwood Summer Programs come to an end, orientations will come around to help students prepare for the beginning of their classes on Aug. 31. Since the end of last school year, the administration began to plan for a safe return back to inperson learning, in preparation for this fall. With this in mind, Oakwood hopes to bring both elementary and secondary students back to campus to attend in-person classes, clubs, and even school-wide events, as long as the current COVID situation continues to improve. Including this, Oakwood plans to bring back the 7th, 9th, and 11th grade camping

DAMAINE POWELL

championships, and as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California for three years, helping to lead them to the NCAA tournament.

In addition to his coaching experience, Coach Powell is an educator, who has taught

history and algebra in the past; he will teach Algebra 2 at Loyola.

“The many championships he and his teams have won throughout his career speak for themselves,” said Loyola Athletic Director Chris O’Donnell.

trips. Normally, the 7th graders go to the Kings Canyon National Park, the 9th graders head to Kennedy Meadows, and the 11th graders visit the Russian River.

However, to allow the seniors to make up for their missed junior trip, these excursions will be pushed back a few months into the first semester, instead of occurring at the beginning of the school year. Along with these planned trips, there is also the exciting new addition of the Oakwood Kitchen, which was first proposed almost two years ago.

Now, despite its past construction delays due to the pandemic, the kitchen will soon be ready to serve students fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. With all of this positive change coming our way, I am incredibly excited to begin my junior year, and I look forward to seeing more positive developments as the months go by.

NEW COVENANT ACADEMY

By Dale Lee 10th Grade

We are halfway through summer school and it’s been full of vivacity and excitement. Students enjoyed many different clubs and gardening class has been a student favorite. Huskies have been planting and cultivating vegetables and appreciating firsthand the fruits of harvesting.

Maybe they’ll even learn to cook with these fresh ingredients! As we enter the second month of the summer course, students will have the opportunity to change the electives of their choice. Maybe our outstanding chess players can learn how to play soccer or

(Please turn to page 11)

Have a Happy Summer!

Board-Certified Pediatricians • We care for children 0-21 years old • Most PPO Insurance plans accepted • Complimentary “meet the doctor” appointments available

Call Today! 323.960.8500 321 N Larchmont Blvd., Suite 1020 . Los Angeles . CA . 90004 . www.larchmontpediatric.com

Back to School Edition Publishes Thursday, September 2

Call Pam Rudy to reserve your space by Monday, August 16 323-462-2241 x 11

©LC0821

Neville Anderson, MD, FAAP Amaka Priest, MD Courtney Mannino, MD, FAAP

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Hancock Park student’s ‘Wish’ helps Chevalier’s and students

By Suzan Filipek Dinah Yorkin often strolled to her neighborhood bookshop, Chevalier’s, to buy books and get recommendations for new ones.

So, when the Hancock Park student was granted anything she wanted through Make-AWish Greater Los Angeles, she chose to help out her favorite bookstore.

And she wanted to buy books for local students who could use them.

“My wish had multiple layers,” Dinah, 14, said last month.

The bookstore was struggling during the pandemic, she explained.

“I really wanted to support them, but I also wanted to support children in public schools because they really needed it.”

Challenged since age 4 Dinah, who has been hospitalized and on medication since she was diagnosed at four with kidney disease, was featured along with her father, David Yorkin, on KTLA 5 News June 16.

Recipients of Make-A-Wish usually ask to experience a memorable experience, “and you turned it to help so many more,” the on-air newscaster said to Dinah.

As part of her wish, she selected books from Chevalier’s for each grade level at Hollywood Elementary. In addition, Make-A-Wish gave a check for $3,500 to the school to buy more books to fill empty shelves at its library.

When the pandemic started, the elementary school sent students home with library books not expecting the pandemic to last as long as it has. “Now the library needs a lot more books. Getting this check, they were able to get more books,” Dinah explained.

“It’s so rare, and so wonderful, when a child gives their wish away. She’s so wise for her years,” said Jaya Vadlamudi, vice president, marketing and communications for Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles.

At Marlborough The experience “was all really, really incredible,” said Dinah, who will be a ninth grader this fall at Marlborough.

Receiving many thank-yous from the students at Hollywood Elementary at a book-

New Covenant (Continued from page 10)

even ping-pong.

Our high school students have been working vigorously on their college courses, but have also had their chance to join in on the fun. They can help coordinate and teach our younger Huskies in different clubs or get some exercise by utilizing our school gym.

WISH RECIPIENT Dinah Yorkin (far right) with mom Alix, Dinah’s twin sister Dolores and dad David. Dinah gave books to all the students at Hollywood Elementary School.

giving ceremony at the school was the best part. “It was so sweet, and they were all so nice and so grateful,” said Dinah.

At a luncheon following the event, Make-A-Wish members each gave Dinah a copy of his or her favorite book to read.

“So, I got 11 books that I re-

ally love, and I am now making my way through them.”

When the effort started, her father added, “It was all-hands on-deck because [Make-AWish] wanted to make sure it happened before the end of the school term.

“They couldn’t have been more responsive. It was a wonderful experience for our whole family,” David Yorkin added.

Chevalier’s Books Chevalier’s was also pleasantly surprised.

“It was wonderfully unexpected for Dinah to use her wish in that way to benefit not just us, but an entire elementary school full of kids,” said Chevalier’s manager Katie Orphan.

Book sales dropped during the pandemic, and the bookshop was forced to leave its longtime site, but it quickly found another spot across the

Larchmont Village

11

Boulevard.

“There’s been this nice confluence of events,” said Orphan. The neighborhood continued to support the store during the pandemic, and readers now are returning in person. “Lots of folks are coming to the Boulevard to browse books again for the first time in a year … and we’re having these great restaurants as neighbors” bringing in many first-time customers.

Dinah is doing much better these days, thanks to a new medication, and she’s visited the new bookshop numerous times since it opened earlier this year. She especially likes the wood floors at the new bookstore. “It feels so welcome and opening.”

Visit wish.org/la to donate and learn more about MakeA-Wish Greater Los Angeles, which grants wishes for children with a critical illness.

12

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

Multitude of interests contribute to success on the golf course

What six-year-old creates an email address that contains “greenjacket” in it? One who’s been golfing since he was four.

Providence High School’s Hunter Campen, now 17, considers Wilshire Country Club (WCC) his home golf course.

The Campens are members,

and so are some of their family friends. One of them — Bill Johnson — was at WCC with his kids years ago, and they met up with the Campens (Hunter and his parents Chase and Angelique). At the time, Hunter was four, and he had never golfed. The John-

sons owned a set of junior golf clubs, and Hunter was handed one.

“As soon as he swung, it was as if the skies parted and lightning struck,” said Chase.

“It was clear he had ability.”

Multiple sports Hunter Campen is well-

Hands-on Projects • Swimming & Field Trips Computer Science & Technology • Before & After Care Included

IMMACULATE HEART

A Catholic, Independent, College Preparatory School For Girls Grades 6-12

adjusted, and multi-faceted.

His best sport is golf, but Youth perhaps his success comes because he doesn’t spend all Sports his spare time on the links. by Contacting him for this feaJim ture was a challenge. He likes Kalin to surf, play pickup basketball and lift weights. Hunter was on a two-day surfing squad include Team Captain trip north of Santa Barbara at and MVP, All Prep League Hollister Ranch just prior to First Team, and CIF-SS (Calcompeting in the 2020 WCC ifornia Interscholastic FedJunior Club Championship eration Southern Section) individual qualifier. He’s last year.

“I was a little perplexed that advanced twice to the second surfing was how he was ‘pre- round of the CIF playoffs, but paring’ for the tournament, missed his sophomore season but I don’t intervene,” said entirely after suffering a brohis father. “I golf, and I’m ter- ken arm while snowboarding.

But first he needs to defend rible, but other than encouragement, I stay away from his that WCC Junior Title. That takes place game.”

August 29.

At that “Golf is a game that is Look for him WCC Junior played on a five-inch at the beach Championcourse — the distance the week ship, Hunter before, floatand defending between your ears.”

— Bobby Jones ing on his champ Carter surfboard, Gaede were in a tight battle through the first waiting for choice waves.

For those who like to bet, nine holes. There was a dramatic three-shot swing at the here’s a tip. If Hunter Campen tenth that gave Hunter the eventually competes on the lead. He parred the next six PGA Tour, watch for tournaholes, and even with bogeys ments that take place on a on 17 and 18, he finished with coast, where the surf is big, a 76, and the club champion- and bet on him. Ghost Tree ship. “It’s one thing to have — just off the 18th hole at the talent and the work eth- Pebble Beach — is one such ic, but putting it all together surf spot. Thundering waves, under pressure to win events with tubes that can stretch like that is really tough,” said the length of a nice 3-iron shot.

Hunter’s father.

For Hunter Campen, that’s And maybe surfing as preparation wasn’t such a bad idea. 180 yards.

“I think he has a unique mix of needing to practice to play well, but not practice too much.”

Hunter’s favorite club is a three-iron.

“I love hitting it off the tee,” he said. “I always feel confident with it.”

That may be, but in golf, an individual’s game changes.

Currently, Hunter’s putting is the best part of his game.

Putting “Anything inside ten feet, I can walk up and make.”

He’ll need a complete game for his upcoming senior sea- AFTER WINNING the 2020 son. So far, his accomplish- WCC Junior Club Championments on the Providence golf ship, Hunter Campen smiles.

“Educating the Hearts & Minds of Young Women Since 1906”

5515 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028 ♥(323) 461-3651 ♥ www.immaculateheart.org

HUNTER and Chase Campen on the 18th tee at Pebble Beach.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Tailwaggers celebrates its grand opening on Larchmont

By Caroline Tracy Tailwaggers Larchmont, the new multi-purpose pet boutique, hosted a four-day-long grand opening to celebrate its arrival on the Boulevard. The event featured vendor demonstrations, free samples, gift bags with purchase, daily raffle drawings, and the chance to get to know staff members.

Tailwaggers, which has two other locations, in Hollywood and West Hollywood, first opened its doors on Larchmont this spring with a soft opening. Now, the shop is fully stocked and was ready for its official unveiling.

Tailwaggers owner Todd Warner was on-site, working with customers during the fête, and expressed his excitement about the Larchmont locale.

“I’ve been coming to Larchmont Boulevard for over 30 years,” Warner shared. “I used to live in Brookside on Tremaine, and I’ve always loved this area. It’s just so special and I’m really excited to be here.”

During the opening, patrons and their pets were greeted by Warner, as well as a full staff ready to answer questions about anything related to the shop’s pet products and services. Representatives from many

ful for some pets,” Warner explained. “So our approach is different. Other grooming models take on an assembly line format with the animals seeing multiple technicians.

At Tailwaggers, each pet stays with one groomer for the entire length of the service,

TAILWAGGERS owner Todd Warner, right, and General Manager Brian Boulter, in front of the Larchmont store.

of the product lines came out in support of the opening and offered free samples, tutorials and demonstrations.

Customers who made a purchase of $20 or more over the four-day event were given a goody bag and entered into a raffle. With multiple prizes being raffled off each day, many walked away with curated gift baskets for dogs and cats, designer dog beds, and other indemand products.

In addition to its retail operation, Tailwaggers will offer daycare and grooming later this summer.

“Grooming can be stress-

OVERALL view of customers enjoying the new store.

Sign up for fall soccer season Fall registration is in full swing! The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) fall season starts Sept. 11 for Region 78, which covers Hollywood, Larchmont and Wilshire. Registration is open for ages 3 to 18, said Kurt Muller, regional commissioner. “For the three- to five-yearolds, we will accept registrations into early September and are encouraging families to ‘spread the word’ to get their friends and classmates to join up with them.”

“While a key part of AYSO is meeting new friends, we do get a lot of ‘team requests,’ which is something we have

more flexibility with for these younger age groups. We even accommodate requests up to our ‘2014’ division as long as the family has a referee volunteer (something we always have a desperate need for and that requires no soccer experience).

“We are planning coach and referee volunteer trainings in the second half of August.

Most of the volunteers are parents, grandparents, uncles / aunts and even siblings, which really makes for a fun familyfriendly experience.”

For information, email ayso78registrar@gmail.com or visit ayso78.info.

Pets of Larchmont

“Our loving rescued angels, 14-year-old Bella and 9-month-old Addy, enjoy life at Manhattan Place,” said Mary and Art Fruchtenbaum.

(This entry was sent in after the deadline for our annual July pet issue.)

BELLA, 14, and Addy.

which is better for creating a bond and reducing any potential upset.”

Giving back is important to Warner. To that effect, the upstairs office space will serve as headquarters for his non-profit, Tailwaggers Foundation, which raises money for rescue

13

dogs and cats. He is also committed to giving back in the community.

“I love being a part of the neighborhood, and I’m so excited to get involved and help Larchmont celebrate its upcoming 100th anniversary,” Warner said.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Two summers (Continued from page 1)

We are currently staying at my in-laws’ golf club in Westchester County, N.Y. I used to work here during the summers, but it’s been two years since I’ve written from this terrace.

My 7-year-old daughter is down below on the grounds, participating in a day camp that has her golfing, playing tennis, doing arts and crafts, and swimming the day away.

She is with 12 other kids from the surrounding towns; all new friends. They are not wearing masks. I wonder if they should be.

VIEW of the Hudson from Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.

Meanwhile, my 9-year-old son is at sleepaway camp in Grantham, N.H. We dropped

him off there for a month-long stay (eek!) before heading off on our own adventure.

So far on this trip, we have visited friends and relatives in Boston, Mass.; Harwich Port, Mass.; Katonah, N.Y.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.; and Westport, Conn. It’s exhausting, but we are happy and making up for lost time.

I’m not alone in my pursuit to give my kids (and myself) a better summer than last year.

Many parents I’ve spoken to from the neighborhood had the same mission.

Sleepaway camp seems to be the star of the show. While some sleepaway camps were operational last summer, and the die-hards certainly went (as they should have), there seemed to be a groundswell of interest in the experience for summer 2021 among newbies and converts like me.

For all of us who are enjoying ourselves, though, it’s important to recognize that times are still tough for many.

The Plymouth School Safely Opened for the 2021-2022 School Year!

ELLA Friedman enjoys a dip at Canyon Creek Camp in Lake Hughes, Calif.

lage, told me: “Both of my girls went to camp this summer. Kayla went for two weeks, and Ella went for one week. Everyone was happy and they were out of the house. HUGE contrast to last summer.”

Friedman’s answer is a common refrain. I spoke with families who had sent kids ranging in age from 8 to 14 to camps across the country, including Minnesota, North Carolina and Maine. I am so happy for each and every one of those children (and their parents!).

For all of us who are enjoying ourselves, though, it’s important to recognize that times are still tough for many. Just today, I saw two news stories out of Los Angeles that jolted me back to reality. City pools have closed due to lack of chlorine (caused by the uptick in private pool construction, the article posited), and several Los Angeles-area beaches were closed due to a sewage spill. The threat of COVID looms as well, with the Delta variant causing numbers (among the unvaccinated) to surge, yet again.

Countless families looking for a break have undoubtedly been affected by these strange “man-made” disasters.

So, while some of us sojourn and revel, let us all hope that the summer of 2022 will be enjoyed by all.

Trips away Family vacations are also back on the table, and not just to Santa Barbara for a week.

Alex Andrews, Larchmont Village, took her family to Costa Rica for a memorable experience.

“Costa Rica was wide open, with no mandated quarantine time, so we scooted off there as soon as school let out for my two teenagers,” Andrews said. “We had an amazing time and can’t wait to get out there and do some more traveling.”

Another family went to see extended family in Puerto Rico. Jessie Cox, who resides near Park La Brea, told me: “We are so happy to be able to travel again in 2021. Last year, we had to cancel a family reunion at Disney World and a trip to see my husband’s family in Siesta Key. This summer, we are thrilled to be spending time with family in New York and Puerto Rico. Having our families on the East Coast is difficult, but being able to connect with them this year has been a true blessing.”

Back on the camp front, Nona Fried- KAYLA FRIEDMAN on a “Quest” to Yoman, Larchmont Vil- semite with Camp Tawonga.

NOW ENROLLING

Dentistry for Children and Young Adults

Pediatric Dentistry Randall E. Niederkohr, D.D.S.

Member American Dental Association Diplomat of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

• Preschool program for children 2 to 5½. • Experienced teachers devoted to fostering self-esteem in a safe • Creative activities to encourage nurturing environment cognitive & social development • Over 45 years serving the neighborhood

315 S. Oxford Ave. • 213-387-7381

theplymouthschool.com • theplymouthschool@gmail.com

©LC0821

including art, music, movement & play

Orthodontics Available

TV & Video Games

©LC1010

14

We have a unique living room atmosphere Children from newborns to 18-year-olds feel comfortable Saturday Appointments Available

(323) 463-8322 • 321 N. Larchmont Blvd, Suite 809

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

15

A rollicking and fancy Italian dinner in a bleak part of town

I hadn’t ventured downtown since the before times, but recently the lure of our urban environment called me to indulge in a fancy Italian dinner in the fashion district.

It was still light out as we threaded our way past Disney Hall’s gleaming undulating walls and 7th Street’s vibey storefront eateries. Suddenly, civilization gave way to streets filled with discount goods and warehouses, then block after block of tents and dented lawn chairs.

The four of us grew silent as we contemplated the enormity of the bleakness before us.

Minutes later, a valet parking stand incongruously appeared curbside next to a Cognis-

centi coffee. We saw glittering lights and heard rollicking laughter and animated conversation echoing from two large, beautiful restaurants nestled across a plaza from one another. On the left is the Latin DAMA, on the right is Rossoblu, where we had reservations.

It’s no surprise to anyone in Los Angeles that the number of unhoused citizens in every neighborhood has grown exponentially in the last few years, but the largest concentration of people scraping by on the streets must be in downtown, especially on Skid Row and in the various warehouse districts. However,

On the Menu by

Helene Seifer even in the midst of our urban failure, the gentrifiers gentrify and carve out pockets of wealth and privilege, such as this one, where, steps from those who can’t afford a cup of coffee, I can order a $16 martini and a $45 pork chop with braised escarole.

And yet, the minute we handed over our car keys and stepped into the brighter

Play pianos for a cause, outdoors at the Wallis

Tickle the keys on upright pianos placed outdoors at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and other locales August 5 – September 6, 2021.

The nonprofit Sing for Hope project has partnered with the City of Beverly Hills and the Wallis to bring more than a dozen artist-designed pianos to parks and public spaces for the public’s free use and enjoyment.

Other participating locations include Beverly Hills City Hall, Beverly Gardens Park and Rodeo Drive. After the public installation, the pianos will be moved to underserved local schools, hospitals and community centers.

The program has placed more than 500 artist-designed Sing for Hope Pianos on the streets of New York City (and beyond) since 2010, with instruments created by Julian Schnabel, Diane von Furstenberg and Lance Johnson.

The program was founded in New York City in 2006. For

RESTAURANT & COCKTAILS

world of people celebrating post-pandemic freedom, we happily followed the scent of grilled meats and shaved Parmigiano to our Saturday evening date with food nirvana.

Rossoblu opened to acclaim in 2017, both for its lovely décor and its luscious Italian flavors.

Due to lingering coronavirus concerns, the interior has been stripped down to minimal seating, although an impressive wall mural is still holding court. Most eat on the expansive light-strung patio.

Chef and owner Steve Samson’s cooking is influenced by his Italian mother, and his house-made pastas, grilled fish and meats and impeccably handled vegetables are superb expressions of the simple, fresh tastes found throughout the Bel Paese (the beautiful country).

Once seated outside and sipping our various vodka, mezcal and orgeat cocktails, our waiter recommended the eggplant, so that’s what we ordered to start. Interestingly, we were split on our assessment.

My husband and son-in-law thought it was okay, but not worth the hype. My daughter and I loved the $14 refreshing gossamer discs of marinated eggplant with tomato sugo, basil and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

All the antipasti sounded appealing, especially the $14 pork meatballs with fennel pollen and the $21 mixed sea-

food with chili dipping sauce, but we opted to share the $15 erbazzone, a Swiss chard and cucumber, crescenza cheesestuffed grilled sandwich. We all loved the cheesy greens and chewy toasts, but I was the lone holdout who thought the eggplant still won the appetizer wars.

There were six grilled menu dishes on offer the night we visited, from $35 chicken with date jus to $99 28-day dry-aged bone-in Holstein ribeye. My husband and I shared the dry-aged striped bass, $35. This was a spectacular and meaty filet, very sweet and perfectly complemented by a thickened savory tomato broth.

We also shared the $25 tagliatelle al ragù Bolognese.

The wide al dente pasta ribbons were gently swathed in a delicate sauce of ground beef and pork, with just a kiss of tomato. Very authentic and delicious.

Our daughter and son-inlaw ordered the Bolognese and a sweet corn risotto, $25.

I love corn with rice or pasta and this risotto is no exception, but the thick creaminess chef’s tease-out of the rice grains was, in this case, thinner than expected.

A generous square of tiramisu was a dream end to our meal, then we reentered the nightmare of the streets for our drive home.

Rossoblu, City Market South, 1124 San Julian St., 213-749-1099.

ARTIST Laurie Tsou paints one of the pianos before it is moved to a public place by Sing for Hope.

Photo by Vince Bucci

more information visit singforhope.org/pianos/

Lunch & Dinner Every Day of the Year

BOGIE’S LIQUOR

a special

Open 7 Days Hours: Open 12 noon Close 2 a.m.

Call 323-469-1414

©LC0221

We carry the finest in Beer • Wine • Spirits • Champagne • Kegs

5753 Melrose Ave.

We are available to cater your weddings, showers, holiday parties and all types of events.

Mention We also have private dining rooms and areas for private events. this ad for treat!

Ask about our private dining spaces & catering options!

Call us at 323.297.0070 ext 27 or e-mail catering@angeliniosteria.com

7313 – 7317 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles,|90036 | 323.297.0070 7313-7321 Beverly Blvd 323.297.0070 www.angelinirestaurantgroup.com www.angelinirestaurantgroup.com Open for Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner – Catering

©LC0821

3357 Wilshire Blvd. • 213-385-7275 • thehmsbounty.com

©LC 0821

Restaurant Hours: Mon.-Thurs. noon to midnight Fri.-Sat.-Sun. noon to 1:00 a.m.

Bar open till 1:00 a.m. Mon.-Thurs. ~ 1:30 a.m. Fri. & Sat.

16

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Bozo the Clown stars in these insecure, uncertain times

My on-line physical therapist (which must be an oxymoron) has me doing these balance exercises where I tilt from one side to the other, gradually lifting alternating legs higher and higher until I achieve some sort of balance on one foot, usually for about three seconds. While she convinces me that this will help turn me into an efficient and elegant creature of locomotion, more often than not I feel like one of those rolypoly Bozo the Clown toys of my youth that you could bat, swat or push and it would never fall over.

I mention this because the roly-poly wobbly Bozo is about the best metaphor I have for the state of theater right now.

“Hamilton” is coming back to the Pantages, but “Hamilton” (despite its triple-digit ticket prices) got nearly $50 million

in PPE funds to weather the pandemic. Smaller theaters, even with government support, have not been so lucky (retrofitting HVAC systems are a major cost) and so, many of the 99-seat theaters are going the way of other small businesses and closing for good. The state of the cinema is analogous: “Black Widow” crushes (as the kids say) an $80 million opening weekend, while independent serious films hope for a slot on Netflix or AppleTV. Finances are not the only reason for the wobbling. In my June column, I talked about how theaters “flipped a switch” after the 1918-19 Flu pandemic, and how producers were hoping to do the same now. Well, it turns out that that switch has a dimmer control on it. Rising Delta cases and the fact that, as one po-

TIME FOR A BACKYARD

Theater Review by

Louis Fantasia tential audience member put it, “people can’t be trusted,” has significantly slowed the rush to a theatrical “normal” — new or not. Two well-reviewed off-Broadway shows, Lucas Hnath’s “Dana H.” and Tina Satter’s “Is This A Room,” have hedged their bets on their move to Broadway by splitting the rent on the Lyceum Theater, with each show taking part of a week’s performance schedule.

Culturally, every new play on Broadway this fall, except for the two above by Hnath and Satter, will be by a Black writer (TimeOut/NY, 7/2/21).

That’s a real step forward. The step back is that the seven

Amy Forbes

(Continued from page 4)

r with our e m m u S p u n e ht g ri B orations!

MAUI-WOWIE dec Banners Centerpieces Piñatas & MORE!

20% Off ALL MERCHANDISE

WITH THIS AD (except printing, discounted goods, balloons and balloon delivery)

5969 Melrose Ave. (at Wilcox) • 323-467-7124 www.vineamericanparty.com

Your Host Dimitris Houndalas

Celebrating 33 Years with Plenty of Al Fresco Dining Open with Temporary Hours Dinners Tues.-Sun.

©LC0821

Vine American Party Store

A TASTE OF GREECE Our healthy, delicious, Greek Mediterranean cuisine comes from the Peloponnese region. Our recipes are those of our forefathers and we delight in sharing our philosophy of conscious, healthy living with our guests, because we truly care about your health and well-being.

“Stin y yassas!” … To Your Health!

Dimitris

©LC0821

Paper Goods Decorations Balloons

career at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. She is the cochair of the Land Use Practice Group. During a one-year leave of absence from the firm in 1988-89, she worked on land use planning issues at the Crown Property Bureau, the agency of the Thai government that manages the King of Thailand’s property.

Outgoing President Kiki Ramos Gindler, Hancock Park, moves into the position of chairperson of the board, having led the nonprofit organization for more than six years.

Joining Forbes and Gindler are the Board’s new officers, including William R. Lindsay as executive vice president, William H. Ahmanson, Han-

Take-out Available Online on website - or call 323-464-5160

127 North Larchmont Boulevard • www.lepetitgreek.com

plays, “Pass Over,” “Lackawanna Blues,” “Chicken and Biscuits,” “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” “Trouble in Mind” (a revival from 1955), and “Clyde’s” are all underperforming at the advance box office.

As I write this, The Center Theatre Group lists its season, including Jeremy O. Harris’s “Slave Play,” but tickets are not for sale. The Geffen has announced that its 25th Anniversary season will open on September 14, but the best I could get out of its website was to “notify me” when tickets become available. At the Wallis in Beverly Hills, all shows this month (six of them) continue to be outdoors on the venue’s terrace.

Wobble, wobble. Take a whack! Economists agree on one thing: uncertainty is bad for business. If it is bad for business, uncertainty is worse for a collective and collaborative art like theater, which has more to worry about than a

“fear of jerks” (NYT, 5/26/20) in the audience who won’t follow rules about masking or social distancing.

Producers are now openly talking about a devastating flu season in late fall and the effects of climate change. Is anyone driving up to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer? Other open-air theaters from the Public in New York to theaters in the Midwest have been rained out more often with each passing summer. The smaller the theater, the bigger the impact each of these issues has to the bottom line.

Theater does not happen in a vacuum. These are insecure, uncertain times, and we hunger for clarity and direction.

My fear, if history is an indicator, is that the solutions will come from the wrong place and the wrong people. Perhaps we should get more comfortable with our anxieties... and our lack of balance!

cock Park, Miles Benickes and Gail Berman-Masters as vice presidents, Stanley Iezman as secretary and David Quigg as treasurer. Officers are elected to a term of three years.

“As we move ever closer to a safe reopening of our theaters and embark on a search for our next Artistic Director, I recognize this is both an exciting and important time to take a leadership role at Center Theatre Group,” said Forbes.

Forbes graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Princeton University in 1980 and from the USC School of Law in 1984.

From 1990 to 1996, she was on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Conservancy,

serving as President of the organization from 1993-1996.

In 2006, she joined Center Theatre Group’s board and has also served on the Board of the USC School of Architecture Guild and the Los Angeles Free Clinic. She has provided more than 20 years of pro bono real estate advice and other service to Center Theatre Group. She is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.

Center Theatre Group programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and the 1600-to-2100-seat Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.

Outdoor shows are on the summer program at Wallis It’s not summer in Southern California until you can enjoy Summer @ The Wallis at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills. The program features dance, live music and other performances in an outdoor venue to accommodate a socially distanced audience.

This month, programs include a chamber concert by Salastina, Sat., Aug. 7 and the Heidi Duckler Dance Company performing the world premier of “The Chandelier,” Wed., Aug. 11 to Sun., Aug. 15.

Versa-Style performs “Box of Hope,” Thurs., Aug. 19 to Sat., Aug. 21; Quattrosound string quartet plays Wed., Aug. 25; Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles is Thurs., Aug. 26 and Fri., Aug. 27; and Ty Taylor sings a selection of classic and nouveau stan-

dards Sat., Aug. 28.

Visit thewallis.org or call 310-746-4000.

Road to Stardom on AIDS Walk

AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2021 is taking the “Road to Stardom” with RuPaul’s Ongina hosting. But the 2021 walk will not be en masse.

The walk-a-thon, which was founded in 1985, will have a list of scenic, iconic places around Los Angeles County for participants to use as their “Road to Stardom” map. Participants can also donate and participate from home.

Ongina, who was a contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” TV show, will host first-hand accounts of how the AIDS Walk helped someone. Registration concludes Sun., Oct. 3.

Visit aidswalkla.org.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

17

Mystery thriller keeps you guessing, Bourdain film on menu

No Sudden Move (8/10): 91 Minutes. R. An outstanding cast highlights this mystery/ thriller about a home invasion that seems incongruous and quickly goes wrong. Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro give sparkling performances as two of the heist men who are involved in something far deeper than they could possibly imagine. But the relationships go much further than originally meets the eye, and it keeps one guessing what is really going on throughout the film. Theaters and HBOMax. Val (8/10): 108 minutes. R. Val Kilmer was the youngest person ever to be admitted to the Juilliard School in New York City. In addition, he was prescient enough to be an early devotee of videotape cameras.

He took his cameras with him wherever he went and kept all the tapes that he made, which added up to thousands and thousands of feet of material.

Along with directors Leo Scott and Ting Poo Day, they sifted through this mass of material and have put together an illuminating autobiography told in his own words and using the films he made throughout his life. I did not know that he suffered from throat cancer and basically lost his voice, speaking now through a hole in his throat. But it has not stopped him, and he still tells his story, although his voice is very rough. His son, Jack, speaks his narration for him sometimes. He had a one-of-a-kind look about him and the persona of a star. If you are a fan, you will like this. If you are not a fan, this might make you one.

The Phantom (8/10): 82 minutes. NR. On the night of Feb. 4, 1983, a young woman working at a gas station in Corpus Christi, Texas, 26-yearold Wanda Lopez, called police to inform them that there was a Hispanic man outside her store that worried her. While still on the phone, he attacked and killed her while the police listened. He ran away, but shortly thereafter police found 20-year-old Carlos DeLuna hiding under a car and eyewitnesses ID’d him as a man running away from the scene.

During the trial DeLuna identified Carlos Hernandez as the killer. In 2012 a Columbia University innocence project investigated and reported that DeLuna was telling the truth, that Hernandez not only performed the murder, but bragged about it. If what is shown here is true, this poor guy DeLuna had a lawyer who was lazy, if not incompetent; the prosecutors were more interested in an easy conviction than finding out who really did it, and DeLuna ended up executed. It took 20 years to find out that there was an almost 100 percent probability

that DeLuna was telling the truth, and it was truth that could have been discovered, especially by the prosecutors, with just a little diligence. This makes a pretty persuasive case for DeLuna’s innocence, but it is basically one-sided. The fact, though, that he turned down a life sentence without possibility of parole is strong evidence that he was innocent. Prime.

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain (7/10): 118 minutes. NR. It’s mostly the charismatic Bourdain kvetching about his life before he ended it. I came away thinking that he owed everything to his producers Lydia Tenaglia and Chris Collins. It was their idea to make a series out of “The Cook’s Tour,” his second book, and they were really the geniuses behind his TV success.

Lydia says that “life on the road with Tony is not all it’s cracked up to be. The man can be a real pain in the ass some-

At the Movies with

Tony Medley times…” Bourdain would have probably just been a successful author and not a world-famous TV personality without Collins and Tenaglia creating and producing his travel shows. To the film’s discredit, it grossly downplays and barely mentions his bullying and serious drug abuse throughout his life, which probably had more to do with his depression and suicide than being dumped by actress Asia Argento. Theaters and HBO Max. Enemies of the State (7/10): 104 minutes. NR. This is a semi pseudo-documentary. It seems as if we are seeing the real people, but the main

character, Matt DeHart, is an actor, actually two actors, as are the detectives and FBI agents. It’s about a son who purloins incriminating CIA documents and is attacked by the Deep State and deeply involves his parents. Given the abject criminal corruption of the Deep State it is believable, but the feigned scenes, like one where the parents are apparently speaking on a cell phone with Julian Assange (who is a hero in my book) of Wikileaks (maybe it’s true, but it looks staged to me), strain credulity. Worse, halfway through, it certainly appears that they change actors for Matt, with no explanation. They don’t even look alike. That said, it’s otherwise well done, interesting, and worth seeing because it’s probably mostly true.

Jolt (4/10): 91 minutes.

NR. If this isn’t the dumbest movie to come along, it will do for a while. Linda (Kate

Beckinsale) is a psycho with what is defined as a “neurological disorder” that causes her to periodically become extremely violent. She’s treated by Dr. Munchin (Stanley Tucci) who is supposed to be a psychiatrist, but every scene in which he appears he is in what looks to be a rundown office, dressed like a bum and needing a shave. What follows is utter nonsense. There are plotholes galore, characters who don’t make sense, and situations that could only appear on a Hollywood sound stage.

Apparently, its only purpose is to show that a woman can fight man after man, many at the same time, and put them down while barely working up a sweat. Directed by Tanya Wexler from a script by Scott Wascha, advertised as a comedy, it’s not funny. Also advertised as a thriller, it is so absurd and ridiculous that it’s thrill-challenged. Prime.

8/7

8/12-15

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS!

ALL SHOWS ARE AT 8PM ON THE TERRACE 8/19-21 8/25

8/26-27

AUG 7 Salastina

AUG 25 Quattrosound

AUG 12-15 Heidi Duckler Dance: The Chandelier

AUG 26-27 Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles

AUG 19-21 Versa-Style Dance Company: Box of Hope

AUG 28 Ty Taylor: A Summer Evening of Classic and Nouveau Standards

8/28

TheWallis.org/Summer

WACPA2021-Summer@TheWallis-LC-FP_F.indd 1

7/20/21 4:41 PM

18

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION ONE

Tom LaBonge (Continued from page 1)

his public service,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti at the July 14 ceremony.

Originally named the “Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power Headworks Reservoir Complex,” it was renamed in May after LaBonge.

A 39-year veteran of City Hall — he also worked for a time at the LADWP as Director of Community Relations — LaBonge served on the City Council from 2001 to 2015. He died in January at 67.

“In Los Angeles — a city with the largest water and electric utility in the country — water has always played an outsized role,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “Tom keenly understood this as his legacy reflects. He worked arm-in-arm with the LADWP, always advocating on behalf of our residents’ needs as well as the needs of our landscapes.”

LaBonge left his mark at quintessential Los Angeles landmarks including the Silver Lake Reservoir, Griffith Park and LADWP’s Aqueduct

Centennial Garden in Los Feliz. As part of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners vote in May, the Garden was also renamed as the “Tom LaBonge Aqueduct Centennial Garden.”

“Tom LaBonge was passionate about LADWP’s history, and this dedication rightfully recognizes his contributions to Los Angeles,” said Board of Water and Power President Cynthia McClain-Hill. LaBonge often said throughout his tenure as Councilmember, “Water gives us life!” He was also known for another memorable phrase. “Dad always said, ‘the two most important things in life are water and relationships.’ That is so true,” said Mary-Cate LaBonge, daughter of Tom LaBonge. “What I learned from dad is to talk to people, ask them questions.

Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and speak. Seeing how he made a difference and seeing his name up there is very special to me and my family.”

The banner hung against the western wall of Headworks will remain there until permanent signage is installed once

RENDERING shows landscaped parklands to cover and surround Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex.

GIGANTIC HEADWORKS RESERVOIRS, west and east, are bordered by the Los Angeles River, 101 Freeway and Forest Lawn Drive.

Aerial Imagery © 2021 Maxar Technologies, U.S. Geological Survey, USDA Farm Service Agency

the reservoir construction and public trails and gardens are completed.

In 2015, Councilmember LaBonge participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Headworks Reservoir Complex. The two reservoirs at the complex, Headworks East and Headworks West, replace Silver Lake and Ivanhoe Reservoirs for compliance with Federal drinking water regulations.

Headworks is located on a 43-acre site across from the north entrance to the Councilmember’s much-beloved Griffith Park. Public open space atop the reservoirs, that are partially buried underground, is being designed by Olin Studios and Frank Gehry and Associates.

Robert Sacchi March 27, 1932 – June 23, 2021 Actor Robert Sacchi died June 23 after a brief illness. Known for his close resemblance to Humphrey Bogart, Sacchi played the title role in the 1980 feature film THE MAN WITH BOGART’S FACE. Sacchi also appeared in many films, TV shows and commercials playing Bogart, as well as his one man show, BOGEY’S BACK, and touring productions of PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM. He was 89.

Councilmembers (Continued from page 6)

surrounding neighborhood, and we will offer a range of supportive services.

“I have committed an additional $1 million to continue addressing homelessness through ‘Encampment to Home’ initiatives in Mid-City and Koreatown, which will not only deploy more outreach workers to help transition unhoused people off the streets, but also provide resources to engage businesses in detecting signs of homelessness in their communities, and give them resources on how to respond.

“I am also investing funds in job training and employment for the formerly homeless, eviction defense services and launching a universal Basic Income program for lowincome residents. We must build a more equitable system on multiple fronts, including homelessness prevention.

“Next month, I also plan to open the South LA Homeless

Outreach and Coordination Hub on Western Avenue and Washington Boulevard, where outreach teams will be based and be able to provide timely service to those in need.”

Q: What are two items that you’ve started while in office, but need more time to finish?

A: “Over the course of the past year over 22,000 [people have been housed, but] for every 207 people we house each day, 227 people become homeless anew.

“I am dedicated to establishing a Right to Housing within the City of Los Angeles so that addressing this crisis doesn’t just rely on political pressure, but becomes an obligation on government to which it is required to respond. [Additionally,] I have introduced a motion to begin the process of creating an antiracist framework for the City of Los Angeles.

My hope is that this motion will move us forward in identifying solutions to advance racial equity for the longterm.”

Writer/Editor Wanted!

Interested in part-time work chronicling the news of the neighborhood? Beginning immediately, the Larchmont Chronicle has a part-time position available to help us write and edit stories about local news and produce our popular newspaper every month . . . as we celebrate the Larchmont shopping district’s 100th year and we near our own 60th year.

The comedy was released by 20th Century Fox, based on the novel of the same name. Sacchi starred as Sam Marlowe, the lead in a cast that included Michelle Phillips, Franco Nero, Olivia Hussey, Sybil Danning and George Raft. He also had a Top 10 hit in Germany with the hit single “Jungle Queen.” He was also the author of the book Willie Pep Remembers….Friday’s Heroes.

Born in Rome, Italy, on March 27, 1932, Sacchi came to the Bronx, New York, as a young child. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School, where he was first told of his resemblance to Bogart. Prior to embarking on an acting career, he attended Iona College in New Rochelle, where he majored in Business and Finance, followed by earning a Masters at NYU. Though his career remained closely associated to Bogart, he played other characters as well in such films as ACROSS 110th STREET and DIE HARD 2, among others.

Sacchi is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Peruvian artist Angela De Hererera. Also surviving are their two children whom they raised in Hancock Park, Trish Bertisch (Cory) and John Sacchi (Suzanne) as well as Robert Sacchi, Jr., Barbara Cohen, Felicia Carroll, Maria Tolstonog, Lisa Osborne and Anthony Sacchi from his first marriage, and his brother Mario Sacchi. He drew tremendous joy from his grandchildren Aden Bertisch, Evan Bertisch and Owen Sacchi. There was not a more charismatic or engaging conversationalist. He will be missed by . all he loved and loved him.

Adv

Writing skills are key. Competence in Adobe InDesign is a plus, but not absolutely necessary. Send a short inquiry, including a maximum 25-word statement of your views about the Oxford Comma, plus your contact information, including telephone number, to: john@larchmontchronicle.com.

Help Wanted

Larchmont Chronicle

British Consul (Continued from page 4)

Minister in 2020, and as a senior leader in the Department for International Trade’s Sectors Group, overseeing export and investment promotion.

When asked how she would like to leave her print on the role, Cloke notes that the U.K. is the second largest investor in Los Angeles. “The start-

Letters

(Continued from page 2) he then goes on to rant about psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford who, in a senate confirmation hearing, accused Justice Brett Kavanaugh of attempted rape: “… watching Christine Blasey Ford, spewing her venomous unsubstantiated accusations against Brett Kavanaugh that were denied not only by Kavanaugh, but by everyone who knew anything about the party where Ford alleges the attack occurred.”

Mr. Medley makes it abundantly clear that, in his opinion, Rita Moreno, Christine Blasey Ford and indeed, all women, are just not as moral or intelligent as he is.

In the end, he dismisses the film as “irrelevant and dishonest” and paints producer Norman Lear and indeed, “all of Hollywood” with the same brush. Referring to the documentary, he writes: “The point of all this is to just reinforce the political POV of Lear, Moreno, and all of Hollywood.”

As a woman who loves living in Hollywood and makes her living in the film industry, I find it particularly offensive and disgraceful that your paper would allow Mr. Medley to air his low opinion of women and his personal political views, especially those including such broad, demeaning generalizations, in a “film review” column. It reflects badly on the Larchmont Chronicle.

I, for one, will no longer be reading his column, and may I suggest that, if he despises “Hollywood” so much, reviewing films might not be the job for him.

Cassandra Pierson Larchmont Village

Insulting review

Your female readers do not appreciate Tony Medley’s hateful comments about women in his review of the Rita Moreno documentary (“At the Movies,” July 2021). He obviously has no respect for women because he pontificates against Moreno’s decision to have an abortion as if it is any of HIS business. He

AUGUST 2021

ing point is good,” said Cloke, adding that she still hopes to make “tangible progress” on several levels. She points to increasing investment into the U.K. film industry and work on climate initiatives as priorities.

As an example of British culture currently on display, Cloke points to her own front lawn, where a 14-foot-high sculpture currently stands.

Sculpted by U.S.-based, British then describes Christine Blasey Ford as a liar and supports Brett Kavanaugh. Do we really need these insults in a movie review? Please edit this guy.

Janet Charlton Hancock Park I was shocked by the selfserving, sexist and deeply irresponsible threads in Tony Medley’s “movie review” of “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It,” July 2021). I read movie reviews to find out whether I should devote two hours of my life to a film, not to be deluged by the writer’s uninformed and baseless political opinions. I started reading eager for an incisive comprehensive review of the film and one of my idols and it devolved into a savage, impulsive laceration of Christine Blasey Ford. In one scene, Rita Moreno is watching the Brett Kavanaugh hearing in the film and Medley opines, “Christine Blasey Ford spewing her venomous unsubstantiated accusations against Brett Kavanaugh that were denied not only by Kavanaugh, but by everyone who knew anything about the party where Ford alleges the attack occurred.” This is unprofessionalism at best and repugnant misogyny by a rape apologist at worst.

Was there an editor on this “review?” Tony Medley should stop reviewing movies and be sequestered for life on an allfemale island in the French Polynesia where a circle of women feast on his bones at a bonfire every night.

Fielding Edlow Hancock Park

New Friends. New Home.

New Adventures.

It’s your time. The new beginnings you have been looking forward to are here! Spend it your way at Kingsley Manor, a thriving four-acre oasis in the heart of Hollywood.

100 years

Independent Living • Truly Yours Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing NO entrance fee • Multiple floor plans

CALL US TODAY

323- 661-1128

kingsleymanor.org

Sunday Eucharist Eucharist 11:00am 11am Sunday Eucharist 8:30pm 8 pm Lectures • Fridays • 8• pm Wednesday Eucharist Lectures • Fridays 8pm 3363 Glendale Boulevard, Atwater, Los Angeles • 323-467-2685 2560 N. Beachwood Dr., Hollywood • 323-467-2685

©LC0421

Bishop Dr. Stephan Hoeller

19

THE ROOK was designed by U.S.-based British artist Andy Scott.

Where’s the editor?

Ecclesia Gnostica Gnostic Christian Church

307

artist Andy Scott, The Rook is a large-scale equine chess piece made of galvanized and powder-coated steel.

“One thing I am keen to do is increase our outreach with younger generations in Los Angeles,” said Cloke, noting that recent college graduates should consider applying for the Marshall Scholarships, which finance students of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. Up to 50 students are selected each year. Deadline to apply is Sept. 28. Visit marshallscholarship.org for more information.

SECTION ONE

1055 N. Kingsley Drive Los Angeles, CA 90029 We’re an equal opportunity housing provider. CA License #197608482

20

SECTION ONE

AUGUST 2021

Larchmont Chronicle

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Your favorite brands. Incredible food. Unforgettable events.

Five-star concierge. Oceanside getaways.

It's all h e.

Explore our neighborhood guide of what to do, shop and eat this summer.

T H E G R OV E • T H E A M E R I C A N A AT B R A N D • PA L I S A D E S V I L L AG E T H E C O M M O N S AT C A L A B A S A S • T H E L A K E S AT T H O U S A N D OA K S WAT E R S I D E AT M A R I N A D E L R E Y • T H E P R O M E N A D E AT W E S T L A K E V I L L AG E AT M O O R PA R K • E N C I N O M A R K E T P L AC E R O S E WO O D M I R A M A R B E AC H

SUMMER.CARUSO.COM

FINANCE

BRIDGE HOUSING

WALK THE MILE

CEO retires after four decades at POLAM Federal Credit Union.

Dormitory-style, emergency temporary shelter opens at Lafayette Park.

Take a short tour July 29 and meet your neighbors in the Mile.

Page 4

Page 3

Real estate MuseuMs, Libraries HoMe & Garden

Page 12

VIEW

Section 2

LARCHMONT CHRONICLE

AUGUST 2021

HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • GREATER WILSHIRE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT

165 N. Las Palmas Ave. | Hancock Park | $4,499,000

Staycation Paradise! 5Bd/4Ba up + GH bed & 1.5 bas Media rm, SAVANT HSE control sys w/ sec cameras.

228 S. Hudson Ave. | Hancock Park | $6,495,000 Stunning 2 sty hm on Golf Course. 4 Ensuite bds, mds & bth, 1bd 1ba GH w/kit. Recently Renovated. Elevator.

Lisa Hutchins 323.460.7626 CalRE #01018644

Cecille Cohen 213.810.9949 CalRE #00884530

Rick Llanos 323.810.0828 CalRE #01123101

505 S. Rimpau Blvd. | Hancock Park | $8,995,000

274 S. Muirfield Rd. | Hancock Park | $6,999,000

Intriguing History, Architectural Splendor & Impeccable Provenance!

Loveland Carr Group 323.460.7606 CalRE #01467820, #0888374

IN ESCROW. Stately English Tudor on a beautiful treelined st. 5Bd / 4.5Bas, covered patio, large pool.

135 S. Alta Vista Blvd. | Hancock Park | $2,595,000

335 S. Orange Dr.| Hancock Park | $1,975,000

574 N. Lucerne Blvd. | Hancock Park | $1,649,000

807 N. Cherokee Ave. | Hollywood | $1,515,000

2 Story character Spanish 4/3.5 + guest house. Appx.

3,100 sq.ft. 7,400 sq.ft lot.

SOLD. Multiple Offers—Over the Asking Price.

Character English w/3beds, 2 baths and redone.

Cecille Cohen 213.810.9949 CalRE #00884530

Rick Llanos 323.810.0828 CalRE #01123101

Beautifully renovated 3 b/2 ba traditional style home.

Pool & Spa. Fully operational rec room perfect for ADU. Erik Flexner 323.383.3950 CalRE #01352476

Sold. Off market Sale. Private compound w/ 3 unattached sep houses. Each has own private garden.

Barbara Allen 323.610.1781 CalRE #01487763

122 S. Kingsley Dr.| Mid-Wilshire | $1,449,000

2196 Century Hill | Century City | $1,399,000

IN ESCROW. Gorgeous Craftsman restored with new kitchen & baths. 3 beds, 2 baths & full of charm.

IN ESCROW. Situated in a prime location. Renovated townhouse offers bountiful space & quiet serenity.

Jonathan Dintzer | John Winther 310.486.1022 | 310.704.5885 CalRE #02085056 | 00820369

Rick Llanos 323.810.0828 CalRE #01123101

160 S. Windsor Blvd. | Hancock Park | Leased $17,500 Represented the Tenants. Stately Windsor Sq. classic in a great location near Larchmont.

Lease-Lrge Studio unit. Frplce, granite kitch, walk-in closet, balcny, pool. Mve-in cond. Clse to sbwy, LACMA

103 S. Arden Blvd. | Hancock Park Sold off Market and Represented the Buyers.

Character Spanish w/ 3 beds, 3.5 baths & large yard

Rick Llanos 323.810.0828 CalRE #01123101

Cecille Cohen 213.810.9949 CalRE #00884530

Rick Llanos 323.810.0828 CalRE #01123101

Rick Llanos 323.810.0828 CalRE #01123101

645 Wilcox Ave. #2D| Hancock Park | $519,000 1 Bed 1.5 bath 2nd floor unit. Hardwood floors.

Hillside & Hollywood views. Priced to sell!

Cathie White 323.371.3152 CalRE #02088625

611 N. Bronson Ave. #7 | Hancock Park | 1,100,000 Architecturally significant penthouse w/2 bedrooms, 2 baths, views and lots of light.

6151 Orange St. #104. | Miracle Mile | $1,950/MO

8712 Gregory Way #206 | Beverly Hills Adj | $725,000 Wonderful Beverly Hills adjacent location one block from Robertson. 2Bd + 2Ba. Pool. 8712Gregory.com Loveland Carr Group 323.460.7606 CalRE #01467820, #0888374

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM Hancock Park 323.464.9272 | 251 N Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004 ©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

2

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

Sick of homeless on our streets? Support housing in your neighborhood The seemingly endless dogfight over housing in Los Angeles shows no signs of abating. Los Angeles has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country, driving up the cost of renting. That lack of rental inventory is now one of the most significant drivers of homelessness in Los Angeles. We need to build more housing as this situation becomes increasingly desperate. Neighbors fight tooth-and-nail to stop rezoning and/or development anywhere near them.

My opinion: This has become increasingly unconscionable.

Our history of limiting the number of multifamily units only ensures more people will fall into homelessness.

Who are the unhoused?

There are two groups of people living on our streets: the chronically homeless and those with lower incomes — the working poor through moderate or “missing middle” earners (including citizens we depend upon for our essential services, lower paid professionals and the elderly). The chronically homeless have lived on the street for more than a year. As each day passes, they become sicker, making it more difficult to help them. People like

Giorgio, (the unhoused man who has frequented Larchmont and the pages of this paper) are suffering because of the limited availability of services and housing. We’ve allowed the problem of inadequate funding to grow and the increasing number of the chronically homeless has overwhelmed the limited resources available.

Whether they were initially unhoused because of mental health, a calamity, or addicThe working poor and those who earn low-tomoderate incomes make up much of our newly unhoused population due to high rents and low wages. tion, the chance of developing additional serious mental or physical health issues increases each day they’re on the street. It’s not their fault. We all lose the ability to think rationally when we are in survival mode and the care we desperately need is not available.

The working poor and those who earn low-tomoderate incomes make up much of our newly unhoused population due to high rents and low wages. A family of

In Escrow 3849 Bledsoe| $1,795,000 3 Bed + 2 Bath |Westside LA

to understand that people want help, and they can and do overcome addictions and mental health issues. If a supportive housing building is in your neighborhood, you would have no idea the people living there had experienced homelessness. They make great neighbors who are thankful to have their lives back and a place to live.

No one can improve, much less heal, in survival mode while living on the street. A person has to be housed.

Housing that is available at 30 percent of take-home pay is Affordable Housing.

Affordable housing in Los Angeles is scarce and desperately needed (the lottery for a new building in Westlake received 2,500 applications for 93 units). Neighborhood opposition to building affordable housing (or changing zoning to build it) has significantly impeded the creation of these desperately needed units. We can add to the housing supply by building auxiliary dwelling units (ADUs) on our property or renting an existing guesthouse to a formerly unhoused individual, a local teacher, or an elderly person.

If we own rental units, we can accept Universal Hous-

The NIMBY Diaries by

Marilyn Wells four renting a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles needs to make $55 an hour to keep the percentage of their income going to rent to 30 percent. Few low income or moderate income workers make anything close to that, and they regularly spend 60 percent of their take-home pay on rent — leaving little for food, clothing for their children, other necessities or unforeseen calamities. Add the pandemic to the lack of available affordable housing, and you get an estimated 365,000 local renters at risk of eviction in the near future.

What types of housing do we need?

Chronically homeless individuals are often older and have mental or physical disabilities. Their severe state requires Supportive Housing. The chronically homeless can heal and become good neighbors and productive citizens. We need

ing Choice Vouchers that allow tenants to pay rent based on their income with the remainder of the rent paid and guaranteed by the government.

With the fewest homes per capita of all major American cities, we can’t ignore that our shortsighted housing policies have led to more people living on our streets.

Without an adequate rental inventory, housing will continue to be out of reach for many, and the number of homeless will continue to grow. There is no solution to our homeless crisis that doesn’t involve all of us joining together to support affordable housing and supportive housing in our neighborhoods and the zoning changes to allow this housing to be built.

Guest columnist Marilyn Wells, Psy.D. is a resident of Hancock Park and an advocate for people with lived homeless experience. Beginning this past March, her six “NIMBY Diaries” columns have explored the critical issue and different ways that local residents can assume an active role in helping to solve the problem. She is the co-founder of storiesfrontline.org.

In Escrow 8826 Lookout Mtn| $1,895,000 3 Bed+2 Bath| Hollywood Hills

IN ESCROW

635 N. Martel | $1,995,000 3 Bed+3.5 Bath| Melrose Village

Sold 6277 Del Valle| $1,650,000 3 Bed+2 Bath| Carthay Circle

Sold 581 N. Plymouth| $2,265,000 3 Bed+2 Bath| Larchmont

EXPERT SERVICE exceptional results

Sold 222 S. Plymouth| $3,782,000 4Bd+ 3Ba+GH| Hancock Park

NEW PRICE

Sold 319 S. McCadden| $4,054,000 4 Bed+3.5 Bath| Hancock Park

322 S. Rossmore | $5,250,000 5 Bed+5 Bath| Hancock Park Pete Buonocore

pete@coregroupla.com

www.coregroupla.com

323.762.2561

DRE #01870534

DRE #01279107

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

3

Emergency housing opens at crucial time — crisis within a crisis

By Suzan Filipek An emergency temporary shelter has opened at Lafayette Park, providing a roof, a bed and a hot meal to up to 72 people who were living on the nearby streets.

Lafayette Bridge Housing is the 18th project in the city program to open during the pandemic and the 26th in the 30-site program, Mayor Eric Garcetti said at a recent virtual grand opening.

Bridge Home shelters are designed with moveable, stackable modules to be built quickly, but this site’s completion was stalled by the pandemic, Garcetti said.

Men and women live in separate buildings in this triangular-shaped, dormitory-style housing set in a portion of a former tennis court complex at Lafayette Park at S. Lafayette Park Pl. and Wilshire Blvd.

Beautification improvements south of the site are in the works, and plans are underway also to add more parking spaces.

Councilman Mark RidleyThomas, chair of the City Council Homeless and Poverty Committee, described the emergency shelter as “a refuge. But it’s also to be viewed as a point of transition to that which is

HOPE ON LAFAYETTE features temporary dormitory-style housing.

Photos by Oscar Islas

greater and more stable.

“It cannot be opening at a more urgent moment than we find ourselves today. We are opening in a crisis within a crisis,” Ridley-Thomas said in reference to the pandemic.

“A right to housing in a democratic society, in my view, is fundamental,” he added.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors member Holly Mitchell agreed. “We all know there are far too many Angelenos who are unhoused for a variety of reasons.”

As of June 2020, there were 66,436 people in Los Angeles County experiencing home-

lessness, according to LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority).

The Lafayette shelter was a group effort paid for with state (Homeless Emergency Aid Program) and city funds. The Salvation Army is the service provider.

“This facility is truly a team effort…” said Major Osei Stewart, general secretary for the Los Angeles Salvation Army, at the opening event. “People are in need now more than ever, and the crisis that is homelessness needs action, and today more action is being taken.”

The site’s three buildings

each has 24 beds, with three bathrooms and three showers.

Covered outdoor, lighted dining is offered on landscaped grounds.

Residents have access to a case manager who will connect them to mental health care, job training, substance abuse programs and other support services.

On-site laundry, storage and security is provided at the petfriendly site, and three meals a day are served.

Also involved in the project was Aedis Real Estate Group, and the stackable modules were made and installed by HBG Modular. The Lafayette

site features a tower at the northwest corner with an image of HBG Modular founder, the late fashion designer Max Azria.

LAHSA officials and City of Los Angeles Engineer Gary Lee Moore were also at the virtual ribbon cutting. Moore said he could think of “no higher calling” than designing this project.

The parkland is available for three years, after which time the lease can be renewed, or the modules can be picked up and moved to another location, chief architect Peter De Maria said in an earlier interview.

4

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

After 44 years, Boulevard-based CEO says ‘See you along the way!’

By Suzan Filipek After 44 years at the Polish American (POLAM) Federal Credit Union of Southern California, CEO Christopher Hiller has retired.

During his tenure, he met with former Polish President Lech Walesa and Oscar award-winning filmmaker Andrzej Wanda. He also oversaw multi-million dollars worth of loans at the credit union based on Larchmont Boulevard.

When Hiller was hired as the general manager at 26, the office was equipped with rotary telephones and adding machines.

“Our resources and range of services were modest, but our spirit and determination

POLAM is at 589 N. Larchmont Blvd.

CHRISTOPHER HILLER oversaw multi-million dollars worth of loans at the neighborly nonprofit.

were unstoppable, fueled by a feeling of optimism and solidarity within the Polish Community,” Hiller wrote in his

parting remarks in the company’s spring newsletter.

“The 1970s and 80s were a magical time to be living in

Southern California with its abundance of economic opportunities,” he continued.

By the late 1980s the credit union’s assets had grown from $1 million to $20 million, under Hiller’s guidance. At that time, Hiller “initiated the idea of purchasing a somewhat dilapidated building on Larchmont from the Armenian Benevolent Society.”

The building, at 589 N. Larchmont Blvd., was renovated, and the credit union continued to grow, joining the Financial Services Network, giving members access to 5,000 shared branch locations nationwide. Under Hiller’s stewardship, POLAM was a benefactor of Polish art and culture, and people of all socioeconomic backgrounds were represented within the ranks of its membership.

“It is a friendly place,” he told the Chronicle in a 2019 interview on the occasion of POLAM’s 50th anniversary.

Its nonprofit status makes the local credit union much more amiable than the megabanks and corporate world of today, he observed.

POLAM was founded in

October 1969 out of a garage, and it soon moved to offices on Wilshire Boulevard, where Hiller, a recent UCLA graduate, started with a team of volunteers.

In 1984, POLAM moved to 588 N. Larchmont before purchasing its current property right across the street.

Hiller and his family immigrated in the 1950s from communist-era Poland. The Eastern European country was a bleak place at the time, he recalled. But that’s all changed, with the country’s status today as the sixth largest economy in the European Union, he added.

By 2019, the credit union had funded loans valued at close to $250 million. The sold-out 50th anniversary celebration at The Athenaeum at Caltech was one of the most memorable events in the community’s history, Hiller noted.

He looks forward to traveling, visiting with friends and family and getting involved in a number of causes that “are near and dear to me.”

In parting, he says, “Do zobaczenia po drodze!” “See you along the way!”)

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

5

Everything is coming up Cézanne with serendipitous finds

I first came to the painter Paul Cézanne through words.

Though I had twice visited Aixen-Provence, the French town where he was born in 1839, worked in for much of his life, and where he died in 1906, it was a slim volume of letters that set me on fire, so to speak, about this painter who quickened the development of 20thcentury painting.

A year after Cézanne’s death, what the painter’s biographer, Alex Danchev, has called “the most consequential exhibition of modern times,” opened in Paris in October 1907. It was a retrospective of Cézanne’s paintings, 56 of them, “more Cézannes than anyone had ever seen,” writes Danchev. The exhibit ran for three weeks. Some people went almost every day; among them was the poet

Home Ground by

Paula Panich

Rainer Maria Rilke.

Rilke returned to his room and wrote a series of letters on the astonishment he felt on looking at Cézanne’s paintings to his wife, the sculptor Clara Westhoff Rilke. “Letters on Cézanne,” edited by Westhoff Rilke, was published in German in 1952, the first American edition in 1985.

Artists of all sorts are drawn to the little book. Rilke could see that Cézanne had remained at the center of his work for 40 years, and that without such singular focus, an artist would earn only accidental success.

Rilke writes of the “enormous aid the work of art brings to the life of the one who must make it …: that it is his epitome; the knot in the rosary at which his life ENVELOPE addressed by Paul Cézanne to says a prayer …”

It is as if this his son, 1906. Douglas Whitneybell Collection

book, a breath under 100 pages, is a distillation of two great spirits animating the essence of art for all who came after them.

Cézanne’s visual magnetic energy reached out to grab me one day in a former LACMA gallery: “Still Life with Cherries and Peaches,” (1885-1887). The peacock blues in the background drew me into infinite space. There.

I had seen it for myself. The magic of Cézanne. Energy alive in every part of the composition. I wasn’t looking for it — it was spontaneous combustion.

Right now, here in summer 2021, it seems everything is coming up Cézanne, set in motion by a small framed object in my partner Doug’s office. When I took it down to investigate, it was revealed to be an envelope addressed by Cézanne to his son, another Paul Cézanne. Doug bought the authenticated envelope at auction decades ago. We took it out of its frame and studied it.

Serendipitous finds can often send one into rich and meaningful directions. Reviews are popping up of the current show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, “Cézanne Drawing” (closing

“STILL LIFE with Cherries and Peaches,” Paul Cézanne, 18851887.

Courtesy Los Angeles County Museum of Art

on September 25). I am reading Alex Danchev’s excellent biography “Cézanne: A Life,” and also his translations of Cézanne’s letters; and the photographer Joel Meyerowitz’s brilliant visual study of the objects in Cézanne’s studio in Aix-en-Provence has taken on new meaning and urgency. “Cézanne made a living thing out of a teacup,” wrote the artist Kandinsky in 1912, “or rather in a teacup he realized the existence of something alive.”

I believe I can see a faint date on Doug’s envelope:

24-7. If this is the correct interpretation, there is a letter, translated by Danchev, written on this date, July 24, 1906, to his son.

Mon cher Paul, Yesterday the ghastly Abbe Gustave Roux got a carriage and came to see me once more at Jourdan’s. He’s a leech. I promised to go and see him at the Catholic college. I won’t go, you have time to send me a reply and give me your advice.

A hug for you and maman.

It’s very hot.

Your old father, Paul Cézanne

WHERE DREAMS COME HOME

122 SOUTH KINGSLEY DRIVE - $1,449,000

611 N. BRONSON AVE., #7 - $1,100,000

5885 CLINTON ST. - FOR LEASE $3,750/mo.

Represented the Buyers

In Escrow

Sold Over Asking

103 SOUTH ARDEN BOULEVARD

165 N. LAS PALMAS AVE. - $4,499,000

335 SOUTH ORANGE DR. - $1,975,000

Glorious restored 1909 Arts & Crafts Craftsman bungalow 3 Bedrooms + 2 Baths

Majestic Mediterranean, Sold off-market 3 Bedrooms + 3.5 Baths

RICK LLANOS (C) 323-810-0828 (O) 323-460-7617 rllanos@coldwellbanker.com @RickLlanosLA CalRE#01123101

Dramatic 2-story penthouse full of light and walls of windows 2 Bedrooms + 2 Baths

Character English on a great block 5 Bedrooms + 4.5 Baths + Pool.

Location, Location, Location!

Spacious townhouse next to LATC 3 Bedrooms + 2.5 Baths

Sold in 4 days with multiple offers 3 Bedrooms + 2 Baths

6

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

Real Estate Sales

SOLD: This home at 581 N. Plymouth Blvd. in Larchmont Village was sold in June for $2,265.000.

Single family homes

Clint Lohr

Realtor®, GRI, CNE, SRES 818-730-8635 rholcwl@pacbell.net clintlohr.kw.com

KELLER WILLIAMS® LARCHMONT 118 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90004 Each office is independently owned and operated

Donating clothes for the homeless? Please call me!

100

100 years

TH!

In celebration of

100 Years of Larchmont Village

5078 W. Fourth St. 524 Lorraine Blvd.

171 S. McCadden Pl. 445 N. Fuller Ave. 534 N. Alta Vista Blvd.

222 S. Plymouth Blvd.

359 S. Sycamore Ave. 242 S. Rimpau Blvd.

909 S. Curson Ave. 150 S. Vista St. 128 N. Plymouth Blvd.

581 N. Plymouth Blvd.

525 N. Stanley Ave. 335 S. Sycamore Ave. 545 N. Poinsettia Pl. 751 S. Windsor Blvd.

448 N. Martel Ave. 331 N. Martel Ave. 565 N. Arden Blvd.

250 St. Andrews Pl. 318 S. Sycamore Ave. 814 Third Ave. 949 S. Highland Ave. 602 N. Gardner St. 259 S. Gramercy Pl. 602 N. Detroit St. 957 S. Windsor Blvd.

642 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

1047 Third Ave.

Condominiums

316 N. Rossmore Ave., #200 845 S. Plymouth Blvd., #PH5 421 S. Van Ness Ave., #25 333 S. Wilton Pl., #3 4568 W. First St., #305 326 Westminster Ave., #105 600 S. Ridgeley Dr., #207 962 S. Gramercy Dr., #202 733 S. Manhattan Pl., #504 4568 W. First St., #108 358 S. Gramercy Pl., #211 533 S. St. Andrews Pl., #402 102 S. Manhattan Pl., #302 532 N. Rossmore Ave., #103 525 N. Sycamore Ave., #418 620 S. Gramercy Pl., #334 533 S. St. Andrews Pl., #316 620 S. Gramercy Pl., #311

$7,916,610 6,435,000 6,300,000 4,295,000 3,800,000 3,700,000 3,465,000 3,300,000 2,600,000 2,297,000 2,280,000 2,265,000 2,230,000 2,160,000 2,219,000 2,150,000 2,065,000 2,050,000 2,030,000 2,010,000 2,000,000 1,950,000 1,825,000 1,800,000 1,725,000 1,612,000 1,535,000 1,425,000 1,350,000 $1,675,000 895,000 890,000 785,000 780,000 775,000 749,000 715,000 678,000 675,000 549,000 549,000 520,000 485,000 463,000 459,000 450,000 390,000

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

7

5G, the next generation, is here! Now all it needs are users

By Talia Abrahamson For consumers using any device older than an iPhone 12, the 5G network can feel like an abstract mystery. 5G is the fifth iteration of technology for broadband cellular networks, but it goes unused for most people, whose devices connect only with 4G LTE, 4G or 3G technology.

Stimulated by a query from an interested reader, the Larchmont Chronicle looked into local access to the burgeoning 5G networks. Even though it is still being rolled out across the country, all three major wireless carriers –– AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon –– offer 5G to network users in the Chronicle readership area.

Vice president and general manager at AT&T Wireless, Terry Stenzel, said that AT&T customers in Hancock Park began receiving access in February 2020, when the company’s 5G cell sites were being widely deployed across Los Angeles.

Stenzel said the benefits of a 5G network come down to three things: faster speed, greater connectivity and lower latency (which describes the difference between action and response time). Speeds are 10

er the same surface area. One of Stenzel’s responsibilities is making sure new cell sites are put in the right place. The City of Los Angeles requires cell towers to be hidden, so Stenzel works with communities on camouflage designs, like fake trees.

Although the technology is here, 5G is generally an

BENEFITS OF A 5G network come down to three things: faster speed, greater connectivity and lower latency.

times faster than 4G and are expected to increase as the network builds up. This could mean experiencing less lag time as a gamer, downloading a movie in 20 seconds or having a smooth video conference call.

“When I first moved to LA a number of years ago, everybody had a Thomas guide in their car, and you had to match up coordinates if you’re trying to figure out how to get somewhere,” Stenzel said.

“Today, I hit the microphone on my phone; I say the address out loud and hit the directions button to start; and because of 5G and the speed and the low

latency, there’s no buffering.

It just quickly gives you the address, and away you go.”

Considering that the 5G network is built up only in select regions, customers with 5G-equipped phones still can fall back on immediately preceding cellular network generations. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are shutting down most of their earliest 3G networks in 2022, however.

In order to achieve faster speeds, 5G cells operate with higher frequency waves. Consequently, cell sites reach a smaller radius, which means more cells are required to cov-

untapped resource that is waiting for users to upgrade devices and connect. Companies are constantly racing to make improvements so that the 5G network becomes even faster.

“You can’t over-complicate it — it’s the next generation.

It’s the evolution of wireless,” Stenzel said.

8

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

Well-heeled hero wanted to free Wright’s tarnished treasure When Harriett Freeman deeded her home in the Hollywood Hills to the University of Southern California in 1984, she must have thought that she had taken an action to ensure its preservation and protection. Built in 1924, the rare architectural treasure was designed for Samuel and Harriett Freeman by none other than America’s most renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. For USC, it was the opportunity to add to the university’s collection of architectural icons that included Greene and Greene’s craftsman masterpiece Gamble House in Pasadena.

Barely 40 years after the Freeman House passed into USC’s hands intact, the building is now forlorn, plundered and decrepit, and it is on the market looking for a “conservation minded buyer,” according to the online real es-

TRANSPARENT diagonal corners are a prominent Freeman House feature.

On Preservation by

Brian Curran

tate site The Real Deal, “who can properly rehabilitate and maintain” the historic home.

Harriett must be spinning in her grave.

The Freeman House is one of four “textile block” houses that Wright designed and built in Los Angeles between 19221934, the others being the Storer House in Hollywood, the Ennis House in Los Feliz and the Millard House in Pasadena. In his attempt to find a simple and cost-effective method for ordinary people to build their own homes, Wright conceived the “textile block” system of modular construction using pre-cast concrete blocks made from sand taken from the site itself, and tied together with steel rebar. He even embellished the blocks with swirling Art Deco designs which provided ornamentation on the façade and in the interior. In conjunction with Wright’s architectural massing, square columns and dramatic spatial arrangements, the result was miniature “Mayan Revival” temples rising out of the landscape.

1994 earthquake USC’s stewardship of the Freeman House started out

FREEMAN HOUSE on Glencoe Way, overlooking Hollywood and Highland.

well, but tragedy struck with the 1994 Northridge Earthquake that severely damaged the house. USC School of Architecture Dean Robert Timme threw himself into the stabilization and restoration effort spearheading a campaign that secured nearly $2.5 million from FEMA, as well as grants and donations from individuals and charitable organizations such as the Getty Foundation. Work began in 2000 and stabilization was complete by 2005. With the death of Timme that same year, work slowed, and USC’s interest in the house waned, which led to “LACurbed” in 2008 to ask “Freeman House Restoration: What the Hell Is Taking So Long?”

Despite minor restoration work and utilization as a residence for USC architecture students and the completion of exhaustive studies, the Freeman House continued to deteriorate through the 2010s. Faced with increasing criticism over the neglect of the house, lack of leadership,

declining funds and mounting costs, USC listed the house briefly in 2016 for an undisclosed amount, only to take it off market soon after. USC’s disastrous management of the house was further highlighted in 2019 when the “Los Angeles Times” reported that three (Please turn to page 9)

GLENCOE WAY in Hollywood is the front of The Freeman House.

Be water efficient.

The The L.A. L.A. Way Way Free water efficient devices for your kitchen and bathroom at ladwp.com/freewcitems

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

9

ISOMETRIC DRAWING of the Freeman House, drawn by Jeffrey B. Lentz in 1969.

On Preservation (Continued from page 8)

pieces of custom furniture designed by Wright for the house — potentially worth hundreds of thousands of dollars — were stolen from a South Los Angeles warehouse, with the theft going unreported for six years.

One of the textile blocks from the house also ended up on Ebay and later sold at auction for $5,000.

So now, after years of mismanagement and neglect, USC is finally throwing in

the towel. Battered by recent scandals and the pandemic and massive financial losses totaling $1 billion, the university is being forced to shed assets. It has already unloaded the USC president’s mansion, the Seeley Mudd Estate, and is now listing the Freeman House for $4.25 million.

Any private buyer of the house will be taking on a Herculean restoration effort, to the tune of millions. It took billionaire Ron Burkle buying the largest of Wright’s textile block houses, the En-

nis House, for $4.5 million in 2011 to ultimately preserve that masterpiece. Burkle sold the house in 2019 for $18 million after having spent $17 million on its restoration.

Whoever the knight in shining armor is, perhaps his or her most heroic act will be rescuing the Freeman House from the institutional decline of USC. Then, perhaps, the ghost of Harriett Freeman finally can be at peace.

Inquiries: Deasy Penner Podley: tinyurl.com/emec4swu

Featured Listings for the Month of August by

June Ahn

ACTIVE

621 S Mansfield 69 Fremont Place | Offered Avenue at $8,000,000 5 Beds/6 bas. Living space with permit **6,521S.F. = ** 5,138/main Listed at $3,199,999 house + 1,333/GH w/1 bed & 1ba, full kitchen & laundry inside.

3223 W. 6th St. #206 Leased $3,500

ACTIVE

267 S. San Pedro ST. #110 | Offered at $425,000

2 Beds / 2 bas TERAMACHI is a LUXURY SENIOR (55+) complex Pool, gym & 24hr security guard.

IN ESCROW

Rare Corner Unit with two sides of windows! "Live above the Rest" Prestigious High Rise Condo in the heart of MidWilshire

June Ahn

International President’s Elite

Cell: 323.855.5558

juneahn21@gmail.com www.juneahn.com CalRE #01188513

116 N. Lucerne Blvd.| Offered at $2,300,000

Represented Buyer. 3 beds + Den, 2 bath--1-Story Tudor home

Hancock Park | 251 N. Larchmont Blvd. | Los Angeles, CA 90004 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

10

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

Hot topic: keeping cool by greening our communities

By Helene Seifer It’s not easy being green, but the hot topic was addressed by the nonprofit Westside Urban Forum (WUF) at a panel discussion on July 21 — “Private Trees, Public Benefit: Fortifying L.A.’s Disappearing Tree Canopy.” Panelists effectively made the case for keeping cool by greening our communities.

WUF regularly invites land use professionals to consider issues that affect our urban experience. The tree canopy, the “umbrella” function of a tree to shade the ground below, was addressed in this forum because it is a critical tool for climate regulation. In this age of unprecedented temperatures around the globe, adequate shade can lower the temperature of the ground by 20 degrees.

Those of us who live in MidWilshire, one of the more verdant sectors of the City of

ABUNDANT TREES on a Santa Monica street.

Los Angeles, might not realize that great swaths of Los Angeles have lost as much as 55 percent of their tree cover — in the last ten years — due

to rampant construction and the mansionization of our communities, replacing back yard trees with saleable square footage. Even Mayor Villarai-

gosa’s Million Trees initiative was a failed response to the need for trees. Many of those plantings died because there was inadequate infrastruc-

ture to support their care and maintenance.

So what can we do?

The five WUF panelists, who included developer Milan Ratkovich, a native of Windsor Square and Hancock Park, stressed that Los Angeles doesn’t place enough value on trees or have a master plan to guide tree work. One stated that we need to start thinking about it as infrastructure, “a green infrastructure that gains value over time, not just an expense.”

Another panelist said that we tend to think of trees as amenities, but in fact, “they are living partners.” Ratkovich pointed out that his company has found that its commercial clients value having outdoor green space.

Models around the globe Panelists were quick to point to existing tree initiatives, in cities around the world, which can provide inspiration. Paris is in-filling its tree canopy, planting hundreds of trees along city boulevards and adding 200 new miles of bike paths. Barcelona has faced searing heat spikes, and city leaders have designated “superblocks” to become the green space “lungs” of the city.

Barcelona also implemented Cool Walks, an app that guides pedestrians to the coolesttemperature walks based on time of day and where they’re going, even providing information on public water fountains and places to shelter from the heat.

Panelist and landscape architect Scott Baker, PLA, ASLA, explained that — closer to home and 25 years ago — Dallas utilized a maze of underground tunnels as a means of beating the heat. Subsequently, that city invested in a street plan of tree plantings and parks and turned itself into a pedestrian city. Said Baker: “If we want to be a flagship city, we need to lead!”

During the Zoom program, the panelists and attendees suggested other approaches, including: assessing a fee to home buyers who destroy trees during a renovation, with the funds received being used to plant trees elsewhere; working with developers to try to preserve existing mature trees on site; and offering creative ways to replace holes in the tree canopy.

Lower-income hot spots When considering the best ways to add to our urban green space, panelists emphasized addressing the issue of inequities. By far the biggest hot spots are in lower-income neighborhoods, where parking lots flourish and existing street trees aren’t nurtured. Panelist Professor Eric (Please turn to page 11)

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

11

Seeds-to-trees discussed Activists honored at LANLT Garden Party Tracy at plant life webinar July 29 The ByLosCaroline Angeles Neighbor-

City Plants and StreetsLA host free quarterly webinars on biodiversity and the urban forest. There is a session Thurs., July 29 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — via Zoom.

The virtual discussion will cover ways to document and identify urban plant life, and it also will kick off the public comment period for the City of Los Angeles draft street tree species list.

Last month, City Plants became a “My LA2050 Grants Challenge” winner, obtaining a $50,000 grant to support the Commonwealth Nursery in Griffith Park.

In addition, City Plants is working with Los Ange-

Tree canopies

(Continued from page 10) Strauss from Loyola Marymount said that, in Los Angeles County, some of those underserved areas have as little as 2 percent tree canopy, compared to Pasadena, for example, which has 80 percent.

Panelist Wister Dorta, the urban forest supervisor for the City of Santa Monica, noted

les Dept. of Water and Power, Koreatown Youth and Community Center, TreePeople and others to launch a ninemonth community organizing effort, the “Tree Ambassador Program.” In ten training sessions, participants will learn how to build connections in their communities and to advocate to plant more trees.

For more information, visit cityplants.org. that residents of wealthier communities tend to ask the city for more trees, whereas those from poorer areas might not even know they are able to make that request. He added, “How do we ensure that neighborhoods that lack shade now are part of the decisions?”

Similar issues are addressed in Los Angeles by City Plants, and further information is available at cityplants.org.

hood Land Trust (LANLT) recently honored local residents Winston and Julie Stromberg at its annual Garden Party.

The event consisted of a live auction and inspirational videos detailing the organization’s efforts to increase green space in underserved areas. The Strombergs were recognized alongside community gardener Maria Reyes and The California Wellness Foundation.

The virtual party, hosted by Jessica Elaina Eason (“The Babysitters Club”), took place against an artful garden backdrop and featured interactive programming and video content.

Event organizers said they exceeded their goal and raised $115,000.

Each of the honorees had the opportunity to address party guests / viewers with both live and recorded messages. The Strombergs, formerly of Windsor Village and now Brookside residents, shared the story of how they became involved with LANLT. Julie had worked with the City of Los Angeles to improve conditions at the local Windsor Village park, Harold Henry, and she became inspired to help other com-

WINSTON and Julie Stromberg speak to members and guests of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust during its 2021 Garden Party.

munities in their greening efforts. Julie lauded LANLT for all it has accomplished (creating almost 30 urban parks and community gardens across the city) before encouraging even more involvement from viewers, saying “the work is never done.”

Winston, a lawyer at Latham & Watkins, has served as a LANLT board member since 2017 and on the executive committee for two of those years.

“Winston and Julie have been amazing partners and supporters not only of the Neighborhood Land Trust, but of park equity in Los Angeles,” said Michele McRae, development director, LANLT. “Their

dedication to the organization over the past few years has made it possible to keep our parks and gardens open and running through the pandemic, allowing our residents to return to safe, healthy spaces.”

For more information, visit lanlt.org.

Meet ‘Better Luck’ author August 25

Meet local author, Julia Claiborne Johnson, at a virtual event on Wed., Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Her novel, “Better Luck Next Time,” is about divorce, marriage and everything inbetween. Visit windsorsquarehancockpark.com for more information.

12

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

Enjoy longer summer hours on Fridays at NHM

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) has extended summer hours for two more Fridays, July 30 and Aug. 6, until 8 p.m.

Visitors can enjoy an evening with live DJs in the Nature Gardens, do-it-yourself activities for the family, and food and beverages at the NHM Grill. The ground and first floors of the Museum will remain open, including the Butterfly Pavilion, Nature Lab, Dinosaur Hall, 3D Theater, and the iconic diorama halls. NHM’s two newest exhibitions, “Spiky, Hairy, Shiny: Insects of L.A.” and “Rise Up

L.A.: A History of Votes for Women,” are on view in first-floor galleries.

Advance timed-ticket reservations are no longer required, and walk-ups are welcome.

However, reserving general admission, special exhibition tickets, OTIS BOOTH PAVILION entrance to the Natural and theater History Museum from Exposition Boulevard tickets in advance of your visit is encouraged. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NHM.org/nhm-extendedhours. for almost 50 years The Natural History Museum is at 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles.

LIBRARIES FAIRFAX 161 S. Gardner St. 323-936-6191

We offer a wide range of residential and commercial products

JOHN C. FREMONT 6121 Melrose Ave. 323-962-3521

We feature the complete line of Hunter Douglas window covering products

MEMORIAL 4625 W. Olympic Blvd.

323-938-2732 Closed through Tues., Aug. 24 for maintenance.

• New Window Screens • Window Blinds / Coverings • Screen Doors and French Screen Door Sets

(310) 204-4433 5715 Venice Blvd., LA 90019

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

PioneerandSantaMonicaShadeandScreen.com California State bonded and licensed #604653

B Gaddy ElEctric since 1978.

Residential • CommeRCial

• Upgrades • Landscape • Pool Lights • Phone & Computer Lines • Security & Emergency Lighting

Call Bill 323-462-1023 Licensed & Insured

Local References

LIC #700914

©LC1010

Service & Repairs

ASK A LIBRARIAN 213-228-7272 infonow@lapl.org HOURS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, ask a librarian or visit lapl.org.

WALK THE MIRACLE MILE on July 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

With Councilmember Raman:

Walk the Mile from LACMA to Candela on July 29

Meet your neighbors, local businesses, museum heads and your city councilmember, Nithya Raman, on a walk in the Miracle Mile on Thurs., July 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The walk will begin in the Museum District in front of the “Urban Light” outdoor sculpture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd. From there, stroll east-

ward and end at the Art Decoinspired Candela restaurant and nightclub at 831 S. La Brea Ave. Michael Govan, director of LACMA, and Bill Kramer, director of the new Academy Museum (opening Sept. 30), are among community leaders participating in the event.

The walk is hosted by the Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce.

Photo sneak peek at LACMA Get a first-ever, in-depth look at cabinet cards, the precursor to the introduction of the snapshot camera. “Acting Out: Cabinet Cards and the

German Holocaust film screenings

See German Holocaust films at a virtual screening and panel discussion with the Holocaust Museum LA. “Aimee & Jaguar,” 1999, screens Thurs., Aug. 5. “Naked Among Wolves,” 1963, is Thurs., Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. RSVP hmla.org.

Making of Modern Photography, 1870-1900” opens Sun., Aug. 8 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd.

Before the new, inexpensive formats, such as Brownie box cameras and Instamatics (and don’t forget digital!), getting a photographic portrait was a rare, formal event. The exhibit ends Nov. 7.

ALAKAZAM UPHOLSTERY & DRAPERY

ADT Security Services Let us be your 1st Responder.

©LC1218

• • • •

Response Patrol Alarm Monitoring

For more details, contact Mike Ball 818-435-3179

Please call now for a special offer for new customers who sign up for patrol or response services.

Lic. # PPO 120288

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

• Every Style: Sofas, Chairs, Slipcovers • Replace Weather-proof Lining • Broad Selection of Fabrics • Draperies & Roman Shades

HIGHEST QUALITY WORKSMANSHIP Affordable Prices Call Rosie for FREE Estimates 310-491-8409

©LC0720

Four decades serving Mid-Wilshire Los Angeles

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

ACADEMY MUSEUM of Motion Pictures, view southeast from Fairfax Avenue.

Academy Museum tickets to go on sale Aug. 5

Photo by Josh White, JWPictures / ©Academy Museum Foundation

Family-Run

Over 50 years

Custom Area Rugs to Custom Installations

Carpet • Linoleum • Hardwood • Vinyl

ACADEMY MUSEUM of Motion Pictures, aerial view.

Don’t stay tied to rugs that don’t work for your rooms!

museum’s new app, which will be available for iOS and Android on Tues., Aug. 3.

Tickets for film screenings, public programs and The Oscars Experience are separate from general admission and also will be available for reser-

Custom-made area rugs made to fit your lifestyle & space!

© Academy Museum Foundation

Koontz

“The hardware STore” formerly “Larchmont Hardware”

vations starting Aug. 5.

Hours for the museum when it opens will be Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for regular adult admission, $19 for seniors, $15 for college students, and free for members and children ages 17 and younger. The Oscars Experience is an additional $15. For more information, visit academymuseum.org.

Since 1959

Summertime & the living iS eaSy ….

We have these useful and fun fruit and vegetable savers.

Examples are “avocado savers.” You just cut the avocado in half, use half, and put the other half in the “avo saver” right with the pit still inside. Put it in the refrigerator and it keeps it fresh and unblemished. “We also have “savers” for onions, tomatoes, garlic, lemons, limes. Forget the saran wrap.

We also have a “multi-level” steamer, cooker. You can microwave fish on one level and vegetables on another, all in the microwave. All done in minutes.

We have great beach chairs, attractive and portable.

We have the carbon monoxide detectors to comply with newly passed laws. Check out our fans and portable AC units, also, while you are here.

We love our Larchmont customers who we hope to see this August! Have a great summer.

License #768437

Staff Experts Provide Personal Service to Select the Ideal Flooring for Your Home

©LC0221

Tickets to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., will be on sale to the general public beginning Thurs., Aug. 5.

The Academy Museum will officially open Thurs., Sept. 30.

Opening day events will include two screenings of the “Wizard of Oz” (1939) with live accompaniment by the American Youth Symphony. Other programs that will be available during the opening months include family matinees on Saturdays and Oscar Sundays. There also will be screenings of Hayao Miyazaki’s complete body of work and showings of Oscar-winning and –nominated horror films.

Tickets are available only through the website or the

13

Call: 323 • 934 • 7282 7815 Beverly Blvd. • Lestercarpet.com

PLOTKE

Plumbing

Inc.

LC608

310-652-0123 • 8914 Santa Monica Boulevard between San Vicente and Robertson in West Hollywood Weekdays: 8am–7pm, Sat 8am–5:30pm, Sun 10am–5pm ©LC0813

Amazing Simons bricks in EXCELLENT condition with sharp edges & corners.

Great quality … just like Larchmont!

Call Tony at 310-697-9888

Mario & Lynn (323) 463-9201 FAX (323) 463-1259

SERVING THE LARCHMONT AREA FOR 60 YEARS!

3121 W. Temple St., LA 90026

©0618

AMAZING BRICKS

• COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

WILSHIRE DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Dave Cordova

OLYMPIC DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Joseph Pelayo

213-793-0650 31646@lapd.lacity.org Twitter: @lapdwilshire

213-793-0709 31762@lapd.lacity.org Twitter: @lapdolympic

a bedroom window on July 8 between midnight and 5 a.m.

Tools were stolen from inside a home on the 500 block of N. Lucerne Blvd. after a suspect broke the gate lock to enter between July 9 at 4 p.m. and July 10 at 2 p.m.

Property was stolen from a home on the 200 block of S. Formosa Ave. after a suspect broke a lock to enter the residence between July 9 at 4 p.m. and July 11 at 8 a.m.

THEFTS FROM VEHICLES: A catalytic converter was stolen from a 2008 Toyota Prius while parked on the 100 block of N. Lucerne Blvd. on June 28 at 3 a.m.

A catalytic converter was stolen from a 2009 Toyota

Prius while parked on the 100 block of N. Detroit St. between June 28 at 10 p.m. and June 29 at 2 p.m.

Unnamed auto parts were stolen from a 2017 Jeep Wrangler parked near the corner of Third Street and La Brea Avenue on July 1 between 1:45 a.m. and 2:45 a.m.

A catalytic converter was stolen from a 2007 Toyota Prius while parked near the corner of Sycamore and Oakwood Avenues between July 9 at 6 p.m. and July 10 at 3:30 p.m.

A 2009 Toyota Prius had its catalytic converter stolen while parked on the 100 block of N. Detroit St. between July 9 at 9:30 p.m. and July 10 at 1:30 p.m.

By Billy Taylor As recounted in the June Larchmont Chronicle, Wilshire Division’s Commanding Officer Capt. Shannon K. Paulson received a call from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Chief Michel Moore on May 28 to advise her that she had been promoted to the rank of commander and that she would leave Wilshire to take a position as assistant commanding officer of the LAPD’s CounterTerrorism and Special Operations Bureau.

“I assure you, I am in no hurry and will make the most of my time left here at Wilshire,” Capt. Paulson told the Wilshire community. “There are still things I hope to accomplish and I will be working hard right up to the very last day.”

Capt. Paulson later confirmed that her projected transfer was set for Aug. 1 and that her replacement had been named.

“We have been advised that, upon my departure from

Wilshire, I will be replaced by Capt. Sonia Monico, who is being upgraded from Central Traffic Division,” said Paulson in a June 6 statement. “Capt.

Monico joined me this past Saturday and began her familiarization with the division during the weekend’s rallies. I will be meeting with Capt. Monico repeatedly over the coming weeks to hopefully facilitate as smooth a transition as possible.”

Monico was promoted to captain in March 2019 and was assigned as the Patrol Commanding Officer for the Hollenbeck area. In October 2020, she was promoted as the commanding officer of Central Traffic Division.

Capt. Monico was born in Mexico and raised in Southern California. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice management from Union Institute and University, and a Master’s in public administration and leadership from California State University.

Unhappy hour continues at Rite-Aid on Crenshaw Blvd.

By Suzan Filipek Windsor Village residents were not successful in their recent protest of a renewal of a retail liquor license at their neighborhood Rite-Aid. “We weren’t successful.

However, we are informed that we can protest again next year when their license is up for review again — so that’s what we plan to do,” Windsor Village Association (WVA) (Please turn to page 15)

RESIDENTS hoped for better control of liquor sales because of drinking on public grounds.

We Now Offer Solar!

Your local roofer at the same location for 95 years.

“Experience does make a difference.

Customer satisfaction will bring you back to our

FULL SERVICE COMPANY. Residential & Commercial

323-469-2981 • supremeroofing.net 1015 N. Gower St., 90038

Z

ZAVALA ELECTRIC Call 818.500.7778 For immediate installation

• Complete Electrical • Service and Repair • Residential • Commercial • Bonded Insured

Guaranteed Excellence State Lic. #C-10 556059

Serving All Larchmont Hancock Park & Wilshire Communities

LC0509

Catalytic converter thieves target Toyota Prii

Wilshire Capt. Paulson promoted, replacement named

Lic.#386172

POLICE BEAT WILSHIRE DIVISION BURGLARY: A suspect was taken into custody while trying to enter a victim’s home while the owner was inside the property on the 500 block of S. Arden Blvd. on June 27 at 5:50 a.m.

A suspect broke a lock-box to access a key to a home on the 200 block of N. Beachwood Dr. where the burglar was able to gain access to the garage, where he or she stole tools between June 29 at 4 p.m. and June 30 at 7:45 a.m.

A laptop, mobile phone and wallet were stolen from inside a home on the 300 block of N. Highland Ave. after a suspect broke a back door and ransacked the interior between June 30 at 10:30 p.m. and July 1 at 6 a.m.

A victim was at home when a suspect entered the property on the 500 block of N. Orange Dr., stole a purse and wallet, and fled on July 2 at 1:30 a.m.

Property was stolen from an apartment at the Windsor Hancock Park after a suspect entered an apartment from

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

© LC 0120

14

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

SECTION TWO

15

Lucerne party house antics continue, despite legal prohibition

By Billy Taylor A Larchmont Village resident contacted the Chronicle last month to lament the continued activities at a problem “party house” located at 310 N. Lucerne Blvd.

“Youval Ziv threw himself an extremely large and loud party on July 3, 2021,” complained the resident, noting that the party featured extremely loud music, noise, groups loitering on the street, and the complete loss of nearby parking thanks in part to a golf cart.

At least two people were employed to work the Saturday party — a security guard stationed at the front gate of the property, and a driver for a golf cart that was used to ferry people to and from their cars, which were parked throughout the neighborhood.

“It took six hours from my initial phone call for officers to arrive,” said a Lucerne resident about the police’s response. “The officers who arrived treated it as a one-time occurrence and not a continuation of the illegal activities at the address.” According to the resident, the officers asked the security guard to shut down the party due to neighbor complaints.

Unsatisfied with what seemed like a total lack of awareness of the long-standing issues and

CROWDS arrive to house party at Lucerne property.

court-ordered bail conditions for the property’s owner Youval Ziv, other residents called the police back to the location to file their own police report.

When the police returned to the scene, residents were onsite with an email from Deputy City Attorney Mehrnoosh Zahiri, which detailed the longstanding issues as well as current bail conditions for Youval Ziv. After a quick call to their commander, the police officers allowed residents to file a report against the owner.

Previous incidents In February, city attorneys won a prohibition on any rental activity at the location as part of the bail review motion in the criminal case (Case No. 0CJ07716) against Youval Ziv. The case has currently been

continued to Aug. 25.

“This was the third opportunity in a short period of time where the house could have been shut down,” complained the Lucerne resident. “Instead, Youval Ziv made his money or had his fun or both, and the block and neighborhood paid

Rite-Aid

(Continued from page 14) president Barbara Pflaumer said.

Residents hoped to curb liquor sales — or obtain better Rite-Aid vigilance — because of public drinking of alcohol on store grounds and on public parkways near the area’s single-family homes.

the price.”

In fact, just one month prior to this most recent incident, the Chronicle confirmed that a gun-related robbery took place at the address on June 6. The police report for that incident notes that four victims were using the location as a rental when they were robbed at gunpoint by a group of suspects. At that time, we asked the neighborhood prosecutor, Zahiri, about the incident.

“I have recently (this week) been provided a copy of the related police report,” said Zahiri on June 24. “While I am not at liberty to discuss the details of the report as the matter is still under investigation, I can generally note that the rental period noted was not clearly less than 30 days, nor was it

noted that the property was rented on Airbnb. Unfortunately, the evidence is not as clear as we would need to immediately obtain a termination of the property owner’s bail. However, I am currently working with the attorney appearing on the matter (the counts related to this property were added onto another criminal filing against the property owner for Hollywood related issues) to see what we can use this for in court.

“We are hopeful that once this case is completed (either through a plea negotiation or trial) these issues will be resolved,” concluded Zahiri.

That was nine days before the next incident at the now infamous party house on Lucerne. Here’s hoping that justice is served on Aug. 25.

“The sale of alcohol is extraordinarily problematic for the neighborhood,” WVA board member Jeff Estow said.

The homeowners association filed a complaint with the state Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), against the store at 959 Crenshaw Blvd. (listed under Thrifty Payless).

In response, ABC assigned

an agent and heard from local residents, and the department also was in touch with the local city council member. John Carr, ABC agency information officer, said in an email to the Chronicle that, “As of this time, no meeting date has been set. If the council member sets up a meeting for residents and wants us to attend, the Department has agreed to attend.”

LIPSON

Plumbing, Inc.

OFFICES FOR LEASE

“Your Neighborhood Plumbers”

Larchmont Boulevard

606 N. Larchmont Blvd., L.A. 90004 5312 Valley Blvd., L.A. 90032 lipsonplumbing@gmail.com LIC.# 481793

DeaDline For the September 2021 iSSue iS fri., aug. 20, 2021.

©LC0221

323-469-2395

606 N. Larchmont Blvd.

PH (323) 466-8591

• Newly remodeled suites • Close to Studios & Restaurants • Village Atmosphere, Parking Provided • Very Competitive Rent

INSURED

Larchmont Chronicle's

Classified ads

tell our aDvertiSerS you "saw it in the larChmont ChroniCle!"

Place a classified ad at circulation@larchmontchronicle.com.

For Sale

Carthay Circle 6120 Warner Dr.

For Sale

Single Crypt in Beth Olam Cemetery

ServiceS

employment employment

Copywriter, Proofreader, DRIVER NEEDED! Looking for Class A & B Researcher

Lofty spaces for gracious Location: Tier 7-2 Gates of Newsletters, Brochures, Ads, drivers, local 100-mile radius.

Press Releases, Prof. Bios, Return home daily, guarantee.

Heaven Crypt 6471. living and entertaining!

Speeches, Obituaries. $30.50 / hr.

29 ft. ceilings, fireplace, $6,000 includes transfer Copy editing & proofreading Hrs: Mon.-Fri. (flexible) fee & endowment care. pool, lg. windows. essays, theses and more.

For info, email: Email Jack at 10+ years of experience Listed at $2,450,000 adventurer214@gmail.com fl6013112@gmail.com mara.sher.fisher@gmail.com Contact Mikka: 323-435-5688 To place a classified ad for $35/inch, email circulation@larchmontchronicle.com larealtyconcierge.com

Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council is hiring!

The GWNC is looking for an administrator and a webmaster. Visit greaterwilshire.org for information. Email resume and cover letter to staffing@ greaterwilshire.org.

©LC1220

Celebrating 45 Years on Larchmont

For rent

This space For renT!

Four easy steps: 1)Email circulation@ larchmontchronicle.com.

2) Include gist of the ad.

3) I send you a proof.

4) You send in a check!

Pay $35/inch or $52.50/1.5 inches to reach approx. 77,000 readers in our delivery neighborhood.

ServiceS

Get your shot yet?

Check to see when and where you can get your vaccination.

For appts, visit: publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/ hcwsignup/

16

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

Just Sold

Enchanting 1936 Neo-Georgian Revival manor in prime Brentwood Park on flat .71 acre, north of Sunset Boulevard on west side of prestigious Bristol Avenue. 5 beds + 5 baths. Gated & fully landscaped. Extraordinary architectural detailing and design by Thomas A. Buckley of Brown-Buckley, Inc. Well-maintained for past 61 years by present owners. Build an elegant new home or move-in now as the estate is warm, welcoming & clearly puts the “park” in desirable Brentwood Park!

Sold at just under $13 million

Bret Parsons Founder & Executive Director, Architectural Division

Richard Stearns Broker

310.497.5832 bret@bretparsons.com DRE 01418010

310.850.9284 richard.stearns@compass.com DRE 01118915

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.

Women of Larchmont 1 2 20 Sharon Cohanim

Nancy Cohen

Neville Anderson, M.D.

Nora Houndalas

Rebecca Fitzgerald, M.D.

100 years Helga Kasimoff

Julie Levtow

Pam Rudy

Lisa Nahabedian

Kristen Sato

Kathy Whooley

Leisha Willis

2

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

This year’s Women of Larchmont are On the Boulevard

By John Welborne During the past 55 years, the Larchmont Chronicle has featured many prominent women in our annual Women of Larchmont issue, and we are happy to add to that group this year.

The Larchmont Boulevard

shopping district is celebrating its 100th anniversary this October. Created in 1921 to provide neighborhood shopping opportunities to residents of the new homes then being built in the surrounding subdivisions, the Village long

has included local merchant families. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the district, we are featuring a dozen prominent modern women from the Boulevard in our 2021 annual Women of Larchmont issue.

Each one presented here is

LARCHMONT BOULEVARD, view south from Beverly Boulevard, 1930.

Photo: Historical Collections, Security Pacific National Bank

outstanding for being known on Larchmont Boulevard, whether as a shopkeeper, a doctor or an entrepreneur businesswoman. But regardless of vocation, these are welcoming and longtime members of our community.

The Larchmont Chronicle always has celebrated Boulevard-oriented Women of Larchmont, of course. Some from the past two decades include: Heather Duffy Boylston, Larchmont Village BID co-executive director; Patricia Carroll, historic Hollywoodland Realty owner; Edie Frère, Landis Gifts & Stationery owner; Elizabeth Fuller, “Larchmont Buzz” co-owner and publisher; Jane Gilman, “Larchmont Chronicle” cofounder; Vivian Gueler, Pacific Trust Group chief financial officer; Rebecca Hutchinson,

Larchmont Village BID coexecutive director; Patricia Lombard, “Larchmont Buzz” co-owner and publisher; and Joane Henneberger Pickett, owner of Pickett Fences.

In the pages that follow, meet our 2021 Women of Larchmont.

INSIDE HANCOCK PARK “Author Jane Gilman has done a remarkable job of chronicling the people and events that shaped this singular neighborhood. From ranch land to oil field to a premium residential area, Hancock Park’s trajectory is the story of Los Angeles. A great read and a marvelous reference.”

— G.S.

LARCHMONT SHOPPING DISTRICT, Christmas, 1948.

Available at Chevalier’s Books 133 N. Larchmont Blvd.

and amazon.com MODERN LARCHMONT includes weekly Farmers Markets at the city parking lot.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

3

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Dr. Anderson knows the importance of giving back to community

By Talia Abrahamson

Dr. Neville Anderson has been working to keep thousands of local children healthy, now more than ever.

Anderson, who opened Larchmont Pediatrics on the 10th floor of Larchmont Medical Center in 2014, has been conducting telemedical and distanced in-person appointments, fielding COVID-19 questions from parents and organizations and balancing the administrative tasks of owning a small business.

“We’re actually looking forward to seeing regular colds and ear infections,” Anderson laughed. “And seeing our patients more often and helping them grow and navigate this world, reintegrated into our new normal.”

Anderson, who lives in Hancock Park, has always wanted to open a pediatric practice in the community because of its real neighborhood feel. Her greatgreat-grandparents built the family house in Windsor Square where her maternal line grew up, including her grandmother and mother, Betsy Anderson, Woman of Larchmont ‘04.

“It’s still a place where you run into people,” Anderson said. “My great-grandmother used to always say, ‘You never want to be caught on Larchmont without your pearls on.’”

Anderson attended St. James Episcopal School, where she currently sits on the alumni council and medical task force for COVID-19. She went to Marlborough School from

seventh to 10th grade, during which she volunteered in the Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and became interested in pediatrics. After graduating from Stanford University for undergraduate and University of Rochester for medical school, she returned to CHLA for her residency.

Now, she serves on the Board of Managers and as the Chair of the Finance Committee for CHLA’s Health Network, which connects pediatric practices across the city.

She is also the president of Los Angeles Pediatric Society, which says it is the world’s oldest and largest independent pediatric society.

Anderson said her family instilled in her since a young age the importance of giving back to the community. She is an active member of the Larchmont Boulevard Asso-

ciation and helps out at the Family Fair each October.

And, each December, with her church, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, she coordinates Christmas presents for kids who have a parent in prison.

She can also be found cooking new recipes, hiking around Griffith Park, relaxing at the beach, going to her church, reading or spending time with family. Otherwise, she is at Larchmont Pediatrics, which overlooks Larchmont Boulevard. In addition to excellent customer service, she said this community is what sets her practice apart.

“Taking risks can be really worth it. If you have a dream, it’s important to go after it,” Anderson said. “And, how fun it is to be a part of the Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Larchmont community because it is a real neighborhood, and it’s fun to be a part of that.”

DR. NEVILLE ANDERSON

FROM THE WOMEN OF

WILSHIRE ESCROW JULIA BENDEWALD TAMRA CUNNINGHAM BEVERLY HARPER JULIE KIM LESLIE LIM SHARON MELANCON

SALUTING THE

2021 WOMEN OF LARCHMONT

MEGHAN MONTOYA ELLEN SHEWFELT MULTARI ELIZABETH PEÑA SHEIBA RAJADAS KRISTIN SHEWFELT

100 years

MAKI MOON SHEWFELT MARTHA TREJO

Owned and operated

is published annually by the Larchmont Chronicle 606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103 Los Angeles 90004 323-462-2241 Larchmont Chronicle is published monthly and read by 77,000 residents in Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Fremont Place, Park LaBrea, Miracle Mile and Larchmont Village.

Cover and inside photos

by Bill Devlin

by the Shewfelt Family since 1944 4270 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90010

323.935.3530 www.wilshire-escrow.com

©LC0821

Women of Larchmont

Photo by Henning Witzel on Unsplash

4

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

Cohanim has been making the Boulevard beautiful for decades

By Billy Taylor For nearly three decades Sharon Cohanim has been serving local residents from behind the counter at the Larchmont Beauty Center.

“I feel really blessed to be here and to be a part of the Larchmont Boulevard family — and it does feel like a family,” Cohanim told us last month at her luxury beauty store, located at 208 N. Larchmont Blvd.

“The children that used to shop here with their parents now have children of their own. It’s a pleasure to watch them grow and become successful in life,” she says of her longtime customers.

Cohanim and her husband Fred, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary together this year, opened Larchmont Beauty in April 1992, a time when luxury beauty products were hard to find outside of major department

stores. The couple felt there was an opportunity to bring European hair and skin care products to Larchmont.

“It was a very exciting time,” says Cohanim.

“When we first opened the store, we would stretch the products across the shelves to make it look like more was there,” she says with a laugh. “Now the shelves are brimming with products.” In fact, for many residents, the location has become a one-stop shop for all things beauty. A salon in the back of the shop offers manicures and haircuts seven days a week.

Cohanim says that the couple picked Larchmont because of its quaint neighborhood and shopping district. “From the start, we

SHARON COHANIM

felt very comfortable here,” she explains. “There are some places that you don’t want to go, even to work, but here on

Larchmont it’s the opposite. You feel happy to come to work.”

Still, it was a risk. “We were nervous when we first opened the shop on Larchmont. Would anyone shop there?

Would we make rent? It was scary,” Cohanim reflects.

She credits her late father for pushing them to start the business: “He told us not to be scared. To do it.” In the end, her parents were proud of the business that the two built.

Over the years, Cohanim says that she has witnessed Larchmont Boulevard evolve, with family-owned business-

es replaced with chain stores.

The Cohanims compete by doing what they do best: offering a personalized service to a community that they love.

“We try to stay in business.

As long as the customers support us, we will stay,” says Cohanim.

That outlook was threatened last year during the pandemic lockdown. “We were closed for six weeks,” says Cohanim, who admits she was nervous for the future. “We didn’t know when it would be safe to open again, and not knowing was difficult.” However, Cohanim says that she was pleasantly surprised when they finally opened the doors: “People would come in and say that they were stopping by just to support us; that they wanted us to stay in the community.

“That makes you feel good.

And happy to be a part of the Larchmont family,” she concludes.

Nancy Cohen: Building community with pizza and heart

By Helene Seifer The minute Nancy Cohen saw Larchmont Boulevard, she fell in love. The Queens, New York native explains, “It felt very homey to me.”

Her brother-in-law had moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco where Nancy Cohen and her husband Steve still lived and made a point of showing them Larchmont Boulevard when they visited, saying, “Isn’t it a cool street?”

They not only agreed, they immediately made plans to sell their home and Village Pizzeria restaurant in San Francisco and start anew here.

While Cohen closed up their San Francisco life, her husband started developing the new restaurant location and found a house around the corner from the boulevard, which he bought without his wife having a chance to see it. It’s still where they live today.

Few would disagree that Village Pizzeria, which she and Steve opened roughly 25 years ago, helps create the unique neighborhood character of the street, an atmosphere she both cherishes and works to protect.

“When new stores open we welcome them to the block by bringing them a pizza!” she enthuses.

Cohen values the relationships she and her husband maintain with other business

owners and employees on the block. “Dimitris [Houndalas, owner of Le Petit Greek next door] and my husband are always talking to each other about business and helping each other out,” she notes.

They helped each other fill out loan applications and they provide emergency onions and the like when one restaurant runs out and the other has some to spare.

Cohen continues to tick off the Larchmont businesses that contribute to the community feel. “I am delighted the bookstore is next to us. I love them! I know the people in the beauty supply store because I shop there. The people who regularly work in Kiku are lovely, lovely people.”

Cohen is concerned about the rash of stores going out of business. “When Picket Fences left, I was crushed. They were here as long as we were!”

Survival during the coronavirus was difficult for all businesses, and post-pandemic recovery is equally hard. Back rent will need to be repaid starting in January 2022, and finding reliable employees so the pizzeria can operate at full capacity has proven impossible. Their two children, Alicia and Matthew, work with them, but it’s exhausting for the four of them to keep up with the demand for their cheesy, delicious pies.

“We closed for three weeks because we were fried!” Cohen states.

What really touches her and makes it all worthwhile is the support of the commu-

NANCY COHEN

nity. “Our loyal customers are amazing! Cohen explains that when their landlord wanted to raise their rent, “There was an outpouring of people signing their names on the petition saying ‘Please don’t let them leave the street. Negotiate with them.’ There were about 3,000 signatures!”

In one remarkable gesture of support, a customer who wishes to remain anonymous suggested that they follow the lead of others on the street and build some outdoor space.

The Cohens teamed up with Le Petit Greek and got an estimate for a patio project they could share. “It was about $12,000.

That was too much.” Instead of that being the end of the idea, the customer said, “I’m going to build this for you.” Cohen explains what happened next.

“He got a work crew together.

The very next day they began building.” She pauses, contemplating the enormity of the gesture. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has done for me in my whole life.”

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Introducing

at the offices of

3 2 1 N La r c h m o n t B l v d. # 9 0 6 Lo s A n g e l e s, C A 9 0 0 0 4 323.464.8046 w w w. r e b e c c a f i t z g e r a l d m d. c o m

5

6

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Dr. Fitzgerald’s cosmetic dermatology blends ‘science and art’ ing HIV/AIDS patients with facial fillers, to reduce sunken cheeks from fat loss.

She found cosmetic dermatology to be a “nice blend of science and art” — with miraculous side benefits.

“It made these people so happy to get their face back…

It’s been very rewarding.”

Today, when patients first arrive at her office, “they’re a little uncomfortable” and often apologetic, she says.

But mostly they’re tired of being told they look tired, or mad or sad.

Their stories range from the young woman who wants a lip filler to attract a husband. A 50-year-old man in a new tech job who doesn’t want to be “treated like yesterday’s newspaper.” Or, there’s the 42-yearold mom whose child asks, “Why are you so much older than the other moms?”

Others want to get rid of acne or brown spots. Fitzgerald offers a host of solutions, from topical treatments, body sculpting and lasers to wrinkle relaxers (Botox) and an array of

fillers to fill, augment and contour your face. “There’s something for everyone,” she says.

People who walk in afraid they’ll walk out with a frozen face and oversized lips are quickly put at ease by the doctor’s Southern hospitality.

“I say, ‘You see a lot of people with fillers and Botox, and you have no idea they’ve had anything done.’”

Her office is blessed with a “wonderful” north-facing light that streams through large plate glass windows.

“Everybody comments all day about the view, every day,” says Fitzgerald.

She’s enlarged her whitedécor office as more square footage became available, and two dermatologists have joined her practice. (One of them, Dr. Helen Fincher, walks her two Great Danes in the neighborhood.)

Fitzgerald first came to Los Angeles for her medical residency at UCLA/Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Coming from humid Louisiana, she loved Los Angeles’ mild weather

Enjoy Relaxing Thai Massages …

• individually • as a couple • or in a group Couples Massage

DR. REBECCA FITZGERALD

and its variety of cultures and peoples.

“They spoke 50 languages at the hospital. It was so diverse and so new to me.” She realized, “There’s a whole world out there I was missing.”

She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Soci-

ety of Dermatological Surgery, and she is on the clinical faculty at UCLA. She stays on the cutting edge by writing papers, traveling and giving talks. And she treats a clientele from the neighborhood and beyond.

“I would rather be here than in Beverly Hills or the Westside… I’m very grateful to have landed here.”

Annie Oakley made her mark — close to Poker Hall of Fame

$130 1 hour • $190 90 minute

Individual Massage

$69 1 hour • $99 90 minute

(323) 466-0066 578 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004 • www.awespawellness.com Thank you Larchmont for 19 great years on the Boulevard!

Romi Cortier Design is pleased to announce the launch of ‘Artful Living’ housewares, inspired by Romi’s original art.

˜

©LC0621

Group Massages by appointment only

RC

A few years from now, we shall mark 100 years since the Poker death of Annie Oakley, who made a major impact on sports for All and poker. Becoming the icon by for women in the sport of rifle George shooting, she is best rememEpstein bered as the legendary front woman for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and as a strong ad- about some of these wondervocate for women to learn a ful women, including Linda sport that was long dominated Johnson (the First Lady of by men. In so doing, she likely Poker), Jan Fisher (a member also encouraged many women of the Women in Poker Hall of to learn to play the game of Fame), and Barbara Enright poker — our favorite sport. (also a member of the Women Indeed, over the years many in Poker Hall of Fame). There women have gained the cour- are now excellent poker books age to come to the casinos written by women that help to defy the once-common us all — men and women — practice of excluding wom- become better players. Withen from the poker tables. I out realizing it, Annie Oakley have written poker columns Congratulations to the (Please turn to page 7)

Congratulations to the Congratulations to the

Available exclusively at the salon.

Women Women Women Congratulations to the of Larchmont of of Larchmont Larchmont Women of Larchmont Electrolysis

Where Art Inspires Beauty.

Electrolysis Electrolysis by by

Check out Romi’s book, The Art of Romi Cortier, now on Amazon.

by

Specializing In: Cuts • Colors • Manicures • Pedicures www.RomiCortier.com

323-462-1089

(323) 460-6111 Ste. 205

©LC0820

425 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles

©LC0818

By Suzan Filipek When Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald branched out on her own 18 years ago, she chose Larchmont for its small-town neighborliness to make some high-power changes in her patients’ lives.

“Cosmetic dermatology is not about vanity,” she says in a faint New Orleans drawl. “It’s about empowerment.”

Her ninth-floor office in the Larchmont Medical Center boasts a sky-high view of the Hollywood hills and cityscape.

“It’s such a lovely neighborhood. It’s such a great place to be,” she says.

She didn’t start out mixing anti-aging cocktails of fillers and Botox after she graduated from Louisiana State University Medical School.

In medical school she was drawn to dermatology, because “you get to see everybody … the young, old, men and women.”

She began her career at Kaiser as a medical dermatologist, and she volunteered on evenings and weekends treat-

460-6111 460-6111 444 N. Larchmont Blvd., 540 N. Larchmont 0808

0808

540 N. Larchmont 460-6111 540 N. Larchmont

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

7

Houndalas finds magical, extended family in Boulevard community install drywall and all the while Thomas told her about his brother Dimitris, who was in the Greek military, and who he said she would like. A lot.

A year after they opened, Dimitris moved to Los Angeles. Nine months later, he and Nora married.

Although Houndalas developed a Chinese medicine practice in acupuncture and herbalism, she never strayed far from Le Petit Greek. She runs the office, manages payroll and always lets Dimitris be the face of the restaurant. “[It] is not only his bread and butter, it’s his social life,” she acknowledges. “He will stand outside the restaurant and talk to people as they go up and down the boulevard. It’s very European. We got to know people, the commu-

Poker for All

ignated as “Annie Oakley’s.” Another of her most popular marksmanship tricks was splitting a playing card, edge on, from a distance of 30 paces. Quite an accomplishment. Recognized for her rifle-shooting marksmanship achievements, starting in the U.S. and spreading into Europe, Annie Oakley became one of the most famous women in America.

Little Miss Sure Shot Growing up nicknamed “Little Miss Sure Shot,” Annie ANNIE OAKLEY in 1894.

(Please turn Photo by D.F. Barry, collection of Buffalo Bill to page 14) Center of the West

(Continued from page 6) blazed new ground by demonstrating that women can compete on equal footing in traditionally male-dominated endeavors.

Today, it is estimated that about 20 million people compete in rifle shooting here in the U.S., whereas over 60 million play the game of poker. And, among them, women are participating in both of those sports more and more.

Apparently, Annie Oakley didn’t play poker, but she made good use of playing cards. She could hit a playing card from a distance of 90 feet — riddling it five times before it hit the ground. That rifle-shooting accomplishment resulted in “free tickets” with holes punched in them being des-

nity.” And the community has been there to support them.

“We were very young when we opened the restaurant,” Houndalas recounts. “Dimitris’ family is in Greece and mine on the East Coast. We literally relied on our Larchmont Village community as our extended family. We sought counsel, and still do, in every area of our personal and professional life.“ In fact, their dentist and accountant came through the restaurant. Their house in Windsor Square was purchased from a regular diner. When their now 19-year-old son Nicholas was born, customer advice led them to local options Wagon Wheel preschool, St. James Episcopal School and Pilgrim School.

Customers helped their bottom line during the pandemic

with to-go orders and arranged for them to provide meals to medical centers and homeless youth shelters. A customer hired a crew to build the outdoor seating Le Petit Greek shares with neighboring Village Pizzeria.

Houndalas cherishes that boulevard business owners help each other when needed, loaning chairs, for example, and patronizing each other’s stores and restaurants.

She would stroll with Nicholas to Sam’s Bagels when he was a baby; now they enjoy mother-son dinners at Vernetti. All the pictures in their house were framed by Silver Lining.

Even though money was tight during the pandemic, Houndalas made a point of frequenting Larchmont establishments.

When Chevalier’s moved, Houndalas bought a book from them minutes before they officially opened their doors.

Reflecting on the support she gets and gives on the bou-

NORA HOUNDALAS

levard, Houndalas summarizes, “This is what community truly is. It is the unfolding of the heart. That is what Larchmont Village means to me.” She continues, “That’s why three walls of our home have new wallpaper. Customer receipts! We grabbed a few every night for over a year and taped them to the walls as a reminder of the generosity, love and support of Larchmont Village.”

Gia Marakas

Classically trained

Certified Pilates Instructor ©LC1020

By Helene Seifer Nora Houndalas has had an almost magical relationship with Larchmont Boulevard.

Nearly every major adult decision in her life has been influenced by relationships formed on the street and in the restaurant she and her husband own, Le Petit Greek. In fact, she fell in love with the community long before she even met her husband Dimitris.

She was close friends with Thomas Houndalas, Dimitris’ brother, who decided the friendly boulevard was a perfect place to open a restaurant. She immediately rolled up her sleeves and helped.

“It’s a very challenging business,” she explains. “No way could [Thomas] do it on his own.” She painted and helped

COVID-friendly one-on-one instruction Longtime Hancock Park resident

info@giamarakas.com

323-697-0048

Financial Planning With Purpose Feel clear and confident about your financial future

M

eagan Phelps, founder and CEO of Empress Investment Group, is passionate about helping women make confi-

dent financial decisions. In 2000, she found her calling: helping women better manage their money, plan for their futures, build and preserve wealth, and protect their legacies. “Our relationships with clients aren’t transactional, where you buy a product and it’s over. We build lifelong friendships.” Clients achieve clarity and confidence by focusing on five key areas: income, investment, tax, healthcare and legacy planning.

Located in the Larchmont Medical Building, 8th Floor

Call now for your complimentary Strategy Call with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

310.450.2904

Email: info@empressig.com or text “EMPRESS” to 474747

*Mention our Smart Women, Smart Retirement™ workbook and get a free copy mailed today!

Meagan Phelps is a registered representative of and offering securities and advisory services through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC., a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA & SIPC. Madison Avenue Securities, LLC is not affiliated with Empress Investment Group.

8

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

The following organizations involve many Larchmont Chronicle neighbors. If your group is not listed, or if you see information that needs to be updated, please write to circulation@larchmontchronicle.com or call 323-462-2241, ext. 13.

Philanthropic ALEXANDRIA HOUSE

DIRECTORY OF WHO'S WHO

children and their families, typically chil- 323-845-1800; angelfood.org. dren from three months through age 22.

Purpose: Supports Children’s Institute, Inc. 323-965-7536; thejeffreyfoundation.org.

SISTERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE to help children affected by violence, abuse Purpose: Fundraising and other support for and other trauma through fundraising and JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES Regis House Community Center: 818-285operating The Colleagues Boutique, a design- Sarah Christian, president. Founded in 1926. 3358, sssla.org. Regis House: 213-380-8168, er resale and vintage clothing store at 3312 Seven general meetings Sept. to May. Purpose: regishousecommunitycenter.com, regisPico Blvd. 213-260-7621; thecolleagues.com. Promote voluntarism, develop women’s poten- housecc@att.net. tial and improve the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

COLLEAGUE HELPERS IN UPLIFT FAMILY SERVICES PHILANTHROPIC SERVICE (CHIPS) 323-957-4280; jlla.org.

THE COLLEAGUES

Michelle Tonn, executive director. Judy Vaughan, founding director. Purpose: A transitional residence for single women and women with children in the process of moving from homelessness to permanent housing. Contact Michele Richards, development director, 213- Purpose: Support Children’s Institute, Inc. with its work to help children affected by vio381-2649 or michele@alexandriahouse.org. lence, abuse and other trauma. Fundraising and volunteer efforts include its annual spring ANDERSON-MUNGER YMCA fashion luncheon, and community outreach Rae Jin, Executive Director. Purpose: To projects such as the CII Dream Big graduastrengthen community through youth tion, CII Works event, CII holiday celebration, development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Contact: 213 427 9622. Web- and project prom. 213-260-7621; thechips.org. site: ymcala.org/anderson-munger

CUISINE Á ROULETTES

Purpose: Founded in 1983. Fullfill the misASSISTANCE LEAGUE sion to fundraise and provide volunteer supOF LOS ANGELES port for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. For Adrienne Seltzer, Board President. Melanie information, contact Veronic Dover, C.E.O, at Merians, Chief Executive Officer. 300+ mem213-484-7112; vdover@stvincentmow.org. bers. Purpose: Improve the quality of lives of at-risk children and their families. Programs DIDI HIRSCH include: accredited preschool, two clothing MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES and school supplies programs for homeless and foster youth, a theater for children and Michael Wierwille, board chair. Dr. Jonathan a scholarship program for graduating high Goldfinger, CEO. Established in 1942. Purschool seniors who are homeless or in foster pose: Provide mental health and substance use care. Auxiliaries and their chairs include: Anne services to low income children and adults in Banning Auxiliary (Operation School Bell the Los Angeles area. Two annual fundraisers: program), Debbie Roper; Hilltoppers Auxil- Erase the Stigma Awards in April and Alive and iary (Foster Children’s Resource Center), Judy Running 5K for suicide prevention in SeptemDavis; Nine O’Clock Players Auxiliary (Theatre ber. 310-751-5331; didihirsch.org. for Children Program), Lenore Schlachtman; Preschool Auxiliary (Preschool Learning CenEBELL OF LOS ANGELES ter), Yvonne Cazier; Founder Assisteens, Tif- Patty Lombard, president. 500+ members. fany Arrington, Sue Moyer and Teresa Antaky; Purpose: Women’s club with philanthropic, College Alumnae Auxiliary, June Bilgore; cultural and educational programs that supMannequins Auxiliary, Rachel Abano-Trail; port 20 charities that help women and chiland League at Large, Kiel FitzGerald. Contact dren. The club also grants over 50 college Kai Tramiel, senior director of membership at scholarships each year. Holds lunches with 323-545-4847, ktramiel@assistanceleaguela. guest speakers, wine and dine dinners, barbeorg or visit assistanceleaguela.org. cues, art receptions, dances, holiday events, plays, readings, film screenings, book clubs and crafts workshops in a National Register AVIVA FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES PLATINUM ASSOCIATES historic Italian Renaissance building. MerePurpose: Fundraise for Aviva Family and Chil- dyth Deighton, membership director. 323dren’s Services, which provides support and 931-1277 or visit ebellofla.com. therapeutic services to at-risk women, children and families. 323-876-0550, ext. 1107, or FREEDOMS FOUNDATION development@aviva.org.

AT VALLEY FORGE Tanya Caligiuri, president. Purpose: Raise funds to provide scholarships to students BIG SUNDAY David Levinson, founder and executive director. and accredited teachers to participate in the Purpose: Connects people by providing a variety Foundation’s educational programs. 805of volunteer opportunities to improve lives and 497-2344; freedomsfoundation.org/califorbuild community. Board of directors meet four nia/los-angeles-county-chapter. times a year. 323-549-9944. bigsunday.org.

BLIND CHILDREN’S CENTER

Jeff Leitzinger, board president. Sarah Orth, CEO. Scott Kassel, director of development and communications. Purpose: Provide family-centered early intervention and education services for children birth to kindergarten who are visually impaired. Fundraiser each May. 323-664-2153; blindchildrenscenter.org.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN AUXILIARY

Beverly Weir, president. Mary Kane, auxiliary contact. Purpose: Raise funds and assist at four centers for homeless women and their children. 213-235-1965 or email asandoval@gschomeless.org.

HOLLYWOOD YMCA

AT HOLLYGROVE

Purpose: Family-centered community orgaLAS FLORISTAS nization serving abused and neglected chilAmanda Settlage, executive director. Pur- dren to age 18, and those at risk of abuse pose: Serve the special needs of children with or neglect or in poverty. 323-463-2119; upexceptional physical or cognitive challenges at liftfs.org/service/hollygrove.

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center with wheelchair sports, scholarships, recreational therapy, adolescent support and pediatric art therapy. Meets once a month.

ARCS FOUNDATION, INC. Fundraisers include holiday boutique luncheon in December and spring gala in May. LOS ANGELES FOUNDER CHAPTER Annual scholarship and awards dinner is in Purpose: Advance research in America by raisJune. 562-298-3508; amanda@lasfloristas.org. ing scholar awards for the best undergraduate, graduate, medical students and postdoctoral fellows in the fields of science, math, engiLES AMIES CHILDREN’S neering and medical research. 310-375-1936; INSTITUTE, INC. arcsfoundation.org/los_angeles Purpose: Support Children’s Institute, Inc. with its work to help children affected by vioBANNING RESIDENCE lence, abuse and other trauma. Fundraisers MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS include the Patron Drive and Annual Winter Party, in addition to various other events. 213- Purpose: Support the educational and cultural programs and restoration and conser260-7621; childrensinstitute.org. vation of Banning Residence Museum. 310548-7777; thebanningmuseum.org.

Civic

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE LOS ANGELES FOUNDER CHAPTER

NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS

Purpose: Mother-daughter philanthropy organization. Annual benefit in December. Time- OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION less Treasures Thrift Shop open Tuesdays, Fri- Eschscholtzia and Hollywood Chapters. days, Saturdays and Sundays at 9441 Culver Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., D.A.R. is a nonprofit, nonBlvd, Culver City, 323-665-5981; nclla.org. political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE preserving American history, and securing CORONET DEBUTANTE America’s future through better education.

BALL BOARD Visit laedar.com, or follow on Facebook at Julie Barker, ball director. Carroll McEachern, facebook.com/Los-Angeles-Eschscholtziapresident. Purpose: Annual Coronet Debutante Chapter-DAR-154076664662448/.

Ball is Sat., Nov. 27, 2021 at Beverly Hilton. The announcement event of the 2021 Coronet FamFRIENDS OF THE ilies is Sat., Aug. 7, 2021. Event fundraising supFAIRFAX LIBRARY ports philanthropic projects of National Charity Liz Goralka, contact. Purpose: Support the League, Los Angeles, coronetdebutanteball.org. library acquisition fund and various programs. 323-936-6191; lapl.org.

NGA HANCOCK PARK NEEDLEWORK GUILD OF AMERICA

Beverly Brown, president. Purpose: Improve the quality of life for disadvantaged members of the community by purchasing and distributing new clothes, linens and personal care items through seven local charities. Annual fundraiser event in February. ngahancockpark.org; ngahancockpark@gmail.com.

ORPHANAGE GUILD

FRIENDS OF THE JOHN C. FREMONT LIBRARY

Thomas Garbrecht, president; Michelle Commardo, secretary; David Kendrick is treasurer. Polin Cohanne is co-treasurer. Eight members. Purpose: Fundraise to support the library’s programming for the community.

Always looking for more volunteers. 323962-3521; lapl.org/branches/john-c-fremont.

Purpose: Support Maryvale, Los Angeles’ FRIENDS OF THE MEMORIAL oldest children’s charity, founded in 1856.

LIBRARY Maryvale offers mental health, therapeutic and community-based services, and a pre- Chris Metro, president. Deborah Matthews, school for children ages infant to five years. contact. Purpose: Support the library through various programs. 323-938-2732; lapl.org.

626-280-6510; laorphanageguild.com.

Merton Harris, executive director. Purpose: PEGGY ALBRECHT CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S Strengthen the community through youth FRIENDLY HOUSE development, healthy living and social re- Peter White, board president, Monica PhilLAW CENTER Betsy Butler, executive director. Pur- sponsibility. 323-467-4161; ymcala.org. lips, executive director. Founded in 1951. First pose: Break down barriers and advance the home for women recovering from alcohol and potential of women and girls in California. drug addiction in the U.S. Purpose: Provide HOPENET First law center in California solely dedi- Brandy Muñiz, executive director. Board opportunity for women to recover physically, cated to addressing the comprehensive and meets monthly. Purpose: Provide direct spiritually and emotionally from drugs and allegal needs of women and girls. The three services to families and individuals in the cohol through love, compassion and support. primary activities are education and sup- Metro Los Angeles area to improve quality 213-389-9964; friendlyhousela.org. port services; impact litigation and policy of life. The food pantry program is a network advocacy. Particular emphasis on effecting of 13 food pantries that are run in collaboPROJECT ANGEL FOOD change for low-income and indigent women ration with inter-faith agencies spanning Richard Ayoub, executive director. Jason Ball, and girls. 323-951-1041; cwlc.org.

20 miles and providing free, accessible and chair. Founded in 1989 by Marianne Williamhealthy food to anyone that wants or needs son and a group of volunteers to provide food it. Taste of Larchmont fundraiser is usually to those combating the effects of HIV/AIDS. CHILDHELP Carol Rush, president. 100 members. Purpose: the last Monday in August. 213-389-9949; Project Angel Food continues to serve the Address the physical, emotional, educational brandy@hopenetla.org. critically ill, providing more than 2,000 free and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and meals per day, along with love and support, at-risk children, focusing efforts and resources to men and women battling cancer, kidney JEFFREY FOUNDATION on advocacy, prevention, treatment, and com- Alyce Morris Winston, founder and CEO. failure, diabetes, congestive heart disease and munity outreach. 323-465-4016; childhelp.org. Purpose: Provide services for special needs other illnesses, and their dependent children.

FRIENDS OF THE WILSHIRE LIBRARY

Purpose: Support the library through purchasing supplemental books, equipment, and items that assist library staff, enhance community programming, and maintain the thriving garden. Fundraising through book and bake sales and donations. 323-957-4550; lapl. org/branches/wilshire.

HOLLYWOOD BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

Marjory Hopper, president. Founded in 1920 as advocates for women. Purpose: Achieve equity for individuals in the workplace through advocacy and education. Meets monthly over Zoom. Email marjoryhopper@gmail.com or visit bpwcal.org.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, LOS ANGELES CHAPTER

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Mona Field, president. Meets monthly Sept.May. Purpose: non-partisan organization to inform citizens about government. 213-3681616; lwvlosangeles.org.

Bonnie McClure, chairman. 37 Guilds and Auxiliaries operating since 1914. Purpose: Raise money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Email associates&affiliates@chla.usc. edu, call 323-361-2367 or visit chla.org.

LOS ANGELES GARDEN CLUB

Meets 2nd Mon., Sept. to June. First meeting GOOD SAMARITAN is free. Purpose: to increase knowledge and HOSPITAL AUXILIARY love of gardening, to educate, and to support Purpose: Philanthropy, staffing of the Good philanthropic causes. Annual toy collection/ Samaritan Gift Shop and public relations. monetary donations in Nov. for Homeless 213-977-2939; goodsam.org.

Health Care Los Angeles. Three horticultural scholarships are given for students at Mt. San LAS MADRINAS Antonio College. losangelesgardenclub.org.

Kristin Harrison, president. Shane Fermelia, public relations chair. 185 members. Meets NATIONAL ASSOCIATION three times yearly. Purpose: Philanthropic orOF WOMEN BUSINESS ganization dedicated to a tradition of supporting pediatric care and research at Children’s OWNERS, LOS ANGELES Renee Young, president. Purpose: Propel Hospital Los Angeles by honoring families women entrepreneurs into economic, social who have shown exceptional commitment to and political spheres of power through advoca- the Southern California community. Contact correspondingsecretary@lasmadrinas.org. cy, innovation and community. nawbola.org.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, LOS ANGELES

LUMINAIRES, FOUNDER CHAPTER

ST. JOHN OF GOD HELPER’S CLUB

LOS ANGELES

WINDSOR SQUARE-HANCOCK PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE ORTHOPAEDIC GUILD

WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Margaret Cherene, president. 100 members.

Purpose: Volunteering and fundraising to assist patients in St. John of God Retirement and Care Center. 323-731-7141; info@hospitallerfoundation.org.

Art-Music

WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES

Jennifer Leland, president. Purpose: Promote \ participation in the legal profession of women lawyers and judges from diverse perspectives and racial and ethnic backgrounds, maintain the integrity of legal system by advocating fairness and equality, and improve the status of women by supporting their exercise of equal rights, equal representation, and reproductive choice. 213-892-8982; wlala.org.

BARNSDALL ARTS / FOJAC

Shelah Lehrer-Graiwer, executive director.

Purpose: Provide quality art education and exhibits that nurture creativity, artistic skills, and aesthetic appreciation of art. Build community through access and engagement.

Zoomed programming includes Sunday free family art workshops throughout the year.

LAS AMIGAS DE LAS LOMAS Purpose: Support the OIC’s charitable care pro- Call 323-363-4629. Visit barnsdallarts.org. gram. Visit lasamigas.org.

Richard Battaglia, president. Board of Trust- Mother /daughter organization. Purpose: Supees meets quarterly via Zoom. Researches and port OIC’s charitable care program. Evergreen preserves historical information on Windsor Ball is in January.

Square, Hancock Park and Greater Rancho La Brea. Historical tours, social events and annuLAS NIÑAS DE al Homes / Gardens Tour. Contact: wshphs@ LAS MADRECITAS gmail.com, wshphs.com.

Members are girls grades nine to 12. Purpose: Volunteer at OIC and in the community; WOMEN AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE fundraising projects benefiting the patients Margot Bennett, executive director. Purpose: of OIC include a spring fashion show and Prevent gun violence by educating the public, Christmas See’s Candy Sale; presentation of policymakers and the media about the human, seniors at annual Evergreen Ball. financial and public health consequences and dangers of firearms. 310-204-2348; wagv.org.

FRIENDS OF HANCOCK PARK ELEMENTARY

Purpose: Fundraising and implementing projects. hancockparkschool.com.

FRIENDS OF THIRD STREET

Purpose: Parent booster group to provide classroom support and raise money for enrichment programs. 323-939-8337; friendsofthird.org.

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Purpose: Support school and build community. Visit hw.com/parents/parents-association.

IMMACULATE HEART PARENTS’ COUNCIL

Purpose: Communication and information for ​parent / student events, including parent information nights and fundraising events.

Call or 323-461-3651; immaculateheart.org/ support-ih/donate/parent-council.

LOYOLA HIGH MOTHERS’ GUILD

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART DOCENT COUNCIL

ST. BRENDAN SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER BOARD

Purpose: Hospitality, service and fundraising.

Council members enjoy six to eight fashion- 213-381-5121; or visit loyolahs.edu/mothers. centric programs annually. Purpose: Acquisitions and special project support for the MARLBOROUGH PARENTS’ Costume and Textile Curatorial Department ASSOCIATION of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 323-857-6558; costumecouncil@lacma.org. Purpose: Provide leadership and support.

323-935-1147; marlborough.org.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART MUSEUM SERVICE COUNCIL

Maureen Manion, president. 165 members.

Purpose: Fundraising to assist Sisters who are RNs, LVNs, CNAs in carrying out their mission Tim Deegan, chair. 150 members. Annual to care for patients in the patient’s own home, meeting at museum. Purpose: Guest servicregardless of illness, race or religion. The an- es. 323-857-6228; tdeegan@lacma.org. nual benefit luncheon for this year has been rescheduled for spring 2022. For further inLOS ANGELES formation regarding the Sisters or the Guild PHILHARMONIC please contact maureen.manion@ca.rr.com or AFFILIATES call 323-896-9906.

CEDARS-SINAI Purpose: Support the mission of the LA Phil WOMEN’S GUILD through volunteer service, community enST. ANNE’S GUILD Shelley Cooper, president. Purpose: Supgagement, and fundraising; be ambassadors port Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, primar- St. Anne’s Guild supports St. Anne’s, a social for music and connect communities. Call ily through fundraising, support programs, service agency offering an array of services 213-972-3537 or email volunteer@laphil.org. research and education. 310-423-3667; wo- promoting the safety, resilience and ongomensguildcs.org or womensguild@cshs.org. ing achievement of young mothers, their MUSES OF THE children and families. Located at 155 N. Occidental Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Fundraising thrift shop at 3315 W. Burbank FOUNDATION LOS ANGELES Blvd. Contact: Dana Valenzuela Marez 213- Purpose: Support and promote the CaliforASSOCIATES & AFFILIATES 381-2931 x229; dvalenzuela@stannes.org. nia Science Center and its education pro-

Hospital-Medical

BUCKLEY SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART COSTUME COUNCIL

Emily Craig, docent council coordinator.

401 members. Purpose: Volunteer educational services for students and adults in LOS AMIGOS Purpose: Volunteer at OIC and in the com- the form of tours, lectures, and informal munity; support Las Amigas de Las Lomas conversations. Email ecraig@lacma.org, call 323-857-6109 or visit lacma.org. through volunteerism.

SISTERS SERVANTS OF MARY GUILD

Education

Purpose: Support the school; assist in social and cultural activities; foster a good relaUSC MEDICAL CENTER tionship among the school, the students, CARES AUXILIARY Mindy Halls, president. Purpose: Support Los and the parents; assist in fundraising. Visit Angeles County+USC by providing financial sup- buckley.org/about/parents-association. port and volunteer services to benefit patients by adding comfort to their hospital stay and provid- CATHEDRAL CHAPEL SCHOOL PTO ing services that help the patients access quality BOARD health care. Email lacusccares@gmail.com, call Purpose: Fundraising events for Cathedral 323-409-6941 or visit lacusccares.org.

Chapel School and general support of school.

323-938-9976; cathedralchapelschool.org.

Purpose: Support OIC’s charitable care program. Main fundraiser is a Book & Author Luncheon held in October. Collects holiday gifts throughout the year.

LAS MADRECITAS

grams for youth. 213-744-2035 or acontreraz@californiasciencecenter.org.

Purpose: Raise money for St. John of God NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN Retirement and Care Center. FundraisTHE ARTS COMMITTEE, ers include the “Charity Golf Classic.” Also SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA sponsors the Foundation’s newsletter. 323- Purpose: Support the National Museum of 731-7141; info@hospitallerfoundation.org. Women in the Arts and to increase public awareness of the work of California women artists locally and nationally. nmwa.org.

ST. JOHN OF GOD

Pam Brown, board president. Purpose: To ad- Purpose: Support vision research at Doheny vance economic justice and equity for women. Eye Institute, now affiliated with UCLA’s Jules THE BLUE RIBBON Operates five thrift stores and an ecommerce Stein Eye Institute. 323-342-7101; doheny.org.

Terri Kohl, president. Suzy Boyett, associate site in Los Angeles. 323-852-8500; ncjwla.org. director, By invitation only: meets on a speORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE FOR cial events basis. Purpose: Founded in 1968 CHILDREN (OIC) TOWN AND GOWN OF USC

by Dorothy Chandler, this charitable support Hilary Crahan, president. Established in 1904. CHARITABLE CHILDREN’S GUILD (CCG) group of The Music Center is comprised of Purpose: Philanthropic organization support- Purpose: Founded in 1911, the CCG supports women leaders in the Los Angeles communiing USC through scholarships for students, OIC’s charitable care program with financial ty. Funds raised go to its education programs building and campus enhancements and cul- resources and volunteering. Main fundraiser and resident companies — Los Angeles Optural programs. townandgownofusc.org. is a tea in springtime. Contact michaelwillis@ era, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles mednet.ucla.edu; ortho-institute.org. See the Master Chorale and Center Theatre Group. five auxiliaries of the CCG below.

WILSHIRE ROTARY CLUB OF 213-972-3347; sboyett@musiccenter.org.

Joyce Kleifield, president. Meets at The Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. , the first Wednesday of the month. Check website calendar for other meetings and locations. Purpose: “People taking action to help our community for 87 years.” Contact Dan Hodgkiss, membership chair: membership@wilshirerotary. org. Visit wilshirerotary.org or facebook.com/ wilshirerotary.

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Purpose: Fundraising, communication forum, support of co-curricular activities and welcome for new families. Email info@stbrendanschoolla.org, call 213-382-7401 or visit stbrendanschoolla.org.

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL PARENT ASSOCIATION

Meets monthly, year-round. Purpose: Community building, fundraising and hospitality. 213-382-2315; sjsla.org/community-life/ parent-involvment/parent-association.

THIRD STREET PTA

Monthly virtual meeting times. Purpose: Promote and build parent/family engagement, support and encourage staff, and work with Friends of Third to raise funds for enrichment and curricular programs for students. Visit thirdstreetpta.org or email info@thirdstreetpta.org.

WILSHIRE CREST PTA

Purpose: Fundraising and support for school and student needs. Contact 323-938-5291, or info@wilshirecrestpta.org. Visit wcelausd-ca.schoolloop.com/pta.

WILTON PLACE SCHOOL PTA

Call 213-389-1181 or visit wiltonplaceeslausd-ca.schoolloop.com/parent_links.

9

10

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

Besides music, Larchmont Boulevard is Helga Kasimoff’s world

By Helene Seifer When Helga Kasimoff was a seven-year-old child in Germany, she received a single opera ticket from her sister.

She sat alone, enthralled, and thus began her lifelong love of music and, eventually, her career as a purveyor of fine keyboard instruments.

Her love of Larchmont Boulevard came later.

Kasimoff and her late husband Vasilly (Bill) relocated their home and their KasimoffBlüthner Piano Co. showroom from Pasadena to North Larch-

mont Boulevard in 1973 when they decided to find a more central location to the venues they regularly serviced, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Long Beach Symphony and Capitol Records.

“We didn’t want a showroom where there was walk-in traffic,” Helga explains further.

“And we wanted a neighborhood.” She doesn’t drive, so she needed to live close to stores and restaurants. When they discovered Larchmont Village, they knew it was perfect because, she says, “I could

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald Although we sometimes seem to be living in somewhat divisive times, I feel sure that we can all agree that 2020 will be a year we all remember vividly. Safety, of course, is on everyone’s minds. I’m profoundly grateful and proud of the way my colleagues, Dr. Fincher and Dr. Jalian, as well as our wonderful staff, have pulled together during these unprecedented times to restructure our office environment in order to ensure the safety of everyone concerned while continuing to provide patient care. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal patients and the unique community of Larchmont for their ongoing support. I feel honored to practice what I love in our cherished community.

We extend our deepest sympathies to our patients and community members who have been personally affected by COVID-19, and would like to recognize and thank the dedicated first responders and medical workers on the front lines fighting for us every day. We know that we are all in this together, and that together we will get through this challenging time stronger than ever. Meanwhile, stay safe, stay strong, and stay calm.

Dr. Helen Fincher I joined Dr. Fitzgerald’s practice full time in 2017, and really enjoy working in the neighborhood where I live. Our practice continues to provide the Larchmont Community with a variety of treatments individualized to each patient’s needs.

This year I’m so proud of our practice and the way we’ve come together during this challenging time. Everyone is working hard to provide a safe environment while continuing to offer comprehensive cosmetic and medical dermatology treatments. The quarantine presented a rare opportunity to have everyone together at home – myself and my husband and our three children. We also welcomed another Great Dane to the family. Our puppy, Moose, is already huge and keeping us all very busy!

Now that we’re back in the office and masks are the new normal, patients are focused on their upper faces. A great combination of procedures is Thermage to tighten and tone skin of the upper and lower eyelids, Ultherapy to lift the brows, and Botox to address frown lines. You can even add Latisse to lengthen lashes. These can all be done on the same day to refresh the upper face (while wearing a mask).

To reduce post-quarantine bulges, patients are choosing Coolsculpting and following it up with Cooltone to tighten and tone skin.

Angela Sarff, Nurse Practitioner I joined the practice in 2012 as a registered nurse and went on to complete my Master’s Degree at the University of California, Irvine. I continue to enjoy my new role as a Nurse Practitioner and am so fortunate to be able to work with physicians who are leaders in the field of Dermatology. I’m currently expecting baby number two - a girl due at the end of August. As my due date quickly approaches, I’m working from home helping with social media and marketing initiatives.

We will be launching a skin care membership program in the upcoming year that I’ve been working on with Dr. Fitzgerald. The products are based on our philosophy that frequent treatments with minimal downtime combined with evidence-based skincare can transform your skin. I can’t wait to share it with our patients.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my son who is almost two, and my husband, who is also working from home. I relate to all the working-from-home moms out there with small children. It’s challenging to find to time to get things done! I am so thankful to Dr. Fitzgerald and our practice for the opportunity to work from home until the baby arrives.

Visit www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD.com or call (323) 464-8046.

321 N Larchmont Blvd. Ste. 906

live here without ever leaving.”

To meet her new community, Mrs. Kasimoff offered the store as a polling place. She sat on the stairs and watched the parade of neighbors, including actress Mae West, who emerged from a stretch limousine to cast her ballot.

The Kasimoffs quickly became part of the neighborhood.

They would roll an upright piano down Larchmont Boulevard and park it in the Wells Fargo lot to provide music for the annual community police night out.

They loaned Rhodes School of Music one of their pianos for a year; now the school rents two for their students. Muhammad Ali had one of their harpsicords in his home on Fremont Place.

Nat King Cole recorded on a Blüthner when he lived in Hancock Park and rented one for his daughter, Natalie.

On one notable occasion in 1976 the Kasimoffs received a phone call at 7 a.m. from the live-in houseman at the Ebell of Los Angeles who requested a piano mover immediately.

Confused, Helga Kasimoff asked, “Where is the piano?” and was told, “In the alley.”

Apparently, the houseman interrupted an attempted robbery. The scofflaws fled, leaving the piano where they had wheeled it behind the building. Her husband raced over and safely repositioned and tuned the instrument.

Kasimoff is very enthusiastic about the boulevard. She recalls that when their sons Sergei, Ivan and Kyril were young, “They loved the Village Fair, the Christmas Fair and carolers.”

Helga Kasimoff enjoyed riding her bicycle to Dawson’s bookstore. “That was my library. I’d marvel at all the different kinds of books available.”

She fondly remembers that “I went to the post office there, the health food store, baker, butcher.” Helga continues, “There was Jurgensen’s, a shoemaker, hardware, drug store, banks, liquor and wine store. We had everything here!”

Kasimoff is grateful that all her doctors are in the Larchmont medical building and she relies on boulevard restaurants. When Mr. Blüthner, the piano company owner, visited from Leipzig, Germany, the Kasimoffs entertained him at Le Petit Greek. When composers or soloists are in town, Helga Kasimoff orders from

HELGA KASIMOFF

Vernetti and enjoys an Italian repast in the courtyard of their home behind the showroom.

The showroom guest book includes signatures from Jerome Kern, the Marx Brothers and a veritable Who’s Who of musicians, composers and celebrities who want to experience their harpsicords, celestas and the warm tone of the $98,000-$210,000 Blüthner pianos. Most recently “High School Musical” actress, singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo shot a music video in the showroom on the piano that both Henry Mancini and

Stevie Wonder once played.

Ninety-year-old Kasimoff stays active in Kasimoff-Blüthner Piano Co., with invaluable help from her sons. Sergei, a composer and jazz pianist, and Ivan, an art history buff, are on-call piano movers and tuners. Kyril lives with her and works full time in the family business. Her bicycleriding days may be behind her, but Kasimoff keeps informed about life along the street she has embraced. “I read the Larchmont Chronicle cover to cover,” she says. “It keeps me in touch.”

NEWLY-REFURBISHED GREEN HOUSE at Alexandria House will have an official two-day opening in September.

Birthday bingo bash at Alexandria House Aug. 8 Alexandria House invites supporters to come help founder Judith Vaughan celebrate at a Birthday Bingo Bash Sun., Aug. 8 starting at 7 p.m.

The virtual event features trivia, games, prizes, and, of course, bingo.

Tickets are $75, and funds raised will be used to help complete the dining room and living room of the organization’s Green House building, which had a roof fire in March 2020.

The official grand opening of the Green House is Sat.,

Sept. 18 and Sun., Sept. 19 between 1 and 5 p.m. The twoday event features blessings of the home, special guests, tours and more.

And finally, Casino Night at St. Sophia’s returns Sat., Nov. 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. Funds raised from the event help support this longstanding local transitional shelter for women and children, located at 426 S. Alexandria Ave. For more information, call 213-381-2649 or email Pam Hope at pam@alexandriahouse.org.

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Four generations have been served by Village Mail-Call team

By Talia Abrahamson Longtime locals, new parents, budding professionals and world travelers walk into Village Mail-Call to see Julie Levtow, whose expertise and vibrance have fostered a devoted community of four generations.

Levtow, who has owned the shipping, mailing and live scan shop since November 1985, is an expert. She notarizes papers, takes passport photos and packs family heirlooms and significant items –– which have included everything from a fabric loom, to antique baby carriage, to two human skulls. She can gauge whether someone has a good fingerprint just by talking over the phone, and she has taken thousands of live scans.

Her mission, however, is to leave a legacy of having learned to live an engaged and healthy life.

Levtow opened Village MailCall with her husband, Ken-

JULIE LEVTOW

neth M. Levtow, who passed away in 2005. They first saw each other in Hong Kong, when he traveled there in 1978 as a garment quality control person and met Levtow, a journalist covering big business news. She eventually joined him in America, getting married and attending United

States International University (now Alliant International University) in San Diego to earn a master’s degree in international business administration.

They opened Village Mail-Call on Larchmont when the independent mail and shipping industry began to boom. Levtow’s husband selected the industry and store location because she was still new to the country.

“He just had an eye on the mail business.

Actually, he also wanted to do a Taco Bell, but I didn’t like that,” Levtow laughed.

She considers it the highlight of her life that, through Village Mail-Call and living in Larchmont, she has gotten to know the community.

“It was my own dream to explore the world, and I happened to stumble into the United States,” Levtow said.

“It is a very, very significant achievement of mine to have

Lisa Nahabedian came to Larchmont Cleaners by way of Aleppo

By Suzan Filipek Lisa Nahabedian brings seven generations of textile experience to her shop, Larchmont Cleaners, which is nestled in a mini-mall on North Larchmont Boulevard. She has loved the rich colors and textures of carpets and fabrics since she learned Old World techniques from her Turkish grandfather.

“I do everything. If somebody is not there I can cover,” she says on a recent summer day on a patio behind the shop. She is shaded under a pomegranate tree she planted years ago.

At the front of the cleaners, she greets her customers, many of whom come from Hancock Park. “It’s like a big family,” she says.

She also tailors clothes to fit just so, having studied fashion and design during the summers in her youth.

“I love fabric,” she says again, adding her specialties include repairing antique carpets and tablecloths and crochet, knitting and anything to do with her hands.

During the pandemic, she made baby blankets and hats for patients at the Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena and for orphans in her hometown of Aleppo.

Lisa and her husband came to the U.S. from Aleppo, the capital of Syria, in 1978.

The young couple liked the American way of life they learned about in college, so

when her husband suggested a honeymoon in the States, she agreed.

It was sad to leave Aleppo, a paradise at the time. But the ensuing civil war has devastated the country, she laments.

The Nahabedians are the third owners of the cleaners, at 415 N. Larchmont Blvd. It first opened in 1972. Lisa’s family came aboard in 1999.

LISA NAHABEDIAN It was only after her son and daughter tomers her extended family. were older that she joined the At Christmas she lays a table family business, which had with her homemade Armegrown by then to four dry nian cinnamon, date and cleaners. Her place has always butter cookies and baklava been at the one in Larchmont pastry. The elaborate spread Village. impressed one of her “best “It started like a hobby. I friend” customers, the late TV wanted to work,” she said. She host Huell Howser, so much clocked 12-hour days until that he featured her in 2003 only recently — pulling back on a PBS “California Gold” after the birth of her grand- program. son.

“He was a good friend,” says While Lisa still has family in Lisa. “I miss him.”

Aleppo — her Turkish ances- She’s made many friends tors were displaced by the these 23 years at Larchmont Armenian Genocide and fled Cleaners. “I love Larchmont. into the Syrian desert — she “I don’t work here to only considers Hancock Park her make money. I work here to neighborhood and her cus- make good friends.”

been able to learn the culture and experience it firsthand and deal with people on a daily basis on a very close relationship.”

She shares with younger customers the importance of staying healthy and building strong and deep relationships with others. She is an active volunteer and promoter of the Opera League of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra, where she used to take her mother, who did not speak English, to be

11

able to interact with and enjoy the community.

“I always felt myself having a mission to bridge between two parties. Here, I’m bridging between the shipping company and my customer,” Levtow said. “And between me and my mother and the organizations, I bridge the gap, overcome the language barrier. I have been here long enough, much longer than before, and I’m feeling myself more important in my role than just having a business.”

Dr. Neville Anderson Dr. Anderson grew up in the Windsor Square area.

She attended St. James’ School and Marlborough School. After graduating from Stanford University, she was an assistant teacher at Bing Nursery School. She received her medical degree from the University of Rochester. She completed her internship and residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. There she received the Victor E. Stork Award for Continued Excellence and Future Promise in the Care of Children. For seven years, she practiced in La Cañada at Descanso Pediatrics. In 2014 she followed her dreams and opened her own practice on Larchmont Boulevard. She was named a Top Doctor in Pasadena magazine and a Top Rising Super Doctor in Los Angeles magazine for multiple years. Dr. Anderson is one of the founding members of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Health Network, is on the Board of Managers and is the Chair for the Network’s Finance Committee. She is also an attending physician at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is on the Board of the Los Angeles Pediatric Society. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, going to the beach, reading and playing tennis.

Dr. Courtney Mannino Dr. Courtney Mannino grew up in Hartsdale, New York. She attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and then continued on to the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. After spending her entire life in the North East, she decided to explore residencies in Southern California, which led her to UCLA in 2015. She completed her internship and residency at UCLA in 2018. She worked for a year and a half at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as a neonatal hospitalist, splitting time between caring for newborns in the nursery and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

While working at the hospital, she realized how much she missed caring for older children and being the primary care provider.

While not at work, Dr. Mannino enjoys spending time with her miniature poodle named Maisy, enjoying the beautiful weather in Southern California, and finding new restaurants and bakeries to enjoy.

Dr. Amaka Priest Dr. Amaka Ajalla Priest joined Larchmont Pediatrics in January 2019. She moved from Oklahoma City in the fall of 2017 to Southern California after her husband was accepted to the graduate screenwriting program at UCLA. She spent her first year in California practicing in the primary care and adolescent medicine clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County before relocating to Los Angeles. A proud Sooner alumni, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 2012 and completed her pediatric residency at the OU Children’s Hospital at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2015. After finishing her residency, Dr. Priest joined a fast-growing pediatric clinic in Oklahoma City, where she was a primary care pediatrician by day and an urgent care pediatrician by night. Dr. Priest enjoys seeing all ages but has a soft spot for teenagers and is happy to treat them at any stage in their adolescence. When she’s not working, she enjoys listening to music, editing her husband’s scripts, cultivating deep conversations over a hot cup of coffee, and cheering on the OKC Thunder. Dr. Priest is thrilled to be part of the Larchmont Pediatrics family and looks forward to watching her patients grow up for many years to come.

321 N. Larchmont Blvd., Suite 1020 • (323) 960-8500

12

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Pam Rudy: advertising pillar of the paper

By Jane Gilman Although she has taught primary school grades and trained Santa Clauses, Pam Rudy admits her biggest challenge is her role as the Advertising Director at the Larchmont Chronicle. The newspaper’s advertisers sing Pam’s praises for her marketing skills and her ability to translate a concept into a successful advertisement. Pam credits her artistic talent to her father, an aerospace executive.

Her good looks came from her mother, who was an understudy for the actress Ava Gardner.

Chronicle publisher John Welborne describes Pam as “the pillar of the paper” who “represents perfectly the 59-year-old newspaper’s continuity and connection with the community.” Pam celebrated her 26th

anniversary working at the paper last month.

Pam’s off-duty hours are spent in volunteer work.

She is a past president of the Wilshire Rotary Club, and she continues in support of the club’s activities. She is a former board member of the Greater Miracle Mile Chamber (Please turn to page 13)

PAM RUDY

Maria Arellano Assistant Head of School, Hollywood Schoolhouse Maria Arellano is beginning her first year as Assistant Head of School at Hollywood Schoolhouse. This magical place was the impetus for a move from New York City, as it is where the preservation of childhood and the development of compassionate, mindful citizens permeates every aspect of each child’s education.

Maria has taught preschool special education and children in grades 3-8 in a variety of subjects and was a founding board member of a charter school in New York City. She has a BS in Elementary and Special Education from New York State University, an MS in Reading Specialization from the City University of New York at Hunter College, an MEd in School Leadership from Columbia University, and a Doctorate in Education Policy and Management from Seton Hall University.

Maria is a dedicated advocate of foster children and an active participant in Allies for Every Child and Kidsave. She loves listening to podcasts — from NPR to Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. As a new resident of Los Angeles, she is mesmerized by the beauty and peace that the ocean and mountains provide and spends much time on weekends swimming and paddleboarding.

maria@hshla.org • (323) 465-1320

Angelique S. Campen, MD Esthetic Medicine Specialist and ER Doctor Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Asst. Adj. Professor of Medicine, UCLA Emergency Dept.

Angelique S. Campen, MD is a mother of three, an Emergency Medicine Physician, an entrepreneur, and an expert in the field of esthetic medicine.

A graduate of Marlborough, Georgetown University, and UCLA School of Medicine, Angelique has served as Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Providence St Joseph Medical Center and faculty in emergency medicine at UCLA. She is founder of Vital Medical Services, which serves law enforcement facilities and thus reduces ER overcrowding.

She also owns “The Best Kept Secret in Larchmont,” where she offers in-home confidential botox and fillers. You have likely seen many of her clients either on the big screen, TV, or along the streets of Larchmont, but you would never know it (with her talent for achieving the natural look).

In her “free time” she is mom to Hunter, Paris, and Scarlett, travels on medical missions to Peru, Cambodia and Nepal, is a member of Wilshire Rotary and The Ebell, and leads the $70 million campaign to build a new ER at Providence.

323-788-3409

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

Sato’s Flicka children’s shop is a small part of something very special

By Suzan Filipek Kristin Sato greets you at the welcoming Dutch door of her children’s clothing store, Flicka. The Larchmont shop, known for its creative displays and great clothing and gift wrapping, has been warming hearts and lifting spirits for three generations.

Even during the pandemic, the little girl party dresses sold, and Kristin made home deliveries. It’s part of the five-star customer service she is known for.

“That was kind of fun … seeing where people live and seeing the different neighborhoods,” she said. She is wearing a boho-chic style dress, which comes in mother and daughter sizes and is among popular items at the store.

Since other longtime Larchmont favorites have closed, such as Pickett Fences and Landis Toys, Sato has brought in more mommy and me and daddy and me designs, toys and accessories.

“We’re doing what we can to fill that void,” Sato says.

She found new life for display fixtures from Joane Pickett’s former store, including a white-washed shelf stand hand built by Wiley Pickett. “[Joane] was very supportive… Her legacy lives on in a small way at Flicka.”

Sato celebrates 29 years on Larchmont at the familyfounded shop. It has served three generations of customers since Sato’s mom, Liz Reilly, opened the store in 1992 with Kristin’s sister, Lisa Sato. Reilly named it Flicka, which means little girl in her home country of Sweden.

Flicka was inspired by the closing of children’s clothing store Lemonade Lake. “My mom shopped there for our little sister, Caitlin,” Kristin says.

When Reilly retired in 2013, Kristin joined her sister in running the family business, and expanded it to include toys and clothes for infants through preteens for boys and girls.

Kristin grew up in Hancock Park and attended Third Street Elementary, John Burroughs and Immaculate Heart High before graduating from Loyola Marymount University.

While her mom came from Sweden, her father was born in a horse stable at a relocation camp for Japanese Americans at Santa Anita racetrack.

Things got better, and the family has lived on Las Palmas and Lucerne, Kristin notes amid stuffed unicorns and a four-foottall dinosaur that greets customers at the front door.

Some customers who had brought their children are now grandmothers, and they are now shopping for their grandbabies.

Her sister Lisa has moved

KRISTIN SATO

into children’s wholesale downtown, and, in 2019, Kristin opened a second Flicka shop in another tight-knit community, The Glen Centre in Bel Air. She credits her Larchmont landlord, Tom Kneafsey, for his support. “He sees the long

term value of having a mom and pop shop.

“I provide memories and experience and tradition…

“We’re all a small part of something really big. Larchmont is really special,” says Kristin.

Myra Chen Supporter and Governing Board member Pilgrim School

Myra Chen is a Pilgrim School superhero! Born in China, she pleased her parents by graduating from medical school as a general surgeon.

She then promptly disappointed them by pursuing a career in the food and beverage industry instead, where her ambitious and indefatigable spirit made her one of the most successful women in Shanghai.

She started by supplying food and beverages to 5-star hotels, airlines, and cruise ships.

By the time she moved to the US, she left behind a vast business in China as the largest luxury food and beverage supplier to cruise ships docking at Shanghai and developer of a trading company that was the exclusive importer/distributor of a variety of French and European comestibles in China. She was also the creator of one of the first specialty dairy companies in the country, building a factory that supplied hotels, cruise ships, and supermarkets with domesticallyproduced cheese, yogurt, creme fraiche, and more. She carried three phones, one for each business, so anyone who called would feel their concerns were met by speaking to the owner.

When Myra came to Los Angeles, she gave up the 3 phones, became a fulltime Mom, and got involved in real estate and home renovation, where she discovered a new passion. She was introduced to Pilgrim School by friends in the community, and enrolled her son John at age 10 before he had learned any English. His experience was so positive that she brought her niece Miku from Japan and enrolled her at 10 before she could speak English as well. They both went on to become active and beloved members of the student community, and graduated very successfully—John to UC Berkeley in 2020 and Miku to UCLA in 2021.

Myra and her husband Robert Koven are now empty nesters and Myra is going back to her medical roots by watching the health of family and friends. She is also concentrating on a four-year project restoring the historic William Mead Estate in Los Feliz to its original beauty. She remains a great supporter of Pilgrim School where she is now a member of the Governing Board. Myra will always be a precious part of the Pilgrim family.

540 S. Commonwealth Ave. • pilgrim-school.org • (213) 385-7351

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

13

Whooley runs a people-service business in ‘wonderful’ Larchmont

By Talia Abrahamson Kathy Whooley has been working wonders on the eighth floor of Larchmont Medical Building for 39 years.

Whooley, the owner of Larchmont Physical Therapy, is a neighborhood staple and treats thousands of patients, but she could never have foretold it in her adolescence.

“I didn’t grow up thinking I wanted to own a business, but I’m certainly glad now that I ended up on Larchmont,” Whooley said.

She was an athlete in high school, and she said a guidance counselor suggested she might be interested in physical therapy, which turned into her B.S. degree at Boston University. After a terrible snowstorm in 1978, she moved out to sunny California, where she earned her MBA at Pepperdine University.

“I’m certainly a happier girl with this kind of weather than dealing with New England’s humidity and bugs and snow,” Whooley said. “Larchmont to me feels like Back East, a bit.

People know each other for generations and still live in

the same area. It’s a good fit for a Bostonian.”

She became owner of Larchmont Physical Therapy in 1985, when the previous owner wanted to pass on the business. A year later, she married her husband, Jay Jacoby.

Larchmont Physical Therapy has 10 other employees and operates every weekday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Whooley kept the practice open during the pandemic, incorporating telehealth visits that stopped on July 15.

She said the return to more in-office appointments is better not only for understanding someone’s range of motion, but for connecting with patients. She usually sees patients twice a week, which she says makes physical therapy a rewarding profession.

“We’re very much a peopleservice business, and there’s some intimacy with sharing pain or dysfunctions,” Whooley said. “We have a deeper level of communication with our patients when they have difficulty sleeping, grooming [and] dressing, and we can help people.”

Patricia Carroll President Hollywoodland Realty Patricia Carroll grew up in the real estate business as the daughter of Hollywoodland owner Ed Carroll. She is now president of the firm her late father operated in two offices since the 1940s on Larchmont Blvd. and Beachwood Dr. Patti actively works for preservation, and is the Treasurer for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, where she also serves on the Land Use and Outreach committees. She is a member of the Ebell Club, SASNA, Friends of Hope-Net and is on the boards of the Anderson-Munger YMCA and the Larchmont Boulevard Association.

She also commutes to Paris and Majorca with her husband Mark, where they served for many years as directors of international marketing for French Vogue and French Architectural Digest magazines.

Her address is in the Hollywoodland Realty office at 584 N. Larchmont Blvd., and the original 1923 Hollywoodland Realty office is at 2700 N. Beachwood Dr. (323) 469-3171 • Cell: (213) 268-3171

Careylyn Clifford Controller

I am a Hancock Park native and a blessed mother of two All Stars: Noah, 14, & Natalee Carey, 10. During the COVID-19 pandemic as the world shut down both children advanced with LCS online at Mom’s work.

Several years ago I earned my Contractor’s license, MBE, SBA8(a). I also started a global Health & Wellness business with Arbonne Int., offering plant based skin care, nutrition & an opportunity to change your life, (www.careylynclifford.arbonne.com). I am also an active member with National Women In Roofing. This year we donated a complete new roof at Alexandria House. I have enjoyed working with Doug Ratliff at Supreme Roofing on Gower since 2004. I implemented a Safety, Injury & Illness program in addition to COVID protocols with a 100% success rate.

I am most appreciative and admire Doug at Supreme Roofing! He has been a monumental mentor and positive influence in my life. I am most grateful for my children and the continual joy they bring to my daily life.

1015 N. Gower St. • 323-469-2981

Whooley gets in her own exercise three to four times a week on the putting green. She has a 12 handicap and enjoys golfing at the first tee time, which is around 6 a.m., so that she can head to work.

“I’m certainly an early morning person, but that helps,” Whooley said. “Because I love it, I don’t mind getting up early.”

She worked as a fitness consultant for the Wilshire Country Club for 10 years. Most of all, she said working at Larchmont is her great privilege.

“My business logo has been to ‘serve the community with caring professionalism,’ and I feel the same way,” Whooley said. “I’m in a wonderful neighborhood, I have a great staff, and I feel very proud of the work that we do here.”

WomenSpeak raises funds for Sisterhood

Speakers at WomenSpeak, Alexandria House’s recent fundraiser, included Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and four Alexandria House leaders: board chair Caroline Fitzgerald, executive director Michelle Tonn, development director Michele Richards and founder Judith Vaughan.

This year, the transitional shelter, 426 S. Alexandria Ave., raised funds for a new program, “Start-up Sisterhood LA,” which supports women at Alexandria House as they develop entrepreneurial skills and start-up businesses as another way of supporting themselves in becoming more independent and financially secure.

Alexandria House is still accepting donations for the program. To donate, visit tinyurl.com/52b4rm7k or, to watch the event, visit tinyurl. com/zeubnewr

Pam Rudy:

(Continued from page 12) of Commerce and a docent with the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society.

Pam grew up in the Larchmont community, in St. Andrews Square, where she still resides with her partner Pierre Debbaudt and their two golden retrievers and cat.

Her son Glenn and daughter Kim grew up there, and they attended Loyola and Marlborough. When time permits, Pam visits Glenn and his wife Lisa and their two daughters in Ladera Ranch, in Orange County. Pam travels a bit further to see daughter Kim, her husband Patrick and their two sons at their Bradford Bed and Breakfast, in the town of Sonora, up in California’s Gold Country.

KATHY WHOOLEY

HEIDI DAVIS Realtor Humbled & grateful is how I feel about helping my clients navigate the LA real estate market. I have had the privilege of being a Realtor for 14+ years and having my clients put their trust in me to help guide them with such an important process in their lives is truly an honor. I came to real estate after a long career producing television commercials, yielding me a lifetime of experience and an abundance of great friendships. People would ask me “how did you make a career change?” And the answer was simple. Passion. If you don’t have a passion to do something, you simply won’t do it. It sounds cliché but I truly love what I do. I work with sellers & buyers all over this vast city. Being a native to Los Angeles gives me a wealth of expertise about the market in general and the nuances that each neighborhood offers.I currently live in Larchmont Village with my son & daughter, who are nearly grown! I feel so blessed to be part of this community and to be considered a specialist in my field. For me, every client is important and every client has a story. Listening to their stories and understanding how I can be of service is an incredible honor.

213.819.1289 • HeidiDavis5@gmail.com • www.simplyheididavis.com

Jennifer Kim

MS, CFP®, CMFC, CHFC, CLU

Senior Partner, Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA) Active Member of the Larchmont Community, Wife, and Mother, Jennifer Kim is a native of Los Angeles and a resident of Larchmont for over 20 years. She received her BA degree in Economics from UCLA in 1992. Jennifer is a Senior Partner in SEIA where she customizes wealth and investment strategies for families and corporations. She has been in the securities and insurance business since 1993. Jennifer is married to Mark Kim, a Los Angeles native and District Attorney in Downtown LA. They have four children, ages 10-17.

Sterling graduated from Harvard-Westlake and will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. Fiona and Sullivan attend Harvard-Westlake where Jennifer is the president of HW KAPA, and Remington attends St. James, where Jennifer serves on the PA Committee. Jennifer’s family is also active with Los Angeles International Fencing Center and local sports.

310-712-2323 • jkim@seia.com Securities offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (RAA), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through SEIA, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (#!)) 712-2323.

RAA is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of RAA. CA Ins. #OB11807.

14

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

Like a good neighbor, Leisha Willis is there … on Larchmont

LEISHA WILLIS

Meredith Scott Lynn Founder & CEO,

WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS

From Legally Blonde to Literacy Building!

After seven years on Larchmont (in the red Craftsman north of Rosewood) the company has expanded into 48 states and a few other countries with students PreK-12! WRiTE BRAiN’s project-based narrative & creative writing programs and suite of social-emotional learning programs — tangible and now also virtual — increase academic and personal confidence in youth of all learning styles and ages, as well as scores and skill sets! You may have seen Meredith in studio and indie films and in countless TV shows over her 33-year acting career, though she’s been full-time WB for a long time.

Teachers and school-active parents, stop by or call! The company is about to do a growth-capital raise after at an exciting time for WB, and Meredith would love to meet any interested investors.

Visit our site and see inspiring videos!

www.writebrainbooks.com • 855.WB.WORLD

Rachel V. Olivier Putt Putt Productions Writer, proofreader, copy editor, developmental editor: From books to website content, Rachel Olivier, soleproprietor of Putt Putt Productions, has been helping clients clarify their communications for over 20 years.

A champion of the motto, “slow and steady wins the race,” Rachel believes thorough and thoughtful work stands the test of time. She has volunteered at AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Larchmont Boulevard Association’s Family Fair, as well as mentored students through online leadership programs at her alma mater, Western Washington University, organized and participated in local writers groups, read slush for the online speculative fiction and poetry ’zine “Bewildering Stories,” and has been a member of The Hatchery. A resident of Larchmont since 1999, she joined the Larchmont Chronicle in 2008 (you can read some of her articles online). Visit her websites to check out her business Putt Putt Productions and her published poetry and speculative fiction. Visit her Instagram page to see her “COVID projects,” including crocheting items to donate where needed, experiments with box cake mixes, growing herbs on her window sill, and hanging out with her cats.

puttputtproductions.com • rachelvolivier.com • @raevolivier

By Billy Taylor If you don’t know her name as your local insurance agent, you might recognize her face from a State Farm bench advertisement because Leisha Willis has been serving the greater Larchmont community since Nov. 1, 2013.

“I couldn’t believe my good fortune,” Willis told the Chronicle last month when asked how she first discovered Larchmont Village. Working on the east coast for State Farm, Willis transferred to Los Angeles after being promoted as the company’s HR director for the state of California.

In that role, she was living in Woodland Hills, and loved her work, but she wanted to be an agent and business owner.

“I knew at some point I was going to open my own business, and I felt like Los Angeles was going to be home,” said Willis. However, at the time that she took the leap into operations, agents did not get to choose their office locations.

“It was a little frightening,” she admits. “I told State Farm that I was open to any opportunity in greater Los Angeles, but I had no idea where I would end up.” That’s when she got a call.

Agent Brian Boyd was leaving his business and they wanted a new agent to take care of his Larchmont clients. “I immediately got in my car and drove here,” said Willis.

“When I pulled onto Larchmont Boulevard, I thought, this is perfect. Larchmont is Main Street USA located within one of the largest economies in America. I parked my car and sat at the Coffee Bean just soaking up the environment,” she recalls.

Willis was born and raised in Michigan and attended Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia. “I did not intend to go into insurance, I was planning to study law,” Willis explained.

But that’s when her father, who worked for State Farm, encouraged her to apply. “I did it, and I’ve never looked back,” said

Poker for All

fighting and keep believing in yourself.”

– David Greenberg (L.A. Times, June 10, 2021)

(Continued from page 7) Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Moses in rural Ohio in August 1860. Her childhood was not a happy one, and she was put into the care of a family who treated her abusively. After returning to her own family, she helped support them using her rifle-shooting and hunting skills and, at age 15, she paid off her mother’s $200 mortgage. She got started in rifle shooting when, at age 7, she trapped birds and small animals to help provide food for her family. She tried using her father’s old muzzle-loading gun to bag even more game. This led to her career as an expert rifle shooter.

She met Frank Butler, who later became her husband, when she accepted his challenge at rifle shooting — and won the match. A year later, they married and joined forces in their favorite sport. Soon after, they became the stars of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

They remained with the show for 16 years.

Annie died in 1926. During her life, she not only made her mark as a great rifle shooter, but also set an example for women to participate in sporting events in competition with men who had previously dominated those games — including poker.

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.”

Life/Poker quote of the month “No matter how many times you try and fail, keep

Willis. “I love the organization.” In January, she celebrated 30 years with the company.

As the old motto goes, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there,” so too is Willis.

“Customers tell me that they like to have a local agent in the neighborhood. An agent that knows them, and knows what’s important to them. We take great pride in knowing all of our clients personally,” said Willis, who credits her “amazing team members” Ingrid and Hannah, who have worked with her for many years.

Willis is busy with more than just managing her own small business. She serves on the board of the Larchmont Boulevard Association, is a member of West Angeles Church, is active with the alumni chapter of Spellman College, and she supports the St. Joseph Center.

“Do you know what I love most about Larchmont Boulevard?” Willis asked. “That everyone wants the merchants to succeed. To have that community support is rare and important — at least to me as a small business owner,” she concluded.

Naomi Reem Executive Director of Education, Wilshire Boulevard Temple Naomi Reem, the first Executive Director of Education for Wilshire Boulevard Temple, has spent her entire professional life serving the Jewish community and developing educational frameworks that provide life-changing experiences for children and their families.

As Brawerman Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center grow and thrive, her appointment demonstrates the Temple’s commitment to its schools and the value of Jewish Education.

Naomi joins Wilshire after an exceptional 15-year tenure as Head of Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capitol. Under her leadership, the school transformed from a small community day school in Washington, DC to one of the top Jewish and independent schools in North America.

A brilliant strategic leader and educator, Naomi’s experience in Jewish education includes religious school, preschool, elementary, and middle school, serving students across the spectrum of Jewish observance on three continents.

A true builder, she established a Jewish preschool in a Buenos Aires suburb, created a parent co-op nursery school in Jerusalem, and grew and transformed two Jewish day schools in the U.S. 3663 Wilshire Boulevard • wbtla.org • (213) 388-2401

Lisa Rosenstein Founding Head, The Willows Community School We salute Lisa Rosenstein for her visionary leadership since the founding of The Willows 25 years ago and for her uplifting devotion to our community during the current unprecedented times.

Lisa has over 40 years of experience as an educator and has overseen the development of The Willows from 90 students in a single building to 460+ students on a six-building campus. Through her leadership, The Willows is nationally recognized as a progressive educational leader with a strong academic program incorporating experiential learning, social emotional learning, critical thinking, and thematic instruction into cutting-edge curriculum. Lisa has collaborated with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to bring RULER, Yale’s social/emotional learning approach, to the West Coast. She is a leader in community education who has established a lauded parent education program, speaker series, and professional development program.

Lisa was the founding head of Temple Isaiah Day School and worked at the Steven S. Wise School. A graduate of American University, she has served on the boards of Windward School and Cal/West Educators.

8509 Higuera St., Culver City • (310) 815-0411 • www.thewillows.org

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

15

LOCAL WOMEN TEAMED UP TO START LARCHMONT CHARTERS

Students, teachers at Lafayette Larchmont Charter breathing easier

By Suzan Filipek When students head back to Larchmont Charter School at Lafayette Park this month, they will be breathing easier.

Eighty portable air purifiers have been installed in

the school’s classrooms, bathrooms and teachers’ lounges.

The HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) purifiers’ technology captures over 99 percent of virus and allergen particulates from the air, including COVID-19, according to Texas-based company Alen, which made and installed the purifiers.

It’s like a mask for an entire classroom, a company spokesperson added.

The company partnered with the 600-student Lafayette charter campus of 8th-12th graders, at 2801 W. 6th St., and Amy Held, executive director for all four Larchmont Charter campuses: Lafayette, Hollygrove (TK-4), Fairfax (TK-4) and Selma (grades 5-7).

Larchmont Charter history Larchmont Charter EIGHTY of the portable air filters were began in 2004 when a installed at the Lafayette campus. group of local parents

Julie Stromberg

Attorney, Activist, and Advocate An active community member, Julie is a civil rights attorney with the Disability Rights Legal Center where she is leading their special education practice. Julie is very active in local Los Angeles Democratic efforts and is a delegate to the California Democratic Party for Assembly District 50. She is a member of the Executive Committee for the Los Angeles City College Foundation, serves on the board of directors for Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Craft Contemporary. An Emerge California alumna, Julie was recognized as a “Woman of Larchmont” in 2015, “Wonder Woman of Council District 4” in 2019, and by the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust (LANLT) in 2021 for her work in creating more parks, open spaces, and park equity throughout Los Angeles County. Julie is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and Loyola Law School. Although she takes pride in her civic service, she is most proud of her role as mother of three young children, three rescue dogs, a rescue bird, and a fish.

1541 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles js@drlcenter.org • (323) 430-8658

Frances Tario Owner I attended Cal State Northridge University where I majored in business. Throughout the years I developed a passion at an incredibly young age for working in a foodoriented business. To expand and evolve my passion in business, I started working closely with private social clubs such as the Bel Air Bay, The Jonathan, and The California Club. There is always a learning curve in any line of work; that is why it is so important to stay physically and mentally strong. It can be a struggle, but you need to remember to be self-confident and to know your self-worth. I worked extremely hard to become successful in a food-oriented business. 2020 was a difficult year, but we have conquered staying healthy and in business. After experiencing the 2020 pandemic, I thank our community for helping us make it. We are so grateful! I always tell my daughters & nieces that a woman in business is a woman in power. We can build anything we choose to. I am proud to instill that message in young girls today. I tell them “Find your passion, know your worth and thank God.” I am thankful to say I have found my passion in life and that same passion has turned me into the woman I am today.

frances@dupars-psr.com • (323) 933-8446

LARCHMONT CHARTER Executive Director Amy Held spoke at an unveiling of the air filters at the Lafayette campus. She oversees all four Larchmont Charter campuses.

convened in their neighbor Lindsay Sturman’s back yard on Beachwood Drive to discuss creating an alternative neighborhood school within the Los Angeles Unified School District.

At the time, their existing local elementary school in the Hollywood area lacked diversity, was overcrowded, and was under-performing.

The parents wanted a more progressive, constructivist curriculum and academic rigor. Partnering with fellow Harvard alumna, Dvora Inwood, and co-founders Heather Boylston and Rebecca Hutchinson, the women created a team that would make Larchmont Charter a reality.

Larchmont Charter opened in September 2005 as a K-2nd grade elementary school with 120 students.

Today Larchmont Charter School has more than 1,400 students enrolled in grades TK-12 across four campuses and is one of the most soughtafter charter schools in Los Angeles, school officials say.

Larchmont graduated its first senior class in June, 2016.

100 years

Kathy Whooley PT, OCS, CSCS, CPI, MBA Owner, Larchmont Physical Therapy (LPT) “Providing a safe and clean environment while keeping you moving” An accomplished physical therapist, Kathy Whooley has enjoyed serving the orthopedic and sports medicine community for over 36 years. LPT is regarded as one of the most respected outpatient practices in the city, where Kathy oversees a dedicated team of professionals whose goals are to ensure optimal results for a variety of clients with ever challenging sets of needs.

Kathy is a Boston University Magna Cum Laude graduate who relocated to Southern California, where she earned her MBA in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Her other credentials include: • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification (OCS) • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (CSCS) • Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI) • USGAFA Golf Specific Fitness Trainer

Kathy Whooley, PT, OCS • Larchmont Physical Therapy 321 No Larchmont Blvd #825 LA, CA 90004 • 323 464-4458

Leisha Willis CPCU, AU, API Owner & Agent Leisha opened her State Farm agency in Larchmont Village in 2013 following a 20-year career in management with the organization. Prior to becoming a State Farm agent, she directed human resources operations in California and led recruiting efforts in the southeast states for State Farm.

A Michigan native, Leisha graduated Magna Cum Laude from Spelman College with undergraduate studies at Oxford University as a Luard Foundation Scholar.

Her professional accreditations include Chartered Property-Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Underwriting (AU), and Associate in Personal Insurance (API). She is a Leadership America alumna and former board member for the United Way. Leisha holds her Life/ Health and Property/Casualty licenses and is a Registered Representative for State Farm VP Management Corp.

In her spare time, Leisha enjoys running, traveling and spending time with family. She is active in community outreach organizations, serves on the board of the Larchmont Boulevard Association, and is honored to have mentored many young people in their careers.

500 North Larchmont Blvd • 323-785-4080 • leisha@leishawillis.com

16

Larchmont Chronicle

AUGUST 2021

WOMEN OF LARCHMONT 2021

The Women of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Salute the

Women of Larchmont LISA HUTCHINS Celebrating 27 consecutive years as the #1 Office Agent & the #5 & #9 Company Agent in Greater L.A. for 2019 & 2020!

Graduate of local 3rd Street and Marlborough schools and Stanford University. Born on Norton Ave and currently lives in Windsor Square. Over 34 years in Real Estate.

CalRE #01018644

Call Lisa (323) 216-6938

CalRE #01188513

CalRE #00769979

CalRE #01883730

CalRE #01510192

Celebrating 23 years of residing in the Hancock Park area with her family and sixteen years with Coldwell Banker. Shar thrives on the sales skills and negotiations paramount to closing the deal.

Your referrals are always welcome.

Shar has been named to the International President’s Circle and is certifield Global Luxury Specialist.

Call (323) 860-4258.

CalRE #01206447

Maria is an Award winning sales producer since 1995. Her specialties are Single Family, Multi Family, Short Sale, Bank Owned, (REO), Probate & Trust Sales. Maria has been awarded the Coldwell Banker Int’l President’s Circle Award . Maria ranks in the top 3% Sales producer Nationwide. For a free and private consultation.

English and Spanish languages.

Call (213) 705-1603

CECILLE COHEN

As an agent who’s an expert in this local area, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate here. It’s not the same ever ywhere, so you need someone you can trust for upto-date information. I am eager to serve you.

Cecille delivers results. Resolves problems. Reliable, responsive, effective. Over 37 years distinction.

President’s Club. Top awards. She & her husband are parents of 5 children who attended Yavneh, Toras Emes, YULA, Bais Yakov, Yeshiva Gedolah.

Call (323) 252-7287

CalRE #00884530

Call (213) 810-9949 cecille.cohen@camoves.com

CINDY DEFATTA

KATHY GLESS

I am a neighbor. I love our neighborhood! I am passionate, ethical and smart. I do not take lightly the responsibilty that I am given. I do try to make every sale as stress free and yes..even fun and exciting.

Holding the title of Executive Sales Director & Global Luxury Specialist, Kathy is celebrating her 36th year with Coldwell Banker. She is a graduate of SC. Kathy & her partner are noted for pleasant, stress free & successful transactions.

Charities include Meals on wheels, Good Shepherd Center for Women & Children and Hope net.

CalRE #00626174

Call (323) 460-7622

“Each transaction is like a puzzle and it excites me to make sure all the pieces fit as easily as possible!

I love helping people achieve the American Dream!” I was born & raised in Los Angeles with over 25 years of experience in real estate & graduate of Pepperdine Univer University. When she is not selling real estate she is serving @ St. Brendan’s School or Loyola H.S. where her children attend. Call (213) 923-8086

CalRE #01118844

Started her career as a real estate agent 30 years ago in the Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills office. Fluent in English and French. Recently relocated to L.A. from Australia.

Hardwork ing, great local knowledge and marketing skills to achieve her client’s goals.

Loves working with sellers, preparing their homes for sale.

Hancock Park resident (310) 739-3070

CalRE #00887754

Victoria is a Los Angeles native and a long-time resident of Hancock Park/Windsor Square.

Her real estate career spans 25 + years with such achievements as Rookie of the Year, Assistant Manager, Top Producer and Woman of the Year. She has sold from Santa Monica to Palm Springs & is a member of numerous charitable & religious organizations. (323) 823-6869.

CalRE #01293183

CalRE #00918577

A long-time resident of the area, Jenny specializes in residential and commercial real estate. She has more than 34 years experience and is a consistent top producer. Jenny is a native of Taiwan & speaks three dialects of Chinese. She is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers & Altrusa International. She is married with two sons.

Call (213) 810-8791

CalRE #01005153

Sandy is dedicated to bridging the needs of buyers and sellers with personalized, one-on-one service from the starting line to the dotted line. She has the comprehensive knowledge, negotiating experience and marketing skills helping her clients since 1988 to achieve their goals. Sandy grew up in Hancock Park and has lived in Brookside for over 40 years.

Call (323) 687-6552.

CalRE #01440214

Grace Kim understands that buying and selling a home can be a challenging experience. As an experienced real estate professional, Grace provides the highest quality service with attention to details that will make your sale or purchase a smooth and seamless process. You can rest assure that Grace will take care of your real estate needs every step of the way. Trust in Grace to have your best interest at heart.

Call Grace at (213) 700-6833.

F or

LEAH BRENNER

CalRE #00917665

Call (323) 860-4245

CalRE #01487763

Over twenty years ago, Barbara relocated from Massachusetts with a Master’s Degree from Boston University’s School of Communications. She specializes in residential homes & residential income properties in the Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, Hollywood, Silver Lake & Los Feliz areas.

She’s a member of International President’s Circle.

Call (323) 610-1781 www.BarbaraAllenla.com

BARBARA ALLEN

TERRI MCCORTNEY

CalRE #01161421

SANDY BOECK

For 21 yrs, Laura Kate has lived within 5 mins of her Larchmont office. An avid traveler, she brings an Int’l perpective to her work - she understands what draws people from all over the world to LA, but also knows what makes Angelenos feel at home.

CalRE #01865790

I have worked in Real Estate since 1974, selling property from BWI’s to Mexico, Virginia, Florida, Utah, and California. I know how to find the best value and use it to your advantage.

If you are thinking about a move, please call me Ginger (323) 252-6612 CalRE #01884677

CATHIE WHITE

Cathie’s philosophy as a real estate agent mirrors her philosophy for life - listen learn and care. She lives, works and plays in Larchmont but her experience expands beyond these boundaries. Cathie’s goal at Coldwell Banker is to be an advocate for her clients, be it as they buy, lease orsell,andmakesuretheyreceivethe best information service and overall experience available.

CalRE #02088625

JUNE LEE

CalRE #00601286

June has been a long-time resident and prominent realtor in Hancock Park meeting the individual needs of each client with her expertise and knowledge of the area. In each of her year’s affiliation with Coldwell Banker, June has been named to the International President’s Circle / Elite and is a certified Previews Property Specialist. (323) 860-4262.

more listings and inFormation visit us online at

ColdwellBankerHomes.com

Call (310) 600-4723

GINGER LINCOLN

SALINA CORTEZ

CalRE #02070839

Terri has lived in the Hancock Park area since 1971. She has been with the Coldwell Banker Hancock Park North office since 1995 where she has been a multi-million-dollar producer.

She specializes in Westside residential real estate to include Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz and Silver Lake. Please call Terri at (323) 251-7792

LAURA KATE JONES

GRACE KIM

Salina holds a degree in design which she incorporates strongly into the real estate market.

Inheriting a strong work ethic since childhood believes being honest, available and following through has sustained the elite clientele throughout her professional life. She has a calm sense in wisdom of knowing they connect with her. “Believe in yourself and anything is possible”. (310)487-0447

Call (323) 864-3004 www.LovelandCarr.com

Leah has three loves: family, real estate and community. A proud grand mother, resident of HP, supporter of local charities and a top producing agent, Leah has achieved many accolades over her 38-year career.

Leah and her partner Naomi are members of the prestigious Society of Excellence and earned a position on TheWallStreetJournal/REALTrendslist of the nation’s top 1,000 REALTORS®

JENNY CHOW

Beata has been a part of the Naomi & Leah Team for the last 15 years. She is committed to honesty, hard work, and being a true partner to every client. Her pledge is to strive to provide clients with an exceptional service every step of the way and an excellent Real Estate experience that exceeds your expectations Call (323) 244-6157

CalRE #01467820

BETSY MALLOY

BEATA SWIDERSKA

CalRE # 01514853

A Tradition Of Excellence, Integrity, Hard Work And Innovation. Among The To p R e a l E s t a t e A g e n t s From Hancock Park To The Coastline. Specializing In All Aspects Of Residential And Income Properties. Distinctive, Personalized And Attentive Service.

Call Anne at (213) 718-1527

Betsy is a very trustworthy real estate agent. Her expertise in preparing a house for sale is incredible. She takes a marginal house and with minimal expense, turns it into a home where people put multiple offers to live in. She is a fullservice agent whose warmth and genuine caring has made her loved by all who know her.

She is deeply committed to her clients getting them top dollar for their homes. (323) 806-0203.

VICKIE BASCOY

BELLA KAY

Bella Kay, with over 39 years of experience in the local real estate industry, speaks five languages fluently: English, Arabic, French, Italian, and Spanish, taken courses in interior design. Known for her patience, persistence, and enthusiasm, she has a loyal following of satisfied clients throughout Hancock Park, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, & the Westside. (323) 972-3408.

CalRE #00877506

JEANNINE YATES

HANA ALI

Hana Ali is the daughter of M uhammad Ali. Like her father she is a people person and enjoys being of service to others. Hana grew up in Fremont Place Hancock Park and went to Paige Elementary school on Larchmont Blvd.

Hana will provide the highest level of service for every buyer and seller.

Call (310) 775-5307

Call (323) 864-7407 www.LovelandCarr.com

ANNE AUSTIN

MARIA GOMEZ

MICHELLE HANNA

CalRE #01007407

CalRE #00855785

SUSAN YIM

CalRE #01011584

CalRE #02021986

36 years and counting! Mastering the art of real estate requires close attention to detail, patience and a healthy dose of humor. Long and strong client bonds have made the years fly by!

SHAR PENFOLD

Call Cindy at (760) 703-3877

CalRE #01068814

ANNE LOVELAND Armed with an MBA from USC, Anne brings business discipline to the team, its staff & her clients. Loveland Carr is consistently among the Top 100 producing teams nationwide. Anne loves architecture, creative problem solving and applying technology to the buying & selling process. She always answers the phone!

CalRE #00888374

NAOMI HARTMAN

Buying or selling in Hancock Park or Miracle Mile? Look no further.

Respected by clients and colleagues, Naomi has 41 years of real estate experience. She and her partner Leah have a history of setting records and garnering accolades, including their membership in the Society of ExcellenceandTheWallStreetJournal/ REALTrendslistofthenation’stop1,000 REALTORS® (323) 860-4259 www.naomiandleah.com

JANET LOVELAND Janet always loves a challenge and a chance to be creative. Working with Sellers to fix up their homes prior to listing & complex negotiations remain her greatest joys. Preserving is her new hobby. See her in action & the fruits of her labor at the Loveland Carr Facebook page!

Call (323) 864-7406 www.LovelandCarr.com

JUNE AHN

June Ahn is a top producing agent and an estate director with Coldwell Banker Hancock Pa r k . A m e m b e r o f t h e International President’s Elite, June has been recognized as one of the top 100 agents of Coldwell Banker in all of Southern California. She has earned many awards for her outstanding achievements.

Please call (323) 855-5558.

SUE CARR

Call (323) 371-3152

SEV CAMERON Sev is a friendly problem solver professional with a positive attitude and engaging personality. Strong business background. She is dedicated to her work and a good communicator. Lifetime learner.

Earned degrees in Real Estate and Paralegal. Speaks English, Turkish and French.

CalRE #02081494

Call (310) 717-8519

Hancock Park 251 Larchmont Blvd.

323.464.9272

©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