LC 08 2023

Larchmont Chronicle

Hospital to rise at former Olympia site

By Suzan Filipek

Construction is underway for a new neuropsychiatric hospital at the site of the former Olympia Medical Center at 5900 Olympic Blvd., which closed in 2021.

The new Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA in Mid-Wilshire will replace and expand the one in Westwood.

The 175,000-square-foot new hospital will include both new construction and reconstruction of the existing building as outlined by architectural firm HOK and McCarthy Building Companies, according to the UCLA Health project website.

119-bed facility

The 119-bed facility will cater to patients suffering from mental and behavioral health issues. The current 75 inpatient beds at UCLA will be relocated to the new facility, and the vacated space at the Westwood site will be used for medical and surgical care for more pediatric and adult patients at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

The estimated $450 million project in Mid-Wilshire is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

New leader at Wilshire Rotary takes helm

By Suzan Filipek

Janice Prior was sworn in as new president of the Wilshire Rotary Club at a ceremony July 1 at Buca Di Beppo restaurant at Universal City.

Prior joined the organization with some trepidation 20 years ago, she told us. She has gone on to serve on the board multiple times, and she has grown to appreciate the group’s global efforts to eradicate polio.

“It’s amazing to be a part of an organization that can say that,” Prior said.

She also appreciates the club’s efforts closer to home, such as collecting food and money to help supply a local food bank. “That was a huge hands-on highlight moment.

“We can come together and make things happen rather quickly,” she adds.

What she likes most about the 61-member group is, “You

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. 14. For more information, contact Pam Rudy, 323462-2241, ext. 11.

don’t get tied to one specific cause. You can do multiple things and pivot to what’s most needy.”

Among her goals in the coming year is getting the word out that the Rotary is not your grandparents’ club.

“It’s often joked that it’s the best-kept secret, so we’re trying to get the word out… the face of Rotary is changing. It’s service-minded professionals.” Pretty much like Prior herself.

Prior, who grew up in the area, lives in historic Lafayette Square with her husband Chris and their teenage son and daughter. Her parents, Elsa and Larry Gillham, are longtime Wilshire Rotarians.

Prior is director of sales at Ampersand, a TV advertising and technology company.

Joyce Kleifield stepped down after serving a two-year presidency.

By Casey Russell Duer,

the stretch performance denim pants store, opened in mid-July at 129 N. Larchmont Blvd. The space briefly was the home of vintage clothing store Pola and, before that, Face Haus, both occupying this former extra dining room of Larchmont stalwart Le Petit Greek. Anna Davidson, director of retail for Duer, told us that lots of people have been coming by, and business has been steady. Duer is unique in that its apparel is made from plants and recycled materials.

Up the street, just north of Beverly Boulevard and a mainstay of the neighborhood for more than 22 years, is Larchmont Hair and Nails at 417 N. Larchmont Blvd. The salon now has a new owner, Helen Yeom, who has done extensive work to modernize and expand the establishment. A grand opening was held on June 25.

When asked how business is going so far, Yeom told us it’s been good. “We have more hair dressers and manicurists now. Everybody likes that it’s

DUER employees work in the recently-opened location.

Diners can visit restaurants on Larchmont Boulevard at HopeNet’s 31st annual Taste of Larchmont on Mon., Sept. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enter under a colorful balloon arch — located by the Clock Tower — to receive your “passport.” Money raised supports local food pantries. Tickets usually sell out. Get yours at hopenet.org.

SEE HISTORY “through the windshield of the car” with docent-led tours at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Above, docent Diane Isaacs receives an annual

for

Duer, ‘Hair and Nails’

n Joyce Kleifield steps down after two years

NEW PRESIDENT Janice Prior was sworn in July 1. At left is Past District Governor of Rotary International, Scot Clifford.

UCLA to open mental health facility

AERIAL VIEW of the new Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA in Mid-Wilshire.

Editorial

By John Welborne

Ice Cream and Cookies Land — then and now

When I was growing up in Windsor Square in the 1950s and 1960s, you could get ice cream in the Larchmont shopping block at Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors. In my years living here, the Baskin-Robbins store was in two different locations, one on each side of the Boulevard. (We also could get donuts at Winchell’s, now the Coldwell Banker Realty office on the southwest corner of Beverly Boulevard.)

The specialty bakery where we would obtain fresh bread and cookies was Van de Kamp’s, located where Terroni restaurant soon will replace Vernetti.

Today, you can buy an ice cream cone or cup of ice cream at any of four locations in that block on Larchmont, and you can get cookies and cakes at three, soon to be four, bakeries, including the latest one with a seemingly endless line of cookie purchasers.

Of course, in days gone by, one also could buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and other groceries daily at numerous stores on Larchmont, including at Balzer’s / Jurgensen’s and at the small Safeway located where Rite Aid is today.

Is what we have now “progress”?

UNITED TO KEEP OUR CITY LIVABLE

The State of California is requiring LA to find enough zoning capacity to accommodate 450,000 new housing units by 2029. This is enough housing to accommodate more than 1 million people in the next eight years. The City is embarking on a major rezoning effort (Housing Element of the General Plan) that will include adaptive reuse of existing buildings, use of public lands and rezoning commercial corridors as well as expanding developer incentives that allow for increased density and streamlining the approval processes. But this rezoning also targets massive rezoning of single-family neighborhoods.

LA Planning has clearly stated there is enough zoning currently to meet 230,000 units which leaves the city the need to find zoning for 255,000 units in order to meet the State mandate. But the Planning Department’s Housing Element is proposing rezoning for 1.4 million units. To reach this absurd number, Planning is upzoning large areas of single-family homes.

United Neighbors (https://www.unitedneighbors.net/)

is a statewide organization made up of renters, homeowners and community groups, and it includes our Association and President, Cindy Chvatal Keane. It was created to inform neighborhood organizations of what is happening with state laws that impact neighborhoods and how to find better “community based” solutions for adding much needed affordable housing without destroying single-family neighborhoods or low density multi-family neighborhoods. Using the city’s own data, United Neighbors found Planning has identified three times more housing capacity (780,00 units) than is required by state law. Planning does not need to touch single-family or low density mulitifamily neighborhoods to meet the required housing needs.

United Neighbors is now working with our and other neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, our councilperson and city government to craft new area-specific options for meeting housing targets. These targets would preserve our beautiful, historic and affordable neighborhoods.

But we must act now and get our Councilmember’s attention. The city is in the process of finalizing a draft of its plan, scheduled to be released in the fall. The Association is encouraging the adoption of “Community Based Planning Solutions” that will provide more equitable and affordable housing that will preserve all the communities of Los Angeles while enhancing livability for all. Stay tuned for how you can become involved!

Visit the website www.HancockPark.org to find out what’s going on and how you can participate.

Calendar

Tues., Aug. 8 — Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting is 6:30 p.m. at Pan Pacific Park Senior Center, 141 S. Gardner St., midcitywest.org.

Wed., Aug. 9 — Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m., at the Ebell of Los Angeles at 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., greaterwilshire.org.

Thurs., Aug. 31 — Delivery of the September issue of the Larchmont Chronicle

Letters to the Editor

Short-term parking?

How many of those cars parked in the center lane stay for an extended period of time?

[“Parking in the center lane on Larchmont is not legal,” June 2023]. What is considered an extended period of time?

While observing the vehicles, most / many of the people are picking up food / drink for people that have ordered online. The people wanting to earn some extra income have little choice but to park in the center. The UPS / FedEx drivers have no choice but to park in the center. As most people know, parking in this area is bad.

Why isn’t there feedback about the sidewalks being taken over by outside dining?  It is not easy at times walking the Boulevard. Time of day and day of the week have a lot to do with the concerns.

If / when the city addresses one problem, we all know that someone will complain. The wheel continues to turn.

Stuart Fine St. Andrews Square

Larchmont Chronicle

Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin

Publisher and Editor

John H. Welborne

Managing Editor

Suzan Filipek

Contributing Editor

Jane Gilman

Staff Writers

Talia Abrahamson

Casey Russell

Helene Seifer

Advertising Director

Pam Rudy

Advertising Sales including Classifieds

Caroline Tracy

Art Director Tom Hofer

Circulation Manager

Nona Sue Friedman

Accounting

Jill Miyamoto

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

larchmontchronicle.com

Congrats to Warriors

Regarding your July story [“Wilshire Warriors 8U All-Stars win tournament”]

— they did great!

Brad A. Rehak West Adams

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.

Hospital

(Continued from page 1)

Mixed-use buildings

Also in Mid-Wilshire, located just two blocks south of the under-construction Wilshire / La Brea subway station, new housing and retail is planned to open soon at 850 S. La Brea Ave. The six-story Element Investments project includes 53 apartments above 3,000 square feet of ground-level commercial space and basement parking.

The podium-type building was designed by Open Architects.

A similar six-story, podium-style mixed-use building with 53 apartments above commercial space and subterranean parking was completed by Wiseman Residential at 838 – 840 S. La Brea.

Uriu & Associates designed the Wiseman building with one- and two-bedroom units with rents beginning at $2,400 a month.

New shops

(Continued from page 1) big and clean. All the clients are so kind.” Yeom said she is pleased to be getting a lot of new clients.

‘Where will you travel this summer?’

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

“I just got back from Mexico City. I was there for a week, and it was great!”

Jenny Miyasaki and Miles Windsor Village

“We might go to Europe without the kids — maybe to Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Or we might go to the Big Island of Hawaii. We’re also thinking of doing an end-ofsummer trip to Napa Valley.”

TK Terukina, Ryan Morgan, Kalena and Kiana Hancock Park

“Well, I’m going to London to visit someone I met in Costa Rica last year. I’m nervous and excited.”

Diahnna Baxter and Zoey Windsor Village

“We already got our summer travel in. We took a road trip from early May to mid-June all the way to Indiana to visit my family. There’s nothing so beautiful as a Midwest spring into summer!”

Rebecca Klingler and Ernie Lee Park La Brea

THE REDESIGNED Larchmont Hair and Nails is spacious and bright.

Hollywood Bowl; ‘A Case for Love;’ Getty House reception

The 2023 Hollywood Bowl season is underway, and many locals have been enjoying “summer under the stars.” In early July, there were thousands of glowing lightsabers as Los Angeles showed up to enjoy conductors Gustavo Dudamel and John Williams lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a three-day celebration of Williams’ music. The sold-out July 9 crowd was thrilled to hear many of 91-year-old Williams’ most iconic selections, including pieces from “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List,” “E.T.” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The evening commenced with Dudamel conducting. Then Williams walked onto the stage to the thunderous applause of fanboys and fangirls (including me) who cheered the maestro and all that he has contributed to some of Hollywood’s most popular films of all time. For an encore, Dudamel and Williams sparred onstage to “The Imperial March” from “Star Wars,” with their very own lightsabers (that occasionally

SECTION ONE

Around

doubled as batons to conduct the orchestra), thrilling the crowd that roared in approval.

• • •

Lots of neighbors headed to the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills to preview a new film, “ A Case for Love ” on July 10. Hancock Park resident Carl Anderson has been talking for nearly two years about the production that he and other volunteers now have seen to the finish. The film shows how the practice of unselfish love has, in the words of Episcopalian bishop Michael Curry, “the power to transform each of us, those around us, and by

extension, the world.” Locals seen in the packed theater included Neil and Vicky Martin and Jenny and Bill Fain, and all agreed that the film’s depiction of unselfish love, something rooted in ancient texts of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith traditions, resonated with them in this film created in response to the growing divisiveness in society. Learn more at: gracebasedfilms.org.

• • •

More than 300 guests of Mayor Karen Bass and the Getty House Foundation gathered in the back yard of Windsor Square’s Getty House for a reception in honor of the Los Angeles Consular Corps on July 19. The open tent provided shade for the warm evening that featured master of ceremonies business leader Stephen Chung introducing the Mayor who then introduced her

good friend, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The latter is the Representative of the United States to the United Nations and is serving this month as the president of the Security Council.

A career diplomat with

35 years of service, Thomas-Greenfield served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2013 to 2017. While in Los Angeles, she delivered keynote remarks welcoming new U.S.

(Please turn to page 4)

THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL welcomed about 17,000 people on each of three nights for composer John Williams concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and Gustavo Dudamel. Photo by Sondi Sepenuk

MAYOR KAREN BASS welcomes consular guests and others to the shade of a tent on the Getty House tennis court.

Around the Town

(Continued from page 3) citizens at a naturalization ceremony. See: tinyurl.com/3zz4buyf.

• • •

A private room at Angelini Osteria, filled with friends, family and neighbors on July 8, was the scene of a 50th anniversary party organized by Bruce Doering of Ridge-

wood-Wilton to surprise his wife Lynn. The Doering Family has lived in Ridgewood-Wilton since 1986.

A highlight of the dinner was Bruce Doering regaling the guests with a 15-minute synopsis of the couple’s courtship and elopement.

• • •

The Wilshire Ebell Theatre was the location of a July 24 memorial sendoff to Brookside

AMBASSADOR Linda Thomas-Greenfield was introduced by Mayor Karen Bass and spoke to about 300 Getty House guests.

native, celebrated magician and Hollywood TV writer and producer Milt Larsen, who died in May at age 92. He was the co-founder of Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. Members of the Larsen family have been performing magic continuously since the mid ’20s.

In 1942, Milt’s parents

purchased their Brookside home, Brookledge. Built in 1933, the property includes, behind the main house, a small theater that became an informal gathering place for the top echelon of the magic community — prior to the opening of The Magic Cas-

tle in 1963. It was from this Brookside family home that Larsen walked four blocks to Los Angeles High School, graduating in 1949.

• • •

The Ebell of Los Angeles will open its doors to the pub-

(Please turn to page 6)

Save Money … Save Time and Stay Cool!

“An Oasis in the City”

Your parking worries are over when you use Larchmont’s Underground Parking Garage

Sponsored by

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS of marriage, in the front row (left to right): Nancy Bolger, Rebecca Morellato, Tani Doering, Lynn Doering, Suzette Cardin, Katie Doering, Joe Braun, Loyce Braun, Nona Friedman. Back row (left to right): Ed Cardin, host Bruce Doering, Tom Bolger, Kathy Dracup, Tom Doering, Brad Haehnel, Eric Puestow, Alan Wolovitch and Kay Baker.

Windsor Square Block Captain Program Is a Civic Asset

Would you like to get to know your neighbors better while also increasing your collective safety? If so, the Windsor Square Block Captain Program is for you! All Windsor Square residents are invited to participate in the community-building Block Captain Program. Here’s how and why we think you’ll care.

First and foremost — if your block doesn’t have a Block Captain — volunteer to be your block’s captain. Block Captain responsibilities include keeping updated lists of block residents; forwarding e-mails regarding crime, public safety information and emergency preparedness; welcoming new neighbors to the block; and — here’s where it gets pretty fun — tapping into an upcoming Windsor Square Association program to support you in throwing your very own block party! There will be more details on this in the September issue.

What if you support these goals of improving neighborliness and neighborhood safety but don’t have the time to be a Block Captain yourself? Find out who is your Block Captain and exchange contact information. Attend any block meetings. Alert your Block Captain to crime or other concerns you might have.

If you are a resident of Windsor Square and want to make a difference, or if you have questions about the Block Captain Program, e-mail blockcaptains@windsorsquare. org, and you will hear back from one of our Block Captain Co-Chairs, Angie Szentgyorgyi or Tracey Durning.

Water

Drought Reminder: If you do not want to be subject to mandatory water restrictions, please follow the current voluntary guidelines. Even though these guidelines have been widely publicized, many people are ignoring them. We all will pay if we don’t all pitch in. Go to tinyurl.com/3vt46m5d to learn more.

Newsletter

Did you get the WSA newsletter last month? If not, head to our website at windsorsquare.org, and subscribe today … to keep up with neighborhood issues and events.

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.

Update on homelessness in CD13

Did you know that the city has fewer than 400 interim housing / shelter beds for the more than 3,000 people living on the streets of District 13? I think we all agree that this is nowhere near enough.

And to make matters worse, when we took office, there were up to 58 empty beds on any given night.  That meant that nearly 15 percent of the beds available to unhoused people in our district were going completely unused some nights.

Our homelessness team shifted the approach to homelessness by prioritizing housing and services. The team was able to jump into action and fill the empty beds with folks who needed them.

What’s happening now?

Now, the interim housing / shelter bed occupancy is at 100 percent, with dozens of folks in the queue and even more who have accepted housing referrals. Once a bed opens up, our homelessness team is able to fill it immediately because the team is on the ground everyday visiting every encampment in the district, coordinating service providers and helping unhoused residents access housing and other assistance.

What’s next?

As mentioned before, 400 beds for 3,000 unhoused people are not nearly enough. We’re approving and constructing a new tiny home village to add to that capacity, plus, we’re in the planning process for more interim housing options from tiny

CD 13 Council Report by

Hugo Soto-Martinez

homes to buying / master-leasing hotels in the district.

But temporary housing is just that — temporary. We need much more housing — especially affordable housing — in CD13 and across Los Angeles. To make this happen, we plan to introduce two motions

in city council. One motion will be to accelerate affordable housing construction in Hollywood. The other will aim to make it easier to build affordable housing on public land. We didn’t get into this crisis overnight, and it will likely take many years to fully reverse the decades of disinvestment and neglect that have led us here. But by leading with services and building more affordable housing, we can make sustainable change.

CD 5 Council Report will appear next month

Around the Town

(Continued from page 4)

lic on Sun., Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for free tours and to share information about the historic building, upcoming programs and membership. At this Community Open House, visitors are

invited to explore the main clubhouse, courtyard garden and Ebell Theatre and to learn about the various programs and charitable endeavors undertaken by the group. 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., 323-931-1277. tinyurl.com/mupdhyhk.

And now you’re in the Larchmont know!

EBELL OPEN HOUSE visitors last year arrived through the front door into the club’s beautiful two-story-high lounge.

Photo by Aya Mac Photography

Sherry Bonanno

Lynn McCarthy

Gabrielle Bullock

Christine Meyer

Women of Larchmont

By John Welborne

We first published the annual Women of Larchmont special section during the third year of the Larchmont Chronicle, the enterprise that Jane Gilman and Dawne Goodwin founded in 1963. On the cover of its first Women of Larchmont section, the paper stated: “This annual section is a tribute to these women, who, through their gifts of time, money, ideas and talent have enriched our city.” Noble and accurate thoughts then — and now!

So, here we are today, still sharing proudly the stories of amazing local women and what they do for the community. (In the 2020 special section, we sought to list all of the “Women of Larchmont” for the first 55 years. Visit that issue here: tinyurl.com/5nrk7ens.)

Cover photos by Bill Devlin

By Suzan Filipek

Sherry Bonanno is passionate about feeding the poor, the homeless, the hungry. After all, everyone has to eat every day.

Serving a meal is also a way in, a means to share a smile or a kindness, to gain trust and maybe even help someone find shelter and address a myriad of other needs.

“Food is the connection to me. We look at food as an entry to other things.”

Bonanno joined the Hollywood Food Coalition (HoFoCo) in 2000, when it was all-volunteer and called the Food Coalition.

She soon found serving food was only a small part of what was on the menu.

She’s helped people down on their luck find shelter, such as one man who was dropped off on a Friday night in a wheelchair with nowhere to go.

Bonanno managed to find

the 60ish-year-old gentleman a hotel room, then wrangled through months of bureaucracy to settle him in low-cost housing, where he resides today.

“We’re an emergency need provider,” she explains. “We provide food every night.” HoFoCo offers about 200 meals per night, plus weekly medical care, and they recently got a grant for a wellness program.

Bonanno’s journey to HoFoCo began as a way to broaden her two young sons’ horizons outside the bubble of their Brookside home and surrounding community.

Roots in Panama

Bonanno grew up in Panama, where her father was a sea captain on the Panama Canal. Colorful ceramics and other artifacts she acquired in her teenage years in Central America fill her 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival home.

She loved the tropical country, where she remembers feeling safe, including on her travels outside of the American enclave where she lived. Cooking Bonnano also likes to cook, so it seemed natural to begin at HoFoCo as part of the Wednesday crew cooking meals with repurposed food from restaurants, grocery stores and farms, among other sources.

Bonanno has donned many hats, from cooking meals to serving multiple terms as board president at the group now headquartered at the Salvation Army campus on

Hollywood Boulevard.

Like many who arrive in Los Angeles, Bonanno had not planned to stay when she came to attend USC, where she graduated with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. (Her husband, Tom Dunlap, is a retired attorney.)

After graduation, she worked and volunteered at her boys’ schools — Echo Horizon and Windward — and she was involved with the Ebell of Los Angeles. In the beginning, her forays to HoFoCo were one night per week.

As her children grew, “I started doing more. I didn’t set out to run the Hollywood Food Coalition. I’m just a good volunteer,” she laughs.

She later was hired as HoFoCo’s first salaried executive director just prior to the pandemic, in 2020.

She passed the baton to Arnali Ray in 2022. “She’s been phenomenal,” Bonanno says, adding that Ray’s years of experience will help the Coa-

lition move to the next stage.

“It’s a strategic move. You can only grow and organize so much with an all-volunteer crew,” explains Bonanno, who will continue as an advisor on special projects.

Special projects

Her ongoing projects at HoFoCo include ridding the program of much of the complicated layers of bureaucracy.

“I’ve always wanted to serve the community better and not to have such an institutional feel where there’s a lot of rules and paperwork.

“Part of the point is to make it no-barrier. If you need help, come here and let’s see what we can do to start helping you.”

Bonanno is also seeking a site for a warehouse to hold the rescued food in HoFoCo’s Community Exchange program, which has grown from recovering 248,000 pounds a year to 3 million pounds annually since COVID-19.

Right now, a generous landlord has temporarily donated a vacated warehouse on Vine Street.

In semi-retirement, Bonanno works in her garden, which has benefited from landscape and architecture and horticulture classes she has taken at UCLA. And she’s readying to paint over the yellow shade in the hallway.

“I like to do a lot of stuff myself… I always have projects.”

While her boundless energy has simmered in recent years, she’s added reading up on

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SHERRY BONANNO

Gabrielle Bullock: building diversity and inclusion from early on

By Helene Seifer

Most 12-year-old girls are interested in friends, listening to music and, maybe, boys. When Gabrielle Bullock was 12, she was interested in changing the world — one building at a time.

“I had some artistic ability through heredity,” the Windsor Square resident and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects says, noting that her mother was somewhat artistic. Although she grew up in the leafy Riverdale section of the Bronx, she was aware that not everyone was so lucky. “Traversing the city and seeing the public housing and how people of color lived, it impacted me greatly,” Bullock explains. “I knew then that I wanted to be an architect.” She continues, “Everybody deserves a beautiful place to live, a healthy place to live.”

Bullock was the second Black woman to graduate from the architecture department of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. She then joined architecture firms that focused on designing affordable housing. Unfortunately, they went belly-up during the recession in the mid-1980s. “I decided if there isn’t housing getting built, I could still do purpose-driven buildings. I didn’t have to completely divorce myself from my mission.”

Bullock joined the New York-based architectural firm Russo & Sonder, which eventually was acquired by her current firm, Perkins & Will. She focused her practice on health care and ways in which design could impact health. For example, when working on the design of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, she considered the value of natural light: every patient room is infused with daylight, and every hallway ends in a window to let in light. She brought a similar sensibility to her work on the Beckman Research Center at City of Hope and USC’s Health Sciences Campus.

When Bullock became managing director and a principal at Perkins & Will, she often found herself to be the only woman and only person of color in the room. As Bullock explains, “Black architects are 2-3 percent [of all architects]. Black women architects represent .2 percent. It is not a terribly diverse profession.” Additionally, she noticed a lack of cultural competence when working on a project in Saudi Arabia, a country with vastly different needs and expectations than those typically found in the United States. She believed her profession needed to be more welcoming to a greater variety

of architects who could bring unique viewpoints to solving problems in differing communities here and abroad. Consequently, 10 years ago, she created her position of Director of Global Diversity to address justice, equity, diversity and inclusion — both for the culture within Perkins & Will and in how its architects engage with clients.

An example of that engagement in action is Bullock’s latest undertaking, Destination Crenshaw, an under-construction 1.3-mile series of connected parks and outdoor art exhibits celebrating the history and culture of the Black community — located on either side of Crenshaw Boulevard near Slauson Avenue. Community members were integrally involved in decisions about what the project needed to accomplish. “We’re partners, not saviors,” Bullock states

about her professional involvement. Begun in 2017, Part One is scheduled to open early 2024.

Bullock will be the first to tell you that passion for her architecture career fills her hours, but she loves the time she spends with her husband, actor Rocky Carroll (perhaps best known for his role on “NCIS”) and their 22-year-old daughter Elissa. She loves to

travel and enjoys relaxing at their Palm Springs weekend house. She admits, however, that, “Putzing around the house is my favorite part.”

She wasn’t always a committed Angeleno. When Bullock moved to Los Angeles from New York in 1995 to be with her then boyfriend, now husband, she was skeptical. They tried several neighborhoods and kept moving east until they found a house in Windsor Square. Ever the architect, she was attracted to the “classic but subtle Spanish style of the house,” but what really spoke to her was the neighborhood. “This area is walkable and much more diverse than other areas,” she explains. “It reminds me more of New York than any other place.”

In fact, Bullock regularly walks to Larchmont Boulevard to “pop into all the boutiques” and eat at Le Pain

Quotidien, get bagels at Sam’s and go to A Silver Lining to frame the pen-and-ink and pencil portraits that she draws of people she knows, such as her husband, daughter, sister and herself. “I’m fascinated with the face,” she states. In spite of being as busy as she is, Bullock has found time to serve several professional organizations and on the board of Girl Scouts of America, for which she did pro bono work to design their Camp Lakota in Frazier Park. She also served on the USC Architectural Guild board and delivered the 2019 commencement address to the USC Architecture School. Mentoring future generations of architects is important to her, and she has frequently made presentations at other Southern California architecture and design schools, such as California Baptist Uni(Please turn to page 15)

GABRIELLE BULLOCK

Women trailblazing in Windsor Square for 138 years

By Jane Gilman

Women have played a major role in the 138-year history of Windsor Square.

One of the first women to figure in that history has a street named after her. She was Lorraine Rowan Cooper, whose father, Robert A. Rowan, headed the investment firm that marketed the neighborhood. She married John Sherman Cooper, a U.S. senator. Sen. Cooper also served as U.S. Ambassador to India, Nepal and East Germany. The Washington Post said of Lorraine: “She graced the

Washington political and social scene with notable style and wit.”

In 1962, Dorothy (Buff)

Chandler moved to Lorraine Boulevard from Pasadena. She was the force behind the fundraising for The Music Center. She also was hostess to visiting presidents, ambassadors and diplomats during her husband Norman’s long tenure as publisher of the Los Angeles Times.

Then there was Beatrice Ward Challiss, who became the first woman to be active in a leadership role in the

Windsor Square Association. Third Street (the street, not the school) received special treatment from Catherine Crahan. She launched a one-woman crusade to have trees planted along that street from Wilton Place to Larchmont Boulevard in 1987. She got permission from the city to plant 149 liquid amber trees in the parkways there, as well as on Larchmont north to First Street. She hired a fire truck to water the trees. Unfortunately, some trees died and were replaced by

magnolia trees.

In 1980, Barbara McRae was tired of noise, litter, drugs and prostitution in and around Robert Burns Park. So she began writing letters of complaint to city officials. She lived directly south of the park on Van Ness Avenue. As a result, the city built a 12-foot wall between the park and neighboring homes, and park rangers began patrolling the park.

Linda McKnight was instrumental in suggesting the plan for the Larchmont Boulevard Median between First and Third streets. The successful fundraising for the project, which included landscaping and a monument sign, was spearheaded by Carolyn Ramsay.

Margy Hudson, Priscilla Wright and Mary Pickhardt were among the leaders who, with the support of many residents, succeeded in getting the city to adopt the Windsor Square Historic Preservation Overlay Zone to preserve the integrity of the area’s historic and architecturally significant homes. Hudson was also instrumental in further improving Robert Burns Park.

These are but a few of the many trailblazers whose work has enhanced this lovely neighborhood.

Windsor Square Los Angeles

In 1885, the Windsor Square Land Co. bought from the former Plummer Homestead a parcel of 200 acres bounded by Plymouth Boulevard, Bronson Avenue, Wilshire Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard for $400 an acre. They sold it in 1911 for $5,000 an acre to the Windsor Square Investment Co., headed by Robert A. Rowan.

The original subdivision was a tract bounded by Irving Boulevard, Plymouth Boulevard, Third Street and Wilshire Boulevard. The tract featured large lots, wide streets, wide parkways, elaborate electroliers and trees for which $200,000 was expended. The ornamental light standards were erected with the distinctive monogram “W/S” at the base. All streets were paved with concrete, utilities were underground, and long-term deed restrictions did not expire until 1965.

The area to the west of the original Windsor Square, which includes Lucerne and Arden boulevards from Third to Fifth streets, was owned as of 1913 by the Wilshire Hills Land Corp.

The following organizations involve many Larchmont Chronicle neighbors. Perhaps this will inspire you to become more involved in your community. 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

A transitional residence for women and children who are in the process of moving from homelessness to permanent housing. Marissa Espinoza serves as the executive director and Judy Vaughan as the founding director. Contact: 213-381-2649. Website: alexandriahouse.org.

ANDERSON-MUNGER YMCA

Helping to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Jenny Chan is the executive vice president and CEO. Contact: 213-427-9622. Website: ymcala.org/anderson-munger.

ARCS FOUNDATION, INC.

LOS ANGELES FOUNDER CHAPTER

Advances research in America by raising scholar awards for the best undergraduates, graduates, medical students and postdoctoral fellows in the fields of science, math, engineering and medical research. Contact: 310-375-1936. Website: los-angeles.arcsfoundation.org.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES

Improves the quality of life of at-risk children and their families. Their programs include: accredited preschool, two clothing and school supplies programs for homeless and foster youth, a theater for children and a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors who are homeless or in foster care. Sue Thalken is the board president and Melanie Merians is the CEO. There are more than 500 members. Their auxiliaries include: Anne Banning Auxiliary (Operation School Bell program), Hilltoppers Auxiliary (Foster Children’s Resource Center), Nine O’Clock Players Auxiliary (Theatre for Children Program), Preschool Auxiliary (Preschool Learning Center), Founder Assisteens, College Alumnae Auxiliary, Mannequins Auxiliary - Assistance League of Los Angeles College Scholarship program and League at Large - Family Membership and Young Professionals group. Contact Kai Tramiel, senior director of membership and community engagement: 323-545-4847 or membership@assistanceleaguela.org. Website: assistanceleaguela.org.

AVIVA

Provides support and therapeutic services to at-risk women, children and families through fundraising. Amber Rivas is the President / CEO. Contact: 323-876-0550 or vchavez@aviva.org. Website: aviva.org.

BANNING RESIDENCE MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS

Supports educational and cultural programs and restoration and conservation of Banning Residence Museum. Contact: 310-548-7777. Website: thebanningmuseum.org.

BIG SUNDAY

Connects people by providing a variety of volunteer opportunities to improve lives and build community. David Levinson is the founder and executive director. Contact: 323-549-9944 or david@bigsunday. org. Website: bigsunday.org.

BLIND CHILDREN’S CENTER

Provides family-centered early intervention and education services for children from birth to kindergarten who are visually impaired. L. Alan Boring is the board president, and Sarah Orth is the CEO. Contact: 323-664-2153. Website: blindchildrenscenter.org.

CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S LAW CENTER

Their mission is to create a more just and equitable society by breaking down barriers and advancing the potential of women and girls through transformative litigation, policy advocacy and education. Betsy Butler is the executive director. Contact: 323-9511041 or cwlc@cwlc.org. Website: cwlc.org.

CHILDHELP

Addresses the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children, focusing efforts and resources on advocacy, intervention, prevention, treatment and community outreach. Suzzy Canny is the Los Angeles chapter president. Contact: 323-465-4016. Website: childhelp.org/chapters.

THE COLLEAGUES

Supports children affected by family violence, abuse and other trauma through fundraising and operating The Colleagues Boutique, a designer resale and vintage clothing store at 3312 Pico Blvd., is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact: 310-396-7349. Website: thecolleagues. com.

COLLEAGUE HELPERS IN PHILANTHROPIC SERVICE (CHIPS)

Supports Children’s Institute, Inc. with its work to help children affected by violence, abuse and other trauma. Fundraising and volunteer efforts include its annual spring fashion luncheon and community outreach projects. Contact: info@thechips.org. Website: thechips.org.

CUISINE Á ROULETTES for ST. VINCENT MEALS ON WHEELS

Fulfills the mission to fundraise and provide volunteer support for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, which was founded in 1983. Veronica Dover is the CEO / executive director. Contact: Sonia Sanchez at 213-484-7775 or ssanchez@svmow.org. Website: svmow.org/ get-involved.

DIDI HIRSCH MENTAL

HEALTH SERVICES

Provides mental health and substance abuse services where stigma or poverty limits access in the Los Angeles area. Will Lippincott and Melissa Rivers are co-chairs of the board, and Lyn Morris is the CEO. Contact: 888-807-7250. Website: didihirsch.org.

EBELL OF LOS ANGELES

A women’s club with philanthropic, cultural and educational programs that support 20 charities that help women and children. The club also grants more than 50 college scholarships each year. It holds lunches with guest speakers, wine-anddine dinners, barbecues, art receptions, dances, holiday events, plays, readings, film screenings, book clubs and craft workshops in a National Register historic Italian Renaissance building. Meredith Deighton is the director of membership and programs. Laurie Schecter is the president. Contact: 323-931-1277. Website: ebellofla.com.

FREEDOMS FOUNDATION

AT VALLEY FORGE

Educates students and teachers about the rights and responsibilities of American citizenry and inspires them to preserve and advance freedoms and love their country. Raises funds to provide scholarships to students and accredited teachers to participate in the Foundation’s educational programs. Trish Bowe is president of the Los Angeles chapter. Contact: 310-968-3163 or trishbowe9@gmail.com. Website: freedomsfoundation.org/chapters.

FRIENDLY HOUSE

The first residential program for women recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Founded in 1951, it continues to provide opportunities for women to recover physically, spiritually and emotionally through love, compassion and support. Rika Broccoli is the board president, and Christina Simos is the executive director. Contact: 866-475-0892 or info@friendlyhousela.org. Website: friendlyhousela.org.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER

Raises funds to help women and children move from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Sister Maria Jennifer Nguyen is the center director. Contact: 213-318-5779 or srjnguyen@gschomeless.org. Website: gschomeless.org.

HOLLYWOOD YMCA

Strengthens the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Contact: 323-467-4161. Website: ymcala.org. Currently closed during construction.

HOPENET

Provides direct services to families and individuals in the Metro Los Angeles area to break the cycles of food and housing insecurity. The food pantry program is a network of 12 food pantries that are run in collaboration with interfaith agencies spanning 20 miles and providing free, accessible and healthy food to anyone that wants or needs it. Taste of Larchmont, which occurs in the fall, is one of its fundraisers. Contact: 213-389-9949 or rmilder@hopenetla.org. Website: hope-net.org.

JEFFREY FOUNDATION

Provides in-person programs and activities for special needs children, ages 14 to 22 years, and their families. Alyce Morris Winston is the founder and CEO. Contact: 323-965-7536. Website: thejeffreyfoundation.org.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES

An organization of women devoted to developing women’s leadership and promoting volunteerism to improve the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. It was founded in 1926. Katherine La Spada is the president. Contact: 323-957-4280 or info@jlla.org. Website: jlla.org.

THE KARSH CENTER at WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE

An organization established to improve the lives of the underserved population by providing critical and accessible social services through direct service or collaboration with other providers. Lila Guirguis is executive director. Contact: 213-401-4651 or info@ karshcenter.org. Website: karshcenter.org.

LAS FLORISTAS

Helps the special needs of children with exceptional physical or cognitive challenges at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Programs include wheelchair sports, scholarships, recreational therapy, adolescent support and pediatric art therapy. They host a spring gala, holiday luncheon and scholarship and awards dinner. Candice Nantais is the president. Contact: 562-298-3508 or amanda@lasfloristas.org. Website: lasfloristas.org.

LES AMIES

Supports Children’s Institute, Inc. to transform the lives of children exposed to adversity, trauma, community violence and poverty in Los Angeles. Nancy Derian is the contact person. Website: lesamiesinc.com.

LOS ANGELES MARYVALE GUILD

An organization of women dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Maryvale, Los Angeles’ oldest charity founded in 1856. Maryvale offers wraparound services

for unhoused mothers and their young children. Contact: Rachel Hunter at laoghunter@gmail.com. Website: lamaryvaleguild.com.

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE LOS ANGELES CHAPTER

Mother-daughter philanthropy organization that helps provide opportunites that develop this special relationship through social, cultural and philanthropic events. They have their own thrift store, Timeless Treasures Thrift Shop, at 9441 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Contact: administrator@nclla. org. Website: nclla.org. Thrift Shop: 310559-8338.

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE CORONET DEBUTANTE BALL BOARD

The Annual Coronet Debutante Ball honors young women involved in the National Charity League as they have dedicated themselves to their community through volunteering. The event supports the philanthropic projects of National Charity League, Los Angeles. Contact: 310-2455545 or juliebarker@att.net. Website: coronetdebutanteball.org.

NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

A nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education. It was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. There is a Los Angeles–Eschscholtzia chapter and a Hollywood chapter. Website: dar.org.

NATIONAL GIVING ALLIANCE HANCOCK PARK

An all-volunteer women’s nonprofit that provides new clothes, linens and personal care items through local charities. They hold a gala fundraiser annually. Beverly Brown is the president. Contact: ngahancockpark@gmail.com. Website: ngahancockpark.org.

PROJECT ANGEL FOOD

Founded in 1989 by Marianne Williamson and a group of volunteers to provide food to those impacted by serious illness. Project Angel Food continues to serve the critically ill, providing more than 21,000 free meals per week, along with love and support, to men and women battling cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, congestive heart disease and other illnesses, and their dependent children. Richard Ayoub is the CEO. Contact: 323-845-1800 or info@angelfood.org. Website: angelfood.org.

SISTERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE

Works with people on the margins through direct service and contemporary social action for change. Contact: 818-285-3358. Website: sssla.org.

UPLIFT FAMILY SERVICES AT HOLLYGROVE

Family-centered community organization serving with multiple programs for abused and neglected children up to age 18, and those at risk of abuse or neglect or in poverty. Contact: 323-463-2119. Website: pacificclinics.org.

Civic FRIENDS OF THE FAIRFAX LIBRARY

Supports the library acquisition fund and various programs. Book sale every Wednesday from 12 to 4 p.m. Contact: 323-9366191. Website: lapl.org/branches/fairfax.

FRIENDS OF THE JOHN C. FREMONT LIBRARY

Fundraises to support the library’s pro-

gramming for the community. Rachel Kitzman is the senior librarian. Contact: 323-962-3521. Website: lapl.org/branches/ john-c-fremont.

FRIENDS OF THE MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Supports the library through various programs. Book sale is every Tuesday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. and every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. Shirley Ashe is the senior librarian. Contact: 323-938-2732. Website: lapl. org/branches/memorial.

FRIENDS OF THE WILSHIRE LIBRARY

Supports the library through purchasing supplemental books, equipment and items that assist library staff, enhances community programming and maintains the thriving garden. In addition to fundraising through book and bake sales and donations, they have set up shelves inside the library dedicated to selling used books. Eric Kennedy is senior librarian. Contact: 323-957-4550. Website: lapl.org/branches/wilshire.

HOLLYWOOD BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

Achieves equity for working women in all phases of their lives and promotes personal empowerment and professional development. The organization was founded in 1920. Marjory Hopper is president. Contact 562-699-6288 or mjhop63345@aol.com. Website: bpwcal.org/hollywood-club.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of LOS ANGELES

A non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and increased understanding of major public policy issues. Contact: 213-368-1616 or info@lwvlosangeles. org. Website: my.lwv.org/california/greater-los-angeles.

LOS ANGELES GARDEN CLUB

Increase knowledge and love of gardening, educates and supports philanthropic causes and promotes an understanding of the necessity for civic beautification. Three horticultural scholarships are given to horticulture students at Mt. San Antonio College annually. Contact: info@losangelesgardenclub.org. Website: losangelesgardenclub. org.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS, LOS ANGELES

Helps women business owners grow their business, network and wealth through education, connection and events. Contact: 213-622-3200. Website: nawbola.org.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, LOS ANGELES

Advances economic justice and equity for women and their families. Operates five thrift stores in Los Angeles and an e-commerce site to raise funds. Offers scholarships, free clothing and rental assistance. Pamela Brown is board president, and Marjorie Gilberg is CEO. Contact 323-8528500. Website: ncjwla.org.

WILSHIRE ROTARY CLUB OF LOS ANGELES

People taking action to help our community. Janice Prior is president, and Ray Schuldenfrei is membership chair. Contact: info@wilshirerotary.org. Website: wilshirerotary.org.

WINDSOR SQUARE-HANCOCK

PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Researches and preserves historical information about Windsor Square, Hancock Park and Greater Rancho La Brea. Arranges historical tours, social events and annual Homes / Gardens tour. Richard Battaglia

is president.  Contact: wshphs@gmail.com. Website: wshphs.com.

WOMEN AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE

Prevents gun violence by educating the public, policymakers and the media about the human, financial and public health consequences and dangers of firearms. Margot Bennett is executive director. Contact: 310-204-2348 or wagv@wagv.org. Website: wagv.org.

WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES

Promotes participation in the legal profession of women lawyers and judges from diverse perspectives and racial and ethnic backgrounds, maintains the integrity of the legal system by advocating fairness and equality and improves the status of women by supporting their exercise of equal rights, equal representation and reproductive choice. Janet Hong is president. Contact: 213-892-8982 or info@wlala.org. Website: wlala.org.

Hospital-Medical

WOMEN’S GUILD CEDARS-SINAI

Aids Cedars-Sinai Medical Center primarily through fundraising, support programs, research and education. Contact: 310-9044400 or womensguild@cshs.org. Website: womensguildcs.org.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES ASSOCIATES & AFFILIATES

Money is raised by 37 guilds and auxiliaries to fund projects designed to enhance vital services for children and for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Contact: 323-3612367 or associates&affiliates@chla.usc.edu. Website: chla.org.

LAS MADRINAS

Philanthropic organization dedicated to a tradition of supporting pediatric care and research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles by honoring families who have shown exceptional commitment to the Southern California community. Kathryne Halverson Garland is president. Contact: correspondingsecretary@lasmadrinas.org. Website: lasmadrinas.org.

LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - CARES AUXILIARY

Supports Los Angeles County+USC by providing financial support and volunteer services to benefit patients by adding comfort to their hospital stay and providing services that help patients access quality health care. Contact: 323-409-6941 or lacusccares@gmail.com. Website: lacusccares.org.

LUMINAIRES, FOUNDER CHAPTER

Supports vision research at Doheny Eye Institute, now affiliated with UCLA’s Stein Eye Institute. Contact: 323-342-7101 or info@ doheny.org. Website: doheny.org.

ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE FOR CHILDREN (OIC)

CHARITABLE CHILDREN’S GUILD (CCG)

The CCG supports OIC’s charitable care program with financial resources and volunteering with five auxiliary groups across Los Angeles. Website: fundraise.givesmart. com.

SISTERS SERVANTS OF MARY

Fundraises to assist Sisters who are RNs, LVNs and CNAs in carrying out their mission to care for patients in the patient’s home, regardless of illness, race or religion. Contact: 323-731-5747. Website: sisterservantsofmary.org.

ST. ANNE’S GUILD

A social service agency offering an array of services that promote the safety, resilience and ongoing achievement of young mothers, their children and their families. Contact: 213-381-2931 or stannes@stannes. org. Website: stannes.org.

HELPER’S CLUB OF ST. JOHN OF GOD

ST. JOHN OF GOD’S WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Both organizations raise money for St. John of God Retirement and Care Center. Contact: 323-731-7141 or info@hospitallerfoundation.org. Website: sjghcs.com/ auxiliaries.

Art-Music

THE BLUE RIBBON

The Music Center’s premier women’s support organization commited to arts education, volunteerism and fundraising for educational programs and resident companies. Terri Kohl is president. Contact: 213-9727211. Website: musiccenter.org.

BARNSDALL ART PARK FOUNDATION

Provides funding to ensure Barnsdall Art Park is a vibrant, inclusive space for creativity and cultural expression, civic conversation and social empowerment. Contact: connect@barnsdall.org. Website: barnsdall. org.

BARNSDALL ARTS

Provides quality art education and exhibits that nurture creativity, artistic skills and aesthetic appreciation of art. Contact: 323-363-4629 or barnsdallarts@gmail.com. Website: barnsdallarts.org.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART COSTUME COUNCIL

Council members enjoy six to eight fashion-centric programs annually. Acquisitions and special projects support the Costume and Textile Curatorial Department of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contact: 323-857-6558 or costumecouncil@lacma.org. Website: lacma.org.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART DOCENT COUNCIL

Volunteer educational services for students and adults in the form of tours, lectures and informal conversations. Contact: 323-8576109. Website: lacma.org.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART (LACMA)

Become involved with LACMA through monetary donations or art donations, or support their education and outreach fund. Website: lacma.org.

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC (LA PHIL) AFFILIATES

Supports the mission of the LA Phil through volunteer service, community engagement and fundraising; be ambassadors for music and connect communities. Contact 213972-3537 or volunteer@laphil.org. Website: laphil.org/support.

MUSES OF THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION

Supports and promotes the California Science Center and its education programs for youth. Contact: 213-744-2035 or acontreraz@californiasciencecenter.org. Website: californiasciencecenter.org/volunteer.

Education

BUCKLEY SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Supports the school; assists in social, cul-

tural and fundraising activities; and fosters good relationships among the school, the students, and the parents. Contact: pa@ buckley.org. Website: buckley.org/about/ parents-association.

CATHEDRAL CHAPEL SCHOOL PTO BOARD

Plans fundraising events for Cathedral Chapel School and general support of the school. Contact: 323-938-9976. Website: cathedralchapelschool.org.

FRIENDS OF HANCOCK PARK ELEMENTARY

Fundraises and implements projects to enrich education and social experiences. Website: hancockparkschool.com.

FRIENDS OF THIRD STREET

A parent volunteer group which supports students, teachers and faculty through community building initiatives, classroom support and funding of enrichment programs. Contact: info@friendsofthird.org. Website: friendsofthird.org.

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Creates opportunities for families to connect with — and support —one another and the school to create a warm, inclusive and joyful community. Website: hw.com/ parents/parents-association.

LARCHMONT ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS (LOOP)

Fundraises to enrich education, support teachers and staff and create a sense of community among Larchmont Charter School families. Contact: 323-380-7893 ext. 301. Website: larchmontcharter.org.

LOYOLA HIGH MOTHERS’ GUILD

Community of mothers who support the students and school through hospitality, service and fundraising. Contact: 213-3815121. Website: loyolahs.edu/mothers-guild.

MARLBOROUGH PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Provides leadership and supports the school and its activities and staff. Contact: 323935-1147. Website: marlborough.org.

ST. BRENDAN SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER BOARD

Welcomes new families and provides fundraising, a communication forum, and support of co-curricular activities. Contact: 213-382-7401 or info@stbrendanschoolla. org. Website: stbrendanschoolla.org/parent-board.

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL PARENT ASSOCIATION

Organizes and coordinates parent involvement and helps build a sense of community. Contact: 213-382-2315. Website: sjsla.org/ community-life/parent-involvment.

TOWN AND GOWN OF USC

Philanthropic organization that was established in 1904. It supports USC through scholarships for students, building and campus enhancements and cultural programs. Beth Petak-Aaron is president. Contact: 213-626-9070 or president@townandgownofusc.org. Website: townandgownofusc.org.

WILSHIRE CREST PTA

Fundraises and provides support for school and student needs. Contact: 323-938-5291 or info@wilshirecrestpta.org. Website: wilshirecrestes.lausd.org.

WILTON PLACE SCHOOL PTA

Fundraises for and supports teachers and staff.Contact: 213-389-1181. Website: wiltones.lausd.org.

Lynn Baran McCarthy is a local fundraiser extraordinaire

By Casey Russell

The granddaughter of Croatian immigrants, Lynn Baran McCarthy grew up in Palos Verdes, but she has lived in the Larchmont area for the past 25 years with her husband Ted (Theodore) Leary, Jr.

McCarthy attended USC and then transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design. She has a degree in interior architecture. Coming back to the West Coast after school, she worked for an architect in Palos Verdes before switching to working at a commercial real estate firm.

Though McCarthy took a four-year hiatus from work after her daughter, Veronica, was born, she soon was back in the game buying and leasing with various companies, including Grubb & Ellis, First Interstate Bank and CBRE. Veronica entered Marlborough School in the 7th grade, close to the time McCarthy and Leary were married. (It’s her second marriage.) Feeling ready for a change in career, McCarthy was pleased to learn from Veronica’s godfather, who was on Marlborough’s board of trustees, that the

school needed to build up its alumnae office. She became the associate director of alumnae relations at Marlborough.

During the 16 years that McCarthy worked at Marlborough, she was promoted many times. When she retired two years ago, she held the title of director of advancement.

McCarthy seems to have lived up to that title. She was involved in three major school fundraising projects during her time at Marlborough.

Money from the Leadership and Learning Project was put toward taking down the library and arts building that was on the corner of Third Street and Rossmore Avenue so that builders could create two levels of underground parking, new administrative offices, an arts area and an active resource center with additional offices and creative space.

The Rise and Rally project focused on renovating Caswell Hall, and the Arden Project enabled the school to build a new soccer field and an aquatics center and to increase available parking.

“I loved making money for the school,” said McCarthy when we spoke. She helped the institution raise more than $12 million. But McCarthy also found great value in the relationships she made over her years there. She developed deep friendships and said she gained an “appreciation of what these women are doing or will do.”

Lynn McCarthy seems to

be drawn to helping schools thrive. Though neither Veronica, nor this fundraiser extraordinaire’s stepdaughter, Kathryn Leary, went to St. James’ School, the mom of two served on the St. James’ Episcopal School board for four years raising money and supporting the head of school, the employees, parents and students. She has been a member of St. James’ Episcopal Church for 25 years.

The civic-minded woman has also been involved with the Junior League of Los Angeles. She has co-chaired the group’s Legacy Leadership Circle for the past three years. “I think it’s important for people to give back,” she said.

Retired from Marlborough, McCarthy now works as an executive assistant for a family office in the Hancock Park neighborhood. When she’s not working, you might find her walking the neighborhood she so loves with her

3-year-old golden retriever, Theo. She and Ted enjoy frequenting local restaurants — especially Angelini on Saturday nights. She also loves to make use of the pool at their historic apartment building, which is now a condo.

If she could go back in time, she would have got into swimming or volleyball as a sport. Her love of sports wasn’t encouraged when she was growing up. But McCarthy doesn’t look backward. She moves forward. “I’m learning to golf now. You can golf forever,” she said.

What else is on the list of things to do? “I want to go to the Super Bowl,” McCarthy said. She’s also determined to get through the books on her bedside table and to learn the art of calligraphy. Looking at the things she’s accomplished already, there seems to be little doubt that her most recent list of things to learn and do will soon be completed.

Kasimoff harpsichord in performance on August 31

A harpsichord from the Kasimoff-Blüthner Piano Company on Larchmont Boulevard will be played at a concert at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel on Thurs., Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. The L’Ermitage Foundation is hosting the event.

The 1963 Neupert harpsichord was imported by Helga Kasimoff and her late husband. “We think it’s the most recorded, most traveled and most heard harpsichord in the world,” the couple’s son, Kyril Kasimoff, told us. The “historic and famous” instrument has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, and is a favorite of performers and composers alike, he added.

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 its Board of Managers and is the Chair for its 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. Lauren Estrada

Dr. Lauren Estrada recently joined the practice at Larchmont Pediatrics, 321 N. Larchmont Blvd., Ste. 1020. The doctor, who completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, has been practicing privately in general pediatrics in the Los Angeles area.

Dr. Estrada finds joy in working with children and is constantly inspired by their strength and resilience, according to Dr. Neville Anderson, who founded the wellrespected Larchmont practice in 2014.

321 N. Larchmont Blvd., Suite 1020

• (323) 960-8500

The August concert will feature pianist Nathan Lewis and cellist Ruslan Biryukov in

Bonanno

(Continued from page 8) homelessness to her projects, to better learn what works and what doesn’t.

One thing she’s found that works is kindness. And she’s also learned that people are complicated. “When you start hearing the stories, you realize each journey is so different. People want to be accepted and cared about.

“Your job is to value them as a human being and to be kind to them. We don’t stand a chance if we don’t create trust… that’s where it starts…”

As for her two sons? They’ve moved on to their own careers, probably with a broader worldview, thanks to accompanying their mom to HoFoCo.

a performance that includes three Italian Baroque sonatas. It will take place in the hotel’s

grand ballroom at 11461 Sunset Blvd., Bel Air. For tickets visit lermitagefoundation.org.

Angelique S. Campen, MD

Esthetic Medicine Specialist and ER Doctor

Angelique Campen is an ER Physician, a Professor of Emergency Medicine, an entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. A graduate of Georgetown University and UCLA School of Medicine, Angelique has been an ER physician at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center for over 20 years. In that time she has served as Medical Director, sits on the Foundation Board where she raised over $70 million to build a new Emergency Department, and spearheads the Narcan program to help combat the opiate crisis. She is founder of Vital Medical Services, which provides medical clearances and DUI blood draws at law enforcement facilities rather than ERs thus unburdening the emergency departments.

In her “free time” she is mom to Hunter, Paris and Scarlett, travels on medical missions around the globe and is an advisor to the US Congress regarding COVID-19 on the west coast. Lastly, she takes time to educate on her social media site @GlamERdoc. Her passion for working in the ER is because she “gets to see the most intimate times of people’s lives, when they are scared, hurting, or relieved” and she “is able to make that experience as comfortable as possible.” “In the ER you really get to see humanity.”

323-788-3409

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 Boulevard and Beachwood Drive.

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 and Friends of Hope-Net and is on the boards of the Anderson-Munger YMCA and the Larchmont Boulevard Association.

Her address is in both the Hollywoodland Realty office at 584 N. Larchmont Blvd. and the original 1923 Hollywoodland Realty office at 2700 N. Beachwood Dr., the latter of which was the tract office and first building constructed in Hollywoodland. Fun fact: the Hollywoodland (Hollywood) Sign was originally built to promote the office and the development. Currently, Carroll is in the process of preparing for the 100th Anniversary of Hollywoodland, archiving her extensive collection of historical documents. (323) 469-3171 • Cell: (213) 268-3171

Patricia Carroll President Hollywoodland Realty

LYNN MCCARTHY

Christine Meyer: An under-the-radar leader in our community

By Casey Russell Christine Meyer,

or Christine Bennett to those who knew her as a child, moved to the United States for the first time when she was 11. Her mother was French, and her father was a press attaché at the American embassy in Paris for many years.

During the first two decades of her life, Meyer moved around every two to four years, living in different countries. “I lived in France, Iran, Pakistan, Germany — it was so broadening. But I didn’t get the experience of living in one place, getting to know people, seeing birth, marriage, death,” she said.

When Meyer settled in Windsor Square, she found something she’d never really known — community. Though they lived in the Pacific Palisades while their kids were young, Meyer and her husband, architect Carl Meyer, FAIA, ended up, in 1993, buying the house where Carl had grown up with his seven siblings. “That house became such a happy home with events, pre-prom parties and such,” Mrs. Meyer told us.

She said, “Being part of the St. Brendan Church and School community was a revelation to me in a lot of ways.”

She explained that she truly experienced what it was like to be part of a community there, and she found herself taking on leadership roles in her neighborhood, as well. She was her block’s Windsor Square Association block captain for 27 years, helping to organize the popular Lucerne Block Party; she was a den leader for her son’s Cub Scout pack; and she became the friendly face that people would see when they went to the polls to vote.

Meyer often was the head poll worker for her neighborhood’s polling place. “We did it in someone’s garage for many years.”

The humble mom of three said she became more comfortable with the poll worker job as she did it more. “I learned I could handle problems.”

Poll workers have to get up early to make sure everything is ready for voters on the big day. They also stay late packing up and dispatching the ballots. “It was such a wonderful experience. You feel very involved with your community.” Meyer said she loved it when people brought their kids with them or when someone came in for the first time. “We taught them, in principle, how to do it,” she said. One year, Mayor Villaraigosa came in. “That was very exciting,” she said.

Though Meyer has grown to love being part of a local community, there’s a big part of her that relishes her worldly roots. She got her undergraduate degree overseas in France and Germany and might never have ended up in Los Angeles if she had not met Carl while they both were studying in Heidelberg.

Meyer still returns to France yearly. She and her sister now own the peaceful, ivy-covered small chateau that has been in their mother’s family for generations.

persisted. In 2008, her dream of being a licensed therapist finally came true. She’s had her own marriage and family therapy practice ever since. She actually sees both French- and English-speaking clients.

The grandmother of six feels that “a lot of really good, good things came my way all by themselves.” She feels blessed. “I am so fortunate that our children are enthusiastic about our many get-togeth-

ers,” she said.

Every summer, her daughters’ two families, her son, Christine and her husband all vacation together somewhere between San Francisco and Los Angeles. They rent a place with a pool so the grandkids can play and the family can simply enjoy being together.

Christine and Carl recently downsized from their Windsor Square home, and they now are living happily ever after nearby in Sycamore Square.

As I continue my native routes in Larchmont & Park La Brea, I am a blessed DV survivor and single mother of two teenage all-stars, Noah and Natalee Carey.

As a licensed contractor woman-owned business, I look forward to growing this coming year!

My career in the roofing industry started in 2004 with Doug Ratliff at Supreme Roofing. I successfully implemented a Safety, Injury and Illness program in addition to hard work and dedication to prepare Supreme Roofing for our 98th anniversary and transition.

I am most appreciative of and admire Doug at Supreme Roofing for being a monumental mentor and positive influence in my life and my children’s. I would not be the woman I am today without my roofing experience. I continue to provide mentorship to other women in the industry with National Women in Roofing & women in trades while supporting Alexandria House.

1015 N. Gower St. • 323-469-2981

Gillian Feldman Head of School Wilshire Schools East

Erika J Glazer Early Childhood Center Brawerman Elementary School East

Gillian has been an integral part of Brawerman

Elementary serving on both campuses over the last 18 years. She began her teaching career at Brawerman West in 2005 and served as a first and second grade teacher before joining the Brawerman leadership team as the Director of Admissions for West and East in 2011 as a founding administrator. Gillian became Principal of Brawerman East in 2013 and spent the next five years growing the school and working together with the amazing pioneer educators and families to create and reimagine the Glazer Campus. After proudly graduating the charter class in 2018, Gillian stepped away from Wilshire Boulevard Temple to focus on her young family. During the pandemic in January 2021, Gillian returned home to Brawerman as Assistant Principal and later Interim Principal of Brawerman West. Gillian has most recently returned to her roots at the Glazer Campus in her new role as Head of Schools for Brawerman East and Erika J Glazer Early Childhood Center. She is connected to the community and excited to engage new families as their children begin their education journeys.

3663 Wilshire Blvd.

• wbtecc.org

• brawerman.org

• (213) 835-2170

For many years, she also has been involved with a nearly 100-year-old group that started in Hancock Park / Windsor Square called Le Salon Français de Los Angeles. Meyer served as president for 12 years and is now the organization’s vice president. The group is composed of Francophiles who get together several times each year. Members host each other in their homes or meet at places like the Wilshire Country Club to have tea and listen to guest speakers.

Since her 20s, Meyer was drawn to the study of psychology. She got her masters degree in the U.S. but found it difficult to get the hours she needed to be licensed after having children. But she

Gabrielle Bullock

(Continued from page 9)

versity in Riverside and Otis College of Art and Design. Bullock also visited Hancock Park Elementary School when her daughter was going there to share with students what an architect does.

So has the young girl with big dreams changed the world yet? Gabrielle Bullock considers, “Some of the [diversity] numbers have improved, but it’s a journey.”

When I branched out on my own 20 years ago, I knew that Larchmont would be the perfect location for my practice. I was drawn to its small-town neighborliness and strong sense of community. I gravitated toward cosmetic dermatology because it blends science and art. Over the years my philosophy has always been cosmetic dermatology is not about vanity, but empowerment. Knowing that I can help my clients feel more confident is what motivates me, and to do so, I’m always looking for what we can offer patients to help them feel their best. This year I’m honored to be included in the top 10 cosmetic dermatologists in the US in Newsweek’s 2022 ranking. Traveling to lecture and teach has kept me as busy as ever, but I’ve been taking the occasional break to enjoy walks in the park with my nieces, and will be enjoying our annual family vacation this summer. As always, thank you to our patients and staff, and to the community of Larchmont for your continued support.

Dr. Helen Fincher

One of my favorite updates this year is having my daughter, Avery, join the practice for the summer as a Patient Coordinator before she returns to USC in the fall. I’m grateful to work in a practice that prioritizes patient care and excellence above all else. I’m loving the results we are seeing from Ellacor Micro-Coring. This new minimally invasive skin-tightening option addresses a range of skin laxity including deeper wrinkles. I’ve been as busy as ever with our popular devices such as Genius MicroNeedling with RF combined with other modalities like Fraxel + Halo BBL. Their ability to address multiple skin concerns such as brightening dull skin, improving scars, texture, fine lines and wrinkles over small and large areas is exceptional. Customizing treatments and combining our many lasers and devices is what I enjoy most in my practice. Thank you staff and patients and to the community or Larchmont. As you all know, I will never tire of getting to work in the neighborhood where I live!

Angela Sarff, Nurse Practitioner

I appreciate how dedicated our office is to teaching in our field. I’ve continued my role as Faculty Trainer for Allergan, traveling to other providers on the West Coast to teach best practices. When I’m in the office, I’m busy offering patients Thermage Skin Tightening, Ulthera non-surgical lifting, and Vbeam for removal of red spots, brown spots and even acne spots, among other treatments.

On a few personal notes, my son Finn will be in transitional kindergarten this year and my daughter Maddie will be returning to preschool, and we’re looking forward to visiting family in Iowa City in August. Once again thank you to the one-of-a-kind community of Larchmont for your ongoing support.

Rebekah Letsinger, Medical Aesthetician

I can’t believe I’ve been with the practice for almost 10 years. I started as an aesthetician, working closely with the doctors, but shortly thereafter transitioned to a position as the office manager. We are all very proud of the team we’ve put together. It’s been such a pleasure to work alongside the same colleagues for many years that now feel like family. This summer I’m looking forward to a vacation in Wisconsin, enjoying concerts and, of course, wearing my sunscreen!

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

Careylyn Clifford Operations Manager

CHRISTINE MEYER

Cake pop creator opens a new store on Beverly Boulevard

By Nona Sue Friedman

The first known “make your own cake pop bar” has arrived in Los Angeles at 7306 Beverly Blvd. in the New York Cake Pop store. The bar is an area within the store where you choose the type of cake, candy coating and topping to create your own, one-ofa-kind dessert. You can also purchase pre-made cake pops in the store.

For those who aren’t sure about this story’s subject, a cake pop is crumbled cake and frosting combined, typically shaped into a ball and then dipped in a candy or chocolate coating and placed on a stick like a lollipop.

The brainchild of this bar is Lerida Mojica, founder and CEO of New York Cake Pops. It’s just the latest iteration of her creativity.

Jennifer Kim

MS, CFP®, CMFC®, CHFC®, CLU®

Managing 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 Larchmont resident for over 20 years. She received her BA degree in Economics from UCLA and has been in the securities and insurance business for 30 years. Jennifer is a Managing Senior Partner at SEIA where she customizes wealth and investment strategies for families and corporations. She is married to Mark Kim, a Los Angeles native and District Attorney in Downtown LA. They have four children, ages 12-19. Sterling is attending the University of Michigan. Fiona will be a Senior and Sullivan will be a Sophomore at Harvard-Westlake where Jennifer is the president of HW KAPA. Remington graduated from St. James and he will be joining Fiona and Sullivan at Harvard-Westlake. Jennifer’s family is also active with the Los Angeles International Fencing Center and local sports.

310-712-2323 • jkim@seia.com

Debra Minkove

Actor, Painter, Designer, Philanthropist

I’m currently residing in the Larchmont area. I worked in the fashion industry for thirteen years in California, London and Seattle. Taking up another interest of mine, acting, I recently graduated from theater school and have been working in the industry up until the Writers Strike. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with my kittens — even though I’m a dog person at heart — and painting. I started my company, All The While, which allows me to work on commission paintings for a vast array of individuals, and I look forward to more opportunities to paint in the future. My mother always encouraged us from a young age to “pay it forward,” so I have been involved with many charities over the years. Having gone through cancer, I worked as an advocate and educator for Breast Health Awareness. I love children, animals and painting — call me for a nanny, dog walking or custom commissioned painting!

dcminkove@gmail.com • (206) 550-1000

Jordann Piegalski Director, Early Childhood Program Hollywood Schoolhouse

Her company was born after hosting her son’s 1-yearold birthday party. Wanting to feed her guests, Mojica prepared festive food and dessert for all the kids and adults. In addition to cookies and snacks, she tried her hand at cake pops, after being inspired by a recipe for truffle balls online.

The cake pops were a big hit. The next month, a friend asked Mojica if she could make some for the friend’s child’s birthday. A week later, another friend asked the same. Mojica felt something was brewing. She posted her creations on Etsy.

Not long after, someone from Sephora reached out asking for 6,500 pieces for a corporate event. She wasn’t able to fulfill that order from her New York City apartment kitchen, but she researched how to start a business.

A year later, in 2010, her New York Cake Pop was born. Since then, she has created custom cake pops for company events at Tiffany, Netflix, William Sonoma, plus parties at Wilshire Country Club, hundreds of birthdays, weddings and even funerals. She’s crafted whales, lips, sharks, pandas, dolphins and Sponge

name

What Mojica likes about the

pops is there is portion

control and they can be so personal. She says, “They are great for everything. It makes the recipients feel so special,” since they are crafted just for them.

Mojica moved to the Beverly Grove neighborhood with her husband and two kids in 2018. After a couple of years of traveling from her new home on the West Coast to her production kitchen in the Bronx, she noticed her business was growing even more with her being away from the kitchen. She was

able to focus on outreach and spreading her brand on social media. With that realization, she decided it was time to open her first retail location. Luckily, she found a store for lease two blocks from her home. After a couple of years of waiting for permits and construction, the store opened earlier this year. Even though it’s only two blocks from her house, she admits, “I rarely walk there.” Apparently she’s become a true Angeleno!

(Please

Margie Christoffersen

Salutes.....

Beverly Pink

Beverly told Margie, in her own words:

Betty and Paul Pink, our parents and founders of Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, would be proud to celebrate Pink’s 84th year this November! When I was six years old, I went to Melrose Avenue School. While our parents worked and were present at charitable events, I took care of my younger brother Richard. Over the years I enjoyed meeting and greeting generations of customers and hearing their great stories about their experiences at Pink’s Famous Hot Dog.

I have been very fortunate to watch Pink’s flourish and grow from a pushcart into the wonderful business it is today. I am very grateful to my brother Richard and my sister-in-law Gloria Pink for the outstanding dedication and devotion they have given to making Pink’s an iconic hot dog stand. I am grateful, too, that at 90 years old I am continuing to participate in the Pink’s legacy.

Our parents Betty and Paul would be very proud and appreciative of what we have done as a family to continue to grow their legacy into a recognizable, special hot dog stand. We have been honored by the city council to have the corner of Melrose and La Brea become designated as Pink’s Square. We do chili dogs for charity and donate and help the community with many other charitable events.

Walk into our waiting room and see an interesting and enjoyable entertainment wall of celebrities that people love to look at and relish and enjoy while waiting for their favorite hot dog.

As the second generation of Pink’s, we have not forgotten our roots and who helped make us as popular as we are today: our loyal customers in LA and around the globe and our wonderful loyal help — some of whom have been with us over 20 years. These are the memories that made us “the little hot dog stand that could.”

Margie and El Coyote are delighted to honor Beverly in this year’s Women of Accomplishment issue.

7312 Beverly Blvd. • elcoyotecafe.com • (323) 939-2235 709 N. La Brea Ave. • pinkshollywood.com • (323) 931-4223

Peggy Procter Head of School

Jordann Piegalski is the Director of the Early Childhood Program at Hollywood Schoolhouse. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Delaware. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning has made an indelible impact on countless children during her 15 years at Hollywood Schoolhouse. Jordann leads a team of teachers to empower children to become confident, empathetic, and enthusiastic learners. She believes in the power of play and how it can create a magical and natural learning experience. Jordann would love to meet you and show you the special program she leads. Tours are available to schedule!

1233 N. McCadden Place • hshla.org

• 323-465-1320

Peggy Procter, Head of Echo Horizon School in Culver City leads a visionary independent school offering a co-enrollment program for bright students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Over her six-year tenure, Peggy has fostered a joyful engaged learning community, graduating healthy empathetic leaders who positively impact the world. After graduating from Dartmouth and Middlebury College, Peggy worked at international schools in Switzerland and Costa Rica as a teacher, and as Dean of Students, Director, and Head at four California independent schools. She advocates for student-centered learning, strong academics and social-emotional support for students to thrive. Peggy initiated and co-teaches the 6th Grade Purpose Learning capstone project, where students propose solutions to social justice issues. Additionally, she serves on The Buckley School’s Board of Trustees.

3430 McManus Ave., Culver City • echohorizon.org • (310) 838-2442

Bob Square Pants, to

a few.

cake

A CUSTOMER directs the design of her own one-of-a-kind cake pop.

All-woman dental trio works together for more than 40 years

By Nona Sue Friedman

Dr. Sylva Bezian, a local dentist whose practice is at 321 N. Larchmont Blvd., and her two assistants, Susie Dirmandzhyan and Varvoui Bosnoyan, have worked together for more than 40 years. When they started, they were all recent school graduates. Bezian’s new assistants were single. None of them thought the relationship would last so many years. But, as Dirmandzhyan says, “It clicked from the first day.”

In 1980, Dr. Bezian, a

resident of her beloved Larchmont Village since 1972, had just graduated from USC School of Dentistry. She received a phone call from a dental mentor who told her a dentist in Beverly Hills had unexpectedly passed away. His practice was for sale. Dr. Bezian jumped at this opportunity and signed a contract purchasing the practice within days. The only issue was that his staff was retiring. With the late dentist’s patients still coming for appointments, Dr. Bezian

started interviewing candidates to assist her. After a full day of interviews, it came down to two candidates. Being a new business owner, Bezian felt she could only afford one employee. But after discussing the dilemma with her husband, Bezian decided to hire both women. That’s when the trio formed.

The two new assistants started that week. Over the years, they have shared life milestones together, such as engagements, marriages, births of children and grandchildren. The married couples socialized outside of the office and became close friends. As a bonus, the husbands like each other. They have even traveled together over the years. As Dr. Bezian says, “We grew up together.”

“All of our major life events have been staggered around the office schedule, so someone could always be here,” she continues.

Julie Stromberg Attorney, Activist and Advocate

An active community member, Julie is an education and civil rights attorney with the Stromberg Law Group, P.C. She represents children with a wide range of disabilities and learning differences at IEP meetings, mediation, due process hearings, and in state and federal courts. Her practice has a public interest orientation directed at positively impacting young people and their communities as a whole. Julie is active in local Los Angeles Democratic efforts and is a delegate to the California Democratic Party. She is a member of the Executive Committee for the Los Angeles City College Foundation, is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Craft Contemporary, and serves on the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council. An Emerge California alumna, Julie was recognized as a “Woman of Larchmont” in 2015, “Wonder Woman of Council District 4” in 2019, and was recognized by the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust (LANLT) in 2021 for her work in creating more parks and park equity throughout Los Angeles County. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and Loyola Law School, Julie resides in Brookside with her family.

www.stromberglawgroup.com

julie@rkhlawoffice.com • (323) 348-8709

Leisha Willis CPCU, AU, API

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.

After commuting from Larchmont Village to Beverly Hills for more than 25 years, it was time to make a change. “I drove by the Larchmont Medical Building daily and dreamed I’d have an office there one day,” Dr. Bezian told us. Her dream came true in 2006 with an office in the medical tower at 321 N. Larchmont Blvd. She designed and decorated the office herself. She enjoys the space and location so much that she recently signed a lease for another five years.

Dr. Bezian feels, “I’m the best I’ve been. All these years of experience make my job second nature. Experience really counts, and I’m still really enjoying dentistry.”

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 38 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 N. Larchmont Blvd. #825 LA, CA 90004 • 323 464-4458 www.larchmontphysicaltherapy.com

Mary Carlota Woodward

Residential Realtor

Owner & Agent I grew up living in Fremont Place, where my parents lived for 60 years! As a 4th generation Hancock Park citizen, I love this tremendous neighborhood and notable area of Los Angeles. My career in real estate started in 1979 when I joined my brother and partner, John Woodward. Andrew completed our team, and our careers were launched as the Woodward Team!

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 her church and community outreach organizations, served as vice-president of the board of the Larchmont Boulevard Association for several years and is honored to have mentored many young people in their careers. 500 N. Larchmont Blvd. • 323-785-4080 • leisha@leishawillis.com

Alyce Morris Winston

CEO and Founder

Although the trio broke up at the end of June with Dirmandzhyan retiring, the newest associate is a great addition to the warm family feeling of the office. She’s a computer wiz who is helping to make the office completely digital.

After 40 years, though, it’s hard to stay away. Dirmandzhyan already has committed to filling in at the office in September. The band will be back together!

Cake pop store

(Continued from page 16)

Having worked with Keller Williams Larchmont, I have seen myriad changes over time. Larchmont seems to be having a renaissance and I am happy to be a part of this vitality. I serve as a board member of ARTS DIVISION, an art school in MacArthur Park that provides arts education to underserved students who excel in various artistic mediums. This offers the students a springboard for higher education and careers. I am also a member of NGA, our neighborhood charity of dedicated women which provides garments and necessities to organizations focused on helping the underserved.

Currently, I am the HPOZ liaison for the Miracle Mile Residential Association. Thanks, Larchmont Chronicle, for being a great champion for our beloved community.

TheWoodwardTeam.com • (323) 762-2571

The Women of Wilshire Rotary Club Los Angeles Salute the Women of Larchmont & the Women of Accomplishment 2023

Alyce Morris Winston, CEO and Founder of The Jeffrey Foundation has dedicated her life to special needs and low-income children and their families for over 51 years.

“Helping children learn, and cope with their disability and for their parents we have an educational and emotional well-being workshops. This is truly my passion and makes me feel happy and fulfilled.”

Alyce believes that working for the community, especially with children, keeps one young, happy and fulfilled. “I have been so blessed to have the support of the community and my staff throughout the years in proving the afterschool, recreation programs, and parenting workshops through The Jeffrey Foundation/Special Child USA, named after my son Jeffrey, who had Muscular Dystrophy. My dream has come true!”

5443 W. Washington Blvd. • thejeffreyfoundation.org • (323) 965-7536

Mojica wants to make the retail location a destination store. She envisions hosting parties at the store, having classes for kids and teens and even traveling with a “make your own cake pop” bar to weddings and other special events.

What started as a desire to make her son’s first birthday special has morphed into bi-coastal production of 10,000 cake pops per week.

Back Row (L-R): Carolyn Layport, Emma Welch, Pam Rudy, Amy Cuomo, Zabrina Schultz, Elizabeth Watts-Russell, Patty Lombard

Front Row (L-R): Georgia Brunetti, Elsa Gillham, Dia Schuldenfrei, Candace Wong, Janice Prior, Kyle Pierce, Connie Guarderas, Mercedes Wilson, Joyce Kleifield, Kim Little

Not pictured: Sandy Boeck, Angelique Campen, Andi Ceragioli, Margie Christoffersen, Wendy Clifford, Jane Gilman, Rae Jin, Mindy Lake, Joanne McLaughlin, Caroline Stalley

WilshireRotary.org

IN THE DENTAL OFFICE is the all-woman trio (left to right): Dr. Sylva Bezian, Susie Dirmandzhyan and Varvoui Bosnoyan.

Helping to teach our kids to be problem solvers and have grit

By Casey Russell

At all stages of our lives, challenges arise. Problems — large and small — present themselves, and we must find our way through them. As parents, we are in a position to help our kids, not by solving their problems for them, but by teaching them how to work through difficulties and by giving them opportunities to practice the skills that will help them do so.

Developing the resilience to work through something difficult can be even more important than completing the task itself. Kids learn to keep trying. They learn that problems are nothing to be afraid of — they are actually part of life and can, most often, be worked through.

So how do we teach our kids problem-solving skills? How do we help them (and ourselves) be OK sitting in the discomfort that can come before an issue is resolved?

Young kids

For young kids, it’s important to provide opportunities for creative play. Simple puzzles, fort construction materials and basic building blocks give kids imaginative outlets, but also can present them with problems: “This puzzle is too hard!” “The fort won’t stay up!”

Rather than solving your kid’s problem for him, name the problem and the feeling he is having. “You’re having a hard time fitting that piece in. That can feel frustrating.” “That cushion keeps falling. You’re sad your fort won’t stay up.” Doing these simple things helps your child feel heard and also labels the root of the problem he is encountering.

As some of the frustration leaks away, you can ask your

little one what the hard part is. You can ask what he has tried and what else he thinks might work. This encourages him to think of a variety of solutions, which you can then help him implement. If he’s still having trouble, you can ask him if he’d like some suggestions.

Steps for kids 5 and older Problem-solving steps that have been developed to help kids can be taught to children as young as 5 years old.

First, identify the problem by naming it out loud. Next, brainstorm at least five possible ways to solve the problem. After that, think about the positives and negatives of each solution. Then, choose a solution to try. Finally, try out your chosen solution.

Parents can model these steps when we encounter problems. As we try to figure something out, we can speak aloud the steps we’re using. At times, we can purposefully make mistakes and let our kids see us persevering and trying different solutions.

We can also ask for our kids’ help in coming up with solutions for issues that arise in the family.

Perhaps your family is going on vacation and you need to figure out what to do with the dog or the cats. Maybe you all want to go to the Dodgers game, but tickets are really expensive. Talk out the problem as a family and let the kids help solve it. Refrain from negating their ideas, and remember to encourage the act of brainstorming.

Open-ended questions

For children aged 5 and up who seem a bit stuck, we can ask open-ended questions. Ask things like, “What problem are you having?” “What do you notice?” “What do you

The Plymouth School

Tips on Parenting by Casey Russell

think is stopping ___?” “What do you think will happen next?” “What could you do differently?” We can remind kids of times they’ve found solutions for things in the past. We can tell our children we have confidence in them and are here

if they want to talk through anything while brainstorming ideas.

Breaking problems down

Older kids can be encouraged to break a problem into chunks. You can liken a multistep problem to cleaning a room. Looking at the whole mess, the chore can seem completely overwhelming. But, if you break it up and simply make the bed… and then, put the clothes away, etc., the problem suddenly becomes manageable.

The power of “yet”

Helping kids learn to add

“yet” to the end of some of their sentences can also help. “I can’t do it!” becomes “I can’t do it yet.” “I don’t have any friends!” becomes “I don’t have any friends yet.” “Yet” ends finality and awakens possibility.

Kids who learn to be problem solvers develop grit, resilience and independence. They gain confidence and put their energy into solving problems rather than into avoiding things.

And that, in my opinion, is a great gift to give our kids as they go out into the world.

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Two GALA students compete in USRowing Youth Nationals

Ever wonder about that person in a rowing competition who sits in the back of the boat, seemingly just along for the ride, while the others work their tails (and arms) off on the oars?

“That would be the coxswain,” said Zohar

Abramovitz, rowing coach at MAC (Marina Aquatic Center).

The coxswain, pronounced “cox’n,” is often called The Ninth Seat because he, she or they accompanies eight-person boats, although USRowing decided that four-person (quad)

boats for age 16-and-under races should have one for safety issues. Coxswains are responsible for steering and directing team members and are generally the smallest person on the crew. Think of a coxswain as a cross between a jockey and a symphony con-

ductor; less weight equals more speed, and it’s good to have a focal point with so many moving parts.

Nationals

Sky Shannon and Zoe Chang are students at GALA (Girls Academic Leadership Academy), a local school focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Shannon and Chang are also serious competitors who represent the Marina del Rey-based club Marina Aquatic Center Junior Rowing.

Sky Shannon rows in a quad in the U17 age group, and Zoe Chang is coxswain in a U16 quad boat. Both vessels are sculling boats, which means each rower has two oars. Sweep rowers hold a single, larger oar in both hands.

The girls’ teammates are from Marymount High School, Flintridge Sacred Heart, Mira Costa High School, Geffen Academy, Palisades High School, Palos Verdes High School and Santa Monica High School. Both boats qualified for Nationals by medaling at the USRowing Southwest Youth Championships, which were held the first weekend of May at Lake Natoma in Folsom, California. They competed in the USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida, from June 8 to 11.

“We shipped our boats to

Youth Sports by Jim Kalin

Sarasota a week before flying the team out,” said Abramovitz.

Muscle

Sky Shannon grew up attending rowing competitions. Her grandfather rowed for UC Berkeley, and that inspired Shannon’s three older siblings to compete.

“I remember watching them carry their boats out of the water after a race, giving each other hugs with their big rower muscles,” she told us. “I couldn’t wait to be like them, not just because of the muscles, but for the unique bond that’s shared among teammates at MAC.”

Hard work forms bonds. Rowers practice two and a half hours a day, six days a week, 10 months a year.

“When training for Nationals, we often had a workout in the morning as well as our afternoon practice.”

Before rowing, Shannon was a dancer.

“I may not have been particularly graceful, but I learned so many skills involving body

(Please turn to page 22)

ROWERS (left to right) Sky Shannon, Dylan Jacob, Mia Mozenter, and Shannon Stuart. Photo by Hope Wilkinson

WINNING TEAM (left to right): Zohar Abramovitz, Avery Myrose, Jocelyn Demorest, Zoe Chang, Bella Tyson-Montgomery, Jacqueline Ward and Melanie Salter.

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A triumphant Warriors team returns home!

By Jake Greene

The Wilshire Warriors 9U

Blue all-star team won the PONY SoCal North Section Championship tournament in Bakersfield held from June 23 to 26. The Warriors defeated baseball teams from Camarillo, Simi Valley, Mis-

sion City and Bakersfield on their way to the title.

The players worked incredibly hard throughout the year, and all of their families volunteered at Pan Pacific Park during the rec baseball season this spring. Everyone is excited to hang another banner on Field 1!

Left: COACHES (rear, left to right):

NEW COVENANT ACADEMY Sue Jung Park 11th Grade

New Covenant students can be excited for the 2023 / 2024 school year, as teachers and staff worked hard over the summer to make this year the best one yet! This year is definitely special as it marks the 25th anniversary of our school.

Youth Sports

(Continued from page 20) movement and following a rhythm, both crucial components in rowing.”

Her boat placed eighth in Sarasota last month.

Mind

Zoe Chang will tell you she’s 5’2”, but she admits she’s probably an inch shorter.

“I originally wanted to be a rower,” she said.

Coxing suits Zoe Chang’s personality and her physique. There’s no single right way to cox, so it’s a lot of trial and error.

“Coxing isn’t physically challenging, but it’s definitely complex. I think that’s what made it so intimidating for me in the beginning, but once I settled in, I gradually became more comfortable in the coxswain seat.”

In Sarasota, Chang’s boat battled the other semifinal winner, a California team from the Bay Area, in a tight title race, before pulling ahead to grab the gold medal by just under three seconds.

There’s a tradition in row-

The fall semester kicks off Mon., Aug. 7. NCA’s annual Convocation will also take place that day. Teachers and students will get closer as a school community with prayers leading us into the new school year.

The girls’ volleyball season is starting soon. Feel free to come cheer them on at their upcoming games. Students interested in writing, photography or design can join the yearbook club. I am definitely looking forward to what the new chapter of our school holds.

ing. When a boat wins a notable race, such as the national championship, the team tosses the coxswain into the water. Fortunately, in Sarasota, that didn’t happen to Zoe Chang.

“It was Florida,” she said. “You have to consider the alligators.”

Dentistry for Children and Young Adults

Antonio Andrade, Dave Felton, Jake Greene and Channing Barringer. Middle row: players Nate Ranen, Cameron Greene, Amar Prakash Khalsa, Jesse Holdridge, Nathan Kuroki-Sammons, Jack Barringer, Connor Liao and Nathan Brill. Kneeling (left to right): Ezra Estrada, Nico Hashimoto and Louis Ignacio. Not pictured: Coach Jon Blenner, Max Blenner and Cayden Romanick.

DECOR

Custom design, antiques and reproductions with a modern-vintage mix.

HE LOVED LA New project keeps the late councilman’s love of community alive. Page 6

GO CARFREE!

Bike, walk or skate when CicLAvia comes to this part of town on Sun., Aug. 20. Page 7

See Los Angeles history through the ‘windshield of the car’

By Suzan Filipek

Diane Isaacs was among the first to sign up to be a docent at the Petersen Automotive Museum after it opened its doors at Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in June 1994.

“My interest was not so much in cars, but rather the history of Los Angeles through the windshield of the car — which was how I interpreted the mission of the museum,” Isaacs told us.

She’s been a volunteer at the museum ever since.

Is it fun being a docent?

“Absolutely. I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t fun,” said the retired contract administrator for Sony.

The museum has about 175 volunteers, which include seasoned and trained docents, like the multi-award-winning docent Isaacs.

Tourgoers see up close a wide array of vehicles, fromPorsches, the Batmobile and other movie cars to early 20th-century models.

Gone are the dark rooms and historic Los Angeles dioramas once in the museum.

“This museum is nothing like that,” Isaacs says.

The Petersen was reopened in December 2015 after an extensive remodel. Its flashy

red-and-silver race car exterior jazzes up the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax. The new site also has expanded exhibit space. Following the remodel, the basement “Vault” of some 250 prized vehicles was opened to the public.

“The best part for me about touring,” Isaacs told us, “is when visitors see the connections as we discuss everything from history to physics, and they learn to appreciate what we offer at the museum — even if they came in dragging their feet because they thought all they were going to hear about was cars.”

Her efforts do not go unnoticed. She received the annual Award for Excellence at three of the past four volunteer

awards dinners (2020’s was cancelled due to COVID-19 and she did not win in 2022 because she won a Volunteer of the Year Award).

Docent Dr. Martin Landau’s interest in cars began when he was 3 years old, during a drive with his parents from Buffalo, New York, to Los Angeles in a new 1960 Mercury Comet coupe.

Later, as he acquired cars of his own, he held on to them.

“Somehow I bond with the girls I’ve driven. Starting with the ’67 Buick Skylark — my first love.”

He also fell in love with the museum upon his first visit.

He remembers when the museum building was the home of Ohrbach’s Department Store, with the May Company (now the Academy Museum) across the street.

As a docent, besides “being surrounded by some of the most beautiful and unique cars on the planet,” he enjoys “working alongside staff who are amongst the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and know, and I am in awe of their wealth of automotive knowledge…”

He also gets pleasure in “sharing what I know of cars with guests and seeing their expressions when they learn

something they never knew before — eyes widening, mouths agape!

“It surprises me I didn’t wind up in the automotive world as a career. I guess I caught the biology / science bug that overtook my automotive bug! Diagnosing people vs cars.” (His longtime private practice in the treatment of varicose veins is just a block west on Wilshire.)

Key ambassadors

The volunteer program is one of the most important programs of the museum, Petersen Volunteer Manager Max Tufeld tells us.

“Our volunteers are the proud face of the museum and have been key ambassadors sharing information

about our institution and its collection.”

Here is a varied list of roles which volunteers can fill: Gallery Interpreter: Volunteers in this position learn about the various cars and motorcycles on display at the museum. These are the volunteers who most visitors will get to meet during their Petersen visits.

Discovery Center Attendant: Volunteers in the Discovery Center assist with an interactive Lego station, a story time program and others. “Anyone interested in working with kids, this is the position for you!” Tufeld tells us.

Highlight Tour Guide: They lead tours for a wide variety of (Please turn to page 3)

Service. Exceptional Results. For Lease

TRIO in the museum’s “Vault” are (left to right) volunteer Chuck Sax, docent Dr. Martin Landau and volunteer Jerry Hirsch.

VOLUNTEER DOCENT Diane Isaacs receives a Petersen Automotive Museum annual Award for Excellence.

WSHPHS presents its 2023 Landmark Awards to homes, barn

For decades, the local Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society has presented Landmark Awards to residences and historic properties in recognition of their architectural and historical significance to the communities within the historic Rancho La Brea. This year, the awards will be presented at the Society’s annual meeting on Sat., July 29. This year’s recipients are two Windsor Square residences and the Lasky DeMille Barn — better known as the Hollywood Heritage Museum — located as 2100 N. Highland Ave. (The residences are located at 500 S. Norton Ave. and 354 S. Windsor Blvd., and both were included on this year’s WSHPHS Garden Tour.)

500 S. Norton Ave.

This home on the corner of Norton Avenue and Fifth Street shows remarkable design and sophistication, the work of an unknown architect. The residence was built for Myrtle Elizabeth Allen, a LAUSD school teacher from Denver, Colorado, who must have known what she wanted and had the funds to pay for it, as the cost of the construction was listed as $6,300 in 1936. For a teacher with LAUSD for more than 20 years, this would have been a significant sum.

The house was designed in a fashionable and then contemporary French Norman / Hollywood Regency style complete with a tower and turret. The exterior of the house is adorned with a mix of brick and stucco and has rounded dormers, an elegant entryway and a steeply pitched roof. The interior, well preserved today, contains a curved staircase that climbs the home’s fairytale tower and is opposite a bright reception room. The kitchen also maintains an exceptional tiled “tented” ceiling.

Allen retired from teaching in the late 1940s and, in 1946, sold the Norton house and retired to San Bernadino before her death in 1955. The current owners purchased the

Petersen

(Continued from page 2) in-depth Petersen Museum experiences.

School Visits Educator: Here volunteers can help to inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts with the Petersen’s school tours. The program brings in thousands of students every year.

Special Event Support: These volunteers become a part of a wide variety of worldclass events at the Petersen, ranging from car shows to educational outreach events.

Volunteers also can help out by documenting events

by Brian Curran

home in 2019 and extensively relandscaped, installing a lush front garden and, in the rear, a new swimming pool and patio.

354 S. Windsor Blvd.

The stately Colonial Revival house at 354 S. Windsor Blvd. tells a Los Angeles tale that connects historic families, land and architecture in a way few houses can. It was built by Kate Van Nuys Page, the distinguished daughter of Isaac Newton “I.N.” Van Nuys, who was the owner of the southern half of the San Fernando Valley. His friend Harry Chandler later named the town of Van Nuys after him. Kate’s mother, Susanna Lankershim, was herself from San Fernando Valley landed gentry. Upon her marriage, Kate became Mrs. James Rathwell Page. Mr. Page, banker and businessman, was also chairman of Caltech, where the Page Dormitory was named after him.

In 1913, Kate and her brother, J. Benton Van Nuys, purchased several adjacent lots on Windsor and Lorriane boulevards. Benton and his wife, Emily, then moved the Victorian I.N. Van Nuys family mansion in 1915 from 1445 West 6th St. in Westlake to 357 S. Lorriane Blvd. That same year, Kate commissioned the august firm of Sumner P. Hunt and Silas R. Burns, later architects of the Automobile Club of Southern California, the Los Angeles Country Club and the Ebell of Los Angeles, to build her home on Windsor directly behind the family mansion — now her brother’s — with which the Page house shared gardens and a tennis court.

For the Pages, Hunt and Burns produced an elegant design in the Colonial Reviv-

and tours by taking photos. The museum is host to an annual volunteer Holiday Party and Appreciation Dinner. Volunteers take part in monthly meetings and go on a variety of volunteer field trips. Additional volunteer benefits include free parking in the museum’s parking structure and guest passes for friends and family.

In return, volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of eight hours per month. To join the Petersen team, apply at petersen.org/ volunteer.

To arrange a docent tour, visit petersen.org/group-tours.

al style, with white clapboard siding, a shake roof and a recessed Palladian entrance, more reminiscent of New England than Southern California. Its only nod to the Mediterranean climate was a set of four French doors with arched transoms flanking the

entrance. In 1930, a large library was added to the north of the house designed by architect Robert D. Farquhar, architect of the Owlwood Estate in Holmby Hills, The California Club and the Canfield-Moreno (today Paramour) Estate in Silver Lake.

Lasky-De Mille Barn:

The Hollywood Heritage Museum

Built in 1901, The Lasky-DeMille Barn is the oldest extant movie studio building in Hollywood. “The Squaw Man,” which was directed by Cecil

(Please turn to page 4)

Participate in a Summer Soiree on Anderson Munger YMCA rooftop

By Suzan Filipek

Enjoy dinner and a fundraiser for a very good cause at the Anderson Munger Family YMCA on Fri., Aug. 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The Summer Soiree will take place on the rooftop at the YMCA, 4301 W. Third St.

“It has a great view of the city,” YMCA Board Member Patricia Carroll told us.

The event celebrates the ninth anniversary of the site and is a test run for a celebration of the 10th, Carroll added. Jane Gilman, Larchmont Chronicle

co-founder, is an honoree.

“We’re honoring people who had originally been involved in the capital campaign. Jane Gilman contributed so much through the Chronicle in the beginning,” said Carroll, who is also a board member of the Larchmont Boulevard Association.

Philanthropist Michael Pak, owner of the Koreatown Run Club, also is an honoree.

The money raised will support the Y’s Youth and Government Program, summer and winter camps and food programs, among other programs, Y Executive Director Rae Jin told us.

“Especially during the pandemic and after, the Y really stepped up as a pillar of the Korean and Greater Wilshire communities,” Carroll said.

Homeboy Industries, founded by Windsor Square native Father Greg Boyle, will cater the event. For tickets, visit ymcala.org/summersoiree.

On Preservation

(Continued from page 4)

B. DeMille and was the first feature-length film produced in Hollywood, was shot in and around the barn in 1913. Considered by historians as the birthplace of Paramount Studios, the barn began its studio career as the Burns-Revier Studio in 1912, and it became the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company in 1913.  The Lasky Company merged with Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players in 1916, becoming Famous Players-Lasky and merging with Paramount Distributing Company, finally becoming Paramount

Pictures Corporation.

Originally located at the corner of Selma Avenue and Vine Street in central Hollywood, the barn was relocated in 1926 to the new Paramount Studios on Melrose Avenue, where it was located in the “western” part of the back lot and featured in movies such as “The Rainmaker” (1956) and the television series “Bonanza.”

On Dec. 27, 1956, the Lasky-DeMille Barn was designated California State Historic Landmark No. 554, recognizing the significant role the building played in the birth of the Hollywood motion picture industry.

In 1979, Paramount donat-

ed the barn to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Hollywood Historic Trust and moved the Barn to the parking area of The Hollywood Palace theater (today the Avalon) where it remained until 1983, when the barn was donated to Hollywood Heritage and moved to Highland Avenue across from the Hollywood Bowl, opening as the Hollywood Studio Museum in 1985. Since then, Hollywood Heritage has funded the preservation, restoration and maintenance of the barn. In 2014, the Lasky-DeMille Barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

And, now it is a WSHPHS Landmark as well!

NEW MURALS grace the rooftop at the Anderson Munger Family YMCA in time for the Summer Soiree. They were painted by teens from the community and completed with YMCA partner Off The Wall Graffiti.

HONOREE Jane Gilman.

Randy Esada opens a second shop for Prospr-ous business

By Suzan Filpek

Business is booming at Randy Esada’s antique and custom-furniture-with-a-modern-twist enterprise. It’s doing so well that he’s opened a second store, Prospr, at 158 N. La Brea Ave. It’s around the corner from his smaller decorative arts shop, Thrive, at 7407 Beverly Blvd.

The Windsor Square resident’s grand opening for the new 4,500-square-foot space was June 20.

“I’m not your typical antique store where everything is beige and peeling,” notes Esada in the new space, large enough to accommodate a 9-foot gilt mirror and a pair of grand Italianate chandeliers.

Many pieces here are reproductions by known designers. Some are Esada’s own creations done after originals. And then there are the actual antiques from all over the world. “I can buy English antiques for a good price,” says the Chicago native with a Midwestern and East Coast sensibility that his customers appreciate.

He stays away from Victorian and trendy designs as the self-taught Esada prefers the clean, simple lines of Regency and Biedermeier pieces.

“The beauty is mixing the

different styles,” he said.

He notes that his prices are fair, which is why his business continues to flourish while other design shops around him have closed.

“I deal now more in furniture than ever before,” he adds. Many of his pieces were stored at a facility adjoining the Original Farmers Market, which is why he sorely needed room to grow.

In-person and online

Esada’s customers are from around the country. They search online at Chairish. com and other online sites.

Some buy right off the internet, while other buyers

enjoy walking in the store and breathing in the candle scene (created for the new store), trying out the furniture and viewing the art, including works by Esada’s husband, artist Dave Wilcox.

Many of his customers are for life, notes Esada. They call him when they are downsizing, as was the case of one celebrity, which is how the 9-foot gilt mirror landed in his showroom, near a tall 18th-century secretary, a reproduction by Richard Mulligan. A Rose Tarlow four-poster bed is another sought-after prize for a price at a fraction of a new one.

“I can offer prices we mere

mortals can afford,” he says. “To the novice, it may seem high-priced, but everything here is pedigree.”

Esada explains that his custom line is also top-notch. It includes chandeliers, chairs and tables made with Esada’s team of Los Angeles-based carvers, gilders and electricians. A Louis XVI-style chair was designed after an original but with a narrower seat. The originals’ wide seats were to accommodate the puffy dresses of the day.

“I’ll add a little something or elongate the leg, or modernize it so it’s not so wide,” he says of his designs.

Many of the craftsmen here have migrated from Europe in recent years, where prices on exports have skyrocketed, and which helped make Los Angeles a mecca for furniture design and fabrication.

Esada had worked in the “soulless” world of corporate management before venturing into the antique business, originally based in his Windsor Square home. As his business grew, he brushed up on his knowledge of design and opened his first store in 1988 on Larchmont Boulevard, Phileas Fogg & Co.

He’s also had a shop in Palm Springs and flipped homes

with his husband until the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We went from our worst year [the pandemic] to our best year. There’s more to be said for perseverance than for talent. I felt like Forrest Gump after the storm. My prices were right.” (In the movie, Gump’s business prospered after a hurricane eliminated much of his competition.)

“There will always be a market for timeless decorating that uses antiques and reproduction pieces,” Esada concludes.

To see his ever-revolving merchandise, visit Esada’s stores in person or on his website, prosprco.com.

PAINTING of “Sock Monkey” by Dave Wilcox is next to an antique Buddha and Louis XVI-style chair.

ANTIQUE DEALER and designer Randy Esada at his new store on La Brea Avenue.

LaBonge Civic Project is established

By Casey Russell Brigid LaBonge,

widow of former Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, will serve as executive director of the newly established Tom Labonge Civic Project. She will be joined in managing the new nonprofit by the couple’s children, Mary-Cate and Charles LaBonge.

Tom LaBonge was well known for his love of his city. His philosophy for community service, volunteerism and advocating for the highest quality of life in Los Angeles will be kept alive through the

Tom LaBonge Civic Project.

The organization will focus on social and environmental entrepreneurship. Many programs are already scheduled.

With Hikes for Health, the group will take Los Angeles’ fifth graders up to the Tom LaBonge Panorama at the summit of Mount Hollywood. Adopt a Gutter will encourage residents and businesses to keep litter out of gutters and storm drains.

Community members can help keep Los Angeles clean by participating in the Civic Project’s annual citywide day of service, scheduled for the first week of October.

Details will continue to be unveiled at tomlabongecivicproject.org.

Condominiums

WEBSITE features a Los Angeles icon: a manhole cover.

Gnostica Gnostic Christian Church

SOLD: This home at 607 N. Las Palmas Ave. in Hancock Park sold for $3,470,000 in

CicLAvia comes to town August 20

By Iona Lee

You can jog, walk or ride a bike at CicLAvia Koreatown Meets Hollywood Sun., Aug. 20. The car-free event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The route will affect our neighborhoods because it closes portions of boundary streets Western and Melrose avenues.

The event closes streets starting at Hollywood Boule-

vard, then heading south on Vine Street to Melrose, then turns east to Western, then south to Wilshire Boulevard, then east again to its Vermont Avenue terminus.

Hubs and closures

There are several hubs along the route that serve as refreshment areas and rest stops and where cyclists can get minor bike repairs.

Music plays on at Farmers Market

Roads will be closed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many intersections will be open for cars.

CicLAvia’s mission is to encourage active transportation for health benefits to the community and air pollution reduction.

Iona Lee will be a senior at Harvard-Westlake School and is an intern at the Larchmont Chronicle.

The Original Farmers Market will serenade patrons with free performances from a variety of musical groups every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 31.

Emerging artists will be featured this month, such as Meekoh, a folk fusion group. They will perform Aug. 3. On Aug. 10, Astral Mixtape will

share its classical crossover / fusion music. Music by San Miguel will get things shaking on Aug. 17 with salsa / tropical vibes. On Aug. 24, Tia P. will perform her new generation hip-hop and Aug. 31 will feature pop artist Tara Macri. Beer gardens and food pop-ups will accompany the concerts.

“How did you go bankrupt?” Hemingway wrote that — although the quote is sometimes attributed to Fitzgerald — the answer was: “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.”

Theaters fail the same way.

As reported in the Los An-

geles Times (6/20/23) and elsewhere, the Mark Taper Forum is “pausing” production due to financial difficulties.

The Taper’s executives point to a variety of reasons: COVID-19 shutdown, inflation, subscribers’ failures to return and competition from other me-

dia, especially streaming.

An inconvenient truth at the on-pause Mark Taper Forum Theater Review by

Let me offer another inconvenient possibility: during Artistic Director Michael Ritchie’s 16-year tenure (which ended in 2021), the Taper slid slowly into irrelevance.

Founding director Gordon Davidson was known for plays

that were provocative, political and liberal — so-called “Taper plays” such as “Zoot Suit,” “The Kentucky Cycle” and “Angels in America.” Does any play resonate that strongly from Mr. Ritchie’s tenure, or, worse, from the last three years, when the Taper tried to make up for shortcomings in diversity, equity and inclusion with plays that were more politically correct than dramatically compelling?

If you want to rebut me by pointing to the Taper’s awards, nominations and premieres, etc., during that period, I would counter that what you are pointing at is the diminished state of American theater in the 21st century.

The upside to this slippage is that other theaters have taken up the slack. The Tony award-winning Pasadena Playhouse’s Sondheim season was first-rate. The Geffen substantially upped its game with “The Inheritance,” its two-part gay epic. If the Geffen’s recent premiere of Ramiz Monsef’s “The Ants” (about the clash between the homeless and privileged) was less than successful, it was at least home-grown in the Geffen’s playwright development program. The Ahmanson brings in significant Broadway plays, including the recent “Into the Woods” by Sondheim, which featured perhaps the best cast in a musical I have seen in Los Angeles. The new Gloria Molina Auditorium at Casa 0101 in Boyle Heights debuted in June with a powerful revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of A Salesman” with a Latino acting ensemble.

One of the most significant theaters filling the Taper’s vacuum is the Fountain, now running its 40th anniversary production of Jane Chambers’ lesbian dramedy, “Last Sum-

Louis Fantasia

mer at Bluefish Cove” (through August 27; 323-663-1525; boxoffice@fountaintheatre.com).

The Fountain’s founding producer, Deborah Lawler (who passed away recently), chose a space in the then decidedly untrendy East Hollywood to plant her flag. In 1983, she produced “Bluefish Cove,” and it ran for an astonishing two years, putting her theater on the map. The nine women who make up the current ensemble (especially lead Ann Sonneville) do a first-rate job trying to breathe life into a frankly dated play: the newly divorced straight girl lands in a lesbian summer enclave, falls in love only to find that the woman she loves is dying of cancer.

In an era where everything from “Killing Eve” to daytime soaps has a lesbian story line, it might have been best, dramaturgically, to let this pioneering play rest. I say “dramaturgically,” not “politically.” LGBTQ+ rights are under increasing attack, as are our gay, lesbian, and trans brothers and sisters themselves. Much has changed in 40 years, except bigotry and hate.

The Taper opened in 1967 at one of America’s most socially divisive periods. It took a stand politically, but won audiences by doing plays of depth and merit in a world-class manner. It was the quality of the work that counted then and has counted since the day Aeschylus brought a tragedian before

(Please turn to page 9)

French flair in a former warehouse

It’s almost magical the way a formerly unheralded street in Hollywood — that block-by-block had balanced single-family homes with small apartment buildings and entertainment industry warehouses — suddenly has become a sleek upscale shopping and dining destination. The street in question is Sycamore Avenue north of Melrose Avenue. Over the past few years it has gone from sleepy to stylish. The 900 north block is completely transformed; other nearby blocks on Sycamore and surrounding streets are slowly following suit.

We easily found street parking, then walked past high-end clothing boutiques such as Just One Eye, bakery/ cafe Tartine and Mr. T — a French street food restaurant transplanted from the Marais district in Paris — on our way to the beautiful Gigi’s, with its French flair and old New York sensibility.

Restaurateurs Alex Wilmot and Samantha Ressler opened Gigi’s, named after Ressler’s grandmother, during the height of the pandemic in 2020, and diners therefore ate outside at sidewalk tables and in fenced street-side seating. Those still exist and are popular in balmy weather, but patrons who venture inside are treated to a beautiful room with a large center bar, tables along the perimeter, and wood-paneled walls topped with a spectacular wraparound mural by local artist Andie Dinkin depicting tuxedoed waiters, sophisticated diners and gardens in warm tones of gold and orange. I’m sure I’ve sipped cocktails at vintage bars in New York that looked just like this. Executive Chef Matthew Bollinger, formerly of Jean Georges and Trois Familia, created the bistro menu.

My husband and I opted to sit at the bar and happened to perch next to Chef de Cuisine Julio Juarez, who happily parsed the menu and told us

Theater

(Continued from page 8) the Athenian public, and it’s what should count now.

The day before I sat down to write this column, nine robots held a UN-sponsored press conference on the future of AI (CNN, 7/8/23). They promised not to rebel or replace us. Maybe we can get them to do Shakespeare or even Sondheim.

Or maybe our major theater can recover and redefine itself by declaring what makes us human and return to produce that with passion, commitment and, above all, excellence.

I’d buy a ticket to that.

On

the Menu

by Helene Seifer

exactly which dishes he had added since joining the team. We ordered $18 drinks (vodka martini for me, lemon drop for my sweet-toothed husband) while contemplating our choices. Both were excellent.

Juarez shared that most things on the menu were grown or ranched in California, but we started with a half dozen sweet, small oysters from the east coast of Canada, $24, which somehow suited the decor and our vodka drinks. Gigi’s also offers three seafood towers, from the $65 petit tower with oysters, shrimp and hamachi crudo up to the $180 grand

tower, which ups the ante to a dozen oysters and adds mussels escabeche (a form of pickling) and caviar dip. Tempting, but we wanted to leave room for other dishes. Juarez surprised us with his zucchini fritters. They were crispy yet pleasantly doughy and delicious dipped into the accompanying piquillo pepper aioli, $15. The $26 steak tartare was served with a large hunk of warm crisped baguette. Juarez described how the beef is hand-cut into a tiny dice and gently mixed with gribiche, a boiled egg mayonnaise. The disc of tartare was finished with dollops of mustard and sprinkles of pickled mustard seeds. Biting into the warm bread slathered with tartare, we might as well have been at Les Deux Magots Café in Paris (where steak tartare currently costs $32), only instead of discussing existentialism with the ghost of

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Hello LOS FELIZ!

SEE YOU JULY 29TH AT THE CORNER OF WESTERN & FRANKLIN

We can’t wait to meet you! We’re Lazy Acres Natural Market, your new neighborhood natural and organic grocer. Not onl y are we dedicated to fresh, organic food but also deeply rooted in our commitments to the community. Whether it’s the 10 cents we donate when you shop with a reusable bag or sourcing organic ingredients straight from local farmers, when we work together, our whole community will thrive.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO:

• Ready-to-enjoy food venues including Mediterranean, California BBQ, Poke & Sushi, and Fish Tacos

• Farm fresh organic produce delivered to our stores daily

• Made-to-order juices, smoothies, & functional coffees

• Sustainably sourced meat & seafood from trusted partners

• Expertly curated Natural Living department

• Community giving programs & our Community Classroom

To celebrate, we are offering 6 weeks of freebies just for our Los Feliz store. Yes, you read that right! From housemade desserts to organic meat, produce, & more, get these exclusive offers sent to your inbox.

JUST

Tom Cruise amazes over and over; confusing ‘Oppenheimer’

Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One (10/10): 163 minutes. PG-13. Just looking at the runtime, this would be a good choice of a film to avoid. But that would be wrong. This is 163 minutes of a good film with a good script. But most of all, it is filled with amazing, death-defying stunts. And they were all done by Tom Cruise, as usual.

Cruise is known for doing his own stunts, ones that generally throw caution to the wind. But he tops himself in this one. When I saw the film at Paramount, I was disbelieving. But then I watched the short films documenting the stunts and that made me a believer.

I’m not going to describe the stunts because that might act as a spoiler, but when you see the film, just realize that that really is Tom Cruise doing all these things, and there generally is no green screen or anything else that creates Hollywood Magic.

I don’t know where Cruise gets all his energy, but what’s amazing is that he didn’t just do these stunts once, he did them over and over, again and again, until they got it right.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie from a script by him and Erik Jendresen, the story follows the same MI theme

developed by Bruce Geller for his television series, a dangerous mission to save the world. But this is not just the same movie done many times with different McGuffins. It is unique enough to stand on its own. As the title indicates, though, there is more to come.

I’m not going to waste your time by writing thousands of words about it. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this.

The Miracle Club (8/10): 91 minutes. PG-13. In development for almost 20 years, elegantly directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan from a fine script by Joshua D. Maurer, Timothy Prager and Jimmy Smallhome, this is a delicate study of four women (well-acted by Kathy Bates, Laura Linney, Maggie Smith and Agnes O’Casey) in 1960s Ireland with physical and psychological problems who go to Lourdes in hopes of miracles to cure physical diseases. As their long-suppressed feelings flood to the surface, the satori they get is not what they expected.

The Beanie Bubble (7/10): 110 minutes. R. If you think that the tulip mania of the 16th-century Dutch (told well in 1841’s extraordinary “Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds” by Charles MacKay) was incomprehensible

At the Movies with Tony Medley

madness, how do you explain the gullible dreamers of the 1990s who put thousands of dollars into investing in stuffed animals? This movie doesn’t even try to explain the Beanie Bubble craze, instead concentrating on trying to prove that the stunning success of founder Ty Warner (Zach Galifianakis) was the result of his manipulation of three women (excellently played by Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Snook and Geraldine Viswanathan), who were really the powers behind the throne. While the film is diminished by confusing time warps that jump back and forth willy-nilly, it’s a feel-good tale of revenge directed by Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash, based on the 2015 book by Zac Bissonnette who has a screenwriting credit with Gore. Whether it’s faithful to the facts or not, this is an entertaining sit.

Oppenheimer (5/10): 3 hours. R. When I learned that

Christopher Nolan had written and directed a film about J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) that lasted three hours, John McEnroe’s immortal words flooded my mind, “You cannot be serious!” Alas, it’s true. But in order to present a sympathetic picture of this highly controversial left-leaning scientist who led the team at Los Alamos in developing the atomic bomb, Nolan has flooded the torturous first two hours of the film with confusing flashbacks and flash forwards (some in black and white), enough to make the viewer dizzy as well as perplexed. (Can’t modern filmmakers make a linear film anymore?)

Nolan’s preconception forces him to present President Truman (Gary Oldman) and Special Counsel Roger Robb

(Jason Clarke) as heavies. An example is when Robb confronts Oppenheimer with indisputable evidence that he lied; Nolan manipulates the scene so that the viewer sympathizes with Oppenheimer.

Why talented Emily Blunt is listed as a co-star is puzzling because, as Oppenheimer’s wife, she rarely appears and is in only one meaningful scene at the tail end.

The left is gonna love this film so it probably will be up for multitudes of awards, but I found it slow, confusing, disjointed and more predispositional than objective. It picks up speed, however, during the last hour, when Oppenheimer is questioned by Robb during a hearing challenging his security clearance.

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B Gaddy

Fourth of July sparkles for Lillian Way’s 25th annual festivities

By Jordanna Brown

This year’s Lillian Way block party was the 25th annual (minus a couple of COVID-19 years) Fourth of July get-together that neighbors living in the  Lillian / Cahuenga / Wilcox corridor have celebrated.

However, the tradition predates this iteration — there has been some type of July 4th party on the 500 block of Lillian for close to 40 years.

This year, our festivities featured four bounce houses, from a tiny toddler-sized one to a 20-foot set of slides. We had our favorite taco truck come and serve tacos and quesadillas to all. We also had a shaved ice truck for desserts!

We ran the usual games, starting with the festive bike parade and continuing with a three-legged race and musical chairs. Prizes were awarded to winners, and all participants got a little something to take home.

And of course, we all capped off the evening by watching the triumphant return of

the Wilshire Country Club’s fireworks show. It wasn’t the same without it last year!

On the Menu

(Continued from page 9)

philosopher Jean Paul Sartre, we discussed the merits of the Cuban cuisine of our barmate’s youth.

We were tempted by the $42 roasted half chicken, the $38 steelhead trout on celery root purée and the $65 steak frites

au poivre, but opted instead for the fresh morel mushroom and pea pasta, $36. Juarez made the cavatelli pasta from scratch, and the dense, rolled shell-shaped pasta was a satisfyingly chewy base for the scrumptious earthy morels and sweet peas. The peas, we were informed, are from Tutti Frutti Farms. I’m usually

disappointed in fresh peas, finding them too starchy, but these were perfect — not hard, not mushy, just tender. How much is the legume’s quality and how much is the expertise of the chef I don’t know, but probably a combination of both. For those wanting to try cooking with them, Tutti Frutti Farms doesn’t sell at the Larchmont Farmers’ Market, unfortunately; but the vendor can be found at the Hollywood Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Another tip that can translate to home cooking: The pasta sauce was made from a broth of simmered cremini and shiitake and dried porcini mushrooms. We decided we could happily eat our way through Gigi’s menu over many visits, but

At the Movies

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Oppenheimer was a complicated character. This film doesn’t uncomplicate anything, but Nolan could have used a strong editor with sharp scissors to make this more entertaining.

the dessert menu is a little thin: $4 chocolate chip cookie, ice cream or sorbet for $5, $15 for sticky toffee pudding or caramel flan. My husband was interested in the pudding, but Juarez recommended the unusual flan, which is made with cream cheese and based on his great-grandmother’s Cuban recipe. The slice is closer to cheesecake, denser and creamier than a typical flan. Excellent flavor, but not as refreshing as flan tends to be. I’d love to see crème brûlée or tarte tatin added to the menu to end the meal on a quintessentially French note. Gigi’s, 904 N. Sycamore Ave., 323-819-7703.

National Night Out is August 1

Olympic Community Police Station is hosting National Night Out (NNO) at its station at 1130 S. Vermont Ave. on Tues., Aug. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. The free event will feature inflatable bouncers for kids, food, drink and games.

THREE-LEGGED RACE and other games were party highlights.

GOOD TIMES were had by Mai Perez, left, and Charleigh Didlock.

NEIGHBORS (left to right) Avery Brettschneider, Ren Stoppani Brown and Blythe Brown enjoy a basketball bounce house.

Jordanna Brown and Evan Corday were co-planners of the block party.

“Experience does make a difference.

Monico finishes her second year at Wilshire Division, LAPD

By Nona Sue Friedman

Wilshire Division of the Los Angeles Police Department

(LAPD) Capt. Sonia Monico celebrated 30 years of LAPD service this past April. Based on the enthusiasm she shows toward her job, you would never know she’s been doing it so long. As she says, “I love coming to work every day.”

As a Captain III, she oversees the entire Wilshire division, whose station house is located at 4861 Venice Blvd. She supervises 235 sworn officers and detectives.

Capt. Monico has been at Wilshire two years as of this month. She says there is a lot of community involvement and collaboration and tells us, “The community support and assistance has been incredible.” She continues, “We can’t do our jobs without folks who work with us on a regular basis. It’s a team effort.”

She meets regularly with the division’s Community-Police Advisory Board, neighborhood organizations and homeowner groups. She and her division have helped forge numerous partnerships with local businesses, the local City Council offices and their field deputies and the local neighborhood prosecutor from the office of

CELEBRATING three decades as a sworn police officer is Capt. Sonia Monico.

the city attorney.

The Commanding Officer of the Wilshire Community Police Station encourages all residents: “If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity.” She and her department are here to help and to make its residents feel safe and taken care of, she reminds us.

During her tenure in LAPD, she has moved around the force and held numerous positions including patrol officer, senior lead officer and area training coordinator, to name just a few. “I’ve enjoyed every single assignment over the years,” says Monico.

She received both a Bachelor of Science and a master’s

degree, which has enabled her to test within the force and move up the ranks over time.

She was selected to participate in the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy’s 10-week program with police officers selected from around the country and the world. The academy is in Quantico, Virginia. During the program, participants receive special training, take leadership courses and meet officers from many police agencies.

Monico’s introduction to LAPD started when she was in middle school. She and

her sister were encouraged by their local senior lead officer to join the Cadets, which is a program hosted by LAPD for kids to develop life skills while working with LAPD. Participants visit the Police Academy, take classes, focus on physical fitness and work actual assignments with officers. For Monico, this included patrolling her local mall in the Valley. She was in the Cadets for about a year, and she told us, “It was life-changing.”

Fast-forward some years. Monico is married and has a

baby girl. Her sister saw an advertisement that LAPD was looking for candidates. She and her sister reminisced about their time in the Cadets, and they both decided to take the entrance exam to enroll in the Police Academy. Only Monico passed. She remembers her sister saying, “Now you need to follow through on your own.” Well, she did it in spades.

“I am so grateful for what I do on a daily basis. If anyone is interested in recruitment, please reach out to me directly at 213-473-0558.” Or visit lapdonline.com.

Minors are chased by homeless woman; burglaries continue

WILSHIRE DIVISION

ROBBERY: A male and female minor were chased by a homeless woman who was demanding money from them on July 3 at 3:45 p.m. near Highland Avenue and Third Street.

BURGLARIES: A suspect broke the rear glass door of an apartment on the 5200 block of Wilshire Boulevard. The suspect stole property and fled through the front door on July 2 at 3 p.m.

Two disguised suspects entered a home’s garage on July 6 at 8 a.m. The suspects stole property and fled the location.

A home on the 600 block of North Citrus Avenue was ransacked and had property stolen on July 6 between

7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The suspect smashed the rear window door to gain access to the property.

BURGLARY FROM VEHICLE: A suspect smashed the rear window of a silver Hyundai between 7 p.m. on July 4 and 6 a.m. on July 5 and stole an audio device and money from the vehicle parked near Orange Drive and First Street.

GRAND THEFTS AUTO:

A white Ford van was stolen from the 500 block of North Sycamore Avenue on July 8 between 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

A white Kia was stolen from the 100 block of South Orange Drive between 7 p.m. on July 7 and 7 a.m. on July 9.

THEFT: Packages and tools were taken from the porch of a home on the 100 block of South Las Palmas

Avenue between 3:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on July 2. A suspect jumped the driveway gate of a home on the 300 block of South Sycamore Avenue and stole a wall-mounted EV charger between 2 p.m. on July 5 and 10 a.m. on July 6.

OLYMPIC DIVISION

BURGLARY: Three suspects forced entry into the second floor balcony of a residence in a multi-unit building on July 10 at 2:45 p.m. They stole various items

and fled the location

BURGLARY FROM VEHICLE: A male suspect broke the passenger window of a vehicle on the 400 block of North Wilton Place at 1:45 p.m. on July 10. The suspect took property from the vehicle and fled westbound on Elmwood Avenue.

GRAND THEFT AUTO: A white Hyundai Tucson was stolen from the 4000 block of 8th Street between July 9 and 10 from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Make candy kiss roses, meet a local illustrator

FAIRFAX LIBRARY

Adults

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

All ages

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

FREMONT LIBRARY

Babies & Toddlers

Story time: Listen to stories Wednesdays, Aug. 2, 9 and 16, at 10:30 a.m.

MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Toddlers

Story time in the park: Listen to stories and sing songs in Memorial Park each Wednesday in August at 10:30 a.m. Preschool painters: Visit the library for potentially messy painting on Mon., Aug. 28, at 11 a.m.

Kids & Teens

Drop-in tutoring with Steve: Need a refresher on some academics? Stop by every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. for one-on-one assistance

with any subject.

Teens

Painting: Create a masterpiece for the last summer teen program on Thurs., Aug. 3, at 4 p.m.

Adults

B.Y.O. needle arts: Work

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161 S. Gardner St. 323-936-6191

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

MEMORIAL

4625 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-2732 WILSHIRE

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

Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs. noon to 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

‘Bear’-ing witness to nature’s fearsome

Many of us possess a roster — however brief — of names that incite a feeling of dread. From a momentary wince to a full-blown nostalgia trip, the mere utterance of the name of a megalomaniacal former employer or a romantic interest turned foe becomes an incantation that feels as though it can summon their spirit. The name may be perceived as more injurious than the person it represents; through selective memory, it can flatten years of living, breathing experiences into a single repellent syllable.

The name that tormented proto-Germanic hunters was that of a huge, ferocious creature that stalked the nearby forests. Swift on both land and water despite its immense size, this predator could annihilate a human almost instantly using its sharp claws and tremendous strength. So spine-chilling was the creature that tribes began to avoid using its proper name for fear that speaking it into existence would invoke the beast. Instead, they called it bero — “the brown one” — after the chestnut-colored fur that covered its frame, thus forming what some have claimed to be the earliest known euphemism. Bero gave way to the Old English bera, which provided the basis for the Modern English “bear.”

It’s not fear but deep reverence that inspired the Cheyenne custom of abstaining from speaking the bear’s name aloud. In Cheyenne tradition, the grizzly is a sacred figure believed to be the spiritual ancestor to modern-day humans. Folktales describe the bear as a nis’simoo, or spirit helper, and there are various narratives of grizzlies helping lost or wounded travelers. This

typification of the bear as caretaker is further elucidated in its naming: nahkohe, the Cheyenne word for bear, is a near homonym of náhko’e, a term used only when addressing one’s mother.

Just as the bear giveth, she taketh away. The brown bears that roamed Ancient Greece were called arktos, from the Proto-Indo-European root rkto, which is believed to have come from the word for “destruction.” The Greek arktos evolved into arktikos, meaning “of the north,” due to the Great Bear constellation’s positioning in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is from the northerly arktikos that we inherit the name for the Arctic, the polar region located at the northernmost part of the globe. The more common name for the Great

Libraries

(Continued from page 14) on needlecrafts while sitting with others every Monday this month at 1 p.m.

Art class: Color or paint with peers on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.

Book club: Meet on Fri., Aug. 4, at 1 p.m. to discuss “Clytemnestra” by Costanza Casati.

All ages

Chess club: Play chess or learn how each Friday in August from 3 to 5 p.m.

Book sale: Buy your next favorite read every Tuesday this month from 12:30 to 5 p.m. and every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. All proceeds support the library.

WILSHIRE LIBRARY

Kids & Teens

Summer reading challenge: Meet local illustrator Noor Sofi as she discusses the picture book “Brown is Beautiful” on Tues., Aug. 1, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Candy kiss roses: Make a beautiful, edible bouquet of candy kisses that look like roses on Thurs., Aug. 3, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Bear constellation, Ursa Major, comes from the Latin word for bear — ursus. Some linguists have noted the similarity between the Latin ursus and another word in the language — orsus, meaning “begun.” A history of the word orsus from the 12th-century Latin bestiary “The Book of Beasts” mirrors the Cheyenne bear-as-originator trope: “Ursus the bear...is said to get her name because she sculptures her brood with her mouth. For they say that these creatures produce a

formless foetus, giving birth to something like a bit of a pulp, and this mother-bear arranges into the proper legs and arms by licking it.” Just as the female bear shapes her young in this mythic description, so too does her post-natal practice — “using her own mouth,” or ore sua in Latin — forge the antecedent for orsus Despite the prevalence of maternalistic allegories involving bears, the word’s homonym in English — the verb “to bear,” meaning “to give birth to” — is in fact etymologically unrelated to the animal.

Slavic languages’ bear nomenclature zeroes in on the animal’s taste for honey (though a bit of digging reveals it’s the fat- and protein-rich bee larvae they’re especially keen to find when diving snout-first into a bee-

hive). The words for “bear” in this language group — which include the Russian medved, Croatian medvjed and Czech medvěd — are rough translations of “honey-eater,” based in the Proto-Indo-European root medhu, meaning “honey.” Some may note the link between this root and “mead,” the name of an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey.

With mead in mind I propose a toast to the shades of our past, their names being the piercing echoes that make our blood run cold. Like those who feared bears before us, perhaps we’ll sub in a euphemism every now and then for our own personal bogeymen — “the emotionally unavailable one,” “open mouth-eater” or simply “youknow-who.”

Word Café by Mara Fisher

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