Larchmont Chroni cle H
VOL. 57, NO. 12 • DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
IN THIS ISSUE
Let holiday spending spill over into helping others
City clarifies reasons for relocation of tree wells
n Placement in question
THE HOLIDAY issue. Above, Farmers Market.
GLITTERATI gala at LACMA. 21
CHILI charity at Pink’s.
22
By Billy Taylor In the November 2019 issue, the Larchmont Chronicle reported on the loss of two healthy and mature ficus trees, as well as the relocation of their tree wells, once located in front of the Rite Aid store’s sign on Larchmont Boulevard. The story resonated with residents and policymakers alike. “Your article about the placement of the southernmost tree well re-sparked a reSee Trees, p 30
Reaction to demolition is vitriolic n See letters on page 2
HARVEST FEST in Griffith Park. 2-19 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:
n Toy and gift drives
SANTA listened to Christmas wishes at last year’s Open House on Larchmont Blvd. This season he also arrived on a fire truck.
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays on Blvd. n Trees on Larchmont! Santa came to town
TUDOR home formerly at 361 N. Citrus Avenue.
By John Welborne The reaction throughout Los Angeles to the sudden Oct. 23 demolition of the historic Tudor home located since 1927 at 361 N. Citrus Ave., at Oakwood Ave. just west of Hancock Park, has been tremendous — and often vitriolic. The Larchmont Chronicle has received letters and online comments, some of which are in this issue, beginning on Page 2. The “lacurbed.com” article that appeared on the day of the demolition generSee Citrus, p 28
Health, Fitness & Beauty
Feel and look your best in 2020! Read the annual Health, Fitness & Beauty section in the January issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Advertising deadline is Mon., Dec. 10. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-462-2241, ext. 11.
DECEMBER 2019
By Rachel Olivier It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas along Larchmont Boulevard. From the red bows that have popped up along the north end of Larchmont to the trees at the Wilshire Rotary tree lot, to the Holiday Open House last week, it’s clear that the holidays have arrived in full force. Wilshire Rotary tree lot The Wilshire Rotary tree lot at 568 N. Larchmont is open. Noble, silvertip and Douglas firs arrived the weekend after Thanksgiving. However, there will be no Nordmann or Fraser firs this year, says Wendy Clifford. They were unable to source them from any of the tree farms they contacted. But they do have a variety of sizes to choose from. People should be able to find the right
tree (or wreaths or boughs) for their spaces. Clifford noted. Battle of the bells Stop by the tree lot to see the “Battle of the Bells” preSee Holidays on Blvd., p 4
By Rachel Olivier During the holiday season it’s easy to get into the habit of gift buying, whether for family and friends or for yourself. So, it might be a good time to let some of that spending spill over into purchasing holiday cheer for others less fortunate. Read on for some local charities that are conducting toy and gift drives. • • • St. Anne’s Guild, 155 N. Occidental Blvd., is collecting gifts for babies ages newborn to three and teenage girls ages 13 to 18. Gift cards are also welcome. Deadline for the drive is Sat., Dec. 21. See Toy drives, p 14
St. James’ Church shines light on ‘Stories from the Frontline’ n 'I wish there had not been a stigma attached’ By Sondi Toll Sepenuk Angela Sanchez was 16, a junior in high school, when she and her father experienced homelessness. The memories are sharp: it was the beginning of the 2008 recession, one week shy of Thanksgiving. The Sheriff’s officers stood in the doorway of her family’s home, red eviction notice in hand, asking, “What are you
still doing here?” Ten minutes later, the locks were changed and Angela and her father, a middle-class architect, were homeless. Not knowing where to go, where to sleep, or where they would find their next meal, Angela and her father spent the next two years living in a car, in motels, in shelters and on the streets. During this See Stories, p 12
Menorah lighting, snowfall ring in season n Carolers, Kettle Kick Off at Farmers Market, Grove See a 100-foot Christmas tree, a white fir from Mt. Shasta, and a giant Lego menorah, hear carolers and visit Santa, all while strolling around the Original Farmers Market and The Grove this month. The next-door venues, located along Third Street near Fairfax Avenue, have a variety of activities scheduled through the end of the year to keep visitors in the holiday spirit. The trolley that travels between the Farmers Market
and the Grove is one way to see the decorated trees at both ends and enjoy the views while managing the crowds. Santa Claus, a nightly snowfall, and a tree taller than the one at Rockefeller Center with 15,000 sparkling lights and more than 10,000 glittering ornaments will anchor The Grove end, while carolers will perform at Farmers Market. Menorah lighting events will take place on separate evenings at See Farmers Market, p 18 MENORAH will be lit Dec. 22.
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