REAL ESTATE SALES10 AT THE MOVIES

By Nona Sue Friedman

Assistance League of Los Angeles has created a new Chapter House in Hollywood at 6640 Sunset Blvd. The official ribbon-cutting on Nov. 18 was hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Mitch O’Farrell spoke and helped cut the ribbon.

“The League has partnered with the Hollywood community since the early days of the film industry,” commented Board President Adrienne Seltzer of Hancock Park. In the early years, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were big supporters and fundraisers for the League. Seltzer continued, “How fitting that the new Chapter House contributes to the beautification of Hollywood while fulfilling our mission to help homeless, foster and impoverished children.”

The welcoming modern space of the new Chapter House was designed for the organization’s programming needs. The open floor plan of the upper level has high ceilings with the original 1930s bow-truss beams. That floor houses the business offices, a boardroom, and a retractable wall that opens onto a deck, giving the entire space an airy feel. Portraits of the League founders, Anne Banning and Ada Edwards Laughlin, overlook today’s volunteers.

The lower level is where the organization’s programming happens. It’s filled with cubbies housing colorful clothes, shelves stacked with books and games, backpacks stuffed with essential items, and bright furnishings where kids can sit. A bonus to this building is its on-site storage for all the inkind donations received by the League, making it much easier for the volunteers to keep By Caroline Tracy

The Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce (GMMCC) convened for one of its first in-person gatherings since early 2020 to “Roast and Toast” outgoing Executive Director Meg McComb. The celebratory affair took place on GMMCC member Hotel Wilshire’s roof (overlooking the Mile). Chamber Founder and President Steve Kramer and board members were joined by notable guests, including Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, in the roasting and toasting.

Chris Devlin, GMMCC communications director, emceed the event, which featured a speaking / roasting portion, a Q&A with McComb, a champagne toast, presentation of gifts from Chamber members (Japan Foundation, Urban Florist, Fancifull Fine Foods & Baskets) and a raffle (a staple at any Chamber event).

“This event honoring Meg exceeded my expectations,” said Kramer. “Everyone was so happy to be there. People who hadn’t seen each other in a long time were enjoying being together — and they all came out for Meg.”

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

157 N. Larchmont Boulevard

Gratitude

Fall is definitely in the air. Days are getting shorter and cooler, pumpkins decorate doorsteps and shop windows, many trees are changing color and dropping their leaves, and Thanksgiving has just gone by. But let’s not just save our gratitude for that one time of year. The Windsor Square Association would like to encourage us all to consider our many blessings throughout the year, and especially in December.

One thing we at the WSA are particularly grateful for is the mature canopy of trees that shades and cools our historic neighborhood. We’ve recently added to that canopy by sponsoring the planting of a new tree on Larchmont Boulevard in connection with the celebration of the Boulevard’s 100th anniversary at the end of October. It is an African Fern Pine, the species chosen in consultation with the city as the replacement for the existing Ficus trees, as they gradually reach the end of their lifespans. The tree is located adjacent to Tailwaggers, and we’d like to express our thanks to the store and its staff for their commitment to watering the new tree.

Our neighborhood boasts one of the largest and healthiest urban forests in California. During this ongoing drought, we encourage you to take care of your trees, including those in the parkway. Turn down your lawn sprinklers as cooler weather approaches, but it’s still wise to give your trees a good, long, slow soaking every few months. Now is a good time for pruning trees, most of which do not like severe trimming in hot months. And plant new trees! The WSA can help by supplying an appropriate parkway tree if you have a space.

Let’s act on our gratitude all through December — shop locally and help Larchmont merchants thrive. Dine at our wide range of restaurants. Visit the local farmers market, open on Wednesdays and on Sundays. Welcome newcomers, and get to know your existing neighbors, if you don’t already. And thanks to all for making Windsor Square such a great place to live.

For more information about the Windsor Square Association, go to our website: windsorsquare.org. items stocked.

The League was started more than 100 years ago by Banning and Laughlin, both of Hancock Park. They wanted to serve the needy children of Los Angeles. This continues to be the organization’s focus. As Kai Tramiel, senior director of membership and community engagement said, “(We) carry the founders’ legacy as best we can — transitioning as needed over the years.” The League is always looking for new members. Visit assistanceleaguela.org.

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Photo by Nona Sue Friedman

McComb fêted by Miracle Mile for time served

MEG McCOMB is presented a certificate of recognition from Assemblymember Richard Bloom’s office by District Director Josh Kurpies.

A force on the Mile for the past 10 years, McComb has spearheaded successful events such as the TarFest Luncheon (James Panozzo, co-founder of TarFest, was in attendance and took part in the roast) and the annual State of the Mile luncheon held at the El Rey Theater.

Not one to fade away or shirk duties in light of her moving on, McComb has managed recent events, even past her retirement, including a walking tour of the Mile with State Sen. Ben Allen and the ribbon-cutting event at the new Staples “concept” store (designed to fit the needs of work-from-home, entrepreneurs and others).

The Larchmont Chronicle also has learned that McComb will be consulting on all future events for the Chamber, because, in her own wise words, “nobody does it better.”