LC 12 2024

Larchmont Chronicle

DECEMBER 2024

For information on advertising in the paper, please call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11

Mailing permit:

Metro to seek builder for housing at Crenshaw site

n Community supports needed apartments

By John Welborne

Beginning in the late 1980s, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) began assembling approximately 10 parcels of land on the southwest corner of Wilshire Boulevard, between Lorraine and Crenshaw boulevards. Metro ultimately used this land to create a staging area for contractors working on the “D“ (formerly Purple) Line subway extension from the existing Western Avenue subway station all the way to Brentwood. Specifically, this corner has been used for staging equipment used by the firms working at Western and La Brea avenues.

Now that construction at those two subway stations is winding down, with the La Brea and Fairfax stations due to open for service in 2025, Metro staff overseeing the

See Metro, P 35

TVC project heads to PLUM Dec. 3

By Suzan Filipek

The massive TVC project proposed at the former CBS studio site at Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue will go before the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee of the Los Angeles City Council at a public hearing on Tues., Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. The PLUM hearing is among the final steps before the project moves to City Council for a final vote.

Dec.

Marat’s ‘Nutcracker’ returns for the holidays

n Performances are Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at Luckman

By Casey Russell

The Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre’s annual “Nutcracker” performances will take place Sat., Dec. 7, and Sun., Dec. 8. Windsor Square residents Marat (a former Kirov principal dancer) and Pamela Daukayev helm the school. Though dancers as young as 4 have parts in the show, principal and solo roles are awarded to older students. The four 16- and 17-year-old girls dancing the leading role of the Sugar Plum Fairy this year have trained at the Marat studio for more than 30 years

cumulatively.

This 23rd performance is of the same “Nutcracker” production that was featured in the 2014 Oscar-nominated documentary, “Getting to The Nutcracker” which showed viewers the massive effort, resources, dedication and volunteer and rehearsal hours needed to bring this annual holiday performance to the stage.

Because the School of Ballet (on the second floor of the Equitable Life Building on Wilshire Boulevard at Alex-

, P

By Casey Russell

Just in time for the holiday season, the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA) is bringing Small Business Saturday to the Boulevard Sat., Nov. 30, during business hours.

When we spoke with LBA board member Jennifer Audette, who is organizing the event, she said that many stores have already signed on to participate with special discounts or goodies and that more are likely to sign on.

Special promotions already decided upon include Landis Gifts and Stationery, 584 N. Larchmont Blvd., which will

Rotary tree lot opens Nov. 29 on Larchmont

By Nona Sue Friedman

Leave the smell of turkey at your dining room table and take a whiff of the fresh, sweet scent of pine at the Wilshire Rotary Christmas tree lot. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Fri., Nov.

Mayor Bass at WSA annual meeting

n Homelessness among many issues discussed

By John Welborne

More than 100 local residents welcomed their neighbor, Mayor Karen Bass, to the Windsor Square Association (WSA) “Town Hall” annual meeting at The Ebell on November 14. The Mayor spent about 45 minutes responding to questions prepared by the WSA board of directors and submitted by attendees in the audience.

our Summer Camps and Programs will also be featured. For more information, contact Pam Rudy, 323-462-2241, ext. 11.

Following the departure of Mayor Bass and the presentation of board committee reports, attendees also enjoyed a question and answer dialogue with 13th District City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez.

Also, the association’s 2024 Squeaky Wheel Award was

presented to Dena Bloom and Guy Nemiro, “whose tireless efforts and persistence got many of the streetlights

working again,” and also to Bill Hermanns “for stimulating the city cleanup

MARAT DAUKAYEV BALLET is set to perform the iconic ballet

7 and 8. Above, advanced Marat dancers performed as “Snow” in a 2023 show.

MAYOR KAREN BASS responded to residents’ questions relayed by Windsor Square Association President Larry Guzin at the November Town Hall meeting.

See Rotary trees, P 4

By John Welborne

Support needed for new apartments Editorial

Our city needs builders to construct more units of housing, at all price levels, throughout the city, but especially units that are more affordable as well as units in buildings that provide continuing supportive services for residents who formerly may have experienced homelessness.

As our local community has seen in the case of Pio Franco Iervolino (formerly called “Giorgio” during his decade of street living on and around Larchmont Boulevard), supportive services are key to returning individuals experiencing homelessness to what society views as normalcy. With such support, Franco, once a hard-working waiter at prestigious restaurants in our community, no longer lives on the streets and now has housing and meals and is obtaining services and income to which he is entitled. Housing is the first step.

Beginning nearly 50 years ago, this newspaper has supported the drafting, adoption and implementation of zoning rules that ultimately became the Park Mile Specific Plan. Our late co-publisher, Dawne Goodwin, was a member of the city committee that first looked at rezoning parts of Wilshire Boulevard during the creation of the original Wilshire Community Plan in the mid-1970s. In the late 1970s, local residents (this

Housing Incentive Ordinances move forward at PLUM!

Due to the strength of neighborhoods across the city and our communities having “skin in the game,” a new set of housing ordinances is moving forward to the Los Angeles City Council.

Engaged neighbors, including our association, have worked closely with the Los Angeles City Planning Department on its drafting of Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) ordinances for the past two years. We have worked not only with the Planning Department, but also with elected City Council Members from around the city, representatives of the Mayor, and other associations from communities across Los Angeles.

Our goal always has been to help find housing solutions, meet the State of California’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) criteria, affirm fair housing, and revitalize neighborhoods — while maintaining singlefamily neighborhoods, Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs), Historic Districts, rent stabilized housing, and environmentally sensitive areas.

On November 19, the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) committee unanimously adopted Draft #3 of the ordinances prepared to implement the city’s General Plan’s Housing Element goals — as recommended by the staff of the City Planning Department and by the City Planning Commission — without any of the options promoted by groups and individuals who want to up-zone single-family residential areas.

We are extremely pleased with the vote at PLUM.

The PLUM-recommended Draft #3 now moves to the full City Council. Stay tuned for information on when the City Council meeting and its vote will take place!

*We extend special thanks to our Fifth District Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky for supporting her CD5 neighborhoods and historic districts. o o o

If you’re planning to make any changes to the streetvisible portion of your house, hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki. gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at: preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form available: preservation.lacity.org/ hpoz/initial.screening.checklist. Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the city’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.

Calendar

Thurs., Nov. 28 — Thanksgiving Day.

Sat., Nov. 30 — Small Business Saturday.

Tues., Dec. 10 — Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Pan Pacific Park Senior Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd., midcitywest.org.

Wed., Dec. 11 — Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting via Zoom at 6:30 p.m., greaterwilshire.org.

Tues., Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve.

Wed., Dec. 25 — Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah.

Thurs., Dec. 26 — Boxing Day and Kwanzaa.

Tues., Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve.

Wed., Jan. 1 — New Year’s Day.

Thurs., Jan. 2 — Delivery of the January issue of the Larchmont Chronicle

writer included) worked closely with the staff of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, with Wilshire Boulevard commercial property owners, with Fourth District City Councilman (and Council President) John Ferraro and, ultimately, with the full City Council in preparing the Park Mile Specific Plan that initially was adopted unanimously by the City Council in June 1979.

During the intervening 45 years, and as noted by John Gresham of the Wilshire Homeowners’ Alliance in our story on Page 1, nearly 85 percent of the approximately 35 parcels that were vacant at the time of the Park Mile Specific Plan’s adoption in 1979 have now been developed with new buildings that conform to the rules of the Specific Plan. About half of those new buildings are residential.

The Larchmont Chronicle encourages Metro to make its vacant parcels on Wilshire Boulevard, between Crenshaw and Lorraine boulevards, available to a qualified developer at the lowest possible land cost so that needed affordable housing can be constructed there — in conformance with the rules of the Park Mile Specific Plan — as soon as possible.

Letters to the Editor

Running Club for all We started a (free) running club in the neighborhood last year, and it is going strong. We would love to have more neighborhood residents be aware of the Larchmont Running Club!

Larchmont Chronicle

Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin

Publisher and Editor

John H. Welborne

Managing Editor

Suzan Filipek

Assistant Editor

Casey Russell

Contributing Editor

Jane Gilman

Staff Writers

Talia Abrahamson

Helene Seifer

Advertising Director

Pam Rudy

Art Director

Tom Hofer

Circulation Manager

Nona Sue Friedman

Accounting

Irene Janas

606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103 Los Angeles, CA 90004

323-462-2241

larchmontchronicle.com

‘What is at the top of your holiday wish list?’

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

“I want a dog … an Aussiedoodle!”

“I really want a Minecraft Lego set!”

“Bluetooth headphones are at the top of my list.”

We run once a month on a Saturday — all levels, paces and distances welcome. We meet on 1st and Larchmont

(Please turn to Page 35)

CORRECTION

Melissa Butts, a member of the Clinton Manor Coalition, asked that several matters in our Nov. 2024 story by columnist Brian Curran, “Will Clinton Manor become Larchmont area’s newest monument?,” be addressed.

The first Cultural Heritage Commission hearing was on October 17, 2024, not the 16th. Butts submitted the application on behalf of the Clinton Manor Coalition, but Nichole Smith and Laura Dominguez (also residents) prepared and authored the nomination on behalf of the coalition.

The name of the original developer was Aetna Construction Company, not “Building” Company.

The nomination makes the argument that the property was designed in the American Colonial Revival style, and the application does not get into Hollywood Regency or Streamline Moderne styles.

The aerial photos should have been credited to NickNack Films.

“I want a Jude Bellingham soccer jersey.”

Harvey Taormina, Annie O’Rourke and Ronan Taormina Larchmont Village

“New shoes!”

“I think that top on my list is a vacation somewhere … maybe to Italy!”

Jacob and Matt Ladner Brookside

Sylvie Garrigan Brookside

Santa, Santa! The big guy makes appearances in many places

By Casey Russell

The Hollywood Christmas Parade comes to town at 6 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 1. Supporting the US Marines Toys for Tots programs, this 92nd anniversary parade will feature gigantic character balloons, dance groups, funny specialty acts, floats, equestrians and award-winning bands. Santa Claus and his reindeer will make their traditional appearance at the end of the parade.

This event will be brought to life by 5,000 participants as they travel along a 3.2 - mile route which starts at Orange Drive and Hollywood Boulevard and goes east to Vine Street before turning south, then west, to travel on Sunset Boulevard, returning back to Orange Drive.

For updates, visit thehollywoodchristmasparade. org. Those wanting to purchase seats in the grandstand

bleachers can visit ticket master.com.

Page Academy

wants to visit and speak. To book, visit thegrovela.com.

The big guy can also be seen, courtesy of the Wilshire Rotary Club, in the Page Academy parking lot, 565 N. Larchmont Blvd., on Sun., Dec. 8, from noon until 4 p.m. Enjoy snacks, a bounce house, games, cookie decorating and, of course, a chance to meet Santa him self. To participate, families can bring one unwrapped toy or game worth $10 or more. Donated items will go to the Red Shield Community Center, Ronald McDonald House and The Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood.

The Grove

Those interested in getting in a little holiday shopping while having a chance to see Santa Claus can visit The

Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., through Tues., Dec. 24.

Santa’s workshop is located on First Street near Barnes & Noble, where families can share moments with Santa and take home a keepsake photo. Advance bookings are recommended, as Santa has a lot of children with whom he

Farmer Santa For those wanting to venture further afield from Mid-Wilshire, Christmas has arrived at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd. in Moorpark. Through Tues., Dec. 24, Santa will appear at the traditional, working and family-friendly farm on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Surfer Santa

One-of-a-kind Santa experiences await visitors to the Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, from Sat., Dec. 7, through Sat., Dec. 21. Children may not be able to sit on Santa’s lap, but included in the price of admission are daily appearances by Santa Diver. He will

chat with visitors from within the Aquarium’s big tank! And, every weekend during the same time frame, Surfer Santa will also be available for photos and visits.

Santa Claus is busy this time of year, but clearly, he always makes time for children and families.

Snowfall nightly at The Grove

The holidays have arrived at The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr. A traditional 100-foot white fir Christmas tree was lighted with a music show and a drone display on Nov. 25, and the tree is standing tall through the end of the year. Nightly snowfall takes place at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. through Tues., Dec. 31, and Santa Claus is at his workshop near Barnes & Noble through Tues., Dec. 24. For more information, visit thegrovela.com.

Locals in Westside ‘Nutcracker’ Nov. 30 - Dec. 8

By Casey Russell

Westside Ballet’s 51st anniversary performance of “The Nutcracker” is at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., in Santa Monica.

Performances will take place Sat., Nov. 30; Sun., Dec. 1; and Fri., Dec. 6 through Sun., Dec. 8, at various times.

Local students in the production range in age from 9 to 16 and include Marlborough students Mila Bakhshandehpour and Elle Shim, as well as St. James’ student Lux Saevitz and St. Paul’s student Romy Tomich. These dedicated, young ballerinas will

Mejia, who will be dancing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

“Dancing with Westside students feels like a full circle moment,” said Peck. “I am thrilled that Westside has asked me to be a part of their Nutcracker to help keep … inspiring the next generation of dancers,” she said.

share the stage with Westside alumni and New York City Ballet (NYCB) principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman

JoyandPeaceToAll!

leisha@leishawillis.com Licensed

Excited about this year’s performance, Bakhshandehpour said, “It is so inspiring to watch Tiler Peck, who danced at Westside and is now a principal dancer with NYCB and is arguably one of the most influential dancers in America, dance in our ‘Nutcracker.’ It would be such a dream for me to dance professionally, and performing with Tiler Peck makes [this aspiration] feel that much closer to a possibility.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit westsideballet.com.

Nutcracker

(Continued from Page 1) andria Avenue) has developed friendships with schools that work with underserved children and their families, one in four seats at this year’s “Nutcracker” performances will be filled with such children and families.

The four 2024 performances of the Marat Daukayev “Nutcracker” will be presented at the Luckman Theater, 5151 State University Dr. Go to theater.maratdaukayev.org to purchase tickets.

Rotary trees

(Continued from Page 1)

29, the lot, at 568 N. Larchmont Blvd., will be selling the much sought-after silvertip firs, along with noble, Douglas and Nordmann trees.

Silvertips have a greenish grey hue with very stiff branches and needles. “They aren’t the typical bushy Christmas tree, but the young hipsters love them,” according to Wendy Clifford, the Rotarian who organizes the lot. She is very happy to have them back this year because they are difficult to acquire and stock.

Purchasing your tree here helps Wilshire Rotary raise funds for local nonprofit organizations such as Anderson Munger YMCA, Hope-Net, Alexandria House and Big Sunday, among others. In addition to trees, the Rotary lot will have fresh wreaths and garlands for sale.

“I feel the lot is a big part of the community. I give away about 100 trees each year to charities and needy families. Helping others is my favorite part [of organizing the lot],” says Clifford.

Selling trees takes a lot of effort, and the lot provides

65 people with seasonal jobs. Additionally, the lot gets a tremendous number of volunteers from the Interacters of Larchmont Charter High School. Interacters are the high school participants of Rotary International.

“Give a Gift” Dec. 8

In conjunction with the lot, the Rotary is hosting its 26th “Give a Gift to Santa.” This event takes place in the parking lot behind Page Academy, at 565 N. Larchmont Blvd., on Sun., Dec. 8, from noon to 4 p.m.

This festive fundraising afternoon includes a bounce house, cookie decorating and crafts. Participants donate unwrapped toys or games worth $10 or more. Santa in turn gives the gifts to kids in need at the Red Shield Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood and the Ronald McDonald House a few days before Christmas. This is the 18th year that Wilshire Rotary will be operating on the Boulevard, according to Clifford, who has been in charge of the lot for the past 12 years. It’s open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Mon., Dec. 23, or until the trees run out.

WINDSOR SQUARE resident Arlo Miller-Baynham helps a customer with his purchases.

THE SOUGHT-AFTER silvertip firs are for sale at the lot on Larchmont.

Photos by Wendy Clifford

IN 2023’s “NUTCRACKER” performance by Westside Ballet, Mila Bakhshandehpour portrayed a Russian dancer.

Photo by Anne Slattery

Historic homes, local school’s 100th, First Century and more

Lots of activity was going on around the town in November, all just a precursor to the busy December holiday season.

Our neighborhoods’ venerable Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society presented its annual home tour on Nov. 2, this year titled “The Merry Homes of Windsor Blvd.”

Member volunteers registered guests and distributed a handsome and informative program booklet at the Windsor Boulevard home of June Bilgore. Other volunteers served as docents at the four houses on the tour, explaining the homes’ histories and pointing out features of their architecture and interior décor.

The houses were at 434, 606 and 616 South Windsor and at

Around the Town with Sondi Toll Sepenuk

455 Lorraine. The first and last (434 and 606) originally were part of a seven-parcel project planned in Windsor Square for members of the Janss family.

606 Lorraine later was named Los Tiempos when occupied for decades by Los Angeles Times publisher Mr. Norman Chandler and Mrs. Dorothy Buffum Chandler.

The other two houses on Windsor (606 and 616) were especially intriguing to

DOCENT Jane Gilman (center) welcomes tour guests to Windsor Square’s historic Janss-Chandler house.

tour-goers because the houses originally were part of the same property.

A comprehensive collection of photos from the “Merry Homes” tour is on Flicker at: tinyurl.com/5b9avrxt.

• • •

The next day, Las Palmas Avenue between Second and Third streets was closed for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the adjacent Third Street Elementary School

The block party, which also extended onto the school campus, featured booths with

arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games and prizes. A stage at the end of the block hosted performances, including a visit from the puppets of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, and speeches and

presentations from parents and alumni and local dignitaries such as City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky.

WINDSOR SQUARE HANCOCK PARK Historical Society volunteers (from left) Diane Sherwood, Suzanne Branchflower, Diana Braker and Marlene Zweig work the check-in table.

HOMES TOUR-GOERS listened to a history spiel from docent Bret Parsons in the living room at 616 S. Windsor Blvd..

SOCIETY

(Please turn to Page 6)

PANTHER students debate cupcake merits at Third Street’s 100th celebration.

THIRD STREET SCHOOL’S 100th anniversay shindig was on Las Palmas Ave.

Around the Town

(Continued from Page 5)

• • •

Downtown, later in that week, about 175 people gathered on Nov. 7 for the 84th annual luncheon of First Century Families , a group founded 86 years ago to renew friendships annually among descendants of the pioneers who came to Southern California before or during the first 100 years after the founding of the City of Los Angeles on September 4, 1781. Each year, the luncheon attendees also hear a presentation that is recorded and added to other family records preserved for scholars studying Southern California’s growth and progress.

This year’s presenter was James Michael Doyle, who gave an informative and entertaining illustrated talk titled, “The Many Beach Clubs of Santa Monica.”

Luncheon chairman was

mother, Carolyn Layport, Andrew Woodward, Elita Hotaling Balfour and Henry Woodward.

Hank Hilty of the A.F. Gilmore Company, owner of the Original Farmers Market. Other locals on the luncheon committee were Ynez Violé O’Neill and Chronicle publisher John H. Welborne. Locals attending the luncheon included Andrew Woodward and his son, Henry Woodward; Carolyn Layport and her daughter, Kathleen Zlockovich; and Eli-

ta Hotaling Balfour, who grew up on Windsor Boulevard but now lives in Pasadena with her husband, David Balfour, who grew up on June Street and also attended. Windsor Square’s Marilyn Thomas was there and had, as her guest, Marilyn Kezirian.

The beautiful blue and white floral centerpieces were provided by Alyce William-

son, whose de Roulet family home was on June. Among the guests at her table was Marilyn Brant Chandler DeYoung, who grew up on June in a house now part of the Turkish Consul General’s residence and who came down from Montecito for the luncheon. Joann Clark from Windsor Square attended, as did Lisa Hutchins, whose mom, Lucy McBain, came up from the desert for the event.

Bettijane Stuppy Pike, who

grew up in the historic Victorian house at Fourth Street and Lorraine Boulevard, was there, as were about a dozen members of the Workman family.

• • •

Some of the dresses swept the floor. Some were short and powerful. Some sparkled. Some were casual and comfortable. And every one of them showed the power of the women who wore them as members and supporters of the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA) who arrived at the Skirball Cultural Center to celebrate the JLLA’s Silver Jubilee Harvest Boutique on Nov. 17. The 500 guests were greeted by an ivy-covered wall of rose-tinted champagne glasses. The boutique vendors sold their wares (perfectly timed for the holidays), giving a portion of proceeds to the nonprofit League. Items included jewelry by French designer Coco Maloo, fine chocolates by Coco Suisse, beaded headbands, scarves, kaftans and toffees. Guests were also treated to silent auction items that included an exclusive HBO experience to attend “The White Lotus” season three premiere, a private wine class, an all-inclusive family escape to Costa Rica and a New York City Broadway experience. Guests noshed on cheese and crackers

(Please turn to Page 8)

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES and local journalist Christina

addresses

supporters during the luncheon and awards presentations.

Pascucci

JLLA’s

JLLA PRESIDENT Cristina Rivard (far left) and 2024 Harvest Boutique Chair Rafaella Liserre (far right) present the Community Achievement Award to mother-daughter duo Pepper Edmiston and Susan Abrams, founders of Happy Trails for Kids.

FIRST CENTURY Families annual luncheon attendees included locals (from left) Kathleen Zlockovich and her

THE CALIFORNIA CLUB was the setting for the First Century Families luncheon attended by Marilyn Kezirian and her hostess, Windsor Square’s Marilyn Thomas.

Around the Town

(Continued from Page 6)

while perusing the auction items, then were ushered into the soaring Guerin Pavilion for brunch and the program.

The JLLA, built on the idea of an “organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training,” was established in Los Angeles in 1926.

Mistress of Ceremonies

Christina Pascucci, a local journalist and yearslong JLLA member, spoke of her own experiences volunteering for the organization. “You show people that they matter, because you’re giving your most precious gift — your time.” JLLA President Cristina Rivard welcomed guests and spoke of the significance of the League. “It really does take a village, and I’m emotional about it for good reason.” Rivard then recognized this year’s awards honorees. Mother-daughter duo Pepper Edmiston and Susan Abrams, who founded Happy Trails for Kids, a nonprofit organization providing overnight summer camps and other year-round outdoor adventures for youth in the Southern California foster care system, received the Commu-

nity Achievement Award. Dr. Julie Elginer, who has served as a California State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) delegate, JLLA’s public policy director, action learning team coach for the Association of Junior Leagues International and as a sustaining advisor for the League’s Public Policy Council, received the Spirit

of Volunteerism Award. Make Good founder and Larchmont local Ruth Stalford spoke about her nonprofit’s collaboration with JLLA. “There are 2,000 kids aging out of foster care each year. We work really hard to make sure those kids get the same things our kids get. Without the JLLA, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”

The mood of the speakers and audience was unanimous, as Julie Elginer shared the Pirkei Avot quote, “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” The JLLA plans to raise $2 million (it is more than halfway there!) during its 2026 Centennial Campaign, and from the enthusiasm at the Harvest Boutique, it is a realistic goal. •

Finishing off the month was the Nov. 22 opening of the Los Angeles Automobile Show which continues at the Los Angeles Convention Center until Dec. 1.

Always a draw for the car-cu-

rious from around Southern California and elsewhere in the world, the show is one of the nation’s most impressive, and this year is no different.

This year’s show fills more than a million square feet at the Los Angeles Convention Center. On view are hundreds of the latest gas, hybrid and EV models from dozens of

manufacturers.

The giant West Hall has many displays featuring the great outdoors — artificial trees and projected backdrops of national parks and a wide variety of vehicles tricked out for camping. Learn more at: laautoshow.com.

And now you’re in the Larchmont know!

LARCHMONT LOCALS, from left, Michele Sanchez and Make Good founder Ruth Stalford enjoy an afternoon with JLLA President-Elect Dawn Eash and Mistress of Ceremonies Christina Pascucci.

THE KIA WKNDR concept car ties in with the camping-oriented vehicles prominent in the 2024 LA Auto Show’s West Hall at the Convention Center.

OUTDOORS ENJOYMENT is a 2024 Auto Show theme typified by this Volkswagen van.

SUBARU shows off vehicles in a rural setting honoring our national parks.

Flavors of the world will abound at LCS World Fair Dec. 14

By Casey Russell

The Larchmont Charter School (LCS) World Fair and Bake Sale returns on Sat., Dec. 14. The event, which celebrates the diversity of the school and the city of Los Angeles, will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the LCS campus at 1265 N. Fairfax Ave.

This family-friendly event is open to the public and invites attendees to take a trip around the world without leaving the city. The cultures, people and music of diverse countries will be highlighted, and games, native foods, drinks, activities, entertainment and bounce houses will delight fairgoers.

THE U.K. BOOTH featured sausage rolls with festive flags at last year’s fair.

This year’s food booths are not yet finalized, but last year, booths representing Korea, Japan, Latin America, Taiwan,

Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, the Caribbean, the Philippines, North America, American soul food and the school’s edible schoolyard were present.

While the fair serves as a fundraiser, a primary goal is to celebrate diversity while building community in a fun, inclusive way.

The 2023 World Fair attracted an estimated 500 people. This year’s attendees will again be given a “passport” upon entering the front gate, which they will fill out

ONIGIRI rice balls were among the delicious food selections at the Japanese booth at LCS’s 2023 World Fair.

as they visit various booths — each representing a country of origin of enrolled LCS families.

New to this year’s event will be pop-up shops featuring

Richard T. Chung, DDS

Cosmetic, Implant & General Dentistry

Member of the American & California Dental Associations. USC Graduate.

Most insurances accepted. Appointments recommended. New patients and emergencies welcome!

321 N. Larchmont Blvd. #424, Los Angeles 90004 323.461.3786

student-made products for sale in time for the holiday season.

Bake sale

Returning in conjunction with World Fair, Larchmont Charter School’s annual bake sale will provide not just baked goods, but other foods made by the school community’s many talented chefs. They contribute favorite family recipes that are available for pre-order and can be picked up at the fair. The menu will be available at larchmontcharter.org/bakesale.

Tickets for World Fair can be purchased at larchmontcharter.org/worldfair, or at the event.

NHM Commons event showcased new, free museum facility

By John Welborne

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHM) had a major opening day celebration on Nov. 17. Museum staff and elected offi-

cials shared with the public the new admission-free Welcome Center and its many features: Gnatalie, a green dinosaur skeleton; Barbara Carrasco’s amazing, colorful

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Mia Lehrer describes plantings outside the NHM Commons. A construction crane in the background hovers over the California Science Center pavilion being built around the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The Memorial Coliseum is at right.

80-foot-long mural, “L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective;” and a new café, gift shop and theater. All of this and an outdoor plaza are located at the southwest corner of the historic complex of NHM buildings in Exposition Park.

is one feature of the Barbara Carrasco mural that has found a permanent home after more than 40 years.

AND

TOR of the Natural History Museums Lori Bettison-Varga and NHM Commons architect Frederick Fisher share stories of the new building’s conception and construction. Lucas Museum is across the street in the background.

That location allows this entrance to be on ground level, opening onto the broad lawn separating the museum and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, both of which are

right across from the still-under-construction Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

Learn about the NHM Commons at: tinyurl.com/ yshrkd9v.

NEIGHBOR of the Natural History Museum Commons is the still-under-construction Lucas Museum.

“L.A. HISTORY - A Mexican Perspective” is the mural across from Gnatalie, a 75-foot sauropod dinosaur skeleton in the NHM Commons Welcome Center.

PRESIDENT

DIREC

SPEAKER at the NHM Commons press preview was Los Angeles County Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (in red) in the new Commons Theater. Legendary photographer Gary Leonard is at work in the seat behind her.

ANGELS FLIGHT RAILWAY

Encounter with Ice Age past, gift shop for crafts, global view

By Suzan Filipek

New programming at local museums promises encounters with Los Angeles’ past, from an Ice Age animal to the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple-turned-Marciano Art Foundation.

Holiday gift shopping and exhibits on animation and works by Black artists are also featured this month.

Ice Age Encounters returns Wed., Dec. 4, to the La Brea Tar Pits in a show for families and children of all ages. A life-size, saber-tooth cat puppet — representing the real ones that roamed Los Angeles 10,000 years ago — will be featured in a live show on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m and 11:30 a.m. For tickets and more information, visit tarpits.org.

At the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, aimed to bring a smile to the holidays and for all ages — but especially tailored for younger audiences — Animation and Me opens Sat., Dec. 7.

Film clips, concept art and behind-the-scenes footage will tell the story of animation from its beginnings. Award-winning animator Marlon West of “Frozen II,” “Encanto,” “The Lion King” and more will join visitors in the gallery for a Drop-in

and Draw session on opening day from noon to 3 p.m. “Animation and Me” runs through April 6, 2025. Visit academymuseum.org.

The festive season will be celebrated at the Craft Contemporary Holiday Marketplace on Sat., Dec. 7, and Sun., Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Curated, one-of-a-kind pieces by Los Angeles-based artists will be for sale, including ceramics, jewelry, textiles and candles. Refreshments, music and family-friendly workshops will be at the event, which is free to members and $20 for the general public. Visit craftcontemporary.org.

A new exhibit, Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st Cen-

tury Art and Poetics, features 60 artists working in Africa, Europe and the Americas, and it includes painting, sculpture, photography and other media. Contemporary poets contributed original work to the exhibit, which opens Sun., Dec. 15, and ends Aug. 3, 2025, in BCAM at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

More than half of the artworks in the exhibit were recently acquired by LACMA, which shows “the museum’s commitment to Black artists working everywhere and points to the future of even more global collections of contemporary art at LACMA,” museum CEO Michael Govan said in a statement.

Two exhibits will open at the Marciano Art Foundation (MAF) this month. The first is Light-scape, a cinematic work by Doug Aitken, which is part of PST ART programming and is offered from Tues., Dec. 17, to March 15, 2025. (See story on Page 23.)

Works by artists Kristen Wentrcek and Andrew Zebulon are featured in Quaternion, which also opens at MAF on Dec. 17. The artists draw on materials like mosaics and stained glass that are features of Millard Sheets’ Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, where the Marciano Art Foundation now resides. The late Sheets was an artist and architectural designer. Visit marcianoartfoundation.org.

CYPERUS PAPYRUS, a work by Zohra Opoku, is in “Imagining Black

Enjoy Comedy & Cocktails Dec. 14

By Suzan Filipek

Bill Devlin’s Comedy & Cocktails Christmas Spectacular show is Sat., Dec. 14 at the Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave.

Doors open at 9:15 with live music.

In one of the longest running shows at the Improv — its Devlin’s 20th anniversary — expect special guests and celebrity drop-ins, Devlin tells us. Catch the comedien before he heads to Bangkok, Thailand for a line up of shows in early 2025.

For tickets and more information visit improv.com.

Join us as we watch Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet come to life on stage with a cast of over 100 pre-professional dancers and discover the story of a young girl embarking on a whimsical journey through a world of enchanted toys and characters.

Saturday, December 7th at 2pm

Saturday, December 7th at 7pm

Sunday, December 8th at 11:30am

Sunday, December 8th at 4:30pm

www.maratdaukayev.com

The Luckman Theatre: 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

SPIDERMAN will be included in the “Animation and Me” exhibit opening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Diasporas” at LACMA.

IMAGE: Martine

Craft Contemporary plans tribute to The Egg and The Eye in May

By Suzan Filipek

The Egg and the Eye, the cultural go-to spot that whipped up omelets amid an array of art in what is today’s Craft Contemporary museum, would have turned 60 in 2025. (It closed in 1989.)

To honor that heritage, the museum is producing a gala this coming spring.

Museum officials are going all out to celebrate the anniversary of the legendary restaurant and precursor to the Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Blvd. A benefit and art auction will take place on Sat., May 10, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Honorees

The Egg and The Eye’s founder, the late Edith R. Wyle, and fellow artist Bari Zipperstein will be honored at the event.

The Egg and The Eye opened on Nov. 1, 1965, with a restaurant on the second

floor and artwork and a gift shop downstairs.

Museum Executive Director Rody Lopez explained to us that the museum has pushed its annual gala to the spring and now is readying its endof-year giving campaign.

“The digital save-the-date will be going out in a few weeks, and tickets / sponsorship opportunities and formal invitations will be going out by February 2025,” he said.

At the gala, guests can enjoy a sit-down dinner on the third floor of the museum, where the art auction will take place.

A temporary installation of midcentury to modern works will be exhibited on the second floor. Everything will be for sale, said Lopez.

Wyle’s granddaughter, artist Sonia Romero, will design the event, along with ceramic-based artist and honoree Zipperstein.

“Edith Wyle will be honored

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

157 N. Larchmont Boulevard

“Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations, as the last month of the year.”

— Charles Dickens

“Season’s Greetings” from the Windsor Square Association, and best wishes for a happy, healthy and joyous holiday season!

The 2024 Windsor Square Annual Town Hall, held at The Ebell on Nov. 14th, was a resounding success! “Thank you” to Mayor Bass and CD13 Councilman Soto-Martinez for attending and answering often-tough questions from the more than 100 residents who participated.

WSA Board president Larry Guzin oversaw the meeting, and Board members Angie Szentgyorgyi and Tracey Durning spoke about block captains and public safety, followed by Board member Gary Gilbert discussing the “Windsor Square Prepare” one-page emergency preparedness form. Board member Jane Usher described current land use issues, including tall buildings being proposed for “Upper Larchmont.” On behalf of the residents of Windsor Square, Larry Guzin thanked and honored just-retired LAPD Olympic Division Senior Lead Officer (SLO) Joe Pelayo, presenting to him a handsome engraved glass pyramid keepsake. Also at the meeting were several current police officers, including Wilshire Division commanding officer Jeff Hollis, new Olympic SLO for our neighborhood, Daniel Chavez, and new Wilshire Division SLO for our neighborhood, Tyler Shuck. (Windsor Square is split down the middle into two local LAPD divisions.)

The WSA also awarded the 2024 Squeaky Wheel Award . In a presentation by Board member Jason Greenman, recognition went to Dena Bloom and Guy Nemiro, whose tireless efforts and persistence got many of the streetlights working again, and also to Bill Hermanns for stimulating the city cleanup of the Sixth Street encampment.

Public Safety: The WSA continues to discuss and conduct outreach with regard to the possible introduction of Automatic License Plate Reader cameras on participating streets.

Deck the Halls! The Wilshire Rotary Christmas Tree Lot is officially open at 568 N. Larchmont Blvd. Net proceeds go to charitable causes. Come get yours before the big ones are all gone!

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.

325 N. Larchmont Blvd., #158, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or windsorsquare.org.

for her legacy, and Bari Zipperstein is an honoree looking forward to the future,” Lopez explained.

Awards will be in the shape of egg cups in homage to the original restaurant and gallery space. “People would come for the omelets and stay for the art,” Lopez said.

Wyle was a crusader for handmade works of art, and her enthusiasm caught on,

drawing visitors from around the world.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum opened in 1973 in the three-story Neo-Georgian building designed in 1930 by Gilbert Stanley Underwood (also the architect of the 1940 U.S. Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles and the 1926 Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite). The museum was rebranded as Craft Contem-

porary in 2018. Renaissance

The museum lost its momentum during the pandemic, but it’s experiencing a renaissance now.

“People are coming, and they really love what we’re doing. We’re pushing the medium and highlighting the artists,” Lopez added. Learn more at craftcontemporary.org.

Education director has her dream job

By Suzan Filipek

Kate Zankowicz is the new director of education at Craft Contemporary. She is also perhaps the Miracle Mile museum’s greatest champion.

“It really is a dream come true. I adore the museum. It’s such a small but mighty place,” Zankowicz told us last month.

She describes herself as a “maker,” who likes to work with her hands and create works out of waste. “Draw a face on an empty yogurt container, and it becomes a robot or a puppet,” she beams.

“Art comes from everywhere. It’s really about noticing what’s around you,” said the Canada native.

It was after moving to the U.S. in 2017 that she had a sort of epiphany while attending the “Keepin’ It Clean” exhibit at the museum, then called the Craft and Folk Art Museum.

“This is the museum for me,” she thought at the time, after meeting the exhibit’s artist, Betty Sayre, in the bathroom. “If ever there is an education job, I would love to apply,” she told herself. And that’s exactly what happened.

Zankowicz started her new position in August, replacing Billie Rae Vinson, who went to the Orange County Muse-

um of Art, where she is the director of learning and engagement.

In her new post, Zankowicz aims to expand outreach to younger children and families to bring a wider reach to the intimate, hands-on museum.

She has created community-driven programming in museums in Canada and the

U.S. for the past 20 years. Zankowicz holds a doctorate in education, with a focus on museum-based learning, from the University of Toronto.

She was most recently at the ReDiscover Center, a hotbed for creative reuse.

She was at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens for more than six years, and she was an education coordinator at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

She volunteered as an educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and she was a literacy tutor at the Downtown Women’s Center.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Kate Zankowicz

Tailwaggers brings snow, photo ops to Blvd.

By Casey

Russell

Larchmont Village’s Tailwaggers location will present its Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws

holiday pet photo event Sat., Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Benefiting The Tailwaggers Foundation, which helps fund

efforts to get rescue animals healthy and ready for their forever homes, the event gives pets and their families a chance to pose for holiday photos with Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws.

Complimentary pet treats will be provided, and the store will offer discounts, but young Larchmontians will most likely be drawn to the 10,000 pounds of real snow that will arrive that morning.

“I tell people with kids to come early before the snow turns yellow,” said Tailwaggers owner Todd Warner with a smile.

VinylFest to spin Dec. 7 at Original Farmers Market

Celebrate the resurgence of the classic vinyl record — which is having a comeback after the compact disc stole its thunder — at the Original Farmers Market inaugural VinylFest on Sat., Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To celebrate the Market’s 90th anniversary, music culture will fill the day with a curated mix of record labels, old-school retailers, pinball machines and photography.

New and used records from Amoeba Music, vinyl listening stations from Los Angeles radio station KCRW and a rock photography exhibit featuring works by Jeff Kravitz are among highlights.

Head to the Clock Tower Plaza at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St.

Celebrate holiday season at Ebell

By Casey Russell

The Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., is hosting three holiday events this December.

First up is the Holiday Ball – An Enchanted Soiree, Sat., Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvre and cocktails followed by a threecourse dinner at the historic venue. There will be music, dancing and lots of sparkle. Come alone or with others to celebrate the holidays. Tickets are $145.

The Ebell’s Holiday Lun-

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to visit The Ebell

Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries will be at The Ebell of Los Angeles on Mon., Dec. 2, to discuss his new book, “The ABCs of Democracy.”

The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35; a $57 option includes a copy of the book.

The representative for New York’s 8th Congressional District, Jeffries has served as leader of the House Democratic Caucus since 2023. Visit ebellofla.org for more information. The Ebell is at 743 S. Lucerne Blvd.

cheon and Boutique will take place Wed., Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a signature holiday lunch at noon. Access to the boutique is free. For the $85 signature lunch or the $35 premium boxed lunch, reserve by Fri., Nov. 29.

LA Voices: Ebell Holiday Chorale Concert takes place on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. This year’s program, “The Light in Your Window,” features one of Los Angeles’ longest-running female chorales, which will serenade listeners with seasonal music. A holiday tea featuring champagne, fine tea and delicious treats will follow the concert. The concert is free of charge; tickets for the afternoon tea are $50.

Visit ebellofla.org for tickets to all three events.

Yuletide and Hanukkah events bring joy of the holiday season

Celebrate the holidays at the Original Farmers Market with the Salvation Army Kettle Kick-off on Thurs., Dec. 5, at 5 p.m.

The Market will be decked out in its yuletide finest and will feature live music and more during Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree on Fri., Dec. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.

A Hanukkah celebration is on Thurs., Dec. 19, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. with a Lego menorah building, youth performances, crafts and sing-a-longs. The celebrations continue into the new year with a menorah lighting hosted by Miracle Mile Chabad on Wed., Jan. 1. Yuletide carolers will sing the sounds of the season from Fri., Dec. 20, to Sun., Dec. 22, from noon to 3 p.m.

VISITORS at last year’s Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws event enjoyed the snow.

Hakeem Jeffries

Historic boxcar placed atop pavilion at Holocaust Museum

By Nona Sue Friedman

With a crane, Holocaust Museum Los Angeles (HMLA) hoisted from a transport trailer an authentic boxcar 180 feet in the air on Nov. 8. The boxcar — used in Europe to transport victims during the Holocaust — then was placed prominently in what will be the top of the museum in Pan Pacific Park — in a pavilion set to open in March 2026.

Typically, a boxcar is a roofed freight train car used to move cargo. However, during World War II, the Nazis transported Jews and other victims throughout Europe in train boxcars en route to concentration and extermination camps. Each car was crammed with about 100 people, much like cattle, for multiple days. There were more than 74,000 boxcars used on the Nazis’ railroad system.

This particular boxcar was found buried in Lublin,

Poland, near the Majdanek concentration camp. It is one of only 13 historic human transport boxcars in the U.S. It is the only one on the West Coast and is the largest artifact the Holocaust Museum owns.

After the boxcar was lowered and situated at its new home, a portion of its protective wrapping from shipping was removed to reveal its chestnut-colored wooden slats.

Speakers and funding

Attending the unveiling were about 200 invited guests

including local government representatives, Holocaust survivors and museum donors.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky of CD 5 said, “Truth is precious and facts matter. The boxcar stands as a testament to the truth and our history. We are guardians of these lived experiences.”

When construction of the new addition is complete, the boxcar will be housed in its own pavilion that will present a multisensory experience for

visitors, who will hear names of victims who lost their lives in the Holocaust, listen to survivors talk about their experiences and learn about the boxcar.

Beverly Hills resident Stanley Black and his family are funding the pavilion, which is part of the “Building Truth” campaign to expand the museum’s Jona Goldrich Campus. The Black’s family foundation donated the boxcar to HMLA, which has named its pavilion in their honor. Jill Black Zalben, Black’s daughter, told

the Chronicle that it was her father’s mission to find a place for the boxcar that allowed the public to interact with and learn from it.

Jesse Gabriel, Assemblyman for District 46 and co-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, along with Senator Ben Allen for District 24, a member of the Caucus, spoke of the dream becoming a reality. The two legislators were key to securing $8 million of state support. Allen said, “This boxcar sends a powerful message. It’s important to educate the next generation.”

HMLA teaches the importance of standing up against hatred, bigotry and antisemitism.

HMLA annual gala is Dec. 3

Academy Award-winning founders of Magnopus Technology Studio will be honored at the Holocaust Museum Los Angeles (HMLA) 16th annual gala, “Shaping the Future,” on Tues., Dec. 3.

First cousins Amy Conroy and Amanda Markowitz Wizenberg, who are granddaughters of Holocaust survivors and who speak frequently at the museum, also will be honored at the gala. The event will be at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd. It begins with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Ben Grossmann and Alex Henning of Magnopus collaborated with the museum to create an innovative augmented reality app that allows users worldwide to engage with the museum’s Sobibor exhibit.

Learn about the museum at 100 The Grove Dr. and obtain gala tickets at holocaustmuseumla.org.

WRAPPED boxcar in midair as it is lowered to its new home.

BOXCAR is partially unwrapped at its new location at the Holocaust Museum Los Angeles.

RENDERING of the future exhibit space for the boxcar.

PST ART exhibits to open at Marciano, Craft Contemporary

By Suzan Filipek

PST ART: Art & Science Collide, the world’s largest art event, is at several local venues throughout Southern California. Here’s a sampling offered at local sites this month.

Marciano Art Foundation

“Lightscape,” a cinematic work by Doug Aitken, takes visitors on a hallucinatory journey through the modern world at Marciano Art Foundation beginning on Tues., Dec. 17. Created in collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale, the seven-screen installation features music by Philip Glass, Steve Reich and others. Landscapes of the American West, noted actors and vistas of coffee shops and trucks are included in vignettes.

The exhibit continues through March 15, 2025, at 4357 Wilshire Blvd. Advanced timed-entry reservations are required and become available on Dec. 9. Visit lightscapeart. org.

Craft Contemporary

A vat of kombucha (fermented tea) gel is featured in a demonstration by artist and alchemist Maru Garcia at the Craft Contemporary in a free program on Sat., Dec. 14 at noon. Sheets of the bac-

VISITORS were invited to create and learn in a plethora of colorful activity booths.

Family Festival brought learning to life at Tar Pits

By Casey Russell

The PST ART + Science Family Festival took place over three days in early November at the La Brea Tar Pits. Interactive workshops, art activities, science demonstrations and lively entertainment abounded.

The free event featured a gigantic 3D printing exhibition presented by Ronald Rael, the founder of Muddy Robots, showcasing his device’s ability to use 3D print with adobe clay for earthen construction with sustainable building materials. Adjacent to this exhibition was a hands- (and feet-) on activity for children to learn how to build with adobe, the world’s oldest and most sustainable building

(Please turn to Page 24)

teria-rich skin that top the batch are used in the artist’s sculpture. It’s part of “Material Acts: Experimentation in Architecture and Design,” which takes a new look at nature as a material for architecture, craft and science. Through Jan 5. Craft Contemporary, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., craftcontemporary.org.

La Brea Tar Pits

A 10-foot sculpture of a fossilized pack rat skeleton is featured in “Mark Dion: Excavations.” During a residency at the La Brea Tar Pits, Dion assisted with excavations, sorted microfossils and, for this work, created six new drawings of mammal skeletons found in the Tar Pits. Named after scientists, artists, historical figures and landmarks, the drawings are displayed alongside early museum murals and dioramas of Ice Age mammals in a playful presentation.

Through Sept. 15, 2025. La Brea Tar Pits, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., tarpits.org.

Academy Museum

“Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema” continues to July 13, 2025. In the exhibit, the story of creating cinematic landscapes and the power of color as a tool is told using media from hand-tinted silent films to digital production. Advance tickets required.

“Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures through Cinema” juxtaposes technological advances with social disorder. Through April 12, 2026. Advance tickets required.

Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. academymuseum.org.

LACMA

At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), “Digital Witness” looks at photography, graphic design and visual effects from

the 1980s to the present, through July 13, 2025. Nearly 70 works from the museum’s permanent collection explore the intersections of art and technology and art and film.

“Mapping the Infinite: Cosmologies Across Cultures” runs through March 2, 2025.

A related exhibition at LACMA, “We Live in Painting: The Nature of Color in Mesoamerican Art,” continues through Sept. 1, 2025. This exhibit explores the science, art and cosmology of color in Mesoamerica.

LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., lacma.org.

Visit pst.art for more information and a full list of events and exhibits.

“PRINT THIS MOMENT” is a poster by Rick Valicenti, designer, and William Valicenti, photographer, in LACMA’s “Digital Witness” exhibition.

Involving children in creating magical memories this holiday season

By Casey Russell

The holidays are upon us!

This year, the first day of Hanukkah begins on Christmas day, while Kwanzaa starts just one day later, on Thurs., Dec. 26. Children will soon be on winter break, and families will be getting together to celebrate the winter festivities.

It can feel like there’s always another to-do item on the list at this time of year. There are groceries to buy and homes to clean; presents to wrap and cards to write and send. Holiday crafts and meals need to be made and cleaned up afterward. With young members of the family out of school, parents can feel that child wrangling gets added to the list of things to do. But, by switching our mindsets, we can look at winter break as an opportunity for the whole family to work together to create not only a beautiful holiday, but also lifelong skills and memories.

Working together

I remember my childhood winter seasons as being completely magical. My mom and dad didn’t do everything for us. They let us participate in all the preparation and made it fun. When the house had to be cleaned for a party, or just to get ready to put up our tree, we turned on Christmas music and all pitched in at the same time.

After everything was cleaned, we placed candles and, at a certain age, were in charge of lighting them. We

helped choose where decorations would go and were given the tasks of setting and clearing tables. We took turns helping clean up after meals and always got excited to help prepare special holiday dishes or bake tasty cookies and treats.

Pride and capability

When children get involved in holiday prep, they gain a sense of pride and capability. Finding simple tasks for toddlers that are part of bigger tasks keeps these little ones entertained while allowing them to pitch in.

Kindergarten and early elementary school-aged children are often much more capable than we give them credit for.

A sturdy kitchen stool is a great investment, because the dishwashing task can then be bubbly fun for children of these ages.

Pretty much every young family member will enjoy making holiday cookies and, if supervised, even children as young as 4 can help chop vegetables, fruits and potatoes and start learning how to cook festive family meals.

Cleaning can be a harder sell for a lot of kids. But if we make it fun by putting on music or working on a task together, even this chore can get done with few grumbles and less work for the adults in the family. (It can also be fun to hide a few pennies, nickels or dimes around and let children know that any coins they find while cleaning will get to

Tips on Parenting by

Casey Russell

remain in their possession.)

I didn’t mind cleaning the bathroom during the holidays because I then got to choose which holiday hand towels to hang and which little ornaments and candles got placed on the counter. I felt good going in there in the days following my clean-up job because I knew I’d made it look so nice and festive.

Family walks and crafts

In the midst of the busyness, it can be nice to take the time to go for a few family walks, so children can gather pinecones, branches and other natural crafting supplies. This can be time well spent because, with the gathered bounty and a few additions like glue guns, regular glue and ribbons, a holiday crafting area can be set up. An area like this can be hours of fun for children with time on their hands. Wreath making, ornament crafting and even toy fixing can go on at this station, and children’s creativity can thrive.

Teens, too

Teens will need time to socialize with friends and to do their own things, but pitching in and participating in shared family moments both remain important, even as our kids

get older.

High schoolers are more than capable of helping clean out the gutters while they help put up holiday lights. They can also be encouraged to get out and about by being put in charge of dog walks. Teens can help plan holiday meals and can be encouraged to share time with younger siblings, playing dreidel and other games, making candles or reading holiday books aloud.

Taking time for each other

The holidays are full of things that need to get done, but they also are opportunities for beautiful, bonding, fun family time.

With the light fading earlier at this time of year, family strolls or drives to look at festive lights and decor can feel quite magical. Day trips to find snow and be in nature help us step out of our daily norm. Volunteering as a family at a soup kitchen or simply

CHILDREN got hands- (and feet-) on experience making adobe at the PST ART + Science Family Festival.

PST

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material. Children mixed the adobe with their hands and feet, shaped it into bricks and worked together to build a dome that could be used as an outdoor oven.

Other activities included the “Imagination Playground,” which featured large foam blocks — many shaped like dinosaur bones — ready for assembly; a mock ER surgery area for children to experience; and microfossil sorting. The latter enabled children to get a taste of what paleontologists do. One colorful tent welcomed visitors to make pollinator puppets; another invited families to make LED flowers. There was even a workshop where kids were able to mix colors and create their own stop-motion animation projects.

gathering warm clothes and gently used toys to take to those in need are activities that can help others, while creating meaningful, memorable family moments.

But simply allowing unplanned time to relax in front of the Christmas tree, or Hanukkah candles, or whatever your family’s holiday traditions are — with soothing music and cozy blankets — can bring the feelings that are ultimately the ones we, and our children, will remember forever.

skin deep

by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

This year we are happy to announce the return of our holiday specials. We have carefully selected our most popular and effective treatments to tighten skin, build collagen, and improve texture and pigmentation.

We are offering special pricing on our most popular lifting and tightening devices- Sofwave, Thermage, and Ultherapy. If you’re wondering which one is best for you, don’t hesitate to call the office and we can offer guidance. In addition, these treatments include some of our favorite skincare products to enhance the results.

For patients who want to focus on the eye area, we are offering “all about the eyes.” This package uses a combination of Sofwave, Thermage, and skincare to lift and tighten the delicate eye skin and improve fine lines and wrinkles.

To address pigmentation, pore size, and texture we are offering special pricing on our Fraxel and Clear+Brillaint lasers. Fraxel face, neck, and chest is combined with Halo BBL to maximize results. Clear+Brilliant is combined with our Diamond Glow and Oxygen facial to give you glowing skin for the holidays.

Another special we are excited to announce this year is Kerafactor for hair growth. Kerafactor combines a laser with a topical serum to deliver peptides and growth factors to the hair follicle. Over the course of 4 monthly treatments patients can expect to see an increase in hair density and fullness.

Science-based street performers and other family friendly shows kept families entertained during the festive day of family fun, creativity and learning.

To find out about upcoming events, visit pst.art/events

As an added bonus, all skincare is 20% off until the end of the year. Visit our website, rebeccafitzgeraldmd.com, or call the office to purchase. Our specials will be available until December 31, 2024 and must be redeemed by December 31, 2025. Adv.

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology. She is a member of the Botox Cosmetic National Education Faculty and is an international Training Physician for Dermik, the makers of the injectable Sculptra. She is also among a select group of physicians chosen from around the world to teach proper injection techniques for Radiesse, the volumizing filler. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA. Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD.com or call (323) 464-8046 to schedule an appointment.

Laughing while waiting for ‘Godot’; a nice ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Imagine, dear reader, a moment from 1956. Gasoline is 30 cents a gallon. Lucy, Ed Sullivan and “Playhouse 90” rule TV. Ads have women wearing high heels and poodle skirts around their kitchen appliances. “God’s in his heaven and all’s right with the world,” as Robert Browning wrote of an earlier era.

That new year began on Jan. 3 at Florida’s Coconut Grove Playhouse, an hour’s drive from Mar-a-Lago, with the “laugh sensation of two continents” — Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, starring Cowardly Lion Bert Lahr and Tom Ewell (hot off “The Seven Year Itch” with Marilyn Monroe). What could go wrong?

“On opening night,” wrote Lahr’s son, critic John Lahr, “half the audience walked out after the first act; the next day, there was a line at the box office — to return tickets… The play was not so much a laugh riot as a revolution in theatrical storytelling; inevitably, it was met with militant incomprehension.” (You can listen to the subsequent Broadway production, made possible by Bert Lahr’s perseverance, with co-star E.G. Marshall, at tinyurl.com/3jn34fam.)

Now, 2024: The problem with the revival of “Godot” at the Geffen (through Sun., Dec. 15), is that it is a laugh riot. As directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett and performed by a cast featuring Rainn Wilson and Aasif Mandvi, Beckett’s landscape, for all its bleakness, is a void where nothing much happens and what does happen isn’t all that bad. It is Beckett minus the angst; Beckett lite.

1956 Cold War America was recovering from McCarthyism, but the Suez Crisis and the brutal repression of Hungarians by Soviet troops, not to mention the coming “Eisenhower” recession, would send a frisson of dread into the air. If a production of “Godot” can’t capture the frisson of our current climate, then why not play it for laughs? What else would we do while waiting? boxoffice@geffenplayhouse.org; 310-208-2028. Beckett originally wrote “Godot” in French, so the French connection is strong this month. Romeo et Juliette, composer Charles Gounod’s take on Shakespeare’s play, at Los Angeles Opera through Sat., Nov. 23, is, as one 19th century critic put it, “always pleasing, though seldom impressive.”

There is nothing wrong with spending a couple of hours listening to pleasing duets (and a famous waltz aria). The talented young artists in the title roles, tenor Duke Kim and soprano

Amina Edris, are fine, as is the supporting cast. Conductor Domingo Hindoyan (who shares podium duties with Lina González-Granados) is capable and efficient. But this is an opera house where, in my very recent memory, Domingo, Alagna, Gheorghiu and Von Stade reigned in the French repertoire. This is the third time Ian Judge’s 2005 production has been revived. Why bother, if it can’t be “impressively” sung (as it was in 2011)?

The French have a complicated relationship with Shakespeare: the 17th century Neoclassicists thought him a barbarian. It wasn’t until Victor Hugo’s son, François-Victor, translated the complete works (in prose!) between 1859-66, that the Elizabethan broke into French consciousness, his characters models for individ-

Theater Review by Louis Fantasia

ual freedom and expression. 1867 Paris was a city on the verge. Napoleon III, who had ruled for two decades, announced a series of liberal reforms. He had the city redesigned, displacing local neighborhoods with the broad avenues and the marble and gilt palaces we know today. Impressionism was about to burst onto the scene.

But unlike his Italian contemporary Guiseppe Verdi, whose Macbeth and Otello throb with the vitality of the times, Gounod remained steadfastly “ancien regime”

musically, or, to mix painting metaphors, more Ingres than Manet. All the more reason his work needs stunningly “impressive” voices to sweep us away. laopera.org; 213972-8001.

Four years after “Godot” premiered in the U.S. in 1956, J.F.K. brought a brief but shining Camelot to America. Four years after Gounod’s opera premiered, the Prussians

crossed the Rhine and laid siege to Paris. Which are we waiting for?

Only Godot knows. o o o What to watch for The Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration comemmorates 65 years and the artistry of Los Angeles on Dec. 24; free, but tickets are required: holidaycelebration. org; 213-972-3099.

Bogie’s Liquor

7 Days

Hours: Open 10 a.m. Close 2 a.m.

Bogie documentary, Eastwood and gladiators are at the cinema

Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes (10/10): 99 minutes.

NR. It’s hard to believe that there has never been a major independent documentary on the life of Humphrey Bogart, but this is the first one.

It’s told by Bogie himself, along with Lauren Bacall and his three other wives. In fact, director Kathryn Ferguson did painstaking research and has Bogie telling the story of his life himself using previously unseen archives, letters and interviews from those closest to him.

Among those contributing to Bogie’s story in their own words are his third wife, Mayo Methot, who receives long-overdue credit for Bogie

transforming from a character actor to a star, second wife Mary Philips, and first wife Helen Menken, both of whom contributed to his progression. Ferguson has heretofore concentrated on women and, so, she gives all of Bogie’s wives their due. Also contributing are Louise Brooks, John Huston and Katharine Hepburn among many others.

Those speaking create a web from which Bogie’s personality congeals, and it is complex.

Here are some of the gems:

“I don’t trust any bastard who doesn’t drink. People who don’t drink are afraid of revealing themselves.” (Bogie)

“Bogie when he was drunk, he was a totally different fel-

low. He had one thing that remained constant and that was his needling of phonies.” (Peter Viertel, screenwriter and friend)

“He was always short-tempered, but if you knew him, you didn’t believe him. The dividing line was final and clear cut. You knew where you stood 10 minutes after you met him.” (Bob Schiffer, friend)

“He either liked you or he didn’t like you.” (Florence Schiffer)

“He was a searcher for a weakness in a person. He loved to goad. He would call it teasing. It was really testing. He loved to find where he could find a sensitive part of a person, and he was a master at finding it.” (Doris Bowden, friend)

“He was an unpredictable man. He didn’t walk around with a chip on his shoul-

der. He carried the chip in his hand and made sure you knew he had it and was going to put it on his shoulder any minute.” (Joseph Mankiewicz, director and friend)

“There were times when he would pick on people for no reason whatsoever, usually brought on by drinking. But occasionally he would go after somebody who had no defenses and who really shouldn’t be picked on.” (Nathaniel Benchley, author and friend)

“He was serious. He was enormously fair. He was very much of a gent, very well born, frightfully good manners. Not a tough guy; he was the exact opposite.” (Katharine Hepburn on “The African Queen” [1951])

There are clips from films, too. It tells about how Bogie and Bacall founded The Rat Pack. And it’s claimed that the noir “In a Lonely Place” (1950) captured feelings and personality that were shared by the real Bogart. He also expresses his disdain for Brando and The Actors Studio.

There is a lot more to this excellent film. Whether or not you are a Bogie fan, it’s one not to be missed.

and this is another good one. From a script by Jonathan Abrams, Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) is a recovering alcoholic whose wife, Allison Crewson (Zoey Deutch), is very pregnant. Kemp is chosen to be a juror in a murder trial of James Michael Sythe (Gabriel Basso). The defendant is accused of murdering his own girlfriend.

The prosecuting attorney is Faith Killebrew (Toni Collette), who is running for District Attorney. Defending Sythe is Eric Resnick (Chris Messina), and there seems to be an unusually friendly relationship between the two.

This is akin to “Twelve Angry Men” (1957), Sidney Lumet’s film starring Henry Fonda that received several Oscar nominations, although that film receives no credit in this one. In that one, one juror held out for not guilty because he believed the accused was not guilty. In this one, Kemp knows for a fact that Sythe is not guilty, but Kemp has a terrible conflict of interest.

The acting is terrific and the story believable as Kemp attempts to sway the others to save the defendant without revealing why he knows that

Juror #2 (8/10): 114 Minutes. PG-13. Director Clint Eastwood rarely disappoints, (Please turn to Page 28)

Ettore is new at OFM — a collaboration with Osteria Mamma

The newly opened Ettore Vino e Cucina, a sit-down restaurant and marketplace, brings previously overlooked fine Italian dining to the Original Farmers Market (OFM). It is a collaboration between local favorite Osteria Mamma and Ettore, an organic winery in Mendocino owned by Ettore Biraghi and Sofia Rivier. The seeds for joining forces were sown when the osteria became the first customer of the winemaker, and a relationship was forged. The division of labor is obvious: Ettore Winery’s managing director, Fabrizio de Falco, curates the wines, featuring vinos from Italy along with Ettore’s own wines; Osteria Mamma’s Filippo Cortivo oversees the food menu. Chef Mònica Angelats Coll, previously of Brera Ristorante and Flor y Solera, helms the kitchen. They make a winning team.

Open walls

The restaurant is airy and welcoming, with an entire wall left open to, but separate from, the comings and goings of the market. Warm wood tables, comfortable wooden padded chairs and rustic shelving create a casual, attractive environment that is clearly more upscale than the surrounding food stalls. There is a retail section with wine, olive oils and such. There is also an umbrella-and-olive-tree-shaded patio which is particularly lovely after dark, which is where we sat.

We started with glasses of

Ettore wine; an $18 cabernet and $15 merlot. Both drank well on their own as well as complementing our food. The night we were there, 12 wines were offered by the glass ranging $14-18, and 23 bottles were listed, with only two over $69. Five were under $55.

Food prices are remarkably reasonable, especially in this time when a $35 appetizer is less and less unusual. I generally love starters more than the big plates in an Italian restaurant, and there is an abundance of choices here, including beef carpaccio with walnut pesto, fried anchovies, and buffalo mozzarella with Parma prosciutto and sundried tomatoes.

We started with chickpea fritters, $12, an octopus and sausage skewer, $16, and a salad of beets, heirloom carrots, pistachio, ricotta, horseradish dressing and toasted bread, $16. The five flat, square fritters were crispy on the outside, soft and luscious inside and were accompanied by a mildly spiced aioli for dipping. Fritters are often gooey, stodgy or fried beyond any identifiable flavor, but these had satisfying texture and tasted like chickpeas. I could eat them every day. Octopus is often served as a larger piece of grilled tentacle accompanied by potatoes, but the threaded bite-sized tender pieces of octopus, interspersed with bits of sausage, had enjoyably crunchy edges, and the “surf-and-turf” aspect of the combination worked. The salad, sadly, lacked acid to

On the Menu by

Helene Seifer

awaken its flavors.

Pasta

In this age of gluten-free and carb-demonization, many people avoid pasta. Well, then, more for me. I would happily die in a mountain of pasta, simply dressed in Parmesan cheese and mounds of cracked pepper. Ettore Vino e Cucina offered a terrific variety of pasta options, including lasagna rolls Bolognese, red wine tagliatelle with mushrooms and kale and gnocchi with San Marzano tomato sauce. We ordered the spaghettini with zucchini, pecorino cheese, fresh mint and lemon zest, $22. Ever since the spaghetti alla Nerano episode on “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” I’ve been searching for a pasta and zucchini dish as stunning as the one Tucci tasted. Ettore’s house-made spaghettini itself was delicious, nicely salted and cooked perfectly al dente. The complete dish was fresh, flavorful and thoroughly enjoyable. But it was not a transformative experience. Perhaps I’ve fallen prey to the unrealistic expectations of the viral universe.

Fish, dessert The fish of the day was one

of my favorite types of seafood: grilled calamari steak, this time topped with large, lovely shrimp, disproving my theory that large plates are not worth ordering. This was not only worth ordering, we ate every last morsel.

Of course we did not have room for dessert. Of course we ordered two anyway, a vanilla panna cotta with blueberry coulis and an affogato, each $12. The blueberry coulis had intense berry flavor, perfect with the simple, silky panna cotta. The espresso and vanilla ice cream affogato, always more than the sum of its parts, is always a perfect ending to a delightful meal out.

Ettore Vino e Cucina, 6333 W. Third St., Original Farmers Market, Stall #120, 323-386-1222.

Small Business

(Continued from Page 1) be serving hot apple cider and offering 20 percent off all boxed holiday cards and Christmas ornaments.

Shorthand , at 126 N. Larchmont Blvd., will be gifting the first 20 customers of the day with complimentary goodie bags.

Flicka Floral & Home, at 536 N. Larchmont Blvd., will offer 20 percent off all pre-ordered holiday flower arrangements.

Larchmont Beauty Center, 208 N. Larchmont Blvd., will give a free gift with every $50 purchase.

Faherty, at 219 N. Larchmont Blvd., will be giving customers who spend $350 or more $75 off. Those who bring an unwrapped toy donation for the nonprofit, Nuevo Amanecer Latin Children Services, will receive 15 percent off.

Chevalier’s Books, at 133 N. Larchmont Blvd., will be kicking off its holiday gift guide, which is filled with bookstore recommended books. The beloved bookstore will combine this launch with a Boozy Book Fair from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For $15, participants can peruse the store during the late hours, receive free gift-wrapping for purchases, take home a Chevalier’s tote bag, and drink complimentary wine. There also will be signed books for sale.

Pho La Vache, 125 N. Larchmont Blvd., will serve free Thai tea with any purchase.

Velvet by Graham and Spencer, 146 N. Larchmont Blvd., will be discounting items storewide by 25 percent Friday through Sunday.

Small bite: Jinky’s, a casual breakfast and lunch café with locations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, opened recently on Beverly Boulevard. Its vast menu covers the gamut of daytime eating, including a $10 breakfast special of two eggs, two pancakes and bacon, pancakes, waffles and French toast topped with everything imaginable ($13-18), various omelettes and scrambles ($1720), $18 huevos rancheros, $17 hamburger, $20 quinoa bowl with salmon and myriad salads ($16-17). We enjoyed our $13 plain challah French toast, $18 eggs Florentine and $18 Santa Fe scramble. Try a turmeric latte or Bloody Mary with your meal.

Jinky’s, 7233 Beverly Blvd., 323-433-7573.

tionally, holiday advent calendars for dogs and cats will be discounted by 30 percent on Small Business Saturday. Hancock Homes Realty is eager for people to RSVP to its free chili cook-off, which will take place on Sun., Dec. 8, from 1-5 p.m. Email team@ hancockhomes.com.

Audette said more businesses are sure to sign on, prior to the day. Neighbors are invited to stroll the Boulevard on Small Business Saturday to support local businesses while taking advantage of the day’s special promotions.

Movies

(Continued from Page 26) Sythe is not guilty.

Gladiator II (5/10): 148 minutes. R. While watching this too long orgy of violence, I kept thinking of Cecil B. DeMille and his costly movies containing gargantuan sets and “casts of thousands.” Director Ridley Scott riddled the budget (which he greatly overran with a final cost exceeding $310 million) with huge sets and, yes, a cast of thousands telling a hard-to-believe story with little or no basis in fact except that there were gladiators fighting to the death and that the multiple re-creations of those might be close to accurate. I guess star Paul Mescal is a hunk (he allegedly put on 18 pounds of muscle to make the film), and the women might like him. This is yet another of those Hollywood films where I came out thinking, “There are two and a half hours I’ll never get back.”

Tailwaggers , at 147 N. Larchmont Blvd., will be offering a 20 percent discount on every Metro Paws product purchase, plus a free Metro Paws tote bag. Addi-

Recommended Reading: Two fascinating, eye-opening contrarian books: “Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Personal Letters” and “Six Encounters with Lincoln: A President Confronts Democracy and Its Demons,” both by the late Elizabeth Brown Pryor.

BUCKLEY

By Max Terr 11th Grade

Back with The Buckley School.

As the seniors submit their college essays and applications, a wave of relief has quickly flown through the campus. This relief for the seniors has lasted only temporarily, as the seniors are now waiting to hear back from their dream schools.

In addition to the stress of the seniors’ applications, the whole high school has been working tirelessly to make this year’s stu-

dent-run musical, “Something Rotten,” a huge success.

Meanwhile, the Lower School’s building project is nearing the end of construction with the Lower School students returning there in the new year. That’s all from The Buckley School.

CAMPBELL HALL

By Claire “Cal” Lesher 12th Grade

new year looks promising and fun.

lunchtime.

Our robotics team had its first competition at Chaminade School and the Campbell Hall art gallery had its annual showcase.

I wish everyone a safe holiday season full of laughter and peace.

CHRIST THE KING

The air is brisk and the smells and sounds of the holiday season are upon us. Campbell Hall classes are wrapping up for 2024, and the

I love this time of year — reconnecting with family, friends, loved ones and our community. However, before the winter break we have a busy lineup of our winter sports with the girls’ and boys’ high school soccer and basketball teams having begun last month. Our girls’ high school volleyball has made it to CIF State Regional Finals!

We have a plethora of holiday events at our school, including our annual “Nutcracker” performance, World Music Concert, La Familia Las Posadas, Evening of Jazz Concert, Choral Concert and also Chamber Music at

The Plymouth School

By Zoe Griswold and Anjella Guiza 8th Grade

November arrived with a slight chill in the air. The last leaves fall from the trees and winter is on its way! To start off the month, we had our All Saints’ Day Mass and Parade. Students dressed as saints of their choice.

Our Thanksgiving Food Drive began on Nov. 4 and students donated food items to give to needy families at Thanksgiving.

Basketball season has started for boys and girls, and our teams can’t wait to start competing in upcoming games. The first trimester ended on Nov. 15 and students received their report cards.

Eighth grade students are busy submitting applications to prospective high schools. The school held a Black & White Extravaganza Gala, which included a dinner, dancing and a silent auction. It was a great success, and enjoyed by all who attended. The 1st and 2nd graders performed the First Thanksgiving play for the student body, their parents and families before we left for our Thanksgiving break.

FAIRFAX HIGH

By Hillary Tong 12th Grade

teams have also had rewarding seasons, as the girls’ volleyball team, girls’ flag football team and boys’ football team have made it to playoffs.

IMMACULATE HEART

By Rosie Lay 11th Grade

The holidays are upon us, and Immaculate Heart wishes everyone a merry season!

Last month, we enjoyed the IH Genesians production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Audiences were blown away by the singing, acting and dancing talents of our students.

Most recently, the IH Pandas welcomed a weeklong break from classes to celebrate Thanksgiving, connect with families and relax. However, the break was also a good time to start studying for our cumulative assessment period, which marks the end of the semester later this month.

Meanwhile, we continue to cheer on our winter sports teams, and we wish good luck to all of our Panda athletes competing in basketball and soccer. We also look forward to our Winter Showcase, when students will show off their outstanding strengths in song and dance. There’s also our Christmas Program to celebrate, followed by our Winter Formal!

Finally, our Pandas look forward to Winter Break and the end of our first semester at IH!

LARCHMONT CHARTER

SELMA

By Elsie Mohr 5th Grade

Hi everyone, I hope you had a cheerful Thanksgiving!

Fairfax High School celebrated Halloween with face- painting and a very spooky Haunted House.

The Fairfax Computer Honor Society, led by Computer Science teacher Stephen Zanotti, hosted the first of several annual VEX IQ Robotics Competitions on Oct. 17. The event was a massive success, hosting over 20 elementary and middle school teams and welcoming over 200 guests.

The event not only promoted STEM engagement within the local community, but also enabled the Fairfax Robotics Program to fundraise to grow their program, which has seen tremendous growth in recent years.

The Fairfax Robotics teams also had their first FTC (First Tech Challenge) robotics competition on Nov. 3.

Fairfax’s Academic Decathlon Team participated in the regional scrimmage on Nov. 2. Meanwhile, Fairfax’s fall sports

At Larchmont Charter School, we give back to our community in many ways. For Thanksgiving, families came together and donated food to The Center in Hollywood for people recovering from homelessness. The students got involved too, by decorating bags in art class for the donations.

This month, our school is collecting toy donations for Toys for Tots. One of our elective classes will sort the toys and deliver them to the Salvation Army warehouse, where they will volunteer to prepare toys to be distributed to children around Los Angeles.

Just before winter break, we will have our annual World Fair. It’s an event celebrating our diversity. Families come together to share food and play music from their cultures. Kids can explore booths representing different countries while getting a stamp from each one for their World Fair passports. It’s truly a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season!

Personal images make a great holiday gift for young athletes

One of the best Christmas gifts I received as a youth was a black-and-white poster of legendary wrestlers Dan Gable and Bobby Douglas. I hauled that poster across Ohio, from Cleveland to Toledo, for the World Cup, which featured some of the greatest international wrestlers of that time. I knew Gable would be there — he was coaching the American team — and I hoped he would autograph it. That poster (which Gable did sign) was my prized possession, and it hung on my bedroom wall throughout my junior and senior high school years. Like every teenage athlete, I dreamed that some day, it would be I on one of those posters.

Canvas

There’s no reason your young athlete should wait to see himself or herself featured, poster-sized, on his or her bedroom wall. Claudia Deutsch owns Artspace Warehouse, located at 7358 Beverly Blvd. This spacious gallery, which was established in 2010, spotlights affordable original contemporary art created by a collection of various artists. But the art on the walls is not the focus in this column; it’s two of her featured artists.

Imagine presenting your young athlete an original painting of him or her competing in a favorite sport this holiday season. Two of Deutsch’s artists are available to create portraits of your youngster.

Danny Brown is a local painter who shows work at Artspace Warehouse. He began as a street and graffiti artist, and his work fuses youth culture, art history, fashion and American consumerism into a unique style. His paintings, which are acrylic on canvas, feel fresh.

“Danny uses captivating colors and backgrounds,” said Deutsch. “His composition is always interesting, always fun.” And cool. Brown’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the country, and they’re affordable.

String

R. Hunt is a unique portrait artist in Los Angeles. He goes by Ricky Hunt when exhibiting his minimalist mixed media works, but shortens his first name to just the initial R when he creates portrait art.

“He has a lot of patience, especially with detail,” explained Deutsch.

Indeed. Hunt’s portraits are constructed with string and nails, and from a distance, they resemble photographs. He cites multiple inspirations for his art, including scientific theory, astronomy

Youth Sports by Jim Kalin

and philosophy, but it’s his interest in mathematics that comes through in his string portraits.

“One of his earliest clients was Tiger Woods,” said Deutsch.

In 1995, when Hunt was still learning to draw, Earl Woods commissioned him to do a pastel portrait of his son Tiger. From this foundation grounded in traditional drawing skills, Hunt’s work transformed into his current unique style of creating portraits with string and nails.

Registration open for girls’ softball

Registration for the Wilshire Wildcats’ spring softball season is open. Early registration for girls between the ages of 6 and 14 costs $225, and the season will run from the end of January to mid-May. The registration fee goes up to $250 on Jan.1. There is no high school team during the spring. It is expected that the season will consist of 15 to 20 games for each age division.

Practices will continue to take place one to two times per week, depending on field availability at Lemon Grove Park and Recreation Center. Contact Coach Keith at president@wilshiresoftball.com.

To register, visit wilshiresoftball.com.

Warriors sign ups open December 2

Sign-ups for Wilshire Warriors Pony Baseball spring season open in mid-December. Boys and girls ages 4 through 14 can register for the season, which runs (tentatively) from March 14 through June 8, at wilshirewarriors.com.

Weekly practices take place at Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd. Learn more at wilshirewarriorsregistrar@ gmail.com.

Paper

If commissioned original artwork seems extravagant, how about a printed poster on thick paper or foam board? There are numerous websites specializing in posters that the customer designs by uploading an action shot of the young athlete and customizing the photo by choosing a gloss or matte finish. Text can also be added. Website suggestions include posterburner.com, openprints. com, and vistaprint.com, but an internet search will reveal pages of options.

Another great gift idea, and

one that many of the customized poster websites also offer,

is personalized calendars. This works the same way. The customer designs the layout and uploads a photo for every month, and options include calendars for the desk or wall. For commissioned original artwork, visit Claudia Deutsch at Artspace Warehouse, or contact her by email or phone. Her artists welcome commissioned works. Call 323-936-7020 or visit info@ artspacewarehouse.com.

Holiday Riding Camp Holiday

For over 25 years we have offered safe, fun-filled programs

December 16-20 December 23, 24, 26, 27 and Dec. 30,31, Jan. 2,3 (Closed on holidays)

• Beginner to Intermediate

• Ages 6 and up

• Patient instructors, gentle school horses

• Limited group size

• Health precautions observed

Gene Gilbert, USPC Professional Member located at the Paddock Riding Club

3919 Rigali Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Tel: 323-665-8977 gggilbertent@aol.com www.EnterpriseFarms.com

• Arts & Crafts ©LC1224

ARTIST R. HUNT creates portraits using string and nails.

A DANNY BROWN piece painted with acrylics on canvas.

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE

By Alice Markus 6th Grade

This past month has been a busy one for the 6th grade at Hollywood Schoolhouse.

In our classes, we studied everything from ancient Mesopotamia to the future of outer space travel. We read Shirley Jackson’s spooky story “The Lottery” and learned the even spookier art of dividing fractions.

Outside of class, we enjoyed our Halloween-themed Fall Social, a fun festival for the 5th and 6th grades. Many ghosts, goblins, witches and zombies were seen stumbling around the dance floor. I went as a mermaid, which I suppose isn’t exactly scary, unless you can’t swim.

Speaking of swimming, we just got back from our class trip to the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) on Catalina Island. After a slightly queasy (but fun) ferry ride, we spent time learning all about our local ocean life with the great CIMI staff. We swam, snorkeled (both during the day and at night), hiked, rock-climbed, and even got to interact with living sea creatures. It was an amazing, educational and exhausting adventure.

While the rest of the world was holding their breath over the Presidential election, HSH obsessed over our own student council election. The votes are in and our new school president is my classmate and friend Mack-

ensie Whittaker!

The rest of the month was taken up with middle school applications and interviews, so the upcoming school breaks will be more than welcome!

LARCHMONT CHARTER WILSHIRE

By Emory Tom Kirkwood and Xavi Mason 3rd Grade

It’s winter already?! Wow, school is flying by! Here’s what’s up in December.

December is full of holidays that TK through 4th grade are learning about, such as Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Christmas and St. Nicholas day. Did you know that Santa’s helpers in Australia are kangaroos instead of reindeer?

In addition to holidays around the world, you can get a taste of international food at the World Fair, a Larchmont Charter tradition that celebrates different countries. It’s coming up on Dec. 14, at our school’s Fairfax campus.

A very common love in December is… food. Teachers shared some of their favorite December meals and traditions. They will include bagels, tamales and cookies, as well as traditions like sledding, making treats and getting together with friends and family to eat.

Lastly, DJ Sophia, our music teacher, informed us about

what she had planned for a special Holiday Morning Sing. “On December 20th — right before we leave for winter break — all the classes will sing!” Happy holidays!

LE LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE LOS ANGELES

By Aydin Hammoudeh 8th Grade

MARYMOUNT

By Valentina Aquino 10th Grade

fered tremendous losses due to the recent hurricanes.

There is a lot to be thankful for in November at Lycée. The month started with “La semaine du goût,” where students discovered flavors from around the world reflecting, in part, the impressive 72 nationalities represented at our school. Each campus had activities focused on thoughtfulness and kindness. As part of community outreach, Elementary students ran one mile to raise funds for 123 Run and March of Dimes.

We proudly welcomed back the Forgotten Images Exhibit. Docents guided middle and high school students through thousands of artifacts spanning over two centuries of African American history. The entire community was invited to explore the exhibit, turning our school into a museum for the day.

Congratulations to our high school varsity girls’ tennis team for finishing 4th and our high school varsity girls’ volleyball team for tying for third place in their leagues. Our middle school girls’ volleyball team finished second in the championship and is headed for the FIYA Divisional Playoffs

It has been a busy and meaningful fall here at Marymount. We kicked things off with our first All-Community Day of Service, where students, faculty, staff, alumnae and parents came together to give back. From blood donations and packing meals to making art for patients at a local Children’s Hospital, it was a powerful way to unite our community in service.

As Thanksgiving got closer, we teamed up with A Place Called Home, an amazing organization in South Central LA that provides a safe space for at-risk youth. Our goal was to collect 1,600 Thanksgiving food items for families in need — and we met it! It felt great to know we were making a difference.

We welcomed families at our Open House in early November, sharing everything that makes Marymount special.

The fall play, “Trap,” was performed on Nov. 8, and our actors gave a suspenseful and captivating performance.

NEW COVENANT ACADEMY

By Kailey Kim 10th Grade

The girls’ volleyball, co-ed soccer and cross-country seasons have come to an end. We just started the boys’ basketball and our brand-new girls’ basketball seasons.

Many field trips have kept us busy. Our high school students went to the Korean Education Center and to Pepperdine University in Malibu. Our younger students took a trip to the Kidspace Museum.

As the semester comes to an end, we will enjoy a special breakfast served by the PTA before our final exams and will have our annual Christmas service.

ST. BRENDAN SCHOOL

By Alyssa Lee 8th Grade

’Tis the season to be jolly at St. Brendan School. There is so much to look forward to this holiday season. We started off by honoring our Veterans with a special Veterans Day Assembly led by our Cub Scouts. We also hosted our middle school mixer for families and friends with students in 5th through 8th grades. There was food and there were games and music.

In November, NCA hosted our annual Thanksgiving service and lunch, bringing our community together in the season of gratitude. NCA truly went above and beyond by donating nearly 4,000 canned foods and enough donation money to purchase 20 goats for families in need in Africa.

Students also raised money to support families who have suf-

Parents and teachers had their first conferences right before the Thanksgiving break, while our sports teams continued to thrive in flag football, girls’ volleyball, cross country, golf and basketball.

With Christmas right around the corner, St. Brendan is bursting with the holiday spirit. The school is busy preparing for our annual Christmas Fair, which will be held on Dec. 6, and for the Christmas Program at St. Brendan Church on the evening of Dec. 18. Get your carols ready because “Santa Claus is coming to town!”

THE CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION

By Rose Eisner 5th Grade

sharing their traditions with the CEE community.

THE OAKS

gives you enough time to read a book so everyone can read at their own pace.  There’s really no specific time limit.”

Students at CEE are all talking about how quickly the year is going by, and how many events we have had already this fall. We had the Halloween parade and parent teacher conferences. We also had celebrations at school, including traditions that Center families share with the community. We had a large Diwali event at school organized by the families.

Last week, one of the 5th grade classes had a discussion about the importance of Diwali and why we celebrate this miraculous holiday. Diwali is a celebration from India. It is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Some students in 5th grade made a slideshow to teach us about how Diwali is celebrated and why it is important to some of the families in our community.  After the slideshow, the parents of the students came and organized a game of musical chairs. They also brought in delicious traditional Diwali treats. We are all extremely grateful for their generosity — not only in sharing their food, but also in

By Hazel Clementine 6th Grade

ST. JAMES’

Mock Newbery Club, a teacher-created book club started this year at The Oaks, is open to 5th and 6th grade students. The teacher running the club chooses books that he or she thinks could be Newbery honor winners.

Students who read three books earn one vote, and there’s no limit to how many books they can read to earn votes. They can use their votes to choose a nominated book that is recognized as the most distinguished at the end of January. Students determine the most distinguished book by its development of plot and character, writing style, setting, presentation for audience and interpretation of theme.

I think that learning how to analyze books for certain criteria is also a good critical thinking skill. This club is a great way to read new books while also including a challenging and competitive aspect.

I spoke to one of the Mock Newbery Club members, who said, “I really like how the club

By Oona Macek 6th Grade

Welcome back to the St. James’ column! Halloween is a big deal at St. James’ and we have exciting traditions that make the holiday ours, such as our Halloween Mask Parade, a tradition that has taken place at St. James since the school was founded 50 years ago.

To prepare for it, our art instructor, Mr. Rolandas Dabrukas, works tirelessly with every student to create unique themed masks for this occasion. If you had wandered into St. James on Halloween, you might have thought you were in an exotic zoo.

Each grade marches around the field, showing off their gorgeous masks — elephants, tigers, monsters — to a cheering crowd of students, teachers and parents. Following the parade, each class had a party, and parents brought in party food (which, in my class, included … raw broccoli… but nevermind… we all got candy later).

Colorful boats compete in Raingutter Regatta

By Jim Kalin

Local Cub Scout Pack 16 held its annual Raingutter Regatta race Nov. 15 at St. Brendan’s School gymnasium. There were five different racing divisions and a special bracket for siblings too young to qualify for Scouts just yet. In addition to the competition, there was plenty of pizza, juice boxes and cacophony.

Below are the results:

TIGER — 1st, Indi Sauer-Portes; 2nd, Isabel Kim; 3rd, Levon Regon; 4th, Julian Chen.

WOLF — 1st, Ellie Ahn; 2nd, Louis Snyder; 3rd, Ellie Cho; 4th, Nick Sakmar.

BEAR — 1st, Aiden Lee; 2nd, Francesca Uy; 3rd, Charlie Gibson; 4th, Gabriel Tarrosa.

WEBELOS — 1st, Allison Gonzales; 2nd, Jordan DeRosas; 3rd, Catherine Abdelshehid; 4th, Adriana Kim. ARROW OF LIGHT — 1st, Aiden Park; 2nd, Mason Kim; 3rd, Amalia Vazquez; 4th, Astrid Huybrechs.

CUB SCOUT PACK 16 Raingutter Regatta boat entrants.

INIDIVIDUAL DEN CHAMPIONS: (Left to right) Ellie Ahn, Indi Sauer-Portes, Aiden Park, Aiden Lee, Oliver Gibson (sibling champion) and Allison Gonzales.

MELROSE ELEMENTARY

Evelyn Cho and Isla Lacey 5th Grade

Melrose Elementary Math / Science / Technology Magnet School’s 4th and 5th graders are performing a special play that we have rehearsed for a few months called “Into the Woods.”  We’ve been designing and making the props and costumes so that the fairytales will come to life.

Melrose is also preparing for our yearly Winter Show, featuring all of the grades performing songs and dances for parents and family. The theme of the show is “Joy & Peace: Celebrating Unity,

Kindness, and Harmony.”

The 2nd graders are filming a “Family Journey Video.”  Ms. Miyaji, a 2nd grade teacher, says that “The purpose is so everyone can learn where their families came from and you can learn something yourself about your family / culture. Everyone’s story is heard.” This is important for our school because our school is diverse. Learning can help us not make assumptions about others.

OAKWOOD

By Charlotte Zabel 12th Grade

Seniors. Daily snacks adorned the library courtyard during the week, which culminated with seniors receiving the generous gift of matching “Class of 2025” pajama pants!

Girls’ Volleyball and Tennis made it to CIF playoffs, with both teams getting past the first few rounds. Mock trial teams also made it through the first round of court hearings down at the Los Angeles courthouse.

for Dec. 4. Join us for entertainment, food trucks and fun before we leave for winter break.

PAGE ACADEMY

Amanda Argiropoulos 8th Grade

“Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations, as the last month of the year.” — Charles Dickens.

The two weeks leading up to the Nov. 1 college application deadline were celebrated with extra support from the parents of our Oakwood

Our Immersion Program is up and running early this year. We recently filled out forms indicating our preferred courses for the two weeks in March that will focus on learning outside of the classroom. This year, in addition to local opportunities which explore the criminal justice system, grassroots activism and food culture, we have trips headed to Bolivia, Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and Boston!

The school play “She Kills Monsters” finished its run and the school musical, “Mean Girls,” starts rehearsals right after Thanksgiving. Our annual Winter Music Concert recently took place. The school choir and orchestra performed a collection of music to entertain their families, friends and the faculty.

THIRD STREET

By Maya Johnson 5th Grade

Greetings from Third Street Elementary! Early in November, my 5th grade class went on an awesome field trip to the Fremont Library for a scientific magic show. We had a blast!

A few of our 4th and 5th graders participated in the FIRST (First Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Robotics Competition. Leading up to the event, students divided up into teams, and each team designed a robot that was programmed to do tasks. These robots were then entered into the competition.

We celebrated our school’s centennial on Nov. 3 by having a huge block party, which included Bob Baker Marionettes puppets, delicious food trucks, a lot of fun booths, games and a bounce house.

Every year the PTA launches the Reflections Art Program. This year’s theme is, “Accepting Imperfection.” Pieces / submissions have been turned in. I’m excited to see all of the great work from our students.

Our Korean Dual Language Program had its annual ice skating event and some of our 5th graders participated in the National Novel Writing Month, agreeing to draft an entire novel in 30 days.

Last but not least, Third Street will have its annual Book Fair early in December, and our Winter Family Night is scheduled

At Page Academy, while we focused on our end-of-term assignments and projects before heading into the Thanksgiving break, we still took time for class pictures and we honored our veterans on Veterans Day.

Our annual Thanksgiving Potluck Feast was held just before break. It is said that Thanksgiving is all about the sides, and the sides at our potluck featured delicacies from around the globe and were representative of our students’ backgrounds.

Our annual Mexican Dinner, Silent Basket Auction and Movie Night will be held on Dec. 6. There will be baskets to suit every taste and we hope that you are all prepared to bid, bid, bid! We will then snuggle up in our blankets and sleeping bags under the stars to watch “Despicable Me 2” on our large outdoor screen.

Our student council has many community fundraising events planned, including a food drive and blanket drive. And our annual Holiday Show will be on Dec. 12.

I leave you with this thought,

THE WILLOWS COMMUNITY SCHOOL

By Wren Meltzer 7th Grade

This month

The Willows opened its newly renovated theater! The theater has retractable cushioned risers, new floors and a new stage. I think that the theater will have a much better setup and be more usable than before, when we had to set up rows of chairs for each performance. Everyone is super excited for the new theater, especially students in the performing arts.

Leading up to the November book fair, the school organized author visits for students.  It is always interesting when wellknown authors and illustrators come to visit. This year LeUyen Pham and Robb Armstrong came to speak and conduct writing workshops. All kids — DK through eighth grade — look forward to the book fair. In addition to food trucks, book sales and activities, there was also a play. This year it was “The Wizard of Oz,” and it took place in the brand-new theater!

WSA

(Continued from Page 1)

of the Sixth Street encampment.”

Questions to Mayor Bass included ones about public safety, provision of city services, traffic and transportation, construction of needed housing and addressing homelessness.

On that last subject, homelessness, one of the responses from Mayor Bass brought applause from the audience. She observed:

Metro

(Continued from Page 1)

transit agency’s Joint Development Program is preparing for Metro to offer the vacant land to developers specializing in the construction of much-needed affordable and permanent supportive housing.

As Metro has noted in its written materials, this land is subject to the rules of the Park Mile Specific Plan, the City of Los Angeles zoning ordinance that has governed real estate development along Wilshire, between Wilton Place and Highland Avenue, for more than 40 years. The parcels in question are zoned CR(PkM)-1 and R3-1-HPOZ, which zoning allows multi-family development. An example is the five-story (in part), multi-family condominium project just across the street, on the southeast corner of Wilshire and Crenshaw.

John Gresham, a resident of Wilshire Park and secretary of the Wilshire Homeowners’ Alliance that has monitored Park Mile development since the 1980s, wrote of Metro’s plans for its property, “Our communities always have supported the construction of housing

TVC

(Continued from Page 1)

Owner / developer of the site, Michael Hackman, CEO of Hackman Capital Partners, has stated that the project will preserve the landmark CBS building as a studio, provide state-of-the-art production facilities and ensure it remains a premier studio for decades to come.

The TVC 2050 proposal has earned the backing of local individuals and groups, including many labor unions.

But not everyone is on board. There are numerous appeals challenging the Planning Commission’s action.

Appellants, who argue the project is too big and dense for the neighborhood, include the Original Farmers Market and The Grove.

Shelley Wagers, co-chair of Neighbors for Responsible TVC Development, another appellant, told us in an email: “We support the revitalization of the studio but

in the Park Mile, which allows both office buildings and residential buildings. Nearly 85 percent of the approximately 35 parcels that were vacant at the time of the Park Mile Specific Plan’s adoption in 1979 have now been developed with new buildings that conform to the rules of the Specific Plan.

“About half of those new buildings are residential, and more Park Mile-compliant residential units are welcome and encouraged. It will be greatly in the public interest if Metro can make its soonto-be-surplus land available to a developer at a low enough land cost that the developer can construct affordable or, even, permanent supportive, multi-family housing, which is so greatly needed in our city. That is something we neighbors have long anticipated and support, so long as the rules of the adopted Specific Plan ordinance are followed by any new developer, just as those rules have been followed by every other developer for the past four decades.”

Metro has indicated that, in the coming months, it will be drafting for selected qualified developers a Request for Proposals to develop these parcels with housing.

have grave concerns about the process and the project. The initial application was vague and incomplete, and the project remains poorly defined and out of whack with current market conditions.  The zoning is extremely permissive and leaves the door wide open for incompatible, out-of-scale development.”

The historic 52-year-old CBS building at 7800 Beverly Blvd., by architects William Pereira and Charles Luckman, along with its iconic logo facing Beverly, will remain under the Hackman proposal.

The PLUM public hearing will be held in the John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. Audio will be broadcast live at clerk.lacity.org/calendar, or call 213-621-CITY.

Written comments can be addressed to City Clerk, Room 395, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, 90012, and should cite CF No. 24-1315. Or submit through the portal at LACouncilComment.com.

that we are in today. And most of us around this room; I think we are around the same age range, so you know that this is not always the way it was.

“No one would have predicted that we’d be in the crisis

Letters

(Continued from Page 2) at 9:30 a.m., run, and then get coffee / tea / pastries afterward.

You can find us on Facebook to get more details and to register for each run! Go to: facebook.com/ groups/1694128234364398. Rachel Levy Greg Williams Larchmont Village Neighborhood

Thanks Starbucks

We, the Luzuriaga family, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the employees at Starbucks — Larchmont Village — for their outstanding service, warm smiles and the care they bring to our community. We truly appreciate the welcoming atmosphere they create. They make each visit feel special.

We are especially thankful for Sky, Cap, Hugo, Aleah,

“Homelessness as a word was not even in our vocabulary until the ’80s. We never used that phrase. Younger people have grown up their entire lives thinking that it is regular or normal to see tents on streets. We know it’s not. And it shouldn’t be accepted. But we have a choice to make right now. We have to deal with the problem, because just pushing people a few blocks away — that’s not a solution.”

Jack, Mickey, Masha, Mara, Jade, Joshua, Monica, Samantha and L.U.D.Y.N. The kindness and dedication these wonderful people embody does not go unnoticed. They make Larchmont Village feel like home, and for that, we are incredibly thankful. You have our deepest appreciation.

The Luzuriaga Family Wilshire CenterKoreatown

School Bond

Thank you for providing information about Los Angeles Unified’s bond measure, Measure US [“County, city, school and state measures are on the ballot,” Nov. 2024]. However, there is an aspect to your explainer that needs to be corrected. You’ve stated the cost is based on the median-priced home per Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association; it should be the median assessed value.

The accurate statement

would be “for a single-family residence within LAUSD boundaries at the median assessed value of $444,269, this would equate to approximately $111 a year or about $9.25 a month.”

Britt A. Vaughan Public Information Officer

Los Angeles Unified School District

[The Chronicle did not state that the cost is based on the median-priced home; rather, we wrote, “Property taxes would rise about $273 a year for a median-priced ($1 million) home within the school district, according to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association...” Regardless, the $10 billion school bond passed. – Ed.]

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.

SQUEAKY WHEEL AWARD trophy is described to the audience by its presenter, WSA Vice President Jason Greenman.

LOVELY LIVING ROOM at The Ebell was the setting for the Windsor Square Association’s annual Town Hall meeting.

St. James’ awarded National Fund for Sacred Places grant

When I decided to send my sons to St. James’ Episcopal School, I knew little about the church itself or the parish. The school, founded in 1968, had grown to become a neighborhood institution, to which many of the residents of Windsor Square, Hancock Park, Koreatown and adjacent neighborhoods have sent their children for elementary education. It was at a school event that I first entered the great sanctuary of St. James’ and marveled at its superb architecture and extraordinary stillness in the midst of the bustling city. A couple of years later, a chance email from the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) about a grant program for historic churches arrived just about the time I learned about a St. James’ parish capital campaign. Through the process of filling out the NTHP grant application with Associate Rector Rev. Jon Feuss and Rector Mother Kate Cress, the true significance of St. James’ to our community became clear.

On Oct. 21, the National Fund for Sacred Spaces awarded St. James’-in-the-City Episcopal Church a grant of $150,000 for the restoration of its roof. This project is included in the parish’s multiphase capital campaign for church

On

Preservation by Brian Curran

restoration and improvement.

Established in 2016, the National Fund for Sacred Places is a collaboration between the Partners for Sacred Places, a nonprofit whose mission is to maintain and make use of historic houses of worship, and NTHP, the nation’s premier historic preservation organization. St. James’ was chosen from hundreds of candidates across the country, not only due to its historic and cultural significance to Los Angeles, but also its exceptional service to the community.

Founded in 1911, when it was based at Ardmore Avenue and Pico Boulevard, the growing congregation purchased a lot at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and St. Andrews Place in 1920, commissioning Bay Area architect Benjamin Greer McDougall to design a restrained, dignified sanctuary in the Gothic Revival style. Completed in 1926, the church was constructed in reinforced concrete with a stucco overlay, with decorations and appliqués

of cast concrete and a 100-foot tower. The interior boass a ceiling which soars to 60 feet held up with mighty redwood trusses and a floor of glazed ceramic tiles with decorative motifs.

The stained glass windows were designed by Los Angeles’ oldest family-owned glazier, Judson Studios, and the images depict not only religious and biblical subjects, but also more modern themes such as motion pictures, freeways, Latino and Korean immigrants and the Los Angeles skyline. The church also is home to a spectacular Murray M. Harris (“Father of Organ Building in the American West”) organ from 1911 relocated from the now demolished St. Paul’s Cathedral Downtown.

ST. JAMES’-IN-THE-CITY Episcopal Church circa the 1960s.

many parishioners. His funeral, also held at St. James’ in 1965, was attended by Duke Ellington, Robert F. Kennedy and Gov. Pat Brown.

among the poorer residents of the city. This effort grew rapidly and, in 1988, led to St. James’, in partnership with other churches, founding Hope-Net. That nonprofit has developed a network of food pantries, soup kitchens and family housing programs throughout the city (and is the beneficiary of the annual Taste of Larchmont).

St. James’, though originally a church frequented by the city’s wealthy establishment, began to see significant changes in the 1950s. Desegregation set the stage for the church to strike out in favor of social justice, and the congregation invited Hancock Park resident Nat King Cole to sing at services, which scandalized

Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, the parish continued to open up beyond its exclusive reputation, reaching out to welcome African Americans and newly arriving Korean and Latino immigrants. With new congregants and a changing neighborhood came new needs. In 1968 Father Sam D’Amico established the St. James’ Episcopal School, which welcomed children from the growing Korean community. It was in 1980, however, that St. James’ really made its mark with the setting up of the parish food pantry and, later, soup kitchen, to address the growing hunger

Today St. James’ continues to be not only a thriving Episcopal parish with many social services and ministries but also a continuing center of the community and culture. It houses what is believed to be the oldest Boy Scout Troop in the United States (Troop 10) sponsored continuously by the same organization. It also is home to Los Angeles’ oldest Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, The Arlington Group. St. James’ also has claimed a space as a cultural center through its Great Music at St. James’ programs, featuring the Choir of St. James’, classical Sundays at Six, and the International Laureates Organ Series. While today the church building is closed as its restoration is commencing, we can all look forward to visiting a refreshed and revived St. James’!

Silver Lining ends sterling service; place last orders by Dec. 14

By Helene Seifer

The busy frame shop A Silver Lining is closing the first week of January 2025, after nearly 29 years of sterling service on the Boulevard. Customers travel from all over Los Angeles to have their treasures preserved by owner Gary Fuss and framer Jorge Rodriguez, and many local businesses and nearby homes display photographs, paintings, certificates and memorabilia framed by the skilled duo.

“We framed a good amount of stuff for Village Pizzeria. At least 70-80 percent,” Fuss recalls. “If I went to different houses around here, I probably framed 90-100 percent of their stuff. When Antonio Banderas lived here with Melanie Griffith, we framed probably 90% of the house.”

A Silver Lining framed many items for actor Brad Garrett’s home and his comic book store in Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. They also put a plexiglass cover over a painting of Jesus at Christ the King Catholic Church. Fuss explains, “Pope John Paul had come and blessed the painting, so everybody went there to touch it. It was being worn down.”

Art and framing    Although Fuss has been practicing the art of framing for 40 years, he first aimed to become a fine artist, and some of his works are hung in the store. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Fuss faced a dilemma while at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan: his work needed to be framed for his final presentation. “I took a class at the Brooklyn Museum on how to make picture frames,” Fuss explains.

“I bought a mat cutter, which was $600, and started matting my stuff, then matting my friends’ art, and they started paying me. So, I was actually in business a year before I graduated.”

While in college, “I did art history as a minor, which I fell in love with. I became a Chris-

tian after that because I studied all the paintings of Jesus.” Fuss credits his faith for his success.

“Yes, I’m creative. Yes, I’m a good salesman. Yes, I’ve been doing this for years. No matter what’s been thrown at us, we have been blessed.” He points to their post-pandemic business boom. They average 5,000 framing jobs per year.

In Los Angeles

Fuss moved to Los Angeles, following his pediatrician brother, who now works at the National Institutes of Health.

In 1991 Fuss took a job as manager of Grey Goose Custom Picture Framing — which was then on La Brea Avenue, and now on Hillhurst Avenue — where Jorge Rodriguez was a framer. Five years later Fuss was ready to start his own framing business and wanted Rodriguez to join him. He discussed possible store names with his brother, focusing on the word “silver,” and states, “Originally, it was going to be The Silver Lining.” His brother vetoed that, pointing out that he should have a name that was higher in the telephone directory listings, so he changed one word and selected A Silver Lining because of its alphabetical superiority.

A Silver Lining opened on Larchmont Boulevard in 1996. Its current store is its second location on the Boulevard. “I’ve been blessed by being in

a community that supports small businesses. When I first started, a lot of people told me parking here is not easy, the rent is not easy, but when you

have a relationship with your customers, which I do, that’s the most important thing. Without the community, we would not be here this long,

there’s no question.”  Jorge Rodriguez Rodriguez is quick to say that Fuss is the owner, he’s

turn to Page 4)

OWNER GARY FUSS with framed baseball memorabilia.

JORGE RODRIGUEZ and Gary Fuss in front of A Silver Lining.

(Please

LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries building 90 percent complete

By John Welborne Construction

scaffolding used to support the forms for pouring LACMA’s new concrete museum building have

been removed. Ninety percent of construction has been completed, and an opening is planned for April 2026. Learn more at: buildinglacma.org.

A Silver Lining

(Continued from Page 3) the framer. Fuss says simply, “He’s my brother.” Because they’ve worked together for more than 30 years, many expect that Rodriguez will take over the business when Fuss retires in January. However, Fuss is not closing the store because he turned 67 in November. It’s because he’s losing his “brother,” Jorge Rodriguez.     “I cannot continue because my wife has Alzheimer’s,” Rodriguez explains. Four years ago, he sent his wife of 30 years back to El Salvador to live with her

mother. Now 86, Rodriguez’s mother-in-law can’t handle the responsibility anymore.

“I’m going back to El Salvador to take care of [my wife].

That’s the real, true story of why we’re actually closing. She enjoys when you take her out, even if she does not remember the next day where you took her. I want to give her a few more years of happiness.” His daughter, who graduated from college in San Diego two years ago and is a therapist for children, will stay here to continue her own career.

Fuss and Rodriguez are too busy getting their orders fin-

ished to consider throwing themselves a goodbye party before they close — and a women’s clothing store moves in. Those who have put off their custom framing have until Dec. 14 to place an order. Fuss may do some framing out of his home in Sherman Oaks, and he hopes Rodriguez returns someday so they can continue framing together. In the meantime, Fuss might take a long-needed vacation. “I would like to visit Europe to see all the beautiful stuff I studied in college.” He is also contemplating writing a book about his experience.    Gary Fuss looks up while

framing baseball memorabilia. “Someone once told me, ‘Your brother is a doctor, but don’t think that what you do isn’t important.’” He pauses to the sound of Rodriguez sawing

wooden frame pieces, before adding, “We create happiness.”  Place your frame orders by Dec. 14 with: A Silver Lining, 115 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323464-8284.

DAVID GEFFEN GALLERIES building at the County Art Museum, shown in Mid-November, no longer is supported by the scaffolding used in construction. In the background, from left, are Park La Brea towers, One Museum Square apartments on Curson Avenue and the SAG-AFTRA Building, originally developed as the western U.S. headquarters of Prudential Insurance Company. The glass at ground level behind the grand staircase is the south wall of the new museum store. Photo above by Bill Devlin

GROUND LEVEL of the west end of the new David Geffen Galleries building features a restaurant (the windows at left) and a museum store (the windows behind the grand staircase).

SEE-THROUGH MUSEUM at ground level opens up views to and from Hancock Park. The ground-level glass at left will be the restaurant, and a museum store will be in the glassed-in space behind the staircase at right.

Pawn Shop restaurant and bar moves forward

By Suzan Filipek

The Pawn Shop, a restaurant and bar planned for the former Brothers Collateral building at Melrose Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard, has taken a big step forward.

The City Zoning Administrator approved a conditional use permit for the sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages on the site at 5901 Melrose Ave. on Oct. 22. That day, the city also released a Letter of Determination with rules and guidelines for The Pawn Shop’s hours and operation. These were met with approval by the neighbors, including the Hancock Park Homeowners Association, which had opposed the project.

The city requirement stipulates that hours are limited to 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 9 a.m. to midnight Thursday to Saturday. Valet parking service and a parking plan are required, and live music must end by 10 p.m.

Permission was granted to open as early as 6 a.m., up to 24 times a year, for sporting events, and on-site security will be required.

“This is a win for the neighborhood accomplished

in great part by neighbors advocating for the best interests of the neighborhood and showing up in great big numbers,” Sam Uretsky, a resident in the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association area, wrote in an Oct. 23 email.

“All in all, this is a huge swing from the applicant’s requested 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week, hours of operation; no parking plan; and no community involvement in oversight,” he added.

More than 100 people attended the June hearing for the 260-seat Ventana Ventures redevelopment of the 7,808-square-foot, two-story property.

After the hearing, Diego Torres-Palma, managing partner at Ventana Ventures, told the Chronicle in an email:

“As a resident of Windsor Square, I know how special our neighborhood is.

The Pawn Shop will only enrich our community as a gathering place where the entire family can watch live sporting events and enjoy food from a James Beard award-winning chef.”

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Be aware; speak up to save local trees

By Casey Russell

The recent unlawful removal of mature trees in the Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) of Windsor Square has put some neighbors on high alert. Lauren Gabor, a longtime resident, first noticed well-loved trees being removed without approval in 2023. Since then, she and other locals have seen more trees being razed on other properties, often to make way for constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

In fact, an historic Craftsman Windsor Square house that Gabor and her husband owned for decades lost a 70-foot ash tree, a mature Chinese pistache and a likely 108-year-old deodar cedar when the new owner decided to clear space to make room for a pool and ADU on the property.

Not knowing who else to call, the couple lodged a complaint with the city, and further tree-cutting ceased. The city stop work order had been put on the property pending review before the Windsor Square HPOZ Board for unauthorized removal of historic trees.

Gabor was heartened to learn that, because Windsor

(Please turn to Page 12)

PRIOR TO BEING removed, a mature deodar cedar stood in the front yard and a 70-foot ash stood in the backyard of a Windsor Square Craftsman house.

THE SAME CRAFTSMAN as it looks now, with the long-standing trees having been removed.

Neighbors pleased with committee vote on CHIP rezoning

By Suzan Filipek

Single-family neighborhoods had cause for celebration last month, when the City Council Planning and Land Use (PLUM) Committee voted unanimously to build new housing in commercial and multifamily areas.

Local residents and others from neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles spoke in favor of preserving the city’s single-family zoning at the hearing Nov. 19.

The result, a 4-0 vote in favor of a recommendation from the City Planning Commission, followed a two-year effort and left single-family neighborhoods intact, for now. There is still caution ahead, as the matter now goes before the full City Council

for a final vote.

Letter writing campaign

“[At the hearing,] there was no discussion about adding single-family neighborhoods among the committee members.  And we realized that getting our letters out early to all the members was critical. Their minds weren’t being made up at the last minute,” wrote Maria Pavlou Kalban and Cindy Chvatal-Keane in an email following the hearing.

Kalban and Chvatal-Keane are leaders of United Neighbors, a coalition of residential groups throughout the state, which spearheaded a massive letter-writing campaign.

Chvatal-Keane also is president of the Hancock Park Homeowners Association.

“[Planning Director] Vince Bertoni came up to us [at the hearing] and thanked us for our outreach and our focus on better solutions,” the pair said.

Neighborhood groups locally and citywide have been working with City Planning staff and meeting with City Council members and the mayor’s office on the drafting of the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) ordinances that were before the PLUM Committee.

United Neighbors’ goal has been to maintain single-family housing while finding housing solutions that meet the state’s goals by having a plan in place by February 2025. The city is tasked by the state with finding land to

build an additional 255,000 homes to help offset a housing crisis. While waiting for a meeting to be set at City Council, the United Neighbors team asks residents to write to their councilmembers to support the CHIP ordinance as recommended by the PLUM Committee. The Planning Dept. has identified enough zoning on commerical streets to meet the state mandate, they said.

This home at 822 S. Longwood Ave. in Brookside sold for $2,425,000 in October.

Real Estate Sales*

Single-family homes

prices for

Two affordable housing projects on Larchmont ring alarm bells

By Suzan Filipek

Halloween may be over, but the startling fear that can accompany the holiday continues for residents adjoining Upper Larchmont Boulevard, where two new projects are the bane of the neighborhood.

Both proposals are at various stages of review by the Los Angeles Housing Dept. (LAHD). Once passed there, they will go to the Dept. of City Planning. Since the two projects now are in pre-approval, little information is available, according to local resident Sam Uretsky.

But both projects are being fast-tracked under the mayor’s Executive Directive 1 (ED1) to build affordable housing.

531 N. Larchmont

One is at 531 N. Larchmont Blvd. on a 6,444-square-foot lot previously in the permitting process for a four-story building under the city’s TOC (Transit Oriented Communities) ordinance, a program to encourage construction of affordable housing near public transit.

The original project included 21 units, two of them affordable, and two levels of subterranean parking. The architect, representing the owner, worked collaborative-

ly with abutting neighbors and members of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC) Land Use Committee and decreased the height from an initial proposal for five stories to four stories.

Those plans changed after the owner, an endodontist, hired a new architect, Metropolis Architecture.

Now, a 67-unit, six- or seven-story, 100 percent affordable housing project is being proposed.

The Department of City Planning has requested revised documentation because the applicant’s Housing Crisis Act (HCA) Vesting Preliminary Application included errors. City Planning told us they will review the revised materials once they have been received. We asked the Housing Dept. officials about the process involved between city bureaucracies and were told:

“ED1 projects often touch many City Departments which are involved in their specific part of the project.

“For LAHD, our department is responsible for drafting and recording the affordability covenant restricting affordable units on the property to ensure they remain as affordable units. Once we have done this, we share this recorded

agreement with Planning and LADBS (Los Angeles Dept. of Building and Safety).”

The new building proposed at 531 N. Larchmont includes a ground-floor dental specialist practice and now only one floor of subterranean parking, presumably to serve that practice. There is no tenant parking, Uretsky told us.

There is a 2,800-square-foot roof deck. Setbacks are 5 feet on each side of the building and 8 feet at the rear.

Prison design

“The architecture is from the School of Prison Design, and its color palette is Halloween! Seriously, it’s black, orange, white and silver … the plans are probably the scariest thing you will see this Halloween,” said Uretsky.

Tenants of this building will have the potential to get up to 201 resident parking permits and 134 visitor parking permits for the existing parking district on Lucerne and Arden boulevards, according to Uretsky.

507 N. Larchmont

Things don’t look much better at 507 N. Larchmont Blvd., where a 1921 single-family home rests on a 7,005-square-foot lot.

“Here we go again. There is a new proposal filed to re-

place the previous ‘bait and switch’ ED1 project that our neighborhood successfully stopped,” said Uretsky.

The new application for this project was filed on Sept. 24.

The developers had pulled out of the seven-story building proposed at the site on May 1, after neighborhood outcry. The tallest buildings nearby are three stories.

Now, the developers are planning to build a smaller five-story project, said Sean Tabibian, a principal with 507 N. Larchmont LLC.

The Affordable Housing Referral Form (AHRF) for the project was recently finalized. There are no additional updates, as the applicant has yet to file a complete Planning Application, according to the Planning Dept., which responded to Chronicle inquiries as follows:

“The applicant submitted an Affordable Housing Referral Form (AHRF), one of the first steps toward filing a case with the Department of City Planning. The application was then sent to the Affordable Housing Services Section [of City Planning] for review. This referral was assigned on Sept. 30, 2024 ... Once the applicant has the referral and all materials required for case

filing, then they need to submit a complete Department of City Planning Application at one of the Department’s Public Counters to file the case.

“The description of the project listed in the AHRF is as follows:

“Demolition of existing uses and the construction, use, and maintenance of a new 100% affordable mixed use, five-story, 42-unit building (inclusive of one market rate manager’s unit) also containing 2,880-square-feet of ground floor commercial retail use.”

Negative impacts

According to Uretsky, “Clearly the negative impact of these two proposed buildings — scale, burden on existing infrastructure, privacy, noise, parking, lack of greenery and aesthetics — cannot be underestimated! Keep in mind that these buildings, if approved, will accelerate similar inappropriate development, irretrievably changing the character of Upper Larchmont.”

The architect for 531 has stated he plans to attend a Nov. 26 Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee meeting, which will be after the Chronicle has gone to press.

Streetlights are finally bright on Ridgewood and on Wilton

By Nona Sue Friedman

After more than six months of darkness, the streetlights of Ridgewood Place and Wilton Drive are fixed and

shining bright. The lights had been vandalized in the spring when thieves took the copper wire inside the lights, making them inoperable.

The Pawn Shop

(Continued from Page 5)

The remodeling design by architecture firm Omgivning will maintain the size of the existing building and restore and enhance its architectural details, according to city doc-

uments. The project’s tentative name is in homage to the former Brothers Collateral pawn shop at the site. The two-story canary yellow shop was run by Rudy Gintel, of Hancock Park, and his brother, Ernest Gintel, for more than 40 years until

Repairmen came on Nov. 12 and, within hours, all the lights were working and junction boxes were sealed shut to prevent future theft of copper wire.

Los Angeles City Council District 13 and residents of the area had been extremely frustrated with the lack of response from the Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL). “It shouldn’t take over six months to repair a streetlight, even more so because welllit streets are safer streets,” according to Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez of CD13. Now, that frustration is behind all of them.

Streetlight repair wait time is an issue all across Los Angeles, in part because BSL staffing has a more than 30 percent vacancy rate, according to CD13.

On Nov. 6, prior to the repairs being made, SotoMartínez introduced another motion to Los Angeles City

2020.

Built in 1934, the building was a Cut Rate Drugs store in its earlier life.

Construction is likely to take a year, but no official opening date has been set, a spokesperson for the developer said.

Council to allocate an additional $200,000 from his discretionary fund to expedite streetlight repairs by BSL. The motion was approved by

the council on Nov. 18. This is the second $200,000 from his discretionary fund he has earmarked for repairing streetlights in his district.

AT LAST, STREETLIGHTS are shining bright again at the corner of Wilton Drive and First Street. Photo by Sheila Hoyer

Pink’s celebrates 85th with charity chili

By John Welborne

On five evenings early last month, Pink’s Hot Dogs on La Brea and Melrose avenues touted its 85 years at that location by raising funds for charity. The venerable company got some help from Pink’s fans including Mayor Karen Bass, Fifth District Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, actors George Lopez and

Henry Winkler and comedian Gabriel Iglesias. Some of those, including the mayor and the councilmember on the Nov. 8 first night, even got behind the counter to sling chili, mustard and onions.

The five Chili Dogs for Charity evenings offered 85-cent hot dogs for 85 minutes starting at 8:05 p.m. Greeting the hungry guests were the Pink

family — Richard Pink, his wife Gloria, and his sister Beverly. The Pinks donated 100 percent of the gross proceeds from the Chili Dogs for Charity sales to a different charity each night, with the following having received $5,000 each: the George Lopez Foundation; the National Foster Youth Institute; This Is About Humanity; the California Community Foundation; and $2,500 each to the Concern Foundation and Knock Knock It’s Christmas, sponsored by K-EARTH 101.

Founded in 1939 by Paul and Betty Pink, Pink’s Hot Dogs started with a simple $50 pushcart and has grown into a beloved institution, now serving more than 1,200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers daily.

Larchmont Family Fair brought fun to Boulevard

By Casey Russell

The 59th Larchmont Family Fair was a great success, according to Melissa Farwell, the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA) board member who chaired this year’s event. She estimates that 10,000 visitors attended the fair held the Sunday afternoon before Halloween.

According to Farwell, people especially loved the addition of the carnival games and that

this year’s layout of tents and booths on the Boulevard allowed the fair to “flow.” Food booths were in the street rather than in the city parking lot, and there were more nonprofit booths and rides, including a small train this year.

“It was so great to see the community come and enjoy themselves,” said Farwell. “We are so grateful that the [residents] embrace the fair as they do.”

FOOD VENDORS were located in the center of the Fair, near the location of the possible future Larchmont Central Park(let).

SCORES of nonprofit organizations and LBA member businesses had booths at the Fair.

HAIRY HARRY POTTER won first prize in the pet costume contest.

RIDES AND SLIDES were popular Fair features.

LBA FAIR STALWARTS, from left, Mel Miyamoto, John Winther and Edie Frere.

TRAIN at the Family Fair circled the dining area.

PINK FAMILY (from left) Richard and his wife, Gloria, and sister Beverly oversee the 85-year-old local landmark.

COUNCILMEMBER Katy Yaroslavsky slings the chili at the first of five nights of Chili Dogs for Charity.

MAYOR Karen Bass comments on her colleague’s cheese technique at the Pink’s Hot Dogs charity event.

READY for Halloween are some young Larchmont Family Fair costume contest entrants on the fair’s stage.

Be proactive with your gratitude; volunteer or make a donation

By Nona Sue Friedman

As the end of the year rolls around, we try to remember to display gratitude. It starts with Thanksgiving and hopefully continues through to the end of the year, if not all year long.

Included in this article are ways you can make the holidays merrier for those who are less fortunate in the community.

Operation Shoes From Santa is an annual event hosted by the Olympic Community Police Station, 1130 S. Vermont Ave., to obtain new shoes for school-aged children. Please drop off a pair or three at the bins in the station by Tues., Dec. 3.

The shoes will be distributed to pre-selected children the following day at 6 p.m. while Santa and his elves hand out hot cocoa and treats. For more information, call the Senior Lead Office at 213-382-9141.

Farmers Market Poultry and Huntington Meats, both located in the Original Farmers Market at 6333 E. Third St., are teaming up for their fourth pajama drive for kids. Donate unwrapped, new pajamas for infants to 18-yearolds, valued at $10 or more, and receive either a dozen eggs or a pound of ground

dinator, describes the bounty from food deliverers as “a well-rounded meal delivered with a smile by a caring friend.” Sanchez can arrange for you to be paired with your son, daughter, niece, nephew, wife or husband to make the time even more meaningful.

SVMOW needs help throughout the year, but particularly during the holidays. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the impact of hot meals brought to people living by themselves. Contact Sanchez at 213-484-7775 ext. 125 to help out.

Village and meet Santa Claus.

Drop toys at 601 S. San Pedro St. by Wed., Dec. 18, so organizers can prepare for the big giveaway days later.

The Midnight Mission is the oldest continuously running shelter in Los Angeles, operating since 1914.

If you can’t commit to meal delivery, SVMOW also is making senior gift bags. You can purchase items from their Amazon Wish List (www.a.co/ bcOt5QZ) or create your own gift bags at home and deliver them to the SVMOW office at 2303 Miramar St. in Los Angeles.

Help from home

beef or homemade sausages.

They are accepting pajamas through Sat., Nov. 30, and hope to get 300 pairs. They also are looking for slippers, robes, toothpaste and toothbrush sets and story time books. All donations will be given to the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown Los Angeles.

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels (SVMOW) welcomes volunteers of all ages to deliver meals from 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. on days you select.

New toy donations are needed for the Midnight Mission’s annual Christmas Toy Giveaway. Kids facing homelessness visit Santa’s Toy

SVMOW has the drivers, it just needs helpers to bring hot meals to lonely seniors.

Sonia Sanchez, development associate and volunteer coor-

Want to do some good for others but also hang with your family and friends? Here are a couple of ways to make that happen.

The Karsh Center at Wilshire Boulevard Temple is always looking for in-person volunteers; however, they also are always in need of kits.

(Please turn to Page 12)

A BIN FULL of donated pajamas in front of Huntington Meats at the Original Farmers Market.

Photo by Huntington Meats

SANTA AND HIS ELF make a stop at Olympic Division LAPD to hand out toys. Photo provided by Olympic Division LAPD

Trees

(Continued from Page 5)

Square and Hancock Park are both HPOZs, there are rules and penalties for homeowners who don’t follow the rules. But, as Gabor pointed out when we spoke, not many people are aware of the protections that are in place and, because of this, trees are being unnecessarily lost.

Neighbors vested in the historic, leafy charm of these neighborhoods hope to educate residents and potential buyers about governing regulations. “It’s one of the few places, aside from Griffith Park, where you have such old trees,” said Gabor. She

Volunteer

(Continued from Page 11)

The items for the goody bags are purchased on your own, assembled at home and then brought to the Karsh location at 3750 W. Sixth St. The kinds of kits needed range from new baby bags, winter kits, children activity kits and more. Contact volunteers@ karshcenter.org to find out what is currently most pressing for them.

The Assistance League of Los Angeles (ALLA) wants to collect 650 no-sew fleece blankets by Tues., Dec. 31. The warm, soft blankets are a comfort to children, especially those who are experiencing

pointed out that, in many areas of the city, the sun beats down upon us. In juxtaposition, these local areas with old growth trees have filtered light coming through trees that shade homes, provide oxygen, offer habitats for animals and keep energy costs down. “The trees keep the neighborhood looking the way it does and contribute to the urban canopy,” she said. Because, years ago, neighbors worked hard to designate Windsor Square and Hancock Park as HPOZs, residents of these areas are part of a powerful collective community. As such, decisions regarding building facades and landscapes are not left to one

homelessness, are underserved or are in foster care. The blankets will be distributed in January.

At ALLA’s Family Day of Service on Nov. 16, volunteers gathered at their headquarters, 6640 W. Sunset Blvd., to make these blankets. All of the needed materials were donated by The Mannequins (a division of ALLA), by Lawyers’ Mutual and by Campbell Hall Episcopal School.

Kai Tramiel, who is Sr. Director of Membership and Community Engagement of ALLA, addressed the Nov. 16 crowd and encouraged volunteers “to make the blankets with love; they will feel it.”

These volunteers made

individual.

Gabor informed us that mature trees, in front and in back of residences, fall under the purview of the HPOZ Board. Those property owners who do not comply with regulations are subject to penalties.

The Bureau of Street Services also has rules about tree removal. It prohibits people from removing trees native to California, and noncompliance with the Bureau’s rules results in fines plus the cost of replacing trees and the suspension of building permits for up to 10 years.

Spreading the word about these guidelines is of utmost importance. Even though these safeguards are in place,

about 140 blankets, which fell drastically short of the ALLA goal.

This is your chance to gather a group of friends and create your own blankets when it’s convenient for you. It takes four people about 30 minutes to finish one blanket. It’s a pretty simple process that you easily can do at home. To see what’s involved, visit campsite.bio/fds24 for directions.

ALLA has all the supplies you need. Call (323) 545-4847 to arrange a pick-up time for materials.

Not feeling crafty? ALLA is also looking for 650 cozy stuffed animals. You can organize a drive at school, collect with a local group or

neighbors are the ones responsible to be the eyes and ears that lead to city enforcement.

Residents who notice unlawful tree removal need to know they are within their rights to call the city. Complaints go to the Department of Building and Safety and, often, a halt is put on any permits that rule-breaking homeowners were hoping to submit. A red alert is put on the property, alerting city departments that work cannot be continued until the registered complaint is resolved.

According to the Code Enforcement Bureau, the case of the Windsor Square craftsman owner who removed two

just buy some on your own and drop them off. Finished blankets and stuffed animals can be dropped off at the League office.

Good Shepherd Center (GSC) has four facilities that serve about 93 women and 40 to 50 children who have been homeless. GSC has four residences for them to live in. This year, GSC managers are looking for full-size toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant and anything else that would be helpful to someone finally getting a home. Supplies can be dropped off at Good Shepherd’s office, 1650 Rockwood St., Mon. to Fri. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alexandria House is looking for a plethora of donations. Everything from teen gifts, toys for infants to 10-yearolds, home goods for new residents and supplies for gift decorating. Drop off items at the office, 436 S. Alexandria Ave., by Wed., Dec. 18. Alexandria House is a transitional home for women and children that has provided safe and supportive housing since 1996.

mature trees has been upgraded to an official order to comply.

Residents can help safeguard trees by making sure HPOZ board members are aware of noncompliance issues. Also, when putting a home on the market, sellers can ask their realtors to inform potential buyers about HPOZ guidelines and can encourage brokers and prospective buyers to follow the HPOZ Preservation Plan.

Gabor says she knows that it is a privilege to live in an HPOZ area, but that, “It gives us the authority, but also the responsibility” to take action to care for these neighborhoods. She believes that acting swiftly to save a tree before removal is key.

For more information visit tinyurl.com/2h3sm8vd.

LIBRARIES

FAIRFAX

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

149 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. Libraries will be closed Thurs., Nov. 28 and Fri., Nov. 29, for Thanksgiving Day, Wed., Dec. 25, for Christmas Day and Wed., Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day.

Memorial dedicated to fallen officers at Wilshire LAPD unveiled

Prostitution is spreading from Western, affecting quality of life

By Nona Sue Friedman

One of the world’s oldest occupations is alive and well along the Western Avenue corridor, one of three main prostitution tracks in Los Angeles, bleeding into the neighborhood. Unfortunately, some of the prostitutes are underage and victims of sex trafficking, while others are well educated college students eager to make easy money, according to local police authorities.

St. Andrews Square Neighborhood Association (SASNA) abuts Western and is the most impacted area within the Larchmont neighborhoods. The illegal activities and their aftermath are affecting the quality of life. These escapades leave litter not only on the streets and curbs of SASNA, but also in Ridgewood-Wilton and Windsor Square. Condoms and their packaging along with sex toys are thrown out of cars littering the streets, and bottles with urine are left at the curb along with discarded food and their wrappings for kids and morning walkers to see daily.

Meeting with CD13

Loretta Ramos, a 15-year resident of SASNA, and her husband tried for 18 months, through emails and phone calls, to get in touch with their Councilmember Hugo SotoMartínez’s field deputy, Karla Martinez, about the prostitution in the neighborhood.

After becoming incredibly frustrated, Ramos reached out to Soto-Martínez’s chief of staff, Patricia Castellanos, who finally set the wheels in motion for a community meeting.

Since then, residents and CD13 staff have had two meetings about the sex trafficking in their area.

Martinez organized the first meeting Aug. 13. About a dozen residents came to a Zoom and voiced concerns about the illegal activities on their streets and vented frustration about not getting a response from the councilmember’s office. Lt. Robert McDonald, LAPD West Bureau Vice Coordinator, Human Trafficking Task Force, a 37-year veteran of the force, was at the meeting.

The group brainstormed multiple ways CD13 could engage different ways to alleviate the situation. Some suggestions were getting in touch with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, increasing overnight parking enforcement, adding LAPD black and whites and vice patrols and reaching out to and collaborating with other council districts who face this same problem.

At the second meeting, on Oct. 29, about 20 residents were anxious to hear what the councilmember’s office had accomplished in the past two

(Please turn to Page 14)

By Nona Sue Friedman

It took a decade from concept to installation, but on Nov. 7, the Fallen Police Officers Memorial and Garden at the LAPD’s Wilshire Community Police Station was officially dedicated. This memorial commemorates the eight officers of Wilshire Division who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The dedication ceremony included a Los Angeles Police Department bagpiper, multiple speakers, a rose placed at the memorial for each fallen officer and songs performed by a civilian employee of LAPD.

Volunteer efforts and numerous financial contributions made the memorial possible. Donors include FirstIn Fire Foundation, Park La Brea Apartments and Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society (WSHPHS), among others.

Richard Battaglia, past president of WSHPHS, read remarks from the current president, Joseph Guidera, who worked on the design of the memorial for the last year and a half. Guidera wrote, “I chose honed black absolute granite for its sense of dignity and permanence and classic beauty. The obelisk’s shape conveys a serene sense of calm, simple elegance and somber remembrance.” He continued, “We wanted the monument to be slightly larger than life-size to represent the immense courage and

sacrifice of these eight fallen officers.”

The ceremony concluded with the song “Stand by Me,” which has the recurring line “I won’t be afraid just as long as you stand by me.”

An attendee observed that it was a fitting conclusion to a police ceremony.

The memorial is in the breezeway at the front entrance to the station at 4861 Venice Blvd.

RECEPTION GUESTS, including Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society members (left to right) Richard Battaglia, Jane Gilman, Marlene Zweig, Judy Zeller and Barbara Coad, flank Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky (second from right).

DETAIL OF the inscription on the memorial.

ATTENDING OFFICER’S shadow is cast upon the memorial.

THE GRANITE MEMORIAL with plaques memorializing each fallen officer.

ONE OF THE DRIVING FORCES behind the memorial, Lyn MacEwen Cohen, addresses the crowd.

POLICE BEAT

Tasing on Western, domestic violence with a trombone case

OLYMPIC DIVISION

ROBBERIES: A suspect punched, kicked, tased and pepper sprayed a victim on Nov. 1, at 1:30 a.m. The suspect took property and attempted to drag the victim into a vehicle near Western Avenue and Second Street.

BURGLARIES: A burglar entered a multi-unit building through a window and stole property from the 5000 block of Rosewood Avenue. The suspect fled when the victim returned home on Nov. 1, at 9:15 p.m.

Property was taken from a multi-unit building on Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. It’s unknown how the suspect entered the

Prostitution

(Continued from Page 13)

months. Ramos said the only thing the office came back with was that it was in negotiations to contract with Journey Out.

Journey Out

Journey Out is a Los Angeles based nonprofit that helps victims rebuild their lives once they voluntarily decide to leave sex trafficking. Jour-

apartment on the 100 block of South St. Andrews Place.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT:

A couple had a fight on Nov. 3, and one hit the other, with the suspect hitting the victim with a trombone case causing physical harm, on the 300 block of South Manhattan Place at 2:50 a.m.

GRAND THEFTS AUTO:

On Nov. 2, a vehicle was stolen from the 100 block of South Van Ness Boulevard.

A car was stolen from the 600 block of North Bronson Avenue on Nov. 8, at 4 p.m.

BURGLARY THEFTS

FROM AUTO: Property was taken from a vehicle on the 600 block of North Plymouth

ney Out builds trust and relationships with the girls on the street. At press time, CD13 still did not have a signed contract with Journey Out.

According to resident Ramos, neither of the meetings yielded satisfactory action or answers for the residents. And the nightly activity hasn’t changed. “It’s a very layered situation, but it’s a quality of life issue. There are

OLYMPIC DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer

Daniel Chavez

213-793-0709

36304@lapd.online

Instagram: @olympic_slo1

Boulevard, Nov. 9, at 4:30 p.m.

A burglar took property from a car parked on the 100 block of South Wilton Place on Nov. 9, at 10 p.m.

WILSHIRE DIVISION

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY:

A female suspect, who is currently in custody, got into a fight with an Uber driver. She believed the car belonged

so many condoms, and it’s just getting worse and worse. My husband picks up condoms constantly, especially in front of the [Wilshire] library, because he doesn’t want the kids to have to see that,” says Ramos.

Their next meeting is scheduled for Mon., Jan. 6 with Soto-Martínez attending so residents can get concrete answers and solutions from the person in charge.

St. Brendan School

Simultaneously to SASNA’s interactions with CD13, St. Brendan School (SBS) at 238 S. Manhattan Pl., reached out to Senior Lead Officer (SLO) Danny Chavez.

The school has witnessed prostitutes hanging around as late as 9 a.m. right in front of the school. That means kids see “half-naked women, in thongs and fishnets,” according to Chavez, strutting their stuff as students are dropped off to school.

Chavez had one meeting

WILSHIRE DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer

Tyler Shuck

213-712-3715

40740@lapd.online

Twitter: @lapdwilshire

to her mother, who she said was Whoopi Goldberg. The altercation took place on the 200 block of South Formosa Avenue.

BURGLARIES: A suspect entered an apartment, possibly with a key, and removed property on Nov. 1, on the 400 block of South Cochran Avenue.

with the school principal and a key parent at SBS. According to Chavez, the commanding officers at Olympic Community Police Station, “are giving their resources and attention to this issue and have been very supportive” in tackling the illegal activities. Capt. Rachel Rodriguez, one of the commanding officers at Olympic, says, “It’s the prominence of activity at all hours” that is a particular concern. She continues, “They aren’t just women of the night, like it was 10 years ago.” They work all hours.

Ways to help SLO Chavez is looking for help from the community. He is compiling a map of known areas of activity that officers can regularly patrol. If you know of a particular address that’s always getting used, email him at 36304@ lapd.online. He also recommends good lighting onto the street as well as motion detec-

The 400 block of South Mansfield and the 200 block of South Citrus Avenue both had their power cut off while suspects broke into the homes through a rear window on Nov. 1.

Suspects broke the rear door of a home on the 300 block of North Arden Boulevard, took property and fled on Nov. 2

A home under construction on the 300 block of South Orange Drive was burglarized on Nov. 9.

Suspects used a tool to break the rear glass window of a home on the 400 block of South Highland Avenue. Suspects removed property and fled on Nov. 15.

tors. “LAPD is aware of the problem and will combat it with resources and constant patrol,” he said.

Council districts

The presence of sex trafficking has been dealt with differently over the years.

The late Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s office installed no-turn signs along Western. His office also helped Ridgewood-Wilton get streetlights, making streets less appealing for sexual encounters. Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell’s office appropriated more than $100,000 for overtime to the LAPD to address prostitution and human trafficking. O’Farrell’s office also increased overnight parking patrol. All of these measures once helped to curb the human trafficking and prostitution situation in the neighborhood. With additional funds, LAPD could implement surveillance cameras, additional lights and more task forces, said Lt. McDonald.

Ancient astronomers mapped and named the starry sky

Last month, in the darkened quarters of the Getty Center’s exhibition “Lumen: The Art and Science of Light” (on view through Dec. 8), I caught sight of a 13th-century brass astrolabe. The ancient instrument, first developed in Greece around 250 B.C. and later perfected by Islamic scientists, comprises a round metal disk with movable plates. In addition to calculating daily time, engravings on the device enable one to plot the locations of celestial bodies and determine local latitude.

We have Arab astronomers to thank not just for evolving the astrolabe, but for naming many of the stars — more than 200 of them — still visible to the naked eye today.

The medieval astrolabe would surely have been able to tell early scholars the location of the third-brightest star in the night sky. Located in the constellation Centaurus, named for the mythical half human, half horse, the star actually comprises two adjacent components. Centauri A, called Rigil Kentaurus, is a Latinisation of the Arabic “rijl al-ainṭūrus,” meaning “the foot of the centaur.” The second star, Toliman, goes rogue in its naming with an approximation of the Arabic “aẓ-ẓalīmān,” meaning “two male ostriches.”

Turning our astrolabe toward the northern constellation of Lyra (thought to resemble a lyre), we see its brightest star, Vega. That name comes from a loose transliteration of the Arabic word “wāqi’,” meaning “falling,” as part of the star grouping was also thought to look like a landing eagle.

The red supergiant Betelgeuse, in the constellation of Orion, is the 10th-brightest

star in the night sky. The star is located on the anthropomorphic constellation’s upper torso, interpreted as “yad al-jawzā’” or “hand of Orion.”

An error in a 13th-century reading of that phrase, of the Arabic initial “yā” as “bā,’” made the rounds, leading to the pronunciation we know today. Further down in the constellation, the central star of Orion’s Belt is the blue supergiant Alnilam, a corruption of the Arabic “alni ẓā m,” meaning “string of pearls.”

Astronomers also named stars based on their behaviors, as is the case with the 14th-brightest star, Aldebaran. Located in the Taurus constellation, the red giant receives its name from “al dabarān,” meaning “the follower,” as it appears to follow the open star cluster known as the Pleiades across the night sky. Mirzam, the 46th on the list, is named for the

WVA Board election results are in

By Casey Russell

The Windsor Village Association held its annual board elections the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Elected candidates were Barbara Pflaumer, current board president, and Heather Brel, who currently serves as the board’s vice president. Also maintaining their positions on the board were Andrew Lo, who was running for his third term, Jeff Estow, who has served for four years, and current WVA treasurer, Chris Urner.

Celeste Shields was elected as a first-time board member.

Arabic word meaning “herald” because it rises before Sirius, the brightest star in the sky aside from the sun.

A star to call your own

In 1979, the International Star Registry (ISR) was founded with the purpose of granting the general public the ability to “buy” and “name” stars. While the names aren’t verified by the scientific community — the International Astronomical Union is the only recognized authority on official star names — the notion of having your name counted amid the constellations, even unofficially, appears to be compelling. According to the ISR website, “Three million celebrities, royalty and individuals” have already made their mark on the cosmos. I’d like to think their

stars are rubbing shoulders with falling eagles, the hand of Orion or a centaur’s foot — or living for a few billion years in the embrace of two

male ostriches.

“Lumen: The Art and Science of Light” is part of the PST ART: Art & Science Collide series.

ASTRONOMERS ON MOUNT ATHOS (detail), in “The Travels of Sir John Mandeville,” about 1400–1425. Tinted ink on parchment.

Image © The British Library Board

Word Café by Mara Fisher