Larchmont Chronicle
JUNE 2014
vol. 51, no. 6 • delivered to the 76,439 readers in hancock park • windsor square • fremont place • park labrea • larchmont village • Miracle Mile
IN THIS ISSUE
CIM Group says 'no plans for hotel' in Park Mile area' Zoning upheld
GRAD SALUTE Pages 15 to 30
VACATION shots. 23
CENTER opens. 31
CALIFORNIA greening. 2-3
Community outrage at plans to ignore the Park Mile zoning and build a hotel on the newly acquired Farmers Insurance property has halted the development. Residents petitioned the Fourth District Council office and the homeowners association to protest the planned project. A group from Brookside Homeowners Association recently met with executives of CIM Group which purchased the Farmers property for $55 million earlier this year. “We were pleased to meet with Shaul Kuba, CIM principal, and Clyde Wood, associate vice president, who told us they are not seeking a variance to the Park Mile Specific Plan to build a hotel.” said Jan Wieringa, a spokesman for the Association. “CIM did have plans for a luxury hotel resort on the property but indicated that they have no alternate plans at present,” she added. Wilton to Highland The Park Mile Specific Plan refers to the area between Wilton Place and Highland Ave. It has strict zoning conditions that were put in place in 1987 to preserve the low density, single-family residential nature of the area.
TROOP 10 Boy Scouts celebrate the group's centennial at St. James Church with former and current members and Councilman Tom LaBonge. See story page 32
Former scout leader G. Jerry Plotke dies Gunther Jerry Plotke, who guided local boy scouts for 30 years, has died. A Larchmont Blvd. resident, he was 90. Plotke was born in Berlin and was a plumber’s apprentice until, as a Jew, he fled Germany during World War II at age 17. He escaped via a route through Russia and Siberia to Japan and by ship to Canada. He joined his family in Los Angeles, who had left before him, in 1941. Two years later, See Plotke, p 10
For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:
PARAMOUNT PICTURES employees participated in the 19th annual Viacommunity Day by volunteering their time at schools and non-profits. Paul Springer, senior vice president and assistant general counsel of motion pictures, read to students at Van Ness Ave. Elementary School. Story page 29
Residents seek actions to stop illegal activity in home Drug dealing, squatters at house on Highland By Jane Gilman Hancock Park residents have been frustrated in their attempts to stop illegal activity at 508 N. Highland Ave. that has become a haven for drug dealing and squatters. Other violations include suspected use as a boarding house, frequent yard sales, an illegal fence and general lack of maintenance. “We have contacted our Council office, city Department of Building and Safety and the police department to ask for their assistance,” said Cindy Chvatal, president of Hancock Park Homeowners Association. Complaints about illegal activity at the house date back to 2005. In a drug bust last August, helicopters were drawn to the scene and L.A. Police Dept. officers raided the location and made several arrests. In February, Councilman Tom LaBonge’s office contacted the L.A.P.D. and city agencies. Ben Seinfeld of LaBonge’s office said the house has been the subject of a court battle following the death of the previous owner. The property had been tied up in probate, add-
ing to delays for action by the city. Leela Kapur, chief of staff, office of the Los Angeles city See Highland, p 3
Seniors in July
Our annual section spotlighting seniors will be in the July issue. Advertising deadline is Wed., June 18. To reserve space, call Pam Rudy, 323-462-2241 ext. 11.
On the Boulevard Glimpses by Jane Graduations and vacations are foremost on the minds of many Larchmontians as June approaches. A family trip to England, Scotland and Ireland was a treat for the Mosers—Caroline, Franklin and daughters Julia and Claire. They also visited the “beautiful” lsland of Skye, we learned from Caroline at Peet’s Coffee. *** Alumni Day at MarlborSee BLVD., p 34
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