Larchmont Chronicle
presort standard u.s. postage
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south gate ca. permit no. 294
NOVEMBER 2010
vol. 47, no. 11 • delivered to the 76,439 readers in hancock park • windsor square • fremont place • park labrea • larchmont village • Miracle Mile
SECTION ONE
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Entertainment Guide
Area once banned
L.A. OPERA debuts new "Rigoletto" production. Page 21
DEBUT OF A NEW production to L.A Opera of Verdi's tale of revenge, "Rigoletto." Page 21
Metro speeds westside plan for subway
MUSICAL PERFORMED by Nine O'Clock Players is based on a 19th-century story. Page 27
Dining & Entertainment 19-34 NEW PRESIDENT in RidgewoodWilton. 8 MOMMYHOOD in a new column. 10 CULTURE DAY at Third Street. 14 VETERAN recalls World War II. 18 PINOCCHIO stars in Nine O'Clock's musical. 27 DOCTORS symphony in new home. 33 AROUND the world in 26 days. 35
The “subway to the sea” is back on track. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved a locally preferred route for the Westside Subway Extension that would send the project through the oncebanned territory. The board’s approval moves the project into the final environmental review process. The plans were stalled after a methane gas explosion ripped through a Ross Dress for Less store in the Fairfax District in 1985, injuring 12 people and delivering a seemingly fatal blow to plans to build a subway along Wilshire Boulevard to the westside of Los Angeles. The area was designated a “methane gas hazard zone,” and Congress moved to outlaw See METRO, p. 6
Holiday issue Exciting seasonal guide to holiday events, services, gift ideas and more! Ad space deadline is Nov. 15. Call 323-462-2241, ext. 11.
NEW TEACHER at Music Academy. 37
Ebell welcomes Michelle Obama, Biden at benefit
SECTION TWO
More than 1,000 people heard First Lady Michelle Obama campaign for the reelection of Senator Barbara Boxer at a fundraising appearance on Oct. 26 at The Ebell of Los Angeles Theater. Second Lady of the U.S. Jill Biden, wife of the Vice President, also attended. Obama praised Boxer’s record as a senator for the past 28 years, and told the audience that “we are here to restore the promise of the American dream.” Welcoming the crowd of 1,300 was Ebell president Shirlee Taylor Haizlip. She recounted the club and the theatre’s 120-year history and its value to the women of Los Angeles. The First Lady’s appearance was organized by the Democratic National Committee and the Friends of Barbara Boxer.
Real Estate Home & Garden
BLOCK PARTY drew cast of characters. 6 DOWNTOWN on tour.
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TENNIS CLUB turns 90.
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For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11
LET IT GROW. LARCHMONT CHARTER SCHOOL received a school garden grant of $1,200 from the California Fertilizer Foundation at a recent ceremony at the campus on El Centro Ave. Before presenting the check, CFF program director Pam Emery told the students to think about farmers and ranchers whenever they ate, and commended them for their school’s composting efforts and edible garden.
Police urge precaution at Hancock Park meeting Lock doors, windows, doggie doors; report crimes Don’t leave your doors and windows open. That was the plea from Capt. Eric Davis, Los Angeles Police Dept., who addressed the Hancock Park Homeowners Association’s annual meeting in October at Third Street School. Close to 100 residents heard Capt. Davis request that crimes be reported. “If we don’t know where incidents are happen-
ing and how often, we can’t assign officers to those areas.” He said many of the burglars are gaining entrance through unlocked doors, windows and doggie doors. He also urged victims of burglaries to have fingerprints taken, even if it requires staying at home until the unit arrives. Senior Lead Officer Dave Cordova said the police may
be able to link a suspect in custody for another crime to the burglaries committed in the area. “But we need fingerprints,” he said. Councilman Tom LaBonge spoke on steps being taken to prevent anticipated flooding this winter in the area. Cindy Chvatal Keane, HPHOA president, gave out stars to eight volunteers who are improving the quality of life in the community. Representatives of SSA and ADT security firms also spoke. Climate appropriate landscaping was the subject of See POLICE, p. 5
On the Boulevard Glimpses by Jane
FERRIS WHEEL was one of many rides and games at Larchmont's annual fair on Oct. 24. Story on page 8
Election results and our see-saw weather are hot topics for Larchmontians this month as they gear up for the holidays. *** Local houses will be featured in the new book, “Classic Homes of Los Angeles,” we heard from author Douglas Woods. He is doing a book signing with Glen Creason, author
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See BLVD., p. 41