Lc issue real estate 02 16 100 by Larchmont Chronicle

PARK LA BREA

GARDENS

EVENTS

Construction on the complex's apartment towers began in the 1940s.

Happy "Year of the Monkey." Celebrate at the Huntington.

First Fridays kick off at the Natural History Museum Page 11

Page 7

Page 9

VIEW

Real Estate Home & Garden

Section 2

LARCHMONT CHRONICLE

FEBRUARY 2016

hancock park • windsor square • fremont place • larchmont village • wilshire center • park labrea • miracle mile

SEARCH FOR MORE LISTINGS AT

“THE DUKE” OF HANCOCK PARK

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Hancock Park

This newly re-imagined 1960-2016 Mediterranean estate boasts expert attention to design.

Exquisite chateau on huge lot w/pool. 6 beds/6.5 baths+guest apt. Gourmet kitchen.

3 Floors of unparalleled luxury! Reconstructed, redesigned 4Bed/3.5bath+1/1gst, Pool.

4bedrooms/3baths up & maids + 1.5 bath down, and pool. As is condition.

$10,995,000

Betsy Malloy/ Brandon Cohan (323) 806-0203

$7,995,000

Lisa Hutchins (323) 460-7626

RENOVATED WINDSOR SQUARE

OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS!

$7,395,000

Lisa Hutchins (323) 460-7626

FABULOUS FOR AN OWNER/USER

$3,699,000

Lisa Hutchins (323) 460-7626

MEDITERRANEAN HM IN BROOKSIDE

Hancock Park

Redesigned Tudor style home w/a Porte-Cochere. 5bds/4bths, separate loft. Near Larchmont.

Monterey Revival on market for 1st time in 50 yrs. 4 bds+2 bas up. Maid rm & 1.5 bas down.

Exceptionally remodeled triplex located blocks from Larchmont Village & Paramount Studios.

IN ESCROW... 4/2.5, LR overlooking the courtyard, sunroom, patio perfect for entertaining.

$2,995,000

Sam Martinez/ Lisa Hutchins (323) 460-7626

$2,789,000

Loveland Carr Properties (323) 460-7606

ROMANTIC SPANISH

CHIC & FABULOUS

$2,275,000

Loveland Carr Properties (323) 460-7606

$1,899,000

Rick Llanos (323) 460-7617

FORE! WCC VIEW CONDOMINIUM

MODERN TOWNHOME

West Hollywood

Miracle Mile

Hancock Park

Miracle Mile

3bedroom/2bath home with a new kitchen, a pool, garage and office. SHARP!

3bedrooms/3baths + gourmet kitchen and garage room. Move right in!

Rarely available 2-bed/2 ½ bath PLUS den in beautiful Hancock Park Terrace. Welcome Home!

End unit in a small 6 unit complex, 3bds + 3.5bas + 3 patios, 2 prkg spaces & storage rm.

$1,595,000

Lisa Hutchins (323) 460-7626

$1,489,000

Lisa Hutchins (323) 460-7626

MOVE RIGHT IN!

TOP FLOOR UNIT WITH VIEW

$1,095,000

James R Hutchison/ Peggy Bartenetti (310) 562-5907

NEW LEASE LISTING

$995,000

Rick Llanos (323) 460-7617

CHARMING 2 STORY SPANISH

Silver Lake

Hancock Park

Hollywood Hills West

Beverlywood Adj

Well maintained 5 bedroom, 2 bath home, remodeled in 2012. Turn key and convenient to all.

Lrg unit w/tranquil tree top views. Updated kit & hardwood floors. Pool & spa. 24/7 guard.

Exclusive Private and Charming, 3/3. Indoor/outdoor living. An Entertainers Dream.

3 Bedrooms plus den/ or possible 4th bedroom for lease. Conveniently located close to all.

$849,000

Jenny Chow (213) 810-8791

HANCOCK PARK NORTH (323) 464-9272 251 North Larchmont Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90004

$669,000

Loveland Carr Properties (323) 460-7606

$5,500 / Month

Ginger Lincoln (323) 252-6612

COLDWELL BANKER® SELLS MORE HOMES THROUGHOUT LOS ANGELES THAN ANY OTHER REAL ESTATE BRAND

Coming Soon

Cecille Cohen (213) 810-9949

HANCOCK PARK SOUTH (323) 462-0867 119 North Larchmont Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90004

©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Progressive holiday dinner served year after year on Masselin Avenue Residents of the 800-900 block of S. Masselin Ave. have been celebrating the holidays with a progressive dinner party for 35 years, and this past year was no exception. Jim and Valerie Jesperson Wheat hosted an appetizer party, and John Schunhoff and

Ken Titley invited residents into their home for the main dish followed by dessert. The tradition, which most recently took place Dec. 16, was formed by a group of residents who wanted to get to know their neighbors better by meeting twice a year.

The small group met on the street on July 4, 1980. “Lemonade and cookies were shared, and that informal gathering led to our annual July 4th block party,” said Carrie Muller. Residents closed the street, set up tables, brought potluck

Very Cool ArChiteCturAl home!

foods, barbequed and musicians entertained the crowd. “There were even prizes for the best appetizer, side and dessert! And there were games and prizes for the children as well, like a bike-decorating contest. “That same year we thought it would be fun to get together at the end of the year for a dessert and carol party. Handmade invitations and envelopes are looked forward to by all of us. We made sure we all had Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs printed out, so we could all enjoy and partake in the holiday sing-a-

long,” Muller said. Homeowner Dena Berkin has organized the block parties for the last several years. “It is selfless people like Dena who make it possible for our special block parties to continue,” said Muller. Ellen Ehrlich prints and distributes the block directory. “We hope these traditions continue for at least another 35 years,” added Muller. “There is nothing more fabulous than knowing your neighbors personally! It creates a safer neighborhood, where each resident looks out for the others.”

Real Estate Sales*

Redone with hardwood floors, floor to ceiling walls of glass, all new baths and kitchen plus a very light and open floor plan. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, family room and bonus room as well.

©LC0216

Priced at $2,250,000

Single family homes

310-623-8722

Lic.#00981766

SOLD: This house located at 565 N. Gower St. was listed for just under $1.3 million.

BruceWalker.com

134 Fremont Pl. 441 S. McCadden Pl. 234 S. Rimpau Blvd. 625 N. Highland Ave. 418 S. Sycamore Ave. 531 S. Van Ness Ave. 268 S. Norton Ave. 429 N. Arden Blvd. 1025 S. Longwood Ave. 433 S. Citrus. Ave. 565 N. Gower St. 307 N. Windsor Blvd. 1193 S. Windsor Blvd. 1045 Arlington Ave. 1100 S. St. Andrews Pl. 1130 S. Gramercy Dr. 6820 Clinton St.

Sandy BoeCk A trusted name in Real Estate When You Are: Buying • Selling • Leasing Contact Sandy

$4,200,000 3,800,000 3,450,000 2,599,900 2,245,000 1,950,000 1,775,000 1,750,000 1,700,000 1,379,000 1,299,999 1,169,000 999,900 939,900 915,000 825,000 799,000

©LC0116

Condominiums 311 S. Gramercy Pl., #406 4460 Wilshire Blvd., #205 739 Lorraine Blvd., #304 970 S. St. Andrews Pl., #301 326 Westminster Ave., #205 4733 W. Elmwood Ave., #403 926 S. Manhattan Pl., #301 585 N. Rossmore Ave., #405 532 N. Rossmore Ave., #201 647 Wilcox Ave., #2G 956 S. St. Andrews Pl., #103 532 N. Rossmore Ave., #412 533 S. St. Andrews Pl., #112 620 S. Gramercy Pl., #214 *List prices for December 2015.

$799,000 799,000 715,000 699,000 629,000 619,000 559,000 515,000 499,000 499,000 399,000 359,000 319,000 278,000

Larchmont Chronicle

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Sprouts Farmers Market to open at Angelene February 10 Sprouts Farmers Market is opening its 17th store in the Los Angeles area Wed., Feb. 10 on the ground floor of The

Angelene mixed-use building, at 915 N. La Brea Ave. Set in a bright, open floor plan, the 33,500 square foot

store will offer fresh produce, dairy, meat and seafood, a store spokesman said. On-site butchers will help pick special cuts of meat or seafood, burgers and sausages. Fresh-baked goods, beer and wine, organic and gluten-

free groceries and barrels of grains, nuts and sweets will also be at the site. A vitamin department will carry thousands of choices with reasonable prices, added the spoksman for the Arizonabased company that has more

than 200 stores. The Angelene, at the corner of Willoughby Ave., will have 179 units in five stories. Parking will include 133 spots for Sprouts plus residential spaces underground.

Top 100 in Southern California NEW LISTING - FOR LEASE

CONSTRUCTION is almost complete at The Angelene, home to Sprouts Farmers Market.

COMING SOON

449 N. Highland Ave.

Hancock Park

4 BR / 3 BA Offered at $8,500/MO

3 BR / 2 BA Each Unit Charming Duplex

JUST SOLD

GREAT NEW PRICE!

FOR SALE

433 S. Citrus Ave.

317 N. Mansfield Ave.

33110 Madera De Playa

3 BR / 2.5 BA Offered at $1,379,000

3 BR / 2.5 BA Offered at $4,600/MO

Temecula Wine Country Offered at $449,000

NEW ON LA BREA

Actors’ studio, Wilde wine, home-style dessert

By Sondra Toll Sepenuk Hundreds of students, agents, actors and casting directors turned out on Jan. 9 to celebrate the grand opening of Zak Barnett Studios (ZBS), a new 3,000 sq. ft. space for acting classes located at 332 S. La Brea Ave. “We are so thrilled we found our home where we did,” says Barnett of the prime location. “It’s such a great community with so many like-minded businesses and opportunities for collaboration.” Barnett opened the bright and airy class space to help create a conversation among teachers, students, artist activists and spiritual and entertainment leaders. “Our art evolves as we evolve,” says Barnett. “And we evolve in a state of inspiration.” Barnett earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in acting and playwriting through his training at the American Conservatory Theater, Tisch School of the Arts, The Actors Center (New York) and San Francisco University. He went on to cofound the Experimental Performance Institute, the country’s first accredited BA, MA and MFA program in Experimental and Activist Performance Theater. Classes are offered for both children and adults. For more information, call 323-7465059 or go to zakbarnett.com. ••• Fresh out of the oven, SusieCakes is open for business at 328 S. La Brea Ave., just downstairs from Zak Barnett Studios! The home-style dessert bakery opened its newest loca-

Homes for an Era - Agents for a Lifetime

Naomi Hartman 323.860.4259

nhartman@coldwellbanker.com CalBRE# 00769979

Leah Brenner

323.860.4245

Members ~ Society of Excellence www.naomiandleah.com

lbrenner@coldwellbanker.com CalBRE# 00917665

©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

ZAK BARNETT with students Hazel Sepenuk and Olivia Sanabia (latter is on Amazon show, “Just Add Magic”).

tion, decked out in its signature retro All–American color scheme. Founded by Susan Sarich, the menu includes cupcakes, frosted layer cakes, fruit pies, cookies, snickerdoodles and brownies. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit susiecakes.com. ••• Savor Bordeaux or taste viognier at Wilde Wine Bar and Restaurant at 320 S. La Brea Ave.—near SusieCakes. Reminiscent of Europeanstyle brasseries, Wilde Wine Bar has a neighborhood feel. Charcuterie plates, steak au poivre and tagliolini with house pesto are among offerings made with seasonal ingredients. All can be paired with a selection of artisan and small-production wines. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday frome 5 to 11 p.m. Go to wildela.com.

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Monkees drummer inspires his daughter in family business By Sondi Toll Sepenuk Making furniture by hand is a dying art. A daughter making furniture alongside her father is even more rare. And if her father just happens to be Micky Dolenz of The Monkees? Well, this story just got really interesting. Georgia Dolenz, one of Micky Dolenz’ four daughters, is a British transplant who grew up living between the U.K. and the U.S. While Micky was on tour, Georgia was often at his side. When home, the pair would do what every father and daughter —they do in their downtime spent the day in the garage together, woodworking. “My dad is a musician with a pipe dream of becoming a woodworker!” laughs Georgia. Micky, now 70, was originally inspired by his own father who advised, ‘if you can make it, don’t buy it!’” Before Micky hit it big on the Monkees, a television show that would change the trajectory of his life, he pursued architecture. “Dad went to Los Angeles Trade and Technical College to become an architect, so he’s always had a love for it,” says Georgia. Micky instilled that love of form and architecture in

GEORGIA and her dad, Micky Dolenz, hanging out at the Dolenz & Daughters workshop.

his daughters as they worked side-by-side, creating original pieces by hand. Georgia’s own love of woodworking blossomed when she attended one of the U.K.’s top theatre schools, the University of Hull in Northern England. “They taught us every aspect of the theatre,” says Georgia. “When I was 18, I learned how to build sets and to weld. I had to weld the trap doors!” she laughs with a hint of comedy and tragedy. “I also had to make boned corsets for the costume department and learned every aspect of the theatrical machine.” In 2010, Georgia moved to Los Angeles (she currently resides in Hancock Park) and

joined the Groundlings program, utilizing her comedic skills to write and perform sketch comedy. On the side, she and her father, who also lives in L.A., built furniture for themselves out of his garage. “We would spend the days working in the garage, listening to NPR,” says Georgia. “One day I told him, ‘I’m really getting into Car Talk,’ and he said, ‘Oh my God, you’re turning into an 80-year-old man!’” Georgia and Micky enjoyed the father/daughter time so much that he half-jokingly suggested one Christmas that they start a business called ‘Dolenz & Daughters.’ Several months later, Georgia showed

up at one of his tours in D.C. with a furniture company business proposal in hand. “Dad, I think we should do this,” she told him. “I just built a website.” Things immediately took off. The father/daughter team formed ‘Dolenz & Daughters Fine Furniture’ thinking they would sell a few pieces here and there. “We opened the company with one item, a hope chest, and within a week we had 20 orders, so we had to close down the shop!” Georgia laughs. People don’t believe that it’s just Georgia and Micky who are the creators and builders of the 100% handcrafted pieces. “A woman once emailed me and said ‘I hear you outsource the routing,’” recalls Georgia, “and I told her, ‘are you kidding? The routing is my favorite part! I got some new tools recently and it was like opening an early Christmas present!’” Every now and then, Georgia’s sisters, Ami, Emily and Charlotte will step in to help, but most of the work is performed solely by Georgia and Micky. Once the pair figured out how to navigate Micky’s touring schedule, they reopened and began the business in

earnest. Soon, the cars were kicked from the garage to the street to make room for the large amount of orders that poured in. To date, they have sold over 300 pieces, including coffee tables, side tables, hope chests, picture frames, candle sets, and shabby chic bench chests. Two of their latest creations are a mahogany maple chess set and a mahogany maple guitar stand. “I really love that,” says Georgia, “because it relates to what my dad is known for.” In the long run, Georgia hopes to start a nonprofit to inspire young girls to follow their interests, no matter how ‘ungirly’ those interests may seem. “I love seeing women do stuff that isn’t typical, like welding or building. Our parents instilled that in all of us,” she says, appreciatively. Coming from a world of comedy, music, theatre and woodshop, Georgia just might be on to something. “Woodworking is empowering. I want to empower young girls to do unusual things. They should know that they can be funny… and be woodworkers, too!” For more information, go to dolenzanddaughters.com.

Larchmont Chronicle

February 2016

SECTION TWO

The fabric of life in a neighborhood—the wonders and worries and that of Beachwood Canyon, much of it on my feet. The letter sparked a novel, set in January 1932. This monthly column will be about my home ground— what I see and hear and smell and touch here, what I love about and worry about in our neighborhood. My interests range from our urban forest, pocket parks, plants and gardens and farmers’ markets to history, urban noise, light pollution, museum and botanicalgarden programs and speeders on residential streets. This is the fabric of our lives here in the neighborhood. Where is your home ground? The home ground of your heart? Sometimes I think mine is a slot canyon in Utah along the Virgin River; at other times, it’s Iceland. Yet, occasionally, I long for something that would have been impossible for me to have seen: the Los Angeles cityscape described in “Southern California Country: An Island on the Land,” written by Carey McWilliams, one of

the Southland’s greatest journalists, published in 1946. ••• About a year ago, one of our neighbors died. She was 92. When we moved into the circa 1921 house next door to her, she welcomed us. She put up with two rounds of construction. She insisted that I take

over the planting on the north side of her house when we were redesigning our garden and driveway; she didn’t want us to have to look at her ugly (her word) plants from our kitchen window. Within two years, we were spending occasional holidays together. She invited us out to

dinner and we reciprocated. If I baked anything, part of it went next door. She was always asking after us, eager to see photos from our trips. We got to know her lovely relatives, who still live in the neighborhood. We checked on her and she checked on us. (Please turn to page 6)

Hancock Park Terrace

651 Wilcox Ave # 1C Los Angeles, 90004 A lovely 2 Bedrooms, 2 ½ Bathrooms, new bamboo, and travertine natural stone located in Hancock Park Terrace, beautiful pool & spa

Call Antonio Franco (310)346-0394

CHASE CAMPEN The Family Realtor

AVAILABLE Hancock Park - Spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bath Offered at $1,350,000. www.742northmansfield.com

IN ESCROW Hollywood Hills - Completely renovated 3 bedroom, 3 bath. Offered at 949,000. www.3646fredonia.com

JUST LISTED 4 bedroom

5 bath 4,010 sq ft 9,773 sq ft lot www.2275hidalgo.com

Stunning Mid-Century view home completely redone with modern amenities. Mad Men era formal living room, dining room, kitchen with island, marble countertops, Bosch appliances and Bertazzoni range. Luxurious master bedroom suite and substantial Great Room with separate entrance and bath. Expansive views of Silver Lake Reservoir, Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Hills.

SOLD Hancock Park - Magnificent 6 bedroom, 7 bath. Offered at $5,950,000. www.141northjunest.com

SOLD Windsor Square - Grand 5 bedroom, 7 bath Country English. Offered at $3,349,000. www.627lorraine.com

CHASE CAMPEN

(323) 788-4663 ▪ chasecampen@gmail.com I have been one of our neighborhood’s top producing real estate agents for more than a decade. After 10 years of selling here and 10 years of living here, I know the neighborhood and I know the market. 0

KW Larchmont ▪ BRE Lic #01323112

SOLD Miracle Mile/Grove - Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Offered at $1,425,000. www.140northmartel.com

SOLD Hancock Park - Impeccable 4 bedroom, 3 bath. Offered at $2,299,000. www.520northcahuenga.com

©LC0216

HOME GROUND is a new Larchmont Chronicle column about our shared neighborhood urban landscape. I’m a walker in the city. I’ve been a solo walker since before I turned five. I started watching the landscape of my then-city, a gritty industrial town, before I had any ideas. Before I read books. Before television. The path between school and my grandHome mother’s house Ground was an alleyby way. I can still Paula Panich feel the cinders under my feet, hear the crunch of my steps. I was a camera, the images sharply developed and indelible. We’ve lived in our house in Larchmont Village since early 2009; in Los Angeles, since 2005. I didn’t want to move here. I left a late 19th-century house in Northampton, Mass., population 30,000. In 2009, looking through a bin of old papers at a shop in South Pasadena, I found a letter written from Los Angeles in 1932. That’s how I spent $1.50 and tied up the next five years of my life: learning the history of our neighborhood

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Park La Brea residents elect new board at annual meeting By Billy Taylor A board of directors election and a visit from state Assemblyman Richard Bloom brought nearly 80 members of the Park LaBrea Residents Association to its annual meeting on Jan. 10. Col. Donald Harris, the group’s secretary-treasurer, explained the board of directors election process and dis-

tributed ballots to those in attendance. Harris asked candidates to consider three main duties of the position: loyalty, care and active participation. “Ballots will be counted early next week,” Harris told the crowd of residents, and subsequently reported that all of the incumbents were re-elected. The slate of candidates for

the board included Bernie Clinch, Col. Harris, Solomon Moore, Amy Mucken, Carol Robbins, Jerry Saltman and Marc Sinnott. Fire Battalion Chief Michael Thomas, who works as a liaison to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, gave a brief presentation on fire safety education and took questions from the

Happy Valentine’s Day For a sweetheart of a deal, take a look at this Clinton St. townhouse!

Home ground

Tennis Club adjacent Available for lease beginning February 3 beds 2.5 Baths 1,700 Sq. Ft.

©LC0216

Sign up for my informative newsletter - read about remodeling ideas, schools, entertainment...and more. Write to BobDay@coldwellbanker.com

A Trusted Name in Los Angeles since 1882

Bob Day 323-821-4820 BobDay@coldwellbanker.com

DRE # 0851770

Coldwell Banker HanCoCk Park • residential & CommerCial 119 n. larCHmont Blvd.

audience. In his annual report to the membership, president Clinch announced, “The elevator modernization program has been completed at no cost to residents.” Clinch says his 2016 goals include vigorous support of the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance and continued advocacy for members of the 6,000-resident complex. State Assemblyman Richard Bloom closed the meeting with remarks on his connection to West Los Angeles and the political journey that led to his election as an Assemblymember. Bloom praised his district director, Josh Kurpies, for his

(Continued from page 5) She had had a career as an executive in advertising and never married. We helped celebrate her 90th birthday. At the end of 2013, she took a fall in a parking lot and broke her hip. She was determined to recover. My husband kept her car running. The pass-along dishes went over to her caregivers. Her interest in our lives never dimmed. When she died, the life we lived in our 1921 Larchmont Village bungalow changed. It was then that I could see what before I hadn’t understood: that side by side, we had really lived together, breathing in and out, making a small landscape, a neighborhood of three, a garden, a shared home ground.

Thinking of Selling? Need a Price Opinion? Need a Second Opinion? Call for a Complimentary Consultation!

ASSOCIATION president Bernie Clinch (left) with state Assemblyman Richard Bloom.

work on constituent affairs, and encouraged attendees to contact his staff with any concerns they may have regarding California state agencies.

Cocktails, comfort food at Clifton’s Enjoy drinks and ambiance at The Art Deco Society’s “Cocktails in Historic Places” set for Clifton’s Cafeteria, 648 S. Broadway, on Fri., Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. A $10 million, five-year remodel of the legendary cafeteria retains the 1935 restaurant’s forest theme and prime art deco architecture. A fivestory faux redwood tree stands in the center of the restaurant. Dine on comfort food. Visit adsla.org.

Director series Artchitect Frank Gehry will talk with museum director Michael Govan Thurs., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. at the L.A. County Musem of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Visit lacma.org.

Larchmont Chronicle

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Housing shortage after war spurred Park La Brea towers By Jane Gilman Saber-tooth cats and dire wolves once roamed where the 4,232-unit Park La Brea apartment complex now stands. The area was first recorded by explorer Gaspar de Portola in 1769. In 1828, Antonio Rocha, a well-todo blacksmith, was granted the land. Its 176 acres later became the setting for some of the 350 oil wells in the area. Partly in response to President Harry Truman seeking a program to house returning veterans, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which already had begun major housing complexes in New York City and San Francisco, proceeded with its plans to erect garden apartments on land it had purchased in Los Angeles.

The original plan called for 26 two-story garden blocks in an octagon pattern. Architects were the firms of Gordon Kaufmann and J. E. Stanton. The first phase was completed in 1946. Each apartment was designed with a patio and shared backyard. Then Met Life asked architects Leonard Schultz & Associates to create greater density on the site. Schultz had designed such prestigious hotels in New York City as the Waldorf Astoria, The Pierre and the Sherry Netherland. Construction of eighteen 12-story towers soon got underway. By 1952, the towers were completed. The towers were designed like wings of a windmill, reach-

ing out from a central core to provide expansive views. An article in “Arts & Architecture” magazine in the 1950s praised Park La Brea for its unique design. “The plan insures that all apartments have ample light, space and views varying from fair to excellent.” Rents were dictated by the National Housing Authority

which approved $54 for a onebedroom unit, $65 and up for two bedrooms and $78 and up for three-bedroom units. By the 1960s, the rents had gone up to $125 for a one bedroom and $157 for two bedrooms. The May Company purchased the apartment community from Met Life in 1986

and later partnered with Forest City Development Co. In 1995, Prime Property Capital Inc. purchased controlling interest in the apartment complex. Today, its 10,000 residents can enjoy landscaped grounds, a café, activity center and theater. Other amenities are a fitness center and two swimming pools.

What lies beyond the gate?

Call me to find out. ONE OF THE 18 Park La Brea towers during construction.

une

Featured Listing for the Month of February by

G IN

T LIS

SOLD 134 Fremont Place

04/17/2015 Represented both Buyer & Seller - Sold $3,760,000 12/16/2015 Represented Seller - Sold $3,900,000 Stunning Georgian Colonial Style Home 24hr security guarded home in Fremont Place. Recently renovated all 3 fireplaces with city permit. Upgraded gourmet kitchen with brand new commercial quality, high end stainless steel appliances, beautifully redone landscaping in front and back yard. Master bedroom with hot tub and fireplace and 2nd master bedroom with hot tub. All bathrooms are redone with natural stone marble floors, French doors & windows throughout. Large family room with fireplace, formal living room, dining room, exercise room, 2 car garage, laundry inside and circular driveway. 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths main house, large finished attic, large basement great for storage, swimming pool with waterfall, Guest house. Rare opportunity to own a beautiful home in Fremont, Hancock Park.

June Ahn

International President’s Elite CalBRE: 01188513

cell: 323.855.5558 juneahn21@gmail.com

Hancock Park South Office 119 N. Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Home & Garden

Monkey flowers, irrigation, year-round color at Payne Work year-round color into your garden and learn about irrigation and monkey flowers at the Theodore Payne Foundation, 10459 Tuxford St., Sun Valley. Join Ken Gilliland on a bird walk Thurs., Feb. 4 from 8 to 10 a.m. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes. Learn the basics about gardening with California flora Fri., Feb. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sat., Feb. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Help clean up and prune the grounds Sat., Feb. 6 from 9

a.m. to noon. Bring gardening gloves and small tools for personal use. Shovels, trowels, hoes and other implements will be available. Refreshments will also be provided. Hollywood Market Visit Payne’s booth at the Hollywood Farmers Market at Ivar and Selma Sun., Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get advice from horticulturists and use your Payne discount. Hear about the monkey flower at a class taught by botanist Naomi Fraga Sat., Feb. 13 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Discuss irrigation tech-

Nocturnal plants and canine citizenship are among offerings

MONKEY FLOWER topic of class Sat., Feb. 13.

niques and equipment best used for native plants Sat., Feb. 20 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. See how California natives add color to the garden all year round Thurs., Feb. 25 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 818-768-1802 or go to theodorepayne.org.

Canine citizenship, flowering trees and nocturnal plants are among the topics at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Bring your best dog pal to learn to be a good canine citizen Mondays, Feb. 1 and 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. Hear about flowering trees Wed., Feb. 3, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wear walking shoes and

bring binoculars for a bird walk Sat., Feb.13 at 8 a.m. Get a peek at nocturnal plants and creatures on a family-friendly evening hike Sat., Feb. 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Explore western North American landscape in literature Wed., Feb. 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. Call 626-821-3213 for information. For more information visit arboretum.org.

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Larchmont Chronicle

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Home & Garden

New Year's fest coming to Huntington

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LION DANCERS will help bring in the Year of the Monkey at Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.

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Celebrate the Chinese New Year and learn about camellias, bonsais and other plants at Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Take a tour of the Japanese Garden’s ceremonial teahouse Mon., Feb. 8 every 20 minutes between noon and 4 p.m. Evan Meyer from Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden will discuss seed conservation, seed banks and California flora Thurs., Feb. 11 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. A sale follows. Enjoy the many blooms competing for top honors at the 44th annual Camellia Show and sale sponsored by the Southern California Camellia Society Sat., Feb. 13 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take a tour of tropical plants around the Huntington, including orchids, Wed., Feb. 17 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with lion dancers, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese music and more Sat., Feb. 20 and Sun., Feb. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Explore the science of gardening at a workshop Thurs., Feb. 25 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Bonsai-a-thon Learn how to shape and grow miniature trees in a hands-on workshop Sat., Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon, operating in conjunction with a “Bonsai-a-thon” event. Bonsai masters will exhibit their miniature trees and give demonstrations on bonsai care Sat., Feb. 27 and Sun., Feb. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will also be a “bonsai bazaar,” prize drawings and a live auction at 3 p.m. Listen to Chinese music in the Garden of Flowing Fragrance Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. For ages seven to 12 Little artists can get the basics of painting using Chinese brushes and techniques, and learn about the Year of the Monkey Sat., Feb. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Young chocolatiers can learn about the plant where chocolate comes from and then make delicious art to take home and eat Sat., Feb. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Youngsters can learn about how bonsai trees are created and take a home a miniature tree Sat., Feb. 27 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit huntington.org.

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Home & Garden

Water symposium on calendar at Descanso

formerly “Larchmont Hardware”

Wishing All Our Good Larchmont Friends A Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s February and Valentine’s Day. We have Heart shaped cookie cutter sets. We have “heart” baking pans. we have the most beautiful “Waechtersbach” plates and bowls and serving pieces in brilliant red, from Germany. February is also a great month for cleaning. You know about the new “E” cloths with 1.6 million cleaning fibers per square inch. They clean with no chemicals needed. We have over 10 different kinds for cleaning everything from stainless steel to glass to electronics. We have 50 different kinds of the new “led” bulbs in different wattages and styles, including low voltage bulbs and dimmable bulbs. Plus, we have the new faucet filter which fits in the palm of your hand and just screws onto the faucet. Come visit us and take 20% off any one item as our good, loyal Larchmont customer. Happy February.

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BRING GLOVES to a class on organic vegetable gardening.

na Restaurant’s Martin Reise. Around the gardens Little explorers ages 2 to 5 can learn about nature through crafts and other hands-on activities Sat., Feb. 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Artist Virginia Hein leads a landscape sketching class Saturdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27 at 9 a.m. Get guidance on organic vegetable gardening Tues., Feb. 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. Bring gardening gloves. Youngsters and their accompanying adults can hear a story and make a nature collage at Art for Tots Tues., Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Toddlers ages 2 to 4 can interact with nature through science, art and garden activities Mondays at 10 a.m. Call 818-949-7980, or go to descansogardens.org.

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James Folsom, director of the Botanical Gardens at Huntington Library, will give a talk at the Los Angeles Garden Club meeting Mon., Feb. 8. The meeting begins at 9:15 a.m. with coffee and refreshments; the presentation starts at 11 a.m. First-time visitors and members attend for free; non-members pay $5. For more information, contact Joyce Parrott at 310-4718512 or go to losangelesgardenclub.org.

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Hear how to use California natives for color in the garden all year round at 11 a.m. Take a water-wise walk and talk through the gardens at 12:30 p.m. See how to plan your garden using native plants at an illustrated talk at 2 p.m. Additional activities include the Los Angeles River Rover, a mobile classroom on the history of the Los Angeles River, and a water tasting with Pati-

Sketching, organic gardening, art collages and a water symposium are some of the activities this month at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Water symposium Hear about water-wise gardening practices at an all day symposium Sat., Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following are activities at the event. Learn about harvesting rainwater at 9:30 a.m.

Larchmont Chronicle

February 2016

SECTION TWO

Modern word for partner comes from ancient Roman tradition

CicLAvia’s next stop: The Valley

First Fridays at Natural History

Explore “The Valley” when CicLAvia takes off Sun., March 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacoima, Arleta, North Hills East and Panorama City will be on the car-free, four-mile route along Van Nuys Blvd., from San Fernando Road to Roscoe Blvd. Cars will be able to cross Van Nuys at Nordhoff, Plummer, Woodman and Laurel Canyon.

Movies often inspire the next frontier of space exploration, and they rely on science to tell their stories—from Jurassic paleontology to space travel. But do they get it right? Explore the good, the bad and the ridiculous in First Friday’s “Big Screen, Bigger Science” launching Fri., Feb. 5 at the Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd. The series features speakers, film clips and live music. Behind-the-scene tours begin at 5:30 p.m. The panel discussion is at 6:30 p.m. Live bands perform at 8 and 9:15 p.m.

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less painful.” Ouch. ••• How come people “kowtow” to their superiors? queries Edmund Morrison. In ancient China, any subject approaching the Emperor was required to k’o t’ou— literally, “knock head.” The reverential supplicant would get down on all fours, then

kneel and press his forehead to the ground several times (of course, the more times the more obsequious the gesture). No wonder the Chinese Empire came to an end. Professor Know-It-All is the nom de plume of Bill Bentley, who invites readers to try and stump him. Send your questions to willbent@prodigy.net.

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Fittingly, it was the members of the Old Guard who made the last charge of the French at Waterloo. ••• Why, if a movie or play fails, does it “bomb?” queries Kent Johns. This common show biz expression was the invention of Greville Corks, an especially caustic drama critic of the old “New York Standard,” who achieved an extreme popularity in the 1920’s for his vitriolic reviews. His column, which was appropriately titled, “Sawdust and Bile,” first used this explosive metaphor to blast a play that had closed after two performances. “Since the producers were so eager to clear the theater,” he hissed, “they might have tried a bomb instead. It would have been quicker for the audience and

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warts of any party or movement and get their name from the Old Guard, the veteran regiments of Bonaparte’s

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Why is a husband or wife a “spouse?” asks Tina Hartwig. Spouse is from the Latin sponsusit, one who has promised. In ancient Rome, the friends of the parties about to be married met at the house of the bride’s father to settle the marriage contract, which was called the sponsalia—the espousal (promise). Sure beats a pre-nup, doesn’t it? ••• How come anyone who is a traditionalist is said to be a member of the “Old Guard?” ponders Joe Niedermeyer. Figuratively, they are stal-

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SECTION two

February 2016

Larchmont Chronicle

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