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Miracle Mile 2017

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Larchmont Chronicle

30TH annual edition

'What do you Urban oasis offers walkability, quality of life enjoy most

Living in the Mile By John Welborne People living in and near the Miracle Mile include a large percentage of the readers of the Larchmont Chronicle. Many of the most historic and architecturally interesting residential areas of Los Angeles are near the Miracle Mile. And no residential project better typifies living in the Mile than Park La Brea, which borders the Mile for most of its length. An urban oasis between Sixth and Third Streets, from Fairfax Ave. almost to La Brea Ave., this premier residential community is home to the largest population of apartment dwellers in Los Angeles, with about 11,000 residents on its 160 acres. Park La Brea is just steps from Miracle Mile offices, shops, restaurants, museums and more. Although it has been a residential haven for decades, today’s Park La Brea residents and management think of it as “the modern renter’s choice,” according to Maura Daly,

director of marketing and leasing, and Eve Lauricella, leasing manager, respectively. Says Lauricella: “The modern day renter is looking for a better quality of life. They want to spend their time learning, growing, experiencing life, having fun and being entertained. With rental prices continuing to rise in the city, what we spend our money on really counts. The Miracle Mile area offers so many free activities: swimming lessons at Pan-Pacific Park, Friday night Jazz at LACMA or outdoor movie night here with us and yes, they are all free! Why wouldn’t you want to move to Park La Brea?” Although Park La Brea is just one of many rental options in and near the Miracle Mile, there is no doubt that Park La Brea is the most spacious. And, although the automobile long has been a part of the easy access to and from Park La Brea, Maura Daly says that is changing: “In this busy city (Please turn to page 28)

about living at Park La Brea?'

That is the question inquiring photographer Sondi Toll Sepenuk asked residents at a favorite Mile apartment complex.

“There’s a community feeling, with lots of kids running around and places for kids to play. We’re so close to the Grove and to the grocery stores, you don’t even need a car. We just put the kids in the strollers and go.” Divya Vats Joshi with son Siddhant (4-year residents), and Shobhna Bhartiya with son Sabhya (5-year residents)

“I love it here because I have access to many restaurants, stores, museums and movie theatres. But it’s still very quiet and peaceful.” Nakisa 4-year resident

“The air feels cleaner here. It’s so nice and quiet and I love to exercise outside. It’s a beautiful space with a great sense of community.” DeAndre Wilson 8-month resident

“I really love to come to the café and sit outside in the sun, under the awnings, reading with my wife.” Joel Eckstein 20-year resident

“It’s like an oasis in the middle of the city with such an extraordinary community. You have all types of activities that you can do with your neighbors.” Sylvie Brousseau 21-year resident

Larchmont Chronicle

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30TH annual edition

Looking back on the first ‘Miracle Mile’ special edition, 30 years ago By Jane Gilman A new skyline was emerging on Wilshire Boulevard between La Brea and Fairfax avenues when the Larchmont Chronicle debuted its first edition of “Miracle Mile.” The inaugural issue told of the 22-story office tower that opened at 6500 Wilshire, New Wilshire’s 16-story building at Fairfax and Wilshire, and Wilshire Courtyard, one million square feet of office space in two, six-story buildings. Readers learned about the Miracle Mile Residential Association (MMRA) that was celebrating “Wilshire Park,” a two-acre expanse of open space behind Wilshire Courtyard that originally was destined to be the site of condominiums. MMRA president Lyn MacEwen Cohen worked with Courtyard developer Jerry Snyder

MIRACLE MILE Published by the Larchmont Chronicle 323-462-2241 larchmontchronicle.com

The annual edition is delivered to residents, businesses and employees in the greater Miracle Mile area. It also is delivered to residents in Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Fremont Place, Park LaBrea and Larchmont Village, bringing the total readership to 100,000. COVER PHOTO by Bill Devlin Photography: PARK LA BREA: The cover of this 30th annual “Miracle Mile” special edition shows residents’ courtyards, gardens and the Curson Café in the foreground, adjoining one of the tower apartment buildings. Behind the café are garden apartments, and behind them is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Miracle Mile … with the Baldwin Hills in the far background.

to create, instead of condos, a lushly landscaped green space to buffer the historic residential community from the new office towers. Another article told of the threat of an art deco building being razed and how that was thwarted when the Los Angeles Conservancy banded together with residents to save 5410 Wilshire. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art added the Robert O. Anderson building and the Pavilion of Japanese Art. That first issue of our special edition also told of the Mile’s shopping places such as Adray’s for appliances and Lanz for stylish women’s wear. Lew Mitchell’s Orient Express was a favorite dining establishment of employees and residents alike. All three are no more. In the succeeding years, the Larchmont Chronicle’s

JAPANESE PAVILION opened three decades ago at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Photo by Brant Brogan

Miracle Mile issues documented the resurgence of the business community and the residential neighborhood. The Miracle Mile Civic Coalition had been founded to improve the area with median landscaping

and signs denoting Museum Row, hold community events, and promote emergency preparedness. The Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce was revitalized, and the MMRA revved up its neighborhood watch pro-

gram and began the push for preservation zoning. Headlines told of the renovation by The Ratkovich Company of the 30-story office tower at 5900 Wilshire Blvd. Articles described the Metro Rail plans and the arrival of entertainment firms such as Variety magazine and the Screen Actors Guild. Our stories reported on what was new with museums: George C. Page (now the La Brea Tar Pits), the Petersen Automotive and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. TarFest grew in size to become a showcase for artists and musicians in Hancock County Park. As we send this 30th special edition to press, we marvel at the amazing progress the Larchmont Chronicle has witnessed over the past 30 years in the Miracle Mile.

Larchmont Chronicle

30TH annual edition

Councilmember David E. Ryu Fourth District, City of Los Angeles

MIRACLE MILE

It is my honor to represent the Miracle Mile. Paid for by David Ryu for City Council 2015 Officeholder 728 W. Edna Place, Covina, CA 91722. For additional information, visit: http://ethics.lacity.org

Mile renaissance underway creates 'extrodinary opportunites' for area By Billy Taylor In recent years, the Miracle Mile has witnessed the beginning of a transformation from a faded center of commerce into an urban live / work / play neighborhood. To get some perspective, the Chronicle asked Wayne Ratkovich, owner of the tallest building in the Mile, to give Mr. RATKOVICH his take on the neighborhood’s evolution. When Ratkovich’s company acquired 5900 Wilshire in 2005, the office building (located across from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art [LACMA]) and the surrounding area, had seen better days. “The building was in pretty bad condition,” he says, noting that the infrastructure required a complete renovation. “There was no heat at all; in the wintertime tenants were very cold. And all of the elevators needed to be brought up to code. Major changes to the building were required.” Investing $34 million to renovate the 30-story building, Ratkovich saw the neighborhood’s potential. “My take on it back then was that the market for the Miracle Mile was a little confusing,” he says. “Some called it Mid-Wilshire, some called it the Park

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Mile, and others called it the Miracle Mile. There was confusion about what the neighborhood was and who used it. “That has changed in recent years.” Ratkovich credits the “great work” that is going on with LACMA, the Academy museum and the Metro Purple Line. “All of these things that are taking place are significant.” Ratkovich’s building now is 94 percent occupied, and he says he is “thrilled” with his decision to invest in the neighborhood 12 years ago. “Part of my job is to try and understand the city and understand the changes that will be happening so that we can be there before the values go too high. We saw the potential, and the history of the Miracle Mile, and we liked what we saw.” Comparing the changes to a kind of renaissance, Ratkovich says the Miracle Mile will be a fashionable corridor in years to come for residents and businesses alike. “I can imagine a lot more development coming to Wilshire — the residential opportunities are extraordinary. It’s going to be a wonderful place to live, particularly for urban living.” Developments to watch Currently under construction in the Mile is The Mansfield, a six-story, 138unit, mixed-use project under construction at 5100 Wilshire, at the corner of S. Mansfield. The developer, Korda Group, plans 13,000 square feet (Please turn to page 6)

Richard Bloom 

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Assembly Member, 50th District  California State Assembly 

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Proudly Serving the Miracle Mile Community 

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District Office (310) 450-0041 Capitol Office (916) 319-2050 

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Larchmont Chronicle

30TH annual edition

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Larchmont Chronicle

30TH annual edition

Chamber hears the State of the Mile

J.H. SNYDER CO. is planning the Wilshire Curson building.

Renaissance

(Continued from page 4) of ground floor commercial space. It’s expected to be complete at the end of 2017. Work is expected to begin soon on a 12-story, 250,000 square-foot office building in the rear of the SAG-AFTRA site on Wilshire Blvd. The J.H. Snyder Company is planning

the $170 million development, known as the Wilshire Curson building. Still in the planning stage, developer CGI Strategies filed plans in January to construct a residential-complex at 639 S. La Brea Ave., north of the future Wilshire / La Brea Metro subway station. Plans describe the project as a 12-story mixed-use building

By Billy Taylor Members of the Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce and their guests filled the El Rey Theatre Feb. 9 for the annual “State of the Mile” event to hear from several speakers, including City Councilman David Ryu. Taking the stage, Ryu noted how the Miracle Mile has transformed into a vibrant corridor filled with art, cultural and history: “This has become a place for Angelenos to live, work and play — and it is vital that we continue to support the local economy to enhance the quality of life for both residents and tourists alike,” said Ryu. He is excited about the recentthat will include 160 residential units as well as ground-level retail and restaurant space. The building would be built just north of a staging area for Purple Line construction.

EL REY THEATRE hosted the Chamber of Commerce event.

ly passed Measure HHH and Measure M, he said, because they represent opportunities to spur the local economy, change the quality of life and promote a more sustainable future for the Mile. Speaker on history “I think everybody appreciates where they’re going

COUNCILMAN RYU and Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce president Steve Kramer.

once they know where they’ve been,” said Petersen Automotive Museum curator Leslie Kendall, another featured speaker at the event. Using the Petersen Museum as a case study, Kendall’s presentation, “The Miracle Mile: Shopping in a New Era” discussed the Mile’s evolution from the world’s first linear shopping district, the area’s decline in the 1980s, to its current renaissance. Metro Metro’s chief communications officer, Pauletta Tonilas, also was on hand to address last year’s voter-approved transportation measure. “Passing Measure M was a victory for the whole county,” said Tonilas after taking the stage. She explained that Metro will begin to receive the new tax revenues in July, when the half-cent sales tax starts. In the meantime, Metro is busy working to finalize several citizen committees to provide advice and oversight regarding the Measure’s implementation. Caruso Vice president of civic initiatives at Caruso, Sam Garrison, shared with the audience his view on how to be a success in the Miracle Mile in the future. Garrison told the audience to consider this: “Basic human nature hasn’t changed since our forefathers lived in caves a millennium ago.” He described how they gathered (Please turn to page 8)

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30TH annual edition

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30TH annual edition

Larchmont Chronicle

Chamber advantages include networking

LINEN FINISH postcard of Wilshire Boulevard looking east, circa 1950s. Ohrbach’s was originally located in the Prudential complex, now Museum Square. California Federal Bank building later became the “Cal Fed” skyscraper. Photo: Miracle Mile L.A.

Directory of elected officials Sen. Dianne Feinstein 11111 Santa Monica Blvd. Ste. 915, 310-914-7300 feinstein.senate.gov

State of Mile

(Continued from page 6) around campfires for safety and warmth, where a sense of community was formed. Understanding this basic premise, Garrison said that Caruso properties such as The Grove aim to provide the ultimate guest experience that allow a customer to enjoy his/her time while building a sense of community. “This is the central idea behind what we do,” said Garrison. Approximately 110 people attended this year’s event.

Sen. Kamala D. Harris 312 N. Spring St., Ste. 1748 213-894-5000, harris.senate.gov Rep. Karen Bass 4929 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 650  323-965-1422, bass.house.gov State Senator Ben Allen 26th District 2512 Artesia Blvd., #320 Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-318-6994 sd26.senate.ca.gov County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl 500 W. Temple St., #821  213-974-3333 supervisorkuehl.com Councilman Paul Koretz* 200 N. Spring St., Rm. 440 213-473-7005 councilmemberpaulkoretz.com * Up for election Tues., Mar. 7. Councilman David Ryu 200 N. Spring St., Rm. 425 213-473-7004, davidryu.lacity.gov

By Jane Gilman The Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce is marking its 21st anniversary with an impressive list of accomplishments. “One of the perks of membership is the relationship among members and city and state officials who attend our meetings,” said Steve Kramer, founding and current Chamber president. “We are on a first-name basis with these officials and their deputies. When members have problems, they can access these individuals on a more personal level,” Kramer added. Metro representatives keep Chamber members aware of subway and other construction progress, and they also hold special meetings to keep members current. Another advantage of membership is the ability to give a brief sales pitch during the networking segment of the meeting. Also, members who conduct business with each other often receive discounts. One of the Chamber’s earliest victories was the addition of street parking that resulted after the group worked with a city council representative to develop new spaces. The Chamber sponsors an

Meetings are also held in hotels and restaurants, and the meetings often introduce members to new businesses. Kramer pointed out that his organization is helping its residential neighbors in their campaign for an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. “We support the work of the Miracle STEVE KRAMER, left, receives a Tarfest proc- Mile Residenlamation from County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. tial Association in its desire for preservation.” annual forum on “The State of The Chamber recently the Mile,” with speakers from added “Greater” to its name City Hall, Metro as well as to reflect its geographical business leaders and museum expansion. Kramer said, “We representatives. The group found that business owners also helped launch Tarfest, surrounding the Mile have a family festival showcasing the same interests and conmusicians and artists. cerns as people on the Mile.” Monthly meetings and mix- GMMCC’s president keeps a ers are held in a variety of busy schedule as head of a law venues including museums, firm, husband, father, grand“We have a great relationship father and Chamber chief. with museum officials in the “There isn’t much time for Mile,” said Kramer. “They host relaxing,” he admits, “but I do us, and we promote them.” swim twice a week.”

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30TH annual edition

MMRA eyes development, HPOZ, its ‘Fifth Avenue’ By Suzan Filipek Residents and businesses had a vision: an historic Art Deco district and a pedestrian friendly streetscape, akin to New York’s Fifth Avenue, were in the works for the Miracle Mile. Several early 20th century buildings along Wilshire Blvd. are worthy of historic designation. And, with two Metro stations opening in 2023, adding walkways and benches would welcome residents and tourists alike. One subway station will open onto a then-newly renovated Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the new Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. The other subway station will bring subway passengers up to the shops and apartments along La Brea Ave. And then the bottom fell out of the well-executed community design overlay plan. After three years in the making, money spent, city hearings and community outreach, the proposed Miracle Mile Historic Preservation Overlay Zone “is up in the air,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president of the Miracle Mile Residential Association. “The plan was to complete the HPOZ and then move up to Wilshire and work with the

[Miracle Mile] Chamber, the Civic Coalition, the museums and Council District Four. “[The streetscape plan is] like creating our Fifth Avenue.” The historic preservation ordinance’s state of flux has put the whole plan in disarray. Members of the MMRA have worked to move the ordinance forward at City Hall with 70 percent of the residents in favor, O’Sullivan said. The ordinance is aimed at preventing boxy homes, too large for their lots, being built in the neighborhood. A flurry of McMansions prompted residents to work to save the Miracle Mile area’s Period Revival styles of architecture, including Spanish Colonial, Tudor, Mediterranean, French and American Colonial. And then, in what seemed like overnight, everything changed when an anti-HPOZ group showed up. The MMRA, which turns 34 this year, includes apartment dwellers who will lose out under the current headwinds, O’Sullivan said. The City Planning Commission (CPC) approved the HPOZ in December but significantly changed the boundaries, and excluded all historic properties north of Eighth

Book your event here. E S TA B L I S H E D I N 1 9 3 6 , T H E E L R E Y I S A N O R I G I N A L A R T D E C O T H E AT R E IN THE THE HEART OF THE MIRACLE MILE, ONE OF LOS ANGELES’ PRESERVED ART DECO DISTRICTS.

H O S T Y O U R N E X T C O R P O R AT E E V E N T, A F T E R PA R T Y, A W A R D S S H O W, R E C E P T I O N , F I L M / T V S H O O T, O R F U N D R A I S E R AT T H E H I S T O R I C E L R E Y T H E AT R E .

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St. as well as properties on the west side of Orange Grove south of Eighth. Opponents of this CPC action argue that this would allow high-priced apartments to be built at the expense of 500 existing rent-stabilized ones — as well as threaten historic buildings with demolition. “We are fighting to reinstate the areas of our HPOZ that were approved by the Cultural Heritage Commission but excluded by the City Planning Commission,” said Ken Hixon, MMRA vice president. The blocks between Eighth St. and Wilshire Blvd. were omitted from the proposed historic zone, as were several multi-family properties on the west side of the 800 block of S. Orange Grove Ave., presumably because of their proximity to the under-construction subway stations. According to a flyer and petition, recently generated by the MMRA, “The Planning Commission – appointees of Mayor Garcetti and cheerleaders for the Mayor’s densification policy — chopped out these areas so that they could be supersized with new luxury marketrate developments.” According to Mark Zecca, chair of the MMRA HPOZ

AREAS excluded under the CPC recommendations are in red. Black dashes are the boundaries recommended.

Committee, “Single family homes are actually the minority in the mix of housing in the proposed HPOZ. With the subway and all the activity on Wilshire, there is a bulls-eye on our area for redevelopment along these TOD’s (transit oriented districts).” Residents and city officials are scurrying to beat a March 17 deadline when an Interim Control Ordinance expires, prohibiting demolitions. The ordinance was scheduled to go to the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) Feb. 14. That meeting was cancelled, and Councilman David Ryu called for a town hall

meeting at John Burroughs Middle School Feb. 22. If it moves forward, the ordinance will next go before PLUM and the full City Council. O’Sullivan also keeps a keen eye on development, like the Firestone restaurant and brewery project on La Brea. And he is waiting for an application from the developer for a proposed high-rise development north of Wilshire on La Brea just behind the construction site of the future subway station. But it is the drama surrounding the proposed HPOZ that is taking much of his time. “The HPOZ is front and center.”

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30TH annual edition

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Mid City West hosts Metro, considers alcohol on Third St. By Billy Taylor Board members of the Mid City West Community Council (MCWCC) gathered Feb. 7 where they heard a presentation on Measure M developments, and they took public comment from residents overwhelmingly against an application to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol for a Third St. restaurant. Speaking in the auditorium of the National Council of Jewish Women, Metro community relations manager Eric Geier told the MCWCC board members that his office takes very seriously both the nod of approval they received from voters on Measure M (the public transit expansion measure that passed with more than 71% approval) and the responsibility that comes with being stewards of tax-payer dollars. In that respect, Geier says three groups have “spawned” from the passage of Measure M. There is a Taxpayer Oversight Committee, which was required by the ballot language and will consist of seven voting members with expertise in various fields; an Advisory Committee, which will give comment and feedback on guidelines for the implementation of Measure M; and an Advisory Council, which is focused on the local

METRO community relations manager Eric Geier speaks to the Mid City West board about Measure M, funding and planning.

return of dollars for individual cities to spend on their own transportation priorities. In regards to the Taxpayer Oversight Committee, Geier says Metro is currently taking applications (through March 28) on its website for committee openings, which he hopes will be approved by the Metro board of directors in June. Crenshaw Line Following the presentation, MCWCC board chair Scott Epstein raised the issue of the Crenshaw Line extension north along San Vicente Blvd. to West Hollywood, noting that it is a key priority for Mid City West and that the community council hopes to be a part of the process. “I think we’re in more of a preliminary phase with that. I

don’t know that we’ve reached a point where we’re going to go out and gather community input because we’re still throwing ideas against the wall,” Geier responded. Anger over Toast During the meeting, the public was invited to comment on two applications for land use changes, but one of those applicants — Toast Bakery & Café — had significant opposition from residents in attendance. The Third St. restaurant is seeking the approval of a conditional use permit to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol on-site. John Lurick, a Harper Ave. resident, pointed out it was strange for a “bakery” to seek a full service bar: “This is the third time this organization has

BOARD MEMBERS Emily Kantrim (left) and Mehmet Berker (right) award Pierson Blaetz (center) from Greenway Arts Alliance a grant to help support a teaching garden at Fairfax High School.

asked for approval. It was denied in the past, for good reason. “If you let this applicant serve alcohol until 11 p.m., it will be a disaster for local residents,” he said. Local resident Chaz Stevens told the board that Toast promised they would never be open at night when they first came to the neighborhood: “yet here we are, dealing with this again.” “This is not a good or reliable applicant,” said resident John Hading. “They are loud enough without liquor, what will happen if they get it?” questioned Sarah Strausberg, an older resident living on La Jolla Ave. In total, eight residents voiced their opposition to Toast’s appli-

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cation, and the MCWCC board agreed that the issue should return to the Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee for further consideration. Neighborhood Grants A $1,000 Neighborhood Purpose Grant was presented to Greenway Arts Alliance to help support a teaching garden at Fairfax High School. The Neighborhood Purpose Grants are awarded to certified nonprofit organizations or public schools for community improvement projects. The application window is now open for the spring grant cycle (Feb. 17 to March 31) for organizations interested in applying for two grants that will be awarded in May 2017.

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Mid-Century Modern Meets ConteMporary La

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Groundbreaking, cutting edge, traditional art at hub of galleries Galleries and Museums in the Mile By Sondi Toll Sepenuk If you’re looking for art in Los Angeles, look no further than the Miracle Mile. Already known for its museums, food scene, shopping, and walkability, the area also is a hub of art galleries. The Ace Museum, 400 S. La Brea Ave., is currently finalizing permits with the city for its upcoming exhibitions, to be announced at a later date. In the meantime, the silver statue on the corner of Fourth St. continues to gaze out over La Brea Ave. and raise more questions than answers. For those who are curious, the statue was created by the avantgarde art duo known as the Gao Brothers, Gao Zhen and Gao Qiang. The brothers are

LENIN AND MAO together on La Brea in a story of political intrigue and scandal; even a movie star. Inset at right.

known for pushing political boundaries of artistic expression in Communist China, and the statue on La Brea is no exception. The statue is titled "Miss Mao Trying to

Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head." According to the Ace Museum, “the 20-foot tall chrome statue is a portrait of former Socialist revolutionary, Vlad-

imir Lenin, whose enormous head serves as the slippery slope onto which a small figure of Mao holding a balancing stick is perched. Beyond Mao’s miniscule scale, the Brothers further marginalized the former leader by portraying him with female genitalia. This is in direct reference to the control exercised over him by his third wife and former actress, Jiang Qing, who rose to political power during the 1960s. The sculpture is now banned for reentry into China due to its highly controversial nature.” That’s just a taste of the groundbreaking, cuttingedge, handmade, traditional and contemporary art you can find within the boundar-

One Step At A Time Skanska-Traylor-Shea JV is committed to the Miracle Mile community as we build the Purple Line Extension, one step at a time.

ies of the Miracle Mile. One year ago, famed art gallery Sprueth Magers, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., which also sports locations in Berlin, London and Hong Kong, opened its doors on the Miracle Mile. The Rhinelandbased art gallery has received a warm welcome as it rotates art exhibitions that focus on groundbreaking modern and contemporary art; many of its artists hailing from the German and American art scenes. Current and upcoming exhibitions include Llyn Foulkes, Jon Rafman, Stan Vanderbeek and Analia Saban. Tarfest, a free festival of music and art celebrating local artists, will be back at the La Brea Tar Pits on Sat., Sept. 23 (date is tentative). “We like to showcase alternative art forms and people who don’t get a platform as easily as other groups,” says James Panozzo, executive director of Launch LA, a non-profit art gallery and event company based on La Brea Ave. Now in its 15th year, Tarfest features live music performances, live painting and sculpting, food trucks, free kids’ activities and a biergarten for the older crowd.

SPIRITUAL, contemporary art is at Jill Joy, above.

Sponsored by Launch LA, Tarfest adheres to the group’s mission that “exposure to the arts enhances quality of life and strengthens community through the shared appreciation of creative expression in all its forms and hybrids.” One of the newer gallery additions to the neighborhood is Jill Joy Gallery. After first looking at art spaces downtown, Joy moved her hunt further and further west until she finally found the perfect space at 456 S. La Brea Ave. Opened on Oct. 8, the gallery is a showroom that features mostly the contemporary art of its owner, operator and namesake artist, Jill Joy. “I wanted a space where I could make contemporary art accessible to the general (Please turn to page 19)

Larchmont Chronicle

Galleries

(Continued from page 18) public,” says Joy of her Miracle Mile location. Joy’s art focuses on “spiritually based contemporary art.” Her current exhibition, called “Consciousness,” involves the mind, body and spirit. “It’s the study of consciousness, things that evolve in us as human beings and hopefully as a society,” says Joy. Her next exhibition, “Illumination,” will feature minimal, light-based works and

Miracle Mile 2017 19

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will debut in April. Other galleries in the area include KP Projects (Merry Karnowsky Gallery), 170 S. La Brea Ave., which focuses on contemporary pop surrealism and street art, Fahey/Klein Gallery, 148 N. La Brea Ave., centering on contemporary fine art photography, The Loft at Liz’s, 453 S. La Brea Ave., a fine arts space that highlights emerging and established artists and diverse points of view, and the David Kordansky Gallery, 5130 W. Edgewood Pl., which features 20,000-square

feet of gallery space, including two large galleries, offices, a library and gardens. That’s just a taste of the groundbreaking, cutting-

edge, handmade, traditional and contemporary art you can find within and adjacent to the Miracle Mile. “It’s a great place to have a

gallery, here in the cultural core of the city, surrounded by shops, museums and restaurants,” affirms Launch LA’s Panozzo.

Treat your business like your family.

Below is a list of galleries in the Mile to explore: 1301PE Gallery 6150 Wilshire Blvd. 1301pe.com ACE Gallery 5514 Wilshire Blvd. acegallery.net Ace Museum 400 S. La Brea Ave. acemuseum.org David Kordansky Gallery 5130 W. Edgewood Pl. davidkordanskygallery.com Dysonna City Art Gallery 5373 Wilshire Blvd. dysonnacityartgallery.com Fahey/Klein Gallery 148 N. La Brea Ave. faheykleingallery.com Jill Joy Gallery 456 S La Brea Ave. jilljoy.com

KP Projects 170 S. La Brea Ave. kpprojects.net Launch LA 170 S. La Brea Ave., upstairs launchla.org The Loft at Liz's 453 S. La Brea Ave. theloftatlizs.com

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MK Gallery 170 S. La Brea mkgallery.com

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Papillon Gallery 357 S. Curson Ave., 8K papillongallery.com Sprueth Magers 5900 Wilshire Blvd. spruethmagers.com Write tips@larchmontchronicle.com to suggest additions.

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20 Miracle Mile 2017

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Treasures stored in Vault; Movie Museum orb rising up By Suzan Filipek Visitors can step back in time and hop aboard the future when they descend into the recently reopened Vault at the Petersen Automotive Museum. The 250-vehicle collection in the block-sized underPETERSEN CURATOR Leslie Kendall ground space shows an early “roll bar,” made to protect includes three Teslas, passengers in rollover collisions, in a Mereach donated after cury concept car. the owner bought the latest model, a 24K bar that protects passengers in gold-plated DeLorean, and, a rollover collisions, and its air 1955 Mercury Ford concept conditioner is about the size car — the largest fiberglass car of its trunk, says the museum ever built. That “Merc” sports chief curator Leslie Kendall. an early version of the steel A recent purchase is a “really, really, really rare” 1935 Mercedes, its upholstery ripped and paint faded and peeling. The prized possession may be left intact “as an example of how we find things,” Kendall says. There’s an eleSTEVE MCQUEEN’S Hudson Wasp helped the gant Daimleractor stay under the radar in the early 1980s; beKnight from hind it is Clark Gable’s Rolls Royce.

the fleet of King of England, The PetersGeorge V. “It’s like a fine piece en’s strength is of furniture,” says Kendall, its objectivity, opening the lofty carriage and says Kendall. revealing the original leather “We don’t have preconceived seats inside. no Bicycles and motorcycles notions, from every era, a rare 1950s political motivaCalifornia Highway Patrol tions. We report sedan, and several celeb- what we see. rity wheels are here. Clark And because of Gable’s Rolls, Elvis’ canary that, that neuoutlook yellow sports model and Steve tral McQueen’s 1950s Hudson gives us a lot of MAMMOTHS once roamed the area. See Wasp sit side by side, waiting credibility.” their fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits. shartheir turns in the spotlight Also enthusiastic guides are offered ing space in the upstairs. A public favorite is the 1948 Vault are the last car Sen. several times a day, and they Tucker, sporting a powerful Robert Kennedy rode in on are popular, says Kendall. ••• helicopter engine and immor- his way to the Ambassador Across the street, expect to talized in Francis Ford Cop- Hotel, a Bugatti once owned pola’s film, “Tucker: The Man by the Shah of Iran, a Pope- see the Academy Museum of mobile and Sadam Hussein’s Motion Picture’s “sphere” and His Dream.” begin to rise this year. The Acquiring a driverless car, Mercedes. as soon as they are available, Tours by knowledgeable and addition to the historic May Company building is on Kendall’s to-do features a 1,000-seat list. The museum’s theater and rooftop mission is to “explore terrace. Architect the history of the Renzo Piano is also automobile in a local restoring the 1930s context.” Streamline Moderne After all, Los Angeformer department les is the “capital of store building to inconsumption, car clude six floors of exculture and car crehibition spaces feaativity… chances are turing all the magic if it happens with cars, it happens here ACADEMY MUSEUM is preparing for its 2019 and wonder of the opening. first,” Kendall said. (Turn to page 21)

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Miracle Mile 2017 21

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Museums

(Continued from page 20) movies as part of the $388 million project. The movie museum is set for a 2019 opening. ••• Dramatic plans also are underway at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Headed by museum director and Hancock Park resident Michael Govan, a proposed futuristic design includes gallery space over Wilshire Blvd. The draft environmental impact report will ARCHITECT be released Peter Zumthor later this year. The $600 million project, designed by Peter Zumthor, is planned to begin just as the Movie Museum is completed. LACMA’s expected 2023 opening is set to debut with the opening of a Metro subway station, directly across the street from the museum. Swiss architect Zumthor will be in town to speak on the project with Govan as part of LACMA’s Director’s Series in the Bing Theater on Wed., April 5 at 7:30 p.m. ••• Buy a $50 raffle ticket and get a chance to own the recently built “tiny house,” less than 500 square feet and ecologically friendly, at the

TINY HOUSE raffle is underway at CAFAM.

Craft and Folk Art Museum. The winner will be announced at the Tiny House Party reception and book signing Sat., March 18 from 7 to 10 p.m. Exhibit and programs yearround including craft nights and artist and curator talks. ••• Free films also are screened at the Korean Cultural Center. A monthly performing arts

MUSEUM OFFICIALS at LACMA propose a design to build galleries across Wilshire Blvd., which, they say would add green space to the campus. The architect will talk on the project April 5.

showcase, art exhibits and language classes are on the program. ••• See exhibits and hear testimony from survivors at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust in Pan Pacific Park. Holocaust Memorial Day will

be honored Sun., April 23. LAMOTH is the oldest survivor-founded Holocaust museum in the country. It was founded in 1961 at Hollywood High School by a group of survivors taking English as a Second Language classes. Always free.

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PERFORMING ARTS are showcased monthly at the Korean Cultural Center.

••• Sleep under the collections at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum during regular scheduled sleepovers (March 3 and 11). Witness 100 years of paleontological digging from 50,000 years ago — through daily tours and screenings of

“Titans of the Ice Age: The La Brea Story” and exploration inside and out at the world-renowned Ice Age archeological site. ••• Other notable sites along the Mile’s famed Museum Row include Zimmer Children’s Museum offering creative workshops, musical programs, storytime and more. Conversations at teatime are regularly offered at the Japan Foundation. Japanema screens films free the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. Cooking demonstrations and art exhibits also are offered. ••• In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the sister cities, "From Berlin to L.A., Second Edition," is Thurs., March 2 to Sat., March 4. The performance exhibit features dancing and more at the GoetheInstitut, 5750 Wilshire Blvd. German classes and films offered at the site.

800-400-6259 8 Convenient Locations www.ncjwla.org

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Cheerful toy shop is a popular destination with loyal following Shops and Restaurants in the Mile By Marina Muhlfriedel To meet Christine Johnson of Miracle Mile Toys is to sense the kind of warm enthusiasm and commitment to community that is enriching the burgeoning neighborhood. Her cheerful Wilshire Boulevard shop has become a popular destination for families, walkers and cyclists. Originally from the East Coast, Johnson grew up in Maryland and Massachusetts before moving to Los Angeles 11 years ago. She initially lived in an apartment in Beverly Hills, but soon moved to Ridgeley Dr. She and her three children now reside in Koreatown, but her loyalty to Miracle Mile remains. “When we first moved to the area, it really was an up

and coming neighborhood — lots of elderly people in a diverse community,” said Johnson. “We noticed though, that every house on our street that sold, sold to a young family. There were suddenly many more parents and children walking around the streets. “At the time, there were lots of the same types of businesses nearby and I realized we needed something different,” she said. “I thought, what would be more perfect in a growing neighborhood, with lots of families, than a toy store?” In the four years since Johnson opened Miracle Mile Toys, its reputation for quality toys, free gift wrapping and local delivery has helped to cultivate a devoted following. The lounge, in the rear of the

store, serves as a comfortable gathering place for parents to relax and connect with neighbors. “The customers are special to our neighborhood and so are the products,” said Johnson. “We have toys you can find anywhere, but also some very unique things. I’m committed to carrying made-inthe-USA toys and also new brands, brands that are Kickstarter projects and those that are special to our community — dolls with different skin colors and mixed backgrounds.” Since opening her shop, Johnson has regarded the building of the nearby Metro Purple Line subway station as more of a positive development than an imposition, “I

SHOP OWNER Christine Johnson with a friend.

knew the Metro was coming when I came, but construction hadn’t started yet. Things

are a lot more chaotic, and parking is more difficult at the moment, but I’m planning to be here for a long time, and Metro is going to make a big difference in the neighborhood,” she said. In the meantime, besides running Miracle Mile Toys, Johnson will soon be opening a puppet, marionette and toy boutique called the HoopDee-Doo Shop at Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St. Learn more about Miracle Mile Toys at miraclemiletoys. com.

CHASE YOUNG shopped for toys after his haircut at neighboring RVM Cutz barbershop.

Whimsic Alley has craft faires, tea parties All ages can come to the Outlandish Time Travel Craft Faire at Whimsic Alley, 5464 Wilshire Blvd. on Sat., March 11 and Sun., March 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a literary afternoon tea celebrating Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Austen and Emily Bronte Sat., April 8, 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $40. Other themed tea parties and craft fairs are scheduled every couple of months. For more information, call 310453-2370 or visit whimsicalleyla.com.

Larchmont Chronicle

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FRIDAY, MARCH 17TH

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Restaurant Directory The following list of restaurants in and around the Miracle Mile area is not exhaustive, but does cover a major portion of the community. All are ZIP Code 90036 unless noted. If you have additions or corrections, please write to tips@ larchmontchronicle.com.

Apollonia’s Pizzeria 5175 Wilshire Blvd. 323-937-2823 apolloniaspizzeria.com Black Dog Coffee 5657 Wilshire Blvd. 323-933-1976 blackdogcoffee.com

Candela Taco Bar & Lounge 831 S. La Brea Ave. 323-936-0533 candelatacobar.com The Counter 5779 Wilshire Blvd. 323-932-8900 thecounterburger.com

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Einstein Bros. Bagels 5550 Wilshire Blvd. 323-330-9501 einsteinbros.com El Diner 5515 Wilshire Blvd. 323-931-1281 eldinerla.com Fatburger 5001 Wilshire Blvd., #103 323-939-9593 fatburger.com Five Guys Burgers and Fries 5550 Wilshire Blvd., #101D 323-939-2360 fiveguys.com Genwa Korean BBQ 5115 Wilshire Blvd. 323-549-0760 genwakoreanbbq.com India’s Tandoori 5468 Wilshire Blvd. 323-936-2050 indiastandoori.net International House of Pancakes 5655 Wilshire Blvd. 323-297-4467 ihop.com Isa Japanese Restaurant 916 S. La Brea Ave. 323-879-9536 isajapanese.com La Brea Bakery 468 S. La Brea Ave. 323-939-6813 labreabakery.com Marie Callender’s Grill 5773 Wilshire Blvd. 323-937-7952 mariecallendersgrill.com Milk Jar Cookies 5466 Wilshire Blvd. 323-634-9800 milkjarcookies.com Mixt Greens 5757 Wilshire Blvd. 323-935-0826 mixt.com Mo Better Burgers 901 S. La Brea Ave., #2 310-737-8556 mobetterburgers.com

Muse on 8th 759 S. La Brea Ave. 323-933-6873 museon8th.com Odys + Penelope 127 S. La Brea Ave. 323-939-1033 odysandpenelope.com Ono Hawaiian BBQ 5550 Wilshire Blvd. 323-525-1688 onohawaiianbbq.com Rascal Restaurant 801 S. La Brea Ave. 323-933-3229 rascalla.com Ray’s and Stark Bar at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. 323-857-6180 raysandstarkbar.com République 624 S. La Brea Ave. 310-362-6115 republiquela.com The Roof on Wilshire 6317 Wilshire Blvd. 323-852-6002 theroofonwilshire.com The Sycamore Kitchen 143 S. La Brea Ave. 323-939-0151 thesycamorekitchen.com Tom Bergin’s 840 S. Fairfax Ave. 323-936-7151 tombergins.com Umami 189 The Grove Dr., C-10 323-954-8626 umamiburger.com Wilde Wine Lounge 320 S. La Brea Ave. 323-932-9500 wildela.com Wirtshaus 345 N. La Brea Ave. 323-931-9291 wirtshausla.com Yuko Kitchen 5484 Wilshire Blvd. 323-933-4020 yukokitchen.com

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Larchmont Chronicle

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Women chefs cooking in the Mile who you should know By Helene Seifer The Food Network created a food-obsessed nation, with legions longing to cook professionally. Recently, more women are making the leap into the foodie fire, popping up in restaurant kitchens in ever-greater numbers. We searched Miracle Mile restaurants and spoke with several ambitious women chefs; some at the top of their game; some on the rise. Karen Hatfield owns, with her husband Quinn, La Brea stalwarts Odys + Penelope, Sycamore Kitchen and the soon-to-open downtown bistro, The Mighty. “I went to the Los Angeles Culinary Institute [now closed]. I was young and didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I liked to cook. I thought maybe I’d become a food stylist.” Karen’s unformed plan crystallized when she got a job at Spago. Working under Wolfgang Puck in a great kitchen gave her a "wow" moment, and she knew a professional kitchen was where she belonged. Famous for her pastries and desserts, such as Odys + Penelope’s chocolate rye pie with peanut crumble, Karen also works closely with her husband Quinn to “create new dishes, collaborating on all the menus,” and she men-

PASTRY CHEF Margarita Manzke, République co-owner, loves the energy in the kitchen.

tors cooks. At the newly opened Drago Ristorante at the Petersen Automotive Museum, line chef Gabriela Diaz is making her mark. She is one of the many who loved watching cooking shows, because “cooking always made people so happy!” Her interest gelled when she took over home cooking duties when her mom was pregnant and couldn’t stand the taste of her own food. Soon after, she entered the annual C-CAP (“Careers through Culinary Arts Program”) college scholarship cooking competition, and she won a scholarship to culinary school. Now at Drago, she primarily works the salad and pizza stations, where her favorite dish is the burrata salad. “It’s a pretty

plate. Every time I make it, the outcome of that salad makes me super happy.” Pastry chef Margarita Manzke is owner of République with her chef husband, Walter. She started young in the food business; as a child she worked in her parents’ restaurant in the Philippines. “I knew I wanted it. I loved the energy in the kitchen.” At 21, Margarita left to study at Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America. Although drawn to pastries, she also wanted to learn the savory side of cooking, leading to stints at Spago and Patina. “It helped me on the pastry

Miracle Mile

side. I look at things differently,” Margarita says. When creating a new dessert, she often starts with one ingredient, but traveling provides additional inspiration. “We ate at this Taiwanese restaurant, Bao, in London. They served us peanut milk. So simple, but so good.” Inspired, she experimented with a classic Filipino dessert, halo halo, using peanut milk, tapioca, chocolate milk and banana. Commerson restaurant’s Pastry Chef Liz Sencion notes, “I grew up watching my Mexican mother make incredible meals out of seemingly scraps. It was not until culinary school

that I realized how talented she was and wished that I had paid more attention to the cooking lessons she tried to give me.” Nonetheless, by high school, Liz realized she wanted to pursue cooking. At culinary school, her general love of food grew into the passion for pastries she demonstrates at Commerson. “I am responsible for creating, developing and implementing the dessert menu. Experimentation is key to our growth and success.” Liz particularly likes experimenting with ice cream, evident in her honey parsnip ice cream served with apple crostada.

DELECTABLE FLAVORS MADE FROM SCRATCH

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Art, science, play for teens, tweens, kids and toddlers Whether your child or teen wants to learn about knitting, art or animals from the ice age, or wants to talk about books and movies, there are several options for exploring such possibilities in the Miracle Mile. The following are some of the places you can go.

Museums

Craft and knit Bring the family and learn how to make books that pop out and explode with paper designs Sun., March 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. All skill levels are welcome to join the Yarn Bombing Los

Angeles Knit Graffiti Collective monthly meeting Sat., March 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. CraftLab Workshops offered on the second Sunday of the month are for all ages. Craft & Folk Art 5814 Wilshire Blvd. 323-937-4230; cafam.org

Marat Daukayev School of Ballet

Pre-Ballet to Pre-Professional Training in Russian Style Classical Ballet & Contemporary Ballet Visit our website for online registration For the Spring Semester

Girls’ and Boys’ classes Ages 3 and up beginning to advanced levels www.maratdaukayev.com

323-965-0333

©LC0315

Dance Arts Academy, 731 S. La Brea Ave. (S. of Wilshire)

Kramer Law Group Salutes the Greater Miracle Mile Community

Restaurant • Deli • Bakery • Bar ©LC0317

www.kramerlaw.biz

Other venues

Storytimes, dance, crafts Construction sites to dance to celebrating Golden Books are some of the different types of stories and activities kids from preschool on up can enjoy Saturdays at 11 a.m. Teens can get their picture taken with dancer and reality star Maddie Ziegler Tues., March 14 at 7 p.m. Brandon Reichs, author of the young adult science fiction novel “Nemesis” reads and autographs his book Sun., March 26 at 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble 189 The Grove Dr., Ste. K 30 323-525-0270 barnesandnoble.com (Please turn to page 27)

World Famous Award Winning

5858 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 205 Los Angeles, CA 90036

email: swk@kramerlaw.biz

Volunteer hours, book clubs, storytimes and crafts Programs vary from month to month, but kids from ages 18 months to 18 years can participate in the many activities offered at the library. Storytimes include rhymes and crafts for children from ages 18 months up to about five years old, and some programming explores science, technology, art and math for kids ages 8 to 11. Teens and tweens ages 11 to 18 can participate in craft activities, book clubs, game days, take college prep workshops, or sign up for volunteer hours through their teen council. Fairfax Library 161 S. Gardner St. 323-936-6191 lapl.org/ branches/Fairfax ~ Memorial Library 4625 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-2732 lapl.org/branches/memorial • • •

Open 24 Hours

Kramer Law Group Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce Member

Libraries

For 86 Years of Patronage

• Advance Health Care Directives • Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts & Probates) • General Business Matters • And More!

(323) 964-7100

6505 Wilshire Blvd., #100 323-761-8984 zimmermuseum.org • • •

Thank You!

Stephen W. Kramer

Courtesy shown to AARP members and Union Plus members

Night at the museum Families can spend a night at the museum among the exhibits Fri., March 3 or Sat., March 11. Kids in grades kindergarten to five can attend Adventures in Nature single-day day camps Wed., April 12 and Thurs., April 13, where they can look at microfossils, learn about dire wolves, mammoths and giant sloths. The “Ice Age Encounters” puppet show is Saturdays and Sundays. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum 5801 Wilshire Blvd. 323-857-6300; tarpits.org NexGen, brush painting Children up to age 17 years old can register for the NexGen program at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This is a free membership to museum exhibits. There are also art activities including drawing, painting, sculpture, and more. The Boone Children’s Gallery in the Hammer Building is a free creative space where visitors of all ages are invited to learn the art of East Asian brush painting Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 a.m. Los Angeles County Museum of Art 5905 Wilshire Blvd. 323-857-6000; lacma.org Purim party, puppies Storytime and crafts recognizing women’s contribution to history is Sun., March 5. Kids can make noisemakers and feathery masks for Purim, Sun., March 12. Mista Cookie Jar plays music on Sun., March 19. Hang out with puppies Thurs., March 23. Celebrate all things about spinach Sun., March 26. All activities begin at 3 p.m. Other programs include exploring design on Mondays, making messy art on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and preschool prep class on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Zimmer Children’s Museum

419 N. Fairfax Ave.

(between Beverly & Melrose)

(323) 651-2030

Miracle Mile 2017 27

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ing about religion and heritage through fieldtrips and activities. Themes include nature, community and repairing the world. Sunday Funday is a creative se-

KIDS CAN explore different activities at WJCC’s Funday.

Youth activities

(Continued from page 26) Music, crafts, food Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish food, activities for the kids and live music Fri., March 17. There will be strolling Irish folk bands and a bagpiper. Magee’s Kitchen is celebrating its 100th anniversary with corned beef, cabbage and potato specials. Other seasonal family activities are scheduled throughout the year. Farmers Market 6333 3rd St. farmersmarketla.com Toys, toys, toys Arguably the oldest toy store on or near the Mile, Kip’s Toyland carries a selection of classic and retro toys, and is always worth a visit. Kip’s Toyland, Farmers Market

6333 W. 3rd St., Stall 720 323-939-8334 kipstoyland.com Swim and play Infants to adults can get more comfortable in the water, learn water safety, and work on their swimming skills at the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy. Classes vary; private lessons are also available. Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy 5870 Olympic Blvd. 323-525-0323 lennykwim.com Basketball, swimming, funday Royal Basketball for ages 3 to 17 is Mondays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays 2 to 6 p.m. Family swim time is Sundays, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Teens can sign up for the Maccabi sports and artfest or the Diller Teen Fellows leadership program. JExplorers is for kids learn-

ries for youngsters 18 months to 11 years old and their parents to learn golf, tennis, painting, cooking, LEGO engineering and a kid-a-palooza is March 26.

Westside Jewish Community Center 5870 Olympic Blvd. 323-938-2531 westsidejcc.org

ILSHIRE ESCRO Family owned and operated since 1944 www.wilshire-escrow.com

323-935-3530

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Larchmont Chronicle

28 Miracle Mile 2017

Park LaBrea

(Continued from page 2) our time is becoming more and more precious. “No longer do we want to sit in our cars for hours and fight traffic to get to our nine-tofive jobs; we want to walk to work, we want to bike to work, we want to take public transportation and read that book we’ve been wanting to catch up on. “We are seeing more and more of our households at Park La Brea changing from two vehicles down to one, and possibly even none. Ride sharing and Uber are becoming the norm. With the future completion of the Metro Purple Line to Westwood, the businesses in the area are booming.” With the large number of alternatives units — garden apartments and tower apartments, with multiple floor plans within them — individuals and families in different sdfsdf stages of their lives find much

Larchmont Chronicle

30TH annual edition

that attracts them to Park La Brea. Speaking of the layouts, Lauricella says: “The tower residences always were designed to allow for sprawling panoramic views of the everexpanding city.” She adds that, “from the top floors of our towers to the people walking through our gardens, residents and potential residents are getting a first GARDEN APARTMENTS have courtyards hand view of the and gardens all around. In the next block is a transformation Park La Brea tower. of the Miracle Mile.” Other landlords may have Lauricella concludes: “We similar feelings about their know that there are lots of own buildings, and a number choices for renters, but I truly of those residences are listed believe that we are the coolest, here. In all cases, these are most exciting community in among the many opportunithe Miracle Mile.” ties for “Living in the Mile!”

CIM GROUP

Miracle Mile Apartments The following list of apartment buildings in and around the Miracle Mile area is not exhaustive, but does cover a major portion of the community. These places are where we could find a contact telephone number and / or website to verify information. There are many more apartment communities in the Miracle Mile area than listed here, but not all have vacancies or contact information listed for them. Call the numbers listed for information on units available to rent; however, these numbers sometimes change as building managers change. Some communities also have their own websites, while others are available online on information sites such as apartmentfinder.com, rent.com, rentcafe.com and forrent.com. All are ZIP Code 90036 unless noted. If you have additions or corrections, please write to tips@larchmontchronicle.com.

(Please turn to page 29)

Miracle Mile Times — March 2016 —

salutes the

M I R AC L E M I L E’ S A RT S A N D C U LT U R A L ORG A N I Z AT ION S

• Avalon Wilshire 5115 Wilshire Blvd. 864-558-2875 avaloncommunities.com • Boulevard on Wilshire 5353 Wilshire Blvd. 323-937-7001 liveboulevard.com • Broadcast Center Apartments 7660 Beverly Blvd. 323-602-0248 broadcastcenterapts.com • Burnside Villas 649 S. Burnside Ave. 818-430-4109 • Carthay Circle Apts. 6209-6225 Olympic Blvd., 90048 323-936-3793 • Cochran Apartments 657–665 S. Cochran Ave. 844-560-1982 • Cochran Avenue Apartments 442 S. Cochran Ave. 323-939-5944 cochranavenue.com

Woodwards Sell Another Home in Miracle Mile

he Woodward Team, Mary, Andrew and John, have been assisting buyers and sellers in the area for more than 40 years. They know the area, live here, love it here.

The Woodwards attribute success to their ability to provide outstanding market strategies, negotiation skills and their knowledge of the Miracle Mile and surrounding neighborhoods.

5 Generations in the 5 Generations in the Miracle Mile Neighborhood

Miracle Mile Neighborhood

4700 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90010 www.cimgroup.com

323.762.2570

©LC0316

in enriching the City of Los Angeles

We do ONE thing - We get you SOLD Celebrating 80+ Years Serving You! email: Mary@TheWoodwardTeam.com

WeBRE:do00513357, ONE00811870, thing01128275 - We get you SO

Celebrating 80+ Years Serving Y 118 North Larchmont Blvd 439 N. Canon Dr. | Penthouse Los Angeles, CA 90004 Beverly Hills, CA 90210

email: Mary@TheWoodwardTeam.c

BRE: 00513357, 00811870, 011

Miracle Mile 2017 29

30TH annual edition

Miracle Mile Apartments

Miracle Mile Real Estate

THIS HOME at 936 S. Burnside Ave. is 4,200 square feet and sold for $2,600,000.

THIS HOME at 831 Dunsmuir Ave. is 2,271 square feet and sold for $1,675,000.

Single-family homes and duplexes 936 S. Burnside Ave. 848 S. Sierra Bonita Ave. 840 S. Orange Grove Ave (duplex) 831 S. Dunsmuir Ave. 815 S. Ogden Dr. 923 S. Ogden Dr. 741 S. Curson Ave. (duplex) 922 Masselin Ave. 853 Hauser Blvd. 846 S. Cloverdale Ave.

$ 2,600,000 1,755,000 1,720,000 1,675,000 1,650,000 1,600,000 1,600,000 1,532,500 1,338,510 1,030,000

(Continued from page 28) • Cochran Island Apartments 342 S. Cochran Ave. 323-932-0450 • Cochran House 740 S. Cochran Ave. 844-782-0223 • Curson Apartments 315-323 N. Curson Ave. 323-655-6972 cursonapts.com • The El Rey Apartments 660 S. Cloverdale Ave. 323-243-1365 urbanlaliving.com/the-el-rey • HPG Miracle Mile 318 S. Detroit St. 213-985-3857 • Linda Manor Apartments 456 S. Cochran Ave. 844-739-2871; 310-430-2973 • Masselin Park West 5700 6th St. 323-934-1600 masselinparkwestapts.com • Micropolitan at Urban Lights 739 S. Ogden Dr. 323-319-5844 micropolitanco.com/urban-

lights • Museum Terrace 600 S. Curson Ave. 323-745-1251 museumterraceapts.com • Oakwood Miracle Mile 5659 W. 8th St. 323-931-5659 oakwood.com • Palazzo Communities 6220 W. 3rd St. 323-603-0625 thepalazzocommunities.com • Palm Court Apts. 740 S. Burnside Ave. 323-930-2564 • Park La Brea 6200 W. 3rd St. 323-549-5400 parklabrea.com • The Preston 630 S. Masselin Ave. 323-965-1253 theprestonapts.com • Ridgeley Apartments 649 Ridgeley Dr. 844-282-1455 • Tiffany Court 616 Masselin Ave.

323-937-5737 essexapartmenthomes.com • Wilshire Embassy Apts. 5805 W. 8th St. 323-933-6020 • 109 N. Sycamore Ave. 323-886-9400 • 162/164 N. Detroit St. 323-230-0087 detroitla.com • 632 S. Cloverdale Ave. 310-933-4191 pacificlistings.com • 630 Hauser Blvd. 844-591-4029 • 756 Ridgeley Dr. 323-634-0832 ridgeleyapts.com • 5550 Wilshire Blvd. 323-645-9418 5550wilshire.com • 5600 Wilshire Blvd. 866-927-0997 essexapartmenthomes.com • 5880-5882 W. 8th St. 310-425-9070 • 6300 W. Olympic Blvd., 90048 844-245-0405 • 6526 W. Olympic Blvd., 90048 310-425-9070

Thank You, Local Leadership Celebrating Commitment

to “Firehouse Centennial Garden” at Fire Station 29 Saluting 104 Years of Fire Service • Hancock Park Garden Club (Co-sponsor) • Loveland Carr Properties • Fire Station 29 Friends • Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council • Council District 4

*Selling prices of homes over the last six months.

• Fremont Place Association • Windsor Square Association

and to “Wilshire Division Police Garden & Memorial” • Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society • Miracle Mile Civic Coalition • Loeb & Loeb LLP

We welcome your donation. Please email us at firstinfirefoundation@gmail.com

Grass Roots Strong … A Unified Command

©LC0317

Larchmont Chronicle

30 Miracle Mile 2017

School Directory ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS • Cathedral Chapel School 755 S. Cochran Ave. Ph: 323-938-9976 Principal: Tina Kipp Grades: K to 8, 235 students cathedralchapelschool.org • Hancock Park Elementary 408 S. Fairfax Ave.

Larchmont Chronicle

30TH annual edition

Ph: 323-935-5272 Principal: Ashley Parker Grades: K to 5, 700 students hancockparkschool.com • Wilshire Crest Elementary 5241 W. Olympic Blvd. Ph: 323-938-5291 Principal: Carolyn Mayes Grades: K to 5, 215 students

• Wilshire Private School 4900 Wilshire Blvd. Ph: 323-939-3800 Principal: Edward Shin Grades: Jr. K to 6, 50 students wilshireschool.org MIDDLE SCHOOLS • Fusion Miracle Mile 5757 Wilshire Blvd. 1st Floor Promenade

R i nhtth in Rig M i gh eh♥ in miiR eRoe a r MiR acctllh eMRef ac eem le ilil ee! ! Mil e!

Cathedral Chapel School Cathedral Chapel School

• CYO Sports • Kindergarten through 8th grade Kindergarten through 8th grade • Honors Math Program • • Choice Lunch Program • Fully Accredited WASC & WCEA Fully Accredited WASC8th & WCEA CYO Sports • Kindergarten • Honors through grade • Outreach Math Program Concern Counseling • Schoolwide 4G Internet Access Schoolwide 4G Internet Access Hot Lunch Program Fully Accredited WASC & WCEA CYO Sports • • • Extended Day Care • 36 MAC Computer Lab 36 MAC Computer Lab Access • Junior Outreach Concern Counseling • Schoolwide • Hot 4G Internet Lunch ProgramDecathlon High Academic • Spanish Program Spanish Program Extended Day Care MAC Computer Lab Concern Counseling • 36 • Outreach • K-8 iPad Program after School enrichment ProGramS Middle School iPad Program Junior High Academic Decathlon • • Spanish Program Extended Day • Departmentalized Junior High • Instrumental MusicCare Program High • Young Music Program Middle School iPadJunior Program Junior HighUSA-Enrichment Academic Decathlon • Departmentalized • Instrumental • Classroom Art & Music Program Ninjas Classes Classroom Art & Music Program • NEW! State-of-the-Art Science Departmentalized Junior High Instrumental Music Program •• Production Dance Classes Lab • Honors Math Program • Plaza

• Classroom Art & Music Program

Testing Dates

Applications available online at cathedralchapelschool.org or in our school office.

©LC0317

2013 2nd PlaceTesting Archdiocesan Academic Champions Kindergarten Saturday, March 11, 2017 (by appointment) First Grade Testing Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. 2013 3rd Place AJHD State Champions Grades 2-8 Testing Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. 755South South Cochran Cochran Ave., L.A.L.A. 90036 755 Ave., 90036 For Information (323) 938-9976 or cathedralchapelschool.org For Information755 (323) 938-9976 or cathedralchapelschool.org South Cochran Ave., L.A. 90036 For Information (323) 938-9976 or cathedralchapelschool.org

PAGE ACADEMY Celebrating Our 109 th Year

OPEN HOUS E

323-692-0603 Principal: Katheryn Nguyen Grades: 6 to 12 50 students, classes are oneon-one student to teacher fusionacademy.com • John Burroughs 600 S. McCadden Pl. Ph: 323-549-5000 Principal: Steve Martinez Grades: 6 to 8, 2,000 students burroughsms.org • New LA Charter 1919 S. Burnside Ave. 323-939-6400 Principal: Daryl Brook Grades: 6 to 8, 300 students.

newlamiddle.org HIGH SCHOOLS • Fairfax 7850 Melrose Ave. Ph: 323-370-1200 Principal: Kenneth Adiekweh Grades: 9 to 12, 2,000 students fairfaxhs.org • Los Angeles 4650 W. Olympic Blvd. Ph: 323-900-2700 Principal: Helena Yoon Fontamillas Grades: 9 to 12, 1,600 students lahigh.org

Working out along the Miracle Mile The Miracle Mile is a neighborhood known for its walkability, which is one way to get exercise. Dancing, swimming, yoga, martial arts, boxing and Pilates are some of the other choices also available around the community. Pole dancing, Muay Thai boxing and strength training are some of the other choices. Below is a list to get you started. • Barre Belle 113 N. La Brea Ave. 323-591-0480 labarrebelle.com • Boot Camp LA 5801 Wilshire Blvd. 310-980-9103 bootcampla.com • Boot Camp H2O 5870 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-774-1083 bootcamph2o.com • Crossfit Hollywood 310 S. La Brea Ave., Unit C 323-782-1045 crossfithollywood.com • Dr. Ash The Chiro Guy 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 102 323-939-9039 thechiroguy.com • Full Out Crossfit 739 S. La Brea Ave. 323-857-1029 fulloutgym.com • Function 5 Fitness 805 S. La Brea Ave. 323-285-5348 function5fitness.com

• H2Yoga 5870 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-553-2748 myh2yoga.com • L.A. Fitness 5950 Wilshire Blvd. 323-934-6150 lafitness.com • Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy 5870 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-525-0323 lennykswim.com • Liberation Yoga 124 S. La Brea Ave. 323-964-5222 liberationyoga.com • Mind and Motion Pilates 5650 W. 3rd St. 323-931-0863 mindandmotionpilates.com • Modo Yoga L.A. 340 S. La Brea Ave. 323-938-5000 modoyogala.com • Prevail Boxing 5957 W. 3rd St. 323-452-0101 prevaillosangeles.com • Sheila Kelley S Factor 5225 Wilshire Blvd. 323-965-9685 sfactor.com If you have a favorite gym or fitness place in the Miracle Mile that’s not listed here, let us know for next year’s edition at tips@larchmontchronicle.com.

April 1 79-11am21

Hands-on Projects Swimming & Field Trips Before & After Care Included Camp Hours: 9:00am-3:30pm Computer Science & Technology

In Miracle Mile

Beverly Hills Campus

Hancock Park Campus

Exquisite Floral Arrangements & Plants for Every Occasion!

323.272.3429

323.463.5118

323-937-7100

419 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Ages 2 - Grade 6

565 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90004 Ages 2 - Grade 8

www.pageacademyca.com

5310 West 8th Street www.urbanflorist.net

©LC0314

SUMMER CAMP ACTIVITIES

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Miracle Mile 2017 31

30TH annual edition

ANTIQUES, FURNISHINGS AND MORE…

Shopping on La Brea Absolute Appliances We carry Stoves • Refrigerators • Dishwashers Washer/Dryers • Grills • Vacuums

©LC0317

and 35 other major brands

©LC0317

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(323) 413-2972

211 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles • 8490 Melrose Pl., West Hollywood

30% off Professional rug Cleaner rug cleaning

• Rug Cleaning • rug restoration • rug appraisal

• Pet Stain Removal • Pet Odor Removal • under rug Pads

(323) 935-0726

168 North La Brea Ave. LA 90036 • FREE PICKUP wprugs@gmail.com • Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm

Luminous, abstract oil paintings by Jill Joy 456 S. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA, 90036 747.234.6408 www.jilljoy.com

CONSCIOUSNESS EVOLVES ART

“Best Fabric Store”

-LA Magazine

• ECO Friendly Fabrics • Largest Selection of EXCLUSIVE Outdoor Patterns • On site Custom Cushions and UPHOLSTERY

611 S. LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES, 90036 (323) 931-8148 1/2 BLOCK NORTH OF WILSHIRE ON 6TH AND LA BREA AVE

0507

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Find great buys in Miracle Mile’s premiere shopping district!

ART EVOLVES CONSCIOUSNESS

The artist must train not only his eye but his soul --Wassily Kandinsky

©LC0317

315 N. La Brea Ave. 323-525-0911 email: westcoast@organicmodernism.com

Gone But Not Forgottend, oil on canvass , 36x72”

JILL JOY GALLERY

©LC0317

www.wovenpassion.com

32 Miracle Mile 2017

30TH annual edition

Larchmont Chronicle

SHOP DINE R EL A X … M A KE MEMORIES

NORDSTROM • BARNEYS NEW YORK • AMERICAN GIRL PL ACE • TOPSHOP TOPMAN • SHINOL A • COACH ELIZABETH AND JAMES • ILLESTEVA • APPLE • J.CREW • J.CREW MENS SHOP • ANTHROPOLOGIE • VINCE • PAIGE MICHAEL KORS • LUCY ZAHRAN & CO. • M·A·C COSMETICS • SEPHORA • BARNES & NOBLE • NIKE THE GROVE • UGG® AUSTRALIA L ADURÉE BOUTIQUE & RESTAURANT • BLUE RIBBON SUSHI BAR & GRILL • THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY PACIFIC THEATRES AT THE GROVE • SPRINKLES CUPCAKES COMING SOON: LE L ABO

ADJACENT TO THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET 189 THE GROVE DRIVE • LOS ANGELES • 323-900-8080 • THEGROVEL A .COM