Larchmont Chronicle
vol. 54, no. 2
• delivered to 76,439 readers in hancock park • windsor square • fremont place • Miracle Mile • Park La Brea • Larchmont •
FEBRuary 2017
Update: Quigg bankruptcies move forward
IN THIS ISSUE
Creditors meet Jan. 27 By John Welborne The nine bankruptcy proceedings initiated by house developer Robert Quigg, including for six houses in Windsor Square and Hancock Park, are moving along. However, hearings and creditors’ meetings were postponed until after the Larchmont Chronicle went to press. Approximately 50 documents
VALENTINES tell how they met. 9 to 11
Vote
Tues., March 7
ELECTION choices. 8
IS THIS THE REAL ISSUE? Shown at right is the proposed Palladium Residences project that preserves the historic Hollywood Palladium and adds two residential towers behind, on empty parking lots, all within two blocks of the Hollywood and Vine Metro Red Line subway station. Shown at left is the existing 22-story Sunset Media Center building where Michael Weinstein of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation has his headquarters office.
Is Measure 'S' all about saving a view? Construction moratorium battle features heavyweights on the fight card LEAGUE news.
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By John Welborne Is the Measure S ballot initiative that would halt much construction for two years citywide, and that is going to
YES on Measure S HEALTHY living in Hancock Park. 2-13
ALWAYS in bloom on Lucerne. 2-14 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:
– end backroom deals By Patrick Range McDonald Perhaps more than any other metropolis in America, Los Angeles is a distinctly unique, soulful city. We have incredible cultural diversity; beautiful architecture; eclectic neighborhoods; innovative artists, musicians and filmmakers; and a multitude of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants that offer specialty food, goods and services. It is a city that we love dearly, but is under serious threat — and it shouldn’t be that way. In L.A., we have zoning See Yes on Measure 'S', p 6
the voters in March, really just about a powerful executive trying to protect the view from his office? The lobbyist for a neighboring project made that claim in a “Los Angeles Times” article in March of last year. Is this expensive battle (close to $2 million on each side, so far) possibly just a fight between two neighbors? One is a developer hoping to build a $324 million highrise project between two existing high-rise towers on the north side of Sunset Blvd., just east of Vine St. and within two blocks of a Metro Red Line subway station. The other is AIDS Healthcare Foundation executive Michael Weinstein, whose offices are on the 21st floor of the existing Sunset Media Center tower, one of the largest office buildings in Hollywood, 22 stories tall, with more than
320,000 square feet of space. It seems so, according to endless comments on local social media (if those can be See Moratorium, p 23
NO on Measure S – it goes too far By Elise Buik The tragic gap in housing affordability in Los Angeles means record numbers of our neighbors are living on the streets or missing this month’s rent. Last month, Gov. Brown’s budget report highlighted a root cause: housing production in L.A. greatly lags our economic recovery, with current housing construction rates meeting only 41 percent of the need. Nearly 60 percent of L.A. renters are “cost-burdened,” meaning they spend more See No on Measure 'S', p 7
TYPICAL SIGN on local residential properties under redevelopment by Quigg Builders Inc. and related entities.
already have been filed in the case under which eight of the bankruptcies have been consolidated for joint administration (Case No. 2:16-bk-25740-ER). January 27 meeting The rescheduled first meeting of creditors (known as a “341 meeting”) for those eight cases (everything other than the former Bob Newhart property in Bel Air) is set for See Quigg, p 23
Miracle Mile 2017
A year-round guide to residential, retail and business news, “Miracle Mile 2017” will be published with the March issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. To reserve ad space, call 323-462-2241, ext. 11. Deadline is Mon., Feb. 13.
Gill’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream closing after 80 years New vendor planned at Original Farmers Market
FOUNDER JOE GILL, seated left, circa 1944.
By Suzan Filipek Bob Gill remembers the open land at Third and Fairfax before Farmers Market was built. “That’s how old I am,” he is quoted on the Market website. His dad Joe opened Gill’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream in Farmers Market in 1938,
and Bob started scooping ice cream there at age 14. The legendary pink-and-white striped outdoor stall is closing Feb. 2, says Jody Gill, with more than a tinge of regret. Granddaughter of its founder, she had hoped to carry on See Gill's Ice Cream, p 20
www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!
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SECTION ONE
Community Comment By John Welborne March 7: moratorium initiative — Measure ‘S’ The proposed City of Los Angeles construction moratorium again is the subject of a Larchmont Chronicle front-page story accompanied by guest articles representing the “yes” and “no” campaigns. Our next issue will be delivered on Thurs., March 2 — five days before the March 7 primary election which will be our chance to vote on Measure S (as well as for mayor and numerous other elected officials and ballot measures — see Page 8). If you vote early by absentee ballot, please study the Measure S controversy carefully. Adoption of Measure S by voters will have a big impact on Los Angeles and its residents for years to come. In this issue of the paper, you should find a reply envelope that allows you to support the Larchmont Chronicle. If you overlooked returning the envelope that was in November’s issue, this is your second (and final) chance for this year! We are asking our readers to help defray the cost of delivering the Larchmont Chronicle by sending $25 for year 2017. If someone else already has used the enclosed reply envelope, please call us at 323-462-2241, ext. 13. Thank you!
How to Manage Development – The Decision is Up to You The Neighborhood Integrity Initiative (Measure S) on the March 7th ballot will ask Los Angeles voters to make a big decision about which direction development should or shouldn’t take. Measure S would: 1) Establish a temporary ban on all development projects requiring zoning that lifts land-use restrictions or increases permitted building heights and ban zoning changes that increase the allowed density or height of buildings or a net loss of land dedicated to open space, agriculture, or industry; 2) Prohibit project specific amendments to the city’s General Plan; 3) Require a public review process for the city’s General Plan every five years; 4) Require that environmental impact reviews be done by city staff; and 5) Limit reduction of on-site parking requirements for development by no more than one third. There are exemptions for some types of affordable housing developments and natural disaster reconstruction. Opponents argue that the development process is transparent and open to citizen input and that Measure S would severely limit housing construction to the detriment of renters, businesses and the city. This measure reflects many residents’ frustration with what seems like out of control development, particularly in Hollywood. However, there are reasonable arguments on both sides, and it is up to us, the citizens of Los Angeles, to carefully consider the measures proposed and decide if this is the right course of action. A good place to start your research is the website, Ballotpedia: ballotpedia.org/Los_Angeles,_California,_Changes_to_Laws_ Governing_the_General_Plan_and_Development,_Measure_S_ (March_2017)#Overview It lays out both sides of the argument and has links to further information. Don’t forget to keep yourself and your family safe. Lock your house and car, and activate your house alarm if you have one. Contact Officer Dave Cordova if you are a victim of a crime, and Dave can take a crime report. Call his cell phone, 213-793-0650, or send him an email at 31646@lapd.lacity.org with all the information, including your name and telephone number. The Association website is: hancockparkhomeownersassociation. org. Our HPOZ Preservation Plan is at: preservation.lacity.org/ hpoz/la/hancock-park. Contact our City Planner, Kimberly Henry (kimberly.henry@lacity.org) and use the online form (preservation. lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist) if you plan on making changes to the exterior of your house. Report graffiti by calling 311 or via the city’s Anti-Graffiti Request System at: anti-graffiti.lacity.org and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. Adv.
FEBRUARY 2017
Calendar Sun., Feb. 5 – NFL Super Bowl LI, NRG Stadium, Houston, at 3:30 p.m. on Fox. Wed., Feb. 8 – Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council meeting, The Ebell, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., 7 p.m. greaterwilshire.org. Thurs., Feb. 9 – “State of the Mile,” Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce forum, El Rey Theater, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., 11:30 a.m. Thurs., Feb. 9 – Park LaBrea Residents Assoc. town hall meeting, Activities Center, with Councilman David Ryu, 475 S. Curson Ave., 7:30 p.m. Tues., Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day. Mon., Feb. 20 – Presidents’ Day. Sun., Feb. 26 – La BreaHancock Homeowner’s meet-
Larchmont Chronicle
'What are your Valentine’s Day plans this year?' That's the question inquiring photographer Sondi Toll Sepenuk asked people along Larchmont Blvd.
ing, Wilde Wine Bar, 320 S. La Brea Ave., 10 a.m. Sun., Feb. 26 – 89th annual Academy Awards, Dolby Theater, 5:30 p.m. Thurs., March 2 – Delivery of the March issue of the Larchmont Chronicle.
“We will be celebrating at Musso & Frank the night before Valentine’s Day, because that is the night we got engaged 15 years ago." Sam Roseme Larchmont Village
Annual meeting and board elections for Park LaBrea The Park LaBrea Residents Association (PLBRA) held its 29th annual meeting in January and elected seven directors to serve for the coming year. Created in 1988, the association represents the approximately 10,000 residents of the apartment community originally built by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1944. The complex remains the largest in Los Angeles. PLBRA president Bernie Clinch officiated at the meeting. Among residents’ 2016 successes that he reported were: all concerns and complaints submitted through PLBRA to Park La Brea management were resolved; tower boilers were upgraded at no cost to residents; hazardous waste round-ups were conducted; free cultural
Larchmont Chronicle Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin Publisher and Editor John H. Welborne Managing Editor Suzan Filipek Associate Editor Billy Taylor Contributing Editor Jane Gilman Advertising Director Pam Rudy Art Director Tom Hofer Classified and Circulation Manager Rachel Olivier Accounting Jill Miyamoto 606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103
Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-462-2241 larchmontchronicle.com
programs took place; and opposition to Airbnb in Park La Brea was mounted. Assemblymember Bloom The meeting was kicked off by a report from Assemblymember Richard Bloom, District 50. Among Bloom’s observations was that recently–increased legislative term limits should provide more stability, plus improved constituent services, in coming years. (Please turn to page 6)
“I usually plan a television marathon with a bunch of my girlfriends, and we have a great girls’ night!” Melissa Raymond with visiting friend Lena, Hancock Park
Letter to the Editor Recycle, please
My family and I frequent the restaurants on Larchmont to support our local businesses. We have now eaten several meals at Sweet Fin Poke, and I am quite disturbed by their use of plastic. They have absolutely nothing in the restaurant that is reusable; the bowls, forks, cups, everything is plastic. And what I find more upsetting is that they don’t recycle anything. All of the plastic goes into the trash. I’ve asked several managers about their recycling policies, and they have all said that they do not have any recycling policies. How is this possible? I don’t think a restaurant should be able to operate on Larchmont Blvd. that is so irresponsible regarding their waste. I’m sure this story is out there somewhere, but it may be helpful for the Chronicle to publish a story so the Larchmont residents are aware of the problem. Meredith Quill Windsor Square Write us at letters@larchmontchronicle.com.
“We believe that every day is Valentine’s Day, so we don’t need to make February 14th a special day. Every day is special!” Michael and Kathy Huynh Knowles with son, Logan, Larchmont Village
“We’re going to binge watch 'Westworld,' eat Indian food and be in bed by 8 p.m.!” Julie Ingram and Nathan Parker with son, Arliss, Windsor Square
Larchmont Chronicle
February 2017
SECTION One
CIM lists Farmers tower and parking lots for sale Hitting the local real estate market for re-sale are two of the four Park Mile blocks that CIM Group bought from original owner-builder, Farmers Insurance, in April of 2014. CIM, a large real estate fund manager with approximately $19.2 billion of assets under management, will continue to house its international headquarters on the property west of Rimpau Blvd. The sales listing is only for the two blocks between Rimpau Blvd. and Muirfield Rd. There is no listing price. The broker for the “best offer” listing is Kevin Shannon of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank. CIM’s own planning to adaptively reuse the historic office tower as residences, plus build 34 new units in triplexes, townhomes, and single-family homes on the land now just parking lots, has been recounted in detail in numerous articles in 2014-2016 issues of the Larchmont Chronicle, including a lengthy article explaining Park
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What do we STAND for? Building friendships and taking on community challenges.
Get in the habit of expanding your mind and enriching your soul at Wilshire Rotary Club. We feature top-notch speakers at our weekly lunch meetings. Everyone is welcome. Join us Wednesdays from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the elegant and historic Ebell of Los Angeles. Lunch is $25 and there is plenty of free parking. See you there!
FOR SALE: The Farmers Insurance office tower and vacant parking lots to the east. Rendering of project previously proposed.
Mile Specific Plan zoning at: LarchmontChroncle.com/8476-2.
CIM representatives say that the ever-changing real estate market has resulted in numerous unsolicited inquiries from buyers interested in purchasing the property, most likely for office use. CIM representatives say it still is possible that the company will not sell the property and that all the planning for the tower’s adaptive reuse and construction of new residences will continue.
President Ken Scott “headstand Ken” [surfing]
Dynamic Speaker Series for February
Metro Fairfax Weekend Decking Work
Feb 1 – Andrea McNichol An Introduction to the World of a Forensic Graphologist
Feb 8 – Ambassador School of Global Leadership Interact Club Speech Contest - Rotary Serving Humanity
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Feb 15 – Past President Kyle Pierce
Wilshire Rotary Peace Chair – Peace & Conflict Resolution
Feb 22 – TBD
For detour maps, see larchmontchronicle.com, upper right corner of home page.
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Real People, Real Stories
SECTION ONE
FOCUS ON YOUTH 12 COUNCIL REPORT 4 POLICE BEAT 4 VALENTINES 9 SCHOOL NEWS 14
SECTION TWO VIEW:
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FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
Larchmont Chronicle
Campaign finance reform introduced Man robbed at gunpoint; postal burglar caught proposals On Jan. 10, my colleagues and aiming for city contracts, no Police beat
ROBBERIES: A man was walking near the intersection of W. 5th St. and S. Wilton Pl. on Jan. 7 at 10:15 p.m. when two men grabbed and pinned the victim to the ground. The suspects pressed a handgun to the victim’s head, threatening to “pistol whip” him, before grabbing the victim’s iPhone and fleeing the scene. A man was walking near the corner of W. 3rd St. and S. Western Ave. on Jan. 14
at 5:30 a.m. when three men approached him and began taking his property by force. After grabbing the victim’s sweatshirt, backpack, wallet and cell phone, one of the suspects kicked the victim in the back, and they all fled. BURGLARIES: A transient broke into an apartment complex on the corner of W. 4th St. and S. Gramercy Pl. and removed property from the onsite mailboxes. A victim witnessed the theft, called the
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Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Joseph Pelayo 213-793-0709 31762@lapd.lacity.org Twitter: @lapdolympic police and followed the suspect on foot until officers arrested the suspect several blocks away. The suspect, who has a narcotics record, was in possession of a postal master key and a large amount of mail. Someone entered a locked residence in the 400 block of S. Plymouth Blvd. and ransacked bureau drawers before fleeing on Jan. 20 between 2:15 and 2:20 p.m. GRAND THEFT AUTO: A green 1997 Acura was stolen while parked near the corner of Clinton St. and N. Beachwood Dr. on Jan. 5 between 1:30 and 9 a.m.
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BURGLARY THEFTS FROM VEHICLES: The front license plate was stolen from a 1998 BMW M3 while parked near the corner of Oakwood Ave. and Western Ave. between Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 7 at 9 a.m. A suspect gained entry to an unlocked Ford parked in a driveway on the 200 block of S. St. Andrews Pl. and removed money on Jan. 9 between 12:40 and 1 p.m.
such ban currently exists for developers looking for discretionary approval of their projects. The best way to restore trust in government is to avoid even the appearance of a conflict. By introducing sweeping reforms, we will work to restore Angelenos’ faith in the city’s ability to fairly review and approve major development projects. We need a campaign finance system that limits the influence of big-pocketed developers, and instead empowers thousands of small donors to have their voices heard. To learn more, visit davidryu. lacity.org/news.
I introduced a series of campaign finance reform proposals, including banning developer campaign contributions to city elected officials and candidates, and increasing the city’s matching funds ratio Council to empower Report small donors, in by an effort to increase transpar- David E. Ryu ency and public trust in local government. The public’s mistrust of the influence of campaign contributions has only been exacerbated by developers and those with business before the City of Los Angeles who give political donations widely or, in some cases, disregard campaign finance rules entirely. Unlike the ban the city has on companies
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Jamba Juice is making a comeback. The juicery, which closed its longtime spot on the Boulevard months ago, is planned to whip up fruit-based and other drinks soon in the former Lette Macarons, at 122 N. Larchmont Blvd. Elsewhere on the Boulevard, Trina Turk and Mr. Turk are set to showcase their fun and colorful brand of clothes and accessories for men and women at 212 and 214 N. Larchmont Blvd. Construction began last month and an opening is targeted for March, Trina Turk told us of what will be the 12th boutique for the fashionista and her husband Jonathan Skow, who designs the Mr. Turk line. Larchmont marks the third Mr. Turk shop, after Palm Springs and Miami, as well as smaller boutiques in Waikiki and New York. “Our Mr. Turk collections have a full range from swimwear to event Tux options,” said Skow. “Our customer is a fashion lover who wants to be noticed when he goes out. We’re not afraid of color and love fabrics with texture and pattern.” He added that his line carries 10 collections per year and is mostly (80 percent) made in Los Angeles.
JAMBA JUICE set to return.
The 2,000 square foot space is modeled after the flagship store in Palm Springs and is designed by Los Angelesbased Bestor Architecture, in spaces formerly occupied by Hans Custom Optik and Pickett Fences (which both moved elsewhere on the Boulevard). Next door, MAC Cosmetics is prepping for a spring opening in the former Crumbs Bakery space at 216 N. Larchmont. Shopaholic Sample Sales is located in the former Growze (the Japanese clothing store moved to Melrose Ave.), and the new store has developed a loyal following, according to neighbors. Shopaholic offers designer labels at the third storefront for owner Tina Hslung.
Coffee anyone? The former Groundwork Coffee at 139 N. Larchmont has a new name, Bardonna, an expanded menu and still pours organic, free-trade coffee, owner Josh Pourgoi said. Not to be left out, Groundwork Coffee will be pouring brews at a new location — the original Sam’s Bagels spot south of the former Larchmont Hardware store — at 150 N. Larchmont, in the spring. Company partners — head of business development, sales, and marketing Eddy Cola; head of operations and finance Steven Levan; and chief coffee guy Jeff Chean — called Larchmont Village, “one of L.A.’s iconic neighborhoods… “And, with two of our company principals growing up nearby… we knew that we wanted to remain a fixture not only in the neighborhood, but also in the daily coffee rituals of its residents and visitors.” The store will feature certified organic coffees and teas, handcrafted specialty drinks, and a full made-to-order food menu. Sage Lifestyle, 128 ½ N. Larchmont, is having a 30-75 percent-off sale. The last day of the bohemian jewelry and candle shop is Mon., Jan. 30.
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SECTION One
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Larchmont Chronicle
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FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
Larchmont Chronicle
Yes on Measure 'S' — end backroom deals (Continued from page 1) rules that protect our cherished neighborhoods and its residents and small business owners from wildly inappropriate development pushed by deep-pocketed developers who merely want to make more millions. These zoning rules, for example, stop a developer from building a 27-story luxury housing skyscraper in a working-class neighborhood
filled with three- and four-story apartment buildings. Over the years, however, those protective zoning rules have been regularly disregarded by wealthy developers and their politician pals at City Hall — and L.A.’s planning and land-use system has become increasingly rigged, unfair and broken. We, the people, suffer the consequences. The problem is that politically
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connected developers routinely seek rule-breaking zone changes for their luxury mega-projects. They shell out major campaign cash to the City Council and Mayor, and the politicians, in return, give the developers everything they want. What’s good for Angelenos and their communities is rarely considered, and usually ignored. The developers’ chase for king-sized profits results in a luxury mega-development that brings more gridlock traffic, ruins our eclectic neighborhoods and displaces momand-pop shops and longtime residents who can’t afford rising rents. The working-class, middle-class and senior citizens on fixed budgets are particularly vulnerable. The Coalition to Preserve LA and its supporters believe developers and politicians must play by rules like the rest of us. With Measure S, we start
Ask Dr. Dr. Richard H. Katz. DDS
Patrick Range McDonald
the process of fixing City Hall’s broken planning and land-use system — and protecting our one-of-a-kind city and its special people. On March 7, vote “yes” on Measure S. Content editor for the Coalition to Preserve LA, Patrick Range McDonald recently authored “Righteous Rebels: AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Crusade to Change the World” and previously co-wrote, with Mayor Richard J. Riordan, the mayor’s 2014 memoir. Since 2014, McDonald has been a consultant, special researcher and investigative reporter for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Previously, McDonald was an award-winning journalist at the “LA Weekly.” More info: voteyesons.org.
PLBRA
(Continued from page 2) Election of directors PLBRA secretary and treasurer, Donald Harris, oversaw the election of directors for the coming year. The current directors presented a slate of five proposed directors for the coming year. In addition, two residents were nominated from the floor. The 2017 directors are: Bernie Clinch, Barbara Gallen, Col. Donald Harris, USA (Ret.), Carlos Lloreda, Kenna Marshall, Solomon Moore and Marc Sinnott.
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FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
No on Measure 'S' — goes too far than the suggested 30 percent of their income on housing, and more than 47,000 of our neighbors and families have no home at all. There are reasons for hope, and for great concern. The hope: last November, L.A. voters overwhelmingly passed Prop HHH, $1.2 billion in bonds for supportive housing in Los Angeles — by far the most effective and efficient approach to ending homelessness. The threat: Measure S, a housing ban that will grind the development of needed new housing to a halt. It’s a misguided measure that claims to punish City Hall and developers, but actually punishes renters and people experiencing homelessness, our city’s most vulnerable, who need our help the most. Last year, L.A. permitted over 15,000 much-needed units of housing. However, Measure S
would have banned more than 9,000 of new units proposed the same year. Furthermore, the so-called “affordable housing exemption” in Measure S would not apply to the vast majority of sites chosen by the city to develop housing for the homeless — the first developments that could be funded and built with HHH funds. Measure S will lead to nearly $4 billion in lost economic output, more than 24,000 lost jobs, and over $1.2 billion in lost wages. And that’s just in the two years of the moratorium — to say nothing of the effects that could last for years to come. The broadest coalition in L.A. history has come together to stop Measure S. We have criticisms of L.A.’s planning and development process, but we want to make housing more affordable, and we urgently need to build more housing the right way. Measure S goes too far and we must do what-
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ever we can to stop it. Elise Buik is president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. The local chapter’s 10-year strategic plan, “Creating Pathways Out of Poverty,” focuses on three
Ficus tree debate About a dozen people — mainly Larchmont merchants and representatives of the Windsor Square Association (WSA) and the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association — attended a presentation last month at Vernetti Restaurant by arborist and urban forester Greg Monfette. He shared the conclusions of his review of the ficus trees on Larchmont, including that some trees should be removed. His work was undertaken for the Larchmont Village Business Improvement District (BID), utilizing a grant from CD4. The BID and the associations, WSA in particular, are continuing a dialogue on the future of the Larchmont tree canopy. Inquire further via canopy@windsorsquare.org.
Dr. James Chung Denture and Implant Specialist
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cial stability. Buik serves on numerous community boards and has received multiple honors and awards. More info: goestoofar.com.
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(Continued from page 1)
critical issues: ending homelessness by providing housing stability, improving educational achievement, and helping families gain finan-
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Larchmont Chronicle
free consultation
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8
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
Larchmont Chronicle
Local ELECTION CHOICES
Vote
Tues., March 7
Voters will choose City of Los Angeles officials and decide City and County ballot measures on Tues., Mar. 7. Absentee ("vote by mail") ballots will be mailed on Feb. 6. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Tues., Feb. 28. City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Controller Ron Galperin had no opponents and were re-elected. BALLOT MEASURES County Measure H Homeless services sales tax City Proposition M Cannabis taxation City Initiative Ordinance N Permitting cannabis activity City Charter Amendment P Harbor Department leases City Initiative Ordinance S Construction moratorium
Jesse Max Creed Veterans’ Advocate/Attorney
MAYOR David Hernandez Community Advocate Diane “Pinky” Harman Retired Educator/Actor David “Zuma Dogg” Saltsburg Community Activist Mitchell Jack Schwartz Small Businessperson Eric Garcetti Los Angeles Mayor YJ J Draiman Neighborhood Council Boardmember Yuval Kremer Math Educator/Activist Paul E. Amori Creative Artist Dennis Richter Factory Worker Frantz Pierre Community Activist Eric Preven Writer/Producer
CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT NO. 13 Doug Haines Neighborhood Council Boardmember Mitch O’Farrell Los Angeles City Councilmember Sylvie Shain Housing Rights Advocate Jessica Salans Activist/Advocate/Organizer David De La Torre International Business Manager Bill Zide Neighborhood Council Chair LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT District No. 2 Monica Garcia Member of the Board of Education Lisa Alva Public School Teacher Carl J. Petersen Businessman/Parent Advocate
CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT NO. 5 Mark Matthew Herd Political Consultant Paul Koretz Los Angeles City Councilmember
District No. 4 Allison Holdorff Polhill Educator/Parent
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Trustee Seat No. 4 Dallas Denise Fowler Los Angeles Commissioner/Educator Ernest H. Moreno Community College Trustee Trustee Seat No. 6 Gabriel Buelna College Professor Nancy Pearlman Community College Trustee
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Larchmont Chronicle
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
9
elebrate Your alentine C V
Neighborhood Valentines tell how they met...
THE COHENS wed in 1977.
Lyn MacEwen and Marc Cohen By Suzan Filipek In 1973, Lyn MacEwen was a single mom working on Park Avenue, when she and a girlfriend stopped for a cappuccino at Caffe Reggio, in Greenwich Village since 1927. Standing at the end of a long line, her friend was soon engaged in conversation with a group of guys, one of whom was Marc Cohen. A law student at New York University, he was cute, says Lyn, but she was not interested, and what’s more she was trying to get her friend’s attention to leave the crowded cafe. “He was very friendly. I’m very shy by nature. I didn’t want to wait in line,” Lyn explains. While she was thinking of an exit plan, the maître d’ asked Marc how many were in his party. “Seven,” he said, and “all of a sudden, in we go,” says Lyn. He must have charmed her as they sat, drinking their coffee, as she agreed to go ice skating with him that Saturday night in Central Park. They carried their ice skates over their shoulders again the following Tuesday “It was a great date,” recalls MacEwen Cohen. “We’ve been
keeping company ever since, and it’s been electrifying.” They married in 1977, and in addition to her daughter from (Please turn to page 10)
Bill and Sandy Boeck By Billy Taylor Sandy Larsen was at an after-service coffee hour at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills on a Sunday afternoon in 1993 when she met a single, orthopedic surgeon named Bill Boeck. “A mutual friend who had been on a prayer team for Bill’s mother introduced me to him,” explains Sandy. In that first conversation they discovered they had several mutual friends and a shared interest in computers. (Bill built his very first computer, and Sandy started the computer program at Paul
THE BOECKS wed in 1997.
Revere Junior High School in Brentwood.) “I remember talking with him,” recalls Sandy, who describes their first interac-
tion as “very comfortable.” Soon after, they went on a date to see a film and had dinner at the Beverly Center, where they talked and got to know each other better. “We both had a sudden attraction,” says Sandy of that first date, adding: “I remember thinking, ‘let’s just see what happens here.’” The more the two talked, the more they realized how much they have in common. Sandy was a Marlborough School ‘57 graduate, the same school Bill’s mother, aunt and sister all attended. Further, Sandy worked as a teacher (Please turn to page 10)
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10
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
Larchmont Chronicle
elebrate Your alentine C V Boecks
(Continued from page 9)
THE TWO stand together last Christmas at the Ebell Club.
at Paul Revere Junior High School for 36 years, the same school that Bill’s three children from a previous marriage had attended. “There were a lot of coincidences like that,” Sandy says with a laugh. The two were married in 1997 at Sandy’s home in Brookside, where instead of
being walked down the aisle, she was walked across a bridge that crosses the natural stream in her backyard garden. “It was beautiful. After the ceremony we had champagne, appetizers and a buffet served by the pool,” Sandy recalls. Now officially retired as an orthopedic surgeon, Bill still does independent medical examinations at two local clinics, and he keeps busy as a barbershop quartet singer. He co-founded
the Santa Monica Oceanaires chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society 41 years ago. Sandy works as a real estate broker, and she is an active member of the Ebell Club (since 1982) and
the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society. Both are members of Wilshire Rotary. The couple will celebrate their 20th anniversary this October.
Cohens
They have fallen in love with their Hancock Park neighborhood — it reminds them of their East Coast roots — and they love Valentine’s Day. “I think love is very important,” says Lyn. The couple recently returned from a winter wonderland at Lake Louise in Canada, where they cross-country skied, rode in a horse-drawn sleigh, and once again donned ice skates, this time on a lake. “It was so beautiful. It was very, very romantic.”
(Continued from page 9) her first marriage, the couple had two more daughters. They first lived in Miracle Mile, where Cohen is president and founder of the Miracle Mile Civic Coalition. She also heads the First-In Fire Foundation. (She keeps her wedding photo album by her bed, so in case there’s a fire, she can grab it and run, she says.) Marc is a lawyer with Loeb & Loeb.
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Larchmont Chronicle
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
11
elebrate Your alentine C V
Local chocolatiers to visit — for Valentine’s Day — and beyond By Helene Seifer To celebrate Valentine’s Day in true chocolate style, why not go to the source? There are many local chocolatiers to visit, and there is one where you can have a “factory tour.” MAST chocolates, founded by brothers Rick and Michael Mast in Brooklyn, landed in Los Angeles last May, and the entire bean-to-bar process can be observed during their 30-minute $10 tour. Five observation windows reveal gleaming stainless steel drums that roast beans, separate them from their husks, and grind them into molten chocolate. The last stop of the tour is a tasting table where several
flavors are sampled, along with a non-alcoholic chocolate beer they brew. Their chocolates are in the Goldilocks zone of sweetness — not too sweet, not too bitter — and have a silky, satisfying finish. In addition to 12 bar flavors, such as Smoke, Goat’s Milk, and Almond Butter, there are 6-bar collections dedicated to the tastes of their home cities: Brooklyn (smoked maple, vanilla and salt), London (includes gin, rhubarb and custard), and Los Angeles (miso, and sesame, horchata, popcorn). Call 213261-0757. Valerie Confections has beautifully crafted chocolates and Valentine’s specials, such
as the $30, 11-piece Pour Elle Assortment, with bittersweet chocolate/green tea hearts and rose petal passion fruit truffles. Call 213-739-8149. John Kelly Chocolates, another homegrown chocolatier, sells such handcrafted chocolates as the 12-piece $31 salted caramel collection and individual bars, such as the $7.50 dark chocolate with habanero and jalapeno. Glass windows between the sales room and factory allow a glimpse into the chocolate-making process. Call 323-851-3269. Los Angeles-made Ococoa Chocolates is known for their “Buttercup” collections of beautifully decorated dark
chocolate cups filled with nut butters, fruit, and truffles, priced $25 to $44. Call 855350-4404. Edelweiss has spread chocolate cheer in Beverly Hills since 1942, with handmade chocolates such as the $49.95 dark and light assortment. Their claim to fame is that reportedly their backroom conveyor belt inspired Lucille Ball to create the hilarious chocolate assembly line skit on “I Love Lucy.” Call 310-275-0341. Sweet! is the place to go to see a portrait of Adele made from jellybeans, but it’s also a terrific destination for anyone interested in creating a $7.99 custom chocolate bar. At their
Chocolate Lab, pick a chocolate (dark, milk or white), filling (coffee cream, blackberry jam, or any of six others) and up to three mix-ins (19 choices, such as coconut and ginger snaps) and watch as your creation gets made, wrapped and handed to you. Call 323-462-3111. Before artisanal hype hit the candy shelf, the go-to chocolate shop in Los Angeles was See’s Candies. Since 1921 queues have been forming at See’s iconic La Cienega factory for Valentine’s Day collections of milk chocolate covered marshmallow hearts ($18.90 for six) or a one-pound heart-shaped box of assorted chocolates for $25.50. Call 310-559-4919.
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12
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
Larchmont Chronicle
Boy ScoutS of AmericA AnniversAry Week:
Girl Scouts gear up to sell their famous cookies By Sondi Toll Sepenuk If you just polished off that last box of your favorite Girl Scout cookie, have no fear, the cookies will go on sale again starting Sun., Jan. 29, selling until March 12. Several area troops, including St. James-based Troop 16065, Larchmont Village Girls Scouts (Senior Troop 495) and their younger troop counterpart, the New Larchmont Village Girl Scouts (Cadette / Junior troop 615) will be setting up shop in THE BEARS AND WOLVES of Cub Scout Pack 10 include, from left to right, Lucas Odero, Cody Converse, Ethan Miller, Waller Morton, Hale Blankenship, Henry Fousekis, Henry Miller, Timothy Gratiot, Vinicius Leus, Lucas Tolot (sitting), Sullivan Kim and Henry Smith.
Scouts combine hiking, cooking, camaraderie According to Diane Gilmore, cubmaster at Cub Scout Pack 10, there are 36 boys this year and several new adult leaders. She asked Carina Miller, firsttime den leader, to fill us in on some of the pack’s activities. Miller leads 14 “boisterous” Bear Cub Scouts. “I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about the position (Okay, the den leader outfit), but I wanted to help out and my son was over the moon. Turns out, it’s my favorite volunteer commitment,” said Carina.
She added that the Bear pack joined the Wolves on an outing in November to Vasquez Rocks, where they hiked to the top and enjoyed the view. Making Dutch oven pizza was one of their outdoor cooking projects. This past December, the Bears hosted a carnival for all the Cub Scouts in Pack 10 that had a pie-eating contest, photo booth, Nerf gun shooting range, toilet bowl toss and dartless balloon pop. They also sang Christmas and Hanuk-
kah carols. Den meeting projects this year include making mini worm composting bins, bird feeders and egg carton seed starts. Carina said she enjoys the cheerfulness and enthusiasm the boys bring to each den meeting. “It’s evident that they feel a part of something. Cub Scouts teaches important values, but seemingly as valuable is the fact that they are members of the ‘den,’” she added.
Area Boy Scout Troops, Packs Boy Scouts Troop 10:
Meets at St. James Church 3903 Wilshire Blvd. bsalatroop10.mytroop.us
Cub Scouts Pack 10:
Cubmaster: Diane Gilmore Meets in basement at St. James Church 3903 Wilshire Blvd. Alternate Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. dianegilmorela@gmail.com
Cub Scouts Pack 16:
Meets at St. Brendan School 368 S. Manhattan Pl. bsalatroop10.mytroop.us
front of Rite Aid and U.S. Bank on Larchmont Blvd., as well as other high foot-trafficked areas, including Bristol Farms, UCLA, and various farmers’ markets. The cookies will also be sold door-to-door and at makeshift lemonade stands in the girls’ own front yards. Same as last year, the cookies will range in price from $5 to $6 per box. Flavors include perennial favorites Thin Mints (vegan), Samoas, Do-si-do’s, Peanut Butter Patties / Tagalongs, Toffee-tastic (gluten free), Shortbread Trefoils, Savannah Smiles and one new flavor, S’mores (a crunchy graham sandwich cookie with chocolate and marshmallow filling). YUM! The cookie sales help raise money for the national Girl Scout organization, as well as funding for the local troops. Of the money raised, the local troops get to keep 10-15 percent of their money from the cookie sales. For the St. James-based troop, money raised from last years’ sales went a long way towards helping others. “The girls donated their money to three organizations,” says cookie chair (Please turn to page 13)
These supporTers saluTe MeMbers of Boy Scout Troops in our CoMMuniTy Chase CaMpen The faMily realTor 323-788-4663 www.larchmontliving.com
The Fenadys Fenady Associates Inc. 249 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-466-6375
Larchmont animaL cLinic Dr. Jan Ciganek 316 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-463-4889
www.larchmontanimalclinic.com
roberT sCoT Clifford, esq. Laquer, Urban, Clifford & Hodge
225 S. Lake Avenue, Suite 200 Pasadena, CA 91101
MiChelle hanna Coldwell Banker South 119 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Cell 213-923-8086 mhanna@coldwellbanker.com
Larchmont ViLLage Wine & cheese 223 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-856-8699 www.larchmontvillagewine.com
denTal offiCe of James Gibbons, DDS Kathleen Sui, DDS Thomas Tanbonliong, DDS
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hans CusToM opTik, inC. Hans Fiebig 419 3/4 N. Larchmont Blvd.
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Le Petit Greek Thomas & Dimitris Houndalas
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Larchmont Chronicle
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
13
Celebrating 107 Years February 6 Thru 12
TROOP 16065 ICE SKATING, (left to right), Stella Seitz, Satine Storer, Lily Sanchez, Lauren Park, Mikaela Brown, (Little sister Isabella Park is in front).
Girl Scout Cookies (Continued from page 12) Michele Sanchez. “They gave $500 to St. James’ sister school in Haiti, $500 to the St. James’ soup kitchen and $500 to Farm Animal Sanctuary. Fun activities included a camp out, ice skating at L.A. Live, and seeing Disney On Ice at the Staples Center.” Larchmont Village Girl Scout Troop 495, which consists of 15 middle-school-aged girls, used the money they earned to help fund a learning trip to San Francisco, and they plan to use some of this year’s money to go camping, horseback riding, zip-lining
MIXED PICTURE OF TROOPS 495/615, Back (all 495) Fiona O’Malley, Quinn Lanza, Gardner Wilburn, Poppy Miller, Mary Higgins, Amadi Cary, Kayla White. Front: (all 615) Anna Feldman, Bluesette Miller.
and to take a Channel Islands kayaking trip. According to troop leader Amy Elvis Kiehl Miller, some of the girls are also finishing the final stages of their Silver Awards, which are “community service projects informed by the organization that the girls choose to help, which must be self-sustaining once the girls are finished.” Some of those projects have included Birthday in a Box for Children’s Hospital, creating a program to provide helmets for children who want to learn to ride horses, and implementing permanent clothing donation programs from production companies to homeless shelters.
As the senior Larchmont Village Girl Scouts grow older, they are taking on more of the troop responsibilities themselves. The 7th and 8th graders of Troop 495 have each been assigned a meeting this year and run it themselves. Adventures that they have undertaken include a trip to the Broad Museum, a Cup Cake War competition (judged by Troop 615), a private tour of Greystone Mansion, and an ice-skating day out in Pershing Square. The newer, younger junior Larchmont Village cadettes consist of 11 girls who are currently preparing to start their own Silver Star projects sometime within the next year.
TROOP 495 (left to right) Maeve Carney, Amadi Cary, Teva Corwin, Zoe Gittelson, Kayla White, Quinn Lanza, Poppy Miller, Fiona O’Malley, Olivia Brancato, Mary Higgins, Vivien Black, Amy Kiehl Miller (Troop leader), Allyson Higgins (mother), Zoe Corwin (mother).
The goals for both the older and younger Larchmont Village troops is to “focus on public service and the needs of our less fortunate community members,” says Miller. Their goal is to raise $5,000 through the cookie sales this year. The St. James’ troop will decide later this year how to spend their own cookie funds, but they are inspired by one of the choices they made last season. “A year ago our troop adopted a family and provided an amazing Christmas for a single mom and her two little girls,” says Sanchez. So, if you want to help some of the youth in our community, plus get your sugar fix at
BOOTHING ON LARCHMONT, Troop 16065 members Satine Storer, Lily Sanchez.
the same time, look no further than to buy one of your favorite boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Heck, why not buy five?
These supporTers saluTe MeMbers of Boy Scout Troops in our CoMMuniTy linoleuM CiTy
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Fred Stifter 4849 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. 90029 323-469-0063
ploTke pluMbing Lynn Shirley & Mario Sanchez
3121 W. Temple St. 323-463-9201
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supreMe roofing Doug Ratliff & Careylyn Clifford 1015 N. Gower St. 323-469-2981
Lipson pLumbing Bob Vacca 148 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-469-2635
Pilgrim School 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. 213-385-5204 www.pilgrim-school.org
Village pizzeria “Give A Piece A Chance”
Steve & Nancy Cohen 131 N. Larchmont Blvd 323-465-5566
Metropolitan Holding Co. Tom Kneafsey 200 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-463-4220
St. Brendan CatholiC ChurCh 310 S. Van Ness Ave. 323-936-4656 www.stbrendanchurch.org
Zavala ElEctric Bernie Zavala Your Neighborhood Electrician
818-500-7778 www.zavalaelectric.com
14
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
Larchmont Chronicle
A one-year check-up on Burroughs modernization plan By Billy Taylor In January of last year, residents met in the auditorium of John Burroughs Middle School to hear an overview of a multi-year modernization project for the school’s historic buildings and campus. One year on, the Chronicle
contacted the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and local stakeholders to find out where the project stands. “We have enjoyed a transparent and productive relationship with the LAUSD team,” says Joanne Medeiros, who serves as school commit-
tee chair for the Hancock Park Home Owners Association (HPHOA). Medeiros explains that she has been invited to attend meetings held on a regular basis to provide input from a residential perspective. Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architechts (formerly Ehrlich
JOHN BURROUGHS Middle School first opened its doors in 1924 with 400 students and 23 teachers.
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Architects) was selected in response to a request for proposals (RFP), and the firm has started the design process, says Medeiros. Issues that are front and center, she explains, include traffic mitigation for McCadden Pl., alternative entrance solutions for the handicapped, building new classrooms and a cafeteria, and scheduling issues related to upgrading the historic buildings built in 1924. “Design solutions will be presented soon,” Medeiros says. Elvia Perez Cano, a spokesperson for LAUSD, confirmed the project remains in preliminary design concept development, and she notes that the consultants are also performing the necessary environmental reviews. A community meeting is planned soon, she adds. After that meeting, Cano says that the project will proceed into a schematic design phase: “L.A. Unified anticipates being in the Design / Environmental Review Process for about a year and then submitting the design to the Division of the State Architects (DSA) for review, which can take nine-12 months. Once DSA approves the project design, the District will be ready to
bid for construction.” According to Cano, it’s not just the HPHOA that’s been involved in the design process. She says LAUSD has been working with “neighbors, Burroughs Middle School administration, teachers, students, parents, school board staff, local elected staff, local district leadership, facilities staff, environmental staff, neighborhood council representatives and local media representatives.” Not on Cano’s list is the Los Angeles Conservancy, who told the Chronicle that they have pressed LAUSD for more information with no luck. “I wish I had something,” says the Conservancy’s director of advocacy Adrian Scott Fine. He explains that for other LAUSD modernization projects the Conservancy has seen fairly detailed memos of their plans: “but they haven’t reached out to us on this one.” Burroughs is one of 11 campuses chosen to benefit from major improvements to their facilities through the LAUSD’s Comprehensive Modernization Project. Details on the next community meeting at John Burroughs should be made public in coming weeks. Watch this space.
Larchmont Chronicle
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
Catalog available on February 15
Registration begins March 1 at noon
MARLBOROUGH
SUMMER SCHOOL 2017
WHERE IMAGINATION, MINDS, AND BODIES THRIVE! Leadership Workshop JUNE 12-16 & 19-23 Sports Camp JUNE 19-23
Basketball league St. Brendan Basketball Association serves 6 to 13 year-old boys and girls in the Hancock Park, Windsor Square and Mid-Wilshire neighborhoods. Named for the location of its court, the independent organization’s season runs from January to March. All games are played at St. Brendan School, 238 S. Manhattan Pl. The league was started over five years ago by two local dads, Chuck Carrington and Jordon Kruse. “The season is in full swing and all the teams are full,” says volunteer organizer Brendan
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Malloy. “The league has been a great success and has a motto of being a ‘Your Neighborhood Hoops League’ that is more about getting kids to love the game than creating an ultra competitive environment.”
Math English Science Computers Study Skills Foreign Languages Robotics
e ous H en Op eb 4 m F p m 10a
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View the course catalog and register online: www.marlboroughsummer.org | 323.964.8401
Basketball Fencing Gymnastics Self-Defense Soccer Swimming Tennis
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FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
children’s community school By Claire Lesher 4th Grade
Happy New Year! School is back in session from winter break. We are well-rested, and ready to go for another brilliant and fun semester. Over the holidays, we had several campus upgrades, which
we are excited about. The first phase of our Art room expansion has been completed. The letterpress printer has been moved into the Art room making it more accessible to our student body. We also have a dedicated space
for our ceramics studio. I can’t wait to get my hands messy! Outside, the stairs have been rearranged to allow us to utilize our brand-new deck where we will create additional art projects. All the classrooms have new smart boards, which I think is another good learning tool for everyone. We also have two portable smart boards, which we
Larchmont Chronicle
IMMACULATE HEART
will use in the office to share the entire schools artwork or at the All School Meetings. Our class is going on a field trip to Caballero Canyon Trail, and a overnight trip to San Diego to learn more about the Kumeyaay tribe. Stay tuned for next month!
By Oona Holahan 12th Grade
With one month in the New Year already ending, Immaculate Heart students are off and running in a new semester. January was a busy time here at IH. After our holiday break, students returned to campus to finish up the first semester. Armed with “Finals Survival Kits” provided by CSF Club members, students waged their way through final exams week. A short break from classes followed, providing some needed rest and relaxation. With the launch of a new semester comes a range of new activities. The Genesians, the school’s theatre company, is in the midst of auditions for “Romeo & Juliet” – this year’s spring production. The middle school will open the month of February with a lively spirit week capped with a talent show. Other traditions continue this month: The sophomore class will participate in its Day of Recollection at St. Joseph’s Retreat Center in Rosemead. Immaculate Heart will also offer special guest presentations in classes as students observe Freedom from Chemical Dependence Week. And the BSA Club will host a special assembly in honor of Black History Month. Topping off the month will be one of the school’s significant traditions — the Junior Class Ring Ceremony. During this special event attended by parents and family members, the juniors will be officially welcomed as upperclasswomen. Each will receive a class ring and rose boutonniere. After the liturgy, many juniors will enjoy an informal lunch or outing with their senior ring sisters.
st. brendan By Will Martinez 8th Grade
February is an exciting month at St. Brendan School. First, we finish off and reflect on another successful Catholic Schools Week. We had a successful open house for parents, students and visitors and throughout the month will be accepting applications for fall. Our 2nd grade class led by Miss Green and Miss Herman will be visiting St. John of God Retirement and Care Home on Feb. 9. Of course, February wouldn’t be complete without Valentine’s Day. During the day, we host a school-wide game of Hush Day, a very beloved tradition at St. Brendan School. Later in the month, we welcome visitors from WASC coming for an accreditation visit. Our teachers and students are looking forward to showing all that we do at Saint Brendan. At St. Brendan’s School we look forward to our fun-filled month ahead.
GALA
By Kellyn Lanza and Camilla Yust 6th Grade
PAGE ACADEMY Celebrating Our 109 th Year
Beverly Hills Campus
419 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Ages 2 - Grade 6
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Here at the Girls Academic Leadership Academy, we have many exciting events happening that are in addition to our regular schedule! This past November, we started rehearsing for our December dance performance. All of the girls participated and the audience loved it. All girls of GALA attended a screening of “Hidden Figures.” They were joined by thousands of other girls from around Los Angeles. Peggy Whitson, an astronaut living on the Interna-
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tional Space Station, sent a video encouraging all of us to explore space and follow our dreams. JMG sports is adding swimming classes to its program. JMG sports already offers volleyball, soccer and basketball. The 6th graders also visited the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The girls visited mission control and learned about the JPL robots, rovers and spacecrafts. Teachers at GALA continue to be enthusiastic (they seem happy to be here with us), supportive (they have office hours), and fun (for example in math, students created a commercial about a math term).
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Larchmont Chronicle
FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
CAST includes Michael Torrenueva as Aladdin, Lewis Powell III is the Genie, and Sarah Kennedy, the princess.
Aladdin por favor, the musical Disney’s “Aladdin,” in two languages, will continue through Sun., Feb. 19 at CASA 0101 Theater, 2012 E. First St. in Boyle Heights. Based on the musical with the Academy Award-winning score musical, “Aladdin Dual Language Edition” is the tale of true love, a magic carpet and a Genie in a country divided by two languages; royalty speaks one tongue, the citizens another. The evil Jafar speaks both. Royal translators are on stage to help in this adaptation of “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” from “One Thousand and One Nights.” A
cast of 24 actors and dancers tell the story in the fictional city of Agrabah. Musical director is Caroline Benzon, choreography by Tania Possick and directed by Rigo Tejeda. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1, 4 and 7 p.m., casa0101.org.
Info, Tours, and Applications
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hollywood schoolhouse By Max Rubin 6th Grade
This is a very exciting time for Hollywood Schoolhouse. Tryouts for the spring musical, “James and the Giant Peach,” which premiers in March, were last week. This is the first musical that our performance teacher, Mr. Ray, has lead since he has returned to HSH. Based on how well our school’s winter concert went, I believe it will be a great success! In Ms. Abi’s English class we just finished the novel, “Out of My Mind,” by Sharon Draper. The book describes a year in a life of a girl named Melody, who has a disability that leaves her almost paralyzed and unable to speak. Although nobody knows it, she is a genius. I have never read a book from the perspective of someone who was unable to communicate. It has taught me to look at things in a different way. In science, we are studying the Earth, its layers, and how its layers affect the surface. The mantle, the layer below the crust where we live, is not quite solid nor liquid, therefore, the continents that lay on it shift around very slowly. Like Roald Dahl said, “There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven’t even started wondering about yet.” Intriguing lessons like this get you thinking about what’s going on in our world around us.
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Learning That Lasts a Lifetime
Erika J. Glazer Family Campus 3663 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010
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FEBRUARY 2017
SECTION One
center for Early education By Dylan Foley 5th Grade
January begins a new year and a time for a fresh start. Winter break ended and at the Center, school resumed on Jan. 3. I asked some 5th grade students what their New Year’s resolutions are and Brooke Hinkle said, “I want
to be more positive.” Another 5th grader, Chase Krasner said, “I don’t want to forget my homework.” At the Center, our campus was closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day because we celebrated a very important man who was born on
Larchmont Chronicle
Jan. 15, 1929. He has inspired us to be active in our communities. At CEE, we have Making Sandwiches For The Hungry. We make sandwiches monthly by grade. This month, the 6th grade, EC2 (preschool 2), and Kindergarten will be making the sandwiches. On them, there is ham and cheese and we add mustard and mayonnaise packets. This gives
them a healthy filling option. In January, we also had a recital for the orchestra. The students worked so hard.
PILGRIM
By Christopher Woods 7th Grade Happy Valentine’s Day, Everybody! This is a time to love and appreciate everyone who helps make your life better. Here at Pilgrim School, we have been honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He taught that people should judge each other by the content of their character, not the color of their skin, and that there should be equal rights for all. My little sister’s first grade class was in charge of the elementary assembly. They talked about Dr. King’s dream and his accomplishments. They also shared their own personal dreams for the future. Our high school seniors are starting to get their college acceptance letters. I wish them all the best, and I know that they will succeed at anything they decide to do. Middle school boys basketball has been doing really great. We are halfway through the season and we are 4-1. Thanks to Coach Skaggs and Wurmlinger. Go Patriots!
brawerman east
By Jack Israel, Elijah David and Aaron Liebman 3rd and 4th grade
CHRIST THE KING KING SCHOOL SCHOOL CHRIST THE MONTESSORI MONTESSORI TRANSITIONAL TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN (For children aged four by September 1)
Brawerman just came back from Winter Break and the main thing that’s been happening at school is lots and LOTS of rain. Whenever it’s raining we always have P.E. and recess inside. Recess is more fun outside because we get to ride around on scooters and play flag football, but P.E. is actually more fun inside because
(For children aged four by September 1)
turning point By Gemma Fudge 8th Grade
February is one of my favorite months at Turning Point because of all the exciting events and activities. Don’t miss the middle school theater performance of “A Phantom Tollbooth.” Based on the book by Norton Juster, the play is about a boy named Milo who drives his toy car through a magic tollbooth and ends up in another world. The play has a cast of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and runs from Feb. 24 (6 p.m.) – Feb. 25 (3 p.m.). Hoop-a-Thon is also coming up on Feb. 17. The whole school will gather in the gym, and throughout the day, students will shoot hoops and get pledges to raise money for the Turning Point athletics and garden programs. There is also a shoot-out competition for parents. At the end of the month, on Feb. 26, students and their family members have the option to participate in the Screenland 5k run and walk, which winds through two movie studios in Culver City. There will be refreshments and a finisher’s medal for anyone who completes the race. This is a new event for Turning Point. Hope to see you there! we get to play games like hockey and bowling. But even that gets tiring after awhile, so we’re glad it’s sunny out today. We are also playing a fun game in Innovations called Code Combat. It’s a coding game where you pick your character and then you enter codes to make them do stuff, like “move hero right” or “attack nearest enemy.” Sometimes you need to set a pattern of moves to get through a level and then there’s always a boss at the end. In Art we have been doing origami, which is making shapes out of folded paper. We have mostly been making origami animals, like a chicken named Bock Bock that everyone in our class loves.
Youth symphony performs, Feb. 12
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The American Youth Symphony will perform its first two concerts of 2017 on Sun., Feb. 12 — and they’re both free. The annual family concert, “Music and Story” will feature clips from Disney’s animated film, “Fantasia” at 11 a.m. Then explore video game scores, featuring songs from notable PlayStation games at 4 p.m. Both concerts at UCLA’s Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr. For more information, visit aysymphony.org.
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Larchmont Chronicle By Paige Mendiola 3rd Grade
By Winslow Morgan 8th Grade
The willows
PRECIOUS BLOOD
Everyday we should show our love to our dear family, even in a simple gesture. It is a gift to have a month like February, to celebrate our love and appreciation with our families and friends. This month, the Page Academy family will celebrate Valentine’s Day with class parties and a Valentine’s Day special event! We will celebrate Dental Health Month as our local dentist and current parent, Dr. Geller, will visit our school and talk to all of the students. The school will be closed for Presidents’ Day on Feb. 20. Then this will be followed by Enrichment Week with fun activities learning about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. All of the students will also be working on special art projects for the Art to Remember Fundraiser. The children’s artwork can be featured on over 30 keepsakes, such as T-shirts, mouse pads, key chains, pillows, cards and more! Happy heart day everyone!
The Willows has always been a school that appreciates and focuses on the arts, and gives students opportunities to express their creative talents. A great example of this is Poetry Night, which is traditionally celebrated in the month of February. Poetry Night is an event where students present their poetic skill to friends and family. In the first few months of school, our Poet-inResidence Deb Studebaker worked with each grade to create and craft several poems from each student. Every week, during the period in which Deb was working with a class, a new poem was written using a different poetic style. Each child selected one poem to be included in The Willows Poetry Anthology. After each class had the wonderful privilege to work with Deb, all of the work is culminated in an evening that celebrates art through poetic expression. We look forward to Poetry Night and the poetry anthology because poetry gives us the ability to see and hear each other’s unique and artistic point of view.
“Let your light shine” is a motto that guides all our Precious Blood teachers and students in our daily lives. For us students, this motto means that we need to serve as the light that can help others. We need to give our best in everything that we do.
third street
have KDLP, such as Cahuenga and Porter Ranch. There are also other schools that have a different languages for their Dual Language Program. David Kim, our principal, believes that KDLP is a great idea for Third Street Elementary School. He says, “I believe [KDLP was introduced] because the previous principal, Dr. Oh, wanted to give students at this community an opportunity to be bilingual and to learn about Korean culture.” In addition, David believes, “It benefits the school because there are events that promote Korean culture,” and, “It benefits the kids who are enrolled because they are learning a new language.”
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315 S. Oxford Ave. • 213-387-7381 www.theplymouthschool.com theplymouthschool@gmail.com
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Immaculate Heart High School & Middle School 5515 Franklin Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90028 • (323) 461-3651 • www.immaculateheart.org
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Open House
Cathedral Chapel School Open House Open House Open OpenHouse House
Cathedral Chapel School Cathedral Chapel School through 8th grade Honors Math Program Cathedral Chapel School • Kindergarten Sunday, • th January 29 , 2017 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Cathedral Cathedral Chapel Chapel School School th•, 11:30 Sunday, January 29th, 2017 AM 1:00 PM PM Sunday, 2017 11:30-Noon AM - 1:00 nd , 2017 WASC & WCEA Sports Thursday, February 2January 8:00 AM - 12:00 • Fully Accredited •29CYO th , 2017 nd • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Sunday, January th ,29 th ,29 Thursday, February 2 , 2017 8:00 AM 12:00 Noon • 11:30 • 11:30 Sunday, Sunday, January January 29 2017 2017 AM AM 1:00 1:00 PM PM Thursday, February 2nd, 2017 • 8:00 AM 12:00 4G through Internet Access Hot Lunch Program Noon 8th Grade CYO Sports • Schoolwide • Kindergarten •• nd • 8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Thursday, February 2 , 2017 nd nd • • th Thursday, February February 2WASC , 22017 , 2017 8:00 8:00 -AM 12:00 12:00 Noon Noon Counseling Accredited & WCEA Lunch Program through 8 Grade Sports • Fully •AM • Kindergarten •- CYO MAC Computer Lab Outreach Concern • 36Thursday, •Choice 4G Internet Access Counseling • School-wide • Outreach Concern Accredited WASC & WCEA Lunch Program • Fully • Choice th Kindergarten through 8 Grade CYO Sports th th • • Spanish •• through through 8 Computer Grade 8 Grade CYO Sports Sports Mac Lab Extended Day Care Until 6:00PM Counseling Program Extended Day Care • Kindergarten • Kindergarten • CYO Tuesday • 36 • Access Concern • School-wide 4G •Internet • Outreach Science Lab Junior HighLunch Academic Decathlon Accredited WASC & WCEA Choice Program • State-of-the-Art • • Fully Accredited WASC & WCEA Choice Choice Lunch Lunch Program Program Accredited WASC & WCEA • • Fully • • • Fully 36 Mac Computer Lab Extended Day Care Until 6:00PM Tours • School iPad Program Junior•High Academic Decathlon • Middle •Outreach Spanish Program • 4G 4G Internet Access Concern 4G Internet Access Outreach Outreach Concern Counseling Counseling Internet Access • School-wide State-of-the-Art Science Lab• Concern Junior High Counseling Academic Available Decathlon • School-wide • • • School-wide • • • K-8 iPad ProgramJunior High Enrichment After School Programs Departmentalized Instrumental Music Program •Day 36• Mac Computer Lab Program Extended DayUntil Care6:00PM Until 6:00PM Lab Lab Care Day Care Until 6:00PM Mac Computer • Spanish • Computer • 36 Mac • Extended • Extended • 36 • Instrumental Junior High by • Departmentalized • Music Program &Lab Program K-8 iPad Program • Classroom •Art Enrichment After Decathlon School Programs Science Lab High High Academic Academic Decathlon Decathlon Science Art & Music Music Program Science Lab Junior High Academic • State-of-the-Art • Junior • Junior • State-of-the-Art • Classroom • Ninjas USA-Enrichment Classes • State-of-the-Art • Young Appointment •
•
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• • • • •
Departmentalized Junior High • Instrumental Music Program Honors• Math Program •Program • Plaza Production Dance Classes Spanish Program Program • Spanish • Spanish Classroom Art & Music Program • • Young Ninjas USA-Enrichment Classes K-8•iPad Program K-8 iPad Program Enrichment Enrichment After After School School Programs Programs • K-8 iPad Program After School Dance Programs Testing Dates Enrichment Program • Honors Math • Plaza Production Classes th, 2017 (by appointment) Kindergarten Testing Saturday, Departmentalized Junior High Junior High •March Instrumental •11Instrumental MusicMusic Program Program • Departmentalized Junior High • Departmentalized • Instrumental Music Program th First Grade Testing Saturday, March 11 , 2017 at 9:00 AM Classroom Art & Art Music Program & Music Program •March Young •15Young USA-Enrichment USA-Enrichment Classes ClassesClasses • Classroom th, Ninjas Testing 2017 atNinjas 1:30 PMNinjas Grades 2-8 Wednesday, Art & Music Program • Classroom • Dates Young USA-Enrichment th, 2017 (by appointment) Kindergarten Saturday, March Applications available online atTesting cathedralchapelschool.org orProduction in 11 our school office.Dance Honors Math Program Math Program • Plaza • Plaza Production Dance Classes Classes • Honors • Honors Math Program • Plaza thProduction Dance Classes First Grade Testing Saturday, March 11 , 2017 at 9:00 AM
th, 2017 at 1:30 PM 755 South Cochran Ave., L.A. 90036 Cathedral Grades 2-8 Wednesday, March 15Chapel For more information @Cathedral_Chapel_School available or in our school office. callApplications (323) 938-9976 or visitonline at cathedralchapelschool.org Cathedral Chapel School cathedralchapelschool.org Chapel School Kindergarten Kindergarten Testing Testing Saturday, Saturday, MarchMarch 11th, 2017 11th, (by 2017 appointment) (byCathedral appointment) th 755 South Cochran th 90036 th, at , 2017 2017 9:00atAM 9:00 AM Cathedral Chapel First Grade First Grade Testing Testing Saturday, Saturday, MarchMarch 11 Ave., 11L.A.
Testing Testing Dates Dates Testing Dates
Kindergarten Testing Saturday, March 11 , 2017 (by appointment)
755 South Cochran Ave., L.A. @Cathedral_Chapel_School 90036 For more information th
, 2017 at 9:00 AM First Grade Testing Saturday, March 11atPM th, 2017 th, at 2017 1:30 Grades Grades 2-8 Wednesday, 2-8 For Wednesday, March March 15 15 Information (323) 938-9976 or PM cathedralchapelschool.org call (323) 938-9976 or visit 1:30 Cathedral Chapel School
,or2017 atoffice. 1:30office. PM Grades 2-8 Wednesday, Marchor15 cathedralchapelschool.org Cathedral Chapel School Applications Applications available available online at online cathedralchapelschool.org at cathedralchapelschool.org in our school in our school th
Applications available online at cathedralchapelschool.org or in our school office.
755 South 755 Cochran South Cochran Ave., L.A. Ave., 90036 L.A. 90036 more For information more information 755 For South Cochran Ave., L.A. 90036
Cathedral Cathedral ChapelChapel @Cathedral_Chapel_School @Cathedral_Chapel_School Cathedral Chapel
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Center last month. Prior to that, in December 2015, the Children’s Choir had a chance to visit Rome. They took part in the Pueri Cantores Choir Festival and sang at a mass celebrated by Pope Francis! Teachers, parents, and priests accorded them great reviews. PBS Children’s Choir, you make our school very proud! Thank you for letting your light shine!
The Children’s Choir led by our music teacher, Mr. Pete Avendano, has performed at different events. Most recently, they were at the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra Concert held at the John Wayne Performing Arts
ÊI M
At Third Street Elementary School, we have a special program known as the Korean Dual Language Program or more simply KDLP. KDLP is largely like regular classes. You learn the same curriculum and it lasts the whole day. The main difference is that some parts of the day are taught in Korean and the students have to learn how to read and write in two different languages. A few other area schools
By Chloe Guinto 8th Grade
M A RIA
By Natalie Bernstein 5th Grade
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Gill's
(Continued from page 1) the family business. But, alas, it was not to be. Vintage signs of vanillaand-chocolate swirl cones and chocolate covered frozen bananas hand-painted by her dad will be taken down, the 1930s pink refrigerator will be sold (it still works), and a new vendor is set to move in. Walt Disney came to the shop once, Jody recalled one morning last month. Mr. Disney asked her pop to make his famed ice cream at his new theme park in Anaheim. Her dad turned down the offer, worried about his stall at Farmers Market, which has been on a month-to-month lease since it opened almost 80 years ago. “He put his heart and soul into this,” Jody said. A longtime resident of Park La Brea, Bob Gill will turn 93 this month and is in failing health. Jody came to help as a caregiver 10 years ago when her
JODY AND BOB GILL
mother, Donna, also the shop bookkeeper, turned ill. An artist based in Northern California and Washington, it never occurred to Jody to run the business or that she would spend her time dreaming up ice cream recipes. But, like her father before her, the business pulled her in. In the past two years, she sought to meet Farmers Market officials’ requests for remodeling and other improvements. Her granddaughters planned to
scoop cones over the summer. Thwarted with time spent helping her dad, (her mother has since died), Jody’s timetable was not on par with the powers that be at the Market. Undaunted, Jody hopes to open a smaller stall elsewhere at the Market to showcase her colored pencil works of country scenes, portraits and, most importantly, historic images of Farmers Market. History runs in the family, after all. Her grandfather, Joe, once had an ice cream factory in the middle of the stall with windows so customers could watch as he made 10-gallon batches in a salt and ice freezer. In an era before phones were in everyday use, when Joe finished a fresh batch of ice cream, he would ring a bell to alert Market goers. The family’s two brass bells hang at the Market, mementos her ancestors carried from a school and church in North Dakota. After Bob’s father Joe died of
Larchmont Chronicle
BEHIND THE COUNTER, Carlos Villa has worked at Gill's for 30 years.
a heart attack in 1948, Bob left vors at the time, partnered with UCLA and began running the his brother-in-law, Irvine “Irv” family business. His mocha cap- Robbins, and “Baskin-Robbins puchino and other flavors have became known for its ‘31 flavors’ slogan,” smiles Jody. won national awards, Ice cream flavors and he is creditchange over the ed with inventing years, and times rocky road and rum change too. raisin. Long timers In a statement to recall his amazing the Chronicle, Ilyice cream molds and sha Buss, director sculptures of fruit of marketing at The baskets, Easter bunOriginal Farmers nies and wedding and other cakes, all made SAMPLING flavors is Market, says “The from ice cream. William LaBombard. Original Farmers Market is saying A favorite part of her dad’s job was talking to his farewell to longtime merchant, customers, one of whom was Gill’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Burton “Burt” Baskin, who and thanks the Gill family for asked Bob one day how many bringing sweet treats to the flavors he had. Bob respond- West Patio for many years. ed 30. Baskin, who had 21 fla(Please turn to page 21)
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Voices of Belmont Village
“We saw the old sparkle return to our mom's appearance.” As a lifelong dancer, Alice has always projected confidence and grace. Sidelined by injuries and illness, she worried that she would never dance again. As a Belmont Village resident, Alice stays active every day in a holistic wellness program that includes personalized fitness, therapy, and rehab programs developed by experts in senior health.
Bring your sparkle back.
Sunday Worship
8:30am Contemplative Service, Wylie Chapel 9:30am Traditional Service, Sanctuary 11:00am Contemporary Service, Sanctuary 9:30 & 11:00am Children’s Sunday School
January 29 one service only 10am
1760 N. Gower St. 90028
323-463-7161
www.fpch.org
Founder’s Church 3281 W. 6th Street (corner of Berendo)
Get Your Life Ready for a Successful Year! Sunday Services at 10:00am Children’s and Youth Church at 10:00am
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Come hear Rev. Dr. Arthur Chang
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6720 Melrose
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The Community Built for Life.® HOLLYWOOD HILLS | WESTWOOD | THOUSAND OAKS Winner of the Argentum 2016 Best of the Best and George Mason University Healthcare Award for the Circle of Friends© memory program for Mild Cognitive Impairment
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1/12/17 3:00 PM
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Hope Lutheran Church 6720 Melrose Ave. Hollywood (323) 938-9135 Sunday ConCert Worship 10:30am hopelutheranchurch.net
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Larchmont Chronicle
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OBITUARIES
Mary Jane Kelly, 97, Windsor Square study partner from Glendale, Bob Kelly. “It was love at second sight!” as Jane told the story about the man with the same last name. Bob and Jane were married in 1942 and made their first home near Queen of Angels Hospital where Bob was an obstetrician. Living briefly in Pasadena, the young family soon found their way to Windsor Square. In the 1970’s Jane worked as a travel agent and travelled with Bob to Europe and enjoyed several cruises. Jane also worked in partnership with Bob to raise funds for the Mission Doctor Association, supporting St. Anne’s Maternity Hospital where Bob and brother-in-law Jim donated delivery and OB services. Jane and Bob helped to add a vocational school for the single mothers by hosting dinner and bridge parties at their N. Van Ness Ave. home. Jane’s life touched many others. Her influence came from deep sources within: commitment, smart and creative planning, persistence,
Cunningham, Cochran Ave., 90 Long time Miracle Mile resident, Helen L. Cunningham, passed away on Dec. 18 at the age of 90. A resident of Cochran Ave. since 1961, she was born Sept. 19, 1926 in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Cunningham moved to Los Angeles as a young woman and soon started working as a talent payroll supervisor at CBS (Television City on Fairfax). It was there that she met “Dick” Cunningham through
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(Continued from page 20) “The shop was the first in the L.A. area to serve homemade spumoni and was a pioneer in offering several dozen flavors of ice cream at a time. They have also been known for their elaborate, enticing-tolook-at ice cream sculptures. “Another wonderful, classic ice cream maker has been identified as a fit for the Farmers Market West Patio. Plans for their opening will be announced soon.”
the Young People’s Club at St. Ambrose. They were later married by Bishop Manning at St. Gregory Church. Quite fond of her job and co-workers, Cunningham remained an active member of the CBS “FROGS” alumnae group for decades. A devoted mother to four, Cunningham was involved in the Mother’s Club at Cathedral Chapel, Notre Dame Academy and Loyola High School. In her spare time she was an active member of the Good Shepherd Guild, Holy Family Guild and enjoyed her Knights of Columbus bowling group. Helen is survived by her husband, V. Richard Cunningham, and her four children, Mary, Thomas, Janet and Catherine, and four grandchildren, Megan, Kevin, Justin and Sarah. A mass was held in January at Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana. Donations may be made to The Good Shepherd Center for Women or St. John of God Retirement and Care Center.
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support from Bob, and faith in her God. Jane Kelly is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Robert F. Kelly. She is survived by children Mike, Bill (Judy), Pat (Cathy), Tom (Jodi), Kate (George Kodros), Maureen (Jim Stillman), and John (Holly); 18 grandchildren, and 13 great grand children. A memorial service was held last month. Contributions can be made to: sistersofNazareth.com, St. Anne’s at Stannes.org and missiondoctors.org.
Ecclesia Gnostica Gnostic Christian Church Bishop Dr. Stephan Hoeller Sunday Eucharist 11:00am Wednesday Eucharist Eucharist 8:30pm 8:30pm Lectures • Fridays••8pm 8pm Wednesday • Fridays
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A long time resident of Windsor Square, Mary Jane Kelly was born March 20, 1919 in Milwaukee, Wis. She died Dec. 14, with family by her side. Jane Kelly moved to the Bay Area in 2006 to be closer to family. She and her husband Bob raised seven children. The couple was always ready to have friends and family over to celebrate life and the “new” LA Dodgers, and the Loyola High School Cubs, her son Patrick Kelly told us. She was PTA director at St. Brendan’s Elementary School; president of the Mothers’ Club at Loyola High, and supporter of educational programs at Immaculate Heart High. Jane attended St. Mary’s Academy, where she was editor of the student publication, and graduated with honors in June 1936. After studying at USC, she was employed at Bullocks Wilshire and soon became a merchandise buyer. In this way she contributed to her brother James’ medical school tuition at USC, and eventually met his friend and
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SECTION One
Larchmont Chronicle
Quigg bankruptcy saga continues in area neighborhoods allegedly thrive in a construction site, like the one next door. “We’re heartbroken about the dog, but our concern is it could happen to people too,” said Myrna Gintel. “Could you imagine if you are walking a baby down the street
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Patsaouras Bus Plaza Station Project Construction Begins Construction has begun on a new transit busway station for the Metro Silver Line and other transit buses operating on the El Monte Busway. The new station will be located just south of Patsaouras Transit Plaza, next to US-101. As a result, the northbound US-101 Vignes St on-/o=-ramps are closed for approximately four months while the new station is built. Learn more at metro.net/capitalprojects.
and the Santa Ana (winds) would come?” A pile of dirt two-stories tall is next door, left over from developer Quigg Builders, Inc., whose responsible officer, Robert Quigg, disappeared the day of sudden bankruptcy filings for his companies on Nov. 30. A Quigg entity previously had purchased the Rimpau Blvd. property next to the Gintels, leveled the existing house (a non-historic home in the Hancock Park Historic Preservation Overlay Zone) and excavated a deep hole for subterranean parking and a basement for a two-story, 13,600 square foot project. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, public records show $10,250,000 in loans against the property (although the bankruptcy filing indicates there is $6,840,264 in secured debt against it). In addition to the millions in debt, the beginnings of the garage, some shoring and the high pile of dirt also were left behind. Some days later, Louie suffered from seizures, and $4,500 of vet bills later, the three-year-old boxer died. While he can’t prove it, Rudy Gintel believes the dog was afflicted by the toxic spores from the dirt that was dug up after 70 years and then was left uncovered. Other concerns of the Gintels and other neighbors include standing pools of water from the rain that are accumulating on the 4,500 square-foot concrete basement floor that is not draining. “If the water does not dissipate, it will be a source for mosquito infestation by summer,” said Rudy. The barrier on their side of the home is also unsound and lacks shoring, they say. Rain has eroded the slope of the excavation, he adds. The Gintels’ lot is a precarious five feet higher than the neighboring property.” “If that trench erodes, our property would collapse.” To prevent such collapse, “all they have to do is backfill
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ADJOINING THE GINTEL’S PROPERTY, the basement is in the foreground with the large pile of dirt in the rear.
the trench with dirt,” he says. He has yet to learn from the bankruptcy trustee, or anyone else, what is planned to protect his property, Rudy said. Right: THE GINTELS in their backyard. The abandoned Quigg project is behind them.
Larchmont Tree Discussion
The Ficus trees lining the business district of Larchmont Boulevard have long been the subject of heated discussion. Some people love them for their broad, shady canopy, their interesting branch structures, and the way they define the shopping district. They bring some of nature’s softness to our urban landscape. Others hate them because the strong, thirsty roots buckle the sidewalks dangerously, leading to possible lawsuits, and damage the plumbing of the businesses nearby. The fact that the Larchmont trees have been harshly pruned into awkward lollipop shapes is another strike against them. What — if anything — to do? Early last month, a small group of merchants and residents gathered to hear a presentation on the subject by an experienced urban arborist, sponsored by the Larchmont Village Business Improvement District (BID). The arborist began by explaining that all trees have a certain life span, and opined that the Village trees, planted in 1955, may be reaching their natural end. He said he had assessed the health of each tree, noting the FICUS TREE on Montana condition of the visible roots and Avenue in Santa Moinica branch structure. While heavy root pruning has been necessary to try to prevent regular sidewalk damage, that pruning can also lead to root rot and general stress. Although the arborist cited three individual trees that he believes are beyond repair and should be removed soon, his report to the BID stated: “there are various alternative options that can happen to assist in the retention of most of the trees.” The arborist’s report concluded: "All trees that produce into substantial canopies will eventually cause root damage. However, if the proper root damage prevention is done, and then maintained on a regular basis, coupled with routine and timely tree maintenance the potential for root damage can be minimalized." Of course, if the three trees are removed, what goes in their places? A different species? The arborist had a few recommendations of trees that have been successfully used as replacements for old Ficus trees, such as African Fern Pine or Brisbane Box. There is already one young Brisbane Box in front of Pickett Fences, and interested citizens can check out Brentwood Village to see how that community looks at mature street trees there. However, some communities, such as Santa Monica, handle their Ficus trees more successfully — continuing to replant the species in some places, such as along Montana Avenue. According to one of Santa Monica’s city foresters, they have an “aggressive sidewalk repair program,” and they prune their trees less often and more naturally, which leads to slower root growth. Before any irreversible action is taken on Larchmont, the WSA believes more voices need to learn what’s in the music and then maybe join the chorus. This will take a bit more time. In the meantime, the existing Ficus trees should be rehabilitated with more skillful pruning, for as long as they can continue to grace our charming village.
The Windsor Square Association, an all-volunteer group of residents from 1100 households between Beverly and Wilshire and Van Ness and Arden, works to preserve and enhance our beautiful neighborhood. Join with us! Drop us a line at 157 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004, or visit our website at windsorsquare.org. ADV.
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By Suzan Filipek Rudy and Myrna Gintel grieved when their dog Louie died from a rare affliction — fungal meningitis. The Gintels became alarmed when they learned Louie’s death was attributed to exposure to spores, the kind that
Larchmont Chronicle
Quigg
(Continued from page 1) 12:30 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 27, the day after this issue of the Chronicle is delivered. The meeting will take place at
FEBRUARY 2017
the U.S. Trustee’s office, 915 Wilshire Blvd., 10th floor. The trustee overseeing these eight matters is Elissa D. Miller, and she has established a dedicated information line for the Quigg entity cases at 213-617-5295.
Neighbors’ dilemmas Not only are creditors concerned, so are neighbors. In Hancock Park, there have been serious issues raised regarding the abandoned Quigg property at 344 S. Rimpau Blvd. The travails of next-door neighbors Myrna and Rudy Gintel are described in the article on Page 22 of this issue.
MORATORIUM (Continued from page 1)
Volunteer for Your Neighborhood Council; Attend a Meeting! Greater Wilshire is bounded (approximately) by La Brea Avenue on the west, Olympic Boulevard on the south, Western Avenue and Manhattan Place on the east, and Melrose Avenue to Wilcox Avenue to Willoughby Avenue on the north. For the exact GWNC exterior boundaries, plus the boundaries of the 15 Geographic Areas that comprise GWNC, plus all the most current GWNC information, visit our website at greaterwilshire.org. All GWNC meetings are open to the public, and the meeting times and locations are published on the website under Meeting Schedules. If you have an item you would like placed on a meeting agenda, please contact info@ greaterwilshire.org or (323) 539-GWNC (4962), at least two weeks before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the GWNC website and elsewhere in the Greater Wilshire community at least 72 business hours before our meetings.
The story of a creditor concerned about similar problems is told in court filings by the first mortgage holder on the Quigg property at 1516 Stone Canyon Rd. in Bel Air. As with the Rimpau property, this project is very much incomplete. In a court filing objecting to the trustee hiring a broker to sell the planned and unfinished 24,000 squarefoot house, the mortgage holder’s lawyer points out that the property “is partially
Land Use Committee meetings: Fourth Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Wilshire United Methodist Church; Assembly Room 4350 Wilshire Blvd., 90005 Outreach Committee meetings: First Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. Next meeting: Sat., Feb. 4 Bricks & Scones Cafe 403 N. Larchmont Blvd., 90004 Sustainability Committee meetings: Second Tuesday of each quarter, 7:00 p.m. Next meeting: Tues, Mar. 14 Los Angeles Tennis Club 5851 Clinton St., 90004
believed). Recently, at a meeting held are fairly large as well, with Palladium LLC? Mr. Weinat the headquarters of the seven gifts in the ranges of stein’s combative nature is Coalition to Preserve LA, in $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 recounted in a detailed proan AIDS Healthcare Founda- and $100,000, with those file story, including a photo tion media production facil- coming from other local of his office and view, in the ity on Sunset Blvd., leaders property owners, architects April 4, 2016, issue of the of the construction mora- and engineers, the Los Ange- “LA Weekly” at: tinyurl.com/ torium movement shared les Area Chamber of Com- h8cjuej. According to the March their tactics and plans for merce, and labor unions. 2016 “Los Angeles Times” Is this entire construction the March 7 election. Campaign director for the moratorium really about a article, Mr. Weinstein had measure, Jill Stewart, con- dispute over Mr. Weinstein’s stated: “We intend to exhaust ducted the Dec. 28 meeting. view from his office … or every legal avenue, including Mr. Weinstein, president of maybe just a fight over who filing suit, to stop the Pallathe AIDS Healthcare Foun- are the tougher guys, Mr. dium towers.” Is halting many dation, spoke and said: “We Weinstein … or the prin- other construction projects are taking the gloves off … cipals of the developers, throughout Los Angeles just and, we shall stand or fall Crescent Heights and CH another route to that goal? on whether we can mobilize communities.” Follow the money There can be little doubt that this is a political campaign funded by moneyed interests, according to public filings at ethics.lacity. org. The nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, as of Dec. 31, has provided $1,901,386 in political contributions, which is 97 perLeisha Willis CPCU, Agent Some things we all cent of the funds raised for Insurance Lic#: 0H76832 have in common. 500 N Larchmt Blvd the “yes” side. There’s nobody like me to Toll Free: 844-ST8-FARM Similarly, of the $1,716,422 protect the things we all value. leisha@leishawillis.com raised by the “no” side as of Like a good neighbor, Dec. 31, 60 percent has come State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. from CH Palladium LLC, the developer of the proposed Palladium Residences project across Argyle Ave. from the existing AIDS Healthcare Foundation office on top floors of the Sunset Media Center tower. Most of the other “no” con1101022.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL tributions comprising the remaining 40 percent rple Line Puraised ®
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improved and potentially hazardous. … Marketing of the Property likely will require various individuals (prospective purchasers, the real estate broker, any employees of the broker, etc.) to visit and walk around the property. The current condition of the Property (i.e., many parts of it are covered in mud, puddles, and debris) increases the likelihood of an injury or other loss occurring on the property.” Like mud, the plot thickens.
Love, hope, success, family, security.
Board of Directors meetings: Second Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. Ebell of Los Angeles; Dining Room 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., 90005
Transportation Committee meetings: First Mondays of even-numbered months, 7:00 p.m. Next meeting: Mon., Feb. 6 Marlborough School 250 S. Rossmore Ave., 90004
SECTION One
we’re headed west. The Purple Line Extension Transit Project is under construction. Decking in the Wilshire/Fairfax area will occur on Wilshire Bl stretching from Spaulding Av, through the Fairfax Av intersection, to San Diego Way. This work – excavating Wilshire Bl and placing steel beams and deck panels across the street – will occur over the span of 18 weekends starting February 2017. Metro riders are encouraged to check Metro’s Service Alerts at metro.net/advisories for information regarding bus services. Businesses are open during construction. Learn more about the project at metro.net/purplelineext.
contact us 213.922.6934 purplelineext@metro.net metro.net/purplelineext @purplelineext facebook.com/purplelineext
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FEBRUARY 2017
Larchmont Chronicle
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