Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 59, NO. 3
• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
IN THIS ISSUE
MARCH 2021
Hope offered at Hope on Alvarado
n Pioneer project to open
SECTION THREE
VACCINES are here. 3
By Suzan Filipek A pioneer project of modular housing, created to help alleviate the city’s chronic homeless crisis, was unveiled last month at Hope on Alvarado, 166 S. Alvarado St. With construction noise in the background, the site’s design-and-build team introduced the 84-unit permanent supportive housing project via Zoom. The Case Study & Site Tour was hosted by ULI (Urban Land Institute) Los Angeles with 117 in attendance. It was a major team effort, Mark Oberholzer, associate principal at KTGY Architecture + Planning, said of the five-story apartment building constructed around a central courtyard. Privately funded, Hope on Alvarado is fully leased and See Hope, p 10
DEVELOPMENT is sky high in Mile. 3-3
GIORGIO, longtime resident in the neighborhood. LACMA exhibits are ready, waiting. 3-10 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:
Are you a NIMBY? Take the quiz
Guest Columnist Marilyn Wells explores assumptions about homelessness in our personal “Not In My Backyard,” or NIMBY, assumptions. Read her first of six columns on page 3 in Sec. 2.
Summer Camps & Programs
Read our annual list of spring and summer camp offerings, activities and school programs in the April issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Advertising deadline is Mon., April 12. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-462-2241, ext. 11.
LOUISE’S, in Larchmont Village, is among local restaurants offering casual dining-in-the-street.
Spring brings hope to the Boulevard n Larchmont adds more outdoor dining, posters for spring; no sidewalk sale By Billy Taylor With spring’s arrival this month, Larchmont Village is eager to leave the worst of the pandemic behind with new historic photo posters displayed in storefronts, new shops to open, and the return of outdoor dining. Not to mention Village Heights is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Larchmont! Here’s what’s happening on the Boulevard. Sidewalk Sale cancelled For the first time in many years, the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA) has cancelled its annual spring Sidewalk Sale for the Larchmont shopping district. Among the reasons for the cancellation are that there are fewer retail merchants currently operating on the Boulevard because of empty storefronts and construction, as well as a lack of sidewalk space due to that construction, according to John Winther, president of the LBA.
Historic Larchmont posters Despite the news above, residents still have a reason to visit Larchmont: The first in a series of historic photo posters went up last month in the windows of two local storefronts as part of this year’s celebration of Larchmont’s centennial anniversary. The
LBA is working on plans for a big celebration in the fall. The poster project, spearheaded by author Patty Lombard, is printing poster-size photos from her book “Larchmont,” a pictorial history of the street, published in 2015 by Arcadia Press. To the extent See Larchmont, p 6
Joane Pickett Larchmont is was more than going to the dogs (and cats) a friendly face n Tailwaggers to open in Flywheel spot
n Pickett Fences closes after 27 years on Blvd.
By Sondi Toll Sepenuk Every dog has its day, and the dogs and cats of Larchmont will get their lucky day in March. That’s when Tailwaggers, the locally-owned small business of former Brookside resident Todd Warner, will open its doors in the See Tailwaggers, p 8
By Sondi Toll Sepenuk To say that closing her beloved Larchmont Boulevard store of 27 years, Pickett Fences, was completely traumatizing, would be the understatement of the year. But that is what happened, and this is where we are. See Joane Pickett, p 11
Register by March 9 to vote by mail for GWNC directors By John Welborne Registration for the March 2021 Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC) election has begun. Apply online at: tinyurl.com/y6tmcgzt You must set up an account to sign in and then complete your application to have your ballot mailed to you. “By mail” is the only way to vote (although you may drop your completed ballot in the ballot drop box in front of the John C. Fremont Library, 6121 Melrose Ave., between 9 a.m. on Fri., March 12 and 8 p.m. on Tues., March 16. Ballots postmarked by March 16 also will
be counted. This hyper-local election is entirely independent of Los Angeles County voter registration. Even if you have been registered to vote in Los Angeles all of your life, you will not be registered to vote in this important Neighborhood Council election unless you do so now. March 9 The absolute deadline to register and request a ballot is Tues., March 9. GWNC leaders have been relating horror stories of the challenges potential voters are encountering in obtaining their proper two ballots. Yes, if you live, work
or own property in Greater Wilshire you get to vote in two categories: your geographic See GWNC, p 2
www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!
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Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
Editorial
Calendar
By John Welborne
Thank you. Register and vote. Son of SB 50?
Good news! The Larchmont Chronicle is going to continue being around, despite COVID-19 and the vagaries of the newspaper business! Why? Because of you, our readers. “Thank you” to so many of you who have responded with the envelopes inserted in last month’s issue. That really does help our little operation, now in its 59th year serving our neighborhoods. The following item and the one after are included in this editorial for a simple reason. If, in the future, you are wondering why things are not as you would like in your neighborhood, or you wonder why there are changes on your block negatively impacting your quality of life, you will not be able to say that the Larchmont Chronicle did not warn you. First, it really is important to vote in the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council election. See Page 1 story. Second, there really is a threat to your quality of life. The dictatorial takeover that is being proposed in Sacramento is designed to benefit moneyed real estate interests and will not create substantial affordable housing, desperately needed. See columnist Brian Curran’s report on the latest Senate Bills on Page 2 of Section 2. Now that you are warned, please register and vote, and please take action to prevent adoption of the bad bills and the ugly bills.
Tues., March 9 – Deadline to register and request Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council ballots. See story on Page 1. Wed., March 10 – Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting via Zoom, 7 to 9 p.m. Check greaterwilshire.org to confirm and for login. Sun., March 14 – Daylight Savings begins at 2 a.m.; turn your clock forward one hour. Tues., March 16 – Deadline for receipt of Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council election ballots. See greaterwilshire.org/2021-elections. Wed., March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day. Sat., March 20 – First day of spring. Sat., March 27 – Passover. Thurs., April 1 – Delivery
So moved and grateful for the Giorgio article [Feb. 2021], told with humanity. Linda Lack Ph.D. Windsor Square
Remembering Chickie Byrne and Neighborhood Council Elections Hancock Park and the Association mourn the recent passing of former HPHOA president and founding Board member Marguerite “Chickie” Byrne. As a founding member of the HPOHA and a former president, Chickie was instrumental in initiating the installation of our historic street lamps, in starting the effort to establish an HPOZ and in stopping the Beverly Hills Freeway which would have destroyed Hancock Park. Chickie was also an important part of the ongoing parkway tree restoration and planting, and she helped implement traffic mitigation measures. Chickie was the mother of six children and the beloved wife and partner of her husband, retired Judge Richard “Skip” Byrne. Chickie was a block captain and mentor to many people in Hancock Park as well in the larger LA and California community. She knew how to enlist her friends and neighbors in efforts to better our community, and her kindness, warmth and friendship will be remembered and treasured by all who knew her. The elections for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council will be held, virtually, on March 16th. All stakeholders, which include Hancock Park residents, can vote, and it’s critically important that we do. Your neighborhood council works with the City to manage growth and development, mitigate traffic, deal with issues such as homelessness and security. You’ll need to request a ballot, so follow the instructions on our website at tinyurl.com/47jq2tfd . Please request your ballot before March 9th! Join us on Monday, March 15th, for a Zoom meeting with our new Councilperson, Nithya Raman. Details will be sent via email and be available on the Assocation website. Parkway tree planting is continuing so, if you need a tree, contact us via the website, and remember to pay your dues. Dues pay for trees and so many other things that make Hancock Park beautiful. o o o If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki. gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, is at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/ la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. Adv.
That’s the question inquiring photographer Talia Abrahamson asked locals along Larchmont Blvd.
of the April issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Thurs., April 1 – April Fool’s Day (not George Takei’s birthday). Sun., April 4 – Easter.
Letters to the Editor ‘Giorgio, homeless’
‘A special lady’
I was just reading your February edition and was very saddened to hear that Chickie Byrne has passed away. What a special lady. I hadn’t chatted with her in a while but she was always lovely and helpful when I did. Condolences to her family. Barbara Zawlocki Hancock Park
Subscription love notes
Keep up the fantastic work! Marlene Zweig Hudson Ave.
Larchmont Chronicle Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin .
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Publisher and Editor John H. Welborne Managing Editor Suzan Filipek Associate Editor Billy Taylor Contributing Editor Jane Gilman Staff Writers Talia Abrahamson Helene Seifer Advertising Director Pam Rudy Advertising Sales Caroline Tracy 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
‘What are you most looking forward to this spring?’
“Maybe going back to school after COVID.” Stella Kazanjian Windsor Square “Probably same, just looking forward to hopefully going back to school, if that happens.” Mahlete Feuilladieu “Spring is kitten season, so I’m excited to foster kittens.” Sarah Higgins Windsor Square
Keep up the good work! William and Jennifer Fain Windsor Blvd. Write us at letters@larchmontchronicle.com. Include your name, contact information and where you live. We reserve the right to edit for space and grammar.
GWNC
(Continued from page 1) area and one special interest category. Otherwise, if you are a stakeholder because of your involvement in one of the special interest categories (other than renter, where you obviously live in the area) you only get one ballot. The special interest categories, in addition to Renter, are Business, Education, Religion, Other Nonprofit, and “At Large” (if you are a stakeholder with no other specific connection to the area). Application instructions The City Clerk’s Office (manager of this election) has multiple fact sheets and information pages on its website, such as: tinyurl.com/t2vv58f7 . Also, GWNC has prepared a helpful four-minute YouTube video: youtu.be/RMJ7-HLT7bI . Candidate statements Some of the 44 volunteer neighbors who have stepped up to be candidates have posted candidate statements at tinyurl. com/y63uu8f8 — where you must select “Greater Wilshire” on the pull-down menu. As noted, neighbors are encountering challenges in using the City’s system, so do not be unduly alarmed if you also have problems. For help, please contact GWNC elections chair Brian Curran via e-mail (atlargealt@greaterwilshire. org) or try the City Clerk’s office at 213-978-0444 (and ask for helpful vote-be-mail staff members Michael Lektorich or Lanee Basulto).
“Spending more times safely outdoors with the weather.” Ash Haas (right) Fairfax “She basically took the same thing, just being outside more. Being more involved with outside, instead of being confined inside.” Aaron Schwartz
“I am most looking forward to the weather, I would say, for one. Probably hanging out with family, and living life.” Becca Lightrake Windsor Square “It’s hard to say what will be different then because we don’t know, but just the weather and having that spring feeling.” Nora Jacobs Hancock Park
“This spring, hopefully a little more freedom, a little less people dying. I’m looking forward to a vaccination. I’m looking forward to everything opening up and being beautiful again.” Faith Martin Oakwood/Maplewood/ St. Andrews
Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
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Residents are in the pink at Belmont Village with full vaccination
By Suzan Filipek Mary Anne Haas, 94, is among the 100 percent of residents at Belmont Village Hollywood Hills who have been vaccinated.
BELMONT Executive Director Allyson Young shared education on the virus beforehand.
But earlier, she tested positive during the senior living site’s regular testing and, although she was asymptomatic, she was quarantined for two weeks. After being sequestered in her room for 14 days, and get-
ting her two Pfizer shots, she was eager to have her pink locks touched up, and now she is ready to celebrate her 95th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. While most of the 100 residents at Belmont Village wanted to get the vaccine, there was one hold-out, said Allyson Young, executive director at the residence, located at 2051 N. Highland Ave. “He wasn’t sure, but after he saw nobody’s arm fell off after the first vaccine, that’s when we got the 100 percent.” Three pharmacists from Walgreens went door-to-door to meet with the residents and also vaccinated the Belmont staff. The doses were administered on three occasions, with the second, and final, shots given in early February. Education on the virus was shared with the residents and staff beforehand, and it was
explained that the vaccine was not only for their protection but also for their families, said Young. “They’re still not giving
hugs… but it’s been a relief” to have protection from the coronavirus. One resident, who is 102, was a baby during the Span-
ish flu and remembers hearing about it as a child. But she never thought another pandemic would happen in her lifetime, added Young.
DOCTORS AT WORK: Volunteer Val Ulene, M.D. (Windsor Square, holding February Larchmont Chronicle) and Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D. (Los Angeles County Public Health Director) assist with expediting the very efficient drive-thru COVID-19 inoculations at The Forum Feb. 6, with the new SoFi Stadium in the background.
SECTION ONE
SO LONG.
Congratulations
1
ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT!
AROUND THE TOWN 4 COUNCIL REPORT 7 SCHOOL NEWS 12
SECTION TWO VIEW:
Real Estate Libraries, Museums Home & Garden
DIVORCE ’30s style.
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ON PRESERVATION 2 THE NIMBY DIARIES 3 YOUTH SPORTS 9 REAL ESTATE SALES 10 AT THE MOVIES 11 THEATER 13 MUSEUM ROW 14 LIBRARIES 16 HOME GROUND 17 POLICE BEAT 18 POKER FOR ALL 19 BEEZWAX 19 CLASSIFIED ADS 19
SECTION THREE MIRACLE MILE On the Menu
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CELEBRATE LOVE AND YOUR
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MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
Larchmont Chronicle
Las Madrinas helps hospital in pandemic Las Madrinas is a group of women whose founder members came together in 1933 to raise needed funds for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) during the Great Depression. The name they chose means “The Godmothers” in Spanish. Over nearly nine decades, the ladies have raised more than $30 million for CHLA. This year’s annual meeting of the group was held virtually, of course. The current president, Kelly Rouse, on behalf of the members of Las Madrinas, presented to Dr. Mark Krieger, the hospital’s Sur-
geon-in-Chief and Director of the Neurological Institute, a major contribution for The Las Madrinas Endowment for the Chief of Neurology Chair and the Neurological Institute Epilepsy Program. Also participating were the incoming president, Kristin Harrison, and Bonnie McClure, the chair of the CHLA Associates and Affiliates groups, which include Las Madrinas. New Las Madrinas board members and new members were announced. The endowment funds were raised this year despite the postponement of the group’s annual major
Thank You
for supporting our Larchmont businesses!
fundraising event, its debutante ball. The 2020 and 2021 balls will be consolidated this coming December.
Dr. Skaggs moves to Cedars-Sinai
Windsor Square neighbor, Dr. David L. Skaggs, has just been named the co-director of the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center, director of pediatric orthopedics, and executive vice chair of the Department of Orthopedics at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Skaggs leaves Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he has been on staff since 1995 and chief of orthopedic surgery since 2011. A world-renowned expert in the treatment of children with spinal deformity, Dr. Skaggs also holds a master’s degree in medical management from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. He is a Professor with Tenure at USC’s Keck School of Medicine. At Cedars-Sinai, beginning this month, Dr. Skaggs will help lead the Spine Center and develop the hospital’s pediatric orthopedics program.
LARCHMONT BOULEVARD ASSOCIATION Representing businesses from 1st Street to Melrose
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“An oasis in the city”
DR. DAVID SKAGGS
HOSPITAL GIFT for neurology was announced by three Children’s Hospital Los Angeles volunteers, from left, Mmes. Kristin Harrison, Bonnie McClure and Kelly Rouse. The happy recipient is Dr. Mark Krieger, the hospital’s surgeon-in-chief and director of the Neurological Institute.
Civil Rights activist honored at Look What She Did event March 7
Look What She Did (LWSD), a nonprofit organization founded by Brookside resident Julie Hébert, will be hav-
International film festival goes virtual this year
The Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival embarks on its 18th year with an online presentation and program Thurs., March 11 through Sun., March 14. The virtual film festival will include free movies such as Disney Pictures’ “Pollyanna” (1960) Thurs., March 11 at 10:30 a.m., as well as several short films Sat., March 14 at noon. Other movies, such as “Phantom of the Opera,” (1943) can be viewed for a fee. This year’s festival commemorates the Warner Grand Theatre’s 90th anniversary and is dedicated to the late Councilman Tom LaBonge. For more information, visit laharborfilmfest.com.
ing a fundraiser Sun., March 7 at 1 p.m. The virtual event will highlight the life of Dolores Huerta, a civil rights activist who, with Cesar Chavez, co-founded the National Farmworkers Association. A film on Huerta will be premiered at the event. LWSD produces short films of trailblazing women to inspire other women and girls. For more information, visit lookwhatshedid.com.
Around the Town with
Patty Hill
Around the Town is on a break
Larchmont Chronicle columnist Patty Hill is temporarily not out and about, and her Around the Town column is on hiatus. -Editor
Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
Thank You.
Happy National Doctors’ Day. We offer our unending gratitude to all of our physicians at PIH Health. Every day, all day, these dedicated men and women give our patients an expert, consistent, comprehensive and focused healthcare experience. And they do it with compassion and understanding. Thank you, doctors. From the bottom of our hearts. PIH Health Downey Hospital PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital PIH Health Whittier Hospital PIH Health Physicians
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Larchmont Chronicle
Ghost kitchens are operating in the Village neighborhood
By Billy Taylor As restaurants struggle with pandemic-related restrictions to indoor dining, food delivery services have become a necessary tool for many residents. To meet that demand, “ghost kitchens” (a cooking or preparation facility set up for food delivery only) are popping up across the city. Locally, there are two new sources for you to consider at mealtime. A vegan Italian “restaurant experience” is available from shared kitchen space with Louise’s Trattoria on Larchmont Boulevard. A ghost kitchen preparing and a ghost kitchen serving Japanese-style sandwiches and protein bowls has taken over the kitchen at the former Le Petite Marché, located at the corner of El Centro and Melrose avenues.
Ciao Verde Italia A new vegan concept from Creative Cloud Concepts, the team behind Rooster’s Chicken House and Louise’s Trattoria, started taking online and telephone orders from its new Larchmont location on Feb. 19. The menu boosts plantbased Italian staples like lasagna, spaghetti “meatballs,” and gnocchi, using locally sourced ingredients and “cheese” that is made in-house. Customers can have the food delivered to their home, or opt to pick it up at 232 N. Larchmont Blvd. Visit ciaoverdeitalia.com. Hideout Perhaps you’ve noticed the kitchen lights on, but the dining room dark, at the former Le Petite Marché space. A small neon “Hideout” sign, discretely
hung, is the only indication that something more is going on behind closed doors. The Chronicle contacted Hideout cofounder Brian Leung to learn more. “Hideout is actually the umbrella company, where we’re launching multiple restaurants,” explained Leung. Currently, customers can order from two distinct restaurant menus. The first, called “ijuu the strange beast,” is billed as a Tokyo convenience store experience, which features “sandos” (Japanese-style sandwiches) and a variety of bento boxes. The second, called “Hey
Hi Hello,” is all about serving “health and happiness” in a menu of bowls packed full of vegetables and grilled protein. “Our goal is to bring a better dining experience and higher quality food to delivery,” says Leung, who believes that delivery should be as enjoyable as dining out. Hideout’s kitchen is run by Executive Chef Danielle Sobel, a former chef at West Hollywood’s Pacifique. When asked if he plans to add indoor seating when allowable, Leung says that they “would love to add some seating for dine-in at that space” but, for
Larchmont
former Flywheel space at 147 N. Larchmont. Former Brookside resident Todd Warner is creating a one-stop-shop for all of your pet’s needs that includes space for retail, grooming and daycare. Read more on page 1. After 27 years on Larchmont Boulevard, Pickett Fences closed its doors, at 219 N. Larchmont, in January (read more on page 1). Within a matter of days, a new pop-up shop was operating in its place. “The Optimist” is a men’s lifestyle concept from founders Joseph Miller and Larchmont resident David Fishbein. Their flagship boutique opened in 2019 at Culver City’s trendy shopping center, Platform, a development that the two men created in 2016 via their real estate company, Runyon Group. An associate at the Larchmont pop-up said they expect to be in the space for at least the next few months. Outdoor dining returns After weeks of takeout or delivery only, restaurants in Los Angeles County once again can offer outdoor dining. On Larchmont Boulevard, several restaurants are expanding outdoor seating areas to meet demand, including Louise’s Trattoria and Vernetti, both of which have built wooden “street decks” for customers. Sweetfin As you consider dining options on Larchmont, we hear Sweetfin Poke has launched a new line of “nutrient-rich and superfood dense” functional bowls with celebrity fitness trainer Lacey Stone. The new options include an “Immunity Bowl,” high in vitamin C and (Please turn to page 7)
(Continued from page 1) possible, the posters will be displayed in the historic image’s modern-day location. The project will complement efforts to celebrate the Boulevard’s 100th anniversary this year with events planned by the LBA. According to Lombard, the idea for the project started with a conversation with Brookside resident Charlie Hess as the two brainstormed ways to “perk up” the shopping district at a time when vacant storefronts are multiplying. The first display was placed in the window of the former Trina Turk location, thanks to property owner Ron Simms; a second display was placed at the former Flywheel location, thanks to new tenant Tailwaggers’ owner Todd Warner. More historic photos are in the works to be posted in the weeks ahead. New shops open Speaking of Tailwaggers, the retail pet store is opening a third location this month in the
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Charlie Jackson Cell/Text 323.363.9010
New You Hypnotherapy 323.665.2831 ccjackson4861@gmail.com
deep by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald First there was the “Freshman 15” then came the “Quarantine 19”. If it makes you feel any better, you’re hardly alone. In a poll by WebMD of 1,000 of their readers, 68% cop to snacking more during Covid. And unfortunately we don’t get much say in our genetic predispositions for where fat gets stored. Hang on, it gets better - as one of the few offices that offers both CoolSculpting and CoolTone, we’ve got your back, literally. CoolSculpting is the widely popular alternative to liposuction that freezes fat cells to the point of elimination. Our office offers several uniquely shaped applicators to target your least favorite pockets of fat including the waist, belly, thighs, arms, bra fat, even under the chin. Within three weeks you’ll begin to notice changes in how you look and how your clothes fit, and the changes will continue over the next six months. If you simply maintain your typical weight, your results will endure. Now imagine the benefits of a multitude of workouts without the time, energy and sweat expenditure? Hello CoolTone – the physical equivalent of doing 2,000 sit-ups in 30 minutes! The perfect complement to tighten and tone muscles after your CoolSculpting procedure. Here’s how it works: a paddle-like device placed on your targeted zone emits magnetic energy. That energy prompts thousands of involuntary muscle contractions to strengthen muscle fibers. Six treatments are recommended to see the lean, defined, enviable look of Pilates enthusiasts. To maintain your sleek new physique, come in for a maintenance session every few months. We offer a special of 6 treatment areas of your choice for $2500. Contact our office to schedule your appointment today. While we will all have our takeaways from living through a pandemic, let one of them not be unwanted pounds.
Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology. She is a member of the Botox Cosmetic National Education Faculty and is an international Training Physician for Dermik, the makers of the injectable Sculptra. She is also among a select group of physicians chosen to teach proper injection techniques for Radiesse, the volumizing filler, around the world. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA. Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD.com or call (323) 464-8046 to schedule an appointment. Adv.
Classically trained
Certified Pilates Instructor ©LC1020
He also spent time at Ecole Lesage in Paris, studying the traditional embroidery techniques that would help define his couture garments, commissioned by private clients. Mathew’s absence in the community has already been felt, and his bon vivant spirit will be greatly missed.
skin
Gia Marakas
Mathew Hancock, 1954 - 2021
Hairdresser Mathew Hancock passed away from cancer on February 9th, 2021. During his 25 years on Larchmont, he worked at Haas and Co. and Romi Cortier Design. Prior to Larchmont, he worked at the highly regarded Bullocks Wilshire salon and I. Magnin salon.
now, they are focused on takeout and delivery only. Visit findhideout.com.
COVID-friendly one-on-one instruction Longtime Hancock Park resident
info@giamarakas.com
323-697-0048
Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
CD4 office grows staff, seeks local Access Center Our second month in City Hall has brought our team up to nearly full strength, and we’re excited to expand our capacity in serving you. Each of our field managers is enterprising, enthusiastic and dedicated to ensuring every Council District Four (CD4) resident is heard. For those who haven’t met her, I’m particularly excited to introduce you to our field manager for Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, Windsor Square and the rest of Greater Wilshire, Su Lee. Su will be your primary point of contact for any questions, concerns or ideas you
Council Report by
Nithya Raman have for our office. Her job is all about listening to you, actively communicating about available resources and ongoing efforts on the part of our office, and identifying and supporting the priorities of the neighborhoods she serves. High among the concerns Su has heard from the neigh-
Larchmont
(Continued from page 6) anti-inflammatory ingredients, the “Brain Booster” packed with omega-3s and leafy greens, and the “Protein Power Bowl” that aims to keep you satiated throughout the day. Village Heights anniversary This month, Village Heights is celebrating 15 years on Larchmont Boulevard. “It’s amazing — I’m more surprised than anyone!” owner Louis Eafalla told the Chronicle. In fact, Eafalla hopes the anniversary marks a pivot from the hardships of 2020: “Last year was really hard on so many levels. The ups and downs of opening and closing.” But things are slowly improving, he says: “People have hit COVID fatigue and they’re starting to come out.” In regard to the large construction project (the former Lipson Building) just to the north of his shop, Eafalla said that he’s just trying to stay positive: “I don’t have any control what will go into those shops. But I’m hopeful that we keep the charm and character of the Village, that it doesn’t
SWEETFIN has a shop on Larchmont.
become like every other shopping mall in America.” To celebrate its 15th anniversary on March 7, Village Heights is offering a 15-percent-off card for customers to be used for future purchases. Local residents are encouraged to stop by and help celebrate. “We have a lot of new merchandise including candles, stationery, journals and home décor,” said Eafalla. Vincent leaves Larchmont After plans to relocate to a new space on Larchmont Boulevard collapsed, Vincent Hair Artistry (another refugee from the former Lipson Building behind the plywood pedestrian walkway) has taken space inside the Salon Republic at the Arclight Theatre Center in Hollywood. Stylist Nick Moses has joined Vincent De Marco at the new location. Visit vincenthairartistry.com.
borhood are issues surrounding homelessness. We’re taking steps in City Hall and within our office to address this ever-growing humanitarian crisis, and wanted to lay out a few of those for you today. In City Council, we’re continuing to push the ball forward in advocating that Los Angeles accept FEMA’s offer of 100 percent reimbursement for Project Roomkey and provide non-congregate shelter to thousands of unhoused Angelenos during this pandemic. It’s an opportunity to provide consistent and necessary care and services to people experiencing homelessness and set them on the path to permanent housing — and we’re pushing our partners in the state legislature to front Los Angeles the necessary funds to take full advantage of it. February also saw the passage of one of our first motions, which instructed the city to
identify locations and funding for the purpose of building an Access Center in District 4. As our homelessness crisis has expanded to every neighborhood in our city, so too must we expand our range of services to meet people where they are. Access Centers will be vital places where unhoused residents can store belongings, use the restroom, take a shower, and talk to a case manager or social worker on a dropin basis. We look forward to updating you on this project as it continues to take shape. To aid our office’s work in District 4, we’ve hired an incredible homeless coordinator named Liz Oh. Liz’s job consists of coordinating between our council office and the often-tangled web of city departments, county agencies and nonprofits that are responsible for providing timely care and services for Los Angeles’
unhoused residents. Liz is currently compiling a comprehensive list of contacts and available resources that will aid our office in providing support for our district’s housed and unhoused residents alike, as well as building a new management system for handling requests made of our office. If you have questions about the steps we’re taking on this issue, or any other, I encourage you to reach out to our office! Armida Reyes, our district liaison, is fielding questions and concerns at contactCD4@lacity.org, as well as answering our incoming calls at 213-4737004, while Su In Lee can be reached at suin.lee@lacity.org. Each member of our team possesses the kindness and commitment necessary to serve CD4 residents and bring city government closer to you. I look forward to sharing our next steps with you soon.
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Tailwaggers
(Continued from page 1) former site of Flywheel and Blockbuster and Security Pacific Bank, and — once upon a time — the Larchmont movie theater, located at 147 N. Larchmont Blvd. Tailwaggers’ move to Larchmont has been years in the making. Blockbuster days “Back when the building was a Blockbuster, I reached out to the landlord to inquire about the space, but it wasn’t in the cards for us at that time,” explains Warner. “Then, when Flywheel closed, the landlord reached out to us. He wanted to fill the space with a neighborhood shop that would be a huge part of the community. That was really important to him, since he had grown up in the area.” Warner has two other Tailwaggers locations, one on Bronson Avenue and another on Fairfax Avenue. The two stores are a far cry from Warner’s previous line of work, which just goes to show that you can teach an old dog new tricks. New tricks “I worked in post-editing. I would sit for hours on end in an editing room with no windows, and I realized that I’m such a social person and needed to find something else,” Warner remembers. “I had always worked with animal rescue organizations, and the Bronson spot was open, so I decided to go for it.” Warner opened the retail pet store, believing that was the
Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
OWNER Todd Warner prepares for Tailwaggers’ big opening, slated for March.
end of the story. Customers begged him to open a daycare and grooming space, so he opened Tailwashers next door. Then, Warner opened the second location on Fairfax. And now … the cat’s meow: Larchmont. “We are planning to open in two phases,” says Warner. “First we will open retail, and then, as we get settled and the pandemic goes away, we will open Tailwashers, the daycare and grooming spaces.” Warner has been hard at work transforming the former Flywheel into a space that will accommodate all of your Larchmont pets’ needs. He is warming up the exterior with new paint and flower boxes; the parking lot will be resurfaced; and the interior will be divided into retail, daycare and grooming areas that include self-washing stations. Warner’s favorite spot will be located right up front, near the cash registers. “There will be a special
counter for the dogs, where they can jump up to get a treat,” Warner explains happily. “We will have one built for small dogs and one built for big dogs.” Once Los Angeles is Covidclear, Warner plans to hold many community events, including pet-themed Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws holiday pictures, a Valentine’s Day kissing booth, a Halloween pet costume event and adoption days for animal rescue organizations. In fact, the moniker of Warner’s store, Tailwaggers, has a long history of animal philanthropy. “The Tail-Waggers’ Club was founded in England in 1928,” reveals Warner. “It was one of the first animal rescue organizations to create dog ID tags. Back then, if you found a lost pet, you would write a letter to the foundation, and the foundation would write you back. Reuniting with your dog could take a month!” Hollywood royalty Stars such as Bette Davis put the Tail-Waggers’ Club on the map in the United States. Fundraisers were held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and Hollywood royalty such as Howard Hughes, Walt Disney, Greta Garbo and Judy Garland showed up to support. The original foundation gradually faded out of existence, and Warner was lucky enough to snap up the name. “Not only are we a pet store, but we also have the Tailwaggers’ Foundation, which supports 25 different dog and cat rescue organizations around
TAILWAGGERS CLUB has a long history of animal philanthropy.
nap, Warner will be working like a dog to ready the store for its big Larchmont debut, and he is thrilled to finally be a part of Los Angeles’ “ultimate community.” “We’re really looking forward to being your neighborhood-friendly pet store,” says Warner enthusiastically, “and we can’t wait to get to know you and your companions.”
Los Angeles,” says Warner. “Over the last several years, we have granted over $100,000 to help hundreds of dogs and cats.” Some of those organizations include Sante D’Or Foundation rescue for cats, Paws for Life Prison Program, LA Animal Rescue and Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles. With no time to take a cat
325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 Los Angeles, California 90004 www.windsorsquare.org 157 N. Larchmont Boulevard
Three Great Ways to Save Money on Your Water Bill
No matter how much rain falls on Southern California, or how deep is the snow pack in the Sierra, it’s a fact that we live in an arid climate and must always be mindful of water usage. But what’s good for California can be good for your wallet, as well. Below are three useful tips:
One
We all know that running sprinklers during rainy periods is wasteful. But it’s sometimes hard to anticipate weather patterns — and easy to assume that someone else (your gardener, maybe) will adjust sprinkler timers accordingly. Here’s an easy solution: Install a Weather Based Irrigation Controller (WBIC). These “smart” devices will irrigate according to the needs of the landscape, automatically reducing times or skipping cycles during cool, rainy or windy periods, and increasing times or cycles as needed for warmer seasons. These WBICs potentially can save you more than 10,000 gallons of water a year, and hundreds of dollars on your water bill during the device’s lifetime. WBICs start at about $150, and they can be eligible for an $80 rebate from the LADWP. To learn more, go to: https://socalwatersmart.com/en/residential/ rebates/available-rebates/irrigation-controllers .
Two
Did you know that the sewer service charge you receive in every water bill is based solely on how much water you use in the winter? That rate is applied all year round, so if you reduce water usage during cooler months (defined by the LADWP as October through March), you will reap the benefits during summer as well. To learn more about how the Winter Water Use rates work, go to: https://bit.ly/39sbrvf .
Three
The best way to save substantially on your water bill is to install a sub-meter, which will divide your water use into separate household and landscape charges. The sewer service charge does not apply to water used just for landscape needs. Sub-meters require professional installation and can cost several hundred dollars, but they will pay for themselves relatively quickly. By some estimates, the sub-meter can save as much as $100 per bill. To learn more, go to www.ladwp.com and search in the Residential section for “Sewer Sub-Meter.” Let’s be smart and keep our Windsor Square neighborhood — and our wallets — in the green.
o
o
o
Don’t forget to vote (BY MAIL) prior to March 16, 2021 in the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board of directors’ election. You must register first. Visit greaterwilshire.org/2021elections for more information. 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 325 N. Larchmont Blvd., #158, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or visit our website at windsorsquare.org. ADV.
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Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
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Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
Hope
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AT HOPE ON ALVARADO stackable steel modules were built to fit studio and one bedroom units and craned into place.
(Continued from page 1) tenants are expected to begin moving in this month. A 14-month schedule to complete the project was delayed, largely because of manufacturing and transportation issues caused by the pandemic. The pioneering design had a learning curve, the design and build team acknowledged in the Feb. 9 virtual tour. A socially distanced and masked Oberholzer, sitting on black patio furniture located on the building’s courtyard, was joined by developer Scott
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Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
Joane Pickett
UURR O O Y Y D D N I MEE FFIN OLLDD,, OM CCO O’’ GGO & OTT O PPO KKSS,, & C C O O R R M AM HA SSH NSS,, UUN A A H H C C E LLEEPPRRE !! O OO TTO
(Continued from page 1)
JOANE Pickett and her husband, Wiley, with the late Councilman Tom LaBonge.
pliers months in advance, and with the constant uncertainty of ‘will we be open, will we be closed,’ it’s difficult to plan and place orders. The supply chain has broken down. The delivery services don’t deliver on time, and the suppliers aren’t making the amounts needed. It’s just a mess.” Joane is not only devastated about her own store having to shutter its doors, but is also worried for other small busi-
nesses. By forcing mom and pop stores to close their doors at the beginning of the pandemic, but not the larger, corporate entities, “Newsom and Garcetti basically said, ‘don’t shop at small businesses, but it’s okay to go to the big box retail stores like Target and Walmart to do all of your shopping there,’” laments Joane. As small businesses slowly opened up again, holiday (Please turn to page 12)
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The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on many Larchmont businesses, both restaurant and retail, and as the pandemic wears on, month after month, and as the boulevard continues to change with the pandemic pushing it along, we are all witnesses to its transformation. But before we look forward, it’s imperative to look back, through the lens of one person and the little store that could … until it couldn’t. Joane Hennenberger Pickett got her start in the business and sales side of wholesale clothing, where she sold to department stores and small retailers. She and her husband, Wiley, bought a “cute little house” in the Larchmont area, but Joane still found herself on an airplane every week, traveling for work. At the time, Larchmont Boulevard was a sleepy little street. Joane and Wiley decided to take a chance and opened up their very first retail store, Pickett Fences, in 1994 at 111 N. Larchmont (currently DMH Aesthetics), soon followed by her second store, Petticoats, in 1995, in the current Silver Linings frame store spot. Then in 2001, Joane decided to merge the two stores into one space at 214 N. Larchmont (most recently, the Trina Turk shop). With every move, the Picketts’ prospects improved. “This was before the internet and the Grove,” explains Joane. “When we moved to the 214 space, we were in a busier area, near the crosswalk. The high profile location worked out really well for us.” The Great Recession took its toll, but her business survived and, with the loyalty of its customer base, thrived once again. “Joane always did her best to meet the changing trends,” says Anne Loveland of Loveland Carr Group. “She even adapted to let people bring dogs and ice cream into the store!” In 2016, Joane lost her lease. “We looked everywhere for a new space,” she remembers. “Beverly Hills, Melrose, Hollywood — but we ultimately decided that if we weren’t on Larchmont Blvd., we would just close up shop.” Luckily, a spot opened up across the street at 219 N. Larchmont, and Joane quickly snapped up a new lease. Things were humming along nicely until the pandemic hit. The total shutdown in March, April and May, combined with the constant closing and reopening of small businesses in Los Angeles over the next 12 months, in tandem with the closures caused by social justice protests, became untenable. “It’s very difficult to plan ahead,” explains Joane. “I have to put my orders into the sup-
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MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
Joane Pickett
(Continued from page 11) shopping picked up, but reality quickly set in. “Christmas was really good and busy, but at the end of the day, I need Paramount Studios employees, Marlborough moms, school kids, and Rhodes Music School parents popping
in while they wait for their child to finish a lesson,” says Joane. “Twenty ladies per day would come in just from the yoga studio. There was a lot of foot traffic that has just disappeared that you really don’t think about.” Much of that heavier foot traffic was due to the constant upgrades to the street over the decades, many of which Joane
helped spearhead. She served on the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA) board for 25 years, as President, Vice President and Secretary, retiring last month. During her time there, she and City Council deputy, then councilmember, Tom LaBonge established the Sunday Farmers Market, added crosswalks with handicap cut-
Larchmont Chronicle
outs, ramps and stop signs, and rezoned the street for a height restriction of 35 feet, or two stories, so the businesses on the boulevard wouldn’t tower over the neighbors’ homes behind. Dr. Timothy Gogan, local dentist and also a board member of the LBA, appreciates everything Joane has done for the community. “The kind of things that Joane worked on … she really beefed up the sidewalk sale, and she was the liaison with the farmers market … so it’s sad to see her go. But it’s so daunting to try to run a business when you’re closing down for weeks or months at a time,” says Gogan. “The thing is, you’re in business to make money, and if these landlords have high rents, $10-$12 dollars per foot, it’s just really hard for a mom and pop store to generate that, especially if they’re not allowed to be open. Joane contributed so much to the boulevard and
we’re really going to miss her.” John Winther of Coldwell Banker, current LBA President, is also sorry to see Joane go. “She was a very active member of the board, and everyone hates to lose an active member,” says Winther. “She went beyond being a retail and business person. She had an affection for the boulevard because she liked people and the community and she wanted to protect it. It wasn’t all about business.” That’s the point that Anne Loveland likes to emphasize the most. “Joane brought her whole self and her love of community to the boulevard. Her store was the vehicle through which she had full self-expression. She could share so many of her gifts with the community through her business. Aren’t we lucky we had her and her husband? But nothing lasts forever.” Though Pickett Fences is no longer on the boulevard, Joane (Please turn to page 13)
HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
also opens up people’s eyes to the many contributions of Black and African American individuals. In Mr. Narbe’s math class, we had a lesson on Katherine Johnson and how she impacted mathematics. Sixth grade watched a video on her and dedicated the day for learning about different types of angles. Right, obtuse, acute, straight, reflex, and so many more angles. We visited a site where we could create angles, and the source would tell us what kind of angle it was, and the exact degree of it too! After that, we went to a different website where we tried to accurately guess the correct angle within five degrees. Mr. Andy, the science teacher, screened a video for the 6th grade on environmental sustainability on Feb. 19. People coming to school for this experience got to see their friends, eat snacks brought from home, and enjoyed a movie as a grade, all while taking extra precautions for coronavirus.
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Big news at Hollywood Schoolhouse! This month, all grades will be returning to campus, everyone masked and following our safety protocols listed on our website of course. There are also weekly Covid tests for all students and staff on campus. In Ms. Abi’s 6th grade English class last month we did Black History Month projects. Each student was assigned a Black figure to study and write a report on. There was also a poetry and technology component to this project. Studying these figures can teach students more about what that person did, why they were important, and the impact that they have had on the world. It
Larchmont Chronicle
MARCH 2021
IMMACULATE HEART By Quinn Lanza 12th Grade
On a recent Wednesday off from classes, members of the senior class gathered for the first time on campus for a socially distanced lunch. The seniors ate their take-out burritos outside on the field as they enjoyed their first in-person gathering of the Class of 2021 in almost a year! Members of the Junior Class also received their class rings at the end of February in a way that let them celebrate together even as they were still apart. Although this year’s Junior Ring Ceremony was different than the usual tradition,
Joane Pickett
(Continued from page 12) has ideas about what the street will look like in the future. “My takeaway is that brick and mortar stores were under pressure, and the pandemic is quickening the pace of their closures. Going forward, I think we will see more food and experience-based shops. I also think outdoor dining is here to stay, which is a positive thing.” For the first time since Joane started working at the age of 21, she finally has a chance to relax in her Brook-
students viewed a live-stream Mass onscreen at home and then drove to campus to pick up their rings. School spirit remains relatively high as students continue to learn remotely. Students have settled into their routines, and report that the new schedule with later start times has made online learning much more manageable. Students have also been treated to guest presentations. Recently, science teacher Stacie Miller’s marine biology class welcomed three IH alums, who spoke on their careers in the field of marine bio, providing students with insight into some of the work that they, too, could be doing in the future. Faculty and staff also continue to meet with Dr. Stacie Ma, an IH alumna and educator, for professional devel-
SECTION ONE
opment workshops on creating greater racial equity on campus and in our community. Meanwhile, our sports teams
side home, and maybe play a tennis match or two. But for someone who has worked nearly every day of her life, that’s not an easy transition. “It’s super strange that I don’t have a job, and I’m still decompressing and settling into it,” she says hesitantly. “But I want the neighborhood to know that I feel truly grateful that I have this community, and I’m thankful for so many friends that I’ve made while being a business owner on Larchmont. It’s a very special place, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Los Angeles.”
continue to do virtual workouts, and the soccer team has gone back to Saturday morning practices. Members of the team wear masks
13
and maintain social distance throughout the practice. At some point, students hope to cheer their teams as they compete!
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8th Grade
MARCH 2021
SECTION ONE
THIRD STREET By Sofia Kirilov 5th Grade
February was Black History Month and Third Street Elementary joined in celebrating achievements by African Americans and their contributions to our society. At school wide assemblies, our students presented interesting facts about trailblazing Afri-
can Americans, including activists, poets, and writers. One of my favorite presentations was by a 5th grader who talked about the amazing Amanda Gorman. Our teachers also gave us lessons on African Americans who made a
positive difference in our world. I learned that Black History Month is celebrated in February because it was the birthday to both President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. February was also the start of our senior celebration festivities. Our first event was a 5th grade trivia night and it was fun and rather competitive! I loved see-
Larchmont Chronicle
ing my friends (virtually) and we all got to wear our special edition t-shirts. Our next event is the 5th grade Virtual Talent Show and the plan is to have at least one special event each month for us until graduation time. Normally, this time of year, we would host the Third Street Walkathon fundraiser. Because of the pandemic, however, we have a
new program called Shine Online. Starting mid-February, for four weeks, students participate in weekly themed challenges to drive donations and win prizes. If any Third Street students ask for your support, please consider donating. All funds raised help pay for our amazing programs, including theater class, which just started virtually for 5th graders like me.
OAKWOOD SCHOOL
your interests and learn more about different fields, due to the pandemic, Immersion is unfortunately cancelled this year. However, there will still be school activities taking place this month, including a historical change for Oakwood! Mid-March, Oakwood will be narrowing down new mascot submissions after deciding to officially retire the Gorilla mascot. While our past mascot never intended to be racist, the history of the gorilla as an animal, not as the Oakwood mascot, negatively impacted members of our community. Lastly, though secondary students are still learning remotely, they will have the chance to safely visit campus in small cohorts. This optional visit will allow students to participate in activities and socialize with other students, while also abiding strict safety protocols.
By Scarlett Saldaña 10th Grade
For Oakwood students, the month of March usually brings the long awaited Immersion Program, in which students attend two weeks of specific classes tailored to their interests, or new topics they’d like to explore. These classes offer new opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom, and in my past years at Oakwood, I’ve learned how to animate, I’ve learned more about physics and how roller coasters depend on this science, and I also learned more about the fashion design process. Even though these classes are always an exciting way to expand
BUCKLEY
By Jasper Gough 11th Grade This month 8th graders will have On-Campus Activities on March 1, 2 and 7. These activities might include music appreciation and painting. These activities won’t be physical, and all participants will be socially distanced from each other. From March 3 to 5, aspiring high school writers will attend the famed Iowa Writers’ Workshop remotely via Zoom. This workshop will offer programs in story and playwriting, essay, poem, and story writing workshops. Middle and Upper
School students will have parentteacher conferences until March 8. These students will not have any classes while there are conferences. High school students who have chosen to take the SAT (rather than the ACT) will go to a testing center and take the test on March 13. Next, on March 18 and 19, teachers will have their annual Teacher Conference to discuss class events and proceed for the rest of the year. After that, Buckley will have its #StudentsStayWokeConference on March 20. In this conference, students will talk about how to be anti-racist and how we should make sure to hold ourselves and our friends accountable if they do anything offensive or racist. Lastly, Spring break will start on March 22 and ends April 2.
The Plymouth School Safely Opened for the 2021-2022 School Year!
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theplymouthschool.com • theplymouthschool@gmail.com
MARLBOROUGH By Avery Gough 9th Grade
Happy Valentine’s and Presidents’ Day everybody! I’m excited to report that, due to the steady decrease in positive COVID-19 testing, and more vaccine distribution in Los Angeles, Marlborough has decided to allow small group activities back on campus consisting of robotics, dance and athletic conditions. Soon enough they will also add performing arts and academic support. Speaking of on-campus activities, the seniors will be returning to celebrate the Ring Ceremony, a long-honored Marlborough tradition. Secondly, Young Women Stand Against Prejudice is an organization founded by Marlborough students whose current member-
SAINT BRENDAN By Lucas Bland 8th Grade
It’s almost been a year in online classes for St. Brendan students, and it’s finally time to start going back to school. Today, only Kinder through 2nd grade will be able to safely work in the classrooms, but as the weeks progress, we will be sending more grades back as safely as possibly. Speaking of grades, the 8th graders are going to know
LARCHMONT CHARTER By Sally Shapiro 11th Grade
This year students at Larchmont established the first Larchmont Black Student Union. The leader of the BSU, 11th grader Noah Gomes, explained, “We knew there was a community of Black people here, and although it’s not big, we wanted a safe and comfortable space to talk, engage in activism, and spread awareness to often neglected issues.” Club leader Naomi Stevens said, “Having a BSU allows the community to learn more about black culture and history.” In the club, members discuss current events, council with staff
MARCH 2021
ship is in excess of 45 women who can serve on three committees, Policy & Petition, Social Media, and Outreach. The Policy & Petition committee learns to write, research, and edit petitions. The Social Media committee learns to improve public awareness for STAND. Lastly, the Outreach Committee is divided into a) publicity departments, which is responsible for text banking, etc. and b) the presentations department, who learn to reach out to the existing groups and discuss these important issues. With the help of these three committees, STAND aims at creating change through petitions, but with the larger goal to educate young women on their power to create change. STAND is opening a new branch at Palisades Charter High School and looking for individuals who want to host a branch at their school. Since March is Women’s History Month, STAND has launched a donation campaign in which the first 100 people to donate $10+ to what high school they are getting into around March 5. Earlier this year in February, we had a very successful In-nOut fundraiser, and a special Ash Wednesday Mass as well. We also just had our Catholic Schools’ week where all of our daily assemblies and activities let a little light into our daily routines. The most memorable moments include the faculty winning in the faculty vs. 8th grade games, the cutest student council baby, and of course the teacher swap day. St. Brendan School will have more interactive events planned as we get back to regular school, so stay tuned! to discuss problems at LFP, and occasionally have guest speakers. The BSU also plans events for the school. Currently the club is planning a Zoom screening of “Black Panther” and a talent show to showcase artistic expressions of hidden Black heroes throughout history. “It’s not just a club.” Stevens explains, “It’s like a family, because we all have each other’s backs and are there to support every member no matter what.” The creation of Black Student Unions has changed education and led to great achievements. A year after the creation of the first BSU at San Francisco State in 1966, the Black student population there doubled and doubled again the year after that. Larchmont’s BSU is part of a rich history that will hopefully continue for years to come.
Dentistry for Children and Young Adults
Pediatric Dentistry Randall E. Niederkohr, D.D.S.
Member American Dental Association Diplomat of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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We have a unique living room atmosphere Children from newborns to 18-year-olds feel comfortable
SECTION ONE
Young Women Stand Against Prejudice will receive handmade brace-
lets from STAND. Please make sure to check out STAND’s website for
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donation and involvement information: standagainstprejudice.org.
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Larchmont Chronicle
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2021_GAF_Larchmont SECTION ONE
Chronicle Miracle Mile Issue_HR_4.pdf
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