lc section one 04 2020 by Larchmont Chronicle

Larchmont Chronicle

VOL. 58, NO. 4

• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •

IN THIS ISSUE

APRIL 2020

Market, playground and parking to co-exist n Ryu held telephonic community meeting

SUMMER CAMPS AND PROGRAMS. 11

FRESH FOOD on on Larchmont.

By Caroline Tracy An open community meeting regarding the Larchmont farmers market and a new playground in the city parking lot on Larchmont was switched from a potentially large inperson community meeting to a phone-in forum last month because of COVID-19. Following Mayor Garcetti’s Thursday, March 12, order See Sunday market, p 19

Beacons of hope, and bunches of carrots on Larchmont n Also in Miracle Mile

PRESERVATION winners named. 2-7

By Suzan Filipek Certified farmers markets are bringing fresh bread and produce and much-needed smiles to area residents on Larchmont Boulevard and in the Miracle Mile. The former market is every Sunday; the See Fresh food, p 18

Note to our readers: SUSTENANCE at Third and Fairfax. 2-12 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:

As with the “Los Angeles Times” and other hard-copy newspapers, the Larchmont Chronicle is safe to read! The World Health Organization has stated that it is safe to receive packages, including in areas affected by the coronavirus. Our production process is fully automated, which minimizes human contact with the newspapers. In addition, the Chronicle has asked our distributors to take the recommended precautions during this period, including requiring newspaper carriers to practice social distancing and personal hygiene, or stay home if they are sick. Please enjoy this issue (as well as the periodicals still available at the Larchmont and Original Farmers Market newsstands, two other essential businesses allowed to stay in operation).

LARCHMONT BOULEVARD was COVID-19-empty on Wednesday, March 25 at 1 p.m.

Larchmont stores mostly closed, Mayor issues emergency ‘Safer at Home’ order

n ‘This isn’t forever — and we’ll get through it together,’ Mayor Garcetti says By Suzan Filipek Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a “Safer at Home” emergency order in mid-March, calling on residents of the City of Los Angeles to stay in their homes and limit all activities outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary for essential tasks. As a result, most commercial streets, including Larchmont Blvd., look a bit like ghost towns. “We are all safer at home. Staying in our residences, being aggressive about hygiene, and practicing safe social distancing are the most effective ways to protect ourselves, the people we love, and everyone in our community,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Each one of us is a first-responder in this crisis, and Angelenos under-

stand that we have to make big sacrifices right now to save lives. This isn’t forever — and we’ll get through it together.” As outlined in the order, residents of the City of Los

Angeles must remain in their homes — with lawful exceptions made for critical tasks such as securing food and health services, safety and See Safer at home, p 6

Novel times: COVID-19 on and off Larchmont Blvd.

n It’s a wait-and-see timeline for everyone By Suzan Filipek Restaurants, shops and institutions nationwide and around the world have closed their doors or limited their

Dining choices

Many more local grocery, delivery and take-out choices are described in Sec. 2, starting on pages 10 and 12.

hours and services in an allout war against COVID-19. Larchmont Blvd. is no different. “Our doors are closed. I’m no longer open to the public, but I’m open for business,” said Joane Pickett of Pickett Fences. She reported sales of candles, See Novel times, p 6

With social distancing decree, families begin work-from-home, homeschooling juggling act n Child-rearing in the community

By Caroline Tracy On March 13 (eerily, a Friday), parents in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) received emails, texts, and robo-calls alerting them that school would be closed for two weeks beginning March 16, due to COVID-19. In the days prior, countless private and local charter schools had closed their doors as well. Their heads of schools made the decision, as LAUSD did, in an effort to facilitate “social distancing” to prevent the spread of the virus through the school community (and, by extension, anyone related to ABIGAIL KAMPF, a student at Girls Acamembers of the school community). demic Leadership Academy, participates in See Families at home, p 20 an online class via Zoom with her teacher.

www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!

Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

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Editorial

Calendar

By John Welborne

Newspapers’ roles in the time of coronavirus

Over the past several months, concern over the spreading COVID-19 virus has increasingly gripped our nation. In this public health crisis, people need access to accurate and authoritative information so that they can make decisions about their health and safety. Hearsay, half-truths and supposition don’t cut it when our lives may be at stake. That’s why thousands of newspapers across California are on the front lines of the pandemic. Journalists are there to inquire, authenticate and report facts so you know what’s going on and what to do. We live in an era when information is fingertip-accessible, but so is misinformation. Newspapers, the Larchmont Chronicle included, provide the relevant details on the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on Mid-Wilshire residents and businesses. We are focused on delivering critical information to you, our readers, about the things that matter most to you: your families’ health and safety, grocery shopping, schools, businesses, quality of life, events, entertainment, elected officials, crime and more. In the face of this great responsibility, newspapers throughout (Please turn to page 7)

Take Care of Yourself and Your Neighbors The outbreak and spread of the novel coronavirus has caused a great deal of disruption and inconvenience to those not infected, and sickness and sometimes death to those infected. These types of situations are what truly test the bonds of community, and Los Angeles and Hancock Park have shown that we know we’re all in this together and will do whatever it takes to help our family and neighbors stay healthy and safe. Remember the simple guidelines to wash your hands with soap and water (20 seconds or two Happy Birthdays), keep your hands away from your face and to follow the instructions of our mayor and city, state and federal governments. Check in with your neighbors, if possible by email or telephone, and make sure no one is in need. For more information please visit our website: hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/page18054/8843518. The Council Office has been working hard to ensure that the Larchmont Farmers’ Market remains on Larchmont. The Farmers’ Market operator has been looking for a larger space on Larchmont because of the success of the market and the desire to host more vendors. The community and the Council Office met by telephone conference last month to discuss keeping the market on Larchmont. Spring seems to have arrived quickly this year, so tree planting will soon commence. If you need a street tree, let us know via our website, and the tree will be planted at the Association’s expense. o o o If you’re planning to make any changes to the streetvisible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found 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.

Wed., April 8 – Passover begins. Fri., April 10 – Good Friday. Sun., April 12 – Easter. Thurs., April 16 – Passover ends. Sun., April 19 – Yom HaShoah Day of Commemoration, Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, virtual presentation, no time listed. Visit lamoth.org. Wed., April 22 – Earth Day. Thurs., April 30 – Delivery of the May issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Most local meetings and events have been cancelled or postponed until later dates (often indefinite) because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘What brings you to the Larchmont Farmers Market?’

That’s the question inquiring photographer John Welborne asked locals along Larchmont Blvd. on the Ides of March, Sunday, March 15, the first weekend of social distancing following issuance of Governor Newsom’s March 11 state guidelines.

Letters to the Editor Included are some received online.

LACMA on track?

Your story in the Miracle Mile 2020 edition, “LACMA on track to build Geffen Galleries,” does a genuine disservice to your readers. The Peter Zumthor structure spanning Wilshire Boulevard is perhaps the most controversial public structure proposed in recent Los Angeles history. If museum director Michael Govan’s plan goes ahead — and there remain serious doubts that it will — LACMA will became a ghost museum, bankrupt and broke, with many of its most beloved works in storage. Govan says, in praising his own plan, “It’s an amazing solution. You’re going to finally have this much expanded, state-of-the-art, world-class museum... ” What’s amazing is that Govan can make such false claims without your reporter checking the facts. Not only has the price for the proposed Wilshire span increased with each year that the project has been on the drawing boards,

going from $600 million to $650 million to $750 million — and, according to one internal Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office email, more like $900 million* — but the museum keeps shrinking, not expanding. By Govan’s own admission, it will shrink no less than 11 percent, and by an independent analysis of actual gallery square footage, it will shrink by at least 40 percent. This is the “amazing solution” Govan so flippantly fibs about. Meanwhile, the Ahmanson Foundation, which has supported LACMA for nearly 50 years, with $130 million financing the museum’s acquisitions of (Please turn to page 4)

“The chance to mingle with good friends and fresh produce.” Ray Hartung Windsor Square

“The apples from Ha’s are the best. An apple a day keeps me designing away.” John Kaliski Windsor Village

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.

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 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

One-fifth of locals respond so far

As of the press deadline for this April issue of the Larchmont Chronicle, approximately 22 percent of local residents have responded to the 2020 Census. Almost all of those have responded via Internet. That compares to a national response rate of 26.2 percent and a California response rate of 25.2 percent. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted 2020 Census operations in numerous ways. For example, the self-response phase (online, phone and mail) deadline has been extended two weeks, until August 14. Changes are explained at: tinyurl.com/thmmrfq.

“Artichokes! What better way is there to run into friends and neighbors, weekly?” Douglas Meyer Windsor Square

“It’s my favorite one, hands down. Great offerings plus the best “meet ’n greet” in town!” Bret Parsons Windsor Village

Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

Ladies Professional Golf tournament postponed for now

By Billy Taylor The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) will not return as planned to the Wilshire Country Club from April 20-26 due to coronavirus concerns. The Hugel Air-Premia LA Open announced last month that the tournament is in the process of being rescheduled. According to a statement by tournament organizers, the LPGA is working with its partners on plans to reschedule postponed events and will provide updates as those plans are finalized. “I’m sure this isn’t shocking news to any of you, given the COVID-19 challenges we are

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facing in virtually all parts of the world,” said LPGA commissioner Mike Whan. “We held out on these events as long as we could, hoping conditions would improve. Unfortunately, the current combination of the World Health Organization categorizing COVID-19 as a pandemic, local markets implementing very aggressive event/gathering limitations, and unprecedented, broad-scale travel restrictions that impact so many of our players and caddies, made hosting an LPGA official event under these conditions simply not possible or prudent.” If you already have purchased tickets or have registered as a volunteer, organizers say they will reach out separately to provide further information. Visit la-open.com.

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Three run-off elections in Nov.

Six local candidates will compete in run-off elections at the same time as the November presidential election. Incumbent Councilman David Ryu will face urban planner and homeless advocate Nithya Raman in a contest to represent the Fourth Council District in City Hall. Ryu received 44.83 percent (34,108 votes) in the March Super Tuesday primary election. Raman had 40.99 percent (31,181 votes). (Please turn to page 17)

A FIRE took place in the early morning hours of March 19 at Alexandria House, a transitional home for women and children. The photo shows damage to the roof. No one was harmed, but residents lost most of their belongings. Contributions are much appreciated; visit alexandriahouse.org.

Postponements for some taxes and filings, not for property taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has rescheduled Tax Day to Wed., July 15, due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, and the IRS has closed Taxpayer Assistance Centers until further notice.

The IRS will continue to process returns, issue refunds and answer questions online and telephonically. Taxpayers may defer federal income tax payments normally due Wed., (Please turn to page 17)

HOME work. COUNCIL REPORT SCHOOLS SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS POLICE BEAT ENTERTAINMENT Theater At the Movies

1 7 10 11 17 22 23

SECTION TWO VIEW:

Real Estate, Around the Town, Libraries, Museums, Home & Garden

AROUND THE TOWN. 2 ON BOOKS, PLACES 4 LIBRARIES 4 HOME GROUND 5 REAL ESTATE SALES 6 ON PRESERVATION 8 ON THE MENU 10 BRIDGE MATTERS 14 MUSEUM ROW 14 BEEZWAX 15 PROFESSOR 15 CLASSIFIED ADS 15

Design for Living

Our annual home and lifestyle section will be a feature of the May issue. Advertising deadline is Mon., April 15. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-462-2241, ext. 11.

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Letters

(Continued from page 2) masterpieces like “The Magdalen with the Smoking Flame” by Georges de La Tour, others by Rembrandt, Watteau and Bernini, has withdrawn its commitment because Govan refuses to guarantee that these invaluable works will be on permanent display in his “amazing solution... much expanded, state-of-the-art, world-class museum.” No museum in modern history has done what Govan proposes to do: spend an ever-growing sum of public money to shrink, while sending its publicly owned permanent

collection into permanent storage. Every citizen of Los Angeles deserves to know these facts before our County Museum of Art is irretrievably wrecked. Greg Goldin Miracle Mile and Citizens Brigade to Save LACMA ——————————————

* On March 19, 2020, Assistant Treasurer & Tax Colletor Daniel Wiles wrote to the Larchmont Chronicle as follows: “The County does not believe the cost of the project has increased significantly, so we do not confirm that the LACMA project costs may be up to $900 million.

LARCHMONT OPTOMETRICS

(323) 465-9682

317 NORTH LARCHMONT BLVD

©LC0420

Also asked for comment, LACMA’s Communications Office provided the following statement on March 23, 2020: For many years, LACMA has been planning our new building for the permanent collection, which has always been envisioned to be a replacement of the four aging buildings that were not safe for art or people. As is the case with every building project, the design has been refined over time. The budget for the building has remained $650 million since 2015, and the building cost is on track with the budget. A rigorous cost estimating and cost management has been followed throughout the project’s pre-construction phase to ensure it will be within budget. The new building will be paid for mostly (about 80%) by private donations, with the County contributing less than 20% of the total cost. LACMA has a stellar track record of constructing buildings on time and on budget. Both BCAM (2008) and the Resnick Pavilion (2010) were built on time and on budget, and the general contractor involved in those projects is also overseeing this current building project. To clarify, the $650 million building budget includes construction costs, soft costs, and contingency, and the $750 million figure is the total fundraising campaign goal, which includes the building cost of $650 million and additional needs. This is a Feb. 2020 statement from the County CEO’s office: “Before the Board of Supervi-

sors unanimously approved this project in April [2019], Los Angeles County conducted a thorough review to ensure that the project financials are sound and appropriately secured. “The County’s due diligence included extensive reviews by the Chief Executive Office, Auditor-Controller, Treasurer & Tax Collector and County Counsel. “We appreciate the opportunity to correct the erroneous impressions created by the article you shared. ** The [January] 2018 email cited in the article was part of the ongoing staff review of this project, and correctly raised concerns about the bids received from various potential contractors during the preliminary design process. LACMA ultimately selected a highly qualified contractor, and went through an extensive process to reduce the project cost. The project is currently on track and within its $650 million budget. “We’re including a link to the April 9, 2019 Board letter that describes the funding and financing for the project. Please note the Proposed Project Funding section on page 4, which spells out specific funding responsibilities. file. lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/ supdocs/134405.pdf “**Joseph Giovannini, February 9, 2020, Los Angeles Review of Books, Part I: Going Rogue.” o o o I am a longtime resident of Park La Brea. Before that, I lived for years in Windsor Square. Your paper’s coverage of LACMA’s planned new facilities, in the “Miracle Mile 2020” section [March 2020], did not take into account significant opposition to the project by concerned citizens like myself, prominent architects in Los Angeles, and, most importantly, The

Larchmont Chronicle Ahmanson Foundation, which has for years funded LACMA’s major acquisitions. The opposition is highly organized into at least two groups [cited in the March article – Ed.], including Citizens’ Brigade to Save LACMA (savelacma.org) and Save LACMA (ourlacma.org), two organizations that operate independently from each other. The primary issue is the significant loss of gallery space and the transformation of LACMA from an encyclopedic museum to more of a largescale gallery that displays its permanent collection on a rotating basis. Concerned citizens, many of them in Hancock Park and Windsor Square who form the backbone of your audience and profoundly erudite local architects, share my concerns. The opposition to Govan’s plan is very real, and The Ahmanson Foundation’s de-funding of LACMA purchases validates what has been happening at the grassroots level. Eric Gudas Park La Brea o o o

Relocated residents on Rossmore

I am a 30-year-resident of 410 N. Rossmore. Domos Coliving did not send an invitation to a meeting with them. That is inaccurate. Daniel Alexander and another Domos associate were secret guests at a cupcake meet-and-greet with the management company, and specifically, Amelia in the management office. I walked into her office and was surprised to see the Domos reps there. Point two: Under RSO law [the city’s Rent Stabilitaztion Ordinance], tenants must come back to the SAME unit. The letters that we received from Domos on our doors (Please turn to page 6)

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APRIL 2020

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Novel times

(Continued from page 1) sweat pants and pajamas — items to help you get cozy at home — from her boutique on North Larchmont Blvd. She posts items on Instagram and Facebook, makes shipments and home deliveries. “It’s a whole new world everyday,” Pickett told us. Many of the food places on Larchmont are selling take-out. “They have adapted and are bringing food out to your car.” With little traffic, there’s plenty of room to park, she added. Next door, Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese is busy making its popular crusty bread sandwiches, and Burger Lounge is also offering its menu as takeout. Learn more in the Section 2 article on takeout and delivery — on page 10 of that section. Upstairs from Pickett Fences, Rhodes School of Music is offering video lessons online. Rhodesschoolofmusic.com

Safer at home (Continued from page 1)

medical necessities, as well as caring for children, elder adults, family, friends and people with disabilities. Many establishments not covered in previous orders, including clothing and most retail stores, are ordered to “cease operations that require inperson attendance by workers at a workplace.” The order took effect on March 19 and is scheduled (as of presstime for the Chronicle) to expire on

••• Big Sunday, the Hancock Park-based, citywide volunteer group, is bringing meals from local restaurants to emergency room and hospital staffs, founder David Levinson wrote in a March 24 letter launching the program at Cedars-Sinai and other hospitals. Big Sunday has friendly callers who can lend an ear. To reach one, e-mail your name and number to david@bigsunday.org. If you need help getting groceries, medicine, etc., call 211. If that doesn’t help, try info@bigsunday.org, and a volunteer will steer you in the right direction. The group postponed its fifth annual gala last month, but its annual Month of Big Sundays (MOBS) is still planned for May. This year’s month-long series of volunteer events will center on homelessness. “[We’re] still hoping to spend a month focusing on this critically important issue in our community, regardApril 19, 2020, but it is subject to extension. The order acknowledges the profound impact of the novel coronavirus on daily life in Los Angeles over a short period of time — and expresses gratitude to Angelenos for showing “courage, compassion, wisdom and resolve” in embracing previous emergency orders “with a willing and generous spirit.” The various emergency measures and the latest local information on the city’s dealing with the pandemic will be found at corona-virus.la.

Larchmont Chronicle

less of whether this happens in May or needs to be postponed to a later date this year,” said Big Sunday spokesperson Rachel Schwartz. She suggested that readers check the bigsunday.org website and its Facebook page for updates. It’s a wait-and-see timeline for everyone as cautionary measures continue in response to the novel virus. Little Leaguers at Wilshire Warriors and players with St. Brendan’s Basketball will have to wait, as both leagues have delayed their seasons. “We are postponed until further notice. Hopefully we can complete the season at some point, but it’s really up in the air right now,” said Abel De Luna, SBBA co-commissioner. The Wilshire Warriors announced its season is delayed until April 6, according to its website. Miracle Mile Residential Association cancelled its annual meeting last month, a first in the group’s 37-year history, according to the mira-

clemilela.com website. The meetings attract standing-room-only crowds. “We thought it was best to exercise common sense and hold off on hosting large public meetings until we all have a better understanding of how this virus is going to impact our community,” Ken Hixon, MMRA senior vice president, said on the website. “This would have been a great and timely meeting, as we had an entire panel of speakers ready to discuss the importance of preparedness and the value of block and neighborhood organization. Something that will be of value to us now and for any disruption of our normal daily lives!” Kari Garcia told us following the announcement. Plans to schedule a meeting are pending safety, she added. “We’re waiting until we know more, and when it is safe to congregate again.” The Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council had cancelled its meetings and events

through March 31 and possibly longer, pending government restrictions and safety. The Ebell of Los Angeles is suspending all club and theater events through March and possibly beyond. Its charity arm, the Rest Cottage Association, has postponed its annual awards dinner, which had been scheduled for this month. Wilshire Rotary, which meets at the Ebell, is postponing its meetings, “closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak according to the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),” Rotary President Ron Reyes wrote in a letter to members. “Everybody is doing his or her share to confront a common problem. Everyone’s suffering,” said Larchmont Chronicle publisher John Welborne. Check restaurant, store and organization websites for updates.

Letters

under $2k, to 200 single bedrooms for the same price, is nothing less than a scam. The only homework Domos seems to have done is to qualify for government welfare under the “Opportunity Zone” loophole afforded by recent federal legislation that was allegedly meant to address not only affordable housing, but neighborhood improvement in impoverished areas. However, many developers find poverty-adjacent neighborhoods instead, like Larchmont, where the profits will be far greater. Resident [Debbie] Chesebro’s allegation, that Domos and its representatives are giving false information in some cases, is an understatement. The only entity here that seems to be above board is the management company, Alliance. They are making an effort to maintain the building, but it took several calls to city officials to get things moving. I recently sat down with a rep from LACAL, the entity negotiating cash-for-keys buyouts. The offer was low — not much incentive to uproot my living after 19 years here — so, in an effort to increase the buyout, the rep tried to convince me to claim dependents that I don’t have, because “No one will check,” and / or claim a disability that I don’t have. I spent about five minutes convincing her that I know better than to lie when entering a contract, else that contract is nullified and I lose whatever buyout I have negotiated. The only mystery here is: are they amateurs, overtly crooked, or just wholly unprepared? Steven Avalos Rossmore Avenue

deep

(Continued from page 4) always had false urgency regarding safety, and the meetings they encouraged us to take were with the relocation firm parked in an office on the first floor. Cinzia Zanetti Rossmore Avenue • • • Dispense with the “affordable housing” pitch. To turn 78 single units, many of which currently rent for

skin

by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald As the clock ticks toward swimsuit season, I’m here to say all’s not fair in love and war…nor body shapes! And unfortunately SoulCycle and carb deprivation do not always overcome our genetic predispositions for where fat gets stored. As one of the few offices that offers both CoolSculpting and CoolTone, we’ve got your back. 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. Four 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. Schedule your appointment today and get started on acquiring the body you’ve only dreamt of. 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.

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Locating tests and housing neighbors during virus threat Council Report by

David E. Ryu

testing now — so that, when more test kits are available, we can scale up quickly. As I work to urge the city and county to get more test kits, the number-one concern is the health and safety of our families and neighbors. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are the most at-risk from COVID-19, so we need to be particularly aware of those community members. It is important that we maintain public health “best practices,” including frequently washing our hands and keeping our distance from others. Especially for those over 65, staying home is crucial. Sanitize, disinfect But we also must ensure that nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are held to the highest possible standard for sanitizing and disinfecting. I introduced a motion to identify city funds for the routine disinfecting and cleaning

of any and all senior centers, with the other needs that come gling to pay rent during the nursing homes, assisted living up to help people stay at home emergency declaration. facilities, and similar build- and stay financially stable. I The unhoused ings in Los Angeles, and I have will continue to focus on the We must also help our committed $100,000 in dis- issue of small businesses and unhoused neighbors, who are cretionary funding to get that workers, and I am working to at greater risk of severe illYEAR implement a rental assistance ness if they contract the novel work started here inNEW Council NEW YOU! and personal loan program for coronavirus. The city is impleDistrict Four. Specific assistance any Angeleno facing a loss of menting an emergency plan erase the with… SPA, spin, DMH , mani ped (Please turn to page 8) Finally, I am focused on holiday wages, stresses or for tenants strughelping the working families and businesses that have been particularly impacted by this crisis. Our Los Angeles Unified School District has opened 60 “grab-and-go” centers throughout Los Angeles, where families whose children depend on school for food can pick up a meal. Local businesses, big and Access small, have been hit particularly hard by this crisis. AgenLarchmont cies at all levels of governShops and ment are mobilizing to make sure that workers are able to Services Online pay their bills, and that some by going to: businesses can remain open through the duration of this www.larchmont.com pandemic. I have allocated $1 million in Council District Four discretionary funds to the Jewish Free Loan Association, to be disbursed as emergency financial assistance to Council District Four residents and small businesses. This money can help pay bills, meet payroll, and assist

Editorial

(Continued from page 2) the country are operating under increasing financial pressure. Over the past 15 years, more than one in five newspapers in the United States has closed down, and the number of journalists has been cut in half, according to the University of North Carolina’s School of Media and Journalism. The journalists who remain — including loyal staff members of the Larchmont Chronicle — are on the front lines, sharing the critical work being done by first responders, health care professionals, public health experts and many others. In times of challenges, all citizens — of America and of other countries around the world — are reminded that we all are in this together and that we should be sharing acts of simple kindness and community cohesion: neighbors helping neighbors, young families making sure seniors have plenty of food, and businesses temporarily closing their doors but paying employees during the shutdown. Although it may be a frightening time, the worst trials can bring out the best in people, perhaps Americans especially. We at the Larchmont Chronicle are proud that newspapers are around to tell these stories of our times.

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES INFORMED IN CHALLENGING TIMES.

Visit www.cnpa.com/AB5/ to learn more about how the future of your local newspaper is being threatened.

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The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has swiftly changed life across the world, including here at home in Los Angeles. As our healthcare workers courageously combat the virus day and night, many residents are now wondering what life looks like from here on out. Many are worried about their health and their loved ones, about how they’ll go to work or pay bills, and when we might see an end to this crisis. I want to be clear: We will get through this pandemic together. Above all else, I am focused on protecting our community and our city, on procuring more testing so we can get more information, and on ensuring that working families and small businesses get needed support during this time. Testing That needed support starts with testing. I have introduced legislation to procure more test kits from manufacturers around the world so that Los Angeles can scale up testing and get more information. If we can learn anything from the countries that are successfully addressing this crisis, it’s that testing must be paramount. That means working with any test kit manufacturer around the globe, solving supply chain issues for swabs and other materials, and identifying the labs and locations for drive-thru

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Larchmont Chronicle

MEALS ON WHEELS; PROJECT ANGEL FOOD:

Higher demand for meals, new protocols confuse some years old and older, and they are now self-quarantined at home, while younger volunteers take their places. To help meet the increased demand and also keep social distancing protocols, she said, instead of delivering hot meals to seniors six days a week, the organization is delivering one hot and one cold or shelfstable meal (cheese or other sandwiches) three times a week. So a senior may receive two meals on Monday; one that he or she can eat hot on Monday, and one that is frozen that can be reheated and eaten on Tuesday. This means that SVMOW has had to increase production of its frozen and shelf-stable meals. And while they have had an influx of volunteers to help deliver meals, the organization is now in the midst of training the newcomers, as

well as retraining the regulars on social distance protocols. One of the hallmarks of SVMOW is the wellness check that seniors get with every delivery. To keep that up, Dover says volunteers knock on the door, put down the food and back up six feet while the senior comes to the door. The volunteer then checks in with the senior from a safe distance to make sure everything is okay. Some seniors are confused with the new protocols and don’t understand why these actions are necessary. They miss the daily visits. Some seniors with memory problems forget that the two meals they were given were supposed to last over two days, and they eat them both on the same day, says Dover. “It’s a challenge, a bit of a hump we have to get over,”

Dover chuckles. But, they are doing their best. SVMOW is also increasing cleaning schedules in the kitchens and sterilizing the vans between each shift and change of drivers. However, the next big challenge is obtaining more equipment, as well as more food, to increase their emergency supply of frozen meals, which means they need increased monetary donations, especially since the organization has had to cancel its bike-a-thon fundraiser. Once the volunteers are up to speed and the equipment installed and food purchased, they can feel “on top of things,” but for now, Dover says, they are very busy. For more information on volunteering or donations, visit stvincentmow.org.

Project Angel Food Although prepared with an emergency supply of frozen meals for their critically ill clients, Project Angel Food needs volunteers in the kitchens and to deliver the meals. There are volunteer gaps because several groups canceled due to corporate policies during the pandemic, says Richard Ayoub, executive director at Project Angel Food. “Six days a week, 80 percent of the Vine Street kitchen workforce is fueled by volunteer power, and recent group cancellations equal 800 hours of lost labor,” Ayoub said. Because of the pandemic, Project Angel Food now serves meals seven days a week to 1,600 clients, Ayoub concluded. However, again because of the pandemic, the organization has (Please turn to page 21)

Council Report

that I am here for you. Since this crisis came to our city, I have been volunteering at local food banks, helping make meals for the elderly, and doing all I possibly can to help during this difficult time. If you are in need of help, or want to pitch in yourself, please reach out to my office at 213-473-7004 or CD4. issues@lacity.org. You can also visit my website, davidryu.lacity.org, for the latest COVID-19 information. These are uncertain times. But we’ve been through many challenges before, and we will come through this crisis together. If we stay focused on increasing testing, keeping our seniors safe, and supporting small businesses and workers, we can and will reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

(Continued from page 7)

to open 6,000 shelter beds at recreation sites throughout Los Angeles, and I have called for an end to major sweeps that would displace those experiencing homelessness from their tents each day, potentially furthering the spread of the virus. Let me be clear, it is undoubtedly safer to host our unhoused neighbors in sanitary, indoor conditions, rather than have them living outdoors. I have long called for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-like approach to homelessness, and in the midst of a true emergency, we now are treating homelessness like the crisis it is. CD4: here to help Finally, I want you to know

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By Rachel Olivier St. Vincent Meals on Wheels (SVMOW) and Project Angel Food both had sharp increases in requests for food deliveries last month, following the “Safer at Home” orders put into place by Mayor Eric Garcetti and Gov. Gavin Newsom. Besides racing to meet demand, both organizations are increasing their backup of frozen emergency meals, and they are calling for and retraining delivery personnel in proper social distance protocols. St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Veronica Dover, CEO and executive director at SVMOW, 2303 Miramar St., says that calls for meals have increased by 100 to 150 per day. About 10 to 25 calls are fielded on a normal day, she added. In addition, most of the people in the office who answered the phones previously were 65

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Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

SECTION ONE

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APRIL 2020

SECTION ONE

ST. BRENDAN

By Olivia Martinez 8th Grade At Saint Brendan School, we spent the last couple of weeks in March completing our class lessons at home while connecting with our friends and teachers through online educational programs. As this is a new experience for both the students and staff,

before we started our online work, teachers made sure they were fully prepared to make this transition as seamless as possible for all that are involved. April will be a very busy month for Saint Brendan School. We are

looking forward to Easter on April 12th and hope to spend time with friends and family to celebrate. As the school year wraps up, we look forward to a talent show, Grandparents Day and the eighth graders preparing for graduation. We, eight graders, are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives and what is to come for us in the near future.

Larchmont Chronicle

OAKWOOD SCHOOL By Scarlett Saldaña 9th Grade

At the end of March, Oakwood students come back to school from Spring Break. To start off the third trimester, members of the International Thespian Society (ITS), an organization that provides theater performance and technical opportunities, will attend a yearly State Competition. There, students will participate in various workshops led by theater professionals, as well as perform or watch other theater events. Two weeks after the ITS competition, Oakwood Olympics begins! This week long event will bring each grade to com-

THIRD STREET By Sofia Kirilov 4th Grade

IMMACULATE HEART

A Catholic, Independent, College Preparatory School For Girls Grades 6-12

March was a very busy and exciting month for us at Third Street Elementary. We had our annual Walk-AThon. In addition to walking laps around our track, we freeze danced, did an obstacle course, and had a glow stick party, among other activities. A few lucky students even got to blast our principal and other faculty with water blasters at our Pep Rally! We also had a Spirit Day where students dressed up as a character from their favorite book. Even some of the teachers participated. My favorites were two kindergarten teachers who dressed up as Thing One and Thing Two from The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess. All the fourth graders (including my class) are working on our upcoming theater performance. All students at Third Street get to do drama, and the fourth graders

pete against other grades with friendly games and competitions. During Monday’s Town Meeting, as well as everyday during lunch, one student from each grade will compete in games and earn points. By the end of the week, points in each grade will be added up to declare a grade winner, and the grade with the highest points will have their flag placed on top of the school all year long. Oakwood Olympics is always a great way to bring the school together, and it’s one of the exciting events that occurs during our final trimester. Finally, at the end of April, the Class of 2026 will come to Oakwood to attend the Ice Cream Social. This event is the best way to socialize with your classmates, but as well as that, it’s the best event to introduce yourself to incoming students in your grade. get to do a musical. This year, our class has picked to do a Seussical, a musical based on Horton Hears a Who! We just completed the auditions and we have a lot of work to do before our performance in May. The entire school and our parents will get to see us on stage! I cannot wait for our Spring Break! We get one week off beginning April 6 before heading back to school and attending our Spring Movie Night. We will bring our blankets and pillows to watch a movie in the school auditorium. There will be food trucks, as well as popcorn and candy from the concession stand. It’s so much fun to snuggle under a blanket and watch a movie with your friends!

Salute to grads!

Our annual section honoring local graduates is in the June issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Advertising deadline is Mon. May 18. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-4622241, ext. 11.

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Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

SECTION ONE

SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS Is my child ready for sleep-away camp? Maybe, with a loving push By Sondi Toll Sepenuk The world has changed very quickly within the span of a few weeks, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but as I sit here sequestered in my home, typing away on my computer, I am living with the knowledge and hope that someday (sooner than later, please?) our children will return to their school campuses, restaurants will fill to capacity, movie theaters will be a favored “Friday night onthe-town,” and our children will once again be able to experience the joy of leaving home for a week or month during the summer to go to their favorite sleep-away camps. Some children are born to go to summer camp, while others need a little push from mom and dad. But how do you actually know if your child is ready for sleep-away camp? “The most important thing to know is that this answer is different for every child,” says Allie Simon, who graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor of science in

early childhood education and Spanish, serves as a camp supervisor developing teen programs for summer camps, and currently teaches at the Plymouth School. “Some children might be asking to go to sleepaway camp with friends, while others need to be encouraged.” Basic questions Since every child is different, Simon encourages parents to ask a few basic questions about their child when considering sleeping away from home for an extended period of time. “Is your child able to practice basic self-hygiene? Make sure your child knows how to brush teeth, take a shower [and] pick out outfits,” Simon advises. Simon also questions whether the children can handle sleepovers closer to home. “Are they able to have successful sleepovers with friends or family members? At camp they will have a different routine from normal. Practicing sleepovers can be a fun and (Please turn to page 14)

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APRIL 2020

SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

Summer camp in the time of COVID-19 When we first started researching camps available this summer, the coronavirus had not yet taken over the news, nor had a “Safer at Home” order been issued. It was very quickly apparent, however, that COVID-19 would be a factor in the planning and implementation of overnight camps, day camps or summer classes. Most of the camps, when contacted, assured us (enthusiastically) that they had plans to go forward with sessions, albeit with an eye towards heightened hygiene practices. Many camps already have a COVID-19 landing page or coronavirus updates on their websites and advise that parents track news on future camp plans on those websites. Other camp directors said that any parents who signed their children up for camps would be receiving notifications of any changes as they happen. A couple of places let us know that they were prepared to have virtual or online versions of summer sessions as well. All camps listed here have said that “yes,” for now, they are planning to have camp this summer, but have emphasized checking their websites for updates.

Overnight camps

Boy Scouts of America 2333 Scout Way, 90026 213-413-4400 glaacbsa.org Catalina Island Camps 707 W. Woodbury Rd., #F Altadena, 91001 626-296-4040 catalinaislandcamps.com Camp Hollywoodland 3200 Canyon Dr., 90068 323-467-7193 camp.hollywoodland @lacity.org laparks.org/camp/camp-hollywoodland Camp JCA Shalom Shalom Institute 8955 Gold Creek Rd. Sylmar, 91342 818-889-5500 campjcashalom.com Camp Osito Rancho 1801 Camp Osito Rd. Big Bear Lake, 92315 213-213-0123 ositocamp@girlscoutsla.org girlscoutsla.org Camp Ramah 385 Fairview Rd. Ojai, 93023 310-476-8571 ramah.org

Gold Arrow Camp P.O. Box 155 Lakeshore, 93634 800-554-2267 goldarrowcamp.com

Griffith Park Boys Camp 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., 90027; 323-664-0571 gp.boyscamp@lacity.org laparks.org/camp/griffithpark-boys-camp Guided Discoveries 27282 Calle Arroyo San Juan Capistrano, 92675 800-645-1423 guideddiscoveries.org Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa 38200 Bluff Lake Rd. Big Bear Lake, 92315 323-653-6772 campgilboa.org Pali Adventures 330778 Hwy 18 Running Springs, CA 92382 909-867-5743 paliadventures.com YMCA Summer Camps: Round Meadow 41011 Jenks Lake Rd. W. Angelus Oaks, 92305 Whittle 31701 Rim of the World Dr. Fawnskin, 92333 909-866-3000 ymcala.org/camp/ summer-camp

Day camps

General camps Aloha Beach Camp 30100 Pacific Coast Hwy., 90265; 818-932-4600 alohabeachcamp.com Camp Keystone 2854 Triunfo Canyon Rd. Agoura Hills, 91301; 818-889-2224 campkeystone.com Hollywood Wilshire YMCA 1553 N. Schrader, 90028 323-467-4161 ymcala.org/metro/classes/ day-camp JCamp at Westside Jewish Community Center 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., 90036 323-938-2531 jcampwestside.org Monarch Camps Los Angeles City College 855 N. Vermont Ave., 90029 213-550-5115 Los Angeles Valley College 5800 Fulton Ave., 91401 818-304-3016 monarchcamps.com Pan Pacific Day Camp 7600 Beverly Blvd., 90036 323-939-8874 panpacific.recreationcenter @lacity.org laparks.org/reccenter/ pan-pacific Silver Lake Beach Camp 4607 Prospect Ave., 90027 323-445-3790 silverlakecamps.com Silver Lake Recreation Center Day Camp 1850 W. Silver Lake Dr., 90026 323-644-3946 laparks.org/reccenter/ silver-lake

Tumbleweed Day Camp 1024 Hanley Ave., 90049 310-472-7474 tumbleweedcamp.com UCLA Recreation 2131 John R. Wooden Center 90095; 310-825-3671 recreation.ucla.edu

Art camps Art Works 660 N. Larchmont Blvd., 90004 323-463-2562 artworksstudio.org Children’s Arts Institute CCS Campus 14702 Sylvan St. Van Nuys, 91411 Westland Campus 16200 Mulholland Dr., 90049 818-780-6226 ccsteaches.org Wizard of Art 1947 Hillhurst Ave., 90027 323-661-0341 thewizardofart.com

Dance camps Sophie Dance 5867 W 3rd St., 90036 323-395-3050 3407 Glendale Blvd., 90039 213-280-8074 sophiedance.com Studio B by Sophie Dance 5770 Melrose Ave, Ste. 205, 90038 323-455-7314 sophiedancestudiob.com

Drama camps Los Angeles Drama Club Fais Do Do 5253 Adams Blvd., 90016 Lyric Theatre 520 N. La Brea Ave., 90036 Sacred Fools Theater 1078 Lillian Way, 90038 323-334-0370 losangelesdramaclub.com

Summerkids 3697 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Altadena, 91001 626-577-9979 / 626-398-1426 info@summerkids.net summerkids.net

Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Summer Arts Conservatory CSULA Bldg. 20 5151 State University Dr., 90032 818-957-1619 summerartsconservatory.com

Tom Sawyer Camps 707 W. Woodbury Rd., #F Altadena, 91001 626-794-1156 tomsawyercamps.com

Studio LOL 12434 Moorpark St. Studio City, 91604 818-660-3460 studiolol.com

Larchmont Chronicle

Buckley School 3900 Stansbury Ave. Sherman Oaks, 91423 818-783-1610 buckley.org

Garden camps

Camp Super Duper Pilgrim School 540 Commonwealth Ave., 90020; 866-309-7322 campsuperduper.com

City Seedlings 2055 W. 24th St., 90018 elizabeth @gardenschoolfoundation.org gardenschoolfoundation.org

Camp TIOH 7300 Hollywood Blvd., 90046 323-876-8330 camp.tioh.org

Discoveries Camp at Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, 91011 818-354-3418 ceconline.org/summer

Camp Wildfolk Larchmont Charter School 1265 N. Fairfax Ave., 90046 424-341-5522 campwildfolk.com

Music camps Burbank Music Academy Rock-n-Roll Camp 4107 W. Burbank Blvd. Burbank, 91505 818-845-7625 burbankmusicacademy.com Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., 90012 213-621-4548 colburnschool.edu School of Rock 7801 Beverly Blvd., 90036 323-999-1919 Fairfax.schoolofrock.com Los Angeles College of Music Summer Xperience Workshops 300 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, 91105 626-568-8850 lacm.edu

New Covenant Academy 3119 W 6th St., 90020 213-487-5437 e-nca.org Summer at Mayfield 500 Bellefontaine Pasadena, 91105 626-799-9121 mayfieldsenior.org/ summermayfield Page Academy Hancock Park 565 N. Larchmont Blvd., 90004 323-463-5118 pageacademyca.com

Campbell Hall Summer School 4533 Laurel Cyn Blvd. Studio City, 91607 818-505-2415 campbellhall.org

Pilgrim Camp Patriot 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. 90020; 213-400-8885 camppatriot.weebly.com

Center for Early Education 563 N. Alfred St., 90048 323-651-0707 centerforearlyeducation.org Got Game Summer Academy 408 S. Fairfax Ave., 90036 201 S. June St., 90004 310-975-8524 gotgamecamp.com Harvard Westlake Middle School 700 N. Faring Rd., 90077 Upper School 3700 Coldwater Canyon Studio City, 91604 818-487-6527 summer@hw.com hw.com/summerprograms

Steve and Kate’s Temple Emanuel 300 N. Clark Dr. Beverly Hills, 90211 323-205-2308 steveandkatescamp.com

Sports camps Blast Sharks Swim Camp 818-445-5188 blastswimming.org

Enterprise Farms 3919 Rigali Ave., 90039 323-665-8977 enterprisefarms.com Fitness By the Sea 1541 Palisades Dr. Pacific Palisades, 90272 310-459-2425 fitnessbythesea.com Golden State Gymnastics 1828 N. Keystone St. Burbank, 91504 818-558-1177 goldenstategym.com Got Game Sports Camp 408 S. Fairfax Ave., 90036 310-975-8524 gotgamecamp.com LA School of Gymnastics 8450 Higuera St. Culver City, 90232 310-204-1980 lagymnastics.com Learn To Surf 641 Westminster Ave., #5 Venice, 90291 310-663-2479 learntosurfla.com Marlborough Sports Camp 250 S. Rossmore Ave., 90004 323-964-8401 marlboroughsummerschool.org

Wolverine Sports Harvard Westlake 700 N. Faring Rd., 90077 3700 Coldwater Canyon

Cal State Young Writers 5151 State University Dr., 90032; 323-343-5901 calstatela.edu/lawp California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp 700 Exposition Park Dr., 90037 213-744-7444 californiasciencecenter.org/ camp Institute for Educational Advancement 569 S. Marengo Ave. Pasadena, 91101 626-403-8900 educationaladvancement.org Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles 3621 Overland Ave., 90034 310-836-3464, ext. 310 lyceela.org/summer-camp LILA Ecole du Soleil 4155 Russell Ave., 90027 323-480-4147 ecoledusoleil.com Sci–Arc 960 E. Third St., 90013 213-356-5320 sciarc.edu Summer Institute for the Gifted University of California, Los Angeles, 90095 866-303-4744 giftedstudy.org

Experience Immaculate Heart! Join Us for a Summer of Discovery

Immaculate Heart 5515 Franklin Ave., 90028 323-461-3651 immaculateheart.org/ academics/summer-school

Academics, Enrichment, & Learning Fun! CSI/Forensics Science Salsa & Ballet Folklorico Coding & Robotics Cooking Workshops Crafts & Creativity Film Making

Sewable Electronics Digital Photography Knitters & Knotters Panda Sports Swimming Writing Workshops ...and More!

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Loyola High School 1901 Venice Blvd., 90006 213-381-5121, ext. 1202 or 1207 loyolahs.edu/academic/ summer-session

Middle School Summer Program June 15 — July 10, 2020 One, Two and Four-Week Classes For Girls Entering Grades 4 - 8

Kid’s KO-R Third Street Elementary 201 S. June St., 90004 323-481-3268 kidskor.org

EST

I M

Rhodes School of Music 215 N. Larchmont Blvd. Unit C, 90004 rhodesschoolofmusic.com

Marymount High School 10643 W. Sunset Blvd., 90077 310-472-1205 mhs-la.org/academics/summer-at-marymount

Special interest camps

M A RIA

Los Angeles Opera Camp 135 N. Grand Ave., 90012 (213) 972-3157 laopera.org/community/ students/operacamp

marlboroughsummerschool.org

Studio City, 91604 818-487-6527 hw.com/summerprograms

1906

T RA

Zoo Camp Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr., 90027 323-644-4211 lazoo.org/education/zoocamp

summerschool@marlboroughschool.org

Campbell Hall Sports Camp 4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Studio City, 91607 818-505-2415 campbellhall.org

Huntington Explorers Camp 1151 Oxford Rd., 91108 explorers@huntington.org huntington.org/explorers

Marlborough Summer School 250 S. Rossmore Ave., 90004 323-964-8401

Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts 8115 W. Third St., 90048 323-655-9232 yada.org

School camps

SECTION ONE

IMM

Theatre 360 Performing Arts Camp 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena, 91103 626-577-5922 theatre360.org

APRIL 2020

U L ATA S

“Educating the Hearts & Minds of Young Women Since 1906”

5515 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028 ♥ (323) 461-3651 ♥ www.immaculateheart.org

APRIL 2020

SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS (Continued from page 11) exciting way for a child to experience a different routine.” Zoe Corwin, a Windsor Square parent of two children, Teva and Jesse, remembers how she first decided on a camp that would be best for her older child, Teva. “We learned about Camp Tawonga through a Jewish summer camp fair at Temple Israel of Hollywood,” says Corwin. “We talked to several people we

knew who had sent their children to the same camp. That was really important — to hear about the camp ethos from former campers. It was also helpful to talk to former campers who knew Teva — because they could weigh in as to whether it was a good fit for her.” A day camp One good way to figure out which type of sleep-away camp your child will enjoy is to send the child to a day camp first. “Day camps are a great way to find the type of environment

The Plymouth School NOW ENROLLING • Preschool program for children 2 to 5 ½. • Creative activities to encourage cognitive & social development including art, music, 31movement & play

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CAMP SUPERVISOR Allie Simon (far right) with friends.

your child might be successful in,” says Simon. For example, she says a child could sample a specialty camp or experience a camp that has all the classic activities offered.” Many camps offer tours so that you and your child can get a sense of the physical space before committing to weeks away from home. “Some camps even offer family camps prior to the summer session,” reveals Simon. “This is the perfect opportunity for your children to sleep in the spaces where they will be spending the summer, with the comfort of you being there with them. By the time they are ready to go themselves, they will feel confident in the physical space.” Sending a child away to sleep-away camp for the first time can be just as scary for the parent as it is for the child. But it’s the parents’ job to reassure the child that every-

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thing will be fine. “Instead of saying things like, ‘We are going to miss you so much, we won’t know what to do without you!’ try saying, ‘We will miss you very much but we know you are going to have so much fun!’” recommends Simon. Corwin remembers vividly the nerves she felt the first time she sent her daughter, Teva, to camp. “She was excited until about a week prior to heading to camp,” recalls Corwin. “Then she grew very nervous. When I finally dropped her off at the buses, she was sobbing. I still can’t shake the image of her little face in the bus window, mouthing, ‘Mom!’ with tears streaming down her cheeks. About a week into camp, I received a call to let me know that she had been crying herself to sleep at night, but that they had checked in with her, and she said missing home wasn’t affecting her ability to have fun during the day. Cut to when I picked her up three weeks later. More tears. This time, because she didn’t want to leave her new friends!” Many camps don’t allow electronic devices, so keeping in touch with your child may be a challenge. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “Set expectations for how you will communicate with your child,” recommends Simon. “The best way to keep in touch is often a simple letter. So, get them excited about writing letters! Print out pictures of their pets and let them know what is going on at home. Be prepared for your child to have so much fun as to forget to write to you!” Corwin agrees. “Both of my children came

Core College Counseling JUNIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS Have you begun searching for colleges? Are you OVERWHELMED by too many college choices? (Did you know that there are more than 4000 colleges across the US?)

How many AP classes does a student need to take to apply to a selective college? Is the FAFSA for everyone? What should I know about the Khan Academy? REDUCE YOUR ANXIETY!! Make an appointment to meet NANCI LEONARD who has been working with public and private students for 30 years! Guaranteed: Your stress will vanish! NANCI LEONARD 310-717-6752 nancitheexteacher@yahoo.com Nanci Leonard is a Certified College Counselor who has assisted thousands of students in discovering colleges that are the right “fit.” Google: Core College Counseling for more information or call 310-717-6752. Nanci has been a Brookside resident for 44 years.

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back from camp with newfound independence and a stronger sense of self… They tell us about how liberating it is to be away from their phones and to spend hours and hours outdoors.” For more information on this subject, Simon recommends the book “Homesick and Happy,” by Michael (Please turn to page 15)

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Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

SECTION ONE

SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS Sleep-away

(Continued from page 14) Thompson, PhD. The psychologist covers the idea that

YESHIVAT YAVNEH By Shoshana Zisblatt 8th Grade

The first few months of the year have been incredible at Yavneh! The calendar coincided with Adar, the Jewish month that ushers in joy. The senior class decorated the school in honor of the Purim holiday. Each hall was beautifully adorned with ways to highlight the holiday. The school also prepared a carnival for the holiday where all the students attend in costume and celebrate. Also recently, the middle school girls put on a play, and many students participated in a talent show, which featured talents varying from playing musical instruments to comedy acts. Our volleyball teams are in full volleyball season, having hosted several games in our beautiful gymnasium. We cannot wait for spring and the exciting activities that the school has planned for our next holiday, Passover. Wishing everyone health and happiness this month from Yavneh!

BUCKLEY

time away from parents helps to create more resilient and confident children. “The main findings from the book are that summer camps provide opportunities for children to develop skills like self-esteem, independence, character and happiness,” says Simon. “This is a fantastic resource for parents who are anxious about sending their children away to camp.” Corwin’s first-hand parental experience seems to prove the point. “There’s something so empowering for young people to be free from their parents, technology, city noise and buzz — and to simply goof around with kids their own age and connect with the great outdoors.” And as for Teva? “She went back every year until she ‘aged’ out.”

CAMPER Teva Corwin in Yosemite.

Design Immersion Days

By Jasper Gough 10th Grade All of our planned events may change due to coronavirus. Buckley School is closed until the end of Spring Break on April 13th. So far all students will be taking their classes remotely each day starting at 8:45AM and ending at 2:15PM. Due to coronavirus, all upcoming robotics meets, sports games and the Upper School’s trip to the Iowa Writers Workshop have been canceled. Some 11th Graders will take their ACTs off-campus on April 4. On the 17th, the Upper School and Middle School will attend an assembly where the school board will present students with awards for their artistic achievements. The 4th graders are scheduled to attend a trip to San Francisco April 21 to 23. The day after, there will be an all-school assembly to remember the Armenian Genocide, and later that night and throughout the weekend, there will be a dance recital for the Upper School dance class that runs twice; once on Saturday and once on Sunday. The boy’s baseball team will. resume their season at the end of the month. Lastly, from April 27 to 30 the Lower School will have ERB testing.

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SECTION ONE

APRIL 2020

Larchmont Chronicle

Decathlon team at CKS wins

The Junior High Academic Decathlon team at Christ the King School (CKS) is celebrating wins at two competitions early this year. In February, the junior high students competed in a local competition hosted at Cathedral High School, where 23 Catholic schools participated in the Academic Quiz Bowl. At that event, the Christ the King

team placed 1st overall, as well as placing 1st in Logic and 1st in Super Quiz categories. Advancing to the next stage, CKS students traveled on March 1 to the Walter Pyramid at California State University Long Beach to compete against 93 other schools. In the end, the team took 4th place overall, and placed 2nd in Super Quiz and 9th in Logic categories.

Left: DECATHLON team from Christ the King School celebrates a 4th place win on March 1. Back row, from left, Curtis Won, Ryan Won, Joel Lee, Sebastian Alora, Alexander Binder; front row, from left, Jon Christopher Edmalin, Brooke Lee, Neil Kim, Wynter Williams, Scarlett Gonsalves; pictured with head coach Jonathan Bautista. Literature, Sebastian Alora placed 3rd in Science, Ryan Won placed 3rd in Current Events, and Brooke Lee placed 5th in Fine Arts. Thank you so much to our dedicated coach, Mr. Bautista, our principal, Mrs. Anderson, our 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Chung, and to all of the teachers who supported the team. Throughout the month, CKS students participated in some fun field trips. Our 2nd and 3rd grade classes had a wonderful day exploring the La Brea Tar Pits, and our 5th and 6th grade classes had a memorable visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. On February 15, Christ the King Church held a St. Valentine’s Dinner Dance, which was enjoyed by parents, parishioners, and friends. On Ash Wednesday, students participated in a special Mass to mark the beginning of the Lenten season.

CHRIST THE KING By Scarlett Gonsalves 7th Grade

This winter has been an exciting time full of fun events here at Christ the King School, including a great accomplishment by our Junior High Academic Decathlon team. On Feb. 1 our young decathletes, competing in the Academic Quiz Bowl against 23 other schools in the Archdiocese, placed 1st overall and 1st in the Logic and Super Quiz team events. In the eight individual subjects, our students worked hard and did an amazing job. Alexander Binder placed 1st in Social Studies, Joel Lee placed 1st in Math, J.C. Edmalin placed 2nd in English, Scarlett Gonsalves placed 2nd in Religion, Neil Kim placed 2nd in

MARLBOROUGH By Avery Gough 8th Grade

This month was supposed to be extremely exciting, but it took a drastic turn. Marlborough school went online on Friday the 13th and the school implemented remote learning for all students. Our remote learning day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2:15 p.m. depending on your schedule. It runs Monday through Friday. We are using either Google hangouts or Zoom videoconferencing to be able to still be face to face with your class and teacher. We also will be taking open book tests depending what class was scheduled to take it during the leave of absence. This makes the transition from

a classroom to remote learning a much easier experience. Marlborough is planning to reopen on April 13th and after spring break I am eager to return to school Before we went online, the play “The Wolves” had a great run, and then was cancelled before the last show on Saturday, March 14. The Juniors’ SATs were also cancelled and not held at Marlborough to limit the amount of contact people had with each other. It was very important to create social distancing to try to ward off the virus. We were forced to take online classes due to the growing safety issues that the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic caused. Marlborough wanted to take all the necessary precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to Marlborough students and our families. Please be safe and have a great spring break, I am optimistic to see everyone back at school.

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Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

OLYMPIC DIVISION

Senior Lead Officer Dave Cordova

Senior Lead Officer Joseph Pelayo

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Mayor Eric Garcetti, during his evening update press conferences, has encouraged Angelenos to donate blood. Check your local television news station or visit facebook. com/MayorOfLA/. Because health care providers are severely low on blood supplies, blood drives are being held at Los Angeles Police Dept. Olympic Division, 1130 S. Vermont Ave., and Southwestern Law School, 3050 Wilshire Blvd. Both drives are on Thurs., April 16. To donate blood, book a time online by visiting redcrossblood.org, click on “Donate Blood,” and then “Find a Blood Drive,” and then a ZIP Code to find a local blood drive. The Olympic

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(Continued from page 3) Vote counts — cited here — are as of March 20. Ballots were still being counted when Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order extending the time that counties have to finalize their vote counts by 21 days to April 24 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In City Council District 10, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who had 44.40 percent (20,876 votes), will run against attorney Grace Yoo. She earned 23.59 percent (11,093 votes) in the March election. In the Board of Supervisors race for the Second District, longtime City Councilman Herb Wesson Jr. had 29.97 percent of the votes. He will be up against state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell, who received 29.13 percent of the votes.

325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 Los Angeles, California 90004 www.windsorsquare.org 157 N. Larchmont Boulevard

Coronavirus

Guidance on dealing with COVID-19, school and business closures, and supporting our local stores that can remain open is available from corona-virus.la. Check that website often, stay at home, and stay healthy!

Recent Voting

The March Presidential Primary Election in California was a month ago. The results were slow to be made final and official. In local contests, there will be several runoff elections in November, including for Council District Four, where incumbent Councilmember David Ryu will meet runner-up Nithya Raman. If you voted in person in this election, you had a different experience from past years. The Association would like to hear from you about your voting experience. How was it? Is it an improvement — or not — over the more localized method? Did it feel secure to you? Was it easy? Let us know your thoughts, and we shall pass them on to appropriate officials. Contact us at wsinfo@ windsorsquare.org.

Tax filing

U.S. Census

(Continued from page 3)

Last month was when residents were scheduled to receive mailed invitations to participate in the decennial U.S. Census. (Participation actually is legally required; the “invitation” just offers alternative ways to participate.) If you did not receive your letter, you can learn more at 2020census.gov.

Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away

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Despite last month’s rain, meteorologists are predicting that: (a) rainfall over our winter “wet” season will be below average and (b) the snowpack in higher elevations will begin to melt sooner — leading to the distinct possibility of another very dry summer. Prepare for that unwelcome possibility by installing rain collection barrels on your gutter downspouts. You’d be surprised by how much water can be collected from even a brief rain. And for every inch of rain that falls on Los Angeles, 3.8 billion gallons of water flow to the ocean, carrying trash and road residue along with it. Let’s harvest that water. To find out where to obtain a rain barrel or two, go to the Department of Public Works (www.lacitysan.org) or Tree People (treepeople.org/rainbarrelsandtanks101) for starters. They are also widely available online. They are easy to install, not expensive—and you even may be eligible for a $35 rebate. Check SoCal WaterSmart (socalwatersmart.com/en/residential) for 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.

Blood drives are at Olympic Division, Southwest Law

POLICE BEAT WILSHIRE DIVISION

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April 15 to the new July 15 deadline without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. Taxpayers who are owed a refund are urged to file as soon as possible. In addition, everyone is eligible to request an extension to file a return. Visit irs.gov and click on the coronavirus relief link. Because the California Franchise Tax Board conforms to the same deadlines as the IRS, individuals and businesses have until the July deadline to file. Visit ftb.ca.gov and click on the COVID-19 link. Property taxes The deadline for payment of property taxes has not been extended, however. Beginning on April 11, the day after property taxes are due, people unable to pay on time for reasons related to COVID-19 may submit a request for penalty cancellation online. Visit ttc. lacounty.gov.

Division and Southwest Law School blood drives both show up under 90004, 90036 and 90020 ZIP Codes. Appointment times are in 15-minute increments. Donors should be in good health and feeling well, must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more.

Mayor Garcetti has been giving COVID-19 updates most evenings around 5:15 p.m. broadcast on nightly television news reports and / or on his Facebook page and other public access stations. Oftentimes, the reports are followed by an update by the governor.

APRIL 2020

SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

SUNDAY MARKET on Larchmont is in the center of the shopping district.

Fresh food

(Continued from page 1) latter is every Wednesday. A new at-home delivery service is also being tested, which could start soon at both locations, according to market managers. “We’re trying to get it off the ground. We have a huge population of 65 and older and just people who don’t want to leave their homes,” said Melissa Farwell, director of coordination for Calabasas-based Raw Inspi-

ration, which is running a dozen of its markets even during the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re trying to get fresh produce out there. We have access to all of these vendors, and they’re struggling too.” The farmers come from throughout Southern California, bringing fruits and vegetables, packaged meats and fish, prepared foods and baked breads. Essential business, new rules Farmers markets are considered an “essential facil-

ity,” like a grocery store, by government agencies. So, in this national emergency, they are allowed to continue, with some caveats. Trying the hummus is verboten under the new rules, which are designed to keep people moving and not standing in line. So, no sampling, and no touching the merchandise except for products you intend to buy. The idea is for the customers to load up on groceries, and then go. Stand six-feet apart.

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HEADS OF CAULIFLOWER and a bountiful harvest of fresh foods are on display on Larchmont every Sunday.

No hugging or shaking hands. Seating has been removed. Musicians and other performers, crafters and petting zoos are on-site no more. It might sound a bit bleak, but these are the times in which we find ourselves. These and more changes are in place to keep the farmers market area safe and clean for everyone, said Farwell. “We bring healthy produce and foods directly to the consumer. That is needed at this time, more than ever. “With access to foods being more and more limited across Southern California, we are here for you,” she added. Sundays, Wednesdays The Larchmont Farmers Market takes place on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Larchmont Blvd., in the city parking lot between Beverly Blvd. and First St. The Miracle Mile Farmers Market meets on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Courtyard Place, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., between Curson and Masselin avenues. More new rules The market operator described to us the other immediate changes made last month in response to the coronavirus: — Vendors must use gloves and have hand washing stations or use hand sanitizer. — Vendors and patrons must avoid touching their faces, noses and mouths (especially after handling money).

— Each vendor will display signs asking the public not to pick up and handle the product, to only touch what one is going to buy. — Signs will be posted throughout the market encouraging and reminding customers about social distancing. — The layouts at each of the markets have been opened up to accommodate social distancing practices. —Patrons are reminded to wash their purchases when they get them home. And, of course, any vendor or customer who is sick should remain at home and not come to the farmers market. Weekly market benefits Farwell summed up some of the advantages of shopping at these weekly markets: — They are low risk, open-air environments that easily allow for six-foot social distancing. — Sunlight provides a powerful, natural disinfectant and a positive exposure to Vitamin D. — Food directly traveling from the farm is handled at a much lower rate than in commercial systems. Most farmers market items are harvested and packed by only a few people within 100 miles or less, whereas brick and mortar grocery stores often import internationally, tend to have a multitude of persons and places involved in product handling and packaging, utilize wide distribution networks and have multiple transit points.

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Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

COUNCILMEMBER David Ryu conducted a community meeting from Marlborough School by telephone.

Sunday market (Continued from page 1)

restricting gatherings of more than 50 people, Councilmember David Ryu’s office changed the meeting scheduled at Marlborough School for Saturday, March 14, to a smaller, telephone call-in format. The bottom line: the representative of the Sunday farmers market, who was in attendance at the school, said that the market is not leaving Larchmont and that the small playground in the parking lot will not prevent the market also operating in the lot. The initial speakers, in addition to Councilmember Ryu, were Melissa Farwell of Raw Inspiration, the company that owns and operates the farmers market, and Craig Raines, landscape architect for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP). Later in the meeting, a statement from playground opponent Gary Gilbert was read, as well as a statement of opposition from Heather Duffy Boylston, representing the Larchmont Village Business Improvement District (BID). Larry Guzin, president of the Windsor Square Association (WSA), Caroline Labiner Moser, president of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Coun-

GARY GILBERT’S statement opposing the playground was read over the speakerphone by Bill Simon.

cil, and John Winther, president of the Larchmont Boulevard Association, all spoke in favor. Social distancing The meeting, which originally was to be held for a potentially large crowd in the Marlborough gymnasium, was converted on the preceding Thursday evening to a call-in meeting in response to Mayor Garcetti’s COVID-19 social distancing decree. About 10 members of the public arrived for the meeting, and approximately 80 to 100 other people participated by telephone, according to the councilmember’s office. Teleconferencing attendees were also invited to e-mail questions (in real time) to Rob Fisher, field deputy for District 4. Approximately 57 such questions were asked and answered at the meeting. Meeting’s purpose At the outset, Ryu explained that the purpose of the meeting was to reaffirm that the Sunday market is not leaving Larchmont and to inform the public about the playground, including design features, materials, dimensions and construction timelines, and to answer questions. Ryu made it clear that the purpose of the meeting was not to “have a vote.” In what became a continuous refrain throughout the twohour-long meeting, the councilmember, as well as the mar-

WINDSOR SQUARE Association president Larry Guzin recites his group’s support for the playground and market.

ket’s representative, reinforced that “the farmers’ market is not

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GWNC PRESIDENT Caroline Labiner Moser prepares to give brief remarks.

leaving.” He explained that six parking spaces would be used (Please turn to page 22)

MERCHANT GROUP president, John Winther, of the Larchmont Boulevard Association, repeats the merchants’ support for both the market and the playground.

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SUNDAY FARMERS MARKET director of coordination and development Melissa Farwell uses the speakerphone at the telephonic meeting to reiterate that the market stays on Larchmont.

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SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

Families at home (Continued from page 1)

First, a co-op idea What happened next, by my personal account and from others with whom I have spoken, was a flurry of text exchanges attempting to plan some sort of group learning situation. An initial concept was a co-op of sorts, to handle small groups of children at a time, engaging them in lessons and projects. It seemed somewhat manageable; it would be child rearing and schooling by community. Then, as more and more parents became educated throughout the day on the tenets of social distancing, all such conversations came to a halt. Social gatherings and play dates with other children (families) do not adhere to social distancing standards. And so, parents of young, schoolaged children are on their own during this isolating time. Anecdotally, schools are varied in what they prepared and on what they are suggesting for remote learning. Many supplied packets with worksheets to be completed and supplemental on-line learning tools. Some, as I write this on March 19, were still working out a plan. An informal poll All of this confusion got us here at the Larchmont Chronicle wondering, how will families fill the educational and social needs of their children during this time? We polled a few local families, asking the following four questions: 1) What are the names, ages, and grades of your children? 2) How are you structuring your days? 3) What

ELLA WOLOVITCH, Larchmont Charter, does school work remotely in her family’s kitchen.

remote learning strategies are you employing, and what (if any) materials/resources did the school provide? 4) How are YOU coping (as parents)? Here are some of the replies we received: Nona Friedman, of Ridgewood-Wilton, wrote: 1) Ella Wolovitch, 4th grade and Kayla Wolovitch, 8th grade — both at Larchmont Charter. 2) We have a schedule hung on the wall with schoolwork that needs to be done during the day and before any looking at screens for entertainment. 3) Ella’s school is in the process of setting up a remote learning platform. Work has initially started with the teacher sending weekly PDF files for Ella to complete. I’ve added a spelling test to her weekly assignments that they do in school. But I’m a terrible and unreasonable mother for doing that! Kayla’s school/campus is already on line. She’s been FaceTiming with friends

during the day and doing all of the homework assigned daily. It’s kind of a lot so far. Hope it mellows out a bit. 4) I am coping okay. It’s only been a few days. Ella is already getting a little stir crazy. I keep trying to tell her it’s a marathon and not a sprint. Please try and pace yourself. We’ll see how long it goes. Hoping, praying they go back to school after spring break, but not so sure that will happen with what the Governor said yesterday [March18]. We’ve also been having Internet speed issues with the entire neighborhood being on line, which doesn’t make things any easier. Heather Kampf, who resides in Sycamore Square, wrote: 1) Sabrina, 3rd Street Elementary; Abigail, GALA. 2) We attempted an hourly schedule including academic time, creative time, free screen time, chore time, etc. But learned after two days that we (Please turn to page 21)

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KAYLA WOLOVITCH, Larchmont Charter, FaceTiming with classmates from her bedroom desk.

Merry Norris

Feb. 26, 1940 – March 16, 2020

Merry Norris, 80, passed away peacefully on March 16 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, after developing complications from pneumonia. Norris was born in Rochester, N.Y. to Eleanor and Colonel F. Gordon Wright (RFC/RAF). They moved to California in 1946. She graduated from San Marino High School and attended the University of California at Berkeley. She later received a Professional Designation in Interior Design from UCLA. For more than 40 years, Norris was an art consultant to corporations, public institutions, and private collectors. These include the West Hollywood Public Library, the Andaz Hotel, UCLA, Los Angeles Center Studios, Los Angeles Central Library, and Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center. A lifelong arts and architecture advocate, Norris dedicated her career to the cultural and built environment of Los Angeles. She was instrumental in the founding and funding of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). She later was appointed president of the Cultural Affairs Commission for the City of Los Angeles (1984MERRY NORRIS 1990) by Mayor Tom Bradley. As Photo by John Russo president, she fervently led the commission to require high standards of architectural design for public and private buildings. She also was part of the taskforce that established the City of Los Angeles “percent for art” program. As Executive Director of the Gateway/LA Business Improvement District (1998-2001), Norris was a key part of the team that brought the now iconic LAX Gateway pylons (Paul Tzanetopoulos, artist) to life. Norris was appointed to the board of trustees of the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in 1987, where she served for over 30 years. She was a Founding Trustee for the Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA), as well as a board member of: Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE), Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery Associates, Project Restore (Los Angeles City Hall) and the Los Angeles Conservancy. She also served on the board of advisors of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Design. In 1990, Norris became an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA/LA). In 1995, she was the first person to be elected as a Public Member to the AIA chapter’s board of directors; she served for 14 years. In 2011, Norris was named an AIA/LA Presidential Honoree, the first designee as Design Advocate “in recognition for being a sublime design champion and public arts maverick.” Norris was known for her head-turning style, fabulous white hair, irreverent wit, and contagious passion for leading-edge art and architecture. She had a remarkable eye for discerning and promoting emerging artists and architects, and she built an unparalleled collection of works by California contemporary artists, displayed magnificently at her home. She is survived by her two sisters, Barbara Crane (New Jersey) and Jonatha Dorman (England), three children, Jill Bauman, James Wiester and Joni Martino, and six grandchildren, Isabelle Bauman, James Bauman, Maiya Wiester, Nina Wiester, Ellie Martino and Christina Martino. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to the Merry Norris Scholarship Fund at SCI-Arc (www.sciarc. edu) and/or to the Merry Norris Creativity Fund at ImagineLA (www.imaginela.org). Adv.

Larchmont Chronicle

APRIL 2020

Families at home (Continued from page 20)

really only need a to-do list with those activities, and it’s much more relaxed for everyone to be able to get the tasks done by the end of the day, rather than by a specific hour. Also, both girls now have to navigate around scheduled virtual classes (Abbie for school and dance and Sabrina just for dance). 3) GALA teachers use Schoology to communicate ongoing assignments, and teachers are using Zoom to schedule virtual class time (Abbie had a two-hour Zoom class today, covering English and History). For Sabrina, we are working on the physical packets, but since what was sent home for two weeks already is complete in three days, we are also using Kahn Academy online, PBS, etc. We are also using FaceTime and Houseparty to keep the girls interacting with their friends. 4) [How are we coping?] I don’t know ... I’m trying to remember to worry only about the things I can control and let go of what I can’t. I’m trying to focus on the fact that luckily my family is healthy and if we have to be stuck home, we have a pretty great home with plenty of indoor and outdoor space to move around in. I’m not too worried about Abbie falling behind academically, because GALA is pretty on top of it. But I do worry about

Meals on Wheels (Continued from page 8)

had to cancel at least two funddraisers. To meet the anticipated demand for meals, as well as to fulfill social distancing protocols, the organization has expanded its hours. In addition, Project Angel Food will be ramping up its frozen meal production. It has ordered 20,000 shelf-stable meals, so that each client has a backup of three weeks of additional meals. So, it’s not only volunteers that are needed. Funds are needed as well. At least 62 percent of Project Angel Food’s clients are over the age of 60, and all of those who receive meals either have a life-threatening illness or are a dependent of the person receiving meals. Because Project Angel Food was founded during the AIDS crisis to serve the seriously ill, it already has stringent cleaning protocols in place for the safety of volunteers and clients. However, Ayoub says, the staff is now increasing the frequency of cleaning and also is disinfecting the workplaces outside of the kitchen. To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit angelfood.org/covid19.

SABRINA KAMPF, a second grader at Third Street Elementary, takes an online (via Zoom) Sophie Dance class.

JACK LISTON, left, and brother Van are St. Brendan students studying from home.

the fact that she JUST got on pointe in ballet, and now doesn’t have real access to her teachers. It’s a precarious time in an extracurricular activity that she takes quite seriously, but maybe doesn’t have the know-how to conduct selfpractice. I don’t worry about Sabrina’s extracurricular activities, but I DO worry a little about her, academically. I don’t think her teacher provided enough material for two weeks, let alone

the more likely longer duration of time that schools will be closed. I really feel the pressure of not letting this turn into a five-month-long summer vacation. I understand that in the scheme of things, it’s only 2nd grade ... thankfully so. The biggest problem is that my husband is self-employed and his whole ability to conduct business has been shut down — no one is taking acting classes or looking at scripts

SECTION ONE

right now, and we were a day away from a signed project in Serbia. We also had other projects underway in Puerto Rico, when they shut down all nonessential business there. Alexandra Liston, of Larchmont Village, wrote: 1) Jack, 5th grade, and Van, 2nd grade (both at St. Brendan). 2) Trying to structure with most of the homework done in the morning since motivation devolves as day progresses. Fifth grader is self-motivated, tech savvy and self-starting. He has a one-to-two hour class on Google classroom each day and assignments to complete in every subject. I don’t do much of anything — he does it all on his own. He also has hobbies like coin collecting and playing basketball, so he keeps busy the rest of the day. Second grader is like I am homeschooling completely. Teacher is great and is posting assignments and links to workbooks on Google classroom (and is also available twice a week for online inter-

active Q&A), but I have to walk him through all of it. No electronics until it’s all done — that’s the only way I can get him to do it in big chunks instead of in fits and starts. But the material is easy so it’s totally manageable for me. 3) Remote learning: above. 4) [Coping?] I’m fine. Survival mode is actually one of my strong suits — but I feel like I am cooking constantly — especially because I also have my 90+year-old parents to take care of. Leaving house only as necessary — very little. We all play a lot of basketball in the backyard to break the day up. I’ve been springcleaning. Write to us By the time you receive this issue of the Chronicle, another two weeks of childrenat-home will have passed. If you would like to send us your own answers to our informal poll about what you and your children are doing while staying “safer at home,” we would like to hear from you. Write to: caroline@larchmontchronicle.com.

Interest-free loans are in high demand during pandemic The response to the Jewish Free Loan Association’s (JFLA) call-out to help people affected by COVID-19 with interest-free loans up to $10,000 has been overwhelming, says Rachel Grose, executive director at JFLA. She estimates they have had about 150 percent more requests than average, most from either small businesses or people who need food. Applying for a loan Applicants do not need to be Jewish to apply for the loan. They do need to be a U.S.

citizen with a social security number, a resident of Los Angeles or Ventura counties, at least 18 years old, have a stateissued California I.D., and have a steady source of income or be a full-time student seeking a student loan. Applicants also should have one or two guarantors to secure the loan. If you want to help Grose says that, with such need being demonstrated, they are also looking for donors to help meet that need.

Councilman David Ryu just allocated $1 million in dis-

cretionary funds to JFLA. For more information, visit jfla.org.

Olympia sets up tents, protection Screening tents have been set up outside the Olympia Medical Center Emergency Room. The hospital, in order to help control the spread of respiratory illness such as COVID-19, is no longer allowing family and friends to visit patients except during end-oflife situations. Staff and visitors must be

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screened for symptoms of fever or respiratory illness (cough, fever, shortness of breath) before entering the facility. If you have symptoms, stay home and call your doctor before going to the emergency room, according to Annette Ranola, Emergency Room Director at Olympia.

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Larchmont Chronicle

‘Happy Birthday,’ Sondheim; Should we ‘Send in the Clowns’?

By Louis Fantasia Sunday, March 22, was Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday. I am sure that Mr. Sondheim celebrated with a few friends and colleagues — imagine being on that A-list — but the big celebrations for the nonagenarian icon of the American musical theatre were cancelled due to the coronavirus. In Los Angeles that meant cancelling productions of “Passion” (1994; Boston Court), “Assassins” (1990; East-West Players), “Sweeney Todd” (1979; A Noise Within), and the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s concert presentation of “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984), among others. Ivo van Hove’s revisionist Broadway revival of “West Side Story” is dark, as is a New York production of a gender-flipped “Company” (1970) that was scheduled to preview on Mr. Sondheim’s birthday. These, and hundreds of productions large and small across the country (including “Into the Woods” at a friend’s son’s school), have cost the composer/lyricist an enormous amount of money in royalties. Mr. Sondheim can absorb the financial hit. Most of the theatres, schools and orchestras that planned performances cannot. The shutdown has devastated the American and international theatrical landscape. Major institutions with deep pockets (such as the Phil or the Center Theatre Group) can probably weather the

storm until next fall. But if major donors are taking 20% losses in the stock market, their long-term giving is affected, and therefore strategic planning and programming eventually become problematic, with hard artistic and economic choices looming in the distance like icebergs. For smaller theatres (musical groups, dance troupes, and the like), the damage is more violent, immediate and irreparable. Box office revenue is critical, cash flow crucial and safety nets non-existent. I must have a dozen emails in my inbox from theatres doing GoFundMe campaigns to make ends meet. Individual artists are worse off. There are long-term implications for how we enjoy the arts. The social distancing we are doing now will permanently alter how we approach social engagements in the future: health? telemedicine; education? online classes; movies? streaming; shopping, dining? all online, delivered to our doors. A play or ballet or concert? Okay, if the production is big enough to fund taping or streaming. Most companies are not. Some of the “virtual” performing arts will come back to “reality” when this is over. Many artists and arts organizations will not. While the impact on the arts and artists will be brutal, the impact on the rest of us, on the community, will be worse. Not only from the aesthetic void of life in a city — a world,

without an artist pulse — but also on the economic void that this creates. In 2018, the National Endowment for the Arts calculated that the arts contributed more than $760 billion to the U.S. economy — more than agriculture or airlines. The arts employ 4.9 million workers, who earn (granted, sporadically) $370 billion. The non-profit Americans for the Arts calculated that every $100,000 spent by arts orga-

nizations nationwide (on sets, props, costumes, rehearsal spaces, programs, talent, electricity for lighting, taxes, etc.) generates, on average, 3.46 jobs, $82,084 in household income, $3,819 in local taxes, and $4,656 in state revenues (“Arts & Economic Prosperity IV,” 2012; www.americansforthearts.org). The math becomes simple: 0 x $100,000 = 0. No arts spending, no jobs, no household income, no tax revenues, and

so on. What Sondheim tune would you like to listen to while you contemplate that abyss? “I’m Still Here”? “Send in the Clowns”? Or maybe just “Being Alive”? Happy birthday, Mr. Sondheim. Writer-director Louis Fantasia was the cohost of “Theatre Talk” on KCRW for several years and is the author of “Tragedy in the Age of Oprah: Essays on Five Great Plays” and other works. He lives in Windsor Square.

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for the playground, but that the depicted vehicle loading space would remain available for market tents on Sundays. Ryu and Farwell assured attendees that the reduced footprint would not jeopardize the Farmers market. Ryu acknowledged the 1,600+ signatures (approximately 2,200 as of our subsequent press deadline) gathered on a Change.org petition supporting the market and opposing the playground, initiated by resident Gary Gilbert. In addition to echoing Ryu’s comments about the market not being impacted by the construction of the playground, the market operator, Melissa Farwell, also assured listeners that no vendors would be cut out of the equation on account of the new playground. She went on to explain that the farmers market has been looking to relocate to a bigger space on Larchmont, regardless of

RECREATION & PARKS slide distributed by CD4 staff shows other vehicle-adjacent park and playground facilities.

the playground project. “We are bursting at the seams,” Farwell explained. “We have been actively working with the Council office for some time to obtain a bigger space. We have no intention of leaving Larchmont, though. We would love to be able to provide a broader experience for our Larchmont patrons — including a seating area, children’s activities, entertainment, and new, unique vendors.” Craig Raines, landscape architect for RAP, presented PowerPoint slides and fielded questions about the playground’s dimensions, safety features, hours, and cost. Playground specs The playground will occupy approximately 1200 square feet with a six-foot steel fence mounted on “K-Rail” walls. The playground will be closed and locked from dusk until dawn every day. When asked about exhaust from cars, Raines explained that it is not atypical to have some exposure and there is much context on this matter to inform their design of the project. The estimated price tag for the project is $270,000, funded from restricted park funds (Quimby fees paid by developers) plus community donations already received. Construction will take approximately two months and was set to begin around April 1. Origin story Other frequently asked questions from the listening attendees concerned the impetus for the project and the loss of parking. Ryu explained that he was approached by indi-

viduals and a half-dozen local organizations two years ago, and he subsequently filed a Motion in City Council to recommend to RAP that it create a small playground on a corner of the parking lot and that RAP be authorized to accept community contributions to help pay for the playground. “As a councilmember, I am totally in support of green, play, and open space, so when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped on board.” The proposal for the mini playground is part of a much larger vision of the WSA to completely “green” the entire parking lot, which Ryu also supports. “If I had my wishes, the whole thing would be converted to a mini-urban park, but it’s not the time for that right now. We’re starting with this pilot project, and we’ll see how it is received.” Ulterior motive? When asked whether the playground was proposed to prevent a cannabis retailer from opening on the Boulevard, Ryu pointed out that some people might have viewed it as such, or at least as an ancillary benefit, but that it is unclear whether the existence of the playground will necessarily prevent a cannabis shop from opening on Larchmont. Parking Finally, questions of parking, unsurprisingly, were top of mind. When pressed about the loss of six parking spaces, Ryu reiterated that he is ardently in support of green — open — space and will take (Please turn to page 23)

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Compelling, complex ‘Intelligence’ is too close to home Intelligence (10/10): Two seasons, 26 episodes, 44 minutes/episode. This is a brilliant Canadian production (200709) that I happened to click onto on Netflix that bought the show in 2017. The story of the cooperation of the Vancouver Organized Crime Unit (OCU) headed by Klea Scott with drug lord Ian Tracey to achieve mutual goals won multiple awards in Canada. The acting, especially by Scott and Tracey, is incomparable, but the one who really stands out for me is Pascale Hutton who plays a gorgeous undercover operative in the last seven episodes. The script is compelling and realistic, the story adult and complex. Apparently it was cancelled by CBC because its theme of political corruption cut too close to home. According to John Doyle of Canada’s “Globe and Mail,” “The fact that it was superb TV, widely praised, was less important than fear of government criticism.” I was mesmerized by each episode and felt devastated when it suddenly ended with a scene that clearly contemplated another season. Streaming on Netflix. The Hunt (7/10): 96 minutes. R. This is an unusual Hollywood film that makes the politically correct loonies the bad guys and the “deplorables” the good guys. Unfortunately, while it is abundantly violent, it is also watered down. Very loosely based on the short story “The Most Dangerous Game” (aka “The Hounds of Zaroff”) by Richard Cannell in “Collier’s” on January 19, 1924, Betty Gilpin is a capturee of Hilary Swank in a vicious game of hunt and kill, but turns the tables. Despite its violence, it’s actually a feelgood film with comedic undertones when each bad guy

Sunday market (Continued from page 22)

an opportunity to procure that over the loss of parking spaces. “I see it as a tradeoff. It’s part of a larger, global need for more green space and more walkability.” What’s Next? Councilmember Ryu pledged to speak with each and every one who wants to discuss this matter. He said his office would devote time over the coming weeks to holding in-person and telephone meetings with concerned parties. This apparently was delayed because of the mayor’s subsequent “safer at home” order and the city councilmembers’ efforts to alleviate the coronavirus crisis. But, at press deadline in late March, CD 4 staff said they were setting up any requested conferences on the subject.

gets his comeuppance, unless you happen to identify with the loonies. The Way Back (7/10): 108 minutes. R. Ben Affleck stars in a biographical role about an alcoholic who is recruited to coach his old high school basketball team, which is a chronic loser. Ben’s self-destructive alcoholism dominates the movie, which is fortunate because while the scenes of his team playing are well done, one would think that they would want to show him coaching something… anything, and to spend some time on that, like director David Ansbaugh did in “Hoosiers” (1986). Instead, about all we see him doing is yelling and swearing at his players, and kicking one off the team for being four minutes late. Suddenly, voila! They are beating everyone! Nonsense; nothing he does in the movie

At the Movies with

Tony Medley would result in turning a bad team into a good team. The Whistlers (6/10): 95 minutes. NR when reviewed but I would rate it R. Not to be confused with the 1940sera radio show, this is a convoluted thriller that keeps you guessing throughout. At the expense of being trite, things are not as they appear. Director Corneliu Porumboiu’s idea was to make this kind of a noirlike movie of strong women manipulating weaker men. It’s advertised as “comedy/crime,” but I didn’t see much comedy. If it’s noir, it’s minor league noir, maybe Triple A. Although

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it apparently does exist on the island of La Gomera where the film is set, the whistling gimmick isn’t very convincing and diminishes what could have been a good story. In Romanian, English, and Spanish. The Last Thing He Wanted (3/10): 115 minutes. R. If you can figure out what the heck is going on in this convoluted, jumpy, incoherent effort, you’re a better man than I am, Gunga. Anne Hathaway is an ambitious reporter in 1984 who gets waylaid by her father, Willem Dafoe, to help him somehow in a shady deal in which he’s involved. It descends further into incomprehensibility jumping from one character to another (including Ben Affleck as some sort of government agent), and one disjointed episode after another as Anne travels to Costa Rica and gets involved in things that are beyond the

ken of anyone watching this terminally opaque movie. Spenser: Confidential (3/10): 111 minutes. R. Here’s a losing idea: Make a movie based on a series of 40 bestselling books by Robert Parker about a private eye (Spenser, played by Mark Wahlberg) full of beloved characters and totally change them so they are unrecognizable to the author’s legion of devoted readers, of which I am one. It’s such a bad idea that it’s no surprise that the casting stinks, the script is weak, and the story an amalgamation of formulaic platitudes. After viewing, I read Parker’s 1973 introductory novel about Spenser, “The Godwulf Manuscript,” to get rid of the bad taste this movie left. Recommended reading: “The Godwulf Manuscript” and the other 39 Spenser books by Parker.

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