LC Section One 09 2017 by Larchmont Chronicle

Larchmont Chronicle

vol. 54, no. 9

• delivered to 76,439 readers in hancock park • windsor square • fremont place • miracle mile • park la Brea • larchmont •

IN tHIS ISSUe

Los Angeles High centennial gala planned

Vacant homes on Wilton Pl. plague block

Football, post-game party October 20

Permit issues blamed

BACK TO SCHOOL. 9-24

HISTORY of Taste of Larchmont. 4

LADIES who lunch... at Pink's. 29

By Billy Taylor With 11 properties now sitting vacant on Wilton Pl., stretching two blocks from Melrose to Rosewood, local residents and business owners alike are complaining that the neighborhood is quickly deteriorating. “We have been battling the situation for months now,” says Mercedes Simonian, coowner of the Hollywood Historic Hotel, located on the corner of Melrose and Wilton. “It has been a nightmare.” According to Simonian, the vacant properties, which are slated for use in two projects to total 122 residential units, have become a breeding ground for crime. “These properties have become crack houses,” she says. “The problem is now rampant See Wilton, p 5

Music, art, food and creativity at Sept. 16 TarFest Chamber lunch Sept. 6

AT EBELL, Sissinghurst.

2-14

For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:

Music, art and gourmet food trucks will be featured at TarFest at La Brea Tar Pits Park Sat., Sept. 16 from 2 to 10 p.m. Open to all ages and free, the 15th annual event celebrates local artists, musicians and culture. The event is curated by Launch LA and Kevin Bronson of Buzzbands. la, and will also feature DJ sets, dance performances and live painting. Kids’ art-making activities will be offered with the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, Korean Cultural Center, Orchard Supply Hardware, METRO and See TarFest, p 29

Senior Outlook

Our annual section spotlighting seniors in our neighborhood will be in the October issue. Advertising deadline is Thurs., Sept. 11. Contact Pam Rudy, 323462-2241, ext. 11.

September 2017

FIRE DRILL participants enjoy their rides (this ride on Olivet) a couple of weekends prior to the Railway’s Aug. 31 reopening.

All aboard, Angels Flight Historic railway set to start Aug. 31 at $1 a ride For people downtown (DTLA!) during the waning days of summer and thereafter, the hike up and down Bunker Hill — to and from Grand Central Market and other parts of the city’s Historic Core — should now be easier. No hiking! Ride Angels Flight! Mayor Eric Garcetti was scheduled to be among the first riders on the just-refurbished Railway — on August 31, the dis- MAYOR likes AnSee Angels Flight, p 29 gels Flight Railway.

By Billy Taylor This October, Los Angeles High School will celebrate 100 years at its location at Olympic and Rimpau with “A Roman Renaissance.” The school, originally founded downtown in 1873, moved to its current, and third, location — 4650 W. Olympic Blvd. — in 1917. The weekend of events, planned for Oct. 20-21, includes a Homecoming football game with a Roman tailgate party and a celebrity gala fundraiser hailing the achievements of alumni. Kicking off the centennial celebrations, the Romans football team — 2016 Defending Division 2 City Champions — will take to Housch Field to lead the school with hope of another century of victories. Organizers say that a “spectacular” all-alumni half-time See Los Angeles High, p 2

LARCHMONT FAMILY FAIR!

Larchmont's Got Talent, children’s costume contest, rides, food trucks Reserve booths now for October 29 fair

By Suzan Filipek While the Larchmont Family Fair is Sun., Oct. 29, participants in the talent, costume

and pie-baking contests may want to start readying their game plans now. Can you sing, dance, tell jokes? Magicians, musicians and more are also welcome to audition for the “Larchmont

Has Talent” contest Sun., Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coldwell Banker South, 119 N. Larchmont Blvd. Selected contestants will perform on stage at the Oct. See Larchmont Fair, p 4

Bungalow closes after eight years; city enforcement action commenced in 2009 By Suzan Filipek In 2009, the City of Los Angeles had expected the then-new Larchmont Bungalow to open and operate as an establishment that primarily sells “food to be consumed off-premises” in accordance with its permit. It did not. Now, after years of legal battles, during which the owners sought a liquor license and a delivery service and explored a franchise, the city finally forced the supposed takeout establishment that actually opened as a sit-down restaurant to shut down. “Nobody ever thought we’d have to battle this long and this hard over this,” deputy city attorney Serena Christion said last month, as the criminal case came closer to a resolution. On Aug. 7, Los Angeles Superior Court

SHUTTERED. The Larchmont Bungalow closed its doors Aug. 1, after an eight-year-long battle with the city for operating as a restaurant without a permit.

Commissioner H. Elizabeth Harris placed the Bungalow on diversion and set the next court date for Feb. 7, 2018. “It’s an earned dismissal,” said Christion. If the BunSee Bungalow, p 30

www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!

Larchmont Chronicle

SEpTEmbEr 2017

SECTION ONE

Community Comment

Calendar

By John Welborne On the passing of the Bungalow Contrary to postings on a couple of local blogs (“Thank you Larchmont Chronicle and local residents for freeing us from the late Mr. Mizrahi’s awful hell of technically illegal, delicious breakfasts,” wrote a neighbor on NextDoor Windsor Square), this newspaper deserves no credit for the former Larchmont Bungalow finally shutting down. It was the City of Los Angeles that sought enforcement of its laws that govern all establishments on commercial Larchmont. “Enforce adopted laws?” Well, to that, the Chronicle does say “bravo.” However, we do wonder what is the lesson here. Is it: “Don’t break the law in Los Angeles; it will be enforced; you may be prosecuted.” Or is it: “If you open a restaurant and lose your required Certificate of Occupancy, you can continue to operate your illegal business profitably for eight years, and your only extra expense will be your legal fees and about $3,600 to reimburse city photocopy and similar costs.” Is that the lesson? Regardless, we do thank City Attorney Mike Feuer and his staff for bringing this matter to a close at last. We also hope he and they can prosecute other enforcement actions more quickly.

Mon., Sept. 4 – Labor Day. Fri., Sept. 8, Sat., Sept. 9 and Sun., Sept. 10 – Larchmont Boulevard Association Sidewalk Sale. Wed., Sept. 13 – Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting, Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., 7 p.m., greaterwilshire.org. Sat., Sept. 16 – TarFest music and art festival at La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., 2 to 10 p.m. tarfest.com. Sat., Sept. 16 – Windsor Village Block Party, 9th St. between Windsor and Victoria, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 20, Thurs., Sept. 21, and Fri., Sept. 22 – Rosh Hashanah. Thurs., Sept. 28 – Delivery of the October issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Fri., Sept. 29, Sat., Sept.

‘How do you feel about going back to school?’ That's the question inquiring photographer Jonathan Lee asked locals along Larchmont Blvd.

30 – Yom Kippur. Sun., Oct. 22 – “Larchmont Has Talent” auditions, 119 N. Larchmont Blvd., 10 to 3 p.m. Sun., Oct. 29 – Larchmont Family Fair and “Larchmont Has Talent” competition on Larchmont, noon to 6 p.m.

“I’m excited because I’m starting a new school but also a little nervous.” Willa Mosenson Larchmont Village

New Board Members and the HPHOA Annual Meeting

The Association is happy to welcome two new board members, Martin Beck and Erik Storey. Marty Beck has lived in Hancock Park since 1998 and is currently a Commercial/Industrial Real Estate Agent. Prior to real estate, Marty worked for more than 30 years in the textile business, mostly as a regional sales manager for a New York textile company. Erik Storey has lived in Hancock Park since 2004 where he and spouse Architect/Interior Designer Rodrigo Vargas are raising their 5-year-old daughter. A member of the LATC as well as the Television Academy, after 15 years as a senior executive at Comcast Universal, Erik is now an independent television producer, full-time dad and passionate LA historian. Neighbors like Marty and Erik are what makes and keeps Hancock Park a great place to live. Schools Committee Co-Chair and Board Member Joanne Medeiros is leaving Hancock Park and moving to the westside. Joanne has been the critical person in the dramatically improved relationship we now have with the administration of John Burroughs Middle School. Joanne has been tireless in working with the school to improve and beautify the school grounds, managing student drop-off and pick-up so traffic is better managed, working to manage the students so they don’t disturb their neighbors as they walk home or wait for their parents, and working with LAUSD on the upcoming JB Rebuild which will dramatically alter the campus and have a major impact on the school’s neighbors. We wish Joanne the best in her new home and thank her from the bottom of our hearts for all she’s done for Hancock Park, the staff and students at John Burroughs and for entire community. The Association’s Annual Meeting with be October 24th from 7-9 PM at 3rd Street Elementary School. If you’re a dues-paying member, you’ll be receiving a ballot for the election of the Board of Directors. Put the date on your calendar and plan to attend! There will be speakers from the City, LAPD, Councilman’s Office and other neighborhood representatives – make your concerns heard! If you plan to change your landscaping or make changes to the exterior of your house, please contact our City Planner, Kimberly Henry (kimberly.henry@lacity.org) to make sure your plans comply with our Preservation Plan. 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 (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz-initial-screening-checklist). Remember to lock your car, secure your house and, if you are the unfortunate victim of a crime, file a police report by contacting Officer Dave Cordova. Call his cell phone, 213-7930650 or send him an email, 31646@lapd.lacity.org with all the information, including your name and telephone number. Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s AntiGraffiti Request System: anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. Adv.

SOUTH VIEW of third location, with graduating class of 1940 in foreground.

Los Angeles High (Continued from page 1)

show (including NFL Super Bowl Champions) will set the mood for everyone to “get down and dance” at the postgame festivities planned in Memorial Hall. The following night, a celebrity gala fundraiser will be host-

Larchmont Chronicle Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin Publisher and Editor John H. Welborne Managing Editor Suzan Filipek Associate Editor Billy Taylor Contributing Editor Jane Gilman Advertising Director Pam Rudy Art Director Tom Hofer Classified and Circulation Manager Rachel Olivier Accounting Jill Miyamoto 606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103

Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-462-2241 larchmontchronicle.com

ed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery, conveniently named for Roman alumnus, Bruce Meyer. The event will feature “surprise performances” and a “Roman feast,” provided by Drago Ristorante. During the gala, three alumni recipients will be honored for their achievements: George Takei, the actor and social justice activist best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu on “Star Trek,” founder of the legendary Magic Castle, Milt Larsen; and Grammy Award-winning producer Gerry Brown, who is credited on over 47 platinum and gold records. Limited to 300 seats, tickets for the gala are $150 with funds supporting the arts, athletics and academic programs for Los Angeles High School students. Tickets are available at harrison-lahs.org/trust-event. For more information, contact Joyce Kleifield, executive director of The Harrison Trust at Los Angeles High School, at 323-900-4506 or harrisontrustlahs@gmail.com. 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.

“I’m ready to make important decisions about my college.” Sebastian Chavez Pilgrim School

“I’m excited for school, but I wish summer break was longer.” Kiara Frischkorn Pilgrim School

“I especially look forward to my science class.” Olivia Brancato Windsor Square

Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

BOULEVARD NEWS

New look, new sushi at Muraya

Muraya at 125 N. Larchmont Blvd. is a revamped version of its former self, California Roll and Sushi Fish. A new, but still “heavily sushi" menu, features longtime favorites and new dishes, said owner and area resident Chae Kwak. Besides the new name, the restaurant has been remodeled, and it now is serving draft beer. After 13 years on the Boulevard, (and 38 years as a resident around the corner on Gower), Kwak has jumped on the social media bandwagon as part of a marketing campaign to bring in more people and to help keep up with rising rents. While he’s relied on neighborhood patronage in the past, his former low-key business model won’t keep his restaurant afloat. Rents are up everywhere, he said, regardless of the landlord. “They’re all the same. It doesn’t matter who it is anymore.”

Fremont Library celebrates 90th By Jonathan Lee The John C. Fremont Branch Library turned 90 this year, and to celebrate, the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society visited the site and recounted to its members and others the extensive history of the surrounding neighborhoods. Speakers provided an overview of historically significant homes in the area and information on some past residents. To create this branch library

Bargains, deals at Sidewalk Sale

Bargain fashions, make-up, candles and more will be offered at the Larchmont Village Sidewalk Sale Fri., Sept. 8 to Sun., Sept. 10. Stores on Larchmont Blvd. will be displaying their merchandise, offering specials and deals at the Larchmont Boulevard Association’s semi-annual event.

in 1927, architect Merl L. Barker implemented a Mediterranean Revival design that also maintains a “missionlike” style, according to Adult Librarian Randall Hinson. The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The library recently hosted a screening of “I Was a Shoplifter.” The 1950 film noir crime movie was shot inside the Fremont Library, an indication of the branch’s long history. The building’s original acorn furniture was refurbished to maintain the original integrity of the building. “Historical furniture is such an important ingredient to what makes the library so special,” said Senior Librarian Annie Cipolla. The library will host another celebration on its 100th anniversary. Until then, its staff hopes to preserve the establishment’s unique heritage.

Real People, Real Stories

SECTION ONE

POLITICAL beat.

SeCtION ONe

COuNCIL REPORT 8 BACK TO SChOOL 9-24 AROuNd ThE TOWN 26 ON ThE MENu 28 BRIdgE MATTERS 31

SECTION TWO VIEW:

Real Estate, Entertainment Home & Garden

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Larchmont Chronicle

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‘Taste of Larchmont’ aids Hope-Net mission That’s when fate stepped in, in the form of Bruce Friedman, chairman of the board of a non-profit agency called Hope-Net. Hope-Net, which provides food distribution at local churches and temples, was looking for a fundraiser. Bruce suggested a “Taste of Larchmont,” utilizing the many eateries on the boulevard. The food establishments agreed to give out samples of their cuisine, and the event included a jazz band, dessert pavilion and chances on raffle prizes. The late KCET celebrity, Huell Howser, was named hon-

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orary chairman. Proceeds went to the Hope-Net treasury for its mission to feed the hungry. The 2017 “Taste of Larchmont” took place on Mon., Aug. 28. Hope-Net’s founding Hope-Net began in 1988 when the Mid-Wilshire Parish, a coalition of 12 churches and a temple, formed Hope-Net. The Parish members donated to the new agency and also received a grant from the Federal Emergency Manpower Agency. Food pantries were set up at eight locations and were staffed by volunteers. Some locations offered clothing, job and housing referrals as well. In 1992, the Hope-Net board expanded the mission when the members built a 17-unit housing project so that lowincome families could live in safe, affordable apartments. Sandy Boeck, Brookside, was on the board at the time. She

located empty land on West St. across from a park. Sandy, who continues her support of HopeNet as a “Taste” volunteer, said the project was quite an undertaking. “We had no idea of the amount of city, state and federal regulations,” she recalled. Today, the agency has 12 food pantries serving about 275,000 people each year. Led by locals Tom Patterson, Norton Ave., is current chairman of the board. He believes very strongly in the Hope-Net mission. “A great many people that it assists hold jobs, but struggle to provide food for their families on low-income or part-time work. Many of us are involved in or support a variety of charities, but for me the compelling draw of Hope-Net is that it is very local. The pantries are within a few miles of Larchmont Blvd., and the people Hope-Net serves are our neighbors.”

Larchmont Fair

Louise at 323-314-5718. Water attractions and new rides for kids and teens also will be at this annual Larchmont Boulevard Associationsponsored fair, and foods from around the world will be served. Korean barbecue will be offered by St. Brendan’s School, an In-N-Out Burger truck will be parked at the site, and local restaurants will be open. Schools, churches, temples

(Continued from page 1) 29 Family Fair beginning at 2:30 p.m. Local judges will award cash prizes: $500, $250 and $100 for first, second and third place, said co-chairs Betsy Malloy and Vivian Gueler. Children dressed as their favorite superheroes, princesses and other characters will be at the Halloween costume contest starting at 1 p.m. The winning chef of the piebaking contest will earn cash and those pies will be served for one month at a local restaurant. For details call Mary

COUNCILMAN David Ryu with former Hope-Net executive director Douglas Ferraro.

“Taste of Larchmont” is the key fundraiser for the organization. Past executive directors Larry Hixson, Candace Whalen and Douglas Ferraro have guided the agency during its 29-year history. Ferraro stepped down recently after 13 years, and the agency is looking forward to welcoming a new executive director. and other nonprofits, charities and organizations are encouraged to participate and have a booth at the fair. Larchmont Blvd. will be closed to traffic for the fair, which will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m. between Beverly Blvd. and First St. Email Betsy@betsymalloy. com for booth applications. Corporate sponsors can email vgueler@pacifictrustgroup.com.

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By Jane Gilman Readers of the Larchmont Chronicle were calling in frustration. “What are we going to do about the homeless? They are panhandling up and down the boulevard.” The newspaper’s publishers were aware of the problem, but not the solution. They urged readers not to give money, but a voucher for a meal at McDonalds instead. It was 1993, the 30th anniversary of the Chronicle, and the publishers (this writer and the late Dawne Goodwin) wanted to have a celebration to mark the milestone.

Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

Wilton

(Continued from page 1) with drug dealing going on in broad daylight!” In recent weeks, Simonian says that on multiple occasions half-naked men “high and out of their minds” have entered the lobby of the hotel to harass guests and staff. One night a maintenance guy approached a man loitering in the hotel’s parking lot only to have the man pull a gun on the worker. Now the hotel locks the parking lot gate at 10 p.m. each night, a real inconvenience to guests. Reason for vacancies The problem stems from the 11 bungalows, all located on the west side of Wilton, which have been left vacant by two separate developers who are both waiting to demolish the 1920s houses until they are ready to move forward with construction on their respective projects. The first project, located at 667 - 671 N. Wilton Pl., will replace two of the vacant bungalows with a five-story, 34-unit residential development. The project’s applicant Robert Assil, Syndcore Holdings, LLC, has been actively pushing the project through the planning process since Jan. 2017. The second project, located at 501 - 535 N. Wilton Pl., will replace nine of the vacant bungalows with a five-story, 88-unit residential development. The project’s applicant James Frost, Frost Chaddock Developers, LLC, first began the planning process in Jan. 2015. Demolition permits for this project were issued by the city more than a year ago (Aug. 22, 2016), leaving residents wondering why the empty bungalows have been left standing for so long. Residents are fed up “We have been having so many problems,” said Willie Guzman, a resident on the 600 block of Wilton Pl. “Sometimes I have to leave early for work, and I leave my two daughters at home. The other day, they called me crying because there was a man knocking on the door holding a knife.” Guzman says his neighbor called the police to his house a week later because she was watching a stranger in his backyard. “We’ve never had these problems before. I don’t know why the developer doesn’t just demolish these houses,” he complains. “I am sick and tired of this. And it’s not just me, the whole neighborhood feels this way.” According to longtime homeowner Hugo Duarte, who has lived on the 600 block of Wilton for the past 23 years, it all started three months ago. “I bought my house in 1994.

SeCtION ONe

Save the Date: Sunday, October 29

ELEVEN HOMES along two blocks of Wilton Pl. are vacant awaiting demolition.

This is a good neighborhood; everyone knows each other,” explains Duarte. But now, he says, he’s scared: “The situation is bad.” In recent weeks, Duarte says that the windshield of his truck has been smashed (“There was nothing in it, they broke the glass for pocket change.”) and three times he’s caught men in his backyard. “I am worried about my (Please turn to page 6)

Non-profit groups For a booth application, contact Betsy Malloy at betsy@betsymalloy.com

Business owners

Be a sponsor for this annual popular family event. Contact Vivian Gueler at vgueler@pacifictrustgroup.com FENCES that surround the properties reveal large holes, where vagrants appear to have cut access points.

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Larchmont Chronicle

SEpTEmbEr 2017

SECTION ONE

Wilton

(Continued from page 5) family,” Duarte says. “If they would just demo, we would have no complaint.” What the developers say Seeking answers, the Chronicle contacted the developers for both projects. “We are almost at the finish line,” says Robert Assil, the developer for the smaller

project on Wilton. “We are just waiting for the demolition permit to be issued.” According to Assil, he has secured his two properties with fencing and boards, but trespassers keep breaking in. “I have a guy drive by the site each day to check on the property.” In regards to the second project, which is much larger (stretching the entire length

COMING THIS OCTOBER Dr. Elham Fakhre, MD

of the block) and has been left “They have their demo pervacant much longer, informa- mits, but not their building tion was less forthcoming. permits,” she explains. A representative for Frost Duncan says that she asked Chaddock Developers, Jake La the developer’s representative Joie, confirmed that the proj- whether his company would ect is still moving forward, but move forward with the demo, he declined but “they to speak "I am sick and tired of this. signaled further on And it's not just me, the whole they were the record. neighborhood feels this way." a b s o l u t e l y U n s ati s not interfied with that response, the ested in doing that” until the Chronicle turned to Council- building permit is approved. man David Ryu. At this time, Duncan says According to Ryu’s senior it’s “not feasible” for the city planning deputy Julia Dun- to force the developer to demo can, who is closely following the nine vacant properties. the situation, the delay is due “Regardless,” she says, “they to Frost Chaddock’s refusal to need to get the site cleaned act on the demolition until up. We’ve asked them to send the project’s new building per- regular maintenance crews to mits are issued. clean and secure the site.”

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A man was hospitalized Aug. 23 after he was shot during an incident in the Longwood Highlands neighborhood. Contrary to some news reports that categorized this as a “home invasion” crime, a source at the Wilshire Division police station indicates that at least one of the assailants was known by the victim and had been invited into the home in the 1100 block of S. Citrus Ave. Police reports say a woman and two men carried out the assault at around 7:50 a.m. The victim, who has not been identified, was listed at the time in serious condition.

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Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2017

SECTION ONE

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL HEART & VASCULAR CENTER: WHERE WORLD-CLASS DOCTORS CARE FOR YOUR HEART– WE BRING L.A. TO LIFE You’ll fall in love with the Good Samaritan Hospital Heart & Vascular Center. Our menu of services includes top quality diagnosis and treatment, and patient-centered care, making Good Samaritan Hospital one of the most frequented cardiovascular centers in the U.S. World renown physicians

Steven Burstein, MD Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Anil Bhandari, MD Director of Electrophysiology

Doctors who practice at Good Samaritan Hospital are independent contractors, not employees.

practicing at Good Samaritan Hospital have pioneered new approaches to cardiac care that have been adopted worldwide, and our skilled surgeons perform many procedures with minimally invasive techniques resulting in less pain and faster recoveries. It’s all part of Good Samaritan Hospital’s investment in Los Angeles and our commitment to meeting the health care needs of our growing community – today, and for years to come. Make Good Samaritan Hospital your destination for heart health. For more information and referrals to Good Samaritan Hospital cardiovascular specialists, contact us at goodsam.org or call 1-800-472-2737.

A Tradition of Caring

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2017

SECTION ONE

Olympics are coming, but loose ends need to be tied The Los Angeles City Council voted Aug. 11 to approve the City’s bid to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games. The Games could be an amazing opportunity for our city, but we have three loose ends that still need to be tied up: a reviewed new budget, renegotiated venue agreements, and an updated financial guarantee from the state. If any of these concerns is not resolved, I will push for our city to end the agreement. This contract must be executed in the best interests of our taxpayers. However, I strongly believe

Council Report by

David E. Ryu the LA28 Bid Committee will succeed in tying up these loose ends that will lead to Los Angeles once again hosting a wonderful Olympic Games. Property owners who make repairs to their sidewalks are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in rebates from the City of Los

Love is in the air Love

Angeles. Beginning Aug. 1, the City raised the reimbursement cap for both homeowners and commercial property owners who make their own sidewalk repairs. This new cap will allow more property owners to partner with the city and result in more sidewalks repaired. Visit: sidewalks.lacity.org. The City Council approved July 25 my motion to appropriate funds for the hiring of a consultant to provide analysis and recommendations for the implementation of a collegededicated Children’s Savings Account program. It’s well past

time that we start thinking outside the box to develop policies that boost college readiness, attendance and completion rates and ensure our students have a fighting chance in today’s and tomorrow’s economies. This decision represents a critical next step toward making higher education a reality for Los Angeles Unified School District children. I am excited to continue

tackling the most pressing issues in our neighborhoods as a member of the following Council committees: Health, Education, and Neighborhood Council Committee (Chair); Arts, Entertainment, Parks and River Committee (ViceChair); Public Safety Committee; Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee; and the Immigrant Affairs, Civil Rights and Equity Committee.

An Evening With The Garden Conservancy

Sissinghurst: Portrait of a Garden Join guest speaker Alexis Datta for an exciting, illustrated talk about Sissinghurst Castle Garden, one of England’s most famous landscapes. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 6:00 - 800 pm

Great Craft Beer Meets Delicious Dinner Featuring beer & food pairing expert Larry James, this Wine & Dine event will introduce you to high-end brews paired with the delicious creations of our own Chef Ron. Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 • 7:00 pm

is in the air

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Back To School Larchmont chronicLe • 2017

MUSIC AND THE ARTS: Students at Third Street Elementary and St. James’ schools, above. Below, a student from Rhodes School of Music and a budding artist at St. James’. See story page 10

alSo

on The inSide: Sports, teams School reporters School directories

12 18 20

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SepTemBer 2017

Larchmont Chronicle

Arts are thriving at schools… with teacher, parent help By Suzan Filipek Whether your child is entering public, private, or parochial school, the arts are in full swing in most of our local schools, or at least are part of the curriculum. A sculpture workshop and

violin lessons may not help get them a six-figure job down the road, but the arts can add beauty, meaning, and, well, art, to their lives. Local public school Lack of public funding has not slowed the beat in arts

Bus transportation available from Los Feliz and the San Fernando Valley

and music programs at Third Street Elementary School, 201 S. June St., where a little bit of help, actually a lot of help, comes from parents. The parents stepped up 10 years ago when $200,000-a-year was cut from

group classes, says non-Title 1 schools, composer and piasuch as Third St. nist David Rhodes (Title 1 provides of Rhodes School of financial assistance Music, 215 N. Larchto schools with a mont Blvd. Students high number of flock from even charchildren from lowters and private schools income families.) to Rhodes, where Parents raise weekly half-hour pri$275,000 annually vate classes are taught from several aveSAX player Gerald nues, mostly a Giv- B. at St. James’. to ages five and up. Learning an instruing Fund launched the beginning of each school ment boosts confidence and year, said Patricia Alexan- can improve a child’s qualder, former president of the ity of life. “Parents see the school’s booster club, Friends change,” says David. The parent-student connecof Third. Some of the money pays for tion is key, pardon the pun, a Mac Lab (with 34 new com- from the child picking the puters), a kindergarten aide, instrument they want to play physical education and more. to what they choose to play. “They won’t practice someBut a chunk of it pays for three teachers: a kindergarten thing unless it’s something arts teacher and music and they like,” Rhodes said. Alice Oh can attest to that. drama teachers. Two of her boys, Jeffrey, 9, With 700 students, a threemember arts and music fac- and David, 6, learn not only ulty doesn’t sound like much, how to play piano, they create but a little ingenuity can go a their own music. Instead of repetitiously long way. “All of the students have practicing the same piece access to all of the teachers,” over and over, they “play their learned songs once every day. explains Alexander. Students take turns in a It became a part of their lives, 12-week music program. and they are always humming Third graders play the record- tunes, in the car, while waiter and learn about rhythm ing, building legos. “I love how it calms them and movement. Fourth and fifth graders study the Orff down,” she adds, “and for Approach, which uses maracas them to hear more than just and rhythm sticks and singing a song when listening to the among its techniques. (The radio. They talk about how Los Angeles Unified School the singer’s voice sounds, the District also offers an orches- instruments involved, the tra program for fourth- and techniques, things that I don’t hear in my ears.” fifth-grade students.) The school “is a literal oasis Theater arts are taught to third through fifth grades, and in this town,” said Jennifer a production is held in the Fitzgerald, Beachwood Dr. “The teachers are happy, spring (the parents build the nurturing, inspired artists sets), said Alexander. A handful of fifth graders themselves, and their passion feeds their instruction which even take on Shakespeare. in turn feeds the students. Local private school Creativity also is in full You see it in the smiles as force at St. James’ Episcopal they leave their lessons,” says School, 625 S. St. Andrews Pl. Fitzgerald. Her daughter, Riley Grace, The 370-student, preschoolthrough-sixth grade, cam- started voice lessons at pus offers theater, visual arts, Rhodes two years ago to learn the notes by singing them music and dance. “We have lots of art options,” first, “to literally get the feel said school spokesman Andrew of them. Then we moved on to piano lessons which we are Wright. Students perform two musi- doing now but she has also cals every year, as well as some taken some drum lessons and Shakespeare, which last year is completely smitten by it so was performed along with we may begin that too!” Riley, 7, adds, “I like going some adult actors. “It was to Rhodes because everyone pretty cool,” noted Wright. Art history concepts are tied is really nice and the teachers into a weekly art class, which make up stories on the instruincludes sculpture and paint- ment and that makes it even ing. Choirs perform at Sun- more fun.” day services plus four concerts a year. Sixth graders can COVER PHOTOS on precedjoin a handbell choir, utilizing ing page, top left: “Sleeping 12 sets of bells. Beginning Beauty” at St. James’, right, “Beauty and the Beast” at and advanced band instigated Third Street — Gia Jordan under the auspices of the Col- (left), Angela Naranbaatar and burn School is going strong. Nadya Rozen; chorus at St. Local music school James’. Riley Grace FitzgerPrivate lessons make a big ald, 7, at the keyboard. Artist difference in augmenting Zoey H. at St. James’.

Larchmont Chronicle

Tutoring options for SAT and ACT tests available

By Nina Adams As the school year starts, incoming juniors and seniors will begin to think about how to get into their preferred colleges. The standardized SAT and ACT tests are required at most top-tier universities, and students need high scores to be accepted. The scores are used to assess a student's readiness to attend college. ACT and SAT are designed differently, so students have the option of two different styles of tests. The ACT has four sections: English, math, reading and science reasoning. The SAT also has four sections: reading, writing and language, math without a calculator and math with a calculator. Both tests have an optional writing section. Regardless of the test you take, preparing is a must. One-on-one and classrooms Tutoring services and private tutors include Elite Prep, Los Angeles Public Library branches, Veritas Prep, Nancy Polachek and Nanci Leonard. Many students opt for classroom plus homework tutoring centers, while others prefer one-on-one tutoring at home. Elite Prep, located on Wilshire Blvd., has a classroom setting. Students beginning a class at Elite take a practice SAT test to assess their skills, before preparing for the test. The Los Angeles Public Library “Student Smart” program offers practice SAT and ACT tests and seminars on how to prepare for college. This service is open to all high school students and is free. Veritas Prep has locations in Beverly Hills, Encino and Santa Monica and was founded by two Yale graduates. Their program offers online courses and in-person classes. The online classes are done through live video with a professor. Both of the class-style programs are offered as a twice-a-week option or a five-week option. Veritas also offers one-onone classes. Veritas’s courses range from $499 to $2,400 depending on the course style. Whether you prepare online or in class, tutoring is a great way to ensure a good score on the SAT and ACT tests. Nina Adams will be a senior at Marlborough School in the fall and will serve as the coeditor-in-chief of the school newspaper.

Back-to-School

This annual edition is published each September in the Larchmont Chronicle 606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103

September 2017

bACK tO SCHOOL 2017

The Harrison Trust Presents

A Roman Renaissance

Los Angeles High School Centennial

Celebrate LA High’s 100th year located at Olympic & Rimpau Hail! Hail! To LA High; Noble and strong. Thy colors blue and white Call forth our song. With praises ringing, true, Loyal hearts we bring. Hail! Hail! To LA High.

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323.465.1320 | 1233 N. McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038 info@hshla.org | hshla.org

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New principal seeks to promote positive image By Billy Taylor As students at Los Angeles High School returned from summer break, they found a new principal on campus. Travis D. Brandy, Ed.D., was tapped by the Los Angeles Unified School District to head the 2,178-student cam-

pus, where he has replaced outgoing principal Helena Yoon-Fontamillas. Originally from San Diego, Brandy earned a doctoral degree in education at Pepperdine University and has previously served as assistant principal at Hollywood High

School and, most recently, as the principal at The Incubator School in Playa Del Rey. “My goal is to rebrand and promote a more positive image of Los Angeles High School and highlight our community partnerships,” Brandy told the Larchmont Chronicle.

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“We have some great programs for students and I am intent on bringing more.” According to Brandy, he is committed to creating a learning environment that is reflective of innovation and technology, with personalized learning that focuses on the whole child. Visit lahigh.org for more information.

Travis D. Brandy, Ed.D.

AYSO soccer starts this month for boys and girls

Coed flag football begins at Pan Pacific

Hollywood Wilshire soccer, part of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), is starting up its fall 2017 season this month, which will run through early December. The league has teams for girls and boys ages four to 18. Hollywood Wilshire, Region 78, plays and practices at Pan Pacific Recreation Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd., as well as other playing fields around the area. Registration for the league closed Aug. 31, but according to Kurt Muller, the regional commissioner for Hollywood Wilshire, “As long as we have enough fields and volunteer coaches / referees, we’ll do our best to accept as many kids as possible.” He noted further that they have around 1,000 youth soccer players signed up through the league annually. The league is an all-volunteer organization, and almost all the coaches and referees are parents of players. If you would like to learn more about game dates and times, or future opportunities for registration or volunteering, email ayso78registrar@ gmail.com.

Muppets to make live-show debut at the Bowl

TOURS AND INFORMATION SESSIONS PRESCHOOL - MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADE 8) Our graduates are confident, resilient, globally aware, and prepared to succeed in an increasingly changing and interconnected world. Schedule your visit online:

www.turningpointschool.org/visit Located in the

M of Culver City | (310) 841-2505

By Jonathan Lee The Muppets’ first fulllength live show, including performances by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, will be held on Fri., Sat., and Sun., Sept. 8, 9, and 10 at the Hollywood Bowl. The event, titled “The Muppets Take the Bowl,” will feature iconic Muppets characters like Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, who will dance and perform comedic sketches, alongside celebrity appearances and classic songs performed by the orchestra. The Muppets’ live-show debut will conclude with a fireworks display. The Sept. 8 and 9 shows will start at 8 p.m., and the Sept. 10 show at 7:30 p.m. Visit hollywoodbowl. com for more information.

Signups for coed flag football for kids ages 6 to 12 are now available at Pan Pacific Recreation Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd. Opening day is Sat., Sept. 30. There are three divisions: Pee Wee for those born between 2008 and 2010, Minors for those born between 2006 and 2007, and Majors for those born from 2004 to 2005. Evaluation dates for those in the Minor and Major age groups are Sat., Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. or Wed., Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. There is no evaluation necessary for those in the Pee Wee group. Practices begin the week of Sept. 18, with each team’s coach determining practice dates and times. Cost is $120, which includes uniform, game fees, trophy and staff. Volunteer coaches are still needed. For more information, call 323-939-8874 or go to laparks.org.

Dinosaur festival at NHMLA Celebrate dinosaurs and learn about the pre-historic past at the second annual Dino Fest at the Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Sat., Sept. 23 and Sun., Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paleontologists will be onsite to answer questions. There will be hands-on activities, interactive experiences, and dig pits. This year, the highlight of the event will be a candidate for official state dinosaur Augustynolophus morrisi. For more information, call 213-763-3499 or go to nhm.org.

Teen Advisory Board applications sought

The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust is accepting applications for its 201718 Teen Advisory Board. The Board consists of Los Angeles high school students who work with Holocaust survivor mentors and various museum projects throughout the school year. Contact Rachel @lamoth. org, or call 323-456-5085.

Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

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IMMACULATE HEART

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TEAMMATES take a break after competing in Cooperstown.

Wilshire Warriors' two teams return from Cooperstown Wilshire Warriors sent two teams to Cooperstown this summer. The 12U Blue team finished 18th out of more than 100 teams. The kids competed with teams from all over the country in Cooperstown, New York. They visited the historic

Baseball Hall of Fame and each player was inducted into the Youth Baseball Hall of Fame as competitors. “It was an amazing experience for the boys and the culmination of six years together as teammates,” said parent Heather Duffy Boylston.

Batter up! Wildcats girls' fall softball season set to start Wildcats girls’ softball begins its season the weekend of Sat., Sept. 16. Games are played on weekends at Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 4959 Lemon Grove Ave., and Queen Anne Recreation Center, 1240 West Blvd. The Wildcats are part of the Wilshire Girls Softball Association. Girls between the ages

of 5 and 14 are eligible to play in the league’s five divisions: 6 and under (6U), 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U. Last year, more than 200 girls participated. For more information and a schedule of game dates and times, email president@ wilshiresoftball.com or go to wilshiresoftball.com.

“Educating the Hearts & Minds of Young Women Since 1906” Academic Playday for Eighth Graders Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 9 a.m. Middle School Open House Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 1 p.m. High School Open House Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 1 p.m. Middle School Entrance Exam Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. High School Entrance Exam for Admission & Merit Scholarships Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.

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Laptop-friendly backpacks & eco lunchware on Blvd. By Suzan Filipek Backpacks and pencil holders in vibrant shades with emoji and outer space designs, eco-friendly “lunch pails” and innovative 3D pens are sure to please every student heading back to school this fall.

Laptop-friendly backpacks for younger kids by Ore and styles for teens by Fjällräven are among the school-oriented goods at Pickett Fences, 219 N. Larchmont. “Fjällräven is a very popular brand from Sweden that is

known for their wide assortment of colors,” adds Joane Pickett. “Super eco-friendly” finds are here too, including reusable sandwich Tupperware with matching silverware. “Most people are really be-

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ing very ecological in how they pack lunches,” said Pickett. Some of the more progressive schools even require environmentally friendly solutions. “Paper napkins are the only thing going in the trash…. We’re moving away from plastic; we’re more mindful,” notes Pickett. At Flicka, 204 N. Larchmont, find an assortment of faux fur-lined and emojiencrusted pencil holders. Backpacks come in styles for both boys and girls with mermaid themes, lions and outer space prints. “We have lots of backpacks, lunch totes, water bottles, pens, journals, pencil cases, and the very popular squishies and key chains the kids are hanging on their backpacks. “And, of course, we are already receiving shipments of back-to-school clothing,” said Flicka owner Kristen Sato. Pick up “super cute agenda books” at Landis Gifts & Stationary, 138 N. Larchmont Blvd. They come with 12- and 17-month calendars, says owner Edie Frère. “Fun pencils, journals and stationery for kids to write to parents when they spend the night at a friend’s house” are also popular. Writing could never be easier or more colorful with Le Pens, Gel Pens and a zillion colors of double-ended calligraphy pens, adds Frère. “All the art supplies you would need for school you can get here,” says Laura Sammons at Landis’ Labyrinth Classic Toy Shop. The basics include crayons, paintbrushes and building blocks, and then there are the creative options, she says, holding a unicorn-topped pen. Silly putty can be used in science experiments, and it is a great tool for fidgety kids who have trouble sitting still in class. Playing with the elastic putty can help students focus, she says. “Our arts and crafts area is full to the brim with so many exciting projects and items!” said Joanne Slaniceanu, marketing manager, Landis’ Labyrinth Toy Shops. “Also, we have a great selection of school supplies: markers, colored pencils, drawing kits, chalk markers, glue, Kumon books, coloring books, Mad Libs and so much more! “We also have high quality snack containers, insulated food jars, cool sandwich keepers and really funny sandwich bags! Our new shop, Landis’ Labyrinth Explorers, carries a wide selection of science kits. “Probably the most exciting back to school item that we carry is an amazing 3D Pen (3Doodler) — a quite magical tool! You can create 3D

SQUISHIES are soft, and well, squishy, akin to stress balls.

FUN pencil holders at Flicka.

ECO-FRIENDLY lunch totes are at Pickett Fences.

NOTEBOOKS come in all colors and styles at Landis Gifts. UNICORN pen is among creative options, Laura Sammons at Landis Labyrinth Classic Toy Shop.

3DOODLER is creating magic at Landis' Labyrinth.

objects just by drawing in the air!" The three Landis’ Labyrinth shops include the Early Years (toy) Shop. They are at 140-144 N. Larchmont Blvd.

Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

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215 N. Larchmont Blvd. Unit C 323-464-1154 | rhodesschoolofmusic.com Enroll now for Fall

St. Brendan School

A Catholic elementary school

celebrating 103 years

Grades K-8

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• Fully accredited by WASC • Strong academic curriculum • Spanish classes, K-8 • Student council • CYO sports program • After-school care • Intrumental Music Program • Numerous After-School Clubs • Student Choir Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ-Principal ©LC0916

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StBrendanSChool.Com

238 S. manhattan Place ~ (213) 382-7401

Local students report from annual political convention Some of the biggest names in politics descended on the Pasadena Convention Center July 29-30 for the third annual Politicon, a non-partisan event that brings together politicians, pundits and media personalities. Two local students who attended the conference give their perspectives on what it was like to watch people of all political stripes come together to debate today’s most topical issues. Political junkies gather By Sofia Goitiandia U.S. politics has become the most popular reality show, and Politicon was the season recap. The convention attracted people of different political beliefs, watching, and sometimes participating, while the state of politics was dissected, discussed and debated by political junkies. As a kid newly interested in politics, I found Politicon to be extremely entertaining. When pundit Ann Coulter was introduced to the conference, two people walked in wearing Nazi-esque uniforms yelling “Hail Trump.” Soon after, two different people held up a banner that read, “Trump and Pence must go,” while yelling

the same mantra. The next day, political commentators Cenk Uygur and Ben Shapiro debated many issues facing the U.S., including health care, tax breaks and... Trump. The debate was interrupted several times, primarily by Trump supporters, who yelled and booed. When the left-leaners heckled, Uygur would try to calm things, whereas Shapiro would encourage the bad behaviors of the “alt-right” supporters. Sadly, it was rare to complete a session without rants of “USA, USA, USA” or “Trump, Trump, Trump.” I guess it’s expected when politics have become so polarizing and hateful. Politicon was an amazing experience, and I recommend it to any political junkie. I didn’t agree with everyone, but it was interesting to hear their points of view, even at high volume. From composed debates to yelling matches, Politicon represented the state of U.S. politics in the era of Trump: a political climate of rage, hate, and controversy. Lack of respect, kindness By Kiyomi Genewick At Politicon, I spent two days attending panels, visit(Please turn to page 17)

Calling All 8th Grade Parents DATES TO REMEMBER Thursday, 11.2.17 Parent Night: Admissions and Financial Aid Friday, 11.10.17 8th Grade Student/Parent Visitors’ Day Sunday, 12.10.17 OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, 1.10.18 Deadline: Applications Saturday, 1.13. 18 Entrance Exam Saturday, 1.20.18 Entrance Exam Saturday, 1.27.18 Deadline: Financial Aid Applications Friday, 3.2.18 Admissions Decisions/Financial Aid Letters

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Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

good, bad and ugly. At the end of the weekend, it was clear to me that the lessons I’ve learned at home and school

bACK tO SCHOOL 2017

have been forgotten in the world of politics: to listen, to be kind, and to respect others and embrace our differences.

Kiyomi Genewick, 14, and Sofia Goitiandia, 15, are both incoming freshmen this year at Marymount High School.

STUDENTS Sofia Goitiandia, 15, and Kiyomi Genewick, 14, watch the “Facts Still Matter” panel discussion.

Politicon (Continued from page 16) ing booths and observing people. Not only did I learn a lot about today’s hot political topics, but I got to witness how people discuss and debate these issues. Early in the conference, I was impressed to see guests with different opinions discuss the topic of LGBTQ+ in the 21st Century. The panel showcased how people with opposing views or different experiences can discuss topics without verbally attacking each other. I believe that because they listened to one another, each participant moved forward with new ideas that may impact his or her

future choices because of the discussion. Unfortunately, most panels were not as respectful. I sat through many panels featuring political “personalities” who make a living voicing their opinions. These personalities were only there to share their messages, and they clearly didn’t want to hear from anyone else. Instead, insults were exchanged, nothing productive was discussed and no new ideas were presented. It was during these panels where the chant “USA” was used to disrupt and divide the audience. It made me uncomfortable to hear the angry, not patriotic, chanting. I’m glad I got to attend Politicon, where I witnessed the

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October 21, 2017 For students applying to seventh grade 9:00-11:30 a.m. // Check-in: 8:30 a.m.

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250 South Rossmore Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90004 // www.marlborough.org

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Comparing Pilgrim’s ‘Commonwealth’ and the ‘Chronicle’ By Jonathan Lee Managing the “Commonwealth,” the student-run newspaper of Pilgrim School, and writing for the Larchmont Chronicle have been markedly different experiences. Both publications have unique aspects that set them apart from one

another. Perhaps the most distinguishing attribute of the Pilgrim School newspaper is that it is almost entirely studentrun. Though a teacher oversees the publication process, the journalism class is responsible for the writing and submission of all articles. Consequent-

ly, the student-based foundation of the “Commonwealth” molds the tone of the paper. For instance, opinion pieces often focus on issues more relevant to students, such as dress code policies and technology restrictions. Pilgrim has a total of 88

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SCHOOL NEWS

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Tuesday Tours: Call for an appointment 755 South Cochran Ave., L.A. 90036 For Information (323) 938-9976 or cathedralchapelschool.org

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERS OF WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE SCHOOLS

high school students. Due to structured office setting and the small size of this com- strict deadlines. The monthly munity, the school paper’s publication of the Chronicle, writers are familiar, and often as opposed to the publication friends, with of my those they Perhaps the most distinguishing s c h o o l i n t e r v i e w. attribute of the Pilgrim School newspaAs a result, newspaper is that it is almost per once i n t e r v i e w s entirely student-run. every two between staff months, writers and their subjects are amplifies this need for dilioften less formal and reduce gence. unwanted stress on newer stuThough they contrast greatly, dents tasked with obtaining the publications have similariinformation from members of ties as well, the most obvious the school community. of which is their environments. On the other hand, the The office and classroom of Larchmont Chronicle main- the two papers are thoroughly tains a far greater readership inviting. I recall the hospitality and publishes articles that per- of the two newspaper staffs, on tain to the wider community. my first day in the school jourIts articles, therefore, focus on nalism class and on my first events and issues of greater day as an intern at the longsignificance. Such a readership established local newspaper. demands more professionalism Jonathan Lee is the editor than does my school’s newspa- in chief of Pilgrim School’s per, which is apparent in the “Commonwealth” this fall.

Welcome everybody to my column and a new 2017-18 school year! First off, I would personally like to thank Ms. Patricia Kong for all the hard work that she did as our headmaster last year, and I would like to give a very warm welcome to Mr. Paul Barsky to the Pilgrim community. I know he will do a great job as our new headmaster. I am very excited to announce that we are in the home stretch for the Field of Dreams project.

st. brendan

By Isabella Bernaldo 8th Grade In the month of August, St. Brendan School started a new year! Students entered the gates where, as many years before, they were greeted by a member of the student council who handed them a pencil. These pencils were not just any pencils, however, they were used in the assembly for an interactive activity where students

No longer a big hole on Commonwealth but a beautiful field, bringing joy to all of us here at Pilgrim, especially to us athletes. The Middle School Flag Football team started practicing in Aug. I can’t wait to get on the field, passing, scoring, bonding, and winning. Last year our team won the Division 2 Championship, and our goal for this season is to win Division 1! I am sure we can do it. I want to give a shoutout to Coach Taylor Shipley, and Coach Oscar Bellfield for giving the basketball players a great offseason camp. I personally had a lot of fun, and thanks to their great coaching, as a player I have improved, and... Go Patriots! win prizes! Eager kindergarteners entered their new classroom wideeyed and anxious, clutching their parents’ hands where they were greeted by their teachers. They then received, as all SBS kindergarteners do, a fun, novelty shaped name tag tied on a yarn. The student council kicked off the new school year with their first assembly. It was filled with fun activities and announcements. The parent board held a get together for the parents where they met other parents and had coffee and donuts. St. Brendan’s new year is off to a great start!

Pass the chili and hold the beef — vegan is on the school menu

Start Here. Sign up for a tour at: wbtecc.org/tour GLAZER ECC • 3663 WILSHIRE BLVD.

Vegan anyone? Los Angeles Unified School District launched a vegan menu at seven high schools, including Fairfax, on Sept. 5. The pilot menu will continue through Nov. 17. It includes chili with tortilla chips, bean tamales, sausage subs, teriyaki patty sandwiches and meatless burgers. Student feedback will

be used to expand the menu at other schools.

Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

roughs Bulletin,” “Roman Remarks” or “Marlborough Corner.” It was rare that a student’s picture appeared. Tom’s

DEACON TOM BRANDLIN in 2008, 42 years after being a student reporter at the Larchmont Chronicle.

Former Chronicle student reporter: then and now

By Rachel Olivier These days, Tom Brandlin of Park La Brea serves as a notfor-profit consultant at the Soldiers Project in North Hollywood and other agencies, as well as deacon at St. Basil’s Parish on Wilshire Blvd. Then In 1965, he was a high school sophomore at St. John Vianney High School (in the process of being renamed Daniel Murphy). Like most kids his age, Tom was a veritable wild card of possibilities, but as yet unfocused. Enter intrepid editor and publisher Jane Gilman, who was seeking students interested in reporting on their

schools in the Larchmont Chronicle. She contacted Fr. Vincent Cavalli, a teacher at Daniel Murphy, who talked to Tom about the opportunity. That is how Tom became the Chronicle’s first student reporter. As a student reporter, Tom brought in his double-spaced 500-word column every month by deadline. It may have been typed, but this was no hurried email sent off at the last minute or after the deadline. Once Tom began his student reporting, more student reporters submitted columns. Each school’s column had its own heading, such as “Bur-

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column was “Data from Daniel Murphy.” Tom says that was back when the Chronicle offices

were on the 400 block of North Larchmont (notice how we’ve moved up from the 400 to the (Please turn to page 20)

TREE ACADEMY CUSTOMIZED COLLEGE-PREP EDUCATION SMALL CLASSES & 1-ON-1 INSTRUCTION Co-founded by Darryl Sollerh and Paul Cummins, Lead Founder, Crossroads School

We have a few spots left for our new 10th Grade

BECAUSE WE ALL LEARN DIFFERENTLY 424.204.5165

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2017

Larchmont Chronicle

SepTemBer 2017

Directory of public and private schools Nursery Schools

CHILDREN’S CENTER PRESCHOOL 1260 N. Vermont Ave. 323-422-9690 ourccp.com Tim Siregar, director. Ages 2.9 years to kindergarten. Hours

are 8:45 a.m. to noon, with a full day option through 4 p.m. Call for rates and information. LARCHMONT PRESCHOOL 555 N. Windsor Blvd. 323-572-0186 larchmontpreschool.com Debra Stolberg, director. Ages 2 to 4 years for toddler program

and 3 to 5 years for preschool program. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon or 2 to 5 p.m. Rates range from $400 to $900 per month. PLYMOUTH SCHOOL 315 S. Oxford Ave. 213-387-7381 theplymouthschool.com Megan Drynan, director. Ages

2 years to 5 years. Full days are 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half days 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. 60 students. Call for rates. ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL PRESCHOOL DIVISION 625 S. Gramercy Pl. 213-382-2315 sjsla.org Dr. Patricia Joseph Thomas, director. From 2 to 6 years, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with before and after school care. Closed in Aug. Call for rates. SUNSET MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL 1432 N. Sycamore Ave. 323-465-8133 4212 Tujunga Ave. 818-623-0913 sunsetmontessori.com Liliya Kordon, head of school. Ages 2 to 6 years, 40 students. Full and half days are available. Tuition is $1,500 per month for half days and $1,700 per month for full days. WAGON WHEEL SCHOOL 653 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 323-469-8994 wagonwheelschool.org Ruth Segal, director. Ages 2 to 5 years, 110 students. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with after school program. $1,800 per month. WESTSIDE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER PRESCHOOL 5870 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-556-5251 westsidejcc.org Deborah L. Kaplan, M.A.T., director. Ages 2 to 5 years, preschool through transitional kindergarten. Arts and playbased and includes an afternoon enrichment program. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an early drop off option. Check website for tuition. WILSHIRE BLVD. TEMPLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERS West (Mann) 11661 W. Olympic Blvd., 90064 424-208-8900 East - Temple (Glazer) 3663 Wilshire Blvd., 90010 213-835-2125 wbtecc.org Carol Bovill, director. Ages 2 to 5 years. West campus hours 7:45 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. East campus hours 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ages 18 mos. to 5 years. Baby

Tom Brandlin (Continued from page 19) 500 to the 600 block over the years). He would sit by Jane’s desk as she read over his column; they discussed what was happening at school or in the neighborhood. A few times he ended up with independent writing assignments as a result. Two of those articles, one an interview of a USC history professor, and one a report on the work of Marian Bramble and the Crenshaw tutorial program, were published in the July 1966 Larchmont Chronicle. He remained a student reporter at the paper until his

and Me classes offered weekly. Call for rates.

Parochial and Private Schools

ARETÉ PREPARATORY ACADEMY 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., #318 310-478-9900 areteprep.org Jim Hahn, head of school. Grades nine to 12, with approximately 50 students. An accelerated and high-ability liberal arts program. Call admissions office for more information. BAIS YAAKOV SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 7353 Beverly Blvd. 323-938-3231 Rabbi Joel Bursztyn, director. Ninth to 12th grade. 300 students. $18,300 per year. BLESSED SACRAMENT 6641 Sunset Blvd. 323-467-4177 schoolblessedsacrament.org Danina Uy, principal. Prekindergarten to eighth grade. 120 students. Call or check website for tuition rates. BRAWERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WEST 11661 W. Olympic Blvd. 424-208-8934 BRAWERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EAST 3663 Wilshire Blvd. 213-835-2170 brawerman.org Brandon Cohen, Head of School. West Campus, kindergarten to sixth grade, with about 100 students. East Campus, kindergarten to sixth grade, with approximately 280 students. Call for tuition rates. THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL 3900 Stansbury Ave. 818-783-1610 buckley.org James Busby, head of school. Kindergarten to 12th grade; 830 students in lower, middle and upper schools. Call or check website for more information. CAMPBELL HALL 4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd. 818-980-7280 campbellhall.org Rev. Julian Bull, headmaster. Kindergarten through 12th grade. Check website for tuition rates.

graduation in 1968. Now Tom says that that early training in communicating in a succinct manner has served him well over the years, through high school, university, his master’s in Christian ministry, various jobs with nonprofit agencies, and now as a grant writer and consultant at his business Not-forProfit Counsel. Tom Brandlin had no idea where his journey would take him when he began as a student reporter in 1965, he says. Currently, there are about 20 student reporters at the Chronicle during each school year. Who knows where they may end up as they begin their own journeys into adulthood?

September 2017

serving local students

Core College Counseling Is your child about to be a senior? Can you and/or your child answer these college questions? Should I take the SAT or the ACT? • Should I have a 529 plan? • What is a STEM program? • Should I complete the FAFSA? • What’s the difference between EA and ED? • Why should I know about the Khan Academy? • Should I use the Common App? The Coalition App? The Universal App? • How do I choose a great topic for my college essay? • How many AP’s should I take to be admitted to a selective college?

Reduce your anxiety!! Make an appointment to meet with NANCI LEONARD, a Certified College Counselor.

©LC0817

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 42 years.

(Private school prices subject to change) MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL 250 S. Rossmore Ave. 323-935-1147 marlborough.org Dr. Priscilla Sands, head of school. Girls only. Seventh to 12th grade, 530 students.

213-381-5121, ext. 1200 loyolahs.edu Rev. Gregory M. Goethals, SJ ’73, president. Frank Kozakowski, principal. Boys only. Ninth to 12th grade, 1,247 students. Call school or check website for tuition rates.

Developmental kindergarten to sixth grade, 491 students. Call admissions office for rates. ECHO HORIZON 3430 McManus Ave. 310-838-2442 echohorizon.org Martha Schuur, head of school. Pre-kindergarten to sixth grade, 200 students. Hours are Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesdays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check website for rates. EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES 6325 Santa Monica Blvd. 323-462-3752 es-la.com Rev. Maryetta Anschutz, founding head of school. Grades six to 12, 140 students. After school programming available. Financial aid and scholarships are available. FUSION ACADEMY 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Prom. 1 323-692-0603 fusionacademy.com Katheryn Nguyen, head of school. Grades six to 12. One teacher to one student; enrollment capacity 75 students. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Check website or call for Open House dates and tuition. HARVARD-WESTLAKE 3700 Coldwater Canyon 818-980-6692 hw.com Richard Commons, president; head of upper school, Laura Ross; head of middle school, Jon Wimbish. Seventh to 12th grade; middle school and high school are separate campuses. Check website for tuition rates. HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE 1233 N. McCadden Pl. 323-465-1320 hollywoodschoolhouse.org Ilise Faye, head of school. Preschool to sixth grade. Pre-school supervision until 6 p.m. 307 students. Check website for rates. IMMACULATE HEART MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL 5515 Franklin Ave. 323-461-3651 immaculateheart.org Maureen Diekmann, president; Naemah Z. Morris, high school principal. Gina Finer, middle school principal. Girls only, grades six to 12, 500 students. Tuition for 2017-18 school year is $15,900. LAURENCE SCHOOL 13639 Victory Blvd. 818-782-4001 laurenceschool.com Lauren Wolke, head of school. Kindergarten to sixth grade, 300 students. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended care available. Base tuition is $27,965 per year. LE LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE LOS ANGELES 3261 Overland Ave. 310-836-3464 lyceela.org Clara-Lisa Kabbaz, Esq., president. Bilingual, French or English-language sections available. Preschool to 12th grade. Check website for rates and information for their six campuses. LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL 1901 Venice Blvd.

e e s

Tuition is $39,750 per year. MARYMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL 10643 Sunset Blvd. 310-472-1205 mhs-la.org Jacqueline L. Landry, head of (Please turn to page 22)

d better th n a 5 a

n ev s new at Bu ’ t a er ck wh l ey .

CATHEDRAL CHAPEL 755 S. Cochran Ave. 323-938-9976 cathedralchapelschool.org Tina Kipp, principal. Kindergarten to eighth grade. 258 students. Extended care. Call for tuition rates. CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION 536 N. Alfred St. 323-651-0707 centerforearlyeducation.org Mark Brooks, head of school. 2 years to sixth grade, 540 students. Check website for rates. CHRIST THE KING 617 N. Arden Blvd. 323-462-4753 cksla.org Patty Hager, principal. Montessori transitional kindergarten to eighth grade. 200 students. Check website for tuition rates. CURTIS SCHOOL 15871 Mulholland Dr. 310-476-1251, ext. 820 curtisschool.org Meera Ratnesar, head of school.

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OPEN HOUSES October 14 and November 18 RSVP at buckley.org/openhouse

Christ the King CatholiC sChool

617 N. Arden Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004

Montessori Transitional Kindergarten – 8th Grade

Call for Information (323) 462-4753 or go to www.cksla.org

©LC0917

Larchmont Chronicle

BACK TO SCHOOL 2017

Directory of public and private schools school. Girls only. Ninth to 12th grade, 398 student. Base tuition $34,650 per year for ninth to 11th grades; $35,250 per year for 12th grade. Lunch, laptop and daily bus transportation are included in tuition. MAYFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL 405 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena

626-796-2774 mayfieldjs.org Joseph J. Gill, head of school. Coed school. Kindergarten to eighth grade. 515 students. Call for tuition rates. MAYFIELD SENIOR SCHOOL 500 Bellefontaine St., Pasadena

GIRLS ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS SEEKING ADMISSION TO THE 2018/19 SCHOOL YEAR ADMITTING 6TH-11TH GRADES

Saturday, September 16 10am and 1pm RSVP after Sept 5 at www.galaacademy.org

Larchmont Chronicle

SepTemBer 2017

626-799-9121 mayfieldsenior.org Kate Morin, head of school. Girls only, ninth to 12th grade. 330 students. Base tuition is $25,000 per year. THE OAKS SCHOOL 6817 Franklin Ave. 323-850-3755 oaksschool.org Ted Hamory, head of school. Tanyanya Hekymaru, director of admissions and civic engagement. Kindergarten to sixth grade, 160 students. $25,592 per year plus fees. PACIFIC HILLS 8628 Holloway Dr. 310-276-3068 phschool.org Michael Wagner and Ann Wagner, co-executive directors. Sixth to 12th grade. 120 students. Tuition is $29,900 plus fees. PAGE ACADEMY OF HANCOCK PARK 565 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-463-5118 pageschool.com Charles J. Vaughan, president, Pat Klindworth, senior director. Preschool to eighth grade. Accelerative Learning Certified Teachers and fully accredited by NCPSA, MSA/CESS and AI. Extended hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Call for tuition rates. PARK CENTURY SCHOOL 3939 Landmark Street 310-840-0500

parkcenturyschool.org Douglas E. Phelps, head of school. CAIS and NAIS-certified independent school for children ages 7 to 14, second to eighth grades, with learning disabilities. Call for rates. PILGRIM SCHOOL 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. 213-385-7351 pilgrim-school.org Paul I. Barsky, head of school. Preschool (2 years) to 12th grade, 407 students. NAIS and CAISaccredited. Call or check website for rates and more information. ST. BRENDAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL 238 S. Manhattan Pl. 213-382-7401 stbrendanschool.com Sr. Maureen O’Connor, C.S.J., principal. Kindergarten to eighth grade, 305 students. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with after school care. Call for tuition rates. ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 625 S. St. Andrews Pl. 213-382-2315 sjsla.org Deborah David, head of school. Preschool to sixth grade. 370 students. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the California Association of Independent Schools. Check website for more information, tuition and fees. STEM3 ACADEMY 6455 Coldwater Canyon Ave. 818-623-6386 stem3academy.org Dr. Ellis Crasnow, director. Kindergarten to 12th grade, 80 students. Specializes in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects for students who have high-functioning Autism Spectrum or ADHD or other social or learning disorders. Tuition is $33,300 per year. STRATFORD SCHOOL 1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 323-980-9505 stratfordschools.com/melrose Paul Mastin, head of school. Cheryl Molenkamp, director of lower school. Preschool to eighth grade. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with optional before and after school care. Tuition

varies by program and enrollment is ongoing. Check website for more information. TEMPLE ISRAEL DAY SCHOOL 7300 Hollywood Blvd. 323-876-8330, ext. 4000 tiohdayschool.org Rachel Lewin, head of school. Kindergarten to sixth grade, about 230 students. After school enrichment and supervision until 4 p.m. Tours are Oct. 19, Nov. 9 and Jan. 11. Call to reserve a space and for rates. TREE ACADEMY 5555 W. Olympic Blvd. 424-204-5165 treeacademy.org Darryl Sollerh, director. Sixth to ninth grades, 70 students. Concentrates on creative arts, new technology and social justice, as well as academics. Call admissions office for tuition rates. TURNING POINT SCHOOL 8780 National Blvd. 310-841-2505 turningpointschool.org Dr. Laura Konigsberg, head of school. Preschool (2 years and 9 months) to eighth grade, 350 students. Before and after school care. Check website for information and tuition rates. VISTAMAR SCHOOL 737 Hawaii St. 310-643-7377 vistamarschool.org Karen Eshoo, head of school. Ninth to 12th grade, 275 students. Tuition is $36,200 plus fees. WESLEY SCHOOL 4832 Tujunga Ave. 818-508-4542 wesleyschool.org John Walter III, head of school; Joseph Campanella, middle school head; Chris Thinnes, lower school head. Coed. Kindergarten to eighth grade, 285 students. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with before and after school care available. Tuition for K to fifth grade is $24,440; sixth to eighth grades is $27,450; additional fees required. WESTRIDGE SCHOOL 324 Madeline Dr. 626-799-1153 westridge.org Elizabeth McGregor, head of

Larchmont Chronicle

Public Schools Elementary

CHARLES H. KIM ELEMENTARY 225 S Oxford Ave 213-368-5600 kim-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com Jonathan Paek, principal. Kindergarten to fifth grade. About 700 students enrolled. Special education, gifted and talented, Spanish dual language, Korean transitional bilingual education and structured English immersion programs. HANCOCK PARK 408 S. Fairfax Ave. 323-935-5272 hancockparkschool.com Ashley Parker, principal.

Kindergarten to fifth grade, 800+ students. Hours are 8:07 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., after school program to 6 p.m. LARCHMONT CHARTER FAIRFAX 1265 N. Fairfax Ave. 323-656-6418 larchmontcharter.org Mersedeh Emrani, school leader. Amy Held, executive director. Kindergarten to fourth grade. LARCHMONT CHARTER HOLLYGROVE 815 N. El Centro 323-836-0860 larchmontcharter.org Alissa Chariton and Eva Orozco, co-school leaders. Amy Held, executive director. Transitional kindergarten to fourth grade. MELROSE MATHEMATICS/ SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY MAGNET 731 N. Detroit St. 323-938-6275 melrosestars.org Mathew Needleman, principal. Kindergarten to fifth grade, 350 students. 8:06 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., after school programs to 6 p.m. NEW LA CHARTER 5421 Rodeo Rd. 323-556-9500 newlaelementary.org Kate O’Brien, principal; Brooke Rios, head of schools. Transitional kindergarten to first grade. 500 students. 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. THIRD STREET ELEMENTARY 201 S. June St. 323-939-8337 thirdstreetschool.com Daniel Kim, principal. Kindergarten to fifth grade, 700 students. 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the Beyond the Bell after school program until 6 p.m. VAN NESS AVENUE/ FRANCIS BLEND ELEMENTARY 501 N. Van Ness Ave. 323-469-0992 Pauline Hong, principal. Kindergarten to fifth grade with a special education component for the visually impaired. Approximately 250 students. Has Boys and Girls Club after school program.

WILSHIRE CREST 5241 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-5291 lausd.net/Wilshire_Crest_EL Harold Klein, principal. Expanded pre-Kindergarten to fifth grade. 315 students. After school program until 6 p.m. WILSHIRE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4063 Ingraham St. 213-739-4760 wilshireparkrockets.com Leighanne Creary, principal. Transitional kindergarten to fifth grade. 500 students. After school program until 6 p.m. WILTON PLACE 745 S. Wilton Pl. 213-389-1181 lausd.k12.ca.us/Wilton_EL Jung Hae Kim, principal. Pre-

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kindergarten to fifth grade. About 950 students. Duallanguage programs for Spanish/ English and Korean/English. After school program until 6 p.m.

Middle Schools JOHN BURROUGHS MIDDLE SCHOOL 600 S. McCadden Pl. (Please turn to page 24)

Dentistry for Children and Young Adults

Pediatric Dentistry Randall E. Niederkohr, D.D.S.

Member American Dental Association Diplomat of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Orthodontics Available

TV & Video Games

©LC1010

school. Fourth through 12th grades. 500 students. Girls only. Tuition is $26,970 for fourth through sixth, $29,840 for seventh and eighth, $34,900 for ninth to 12th, plus fees. WILLOWS COMMUNITY SCHOOL 8509 Higuera St. 310-815-0411 thewillows.org Lisa Rosenstein, head of school. Developmental kindergarten to eighth grade, 463 students. Before and after school care. Tuition for DK to fifth is $28,305 per year; sixth to eighth grade is $32,320 per year; additional fees required. WILSHIRE PRIVATE SCHOOL 4900 Wilshire Blvd. 323-939-3800 wilshireschool.org Edward Shin, principal. Junior kindergarten (4 1/2 years) to sixth grade. 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with daycare until 6:30 p.m. After-school and summer programs. Call for rates. YAVNEH HEBREW ACADEMY 5353 W. 3rd St. 323-931-5808 yha.org Rabbi Moshe Dear, headmaster; Rabbi Schlomo Einhorn, dean. 2 years to eighth grade, 500 students. Check website for more information and tuition rates.

September 2017

We have a unique living room atmosphere Children from newborns to 18-year-olds feel comfortable Saturday Appointments Available

(323) 463-8322 • 321 N. Larchmont Blvd, Suite 809

A Better Kind of Smart

The Plymouth School NOw ENrOlliNg

• Creative activities to encourage cognitive & social development including art, music, 31movement & play

High school students can apply to be a part of the 30th annual Music Center Spotlight arts education and scholarship program. The program offers students arts training, experience and workforce development skills taught by professional artists and arts administrators — not to mention the $100,000 in scholarships awarded. Each student applicant will receive written feedback from a panel of judges as well as a certificate of achievement. In addition, they can receive valuable experience and instruction through master classes and performances. The deadline for submission is Mon., Oct. 16. All students, whether they apply to Spotlight or not, are invited to attend The Spotlight Academy, Sun., Sept. 17, a free day of performing arts workshops for students, parents and teachers. The program will conclude with a grand finale performance June 5 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Visit musiccenter.org/spotlight.

• 45 years serving the neighborhood

315 S. Oxford Ave. • 213-387-7381 www.theplymouthschool.com theplymouthschool@gmail.com

and more!

These Days, Everyone Needs a Computer Guy! Can't Get on The Internet? Annoying Popups or Slow Computer? Printer Won't Print? Too Many TV Remotes? Electronic Problem You Don't Have Time to Fix?

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Museum seeks applicants for docent training

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SunSet MonteSSori PreSchool Accepting Applications for 2017-2018 School Year 1432 N. Sycamore Ave LA CA 90028 (323) 465-8133

4212 Tujunga Ave Studio City CA 91604 (818) 623-0913

www.sunsetmontessori.com sunsetmontessori@yahoo.com •

©LC1216

©LC0917

• Experienced teachers devoted to fostering self-esteem in a safe nurturing environment

Studio City

GIRLS ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 1067 West Blvd. 323-900-4532 galacademy.org Elizabeth Hicks, principal. Sixth and 10th grades, 340 students. Girls only. Concentrates in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. Participates in Beyond the Bell after school program. FAIRFAX HIGH 7850 Melrose Ave 323-370-1200 fairfaxhs.org Kenneth Adiekweh, principal. Ninth to 12th grade. 2,050 students. Athletics and after school programs until 6 p.m. HAMILTON HIGH 2955 S. Robertson Blvd. 310-280-1400 hamiltonhighschool.net Brenda Pensamiento, principal. Ninth to 12th grade. 2,500

Applications open for Spotlight in arts scholarships

• Preschool program for children 2 to 5 ½.

Hollywood Location

High Schools

Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust is seeking applications for its annual docent training program. The training begins Wed., Sept. 27. Volunteers will meet every Wednesday for 10 weeks. During training, students will learn about the history of the Holocaust, become familiar with the museum’s collection and exhibits, participate in tours and lectures and master gallery teaching techniques. Visit lamoth.org.

5151 State University Dr. 323-343-2550 lachsa.net Mitzi Lizarraga, principal. Ninth through 12th grades. Tuition-free public school specializing in college preparatory and visual and performing arts. LOS ANGELES HIGH 4650 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-900-2700 lahigh.org Travis Brandy, principal. Ninth to 12th grade. 1,200 students. Athletics and other clubs are after school.

Leisha Willis, CPCU, Agent Insurance License #OH76832 500 N. Larchmont Blvd 323 785 4080 www.leishaonlarchmont.com leisha@leishawillis.com

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Have a Happy and Successful School Year Ahead! ©LC0916

Amy Held, executive director. Fifth and sixth grade. Check website for more information. NEW LA CHARTER 1919 S. Burnside Ave. 323-939-6400 newlamiddle.org Daryl Brook, principal; Brooke Rios, head of schools. Sixth to eighth grade, 300 students. Hours are 8:10 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., with an after school program until 6:10 p.m.

students. Athletics and UCLAsponsored tutoring after school. LARCHMONT CHARTER AT LA FAYETTE PARK PL. 2801 W. 6th St. 213-867-6300 larchmontcharter.org Mike Kang, interim leader of high school. Kelly Bartle, leader of middle school. Amy Held, executive director. Seventh to 12th grade. Check website for more information. LOS ANGELES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

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Directory of public and private schools 323-549-5000 burroughsms.org Dr. Steve Martinez, principal. Sixth to eighth grade, 1,800 students. Has a gifted magnet program, also participates in Beyond the Bell after school program. LARCHMONT CHARTER AT SELMA 6611 Selma Ave. 323-871-4000 larchmontcharter.org Mandy Breuer, school leader.

Larchmont Chronicle

SepTemBer 2017

BACK TO SCHOOL 2017

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Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

SeCtION ONe

New St. James’ head of school will soon be found The search continues for a new head of school at St. James’ Episcopal School. Debbi David announced her retirement, effective June 30, 2018, in January. The Board of Trustees has tapped Resource Group 175 as its search firm with consultants Tom Hudnut and Doreen Oleson leading the search. Mr. Hudnut was the head of HarvardWestlake School for 25 years, and Dr. Oleson recently served on the St. James’ accreditation team in addition to heading St. Mark’s in Altadena for 25 years. Working in concert with Debbi David and Bishop Catherine Roskam, Bishop-inCharge of St. James’ in the City, the Board of Trustees has also appointed a 10-member search team. In early fall, the search committee is expected to narrow a list of semifinalists to a few finalists who will each visit the

skin

deep by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald Q: I’m definitely not ready for a facelift, but is there anything I can do about these lines, wrinkles and crepiness? A: Crepey may just be the least favorite description associated with skin! Thankfully, Ultherapy is a game changer. And as requested it’s both completely non-surgical yet remarkably effective. Ultherapy is the first treatment of its kind to use ultrasound technology to offer a skincare trifecta. First, it allows us to “see” precisely the deep structural layers that need to be addressed. Next, ultrasound energy lifts and smooths skin on the face and neck. In this way, Ultherapy addresses the same tissues as a surgical facelift. And finally, the technology offers the lasting effects of stimulating your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Ultherapy is ideal for lifting the eyebrows and tightening skin around the chin and jaw, but can be delivered anywhere there’s skin laxity. In more excellent news, Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment has received FDA clearance, which means the same non-invasive technology can work its wonders on your chest. Whether you choose to crank back the clock on your face, neck, chest, or all three, in approximately three months your skin will appear smoother, firmer, younger. Depending on your goals, we may suggest one to three treatments. Contact our office to schedule an Ultherapy consultation and soon you can stop doing that mock facelift routine in your bathroom mirror. 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 Adv. an appointment.

Friday thru Sunday

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8, 9,10

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campus. During their visit, faculty, students, parents and members of the larger campus

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Larchmont Chronicle

SEpTEmbEr 2017

SECTION ONE

Two-stepping Tex-Mex at Ebell, Emmy designs saluted Around the Town with

Patty Hill tendance were Carolyn Layport, Fluff McLean, Helene Seifer and Gary Grossman, Laurie Schechter and Patrick Lyden, Beate and Neil McDermott, Janna and Jim Harris, Myrna and Rudy Gintel, Daphne Brogdon and Mark Peel, Sandy and Bill Boeck, Gerri Apostle, Jane Martin, Dennee

Windsor Village Association News • The Windsor Village 2017 Block Party is around the corner! Please join us on September 16th, from 4 pm to 6:30 pm, on 9th street between Windsor and Victoria, and get to know your neighbors! Admission is free and open to all Windsor Village residents, including our four-legged friends. This year’s event promises to be the best ever and will offer delicious, complimentary food from local favorites like Gus’s Fried Chicken, a taco truck, ice cream from Jeni’s, complimentary wine tasting, and fun for the whole family with a professional DJ and MC, face painter, balloon twister, Cool Critters petting zoo, bounce house, free raffle prizes and so much more! The Block Party will also include two initiatives to improve neighborhood safety and our environment: we’ve partnered with Ring video doorbell to bring their doorbells to you at a discount, and we invite you to bring your used batteries and light-bulbs to the Block Party to be environmentally recycled. Please RSVP to windsorvillageassn@gmail.com for a truly funfilled day. Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Tim Stivers and our VIP Sponsors, Rosen Saba, LLP, Vera Borges and Wilshire Escrow.

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The Windsor Village Association Annual meeting will be held on November 12 at the home of Diane Dicksteen. Five board member positions are up for election. We urge all residents to consider running for election and serving their community. Please stop by our booth at the Block Party for more information and to learn how else you can help the Windsor Village community. This year’s Annual Meeting will also include our holiday food drive to benefit a local food bank. We hope to see you at our Annual Meeting and that you will bring a few cans from your pantry with you.

Frey and Ubaldo Marson, and Wilshire Rotary President Patrick MacKellan. • • • The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Museum and the Television Academy announced their annual presentation of the “Art of Television Costume Design.” This 11th exhibition salutes the work of this year’s Emmynominated costume designers. Emmy-nominated costumes from nine television shows are included in the in the exhibition as well as costumes from 16 other prominent television shows. “We have many parties and receptions following the announcement of the nomina-

Good Shepherd ‘Forget-Me-Not’ luncheon Sept. 30

Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children holds its Forget-Me-Not Benefit Luncheon Sat., Sept. 30 at the Wilshire Country Club. The annual event raises funds for the Center’s programs and operation of its facilities. Opened in 1984, the Center provides shelter and services for women and children who strive to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term stability. Members of the Patron Committee are Suzanne Branchflower, Carol Leahy, Sheila McGuire and Mary Wight. For more information or for tickets, contact Eleana Williams at 323-227-9738.

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tions, but this one is our favorite.” said Television Academy chairman and CEO Hayma Washington. “You don’t have to go to the movies, just to your iPhones, watches, computers. Television has never been better!” added FIDM Museum director Barbara Bundy. And so,

Back to School It may still feel like summer to some of us, but many neighborhood students know better as they head back to school. Our relatively small area has a surprisingly high concentration of schools of all types. Below is a brief list of just a few of them. — Public schools such as Third Street Elementary, Hancock Park Elementary, John Burroughs Middle School and Los Angeles High School. — Charter schools such as Larchmont Charter. — Religious schools such as St. Brendan’s, Cathedral Chapel, Christ the King, St, James’ and Yavneh Hebrew Academy. — Highly selective all-girls middle and upper school, Marlborough. — Nursery schools such as Wagon Wheel, The Plymouth School and others. Even if one is not a student or parent of a student, this educational density affects all the residents of the neighborhood. For instance, savvy drivers know to avoid 6th Street near Highland on school mornings, when traffic backs up with parents dropping off kids at John Burroughs. And the stretch of Rossmore south of Beverly is as slow as the Sepulveda Pass when Marlborough School lets out. Afternoons on Larchmont Boulevard bustle more than usual as students flock to ice cream shops, juice bars and coffee shops for after-school treats. Many of these students may be unpredictable in their movements, distracted by friends or their phones, zipping around on scooters, bikes or skateboards, or crossing streets unsafely. Drivers should exercise extra vigilance as they drive through our neighborhoods’ school zones and busy intersections. We are fortunate to live in such an educationally rich environment, but not everyone is so lucky. There are many ways to reach out to students and schools with fewer advantages. One of the most effective is via the local neighborhood charity clearing house, Big Sunday, which is sponsoring its 5th Annual Book n’ Brunch on September 17th at its headquarters at 6111 Melrose Avenue. Volunteers will be collecting all kinds of new and gently used books, especially children’s books, to be donated to schools and other nonprofits. Go to the website, bigsunday. org, for more information, and help get everyone’s school year off to a great start. The Windsor Square Association, an all-volunteer group of residents from 1100 households between Beverly and Wilshire and Van Ness and Arden, works to preserve and enhance our beautiful neighborhood. Join with us! Drop us a line at 157 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004, or visit our website at windsorsquare.org. ADV.

CIM Group BMW of Beverly Hills Wilshire Escrow WhistleDrop.com SBL Counsel, PLC SSA Security ADT Security The Hoelzel Jacobson Hare Group of Wells Fargo

The Brookside Homeowners Association thanks its many sponsors for their support of the Brookside 38th Annual Block Party. www.brooksidelaca.com

about 600 guests, television executives, designers and lovers of costumes gathered on the FIDM / Grand Hope Park lawn for the gala opening Aug. 19. The vast space was decked with leather sofas, bamboo tables and chairs and alfresco buffets catered by Joel Board(Please turn to page 27)

The Larsen Family Killer Pumpkins Heidi Davis & Keller Williams Larchmont Loren Dunsworth Realty Pacific Trust Group Councilmember David Ryu The Larchmont Chronicle Lew & Clare Shomer Salt & Straw Trejos Tacos / Trejos Donuts & Coffee Rand Rusher Fourth Wall Management

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About 200 members and their guests gathered in the Ebell of Los Angeles garden for an “Ol’ Ranch Tex-Mex BarB-Q” Aug. 11. Chef Ron Armendariz and his team had multiple buffets brimming with mouth-watering sliced brisket, spice-rubbed back ribs, and his now famous corn-on-the-cob bar. Among those tipping their cowboy hats and two-stepping in their boots were Ebell Club president Loyce Braun with husband Joe, event co-chairs Peggy Giffin, Randi Jones and Wendy Savage with husbands Bob Wyman, Richard Jones and Pen Densham. Also in at-

Larchmont Chronicle

Around the Town (Continued from page 26) man’s Food Fetish. There to celebrate were Matthew Hancock, Carlos Vasquez, Nickolaki Fashions’s Nick Verreos and David Paul, Irene Anderson and James Somes. “Girl Boss” costume designer Audrey Fisher, “The Mindy Proj-

September 2017

ect” costume designer Salvador Perez, and Television Academy Costume Design and Supervision Governors Terry Ann Gordon and Sue Bub enjoyed the event as well. As always, FIDM generously opens this exhibit to the public free of charge until Oct. 7. (Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.) Don’t miss it!

Get Involved with Your Neighborhood Council

Try before you buy.

Meeting Schedule

Board of Directors meetings: Second Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. Ebell of Los Angeles - Dining Room 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., 90005 Land Use Committee meetings: Fourth Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Wilshire United Methodist Church Assembly Room 4350 Wilshire Blvd., 90005 Outreach Committee meetings: First Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. Bricks & Scones Cafe 403 N. Larchmont Blvd., 90004 Sustainability Committee meetings: Tuesday, September 12th, 7:00 p.m. Marlborough School Collins Room – D200 250 S. Rossmore Ave., 90004 Transportation Committee meetings: Monday, October 20th, 7:00 p.m. Marlborough School Collins Room – D200 250 S. Rossmore Ave., 90004

www.greaterwilshire.org info@greaterwilshire.org (323) 539-GWNC (4962)

AT FIDM PARTY, Salvador Perez, Nick Verreos, David Paul. Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages

AT GALA, Matthew Hancock, Carlos Vasquez.

Gatsby-inspired fashion show, lunch at St. Anne’s Gatsby-inspired attire is optional, but a roaring good time is on the bill at St. Anne’s Thrift & Gift Shop fashion show and luncheon Thurs., Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 155 N. Occidental Blvd. St. Anne’s Boutique will offer clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and housewares for sale. A silent auction closes at 11:45 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. Prize for the best dressed. Proceeds benefit St. Anne’s support services provided to young women, children and families. RSVP by Sept. 5. Tickets are $40 ($50 after Sept. 5). Contact Loretta at 213-422-3105 or Helen at 310-617-2219.

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Mattress in a Box?

COSTUMES for “The Mindy Project” on display.

All GWNC meetings are open to the public, and the meeting times and locations are published on the website under Meeting Schedules. If you have an item you would like placed on a meeting agenda, please contact info@greaterwilshire.org or (323) 539-GWNC (4962), at least two weeks before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the GWNC website and elsewhere in the Greater Wilshire community at least 72 business hours before our meetings.

SeCtION ONe

Building friendships & tackling community challenges Patrick MacKellan, President 2017-2018 Wilshirerotary.org

Larchmont Chronicle

SEpTEmbEr 2017

SECTION ONE

Inside a strip mall, Thai food you’ll love ‘2’ eat

Helene Seifer sine, but also turns out pork liver salad and chicken feet jungle curry. We selected four dishes for the two of us — at least one too many, but who could resist? $12 crying tiger beef pairs grilled slices of marinated beef with a lime dipping sauce. It had an earthy beefiness, with a touch of sweet and spice. Delicious. A mild chicken broth was the base for $9 seaweed tofu soup, a giant homey bowl that also included ground pork, Napa cabbage and Chinese celery. We added some chili paste to kick it up a notch and slurped until the entire bowl was drained. $11 papaya salad with shrimp was simple and refreshing. Phuket style crab curry kanomjean is labeled with a chili warning, and it did indeed have some heat, even though we ordered it mild. The $17 dish presents blue crab in broth with accoutrements on the side. Add them all: vermicelli rice noodles, hard-boiled egg slices, pickled carrots and papaya.

It was bursting with flavors, textures and colors — one of the best Thai dishes I’ve had and one I’d “Luv2eat” again. Luv2eat Thai Bistro, 6660 Sunset Blvd., 323-498-5835. • • • There’s no stopping the fried chicken madness taking over the city. One of the most recent arrivals is Brooklynbased Sweet Chick, an attractive open space with a gastropub vibe. A full bar with fresh fruit cocktails and boozy slushies adds to the draw. There is a surprising number of appetizers for a place that’s essentially a higher-end Roscoe’s, from crawfish hush puppies to beef cheek pastrami. We tried the $12 mussel toast. Shelled mussels sat atop avocado and fava puree with a vinegary shower of parsley and hearts of palm. It made a nice starter. Almost all the mains involve variations of fried chicken. I ordered their signature $17 fried chicken and waffles dinner, choosing a bacon-cheddar waffle over such others as classic and spiced pecan. My husband ordered $18 chicken “Cordon Bleu,” a ham-dotted gruyere-sauced fried chicken plate, served with a thyme waffle. The waffles are great — Belgian-style and fluffy, (Please turn to page 29)

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I love exploring Thai Town. Mainly I try restaurants recommended by friends, but one establishment kept popping up with accolades on Yelp, so I headed to the unappealingly named Luv2eat Thai Bistro. It sounds like the Golden Corral of Asian cuisine, but, in fact, Phuket, Thailand native Chef Fern is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, and Chef Pla, also from Phuket, hails from a restaurant family, so the food is authentic and prepared with finesse. Tucked into an unassuming strip mall, the bistro’s exterior masks the bounty within. Ignore the tacky giant poster of smiling chefs plastered in the front window and enter the small storefront. Pastel walls lend some charm, as do a few framed photos and the giant set of silverware adorning a wall. The menu covers the greatest hits of the cui-

Larchmont Chronicle

September 2017

TarFest

more. The 21+ crowd can enjoy the Lagunitas Outdoor Biergarten & Wine Bar.

PINK’S LADIES WHO LUNCH include three former Larchmont Chronicle Women of Larchmont, from left: Betsy Anderson, Jennifer Fain and Daryl Twerdahl. The trio of local friends meets for lunch at the popular hot dog spot on La Brea Ave. at least quarterly. The ladies have celebrated one another’s birthdays there for more than 20 years.

U.S. REP. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), right, and Hancock Park resident Raj Vora at “Yugpurush.” The recent play at the Dolby Theatre raised $1.3 million for a hospital in rural India. Vora is president of Beverly Hills chapter of Jain Social Groups International Fed.

Longtime Hancock Park resident, magician Bernie Shine, is performing his “tabletop” show at Sofitel Hotel, 8555 Beverly Blvd., Fri., Sept. 1 and Sat., Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. The retired attorney combines card wizardry with mentalism in intimate venues for his performances. (The room he plays to at Sofitel holds 20 guests.) A frequent performer at the Magic Castle in the 1970s, his public shows are now rare. Mentalist Brett Barry described Shine as “a leg-

MAGICIAN BERNIE SHINE (right) with Comedy Central’s Jeff Ross.

end within a mystery.” British actor / magician Andy Nyman has noted “I love watching Bernie do magic. It’s like stepping back in time to the glory days at the Magic Castle.”

Angels Flight

(Continued from page 1) tribution date of September’s Larchmont Chronicle. The new Railway operator, the Angels Flight Development Company (AFDC), has added a regulator-required walkway and has done a lot of painting and fine-tuning of the historic 1901 funicular. AFDC is a joint venture of construction and engineering companies, Grupo ACS and Grupo SENER, both headquartered in Madrid but also active in projects in the United States. Steven DeWitt, Railway Manager for AFDC, wrote recently: “A one-way fare is

123 Years a Club 90 Years on Wilshire Please join us for a

WATCHING pre-opening testing and an evacuation drill by the Los Angeles Fire Department was Nelson LaBombard, 8, of Windsor Square.

only $1,” and “We look forward to your visit!”

On the Menu

sion. Fried chicken can be almost revelatory; a great recipe can elevate the lowly bird to a thing of crunchy, wellseasoned love-on-a-plate. This was not that. Although good, it stopped well short of amazing. But just order another gin and grape soda slushee, sit back and relax. Sweet Chick, 448 N. Fairfax Ave., 323-592-3423. Contact Helene at onthemenu@larchmontchronicle.com.

(Continued from page 28) served with a trio of flavored butters and maple syrup. The chicken was moist, and the breading was crispy and clung well to the breast and wing. (The menu makes no promises regarding which two pieces of poultry will be served.) We ordered $6 kohlrabi slaw, a tasty alternative to cabbage, and $7 braised collard greens, a porky sweet and sour ver-

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Tarfest luncheon Art, culture and community will be the topics of the Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce “TarFest” luncheon Wed., Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Speakers include LACMA CEO Michael Govan, Councilman David Ryu and TarFest co-founder James Panozzo.

SeCtION ONe

Champagne Open House to discover how you can be a part of our community and legacy

Sunday, September 24 | 3 to 5 pm Free event 4400 Wilshire Boulevard at Lucerne Plenty of free parking To RSVP or learn more about the Ebell, visit www.EbellEventTickets.com, www.ebelloflosangeles.org or call 323-931-1277 x 131

Larchmont Chronicle

SEpTEmbEr 2017

SECTION ONE

Bungalow (Continued from page 1) galow parties adhere to the rules, “then [in six months] the case gets dismissed.” In court Aug. 7, Vicki Podberesky, the latest new attorney for Larchmont Village Partners, LLC (the company managed by the late Mr. Albert Mizrahi), told Commissioner Harris that the Bungalow had closed Aug. 1 and had paid its fines. Back in Feb. 2016, the Bungalow had been ordered by the criminal court judge to either comply by removing its tables and chairs and to apply for a certificate of occupancy or close by Aug. 7, 2017. This was part of a plea deal with Mr. Mizrahi, owner of both the restaurant and the building. He died in August 2016. After the court hearing last month, Podberesky said she didn’t know what the current manager of the LLC, Mrs. Renee Mizrahi, planned to do with the property.

The large premises, at 107 N. Larchmont, could be subdivided into retail and take out, once the required permits are obtained, said Todd Maland, investigator with the city Dept. of Building and Safety. A “Pot Collective Coming Soon” sign taped on the outside of the former Bungalow’s front window on August 19 appears to have been the work of a prankster.

City resources expended Besides several city inspectors, the criminal case involved some five prosecutors and eight judges, and Christion said she stopped counting after more than 100 court dates. In addition, there were seven judges and 38 court dates on the civil side. The only money paid by the restaurant company to reimburse the city was $3,633.47 Albert Mizrahi opened the eatery as a take-out in 2009 with tables and chairs. In a

sworn affidavit, under penalty of perjury and prior to the opening, he had acknowledged specifically that the facility would not have tables and chairs. The number of restaurants on Larchmont Blvd. is restricted under zoning laws. The restaurant limit was reached years before Mr. Mizrahi bought the property and opened his restaurant (when only new take-out establishments were allowed). As a result of Mr. Mizrahi’s commencement of business as a restaurant — with tables and chairs — and not as a take-out, the city almost immediately revoked the location’s required certificate of occupancy. The Larchmont Bungalow served the public without a certificate of occupancy from October of 2009 until its closure last month. Civil case also ends Alongside the criminal case was the civil lawsuit. Mr. Mizrahi had filed a law-

suit against the city seeking multiple kinds of redress and claiming that he was a victim of discrimination. Although the city won that case, which was dismissed in 2015, it served for years to delay the criminal prosecution. In addition, Mr. Mizrahi’s attorneys sought exemption from the Boulevard’s Q Condition zoning through various City Planning Dept. appeals. The city, however, as well as the civil court judges, found no cause for any exemption, and the criminal case finally moved forward. However, because of a successful appeal by the Mizrahi

attorneys of a technicality in the courts’ 2015 dismissal of the civil case, that case was scheduled to return for a status conference at the civil trial court last month, with trial scheduled for October. But Mrs. Mizrahi’s lawyer last month moved to have the civil case dismissed, and it was. “The civil lawsuit against the city was voluntarily dismissed on Aug. 4, 2017. The dismissal fully terminates the civil lawsuit. Any dates that were on calendar have been vacated,” deputy city attorney Jennifer Tobkin confirmed via email.

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Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2017

SECTION ONE

Negative Doubles, Part III: The Reopening Double Before getting into the Reopening Double, there’s one last item to cover. You may use a Negative Double to show minor suits if partner, for instance, opens 1H and your Right Hand Opponent (RHO) overcalls 1S. If your hand is like the following: ♠ T943 ♥A ♦ KQT9 ♣ JT98 A negative double may be used to show two four-card minor suits and at least eight High Card Points (HCP). This is a perfect hand for a minor suit negative double. When you add any bid to your repertoire, you give up something. When you play negative doubles, you give up the ability to double some low-level bids by opponents for penalty. Even a lot of experienced players aren’t aware of the fact that the reopening double is an integral part of the negative double system. What if, not vulnerable v. vulnerable, in third seat and the bidding goes 1 Heart by your partner then 2 Diamonds by your RHO? It’s now your bid and you hold the following cards: ♠ A86 ♥ 95 ♦ AKJ86 ♣ K42 You could bid 3 No Trump, but wouldn’t you like to double 2 Diamonds? Alas, you can’t double it because that would be a negative double, which you can’t make because you don’t have four spades. So how can you defend 2 Diamonds doubled in this hand? You clearly cannot double because your partner will respond as she has to in the negative double system. The answer is that if your partner opens the bidding followed by a bid at the 2 level

Bridge Matters by

Grand Slam by your RHO, and you pass and your Left Hand Opponent (LHO) passes, your partner should “reopen the bidding” with a double if she has shortness in the suit bid by opponents and tolerance for the unbid suits. Shortness, in this context, means no more than a doubleton. So if your partner has two or less of your RHO’s suit, she should double. To be specific, here’s how the bidding goes: Partner RHO You LHO 1 Heart 2 Dia Pass Pass ? In the previous situation, your partner should protect you by doubling when it’s her turn. Then you can either let it sit for penalty, which you would do with the above hand, or pull it by either bidding your partner’s suit at the 2 level if you can, or making the best bid you have under the circumstances. This is called a reopening double because it’s made by the opening bidder, and she’s reopening the bidding by doubling since, with two passes to her, if she passes, the bidding will stop. If she doesn’t bid or double, the auction is over. Of course, you might have a legitimate pass, too. You might not be passing because you have opponents’ suit. You might have the following: ♠ 862 ♥ 75 ♦ T96 ♣ QT873 If you have this holding and your partner makes a reopen-

CATHEDRAL CHAPEL of ST. VIBIANA

ing double, you should just pull the double and support your partner’s opening suit, in which she’ll have at least a 5–2 fit. Your partner anticipates this. Her double is just inviting you to let it stand for penalty if you have a lot of opponents’ suit. If you don’t, just retreat to the best contract. If you retreat, your partner will know you passed originally because you don’t have much. Requirements for a reopening double are as follows: 1. A reopening double can be made only by opening bidder. 2. After LHO has overcalled

and there are two passes by your partner and your RHO. 3. Opening bidder has two or less cards in overcalled suit. 4. Opening bidder must have tolerance (at least 3 cards) for all unbid suits. 5. Opening bidder’s hand cannot be distributional, like 5-5-2-1. More next month, which will conclude this series of columns on the Negative Double. Grand Slam is the nom de plume for an author of a bestselling book on bridge, an ACBL accredited director and a Silver Life Master.

NEIGHBORS, co-workers and friends viewed the solar eclipse up and down Larchmont Blvd. Aug. 21. Above, mother and son outside Le Pain Quotidien. Photo by Aimee Lay

All that you are, you are here A WARM WELCOME. A tapestry of friendship. A place where there is room to be yourself. Find the gem of authenticity in a community within a community. Kingsley Manor is a pastiche of Hollywood grandeur and modern living, six miles to Beverly Hills, ten minutes to Walt Disney Concert Hall and L.A.’s best restaurants. Discover the art of living right in the heart of Hollywood. At Kingsley Manor you’ll fi nd a community that shines from the inside out. There’s so much to discover and so many ways to thrive with Truly Yours assisted living services and a skilled nursing care center on site.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE MIRACLE MILE AREA

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF FAITH, SERVICE AND EDUCATION 923 S. LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES 90019

323-930-5976 CATHEDRALCHAPEL.ORG

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MASS SCHEDULES Monday-Friday, 9:00am Saturday, 8:30am & 5:00pm (Vigil) Sunday, 8:00am, 10:00am (Choir), 12:00pm Holy Day, 9:00am & 7:00pm, 5:30pm (Vigil) Confession: Sundays, 1:00pm (Subject to change)

MULTI-LEVEL RETIREMENT LIVING — EXCEPTIONAL VALUE AVAILABLE ON A SIMPLE MONTH-TO-MONTH FEE BASIS.

Founder’s Church 3281 W. 6th Street (corner of Berendo)

“Faith allows us to perceive the invisible, believe in the incredible and receive the impossible.”

Visit us today. 323- 661-1128

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213-388-9733 Ext. 118 • www.founderslosangeles.org

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