LC Section One 12 2017 by Larchmont Chronicle

Larchmont Chroni cle

vol. 54, no. 12

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

DEIR released for LACMA over-Wilshire gallery design

IN THIS ISSUe

Front yards the subject of Garden Club’s new study n Guidelines in booklet debuted at Ebell

n Deadline to comment is December 15

HOLIDAYS on Larchmont. 11 - 22

PINK'S (Hot Dogs) historic square?

By Suzan Filipek Comments on traffic, parking and other issues stemming from a proposed new museum building at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will be accepted through Fri., Dec. 15. The public review process is for a recently released Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). Neighbors heard an overview last month of the $650-million project designed to sweep across Wilshire Blvd. by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. “I’m sure there’s going to be too much traffic. That’s just the way it is,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president of the Miracle Mile Residential Association, after a cursory look at See LACMA, p 5

NEW BOOK from our Homeboy.

FRESH TREES readying for delivery from Oregon to Larchmont, in time for the holidays. Local lot is open.

Rotary Christmas tree lot returns to Larchmont Blvd. n Wreaths, garlands and more are also available Fresh-cut evergreens are back and for sale in the neighborhood, thanks to the Wilshire Rotary Club tree lot at 568 N. Larchmont Blvd. Customers will find noble, silvertip, Fraser, Nordmann and Douglas firs, according to Wendy Clifford, who says the trees are delivered fresh each

week from a farm in Oregon. In its 11th year on Larchmont Blvd., the tree lot has been a holiday favorite for families in the community. Proceeds from sales benefit Wilshire Rotary Foundation in support of local community service projects. In previous See Rotary Christmas, p 3

Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana is here to stay n 90th gala is Dec. 16

MODERN TIMES at former Chronicle. 2-4 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:

By Suzan Filipek Although it has been here for 90 years, Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana, on busy La Brea Ave., is easy to miss. “To those who don’t know we’re here… when they find out, it’s, ‘Wow!,’” beamed Dolly Tidalgo, a member of the pastoral liturgy and environment committees. The small, welcoming church offers a refuge in the heart of the bustling city. “It’s so central… to the buses and the Metro… [coming] in the next few years,” added the longtime Miracle Mile parishioner. See Cathedral Chapel, p 4

Health & Beauty

The annual Health, Fitness & Beauty section is in the January 2018 issue. Advertising deadline is Mon., Dec. 11. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-4622241, ext. 11.

DeceMber 2017

FICUS TREES are popular on the Blvd. but problematic.

Study results in Boulevard ficus tree recommendations

By John Welborne Front yards are a significant part of the ambiance of the single-family residential neighborhoods in and around Hancock Park. As explained at a mid-November presentation held at The Ebell and led by architect John Kaliski, there is a public realm that exists between the front façades of houses on opposite sides of a street. The realm consists of the two front yards, two sidewalks, two parkways and the street in the middle. Two-year effort The importance of this open-space feature of local neighborhoods was emphasized in the panel discussion following Kaliski’s introduction of the 40-page booklet he co-wrote, “Your Next Front Yard,” the product of a twoyear effort of the local Hancock Park Garden Club. On the panel to review the issues highlighted by Kaliski (who also teaches urban design at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs) were: co-author of the booklet and landscape architect and architect Takako Tajima (who teaches at the USC School of Architecture); Kitty Connolly, executive director, Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants; Carol Bornstein, director of the Nature Gardens at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles See Front yards, p 3

n Windsor Square Assoc. position presented at town hall annual meeting; sent to other stakeholders Trees, trees, trees. That subject was a big part of this year’s annual “Town Hall” meeting of the Windsor Square Association (WSA). Held at The Ebell on Nov. 16, about 50 residents and others heard an update on the association’s activities during the year. This year’s primary agenda item was the presentation of the WSA’s conclusions about

the trees on Larchmont Boulevard. As stated in the preamble to a one-page statement distributed at the meeting, “No Larchmont Boulevard ficus tree should be removed unless it is dead, diseased or dangerous.” “Your Next Front Yard” Councilmember David Ryu was present to discuss some of See WSA on trees, p 5

BOOKLET just published.

www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!

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Community Comment

Calendar

By John Welborne ‘Charge it’ on Larchmont The City of Los Angeles recently installed two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Rite Aid underground public parking garage. The Larchmont Village Business Improvement District had advocated for placing the chargers. “Thank you,” LVBID! These 220-volt charging stations have now been in operation for several weeks. Just how well do they operate? The city’s installation on Larchmont features charging stations from a company called Greenlots — stations that initially were not easy for me to use. Maybe it’s an age issue (age of the user, not of the new installation!). But it actually took me about 40 minutes to upload the seemingly required Greenlots application to my cell phone. Then, the uploaded app and the charger did not work the first time I plugged in. Finally, however, my Nissan LEAF charged up just fine. On my third visit, I concluded that a user actually does not need to employ the app. Just plug in your car, and the charging starts! At present, these two Greenlot chargers, like the 19 city charging units at Hollywood & Highland, are available at no charge (pun intended). “Thank you” to the city for installing these two on Larchmont. There need to be more!

Check Out the New Website and Tell Us What You Think! After much planning and work, the HPHOA’s new website is up and running — hancockparkhomeownersassociation. org. This new website gives us the ability to post more information and provide a more interactive experience. Start out by scrolling through the photographs that show some of the beautiful houses in Hancock Park. Then look at the pull-down menus that alert you to important news; help you contact either the Association or Councilman Ryu’s Office; provide updates and information on: Filming Guidelines, Parkway Trees, Streets and Sidewalks, the Highland Median and the John Burroughs Renovation; and discuss Safety & Security. There’s also information about our HPOZ and an online means to pay your dues. This is a big step forward in the Association’s efforts to keep Hancock Park residents informed and provide opportunities to participate. So, please take a minute, visit the site and let us know what you think. Our thanks go to long-time web wrangler Greg Glasser for keeping the previous website up and running and up-todate with important information. Thanks also go to Jennifer DeVore and Cindy Chvatal for researching and helping build the new website. And Greg will continue managing the new site as well as serving on our Association’s Board of Directors. Remember that the holidays are a prime time for opportunistic crime, so be careful and lock your home’s doors and your car doors, and keep the outdoor lights on. If you are the unfortunate victim of a crime, be sure to file a police report by contacting Officer Dave Cordova. Call his cell phone, 213-793-0650 or send him an email, 31646@ lapd.lacity.org, with all the information, including your name and telephone number. 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) before starting 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/hancockpark. There also is an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process: preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial. screening.checklist. Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: myla311. lacity.org/portal/faces/home/service/create-sr?_adf.ctrlstate=xk1h3arne_4&_afrLoop=5637976677619935#! and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. Adv.

Fri., Dec. 1 – St. Brendan Holiday Boutique, 238 S. Manhattan Pl., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tues., Dec. 12 – Hanukkah begins. Wed., Dec. 13 – Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting, Ebell Club, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. at 7 p.m. greaterwilshire.org. Sat., Dec. 16 – Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana’s 90th anniversary gala, 555 Temple St., 6 p.m. cathedralchapel.org. Sun., Dec. 17 – Farmers Market Hanukkah lighting, 6333 W. Third St., 2:30 p.m. farmersmarketla.com. Sun., Dec. 17 to Sat., Dec. 23 – Farmers Market Christmas activities with Dickensian Carolers, 6333 W. Third St., farmersmarketla.com. Mon., Dec. 25 – Christmas Day. Thurs., Dec. 28 – Delivery

‘What’s at the top of your Christmas list this year?’ That’s the question inquiring photographer Sondi Toll Sepenuk asked locals along Larchmont Blvd.

of the Larchmont Chronicle. Mon., Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day and Rose Parade. Sun., Jan. 14 – Annual meeting of Park La Brea Residents Association, noon.

“A paid vacation. Anywhere out of Los Angeles!” Marisol Flores Larchmont

Intersection dedicated to Pink’s Square seeks approval By Billy Taylor An initiative to designate the intersection of Melrose and La Brea avenues as “Historic Pink’s Square” is working its way through an approval process with neighborhood groups. Supporters of the designation are seeking to paint the intersection’s crosswalks pink. The Mid City West Community Council (MCWCC) voted to support the designation of the intersection as “historic” at its Oct. 3 board meeting. Later, at the group’s Nov. 14 board meeting, members voted unanimously to support painting the four crosswalks pink. Mehmet Berker, MCWCC board member, told the Chronicle that the board was very supportive of both ideas. “Overall, members were into

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

the idea of creating a sense of identity for the intersection to go along with the designation as Pink’s Square, which we also support. It’s our eastern gateway, so for us, it seems like a great chance to create a distinct identity for the area and for Mid City West. And lastly, it’d be awesome,” he said. MCWCC transportation committee co-chair Nick Solish added a practical reason to support the measure: “The crosswalks at that intersection are terrible and need to be redone anyway.” The next step in the approval process is for the measures to be considered by the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC). “Our plan is to present the matter for a vote at the next GWNC Transportation Committee on Dec. 18,” said committee chair Julie Stromberg. “The final vote on the matter would then be at the GWNC Board meeting on Jan. 10.” Stromberg noted that the issue was briefly raised at a recent board meeting and some members “did not seem very enthusiastic” about the idea: “One board member raised the issue of whether the businesses around that corner were supportive of the idea.” Alison Simard, communications director for councilmember Paul Koretz, told the Chronicle that Koretz supports the designation and that he is waiting for approval from both neighborhood councils to formalize a resolution to 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.

“Having my whole family together,” and “Keeping my family together without arguing! The kids! The dogs!” Crystal Loza and Angela Sandoval Los Angeles

“A new kitchen!” and “I really want a sofa. I need a place to sit!” Mimi Tran and Cat Yu Mid-Wilshire City Council. Pink’s Hot Dogs has been in operation at the same location on La Brea Ave. since 1939. The business originally operated as a pushcart until 1946, when the Pink family built the building that still stands today. Founded by Paul and Betty Pink, the business is now run by the next generation of Pinks, siblings Richard and Beverly, and Richard’s wife Gloria. Visit pinkshollywood.com for more information. Photo page 1: Pink-striped crosswalks are being considered at Melrose and La Brea. Rendering by Mehmet Berker

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Rotary Christmas (Continued from page 1) years, funds have supported Operation School Bell (a service of the Assistance League of Los Angeles), Hope-Net and the Hollywood YMCA. The tree lot will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Sat., Dec. 23. Delivery is available for a fee. Visit christmastreesonlarchmont.com. GARDEN CLUB president Jennifer Fain, Windsor Square, introduces the speakers to discuss local neighborhood landscapes.

Front yards

(Continued from page 1) County; and Kimberly Henry, City Planning Associate at the Office of Historic Resources in the Department of City Planning (and Planner for the Hancock Park and Windsor Square Historic Preservation Overlay Zones). The booklet suggests guidelines for addressing local

neighborhoods’ once-uniform front yards of open vistas and broad lawns that are impacted because of drought, changing tastes and other influences. Information about the contents of the booklet and how to obtain a printed copy can be found at the website of the Hancock Park Garden Club: hancockparkgardenclub.com/ your-next-front-yard

POLICE BEAT COuNCIL REPORT hOLIdAYS 11 AROuNd ThE TOWN SChOOL NEWS

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SECTION ONE

EVENTS at Ebell.

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Cathedral Chapel (Continued from page 1) The Spanish Mission-style building, which turns 90 this month, is also beautiful. It boasts an Italian mosaic of the Madonna, a Baroque painting by Murillo, stained-glass windows and Jerusalem stone and Carrara marble floors. All the more remarkable is that the chapel was built as a temporary site for a much larger cathedral planned for Wilshire Blvd. between Hudson and Keniston avenues. The Cathedral of St. Vibiana, located at 2nd and Main, was built in 1876. As the city grew westward, plans were made to

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build the new cathedral, while the temporary “pro-cathedral” was built on a sloping hill on La Brea Ave. In 1935, the city planned to extend La Brea, and the pro-cathedral was placed on jacks. Ground was excavated underneath, and the building was lowered eight feet to its present level. Over the years, city streets have widened and more cars zip by. The church, outgrowing its 600-person capacity, also was enlarged. The north side of the church was removed and columns to support the roof were added to

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accommodate another 150 parishioners. Following a major renovation in 2012 — including a new altar and baptismal font — Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana’s Bishop-in-residence Most Reverend Edward Clark and pastor Rev. Truc Nguyen concelebrated the long last consecration of the church building with the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez. “We are fortunate that this has happened, for the extremely moving liturgy of consecrating a church building is something most Catholics never experience in a lifetime,” said Bishop Clark in his statement on the church’s 85th anniversary and dedication. The parish was to be a ministerial arm of the new cathedral, hence the name “Cathedral Chapel,” explained church business manager Nancy Galicia-Sheehan. As for the planned cathedral proposed for Wilshire Blvd. in Brookside? The Great Depression and World War II delayed construction, and plans eventually were abandoned. “They built a temporary chapel here but then it became permanent,” said Gary Herman, Sr. When asked what draws him to keep coming back to the church since moving to Los Angeles in 1954, Herman, chair of the finance council committee, says “Family… We’re part of the parish family…. When we arrive we spend the first 15 minutes greeting

PARISHIONERS, left to right, Nancy Galicia-Sheehan, Gary Herman, Sr. and Dolly Tidalgo

all of our friends.” Gary and his wife Beverly, Hancock Park, were married in the church 63 years ago last month. Their three sons attended the church school, opened in 1930 on Eighth St. and Cochran Ave., where Gary serves on the school board. Galicia-Sheehan was also married at the historic site. She was at the helm last month, as Rev. Truc Nguyen was on a silence retreat. Known for his uplifting sermons, Nguyen was among Vietnamese refugees who immigrated after the Vietnam War. Earlier this year he joined congregants on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, among several activities leading up to the 90th anniversary and Christmas fundraiser Sat., Dec. 16. It’s the first year the annual fundraiser won’t take place at the Wilshire Country Club. To accommodate a larger crowd, Cathedral Chapel will hold its gala at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, downtown. Cathedral Chapel has acquired several works of art over the years, and a number of prized features have

been incorporated from possibly the city’s oldest Catholic cathedral — St. Vibiana — and the newest — Our Lady of the Angels, and — from the onetime local boys’ school — Daniel Murphy High. The 12 Stations of the Cross came from St. John Vianney Chapel at the Daniel Murphy site. Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana might be among the smallest Catholic parishes in the city, but it could very well be among the warmest.

90th anniversary gala Dec. 16 at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana’s Christmas Fundraising and 90th Anniversary Gala is Sat., Dec. 16 at the Center at Cathedral Plaza, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St. Cocktails are at 6 p.m.; dinner is at 7 p.m. The program also includes music and dancing and a raffle. The raffle’s grand prize is a trip for two to Rome. Dinner is $100 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under. RSVP by Dec. 11 at cathedralchapel.org. Everyone is welcome.

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LACMA (Continued from page 1)

Find all your Holiday Needs on Larchmont Boulevard RENDERING shows new design at LACMA, looking west. Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner / The Boundary

The Draft EIR is also available on CD-ROM at the Fairfax and Memorial branch libraries. Send comments to Pe-

ter Burgis, Capital Projects, County of Los Angeles, 500 W. Temple St., Room 754, Los Angeles, 90012; pburgis@ceo. lacounty.gov.

WSA on trees

and other city staff as well as with leaders of the Larchmont Boulevard Association, the Larchmont Village Business Improvement District and the nearby Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association. See: windsorsquare.org. Squeaky Wheel The grand finale of the meeting included presentation of the 2017 Squeaky Wheel Award. Keeping with the tree theme, this year’s award went to Lorraine Blvd. resident Jason Greenman for his initiative in documenting problems caused by Windsor Square tree removals. He was commended as a “Diligent Advocate for the Tree Canopy of Windsor Square.”

(Continued from page 1) his own accomplishments during the past year and to answer questions from the residents. He specifically complimented the neighborhood for its regularly taking the initiative to improve local quality-of-life, and he singled out the Hancock Park Garden Club’s publication, “Your Next Front Yard,” which he received at the event, as did all in attendance. Seeking tree consensus Immediately following the meeting, association president Larry Guzin shared the WSA’s position on the Larchmont ficus trees, by email, with the councilmember’s

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the 3,000-page DEIR. “We’re excited to see these things done and finished, but it’s like everything else that happens… Sacramento says we’re not going to need cars…” he added. Parking is at a premium in the area, which also will welcome the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures under construction next door and set to open in 2019. Groundbreaking for the new LACMA building is targeted for 2019, with an opening in 2023 — the same time as the Metro Purple Line subway extension — which has a stop across from the two museums. However, public transportation, access via bicycles and on foot, will not totally eliminate vehicle traffic and parking challenges. “They’re not all going to take the train,” said O’Sullivan. An average 1.2 million people visit LACMA annually, according to the DEIR. Except in its debut stage, the number is not expected to rise since the new 387,500-square-foot museum is 5,375 square feet less than the four buildings it will replace. The parking will also stay the same, with 910 parking spaces at both the underground Pritzker Parking Garage entered from Sixth St., and a new structure proposed for Ogden Dr. to replace the existing Spalding Ave. lot. The project website is at buildinglacma.org.

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By Suzan Filipek Hope-Net’s new executive director Ninette Ayala has a long history with Larchmont and with helping those in need. She began her young working life behind the counter at Landis General Store and scooping frozen yogurt at Penguin’s on Larchmont Blvd. She went on to become a teacher’s assistant at Melrose Avenue and Vine Street elementary schools, where one of the students, who lived at an orphanage, asked Ninette to be her counselor. Not yet 21, Ninette had to wait to move in to the then-residential facility, where, as counselor, she eventually would watch over eight girls ages five to 12, including the little girl she initially befriended. Ninette remembers walking the group across Melrose Ave. to stores on Larchmont and teaching them accounting

Ninette Ayala

skills using their pocket money. Her love of children goes back to her native El Salvador, where she would often babysit. “I always loved kids. My goal was to help children some way or another.” In her new post, she oversees an annual $200,000 budget to feed 300,000 people a year and to keep the shelves stocked at 13 food pantries across Mid-Wilshire, Silver Lake, Hollywood and Koreatown. Wilshire Presbyterian and St.

James Episcopal churches and Wilshire Boulevard Temple are among the local providers of food pantries. Hope-Net also benefits from “Taste of Larchmont,” held the past 25 summers (and initially organized by the Larchmont Chronicle), where locals and friends sample food and drink from participating restaurants. “Taste” proceeds support Hope-Net’s mission to provide free nutritious foods, such as fresh meats and vegetables, as well as prepared foods. The need continues to be great and is growing, said Ayala. “There’s a large number of people who live on a fixed income.” Many have to choose between paying a utility bill, the rent or buying food, she says. Others are homeless. Besides expanding HopeNet’s offerings, Ayala hopes to provide case management and (Please turn to page 7)

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Hope-Net

(Continued from page 6) other services at Hope-West, affordable housing in a 17-unit building on West Blvd. After graduating from Fair-

DeCember 2017

fax High, Ninette majored in psychology at UCLA and received a master’s degree from Pepperdine University. She was a child-care counselor at the orphanage, Hollygrove, until the agency (now

called Uplift Family Services) dismantled its live-on-site program. Most recently, she secured grants and developed programs for teen pregnancy prevention and mentorships at Penny Lane Centers.

SeCTION ONe

Larchmont resident and Hope-Net board member Bill Gaddy recommended her for the executive director position left vacant after Douglas Ferraro retired earlier this year. How long did it take Ninette

to accept? “Immediately,” she said. “I knew I was in love.” Coming back to Larchmont was another plus, said the mother of two teenage daughters.

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Police beat

Be aware of your surroundings: Multiple gun-related incidents Forcibly grabbing the victim’s backpack, the suspects stole a bag of medication inside the bag and fled. A man was walking near the corner of St. Andrews Pl. and 4th St. on Nov. 9 when a vehicle stopped next to him. A suspect jumped out of the car with a handgun and said, “Give me what you got.” In

At last month’s Windsor Square Association Annual Meeting, the WSA board shared with the attendees its carefully considered plan regarding the Larchmont Boulevard Ficus trees (Ficus microcarpa “Nitida,” the Indian laurel fig). As it developed the plan, the Board’s Canopy Committee consulted with several certified arborists (including one who worked for many years as an urban forester for the City of Los Angeles), property owners, shop proprietors and residents. The plan states: “No Larchmont Boulevard tree will be removed unless it is dead, diseased or dangerous; nor will it be removed because of sidewalk damage, unless the adjacent sidewalk is first lifted or removed to allow root inspection and pruning, supervised by a certified arborist paid for by the responsible party.” The plan further details the proper methods for removing an existing tree, preparing the planting space, creating uniform sidewalk cutouts, providing for irrigation, and installing metal grates over the cutouts to make the sidewalks more walkable. The plan in its entirety is available on the Windsor Square Association’s website (www.windsorsquare.org). The WSA’s choice for a replacement tree is Laurus nobilis “Saratoga,” in 36-inch box size. This variety of bay laurel tree was selected with the help of professional arborists and tree experts. It meets the strict criteria for the Larchmont business district location. It is: sturdy and drought-tolerant; evergreen; the cause of minimal litter; similar in form and size to the existing Ficus trees at maturity; reasonably quick to grow; resistant to known pests; and aesthetically pleasing. The Saratoga variety of bay laurel tolerates pruning and shaping well, and it is not known to have invasive roots or to be prone to lifting sidewalks. Mature trees offer great benefits to a community, including air filtration, water retention and temperature reduction. Our shaded boulevard provides a welcome respite from the heat and hardscape of the surrounding city. While the Larchmont Ficus trees have caused problems over the years, the WSA believes that a gradual approach to replacement is wisest. There are still many issues to be decided, such as the funding sources for such a large project, the evaluation process and others, but the WSA hopes that, with active community participation, we can agree on an approach to keep the Larchmont Boulevard neighborhood shopping street the inviting oasis that it is.

Olympic Police Division’s “Operation Shoes from Santa” is asking for shoe donations for needy children. Donate shoes at the Olympic Station 1130 S. Vermont Ave., until Sun., Dec. 10. Call Eric at 213-793-0785.

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Furnished by Senior lead officer Joseph Pelayo 213-793-0709 31762@lapd.lacity.org twitter: @lapdolympic Wilshire Division November crime reports arrived after press time.

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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.

Santa hosts shoe drive at Olympic Div.

mobile phone and a bag of property and fled the location. bURGlaRieS: Property valued at $8,200, including a safe containing jewelry, was stolen from a residence on the 500 block of N. Bronson Ave. on Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. after a suspect entered the home by prying open a rear door. A laptop, jewelry and clothes were stolen from a residence on the 400 block of S. Gramercy Pl. on Nov. 14 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

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(323) 464-6659 Start your night at the Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave. at Franklin Avenue. Street parking. Also on hand: local LAFD, strolling carolers, local child's chorus & DJ with holiday music & local favorite Yuca's Champurrado (Mexican Hot Chocolate). FREE & Festive for All!

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fear, the victim handed over his duffle bag, containing a military ID, credit cards and clothing. Four victims were walking to their car parked near the corner of Van Ness Ave. and 6th St. on Nov. 11 at 1:25 a.m. when two suspects approached them. The first suspect produced a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. As the victim’s began to hand over their property, the second suspect produced a shotgun. At the same time a car alarm went off and the suspects fled in a grey Mitsubishi Lancer. A woman was sitting in her car talking on the phone on the 400 block of N. Norton Ave. on Nov. 11 at 6:55 p.m. when two suspects approached her vehicle from both sides. The first suspect opened her car door and simulated a gun under his hoodie, stating: “Give me what you have and I won’t hurt you.” The second suspect opened the victim’s passenger door and started going through her glove box. The two men stole the victim’s

Facials • Microdermabrasion • Peels • Waxing • LED • Micro current • Oxygen

OLYMPIC DIVISION RobbeRieS: A man was riding his bicycle on the 100 block of N. Gramercy Pl. on Nov. 4 at 2:25 a.m. when he was suddenly struck from behind, knocking him off his bike. Three suspects, with partially covered faces, surrounded the victim on the ground and demanded his property.

Larchmont Chronicle

DeCember 2017

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art Program is accepting applications; protecting our libraries Council Report by

David E. Ryu

immediate community or with a story far, far away. Reports of illicit drug use and lewd behavior on library grounds, as well as the accessing of inappropriate content on library computers, are entirely unacceptable. Our children and families deserve better.

Therefore, Councilmember Nury Martinez of Council District 6 and I introduced two motions on Nov. 21 to make our city libraries a safer and more inviting space for children and families. These motions would prohibit lewd content on library computers and Internet networks, as well as increase security in and outside all 73 of our city libraries. I look forward to be working with my colleagues in City Council and LAPD to ensure our libraries remain a welcoming place for children and families.

• • • On Nov. 7, we welcomed the grand re-opening of the Hancock Gardens that provides affordable housing to seniors. This 66-unit apartment community underwent extensive renovations, and it now features an entirely re-done exterior, community rooms, exercise room, laundry facilities, new floors, upgraded bathrooms and kitchens and a new community garden for all

residents to enjoy. Nestled in Windsor Square, across from St. Brendan Church, the new project, which offers Section 8 rent subsidies, was supported by my office as well as the Mayor’s office and a network of public and private supporters. Hancock Gardens is one of many housing projects and initiatives my office is involved with to give more Angelenos a warm, safe and happy holiday season.

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Your Neighborhood Council Wishes You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

I’m going to pause during the whirlwind of this holiday season and count some of the many blessings in our practice. I am grateful for the exceptional care and skill sets Dr. H. Ray Jalian, Dr. Helen H. Fincher and Angela Sarff, RN share with our patients.

UCLA as an Assistant Clinical Professor and served as the Associate Director of the Laser Center for three years. In addition to his clinical duties, Dr. Jalian helps organize and participates in an annual medical mission to Yerevan, Armenia to treat children with birthmarks and scars.

and triathlons. She also has a background in music and is a classically trained violinist. Her biggest accomplishments are raising her three children with her husband who is also a Dermatologist. Patients love seeing our Registered Nurse Angela Sarff who has been with the practice for 7 years. She is a graduate of UCLA and Glendale College. Angela’s impressive professional accreditations include Critical Care Nurse, and membership in the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Prior to coming to our practice, Angela worked at Keck Medical Center of USC in Surgical Intensive Care. She holds a Dermatology Nurse Certification through the Dermatology Nurse’s Association. She sees patients for a wide range of treatments such as: skin tightening, body contouring, and lasers. We are proud that Angela is returning to school to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Transportation Committee meeting: Monday, December 18th, 7:00 p.m. Marlborough School Collins Room – D200 250 S. Rossmore Ave., 90004

In 2015, we were delighted to welcome to the practice Dr. H. Ray Jalian, Board Certified Dermatologist. Along with his charisma, Dr. Jalian, brings to the practice his extensive laser knowledge, allowing a customized approach for each patient to address areas of individual concern. His clinical expertise includes treatment of sun-damaged skin, non-invasive skin tightening, acne and acne scarring. Dr. Jalian graduated from the UCLA School of Medicine and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, reserved for only the top graduating medical students. He then went on to train at the UCLA/West LA VA combined dermatology program, where he served as Chief Resident. Following residency, Dr. Jalian completed a rigorous two year clinical fellowship in Lasers and Cosmetics at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. During his fellowship, he participated in many clinical trials optimizing and devising new laser treatments for the skin. A Southern California native, Dr. Jalian was eager to return to Los Angeles. Before joining our practice full time, he was part of the faculty practice at

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

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology. She is a member of the Botox Cosmetic National Education Faculty and is an international Training Physician for Dermik, the makers of the injectable Sculptra. She is also among a select group of physicians chosen to teach proper injection techniques for Radiesse, the volumizing filler, around the world. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA.Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD.com or call (323) 464-8046 to schedule an appointment. Adv.

Meeting Schedule All GWNC meetings are open to the public Meeting agendas are posted on the GWNC website and elsewhere in the Greater Wilshire community at least 72 business hours before our meetings. Board of Directors meeting: Wednesday, December 13, 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. Location TBA Outreach Committee meetings: First Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. Bricks & Scones Cafe 403 N. Larchmont Blvd., 90004 Sustainability Committee meeting: Meeting will feature a presentation by LADWP on electric vehicles and EV chargers. Tuesday, December 12th, 7:00 p.m. Marlborough School Collins Room – D200 250 S. Rossmore Ave., 90004

skin

deep by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

Dr. Helen Fincher also has an impressive list of accomplishments. She received her medical degree from The University of Tennessee, Memphis with Highest Honors, where she was president of the student body and president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors society. She completed her dermatology training at Stanford University where she remained on faculty until relocating to Los Angeles. Since completing her residency, Dr. Fincher has also worked in academia, serving on the faculty at both Stanford University and as a clinical faculty member at UCLA. Her areas of expertise include the treatment of acne, non-invasive skin tightening procedures for the face and body, sclerotherapy for unwanted leg veins, and the latest skin rejuvenation techniques using lasers, Botox® and injectable fillers. Outside of Medicine Dr. Fincher enjoys running marathons

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Public art on city utility boxes brightens our communities and adds a unique element to our neighborhoods — and I want to make sure we are supporting our local artists who make that possible. That’s why my office announced the Utility Box Art Program to sponsor artists who want to turn traffic utility boxes into public works of art. Funded through Council District Four’s discretionary funding, my office will sponsor artists up to $250 per utility box and will work in collaboration with the Dept. of Transportation and the local neighborhood council to approve the artwork. Interested artists or communities can find more information at davidryu.lacity.org and e-mail completed applications to cd4. art@lacity.org. • • • Growing up, I relied on Los Angeles libraries to study, learn, and connect with my

It’s hard to believe I’ve been in private practice for over 10 years. During that time I have had the opportunity to remain active academically by having my research published in peer-reviewed medical journals. I’ve also continued my work as an International Master Training Physician for Sculptra, as well as training other physicians in injectable fillers. But without question, the most rewarding aspect of my career is making patients feel even more beautiful everyday with the help of my talented staff.

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Book talks of lessons in kinship, compassion By Rachel Olivier “Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship,” by Rev. Gregory Boyle, who grew up in Windsor Square and attended Loyola High School, was released last month by Simon & Schuster.

A collection of stories, ideas and parables based on Boyle’s 30 years of working with gangbangers, or “homies,” and their families, “Barking to the Choir” is loosely organized around a series of what the priest (who likes to be called Fr. Greg) re-

fers to as “homie-propisms;” these are used as launching points to discuss spiritual aspects. Mostly, however, the book addresses how kindness, compassion and the kinship of humanity can filter into every aspect of life. Lessons can be

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learned from the very people you are trying to help. “Homie-propisms” In an Introduction that needs to be read (and not skipped over as one may do), Boyle explains the title as coming from a homie who referred to “barking to the choir” instead of “preaching to the choir.” Boyle decided he liked the new saying better. It seemed to describe a way of waking people up, making sure they made room for everyone, not just themselves. There’s a feeling of exclusivity — “us and them” — in being in the choir, when there needs to be more inclusivity. There’s a seat for everyone at the table. But sometimes people need to be barked at, nudged, prodded and shoved to get them to move enough to make that happen. “The world is steeped in God. Grace indeed is everywhere,” he writes in the chapter, “Holy Be-

FR. GREG BOYLE, founder of Homeboy Industries. Photo by Eric Pulitzer

fold,” when discussing how one “homie-propism” can refer to the sacred — holy and extraordinary — unfolding before us within ordinary circumstances. “Happiness only comes from kindness and compassion,” Boyle quotes Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk in the chapter, “Now. Here. This.” The reference is to a colloquialism used by homies when asked what they are doing. “Just right here, watching TV.” Boyle uses that chapter to discuss making space for life in the present moment, not fearing the future or resenting the past. Being in the present allows for more generosity of spirit, which can lead to more kindness, more compassion. Transform, not transmit Everyone has pain or hurt in his or her life, Boyle says, but there are some in this world who have an abundance of it. Fifteen years ago, he was diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia that he has had to manage. And, as of the writing of this book, he had buried 220 young people he knew and loved— kids who grew up with such rage, despair and violence that the community offered by a gang seemed friendlier than the rest of the world. What is needed, says Boyle, is an “exit ramp” out of that despair and a way to transform the pain; use it, move past it into love and joy, rather than transmit it onto others in the form of hate. That is something we all could use help with. This book reminded me of lessons I took to heart while reading spiritual authors Brother Lawrence, Viktor Frankl, Bruce Bawer, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama. Tattoos Boyle’s first book, “Tattoos on the Heart” (2010), introduced to readers how Homeboy Industries was launched in 1988 as “Jobs for the Future,” later collaborating with “Proyecto Pastoral” to create Homeboy Bakery in 1992. What began as an effort to lure young people out of gangs with the promise of jobs has become what has been called the largest gang intervention, (Please turn to page 12)

Larchmont Chronicle

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HOlIdayS — dECEmbEr 2017

Toy drives, food baskets are on Santa’s shopping list of books and toys for kids ages infant to 18. Electronics, clothing, makeup kits, shaving kits, movies and skateboards are welcome. When in doubt, gift cards work, too. Deadline to donate is Mon., Dec. 12. Alexandria House is having a Christmas party for the neighborhood Sat., Dec. 16, or volunteer at a party for past residents Sun., Dec. 17. Contact Michele Richards at 213381-2649 or email michele@ alexandriahouse.org. To help St. Anne’s Maternity Home directly, drop toys for children ages infant to 15,

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BL 144 VD. 75

MIRACLE MILE

games, art and school supplies, clothes, or gift cards at 155 N. Occidental Blvd. by Wed., Dec. 6. Contact Esther Clark at 213381-2931, ext. 341, or email eclark@stannes.org. Assistance League of Los Angeles, 826 Cole Ave., which runs Operation School Bell, Foster Children’s Resource Center and other children’s charities, is having a toy drive for children ages infant to 18 years old. New unwrapped school supplies, toys for infants and toddlers, toy cars, Nerf balls, sports balls, Legos and other items can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Fri., Jan. 5. Contact Ikiah McGowan at imcgowan@ assistanceleaguela.org or call 323-469-1973. Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), 2701 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 100, has a holiday toy drive for students and families. Drop unwrapped gifts for children ages six to 19 and gift cards for food and retail places at HOLA. If you want to help celebrate the holidays with HOLA families, come by Mon., Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. Bring your unwrapped toy, book or game then and join in the fun. Email Anna Martin,

NCJW needs help giving out clothes The National Council of Jewish Women seeks help giving away 75,000 pieces of clothing to more than 3,000 individuals in need of new or gently used clothes and other items Sun., Dec. 3 starting at 6:45 a.m. Or sign up to help sort clothes prior to the giveaway Sat. Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to noon. You can also donate gently used clothing and other items at 360 N. Fairfax Ave. between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. Call 323-852-8515 or email volunteer@ncjwla.org.

Happy Holidays from Councilmember David Ryu Council District Four Paid for by David Ryu for City Council 2015 Officeholder Account 777 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 4050, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org

“When one eats and drinks, one must also feed the stranger, the orphan, the widow, and other unfortunate paupers. But one who locks the doors of his courtyard, and eats and drinks with his children and wife but does not feed the poor and the embittered souls – this is not the joy of a mitzvah, but the joy of the belly.” -Maimonides

Father Boyle

(Continued from page 10)

rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Homeboy Industries now has an 18-month program that includes nine businesses that employ “homies” from rival gangs, as well as providing gang tattoo removal, therapy, classes on childcare, and help on how to live, not just survive. Fr. Boyle will have book signings in December in Pasadena, Brentwood and Manhattan Beach. There is hope that a date can be scheduled for Chevalier’s as well. For more information, visit homeboyindustries.org.

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amartin@heartofla.org or call 213-389-1148, ext. 245. Hollygrove, 815 N. El Centro Ave., needs unwrapped gifts for children ages infant to 15 years old as well as gift cards from both retail and food places. Also needed are wrapping paper, tissue, ribbon and tags. Parents visit Hollygrove’s “Santa’s Workshop” to select and wrap gifts to give their children. The deadline is Fri., Dec. 8. Call Kathleen Felesina, 323769-7142 email kathleen. felesina@upliftfs.org.

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There is a donation and volunteer portal on the Wilshire Temple’s website, www.wbtla.org Contact: Amy Mendelsohn amy@karshcenter.org • (213) 401-4654

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This year the Kramer Law Group is encouraging the Miracle Mile community’s involvement and donations to the Leanse-Ratner Food Pantry at the Karsh Center of Wilshire Blvd. Temple

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SANTA visits House last year.

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andria House and St. Anne’s, while students in fifth through eighth grades partner with the Adopt-a-Family program. Nancy Muller, co-chair with Stacy Herman, said they also need gift cards from Target and sporting equipment. Drop donations off at the church office. Toys for Alexandria House can be dropped off at the school by Fri., Dec. 15. Separate parties for all three groups are Sat., Dec. 16. Call 323-936-4656. You also can help Alexandria House, 426 S. Alexandria Ave., directly. The transitional home needs unwrapped gifts

Children both naughty and nice are looking forward to a visit from Santa this month, but he needs a little help in getting toys to some kids. Read on to see where you can help bring holiday cheer to local families. St. Brendan Church, 310 S. Van Ness Ave., has a toy drive that aids three beneficiaries this year: St. Anne’s Maternity Home, Alexandria House and the Adopt-a-Family program at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Younger students at St. Brendan School, 238 S. Manhattan Pl., are getting toys for Alex-

Larchmont Chronicle

HoLidays — deCember 2017

seCTioN oNe

SUGAR PLUMS: leading ballerinas Uliana Mikhed, Isabella Seo, Isabella Franco and Alexandra Shlosman.

This holiday season, Marat Daukayev’s “Nutcracker” features several dancers who will be performing their final roles, including leading Sugar Plum Fairies Uliana Mikhed, Isabella Seo, Isabella Franco and Alexandra Shlosman. “All girls have been with the school over 12 years and all are graduating this year,” Pamela Daukayev told us. Isabella Franco goes to Marlborough School and lives in Park La Brea; Isabella Seo is Windsor Square adjacent. “We have so many Larchmont and Windsor Square children dancing in our performance that I can’t begin to name them all,” Pamela adds. “Three of our four Mashas are Windsor Square girls and the fourth is from North Hollywood. We have five Marlborough girls dancing various roles.” Among those busy applying to colleges is Isabel Murr, Irving Blvd. “There will be a lot of tears backstage when the final curtain goes down on this year’s production. And plenty will be from parents as well — seeing their child’s life flash before their eyes.” Marat Daukayev, a former principal and star of the Kirov Ballet, founded the Miracle Mile-based school in 2001 with his wife Pamela. Experience the timeless tale of a little girl’s dream of a Sugar Plum Fairy, a prince

BALLERINAS Lola Vernetti, left, and friends.

and the Mouse King on Sat., Dec. 9 and Sun., Dec. 10 at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA, 5151 State University Dr. Tickets are available at maratdaukayev.com.

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‘Nutcracker’ is local, bittersweet this holiday

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larchmont Chronicle

HOlIdayS — dECEmbEr 2017

Supper with Santa

A holiday tradition for all ages! The Ebell’s annual Supper with Santa will feature a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, a gourmet holiday buffet, holiday crafts and much more! Friday, December 1 | 5:30-8:00 pm

Holiday Ball: Deck the Halls!

A night to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with beautiful decor for all the holidays of the season! Featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing. Saturday, December 9 | 6:00-11:30 pm

Angel City Chorale has ‘New Home’

Historical society holiday party

Angel City Chorale (ACC) has a concert and sing-along at its new home at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 3300 Wilshire Blvd. The event, featuring 160 singers and a full orchestra, is Sat., Dec. 2 and Sun., Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. There will be pop, R&B, and a cappella interpretations of holiday favorites and the introduction of “Hanukkah Lullaby.” Tickets start at $35. Visit angelcitychorale.org.

Sing carols, sip wine and sample cheeses at the annual Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society holiday party Tues., Dec. 5 starting at 6:30 p.m. The party, hosted by Rafael de Marchena-Huyke, will be at a private home in Hancock Park. Tickets are $25. Reservations are limited. Please RSVP by Fri., Dec. 1. Send checks to 137 N. Larchmont Blvd., #135, Los Angeles, CA 90004. Proceeds from the event will support the historical society. For information, email wshphs@gmail.com.

Good Sam gift shop open for holidays

Monday Lunch: Kerry Brougher

Know your money is going to a good cause, and shop at the Elizabeth Vruwink Gift Shop at Good Samaritan Hospital, 616 S. Witmer St. Hosted by the hospital’s auxiliary, the hours are Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m; and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Director, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Join Kerry Brougher for an inside look at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, scheduled to open in 2019. Monday, January 8 | 11:30 am

The Ebell is both timeless and timely with members and activities that will expand your social circle and your mind. Please join us and consider becoming a member. 741 South Lucerne Boulevard - Los Angeles, CA 90005 | For information on tickets or the Ebell, visit www.EbellEventTickets.com, www.ebelloflosangeles.org or call 323-931-1277 x 131

Festive holiday shopping Dec. 1 at St. Brendan’s Jewelry, wine, cigars and clothing are among items at St. Brendan School’s Holiday Boutique Fri., Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Parish Center, 238 S. Manhattan Pl. Also for sale from 30 local vendors will be accessories, candy, toys and holiday gifts. Sandwiches, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase; 20 percent of the proceeds will go to support the school.

Brunch, boutique at Junior League

L.A.’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY GATHERING PLACE, ESPECIALLY FOR GATHERING GROCERIES.

Junior League’s Harvest Boutique, “Where Giving is Always in Style,” is Sun., Dec. 3 beginning with a brunch at 10 a.m. A Sip & Shop featuring champagne and a curated boutique follows. The 18th annual fundraiser is at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live. Tickets start at $25 to shop at the curated boutique with 50 vendors and access to the champagne reception. Visit jlla.org.

Celebrate Meals on Wheels Dec. 11 Come to the holiday party for friends and family of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels (MOW) Mon., Dec. 11. For time and location, contact Daryl Twerdahl, 213-484-7476 or email dtwerdahl@stvincentmow.org. Also, see the Living Crib / Story of Christmas at MOW Kitchen, 2303 Miramar St., Wed., Dec. 20 at 8:30 a.m.

Since 1934, The Original Farmers Market has remained Los Angeles’ foremost Grocery Store—the perfect place to gather all the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday feast. With dozens of family-run grocers and artisan food merchants, this historic landmark is a one-stop shopping adventure for quality groceries, treats and sweets — all wrapped up in one perfect package. We invite you to experience the best of the season (and seasonings) at the corner of Third & Fairfax. Open ‘til 6pm on Christmas Eve. 6333 W. THIRD ST. • LOS ANGELES • 323.933.9211 • FARMERSMARKETLA.COM •

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Guibord hosts panel on prison Dec. 9 Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord will host a panel with Monks Behind Bars and Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Jewish chaplains at the Guibord Center, 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., Sat., Dec. 9, 2 to 4 p.m. The event, “I Visited You in Prison,” is free.

Larchmont Chronicle

HoLidays — deCember 2017

seCTioN oNe

Wilshire Rotary’s

Christmas Tree Lot on Larchmont!

• (Between Beverly & Melrose) 568 N. Larchmont Blvd.

Freshly Cut Oregon Trees, Douglas Fir and Noble, Wreaths & Garlands Tabletop to 10 foot sizes available Pre-ordered trees available for selection & pickup November 29

•

Open Every Day

Thru December 23

• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

•

Sunday, November 29 thru Wednesday, December 23 Weekdays - 3 to 7 pm, Weekends - 10 am to 8 pm

Fresh-cut Douglas, Noble, Nordmann, Fraser & Silvertip 568trees North Larchmont Blvd. Across from Page Private School Wreaths & Garland Fresh-CutIf Trees Arrive Weekly on Our Lot you’re going to buy Christmas trees this year, please help Rotary invest in our com© LC 1108

100% of the proceeds go to The Wilshire Rotary Foundation & are spent Deliverymunity. Available • 323-464-1935 in support of humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs and their operations. So celebrate the holidays and know that your money spent at our lot is going to help others — a win, win for everyone!!! Our Christmas Tree lot is located on Larchmont Blvd. across from Page Private School (between Beverly & Melrose).

The Wilshire Rotary Club of Los Angeles is Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Our Community

©LC1217

(1932 - 2017)

Net proceeds from the Christmas Tree Lot go to the Rotary International Foundation and the Wilshire Rotary Foundation to benefit Rotary Service Projects in our community and around the world. For more information visit www.rotary.org or www.wilshirerotary.org.

SECTION ONE

dr. Samuel J. Porter, M.d.

Obstetrics & Gynecology Larchmont Medical Bldg. Suite 618 (323) 469-7133

HOlIdayS — dECEmbEr 2017

Seas Gree

LARCHMONT VILLAGE FLORIST Michelle & Staff

420 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 464-8146

Wishing you Peace, Love & Joy

HAPPY HOLIdAYS

LARCHMONT CLEANERS

415 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 461-9518

Miyamoto & Associates CPA 444 N. Larchmont Blvd., Ste. 208

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Larchmont Animal Clinic 316 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 463-4889

from all of us at

The Barking Lot PAGE ACAdEMY 336 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 464-3031

Holiday Greetings and Best Wishes to Everyone from

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Happy Holidays from Ingrid, Kim, and Leisha

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Leisha Willis, CPCU 500 N. Larchmont Blvd 323-785-4080

Happy Holidays

Santa “Sees” You!

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KASIMOFF-BLUTHNER PIANO CO.

Wishing Happy Holidays to All Dr. Maria Georgitsis Auerbach & Staff

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Peace on Earth & Goodwill to All ZAVALA ELECTRIC Bernie Zavala • (818) 500-7778

Warm Holiday WisHes from tHe 3 ladies at West Coast esCroW, danni, diane and susan. WEST COAST ESCROW 622 N. Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-461-3080

Pacific Group Trust Mortgage Lending

Viva la Musica! Rejoice with Song!

Oldest Piano Co. in L.A. Helga Kasimoff & Sons 337 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 466-7707 kasimoffpianoslosangeles.com

larchmont Chronicle

Vivian, Keith & Michael

Ed Lee Jr. CPA 606 N. Larchmont Blvd (323) 469-7203

606 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 461-2840

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HoLidays — deCember 2017

PLoTKe PLUMBIng, Inc. 3121 West Temple St. • 323-463-9201

Larchmont Beauty Center 208 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323.461-0162

Larchmont Beauty 208 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-461-0162

LARCHMONT PHYSICAL THERAPY Kathy Whooley & Staff

321 N. Larchmont Blvd. #825 (323) 464-4458

The Fenadys wish you the merriest of Christmases! from Our Family to Yours!

Fenady Associates, Inc.

Chase Campen

The Family Realtor

249 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-466-6375

323.788.4663 larchmontliving.com

Happy Holidays WILSHIRE ESCROW The Shewfelts 4270 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 935-3530

Gift Cards

Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season

for a “Taste of Home”

Rachel OliVieR Putt Putt V. Productions

Putt Putt Productions Proofreading and Proofreading, copy editing Copy Editing and Developmental editing

supremeroofing.net 1015 N. Gower Street 90038

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LARCHMONT PEdIATRICS 321 N. Larchmont, STE. 1020 • 323-960-8500 larchmontpediatric.com

Le Petit greek 127 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323 464 5160

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Happy Holidays dR. BEN & dR. GLORIA GELLER, ddS, MSd Board Certified Prosthodontist

402 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-467-1472 www.gellerdentistry.com

Lipson Plumbing

Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese

(323) 469-2635 148 N. Larchmont Blvd.

223 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 856-8699

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HOlIdayS — dECEmbEr 2017

larchmont Chronicle

‘Deck the Halls’ at Ebell; Supper with Santa Dec. 1 Visit with Santa, hear holiday songs and dance to festive tunes at The Ebell of Los Angeles, 4400 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Claus comes by for a meet-and-greet at The Ebell’s annual “Supper with Santa” Fri., Dec. 1. A Bob Baker Marionette show will be included in the entertainment. The Winter Chorale Concert

is on Mon., Dec. 4 starting at 11:30 a.m.; a luncheon follows. The concert will feature holiday songs through the decades. Get out your festive holiday dress, red cummerbund or black tie to wear to the annual holiday ball Sat., Dec. 9, 6 to 11:30 p.m. Music includes the 16th century French tunes of Les Plaisirs Champetres and the

big band sounds of the Esquires. The gourmet dinner will be prepared by new Executive Chef Dan Cincis. Wrapping up the yuletide celebrations is the Holiday Luncheon and Boutique Wed., Dec. 14 beginning with shopping at 10:30 a.m. Call 323931-1277 x131 or visit ebelleventtickets.com. HOLIDAY BALL at Ebell last year, top. Photo page 3: Santa and Mrs. Claus joined in the holiday festivities.

Ring in the season at Farmers Market Strolling carolers, Hanukkah lights, a marionette show, live music, crafts and other activities will be featured at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., Sun., Dec. 17 through Sat., Dec. 23. A Menorah lighting ceremony with kosher treats and more is Sun., Dec. 17, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the west end of the trolley tracks.

ItÕ s that time of year again, when you are thankful for everything merry and bright. May this holiday season be a delight. Give the gift of relaxation this holiday, with a gift certiﬁcate from Healing Hands. Please check online or in-store for Holiday Savings.

Hear Dickensian Christmas carolers, jazzy seasonal tunes, and other musical groups throughout the week as you stroll through a Farmers Market decorated in all its Yuletide finery. For more information on the scheduled variety shows, arts and crafts opportunities and more, visit farmersmarketla.com/events.

Calling all kids: Santa is at The Grove

414 N. Larchmont Blvd 323-461-7876

The Grove kicked off the holidays last month at its Nov. 12 annual tree lighting celebration with snowfall, fireworks and special performances by Jordan Fisher, Jordin Sparks and Ruben Studdard. But for kids eager to submit their wish lists, it was Santa’s arrival that mattered most.

Old Saint Nick is at the Grove through Christmas Eve, where he is seeing children, naughty and nice, inside the mall’s Santa House. Visit thegrovela.com, where you can find Santa’s schedule and even book an appointment. Walk-ups are welcome.

The Luckman Theatre 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles 90032 Saturday, December 9 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Sunday, December 10 at 11:30am and 4:30pm For tickets and information please visit: www.maratdaukayev.com

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HOlIdayS — dECEmbEr 2017

consul hosts LACO; ‘Friendly’ fêtes CATHEDRAL CHAPEL Mexican Los Angeles Chamber OrchesCelebrates 90 Years of Faith, Service & Education ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2017 December 8, 9am & 7pm

December 24, Vigil of Christmas 8am, 10am, 12pm Regular Masses 5:30pm Children’s Mass 11pm Evening Mass

December 7 Vigil, 5:30pm

Immaculate Conception December 12, 7pm Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 25, Christmas Day 8am, 10am, 12pm

December 14, 7pm Penance Service

December 31, New Year’s Eve 8am, 10am, 12pm Regular Masses 8pm New Year’s Eve Mass

December 20 & 21, 7pm Simbang Gabi, Filipino Advent Mass at Night

January 1, 2018, 9am New Year’s Day

JOIN US AS WE GRATEFULLY CELEBRATE OUR 90TH! December 16, 2017 at 6:30pm Christmas Fundraising & 90th Anniversary Gala The Center at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels $100 per person | RSVP by December 11 Join our Christmas Raffle and win a trip for two to ROME! $10 single raffle ticket, $40 for five tickets Questions? 90th@cathedralchapel.org

923 S. LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES 90036 | 323-930-5976 3903 Wilshire Blvd., LA CA 90010 213•388•3417 www.stjla.org

Sunday Services

Upcoming Events

2nd Sundays of the Month

Great Music at St. James’ • 4:30 pm Lessons and Carols

8:00 am • The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 9:30 am • Family Service 10:30 am • The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) 10:15 am – 12:15 pm Childcare & Sunday School

12:15 pm • The Holy Eucharist Korean Language (Rite II)

December 12 th

The Choir of Saint James’ sings Lessons and Carols in the traditional English style. Freewill offering. This service replaces Evensong. This is always a STANDING ROOM ONLY event, so COME EARLY!

Christmas at St. James’ Christmas Eve – 24 December

4:00 pm Family Service with Children’s Pageant 10:30 pm Carols with Choir of St. James’ 11:00 pm Candlelight Eucharist

Christmas Day – 25 December

10:30 am Holy Eucharist with Gregorian Chant 12:15 pm Korean Language Holy Eucharist

tra’s autumn “LACO à la carte” fundraising series continued with an evening of hospitality at “Mexico á la carte,” hosted by the Honorable Carlos Garcia de Alba, Mexico’s Consul General, and Ms. Fiona Roche in the elegant Fremont Place consular residence Oct. 28. The dashing and gracious couple welcomed supporters and lovers of LACO to an intimate setting for a recital of mostly modern Mexican music, highlighting the diverse and sublime repertoire emerging from south of the border. A standing ovation ended the program, after which the Consul General expressed his gratitude for the musicians’ stellar performance and then noted, “The Dodgers won tonight!” An al fresco fiesta featuring Mexican cuisine, tequila and mescal capped the evening.

Around the Town with

Patty Hill ••• Earlier on Oct. 28, the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, the first residential program in the country for women recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, held its (coincidentally) 28th annual luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. To the music of Taiko drummers, 600 guests were led into the International Ballroom, where surprise host author, comedian and Emmy nominee Margaret Cho punctuated her humor with a serious rally for the organization’s scholarship fund. Friendly House’s Executive Director Monica Phillips gave an especially moving introduction to Peggy Albrecht, who received the inaugural award in Ms.

First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood 1760 N. Gower St. 90028 323-463-7161

Sunday Worship Services 8:30am, 11:00am The Sermons of Christmas

Christmas Concert-Sunday, December 3

2:30pm in the Sanctuary - children and adult choirs

Wednesdays in Advent (12/6, 12/13, 12/20) 7:00pm Worship in Wylie Chapel The Carols of Christmas

go to www.fpchollywood.org for more details

CONSULAR CONCERT: Ms. Fiona Roche and Mexico’s Consul General Carlo Garcia de Alba pose with the LACO string quartet: Victoria Miskolczy, Josefina Vergara, Joel Pargman and Trevor Handy. Photo by Jamie Pham

Albrecht’s name. Now in her 35th year of service, she lovingly recounted her own personal journey and her commitment to the women she serves. Among those applauding and bidding on live auction items were Penny Bentley, Katherine Moffet, Frank Mottek, and luncheon co-chair Sydney Holland. ••• Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles (ALZGLA) presented its

FRIENDLY HOUSE luncheon guests Penny Bentley, Frank Mottek and Katherine Moffat. Photo by Vince Bucci

“Breaking Boundaries” awards and “Caring Hearts” award at the annual Visionary Women’s Luncheon Nov. 9 at the Riviera Country Club. More than 300 guests attended to recognize individuals who provide inspiration, innovation, and support to the issues of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the Los Angeles area. Daniel Faltus, highly regarded musician and conductor, brought his gift as a seasoned raconteur to emcee and rally the crowd to meet philanthropist Connie Keiter’s challenge of matching her (Please turn to page 21)

CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH

Christmas and New Year CELEBRATIONS MASS SCHEDULE 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23—5:30 PM Sunday, December 24—8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

(Spanish)

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 5:00 PM

Family Mass (English)

7:00 PM

Las Posadas Mass (Spanish)

11:30 PM Christmas Carols Christmas Day Monday, December 25 12:00 AM (Bilingual), 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

(Spanish)

Feast of the Holy Family Saturday, December 30 — 5:30 PM Sunday, December 31 — 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM (Spanish), 5:30 PM Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God Monday, January 1, 2018 — 7:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM

(Spanish)

624 North Rossmore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004 * ctkla.org * 323-465-7605

December 2017 Christmas at st. Brendan

Sacrament of Reconciliation for Christmas Saturday, December 16 • 4 – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 20 • 11 – 12 noon, 4 – 5 p.m. Thursday, December 21 • 11 – 12 noon, 4 – 5 p.m. Friday, December 22 • 11 – 12 noon, 4 – 5 p.m. Saturday, December 23 • 4 – 4:30 p.m. Christmas EvE mass sChEdulE Sunday, December 24 • 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. Vigil Mass at 9 p.m. Christmas day sChEdulE Monday, December 25 • 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. NEw yEar’s EvE day Sunday, December 31, 2017 • 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. NEw yEar’s day Monday, January 1, 2018 • 8 a.m. 300 South Van neSS aVenue • (323) 936-4656

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OF ST. VIBIANA

Larchmont Chronicle

HoLidays — deCember 2017

Francis-Orr closes — for now — Sun., Dec. 31

By Rachel Olivier Perhaps Beverly Hills’ oldest store — and frequented by Larchmont locals — FrancisOrr is poised to close by the end of the year. But never fear! Greg Guss, son of owners Curtis and Anelle, and manager at the stationery store since 2000, says there will still be an online presence to serve the store’s loyal clientele. The conclusion to its longtime lease on Camden Dr. is giving the store the opportunity to hit “reset” and rebuild the business, Greg says. He added that future plans include a new brick-and-mortar space, though there is no future site picked out as yet. History of Francis-Orr Since 1924, Francis-Orr has been a fixture in Beverly Hills. Founded by Estelle Francis and Estella Orr and originally located on N. Beverly Dr., the

Come in today. Leave happy.

Fine Jewelry & Watches • Guitars & Music Equipment • Unique Gifts •

stationery and gift shop moved to N. Rodeo Dr. for thirty-five years, before relocating to its current home on N. Camden Dr. in the 1970s. In 1959, Francis-Orr was purchased by the Guss family. Curtis Guss was an accountant who liked to buy businesses, fix them up and sell them, says son Greg. Francis-Orr was the first business he bought, however, and he never let it go. (Curtis now lives in Texas.) Anelle Guss, Greg’s mother, was manager, and the face of the business, for decades. She kept track of the needs and preferences of her longtime customers (many of them prominent hostesses like Nancy Reagan), and had her finger on the pulse of the local carriage trade, creating the boutique that customers still enjoy visiting to make their stationery and gift purchases. The new website will be going live soon. Visit francis-orr. com to sign up for the email newsletter that will keep you up to date on the changes to come at Francis-Orr. In the meantime, you have until Sun., Dec. 31 to pick up last-minute Christmas and New Year’s cards, 2018 calendars, or stationery for future correspondence at Francis-Orr, 320 N. Camden Dr., Beverly Hills.

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Couple celebrates memory of daughter, raises funds for charity By John Welborne A 10-year celebration took place recently at the Hancock Park home of John and Angela Nelson Meigs. Their backyard was filled with family and friends who joined in recognizing a breakthrough year for Cure SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). SMA is the number one genetic cause of death for infants. It was through the tragic death of their middle daughter, Alexandra, at two and one-half months, that the Meigs family learned about

SMA a decade ago. As Angela writes, “Ultimately, we decided that we didn’t want Alexandra’s life to be in vain and wanted it to stand for something, as we knew there was a greater meaning to the loss of our daughter.” They fund-raise every year on Alexandra’s birthday anniversary. They have raised over $140,000 for Cure SMA. The breakthrough that made this year’s birthday celebration especially poignant was that the Federal Drug

CELEBRATING ALEXANDRA are Andrea and John Meigs with children Calla, Avery and Isabella. Photo by Andrew Zinn

Administration (FDA) finally has approved the first-ever drug treatment for children with Type 1 SMA (the most severe). (Please turn to page 24)

Around the Town (Continued from page 20)

$250,000 gift given in memory of her husband, Bud, for ALZGLA’s services. “Find a glass of wine, sling it back, because this is the money part!” There to help the fundraising barometer move upwards were Nina Deluca, Janna Bodek Harris, Laurie Schecter, Cynthia Comsky, Linda Dean, Sandy Schaefer, event committee member Randi Jones and ALZGLA president and CEO Heather Cooper Ortner. And that’s the…chat!

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Brothers Collateral LUNCHEON honoring visionary women concerned about Alzheimer’s included guests Janna Bodek Harris, Heather Cooper Ortner and Cynthia Comsky. Photos by Vince Bucci

John pam

Tom

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Rachel

(corner of Cahuenga) FREE PARKING

ALZHEIMER’S was on the minds of luncheon guests Laurie Schecter, Randi Jones and Linda Dean.

Suzan

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Jane

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Larchmont Chronicle STaff

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323.462.5599 5901 Melrose

Open 7 Days

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HOlIdayS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; dECEmbEr 2017

Get up close with saber-tooth cats, giant sloths, Columbian mammoths, and more. Always on view at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.

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Larchmont Chronicle

DeCember 2017

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LVNA neighbors talk crime, community school at annual meeting By Billy Taylor More than 50 residents filled the auditorium of Van Ness Elementary Nov. 14 for the semi-annual Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association (LVNA) meeting. New principal of Van Ness Elementary Pauline Hong greeted neighbors and said she is excited to work with the Larchmont community. Hong praised out-going principal Katty Iriarte, noting that Iriarte did “a phenomenal job turning the school around” during her 38-year tenure. Hong says that she hopes to continue that good work as Iriarte’s replacement by bringing in new programs, improving the school’s science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) curriculum and increasing the school’s enrollment. Hong addressed the possibility of Van Ness Elementary transitioning into a magnet school. She explained that after meeting with teachers and parents, the campaign was abandoned to focus, instead, on making Van Ness the best possible community school. As a community school, children living within its boundaries receive priority in enrollment; a magnet school is open to all students regardless of neighborhood.

Both accounts allege that six (possibly eight) vehicles on Larchmont Blvd. were burglarized in the same way and presumably by the same suspect, while parked between Melrose and Beverly, on Nov. 7 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. One of the female victims, a Greater Wilshire resident who asked that her name not be printed, NEW PRINCIPAL of Van Ness Elementary Pauline Hong addresses LVNA members.

Van Ness Elementary has a new website, which Hong encouraged residents to check out at vannesselementary.com. Olympic Division Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Senior Lead Officer Joe Pelayo and Officer Daniel Chavez spoke with residents about the increase in property crime. Pelayo said an additional police car is patrolling the neighborhood, but that residents need to stay vigilant in regards to watching, and reporting, suspicious activity. A man in the crowd shared a story of a brazen crime spree that he said took place the previous week on Larchmont Blvd. Coincidentally, the Chronicle received a phone call from one of the victims of the same Tuesday night incident, which is worth sharing.

said that she returned to her car that night to find the back window shattered and property missing from the vehicle’s opened trunk. She said that as she was assessing the damage to her vehicle, four other victims approached her with the same story. “It is alarming in the sense that the suspects definitely knew what

they were doing,” she told the Chronicle. “They smashed the back window and used a crowbar to open the trunk. They hit six cars within just a few minutes.” As the Chronicle went to press, Officer Dave Cordova reported that a trio of auto burglars from Oakland had been arrested and tied to the Larchmont thefts.

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Hear holiday singing in Larchmont Residents in Larchmont can expect to hear festive holiday singing Thurs., Dec. 14 as students and teachers of Rhodes School of Music, 215 N. Larchmont Blvd., serenade the neighborhood during the early evening. The fourth annual caroling fundraiser was launched by

16-year-old Leo Viscomi, a student at the music school. “If you hear holiday singing on your street, please open your door, smile and enjoy!” said Viscomi. Proceeds support the Harmony Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to music education for low-income youth.

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 3 Preschoolers ages three to five can have breakfast with Santa at Cathedral Chapel School, 755 S. Cochran Ave., Sun., Dec. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. RSVP by Fri., Dec. 1 and bring a suggested donation of $5. Call 323-938-9976.

IMMACULATE HEART

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

GREEN TORNADO team members cheer on the autonomous robots that they created for the First Lego League challenge.

Turning Point robotics team earns top spot

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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Warm Winter Wishes from

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teams at the competition. The “Gold Tornadoes” team, that consisted of middle school students, and the “Green Tornadoes” team — that earned the Champions Award (first place overall) — that was composed of upper elementary students. In the judging room, the Green Tornadoes scored high in robot design, project design and core values. Turning Point head of school Dr. Laura Konigsberg said the Green team excelled in all of the necessary tasks, but that it was the team’s “poise and confidence” that earned them the top spot. “They won this competition because, in the absence of adult teachers and coaches, they were able to shine by demonstrating their robot and explaining their thinking and development process clearly and articulately. “We are so proud of our innovators and of the learning that they spearheaded,” said Konigsberg.

Meigs family supports Cure SMA (Continued from page 21) Angela and John are lawyers in the entertainment business, she as an agent and he as a law firm partner. With those connections, they added a little something extra to this year’s celebration of Alexandra’s birthday. Ten-year-old JD McCrary, a budding star soon to appear as Young Simba in the upcoming Disney liveaction movie remake of “Lion King,” joined the festivities and sang four songs. Learn more at curesma.org.

BUDDING STAR JD McCrary performed at the fundraiser.

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

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

Students at Turning Point School took first place in a Nov. 11 citywide robotics competition, called First Lego League. Beating 24 other teams at the qualifying tournament, Turning Point’s first-place team will advance to the league’s regional championship later this month. First Lego League is an international competition that invites students to research a real-world problem and then develop a solution. The students also must design, build and program a robot to address the problem they have been tasked with, then complete various challenges on a table-top playing field. The theme for this year’s challenge was hydro dynamics, with students asked to learn all about water and solutions to improve the process of finding, transporting, using or disposing of the natural resource. Turning Point had two

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

Larchmont Chronicle

DeCember 2017

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Music lessons for everyone in Larchmont Village.

Save $75 when you enroll by Jan. 31st.

215 N. Larchmont Blvd. Unit C Call 323-464-1154 to get started!

Larchmont Chronicle

DECEmbEr 2017

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Marlborough science teacher needs your online votes! Nicole Collier wants your help to compete in the Fjällräven Polar, a 300-kilometer amateur dog-sled race across the Arctic North, from Norway into Sweden. The earth science and biology teacher at Marlborough School is competing to win the

most online votes by Thurs., Dec. 14, and anyone can vote. Collier also has worked as a park ranger in the Alaskan bush, as a research assistant for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and as a field scientist on Mt. Rainier. Last year, she also

partook in a citizen science investigation of geology and glaciology in Svalbard, Norway. The year before, she participated in an expedition to Arctic Canada and Greenland as a Young Explorer in the Explorers Club. It’s obvious that Collier

loves snow, ice and science. She says she also loves being a science teacher and showing her students what an active female scientist looks like. To read more about Collier, see her video and vote for her before Dec. 14, visit the Fjällräven Polar site: tinyurl.com/ y7k6dkt8

SNOW, ICE and science are among Nicole Miller’s loves.

Landis’ Labyrinth wins, scientifically Landis’ Labyrinth Toy Shop has been voted one of the 30 best science toy stores in the country. The shop, at 140 N. Larchmont Blvd., stocks pogo sticks, Pokemon and plenty of Unicorn Snot! (a glittery gel), according to online retailer Sciencesy, which made the selection. “I am so grateful and thrilled to find out that our shop won one-in-three in California and one-in-thirty in America for Best Science Toy Shops!” said owner Devoney Wolfus. Landis’ Labyrinth was one of three winners picked in the Golden State. Wolfus has built “three terrific storefronts at Larchmont

Village,” the results said. “One is this entry, Landis’ Labyrinth Classic Toy Shop. The other two are the Landis General Store and Landis’ Labyrinth Early Years. You should definitely visit all three,” Sciencesy concludes.

Children’s cars on exhibit at Petersen “Sidewalk Speedsters: The Grown-Up World of Children’s Cars” opens Sat., Dec. 16 at the Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd. The exhibit will feature kids’ competition cars, the 1908 Brownie to the 2017 Junior Dragster and electric- and gas-powered vehicles.

The Plymouth School NOw ENrOlliNg

Christ the King

• Preschool program for children 2 to 5 ½.

CatholiC sChool

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

617 N. Arden Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004

Montessori Transitional Kindergarten – 8th Grade

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

Open House is Sunday, Jan. 28

• 45 years serving the neighborhood

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

following the 10:30 Mass until 12:30 pm

Hope Luth

Call the office for a tour of our school.

6720 Melros

(323)

Sunday Worshi 0307

Check out our facebook page www.facebook.com/cksla/photos

hopeluthe

6720 Melrose Ave. Hollywood (323) 938-9135 Sunday ConCert Worship 10:30am hopelutheranchurch.net

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Hope Lutheran Church

Ecclesia Gnostica Gnostic Christian Church Sunday Eucharist 11:00am Wednesday Eucharist Eucharist 8:30pm 8:30pm Lectures • Fridays••8pm 8pm Wednesday • Fridays

307

2560 N. Beachwood Dr., Hollywood • 323-467-2685 3363 Glendale Boulevard, Atwater, Los Angeles • 323-467-2685

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

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Bishop Dr. Stephan Hoeller

Larchmont Chronicle

DeCember 2017

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE By Lane Lee 6th Grade

PILGRIM Middle School Flag Football team finished an undefeated season as the VCAL Division 1 Champions.

PILGRIM

By Christopher Woods 8th Grade Hello everybody. It is a tradition at Pilgrim School to have the annual Book Fair and we are at it again. Ms. Carole Koneff, our Elementary librarian, has been doing a great job of helping enrich and expand the love we all have for reading. Every year there is a new theme for the Book Fair. This year we will try to rope you in to the Wild West. The minds of our student scholars have been tested here in the final couple days before the end of the trimester. I have a feeling that we have all felt a bit of stress lately. Take a deep breath, and remember to channel your inner PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). The Pilgrim family has a new

Research topics included earthquakes, bullying, homelessness, equality, and economic inequality, among others. This project was a huge benefit to us, as we had a chance to identify the primary root of a dispute and propose a potential solution. It is that special time of year

when HSH gather items to create hygienic kits for the homeless. The bags contain some of our basic necessities like shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Los Angeles is saturated with citizens who are fighting to satisfy their needs. These bags, seemingly small in size, are immensely important to those receiving them. Overall, we should always do our best to help those in need.

addition! Loyal teacher and yard staffer Ms. Jordan Marquita has welcomed a beautiful baby girl into this world. Thank you Ms. Marquita for your love and devotion here within this Pilgrim community, and congratulations, we wish you the best of luck! I have some very exciting news to share with everybody. The Middle School Flag Football Team has not only gone undefeated for the first time ever, but we are now the official VCAL Division 1 Champions! I would like to thank Coach Joe Concialdi and Assistant Coach Ryan Oishi. I would also like to thank my fellow teammates for putting everything they had into our team. I also want to thank our amazing Cheer Squad for being at all the games and cheering us on. I loved my time with the team, and have felt I have created a brotherhood with them that I will never forget. Go Patriots!

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Sunday December 10, 2017

BROTHERHOOD

OPEN HOUSE

Hollywood Schoolhouse prepares us for our next stage in life, creating a safe place for discussing things we might encounter. Recently, in our Current Events class, we made Public Service Announcements to educate one another about some of these problems going on in the world.

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By Avery Gough 6th Grade The first trimester is over and it caps off a very exciting first few months of school. Our DK (Developmental Kindergarten) class had a market where they sold food to students and the money raised went to charity. It was adorable to give them money and have them

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hand us food in little bags decorated with stickers. Also, our 4th grade students made pumpkin bread (annual tradition) for the St. Joseph Center for Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving, the entire school worked to meet a

goal of collecting 200 cans of yams and 200 boxes of cornbread mix to donate. Our 5th and 6th grade students were part of a student community group called Roots & Shoots and they worked to help collect and package the food. Our all-school talent show is planned for this month, too. I’m so excited! This is my last talent show as a Curtis Cougar.

EcHO HOriZON

LOYOLA

By Eric Chang 5th Grade

By Colin Kruse 12th Grade

The fifth graders recently traveled to Catalina Environmental Learning Program (CELP) on Catalina Island. The students traveled by bus to the dock where they boarded a boat that sailed them to camp. It was a little valley with tall mountains surrounding it on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The students participated in team building exercises, kayaking, a night hike, snorkeling, composting, microscope lab, a campfire, and a day hike. While snorkeling, they went deep into the ocean and looked at lots of fish and underwater plants. They learned about how food can be turned into compost, which turns into fresh soil used in the garden. During the campfire, they sang many songs and listened to a very interesting story about the day and night cycle. While kayaking, they got in two-person kayaks and sailed out into the ocean. Everyone had a blast. This is one of the most favorite Echo Horizon School overnight traditions each year.

The month of November was an exciting and busy time for the Loyola community. From Nov. 10-18, the Hannon Theatre Company (HTC) presented the fall play, Argonautika. With the assistance of talented actresses from local girls’ schools, the HTC produced another amazing show. One of the most remarkable experiences of a Jesuit education is the Kairos retreat, and from Nov. 14-17, 30 Loyola seniors traveled to Mater Dolorosa in Sierra Madre to partake in this legendary, formative event. After the rest and relaxation of Thanksgiving weekend, every Cub gathered in Leavey Gym for the Winter Sports Rally, encouraging support for Loyola’s basketball and soccer teams. In the coming weeks, seniors will take their first semester final exams before embarking on their month-long service immersion project in January.

THIRD STREET ELEMENTARY teacher Ms. Constance tends to flowers with a student in the school’s recently revived garden.

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bunch of parent volunteers, the school garden was renewed with beautiful rows of flowers, organic fruits and vegetables, with signs for people to know what we’re growing and which plant is which. I love the new succulent wall on the outside fence. It has been there since last year. I also love how they grow all of these unique, cool types of things like shiso, leeks, zinnias, and nasturtiums. Now, many classes work on the garden too. I can’t wait until my class gets to work on the garden because we haven’t yet. I think that this garden helps teach Third Street students about eating and growing organic food.

By Oliver Barnes 5th Grade

I think the garden that Third Street’s PTA has created is super cool. They have grown so many beautiful things. During the 2015/2016 school year, a Third Street school parent named Sarabeth Puusemp, the mother of Quinn (who was in kindergarten at the time), decided to revive the school garden. With the help of school staff including Ms. Genut, Miss Ann, Miss Constance and a

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DeCember 2017

Buckley

By Lena Mizrahi 11th Grade

By Jasper Gough 8th Grade

Recent weeks have been full of excitement at Immaculate Heart as students completed the most successful WALK fundraiser in the school’s history. In our final weeks of fundraising, we were treated to “pop-up” prizes on campus, including ecofriendly water filtration fountains, microwaves, and vending machines. The culminating event was the WALK itself. About 1,000 students, parents, and faculty in pink shirts paraded through the local neighborhood and then returned to campus for a barbecue celebration. With Thanksgiving and a weeklong break from classes behind us, the Immaculate Heart school community now welcomes December and the holiday season. Our school always participates in traditions of giving, and this year the high school students have joined forces with our middle school students to support the Adopt-a-Family program. In addition to collecting food items for the needy, students will have the opportunity to deliver boxes of these packaged items to families in downtown Los Angeles. This experience is great; it personalizes the donation process by allowing students to deliver presents and holiday cheer directly to those in need. Immaculate Heart will also host its open house events in December. Prospective students and their families are welcome to attend the middle school’s open house on Sat., Dec. 2, at 1 p.m., as well as the high school’s open house on Sun., Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. Both events are wonderful opportunities for interested students to catch a glimpse of both the campus and the culture of our great school.

We had a special school holiday on Nov. 10, Veterans Day. We spoke about members of the Buckley Community that have served in the military at an assembly. Buckley hosted an International Open House on Nov. 16

turning point By Jack Beiley 8th Grade

Fall is in the air at Turning Point School, and November brought with it many traditions, as well as an opportunity for students, teachers and administrators to give back to our community. Students from every grade participated in the all school S.A.V.E.S. drive by collecting canned goods and nonperishable items that were delivered to St. Augustine Volunteer Emergency Services, which provides food for underserved families. The food drive has been an annual Thanksgiving tradition for Turning Point students for many years. Another Turning Point tradition that all students look forward to is the annual Grandfriends’ and Special Friends’ Day. Students invited a grandparent or special friend to school and enjoyed a fun filled morning visiting their classes, eating lunch together and showing off their school. Grandfriends and Special Friends enjoyed a performance by the Turning Point band, and got to explore our Visiting Artist’s gallery. Students in grades 2-5 participated in the “ofrenda” for Dia de los Muertos. In Spanish class, students learned about Day of the Dead and made their own offerings for a community altar.

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for all current 8th grade students. The next day was the Harvest Fest. It’s an annual event where the class of 2018 served the Middle and Upper School student body lunch from 11:00am til noon. This year’s theme was “The

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Fifties.” They served pancakes, eggs, sausage and hash browns. There was a Middle, Upper, and Lower School open house Nov. 18 to show the work we have done in our classes and electives. For the past few years, Lower School students have collected toiletry items to give to the homeless around Thanksgiving. This year, Buckley asked for all fami-

lies to pitch in and donate any travel-sized toiletry items such as tissues, handy-wipes, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, wrapped soap, lotion, sunscreen, individually wrapped toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant. Lastly, Buckley has the People of Color Conference/Student Diversity Leadership Conference from the Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

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CHRIST THE KING By Pearl An 8th Grade

In November, the first semester was coming to an end, which meant report cards and parent-teacher conferences. It was almost startling, but at the same time unsurprising, to see classrooms in full-on test mode with randomly-arranged desks and students dutifully solving math problems and analyzing passages. However, last month wasn’t all about tests and final grades. This school year, our school principal, Mrs. Patricia Hager, had implemented a new science program for our STREAM education.

Called Stemscopes, it offers more hands-on projects, such as in-class labs, and online assignments. We are now able to drop our science textbooks, which are now replaced by the program’s online video and notes. Also, our school Thanksgiving food drive was an absolute success! We were all proud to see the food that we brought in from rice, canned vegetables to canned meat were packed carefully to create a meal for the less fortunate. We are now working on our

annual Christmas toy drive, and with our school working on our Christmas pageant, Christmas has already settled in our bones. The kindergarteners and first graders recently went on an amazing field trip to the Los Angeles Zoo, and the transitional kindergarteners went on a factfilled trip to the California Science Center. The eighth grade was also able to have the wonderful opportunity to take a tour at the Museum of Tolerance. As we return from Thanksgiving break, the second semester is a source of great anticipation among us all and we can’t wait to see what’s around the corner.

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YAVNEH

By Sasha Lester 4th Grade

By Daniella Zisblatt 8th Grade

Merry December everyone! Before Santa arrives, I should tell you all the fun things happening at Page Academy this month. We are having our annual holiday show on Dec. 8 called “Page Rocks the Holidays.” We are doing Christmas rock songs like Jingle Bell Rock, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Sleigh Ride, and many more. Coach Hunt, our P.E. Coach, is teaching kids some lines for different scenes, so let’s give it up for him too. On the 15th, we are going to Castle Park Miniature Golf on Dec. 15! There, we are going to learn how to play miniature golf, play games and have a fun school lunch together. We will probably have turkey and cheese sandwiches, potato chips, carrot sticks, chocolate chip cookies, and juice. I love miniature golf myself and know this is going to be awesome. We are going to have a Holiday Party on Dec. 22. We will eat yummy food like pasta and pizza. A few days before that, we will pick partners for Secret Santa! Secret Santa is when kids pick a paper with a student’s name on it and buy a gift for them. It is more fun than it sounds! Ho-ho-ho hope you will all have an amazing December. Oh! Santa’s here! I’d better stop typing! Happy Holidays!

This month at Yavneh was a very busy one! Yavneh’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams began their seasons with games every week in the beautiful Nagel gym. We are proud of our teams’ victories in their first games and hope they continue with a successful season. In addition, this month was the start of a new nationwide program, “Kamocha.” Many Jewish schools gathered together to learn about the importance of unity and respect for mankind. It was an inspiring program that over 1,000 7th and 8th grade students attended. Also, the 6th grade girls participated in a BatMitzvah brunch. The students arrived with their mothers on a Sunday morning to learn about the meaning and purpose of the bat-mitzvah celebration. The girls sang a beautiful traditional song to their mothers and then enjoyed a delicious brunch. Finally, Yavneh hosted their annual blood drive for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Dozens of donors arrived on Nov. 5 to participate in this life saving endeavor. Yavneh was once again proud to host the drive on behalf of the Bikur Cholim organization of Los Angeles. As the fall season comes to an end, Yavneh students are learning about and preparing to celebrate Chanukah!

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which students across the grades create meaningful donations for people and organizations in need. This year, the eighth graders partnered with the DK students, to help them make cookies for firefighters. Other grades engaged in activities such as making cards and bags of food for the homeless. We gave thanks to the men and women who have served our country during our Veterans Day assembly. I was lucky enough to host the program, introducing performances such as, the reading of “Three Letters,” a trumpet performance of “Taps” and the choir singing in celebration of our Veterans. We rounded out our month with Thanksgiving.

By Greer Morgan 8th Grade

November at The Willows Community School was a month of giving. At the top of the month, we culminated our annual Book Drive. For their Community Service project, the lower school students partnered with the Book Foundation to collect, sort and deliver gently used books to Magnolia Place Preschool and The Children’s Bureau. We also participated in our school’s Community Day, in

ST. bRENdAN

By Isabella Bernaldo 8th Grade From fundraising for the homeless to hosting an assembly honoring those who have served our country, in November, St. Brendan School really focused on giving back to the community. We kicked off the month with an assembly led by the Girl and Boy Scouts at our school. Students invited their relatives who were veterans where they were honored and introduced at the

assembly. After an opening flag ceremony, each veteran was escorted by their loved one to the front of the assembly. Boy Scouts Jackson Wright and John Henry read about their contributions, like when and what they did when they served. We were lucky to welcome two World War II veterans, Mr. Alex Liston and Mr. Bud Rice. During his over 700 missions in the Army Air Corp, Mr. Rice, father of our varsity basketball coach, helped evacuate and aid soldiers in need. He also dropped paratroopers on D-Day. We all were moved and inspired when he spoke about what an honor it is to be an American.

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Students gather to close political divide By Clara Nevins Student leaders from around the country gathered at Marlborough School on Oct. 28 for the inaugural Bridge the Divide conference. I founded Bridge the Divide with my friend, Joseph Touma, at the height of the 2016 presidential election. To put it simply, before I met Joseph, I had never had an interaction with someone my age who is conservative. We met at a summer program and the conversations we had about politics truly opened my eyes to “the other side.” We decided that the divides in our country were not sustainable and that we needed to fix the situation. Bridge the Divide focuses on encouraging conversation among young people across party lines. We see Bridge the Divide as a vehicle for our generation to create a political climate of respect, cooperation, and understanding that our world desperately needs. At the October conference, entitled “Converge,” we had more than 200 attendees from all around the country, plus more than 400 additional viewers via Facebook Live. At the conference, three keynote speakers shared comments that were insightful, interesting and challenging. Actress Emmy Rossum urged the young women in the room to run for office. Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke about the idea

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that it’s an easy thing to love humanity, but what’s hard is loving your neighbor. Political advisor and journalist Mark McKinnon spoke about communication in politics and how we can better craft stories. All three speakers addressed how young people can play a role in ameliorating the divides our country is facing. Conference attendees were also invited to partake in amazing workshops led by inspiring and dynamic leaders from several different organizations. Nicol Perez, the former youth observer to the United Nations who works in Facebook’s civic engagement department, spoke about the power of the youth voice. Ravi Iyer, the head of the nonprofit organization, Civil Politics, spoke about the psychology behind polarization. Eli Adler and Asa Saperstein, students who created the conservative podcast, Right on Point, presented on how they dealt with pushback

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from liberals on their project. Tyler Fisher from the Centrist Project led a discussion on how to improve voting. In total, the conference had more than 15 workshops, and all of them were truly inspirational. We already are looking forward to organizing the next Bridge the Divide conference! Visit bridge-the-divide.com for more information. Clara Nevins is a senior at Marlborough School and a resident of Hancock Park.

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Lunch and learn with Shaarei Tefila Seniors can enjoy a hot lunch while learning something new with Shaarei Tefila at Kanner Hall, 7269 Beverly Blvd., Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. A program on senior fraud is Dec. 5. Learn about medication do’s and don’ts Dec. 12. A Hanukkah celebration is Dec. 19. Celebrate an early New Year’s Dec. 26. All lunches are $5. Sunday programs Hear Rabbi Mica Odenheimer speak on “Travels with Tefillin” Sun., Dec. 3 at 11:30 a.m.; $10 contribution.

See a Sunday matinee of “Chasing Mem’ries” at the Geffen Playhouse Sun., Dec. 10. Call Bernice Gelman, 323938-7147, ext. 103.

‘Big Fish’ at Fremont Library Dec. 2

“Big Fish, Little Fish,” Hugh Wheeler’s 1961 Tony-awardwinning comedy, opens the play reader’s season with a free performance at John C. Fremont Library, 6121 Melrose Ave., Sat., Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Call 323-962-3543.

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VAN NESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is within walking distance of Larchmont Blvd., and a group of visually impaired students from the school took the trip, as was reported in last month’s Larchmont Chronicle. The 101-year old school opened as a traditional community school. In 1926, Frances Blend School for the Visually Impaired, named for its founder who reached out to students with disabilities, opened next door. The two schools remained separate until 2013 when they merged into one as Van Ness Elementary. Photo by Sondi Toll Sepenuk

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