LC Section One 12 2022

Larchmont Chroni cle

Navigating

By Helene Seifer

“What do you really want?”

I asked Franco Iervolino, for merly known as Giorgio when he and his possession-packed shopping cart were seen dai ly on Larchmont Boulevard, waiting for a gift of coffee or a sandwich.

We were sitting in his shared bedroom at the senior care facility where he now lives, after he was taken from the street on Larchmont to a mental health hospital on April 20 and then transferred here in July.

So what does he want? He answered without hesitation. “Money in my pocket and an apartment.”

Homeless just seven months ago, will Franco get his wish? Or will the system fail him while he waits in a dreary se nior living facility subsisting on

Breaking news: Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe plans its reopening

By Casey Russell

Intra-family litigation has been resolved, and Patricia Casado, daughter of restau rant founders, the late Frank and Lucy Casado, and sister of the late James Casado, plans to reopen her family’s beloved eatery at 5536 Melrose Ave.

Having worked at the restau rant from its early beginnings until 2014, Patricia says she

See Lucy’s, p 5

n Larchmont Boulevard shines brightly nightly

By Suzan Filipek

Santa will be hearing wish es and taking requests during the Larchmont Open House on Sat., Dec. 3.

The event will take place on Larchmont Boulevard between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. A trol

ley will carry shoppers up and down the Boulevard, and San ta will be taking requests at the Wilshire Rotary Tree Lot at 568 N. Larchmont Blvd. from 1 to 4 p.m. A lighting ceremony for the newly installed café lights strung across the Boulevard will take place at approximate ly 4:30 p.m. near Tailwaggers.

By Casey Russell

It’s official! The Larchmont Mercantile building’s down stairs storefronts are fully leased. After years of construc tion and tenant negotiations, 12 tenants have signed on. They are:

Holey Grail Donuts , a Hawaiian-based donut brand;  Velvet by Graham and Spencer, a national clothing brand;

Sichuan Kitchenette , a grab-and-go café serving ready-to-eat Sichuan Chinese food;

Blvd. shop openings, closings Together again at Family Fair

By Casey Russell

Although the first Larch mont Family Fair was held 56 years ago, this year‘s event was the 54th — because there was no Fair in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic. It was clear, this year, that neigh borhood families relished the

Election

now complete

By John Welborne

Mayor-elect Karen Bass, in response to a question at her November 17 press con ference held at the historic Ebell of Los Angeles, said she still was overwhelmed by her recent victory in the contest to become the new Mayor of Los Angeles. She said she had not even contemplated the details of moving into Get ty House in Windsor Square, but that she soon was to be talking with Mayor Garcetti about that and other transi tion issues.

Election results will not be official until December 5. The newly elected take office on December 12.

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON was evident at the annual tree light ing ceremony at The Grove. Shown with Santa are mother and daughter Gloria and Emily Estefan with Gloria’s grandson Sasha.

story

AT THE EBELL OF LOS ANGELES, mayor-elect Karen Bass greets the press Nov. 17 shortly after she was announced the winner.

Photo by Gary Leonard

n Last in a series

the transition: homeless to housed

ANOTHER neighborhood milestone. 17

By John Welborne

This time of year, thanks are due to many people.

“Thank you” to people who traveled to be with family and friends over Thanksgiving. Thanks, also, to our Larchmont Chronicle advertisers who know that our 60-year-old news paper remains the ideal way to reach local readers. Similarly, “thanks” to those same readers for their support, including sending us checks in the reply envelopes included in the November issue.

Now that November 8th is behind us, thanks also are due to every citizen who recently sacrificed family and personal life to put herself or himself “out there” as a candidate for public office. “Thank you,” especially, to those candidates who won the recent contests and who soon will be sworn in.

To our new citywide elected officials and city council mem bers in CDs 5 and 13: please remember that all of us are your constituents. In CD 13, for example, 38,000 registered vot ers selected Hugo Soto-Martinez in the runoff election just completed. However, the new council member represents not only those 38,000 voters, he actually represents all of the 253,000 children, women and men who reside in the 13th Council District.

Each city council member is the elected official closest to the people in the city, whether the people rent, own, or do business within the confines of a city council district. The council member is a constituent’s initial point of contact for government solutions to problems that beset the constituent. Addressing those problems is a lot of work, and we look for ward to having the new CD 5 and CD 13 victors recruit terrific staff members who are oriented toward the chief mission of the city council job — serving the constituents.

So, again, to the newly elected: “Thank you” for running for office; “congratulations” for winning; but, please, now is the time … to get to work!

Sat., Dec. 3 — Holiday Open House takes place on Larchmont Boulevard from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tues., Dec. 13 — Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Check midcitywest.org for details.

Wed., Dec. 14 — Great er Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Check great erwilshire.org for details.

Sun., Dec. 18 — First night of Hanukkah.

Wed., Dec. 21 — First day of winter.

Sat., Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve.

Sun., Dec. 25 — Christmas Day.

Thurs., Dec. 29 — Deliv ery of the January issue of the Larchmont Chronicle Sat., Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve.

Sun., Jan. 1 — New Year’s Day. Mon., Jan. 2 — Rose Parade.

Letters to the Editor

Boycotting Pizzeria

I will not eat there [Village Piz zeria] until the memorabilia is returned [“Tenant construc tion underway at Boulevard shops, some opening,” Nov. 2022]. I have been a patron since the very beginning and have sent countless lifetime customers there over the last quarter century. I will encourage those same lifetime customers to boycott until the memorabilia is returned. Part of the charm of Village Pizza was Steve, Nancy, their kids and the family of staff. You hurt Steve, you hurt us all.

Jeff Nimoy Studio City

Jaywalking to be legal

The state of California re cently passed the “Freedom to Walk” act. Effective Jan. 1, it makes it legal to cross a street

outside a designated intersec tion — essentially legalizing jaywalking. As often happens, I think this law, which hasn’t even taken effect yet, is al ready having unintended consequences.

Driving around the city of Los Angeles is hazardous enough as it is for a host of reasons, but since the passing of this law was announced, I swear I’ve seen a noticeable increase in people randomly

(Please turn to page 9)

Write us at letters@larch montchronicle.com. Include your name, contact informa tion and where you live. We reserve the right to edit for space and grammar.

Celebration at Bergin’s

In the November issue’s sto ry, “Miracle Mile and Carthay Circle celebrate at Bergin’s,” the photo caption misidenti fied Carole Howard as Carol Steinberg, and we apologize, Ms. Howard.

Third Street principal

The name of Third Street Ele mentary School’s outgoing principal is Daniel Kim, not David Kim, as was stated in November’s issue.

Michelin star

Collin Leaver of the Hollywood Food Coalition has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants; he is not a Michelin-starred chef, as we incorrectly report ed in “Kitchen Sink raises funds for HoFoCo’s nightly meals,” Nov. 2022.

‘Workshop’ on La Brea Workshop Kitchen & Bar is at 127 S. La Brea Ave., 323-4132255, not on Melrose Avenue as was reported inaccurately in “Alien space pods land on La Brea for fine, tasty dining,” Nov. 2022.

‘What is at the top of your holiday wishlist?’

That’s the question inquiring photographer Casey Russell asked locals.

“Peace on Earth!”

Dan Hsieh with Nico Brookside

“I want Nintendo game cards.”

“I want a blue airplane.”

Landon and Connor Brel Windsor Village

“I don’t need anything. I just want to see my family!”

Loren Dunsworth Brookside

“For Christmas, I really need more accessories and clothes for my baby Rose. And I want a fish.” “The top of my holiday list is books, books and more books.”

Ruby and Olive Clancy Windsor Village

Beer

By Caroline Tracy

For years, the Larchmont Family Fair (LFF) has been a source of merriment for children of all ages. However, with most of our time there spent wrangling toddlers in ride lines, some of us may dis agree with the “merriment for all ages” sentiment.

However, for adults (weary parents included), the 2022 LFF was different. For the first time, a beer garden, where the 21-plus crowd could relax and mingle, was featured. With M. Special beer on tap and proceeds directed to the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA), all on Oct. 30 actually had fun.

Betsy Malloy, longtime Larchmont real estate agent and LFF organizer, told us about the impetus for, and co ordination of, the beer garden this year.

brings

“I’ve suggested a beer garden for a while, and I think the timing was finally right for it,” shared Malloy. “This year was the Fair’s comeback (from the pandemic), and I think the [LBA] board knew we had to make it extra special.”

Malloy’s sons, Bren dan and Emmet Malloy, who are involved with Goleta brewery M. Spe cial, were instrumental in acquiring the six kegs of beer (roughly 165 servings each) to provision the garden. They featured a cit rus-y pale ale, a hoppy IPA and more (includ ing wine they procured for the event).

LBA president John Win ther, who worked on securing the required government per

‘Cheers’ to Larchmont

their neighbors and acquaintances, and it was always crowded. No plan ning was necessary to meet people — just show up. This felt like a familiar neighborhood gath ering spot, with everyone welcome.”

more. I also bumped into friends from my kids’ early days at the Plymouth School and from their new school, Larchmont Charter. It was great to catch up with all of these folks from each stage of our family’s rooting in the Hancock Park area.

mits, said of this grown-up addition to the Family Fair: “The beer garden gave a place for the adults to mingle with

This reporter was lucky to be able to experience the beer garden for herself (after purchasing enough snow cones and ride tickets to keep my 9- and 11-year-olds busy). I sipped on M. Spe cial’s IPA offering while chatting with friends from the neighborhood who, unfortu nately, I don’t see on Third Street Elementary School drop-off or pick-up runs any

When I spoke with Malloy about her time at the Fair, she shared that it “felt like a reunion.” She also indicated that there is great interest for future neighborhood fund raisers featuring a beer garden.

Although I wanted to speak with Brendan Malloy, who put a lot of volunteer effort into the event (not the least of which included hauling kegs), he — as a TV and movie director — was away “on lo cation.” However, his mother did recall him saying, “It was the best party no one had to throw.”

FAMILY FAIR additions in 2022 included a Beer Garden patronized by many neighbors.

Fair

(Continued from page 1)

Fair’s return. It took place on its traditional Sunday pre ceding Halloween (this year, October 30).

Sponsored as always by the Larchmont Boulevard Asso ciation (LBA) to help raise funds for community proj ects, the Fair’s theme this year was appropriate — “Togeth erness.” Being together again

was something clearly wel comed by the thousands of local adults and children in attendance.

The togetherness was felt everywhere on the complete ly-closed-to-traffic street

between First and Beverly. Neighbors were wandering among tightly-packed school and other nonprofit organi zation tents, mingling with friends over a beer at the newthis-year Beer Garden (see story on Page 3), queuing with children or grandchildren for various slides and rides, and enjoying song and dance at a children’s stage overseen by Snooknuk’s creator Cheri Moon or on a larger stage that hosted a concert of movie music presented at the end of the day by composer and film producer Stephen Endelman.

The Beer Garden and the professional concert were innovations this year by long time Family Fair organizer and local real estate agent Betsy Malloy.

As LBA president John Win ther said of the overall event, the Fair “reinforces what a community Larchmont is.”

“I did, and it was definitely welcome, since it has been canceled for [the past two] years. It was good to see peo ple out and about. My kids loved it. My son particularly liked the bubble where you run in the water. It was nice to see all the schools and tents distributing informa tion. It was great energy.”

Jay and Brooklyn Um Windsor Square

“It was won derful. We had a lot more chil dren under the age of 5, and they were having a good time.

Neighbors who hadn’t seen each oth er in a while got to talk. It reinforces what a community Larchmont is.”

John Winther President, Larchmont Boulevard Association

“ I’ve lived in the neighbor hood and have seen

single

of

the past 40 years. The thing I missed most was the Korean barbecue, but I found that the overall layout was wonderful and engaging and it worked well. I thought it was a good event that was wonderful for the community. My grand daughter loved it.”

John Donley Windsor Square

Leipzig, Germany since 1853 Concert, Recording, Home Rentals Henle Editions Helga Kasimoff LA’s oldest family piano store kasimoffpianoslosangeles.com

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SLIDES AND RIDES filled the middle portion of the Boule vard and the surface parking lot. Bubble rollers were espe cially popular, and like many of the rides, had long, long lines.

CONCERT STAGE at the south end of the Boulevard provided a late afternoon, early evening venue for a professional concert featuring favorite music and songs from the movies.

CHILDREN’S STAGE at the north end of the Boulevard entertained youngsters and their parents for hours.

TOGETHERNESS was notable as Fair-goers visited with nonprofit organization mem bers at their tents.

‘Did you go to this year’s Larchmont Family Fair?’

That’s another question inquiring photographer Casey Russell asked locals.

every

one

these for

HoleyGrailDonuts

VelvetbyGrahamandSpencerSichuanKitchenetteTheScentRoomBobatheGreatTopdrawerMidland CredoBeautyFlannel

Mercantile

(Continued from page 1)

The Scent Room, a luxu ry perfumery and fragrance shop;

Boba the Great, offering the popular tapioca-pearl based tea;

Topdrawer , a nation al homeware and stationery brand;

Midland, “a quality goods, textural aesthetics, and intentional sustainability homeware store;”

Credo Beauty, a social stew ard of clean beauty products;

Flannel , an international women’s designer clothing store;

Skin Laundry, a skincare company that specializes in laser treatments;

Hidden Jeans, a Los Ange les-based denim brand; and

Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, an authorized dealer for Rolex,

Cartier and other luxury offerings.

Hing Wa Lee Jewelers is the newest lessee and has claimed the southern three of the 14 storefronts originally avail able. If memory serves, there was a large vault in one, going back to the Julius La Bonte days in the 1920s. Maybe it still works!

Across the street, Pola, the vintage boutique that opened at 129 N. Larchmont Blvd. in early May of 2022, closed in November. According to an employee, the owner of the store decided to move home to Atlanta and is planning to reopen the store there. Until then, Pola will contin ue with its online presence at polavintage.com. As of this writing, no new tenant has signed a lease to take over Pola’s spot on the Boulevard.

Nearby, long-awaited Bacio di Latte, at 141 1/2 N. Larch mont Blvd., has replaced the tempting photos of gelato that had lined its windows with a wooden construc tion barrier also covered in photos — while interior construction is underway. A source at the gelateria told us they plan to launch in the first quarter of 2023 and can’t wait to open.

Lucy’s

(Continued from page 1) hopes to have old and new staff back on board soon, with the goal of reopening as ear ly as February. The 11th of that month was the date that her parents originally opened Lucy’s in 1964.

Lucy’s El Adobe closed in 2019, pursuant to a court order in connection with the dispute between Patricia and her brother, who had been operating the restaurant sub sequent to their mother’s death in 2017. James Casado died on May 27, 2022.

His passing brought the legal drama to an end, Patricia told the Larchmont Chron icle. She said she long has sought to reopen Lucy’s El Adobe to restore the legacy of her parents. It initially will be a smaller operation, and the Chronicle will share further details in January.

Karen & Albert Chou

LUCY’S EL ADOBE on Mel rose Avenue plans to reopen in February.

HISTORIC VAULT in the for mer La Bonte, now Larch mont Mercantile, building on the east side of the Boulevard.

LARCHMONT MERCANTILE STOREFRONTS ALL LEASED; some shops open already. (Illustration showing North Larchmont Boulevard addresses.)

Silvertip trees set to arrive at Larchmont Rotary tree lot

By Nona Sue Friedman

The sweet smell of pine takes over the Wilshire Rotary Club tree lot at 568 N. Larch mont Blvd. this month. This year, the Rotary has acquired the hard-to-get and highly sought-after silvertip fir. The silvertips come from a high er elevation in Oregon. Their needles are blue-green while new growth is silvery. The tree lot also sells the popular Douglas and noble firs, gar lands and wreaths. It’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Fri., Dec. 23. Buying a tree here fills your house with holiday spirit and

supports local organizations. Van Ness Elementary School is one of the local groups the Rotary supports with pro ceeds from the sale of their trees. So go out and get your holiday cheer on!

Every year, the Rotary invites the visually impaired children from Van Ness Ele

mentary to wander around the lot. According to Wendy Clifford, a Rotarian in charge of the lot, “The students love the feeling and smell of the trees.” Clifford also said that the teachers look forward to these visits every year. The students also walk over to visit the pumpkins in October.

Santa to make a stop in Brookside

Fill out those holiday wish lists and head over to Brookside.

Santa will be coming to town on Sun., Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Dunsworth’s, 835 S. Tremaine Ave. The evening

of merriment includes hol iday caroling, refreshments and a horse-drawn carriage (starting at 7 p.m.)!

The event is sponsored by the Brookside Homeowners Association.

Opportunities to share with others abound this holiday season

By Casey Russell

As the holiday season swings into gear, many area families look for opportunities to share with others. This December, while deciding where to put donation items or dollars, there is a plethora of places from which to choose.

The Los Angeles Region al Food Bank always appre ciates people donating food items, but emphasizes that cash donations allow the food bank to help more people and distribute healthier food. Ac cording to the website, a $100 donation translates into 400 meals. To make a monetary donation, visit lafoodbank. org. To donate food items, call the product acquisition de partment at 323-647-7161.

Hopenet, an organization benefitted by the Taste of Larchmont, is hoping to re

ceive a total of 60 turkeys for the 12 pantries in its network. Help make holiday meals spe cial for people facing food in security by contacting Brandy Muñiz at 213-389-9949 or brandy@hopenetla.org to co ordinate details and drop-offs.

The Midnight Mission is collecting toys to distrib ute to nearly 2,000 homeless and near-homeless children on Christmas morning. The Mission is committed to giv ing each child a high-quality, brand-name toy in addition to a stuffed animal or ball, an edu cational item (book/art kit) and a stocking stuffer. Toys will be collected through Thurs., Dec. 22. Hygiene kits for our home less neighbors are always being collected to fill the ongoing need. Items may be dropped off at 601 S. San Pedro St. For ad ditional information, visit mid

nightmission.org

Uplift Family Services, now known as Pacific Clinics, is collecting donations of toys and clothes for their annual holiday giving drive. The lo cal Hollygrove site provides support for housing, employ ment services and mental and behavioral health support to community members in need. New or gently used items can be dropped off at 815 N. El Centro Blvd., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations can also be made online at pacificclinics.org.

Alexandria House is hoping for help making dreams come true for more than 100 fami lies this holiday season. Visit alexandriahouse.org/holidays to see the wish list items. Gift cards in the amount of $25 are appreciated and will be distributed to families. Mul

ticultural, inclusive toys that defy gender norms and don’t promote violence are being collected for kids. Gifts can be dropped off through Dec. 16 at 426 S. Alexandria Ave.

Big Sunday, a nonprofit that organizes ways for people to help our community, is do ing a toy drive for kids of all ages. Gift cards for teens are also needed. Visit bigsunday. org and press “Donate Now” to make donations. Simply specify “toys” in the “Tribute Details.” Big Sunday also is working to ensure Santa vis its shelters, group homes and other places that could use extra cheer. A $250 donation pays the big guy’s sleigh fees. Additionally, donations of new bikes and helmets for vets and their kids are being collected. To help, send an email to ber enice@bigsunday.org.

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles is running its Festival of Lights Toy & Book Drive through Fri., Dec. 9. Interested donors can choose one of 13 organizations to di rectly access an Amazon Wish List and donate by visiting jewishla.org/toydrive2022.

Aviva Family and Children’s Services is looking for donors to sponsor a family or child this holiday season. Every family is given a list on which to mark its needed items. Completed lists, along with a brief description of how the child or family came to Aviva, are given to sponsor families. Through Wed., Dec. 7, donors can be matched with families or children. Visit avivaholi days@aviva.org for holiday sponsorship. To help in addi tional ways, contact Michelle Huerta at mhuerta@aviva.org.

Covenant House California, a nonprofit youth shelter sup porting young people ages 1824, has a wish list for this hol iday season. To donate, visit covenanthousecalifornia.org.

Korean American Family Services is collecting mone tary donations that will go to ward buying gifts from their foster children’s wish lists through Fri., Dec. 16. Dona

tions for wish list items can be made online at kfamla.org/ donate.

LACER, an after-school pro gram providing award-win

skin deep

by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

Q: I’m finding I no longer want to wear clothing that reveals my chest. What can I do?

A: I’ve long said, “Treat the skin on your neck and decol letage like extensions of your face.” It’s common to be vigi lant about protecting our facial skin and less so other areas. Now what to do about it?

You’ve heard of micronee dling and perhaps radiofre quency energy as well? Add to these innovations greater practitioner control and enter Lutronic Genius. The “genius” feature of adjustable depths means we can address texture, scars and laxity on the face, as well as more areas than ever before - including arms, stretch marks, and of course your neck and chest. When we remodel collagen at varying levels we achieve greater lifting and tightening. I’m talking the kind of results that make the before and after photos elicit, “Oh. My. God,” responses! We recommend two to three treatments for optimal results. Expect to begin to see changes in as few as three weeks. And did we mention only about 24 hours of downtime?

Contact our office to schedule your consultation and get ready to welcome a more uniform youthful appearance –head to toe.

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certi fied Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology. She is a member of the Bo tox 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 injec tion techniques for Radiesse, the volumiz ing 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.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED students from Van Ness Elementary en joy the sled in the Wilshire Rotary Club tree lot.

Photo by Wendy Clifford

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Election

(Continued from page 1)

The campaigning included a lot of activity in  Larchmont Chronicle readership areas. There were dueling blue and red campaign buses

that stopped in Koreatown (Rick Caruso) and Wilshire Park (Karen Bass). Candidate Caruso and his dog, Hudson, walked Larchmont Boule vard. Caruso was a long time barbershop customer of the late Jerry Cottone.

Also campaign-related in the ’hood, the former Fire stone tire dealership on La Brea Avenue (now All Season Brewing), was the scene of the election night party for the ultimate victor in the race to represent the Fifth Dis

HUGO SOTO-MARTINEZ will now represent CD 13 constit uents.

CANDIDATE Caruso on Larch mont with son Alex at right.

ALL SEASON BREWING on La Brea Avenue was host to the election night celebration for 5th District Councilmember-elect Katy Young Yaroslavsky, shown here with other late-evening celebrants, from left, front row: Leslie Friedman-Johnson, Allen Zipper, Young Yaroslavsky, Jocelyn Tabata and, back row: Zev Yaroslavsky, John Fairbank, Andrew DeBlock and Nathan Shapiro.

MITCH O’FARRELL election night attendees included, from left: O’Farrell, Kevin McClellan, Brian Curran, and Mayor Eric Garcetti.

CARUSO campaign bus stopped in Koreatown. BASS bus was in Wilshire Park.

Holiday season in full swing at The Grove

By Casey Russell

An iconic harbinger of the holiday season returned to The Grove late last month as a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree was lighted by Santa Claus during a taping for television.

The Grove’s 24th Annual “A Home for the Holidays” production featured Glo ria Estefan as host of the show that included stories of adoption from foster care and featured performanc es by Andy Grammer, Little Big Town, David Foster and Kat McPhee. Estefan was accompanied in song by her daughter Emily and grandson

Letters

(Continued from page 2)

crossing the street mid-block, with no concern for the flow of at-speed-limit traffic, almost daring cars to run them over.

I doubt this was the intent of the law. Police officers can still hand out tickets if they think pedestrians are creat ing a hazard, but a number of pedestrians are already ex ploring the limits of what’s considered hazardous (and again, this law hasn’t even taken effect yet!).

Like a lot of things, this

Sasha, both very talented! The event will be broadcast Fri., Dec. 23, on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

Now that the tree is shin ing brightly, Santa himself is welcoming guests at his Grove workshop. Visitors can revel in holiday cheer and get great photos with the big guy through Sat., Dec. 24. Res ervations are encouraged (at thegrovela.com/reservation), but walk-ins are welcome.

The festive holiday hub will be partnering with Village Synagogue and Rabbi Fogel man for The Grove’s Menorah (Please turn to page 10)

all could have been handled with common sense. Don’t ticket the person crossing a sleepy street with no traf fic in sight, but also, please don’t walk out onto Santa Monica Boulevard in front of cars traveling 35 mph, dar ing them to keep you safe.

Chase Campen Beverly Grove

New City Controller

Kenny is all about transpar ency yet won’t give a true accounting of his employment history. [“Mejia versus Koretz: disrupter or stalwart for City

Right: CAFÉ LIGHTS cross the 100 and 200 North blocks of Larch mont Boulevard. Installed last month, the official celebration of their coming to Larchmont will take place on the day of the Holiday Open House on Dec. 3. The event is planned for approximately 4:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place adjacent to Tailwaggers at 147 N. Larchmont Blvd.

Open House

(Continued from page 1)

Larchmont businesses will be offering discounts and promotions and live mu sic will be performed on the Boulevard throughout the day. The event is sponsored by the Larchmont Boulevard Association.

Controller?” Oct. 2022]. He erased his LinkedIn employ ment so no one would know his true job history. He claims to have 11 years of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) experience, but he doesn’t. He had low level accounting posi tions. He left Ernst & Young in 2014, not 2016. He renewed his CPA license so the LA Times would endorse him, but he hasn’t used his license. He’s like a Realtor with a real estate license who has never sold a property.

Shelly Skaug

Downtown Los Angeles

Omar

325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 Los Angeles, California 90004

windsorsquare.org

157 N. Larchmont Boulevard

Scores Turn Out for Town Hall

Nearly three-score Windsor Square Association members and guests met on November 17th for the Association’s annual “Town Hall” meeting. Attendees convivially socialized before the meeting, held in person at The Ebell after two prior years of virtual Zoom meetings.

Longtime WSA president Larry Guzin called the meeting to order and introduced the Association’s directors and then recounted WSA’s accomplishments during 2022. These included continuing involvement with the City of Los Angeles RYLAN (“Ready Your LA Neighborhood”) program, the Association’s sponsorship of three virtual candidate forums for Council District 13 candidates, the Association’s outreach to Windsor Square residents through its monthly Newsletter and the WSA’s recent financial contribution to newly installed “café lights” over the street in the Larchmont Village block between First and Beverly.

The meeting’s program included presentations by City of Los Angeles RYLAN emergency management coordinator Crisanta Gonzalez and WSA directors Gary Gilbert and Steve Kazanjian concerning the Association’s pilot project to prepare Windsor Square for the crucial first hours after any catastrophic disaster.

LAPD Olympic Division commanding officer Captain Aaron Ponce spoke about crime statistics and the value of communication between police and the community to “harden the target.” The revitalization of WSA’s model Block Captain Network was addressed by Block Captain chair Angie Szentgyorgyi, who encouraged residents to volunteer to serve as Block Captains.

The Park Mile Specific Plan and Larchmont Village issues were the subject of WSA vice president John Welborne’s land use presentation. The annual Squeaky Wheel Award was announced as going to resident Louis Fantasia for his successful efforts in “Obtaining Safety Improvements on and Adjoining Sixth Street.”

Junior League hosts 23rd Harvest Boutique on December 4

By Casey Russell

The Junior League of Los Angeles [JLLA] will be hold ing its 23rd Annual Harvest Boutique Sun., Dec. 4, at the Skirball Cultural Center from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

More than 500 guests are expected to attend the fund raiser, which will feature a silent auction, a luncheon, and shopping with vendors such as Lele Sadoughi, Borrowed Bling and Atelier Saucier.

The JLLA is a women’s or ganization committed to promoting voluntarism, de veloping the potential of women and improving the

The Grove

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Lighting Ceremony on Tues., Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Nissim Black, a musician and spiritual motivator, will open a pre-lighting show at 5:50 p.m.

The Grove delights visitors every year with its nightly holiday snowfall. This year’s sprinkles from the sky will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will continue through Christmas Day.

community, according to its website. Founded in Los Angeles in 1926, its current headquarters is right on Larchmont Boulevard.

The Harvest Boutique’s proceeds will be used to sup port the JLLA’s mission and its current areas of focus — empowering foster youth and providing educational op portunities for underserved students. Proceeds will also go to supporting the League’s community proj ects — Happy Trails, Harvest Home, United Friends of the Children and Friends of the Children-Los Angeles.

“This will be another great Junior League of Los Angeles event,” said Joy C. Williams, president of JLLA’s board of directors.

Admission cost is $125 (general) and $200 (VIP) and can be purchased online at jlla.org or by calling 323-9574280. For table sponsorship packages and Host Commit tee opportunities, contact: harvestboutique@jlla.org.

Christ the King School’s Sapphire Gala a success!

Approximately 250 people attended the Sapphire Gala, celebrating Christ the King School’s 65th anniversary on Nov. 5th. The event was coordinated by fourth-grade teacher Susan Alcantara. The schools’ principal, Ruth Anderson, thanks all who attended and donated.

The meeting concluded with the election of WSA directors for 2023 and an opportunity for residents to discuss issues of concern with individual directors and guests such as LAPD Captain Ponce, Senior Lead Officers present and representatives of ADT Security Services and SSA Security Group. ©LC1222

Whether you want to do a little holiday shopping or are simply looking for a fes tive atmosphere in which to be out-and-about with loved ones, The Grove is a great place to feel the magic of the season and create some holi day memories.

CHRISTMAS TREE at The Grove has been shining bright since the late November tap ing of the CBS TV show with Gloria Estefan and more — to broadcast and stream on December 23.

The Windsor Square Association, an all-volunteer group of residents from 1100 households between Beverly and Wilshire and Van Ness and Arden, works to preserve and enhance our beautiful neighborhood. Join with us! Drop us a line at 325 N. Larchmont Blvd., #158, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or visit our website at windsorsquare.org.

FATHER JUAN OCHOA , Susan Alcantara, Principal Ruth Anderson and William Anderson at Christ the King School’s Sapphire Gala.

Looking back on three terms as a Councilman

This Thanksgiving will be somewhat bittersweet as I near the final weeks of my third, and final, term as Councilmember of the Fifth District of Los Angeles. With gratitude, I shall reflect on the relationships we have formed with communities made up of residents, business owners, young people looking toward the future and our senior cit izens who remind us of how our communities developed, endured, thrived and changed over the years. I have had the pleasure of serving along side you as we rolled up our sleeves striving to make a healthier, safer, stronger Los Angeles for all.

Over just the past five years working with Melrose Action, we have installed camer as and license plate readers to provide increased secu rity. We worked with our District’s faith-based insti tutions to increase security infrastructure and training in our places of worship and in community centers. With Melrose Business Improve ment District and Mid City West Neighborhood Council, we worked to improve the Fairfax/Melrose corridors and adjacent Neighborhood com munities, including sidewalk widening, updated pedestri an crossing signals to make pedestrians more visible to oncoming traffic and a wide variety of tree and beautifi cation factors. Coordinating with Wilshire Division, LA DOT and the Bureau of Street Services, we increased patrol by car, foot and even by mounted police. Coupled with parking enforcement and increased clean up, we reduced crime along the Mel rose corridor by as much as 70 percent. From Pan Pacific Park to Poinsettia Park, we coordinated COVID testing and vaccinating, held com munity clean ups, extended swimming hours, movies in the park and National Night Out events to get to know your local city agencies.

To all of our community partners, my staff and I would like to thank you for your generous work whether you serve on an HOA or Neighbor hood Council, send comment letters or show up at commit tee meetings, volunteer time at a nonprofit, chamber of commerce or help at a school. I hope that each and every one of you takes a moment to remember that your time and service represent the best of

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by Paul Koretz

our society. This is how we heal our world — through the good work of selfless devotion, community service, grassroots volunteerism and activism. Thank you all for your service, partnerships and some very meaningful friendships along the way. We couldn’t do it without you.

Finally, I hope you will join me in welcoming Councilmember-elect Katy Yaroslavsky as she hires her new staff and rolls up her sleeves to work with our won derful historic Fifth District. With gratitude, Paul Koretz.

Signing-off — with gratitude

Serving the 13th District and the residents of the Great er Wilshire area has been the privilege of a lifetime.

My roots in your commu nity are deep. More than 30 years ago, I managed gymnas tics at the old Wilshire YMCA, and some of my earliest apart ments in Los Angeles were in this area. Eventually, my local activism and volunteer ism in my neighborhood of Glassell Park led me to serve two terms on the Los Angeles City Council.

My approach to being an elected official is the same today as it was when I started: public service, not politics.

And, in only a year, our office and parts of Great er Wilshire have done a lot together: new public parking wayfinding signs on Larch mont Boulevard; numerous public works projects includ ing sidewalk repair, new curbs, street slurry and new

Council

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by Mitch O'Farrell

crosswalks; multiple beautifi cation projects coordinated by my team in partnership with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps; distributing more than five dozen free trees at the Wilshire Branch library in partnership with the Koreatown Youth and Community Center; sponsoring communi ty events including the annual “Taste of Larchmont” festival; and approving the funding for new speed tables on Sixth Street, which will improve safety on a busy corridor.

The City of Los Angeles faces great challenges and significant transition at City Hall. Now, more than ever, we

need public servants who will selflessly serve, setting poli tics and ideology aside, and work tirelessly to restore faith and trust in local government. Though my time in office is coming to an end, I hope that some of the “good gover nance” reform measures I’ve championed — including my charter reform initiative that would expand representation on the City Council — will continue to move forward.

Greater Wilshire includes some very special places in the City of Los Angeles. My team and I have always strived to serve you with grace, com passion and responsiveness. I encourage you to continue the thoughtful stewardship of your neighborhoods — a tra dition that runs deep in the fabric of this area. It’s been a privilege and joy to serve you, and I wish you the very best in the coming months and years.

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE

By Miles Hoffman 6th Grade

Since I last wrote, a lot of action-packed things have taken place at Hollywood Schoolhouse. For example, my class and I finished our Shark Tank assignment. We worked on a Google slide presentation,

and we present ed our business ideas. Now, we will be working on the items we are selling at our annual Winter Fest.

We just had our weekly speak er series, and my mind was blown when I heard that our

guest speaker was going to be NBA player Tristan Thompson. He told us what being in the NBA was like, and also told us about his journey to get there. Afterwards, we went outside and he and I had a free throw contest. The end results were outstanding! I beat him!

Another guest speaker that we had was Gail Lerner. She talked to

us about her new book, “The Big Dreams of Small Creatures,” and what it’s like to be in the televi sion business. So far, the speaker series has been a huge success, and I can only imagine who the upcoming speakers will be.

Something that the entire school is excited about is Grand parents and Special Friends Day! The day before Thanks giving break, we got to bring in anyone that we know to partic ipate in fun activities and enjoy our half-day.

We are super-lucky and grate ful and I am so glad that I am a

THE WILLOWS

By Simone Meltzer 8th Grade

The Willows Community School had their annual Bookfair Nov. 12! Host ed on campus and run by Wil lows staff and students, the Bookfair is always super fun for everybody involved. Weeks in advance, the library is decorated, and books are put on display for students’ wish lists. This year, the 8th-grade class had the pleasure of bringing our developmental kindergarten (DK) book buddies to the library and helping them make lists of books they wanted to buy. It’s

MELROSE ELEMENTARY

By Stella Coppola 5th Grade

November was very excit ing at Melrose Magnet. We had kid-led parent/teach er conferences during which students told their parents what they were doing well at in school and what they needed to improve upon. I think is an amazing and educational thing for the school to do.

Since the pandemic, our book fair has been at Chevalier’s

PAGE ACADEMY

By Isabella Argiropoulos 7th Grade

Hello my Larchmont neighbors! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your clothes aren’t too tight after all of that delicious food! The month of November seemed to go by quickly as we near the end of our second term with many of our students work ing hard to finish up their Explore Our World projects and other end-of-term assignments. But, it was not “all work and no play.”

On Nov. 17, we were finally able to come together again in person for our annual Mexican Dinner, Silent Basket Auction and Movie Night. Each class put together a lovely basket that was auctioned off. Immediately fol

part of this HSH family. To me, gratitude means being thankful. Because we live in the United States, we have access to a lot of amazing things. We have cars, phones, books and more.

One of the things that we Americans tend to take for grant ed is school. I am so grateful for my education. In some places, people don’t have access to this. I try to be grateful as much as I can. From my mindset while walking into school, to what I am thinking when I open a book, I have learned you can never be too grateful.

always a treat to spend time with our buddies, doing fun activities and games. This can be especially nostalgic for the former DK stu dents, who can fondly remember doing the same thing with our 8th grade buddies.

The fair had food trucks, a stu dent-run bake sale, lawn games run by student volunteers and a story time where students could sign up to read to anyone who wanted to be read to. One of the highlights of the afternoon was the middle school production of “Free To Be You And Me,” an early ‘70s musical touching on gender roles and stereotypes. Alumni and prospective families were also invited as a chance to get back on campus. We can’t wait for next year!!

Bookstore and our family night takes place at Burger Lounge and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream! Now, I know that it doesn’t sound that exciting, but every one loved it! And, to be fair, who wouldn’t? You get to buy cool books and eat burgers and ice cream with your friends and family. It’s just plain fun!

Coming up this month is our annual spelling bee, winter show and international pot luck. Also, the 5th grade has Genius Hour presentations where we show case inventions, videos, websites and Google slides. I will present my production of “Titanic the New Musical.”

lowing the Basket Auction, we snuggled up in our blankets and sleeping bags to watch “Sing 2” on our big outdoor screen.

Right before Thanksgiving Week break, on Nov. 18, we had our annual Thanksgiving Potluck Feast, with tradition al Thanksgiving turkey and sides along with delicacies from around the world reflecting our students’ diverse backgrounds.

The fun and the hard work won’t stop this month. Our stu dent council will be busy with fundraising, while our entire student body will be rehears ing and finalizing preparations for our Holiday Show on Fri., Dec. 9. There will be more feast ing and Secret Santa gifts for our holiday parties on Thur., Dec. 22, and report cards will go home as we begin the holiday break. Wishing you all the best for this holiday season. May it be merry, happy and bright!

More ‘presence,’ fewer presents this holiday season

By Casey Russell

The holidays are upon us. Carols accompany customers as we stroll through shops and wheel our carts through area grocery stores. Festive lights and decorations are beginning to foster that warm feeling this time of year magi cally bestows.

Parents’ minds may be thinking of the gifts that will light our kids’ faces as Hanuk kah presents are opened and Christmas morning arrives. But, as we prepare for the festivities this month brings, let’s take a moment to think about what we remember from our childhoods.

This time of year in my childhood memories was filled with holiday preparation. We decorated our home, made cookies, wrote and sent cards. We visited extended fami ly and gathered to celebrate together. I sat with my dad and looked at the lights on our tree late at night. I made hol iday wreaths and picked the perfect one for our front door. We played games, listened to music and had a fire going in the hearth. I remember making or choosing one gift to give each person — some thing I believed would mean something to him or her. I recall the feeling of peace and

Tips on Parenting

by

togetherness of our candle light service Christmas Eve. What I don’t remember, these decades later, is what I received each year. I have vague recollections. I know I got turtle figurines for my collection, and I remember one particularly awesome art set. But the presents are not what made the season special. The activities we did togeth er as a family, the time in a cozy home with people I loved really being with each other — these are the things that shape my holiday memories.

Regardless of what religion or traditions spark our holi day customs, I think it’s good to think about what really “sticks” as we go about our celebration preparations.

Does my daughter need six new stuffed animals, a slime kit, play binoculars and an iPad of her own? No. Will most of the things she opens on Christmas morning be buried in her not-so-orga nized bedroom by New Year’s

Eve? Yes. Will she remember, when she’s writing the thankyou notes I will make sure she writes, what everyone gave her? Probably not.

Yes, it’s awesome to see pres ents under the tree. Gift giving has become part of many win ter holiday traditions. But, when it comes down to it, our kids do not need a plethora of presents. Would they love to tear through a ton of wrap ping paper opening gift after gift? Sure! Do they need to? No. Is it good for them? Prob ably not.

What our kids need most from us is our time — our focused attention. They need us to turn off the television, put down our phones and play a game with them. They need us to say, “Want to bake some cookies?” They need us to put on some soothing holi day music, cuddle up on the couch with them and look at the candles and lights.

Instead of putting our ener gy into buying more things this holiday season,  let’s put our energy into spending time together and making some memories that will last.

In the early dark days of December, we can go for fami ly walks after dinner and enjoy the neighborhood decor. We can take our kids holiday

shopping so they can pick out something for a child in need. We can pull out the holiday books and read some aloud. We can sew the dog a Christ mas stocking together or get a candle-making kit to make candles for the menorah.

I’m not suggesting that we not take the time to buy some thing special for our kids. A longed-for special some thing will be appreciated and remembered. But, sometimes

less is more. And, with less “stuff,” the focus can return to what will truly remain in our kids’ hearts: the feeling that will come this holiday season from being present with each other rather than receiving presents from each other.

For more parenting tips, check out my book, “The Handbook for Life With Little Ones: Information, ideas and tips for birth to age five,” on Amazon.

THE KANIMERAKALA family (L-R, Krishna, Ria and Tanvi) spending quality time together at home.

Casey Russell

PILGRIM SCHOOL

By Allison Pak

9th Grade

Pilgrim School had an amaz ing October, finishing off with Spirit Week and Hal loween! For Halloween, there was a special sched ule. We started the day off with everyone going to the field and helping the young ones with the Pilgrim tradition of pumpkin rolling. Then there was a Hal loween parade for kids to show off their amazing costumes. Next, students had the option of trick-or-treating from the trunks of 60 decorated car trunks that parents had decorated, hanging out in the library or watching Halloween movies. Everyone had a blast. We also invited the resi dents of the Alexandria House, a shelter for women and children.

The secondary school had its fall play “She Kills Monsters.” It

was such a great show. The boys’ middle school flag football and girls’ volleyball won the champi onship!

November marked a historic day in the Pilgrim Community as we said goodbye to our old mascot, the Patriots! Over the past six months we have been in the process of rebranding Pil grim, and part of that campaign involved choosing a new mas cot that better represents who we are. The students, faculty and staff all participated in the selection of this new mascot in the form of a school-wide vote. It was important to us that the entire community was a part of this process. We are now the Pil grim Panthers.

At our parent/teacher confer ences, parents had an opportunity to talk about what things their kids are doing great at and what they need to improve upon.

Right before the Thanksgiv ing break, we had Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day for pre school and elementary school. We had hundreds of people on

campus and everyone had a won derful time.

CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION

By Eloise Cotteleer 5th Grade

One of the core values at The Center for Early Educa tion is caring. Throughout the year, we have different drives to help people in our commu nity. In October, CEE hosts an annual costume drive for kids. The costumes that were col lected this year were donated to Good Shepherd, Big Sunday and the Jenesee Center. Over 250 costumes were distributed to these organizations, which meant over 250 children had costumes to wear for Hallow een! Students at The Center also donated candy and we collected two carloads of candy to share!

In November, students brought in non-perishable foods

to share with Alexandria House, Big Sunday, the Blind Children’s Center and Wellnest so every one could have food to share on Thanksgiving. Students also painted the boxes the food was donated in, so they’d look festive.

This month, The Heritage Family and Community Ser vice committee asks students to bring in toys and gifts for all ages. It feels good to know that I’m part of a school that gives back to the community. Caring really is sharing!

ESLA

By Isabel Viola 12th Grade

The past cou ple of weeks at ESLA have been filled with hol iday spirit and school pride.

For Halloween, students were invited to wear their costumes to school. During lunch, there was a celebratory costume walk for all those who wanted to partici pate. Red and White events have been hosted so that students and faculty can rack up points for their respective teams. Just the other day, a musical chairs game became a competitive and fun atmosphere to embrace team spirit. Additionally, the annual Red and White volleyball game was hosted for upper and middle school students to play and win points for their team. Now, the entire ESLA community is look ing forward to our fire-and-ice themed Homecoming!

While their season was unde feated, the girls’ volleyball team unfortunately lost their playoff game. We are so proud of our team for making it all the way and are looking forward to the next season. In other news, the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are beginning their practices for the upcoming season and ESLA cannot wait to see where they go!

THE OAKS SCHOOL

By Amelia Goldberg 6th Grade

The Oaks School has always creat ed a language arts curriculum that inspires lots of thinking and teaches the fundamentals.

Right now, 6th graders are working on thesis-driven essays based on “Same Sun Here” by

Neela Vaswani and Silas House. Writing thesis statements was new to us, but we are all proud to say we have completed our first drafts.

Fifth grade students are work ing in their book club groups to make character webs for books by Indigenous authors and are researching the native nations in their books.

Third and 4th graders are learning about the types of sen tences used and how to create what we call a stoplight para graph. Fourth grade is also researching the Chumash nation’s lifestyle before colonists arrived.

Second grade is reading the book “Mommy’s Khimar” to explore diversity and identity.

First grade is learning about short vowels, the silent ‘e,’ and word families.

Our Mighty K class is going to illustrate a picture book with out words about something that happened to them.

NEW COVENANT ACADEMY

By Dale Lee 12th Grade

Last month, NCA K-8 stu dents had the opportunity to receive a com plimentary vision screen ing by an NCA parent optometrist.  Some young readers got new glasses.

Every Thanksgiving NCA hosts a canned food drive. Items are donated to local shelters and those in need. For two weeks, students line up in the morn ings to donate funds for foods, cans of soup, green beans, Spam and other goods. In addition, this year, students were able to donate electronics for under privileged students to use.

Following the weeks of giving, our school hosted the tradition al Thanksgiving luncheon for all NCA students and teachers. From student performances to a meaningful message about the season, it was, and always is, a memorable event.

Adding to these events, NCA hosted a Parent vs. Student basketball game. From family members to staff, adults com peted against our boys’ team in hopes of bragging rights. This month, on Sat., Dec. 10, the annual Charity Golf tournament will take place and parents will be able to connect and share a quick game to support the school.

Third Street School celebrates 65th anniversary of library

By Casey Russell

This year marks the 65th anniversary of Third Street Elementary School’s library.

The K-5 school, founded in 1915, first acquired a library in 1957, and the current rendition is truly something of which the school can be

proud.

A grant from the nonprofit “Wonder of Reading” orga nization funded the library being enlarged to its current size. Now the size of two classrooms, the library fea tures a large circulation desk, many public library-esque

rows of shelved books, a cozy reading nook and a quaint, carpeted riser area for classes to enjoy read-alouds.

Mary Kate Joy Dela Cruz is the new head of the library She replaced Francine DellaCatena, who is now heading the library at Wilshire Park

Elementary.

Dela Cruz is passionate about putting books in stu dents’ hands. Said Dela Cruz, “I want the students to have a love of reading. I think it’s important to read and to understand the world through books. That’s what I learned from being in the library. And I’ve always believed in real ly touching the books. I do appreciate technology. But I believe in kids really seeing the book, looking at the copy right, knowing who makes the book possible.”

Dela Cruz plans to mark the 65th anniversary by holding some sort of reading contest, especially for the older stu dents. But she’s very excited about a program that’s been going on for several years called Read Around the World.

Read Around the World Started with the help of the Parent Teacher Associa tion (PTA), which assists in purchasing the program’s tomes, this year’s Read Around the World is helmed by Kate Sartore, who assists in the library each afternoon. As usual, selections include autobiographies, biographies, folktales, fiction and nonfic tion works.

Because the optional pro gram is open to first- through fifth-grade students, it took a group of teachers about a year to select the 105 works eventually chosen to ush er kids through their yearly adventure around the world. Educators want participants to read different books each

year that they sign up for the challenge.

Students who participate in the program this year will read 21 titles — three books from, or representing, each of the seven continents. “When you read one of the books, you’re transported to a dif ferent country, and you learn about that country,” said Dela Cruz.

After reading the book, students are responsible for answering a worksheet of questions about the book. Once all three books from continent number one are read, kids get a stamp and move on to reading titles from continent two, and so on.

Some students began par ticipating as early as Oct. 3, but interested kids can sign up anytime, as long as they com plete the challenge by Fri., May 5. The program has been very popular this year. So far, 140 of the approximately 550 Third Street students able to participate have signed up, and Dela Cruz expects many more to sign on to the chal lenge.

When each student finishes the challenge, he or she gets a little prize. After the pro gram ends, participants who complete the challenge will be awarded a certificate and will be invited to attend an ice cream social or another special celebratory event.

Said Dela Cruz, “Third Street students really have a love of reading with the help of this program.”

READ AROUND THE WORLD posters keep track of each stu dent’s literary travels.

LIBRARY HEAD DELA CRUZ in Third Street Elementary School’s library.

Cathedral Chapel to celebrate its 95th anniversary

By Casey Russell

Cathedral Chapel of St. Vib iana is celebrating its 95th year of service to the com munity with a fundraiser and gala on Sat., Dec. 17, at the Wilshire Country Club, 301 N. Rossmore Ave. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for the gala, which will include music, dancing, cocktails and din ner. Details of the event can be found at cathedralchapel. org/2022christmas.

The church at 923 S. La Brea Ave. was built in 1927 in anticipation of the arriv al of a much larger cathe dral planned for an entire block on Wilshire Boulevard between Hudson and Keniston Avenues in Brookside. That church was intended to replace Downtown’s Cathedral of St. Vibiana, built in 1876. A move

west finally took place (and then, only six blocks) with the 2002 opening of architect José Rafael Moneo’s Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Bunker Hill.

Fr. Doan The Pham is Cathedral Chapel’s newly installed pastor.

Cathedral Chapel School

At this year’s 95th anni versary gala, the parish is honoring School Principal Tina Katherine Kipp with a Parish Lifetime Achievement Award for her service to Cath olic education and the church.

Kipp has served as principal of Cathedral Chapel School since 2003. Donielle Mitchell, who was vice principal last year and has been serving as co-principal with Kipp during this 2022-2023 school year, will become the principal of the K-8 school as of the 20232024 school year.

Since Cathedral Chapel’s 1927 opening, the church has been through multiple renovations. Early on, the

World Fair and bake sale return to Larchmont Charter

By Casey Russell

More than 15 countries will be represented when Larch mont Charter School’s (LCS) annual World Fair returns for the first full-scale fair since the pandemic. The World Fair takes place Sat., Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This day of family fun is open to the community and is a true cele bration of the school’s diverse cultures.

This year’s family-led com munity event will feature games, prizes, a bouncy slide, photo booth, a DJ, delicious home-cooked food, drinks and crafts, as well as various cultural performances.

Take a trip around the world without leaving the city at Larchmont Char ter’s Hollygrove campus at the corner of Waring Avenue and Vine Street, just north of Melrose Avenue (815 N. El Centro Ave.). Tickets are

CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL

By Joshua Lo

8th Grade Students at Christ the King School have been involved in many activ ities through out the month of November.

We began the month with All Saints’ Day. Students dressed up as saints and participated in a school Mass and parade. To cel ebrate the school’s 65th anniver sary, Christ the King organized a Sapphire Gala on Nov. 5. The event was a great success, and all

available online at tinyurl. com/48e643xd and will also be sold at the event.

Bake Sale

Additionally, LCS is holding its annual bake sale, with not just sweets, but main dishes, appetizers, soups, stews, pas ta sauces, pies and more. The delicious items, made by the LCS community, are listed on Larchmont Charter’s online menu at larchmontcharter. org/bakesale.

Sign up to reserve some sweet or savory items to stock your holiday kitchen. Don’t delay, as this sale is very popular and has a cult-type following.

Purchases can be picked up at the World Fair.

If you’d like to make a dif ference in the life of an LCS child without attending the fair, visit larchmontcharter. org/give to donate and sup port the school.

the guests had a great evening.

Our first trimester ended on Nov. 10 and parent/teacher con ferences took place. Our volley ball and football seasons just ended, and students are now looking forward to playing bas ketball and competing in games.

Students participated in a Thanksgiving food drive and generously donated many food items to needy families in our local community and to Blessed Sacrament food pantry.

All students are looking for ward to the Thanksgiving holi day and Christ the King School is doing its best to spread the spirit of thankfulness to the community.

interior was modernized with artis tic religious symbols, including a wood-carved design over the main altar, which was sent from Italy. In 1935, the church spent some time on jacks while the ground beneath it was excavated to make La Brea a through street. Later, stainedglass windows designed and created by artist Isabel Piczek were installed, and a stateof-the-art pipe organ was added. Only a decade ago, an extensive renovation was done which included a new altar and baptismal font and the installation of Jerusalem stone and Carrara marble floors.

student Ellah Shaphir pies her fellow student, Lazar John son, during the Oct. 28 Halloween Fair at the Lafayette Park campus. The pieing of an incoming grade representative by an outgoing grade representative is an unofficial tradition and is the high light of the annual event organized by the Larchmont Charter High School’s student leadership.

DONIELLE MITCHELL

TINA KIPP

CATHEDRAL CHAPEL of St. Vibiana.

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL

SCHOOL

By Evan Listi 6th Grade

Hello and Happy Holi days!  We had an eventful November at St. James’. The results of our election came in and we officially have our first all-female 6th-grade cabi net!  We all enjoyed an In-N-Out lunch to help kick off Thanks giving break, and now we’re back with a lot of fun ahead of us in December.

First off, the “Scenes & Son nets” production moved to Tues., Dec. 6.  Students in grades four through six have been devising their own play since September and are so excited to perform!  We’ll also be getting in the holi day spirit when Will & Company brings its interactive version of “A Christmas Carol” to our December Commons.

The St. James’ Holiday Market

Homeless

(Continued from page 1)

hamburgers and cigarettes?

Takes a team

Ending homelessness for just one person or family takes a team of volunteers and professionals, an enormous amount of money, adequate housing options and an un limited number of hours in the day. One can’t pluck someone off a bus bench and fix every thing by handing him or her a key to an apartment, assuming housing is even available.

LARCHMONT CHARTER HOLLYGROVE

By Yena Rhee and Alastair Ayandele 4th Grade

December is always such a fun and exciting time at Larchmont Hollygrove. We are so hyped up for our winter-themed morning sing, decorations and festivities. We can already feel the excite ment for the holidays!

The first event of the month

returns on Wed., Dec. 14, from 2 to 7 p.m.  All are welcome to stop by to pick up some gifts, jewelry and delicious crepes. On Thurs., Dec. 15, we have two per formances of our one-of-a-kind Christmas Pageant. I’m person ally excited that 6th graders have the opportunity to sing a beau tiful Korean song and have our first handbell choir performance.

We look forward to spending time with our families over a long winter break and return ing to the wonderful community that is St. James’ in the New Year.

Homelessness was on the ballot in November’s mid term elections, and virtually every candidate, no matter the office sought, pointed to solving homelessness as the biggest challenge we face. Given that the 2022 Los Angeles County Home less Count found 69,144 unhoused people in Los An geles County and 41,980 in the City of Los Angeles alone, it’s no wonder that politicos and voters alike want to fix what has become a crisis in our midst.

will be the Larchmont Charter World’s Fair on Sat., Dec. 10. This has been a favorite tradition and is finally making its return after the pandemic. We are so excited to play carnival games,

OAKWOOD SCHOOL

By Scarlett Saldaña 12th Grade December

is one of the more calm yet nerve-wrack ing months at Oakwood. As seniors await the early deci sion/action notification from colleges, the rest of the school gears up for more winter festiv ities in January. Nevertheless, on Mon., Dec. 12, the elemen

Housing vs. services

Almost everyone points to building more housing as step one: new supportive housing, large shelters, adapted ship ping containers as homes, affordable housing as a per centage of new developments, converting hotels, filling un used hotel rooms with those in need, tiny home villages, dividing single-family prop erty into multiple-family parcels, increasing density near transit hubs. The biggest differences among proposals is how many units they prom

eat delicious food from different cultures and see friends and fam ily! It’ll be a BLAST!

Another December event is the book fair, which will take place from Mon., Dec. 12, through Thurs., Dec. 15.

Morning Sing on Fri., Dec. 16, will feature songs like “Frosty The Snowman.” Since families celebrate different holidays there will be a variety of music. “We want nobody to feel left out, so

tary school students will arrive at the secondary campus for an all-school assembly. Along with a few musical performances from Jazz Band and Orchestra to open the event, the school year’s theme is likely to be announced. In the past, “Better Together” and “Embrace the Moment” have been themes that further unite the school and remind students of the importance of bonding together.

Before a well-deserved winter break, Oakwood faculty mem bers will begin to plan for the

ise to construct, how quickly they can build them and for how much money.

Marilyn Wells, founder of Stories from the Frontline and guest columnist writing “The NIMBY Diaries” in 2021 for the Larchmont Chronicle, firmly believes the essential first step is for a community to commit to rectifying our severe short age of affordable housing, explaining, “Anytime there is a shortage, demand increases, and many of our neighbors, such as essential workers and seniors on fixed incomes, can’t afford rent increases. It is that simple for a large part of our homeless population.”

According to Wells, organi zations working on homeless outreach have concluded that 30 percent of homeless indi viduals have mental health or addiction problems. Other estimates are far higher.

Matthew Byrne, the Super vising District Attorney in the Hollywood Mental Health Court, thinks the actual num ber is closer to 75 percent, since the lower number is based on self-reporting. “Do you think you have a men tal illness?” might not be the most accurate means of as certaining the percentage of the homeless population that need mental health treatment.

Although Byrne agrees that “We need more beds,” he’s equally concerned about getting medical and men tal health treatment to all in need. He notes the use of 18-wheel trucks or vans in some cities that deliver street psychiatry and medical care to those who are unhoused. However, he is especially troubled by the widespread use of methamphetamines on the streets. He questions whether treatment for meth

we will do both Christmas and Hanukkah songs so we all feel equal,” Mr. Malcolm, our music teacher said. We want everyone to feel included at LCS! As some of us might remember, he might not be invited, but the Grinch will maybe appear in Morning Sing.

We hope you have a fun time with your family and friends! We cannot wait to drink hot choco late with creamy marshmallows!

annual Immersion program. As one of my favorite couple weeks at Oakwood, Immersion allows students to explore more topics that are unconventional in a classroom or to dive deeper into a certain subject. Past Immer sions have been: Animal Rights Activism, California Land and Sea, and Roller Coasters: Phys ics In Action, just to name a few. I have always had a great experience with my Immer sion classes, and I’m excited to learn more about what’s in store when it begins.

addiction or psychosis can be effective for someone whose bed is the sidewalk.

Housing vs. autonomy

It is a bit of a miracle when a homeless individual gets the help needed to leave the streets, but even when that process is successful, there’s much more work to be done — and that work is very, very difficult to navigate.

Back to Franco Franco Iervolino is one of the lucky ones.

At least, many of us assume he is lucky to have been tak en off the street, diagnosed, treated, assigned a conserva tor and placed in a senior care facility in the Fairfax area.

However, there are those who argue that it is griev ously wrong to take away a person’s right to choose his or her own path, even if that choice is to struggle on the street without a steady source of food, shelter and mental health or drug addic tion help. Others maintain the contrary position — that it’s cruel not to do everything possible to help those who cannot help themselves.

From his experience in the Hollywood Mental Health Court, where treatment and supervision decisions, including Franco’s, are adju dicated, supervising district attorney Matthew Byrne con cludes that it’s a matter of balancing rights: “Whether to force treatment or let them die with their rights on.”

With CARE Courts (Com munity Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Courts) approved for implementation beginning in some California counties in January 2023, it will be even easier for rela tives and concerned parties (Please turn to page 22)

Rams visit Third Street School in a spirit of kindness

By Vivian Gueler

The Los Angeles Rams paid a visit to Third Street Ele mentary School, helping to kick off the Making Caring Common initiative, a pilot program created by Harvard University that attempts to foster caring and kindness at schools.

After observing unkind be havior at the kindergarten level, Third Street parent Joc elyn Minton approached then Principal Daniel Kim about incorporating kindness into the school curriculum. En couraged by Principal Kim, Minton’s research led her to the Harvard Graduate School of Education Making Caring Common program.

She contacted the Los Angeles Unified School Dis trict (LAUSD), who green-lit the program at Third Street with the hope of eventu ally expanding it to all of LAUSD. Minton then reached out to the Los Angeles Rams, knowing that their involve ment would help build momentum, awareness and excitement across the com munity and at LAUSD.

The Rams were quick to commit to the initiative, which culminated in a pep rally at Third Street attended

by Quentin Lake (safety), AJ Arcuri (offensive tackle), Zach VanValkenburg (defensive lineman), and cheerleaders Aria Terango and Jose Ca petillo, with Rams mascot Rampage also joining in on the fun. Rams team members encouraged Third Street kids to participate in acts of kind ness, not only to each other, but to their teachers, parents and the community at large.

“We’re excited to help launch LAUSD’s Making Car ing Common in partnership with Third Street Elementary School and Harvard Univer sity,” said Zach Kinkeade, Rams senior manager of community affairs and en

gagement. “To see the enthusiasm the students have around this program is priceless. Our goal is always to promote positivity in our communities and, with the help of the school, the district and the parents, we are able to make this all possible.”

Recently appointed Prin cipal Helen Lee remains committed to the program, stating, “The Making Caring Common initiative is not only promoting kindness, but also promoting positive relation ships among our learning community. Our students, teachers, staff and the par ent community are truly working together to make a

meaningful change on the Third Street campus and in their community, which has been a wonderful journey for each one of us.”

The initiative, which includes monthly teach er trainings as part of its lesson plan and collabo ration from an appointed student council, is particu larly relevant following the inevitable impacts of the pandemic, which include social emotional loss and fewer opportunities for con nections among children.

Minton is hopeful that the program will expand to all of LAUSD and become national, adding, “I think every school

district in the United States needs to incorporate kindness into its curriculum.”

RAMS MASCOT Rampage with students.

FOOTBALL PLAYERS, back row, AJ Arcuri, Zach VanValken burg and Quentin Lake. At left, cheerleaders Aria Terango and Jose Capetillo with students.

CHEERLEADER Aria Terango with Third Street Elementary students at the pep rally.

- Brawerman

Treat the kids’ feet sweet for the holidays

Remember when nothing could top a pair of Keds or P.F. Flyers? My own childhood narrowly predated those two sneaker brands’ popularity.

For my friends and me, Red Ball Jets were the pinnacle of footwear. That iconic red ball logo on the sneakers’ heels was a mark of pride for any one lucky enough to own a pair.

My son is 14 years old and, last month, surpassed my size 12s. It’s a good thing shoes aren’t sold by weight. He skateboards and plays bas ketball, so keeping him in footwear gets pricey. He’ll be receiving shoes under the tree this year.

Pre-owned beauties Some sneakers can cost more than an iPod — not most — but they’re out there. Shu Watanabe will show you a pair of $12,000 Nikes. He works at Sole Revival (505 N. Fairfax Ave.). The store specializes in high-end, preowned athletic shoes, but it also has a large inventory of new. Sole Revival takes up two storefronts and can feel over whelming upon entrance, but the staff is friendly and willing to answer questions.

“We try to offer good deals for the students from Fair fax High School across the street,” said Watanabe.

At Sole Revival, it’s all about the shoes. They feature most brands, but specialize in Nike and Adidas. There are hun dreds of shoes displayed on the walls, but my son’s favor

ite area is the $95-and-under grotto. This is a separate chamber, severely lighted, and loaded with affordable pre-owned beauties.

New is not always necessary when buying shoes as gifts. Some kids prefer the collect ables. One misconception regarding pre-owned shoes is that they’ve been worn, and are … worn. Not the case at Sole Revival. Sure, some of the pre-owned have tasted blacktop, but those are in ex cellent shape.

Concept 1

It’s become common, and expected, to see students at their high school proms wearing sneakers — design er or brand-name — with their suits and prom dress es. My niece was married in September, and her husband sported Vans classic slip-on skate shoes with his tuxedo during their wedding vows.

He’s never been on a skate board in his life.

For more upscale and de signer athletic footwear, nothing tops the APL store at The Grove. The space itself is impressive. The ceiling tow ers and the display walls seem like something from the set of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A

Space Odyssey.” The store was designed by Belgian architect Bernard DuBois and is dra matic but serene, which is a perfect description for APL’s footwear.

“These shoes enhance style, comfort, and performance,” said assistant manager Sloane Cummings.

APL gained notoriety when the NBA banned its Concept 1 basketball shoe. The Concept 1 contained a Load ‘N Launch technology that had eight coils — or springs — built into the soles. The NBA ruled that the technology gave play ers wearing the shoe an unfair advantage. That ban was the

THIRD STREET SCHOOL

By Nikka Gueler 5th Grade

Hello Larch mont Chronicle readers! The Los Angeles Rams football team paid a vis it to our school to help launch the Making Caring Common program. This program teaches us to be more kind to our fellow students, teachers and everyone around us.

While the Rams were at Third Street, I interviewed team member AJ Arcuri (offensive tackle) about why he likes shar ing kindness to schools. He said, “I think it’s awesome to come into communities and give back. Kindness is everything, includ ing respecting others, and also

best marketing APL could have imagined. They still of fer the shoe. Sizing begins as low as men’s 5 and women’s 5, so these would be great gifts for most ages. The styles are inspired, and the colors elec trifying.

DOGGIE WEAR

Can’t leave anybody out. Tailwaggers, at 147 N. Larch mont Blvd., has everything for the family dog’s gift needs, including footwear. Their Al cott hiking boots are sized XS to L, and a set of four costs $53.99.

“I don’t know where to send you for socks, though,” laughed store manager Tiffa

about being generous and treat ing others the way you want to be treated.”

As part of the Making Caring Common program, two repre sentatives from each 4th and 5th grade class will help organize the program as part of a Student Council. They will meet with the administration and program leaders every month to talk about caring and kindness at school.

The annual book fair is sched uled to be back on campus in the library Tues., Dec. 6 (every one is welcome to attend). Win ter Family Night will also be returning to school Thurs., Dec. 15. Winter break is Dec. 19 through Jan. 6. See you in 2023!!

IMMACULATE HEART

By Kellyn Lanza 12th Grade

ny Parra. Maybe Santa can take care of that.

of the first semester and our cumulative assessment period.

We just completed a busy month. November began with the Junior Emmaus Retreat, allowing juniors to grow closer to each other and find peace within themselves. The Gene sians also staged their fall pro duction of “Newsies” with four excellent shows. And Immac ulate Heart’s Cross-Coun try Team competed in the CIF Prelims. Meanwhile, our soc cer and basketball teams began their pre-season this past month while swimmers started their training for spring.

Students will continue to be busy in the final weeks of 2022, but before our break we will enjoy our traditional Christmas program together, followed by our winter formal. Immaculate Heart will also open its doors to prospective students and their families during our Open House Weekend. The Middle School will welcome visitors at 1 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 3, while the high school’s open house will begin at 1 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 4. Both events will offer prospective students a chance to meet our teachers and tour our campus.

Happy December from Immaculate Heart! Students are looking forward to the holidays and our much-an ticipated break from classes, but first we need to survive the end

APL assistant manager Sloane Cummings and the high-tech Concept 1.

Youth Sports by Jim Kalin

Larchmont Charter School wins multiple sports titles

By Nona Sue Friedman

Larchmont Charter’s high school at LaFayette Park (LFP) has claimed two city championships this year. The girls’ volleyball team was vic torious and is ecstatic!

In addition to a city champi onship, the end of the season also brought Divisional Play er of the Year award for LFP teammate Chaya Clemons. Their coach, Kevin Flores, was named Coach of the Year for their city division.

The team started practic ing in the spring, with Coach Flores taking the helm for his seventh year. It lost only one game in its league for the entire season.

When Flores was asked what made this team a champion, he responded, “It was the team’s chemistry. Everyone grew bet ter together as one unit, and they were very coachable.”

The girls made it to the sec ond round of state champions before being defeated.

Cross-country is another titlist sport at LFP. The boys’ team — league champions — moved onto city finals. The girls placed second in their league and qualified to partic ipate in the city finals. At city, many runners had their best times of the season.

Van Ness movie night was a great success

Van Ness Elementary movie night, hosted by PAVE (Par ents at Van Ness Elementary), raised $2,142. Organizers say they greatly appreciate those who donated supplies and time for the Nov. 4 event, and that they are pleased so many people attended and enjoyed “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” under the stars.

ST. BRENDAN SCHOOL

By Jack Byrne

8th Grade

Saint Bren dan School had a great month of November. Third grade students cele brated National Native Amer ican Heritage Month. They researched, made amazing

We also had parent-teacher conferences where parents had the opportunity to meet with teachers to talk about their chil dren’s performance so far. For the upper grades, the students participate in the conferences with their parents.

It is also the time of year that 8th graders have started working on their high school applications, which is exciting.

posters, and gave presentations on the tribes of

California. St. Brendan celebrat ed All Saints and All Souls days with an all-school mass.

CITY CHAMPIONS for girls volleyball are, top row, left to right: Coach Kevin Flores, Asst. Coach Jessica Macatangay, Ashley Lee, Stephanie Zarate, Jiselle Bowie, Magdalena Castro, Alisa Khomutetsky, Ella Shaphir, Payton Clemons, Assistant Principal Lori Lausche; bottom row, left to right: Chaya Clemons, Sasha Khomutetsky, Avery Hipolito, Holly Jung.

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY team starting a race.

COLLAPSING on the grass after a cross-country race are winners Avery Owen-Lara of Windsor Square (2nd place), left, and Rose Matheu (1st place), right.

After more than 10 years of sleeping al fresco, Franco now shares a room and bath room with one roommate, is served three meals a day, can choose to listen to entertain ment every Friday afternoon (he never does) and receives medication to treat his 10 or so different ailments that went unchecked for years. A government program pays for his board and care. He is left with $100/month for incidentals, which doesn’t go far.

Sometimes Franco is grateful for the roof over his head, but he insists he was picked up illegally, and he complains about the quality of the meals and the fact that in some instances he’s told what to do, such as take his medicine at a certain time or take a shower. He is used to making his own decisions on his own timetable (and doing neither of the above, appar ently).

It is the perception of lack of autonomy that sometimes

dooms a placement. Rob Eshman, in the Oct. 17, 2022 issue of Zócalo Public Square, reports on a study completed by the Santa Monica-based A-Mark Foundation, where Eshman is CEO. The writers surveyed Skid Row residents to prioritize such things as healthcare, safety and hous ing, and 92 percent chose housing, and yet the study found numerous reasons that shelter was rejected when offered. Women, for ex ample, “avoided shelters that broke up families. Just 14 percent of the shelter units in Los Angeles serve families. … Men said curfews made shelters feel like prison, and prohibitions against dogs kept them away.”

Eshman also quoted RAND Corporation researchers who found, “If shelters or transitional housing require sharing rooms, have curfews and other rules, or reduce people’s sense of self-deter mination … these won’t be an effective approach to re ducing street homelessness.”

Franco is clearly frustrat ed with his placement. He doesn’t understand why he is told to be patient every time he asks about getting the bus pass he was promised or

when someone will arrange for him to speak to his son who was located months ago (his other son hasn’t been found) or how long he must wait to receive Social Securi ty benefits.

Franco has received one important new document, and I asked to see it. We were in his sparsely furnished room. He sat on his twin bed; I sat across the room on his absent roommate’s bed. Franco rummaged through his pile of plastic bags that serve as his closet and dress er, although his actual closet and dresser remain empty.

He eventually found the correct envelope from the correct bag and trium phantly held out his only identifying possession: a California senior citizen identification card.

Delays, ordeals

Franco left the county mental health facility four months ago, and he has lived at this senior care place that long. That’s also the time it took for him to receive this critical identification doc ument. For one thing, he was unsure of why he need ed identification. (“It’s for opening a bank account and I don’t have any money,” he’d

explain.) Twice he turned down opportunities to be driven to the Depart ment of Motor Vehicles to be fingerprinted and photographed for the card. The third time was the charm.

In fact, he’ll need to show his official ID to apply for such things as Social Securi ty benefits and to renew or re place his green card. (He is from Italy, re member.)

Franco has a care team that includes a conservator, a psy chiatrist and a social worker, not to mention those who work at the senior care fa cility. Yet his understanding is inadequate regarding his guaranteed entitlements, the steps to receive those enti tlements, who initiates each step and the time it will take to go through the process.

Everything feels like an or deal to him. Even his mobility is an issue. Franco’s chronic back pain has caused him to be severely stooped, and he needs support to walk. His shopping cart gave him that

Donations

(Continued from page 6)

ning, free classes in Los An geles, is holding a year-end campaign to raise $80,000 by Dec. 31. All proceeds will go directly to students in the way of costumes for perfor mances, personalized sports jerseys, new color printers for each of LACER’s eight school sites, and water coolers so kids have access to fresh, clean water. Visit lacerafter school.org to donate.

Karsh Center, which pro vides critical and accessible social services to improve the lives of underserved people in our area, is doing its third annual holiday toy distribu tion on Thurs., Dec. 15. New, unused toys will be collected from Dec. 1 to 13. The goal is to provide 500 children in the Koreatown community with holiday toys this year. New toys can be sent to 606 S. Ho

stability. With it, he would walk miles every day, getting to know the streets around Larchmont Boulevard, taking delight in particularly beau tiful homes. His cart is long gone, replaced with a walker, which is harder to manipu late and causes him to hunch over even more. The furthest he has walked since moving to the senior care facility is two blocks to the 7-Eleven.

Once, when Franco was looking out the car window as I drove him for coffee and conversation over to Larch mont Boulevard, a place he (Please turn to page 23)

bart Blvd., Los Angeles 90005, or donors can schedule ap pointments to drop items off at the Karsh Family Social Service Center at 3750 W. 6th St. by calling 213-401-4656.

Imagine LA is collecting donations through Sat., Dec. 10, for its Winter Wonderland event. Help the organization provide each of the families it supports with a high-quality household appliance. More ideas for item donations can be found on Imagine LA’s wish list at: tinyurl.com/yc2dt4zk.

The Los Angeles Mission is collecting toys for kids zero18 and food for its Race to Feed program through Sun., Dec. 18. Items can be dropped off at 351 S. Anderson St., Los Angeles 90033 or at 316 Win ston St., Los Angeles 90013 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the mis sion’s website at losangele smission.org for details.

FRANCO, in his senior care facility bedroom, shows his new State ID.

Homeless

(Continued

“Look!” he said wistfully “A shopping cart.”

I worry the freedom of the streets will call to him again.

Complacency vs. self-advocacy

Whenever Franco goes on a rant about all the things he needs and isn’t getting, he ends with a mantra: “Pa tience, patience. One step at a time.”

But Franco isn’t one to stay patient for very long. He’s known for leaving messages for his conservator, his psy chiatrist, his social worker, everyone on his care team, trying to get answers. Ac cording to him, answers are always vague, which is why he tries to advocate for himself.

“Helene!” Franco yelled with obvious glee when I an swered my phone the other day. “Helene, every day I do something important! Every day I achieve things!”

Franco had placed some calls and was happy with the results. He called the Social Security office, and someone there discussed

the application process with him and recommend ed he come in person to fill out the form. He asked me to take him, but then he changed his mind. Part of him expects his team to walk him through the steps. He also was excited because he called the social worker who helped him when he was in the mental health hospi tal, who explained to Franco how the conservator program worked. He told Franco that, in March 2023, he would go before the judge who would decide — with input from Franco, his public defend er, his psychiatrist and his conservator — whether the conservatorship should re main in place or if Franco is capable of being moved to supportive housing. If Franco is denied the last option, he still has the right to appeal.

Matthew Byrne explains it well, stating that the role of the judge at the mental health court is to assess and decide what is best for the client going forward. The goal is to select the lowest level of care possible, with the greatest amount of freedom. That’s how Franco was assigned to this senior care facility — an “open” placement where he

may come and go as he pleas es, until curfew. Revisiting his situation in March could re sult in a different outcome. Franco often has mentioned how complacent other res idents of his home seem. He describes those who sit and watch television in the com mon room for hours on end and have no ambition to leave for a better situation. He men tions one man who only has one functioning leg and who has lived in the facility for five years. That astounds Franco. He asked his friend if he ever tried to get transferred to an apartment. “No,” the man an

swered. “Why should I? This is better than living on the street.”

“I feel sorry for him,” Fran co states. “I feel sorry for all of them.”

Living with regret

One of the few items worth salvaging from Franco’s shopping cart was his family photo album. When I asked if he would show it to me, he was reluctant at first, then dug through his bags to find it. As he showed me the pho tographs, his obvious pride in his family shone through.

“Here are my parents. This nephew became a judge. This

brother was a marine and traveled everywhere with gas and oil supplies.” “You were in the navy,” I reminded him. “But you didn’t like it.”

“They asked me to stay on af ter my time was up. They said with my education I could get officer’s training, but I wasn’t interested.” He pauses. “That was a mistake. That was a big mistake.”

Franco closes the album and buries it at the bottom of one of his plastic bags. “That was a hard thing you had me do, Helene,” he says, tears in his eyes. “I don’t always want to look at my family.”

FORMER GIORGIO and his shopping cart on Larchmont Bou levard, January 2021.