Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 61, NO. 7
• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
IN THIS ISSUE
More stores to open on Larchmont
Big turnout for launch of ‘Zev’s Los Angeles’
n Mercantile almost full
n Veritable who’s who at full-house event
PETS OF LARCHMONT
14
GET ‘EM while they’re hot. 5
‘THE PLACES’ make an entrance. 2-2
By John Welborne The official book launch for Zev Yaroslavsky’s long-awaited memoir, “Zev’s Los Angeles,” gathered a crowd of locals and distinguished friends of Zev from across Southern California. The event took place at Chevalier’s Books on Larchmont Boulevard on May 30. The full house included the author’s son (and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge) David Yaroslavsky, attending with his wife, Fifth District City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, their three young children and other family members. Also in the audience were many longtime former Yaroslavsky staff members well known to constituents who worked with the Yaroslavsky See ‘Zev,’ p 3
Ratkovich is focusing on homelessness n ‘Distiguished Citizen’
CITY’S history as told by marionettes. 2-6 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:
By John Welborne At a recent Rotary Club of Los Angeles (Rotary 5) special luncheon held at the Jonathan Club in Downtown Los Angeles on June 9, Rotary 5 presented Wayne Ratkovich, of Windsor Square, with its Distinguished Citizen Award. The recognition is for an Angeleno who leads the community in the spirit of Rotary’s motto “service above self.” Following a fascinating and fact-filled introduction of Ratkovich by leading local architect Brenda Levin, FAIA, the honoree finally took the See Ratkovich, p 12
Women of Larchmont
Our annual section, which has honored local women since 1965, will be in the August issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Advertising deadline is Mon., July 10. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323462-2241, ext. 11.
JULY 2023
ZEV YAROSLAVSKY waits in the front row while Bert Deixler, co-owner of the bookstore and a Windsor Square resident, welcomes guests to the book launch at Chevalier’s Books. Photo by Gary Leonard
Zoning considered for TV City; tours, drinks offered
n Opponents ask for more ‘substance... less smoke’ By Suzan Filipek The developer of the proposed expansion of the vast Television City property at Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue is making a full-court PR press throughout the community surrounding the project directly north of, and adjoining, the Original Farmers Market and The Grove. Tours are being offered of the historic Television City facilities, where the project continues to be mired in controversy. Developer Hackman Capital Partners seeks adoption of a Specific Plan for the property that it purchased from CBS Corporation in late 2018. The application for the TVC 2050 Project also seeks city designation of the property as a “regional center.” If approved, the designation would allow buildings with heights
TVC 2050 PROJECT was on display at Tarfest.
up to approximately 20 stories on the 25-acre site. The proposed new zoning would also allow 1.9 million square feet of sound stage, office and other uses, plus 1.6 million square feet of additional development. The developer says the project would create jobs and modernize and expand the aging TV studio, originally deSee TV City, p 22
By Casey Russell The Boulevard will soon have a stylish office supply shop. Shorthand, specializing in beautiful desk paraphernalia, recently signed a lease for one of the last available spots at the Larchmont Mercantile building, according to a spokesperson for the Mercantile, the new multi-shop building that originally was built as the Lipson Building in the 1920s. Since 2016, Shorthand has brought office goods to the Highland Park area of Los Angeles. Now Larchmontians will get to stop in a new, chic shop to get greeting cards, notebooks, pens, pencils and custom stationery, among other things. A lease also has been signed for the space previously occupied by POLA at 129 N. Larchmont Blvd. across the street from Shorthand between Le Petit Greek and Village Pizzeria. The new store, Duer, currently has a location at 170 S. La Brea Ave. Duer will sell “stretch performance denim” and lifestyle apparel. Designed for comfortable movement, Duer’s wares are crafted from plants and recycled materials. Speaking of Village Pizzeria, we understand that the new owners [“Tenant construction underway at Boulevard shops, some opening,” Nov. 2022] and their predecessor are seeking arbitration to try to resolve a dispute conSee Larchmont, p 13
Summertime events, fireworks planned
n Holiday celebrations
Bursts of color are expected to once again light up the night sky above the Wilshire Country Club and our surrounding neighborhoods on July 4, commencing at 9 p.m. A legal glitch for multiple venues cancelled the program last year, following a brief restart in 2021 after the patriotic program was put on hold due to COVID-19. This year, backyard barbecues, block parties and other summertime activities are expected to be back in all their glory. Enjoy!
THE SKY WILL BE ABLAZE with color above Wilshire Country Club on Independence Day, Tues., July 4.
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