LC 07 2025

Larchmont Chronicle

Immigration protests spread in Los Angeles

By Chronicle Staff

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (also known as ICE) started enforcing federal illegal immigration mandates throughout Los Angeles County on June 6, including the areas of the Los Angeles Fashion District and at a Home Depot location in the Westlake, just west of Downtown. The news quickly spread on various social media platforms prompting widespread

newsstand leaving the Boulevard

n

By Nona Sue Friedman

Larchmont Boulevard is losing two prominent institutions. Rite Aid is closing Wed., July 9, and the newsstand Above the Fold Larchmont will stop selling merchandise Sun., July 13.

Brian Jang, owner of the newsstand since 2005, never thought Rite Aid would go out of business. Jang purchased the business very serendipitously. He said, “It was all timing. I was looking to buy a business, it was on the market and it just happened.” His business location is contingent upon Rite Aid’s lease at 226 N. Larchmont Blvd.

Many of Jang’s customers have suggested moving to another part of the Boulevard or moving indoors. But,

Read all about out our new section, formerly called Women of Larchmont, in the August issue of the

icle. Advertising deadline is Mon., July 14. For more

or general advertising questions, contact 323-462-2241, ext. 11, or email wyatt@ larchmontchronicle.com.

demonstrations in the city.

While many characterized the protests as peaceful, the federal government witnessed property vandalism and aggression towards law enforcement, which led President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard soldiers to the city. While the city had not requested the deployment, the federal administration contended they did not want to see a repeat of the looting and violence that occurred during the George Floyd protests.

The last time the National Guard was deployed in L.A. was during the 1992 Rodney King riots. While the protests in L.A. did not decline into the chaos that was seen in May and June 2020, the federal administration attributed the demonstrations remaining peaceful to the deployment of the National Guard.

n Bill would allow sevenstory buildings in neighborhood residential areas

By Benjamin Gamson

Senate Bill 79, which would change zoning rules to allow for multifamily homes up to seven stories near transit lines, passed the California

However, as the number of protesters increased, the occurrences of violence downtown became more fraught. Several Waymo cars

State Senate 21-13.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, was narrowly approved June 3, receiving only one vote over the required 20 votes needed to pass. Six senators did not vote, including Ben Allen and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, both of whom represent portions

were burned and destroyed, and an Apple store was broken into and looted.

Mayor Karen Bass imple-

of Los Angeles. Maria Elena Durazo, who represents Hancock Park and Larchmont Village, voted against the bill.

“California urgently needs to build more homes to bring down costs, and building them near transit provides our public transportation systems with an urgently needed

Where to see the best fireworks on and around July 4

By Julia Guillen

Fireworks will not light up the sky this year above Wilshire Country Club, a neighborhood tradition, Club General Manager Daniel Enzler told us. The display is on hold pending a major remodel of the golf course. However, there are still impressive fireworks displays scheduled for this year. Here are a few of them.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery will feature movie screenings and fireworks on Fri., July 4 and Sat., July 5. The Friday event will feature “Top Gun,” and Saturday will show “La La Land.” If you’re prepared for phenomenal fireworks and watching Tom

Cruise soar through the sky, come to 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. on the Fourth of July. Tickets and a full film schedule through July 26 are available at cinespia.org.

The Hollywood Bowl will display a fireworks show alongside a performance from Grammy award-winning band

Earth, Wind & Fire with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Thomas Wilkins, each night from Wed., July 2, to Fri., July 4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on hollywoodbowl.com

Marina del Rey will have its annual 20-minute fireworks

CHP HOLDS THE LINE in Downtown Los Angeles as protesters demonstrate their First Amendment rights.

Photo by Rhett Hutcheson

CROWD WATCHES fireworks at Hollywood Forever

Editorial

By Chronicle Editorial Board

An inflection point for our city

One of the best things about Los Angeles is the rich tapestry of cultures that live here. We are all partners in this endeavor to coexist and thrive together in our city. We need each other working together for this experiment to succeed. We do not need elected officials that pander to certain groups inciting anger and hysteria to further their political aspirations—federally or locally.

During the last week Councilmember Imelda Padilla asked Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell if his department would warn local officials when he was aware of federal enforcement actions in individual councilmembers’ districts. His response was clear, notifying the districts beforehand would be “…inappropriate and illegal.” There is either confusion or deliberate disregard as it relates to the enforcement of federal law, which is symptomatic of the overall lack of leadership in the city and possibly beyond.

We need our elected officials to present solutions to the many issues we are currently experiencing. The answers should be thoughtful, humane and realistic. Ways forward will never be successful when motivated by political opportunism or based in asking others to commit acts that are illegal.

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

157 N. Larchmont Boulevard

“July is hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics, and vegetables all out of the garden.”

— Jean Hershey

The Fight to stop SB79 continues: SB79, a bill that would allow 7 story buildings in single family and historic districts, narrowly passed the state Senate last month by 1 vote and heads to Assembly Committees this month. Please contact Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur Assemblymember. Zbur@assembly.ca.gov to express you opposition. o o o

GWNC Board Meeting July 9th: The newly elected Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Board will convene its first meeting on July 9th at the Wilshire Ebell at 6:30pm. WSA Board members, Gary Gilbert and Brian Curran will be returning to serve from Windsor Square. o o o

Larchmont Median: Noah’s Ark Landscaping continues its restoration of the median gardens of Larchmont Blvd. Already looking tidy for summer we expect it to be in full bloom with increasingly sunny skies. o o o

“Nothing Replaces a Watchful Neighbor”: Wise words by Chief McDonnell at the WSA Public Safety Town Hall. With last month’s tragic event on Rossmore Ave, the WSA urges you to be vigilant with home and personal safety. If you see suspicious activity or unfamiliar parked cars potentially surveilling properties, call the LAPD and report it.

o o o

“ARE YOU PREPARED?” The WSA’s one page sheet on preparing yourself, family and A Guide to Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness is now available online. Download your copy at https://windsorsquare.org/safety-security/ emergency-preparedness/ o o o

WE NEED BLOCK CAPTAINS! Be the leader of your block and point person for all that’s going on the neighborhood. The WSA has numerous block captain positions open. A great opportunity to engage with neighbors and community leaders. blockcaptains@ windsorsquare.org

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.

325 N. Larchmont Blvd., #158, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or windsorsquare.org.

Calendar

Fri., July 4—Independence Day.

Tues., July 8— Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd., midcitywest.org.

Wed., July 9— Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting via Zoom at 6:30 p.m., greaterwilshire. org.

Thurs., July 31—Delivery of the August issue of the Larchmont Chronicle

Letters to the Editor

Praise for Father’s Day I received my paper today and read it all. Your article [by Helene Seifer, “In praise of honoring our fathers and embrace the day!”] was excellent. I have been to the Larchmont Chronicle and got extra copies for family and to send to friends. I liked the picture

Larchmont Chronicle

Founded in 1963 by Jane

Publishers

Hutcheson

Editor in Chief

Hedy Hutcheson

Managing Editor

Suzan Filipek

Staff Writer

Priscilla Duggan

Advertising Director

Wyatt Pershing

Art Director Tom Hofer

Circulation Manager / Office Manager

Nona Sue Friedman

Digital Media Manager

Rhett Hutcheson

Accounting Irene Janas

Interns Benjamin Gamson

Julia Guillen

606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103

Los Angeles, CA 90004

323-462-2241

larchmontchronicle.com

‘What do you like most about your pet?’

That’s the question our inquiring photographer asked locals.

“The joy they have in everything. It’s like having a baby all over again—seeing the joy in the basic things of life. And very cuddly!”

Lynn Edwards and Finn On the Boulevard

that you selected to use in the article and the mention of Monrovia and See’s Candies at 50 cents for a pound. Thanks for including me.

Yvonne Adams Fairfax District

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

“Her name is what she is. She’s dusted with sugar through her coat. It’s been about 20 years since I let myself have a dog. She brings sweetness into my life. We drive to Santa Barbara, go to dog parks. Her base line is super sweet—a little bit of ‘pitty,’ husky and shepherd. I scored! I am blessed!”

Carlton Wilborn and Sugars On the Boulevard

“His enormous personality! I never expected to bond so deeply with a tortoise, but he’s truly become my sidekick. He brings so much joy to people walking into The Haus Plant showroom (on Third Street and Fuller Avenue) as he munches on produce from the Larchmont Farmers’ Market. People slow down and appreciate the moment.”

Rob Moffitt and Willy On the Boulevard

“She is a stable presence and a good dance party partner!” Iris Dawn and dance partner On the Boulevard

Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin

instagram @ brigh2terabithia by Brighid Burnes

Between the venues: Why Larchmont sits at heart of Olympic L.A.

By Philip Alberstat

The 2028 Summer Olympics are coming to Los Angeles, and while most of the spotlight is on downtown stadiums and coastal venues, it’s worth remembering that Larchmont finds itself right in the middle of it all—geographically, culturally and logistically. As someone who’s watched L.A. evolve for decades, I can say with confidence: Larchmont residents should be paying close attention.

Our Olympic geography Larchmont is about five miles from downtown L.A., home to major Olympic events at the Coliseum, Crypto.com Arena and the L.A. Convention Center. A short hop southwest brings you to BMO Stadium, where flag football and lacrosse will play out. Nearby USC will be the media hub, and the site will host cycling, hockey and tennis at its Carson complex.

To the west, the Metro’s long-awaited D Line extension from downtown will finally link Larchmont to Bev-

erly Hills, Century City and UCLA—home to the Olympic Village. Add in nearby venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the San Fernando Valley’s Sepulveda Basin, and you’ve got a picture of Larchmont as an unofficial midpoint of Olympic activity.

Transit: promise vs. reality

The Metro D Line is central to LA28’s “car-free Olympics” vision. Phase 1, which extends to Wilshire/La Cienega, is slated to open by late 2025. Phase 2 reaches Beverly Hills and Century City in 2026, and Phase 3—connecting to Westwood and UCLA—should finish in 2027, barely a year before the Games begin.

That timeline is ambitious. L.A. infrastructure projects don’t have the best track record for being on time. Still, tunneling is complete, and Metro insists they’re on track, driven in part by Olym-

pic urgency. For Larchmont, the longterm benefits are undeniable. A subway from downtown to Westwood in under 30 minutes? That would change the way many of us move through the city. But in the short term, expect continued construction along Wilshire Boulevard and all the noise, traffic and detours that come with it.

Discovering a neighborhood Larchmont’s charm—treelined streets, small shops, walkable blocks—stands in sharp contrast to the mega-stadiums of Olympic L.A. And that’s a good thing. Visitors from walkable cities abroad will be craving places like ours: intimate, authentic and grounded in community. Our farmers markets, independant bookstores, cafes and boutique shops create the kind of experience that

feels personable in a city often criticized for being spread out and car-bound. This is a huge opportunity for local businesses to shine. Restaurants could roll out Olympic-inspired menus. Shops might create neighborhood-branded merchandise. What’s key is marketing Larchmont not as an Olympic venue, but as the perfect escape from one. What the Olympics could do to traffic

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Larchmont will feel the traffic. Beverly Boulevard, which runs through the heart of Larchmont, is a direct line to downtown and a likely artery for Olympic movement. Melrose Avenue, just to the north, connects Hollywood to central venues. That means more congestion, more temporary roadblocks and a higher chance of unexpected bottlenecks.

That said, the Olympics come with their own rhythm. Unlike our usual morning and evening rush, Olympic traffic moves around event schedules. If Metro gets its act together, public transit could absorb some of the pressure. Bus lanes, rapid-transit corridors and traffic management systems are all in the plan. Whether it works remains to be seen.

Real estate and rental ripples

Any global event brings waves to the housing market, and Larchmont won’t be spared. With our central location and residential appeal, we’re a prime target for Olympic housing needs— media crews, event staff, extended delegations and yes, a few tourists looking to avoid overpriced hotels. Expect short-term rent-

(Please turn to Page 11)

When the city doesn’t step up, what’s a neighborhood to do?

By Nona Sue Friedman

Frustration is brewing with the breakdown of city services, which can lead to burglaries and unsafe living conditions. Residents are starting to take things into their own hands.

For a while now, thieves have been stealing copper wire from streetlights leaving areas dark and dangerous, thereby making it easier for criminals to enter homes.

Many residents follow city protocol—file a report to LA311 for the wire theft, report the case numbers to the field deputy for their council district—then hope and pray something gets fixed. Nothing happens. A disappointing phone call or meeting with their deputy and possibly a councilmember occurs. Then you are told that the Bureau of Street Lighting might get to it—three to six months down the line. But what can residents do in the interim?

South Citrus Avenue

Three blocks of South Citrus Avenue have been hit very hard with burglaries, counting 10 break-ins since January. Because of copper wire thefts, the lights on these blocks weren’t working until last month. It’s been a terrible and frightening few months for the street’s residents. Neighbors have been doing a lot of work on their own.

The Chronicle met with South Citrus’ six block captains who explained how their neighborhood has banded together to help themselves.

They reached out to LAPD Senior Lead Officer Tyler Shuck, who has been very responsive and helpful. Officer Shuck assigned additional patrol cars to the area, and Wilshire Division even conducted a roll call—where the entire division meets for their morning assignments—on their block. The additional police presence has made the residents feel a little more secure and has helped with their morale.

The group has formed not one, but two text chains—one for emergency 911 situations, such as a burglary in progress, and one for non-emergency transfer of information, such as a suspicious vehicle or person. They’ve organized nightly walks so that potential criminals see people on the streets regularly. And they’ve had what they call “porch parties,” where neighbors get together to socialize, share ideas and get to know each other.

All the homes post neighborhood watch signs in their yards and have done all they can think of to harden their homes to thieves.

This includes spending thousands of dollars on alarm systems, motion sensor lights, spiked tops for their fences,

locks for their power boxes, outdoor sirens and a device called a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) so that perpetrators can’t turn off a home’s power. They all agree that these precautions are helpful, but finally having the streetlights working is the most helpful. They are all aggravated that they have to make additional and expensive safety fortifications to their homes because of the city’s shortcomings.

Miracle Mile

Kari Garcia, one of the

vice presidents of the Miracle Mile Residential Association (MMRA), believes Los Angeles is “a broken, inefficient system with a lack of communication.” She is beyond frustrated with the city’s inability to respond to her association’s needs. Council District 5 Field Deputy Shannon Calland is the only bright spot. She’s been very responsive, even though her hands are often tied.

The MMRA has over 90 broken lights. Crimes have occurred near the inoperable lights. There is graffiti, vacant properties where transients and drug dealers loiter and many exposed streetlight wires throughout the area.

According to Garcia, “L.A. Dept. of Water and Power says to assume every exposed wire is charged,” causing a safety hazard across many blocks.

A portion of MMRA, South Spaulding Avenue, is yet another area where thieves

have stolen copper wire from streetlights. Evan Wolf, a resident there, says neighbors have gone through all of the recommended channels of the city, but, “The city is overwhelmed. There doesn’t seem to be a deterrent to commit crimes.” He feels the city is reactive rather than proactive.

The area is following in South Citrus’ footsteps, and they too have started their own group chat. Neighbors have

placed solar lights on the poles of the inoperable streetlights, again taking matters into their own hands while trying to keep the streets lit and deter criminals. “People are taking this very seriously,” said Wolf. Council District 5

All of the previous neighborhoods are in Council District 5, represented by Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky. The district is very aware of these property crimes and the issues stemming from copper wire theft. Leo Daube, a spokesperson for Yaroslavsky, said, “Los Angeles is facing major challenges citywide with its street lighting infrastructure. Years of underinvestment paired with a sharp increase in copper wire theft have pushed citywide repair times to 10 months.”

The district is working to help its constituents. CD5 has allocated discretionary funds to provide additional

(Please turn to Page 18)

Providing Advanced

SOLAR LIGHTS keep South Spaulding Avenue a little brighter until the city fixes the streetlights.

SPIKES INSTALLED on a homes exterior wall help keep criminals away.

BEAT

Murder by stabbing on Rossmore, driver attacked with bat POLICE

OLYMPIC DIVISION

BURGLARIES: Two male suspects pried open the front door of a multiunit dwelling on the 400 block of South Wilton Place and stole over $110,000 and jewelry on June 3 at 10 a.m.

An unknown suspect opened the front door of a home on the 3600 block of West Ninth Street and stole passports on June 4 at 10 p.m.

Suspects were arrested after forcing themselves into a residence where several victims were home. The “hot prowl”

Protests

(Continued from Page 1)

mented a curfew in the area effective from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. A Chronicle photographer who was reporting from the area was shot with a rubber bullet by the LAPD, while many other journalists also reported being struck by rubber bullets on social media. A message sent to the Mayor’s office requesting comment was not answered.

As of print, the Marines had been deployed and L.A. Police Chief Jim McDonnell held a press conference stating that the LAPD was there not to stop citizens from protesting peacefully, but to prevent property damage and violence from erupting. Those who engaged in such behavior would be arrested. On “CBS Mornings,” McDonnell denied asking for National Guard help with the protests, and instead said the National Guard was there to “facilitate what the federal agencies are doing on the immigration front.”

As the week progressed and

burglary, a term used for an invasion that takes place when someone is home, occurred on June 7, at 8:30 a.m. on the 500 block of North Bronson Avenue.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT:

A male victim was driving near Wilton Place and Wilshire Boulevard when a suspect behind him exited a vehicle, yelled at the victim and then hit him in the face with a bat just after midnight on June 5.

ROBBERIES: Jewels were taken from a victim when

the protests continued, a war of words escalated between the President and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. At one point it was suggested that Newsom could be arrested if he interfered with the work of federal agencies. For her part, Mayor Karen Bass released a statement that read in part, “Deploying federalized troops on the heels of these raids is a chaotic escalation. The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real…”

Deportations have occurred through many different

OLYMPIC DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer

Daniel Chavez

213-793-0709

36304@lapd.online

Instagram: @olympic_slo1

a suspect hugged her and switched out her jewelry for fake ones on the sidewalk on the 3900 block of Ingraham Street at 8 a.m. on June 1.

A Black male suspect took

administrations—the Obama Administration deported far more than that of the Trump Administration. President Obama was known as the “Deporter-in-Chief” by many critics in the Democratic Party, and holds the record for the most deportations with

WILSHIRE DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Tyler Shuck 213-712-3715

40740@lapd.online

Twitter: @lapdwilshire

a purse from an unlocked car. The victim chased the suspect, struggled with him, but was unable to recover the purse.

The suspect drove off on June 12 at 11 a.m. on the 3900

1.6 million in his first term and 1.5 million in his second term. The Trump Administration deported 1.2 million undocumented immigrants in his first term. In fact, President Trump deported less than Presidents Obama, Clinton or Bush according to the Department of Homeland Security website. The rhetoric surrounding the deportations and the method in which they have been done seem to be the main cause of friction. The use of unmarked vehicles and deporting those that don’t appear to be a threat have prompted much of the unrest.

The immigration debate has been ongoing in Washington for decades, yet concrete changes have never been implemented. President Obama did have a policy of not

block of West Ninth Street. WILSHIRE DIVISION

MURDER: Two suspects from Palmdale were arrested for the stabbing murder of Gary Nelson, 84, a member of the Hancock Park community, on the 100 block of South Rossmore Avenue on June 11 at 3:50 p.m. Rolando Guardado, 41, and Madeline Fresia Rivas, 45, are believed to have been burglarizing Nelson’s home when he entered it. Both are being held without bail. The renter in Nelson’s guesthouse called 911.

separating families and would allow immigrants to rescind their application and return to their homeland. According to President Trumps’ border czar Tom Homan, “anyone is deportable,” including entire families.

As the Chronicle goes to print, the protests are planned to continue through Labor Day.

DEMONSTRATOR IN DTLA holds a sign in front of a national guard.

Photos by Rhett Hutcheson

ARMY SOLDIER guards the federal building while holding a loaded lethal weapon.

LAPD ADVANCES ON a group of protestors to secure the front of the federal building.

Stories of Black cowboys from the American West are at Autry

By H. Hutcheson

“We were always there,” said Kyle Tecumseh “Ponyboy” Williams in the new exhibit titled “Black Cowboys: An American Story,” on view now through the end of the year at the Autry Museum.

The exhibit chronicles the contributions of Black people throughout the American frontier, where one in four cowboys were black. It begins during slavery, moves through emancipation and continues to the present day.

The Autry curators added to the exhibit, originally conceived and organized by the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas, with their own take on the subject, which includes stories, photos, videos and artifacts from their own permanent collection and from California-based cowboys. Some of these include the Buffalo Soldiers’ stories,

photos and flag; videos of World Champion bull rider Charlie Sampson; stories and photos of Sharon Braxton, one of the first female Black barrel racers in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association; the museum’s collection of U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves’ paraphernalia; videos and interviews with Ghuan Featherstone of Urban Saddles for Black Youth; videos from Compton Cowboys; and works from artist and rider Chanel Rhodes, among others.

Rhodes was at the opening with her mother, Valerie Griffin, whom she credits with not just raising her, but empowering her with the

knowledge that she could do anything she wanted. Rhodes said, “When I was 5, I saw people riding horses and said to my mom, ‘Do Black peo-

L.A.-based Wedbush Financial Services sponsor in the Indy 500

By Chronicle Staff

Over Memorial Day weekend, the Indy 500 was run for the 109th year in Speedway, Indiana. For the first time, Wedbush Financial Services, along with partners Velocity Trade and Quapital, sponsored the #23 car of the Dreyer Reinbold Racing Team (DRR).

Wedbush founded in Los Angeles almost 70 years ago. Another participant, L.A. based 101 Studios, is the production company behind TV hits like “Yellowstone” and “Mobland.” They also run the 6666 Ranch in Texas. Dreyer Reinbold Racing teamed up with these two L.A. companies because of their shared emphasis on hard work and grit.

The Indy 500 is known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” with 350,000 spectators attending live, and millions more watching the race on Fox.

When asked about Wedbush’s Indy 500 sponsorship, president and CEO Gary Wedbush replied, “I’m so impressed with the team that Dreyer Reinbold assembled and the culture they have built. It really is a unique blend of legacy, family and cutting-edge performance. We are honored and proud to be partners with DRR and driver Ryan Hunter-Reay aka ‘Captain America.’”

On Friday Carb Day, the last practice before the race, the Wedbush car had a hose break, which caused the entire car to catch on fire. For many teams, that would have been an unrecoverable incident. The DRR team had to build an entire car in 24 hours, something that would

normally take weeks or even months. No one slept, and they were able to get it done. Hunter-Reay was only able to take the car around the track for an unprecedented 15 minutes of practice.

Wedbush and the rest of the team were hopeful, but really didn’t know what race day would bring due to these setbacks.

After the flyover of military jets and a few honorary laps

around the track with Tom Brady, Roger Penske finally called out the famous words, “Drivers start your engines.”

The Wedbush car started in the 25th starting position— quite far back in the pack.

Hunter-Reay raced in the back half for the first 100 laps, but gradually started overtaking slower cars and avoided crashed vehicles.

By midway through, he had moved further and further up the pack, positioning himself in the lead. He led the race for 48 laps, and on lap 169 out of 200 he was coming in for his final pit stop, which would position him to win the race.

200 yards from his pit, he ran out of fuel due to a miscalculation. His fuel lines dried up, and the car stalled in the pit and was unable to

(Please turn to Page 13)

ple do that?’ And she told me I could it if I wanted to. My single mother, she helped me cultivate my dream.”

Rhodes is an accomplished horsewoman herself in both Western and English styles of riding. An artist, she makes wigs for horses’ manes and tails and is the manager of the Disneyland horses.

Her latest dream? Rhodes said, “Yes! The dream! I’ve written a whole deck on opening a nonprofit in Anaheim. It’s a facility where I bring people of different walks of life to encounter the agricultural world, horses, organic food and a hotel, combined with entertainment. To teach people where it all comes from and find appreciation for this life.”

The Autry Museum is located in Griffith Park at 4700 Western Heritage Way. Visit theautry.org for more information.

skin deep

by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

Wearing foundation in the summer is about as appealing as pulling on skinny jeans during a heat wave. Achieve your dream skin this summer and you’ll immediately find yourself applying less makeup. Picture yourself utterly unencumbered, fresh-faced and glowing.

Our two-step Summer Skin Plan starts with dermaplaning to gently remove tiny hairs and dead skin. The gentle oscillating blade evenly skims the surface of your skin to also address surface imperfections and congestion. Next up, your Hydrafacial vacuums pores crazy-clean then infuses them with antioxidant and peptide-rich serums. Participants in clinical studies with the Hydrafacial unilaterally reported visibly cleaner, clearer skin with 85% of those with acne seeing a decrease in blemishes.

Contact our office to schedule your dermaplaning and Hydrafacial appointments and face summer head on - but with way better skin. Adv.

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

WEDBUSH AND 101 STUDIOS CAR with Kevin White and Andrew Hutcheson of Wedbush Alpha One.

COWGIRL CHANEL RHODES hopes to share her dream with others in Anaheim. Photos courtesy of the Autry Museum

COMPTON COWBOYS empowers at-risk and underserved youth.

‘No Kings’ demonstrations on Larchmont Blvd. were peaceful

Peaceful demonstrations took place June 14 on Larchmont and Beverly boulevards, with the overall consensus in opposition to the recent actions of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security.

Demonstrators held signs, and drivers passed, honking with encouragement supporting the theme of “No Kings.”

The City of Los Angeles saw many demonstrations that Saturday—Flag Day—as a military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday was celebrated in Washington D.C.

LOOKING BACK

Larchmont Chronicle, June 1992

Can we really hack ourselves better?

You’ve probably heard the term tossed around in line waiting for pastries at Clark Street, on your favorite self-optimization podcast, or anywhere in Erewhon: “biohacking ”

It sounds futuristic, maybe even a little sci-fi, but the reality is that biohacking is becoming increasingly mainstream, especially in health-conscious cities like Los Angeles.

At its core, biohacking is the practice of using science, technology and small, intentional lifestyle changes to “optimize” the human body and mind. Think of it as DIY biology—personalized strategies to enhance energy, focus, longevity and overall well-being. It can be as simple as tweaking your sleep routine or as advanced as wearing a continuous glucose monitor or submerging yourself in an ice bath.

Biohacking taps into a uniquely modern desire: to feel more in control of our bodies in a world that makes us feel like we are in constant competition. One is reminded of Patrick Bateman’s (in the 2000 film “American Psycho”) famous morning routine. Nonetheless, the increased interest in this trend is taken seriously by many. With burnout, chronic illness and digital overload on the rise, many people are looking for tools to regain energy, clarity and vitality. Biohacking offers that promise—sometimes through science, oftentimes through savvy marketing.

It also reflects a deeper, almost anthropological truth: humans have always sought ways to transcend their biological limits. From herbal remedies in ancient medicine to high-performance athletic regimens today, we’ve long been fascinated by the idea that we can “upgrade” ourselves to cope with our environments and enhance our existence at the same time.

Is it safe? Here’s where it gets a little murky. While some biohacking practices may be rooted in solid health principles—like prioritizing sleep or eating whole foods—others range from unproven to risky. Some people experiment with hundreds of supplements, extreme fasting, or hormone injections, all without medical supervision.

The line between helpful and harmful can blur quickly. That’s why it’s so important to approach biohacking with both curiosity and caution. If this trend appeals to you, start with the basics. Experiment with a healthier diet, better sleep hygiene (such as avoiding blue light and ingesting large meals close to sleep time and keeping a cool tempera-

BIOHACKING: Sometimes all it takes is deciding to unplug.

ture in the room you sleep, etc.) and consistent exercise. If you’re considering adding dozens of new supplements to your morning routine, consult a medical professional—ideally someone who understands integrative or functional health.

Health & Wellness

By Priscilla Duggan

Some of the most effective biohacks are low-cost, accessible and grounded in biology. Some examples include:

Morning sunlight: Exposing your eyes to natural light within 30 minutes of waking can support circadian rhythm, sleep quality and mental health.

Breathwork: Deep, slow breathing (especially nasal breathing) can help calm the nervous system, improve focus and lower blood pressure.

Limiting screen time :  Reducing screen time—especially at night—can enhance sleep and support your brain’s natural rhythms. If you need to watch a screen, wear blue light blocking glasses.

In L.A., biohacking can feel like just another wellness buzzword. At its best, it’s a return to mindful living— checking in with how we eat, sleep, move and think. It can

be high-tech or incredibly simple. It can involve supplements and devices, better sleep hygiene or just a daily walk under Larchmont’s jacaranda trees.

Biohacking is also a mirror—reflecting both our anxiety about health and aging and our deep-rooted belief that we can shape our own destinies. It’s about control, having agency and the very human desire to feel better in a body that often feels like it’s running on empty. And maybe that’s the hack: not hacking our bodies to perfection, but learning to tune in — to work with, rather than against, ourselves. As always, I welcome you to reach out to me with any thoughts or questions at priscilla@larchmontchronicle. com

Priscilla Duggan attended Marlborough School before continuing to Barnard College where she graduated with a BA in cognitive neuroscience. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked in an organic chemistry lab studying the development of novel psychedelic molecules. She is currently studying herbalism and working in mental health spaces before starting a master’s program in medicinal chemistry at University of Edinburgh.

Teichoz Series to screen at AMC

By Julia Guillen

Throughout the month of July, Holocaust Museum LA will present the Teicholz Film Series, a selection of five movies focused on the aftermath of the Holocaust.

The films will be screened at AMC The Grove 14 and followed by panel discussions moderated by producer Tom Teicholz.

The screenings will begin at

Hope Lutheran to host two concerts

Singer and songwriter Nic Chamberlain will sing jazz and R&B in a performance at Hope Lutheran Church, 6720 Melrose Ave., Sun., July 20 at 7 p.m. Elvis Presley impersonator Raymond Michael will perform at 9 p.m. Visit hopelutheranhollywood.com.

SOPHIE’S CHOICE stars Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline.

6:30 p.m. on Thursdays July 10, 17, 24 and 31 and Aug. 7.

The films in the series include “Operation Finale” (2018), starring Ben Kingsley; “The Pawnbroker (1964), starring Rod Steiger; “Enemies, A Love Story, (1989); “The Long Way Home”” (1997), with Angelica Huston; and “Sophie’s Choice” (1982), starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline. For more information visit holocaustmuseumla.org/ filmseries.

PEOPLE GATHERED ON LARCHMONT to express their adversarial political feelings toward ICE.

CARS HONKED, cheering on the demonstrators on the four corners, above and top.

Drawing by Priscilla Duggan

Barbie behind the scenes: Museum exhibit is now open

By Julia Guillen

Production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer have received Academy Award nominations for half a dozen works. A new exhibit features three of their films.

The exhibit, “Barbie to Anna Karenina: The Cinematic Worlds of Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer,” is an immersive experience at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., on view through Sun., Oct. 25, 2026.

Greenwood and Spencer first crossed paths in 1995 and have worked together on countless film projects since. As production designers and set decorators, Greenwood and Spencer create the on-screen details of a film that make viewers believe the world is real and furnish the set to convey the environment of that world.

The films featured in the exhibition are “Anna Karenina” (2012), “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) and “Barbie” (2023). The exhibit displays the real set pieces created by

the duo, including the crystal bell jar from “Beauty and the Beast.” Making this piece required over 1,000 crewmembers. Right outside the exhibit is Barbie’s neon pink Corvette, which visitors can sit in and pose with for pictures.

The exhibition also includes an area called “Blank Space,” which features a recreation of the duo’s production office. This allows visitors to understand how set design affects a movie. Near “Blank Space” are tables with tiny furniture and character models. Here, you

can pick a backdrop from a photo display and create your own scene. This experience allows people to understand the world-building process of production designers and set decorators.

Finally, the exhibit features a wall with a quote that Spencer and Greenwood live by: “Why do you keep doing what you do? Nobody stopped us.”

For hours and tickets, visit academymuseum.org.

Julia Guillen is a rising senior at Marlborough School.

July Events Calendar

Anime Expo, Thurs., July 3, through Sun., July 6, is the largest celebration of Japanese animation and pop culture in North America. A Welcome Ceremony kicks off the event Thursday at 10 a.m.. For a full schedule and tickets, visit anime-expo.org. At the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Ave.

3 17 5

Hollywood Heritage opens a new exhibit, “The Ladies of Paramount.” Meet the fashionistas and influencers of their day; cinema icons who challenged norms and laid the foundation for how actresses would navigate Hollywood power structures for decades. Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow, Mae West, Marlene Dietrich and and Grace Kelly were among them. The exhibit features costumes and an

array of movie posters, photography and more. At the Hollywood Heritage Museum, 2100 Highland Ave., through September. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is housed in the historic Lasky-DeMille Barn (c 1895). Visit hollywoodheritage.org.

The Guibord Center, which unites people of all spiritual beliefs and backgrounds, will hold its annual celebration din-

ner from 6 to 9 p.m. Titled “We are the Light,” the event invites the community to break bread and celebrate our shared connection through sacred song, text and movement. The program will be led by Center President Dr. Lo Sprague of Windsor Square. It is at the Huffington Center at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Ave. For tickets and more information, visit theguibordcenter.org.

Salsa to swing concerts kick off summer

The Original Farmers Market has long been a summer staple, and this year outdoor concerts will kick off the summertime.

Every Thursday from 7 through 9 p.m. through Aug. 28, the Market will host outdoor concerts performing everything from salsa to swing.

Most notably, July will be “Altadena Musicians Month,” celebrating Altadena artists impacted by the January wildfires. During each performance, concertgoers can donate used musical instru-

ments or make monetary contributions to the artists through the program “Instrumental Giving.” For more information on helping these musicians, visit altadenamusicians.org.

Bands performing include Kenny Sara & the Sounds of New Orleans on July 3, Lil’ Mo and the Dynaflos on July 10, Quazar and the Bamboozled on July 17, The Instrumental Giving Teen bands on July 24 and the Moontones on July 31.

Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association

Serving the Larchmont community between Beverly and Melrose, Arden to Wilton Place

“The objective and purpose of the LVNA has, since 1987, been the preservation and enhancement of our neighborhood.”

Thanks to everyone for turning out for our 38th SemiAnnual Spring Meeting!

In our June Board meeting we elected Adam Rubenstein as Vice President and re-elected Sandy Fleck as Treasurer, Karen Gilman as Secretary and Charles D’Atri as President.

A big thanks to attendees LAPD Senior Lead Officers Tyler Shuck (Wilshire Division, covering from the center of Gower to the west side of Arden) & Harry Cho (Olympic Division, covering the east side of Gower to Wilton) who addressed crime updates & public safety concerns. Also, a warm welcome to new CD13 Field Deputy Mark Fuentes both for presenting to our meeting and participating in our neighborhood walking tour.

As many of you know, until the pandemic in 2020, the LVNA hosted a neighborhood block party at various locations in Larchmont Village. In 2023 as normal life began to seem possible again, a group of neighbors on Bronson and Irving came to us with the idea of hosting a small neighborhood event. As we’ve always done, the LVNA got involved. With our knowledge, sponsorship and help and their ambition, hard work and ideas, the Bronson/Irving Block Party became the Larchmont Village Block Party, a regional event with a tremendous turnout. We co-sponsored the party again in 2024 as it grew into a highlight of the neighborhood schedule. We applaud their evolution into being part of a charitable 501c3 and look forward to more events taking place in our area.

At the LVNA we support and encourage volunteerism. We applaud local residents who are engaging in micro-targeted efforts to clean-up our streets and beautify our neighborhood! In conjunction with our neighbors, we’ve completed dozens of quality-of-life projects in Larchmont Village. Traffic calming, stop signs, speed humps, crime response, party houses, parking, illegal development, greenspace, clean-ups, business/resident disputes, unresponsive city bureaucrats - we’ve dealt with it all. We’ve spent decades assembling the knowledge and resources to deal with projects both on a micro level AND at scale.

The Original Farmers Market is at 6333 Third St. Visit tinyurl.com/yuzs8asc for more information.

If you have an idea to help your block or even something that can become a neighborhood or regional event such as the Block Party, please reach out to the contacts at the bottom of this column for advice and support. When public/private projects such as the Larchmont Median run into trouble sometimes problems aren’t solved quickly. (We’ve been involved in the median for over 15 years.) Well-meaning efforts can be counterproductive when they get in the way of professional repairs & maintenance so please at least check in before you head out.

Finally, some local residents are organizing to develop new classes with L.A. Public Libraries Online Learning Initiative. Reach out here if you’d like to get involved in that effort. Check out https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/online-learning to see the current offerings.

You can join or reach out to the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association at Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association 325 North Larchmont, #294 Los Angeles, CA 90004 You can email the general LVNA box at lvna90004@gmail.com or President Charles D’Atri directly at lvgwnc@gmail.com.

lvna.info • lvna90004@gmail.com

BARBIELAND set image.

Photo from Academy Museum Foundation, courtesy of Fredrik Nilsen

THE MOONTONES will play at the Original Farmers Market on Thurs., July 31.

Photo courtesy of Meredith Torvik

BARBIE’S CORVETTE is parked just outside the “Barbie to Anna Karenina” exhibit. Photo by Julia Guillen

Fireworks

(Continued from Page 1)

display over the water for anyone who prefers their fireworks short and sweet (and stunning). The show will begin at 9 p.m. View the display from Burton Chace Park or the waterfront tourist attraction Fisherman’s Village, or book a City Premier Dinner Cruise for $200 and spend three hours on the water with live DJ music, a buffet dinner and, most importantly, a panoramic view of the fireworks. Parking prices in lots around Marina del Rey vary from $11 to $20 and often fill up by 6 p.m., so plan to arrive early.

Olympics

(Continued from Page 3) als to spike in both demand and price. Landlords may be tempted to pivot longterm units into Airbnb-style listings. That could mean opportunities for property owners but challenges for renters. While Larchmont isn’t likely to face the kind of displacement seen in more vulnerable neighborhoods, it’s worth watching how the market shifts.

Local Businesses: Boon or burden?

For many on Larchmont Boulevard, this will be a once-in-a-generation chance to reach a global audience,

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ys4wfzc6.

Warner Center Park at 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., will feature a free July Fourth fireworks extravaganza from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Food trucks, arts and crafts vendors and local businesses displaying their goods will be on site.

Gloria Molina Grand Park will send drones into the sky for a 3D show between 4 and 9:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July for their third annual celebration of the national holiday. Grand Park is located at 200 N. Grand Ave. The event is the largest free celebration of the Fourth of July on the West Coast, featuring

with more foot traffic, more visibility, and possibly more revenue. But let’s also be realistic: higher demand can push up costs. Deliveries might be delayed due to traffic. Parking could become a daily battle. Supply chains may hit snags. The Olympics will feel like a surge—exciting but chaotic. Businesses that plan ahead, streamline operations and think creatively about how to attract Olympic visitors without alienating locals will be the ones that thrive.

Culture and community Beyond commerce, the Games bring a unique chance for cultural exchange. We’re near both UCLA and USC, which means we’ll likely share

a 75-foot Ferris wheel, music and other attractions.

Dodger Stadium will present a fireworks show by General Mills after the LA team takes on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tickets must be purchased in advance, with the game beginning at 6:10 p.m. and the fireworks scheduled to start around 9 p.m., though this may change depending on how long the game goes.

These fireworks displays all offer a different experience. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to see some of the best fireworks around.

Julia Guillen will be a senior at Marlborough School this fall.

sidewalks with athletes, journalists and Olympic staff. That opens the door to community engagement—neighborhood events, international welcome days and maybe even school programs that connect with visiting nations.

The Olympics also provide cover (and funding) for long-overdue improvements: beautified streetscapes, upgraded sidewalks and enhancements to public spaces. The city wants to look good on camera, and that can benefit residents long after the closing ceremony.

The risk of being overlooked It’s not all rosy. City resources will be pulled in every direction. Neighborhood concerns not directly tied to Olympic logistics might be delayed. Infrastructure not tied to venue access could go untouched until 2029 or beyond.

And there’s always the risk of being ignored. If we don’t advocate for ourselves— through the neighborhood council, business associations or direct engagement with city officials—we risk watching changes happen to us, not with us.

Displacement and housing equity

Let’s touch briefly on a sensitive topic: displacement.

While Larchmont isn’t a highrisk neighborhood in this regard, the broader Olympic effect on L.A. housing could push pressures outward. Residents here should be mindful

The Grove honored US sailors for Fleet Week

The Grove recently welcomed U.S. Navy sailors to celebrate the 250-year anniversary of both the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Hosted by the outdoor shopping center, the May 23 LA Fleet Week event included a trolley procession featuring 110 uniformed sailors.

A North American SNJ-5 WWII advanced trainer aircraft and Los Angeles Fire Department helicopters gave flyover salutes. Military displays offered opportunities to meet and thank the Navy sailors in person.

of how short-term demand might impact long-term tenants.

City regulators will need to enforce protections—and residents should know their rights.

What comes after

Seventeen days of Olympic competition will pass in a blur. But the legacy—the infrastructure, the global exposure, the real estate effects—will stay with us for years. The Olympics might finally push LA to address its transit failures. It might give our neighborhood a higher profile. Or it might just mean two years of construction headaches and a few chaotic weeks in July.

“This year, as we mark 250 years of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, we are honored to once again open our doors—and our hearts—to those who serve,” said Rick Caruso, owner of The Grove. LA Fleet Week, held this year from May 22-25, is a regional celebration held in San Pedro to celebrate the United States Armed Forces. Attendees can take public tours of active-duty Navy and Coast Guard vessels, see military displays and witness performances by military bands.

The real win comes if we shape what happens, rather than react to it. That means pushing for traffic calming, thoughtful zoning enforcement, resident-friendly parking policies and local business support.

Final thoughts

The Olympics are coming. That part is settled. What’s not settled is what Larchmont will look like when it’s over. If the neighborhood leans in— plans smart, speaks up and protects what makes it a special place—Larchmont and the surrounding neighborhood could find themselves not just enduring the Games, but actually benefiting from them.

NAVY PERSONNEL ride and walk alongside The Grove’s trolley in patriotic procession. Photo courtesy of Ashley Greenwald

Chronicle’s legendary Pam Rudy retires after 30 years

By Nona Sue Friedman

After working at the Larchmont Chronicle for 30 years, Advertising Director Pam Rudy has retired. Her lengthy tenure started with a random encounter with Jane Gilman, co-founder and former editor of the paper.

As an entrenched local and lifelong resident of South Gramercy Place, Rudy graduated from Los Angeles High and went on to receive a master’s degree in education from Occidental College. She married, worked as a teacher and then left the workforce to start a family.

As her children grew, Rudy worked for a marketing firm.

Rudy had never met Gilman, but Gilman was so active in the neighborhood that Rudy knew who she was. Her future boss saw Rudy out one day and asked her to come in for a meeting. According to Rudy, “The interview lasted five minutes. She hired me as the receptionist with a computer! From then on, it was all Larchmont Chronicle, all the time.”

She soon moved up to selling classified ads, and when Dawne Goodwin, Chronicle co-founder, retired, Rudy became head of advertising.

Over the years, Gilman and Rudy became a treasured team. They did song-and-

Rite Aid

(Continued from Page 1) he said, “There are lots of walk-by customers here. If I go indoors it’ll be like I’m hiding.” Not to mention, business has been difficult for years. He works seven days a week, from open to close. He has a helper that comes in on weekends for a few hours.

Michael Soriano of Larchmont Village said, “It’s horrible that the newsstand is leaving; just another piece

of Larchmont taken away.”

There is a petition on change. org (tinyurl.com/y79n762f) to keep the newsstand. At press time, over 2,400 people had already signed it.

Rite Aid is closing all of its stores nationwide. According to longtime employees at the Larchmont store, they’ve closed over 4,500 locations with about 400 left to shutter. Prescriptions from this location will be moved to the CVS at 861 N. Vine St. and will be available for pick up starting

dance routines promoting the newspaper at annual Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce meetings. With Gilman’s encouragement, Rudy joined ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Pam Rudy relaxes with Biscuit.

Thurs., July 10.

And what about the store’s popular Thrifty ice cream? Hand-scooped ice cream will no longer be available—anywhere. Half-gallon containers can be purchased at local supermarkets like Ralphs and Vons.

The future

Local Rite Aid employees heard rumors that the building owner might be looking to fill the space with a market and possibly a clothing store. Prior to the opening of the Larchmont Boulevard location in 1999, the space was leased to Safeway. The property owner, Ron Simms, has owned this location for 38 years. He owns all of the properties on the Boulevard from Rite Aid south to Starbucks. There has also been talk around the newsstand that

the Wilshire Rotary Club and in 1997 was named president. She launched the yearly pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot on Larchmont Boulevard, hosted by Wilshire Rotary. “I stood in line in downtown L.A. to get the permits to use the lot,” Rudy said. “So many people depend on the lots.”

“I really enjoyed my job,” Rudy continued. And working with Gilman for over 20 of those 30 years—Gilman retired in 2015—they became very good friends and still are to this day.

“Amazing is the word for Jane. She made things fun, and I learned so much from

renovations to the Rite Aid building could change the front of the building to make it more similar to the rest of the storefronts on the street. When we reached out to Simms, he said he had no comment.

Here at the Chronicle , we’ve tossed around the idea of having a small pharmacy

her,” commented Rudy. The ever-cheery, colorfully dressed and upbeat Rudy is ready for the next chapter. She’s selling her childhood home and moving to Orange County with her partner, Pierre Debbaudt, and their two dogs. She will be closer to her son and his wife and more involved with her two granddaughters. She’s trying to convince her daughter to move down to Orange County from Northern California with her two sons. Now that sounds like a perfect scenario.

We will miss Pam’s perpetual smile at the Chronicle, but we wish her the best of times in her new adventures.

that is able to fill prescriptions alongside a dinette. Mickey Fine Pharmacy and Grill in Beverly Hills and Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena come to mind. Who wouldn’t want a counter to sit at to enjoy an ice cream soda while you wait for your prescription?

A FIXTURE ON Larchmont, Brian Jang will clear his shelves by the end of July.

WHAT WILL FILL Rite Aid’s spot? It takes up a lot of real estate on the Boulevard.

Braun Levi continues to impact communities across Los Angeles

The catastrophic march of the January Palisades Fire did not end once those last stubborn embers were doused and extinguished. The flames might be gone, but the disaster continues, creating new tragedies and accumulating fresh grief.

Daniel and Jennifer Levi lost their home to the Palisades Fire. Their daughter, Adelle, was away at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, but her younger brother, Braun, was home.

“Braun and I watched our home burn down together,” said Jennifer.

The Levis relocated to Hermosa Beach in an attempt to reestablish stability so Braun, 18, could finish his senior year at Loyola High School, where he was captain and star of the tennis team. He and his ten-

Youth Sports

by Jim Kalin

nis partner, Cooper Schwartz, whose family also lost their home in the Palisades Fire, had just won the Mission League doubles title and were set to play the first round of the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) state tennis tournament, but then the unimaginable happened: Braun was struck by a car as he crossed Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach just past midnight on May 4. He didn’t survive his injuries.

Braunicles

Braun Levi was the kind of kid this world is lacking.

“He was spontaneous, a man of instant action,” said his mother, Jennifer.

There was no better per-

Indy 500

(Continued from Page 1) be restarted.

It was a heartbreaking moment for Hunter-Reay, who won the storied race in 2014. The Wedbush group and their guests were devastated, but immensely proud of their car and team. Kevin White, head of investment Management for Wedbush said, “This team performed so admirably, and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship with the DRR team, 101 Studios and our other partners—and maybe winning it all next time.”

son to begin the community’s healing phase after the fires than Braun. He connected his friends from various high schools who had lost their homes, and with classmate Pat Ashby, he established a peer-

to-peer counseling space for other students who had been displaced by the fires. The high point was an overnight Saturday to Sunday sleepover retreat, hosted by Loyola High School and held on campus inside the elegant Caruso Hall. The attendees listened to featured guest speakers, enjoyed a steak dinner and roasted s’mores. Braun, of course, was one of the inspirational speakers.

“My girlfriends always wanted to know about Braun’s latest adventures,” laughed Jennifer. “We call them The Braunicles.”

When Braun was 16, he visited his sister in North Carolina. It was fall, and the UNC football team had a home game that weekend against in-state rival Duke. Somehow, Braun ended up in UNC’s Tar Heel locker room for the pre-game pep talk. Then, unbelievably, he ran with the team through the tunnel and out into the smoke and cheering of the sold-out stadium. “That was typical Braun,” his sister said.

At Coachella Valley Music Festival this past April, Braun struck again. During one of the afternoon shows, he ended up onstage with the band, cooling the crowd down by spraying them with water.

MVP

Braun was not a good tennis player; he was a great tennis player. As a freshman and sophomore, he and his partner, Darren Ignatius, won the Mission League doubles championship. He defended his title the next two years, playing with Cooper Schwartz. Braun captain of the tennis team for three years.

“I’ve never had a sophomore captain,” said Loyola Head

Tennis Coach Brian Held.

“Sometimes your best leader is not your best player, and sometimes your best player is not your best leader. Braun was both. He was probably the most decorated tennis player to ever compete for Loyola.”

In the latest UTR (Universal Tennis Ratings), which ranks the best high school players in the nation, Braun was No. 50.

“This has been heartbreaking in every way,” said Held. Torch

At Loyola’s commencement, Braun Levi was acknowledged as a graduating senior.

“I pray that his legacy is long-lasting and enduring,” said Loyola Principal Jamal Adams.

The Levi family has created the Live Like Braun Foundation, which will help sustain his memory and support causes he found important.

“I’m overwhelmed daily by the love and support from people who knew or heard about Braun,” said his mom. “It’s been a lifeline and has given us a way to stay connected to him.” “I miss holding his hand, hugging him. I cry all the time.”

For those who would like to donate to Braun’s foundation, visit livelikebraunfoundation. org or scan the QR code.

HUNTER-REAY SPEAKS to investors and owners before the race.

INDY 500 CROWD gathers outside the two and a half mile track where cars travel 230 mph.

BRAUN LEVI won four Mission League doubles in tennis.

THE LEVI FAMILY, (left to right): Adelle, Daniel, Jennifer and Braun.

Larchmont Men’s Wine & Book Club is back together again

By Chase Campen

Years ago I was talking with longtime Windsor Square resident Robert Barnes about the idea of launching a mens-only book club based in our neighborhood. He had been in one before that had disbanded, so we launched a new one. We called it The Larchmont Men’s Wine & Book Club (LMWBC).

One person hosted at their home and provided dinner, and everyone else brought a bottle of wine. The host picked the book and the date, and we always read non-fiction. Several members of the neighborhood participated and I know we all enjoyed it. But ultimately, it became a casualty of the pandemic.

Recently I was having a conversation with LMWBCer and contractor Doug Dalton about business. He casually asked when we were getting the book club back together, and I thought, “No time better than the present!”

So on an early June evening, member Bill Johnson hosted us at his home and cooked an amazing dinner. We discussed the book he’d chosen, “Wine and War: The French, the Nazis and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure.” It chronicles the extraordinary tale of the risky and heroic efforts of France’s finest winemakers, who, in the face of an overwhelming German invasion, protected

Looking for love

Love Island: While reality television can seem a bit lowbrow, at times it is nice just to have a guilty pleasure. There are seven seasons for you to binge on Peacock. The show follows a group of singles living in a luxury tropical villa as they try to find love and friendship, and, in essence, to “couple up” to win $100,000. There is a public voting aspect for the current season where at-home viewers using a smart phone App can participate. While reality television might not be your thing, you might find the scheming and dealmaking fun.

Pee-Wee as Himself: This documentary recounts the life of Paul Reubens who cre-

their crops, hide their best bottles and ultimately “saved the spirit” of France. It helped that German leadership was filled with oenophiles, a fact that the French used to their

advantage even helping them in tracking German troop movements. It’s a riveting tale on one of the seminal moments in world history and a great choice for a book

club with “wine” in the title!

The group was happy to get together again and vowed to get back on a regular meeting schedule. Interested members can reach out to me, chase. campen@compass.com

Here are a few recent book recommendations from some of our members:

Ray Schuldenfrei recommends “The Blue Zone” by Dan Buettner.

Bill Johnson recommends “Godforsaken Grapes” by Jason Wilson, and “Mouth to Mouth” by Antoine Wilson. I recommend “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles and “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee (but, the book club is exclusively non-fiction!).

in real life and in all the wrong places

ated his titular character PeeWee (a sometimes off-putting man-child) at The Groundlings Theatre on Melrose Avenue. It follows Reubens’ struggles with his identity and his genius in inhabiting a character. While he had ups and downs, the documentary allows us a glimpse into the real human being behind the character. One has to respect the hard work and effort that he put into becoming an internationally known character and star.

Sirens: Julianne Moore is fantastic as a wealthy socialite who has an “interesting” past living on the fictional island of Port Haven. On Netflix, you can stream this series in

one binge as you seek to find out what is really going on in the “Cliff House.” Kevin Bacon is at his usual high standard as the laid-back husband to Moore’s uptight character. Meghann Fahy and Milly Alcock round out the ensemble as sisters with a troubled past who find themselves in this unusual orbit. In the same vein as “Perfect Couple” and “Big Little Lies,” you will want to find out what really happened. It’s like a summer beach read full of Lilly Pulitzer—wearing ladies

and men in deck shoes.

Your Friends & Neighbors: Jon Hamm stars in this series created by Jonathan Tropper and streaming on Apple TV. Living in a well-to-do neighborhood, Hamm’s character finds himself divorced, fired from his job and facing a life

he is not sure he likes, all with subtle comic timing that Hamm has perfected. Think of the song “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads: “… How did I get here?...This is not my beautiful house, and you may tell yourself, ‘This is not my beautiful wife.’”

Mind of an artist: Lee was inspired by ‘Dumbo’ film

By Helene Seifer

In her first solo show with the James Fuentes Gallery, Hannah Lee’s paintings of everyday subjects emit an ethereal glow and layers of meaning: a family in a diner is reflected in a mirror, dreamlike water captivates in a Korean bathhouse, a fluffy puppy floats above the tiled border of a bathroom floor. The photograph of the artist next to her oil painting, “Dumbo’s Feather,” was inspired after listening to a Conan O’Brien podcast, which is produced from his stu-

ARTIST HANNAH LEE beside her painting “Dumbo’s Feather.”

Photo Courtesy of the artist and James Fuentes Gallery

MEN-ONLY BOOK CLUB MEMBERS (left to right) Charles D’Atri, Ray Schuldenfrei, Greg Econn, Bill Johnson, Glen Castor, Doug Dalton and Chase Campen.

What We’re Watching by A.R. Johnstone

SB 79

(Continued from Page 1) infusion of new riders,” Wiener said in a statement. “This is an idea whose time has come.”

The bill is now before the California State Assembly and will start by being reviewed by the Housing, Local Government, and Natural Resources committees.

“If the bill is allowing sevenstory housing units in the middle of Larchmont Village and Hancock Park residential neighborhoods, without having to go through a local approval [process], I’m not going to support the bill.”

— Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur

Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents Larchmont, Hancock Park and Miracle Mile, said that he could not support the bill in its current version.

He said he did not know if there were amendments that could get him to support the legislation.

“If the bill is allowing seven-story housing units in the middle of Larchmont Village and Hancock Park residential neighborhoods, without having to go through a local approval [process], I’m not going to support the bill,” Zbur said in a June 12 interview with the Chronicle

Greg Goldin, the president of the Miracle Mile Residential Association, said that Democratic legislators do not understand how to solve the state‘s housing and affordability issues.

“From La Brea to Hauser,

Hannah Lee

(Continued from Page 15) dio on Larchmont, in which he discussed how difficult it is to believe in oneself. “He mentioned the feather scene from the film, “Dumbo,” she recalls. In it, the elephant is given a “magic” feather which gives him the confidence to fly. Lee wants to dedicate herself to being an artist and this painting reminds her to believe she is one.

Lee’s paintings usually begin with her taking a photograph, either spontaneous or posed. “Life is so moving in itself,” she says. “We can infuse meaning into the most mundane moments.”

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Lee was schooled in South Korea after her family moved there when she was young. After returning to the United States, she received her degree from Parsons School of Design/The New School in New York, where she now lives.

“Dumbo’s Feather” is on exhibit through Thurs., July 3 at James Fuentes Gallery, 5015 Melrose Ave., 323-3806199, jamesfuentes.com.

an entire generation of market-rate housing has sprung up, all built around the notion that if you build it the price of housing will go down,” Goldin said. “That abundance equals affordability and all of the city’s data proves this: there’s absolutely no relationship between the two.”

The bill proposes a threetier system, allowing different developments depending on whether the nearby transit is heavy rail, light rail or a commuter rail.

For tier one, which includes the Purple Line (or D Line), with future stops at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue and at Wilshire and Fairfax Avenue, a multifamily development up to 75 feet can be built within one quarter mile of the heavy rail and up to 65 feet within half a mile.

Zbur said the argument he is hearing in favor of the bill is due to the housing and affordability crisis in the state, which he agrees is an issue

that needs to be addressed.

He disagrees with how this bill goes about it.

“That doesn’t mean you build housing anywhere, without respect to our existing land-use patterns and residential neighborhoods,” Zbur said. “I’ve generally said I support higher-density development, closely hugging transit corridors where there

is high-volume bus service.”

The senate vote was not along party lines, with three Republicans and 18 Democrats supporting the legislation and seven Republicans and six Democrats opposing the zoning changes.

Allen, who represents parts of Miracle Mile in the State Senate, explained his decision to not vote.

“Increasing housing density near our public transportation is an important goal to meet the state’s housing needs in an environmentally conscious manner, but we’ve also seen how this type of policy can exacerbate displacement issues and derail our affordability efforts,” Allen wrote in a statement to the Chronicle. “I support many of the goals of SB 79, but I also had been trying to work with the author to add guardrails that would promote and protect affordability and guard against displacement and unnecessary demolition.  I will continue working in that direction.”

Zbur said it is really early in the assemblies consideration and a lot of changes could be made before a final vote.

The current version of the bill does not mandate any affordable housing units in any of the new developments.

Zbur said a vote would likely take place at the end of the legislative session, in September.

WITHIN HALF A MILE of the Wilshire La Brea D Line extension, developers would be able to build up to 65 feet tall if SB 79 passes.

Photo by Benjamin Gamson

Time capsule honors old and new; ‘timely’ opening on Rodeo

If you’ve been paying attention, you know that the bright yellow pawn shop that stood on the corner of Melrose Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard for 40 years is no more, but the historic Art Deco building still stands and is being turned into a neighborhood sports bar. If you haven’t been paying attention, this is your chance to learn all about the great things that are happening to the venue! On June 5, the team behind this historic building’s renovation and repurposing held a Time Capsule dedication ceremony to honor the building’s history as well as its future. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez and members of local Los Angeles sports teams were at the event. The Wilshire Warriors contributed a Cooperstown signed team jersey to the time capsule, and Wagon Wheel Preschool added a class photo. Among other memorabilia was the June 2025 issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. For decades, the building operated as Brothers Collateral, a family-owned pawnshop. The new sports bar, Pawn Shop, borrows its name from that business, but it will be reimagined as a neighborhood hangout and cultural land-

Around the Town with Sondi Toll Sepenuk

mark. Patrons will be able to dine, socialize and watch their favorite teams go head-to-head under the roof of a thoughtfully redesigned and well-preserved historic building.

“This project is about honoring the past while creating a space for the community to come together,” said Diego Torres-Palma, founder of Ventana Ventures and developer of the project. “We’re not just opening a bar—we’re creating a new way to experience sports in L.A., one that reflects the character of this city and the people who live here. It’s also a reminder that progress doesn’t always mean starting from scratch; sometimes, the most powerful spaces are the ones that carry the stories of what came before.” Locals who have been following the rebirth of this corner mainstay are excited to experience the redesign’s central bar, communal tables and culinary program led by James Beard award-winning chef Tony Messina. In the Pawn Shop “Letter to the Future,” which was buried in the time capsule along

with the other memorabilia, the founders wrote, “We built this bar for people who show up—for their teams, their friends and the moments that matter. Let this letter be a reminder: community is real, joy is worth chasing and the best memories often happen when you least expect them. Because the real magic here wasn’t just in the games—it was in the people you met along the way.” Keep your eye on this space, expected to open in early 2026.

Gearys Beverly Hills celebrated the recent opening of its new Patek Philippe Boutique, at 314 N. Rodeo Dr.

A selection of time pieces from the Genevan watchmaker’s 185-year-old tradition are featured at the new 1,862-square-foot space.

Guests can peruse a rooftop garden and event area at the store, which is a continuation of a partnership that began in 2004, when Gearys first introduced the Patek Philippe line to its customers.

“We are thrilled to unveil this beautiful new boutique in

the heart of Rodeo Drive—one of the world’s most prestigious shopping destinations,” said Thomas Blumenthal, president and CEO of Gearys Beverly Hills.

The new store is next door to Rolex Boutique Gearys, which opened late last year.

Blumenthal, who grew up in Hancock Park, is the third generation to run the family business, which includes the Gearys Beverly Hills flagship store. The store at 351 N. Beverly Dr. features fine jewelry, home décor and more.

And now you’re in the Larchmont know!

By Julia Guillen

Bill Bentley, a screenwriter, Vietnam veteran and former Larchmont Chronicle columnist, has died.

Bentley worked on numerous screenwriting projects, including one involving Quentin Tarantino. He was also an active tennis player and member of Los Angeles Tennis Club for 18 years, contributing to its both social and tennis committees.

Bentley began his column after meeting Larchmont Chronicle founder and former publisher Jane Gilman at a Larchmont Boulevard Association party.

From 1988 to 2020, he wrote under the pen name “Professor Know-It-All,” answering questions on word and phrase etymology posed by readers.

Bentley

As a first lieutenant, Bentley served valiantly in Vietnam, where he was exposed to the toxin Agent Orange. This was the leading contributor to his death on June 6 following a battle with bladder cancer.

Bentley is survived by his wife, Penny Bentley.

GINTEL FAMILY MEMBERS (left to right) Rudy, Veronica and Myrna, former owners of now closed pawn shop Brothers Collateral, stand alongside Councilmember Hugo Soto Martinez and Diego Torres-Palma, developer and founder of Ventana Ventures.

ATTENDEES of the time capsule burial are given a tour of the future Pawn Shop establishment.

DEVELOPER Diego TorresPalma with former Brothers Collateral owner Rudy Gintel.

ON RODEO (left to right) Daniel Chen, executive vice president of Gearys Beverly Hills; Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Craig Corman; Mayor Sharona Nazarian; and Thomas J. Blumenthal, president and CEO of Gearys Beverly Hills.

AT NEW BOUTIQUE (left to right) Emily Marquis, Bruce Meyer, Raylene Meyer, Thomas J. Blumenthal, Susan Blumenthal, Jack Blumenthal, Taylor Van and Evan Meyer.

NEW TIMEPIECE store is next door to Rolex Boutique Gearys.

INTERIOR of the new boutique on Rodeo Drive.

Bill

Music education: an instrumental skill for kids. Start young!

By Ella Wolovitch

“Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die.” —Paul

Simon

At the age of 7, I started piano lessons. Every day since then, I’ve set aside a few minutes of my day to practice the songs assigned to me that week. Now, eight years later, I’ve discovered that these lessons and time spent practicing have shaped me into a more well-rounded person, increased my discipline and given me many more useful skills.

These are just a few of the reasons why I believe that every child should participate in some sort of musical education, especially while they’re young, and it’s easier to learn.  Whether it’s singing or learning to play an instrument, having musical knowledge has a plethora of benefits.

Academic benefits

Learning an instrument is very helpful in being more successful in academic settings. Consistency ensures progress. Practicing between lessons implements self-motivation and invokes discipline and hard work. Progress

doesn’t come immediately, so persistence is key, and kids learn to not give up and keep working toward their goals.

Practicing instruments takes time, so they learn to schedule and manage their afternoons, evenings and weekends effectively and stay organized.

These are all helpful skills when doing schoolwork. I often implement management skills that I acquired from music into my academic work. Learning to read music can increase brain function and memory. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, in a study of over 18,000 high school students, those who participated in music learning performed better in English, mathematics, history and science than those who didn’t. This is clear evidence that music education helps to improve kids’ skills in school, and starting early ensures these benefits.

Creativity and passion

Playing an instrument instills a sense of creativity and passion in young people. Since there are so many instruments to choose from, kids can find one that speaks to them. You can write music

as well as play or sing in your own unique way.

Music is a great outlet and avenue to enhance a child’s individuality and creativity, and it allows them to explore who they are through various types of music. It can develop into a strong passion that carries them through life and even a career.

Playing musical instruments gives you an ear that’s in tune with different notes and sounds.

Another advantage of playing an instrument is it increases fine motor skills and coordination and can even improve confidence.

Playing instruments has greatly benefited me, and I highly recommend encouraging your child to play an instrument of their choice.

Ella Wolovitch, 15, will be a sophomore in high school this fall.

Read books and play games for prizes with your local library

By Julia Guillen

With the slogan “Reading Brings Us Together,” the Summer With the Library program offers opportunities for reading as well as engaging activities.

To participate in the event, residents may pick up a game board—a sheet to mark books read and library programs attended—at their local libraries: Fairfax, John C. Fremont, Memorial and Wilshire branch libraries, among others throughout LA. After signing up for the program with either their phone number or email, patrons will be given a free book and sticker sheet.

Participants choose to either read for at least an hour a week or attend a library program that week, such as “Whimsical Wednesdays” which take place at the Wilshire Branch Library at 4 p.m. every Wednesday.

LIBRARIES

FAIRFAX

161 S. Gardner St. 323-936-6191

JOHN C. FREMONT

6121 Melrose Ave. 323-962-3521

MEMORIAL

4625 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-2732

WILSHIRE

149 N. St. Andrews Pl. 323-957-4550

HOURS

Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Fri., July 4.

There, children ages 5 and older can paint, create fairy gardens and more.

After three weeks, upon showing their marked game

PILGRIM SCHOOL

Allison Park 11th Grade

boards, participants will be rewarded with a tote bag. The bags feature original artwork of animals reading books by illustrator Alexander Vidal. Active participants are also eligible to win a prize drawing of $50 Visa gift cards after the

program ends on Fri., Aug. 1.

The Los Angeles Public Library has offered summer reading programs since 1930.

The goal of these programs has always been, and still is, to foster literacy and learning in local residents.

“When you read right, it

Local crime

helps expand your worldview, especially for children and for teens,” said librarian Phoebe Guiot in an interview with LAist.

For more information about Summer With the Library, visit lapl.org/summer.

It is hard to believe that the school year has come to an end. It has been a wonderful year filled with so much learning and experiences. Students have worked hard throughout the year and seniors are going to their dream colleges. The year ended with a film festival at the Chinese Theatre, seeing bands perform at Whiskey a Go Go and dance and spring concerts. Arts Fest, where all students’ artwork from K-12 is displayed, was a total hit. The sports banquet celebrated all spring sports teams. High school graduation took place, June 2, following the JK, 5th and 8th grades promotions on June 11. Let’s celebrate the amazing 2024-2025 school year!

LARCHMONT CHARTER

LAFAYETTE PARK

Ella Wolovitch 9th Grade

Summer has started and stu dents at LFP are relieved to begin their summer plans! The end of year was full of excitement and hard work, as students wrapped up with final projects, tests and an all campus ice cream party from Cool Haus! Seniors enjoyed their last days as high school students by finally graduating on June 18. Though we’re sad to see them leave, we’re excited to see how far they go and what adventures they embark upon in the coming years. We’re also looking forward to welcoming in a new class of freshmen next school year.

(Continued from Page 4) overtime for Bureau of Street Lighting repairs in order to shorten the wait. They’ve also assigned additional money to LAPD patrols. According to Daube, “Our office is doing everything in our power to minimize the impact of the current service levels … [We’re] pushing for a long-term, citywide solution that treats lighting like the public safety priority it is.”

THE AUTHOR practices piano as part of her daily routine.

Enjoy sushi two ways; one with a German flair, one traditional

By Helene Seifer

It is estimated that Los Angeles has over 1,000 sushi restaurants, so it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to add yet another version of yellowtail sashimi to the competition with an outpost of a sushi chain from Germany, but that is exactly what Sushi Palace did a little over a year ago. Since opening their first establishment, they have expanded to 45 restaurants across Europe, with 35 in Germany alone. They hope that the corner of Melrose and Highland avenues is just the first of many Sushi Palaces in Southern California and across the country.

CEO Veton Thaqi considers this location to be their first foray into fine dining. The black walls, black floorto-ceiling curtains, velvety booths, pops of magenta neon and sprays of fake flowers lend a vaguely night club

Silverado Beverly Place Presents: Empowerment

Through Knowledge

A Dementia Education Series

Join us for a powerful three-part educational series designed to enlighten and empower families, caregivers, and professionals navigating the dementia journey.

Through interactive sessions, role-playing, and open discussion, attendees will gain practical tools, emotional insight, and renewed confidence in caregiving.

What You’ll Learn:

Session 1: Dementia 101 –Understand what dementia is, dispel common myths, explore stages, and the importance of early detection.

Session 2: The Ten Human Desires – Discover how core human needs persist despite cognitive decline, and how this understanding transforms caregiving.

Session 3: Communication & Challenging Behaviors –Learn to decode behaviors and master compassionate communication strategies that reduce stress and strengthen trust.

Location:

Silverado Beverly Place

330 N. Hayworth Avenue

Date/Time:

July 17, 24, 31 6:00pm

RSVP: Stephanie Brynjolfson 323-243-5225

Zoom info will be provided at time of RSVP.

Empower yourself with knowledge. Together, we can improve the journey.

atmosphere to the dining room. The franchise concentrates on traditional sushi dishes but highlights some Japanese-inflected Bavarian specialties—think German dumplings with miso butter (more like rolls than dumplings) and spaetzle with yuzu cream, bacon and shrimp (a muddled dish). The menu ranges from uni (sea urchin) and a California roll (made with real crab!) to a Wagyu burger and mashed potatoes. It is a giant menu filled with hits and misses.

My husband and I start with drinks and appetizers.

To date, Sushi Palace only has a wine and beer license, but the cocktails they craft from sake and soju are terrific. My husband’s yuzu soju margarita is subtle and refreshing. My lychee sake-tini is a delicious martini substitute. To begin we ordered truffle oil-tossed

edamame, an enjoyable take on the classic salty or spicy versions. Spicy tuna is served atop a thick slab of overly-fried rice—a bit too crunchy for my taste. Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno in a citrusy ponzu drizzle is fine, but the sliced fish lacks the ethereal meltin-your-mouth quality found in the best sushi restaurants. So, too, the salmon sushi, normally my favorite bite, is not silky enough and the rice, which is often an obsession for sushi chefs, feels like an afterthought.

Executive Chef Alex Quintana, previously of Yamashiro, experiments with combining fresh fruit with raw fish. His “tuna bomb” roll is a mishmash of bluefin tuna, fatty tuna and mango. The best dish of the night is the far simpler hamachi with ripe mango. The buttery fish pairs perfectly with sweet mango

slices and ponzu sauce. Sushi Palace, 6536 Melrose Ave., 310-936-3366, sushipalacehollywood.toast.site.

Hato Sushi is an unassuming neighborhood spot that adds Japanese tastes to the growing number of worthwhile eateries on Western Avenue. Its simple, pale interior, with terracotta-painted accent walls, warm lighting, blond wood tables and chairs and mottled cement floors, is welcoming. I went with a friend for a girls’ night out, and it was lovely for that. We shared a large bottle of hot sake (they don’t have a hard liquor license or serve any sort of cocktails) and we could hear ourselves talk, a rarity in this town.

We started with a surprisingly richly flavored miso soup while we perused the menu of starters, sushi, sashimi, udon and rolls. There are more than 20 rolls, including fancy multi-fish options, such as the albacore delight roll, which is, in fact, a delight. Spicy tuna is encased in slices of seared albacore, no rice, no seaweed. It is a light and successful pairing, with none of the gloppiness that befalls so many combination rolls. A blue crab hand roll in soy paper was less satisfying. The crab filling was good, but the paper was soggier than ideal. One of my go-to sushi restaurant orders is spicy tuna on crispy rice, and Hato embellishes theirs with a sweet eel sauce drizzle, making for an

unusual bite. We also shared Japanese eggplant with red miso sauce, which is bland. I wish the eggplant batons had been sautéed in the sauce rather than fried. Salmon sushi was classic, reminding me why I am partial to the sweet clean taste of unadorned, perfectly cut, raw fish.

Hato Sushi, 209 N. Western Ave. Unit B, 323-3785834, hato-sushi.com.

Art classes offered, puppet shows entertain in July

Barnsdall Arts Center will host summer sessions for all ages throughout July and August. The first of these begins Tues., July 15, and continues until Sat., Aug. 16. The art classes include mask making, tie-dyeing, stained glass painting, portraiture and more. This five-week program is open to adults only. For additional information and registration for the Arts Center events, visit tinyurl. com/ynfjtys9.

Similarly, the Barnsdall Junior Arts Center hosts a six-week summer session for ages 2 to 17 from Sun., July 6 to Sat., Aug. 9. This program

offers ceramics workshops, improv classes, animal drawing, sculpture classes and more. For information and registration for the Barnsdall Junior Arts Center, visit

Richard T. Chung, DDS

Cosmetic, Implant & General Dentistry

Member of the American & California Dental Associations. USC Graduate.

Most insurances accepted. Appointments recommended. New patients and emergencies welcome! 321 N. Larchmont Blvd. #424, Los Angeles 90004 323.461.3786

tinyurl.com/ys3arm7j.

Puppet shows

Affiliated with Barnsdall Arts Center is Hollyhock House, which will present “Puppets in the Park,” with Bob Baker Marionette Theater. This free puppet show will take place on Sundays

Japanese culture of WWII is shown by sheet music

“Songs for Japan” is the name of a talk to be given by Cal State Long Beach Emeritus Professor Kendall Brown Wed., July 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The Japan Foundation will host Brown’s talk on early 20th century Japanese popular music and graphic design.

In his talk, Brown will discuss how sheet music cover designs can be used to understand Japanese modern arts and culture in the period before, during and right after World War II.

June 8, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19 at Hollyhock House, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., with performance times from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 11 to 11:30 a.m. For more information on the puppet shows at Hollyhock House, visit hollyhockhouse. org.

Brown is also the author of “Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920-1945.” His lecture will feature snippets of Japanese music and films. Admission is free, but registration is required.

The Japan Foundation is located at 5700 Wilshire Blvd. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl. com/36hc7d7s.

SHEET MUSIC cover designs will be discussed at the event.

NEON-CLAD BAR is at Sushi Palace.

HAMACHI with mango, foreground, “tuna bomb” roll at Sushi Palace.

ALBACORE DELIGHT roll, salmon sushi, crab rice paper roll and pickled ginger at Hato Sushi.

Get to know some reclusive neighbors in your own backyard. Page 4

Homeboy Industries adds dog grooming to its many social enterprises. Page 14 RAPTOR STUDY

Progress made on Plymouth as long-delayed project begins

Three and a half years after the approval of plans to restore and add an additional story to the property at 304 S. Plymouth Blvd., it seems at long last that work has finally begun. I had covered the long and troubled saga of 304 S. Plymouth Blvd. in my December 2021 column titled, “Will a historic ranch house on Plymouth Blvd. finally be reborn?” The article covered the approval by the Windsor Square Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) Board

The home was designed as a low-slung ranch-style house in 1949 by architect Y. W. Nibecker for Mr. Harry Carian Sr., an Armenian immigrant and prominent grape grower of the Coachella Valley.

of a plan to restore and modernize the 1949 ranch-style house at the corner of Plymouth and Third Street. What followed were three and a half more years of neglect, vandalism and transient occupation, much to the irritation of the neighbors who had longed for a happy conclusion to issues at the nuisance property. So it was with great surprise last month that I came to a halt in front of 304 S. Plym-

On Preservation

by Brian Curran

outh and saw men on the roof of the house tearing off shingles and plywood, removing windows and filling large dumpsters in the driveway. Having been in the preservation game long enough, I had been through my fair share of “lightning” demos—when historic buildings are torn down illegally or significantly damaged enough that they lose their historicity. While I had long feared that 304 S. Plymouth would one day succumb to its twin afflictions of vacancy and neglect, most likely by catching fire, I did not expect it to be demolished in broad daylight.

The home was designed as a low-slung ranch-style house in 1949 by architect Y. W. Nibecker for Mr. Harry Carian Sr., an Armenian immigrant and prominent grape grower of the Coachella Valley. Carian had purchased one of the many available corner lots in Windsor Square and Hancock Park that remained empty until after WWII. The house changed hands many times over the years, yet remained occupied until the early

2000s, when it was acquired by Kim Kwang Tae. Tae allowed the property to decline and deteriorate through neglect over two decades.

After numerous complaints by the neighbors and threats of fines by the city authorities, the property was sold in 2020 to attorney and financier Ben Donel. He commissioned the architects Jane Keener and Matt Steele of Architecture JHK to create a design to improve and expand the house in a way that would satisfy the HPOZ Board. The board approved their design in November 2021. Soon after, the property was put up for sale.

It remained on the market for over three years, and the cycle of decline sadly continued.

When I saw the crew of men tearing the house apart, I quickly searched to find a demolition permit, and finding none, fired a note to Damian Gatto, the city planner responsible for Windsor Square, to inform him of a possible illegal demolition.

After further searching, I found a new permit issued in April of this year for the additions and remodel approved in 2021. Gatto forwarded me the approved project’s demolition plan for the house, which, much to my relief,

appeared to correspond to the work I saw being carried out. The Plymouth and Third Street facades were preserved, while the interior and rear structure was knocked down to the studs in preparation for new work to begin. I intend to keep an eye on the continuing works at 304 (Full disclosure: I live down the street on Plymouth Boulevard) to either prevent the complete demolition of the house or, more preferably, to follow with a great sense of relief the restoration and rebirth of a long-neglected corner of Windsor Square. I will keep you posted!

RENDERING SHOWS the approved proposal for the Plymouth Boulevard home. View is looking northeast.

Victorious Warriors went to Dreams Park Marlborough

By Jim Kalin

The best of our local 12-year-old Wilshire Warriors headed to Dreams Park Cooperstown in New York on June 18 to participate in a baseball summer camp where close to 100 teams from all over the U.S. attend per week. Wilshire Warriors is a recreational community baseball club based at Pan Pacific Park.

Dreams Park was constructed in 1996. There are 22 grass playing fields and 104 barracks on the 165-acre Baseball Village. The fields have lights, so the boys play night games, too. Cooperstown is a family destination, with parents and siblings encouraged to attend games when not on Otsego Lake or touring the Baseball Hall of Fame. The experience for the

CROSSWORD ANSWER

players mirrors big league ball as much as possible.

Prior to Cooperstown, these Wilshire Warriors 12U Blue Team players, some who have been playing together since they were 7, won three local tournaments in a row, including the prestigious Cheviot Hills Memorial Day Tournament, an event played over a four-day span. It was quite a dramatic run.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team. They’ve put in countless hours of hard work together over the past sever-

al seasons under the guidance of our amazing coach, Kris Davis. And it’s been incredibly rewarding to see all their hard work yield such great results on the field,” Team Manager Adam Cole-Kelly told us.

The Warriors won their semifinal game on Sunday evening 3-2 in extra innings to progress to a finals rematch with rival Palisades, who had defeated them the previous four years. The next day, on Memorial Day, the Warriors finally broke through and beat Palisades 3-2 for the championship.

By H. Hutcheson

The Marlborough Equestrian Team had a great year as they won the Overall Team High Point Interscholastic Equestrian League Reserve Champions.

Crystal Li, rising 10th grader and local resident, is the Freshman Jumper Reserve Champion (2nd in League in a group of 25 riders) with her horse Lewis.

Li, having just completed her freshman year at Marlborough, said, “I really enjoy how an individual sport like equestrian can become a team effort. Even though we compete individually, having the support and encouragement of my teammates makes a big difference.”

Becoming an expert in any sport is a big time commitment. Li said, “It is not just about the hours spent training. Building trust and forming a bond with each horse takes time and patience. Every horse is unique. I currently own two horses, Ollie and Lewis. I connected instantly with Ollie on my second day of riding. Lewis, who jumps much higher, took longer for me to bond with. That experience has taught me a lot about patience, understanding and perseverance.”

(Please turn to Page 4)

COOPERSTOWN-BOUND: (front row, left to right) Sam Estow, Taran Andersen, Alex Chung, Kai Rosellen and Luca Perez. Back row, left to right: Coach Ethan Higuera, Wolfgang Rinderknecht, Kiran Rubin, Milo Hurwitz, Parker Bernstein, Coach Adam Cole-Kelly, Charlie Cole-Kelly, Rocco Higuera, Hugo Bright, Head Coach Kris Davis, Aidan Lee and Coach Ben Russell.

CRYSTAL LI and Lewis compete together for the Championship.

COVERED IN ACCOLADES, Crystal Li represents Marlborough School’s Class of 2028.

Raptors: the animals in your life that are not household pets

By H. Hutcheson

Having your very own pet and the constant responsibilities they require is not for everyone. But how about a relationship with an animal that you have no obligation to?

The L.A. Raptor Study, sponsored by Friends of Griffith Park and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, seeks volunteers to take on a raptor—behind a pair of binoculars.

Participants watch nests of Great Horned Owls, Redtailed and Cooper’s hawks, falcons and other majestic, powerful top predators.

Launched in 2017, the research group assigns novices to learn by observing populations in parks, schools and even in your own backyard. The program starts with a general information Zoom every January. In-the-field meetings begin in March and April. May holds the promise of egg incubation, chicks and fledglings. In August, volunteers celebrate with a party, including data analysis and presentations.

Nurit Katz, a co-director of the study, who is currently working toward a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology at UCLA, said, “It’s

really a community science project. We find many of the nests we watch from neighbors offering information.”

So many predators are threatened by the top predator on this beautiful planet—us. Katz said studying the birds by collecting data on them and analyzing it “teaches us how they are adapting to city environments. Key predators help keep populations in balance and contribute to biodiversity. They help maintain healthy populations. When you remove a predator, there can be a collapsing of an ecosystem.”

Katz is also researching

the cultural relationship of Indigenous populations to birds of prey.

Dave Brown of North Irving Boulevard has been working with the program for a few years, observing a Cooper’s hawk’s nest in a cedar tree within his parkway. “The hawks mate for life and will often reuse a nest for years. One year they hatched two chicks. The next year there were three eggs, but just two hatched,” Brown said. He also pointed out what we all know about the Larchmont area in particular: “We are so lucky to live in the middle of a huge city and have nature

right nearby.”

Unfortunately, the same winds that contributed to the January wildfires in Los Angeles also destroyed the hawk’s nest. Brown said he realized by April there would

Equestrians

(Continued from Page 3)

Li is sure horses will be in her future one way or another. She said, “I have created an app to help equestrians with barn management. Even if I am not interacting with horses every day, I will defi-

be no chicks. He mentioned he has his own baby due soon (“By stork?” I asked), so dad might be busy learning about a new sort of baby. Not ready for any relationship to animals yet? That’s perfectly acceptable. But we, as the very top predators on earth, can all be good stewards to raptors. Katz said, “People can plant native plants that attract native bugs. Don’t ever use rat poison that will inevitably kill a bird or other animal. Keep leaves under your shrubs, and please resist trimming trees during nesting season, which is mostly during spring and summer months (except the Great Horned Owls, who sit on their nests in January).”

To become a volunteer or learn more, visit friendsofgriffithpark.org. To learn safe practices in the maintenance of your land, visit treecareforbirds.com.

nitely keep improving my app so that life can be easier for riders and barn managers. The experiences and lessons I have gained through riding will continue to guide me in whatever I do next.”

Li’s app is called Horsitask and can be found on Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

GREAT HORNED OWLS have been spotted flying from date palm to date palm at dusk on Van Ness and Norton avenues.

RED-TAILED HAWKS live right in our vicinity, sharing the city.

Agility among ‘fun’ classes at WLAOTC

By Suzan Filipek

About a year after I adopted Bella, a shiny black Lab, someone at a dog park that we frequented suggested I sign my dog up for an agility class.

“It’s fun,” the dog park visitor said.

I knew nothing about the sport, which I’ve since learned is physically and mentally stimulating both for dogs of all sizes and breeds, and their handlers—which would be me.

I was all in to keep my energetic pup busy and happy.

Beginning-to-advanced agility classes are sponsored by the nonprofit West Los Angeles Obedience Dog Training Club. They are held outdoors near giant jacaranda trees at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center. There was a waiting list, but the club also offers several types of classes, so we took a few obedience classes over the months while we waited.

Eventually we got in to Basic Agility, and over many years we moved up the levels till we landed in Advanced! Bella was a sweetheart—her tail wagged with everyone she met. While she trotted around the course’s many obstacles, the more competitive breeds raced through them. They

flew over jumps and sprinted around “weave” poles. The ensemble of equipment on the course resembles a circus site more than a sport designed to teach dog’s to focus on speed and accuracy. (The legendary Westminster Kennel Club hosts a masters in both agility and obedience at its annual televised dog show.)

Always a trooper, Bella eventually settled into a brisk walk as she got on in years. She moved slower and slower around the course during each class until she retired altogether a few years before she died at age 15.

I have also run the course with my other dogs: a miniature poodle, now 10; and an energetic Dobermann-cattle dog mix, 3, is a newcomer to the sport.

Whatever their age or breed, an agility class is a great way to spend time outdoors with your pup.

Try it. It’s fun!

For more information on agility and other courses at at the Club, including conformation, nose work and tricks, visit wlaotc.com.

Going on a trip? Why not bring your

furry friend?

By Nona Sue Friedman

Traveling with your pet is the norm now. Pets accompany owners to the supermarket and on hiking trails, strolls through farmers markets, road trips and even airplanes. But that wasn’t always the case. According to pet travel author Eileen Barish, “People are doing it now, but when my first book came out in ’94, it changed the whole way the hotel industry viewed pets.”

These days, more and more hotels accept pets and even cater to them.

After years of traveling with her golden retrievers, Barish has some tips to make your adventure easier. Always call in advance to find out the hotel’s pet policy. Remember to bring a leash and possibly a crate, and don’t forget some toys. If it’s a road trip, set up the back of the car to make it cozy. Bring enough food and water for the excursion. Take bathroom and exercise breaks at rest stops along the way, for you and your pet.

Barish also recommends bringing extra towels in case your tagalong friend gets wet.

The author said to check out what local restaurants accom-

author

Eileen Barish with her dog, Daisy.

modate pets, since, she says, “Many hotels won’t let you leave your pet in the room unattended.” Anyway, it’s more fun sharing more of your vacation with your furry friend if you’re bringing them along for the ride.

Eileen Barish is the author of over 10 books, including the bestseller “Doin’ California with your Pooch.” She lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and her dog, Daisy.

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How to make blueberry ‘bagel-berry’ pie for your Fourth of July

By Shoe Schuste

You know those blueberry bagels you get with a smear of cream cheese? Here’s my take on that—as a pie.

First, you must make your pie crust. Don’t worry, this will be easy—unlike every other pie crust. A gentle breeze, even.

This recipe makes two portions of dough for two single-crust pies or one double-crust. This blueberry pie will only need one of these, so you’re going to have a second pie crust to do whatever you want with. Play frisbee with the dog! You can put it in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost it in the fridge two days prior to using.

Pie crust ingredients

2 Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar

2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt

2 oz. cold water

2¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

8 oz. cold unsalted butter, cubed

In a measuring cup, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, salt and water. Use a spoon to stir the mixture until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Leave the spoon in the cup and put the entire cup and liquid in the freezer. Don’t worry, it won’t be in there long.

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, add your flour and butter and spin on

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low speed for a few minutes. What you’re looking for is the flour and butter to come together and take on a sand like texture. It shouldn’t take more than four minutes. If it takes two minutes, good on you! Don’t overdo it, and veer on the side of larger pebbles of butter.

While the mixer is, uh, mixing, grab your liquid from the freezer, and pour it into the sand mixture. You can use the spoon you had in there to help you if there’s any sediment stuck in the bottom of the cup. Once the dough sticks together, shut off the mixer. It’ll take you maybe 30 seconds. Emphasis on “maybe.”

If there are a few little pieces at the bottom that are still crumbly and dry, it’s all good. Don’t overdo it. Once you’re doing it, it will become obvious. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter, and gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a rough rectangle. No one’s judging your geometry, just get it together, and make it about 6 by 8 inches. Again, if it’s 5 by 9, 7 by 10, it’s fine. Lightly dust a rolling pin with flour. Position the dough with the short side facing you. Now push the pin over it a few times until you’ve stretched it about 3 to 4 more inches. Again, the teach-

er’s not following behind you with a ruler regarding your measurements. Reach to the top of the dough and fold it about a third of the way down. Take the bottom and fold it over the top, like it’s a letter. You remember those pre-email things? You should have a rough square of dough. Again, it’s fine if it’s a little wonky. Cut the dough in the middle so you have two roughly equal pieces. Wrap each in plastic. Take your rolling pin and run it over each, forming the rough squares into rough circles. Whee, fun with shapes! Plop both in the fridge for an hour while you make the blueberry filling. Guess what? You just made pie crust! Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

(Please turn to Page 9)

BLUEBERRY PIE, with a nod to blueberry bagels and cream cheese.

Recipe

(Continued from Page 8)

Filling ingredients

Makes one 9-inch pie

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt

3 Tbsp. cornstarch

1¾ lbs. fresh blueberries

1 Tbsp. lemon juice  Cream cheese crumble topping

1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

¼ cup packed light brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

4 Tbsp. cold plain cream cheese  For pie bottom

4 Tbsp. plain cream cheese at room temperature

In a large mixing bowl, add sugar, salt, cornstarch and half of the blueberries. Toss so all the fruit is coated. Get in there and jostle. Take the other half of the blueberries and put them in the freezer. Let the sugared fruit macerate

for a half hour. Watch some TV. Or make the crumble topping. Or do both. After 30 minutes, transfer the sugared berries and all their juices to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the juices boil and thicken. Remove the cooked filling from the heat and transfer it to a heatproof bowl. Add the frozen blueberries and lemon juice and stir. Put aside. We’ll come back to it.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugars and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and cream cheese. Take a fork and smush it all together, or put your fingies in there and mix it until it resembles crumble.

Assemble the pie

Lightly flour your work surface. Take one dough disc out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. If it’s been chilled overnight, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes until it softens slightly. Once it’s pliable, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the rolled

dough to a 9-inch pie plate, trimming the edges so there’s about 1 inch hanging over. Fold or roll this excess under, then crimp the edge using your thumb and forefinger. Place the crust in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.

Once the crust has chilled, smear the room temperature cream cheese onto the bottom of the pie crust, pour the filling over it and add all the juices that may have collected in the bottom of the bowl. Scatter the crumble over the top. You’re almost home free. Almost!

Place the entire pie in the freezer for about 15 minutes, just until it firms up a bit—it doesn’t need to be fully frozen. Transfer the pie to the prepared baking sheet and move it to the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake until the crust is a rich golden brown and the filling is bubbling—this will take about an hour, possibly a bit longer. Let the pie cool for at least an hour before serving to give the juices time to settle and thicken. Now, guess what? You have pie. Yum!

Our pets make friends and bring smiles everywhere they go

By Suzan Filipek

We received a flurry of adorable, cute and fluffy entries for this year’s 16th annual Pets of Larchmont issue. From stately poodles to charming mixes, they walk the neighborhoods, and, of course, browse for treats on Larchmont Village.

Cats prefer to stay home but add joy to those around them all the same.

“So happy to see this coming back this year!” said Julia Lin of Norton Avenue. She sent a photo of Minerva decked out in her red, white and blue finest for the Fourth of July holiday. “She loves to say hi to everyone in the neighborhood!” Lin told us.

Wiley of Windsor Village is looking especially handsome, “fresh from the groomers at Tailwashers on Larchmont!” said Katy McKinnon and Bryan Sonderman.

Roger, a Chihuahua, and cat Patricia enjoy the day together on South Windsor Boulevard, Adelaide Kuehn tells us.

Henry is a Coton de Tuléar. Legend has it that the breed originated from a group that swam across the Malagasy channel following a shipwreck. This local pup frequents Larchmont and lives in Brookside with his brother, Odin, Michael Moore and Chad Rothman told us.

“Lola is the best girl,” Meredith Quill of Irving Boulevard told us of her rescue cat. “We got her on Larchmont Boulevard about eight years ago. She doesn’t have any teeth, but she is the sweetest, most friendly cat, and everyone who meets

her falls in love with her.”

Lynn Chen took her dog Miles to the Larchmont Family Fair last October, where this photo of the pair was snapped. They live with Abe Forman-Greenwald on Bronson Avenue.

Father Justin Oh, a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and administrator at Christ the King Catholic Church on Rossmore Avenue, sent photos of his Australian shepherds Ace and Vash. “Parishioners have drawn my attention to the blurb inviting us to send in some pictures of our furry friends,” he said, adding he was glad to make this year’s issue.

Bruce, a black-and-white Berniedoodle, 4; Frankie, rescued from the Labelle Foundation, also 4; and shih tzus Andre and Milo, both 13, relax on Orange Drive and Beverly Boulevard with Heidi Richardson.

Freckles and Puff live on Norton Avenue with Sarane Van Dyke.

Steven Steinman and Doris Berger bid in a silent auction to get Bessie from the Chesterfield Square L.A. City Animal Shelter “since so many people wanted her!” Steinman said.

He continued, “She was 8 pounds when we got her, and we thought that she would stay about that size, but no. She’s 8 months old now and

about 27 pounds and will probably still be growing. She is wonderful and we feel so happy and lucky that we had her when [our previous dog] Pucci passed, since we might not have gotten another dog for a while.”

According to Adrienne Cole, Matisse, 2, “loves his walks to Larchmont with his furry friends. One of his favorite things to do along the way is relax on the grass, enjoying

Lola Miles with Lynn Chen

Andre, Bruce, Frankie, Milo

Ace and Vash

Minerva Wiley

Roger and Patricia

Henry

Freckles and Puff

Bessie

Pets

(Continued from Page 10) the sunshine, especially next to the Bank of America.” The Havanese lives with the Cole

Family on Beachwood Drive.

Milo, wearing a jazzy tie with a holiday theme, lives on Wilcox Avenue near Rosewood Avenue with Anne Bodycombe.

Labradoodles Missy and Mimi always have a good time digging in the backyard, said Liz and Steve Atlee of Norton

Avenue.

Rosie and Hazel chill on Lorraine Boulevard with Tracey Durning.

Methos, a gentle, kind senior dog, joins Chance, a grumpy senior cat, and Bucky, a little rascal, on North Plymouth Boulevard

with Fernand Marasigan.

Cosmo, “the cutest dog ever!” lives with Barbara Pflaumer of Windsor Village.

Cleo has the cleanest paws in Hancock Park, said Alex and Lisa Morrison of North Las Palmas Avenue.

Hercules “is a soulful, 4 ½year-old Cavapoo who lives on North Beachwood.  He can be found leaping onto the Tailwaggers ‘treats podium’ and around the neighborhood, beseechingly and hind-leggingly

(Please turn to Page 12)

Missy and Mimi

Milo

Rosie and Hazel

Methos

Bucky

Chance

Matisse

Cosmo Cleo

Pets

(Continued from Page 11) investigating the treat zone of humans. He brings love and smiles to my elderly clients,” Elizabeth Malloy said.   Maggie Houlehan and

Jerina live on North Irving Boulevard.

Oliver was rescued from L.A. Love and Leashes more than 10 years ago. A wheaten terrier and poodle mix, he loves traveling, shopping on Larchmont Boulevard and frolicking in the lush green gardens of LACMA. “Pan Pacific and LACMA are his fave spots for parks plus Larch-

mont Boulevard for shopping and restaurants,” Colleen Broderick of Park La Brea told us.

Cody, here in his Superman outfit, lives with Ronald Alix on North Gower Street.

“Kodak likes visiting her friends on Larchmont— particularly those at Tailwaggers!” said her proud parents Crescenzo Notarile and Cary Trampf of Beachwood Drive.

“Best friends Rudy and Shady keep each other com-

pany,” while Jeff and Brian Choynake have given up possession of their recliner in their Windsor Square home.

Duffy, a Westie, is 17 ½ and lives on South Arden Boulevard. She’s “the little old lady of Larchmont Village,” Maria Kleinman said. “She’s known for stealing red velvet cupcakes and hopping-galloping on Arden. Duffy is currently recovering from pulmonary hypertension and a heart condition. Wish her well!”

Birdie, a whippet, 9, lives on Ridgewood Place with Peggy Cooper.

“Sophie is living her best life at home on South Plymouth Boulevard and on Larchmont Boulevard, where you can spot her beautiful face every day at Tailwaggers, Larchmont Beauty Center and Kreation,” Susan Goodman

told us. “Sophie makes every day marvelous.  Sophie’s family has lived on Plymouth Boulevard for 54 years. Sophie and l love our community and all our local dogs and humans.”

Baby is a fan of Italian food served at La Bettola di Terroni on Larchmont, which she frequents with Christina Won of Hudson Place.

Jada, a Bernese mountain dog standard poodle mix, loves strolling in Larchmont Village, Lance Keith said.

(Please turn to Page 13)

Birdie

Rudy and Shady

Hercules

Jerina Cody

Duffy

Kodak

Oliver

Sophie

Baby

Jada

Pets

(Continued from Page 12)

Violet often enjoys the sun in Robert Burns Park, Benjamin Bundy and his wife, Tara Armstrong, told us.

Rio, 4, is a rescue kitty from the Pasadena Humane Society, said Michele Werdin of Wilcox Avenue.

Eleanor Cilingar sent us a portrait of her pup, Baguette.

Kokomo, a Boston terrier, is looking stylish. “I can’t believe it’s already summer again and time for the Pets of Larchmont issue,” said Eugene Ahtirski of South Larchmont Boulevard.

“[We] missed the deadline last year and said I wouldn’t miss it this year. It’s her birthday in July,” Victor Hugo told us of Twyla. Oreo is still sunbathing at the grand age of 18 in Windsor Village, Matt and Lia Young tell us. Bon Jovi “loves Larchmont.

Tailwaggers is his store of choice,” said Tiffany Bollin of Hancock Park.

Wyatt Carr likes to walk Bruce, a 6-year-old Newfoundland, on Las Palmas Avenue.

Buck is a Rhodesian ridgeback and resides in Windsor Square with Rhett Hutcheson. He prefers the couch to the outdoors, but when he is outside he runs up to 30 mph chasing rabbits in Oregon.

Byrdie the pug lives with Gary Duff on Lorriane Boulevard in Windsor Square.

“We are Lucy’s humans,” said Sue and George Merlis of Lucerne Boulevard. She is a 4or 5-year-old rescue found on the streets of San Diego. “We have had her for about a year and a half. She is 60% poodle and 40% half a dozen other breeds. She would be honored to be in the July issue of the Chronicle,” said George. And we are honored to have Lucy and all of the other wonderful four-legged creatures featured in this month’s pet salute.

Baguette

Kokomo

Oreo

Wyatt Carr with Bruce

Bon Jovi

Buck

Byrdie

Lucy

Twyla

Violet

Rio

Saying goodbye to Timmy, and using hospice care for your pet

By Nancy Redford

My family is all too familiar with giving a final farewell to our pets. Until last month all of our animals died naturally at home. However, our recent experience with our 17-year-old dog, Timmy was different. Timmy’s deafness always required special consideration, and his vision had been waning. But late last year we noticed his back legs would slide out from beneath him, and he often yelped when touched. He would begin panting for no apparent reason. He could no longer manage stairs,

and he started whimpering at bedtime. It was becoming clear to us that his quality of life was in decline.

I wish we had known to arrange a formal Quality of Life Consultation, a support service offered by veterinarians as well as animal hospice specialists. These sessions can provide the family with critical guidance. Medical treatment and pain management options are discussed. It provides a professional perspective about the pet’s physical and emotional needs as well as compassionate support for the family. It

Crossword: Animals & Pets

would have helped us understand and prepare for the next stages of Timmy’s endof-life journey.

Hospice Care Mode. We watched Timmy’s condition deteriorate and sensed his growing anxiety. We did everything we could to make him comfortable and instinctually went into hospice care mode. We modified our home, creating safe places for him. There were many trips to the vet, medication changes and the inevitable puddles and poops around the house. The stress began to take a toll, but we were determined to maintain a peaceful setting.

Anticipatory Grief. We began to experience a stage we now know as “anticipatory grief:” a deep mourning for the ailing pet. This natural response triggers a range of emotions including anxiety, fear and even anger.

Thoughts such as, “Why didn’t I notice the symptoms sooner?” and “What more can I do?” run through your mind. It is an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Humane Euthanasia. The time came to accept that we needed to consider humane euthanasia. You can arrange

for this procedure to be done at a veterinarian clinic or in the comfort of your home. A licensed veterinarian intravenously administers drugs for muscle relaxation and a painless termination of nerve transmission. Once it is determined the pet is completely asleep, the pet is given a final injection and quickly transitions from life to death. After the pet has passed, the family is given private time to grieve. The pet’s body is then wrapped and transported to a cremation service.

There are bereavement support groups and specialized counseling to help with the anguish that is common with the death of a pet. One can try birchbarkfoundation.org, which offers online sessions, or lapoflove.com, which has a free weekly virtual pet loss support group. I know I will keep that in mind.

Homeboy now does dog grooming

Father Gregory Boyle was on-site for the opening of the dog-grooming salon Puppy Fades, the newest program of Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention and rehab program founded by Boyle in 1988.

Formerly incarcerated members of Homeboy complete an 18-month training program before working at the new Pasadena-based salon or at any of Homeboy several social services enterprises.

ACROSS

3. Queen’s dog, Jane

6. “Polly wanna cracker?”

7. Star of “Happy Feet”

9. Tarzan’s girlfriend

10. “Not a creature was stirring....”

13. Spanish Riding School horse

14. Largest mammal on Earth

16. Tom and _____

17. L.A. raptor that nests in January

18. Mascot of Slytherin House

DOWN

1. Killed Robert Baratheon

2. Biting Scottish flies

3. Largest living saltwater reptile

4. Calming space for dogs

5. Ancestral trait on horse legs

8. TikTok cat with the most followers

11. Armored mammal

12. “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” author

14. Star of “Call of the Wild”

15. Interacts with ancestors’ bones

ANSWERS: Please turn to page 3. Answers will also be on our online edition in early July.

The groomers also complete a program accredited by the World Grooming Certification Alliance.

Puppy Fades is at 446 S. Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena. Homeboy, based in East L.A., has evolved into the largest gang intervention and rehab program in the world.

Boyle, a Jesuit Catholic priest, grew up on Norton Avenue among eight siblings. He attended Loyola High School. He was a pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, then the poorest parish in Los Angeles and also the one with

the highest concentration of gang activity.

He would go on to adopt what was considered a radical approach at the time—treating gang members with love and kinship rather than judg-

ment and punishment. It led to Homeboy Industries, which rehabilitates, employs and trains former gang members in a range of social services. Learn more at homeboyindusries.org.

SOME RECENTY COIFFED customers, above, at Puppy Fades, Homeboy Industries newest social enterprise.

TIMMY in his finer days, having shared a long life with the Redford family in Windsor Square. Photo by N. Redford

Tracing Los Angeles’ love of

In early June, I was fortunate to snag a last-minute spot on a rare tour of the former Bullock’s Wilshire department store building, now owned and occupied by Southwestern Law School. The 1929 cathedral-like Art Deco structure, which dominated the then sleepy boulevard, was designed by father-and-son architects John and Donald Parkinson (also the visionaries behind L.A.’s City Hall and Union Station). Our guide for the day, the school’s archivist, Sara Halpert, led us through halls that once housed the store’s many departments—sportswear, lingerie, a saddlery (still beautifully ornamented with plaster reliefs by sculptor Eugene Maier-Krieg) and, in a mezzanine tucked just above, a canine shopping destination called “The Doggery.” “Even in 1929,” remarked Halpert, “L.A. people loved their dogs.”

And love them we do. If this year’s edition of Pets of Larchmont (Section 1, Pages 10-13) is any indication, dogs are not only our best friends, but also our workout buddies, our security personnel and our therapists. While we can’t claim them as dependents (for now), dogs transcend the

realm of pets into something more akin to progeny. And what better place to pamper them than at our local, modern-day “doggeries,” like Tailwaggers, The Barking Lot and Jess Rona Grooming, all on Larchmont.

If I were to judge based on looks alone, my favorite breed would be the basset hound— Dumbo-esque ears, long backs and short legs, with an excess of wrinkled skin that makes it look as if its pants are falling down. This droopy dog is just one of four “basset” breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. First developed in France, the name for this group of scent hounds arises from the French word “bas,” meaning “low.” Another footstool-like dog, the corgi, is also named for its low profile, originating from the Welsh “cor,” meaning “dwarf” and “ci,” the word for “dog” in that language. And in terms of droopiness, it’s the sharpei that reigns supreme. The name of that breed, known for its intelligence and loyalty, is rooted in the Chinese “sha pí” ( ), meaning “sand skin,” so named for its bristly coat.

The beagle is named not for its looks, but potentially for its sonorous howl. Some

have theorized that the name of this hound arrives from the French “béer,” meaning “to open wide,” and “gueule,” or “throat.” It’s also French that begets the name for the “terrier”—a shortening of “chien terrier,” meaning “earth dog”—so named for the burrowing foxes and badgers they were bred to hunt. This same prey prompted the name of the “dachshund,” from the German “dachs,” meaning “badger.”

In France, one of the historical centers of dog fancying (more than 40% of all dog breeds recognized by the World Canine Federation originate from France, Germany and Great Britain), the national dog is the poodle, which in French is called “caniche.” Translating to “duck dog,” the caniche is named for its talents as a water retriever. Here in the U.S., our name for the stately breed comes by way of Germany, where the dog was called “pudelhund,” from the Low German “pudel,” meaning “to splash” (also the root of the English “puddle”). And those topiary-like tufts (called “pompons”) that are often styled on the standard

poodle’s leg joints and hips? They were originally shorn as such to allow this hunter free range of movement while keeping vital areas protected from the cold, murky depths. Some dog breeds clue us in to the locales from which they hail. “Spaniels,” a grouping of pooches with long ears and silky coats, were originally described as being from Spain. The beautifully proportioned oddity known as the Pekingese (one Chinese legend relays that it was first created when the Buddha shrunk a lion down to dog size) is a gift from Beijing, China, a city whose name was previously romanized as “Peking.” Dalmatians originate from Dalmatia (a historical region located in modern-day Croatia and Montenegro), Labradors from Labrador (a region in what is now the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador), Chihuahuas from Chihuahua (a Mexican state), Akitas from Akita (a Japanese

prefecture) and Pomeranians from Pomerania (an area that today spans parts of Poland and Germany on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea).

For the ancients, dogs were companions, herders and hunters, and, like bears, bulls and crabs, were thought to have starred our skies. The “Greater Dog” constellation, Canis Major, marks among its asterisms Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky after the sun. Mark your calendars for Thurs., July 3, the start of a 20-day countdown to Wed., July 23, the day that Sirius rises in conjunction with the morning sun. Due to its canine symbolism, this hot, sultry spell and the 19 days following are known as the “dog days” of summer, which end Mon., Aug. 11.

Before then, borrow a leaf from the poodle’s book and “pudel” to your heart’s delight—at the beach or in a pool, with or without a furry friend in tow.

Volunteer rescue group can help when tragedy strikes these fast, agile birds

Iridescent-colored hummingbirds are busy this time of year flittering in gardens and on hillsides, building nests, caring for their young, pollinating flowers and helping balance the ecosystem.

But sometimes things go awry. The mother, for various reasons, abandons the nest, or fledglings are found on the ground injured. Rescue groups can help.

With a team of volunteers, West Hollywood-based Los Angeles Hummingbird Rescue rehabilitates delicate, tiny orphans and injured birds,

from Malibu to the South Bay. The magenta and multicolored birds are protected under federal law and required to be cared for by licensed wildlife rehabitators, according to the group’s website.

Terry Masear has served as the site’s facilitator since 2005, after saving her first nestling in 2004. She has written a memoir, “Fasting Things on Wings (2015), and stars in a documentary, “Every Little Thing.” These works tell of the heartwarming accounts of saving the fast, agile and beautiful creatures, and of their loss. For more information, visit losangeleshummingbirdrescue.org.

HUMMINGBIRDS are known for their beauty and speed.

Photo by Veronika Andrews

Word Café by Mara Fisher