LARCHMONT CHRONICLE presents
Foreign countries, deep dive into government for college grads
By Nona Sue Friedman
There is the usual path— graduate from high school, go to college, graduate from college, get a job or continue another leg of your formal education. But what about those college graduates who decide to do something else? Each of these recent grads chose the path less taken for their first year out of college.
While attending UC Berkeley, Zöe Gittelson, of Brookside, spent one semester of her junior year studying in Madrid, Spain. “I loved living abroad and wanted to do it again,” the recent graduate
exclaimed.
And Gittelson made it happen. She will be spending this October through the end of May in Madrid. This time she will be an English teacher’s assistant. She applied and was accepted to a Spanish government program called the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program. The program fosters collaborative educational programs between the U.S. and Spain, similar to a Fulbright scholarship.
As part of the program, she will receive a monthly stipend but has to find her
own housing. She’s not worried since she’s already lived there.
Through the program, she may be assigned to work with pre-school children up through college aged students, a huge range, she noted. “I just have to be ready for whatever comes,” Gittelson said. She wants to become fluent in Spanish and feels this is an excellent opportunity.
After her time abroad, she plans on moving to Washington, D.C., to use her political science degree and find a job dealing with government policy or working for a political campaign, since it will be an election year.
Like Gittelson, Teva Corwin, of Windsor Square (the two are best friends), also spent time abroad during her tenure at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She spent her junior year in Bogota, Colombia. “It was awesome; I loved it! It was the best thing ever,” she gushed.
“I didn’t want to enter the real world yet,” said the recent college graduate. She applied to different programs and received a Fulbright Foreign Scholarship, one of about 8,000 awarded worldwide. She is headed to Ciudad
Guzmán, a small, rural town, “with a Walmart,” Corwin noted, in Jalisco, Mexico. She is part of the English Teaching Assistant Program.
In Ciudad Guzmán, Corwin will work with undergraduates at a teachers’ training college. Additionally, she will teach at a pre-school, gaining experience with the oldest and youngest students.
Corwin didn’t find out she had been accepted to the Fulbright program until this summer. Normally recipients are told in April, but the Trump administration unlawfully canceled the
scholarships of close to 200 recipients. In June, the 12member bipartisan Fulbright board voted to resign, as their letter states, rather than endorse unprecedented conduct. “Actions that [the board] believe[s] are impermissible under law, compromise U.S. national interests and integrity, and undermine the mission and mandates Congress established for the Fulbright program nearly 80 years ago.” Additionally, the administration has cut hundreds of millions of dollars to the program. It’s uncertain
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MEETING UP IN Spain while studying in Spain are neighborhood pals Zöe Gittelson and Eli Weiss.
EXPLORING COLOMBIA during her year abroad is Teva Corwin.
Empty nesters take time to reconnect, travel and even read
By Helene Seifer
It’s back-to-school season, when many parents need to help their children transition from summer fun to the rigors of education. But for those whose children are heading to college, it’s a time of trepidation and change. How are parents handling their empty nests?
Discovering new interests
“I was sad for maybe ten days,” remembered Kate Corsmeier, whose daughter Ondine is entering her junior year at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. “Then it began to sink in. My time is my own.”
The Ridgewood resident is refreshing her college French and took up gardening. “I
needed something to nurture!” Corsmeier admitted. “I joined two book clubs. I don’t think I had read a book in 18 years!”
At first Ondine Corsmeier worried about her parents being alone and sent them to pottery classes and rooftop movie screenings. She needn’t have worried. The Corsmeiers have discovered pickle ball, playing every Friday with new friends who are also empty nesters. Kate Corsmeier noted their new spontaneity. “We went away for a weekend to Los Alamos on a whim.”
Husband Chris Corsmeier is more nostalgic. He wants to leave their daughter’s bedroom the way it was, whereas Kate stashes things in her daughter’s closet and uses her desk.
“There’s this part of your
life that’s suddenly gone,” Chris Corsmeier explains. “Driving them somewhere, helping with school projects. I have to get used to the dynamic that Ondine is an adult, not a child. She’s going to make her own decisions.”
Excited to reconnect Windsor Square residents Olivia and Steve Kazanjian have two daughters. Stella, a junior at nearby Scripps College in Claremont, California, can come home during weekends but will soon spend a semester in Copenhagen, Denmark. Grace (who goes by Gigi) is starting New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, so the Kazanjians will have a completely emp-
ty nest. They are embracing the change. In fact, Olivia engaged her older daughter in converting her bedroom into a guest and exercise room before leaving for college so she wouldn’t be shocked by the transformation. “Tears were shed while going through her stuff from the Plymouth School and St. James,” Olivia Kazanjian admitted. “Those were the best times of our lives.”
“When you’re a parent you have a responsibility to the kids to create an environment for them to be successful people, with kind characters,” said Steve Kazanjian. “We had dinner together nearly (Please turn to Page 20)
ENJOYING TIME TOGETHER, Chris and Kate Corsmeier bookend daughter Ondine.
THE KAZANJIANS: (from left) daughter Grace, Steve, Olivia and daughter Stella.
SARAH SHUN-LIEN BYNUM and Leigh Dana Jackson with daughter Willa Jackson.
Jaws returns for its 50th in new exhibit
By Julia Guillen
“Jaws: The Exhibition” will open Wed., Sept. 14, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. “Jaws” was originally released in 1975, making this display a celebration of its 50th anniversary.
The exhibit will revisit Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster scene by scene, displaying original props, revealing glimpses behind the scenes of the film’s production and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of “Jaws.”
With access to the director’s archives, the exhibition will explore the film’s production history. “Jaws” was based on the novel of the same name by writer Peter Bencheley.
The film was shot in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw.
The movie “Jaws in 4K,” will be screened in the David Geffen Theater on Sun., Sept. 14, at 6:30 pm. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/4m7mnwsb
For more information visit tinyurl.com/4u8wabbs.
(1975). Courtesy of Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Safety in L.A. is being taken seriously in this school year
By Julia Guillen
With school starting up again, many families fear for the safety of their children in the face of recent school shootings, traffic and immigration raids. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky of Los Angeles Council District 5 reassured her constituents that protective measures are in place.
School Slow Zones
Since taking office, her district has helped establish hundreds of School Slow Zones citywide, introduced “No Right Turn on Red” restrictions and deployed close to 500 crossing guards.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Unified School
District (LAUSD) has expanded transportation for families who request it and trained principals and staff on what to do should immigration agents arrive near a school campus.
Red Cards Yaroslavsky’s office has also begun printing and distributing Red Cards free of charge. These cards illustrate what rights all people, regardless of immigration status, have under the U.S. Constitution.
LAUSD has also implemented a 24/7 Family Hotline for questions about school safety programs, which can be reached at 213-443-1300.
New Covenant Charity Golf Tournament set for Sept. 27
For a day of friendly competition and philanthropy, join in New Covenant Academy’s (NCA) annual Charity Golf Tournament.
The event, which takes place at noon on Sat., Sept. 27, at 27734 Sand Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita, supports New Covenant Academy’s stu-
dent-athletes and athletics programs.
Volunteers are encouraged to play in the golf tournament and invite others to join them, sponsor a golf hole and donate prize items. New Covenant Academy is at 3119 W. 6th St. Visit ncahuskies.org/ golf-tournament.
DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG, kneeling with camera, during production of “Jaws”
CAST AND CREW at production of the summer blockbuster. Courtesy of Universal Studios Licensing LLC.
Camp for underserved youth flourishes despite ICE fears
By Nona Sue Friedman
Four hundred and sixty seven underserved and unhoused kids from Los Angeles came to Camp Harmony, a free, four-night camp in Ojai, California in the middle of August. This was the biggest session in the camp’s more than 30-year existence. Before camp started, members of the board thought attendance might be an issue because of the fear that ICE raids have caused throughout the city.
“Many of these families are in a state of terror and uncertainty with regards to what is happening with ICE. The country isn’t the same,” said Drew Furedi, CEO of Para Los Niños (PLN) and a board member at United in Harmony, Camp Harmony’s parent organization. PLN is one of many institutions that Camp Harmony acquires campers from. It operates two charter schools and seven early education centers, where all of the student families fall below the federal poverty level, according to Furedi. “Camp Harmony gives the kids a few days of not having to worry,” he said.
Both Furedi and Camp Harmony executive director Lindsay Schwartz said they
received many more calls than previous years regarding the camp’s protocols for transporting and housing kids. “Parents were nervous and scared,” said Schwartz. This year camp buses weren’t allowed to make any stops once they picked up the campers.
Ten years ago, when Furedi took the job as CEO, one of the first things his staff talked to him about was the importance of Camp Harmony. Being a camper himself and knowing the positive impact it has on kids, he was all for continuing participation in the program. “Camp Harmony provides an experience for
these kids they would otherwise never have,” said Furedi. His son, who is a high school senior, was a counselor for his third and final year this summer.
The Chronicle caught up with Nick Melvoin at Camp Harmony’s carnival, the evening activity that serves as the finale for days spent at camp. The athletic field was transformed into a lively carnival buzzing with excitement, with games, giant slides, dunk tanks, prizes, soft serve and most importantly happy faces. Melvoin, a Larchmont Village resident, Los Angeles Unified School District board (Please turn to Page 13)
HANGING OUT WITH campers during the carnival is LAUSD board member and Camp Harmony Director Nick Melvoin.
FERRIS WHEEL attracted the biggest crowd at the carnival.
HELPING WITH THE GOLF booth at the carnival is volunteer and Hancock Park resident Robin Rosen.
WITH MOUNTAINS IN the background, the athletic field is magically transformed into a carnival.
A mindful approach to parenting and reducing stress for the whole family
By Nancy Redford
It’s the start of a new school year and your family will be wrestling with a new set of academic expectations, extracurricular demands, unspoken social rules and conflicting needs. Inevitably there will be times when stress will ratchet up and emotions will flare.
There are scientifically proven mindfulness techniques that can help reduce this stress and cultivate resilience. At the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, studies on the psychological and physical health benefits of mindfulness have shown that it decreases anxiety, depression and stress and improves concentration and focus.
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally,” said Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Clinic.
The essence of mindful parenting is managing conflicts with curiosity, compassion and a calm center. For instance:
When things get tense, take a few deep breaths, focusing only on the present moment.
Without self judgment, acknowledge that you feel upset, angry or fearful; mentally note what factors led up to this moment; tune into your child and their behavior with as little judgment as possible; and problem solve from a calmer, clearer mental state, keeping in mind short- and long-term parenting goals. Sounds easy? Hardly! But we can train our mind to be less reactive and present-moment aware and bring that into our parenting. Consistency is the goal, so committing to a daily routine is important. Start small and
be patient with yourself.
Some useful meditative practices:
Breathing exercises
Find a comfortable posture and focus solely on full breaths through your nose, observing the flow of air in and out, feeling your belly rise and fall. Release any thoughts that arise, and return to your breath.
Body scan mediation
Either seated or lying down, starting from your toes and then up your body to your head, bring awareness to the sensations in your body and relax places where there is
physical tension. Guided meditations
An array of quality mediation apps can be downloaded and accessed, such as UCLA Mindful, Insight Timer, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Meditation, Calm and Headspace.
A growing number of local schools offer parent mindfulness classes. Resources include Campbell Hall’s Parent Meditation Group, Harvard-Westlake’s Parent Mindfulness Club and LAUSD’s Inner Explorer program.
You can explore the topic of mindfulness and hear world-class teachers on the following podcast-series:
“Ten Percent Happier” calls itself “self-help for smart people” and is hosted by veteran journalist and best-selling author Dan Harris.
“Tara Brach,” hosted by Tara Brach, Ph.D., an internationally respected mediation teacher and author of “Radical Acceptance,” “True Refuge” and “Radical Compassion.”
You can also read about this topic in depth in publicaions:
“Parenting From the Inside Out” by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell and “Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting” by Jon
Kabat-Zinn and Myla Kabat-Zinn.
The effort you put into cultivating a mindful parenting practice is a significant investment toward creating family harmony and raising resilient and confident children.
Family-friendly
‘Hallowe’en’ marionette revue tickets on sale
Halloween entertainment is beginning early this year at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Tickets are on sale for the all-ages, hour-long “Hallowe’en Spooktacular,” which boasts over 100 puppets. Showtimes begin Sat., Sept. 6, at 10:30 a.m. and run through Sun., Nov. 9.
Costumes are encouraged, and costume parades will be held at every Spooktacular show starting in October. This year’s Spooktacular includes a Día de los Muertos tribute.
A sensory-friendly version of the show with reduced lighting and volume takes place Sat., Oct. 11.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bobbakermarionettetheater.com.
MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES cultivate resilience in relationships between parents and children. Photo Luke Porter
Lunch Bunch creates clean cafeteria food and culinary classes
By Nona Sue Friedman
Natasha Case wanted to “make kids curious about food and more adventurous eaters.” She started the company Lunch Bunch after seeing how poorly kids eat at schools, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
Lunch Bunch is a multipronged company started in 2022. One part of their business creates school cafeteria meals for kids attending public school in grades K through 12. The prepackaged
meals are tasty, exclude artificial ingredients and are good for you. Case’s wife, Freya Estreller, and their two kids, who reside together in the Wilshire Park neighborhood, were some of the first tasters, most recently critiquing a
hand pie conceived as a twist on a Greek gyro.
Lunch Bunch has also morphed into a culinary after school program. Through research and conversations with school leaders, Case found that “After-school programs are the best funded part of the school day. Schools can’t spend it [state funds allocated for after-school programs] fast enough. Either use it or lose it.” Case also mentioned that Gov. Gavin Newsom has guaranteed the same funding for the next three years. For an entrepreneur like Case, who co-founded and then sold the wildly popular Coolhaus ice cream store, trucks and sandwiches with Estreller, this set the wheels in motion.
Case, along with a certified teacher and a fine dining chef, created an after-school program where kids create one themed culinary delight per week. Think kimchi quesadillas, mango lassi, Welsh tea cakes, crepes and sushi. She launched the test pilot program through a friend at Bright Star Los Angeles Charter Schools. It was a success! The kids were engaged in the programming. The administration liked how Lunch Bunch took care of all the details—all they needed was a table and an electrical outlet.
In addition to making a meal, kids learn fractions from the recipes, knife skills and about other countries and cultures.
Just a year and a half later,
Camp
(Continued from Page 11)
member, new dad and former counselor at Camp Harmony, is also the camp’s volunteer director.
“I pushed for the Ferris wheel,” he said with pride. The attraction had the longest line all of the night.
“Some of these kids haven’t left their home or shelter in months because of the ICE raids. Here, they don’t have to think about that,” said Melvoin. He works with a volunteer team to create an unforgettable experience filled with typical camp activities such as arts and crafts, a ropes course, soccer, swimming, cake decorating—the list goes on. The camp operates with a volunteer staff, and high school counselors
Lunch Bunch is in 20 Southern California school districts. Larchmont Charter, where Case’s kids go to school, is one of the local institutions where the after-school program takes place. At most public schools, the culinary class is paid for by the school, so the student attends for free. In January, the company is expanding to the Sacramento area. After that, there’s talk of adding other states as well.
Case says the students get such joy from the program that they’re more motivated to go to school. Recently, one mom contacted Case and told her that her child just made her an omelet for breakfast. Case is still waiting for her kids to do that!
To find out more, visit lunchbunch.com.
pay to help sponsor a child at camp.
Robin Rosen, of Hancock Park, started volunteering at Camp Harmony when she was a junior in high school.
Now she is an adult volunteer who brings her elementary school-aged kids with her to help out at the annual carnival.
Rosen continues to come because “seeing the joy on the kids’ faces and giving them the camp experience I was fortunate enough to have is just incredible.”
She’s encouraging her kids to be counselors one day. Rosen is typical of a lot of adult volunteers who keep coming back year after year and then bring their kids too.
For more information about Camp Harmony, visit unitedinharmony.org.
LUNCH BUNCH CEO Natasha Case enjoys some of her company’s product. Photo from CanvasRebel Magazine
UNIQUE HAND PIE flavors created by Lunch Bunch for schools.
AFTER SCHOOL, KIDS are excited to make guacamole.
Directory of private and public schools
Following is a list of private and public schools both in and outside the Larchmont Chronicle’s delivery area. The information was attained by phone, email and the school websites. For cost of tuition at private schools and more information, contact the schools or visit their webistes. If we have missed a school you think should be included, please reach out to circulation@larchmontchronicle.com.
Kindergarten key:
K = kindergarten
TK = transitional K
PK = pre-K
DK = developmental K Nursery Schools
SPARK PRESCHOOL
4679 La Mirada Ave.
323-422-9690 ourccp.com
For children ages 2 to 6. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., with half and full day options and aftercare until 5 p.m.
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN PRESCHOOL
815 N. Alta Vista Blvd. 323-934-6512
christopherrobinpreschool. com
Susan Huber and Elizabeth de Roo, co-directors. For children ages 1 to 5 years, including parent and toddler and TK programs. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
HAPPY BIRCH PRESCHOOL
1423 & 1429 Tamarind Ave. 323-380-7311
happybirchpreschool.com
Dr. George and Mali Rand, co-founders. For children ages 1 to 5 years, including parent and toddler and TK programs. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., with aftercare until 5 p.m.
IKAR EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
910 S. Fairfax Ave. 323-634-1870
ikar.org/learn/ecc
Dr. Jane Rosen, director of education. Children ages 18 months to 5 years.
NEW HORIZON SCHOOL
434 S. Vermont Ave. 213-480-3145
newhorizonla.org
Jolanda Hendricks, principal. Islamic education for preschool and kindergarten.
PLYMOUTH SCHOOL
315 S. Oxford Ave.
213-387-7381 theplymouthschool.com
Diana Conforti, director. Ages 2 to 5. Full days are 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half days are 8:45 to 11:45 a.m.
ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL PRESCHOOL
625 S. Gramercy Pl. 213-382-2315
sjsla.org
Rochelle Rosel, director. Ages 2 to 5. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with before and after school care at 8 a.m. and until 5 p.m.
SHIR-HASHIRIM
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
6047 Carlton Way 323-465-1638
montessorihollywood.org
Elene Cielak, director. Ages 2 to 5. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with before and after school care at 8 a.m. and until 5 p.m
SUNSET MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
1432 N. Sycamore Ave. 323-465-8133
sunsetmontessori.com
Liliya Kordon, head of school. Serves ages 2 to 5 and offers parent and me classes for kids 18 months and up.
WAGON WHEEL SCHOOL
653 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 323-469-8994 wagonwheelschool.org
Ruth Segal, director. Ages 2 to 5, 110 students. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with optional after school care until 4:30 p.m.
JLA EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
5870 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-2531 thejla.org/ecc
Lauren Friedman, director. Ages 6 weeks to 5 years; infant care, preschool and TK. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WALTHER SCHOOL
1246 N. Gardner St. 323-378-5732 waltherschool.org
Gloria Walther, head of school. For children ages 2 1/2 years to PK. Hours are either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Mon., Tue., Thur. and Fri. For PK only, hours are Wed. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WILSHIRE BLVD. TEMPLE
ERIKA J. GLAZER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
3663 Wilshire Blvd. 213-835-2125 wbtecc.org
Floryn Rosendberg, site director. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Offers baby and me classes from birth to 2 1/2 years.
Parochial and Private Schools
ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 11725 Sunset Blvd. 310-873-7000 archer.org
Elizabeth English, head of school. Grades six to 12; 500 students.
BAIS YAAKOV
SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
7353 Beverly Blvd. 323-938-3231
Joel Bursztyn, director. Ninth to 12th grade.
BRAWERMAN
ELEMENTARY WEST
11661 W. Olympic Blvd. 424-208-8934
BRAWERMAN
ELEMENTARY EAST 3663 Wilshire Blvd. 213-835-2170 brawerman.org
Gillian Feldman, head of school at East; Brandon Cohen, head of school at West. K to sixth grade, coed.
BRISKIN ELEMENTARY
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD
7300 Hollywood Blvd. 323-876-8330, ext. 4000 briskinelementary.org
Hannah Bennett, head of school. K to sixth grade. After-school enrichment and supervision, Mon. - Thur. until 4:15 p.m.
THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL 3900 Stansbury Ave. 818-783-1610 buckley.org
Alona Scott, head of school. K to 12th grade. 830 students.
CAMPBELL HALL
4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd. 818-980-7280 campbellhall.org
Rev. Julian Bull, head of school.
K through 12th grade.
CATHEDRAL CHAPEL SCHOOL
755 S. Cochran Ave. 213-883-4399 cathedralchapelschool.org
Donielle Mitchell, principal. Founded in 1930. K to eighth grade.
CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION
563 N. Alfred St. 323-651-0707 centerforearlyeducation.org
Damian Jones, head of school. Founded in 1939; 540 students. Ages 2 to sixth grade.
CHRIST THE KING
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
617 N. Arden Blvd. 323-462-4753 cksla.org
Ruth Anderson, principal. Catholic school that serves TK to eighth grade.
CURTIS SCHOOL 15871 Mulholland Dr. 310-476-1251 curtisschool.org
Meera Ratnesar, head of school. Founded in 1925. DK to sixth grade.
ECHO HORIZON
3430 McManus Ave. 310-838-2442 echohorizon.org
Peggy Procter, head of school. PK to sixth grade; 180 students.
FLINTRIDGE PREP 4543 Crown Ave., La Cañada Flintridge 818-790-1178 flintridgeprep.org
Vanessa Walker-Oakes, head of school. Seventh to 12th grade. FUSION ACADEMY 5757 Wilshire Blvd. 323-692-0603 fusionacademy.com
Jason Lions, area head of school. Rolling admission for grades six through 12. In-person and online customized one-to-one education with fulland part-time options.
HARVARD-WESTLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
700 N. Faring Rd. 310-274-7281
UPPER SCHOOL
3700 Coldwater Canyon Ave. 818-980-6692 hw.com
Richard Commons, president; Laura Ross, head of school. Serves grades seventh to 12th grade.
HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
1233 N. McCadden Pl. 323-465-1320 hshla.org
Ilise Faye, head of school. Preschool to sixth grade.
IMMACULATE HEART HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL 5515 Franklin Ave. 323-461-3651 immaculateheart.org
Maureen S. Diekmann, president; Naemah Z. Morris, high school principal; Gina B. Finer, middle school principal. Girls-only Catholic school for sixth through 12th grades; 700 students.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES, LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL 13639 Victory Blvd. 818-782-4001 internationalschoolla.com
Anneli Harvey, head of school. Four campuses throughout Los Angeles serving pre-school (Los Feliz) through 12th grade.
LAURENCE SCHOOL 13639 Victory Blvd. 818-782-4001 laurenceschool.com
Laurie Wolke, head of school. K to sixth grade.
LE LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE LOS ANGELES 3261 Overland Ave. 310-836-3464 lyceela.org
Clara-Lisa Kabbaz, president. French and English curriculums available. Preschool to 12th grade; coed. Six campuses throughout Los Angeles.
LOYOLA 1901 Venice Blvd. 213-381-5121 loyolahs.edu
Fr. Gregory M. Goethals, president; Jamal Adams, principal. Boys only, ninth to 12th grade; Jesuit; 1,270 students.
MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL 250 S. Rossmore Ave.
323-935-1147
marlborough.org
Jennifer Ciccarelli, head of school. Girls only; seventh to 12th grade; 530 students.
MARYMOUNT HIGH
10643 Sunset Blvd. 310-472-1205 mhs-la.org
Dawn Reagan, interim head of school. Girls only; ninth to 12th grades; Catholic.
MAYFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL
405 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena 626-796-2774 mayfieldjs.org
Joe Sciuto, head of school. Founded in 1931, independent, Catholic (Holy Child community) and coed. K to eighth grade; 515 students.
MAYFIELD
SENIOR SCHOOL
500 Bellefontaine St., Pasadena 626-799-9121 mayfieldsenior.org
Laura Farrell, head of school. Girls only; ninth to 12th grade. 330 students.
MILKEN COMMUNITY
MIDDLE SCHOOL
15900 Mulholland Dr. 310-903-4800
UPPPER SCHOOL
15800 Zeldins Way 310-440-3500 milkenschool.org
Dr. Sarah Shulkind, head of school. Serves grades six through 12; incorporates Jewish values and college preparatory.
NEW COVENANT ACADEMY
3119 W. Sixth St. 213-487-5437 ncahuskies.org
Jason Song, principal. K to 12th grade, Christian and coed. NEW ROADS SCHOOL 3131 Olympic Blvd. 310-828-5582 newroads.org
Dan Vorenberg, interim head
of school. K to 12th grade; coed; 520 students.
NOTRE DAME
ACADEMY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2911 Overland Ave. 310-287-3895
HIGH SCHOOL
2851 Overland Ave. 310-839-5289 ndasla.org
Lilliam Paetzold, president. Elementary school is TK to eighth grade; coed. The high school is girls only; ninth to 12th grade.
THE OAKS
6817 Franklin Ave. 323-850-3755 oaksschool.org
Kathryn Kaiser, head of school. K to sixth grade; 150 students.
OAKWOOD SCHOOL
Elementary Campus 11230 Moorpark St. 818-732-3500
Secondary Campus 11600 Magnolia Blvd. 818-732-3000 oakwoodschool.org
Jaime Dominguez, head of school. K to 12th grade.
PAGE ACADEMY
OF HANCOCK PARK
565 N. Larchmont Blvd. 323-463-5118
pageacademyca.com
Kristin Dickson, head of school. Ages 2 to eighth grade.
PARK CENTURY
3939 Landmark St. 310-979-2184
parkcenturyschool.org
Dr. Julie Porter, head of school. Serves kindergarten to eighth grade with language-based learning differences.
PILGRIM
540 S. Commonwealth Ave. 213-385-7351 pilgrim-school.org
Patricia Kong, head of school. Parent and me and preschool through 12th grade.
ST. BRENDAN
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
238 S. Manhattan Pl. 213-382-7401
stbrendanschoolla.org
Collette Young, principal. K to eighth grade.
ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL
625 S. St. Andrews Pl. 213-382-2315 sjsla.org
Diane Rich, head of school. PK to sixth grade.
THE SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES 6325 Santa Monica Blvd. 323-462-3752 school.la
Dr. Kenneth Rodgers, Jr., head of school. Grades six through 12; 211 students.
SHALHEVET HIGH
910 S. Fairfax Ave. 323-930-9333 shalhevet.org
Rabbi David Block, head of school; Daniel Weslow, principal. Jewish; grades nine to 12.
STEM3 ACADEMY 6455 Coldwater Canyon Ave. 877-943-5747 stem3academy.org
Megan Davis and Zaldy Ramirez are co-heads of the school. Specializes in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects for students with high-functioning autism, ADHD or other social or learning challenges.
TREE ACADEMY
8628 Holloway Dr. 424-204-5165 treeacademy.org
Phú Tranchí, head of school. Sixth to 12th grades. Provides accredited small classes with individualized instruction.
TURNING POINT
8780 National Blvd. 310-841-2505 turningpointschool.org
Dr. Laura Konigsberg, head of school. Pre-school to eighth grade.
VISTAMAR SCHOOL
737 Hawaii St., El Segundo 310-643-7377 vistamarschool.org
Erik Carlson, interim head of school. Ninth to 12th grade.
WESLEY SCHOOL
4832 Tujunga Ave. 818-508-4542 wesleyschool.org
Greg Armbister, head of school. K to eighth grade.
WESTMARK SCHOOL 5461 Louise Ave. 818-986-5045 westmarkschool.org
Claudia Koochek, head of school. For children in grades two through 12 with language-based learning differences.
WESTRIDGE SCHOOL
324 Madeline Dr. 626-799-1153 westridge.org
Andrea Kassar, head of school. Girls only; fourth to 12th grades.
WILLOWS COMMUNITY 8509 Higuera St. 310-815-0411 thewillows.org
Lisa Rosenstein, head of school. DK to eighth grade.
YAVNEH HEBREW ACADEMY 5353 W. Third St. 323-931-5808 yha.org
Rabbi Dr. Eitan Lipstein, head of school. Established in 1958. From age 2 to eighth grade.
Public Elementary Schools
CHARLES H. KIM
225 S Oxford Ave. 213-368-5600
charleshkimes.lausd.org
Jonathan Paek, principal. K to fifth grade. Special education, gifted and talented, Spanish immersion, maintenance bilingual Korean program and structured English immersion programs.
CITIZENS OF THE WORLD HOLLYWOOD 1316 N. Bronson Ave. 323-464-4292
(Continued on Page 16)
cwchollywood.org
Kim Clerx, principal. TK to fifth grade. Charter school.
CITIZENS OF THE WORLD
SILVER LAKE
110 N. Coronado St. 323-705-9882
cwcsilverlake.org
Dr. Maureen Lamorena-Tatsui, principal. Charter school. TK to fifth grade.
LARCHMONT CHARTER
FAIRFAX
1265 N. Fairfax Ave. 323-656-6418
larchmontcharter.org
Mersedeh Emrani, principal; Jennifer Santangelo, assistant principal. TK to fourth grade.
LARCHMONT CHARTER
WILSHIRE
Grades TK - 3
4900 Wilshire Blvd. 323-836-0860
Grade 4 6611 Selma Ave. 323-836-0860
larchmontcharter.org
Eva Orozco, principal; Domi Miyamoto, assistant principal. TK to fourth grade.
MELROSE MATHEMATICS/ SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY MAGNET
731 N. Detroit St. 323-938-6275
melroseave.lausd.org
Mathew Needleman, principal. K to fifth grade. Gifted and talented program.
NEW LOS ANGELES
5753 Obama Blvd. 323-556-9500
newlaelementary.org
Jenna Rosenberg, principal. K to fifth grade. Charter school.
THIRD STREET
201 S. June St. 323-939-8337
thirdstreetschool.com
Hae Lee, principal. TK to fifth grade. Gifted magnet and Korean dual language programs.
VAN NESS AVENUE
501 N. Van Ness Ave. 323-469-0992
vannessavees.lausd.org
Regina Ramos, principal. TK to fifth grade for general education; PK to fifth grade for visual impairment special education. Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) program, Mandarin language program.
WILSHIRE CREST
5241 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-5291 wilshirecrestes.lausd.org
Gayle Robinson, principal. TK to fifth grade; PALs (preschool special education); Spanish immersion program.
WILSHIRE PARK
4063 Ingraham St. 213-739-4760 wilshireparkes.lausd.org
LeighAnne Creary, principal. TK to fifth grade. Korean immersion program, K to first grade.
WILTON PLACE
745 S. Wilton Pl. 213-389-1181
wiltones.lausd.org
Marie-France Rallion, principal. TK to fifth grade. Dual-language programs for Spanish / English and Korean / English. School for advanced studies in grades third to fifth. Public Middle Schools
CITIZENS OF THE WORLD SILVER LAKE
152 N. Vermont Ave. 323-705-9882 cwcsilverlake.org
James Boganey, co-principal. Sixth to eighth grade. Charter school.
JOHN BURROUGHS MIDDLE SCHOOL
600 McCadden Pl. 323-549-5000 burroughsms.lausd.org
Steve Martinez, principal; Samuel Corral, magnet coordinator. Sixth to eighth grade. National magnet school of excellence, school for advanced studies, Korean and Spanish dual language programs.
LARCHMONT CHARTER
SELMA 6611 Selma Ave. 323-871-4000 larchmontcharter.org
Yasmin Esmail, principal; Greg Colleton, assistant principal. Grades five to eight.
NEW LOS ANGELES MIDDLE SCHOOL
1919 S. Burnside Ave. 323-939-6400 newlamiddle.org Terrence Wright, principal.
Grades six to eight. Public High Schools
FAIRFAX HIGH
7850 Melrose Ave. 323-370-1200 fairfaxhs.org
Leonard Choi, principal. Ninth to 12th grade. Programs feature career technical education, visual arts and police academy magnets.
GIRLS ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
ACADEMY, DR. MICHELLE KING
SCHOOL FOR STEM 2328 St. James Pl. 323-900-4533 galacademy.org
Dr. Elizabeth Hicks, principal. Sixth to 12th grades. Girls only. Concentrates in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.
GRAND ARTS
450 N. Grand Ave. 213-217-8600 grandartshs.lausd.org
Jewel Brown, principal. Grades nine through 12. Focuses on the arts.
HAMILTON HIGH 2955 S. Robertson Blvd. 310-280-1400 hamiltonhs.org
Jennifer Baxter, president. Ninth to 12th grade. Includes business and interactive technology academy, communication arts academy and school for advanced stud-
ies. Magnet schools include music, performing arts and humanities.
HOLLYWOOD HIGH 1521 N. Highland Ave. 323-993-1700
hollywoodhighschool.net
Samuel Dovlatian, principal. Grades nine through 12. Teaching career academy, performing arts magnet, school for advanced studies and new media magnet.
LARCHMONT CHARTER
LAFAYETTE PARK
2801 W. Sixth St. 213-867-6300
larchmontcharter.org
Mike Kang, principal; Robert Marquez and Haydee Garay, assistant principals. Grades nine to 12.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS
5151 State University Dr., Bldg. 20 323-343-2550 lachsa.net
Tina Vartanian, principal. Ninth to 12th grade. Specializing in college preparatory for visual and performing arts.
LOS ANGELES HIGH 4650 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-900-2700 lahigh.org
Marguerette Gladden, principal. Ninth to 12th grade. Includes science, technology, engineering, arts and math magnet, career and technical education and gifted and talented program.
Soccer
season
The fall soccer season for AYSO Region 78 Hollywood-Wilshire is readying to start on Sat., Sept. 6.
readies to kick off Sept. 6, volunteers needed
The younger divisions, 5 and 6 and under, kick off the following week, on Sat., Sept. 13
Sports and Teen Club offered at Seoul International
By Julia Guillen
This fall, basketball, soccer, flag football and volleyball will be offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks at Seoul International Park for ages 3 to 17. Tryouts are hosted throughout September, and teams begin practicing on Mon., Oct. 20.
A Teen Club is also being offered for kids ages 11 to 17 looking to participate in sports, games and field trips.
Park
There is also resources for homework help, internship opportunities and more on Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
While the Teen Club is free, the sports have a $10 fee per sport. The Seoul International Park is located at 3250 San Marino St. For more infor, call 213-383-7549 or email admore.recreationcenter@ lacity.org.
1948
“While regular registration closed July 31, there are still a few openings in different divisions. Registration for our 5U/6U division (birth years 2021/2022) will remain open as we will form as many teams as possible as long as we have enough volunteers,” Regional Commissioner Kurt Muller, of Larchmont Village, told us.
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization.
“AYSO has been the soccer league for Larchmont and the neighboring communities since 1976. We are already looking forward to the 50th anniversary next year,” Muller said.
Campus Tours: starting in September
Parent & Me: ages 14-24 months
Pre-school and TK: ages 2-5 years
Location: 653 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Web: www wagonwheelschool.org
Phone: 323-469-8994
“We always encourage everyone to register ASAP, since we start coordinating volunteer coach and referee training in mid-August,” Muller continues.
The home field for practices and games will be at Fairfax High School, with a few other additional fields for space as needed.
Sign-ups for girls’ basketball ends Sept. 10
Goldie’s Youth Sports girls’ basketball league sign-ups are open through Wed., Sept. 10, for girls ranging from first grader through 16 years old. The fall season is from Mon., Oct. 6, through Sun. Dec. 7, at St. Brendan School Gym, 238 S. Manhattan Pl. Practices are weekly and games take place on weekends beginning in October. For more information and fees contact goldie@goldiesyouthsports.com.
Wilshire Wildcats set to play softball with first game Sept. 13
While early registration has passed, regular registration is open until the Wilshire Wildcats girls’ softball team’s first game on Sat., Sept. 13. Practice games are already underway at Lemon Grove Recreation Center, Wilshire Board President Keith Perera told us.
“Our season ends in the
beginning of November. This fall we will have a 10-and-under, 12-and-under, and high school team,” he added. You can visit their instagram: @wilshirewildcatssoftball. To register, go to wilshiresoftball. com. For more information contact Keith at 323-383-5954, or president@wilshiresoftball.com.
Holocaust Museum LA offers programs at Skirball, The Grove
By Julia Guillen
Holocaust Museum LA is closed for construction until June 2026. However, it still offers many not-to-be-missed off-site programs.
“Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse” is a film that will be shown Sun., Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
The same day at 5 p.m. at
Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Dr., co-author Aron Hirt-Manheimer will discuss his book “Sons of Survivors: Making Peace with Inherited Trauma.” The memoir is about growing up in Los Angeles as the son of Holocaust survivors. “Where They Settled: Holocaust Suvivors in Mexico” is Mon., Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. online. Visit holocaustmuseumla.org.
COACH Nicole àBeckett and a team of girls ages 10 and under in the AYSO All-Stars Region 78 spring tournament.
For high school athletic trainers, it’s not all tape and ice
My son sprained his ankle skateboarding the last weekend of June. He was expected to play volleyball with his club team in Orlando, Florida, eight days later, and if there was any chance of that happening, he needed a hastened rehabilitation. I knew that icing the ankle immediately was crucial, but had no idea how to accelerate the healing process afterwards.
My good friend Jim Reilly was a student athletic trainer for Ohio State’s football team, then later became the head trainer at Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio. He received a master’s degree in athletic administration from the University of Toledo. Central Catholic has won three state titles in football the past five years, and an integral part of that program is Reilly. If there were any speedy methods for rehabilitating my son’s ankle, he would know them.
Tape Caden Chavez will be at-
Flag football, soccer at Pan Pacific Park
The Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center runs flag football and soccer programs for kids on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Sat., Sept. 27, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Dept. of Recreations and Parks. The cost is $145 for eight weeks and the center is at 7600 Beverly Blvd. Evaluations for each division begin in early September. For the youngest “Mighty Mites” division no evaluation is involved. Payments must be made no later than the first week of the month. Persons with disabilities are welcomed. Visit laparks.org/ reccenter/pan-pacific.
Youth
Sports
by Jim Kalin
tending Fordham University this fall, and plans on studying business. He graduated from Loyola High School last spring, where he played baseball and was a student athletic trainer for the football team.
“I was a member of Loyola’s Sports Medicine Club starting my freshman year,” said Chavez. “It was run by the athletic trainers.”
Chavez was interested in studying the body and how it performed and functioned during athletics. The club focused on injury prevention as well.
“I had a friend who was already in the club, so it seemed like it would be fun.”
Chavez’s favorite sport as a trainer was football. His duties included taping the players before practice and competition and helping on the sidelines during Friday night games.
“The players, trainers, and coaches were fun to be around. I just remember laughing all the time.”
Student athletic trainers aren’t permitted to address injuries, but Chavez did observe the adult trainers as they worked on injured players.
“The trainers would talk to me about it afterwards so I could learn what to do,” said Chavez. “I’ll miss the athletes, and especially the trainers We joked a lot with each other and shared a lot of camaraderie.”
One of those trainers was Tim Moscicki.
Ice
“I’ve been doing this for 36 years,” said Moscicki. “Sports go year-round, so there are no breaks. Athletic trainers can put in 60 to 70 hours of work in a week.”
Tim Moscicki attended Loyola rival St. Frances High School. Unlike Caden Chavez, he wasn’t involved in athletic training as a student.
Carnival to benefit Wilshire LAPD is weekend of Sept. 19-21
By Nona Sue Friedman
Wilshire Division Police Station will transform Venice Boulevard into a carnival starting Fri., Sept. 19 at 5
p.m. The street will be filled with rides, food and entertainment for all ages. The entire community is encouraged to come. Residents can meet their local officers.
Advance tickets to support Wilshire’s youth and Cadet programs, as well as their station fund can be purchased at the station’s front desk at 4861 Venice Blvd. through Thurs., Sept 18. The carnival is open until 11 p.m. on Friday, Sat. and
JOSH GALLAGHER (left), who graduates in 2026, with his friend and former Loyola student, athletic trainer Caden Chavez.
Instead he ran cross country and track and played soccer. It wasn’t until attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo that he became interested in athletic training.
“I took a college class, and the rest is history.”
Moscicki has been at Loyola for 28 years and is the head athletic trainer and director
Neighbors
Sun., Sept. 20 and 21 from 2 to 11 p.m.
Please note that Venice Blvd. will be closed in both directions from Rimpau Boulevard to La Brea Avenue starting Wed., Sept. 17 through the end of the festivities.
For questions, contact the station at 213-472-0200.
of student health for the entire student body. He’s the coordinator for the school’s Concussion Program and is responsible for coordinating and communicating with physicians, parents, administrators, teachers and coaches in matters that affect a student’s physical health.
“The list goes on,” he laughed.
Of course Moscicki is a Loyola sports fan, but he also follows NASCAR. He admires the late, great L.A. Dodger athletic trainer Bill Buehler, too.
“I always thought it was cool when Bill Buehler went out to take care of a Dodger,” he said. “Unfortunately, I never met him.”
My son was not healed enough to play in Orlando—his sprain was severe, a syndesmonic injury—but Reilly’s rehabilitation routine amazingly got him off crutches before he travelled to Florida. He was at least able to cheer his team on.
‘Walk with a Cop’
By Julia Guillen Larchmont residents
Marcelo Ziperovich and Clare Sebenius founded SideWalking to combat their loneliness, get outside and meet their neighbors. This month, there are two walks scheduled.
The first, “Walk with a Cop,” is on Mon., Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. Participants can meet with officers from LAPD
Olympic and Wilshire divisions and learn about what’s going on in the city.
The second event is the “Third Wednesday of the Month Walk” on Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. The walk starts and ends at Chevalier’s bookstore, 133 N. Larchmont Blvd.
All walks are free. Visit sidewalking.org for more information.
Van Ness teachers get together at Original Farmers Market
By Nona Sue Friedman
For the past six or seven years, current and former teachers from Van Ness Elementary, most of whom have retired, gather twice a year at the Original Farmers Market.
“It’s the perfect place,” said Bettijane Pike, a retired third-
grade teacher, “because you can grab a table and everyone can eat whatever they want.” She also likes it because it’s in the neighborhood.
The Hospitality Group, as they call themselves, organizes the gatherings every summer and Decem-
ber. Many are invited, and whoever can come joins the get-together. It’s a way to stay connected and a time for the group to catch up on everyone’s families, hear what’s happening at school and reminisce about their workdays together.
VAN NESS TEACHERS gather to celebrate their coworker’s retirement after 38 years. Seated (from left) are America Madrigal, Toiya Collins and Alejandra Mercado. Standing behind (from left) are Barbara Zielinski, Gail Holland, Sean Kearney and Malinda Troy. Standing at right, front row: Susan Levin, Julie Ramos; Back row: Bettijane Pike and Anne Bell.
At the most recent July gathering, they celebrated the retirement of Toiya Collins, who primarily taught fifth grade. She spent the last 28 years of her 38-year teaching career at Van Ness.
Barbara Zielinski, of Windsor Boulevard, started teaching kindergarten at the
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.; Tue. and Thu., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The library will be closed Mon., Sept. 1.
school in 1989 and retired in 2013. When she would arrive at school, she’d comment, “I live only four blocks away but have already driven 20 miles.” She chauffeured her three kids, who went to high school in Burbank.
Pike, who grew up at Fourth Street and Lorraine Boulevard and now lives in West L.A., spent 20 years as a teacher at Van Ness. She loves the smaller neighborhood school and that it’s integrated with the Frances Blend School, which serves students with physical learning differences, primarily sight.
Real-life Hogwarts celebrates 50 years at the Magic Castle
By Julia Guillen
The Magic Castle’s Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) doesn’t have flying broomsticks, potions or moving staircases (at least, not that
Music Center’s Spotlight program is free and open to high school students
By Nathan Rifkin
The Music Center’s free Spotlight program offers Southern Californian high school students a chance to compete for scholarships and hone their artistry. Entrants of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. Students can apply online and submit video auditions in acting, ballet, dance, instrumental and voice categories. Semifinal-
Empty Nesters
(Continued from Page 9)
every night. Now Olivia and I can say, ‘What do you want to do tonight?’”
Olivia Kazanjian stated, “I’m looking forward to just being together [with Steve] for the first time in 18 years.”
Steve Kazanjian concurs.
“She and I love each other more now than we ever have before. I’m so excited to reconnect with each other as people who are not 25 anymore.”
Embracing spontaneity
Sarah Shun-lien Bynum and husband Leigh Dana Jackson have been empty nesters for two years. Their daughter Willa Jackson is a junior at Yale University. They have adjusted to their new status after a rocky start. “We were in denial,” explains Bynum. Jackson agrees, “For the first year we walked around shell-shocked. By her sophomore year, we started to get in the groove.”
Before their daughter moved out, the Windsor Square family habitually had dinners together. “That immediately evaporated,” admits Jackson. “We text, ‘Want to just do sushi tonight?’ When Willa came home, she looked in the empty refrigerator and asked, ‘Do you guys eat anymore?’”
“We’re more spontaneous,” says Jackson. “I said, ‘Hey do you want to go to Japan in a couple of weeks?’ It was our first solo trip since before we were parents!”
The couple enjoy their time together, but in one aspect they haven’t moved on: Their daughter’s room has not been touched. Jackson laughs, “Her room is preserved in amber, like a mosquito in ‘Jurassic Park’.”
Jackson notes one unanticipated effect of their daughter starting college. “For 18 years I walked through Larchmont and knew every kid. Now when I go to the Sunday farmers’ market, I see families with strollers and bikes. They know all the kids, not us.”
ists may participate in mastery classes, where professional artists will give them feedback. For each category The Music Center will announce two grand prize finalists and honorable mentions. Finalists will perform at the Ahmanson Theatre in May 2026.
This year marks the 38th year of the program, which annually awards more than $100,000 in scholarships. Each contestant can win up to $5,000.
Video tutorials, tips from experts and more resources for applicants are accessible on The Music Center’s Spotlight Academy website.
The deadline to apply is Mon., Oct. 13. Visit musiccenter.org/spotlight.
Grads
(Continued from Page 8)
whether it will be able to continue. Corwin could be one of the last students to receive this prestigious grant.
“I love school. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to ask questions and think about ideas and [school] is a space for that,” commented Eli Weiss of Windsor Square. He recently graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in government.
Weiss is the recipient of a public service fellowship that focuses on leadership in Los Angeles. Starting this month and continuing for the next nine, he will be one of a dozen recent graduates participating in this program.
Weiss will be placed at different organizations throughout his time in the program— government, private sector, nonprofit—to learn about and see leadership in action. “I want to learn what it takes to be a good leader,” said Weiss. “It gives me a chance to talk with and learn from leaders.”
After this program, he’s thinking of going to graduate school and then applying to law school. He truly does love school!
we know of), but it still offers its own kind of magic school through its Junior Society, which just turned 50. Typically, AMA’s clubhouse, the Magic Castle, is not available to anyone under the age of 21. However, the an-
nual Future Stars of Magic Week, which took place last month, invites skilled junior magicians to perform at the invitation-only Magic Castle, located at 7001 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles.
The AMA Junior Society was founded in 1975 for youths between 13 and 20 to learn magic. Today, 81 students are enrolled, hailing from 18 U.S. states and seven countries across the globe.
For more information on the Academy of Magical Arts Junior Society, visit magiccastle.com.
College besties start the morning a new way—with chickpeas
By Julia Guillen
Chickpeas are one of the world’s oldest legumes. But in nearly 10,000 years of cultivation, there has never been a chickpea-based hot cereal until ChiChi.
When Los Angeles native and Marlborough School alumna Chiara Munzi was in college at Washington University in St. Louis, she became frustrated with the lack of simple, healthy breakfast options. She had quickly found that eating oatmeal every morning made her tired later in the
day, which she discovered was because the oats spiked her blood sugar, resulting in sugar crashes.
“I was eating a lot of regular oatmeal, but I would end up just getting hungry an hour after eating it,” Munzi said.
She began experimenting with garbanzo beans in her dorm kitchen, developing what she dubbed “chickpea oatmeal.” She then introduced it to her friend and classmate, Iowa native Izzy Gorton, who was smitten.
“[I] knew we needed to share [chickpea oatmeal] with the world,” Gorton said in their website video.
The two became business partners while still at college. After extensive recipe testing, they perfected the chickpea-based hot cereal. ChiChi is high in protein and fiber and cooks in three minutes.
Munzi and Gorton began selling ChiChi at farmers’ markets and got overwhelmingly positive responses from early customers, including six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
Two years later, ChiChi is now reaching mass retail in Target stores across Southern California. ChiChi can also be bought online in four flavors: Original, Maple Brown Sugar, Apple Cinnamon and Dark Chocolate.
“Our mission is to disrupt the whole breakfast industry with chickpeas,” Munzi said.
For more information on this breakfast alternative, visit chichifoods.com.
Teens to make tortillas and salsa at La Cocina de Gloria Molina
By Julia Guillen
A cooking class on corn tortillas and salsa will be offered Sat., Sept. 20, for teens ages 13 to 18.
La Cocina de Gloria Molina is a cultural center in downtown L.A. that provides culinary programs for all ages. The teen class runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It teaches teens basic food prep skills and best practices for kitchen
safety.
The class is hosted by guest chef Glenda Galvan Garcia, who has worked in the culinary industry for over 25 years and recently published a cookbook titled “The Whole Enchilada: Mexican Recipes Full of History and Fun.” To sign up, visit tinyurl. com/2weywvn3.
La Cocina de Gloria Molina is at 555 Spring St.
International school celebrates 60 years
By Julia Guillen
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles is a French college preparatory school that offers a bilingual immersion curriculum from preschool through 12th grade. The school was founded in 1964 by Raymond and Esther Kabbaz, but it was not officially opened until the following year. At the time, schools in California were prohibited from teaching in any language other than English. The couple petitioned to change the code of education, and in August 1965 Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles could finally admit students. The school is still run by the Kabbaz family, with the current principal being Esther and Raymond Kabbaz’s daughter, Clara-Lisa Kabbaz.
educational environment.
While attending Le Lycée, students are immersed in French language and culture and have the opportunity to take courses in Latin, Greek, Mandarin, Spanish and German. The school also offers 27 advanced placement classes, extensive libraries for research and studying, labs for science and technology and areas for physical education. Graduating students earn both a U.S. high school diploma and a French baccalaureate.
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles has five campuses across West Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades. The main campus is located at 3261 Overland Ave.
This year marks the school’s 60th anniversary. Since the school’s founding, it has expanded to encompass students of over 50 nationalities, fostering a multicultural
“We are blessed watching our students grow from preschoolers into knowledgeable, talented and dedicated high school graduates who are motivated…to go out into the world and achieve greatness,” said Principal Clara-Lisa Kabbaz.
CHICHI FOUNDERS Chiara Munzi (left) and Izzy Gorton.
A BOWL of ChiChi with fruit.
Fair to return Oct. 26 with rides, costume contest and a tribute
By Suzan Filipek
Larchmont Family Fair returns for its 60th year with rides and fun for all ages on Sun., Oct. 26 on Larchmont Boulevard. The Boulevard will be closed to traffic between Beverly Boulevard and First Street.
The street fair will feature a children’s costume contest, rides, live music and cuisine from around the world. Booths will be set up by schools, churches and nonprofits.
Jane Gilman, co-founder of the fair, (and co-founder of the Larchmont Chronicle), will be honored.
“Let’s celebrate her for being a catalyst for starting all of this,” said Romi Cortier, president of the Larchmont Boulevard Association (LBA), sponsor of the fair.
Cortier is asking friends and neighbors to share sto-
IMMACULATE HEART
Madison Dang
11th Grade
ries of themselves and their families in regards to the fair as part of a tribute to Gilman to take place at the fair. To be included, reach out to Cortier at romicortier@yahoo.com.
“With an estimated 10,000 visitors, the Larchmont Family Fair is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and funds for your organization.”
Also planned is a photo booth near Tailwaggers. Beer, wine and wine spritzers will be poured at a bar outside La Bettola di Terroni restaurant.
The Larchmont Village Farmers’ Market will be open in its usual spot in the Village park-
ing lot, fair organizer Melissa Farwell said.
Businesses, schools and groups from both down the street to far and wide can apply to have a booth at the fair.
“The more the merrier,” said Larchmont Boulevard Association board member Edie Frère.
Nonprofit groups are invited to “rent a booth” and can keep all proceeds for their charitable organization, school, church or synagogue.
“With an estimated 10,000 visitors, the Larchmont Family Fair is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and funds for your organization,” Frère said.
The LBA charges a booth fee of $500 to cover the cost of rentals, advertising, promotion, insurance and decorations. LBA members pay $300.
In addition, selling or offer-
ing any sort of food or drinks, even bottled water, requires a health department permit.
“Most of those taking booths don’t offer food or drinks, since there is lots of food at the fair, but some have special things that they have always done, like snow cones or cotton candy,” Frère said.
She recommends that booth holders offer fun takeaways to attract passersby.
In the past, one school made animal balloons, another—a spa—soothed fairgoers’ muscles with mini massages.
Proceeds from the fair help pay for the costs of security and beautification of the Boulevard.
The deadline to apply for nonprofit booths that require a health permit is Mon., Sept. 15. The deadline for all other booths is Wed., Oct. 15. To inquire about school or non-
make friends
profit booths, email Frère at info@landisstationery.com.
To inquire about having a food booth, reach out to Farwell at larchmontboulevardfamilyfair@gmail.com.
The Fair has been a staple of the area since it began as a small-town event in the mid 60s.
Summer has come and gone, and Immaculate Heart Pandas are back on campus, ready to take on new challenges. Events like our Back-to-School barbecue, presented by the Athletics Department, celebrated the start of the school year with delicious food and fun games. Students have begun preparing for our annual Welcome Day tradition and will wear themed costumes Fri., Sept. 5 as they welcome new students and faculty through songs, dances and skits. Yet another event to look forward to this month is Immaculate Heart’s Open House on Sat., Sept. 28, when prospective students can learn more about our school. Overall, it’s a joy to be back on campus with the rest of the Immaculate Heart school community!
LARCHMONT CHARTER
LAFAYETTE PARK
Ella Wolovitch
10th Grade
As the school bell rang for the beginning of the first day of school, the air buzzed with excitement and nerves. Students walked around the campus, reuniting with old friends and meeting new people as well. Seniors began their bittersweet “last first day” and freshmen walked into a whole new school experience. Anticipation for the year grew as teachers went through their first day activities, laying out expectations for the school year. Looking forward to a fun year full of learning at LFP!
GIANT BEAR AND DINO
at last year’s Larchmont Family Fair.