Issuu

GARDENS

MUSEUMS

FILM NOIR

Japan Festival at Descano features Kishin Daiko drummers.

"Art and Revolution" circa 1918 Germany on exhibit. Page 10

Spend an evening watching a classic for Angels Flight.

Page 6

Page 12

VIEW

Real Estate Libraries, Museums Home & Garden

Section 2

LARCHMONT CHRONICLE

NOVEMBER 2015

hancock park • windsor square • fremont place • larchmont village • wilshire center • park labrea • miracle mile

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©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Master Plan of parkway trees to be updated in Windsor Square Guest Column By Helen Hartung and Scott Goldstein Helen Hartung and Scott Goldstein are Windsor Square residents and Canopy Committee leaders. The Larchmont Chronicle reported last month on com-

munity concerns about planting in the city’s parkways (the areas between the curbs and sidewalks adjoining our residences). An example was rose bushes used by one homeowner to replace grass. However, rose bushes (now largely removed by that homeowner)

are not included in the city of Los Angeles Dept. of Public Work’s “Residential Parkway Landscaping Guidelines,” which allow only 23 specific types of low plants and turf. Parkway trees Street trees are an important part of our communities, both

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for aesthetic and environmental reasons, but there are regulations that govern what types of street trees may be planted and where. The same parkway with the unapproved roses now boasts 12 new, non-approved Tulip trees between the existing and iconic Washingtonia palms lining Windsor Square’s east-west parkways for many blocks. That specific property was the subject of a meeting that our Windsor Square Association (WSA) president, Larry Guzin, and we had with the city’s Chief Forester, George Gonzales, some months ago. Gonzalez promised to cite this location, but apparently did nothing. The homeowners seem to have learned they had a problem only in connection with consideration by a city commission of another matter related to their property last month. Assisting homeowners In Windsor Square, one of the purposes of the Canopy Committee on which we both serve is to provide inquiring homeowners all the necessary background about our specific parkway landscape issues and to assist those homeowners in any way we can. The Windsor Square Canopy website has quite a bit of information on parkway planting and street tree issues, but we Canopy members are easily contacted through canopy@ windsorsquare.org. There have been numerous conversations of this sort recently with homeowners who are concerned about their dying street trees (impacted by the drought) or who want new trees. Iconic palm trees An issue about which we have heard numerous homeowner inquiries in recent years relates to the classic street tree lining Plymouth and Windsor Boulevards. This is the iconic tree that frames the Hollywood Sign in the foreground of so many photographs—the Canary Island palm. These trees, Phoenix canariensis, were planted by the original developers of “old” Windsor Square, circa 1918-1919. Today, many of the Canary Island palms may be reaching the ends of their natural lives. Also, there are fungal diseases (Fusarium) confronting some of these, and other, local street trees. Finally, as one of our gardening-oriented neighbors has asked us, “Ecologically, are the palms right for the climate, and are they the correct trees to replant?” Master Plan update Our committee is now resurveying the parkways of Windsor Square, and we will be re-writing the Master Plan of Parkway Trees of Windsor Square. The existing Master

Plan was approved and signed by the city’s Chief Forester in 1998, and the city’s Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division, has respected the Master Plan consistently for almost two decades. No one should be planting anything not on the approved tree list for a given block and especially not during the dry, hot months. What we need for the moment is a moratorium on planting until the Canopy committee, working with interested neighbors, can complete the new Master Plan. As a part of our re-survey effort, Canopy already has reviewed the designated parkway trees for the cities of San Diego, Pasadena and Santa Monica, and they all have a very progressive and sensitive approach to the replacement of previously designated species that are no longer appropriate. Basically, Los Angeles has nothing even close. We want as many homeowners as possible to appreciate this re-survey and the new-designated-tree effort, and we hope they will support the strategy of planting better, more appropriate tree species in our parkways, not only for our homes right now, but, more importantly, for future generations of Windsor Square residents and visitors.

CicLAvia has impact on health and air quality

A recent UCLA and RAND Corp. study of CicLAvia demonstrated that the no-vehicle event has the capacity to transform the quality of life for both participants and people who live near a CicLAvia route. CicLAvia, which has been held in downtown, Venice and the San Fernando Valley, temporarily makes city streets carfree in favor of bikes, skates and pedestrians for several hours on a Sunday. According to a new study from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, those few hours have significant impact on air quality. Emission particles that cause respiratory and heart disease, lung cancer and death are reduced by 21 percent for ultrafine particles and 49 percent for particulate matter on the route. CicLAvia provides more people an opportunity for exposure to healthy activity than they otherwise would have on a typical Sunday. While studies still need to be conducted to see if the activity inspires healthy lifestyle changes beyond CicLAvia, personal stories show that for many, CicLAvia is the first step toward healthy activity.

Larchmont Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Water trees in parkways and elsewhere By John Welborne Last month, the Larchmont Chronicle reported on the challenges homeowners face when dealing with two city agencies that have oversight of parkways. The following relates to parkway irrigation and to watering trees.

If homeowners seek to address the drought through turf removal, there is special consideration that should be given to any changes to parkway irrigation. It is critical that changes designed to save water don’t impact the valuable canopy of street trees that

still need water. Last month, local garden designer Judy Horton told of the challenges confronted in replacing a dying parkway tree in Windsor Square. That non-native tree, a magnolia that consumes a great deal of (Please turn to page 6)

CANARY ISLAND palms line Plymouth Boulevard.

Conserve the ecosystem; don’t gravelscape, part two By Mia Lehrer, Claire Latané and Margot Jacobs The following is the conclusion of “Gravelscape.” Part one was printed in last month’s issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Living landscapes aren’t just about aesthetics; they are beneficial in multiple ways. Birds, bees and insects (pollinators all), need what trees and plants provide. Humans do too. Gardens and lawns act like air conditioning for L.A., which is only getting hotter with climate change. Plants and trees provide shade and transpire moisture to cool the air; gravel and artificial turf don’t. In fact, they create the opposite of a virtuous cycle: Fewer plants means more heat, and more heat means faster evaporation from watering, swimming pools and vegetation. More heat also means more water to support the same landscape. Replacing lawns with plastic can block oxygen from entering the soil and tree roots; it may suffocate what trees and plants are left after turf removal. We can’t afford that; we need to protect and add trees and plants that shelter pollinators, hold water, absorb C02 and cool us down. Los Angeles would no doubt be better off with less turf. But not if we replace it with gravel or plastic. Almost anything grows in L.A. if you just add water. But so much will grow even if you don’t. A shady garden filled with flowers and trees native to Southern California, or populated with plants from southwest Australia, South Africa’s cape, and the lands around the Mediterranean Sea needs little to no water in the summer -maybe once a month.

Your landscape can also borrow from L.A.’s past, when majestic California oaks offered oases of shade on golden grassy summer hillsides; lupines, poppies, sages and buckwheats punctuated spring and fall with bursts of purples, oranges, pinks and rusty reds; and ribbons of willows and sycamore shaded roses, rushes and grasses along creek beds and riverbanks. These plants survive long summer dry spells with deep roots that hold soil in place during winter rains. And they’re beautiful. Water independence The drought is sparking long-needed action toward water independence. Los Angeles can be a city of landscapes that collect rain, give shade and provide food for the pollinators that help feed us. If you have acres of green grass or grass you don’t use, a new design is a good idea. If you have a tiny or well-used yard, make smaller adjustments and water with care. Educate yourself. By all means take advantage of rebates but don’t fall victim to dead landscapes that aren’t worth the money or the water saved in the long run. Los Angeles can build a framework of deep roots and deep understanding of the multiple benefits of ecological design. Despite its reputation for superficiality, the city can shed its thin skin, and do a little reshaping and rootstrengthening to capture and conserve water. Even “shallow” L.A. can become known for a beauty that goes beyond skin deep. Reprinted with the authors’ permission from an op-ed article that ran in the June 13, 2015 issue of the Los Angeles Times.

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©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

SECTION TWO

NOVEMBER 2015

Mobile app to speed service at Building and Safety Dept.

VOLUNTEER PAINTERS from Paramount Pictures recently gave a fresh coat of paint to the fence at Robert Burns Park at Beverly Blvd. and Van Ness Ave.

Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Dept. of Building and Safety have launched a mobile app, LADBS Go, which offers customers easy access to the department’s mostrequested services from their smartphones. “Modernizing government and improving customer service through technology is a key part of my Back to Basics agenda,” said the mayor. “LADBS Go will make it easier to do business and get city services anywhere, at any time.” Services accessible through the mobile app include requesting inspections, accessing permit information, reporting code violations and locating a Development Services Center (DSC). LADBS Go also provides features available exclusively on the app, including access to real-

time DSC counter wait times. This feature is designed to help customers avoid long lines during busy hours. LADBS Go also takes advantage of mobile device capabilities, including the ability to scan permit barcodes and save data to a device. The pre-programmed DSC locator directs customers to any DSC through their device’s GPS. The intuitive interface of LADBS Go is expected to save time and money on customer projects, especially with inspection requests. The department receives an average of 2,500 inspection requests daily. LADBS Go uses your smartphone’s scanning feature to simplify the inspection request process; the app’s auto-save feature makes it easier to request a follow-up inspection LADBS Go is available for

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Larchmont Chronicle both iOS and Android devices and is free to download from the App Store and on Google Play.

SORDID CRIMES during her career include the case of Leon Benon (left), who shot his teenage wife Lois’ lover.

Library exhibit tells of first female city editor The life and influence of the nation’s first woman city editor at a major metropolitan newspaper is on display now through Jan. 10, 2016 at the Central Library in downtown. “The First with the Latest! Aggie Underwood, the Los Angeles Herald, and the Sordid Crimes of a City” exhibit explores some of the most disturbing stories Underwood covered during her 40-year career. They include the Marian Parker kidnapping to the notorious Black Dahlia case. There was Leon Benon and his wife Lois, teenagers who had been married for one year when Lois ran off with William Owens, 12 years her senior who promised to buy her a convertible and all the clothes that she wanted. Leon shot William to death with a .22 caliber rifle. Local author Joan Renne, who writes the blog Deranged L.A. Crimes, curated and wrote the companion catalog for the exhibit, and says she wants visitors to be inspired by Aggie Underwood’s remarkable career as a reporter. “I hope they are motivated to dig deeper into L.A.’s unique history; there is no better place to begin a journey through time than the Central Library and photo collection.” Visit lapl.org.

Writers invited to Central Library Budding and published writers can work on their 50,000word novels for NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, at the Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St. Lower level room 420 in the literature dept. will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays in November. Call 213-2287313 for information on the library; go to nanowrimo.org for NaNoWriMo updates.

Larchmont Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Look for signs indicating your tree could be suffering close to the trunk, it’s the tree roots that need the water and they spread far in the underlying soil. Mature trees will only require periodic watering. A good rule of thumb is to let the soaker hose or drip line run about one hour once a month. Some trees, like magnolias, require more water than California natives and will need more frequent irrigation. Inspect your trees It’s rare that a tree topples without first giving signs of distress. Check your tree for the following: Tree is leaning: Yikes, this is bad especially if the earth is bulging on the opposite side of the lean. This suggests attenuated roots. The fix: prune to release pressure and call an arborist ASAP. Leaves are turning brown or falling off at branch tips: The fix: irrigate and prune. If it looks like an entire branch is dying, don’t wait until it falls off, get an expert’s help immediately. Split trunks: A tree with more than one trunk has a greater risk of snapping. The fix: support the trunks with metal wiring and keep well pruned. Insect infestation: Insects find it easier to bore into live trees if the sap is dry. The fix: call an arborist. According to The California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection, bugs can turn a tree from green to

brown in three to four weeks. Avoid digging near trees The drought is taking a toll on California trees, but human impact is still a significant factor. If tree roots are already compromised by the drought, they are more vulnerable to being dug up or being covered by impermeable materials like concrete. If you are planning a project be sure to consider trees long before you begin. The tree should be in good health before the surrounding area is tampered. It could save you money and heartbreak down the road. Tree Stewardship A tree can take more than (Please turn to page 6)

COLLAPSE OF 50-foot tree in Hancock Park is warning for owners to inspect trees.

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If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? That’s up for debate. But if a tree falls on 4th and June, it certainly makes a sound you’ll hear about… all the way from Hancock Park to Windsor Square. That’s exactly what happened California in September Greenin' when a 50-foot by tall stone pine Renee tree went down Ridgeley in a great timber tragedy. F o r tunat ely, the only living thing the behemoth took out when it fell was the fungus found in its roots. It’s hard to determine why healthy mature trees fall, but the drought is certainly adding stress to California’s landscape. Saving water is on everyone’s mind. Now, you’ll need to add saving trees to the list. Irrigate your trees It’s been four years since L.A. trees got their fair share of rain water. It‘s time to give your tree a drink. First, check to see if your tree needs water. Dig down about 18 inches. If the soil is moist, great. If it’s bone dry, follow the next step. For an inexpensive method, place a soaker hose in concentric circles around the tree. The water hose should be at least a foot from the tree trunk and extend as far out as the canopy. For a permanent but more expensive method, install drip line irrigation around the tree. Again, don’t place the line too

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

WATER TREES IN PARKWAY (Continued from page 3)

consumes a great deal of water, is the approved street tree on the “Windsor Square Master Plan of Street Trees.” She believes that existing Los Angeles street tree lists should be reviewed to find similar but more drought-tolerant trees to replace existing trees that die. A prime candidate for such a review is Windsor Square’s historic Canary Island date palms (phoenix canariensis) that were planted on several north-south streets (such as Windsor and Plymouth) in “old” Windsor Square by the original sub-divider about 1918. Many of these trees are approaching the ends of their life spans. In addition, fusarium wilt, a fungus often transferred from tree to tree by careless tree trimmers who do not sterilize their pruning tools when moving from tree

California Greenin' (Continued from page 5) 100 years to reach its majesty. Like Rome, it wasn’t built in a day. But forces big and small can deftly bring about the decline and fall of a tree with one snap. Even if you didn’t hear the sound of the tree falling on 4th and June, you should hear its warning.

to tree, has attacked some of these iconic palm trees. Review of tree master plan Similarly concerned with these tree matters is Lucerne Blvd. resident and Windsor Square Association board member on the association’s “Canopy Committee,” Helen Hartung. According to Hartung, the aging of local street trees and the continuing drought are good reasons to review the allowable trees for parkway planting. As noted in the Guest Column in page 2 of this issue, she and Scott Goldstein are working with Windsor Square neighbors to update the street tree master plan created by the Canopy Committee and approved by the city’s chief forester in 1998. Horton believes that this is an essential effort and that the reviewers of the master plan should be methodical and take a broad view. “Our tree scape can be looked at from an ecological, historic, or aesthetic angle. All are equally important, I believe,” said Horton. Trees need water When discussing street trees, Horton also spoke of the predicament of protecting them for as long as possible. Such large, specimen trees essentially are irreplaceable at their present sizes

in the mid-Wilshire part of the city. If a property owner seeks to address the drought by cutting down on parkway watering, Horton advised that everyone with irrigation systems ought to put trees on a separate line so they may have less frequent, but deeper, watering. “In a drought, trees need extra water. If they are not getting it, you will see them compensate by dropping leaves and possibly dying over time,” said Horton. The Mayor and Getty House The city’s “Residential Parkway Landscaping Guidelines” were cited in last month’s article. The guidelines are most easily found online via Google. The guidelines even apply to city properties, such as Windsor Square’s mayoral resi-

Larchmont Chronicle

GETTY HOUSE PARKWAY drought-tolerant plantings are growing in after their first year.

dence, Getty House. In October 2014, the mayor replaced the Irving Blvd. parkway lawn of Getty House with low-growing, low water use plants. Apparently, the first plants installed last year were not on the city’s

Angels Flight benefit screens historic films downtown The Angels Flight Railway Foundation is presenting talks, film clips, a screening of the 1951 film noir classic “M” and other surprises on Thurs., Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the event, in the Million Dollar Theatre, 307 S. Broadway, go to the nonprofit Foundation that continues to seek a solution to regulatory issues preventing

riders from using the funicular. Hal Bastian, president of the Foundation, will introduce the proceedings that include a talk by Nathan Marsak on the lost Victorian neighborhood of Bunker Hill and Angels Flight’s importance to the community. Included will be many rare images from Marsak’s personal collection and a series of

approved list. So, they had to be taken out. Now, the second set of (this time, approved) replacement plants seems to be doing well— and the plants are saving water at Getty House. short film clips featuring the railway through the decades. “M” (Joseph Losey, 1951) will be introduced by Harold Nebenzal, who produced the film with his father, Seymour. Seymour also was the producer of the original, German version of “M” (Fritz Lang, 1931). The 1951 film features locations on Bunker Hill and in the Bradbury Building. For reservations, go to: angelsflight.org/m-angelsflight.

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Larchmont Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

History of city of Los Angeles oversight of parkway street trees By John Welborne For years, local neighborhood associations and the Fourth District City Council office worked on street tree issues with the Street Tree Division of the city’s Bureau of Street Services, itself a part of the Dept. of Public Works, a powerful city agency whose full-time Commissioners are appointed by the mayor. So, it is fair to say that the mayor gets credit for any solutions related to street tree issues. The flip side is true as well. A little over 10 years ago, the Street Tree Division was renamed the Urban Forestry Division (UFD). Its website at bss.lacity.org/UrbanForestry explains the Division’s position as to why the city’s tree trimming, removal and planting services have been severely reduced. The website also provides an interesting history of this city agency since its founding in 1930. An abbreviated version of the website history follows: Park forestry in 1930 “The Division of Forestry of the Department of Parks was created in the 1930s. “The early street tree planting and maintenance codes were comprehensive enough to grant necessary authority

for street tree program administration. The code, however, did not provide adequate funding to allow for the hiring of sufficient personnel and acquisition of equipment to accomplish the codified tasks. “Prior to 1931, no tree services were offered. All tree planting, pruning, and removal was performed by the abutting property owner. The Division of Forestry issued permits to property owners to perform the work at their own cost. As funds were made available by the Parks Department, some limited tree pruning and removal work was provided on major streets and/or state highways by city forces. Trees for the ’32 Olympics “The City of Los Angeles 1932 Olympics ushered in a period of mass tree planting. As a result, a survey was performed and a Master Tree Plan was developed sponsored by the Public Works Administration. Additionally, in the period from 1933 to 1935 approximately 12,000 trees were pruned. During this period, state gas tax funds were provided for tree work on major streets and state highways, and the first two regularly employed tree trimming crews were hired.

“In 1940, a policy of trimming trees to provide clearance for public utilities was adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners... financed by billings to the particular utility for which the service was provided. From Parks to Public Works “On July 1, 1955, the City

Charter amended the previous LAMC Section and jurisdiction over street trees was transferred to the Board of Public Works. The Board of Public works oversees the Department of Public Works ... and the organization became largely what exists today. At that time, a major

portion of the services [provided] was financed by state gas tax contributions, public utilities’ billings, or through special assessments for landscaped areas maintenance. Post-war planting boom "At that same post-World War II period, the street tree (Please turn to page 9)

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Homeowners take action to warn residents of coyotes in the area By John Welborne Frustrated that city officials are doing little to protect pets and small children from increasing numbers of coyotes visiting and inhabiting the central part of the city, local homeowner associations are taking action. Neighbor-

hood groups in Hancock Park, St. Andrews Square, Windsor Square and Windsor Village in mid-October began distributing and posting lawn signs that alert pedestrians to the presence of coyotes. Coyotes more brazen Windsor Square Association

(WSA) board member Angie Szentgyorgyi said that her board, which designed and obtained the lawn signs, feels this grassroots action is necessary to alert pedestrians to the situation. “Many people walking their dogs are not aware there is a problem. As

the coyotes are getting more policy. In 1993, for various brazen—lately there have reasons about which there is been attacks on dogs on leash- no consensus, the Dept. of es—our directors and I felt it Animal Services discontinued is important to inform neigh- responding to reports of urban bors of the threat as well as coyote sightings and disconwhat to do if they encounter a tinued trapping and euthanizing coyotes. Today, there is an coyote.” The design of the new lawn increase in coyote attacks in the mid-Wilshire part signs is simple of Los Angeles. and includes Coyotes everywhere Photo Page 1, a “QR” code in Section One WSA board memthe corner of ber, Steve Tator, who the sign so cell lives close to Second phone users easStreet, said: “We are ily may link to the listed website that gives seeing more interactions with information on what to do the coyotes. I saw three of them myself, within the past when confronted by a coyote. week.” Trapping stopped in 1993 Michael Mueller reported One reason for the continuing presence of coyotes this seeing a coyote in his block at far from their natural habitat Fifth and Plymouth. The same in the hills is the result of city day, Lorraine Blvd. resident (Please turn to page 9)

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Single family homes 501 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 160 S. Van Ness Ave. 320 S. Highland Ave. 157 S. Citrus Ave. 560 N. Beachwood Dr. 402 S. Mansfield Ave. 428 N. Arden Blvd. 246 N. Beachwood Dr. 403 N. Bronson Ave. 527 S. Wilton Pl. 934 S. Mullen Ave. 816 S. Bronson Ave. 821 S. Orange Dr. 826 Westchester Pl.

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Condominiums 4460 Wilshire Blvd., #402 4100 Wilshire Blvd., #301 4845 Elmwood Ave., #E 801 Lorraine Blvd., #303 326 Westminster Ave., #302 801 S. Plymouth Blvd., #202 620 S. Gramercy Pl., #405 433 S. Manhattan Pl., #307 3810 Wilshire Blvd., #902 3810 Wilshire Blvd., #1909 525 N. Sycamore Ave., #330 320 S. Gramercy Pl., #103 *List prices for September 2015.

$1,180,000 839,000 664,000 639,000 625,000 559,900 509,000 439,000 425,000 409,000 379,000 305,000

Larchmont Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2015

HOMEOWNERS TAKE ACTION (Continued from page 8)

Jason Greenman reported: “We were faced with a coyote on our front lawn last night at 6:45 when we arrived home. He was definitely very healthy (well fed) and not at all skittish. I chased him all the way down the block.” Mary Pickhardt reports that her local coyote “seems to be very comfortable on the 100

and 200 S. blocks of Irving Blvd. There are several properties with dense foliage and he/she is often seen bouncing in and out of the shrubs.” Julie Stromberg, a board member of the Windsor Village Association, reminds that—two blocks south of Wilshire Boulevard—her dog, Elvis, was attacked by a coyote eight months ago and subse-

History of street trees (Continued from page 7)

population experienced a very large expansion. This was due to the population and commensurate building boom that was occurring. During the period from 1946-1970, the street tree population grew from perhaps 300,000 trees to approximately 680,000. "The Street Tree Division grew coincidentally to the maintenance needs and by the mid-1980’s employed nearly 300 personnel. By this period, Division funding was largely dependent upon the city’s General Fund. New name is Urban Forestry “The Street Tree Division changed its name to the Urban Forestry Division in 2004. The name change was due to the expansion of servic-

es the Division provides that include: street tree emergency response, pruning, removal, planting, permitting, providing arboriculture knowledge to other city agencies, oversight of the city’s protected trees, and development services. Staff reduction “Due to the city’s financial crisis beginning in 2009 and continuing today, the Division staffing was reduced to approximately 100 personnel. The Division continues to provide emergency services but tree trimming, removal, and planting have been severely reduced. The Division is hopeful the city soon rebounds from these difficult times and an increase in services can occur.”

SECTION TWO

learn, teach them that your residential area is no place for them. Do not provide any source of food, such as access to garbage, uneaten fruits, pet food left outside and unfortunately even small COYOTES have become more brazen. pets left unattended, quently died. Amy Cohen, of clutter and dense brush (the Brookside, reported that three latter two harbor rodents). coyotes had been spotted one recent morning at the corner of Longwood Ave. and Olympic Blvd. City says to “teach” coyotes Officer Hoang Dinh, the wildlife zoologist with the city’s Dept. of Animal Services, recently wrote to the WSA: “I have been and will continue to patrol your area, especially 9th and Lucerne. Please keep in mind; this is the time of year where all the wild babies born in spring are now juveniles and learning the terrain. Yes, it may seem like more, but it is temporary (67 cent mortality rate for coyotes naturally) unless there is enough food to sustain them.” He continued: “The most important thing to realize is this is also a very impressionable state, which we ‘Humans’ should take advantage of and haze [the young coyotes] without harming them. “If the juveniles want to

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Make sure, if you all have holiday guests, to advise them to do the same. Let’s give [the coyotes] little reason to hang around and remind them to stay naturally afraid of us.” Similar advice from city staff can be found on the city’s website which is accessible along with other coyote information at the web address on the lawn signs: www.windsorsquare.org.

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NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

museum row

Holiday Marketplace at CAFAM, Rain falling on exhibit at LACMA CRAFT AND FOLK ART MUSEUM — C r a f t N i g h t : Handmade & Foraged: L.A. Papermaking is Thurs., Nov. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. RSVP. • CraftLab Workshop Hexaflexaperfecdta! is Sun., Nov. 8 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. • Exhibition walkthrough for Paperworks with curator Howard Fox is Sat., Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. RSVP. • Common Goods Marketplace is Sat., Nov. 21 from noon to 5 p.m. in the courtyard. Contemporary crafts and designs by local artists will be on sale for the holidays. • "Paperworks" features sculp-

tural works by 15 contemporary artists; • "Binh Pho: Shadow of the Turning" wooden sculptures. • "Cathy Weiss: Love and Light" lanterns, Exhibits end Jan. 3, 2016 5814 Wilshire Blvd., 323937-4230; cafam.org; free on Sundays. LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART—"Rain Room" allows visitors to experience the ability to control rain. The work by Londonbased artist collective Random International features (recycled) water falling continuously, pausing wherever

a human body is detected. O p e n s Sun., Nov. 1. Ends March 6. • " T h e Enigmatic Image: Curious Subjects "ART AND REVOLUTION," Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, "Two Women," at LACMA. in Indian Art" world, among them animals door palm garden installation. opens Sat., Nov. 7. in Chernobyl. Ends Feb. 21, • "Ancient Colombia: A Jour• "The Sympathetic Imagi- 2016. ney Through the Cauca Valnation" opens Sun. Nov. 22. • After Rodin, Calder and oth- ley" ends Dec. 31. Moving Images by Diana ers, the "Myth of Singularity," LACMA is free the second Thater include the natural a suite of eight bronze sculp- Tuesday of the month. tures by Liz Glynn, ends May 5905 Wilshire Blvd., 323857-6000; lacma.org. 22. CULTURAL • "New Objectivity: Modern KOREAN German Art in the Weimar CENTER—Films, classes and Republic, 1919-1933" ends Jan. 18, 2016. • "The Magic Medium" features daguerreotypes by Henry Cartier-Bresson among others. Ends Feb. 7, 2016. • " F r a n k G e h r y " i n c l u d e s WATER FALLS IN THE RAIN ROOM without visiworks from tors getting wet at LACAM exhibit opening Nov. 1. the 1960s to the present. Ends cultural events. Visit website for listings. March 20, 2016. 5505 Wilshire Blvd., 323• "Living for the Moment: Japanese Prints from the Bar- 936-7141; kccla.org. bara S. Bowman Collection" ZIMMER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM—Sunday family ends May 1, 2016. • "Aktion! Art and Revoluion programs include Mista Cookin Germany, 1918-19" ends ie Jar concert Nov. 8 at 3 p.m., America Recycles Day is celJan. 10, 2016. • "Japanese Paintings: Cel- ebrated Sun., Nov. 15. Bring ebrating LACMA's 50th Anni- empty egg cartons and coffee tins. Garlands of Gratitude is versary," ends Nov. 29. • "Miracle Mile," by Robert Sun., Nov. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. Irwin, includes 66 fluores- and Giving Thanks on Nov. cent tubes and is inspired by 29 at 3 p.m. inludes a magic Wilshire Blvd. and his out- show. 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100; 323-761-8984; zimmermuseum.org. PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM—Museum remodeling nears completion. Fundraiser gala Sat., Dec. 5, st exclusive preview Sun., Dec. 6. General opening set for Mon., Dec. 7. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., 323903-2277; petersen.org. LA BREA TAR PITS & MUSEUM—"Titans of the Ice Age: The La Brea Story in 3D" screens every half hour 10 We are offering a free 30-day trial a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in the new period for prospective new custom3D theater. ers who sign up for ADT Patrol. • Excavator tours feature highlights of the museum and For more details, park, labs and fossil excavacontact Khey Buan at tion. Daily. • Ice Age Encounters with 818-756-7228 • 818-435-3177 (Please turn to page 15)

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Larchmont Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Library calendar

Movies, storytimes, book sales, help with Medi-Care, Medi-Cal FAIRFAX LIBRARY 161 S. Gardner St. 323-936-6191 Children STAR: Storytimes for all ages with Kathy, P.J. and Annika Mondays at 3 and 6:30 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. BARK!: Children read aloud to trained therapy dogs Sat., Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Storytime: Hear stories, songs and rhymes Wed., Nov. 18 and 25, 10 a.m. to noon. Teens Comic Books: Hear and talk about comic books with Michael Wellman Thurs., Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. Adults Medicare 101: Solomon Moore, M.B.A., answers Medicare questions Tues., Nov. 3 from 1 to 2 p.m. Medicare & You: Medicare workshop during open enrollment period Thurs., Nov. 5, 12 and 19 from noon to 1 p.m. Quilters Guild: Come by to share quilting tips Sat., Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support Pals: Support group for those with winter blues and holiday stress Sat., Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. Friends of the Library: Discuss ways to support the branch Tues., Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. Hollywood Schmooze Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: Meets Thurs., Nov. 12 from 6:30 to

Library Hours

Mon., Weds.: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tues., Thurs.: 12 - 8 p.m. Fri., Sat.: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed Veteran's Day, Wed., Nov. 11 and Thurs., Nov., 26 and Fri., Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving.

screening of a film Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Call branch for title. Fun & Games for Adults: Play board games Wednesdays

at 12:30 p.m. WILSHIRE LIBRARY 149 N. St. Andrews Place 323-957-4550

Children Baby Sleepy Storytime: Infants up to age 2 play with (Please turn to page 15)

CLEANER ENERGY

Rebates add up for solar water system FAERIES visited Memorial Library last month.

7:45 p.m. Bring five pages for feedback. RSVP. Computer Comfort Class: Basics on using the computer taught Mondays at 1:30 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Sale: Deals on used books, cds and dvds Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. FREMONT LIBRARY 6121 Melrose Ave. 323-962-3521 Adults Friends of the Library Book Sale: Deals on used books, cds and dvds on Fri., Nov. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. Book Club: Tues., Nov. 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call branch for title. MEMORIAL LIBRARY 4625 W. Olympic Blvd. 323-938-2732 Teens Game day: Come play games Thurs., Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. Adults First Friday Book Club: Discuss monthly book Fri., Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Sale: Deals on used books, cds and dvds on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday @the Movies: Free

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Dishes can get just as clean and showers are just as steamy, with solar water heating, promises SoCalGas. The system captures the warmth of the sun to heat your home or business. It works with your existing water heater or tankless system, increases property values and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. And it offsets up to 80 percent of your energy costs, and there’s rebates, newly expanded ones that pay up to 42 percent of installation costs. “The median cost to install a solar water heating system in a single- SOLAR COLLECTORS are placed on the roof. family home is $9,794,” said SoCalGov spokesman Matt Burnam. “Homeowners that install a solar water heating system will qualify for an energy rebate that will offset the cost of installation up to $4,366. That’s almost a 42 percent increase from last year’s rebate from SoCalGas, added Burnam. “If there was a free, endless source of energy for your home, wouldn’t you use it?” It depends, of course. “Monthly natural gas savings vary based on customers hot water usage, and unfortunately we do not have a definitive monthly/annual savings cost,” Burnam added. But if you’re in the average household which consumes 45 gallons of hot water daily, it might make sense. Benefits include the system works round the clock, via a pump, which circulates a liquid from the tank to the roof, where solar collectors absorb the sun’s thermal energy and heat the liquid. The liquid then enters an exchanger warming the tank, and hot water flows to your water heater. Solar water heating systems have a 25-year lifespan and require minimal maintenance. And, there’s a state solar initiative thermal rebate and federal tax credit. For information visit solarwaterheating.com.

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Home & Garden

Thanksgiving Day brunch, Japan Garden Festival Hear Taiko drummers, get tips on fall planting and enjoy a Thanksgiving brunch this month at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Garden festival includes book discussion Gil Garcetti, former L.A. county district prosecutor and father of Mayor Eric Garcetti, will discuss his new photogra-

phy book, “Japan: A Reverence for Beauty” Fri., Nov. 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., to kick off the Japan Garden Festival. The Japan Garden Festival is Sat., Nov. 7 and Sun., Nov. 8. Starting at 9 a.m., Ikebana arrangemens will be on display until 5 p.m. both days. Take an in-depth tour of the Japanese Garden with Dr. Kendall Brown, professor of

Asian art history and author of “Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America” Sat., Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. The Camellia Lounge will be open Sat., Nov. 7 and Sun., Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Japanese-inspired cuisine and sake cocktails. Hear the Kishin Daiko drummers perform at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. both days.

Children’s activities Youngsters ages two to five years old can learn about the gardens from the ground up at Little Explorers, Sat., Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Kids ages six to 10 years old can discover gardening, plants, nature and green living at Junior Gardeners, Sat., Nov. 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. Celebrate Thanksgiving Start the Thanksgiving Day holiday early with brunch in the garden. Traditional favorites and vegetarian options created by Patina chefs will be served Thurs., Nov. 26 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Book early; seating is limited. Tickets are $57 for adult members, $24 for child members (12 and younger), $66 for adult nonmembers and $28 for child nonmembers. To place reservations, go to descansoorders. com. Reservation deadline is Thurs., Nov. 19. Call 818-949-7980, or go to descansogardens.org.

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KISHIN Daiko drummers. Photo by Martha Benedict

Design a wildlife habitat garden Landscape architect Kathy Itomura will discuss how to design and maintain wildlifefriendly gardens with beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies at the Los Angeles Garden Club’s monthly meeting Mon., Nov. 16, Griffith Park Visitor’s Center, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. The meeting begins at 9:15 a.m. with coffee and refreshments; the presentation starts at 11 a.m. First-time visitors and members attend for free; non-members pay $5. Contact Joyce Parrott at 310-471-8512 or losangelesgardenclub.org.

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Larchmont Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Home & Garden

History, theme parks, street foods and gardening at Huntington

dener for the Natural History Museum’s gardens, discusses low-water use plants, designs, and features that create a lush landscape Thurs., Nov. 12 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. A plant sale follows the talk. Learn how to propagate native plants from seed in this workshop for advanced gardeners Sat. Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. Discover ways to create an attractive and authentic California garden at a talk by Mike Evans, founder of Tree of Life

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Happy Thanksgiving to All!

In November, here are some fun things to check out at Koontz Hardware in November. “Vapur” has a lightweight and collapsible water bottle that’s perfect for outdoor activies and it’s made in the U.S.A. Just fill it up, drink it, and then fold it up and stow it away until you need a refill. We have eco lunchboxes for kids that expand and collapse to store bigger food items, and then collapse back down when you’re done with them. Available in assorted sizes and colors. Foldable spoons and forks complete the package and make meals on-the-go more manageable. We still have all the Benjamin Moore colors to match anything your heart desires. November is a great time to touch up the kid’s rooms or add an accent wall color. Our paint professionals can help you find the perfect color. And, of course, we are ready for your every Thanksgiving meal need including enamel roasting pans, brining bags, and oven mitts, so stop on by and say Hi.

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Nursery Sun., Nov. 22 from 2 to 3 p.m. Food and fun Prepare a seasonal meal inspired by fairs, street foods, and farmers markets Sat., Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Taste different vintages and varieties of Pu’er tea with Sat., Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn about the role of theme parks, how the influence of amusement parks has gone beyond fun and moneymaking to shaping where and how Southern Californians live today at a conference Sat. Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Create in the garden The team from Flower Duet will show how to create seasonal centerpieces Sat., Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Expand your drawing technique with artist Richard Scott Thurs., Nov. 5, 12 and 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Artist Robert Sherrill teaches plein air landscape painting Thurs., Nov. 5, 12 and 19 from 9 a.m to noon. Entertainment Listen to Chinese music in the Garden of Flowing Fragrance Wed. Nov. 4, 11 and 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. Take a tour of the Japanese Garden’s ceremonial teahouse Mon., Nov. 9 every 20 minutes between noon and 4 p.m. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from London performs “Much Ado About Nothing,” set in the mid-20th century,

from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youngsters ages seven to 12 can have their taste experience expanded at a tea-tasting Sat., Nov. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. Artists ages seven to 12 can make Thanksgiving centerpieces out of mini-pumpkins Sat., Nov. 14, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children ages seven to 12 can learn the art of papermaking Sat. Nov. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information visit huntington.org.

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The role of street foods, farmers markets and theme parks, as well as how to save our gardens are some of the topics this month at Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Garden history Landscape designer Carolyn Bennett gives an overview of the garden preservation movement and discusses protecting and managing historical green spaces Mon., Nov. 2 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Michael Nylan, professor of East Asian studies at UC Berkeley, will give a talk on the early garden culture in China from the 4th century B.C. through the Tang Dynasty (681–907 A.D.) Tues., Nov. 24 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Creating California gardens Tim Becker, nursery manager at the Theodore Payne Foundation, will teach an advanced workshop on vegetative propagation Sat., Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. Richard Hayden, head gar-

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NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Larchmont Chronicle

Home & Garden

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BLUE-EYED grass is plant of the month. Photo by Ken Gilliland

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Sat., Nov. 7 and 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. No experience needed; all materials provided. Limit: 12. Have fun with acorns in a craft and game workshop using native plant material Sat., Nov. 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. For ages six on up. Activities include playing a game with acorn tops, tasting acorn bread and coffee and crafting candles and acorn buzzers. No experience needed; all materials provided. Limit 12 adults or adult/child pairs.

Play with worms, cook with chilies and delve into the evolution and adaptation of the plant world at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Mutants in our midst Professor William Friedman, director of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, will discuss the role of horticulture in the discovery of evolution Sun., Nov. 1 from 5 to 6 p.m. Lili Singer covers gardening practices and plants to use in extreme climates and difficult situations Thurs., Nov. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. At the table Learn about the history of chilies and how to make chilibased condiments Sat., Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants get to take a chili condiment home. Get inspired for the holidays at a cooking class taught by the Peg and Sue Show Wed.,

Nov. 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. See, taste and smell interesting plant variants that grow well in hot dry climates Sat., Nov. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. Family fun Play with worms and make compost bins to get soil ready for spring at a family-friendly class on earthworms Sat., Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Find out about hummingbirds Wed., Nov. 4 and 18 and Sat., Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Visit arboretum.org.

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Larchmont Chronicle

NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION TWO

Magician in King Arthur’s court, Merlin was also a songwriter Was King Arthur’s magician Merlin a real person? asks Conor Bentley. Yes. The historical Merlin was a Welsh bard (a traveling minstrel of the ancient Celts who wrote and performed songs and stories celebrating the deeds of gods and heroes and acted as heralds for royalty). He was born at the close of the 5th century, and a number of poems and songs have been attributed to him. He is said to have come into the service of King Arthur (another shadowy historical character) and to have perished in a terrible battle between Britons and Romans around 570 A.D. His story has been mingled with that of the fictional enchanter Merlin of the Arthurian romances, whose magical exploits and tutorship of the young Arthur are well-documented in the classic fantasies which are still immensely popular. ***

How come the color tan is also called “khaki?” queries Toby March. “Khaki” is a Hindu word mean- Professoring dusty or Knowdust-colored It-All and was the Bill color of the uniform first Bentley used by native Indian guides during the Indian Mutiny of 1857-59. It was subsequently adopted as the British Army uniform.

*** “Why is a white flag used to surrender?” ponders Sean Zullo. The color white has always denoted innocence or lack of evil intent just as the color black means the opposite. It was only natural then, to use the white flag as a signal of truce and/or surrender. ***

MUSEUM ROW

Language classes, performances also offered. 5700 Wilshire Blvd., 323761-7510; jflalc.org. LOS ANGELES MUSEUM OF THE HOLOCAUST—"The Recovery of the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer" on exhibit. • Women in Gold annual fundraising gala is Sun., Nov. 1 at the Beverly Wilshire. • "The Man Who Mends Women" award-winning film screens Tues., Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Free. Pan Pacific Park, 100 S. Grove Dr., 323-651-3704; lamoth.org. Always free.

(Continued from page 10) a (life-size puppet) sabertoothed cat are Fridays at 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Free first Tuesday of each month except July, August. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., 323934-PAGE; tarpits.org. JAPAN FOUNDATION— Japanema: films screen the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. $10.

LIBRARIES

(Continued from page 11) toys, check out boardbooks and hear stories before bedtime Mondays, 6 to 6:15 p.m. Preschool Storytime: Kids ages 3 to 5 years old can hear stories and sing songs Thurs. Nov. 5, 12, 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. Adults Healthy Choice: Get help signing up for CalFresh, MediCal and Covered California Tues., Nov. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. Bring personal identification, verification of income, assets and expenses, as well as verification of residency.

An early cavalryman can also be called a “dragoon.” Why? asks Joe Hinton. Dragoon (which was altered from dragon) was a name given to early blunderbusses (the ancestor of the rifle) because they belched fire. The name caught on with select 17th century cavalry units who were equipped with muskets as well as their customary sabres and to differentiate them from conven-

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tional cavalry who only carried cutlery. Because dragoon regiments were a much more powerful striking force, it soon became the norm for all cavalry troopers to carry rifles, hence making the name much less exclusive and eventually, obsolete. Professor Know-It-All is the nom de plume of Bill Bentley, who invites readers to try and stump him. Send your questions to willbent@produgy.net.

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Copy Editing proofrEading

Community Happy

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NOVEMBER 2015

SECTION two

Larchmont Chronicle

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