Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 57, NO. 7
• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
IN THIS ISSUE
Tom Bergin’s landmark status: Will it matter?
Homelessness requires threestep approach n Need lasting solutions
CURTAIN CALL.
3
SUMMER FUN.
9
By David E. Ryu Homelessness is the crisis of our time. Angelenos sleeping in their cars, in parks, or on city streets have gone from a problem localized in urban centers to a crisis shared by every neighborhood in Los Angeles. This is a problem decades in the making. In the early 1980s, states throughout the nation ended the practice of unjust institutionalization of the mentally ill — but then the promised national network of mental health facilities failed to materialize. The financial crash of the 2000s wiped out many gains of working families, eroded our social safety net and widened the gap between the haves and See Homelessness, p 6
LOYOLA CAMPAIGN underway. 2-15
PETS of Larchmont. 2-16 For Information on Advertising Rates, Please Call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11 Mailing permit:
Michelin stars shine at area restaurants n New guide released
By Billy Taylor Renowned dining guide Michelin released last month an inaugural statewide edition for California that awarded stars to 24 restaurants in Los Angeles, including several local favorites. Michael Cimarusti’s seafood-driven Providence is one of only six two-star recipients in Los Angeles. And among the city’s 18 one-star distinctions are Kali, Le Comptoir, Osteria Mozza and Trois Mec. First published by Michelin in 1900, the guide’s star ratings are now considered among the most coveted honors a restaurant can earn. “It’s still sinking in that we got a Michelin star,” Kali See Michelin, p 9
JULY 2019
n Parking lot is excluded
SECOND HOME SERPENTINE PAVILION, above, as it originally appeared in Hyde Park, 2015, opens at the La Brea Tar Pits Fri., June 28. Photo by Iwan Baan, Courtesy Second Home
La Brea Tar Pits reimagined for the next 50 years n Serpentine sculpture to host screenings, events By Suzan Filipek La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is a treasure trove of Ice Age fossils. It’s also feeling its age — 40 — which is not much in geological years but is a lifetime for world-class institutions along Museum Row. In late August, a draft master plan for the 12-acre site is expected to be unveiled for public comment “La Brea Tar Pits and the Page Museum are the only facilities of their kind in the world — an active, internationally renowned site of paleontological research in the heart of a great city,” said Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC), manager of the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum. The museum and its active fossil dig sites host 400,000 visitors a year. Walk-through sculpture More immediately, the community will be able to explore the Second Home Serpen-
tine Pavilion, a walk-through sculpture by Spanish artists Lucia Cano and Jose Selgas on the grounds of the Tar Pits. It opens Fri., June 28 and continues through Nov. 24. Check the website for film screenings, talks and more to be hosted at the Serpentine. Visit pavilion.secondhome.io to learn more.
Target coming to La Brea, twice n In former OSH store It has been known for some time that a Target store is planned to open later this year within a new building currently under construction at 1302 S. La Brea Ave. But now, according to Target’s website, the retail giant also plans to open a second La Brea location just nine blocks north at 415 S. La Brea Ave., the former OSH store. The opening at this location is expected sometime in 2020.
By John Welborne The Tom Bergin’s restaurant and tavern property at 840 S. Fairfax Ave. was declared a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM) by the Los Angeles City Council on June 18. The designation excludes the two-thirds of the property used for the restaurant’s parking lot “because it is not a significant character defining feature of the monument.” The property owner’s lawyer had insisted at the June 11 Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) committee meeting that the parking lot should be developed for multifamily housing. In response to that lawyer’s arguments, the four PLUM members in attendance on June 11 (Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, Gilbert Cedillo, Marqueece HarrisDawson and Curren Price, Jr.) amended the recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Commission (to approve HCM status) by adding language to “clarify that the parking lot is excluded from the designation.” Asked what he now sees as the future for Tom Bergin’s, Jim O’Sullivan, president of the Miracle Mile Residential Association, co-nominator for the landmark status with the Los Angeles Conservancy, said he has no idea, but added, “I am more hopeful than I would have been if we hadn’t got historic status. Then there would have been no hope.”
Women of Larchmont
Our annual section, which has honored local women since 1965, will be published in the August issue. Advertising deadline is Fri., July 14. For more information contact Pam Rudy, 323-462-2241, ext. 11.
TOM BERGIN’S restaurant and tavern is dwarfed by next-door neighbor Shalhevet High School.
www.larchmontchronicle.com ~ Entire Issue Online!
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Larchmont Chronicle
JULY 2019
SECTION ONE
Editorial
Calendar
By John Welborne
Summer fun and ‘mischief’
There are two themes for this July issue of the Larchmont Chronicle — “Summer Fun” and “Pets of Larchmont.” You can read about the former in this Section One and the latter in Section Two. There is another aspect to summer 2019 activities that is addressed in Section Two (our Real Estate section), and that relates to activities better called “Summer Mischief” or, most accurately, “Summer Mischief from Sacramento.” Certain members of the State Legislature, notably state senators from San Francisco and Berkeley, are trying to dictate the local look of all cities in California. They are trying to wrest local planning and zoning oversight from the governments closest to the governed, in our case the Los Angeles City Council. New housing actually is getting built in our city. (Just look around.) And, yes, not enough of it is “affordable” housing. But the diktats proposed by Sacramento won’t cure that. The proposed legislation (sponsored by real estate developers and their allies) is to give those sponsors the maximum leeway in building lucrative, expensive new housing wherever they wish. Not a good state (pun intended). This affects the value of our communities and your home. Read more in the special “Real Estate Opinion” (Pages 13 and 14 in this month’s Section Two).
The New Look for Parkway Trees in Hancock Park The Association Tree Committee, headed by Deborah Trainer, has been working with the City to come up with a plan for reforesting the parkways of Hancock Park. Because of the changing climate and the introduction of non-native insects and diseases, many of the beautiful trees that line our streets are under stress and some species are no longer viable. As such, the Tree Committee has developed a plan to introduce new tree species to replace the originals. As trees die, the Tree Committee and the Association will replace them with the tree chosen for that block. In keeping with the original design of Hancock Park, each street will have the same tree species planted on it, with some changes in species where a street crosses a major artery such as Beverly Blvd. and 3rd Street. This will retain the uniform look that is emblematic of Hancock Park, while providing a way forward to reforest our parkways. With summer officially underway, we have already had a number of hot days. Remember to deep water your trees to help them grow and stay healthy. For information about the parkway tree reforesting, how to get a parkway tree, and how to take care of the trees in your landscape, go to - https://www. hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/Parkway-Trees For many years, The Association has been replanting and nurturing our parkway trees. Arborist Sabine Hoppner is an invaluable member of the tree committee. She has evaluated our tree scape and recommended specific species for the next generation of growth. Sabine and her team plant the new trees, monitor their condition, and water them when homeowners cannot. Right now Sabine is on a mission to replant the Highland Avenue median. All of us in Hancock Park (and our trees!) thank Sabine for her care and dedication. Remember, your block captain is the key to a successful neighborhood watch and crime prevention network. Be sure your block captain has your current contact information so he or she can help you and your neighbors stay informed and safe! o o o If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping, and windows, don’t forget that Hancock Park is an HPOZ. Be sure and check with our City Planner, Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@ lacity.org), before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at http://www.preservation. lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation. lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System — tinyurl.com/yyr3unhc — and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. Adv.
Thurs., July 4 — Independence Day. Wed., July 10 — Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting, Ebell Club, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., 7 p.m. Tues., July 23 — Taste of Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., 5 to 9 p.m. farmersmarketla.com. Thurs., Aug. 1 — Delivery of the August issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Mon., Aug. 26 — Taste of Larchmont fundraiser for Hope-Net, hopenetla.org.
That’s the question inquiring photographer Talia Abrahamson asked locals along Larchmont Blvd.
Letters to the Editor Shame on GWNC
I have lived near the corner of Maplewood and Wilton for 19 years. On my block alone, eight people have been evicted over the last six months. A guy who works at Trader Joe’s, a designer’s assistant, two college students, and worst of all, four women over the age of 65, to make way for 1,000 units of luxury apartments and condos. ($1.2 million for a two-bedroom condo.) Then, last week, the board of directors of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council voted to oppose two new buildings on the 600 block of N. Manhattan Place, where the developers OFFERED to put in four units of affordable housing. That’s a teacher’s assistant, a college student or a bank teller. The two reasons given by the council were because: 1) the new buildings do not architecturally fit in with the community, and 2) they don’t have adequate parking spaces. I went out the next morning and spent 30 minutes on the block in question. I spoke with five neighbors, who all had parking problems in the area, but they had no idea there
Larchmont Chronicle Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin Publisher and Editor John H. Welborne Managing Editor Suzan Filipek Associate Editor Billy Taylor Contributing Editor Jane Gilman Advertising Director Pam Rudy Advertising Sales Caroline Tracy Art Director Tom Hofer Classified and Circulation Manager Rachel Olivier Accounting Jill Miyamoto 606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103
Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-462-2241 larchmontchronicle.com
‘How did you meet your pet?’
were affordable units proposed for the new buildings. Parking is the main issue my neighbors struggle with. Increased density means less parking. The areas to the south of Beverly, to the west of Wilton and on Western, all have parking restrictions, so we are limited to where we can park. I am ashamed by the Greater Wilshire NC, because they are doing nothing to make the situation better: they throw their hands up; and they say, “We can’t do anything about it.” I believe the government’s job is to find solutions, to lead in action, and to take care of its neighbors. If parking is the problem, restrictions in the area should be championed by the NC. They should take some of their city-allocated $40K per year to get information out, to get organized, to promote a solution. The folks on the NC who voted against these two buildings should be ashamed of themselves. We should be going out of our way to help and encourage those developers that are doing that type of building. I witness NCs in other areas oppose the proposed new buildings that offer NO affordability. The GWNC is standing in the way of the solution to our housing crisis. Shame on them, shame on all people standing in the way of building affordable housing. The solution is within reach of the NC, their know-how and their city money. They should get David Ryu to fast-track parking restrictions in the poor and underserved community north of Beverly Boulevard. The proposers are great developers, two of only a few, who are willing to put up four units that will be affordable. They should be honored and revered! In the 30 minutes when I spoke with neighbors, I (Please turn to page 6) Write us at letters@larchmontchronicle.com. Include your name, contact information and where you live. We reserve the right to edit for space and grammar.
“I ended up finding her at Healthy Spot, where they brought in a bunch of dogs from the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. I picked her because she was being really cute and doing a cool dance.” Hannah Adelstein with Elvira Larchmont Village
“We met Gracee at the Century City mall. She was a part of Lhasa Happy Homes… This one, Penny, we met through a person who rescues shih tzus, and we met her in Redondo Beach.” Paul Santello, with Penny and Gracee, Hancock Park
“It was actually about a month ago, when I adopted her in L.A. She’s about five months.” Cassidy Dobine, holding Zoë, and Less Young Larchmont Village
Correction to June’s ‘Salute to Graduates’
In our graduation special section last month (June 2019), the Chronicle inadvertently inserted imagery of last year’s graduating class at Temple Israel of Hollywood, for which we apologize. The correct 2019 graduation ad is on page 10 of this issue.
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Marat Daukayev Ballet bids adieu to La Brea dance studio By Sondi Toll Sepenuk It must have been 102 degrees in the dance hall June 16, as throngs of dancers, parents, friends, teachers and politicians packed the vaulted, honeycomb ceilinged room for the final performance of the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet at its La Brea Avenue dance studio. But no one seemed to notice. All eyes, moist with tears, were on the dancers as they pirouetted, grande jête’d and leaped to the greatest of heights from spring-loaded floors in a fond final farewell performance. “I feel like I’m careening toward an uncertain future, and I hope that I will land in a better space,” says Pamela Daukayev of the dance studio that she and her husband Marat Daukayev opened 19 years ago on La Brea Avenue. According to the ballet school, it is being forced to vacate the space because the building was recently sold, leaving 300 chil-
SECTION ONE
STAR for Kali chef Kevin Meehan’s team.
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AROUND THE TOWN 4 SCHOOL NEWS 16 ENTERTAINMENT At the Movies 12 Theater Review 14 On the Menu 22
SECTION TWO VIEW:
Real Estate, Pets of Larchmont
PETS OF LARCHMONT. 16 McAVOY ON PRESERVATION 2 HOME GROUND 6 BRIDGE MATTERS 8 ON BOOK & PLACES 9 REAL ESTATE SALES 10 LIBRARIES 19 PROFESSOR 23 CLASSIFIED ADS 23
MARAT TROUPE at the Marat ballet school in its final days on La Brea Ave. Front page photo: Annie Gimenez with Marat Daukayev.
dren and more than 6,000 ballet costumes in urgent need of a new studio. The departure of the studio is heartbreaking for the school’s dancers, teachers, and Pamela and Marat. The ballet school opened on La Brea Ave. in 2001 with two students. Today there are more than 300 children and more than 100 adults in the school. “We could not have imagined, when we started this school,” says Pamela, “what an extraordinary community
we were stepping into.” After starting the school, Pamela and Marat purchased a home in Windsor Square and raised three daughters. Their ballet school attracted hundreds of students from more than 78 zip codes, including Hancock Park, Mid-Wilshire, Brookside, Santa Monica, Malibu and international destinations such as France, Sweden, Japan, China and Honduras. “I drive up from Orange County six days per week,” says
teen dancer Annie Gimenez, who moved from Houston, TX three years ago to begin her training with Marat. “He is like a second father to me.” “The school has taught [the children] persistence, grace, confidence, and most importantly, friendship,” says Valerie Weiss, whose daughter dances in Level 4. “Such a special place can’t be replicated, and it needs a permanent home.” Marat and Pamela agree, and with the end of the La Brea Ave.
era, they are working hard on the next chapter for the school. “We have students who gave up places at the Paris Opera to be with us this summer, so we have booked our summer intensive into 3rd Street Dance Studio for the advanced students and Mind and Motion Pilates on La Brea for the beginning pointe girls and our little ones on the weekends.” Pamela and Marat are currently looking for a new permanent studio space, which will not be easy. They require (Please turn to page 21)
MAYOR Eric Garcetti visited the last performance June 16.
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Reserve Corps honored; all aboard USS Iowa; NGA appreciation Around the Town with
Patty Hill ABC’s hit series “The Rookie.” Of course, the couple of the night was Karla (foundation co-president) and Bill (Reserve Officer participant and volunteer) Ahmanson. Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Police Dept., LA King’s Daryl Evans, actress Amy Aquino and Chief
LARCHMONT OPTOMETRICS
(323) 465-9682
317 NORTH LARCHMONT BLVD
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Who would give up his or her weekends for no pay after months of grueling training? Some might do it for the excitement and adventure, but for the brave Angelenos, the motivation is a sense of duty to assist in doing what each can for community safety. Such is the mission of the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation that held its “Twice a Citizen” gala on May 4 at the Skirball Center. Honorees were: lawyer and philanthropist David W. Fleming; actor and executive producer Nathan Fillion and Alexi Hawley, creator and executive producer of
‘TWICE A CITIZEN’ gala includes Police Reserve Foundation co-president Karla Ahmanson and her husband Bill.
of Police Michel Moore were co-hosts for the evening. • • • Known as the best party in the city, Los Angeles Zoo’s annual Beastly Ball attracted more than 800 guests on May 18. Everyone enjoyed up-close encounters with extraordinary animals while being entertained by dazzling performances by musicians and dancers. A feast was located throughout, featuring everything from green corn tamales (from El Cholo) to gourmet hot dogs (from Pink’s) plus jalapeñocornbread donuts with maple glaze and bacon, just to name a few options. The evening’s festivities ended in the Zoo’s plaza for dancing and budget-busting auctions. In addition to honorees Dr. Sylvia Earle, Glen Curado, Duff Goldman and Connie Morgan, others applauding the event’s $1.5 million raised were
ZOO BALL guest Lisa Ling and daughter Jett are flanked by rainbow leopards. Photo by Jamie Pham
NGA END-OF-YEAR EVENT guests Lyyli and Bennie Robinson.
Kathy and Steve Shultz, Jenny and Jay Sonbolian and Lisa Ling and her daughter Jett. • • • The NGA of Hancock Park threw a member appreciation bash after a year of providing for the many shelters and programs that serve the underserved in our area. Shar and Robert Penfold welcomed over 70 ladies and their spouses for an alfresco dinner at their Fremont Place home May 30. NGA president Beverly Brown offered congrats for a record-breaking season of fundraising and giving. Among those in the generous and “get-your-handsdirty” crowd were Marilyn Wells, Cathryne and John Macievic, Jennifer and Mark Kim, Robin and John Jameson,
ALFRESCO DINNER HOSTS for the NGA event are Shar and Robert Penfold.
Danielle and Ron Reyes, Isabel Mayfield, Kiel FitzGerald and Jeff Rueben, Laura and Craig Collins, Dede and Chris Black, Julie and John Brumlik, Jan Daley and Steve Sauer, Lyyli and Bennie Robinson, Lisa and Roger Morrison, Amy and Kent Savagian, Marion Plato, Mary Woodward and Stephanie and Michael Sourapas. • • • A backyard musicale on a pleasant June 2 Sunday afternoon took place in the Miracle Mile North gardens of the Paul Williams-designed home of Toby Horn and Harold Tomin. Featuring the duo, “Les Maîtres du Violon,” of Sylvia Schwartz and John Ott, (Please turn to page 5)
JULY 2019
BACKYARD MUSICALE at the Miracle Mile North home of Toby Horn and Harold Tomin.
Around the Town (Continued from page 4)
the audience of about twodozen music aficionados gathered under the shady trees enjoyed hearing four sonatas from the 17th and 18th centuries. • • • Lots of locals headed to Las Vegas for the early-June national convention of the American Institute of Architects. Spotted attending sessions (including one describing the engineering of the world’s tallest observation wheel, the “High Roller“) were John Kaliski, Caroline Labiner Moser, Martha Welborne, Mark Rios (who formerly officed on Larchmont) and others. Also there, as reported in this issue’s “Home Ground” column on Lake Mead, was columnist Paula Panich. The annual architecture convention comes to Los Angeles in May of 2020.
HIGH ROLLER was the location for an American Institute of Architects continuing education session focused on the sophisticated engineering of the tall Las Vegas observation wheel.
• • • The St. Andrew’s Society in Southern California is a nonprofit organization, with no religious affiliation, that was founded in Los Angeles in 1930. Named after the patron saint of Scotland, the Society is devoted to the promotion of Scottish culture. This year, it gathered members and friends to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day in the beautiful backyard of the Hancock Park home of the British Consul General on June 16. This residence on June Street has been the Consul General’s home for 61 years. (A great real estate purchase for the Brits in 1957!) Organizers of the event, which supports research activities at Children’s Hospi-
MEN IN KILTS were much in evidence at the Annual St. Andrew’s Day gathering in the Hancock Park garden of the British Consul General.
tal Los Angeles, included Dr. Richard MacKenzie, the director of the hospital’s Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine for 40 years. • • • “Permission to come aboard” was not just the theme of the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels (MOW) fundraiser. The event actually was held on the USS Iowa harbored in San Pedro. It was a “benefit on the battleship” that starred 105-year-old WWII veteran Lt. Comm. Guy Autore. “This is my ship!” he said.
BRITISH RESIDENCE has housed consuls general in Hancock Park since 1957.
Buffets heaping with veggies and salmon were followed by desserts and lattes and topped off by music and dancing with the nostalgia band, The Topics. (Please turn to page 21)
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Visit Larchmont Village shops for everything you need for your Fourth of July events “An Oasis in the City”
REMINDER!
Schools, churches and other non-profits, contact Betsy@betsymalloy for your Sunday, Oct. 27 Larchmont Family Fair application.
SPONSORED BY
LARCHMONT BOULEVARD ASSOCIATION
www.LARCHMONT.com
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Larchmont Chronicle
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Homelessness (Continued from page 1)
have-nots. Most recently, a runaway rental market has driven our housing prices to astronomical levels, leaving not just low-income people — but also many working and middleincome Angelenos — behind. Addressing the crisis A three-pronged approach is needed: rapid re-housing of the homeless; protection and expansion of our affordable housing stock; and resources — from mental health law reform to counseling to job placement — to keep people off the streets for good. This comprehensive approach is something I have been focused on since before I entered office. Each prong is needed to create lasting solutions and to address the different kinds of people experiencing homelessness — the mentally ill, the chronically homeless, and the largest share of new homeless, the economically distressed.
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New housing On prong one, our city has been moving faster than ever before. In Council District Four, we have five homeless housing centers in the works. The LA LGBT Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood opened a 100-bed facility for homeless youth in April, with 125 more units of permanent supportive housing on the way. Two bridge housing sites, one for homeless women and another for homeless youth, are opening later this year. Temporary bridge housing is on its way in Los Feliz, housing 75-100 people, as well as 54 units of permanent supportive housing for seniors in Sherman Oaks. I am continuing to seek land and locations for more homeless housing across Council District Four. But homeless housing alone will not solve the crisis — that was proven with this year’s homeless count, showing a 16 percent increase in the City of Los Angeles, despite our per-
mitting 21,000 housing units in 2018. This is a crisis driven by evictions and unaffordability, as the majority of new homeless cite economic hardship as the reason they are unhoused. Preserving housing That’s where prong number two comes in — the preservation and expansion of affordable housing. To get there, I have introduced a number of motions in City Council to study vacant units in our city, to give stronger protections to tenants, and to create new incentives in our planning process for affordable, workforce and moderateincome housing. Between 2014 and 2018, 91 percent of new housing construction was built for high income users. That isn’t right, and it doesn’t reflect our city’s needs. That’s why I am fighting for zoning laws that will build housing for people, not just investors, and why I am seeking statewide reform to Costa Hawkins and the Ellis Act. Counseling resources Finally, if we are going to whol-
ly address our homelessness crisis, we need to address a largely undiagnosed mental health crisis. At present, many chronically homeless who struggle with mental health issues can decline help even if they are visibly sick and in dire need. That’s why I have been seeking reform to our state’s Gravely Disabled laws, so our first responders can provide help where it’s needed. Last year, I introduced a resolution that unanimously passed City Council to push for these reforms, partnering with the County Board of Supervisors which is seeking the same. While we continue to advocate for Sacramento to meaningfully help us in this crisis, I am making sure every homeless housing resource we build in Council District Four comes with wraparound services like counseling and mental health support. If we are going to address homelessness holistically, we need to address it from
Letters
(Continued from page 2) developed a clear picture of the solution needed. I have brought this up countless times at these NC meetings. Countless times with David Ryu. Parking restrictions in high-density neighborhoods. A very simple solution. Allison Schallert Oakwood – Maplewood – St. Andrews Neighborhood
Tom Bergin’s status
The Mid City West Planning and Land Use Committee does not want to go on the record either supporting or rejecting this bid. They don’t want to incur the wrath of the Abundant Housing activists, nor the Miracle Mile preservation activists. So by delaying the vote and missing the deadline, it’s mission accomplished; they don’t have to get their hands dirtied. Olivia Branch Payoffs, corruption, intimidation — it seems like the City Council is up to its old tricks. The lawyer for Tom Bergin’s is a high-powered, well-experienced, anti-preservation, prodeveloper lobbyist who works for major companies, so he knows what he’s doing and how to play this and pull strings. The owner of Tom Bergin’s doesn’t care about the place and its history; he just sees land that can be exploited for his enrichment. The woe-is-me loss-ofinheritance story was always utter B.S. He can clearly afford a $1,000-an-hour attorney. Dorothy Danger
Plans for tire company
I love adaptive reuse! What a neat way to keep the [Firestone] building! Jamie Thomas Hall The above three comments are from our website and Facebook page.
many ends — housing those on the street, protecting those on the edge, and making sure we provide not only housing, but resources, counseling and job training. Getting there will require the involvement of every level of government — local, state and federal — as well as all of us calling for sensible reforms, seeking more housing and services across our city, and never, ever giving up on addressing this crisis of our time. David Ryu is councilmember for the Fourth District.
Tea, talk, tour at Alexandria House
Enjoy tea and light refreshments, while learning how you can help at Alexandria House, 426 S. Alexandria Ave., a transitional home for many families, Sat., July 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP to Michele Richards at 213-381-2649 or michele@ alexandriahouse.org.
skin
deep by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald
Let’s just imagine you’re looking to prevent and address early signs of aging. Let’s just say you’d like to score better skin texture and elasticity and bring back your glow. Think hypothetically no more. Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser that uses fractional technology which reduces recovery time. Better still, we are currently offering a special: select our package of 3 Clear + Brilliant laser treatments with 3 Silk Peel and Oxygen facials, and receive a complimentary Skinbetter Science skincare kit valued at $275. The kit includes a full-size collagen-boosting InterFuse Treatment Cream, a miniature AlphaRet Cream, and a miniature Alto Defense Serum. The products and facials will enhance the benefits of Clear + Brilliant to reveal a brighter complexion. And did we mention? With the use of sunscreen before and after your appointment, Clear + Brilliant is perfectly safe for summer! Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology. She is a member of the Botox Cosmetic National Education Faculty and is an international Training Physician for Dermik, the makers of the injectable Sculptra. She is also among a select group of physicians chosen to teach proper injection techniques for Radiesse, the volumizing filler, around the world. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA. Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD. com or call (323) 464-8046 to schedule Adv. an appointment.
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Beloved mail carrier retires, celebrated with proclamation By Rachel Olivier July 3, 2019, the day neighborhood mail carrier Carl Mitchell goes on retirement, will be the end of an era in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the Larchmont Chronicle. The mail carrier has been delivering cheer and goodwill along with the mail to residents and businesses around Larchmont since 1980. 1975: Year of distinction It all began in 1975, a year of distinction: the Helsinki Accords were signed in Finland and Charlie Chaplin was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, but it was also the year the George C. Page Museum opened, Dorothy Chandler was named a “Woman of Larchmont” and Wilshire Chamber of Commerce declared (then named) Larchmont Chronicle publishers Dawne Goodwin and Jane Gilman “Citizen of the Year.” Most important of
all — for this story at least — it was the year that Carl Mitchell applied for a job at the U.S. Post Office (USPS). He was hired as a part time temporary employee for the holiday season sorting Christmas mail. The “powers that be” liked him enough to bring him back the next summer, and then again for the next holiday season. By then, of course, they wanted Mitchell around full time, officially hiring him as a regular employee on July 7, 1977. It took a few years for him to arrive on Larchmont, but by 1980, Carl Mitchell was fully ensconced in our “neck of the woods.” He said he was one of the substitutes for the route for the prior mail carrier, Scotty. And when Scotty retired, Mitchell stepped in. He loved the neighborhood and the community. “Nobody else wanted the
CARL MITCHELL has delivered letters and packages to the neighborhood with a smile for 39 years.
route because there was too much to carry,” remembers Mitchell. Connection I asked him what he liked about his route in Larchmont. His immediate reply was, “It’s the connection I have here — this,” he waved his hand between the two of us as I fol-
lowed him around. For years I have had Mitchell as a mail carrier both at home and at work, so I knew what he was referring to, such as the times when he’d tell me, “You have a letter from your mother in there,” or “I think that check you were waiting for finally came in.” As I shadowed him around the building at 606 N. Larchmont Blvd. (home of the Chronicle office) one afternoon, in every office, faces lit up as soon as Mitchell came through the door. More than one claimed that they always got the best packages and mail when Mitchell delivered his post. Bob Merlis, whose business “Merlis for Hire” has been in this same building for years, also has had the pleasure of Mitchell delivering his mail both at home and at work. “Carl’s fantastic!” said Merlis. “He’s so friendly and engaged and he really cares about the people on his route. He makes Larchmont feel like a small town.” Milestones Since 1980, even as the volume of mail has decreased and Mitchell’s route has changed, he has made his mark on the neighborhood. Some of the milestones in his service include playing Cupid to Kevin Perry of Yousen Plumbing and Catherine Gall, bookkeeper at Maidenberg CPA in 2012. As reported in the Larchmont Chronicle (January 2015), two years after Mitchell introduced the couple to each other, they were married; Mitchell and his daughter Siedah attended the wedding. In 2016, Mitchell was inducted into the National Million Mile club for driving one million accident-free miles for the USPS, says Evelina Ramirez from the USPS Corporate Communications of-
d me ates ione a S S R sh P Fa US Old- rvice , e od S Go
fice. “He is the ‘go-to guy’ in his station,” says Ramirez, and he is known for his encouragement to co-workers and excellent customer service. That same year, an article in the “LA Weekly” by Christina McDowell (formerly of Larchmont) told the story of how Mitchell, born and raised on the Central Avenue corridor, a historical landmark for jazz, grew up watching his father, Big Carl, a bartender who also owned the local barbershop. Mitchell’s father was known for knowing and being friendly with everyone, and that spirit of interaction obviously transferred itself to Carl Jr. That spirit was honored in June by a proclamation from the City of Los Angeles and Councilman Joe Buscaino’s office (the district where Mitchell resides) in recognition of his service to the community. Going forward Retirement plans for Mitchell include the quintessential “honey do” list of home improvements, but he’s also keeping his options open. Because of McDowell’s article, he was recently contacted by pocket.watch, the company that produces “Ryan’s Mystery Playdate,” a show that airs on Nickelodeon, for a preliminary screening as part of the casting process for the show. But Mitchell also plans to schedule downtime into his retirement, so he can enjoy time with friends and family. Carl Mitchell has watched whole families grow up on his route. Some of them, like the Arquettes, are famous, and others just regular folk. He’s watched some of us grow from young to not so young, and from old to older. He’s contributed to the small-town friendly feel of Larchmont over the past 39 years, and he will be greatly missed.
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Ferris wheel at Grand Park Grove, Petersen partner for rooftop film series
Ride a 75-foot Ferris wheel, see fireworks and hear live music at the seventh annual Grand Park and The Music Center’s July Fourth block party, 200 N. Grand Ave., from 3 to 9 p.m. The free family-friendly event will cover six city blocks from Los Angeles Street to Grand Avenue and from Temple to Third streets. Attendees can bring a picnic or choose from a variety of food trucks, listen to live music from Latin funk to salsa, while enjoying the celebration. A 75-foot Fer-
ris wheel (tickets required) will provide views of the festivities. A special musical performance will accompany the rooftop fireworks show. There were 50,000 attendees last year, said Rachel Moore, president and CEO at The Music Center. Several streets will be blocked off and visitors are encouraged to take public transportation and bring food, but not alcohol, and no glass containers. For more information, visit july4.grandparkla.org.
Michelin
that growth and progress are, again, on the horizon, explained Meehan. “The guests are super excited about it,” said Meehan. “It’s a real positive thing for the hospitality and travel industry in Los Angeles.” Michelin Guide California 2019 — the first regional guide for the United States — includes restaurants in greater Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange County, Sacramento, San Diego and Santa Barbara. “With access to many of the world’s best farms, food producers and vineyards, California cuisine is respected worldwide, not only for the quality of its ingredients, but also due to the creativity displayed by its chefs,” says Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides. The guide did not award three-stars — its highest rating — to any restaurant in Southern California.
(Continued from page 1) chef Kevin Meehan told the Chronicle. “We were bombarded with so much love from all of our friends, and then, the restaurant got super busy overnight. We haven’t really had a moment to enjoy it yet. When the smoke clears and we even out, we are looking forward to engaging with our new clientele.” According to Meehan, a Michelin star can make all the difference in the brutal restaurant business: “When we opened Kali, we had so many ideas for the restaurant that we wanted to do, and did do. Over time, however, we had to just focus on keeping the place going and paying the bills. Growing wasn’t part of the conversation — we were in survival mode, like most restaurants.” More than just a star rating, the designation will generate more sales, which means
By Sidney Gubernick Movie fanatics and car geeks rejoice! The Grove recently announced a Wednesday-night cinema series in partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum. “Level 8 Drive-In” is a rooftop theater experience that combines fan-favorite films with their iconic cars cameos. Watch a favorite movie, enjoy some complimentary theater snacks, and take a photo with some of the most famous cars in cinematic history. “The Great Gatsby” (2013 version with Leo DiCaprio) is playing July 31, featuring Gatsby’s classic 1932 Duesenberg. Catch “Back to the Future” on August 28 and snap a photo with the time-traveling DeLorean. The series will finish
A 1932 DUESENBERG will be at the July 31 screening. Courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum
off September 25 with “Iron Man” and Tony Stark’s Ford Flathead Roadster. Showings will be atop the The Grove’s parking structure after sunset. The cars will arrive for
viewing at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but going fast. Visit TheGroveLA.com. Sidney Gubernick will be a sophomore at St. John’s College, Annapolis, Md.
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Sample food, wines at Taste of Farmers Market July 23
Sample food from more than 50 eateries, restaurants and grocers, including vegetarian options, at the 11th annual Taste of Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., Tues., July 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment, “Firehouse Chili” made by local fire stations 61 and 58, and a community craft table. Beer and wine samples will be available for adults 21
years old and over, and tickets include two non-alcoholic drinks. Free parking is also included. Proceeds support the FirstIn Fire Foundation, and there will be fire truck photo ops and firefighter “meet and greets” for guests. Tickets are $40 until July 22 and $50 the day of the event. Kids under 10 years can get tickets for $10 for 10 tastes. farmersmarketla.com.
‘A day at the beach’ with HopeNet Sample cuisine from 20 Larchmont Village restaurants at the Taste of Larchmont between Beverly Boulevard and First Street Mon., Aug. 26, 6 to 9 p.m. The 27th annual event is a fundraiser for HopeNet’s 13 food pantries and has become an end-of-summer tradition, says Brian Milder, the agency’s board chairman. HopeNet has served approximately 300,000 people — more than $2 million worth of food per year — for the past 30 years.
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Committee members include Laurie Brown, Bob Day, Patti Carroll, Bill Gaddy, Steve Tator, Jane Gilman and Milder. Tickets are $50 at hopenetla. org, or by calling 213-9399949 or at the event.
SUMMER FUN at Disneyland this year is focused on the planet Batuu in the new “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” 14-acre addition to Walt Disney’s historic theme park in Anaheim. During the opening weeks in June, a cast member dressed as the young Jedi, Rey, compares light sabers with an even younger visitor. Photo by L.C. Stringer
Jan Daley to sing at Catalina Jazz Club
Local songstress Jan Daley, Hancock Park, will perform works from her new album, “Broadway Memories,” at the Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Sun., July 14, at 7:30 p.m. The performance also will celebrate her “Way of a Woman” CD making No. 1 on the jazz charts. Tickets to the performance are $25. For more information, visit catalinajazzclub.com or call 323-466-2210.
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Life’s a beach at Save the Date
Aug. 26 6-9pm
The Taste of Larchmont
Sample cuisine from over 20 Larchmont Village restaurants Live Raffle Dessert
Proceeds from this annual event support HopeNet’s 13 food pantries. Go to hopenetla.org.
Remarkable tale told of ‘Maiden’s’ voyage Maiden (10/10): Runtime 93 minutes. NR. If this isn’t the best movie of the year, it’s close. A documentary that tells the story of Tracy Edwards putting together a crew consisting entirely of women to compete in the 1989 Whitbread Round the World Race, it’s told entirely without narration. Edwards and her crew and some of the skippers of her competing ships tell the story themselves. Not only did she have to find a boat (a 58-footer named “Maiden”), she had to finance the entire thing. Here was a young woman, totally without experience of doing such an endeavor, plunging in and doing it all on the strength of her character. She had to put the crew together (there aren’t a lot of experienced female sailors), buy a boat, refurbish it, raise the financing, and be the boss, all herculean tasks, especially for one who had no experience for even one of those tasks. What
At the Movies with
Tony Medley makes this truly remarkable is Tracy’s amazing foresight. She even had a movie camera along so the scenes we see are actually what happened. Wild Rose (9/10): Runtime 101 minutes. R. Highlighted by wonderful music, Jessie Buckley gives a boffo performance as a Glasgow country singer who longs for Nashville, but it’s a far more complex and nuanced tale. After only one minute, I turned to my assistant and said, “I love this movie!” And I never changed my opinion. Framing John DeLorean (9/10): Runtime 119 minutes. NR. A fascinating tale of ambition and hubris, this is how
DeLorean tried to be the new Henry Ford — told with archival films, interviews with people involved, and also with scripted scenes with Alec Baldwin playing DeLorean. Even though it all happened in the late 20th century, it still has a twist you don’t see coming. Rocketman (7/10): Runtime 121 minutes. R. There’s a lot of music in this, a lot of drugs, and a lot of gay sex. It tells that a young, fearful piano wunderkind, Reginald Dwight, is unloved and uncared for by his frigidly cold parents. Then almost like a butterfly turning into a caterpillar, Reggie metamorphoses into the monster drug addict, alcoholic rock and roll superstar, Elton John (Taron Egerton, in an Oscar-quality performance). This is not just “warts and all,” it’s almost all warts. The entire movie shows John as a whining, despicable, ungovernable prima donna begging for love and throwing fits when he doesn’t get it. The last 28 years of his life when he was drug- and alcohol-free and remarkably prolific are ignored. The main criticism of last year’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” by many was that it whitewashed a story that was darker than what was presented onscreen. To give “Rocketman” credit, it does not pull its punches. Pavarotti (7/10): Runtime 114 minutes. PG-13. Director Ron Howard’s whitewashed version of the life of the Il Divo is entertaining enough, but it would have been better had it told the whole story, the negative with the positive. There is some music, but not too much to bother those who don’t appreciate opera. David Crosby: Remember My Name (7/10): Runtime 92 minutes. NR. This is a disjointed telling of folk rock guitarist David Crosby’s story by himself through interviews and archival films. It covers his infatuation with Joni Mitchell, his horrible addiction to drugs, and pretty much all of his life from the ’60s to today. Missing is music, although he talks about it a lot. I’m not sure why a documentary about a musician (Crosby wrote, sang, and played the guitar) would not feature some of the songs that musician wrote and performed. It is a glaring omission from a film that is interesting, but can’t hold a candle to “Echo in the Valley.” Designated Survivor (3/10): This Netflix series had two good years, but a new showrunner has taken over and imposed his social values on the characters, grossly depreciating the series which had heretofore been refreshingly populist. Include me out. Recommended reading: “Past Tense” by Lee Child; “Redemption” by David Baldacci.
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‘Indecent’ tells of first kiss; Anne Frank’s hoped-for illusion In 1906, Polish-Jewish playwright Sholem Asch wrote the play “God of Vengeance,” the story of the love between a female prostitute and the daughter of the brothel’s owner. Indecent by Paula Vogel tells the journey of this controversial drama. Opening in Berlin, we follow as the play tours Europe and eventually lands in New York in 1923 and in the history books. The play (translated into English) presented the first kiss between two women on the American stage. The actors were eventually ar-
rested for obscenity due to the play’s content. “Indecent,” directed by Rebecca Taichman, features a cast of six accomplished performers (on stage as the audience enters,) who perform a variety of roles during the action of the play. The actors include Elizabeth A. Davis, Joby Earle, Harry Groener, Mimi Lieber, Steven Rattazzi and Adina Verson and Richard Topol as Lemml the stage manager. Not billed as a musical, this is definitely a play with music that becomes a part of the action and contributes greatly to
the evening. Score and original music by Lisa Gutkin and Aaron Halva. A three-piece live orchestra weaves in and out and is part of the action, while playing a variety of vintagesounding instruments. The unique, visceral choreography is by David Dorfman. The performance runs almost two hours without an intermission, but interest never wanes in this timely play. Through Sun., July 7, Ahmanson Theatre, Music Center 135 Grand Ave., 213-6282772. 4 Stars
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Theater Review by
Patricia Foster Rye • • • Mysterious Circumstances by Michael Mitnick is inspired by “The New Yorker” article “Mysterious Circumstances: The Strange Death of a Sherlock Holmes Fanatic,” by David Grann. Holmes fanatic Richard Lancelyn Green (Alan Tudyk) is found dead in his flat, and the first act is a flashback of what led up to his demise. Scenes switch easily between 1894 and 2014. In 1894, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Austin Durant) would like to pursue more dignified subjects and scholarly pursuits. So he killed off Sherlock Holmes as of 1893, much to the dismay of his fans. Sir Arthur is also dealing with the terminal illness of his wife Touie (Helen Sadler). In addition, Holmes (Alan Tudyk doubling roles) and Watson (Ramiz Monsef) become involved and “the game’s afoot,” (although Holmes starts out saying “the game’s ahead.”) The plot centers on the pursuit of a famous box of letters. Modern-day Richard finally finds them at the home of Sir Arthur’s daughter Jean Doyle (Helen Sadler doubling roles). Richard is allowed to view them for a very brief amount of time. In Act Two, Richard is found dead, and after many zany attempts to find the cause of death and the murderer, the mysteries are resolved. Production values are outstanding: set designer Brett J. Banakis, lighting designer Elizabeth Harper, projection designers Kaitlyn Pietras and Jason H. Thompson, costume designer E.B. Brooks, original music and sound design by Jonathan Snipes, illusion designers Francis Menotti and David Kwong. Through Sun., July 14, at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 LeConte Ave., 310-208-5454, geffenplayhouse.org. 3 Stars • • • Anne Frank (Ava Lalezarzadeh) is seated at an outdoor café in Paris finishing her famous book when The Publisher (Timothy P. Brown) makes her acquaintance. By a voiceover we learn that her sister Margot (Marnina Schon) is in sunny Palestine. This is the opening of the intriguing new play about the iconic young author, Anne, a New Play Rediscovering Anne Frank by Jessica Durlacher and Leon deWinter, adapted by Nick Blaemire. This hoped-
for illusion only makes the dramatic main action of the play that much more poignant as the Frank family and their fellow Jews go into hiding to avoid capture by the Nazis. A scene has been added as we see the family pack their belongings, ready to give up all but the most basic necessities. Several years pass as the war goes on. Anne blossoms in spite of the harsh circumstances and finds love with Peter van Pels (Kevin Matsumoto) but the adults don’t fare as well as the forced incarceration takes its toll on health and spirit. Ms. Lalezarzadeh has found the spunkiness in the young Anne and brings poise and understanding to the mature Anne. Rob Brownstein resonates with dignity and empathy in his role as father Otto Frank. Directed by Eve Brandstein, the rest of the cast is excellent. Unfortunately the play is not well served by the limited stage space and lack of a proscenium in its current home. (Appropriate for ages 8 and up.) Through Mon., July 22, Museum of Tolerance, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., 310-553-8403, museumoftolerance.com. 3 Stars • • • Ready Steady Yeti Go by David Jacobi centers on a group of seventh graders as they attempt to cope with a hate crime in their midst. The time is present day. A racial epithet has been drawn on Carly’s (Jasmine St. Clair) house. Her family is one of only two black families in the town. Goon (Ryan Brophy) tries to comfort her, and a budding romance develops. Carly and Goon gather at a hideout in the woods (excellent scenic design by David A. Mauer). The rest of their crowd, Katie (Rori Flynn), Goon’s twin Gandry (Kenney Selvey), Barry (Randolph Thompson) and “Shades” (Morgan Wilday), join them as they attempt to reenact the crime (as a play within a play), discover who is responsible and put into perspective what happened. They consult a Ouija board, organize anti-hate groups, ponder why evil exists and attend assemblies. Adult actors portray this group of struggling adolescents and their sometimes over-exaggerated, child-like mannerisms eclipse the dialogue and therefore the premise of the play. The cast fares better when doubling as the adults involved. Especially Ms. St. Clair’s excellent, nuanced monologue portraying the grownups in her life. The ending does not come to any new conclusions nor lead to any intuitive realizations. Through Mon., July 29, Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice, 855-585-5185 roguemachinetheatre.com. 3 Stars
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Episcopal School takes a family-style approach to lunch By Billy Taylor Allow me to set the scene: More than a hundred students assembled around 16 tables — each topped with platters of steak and potatoes — singing together with a piano accompanist a popular melody from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood before sitting down to share a family-style meal. One might assume such a civilized assembly of students was a special event, but for the Episcopal School of Los Angeles (ESLA), it’s just how they do lunch each day.
The motivation behind the approach is that there’s no substitute for breaking bread with your neighbor. So each day, around noon, the entire middle and upper schools gather together for a family-style meal. It’s a time for students, faculty and staff to share both good food and good conversation. “From how we understand it, this is a totally unique way to serve school lunch,” said Will Litton, ESLA director of admissions. To witness the communal gathering first hand, I
met Litton for lunch during ESLA’s second-to-last day of school before summer break. When I arrived, the students — who were excited to be out of their typical uniforms for a “free dress” day — were gathering in the lunchroom. The piano was playing in the background, and an intoxicating smell was coming from the kitchen. “Today is a special day as students are celebrating the middle school head Jay Johnson’s last day,” said Litton. “So we’re having steak and potatoes, Johnson’s favorite.”
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CHEF Monterrosa works with kitchen staff to prepare a familystyle meal for lunch.
School chef The man behind the program is chef Hugo Monterrosa. Not your typical cafeteria-style cook, Monterrosa sharpened his culinary skills at a London-based restaurant before spending time at East Hollywood’s beloved Sqirl. Looking at a couple of Monterrosa’s recent lunch menus, it’s quickly obvious that these kids eat well: One menu reads steamed mahi-mahi and hanger steak served with hominy grits and squash blossom salad. A second menu reads lamb shoulder served with Moroccan cous cous and chickpea salad. There is always a vegetarian option, too. “It’s a chance to teach the kids about good eating habits,” said Monterrosa. “We want to show them that they don’t have to eat mass-produced products.” And the learning doesn’t stop there. Monterrosa says that they use food to explore other cultures and traditions from around the world. Builds confidence “The lunch program provides another venue to take what the kids are learning in class and carries that into conversation with their peers every single day,” said Lit-
ton, who explained that there is a rotating faculty member at every table. “And that means that there is someone invested in each student at every table. It also means that students are interacting with different groups each day, growing confidence, and building relationships that might not have happened otherwise.” Students are assigned seats for lunch three days a week, and are allowed free seating for two days. The kitchen also provides breakfast and snacks to hungry students. The ESLA is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar renovation of its permanent campus on Lillian Way, just off the corner of Vine and Santa Monica. As such, the school is temporarily conducting class — and its unique lunch program — at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. According to Litton, ESLA hopes to complete the project later this fall. “We will soon have a new and improved kitchen where we can continue to build on the lunch program,” said chef Monterrosa. “It will be good to be back home.” Visit es-la.com for more information.
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FUN
that will last a lifetime. Call now to start lessons! 323-522-4888 Welcome to Rhodes School of Music in Larchmont Village! Join us and learn to play your favorite music this Summer! We offer lessons on piano, voice, guitar, drums, violin, viola, cello, ukulele, electric bass, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, audio-production, and mini-music (for kids ages 3-5). • All ages and levels. • Open seven days a week. • Here in the heart of Larchmont. • Month to month enrollment. • Over 35 experienced teachers. • Unlimited make-up lessons. • All instruments in one location so it's easy to schedule siblings and multiinstrumentalists. • A full time front desk staff to ensure you are loving your experience every step of the way!
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Goldie’s / St. Brendan’s girls’ basketball finish the season The Goldie’s Youth Sports and St. Brendan’s Basketball Association’s all girls basketball league wrapped up its spring season on June 9 with one team ending the season with an undefeated record. The Championship Team
won 7-0 games during the season in age Division 11-14. Goldie’s is an all-girls recreational league that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship and community. The 2019 fall season runs October through December
for age divisions 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-14. All basketball games take place at St. Brendan School, 238 S. Manhattan Pl. Registration for the fall season begins late August. Visit, goldiesyouthsports.com.
WINNING TEAM, left to right, Division 11-14: Auggie Weaver, Hailey Kang, Zoe Simmons, Eva Mars, Coach Jennifer Rissier, Emily Rissier, Amelia Carson, Lucy Yerrid, Coco Yerrid, Amelia Rodgriguez.
OAKWOOD SCHOOL
PAGE ACADEMY Celebrating Our 111th Year
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By Scarlett Saldaña 8th Grade D u r i n g this summer, the students at Oakwood will prepare for their next adventure by advancing through another year of middle school or high school. During this summer, past eighth and eleventh graders move into their new positions as either freshmen or seniors. As both grades know, it will be a big step for them, but an even greater step as they move into unfamiliar territory — high school and college. However, as I have been at Oakwood for almost two years now, I have learned that as a school, we know and respect others’ input and ideas. For example, I know that for many eighth graders, transitioning into ninth grade can be “terrifying,” as one student mentioned. After all, they only know high school to be stressful, daunting, and horrific. At least, that’s what Hollywood perceives it to be. But after getting advice from multiple high schoolers, college counselors, and administrators, a part of student resources, more students started to relax and enjoy their years in the present time. What many students have learned, including me, is that at Oakwood, you can talk to anyone there. Whether it’s seniors or teachers, if you ask, they are happy to help.
Soccer sign-ups underway for fall; waitlist July 31
Fall registration is underway for the fall season of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 78 Hollywood-Wilshire. Sign up early, as prices go up after July 31 and waitlist registration begins, Kurt Muller, Regional Commissioner AYSO 78 Hollywood, told us. The season opens Sat., Sept. 7, and most of the practices and games are held at Pan Pacific Park (for younger divisions) and Fairfax High School. The programs are for boys and girls ages 3 – 18 (born in the years of 2001 – 2016). Playoffs will take place at the end of November and early December. Both Divisional League Champions and AllStar teams for the Hollywood region will participate in Area League Championships and Area AllStar Tournaments in January. Register at ayso78. inleague.org.
K-POP finalists to sing, dance July 27
Watch contestants sing and dance at the K-POP World Festival: Los Angeles Finals on Sat., July 27 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Korean Cultural Center, 5505 Wilshire Blvd. Deadline is Sun., June 30 at submission@www.kccla.org. Top teams will proceed to the August online judgment and a chance to win a trip to Korea to compete in the K-POP World Festival in Changwon.
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TV & Video Games
We have a unique living room atmosphere Children from newborns to 18-year-olds feel comfortable Saturday Appointments Available
(323) 463-8322 • 321 N. Larchmont Blvd, Suite 809
Larchmont Chronicle
JULY 2019
SECTION ONE
Haircuts for Charity at Larchmont Hair and Nails
The Plymouth School NOW ENROLLING • Preschool program for children 2 to 5 ½. • Creative activities to encourage cognitive & social development including art, music, 31movement & play
PEARLY GOLDVARD, 6 years old, wanted to make her first haircut meaningful by donating to Zichron Menachem.
• Experienced teachers devoted to fostering self-esteem in a safe nurturing environment
Photo by Talia Abrahamson
thing is fully sponsored. It’s such a nice thing, and everybody feels good, from the stylists to the girls to the community,” Mandelbaum said. To learn more about the
charity or find out about the next haircutting event, contact rivkawigsla@gmail.com. Talia Abrahamson will be a senior at Marlborough School in the fall.
©LC0917
By Talia Abrahamson Right in time for summer, women and girls at Larchmont Hair and Nails each cut off at least 10 inches of hair for charity. Hosted by the parent teacher association (PTA) of Fairfax area elementary school Ohr Eliyahu, this haircutting event raised braided donations for Zichron Menachem, a charity that provides wigs for Israeli cancer patients under 25 years old. Local organizer Jenny Mandelbaum wanted the June 12 event to feel like a party, in line with the charity’s mission to make hair donating a special experience for the donor and recipient. Although haircuts were the spotlight of the event, the salon also offered other luxuries to pamper donors, such as manicures and cookies. Hairdressers and manicurists worked after hours to ensure the event remained free for all in attendance. Pilen Gomez is a hairdresser at a different salon, but he traveled to 417 N. Larchmont Blvd. just for the event. Larchmont Hair and Nails hairdresser Iliana Duenas has been a hairstylist for 12 years, and this was her first year cutting hair for the charity. “It’s giving a little bit back to the Jewish community,” Duenas said. Mandelbaum first brought Zichron Menachem to Los Angeles when she was president of Ohr Eliyahu’s PTA, after living in London for 10 years. Her daughter needed a haircut in London, and she loved the idea of donating hair to another Jewish child, who experienced hair loss from chemotherapy. “I wanted her to understand the whole concept behind it to the level that she was able to, and that’s what’s amazing about Zichron Menachem. The person who’s giving understands what they’re doing, and the person who’s receiving understands. The whole relationship is beautiful,” Mandelbaum said. Approximately 35 donors attended the party from across the Los Angeles Jewish community. Sarala Beilis, 7 years old, donated her hair for the first time. “I did it because it will help children that need it, and it will make them feel better. It will make them really happy,” Beilis said. Rifka Meyer, also at the event and owner of Rifka’s Salon in London, hopes to eventually connect all Zichron Menachem haircutting parties through an online interface, to strengthen the community component of hair donations. “The whole thing is just beautiful. Everybody does everything for free. Every-
• Over 45 years serving the neighborhood
315 S. Oxford Ave. • 213-387-7381
Wilshire Campus: 4900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 Koreatown Campus: 3119 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020
www.theplymouthschool.com theplymouthschool@gmail.com
est. 1999
Now Enrolling K-3 at Wilshire Campus, 4-12 at Koreatown Campus! • WASC Accredited • 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio • Highly qualified and effective teachers • Placed top 7-10% in CA and nation for academic performance
Educate, Enable, and Equip the Christian Leaders of Tomorrow
Contact Website: www.e-nca.org Email: admissions@e-nca.org Phone: 213-487-5437
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Larchmont Chronicle
JULY 2019
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Anne Lombard, 90, Fremont Place Anne Lombard, 90, of Fremont Place, died at home June 11, four days short of her 91st birthday. Anne, the mother of “Larchmont Buzz” co-publisher Patty Lombard, relocated to Los Angeles with her husband Rocci more than five years ago. Last year, the couple and their family were featured in an article in the “Los Angeles Times” on redesigning homes to be more accessible for older family members. Anne, a member of The Ebell of Los Angeles, enjoyed baking cookies for dinners delivered by Ebell members to residents
ROCCI AND ANNE Lombard at her 90th birthday party.
Photo by allisonphoto.com
of Alexandria House, the transitional shelter for women and children. She was also a member of St. Brendan’s Church. She attended Indiana University, where she earned a degree in home economics. She mar-
ried Rocci in 1951, and they moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1960, becoming active in the local business community. She was also a home economics teacher for 25 years. Anne is survived by her husband Rocci, son John Lombard (Claudia), daughter Joanna Lombard (Denis Hector), and daughter Patty Lombard (Bill Simon), along with six grandchildren, her sister and brother, and nieces and nephews. Please make donations to Alexandria House. A memorial will be planned later in the summer.
Richard Hotaling, 87, formerly of Windsor Square Richard Hotaling died May 17. He was 87. Hotaling grew up in Woodside, Calif., and he graduated from Denison University in 1954. In 1955, he married Elizabeth Purdon Duque (Bitsy) of Los Angeles and moved to San Francisco before settling down to raise their family in Windsor Square. (He was the great-grandson of the late AP Hotaling, founder of AP Hotaling Whiskey Company in San Francisco.) His business ventures included a 29-year career with Orange County Lumber Company followed by the Salvation Army and others. Dick and Bitsy gave to many organizations: Hollygrove, Devil Pups, The Hospitalite Notre Dame de Lourdes, The Order of Malta, The Order of St. Gregory, The Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Little Sisters of the Poor, Las Torres and Las Posada.
In his later years he returned often to his ranch in the central coastal mountain range of Paso RICHARD Robles. SurHOTALING rounded by his wife, family and his two dogs, Dick died at home in Pasadena. He also is survived by his four children, Elita (David) Balfour, Marsi (Kent) Lauble, Elizabeth (John) Watson, and George (Bernadette) Hotaling, and 12 grandchildren, one great-grandson, his sister Monie Hoag, brother-in-law Henry Duque, sister-in-law Mary Delia Duque, and numerous nieces and nephews. Donations can be made to the Preston Horticultural Fund c/o Denison University, P.O Box D, Granville, OH 43023.
Discover a garden in the city. A FRIENDLY HELLO. A tapestry of friendship. A place where there is room to be yourself. Find the gem of authenticity in a community within a community. Kingsley Manor is a pastiche of Hollywood grandeur and modern
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REGULAR MASS SCHEDULES: Monday-Friday, 9:00am | Saturday, 8:30am Saturday Vigil, 5:00pm Sunday, 8:00am, 10:00am (Choir), 12:00pm Holy Day, 9:00am & 7:00pm, 5:30pm Vigil Confession: Sunday immediately following 12pm Mass (subject to change without notice)
Ecclesia Gnostica Gnostic Christian Church Bishop Dr. Stephan Hoeller
1055 N. Kingsley Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90029 kingsleymanor.org We’re an equal opportunity housing provider.
Sunday Eucharist 11:00am Wednesday Eucharist Eucharist 8:30pm 8:30pm Lectures • Fridays••8pm 8pm Wednesday • Fridays
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2560 N. Beachwood Dr., Hollywood • 323-467-2685 3363 Glendale Boulevard, Atwater, Los Angeles • 323-467-2685
©LC0216
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Larchmont Chronicle
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Allan Graf, 72, Hancock Park
Clyde Jenkins, 52; Realtor, musician
Around the Town Marat Daukayev
and tears could be heard in every corner of the room. “When I was six years old, I took a class in that room,” says Freya Marr-Johnson (pointing to one of the studios). “I never looked back. I was looking for a place to dance — and this was the perfect fit.” To learn more or to support their fundraiser, go to https:// tinyurl.com/y4c7ek4c.
Allan Jacques Graf, 72, of Hancock Park, died May 30, a few days after he suffered a stroke. Allan was born in Los Angeles, raised in New York, and returned to Los Angeles with his family in 1985. He held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Foreign Relations from Johns Hopkins University and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Columbia University. Allan practiced law at several firms, finishing his career at Carlsmith Ball LLP.
Graf also volunteered at St. Francis Center and mentored incarcerated young men. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his daughter Laura and her husband Teddy Macker and their daughters Eleanor and Tomasa; his son Matthew and his husband Miles Hogan; and his sister and brother. A funeral Mass was held last month at St. Brendan’s Church. Donations can be sent to the St. Francis Center of Los Angeles: (stfranciscenterla.org).
(Continued from page 5)
(Continued from page 3)
“We deliver not just meals, but love,” declared MOW executive director Veronica Dover, reminding guests that the group behind MOW, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul, arrived at this very port in 1858. Supporters from our ’hood included Laurie and George Stoneman, Paula Marcus, Meredith Carr, June Bilgore, Laura and Richard Esposito and Daryl and Jim Twerdahl. From ship to shore, Larchmont has philanthropy in hand. And that’s the chat!
8,000 – 12,000 square feet that will duplicate the five ballet studios they operated out of their La Brea location. To help raise funds for the new space, they have started a GoFundMe page. As the curtain came down on the final dance at the La Brea dance studio, laughter
Clyde Christopher Jenkins, 52, died June 1 after suffering a heart attack. A native of Southern California, Clyde was the youngest of nine siblings and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Cal State Northridge. Jenkins had several careers, starting out in the music business at Capitol Records, and ending up as a music executive at Michael J. Jackson Productions for 15 years. He then entered law enforcement
with the California Highway Patrol for a few years before winding up in Houston, Texas. CLYDE After estabJENKINS lishing a career in real estate in Texas, he moved back to Los Angeles to be closer to his family, where he also began working with his Coldwell Banker family in Hancock Park, where he was a Realtor for nine years. Coldwell Banker office manager John Winther noted that Jenkins’ unexpected death was especially sad, as he had been in apparent good health and was only 52. Jenkins was known for being fun-loving, as can be seen on his website from some of the testimonials from former clients. Jenkins was active and
enjoyed life; he liked to dance, travel, skate and sing. He was also known for his creative Halloween costumes each autumn, and he was judge of the costume contest at the annual Larchmont Family Fair, working often as a volunteer with Betsy Malloy. “At the first ‘Larchmont’s Got Talent’ show, Clyde entered the contest. He was great and I had no idea he was the late James Brown’s nephew. But I figured, ‘oh heavens, let’s give the prize to the talented young people. Clyde won’t care,’” said Malloy. “But I think he did deep down. I think that’s why I found a whoopee cushion on my chair in my office,” remembers Malloy. He is survived by sisters Helen Jackson (Amos), Patricia Truss-Morgan, Clarice Dickson-Truss, Jesslyn Jenkins-McGill (Cedric), brothers Clarence Truss (Noel) and Fredrick Jenkins (Angela).
TUESDAY, JULY 23, 5-9 PM
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
40
$
ADVANCE SALE
until July 22
50
$
DAY OF EVENT
SEA AIR is enjoyed by Laurie and George Stoneman on the USS Iowa.
July 23
(While supplies last)
61
Adult ticket price includes: food, beer & wine samples, two non-alcoholic beverages and free parking.
TASTE OF FARMERS MARKET
THE 11th ANNUAL
SUPPORTING THE FIRST-IN FIRE FOUNDATION
FIREBOAT DISPLAY fascinates Paula Marcus and June Bilgore at the Meals on Wheels onboard benefit.
10
$
KIDS TICKET
10 tastes for ages 10 and younger.
10% Group Discount on 10 or more tickets.
THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT!
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS • Over 50 delicious tastes
from your favorite Market merchants — including plenty of vegetarian options
• “Firehouse Chili” made by
firehouse chefs from our local fire stations 61 and 58
• Live entertainment • Community craft table • Fire truck photo ops &
85 YEARS•19 34-2019
firefighter meet and greets
WWII VETERAN Lt. Comm. Guy Autore chats with Daryl and Jim Twerdahl on the USS Iowa.
Tickets now on sale at the Farmers Market Office (upstairs, above Gate One until 7pm daily) or online at farmersmarketla.com • 323.933.9211 6333 W. THIRD ST. • LOS ANGELES • 323.933.9211 •
Insta
#FARMERSMARKETLA • FARMERSMARKETLA.COM
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Larchmont Chronicle
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Bright and fresh flavors are at Silver Lake bistro Botanica
Children’s Tea
by
Helene Seifer in with a beet juice cocktail with mezcal and cilantro or a G&T with cucumber, rosemary and flower water. The wine list abounds with natural wine buzz words such as “sulfur-free” and “permaculture environment” and is brimming with friendly enthusiasm — a Loire red is described as “so smooth, it will make you swoon.” By and large, Botanica’s flavors are fresh and bright and perfect for sharing with friends. Dishes are artfully plated, but not in the precious way high-end restaurants favor. More than a few
Revue celebrates 100-year legacy
assorted mini muffins, fresh fruit skewers assorted tea sandwiches Peanut Butter & Jelly • Chicken Salad Mini Cheese Sandwich Milk, Hot Chocolate, Kids Champagne (apple juice with sparkling water)
$19.50 per person
Please Call for Reservations Every Saturday from 2pm to 4pm
All ages welcomed (323) 933-8446 • (323) 933-8440
©LC0719
Frances@dupars-psr.com
In the Original Farmers Market • 3rd & Fairfax Open 24 Hours
On the Menu
Join the Assistance League of Los Angeles at a musical journey celebrating its 100-year-legacy at The Diamond Revue Sat., June 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Assistance League Theatre, 1367 North Saint Andrews Pl. The time capsule of story and song features Hollywood and Broadway stars. A Heritage Circle High Tea is planned for Sun., Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. at a private residence. The Diamond Anniversary Gala will take place Sat., Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at Paramount Pictures. The League’s numerous programs work to improve the lives of impoverished children in our community. Visit assistanceleaguela.org.
Ebell Film Series: A League of Their Own Grab your crew and join us for a special summer screening of A League Of Their Own! The night kicks off with a light dinner, followed by the screening inside the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. Wednesday, July 10th | 6:30 pm Reception, 8:00 pm Screening
The Ebell of Los Angeles Blood Drive To schedule your life-saving appointment, please visit www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code EBELL, or reserve by email! Tuesday, July 16th | 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Summer Daze Annual BBQ
The temperature's rising, so join us for a Southern-inspired BBQ menu as we celebrate summer! Purchase your tickets early, this event will sell out! Friday, August 2nd | 5:30-8:30 pm
Visit www.EbellofLA.com, email tickets@ebelloflosangeles.com or call 323-931-1277 x 131. 4400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90005
plates are topped with a wild and colorful garden of herbs and flowers; an array that visually harkens a Los Angeles yard replaced with native plants rather than an oldstyle expanse of grass edged with manicured plant beds. Green tahini tartine presents toast topped with whipped tahini (a Middle Eastern paste or sauce made from ground sesame seeds), mandolin-cut radishes, citrus segments and spring peas to form a visually vibrant and flavorful $15 dish. Seared Japanese sweet potatoes were rightly recommended; the sweetness of the perfectly cooked potatoes was offset by a vivid parsley-cilantrocaper salsa. Fattoush-y salad was the least exciting item the three of us sampled. A mass of arugula tossed with
roasted turnips and assorted fruit slices, tossed in a za’atar vinaigrette, this $13 riff on the classic bread-based salad served a nice portion of healthy greens, but did not wow, even with the addition of the optional spiced lamb. A surprising table favorite was the seared chicken. This $31 piece of poultry was intensely juicy and bathed in a pomegranate molasses bath, with sugar snap peas, greens and yuzu kosho. Somehow the sweetness of the Middle Eastern molasses animated the Asian zing of lemony yuzu and elevated the humble bird. Botanica Restaurant and Market, 1620 Silver Lake Blvd., 323-522-6106. Contact Helene at onthemenu@larchmontchronicle.com
Serving Los Angeles since 2001
CAVIAR AND FINE DINING Reservations: (310) 271-6300 www.petrossianrestaurants.com 10 minutes from Hancock Park
Mon - Fri: Lunch 11 am - 4 pm, Dinner 4 pm -10 pm Sat: Brunch/Lunch 10 am - 4 pm, Dinner 4 pm -10 pm Sun: Brunch/Lunch 10 am - 4 pm
321 N. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood
Taste the best of Italian cuisine in Los Angeles inside the Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd. at Fairfax Ave. RISTORANTE
Reserve: (310) 323-800-2244 dragoristorante.com
Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM -10 PM Friday – Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM
RESTAURANT & COCKTAILS
Lunch & Dinner Every Day of the Year
Restaurant Hours: Mon. - Tues. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wed. - Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bar Open till 1:00 a.m. Mon.-Thurs. ~ 1:30 a.m. Fri., & Sat.
3357 Wilshire Blvd. • 213-385-7275
©LC 0406
In Silver Lake, nearly every bistro could become a weekly habit, including my new fixation, Botanica Restaurant and Market. Just as a good wine expresses the terroir of the specific plot of land that nurtured its growth, so, too, does Botanica express the current eating climate, not only of Los Angeles, but of Silver Lake. Local, sustainable, vegetable-forward, but supportive of animal protein with the right provenance, this simple storefront on a hip stretch of Silver Lake Boulevard also sports a small market with artisanal baked goods, natural wines, farmfresh garlic bulbs and other necessities of the modern curated life. Botanica’s narrow space has a row of rustic tables along one wall, leading to the lightfilled covered patio, where you probably want to settle
Bogie’s Liquor We Deliver
Open 7 Days Hours: Open 6 a.m. Close 2 a.m.
5753 Melrose Ave.
Call 323-469-1414
©LC0216
Michelin recently bestowed stars to 24 Los Angeles area restaurants (and one in Costa Mesa); several are in our neighborhood, including two-star Providence and onestar recipients Osteria Mozza, Trois Mec and Kali. Now that we’ve been officially christened a mecca of gastronomic accomplishment, why would we even consider braving traffic to eat anywhere else? Why spend roughly 40 minutes, for example, to cover a mere three-and-a-half miles to hit one of the many Silver Lake restaurants ignored by the international arbiter of restaurant worth? Because, besides Kali, Osteria Mozza and a handful of others on the tire company’s list, there are precious few extremely local restaurants which would become more than a special occasion restaurant.
Larchmont Chronicle
JULY 2019
SECTION ONE
THANK YOU LOS ANGELES FOR 79 YEARS! N O I T A C O SAME L end g e L d o o A Hollyw 1939! Since
Still fam ily own ed & opera ted!
Our Famous Classic Chili Cheese Dog (Where it all started back in 1939!)
We serve more than 40 varieties of delicious, mouth-watering Hot Dogs and more than 12 varieties of colossal Hamburgers … be sure to try our awesome Fries & Onion RIngs At "Pink's Square" — the corner of La Brea & Melrose Visit us at: WWW.PINKSHOLLYWOOD.COM
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For information contact: CateringByPinks@gmail.com
©LC0719
We r Cate
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SECTION ONE
JULY 2019
Go Beyond Sweet
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at The Grove
Enjoy al fresco dining with a delectable full-service menu of French-inspired dishes. Laduree.com @LadureeUS
Larchmont Chronicle