LC Section One 1 2026

Larchmont Chronicle

VOL. 64, NO. 1

• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •

What’s behind homeless spending?

Winter, spring, summer, and fall... camps are year-round

IN THIS ISSUE

n Cool weather hikes

CAMPS issue.

8

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY issue.

15

DOCTOR opens practice in her hometown.

16

CARING for trees in Hancock Park.

Mailing permit:

2-3

By Nona Sue Friedman When we think of camp, traditionally we envision sunkissed days of swimming, wearing shorts, enjoying the outdoors, and possibly getting sunburnt. Although now is the perfect time to reserve a summer experience, camps have sessions throughout the year for everyone.

Many overnight camps host family, teen, and women or men’s weekends. With a family weekend, the whole gang can enjoy camp together. If your kids go to camp over the summer, this is a great opportunity to be in their environment and experience what they do while they’re there.

See Camps, P 12

n A look into city controller review

FIRE STATION 61 gets into the holiday spirit with Santa and Brookside residents Archie and Walker Abramson.

Around the Town, Page 4

Creative leaders’ impact is Homeless count returns explored in new series n Genesis Talks hosted by LACMA’s Michael Govan this month

n Volunteers to fan out Jan. 20, 21, and 22

By Suzan Filipek Volunteers will fan out once again across Los Angeles County over three nights this month to count Angelenos who are living in tents, sleeping in cars or are otherwise homeless.

The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count will take place Tue., Jan. 20; Wed., Jan. 21; and Thu., Jan. 22, by the Los Angeles Homeless SerSee Homeless count, P 23

Love & travel are in the air

“Valentines — How They Met,” “Vacation Planning” and “Scouts” will be featured in our February issue. To reserve advertising space, contact 323462-2241 ext. 11, or email jesse@larchmontchronicle.com or sandy@larchmontchronicle.com. The deadline to reserve space is Mon., Jan. 5.

JANUARY 2026

By Helene Seifer The Los Angeles County Museum of Art launched a new quarterly public talk series exploring how creative leaders are impacting the cultural landscape. The Genesis Talks, named for the underwriting support from Hyundai’s Gen-

esis luxury car brand, kicked off the series last month.

LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan was in conversation with artist Jeff Koons at the David Geffen Theater.

Koons’ monumental sculpSee Artist, P 18

By Jon F. Vein Late last year, the city of Los Angeles brought in an outside firm, at a cost of nearly $3 million, to conduct a full audit of homelessness spending, including money tied to the Inside Safe program.

That move alone raised eyebrows. Now, in a surprising follow-up, City Controller Kenneth Mejia has announced that he will carry out his own audit as well, a parallel effort meant to dig into how billions of homelessness dollars have been spent or left unused. For Mejia, who has built his public identity around transparency, this is perhaps the biggest test yet of his vision for the controller’s office.

Why the controller is stepping in Mejia’s decision comes at a moment of widespread frustration about how the city tracks and manages homelessness spending. A federal judge’s audit last year exposed what many suspected but couldn’t prove. Despite $2.4 billion moving through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and related See Homeless, P 19

Work out at home and in a ‘Zen’ space

n New Larchmont founded by women

By Suzan Filipek When thinking of working out, cardio, Pilates, and yoga come to mind.

Uplift Collective is none of those.

The new community-based, weight-lifting studio in Larchmont is also not your typical gym.

“It doesn’t look like a gym,” said Audrey LaVeris, one of Uplift’s investors.

Inspired by Japanese and Scadinavian design, the cozy space features soft lighting See Work out, P 15

@larchmontchron

@thelarchmontchronicle

WORKING OUT AT neighborhood gym, Uplift Collective.

@LarchmontChronicle

@LarchmontChronicle

Visit larchmontchronicle.com for exclusive content and breaking news

2 SECTION ONE

Editorial

By Chronicle Editorial Board

A novel take on New Year’s

You’ve heard it before: “New year, new me.” This is the year you’ll run that half marathon, ditch that late-night DoorDash habit, and write that novel you’ve been vaguely noodling on. But what if we changed the narrative? What if our 2025 selves aren’t something that needs to be recalibrated come January, and the festivities of the holiday season weren’t a sin for which we must now repent?

The Chronicle’s January 2000 issue saw the debut of our first “Fitness & Beauty” section. (More like “New millennium, new me.”) Headlines included “’Botox is the new magic potion,’ says Dr. Klein,” and “Stay young with doses of electricity and collagen,” both by Suzan Filipek, whose words grace these pages still today. There were tips for holistic wellness (“Acupuncture and Chinese herbs stimulate healing,”) as well as an introduction to an exercise technique called “Pilates.”

While “electricity” might today raise some eyebrows, many of the aforementioned methods for staying fit and feeling (and looking) youthful are more relevant to us now than ever. But as you dive into this year’s Health, Fitness & Beauty issue, you’ll see a slight shift in focus.

Our Youth Sports columnist, Jim Kalin, spoke to Michael Knowles, of Knowles Karate Academy on Western Avenue. While Knowles originally began practicing karate to improve his flexibility, he now tells of the mind-body relationship it helps foster. And for this month’s Health & Wellness article, columnist Priscilla Duggan profiles Loma Linda, Southern California’s very own Blue Zone, where life is lived longer because of a strong sense of community and a connection to nature. In both cases, health and fitness are not the end goal, but rather a natural outcome of the pursuit of something greater.

So, this January, try to reframe health not as the antithesis of pleasure, but part of it. It’s a new year, and the same you, but maybe with a new perspective.

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Calendar

That’s the question our inquiring photographer asked locals.

Thu., Jan. 1—New Year’s Day. Tue., Jan. 13—Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom; midcitywest.org.

Wed., Jan. 14— Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting at The Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., at 6:30 p.m., greaterwilshire.org.

Mon., Jan. 19—Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Thu., Jan. 29—Delivery of the February edition of the Larchmont Chronicle.

by Finn Walker

“To protect my inner child more,” said Ashley.

“To go toward tenderness,” said Johnny.

Ashley (left) and Johnny Randall

Instagram @finnwalkersart

Letters to the Editor Parking lot stays as is There’s good news to share about the city-owned parking lot on Larchmont Boulevard, also known as LADOT parking lot number 694. This space,

Larchmont Chronicle

Founded in 1963 by Jane Gilman and Dawne P. Goodwin Publishers Hutcheson Publishing Group Editor in Chief Hedy Hutcheson Managing Editor Suzan Filipek Staff Writer Priscilla Duggan Editorial Assistant Nathan Rifkin Proofreader Mara Fisher Advertising Director Jesse Wilson Advertising Account Executive Sandy Shapiro Art Director Max Paek Finn Walker Circulation Manager / Office Manager Nona Sue Friedman Digital Media Manager Rhett Hutcheson Accounting Irene Janas 606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103

Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-462-2241 larchmontchronicle.com

‘What is your New Year’s resolution?’

our neighborhood’s Town Square and longtime home of the Larchmont Farmers’ Market and other community events, will remain public and accessible.

The Board of Transportation Commissioners officially withdrew a proposed transfer of Lot 694, meaning the lot will continue to serve the community as a gathering place and parking resource.

Thank you to everyone who participated by sending emails, signing the petition, attending the LADOT meeting at City Hall to speak up, and stay involved. The moment was a strong reminder of the power of community and the shared commitment neighbors have to protecting the places that bring us together.

I want to acknowledge the collaboration among numerous local neighborhood groups: LUNA, Windsor Square Association, Larchmont Boulevard Association, Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, and Hancock Park Association, as well as Council District 13, who (Please turn to Page 22) 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.

“My resolution for 2026 is to do more for the environment, to do more for other people, and to spend more time with my grandkids. And to help get my daughter into medical school!”

Pam Levine

“I don’t have a New Year’s resolution. I make it up as I go along,” said Nemma. “To have a better daily routine,” said Omar.

Nemma Adeni (left) and Omar Ghonim

“It’s all about family and friends. Surround yourself with them—not fake news.

‘It’s not my circus, not my monkeys,’ as the Polish saying goes.”

Alan Perlstein

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

SECTION ONE

3

Go Greek Yogurt and a classic steakhouse come to the Blvd.

By Nona Sue Friedman Donuts are being swapped out for Greek yogurt on the boulevard. The pricey Go Greek Yogurt is taking over the space formerly occupied

by Holey Grail Donuts, at 148 S. Larchmont Blvd. The yogurt shop is the fourth in the L.A. area, with many more around the world. It will feature a fresh yogurt bar with healthful topping choices, along with self-serve frozen yogurt. All the yogurt ingredients are sourced from Europe.

As their website states, Go Greek “wants to bring a little of the Mediterranean to the rest of the world.” They hope to open in early 2026.

Béis, a luggage company started by actress Shay Mitchell, wrapped most of the exterior of the building of Chipotle, 301 N. Larchmont Blvd., in metallic silver material to emulate and promote

SECTION ONE

GOODBYE RV.

7

AROUND THE TOWN 4 POLICE BEAT 6 CAMPS 8 SCHOOL NEWS 10 HEALTH, FITNESS & 15 BEAUTY YOUTH SPORTS 17 MUSICAL NOTES 20 LARCHMONT 21 BOOKSHELF THEATER REVIEW 22

SECTION TWO VIEW:

Real Estate Museums, Libraries, Home & Garden

P.S. PEARL HARBOR

5

ON PRESERVATION 2 MUSEUMS 4 REAL ESTATE SALES 7 LOOKING BACK 8 ON THE MENU 9 CROSSWORD 10 LIBRARIES 11 WORD CAFÉ 11

On the Boulevard the brand’s newest color. The pop-up event took place at the corner of Larchmont and Beverly boulevards on Dec. 6 and 7. The weekend included a photo booth, keychain giveaways, and discounts on the new line.

“It’s a great place to go for happy hour,” said Sheila Hoyer, of Wilton Drive, about the newly reimagined Kali, located at 5722 Melrose Ave. The Michelin star tasting menu restaurant has ditched that approach to become the area’s newest classic Hollywood steakhouse with six potato sides, a wedge salad, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and ice cold martinis.

A couple of stores on the Boulevard have gotten interior facelifts. Family-owned

SIGNS ON THE WINDOW announce the Go Greek Yogurt store coming to the Boulevard.

and operated since 1978, Louise’s Trattoria, at 232 N. Larchmont Blvd., changed its seating to accommodate large parties and make the space more comfortable and welcoming. Thinking of a family holiday dinner? This could be your new go-to.

Just down the way, at 206 N. Larchmont Blvd., Starbucks updated its interior with new wall finishes and artwork, work-friendly seating along with digital menu (Please turn to Page 14)

BÉIS WRAPPED Chipotle in silver to promote its newest luggage color.

LARCHMONT businesses enjoyed many people on the boulevard for the holiday season.

NEWLY REARRANGED interior of Louise’s Trattoria.

SANTA’S LETTER BOX guaranteed special wishes would reach the North Pole.

4 SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Santa visits Brookside, Rainey Market makes a holiday splash The holidays were in full festive shop-for-a-cause swing at the Junior League of Los Angeles’ Rainey Market shopping event, held Dec. 6 at their Larchmont Boulevard headquarters. The organization encouraged attendees to shop, connect, give back.

Looking for that perfect gift for all the important people in your life? The Junior League definitely had you covered.

Shoppers came from all over Los Angeles to stuff their holiday stockings with jewelry, candles, handbags, toffee, clothing, coffee, Squishmallow pillows (which, to be perfectly honest, were never going to fit into that stocking), and handmade ceramic creations.

A percentage of proceeds went to benefit the Junior

League while allowing vendors a chance to show their unique wares and handcrafted talents. Shopping choices included Lavender Blue French linens, men’s colognes and care products from Henkey’s, handmade chocolate from Coco Suisse, personalized hat designs by Hat Bar LA, and jewelry designed by Claudia Botero, crafted by artisans in Mexico and Colombia. If shoppers didn’t leave with a gift for every person on their list...wait. Are we even having this conversation? Yes, there was something for everyone, and JLLA fundraiser benefited from the generous spirit of

SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS prepare their horses for the annual Brookside caroling party.

SANTA MEETS with JJ from Page Academy at Larchmont Boulevard Holiday Open House Dec. 6.

Around the Town

with Sondi Toll Sepenuk

CHILDREN CLIMB aboard a one of three Fire Station 61 trucks.

A JLLA shopper personalizes her hat purchase with Hat Bar LA at Rainey Market.

impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Throughout its history, JLLA has launched more than 100 community projects focused on children and their families. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go try to stuff that Squishmallow pillow into one very large stocking…

Meanwhile, further down the Boulevard, the Holiday Open House was celebrated

by Page Academy students, who met with Santa, carolers from St. James’ Episcopalian CAROLERS FROM St. James’ School, and many others.

Episcopalian School include ••• music teacher Luisa Reyes Brookside neighbors startwith second- to sixth-graders: ed whispering about it around Langston H., Noelle H., Indy K., Emilia A., Sloan K., Kayla Halloween, and by late November, the whisper had K., Alina K., and Hazel K.

turned into an anticipatory roar…Santa and Mrs. Claus were coming to Brookside with their snow-white, horse-drawn carriage! The beloved annual tradition lit up Tremaine Avenue Dec. 7, and this year was one of the biggest yet! Over 100 locals showed up to get a picture with Santa, ride with him in his carriage, sing carols, and usher in the festive holiday spirit. If elves was in town, that carriage would have flown!

While taking a break from the caroling, revelers enjoyed mulled wine, eggnog, hot chocolate, cookies, candies, cupcakes, and other holiday treats. Delighted squeals were (Please turn to Page 5)

FIRE STATION 61 with Santa and Brookside residents Archie and Walker Abramson.

the attendees. JLLA, currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

SECTION ONE

5

NGA finishes off the year with holiday gift bags for the needy

By H. Hutcheson The all-volunteer women’s charity, National Giving Alliance of Hancock Park, held its December meeting on June Street at the home of member Stephanie Sourapas where members assembled a whirlwind of holiday gift bags to be distributed to organizations that support the needy surrounding the Larchmont area.

Recipients included Alexandria House, Assistance League of Los Angeles, Aviva Family and Children’s Services, Good Shepherd Shelter for Homeless Women and Children, L.A. House of Ruth, Sunnyside 5, and United Friends of the Children, among others.

The ladies of NGA shopped for linens, personal care items, clothing, and holiday gifts such as art supplies for the children which filled individual bags and were delivered to each organization

LADIES OF NGA at the home of Stephanie Sourapas.

NGA is a popular nonprofit group in Hancock Park.

mentioned above.

Comme d’habitude, Chef Michael Beglinger cooked an exquisite lunch onsite of chicken fillets, gnocchi, and salad, served with a blush wine and sparkling water— definitely fueled the event.

To help the mission of this nonprofit, founded in L.A. in 1895, one can donate to ngahancockpark.org. Or join the fun and become a member!

HOLIDAY GIFT BAGS ready to be delivered to one of the organizations who service local needy neighbors.

Around the town (Continued from Page 4)

heard when “snow” magically started falling from the sky. Carolers were asked by the Brookside Homeowners Association to bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the Firefighters’ Toy Drive, and Fire Station 61 was not disappointed when they showed up three trucks strong. So many unwrapped gifts were brought to the event that the toy bin was filled three times over!

The outpouring of generosity was a sure sign that the holiday spirit was beating strong throughout the community.

Children shrieked with happiness as they climbed into the firetruck cab, imagining they were firefighters on an important mission.

At the end of the night, some of the firefighters themselves got in on the caroling ac-

FRENCH LINENS and handmade purses were just a few of the items supporters could purchase at the JLLA Rainey Market.

tion, enjoying a carriage ride through the holiday-light-litup streets of Los Angeles. And now… Happy New Year to all!

And now you’re in the Larchmont know!

MEMBERS HELPING to finish gift bags include (left to right) Danielle Avazian Reyes, Shar Penfold, Robin Chehrazi, and Annie Buckley.

CHEF MICHAEL BEGLINGER has cooked for NGA meetings since the early 2000s.

6 SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

POLICE BEAT

Many burglaries, aggravated assault, and a grand theft auto OLYMPIC DIVISION BURGLARIES: A suspect cut a security gate, smashed a sliding door, disabled a security camera, and took jewelry and cash, at 7:40 p.m.

Dec. 5 on the 900 block of St. Andrews Place.

A male suspect attempted to open a victim’s balcony sliding door on the 5000 block of Rosewood Avenue on Dec. 5 at 6:50 p.m., fleeing when the resident made noise.

A suspect removed barbed wire, entered through a rear sliding door, and took jewelery and money on the 900 block of South Gramercy Place on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

A suspect pried and smashed a window and took purses, jewelry, a watch, and perfume from a home on the 900 block of South Gramercy Place on Dec. 5. at 6 p.m.

A suspect entered through an unlocked front door and took the keys to a safe and mailbox on Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. on 800 block of South Gramercy Place.

A Hispanic male suspect broke the security bar and entered the window of a home on 5000 Maplewood

WILSHIRE DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Tyler Shuck

OLYMPIC DIVISION

Dec. 5 on the 400 block of North Gower St. Burglaries were reported on Dec. 12 and 13 at the 400 North block of Mansfield.

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Daniel Chavez

213-712-3715 40740@lapd.online Twitter: @lapdwilshire

213-793-0709 36304@lapd.online Instagram: @olympic_slo1

block, Dec. 6 at 7:25 p.m. The suspect took money and jewelry, fleeing when the victim came home.

A suspect pried open a front door, took money, passports, jewelry, and checks from a home on the 700 block of South Wilton Place at 10 a.m.

A male suspect knocked down a security camera, pried open a rear door, and took unknown property from the 800 block of South Bronson Avenue Dec. 12 at 8:30 p.m.

THEFTS: A suspect took a victim’s unattended iPad at 10:05 p.m. on Dec. 6 on the 4000 block of West Seventh Street.

A package was stolen Dec. 12 from the 4000 block of West Third Street at 10 a.m.

GRAND THEFT AUTO: A

red 1989 Toyota SR5 was stolen from a parking structure, Dec. 13 at 8:30 a.m. near the 300 block of North Wilton Place.

BURGLARY THEFT FROM AUTO: The window of a vehicle was smashed, laptops and a bag were taken Dec. 5 at 10:45 a.m. from Clinton Avenue and Beachwood Drive.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: An unprovoked Hispanic male suspect hit a victim in the head with a bat near the 4000 block of West Olympic Boulevard on Dec. 14 at 1 a.m.

WILSHIRE DIVISION BURGLARIES: Suspects shattered the rear glass door, entered the residence, ransacked the master bedroom and fled with property on

Suspects entered the rear yard, smashed the sliding door, entered and ransacked the location, leaving with unknown property.

Smile sex workers, you’re on hidden cameras

By Nona Sue Friedman A group of neighbors within Larchmont Village are taking safety with regards to sex trafficking into their own hands with creative solutions. They are working to make their blocks unappealing for sex workers.

Some of the homes have placed signs in their yards to deter people from parking there. The signs say if you park here anytime overnight your license plate will be sent directly to Senior Lead Officer Danny Chavez of the LAPD. Another action the 30-member group is experimenting with is placing flashing orange lights in their cars at night to make the area unwelcoming for parked cars.

Their goal is to keep the streets clear of sex workers, a

ONE OF A FEW SIGNS neighbors have made and posted to deter sex trafficking.

situation that has amped up considerably in the last couple of years. It’s gotten so bad recently that some residents are considering moving.

According to one neighbor, Jonathan Swaden, “The sex workers are coming to our streets because it’s so dark.

We’ve been waiting for two (Please turn to Page 14)

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Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

SECTION ONE

7

Remembering the Reiners

OFFICER DANNY CHAVEZ and tow truck driver Cesar Torres with the L.A. Official Garage Unit.

Abandoned RV plagues Windsor Square no more!

By H. Hutcheson An RV driver traveling westbound on 3rd Street between South Wilton Place and South Van Ness Avenue collided into a streetlight and abandoned the vehicle on the 200 block of South Van Ness in mid-November following our heavy rains. The collision left the 34-by-12-foot RV inoperable and had neighbors referring to it as “…you know, that vehicle over there from ‘Mad Max,’ or ‘Breaking Bad.’” Area block captains notified Commanding Officer Rachel Rodriguez and Senior Lead Officer Daniel Chavez on Dec. 5.

Neighbors expected the monstrosity to be removed quickly by the city, however, Chavez, of Olympic Division, explained a sanitation crew had to first be brought in to safely check for propane and fluids from the vehicle’s restroom.

Following the sanitation crew, LAPD’s Heavy Duty Tow was booked to lift the massive RV. Officer Chavez said the vehicle was last registered in

2023. Considering no one has claimed the RV since the crash, he doubts anyone will come forward and believes it will likely be crushed.

And finally, it’s gone. Good riddance. Advantage—LAPD!

RV ABANDONED on the east side of the 200 block of South Van Ness Avenue.

AND FINALLY, after undergoing the necessary steps, the RV was towed on Dec. 16.

By Matthew George Rob Reiner’s legacy as a filmmaker has shaped generations. He is, quite simply, an icon of American cinema. His work helped define an era of storytelling, and its influence continues to be felt across the industry.

For many of us at Castle Rock [where Reiner worked], Rob was not only a legend, but a mentor, collaborator, and creative force whose presence elevated every project he touched. To work alongside him was both exhilarating and humbling—a rare privi-

lege that never lost its sense of awe with me.

Michele was his equal in every respect: a devoted wife and mother, and an exceptional producer whose intelligence, steadiness, and creative insight were integral to the work they built together. Collaborating with Rob and Michele represented the very best of this business—demanding, rewarding, deeply authentic, and driven by a shared belief in the power of great storytelling.

At the time of this trag(Please turn to Page 14)

ROB AND MICHELE REINER with Matthew George (left), president of Castle Rock Entertainment.

8 SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Camps Overnight camp provides (screen-free) connections and life skills

By Nona Sue Friedman “The closeness you get to people at [overnight] camp is unlike your friends at school.

You live with them, and the environment is way more personal and different from Los Angeles,” said Eleanor Ziperovich, 15, of Windsor Square, who attends Skylake Yosemite Camp in Wishon, near Bass Lake. Hazel Price, who attends Camp Ramah in Ojai, and Ziperovich, both said camp is the place where each one can truly be themselves, and the best version of themselves.

The Chronicle spoke to area teens and young adults about their experiences at sleepaway camp. The sentiments of closeness, community, and being in nature were echoed by all of them. And if any campers had fears of not knowing anyone at the start of camp, those feelings dissipated quickly. Even without screens, campers and counselors felt as though they had made lifelong friends, whether they live nearby or across

CROSSING A CREEK while backpacking near Bass Lake, Eleanor Ziperovich at rear.

the country.

Campers spoke of walks to the river, backpacking, swimming in the lake or pool, stargazing, quirky talent shows, making jewelry at arts and crafts, and singing.

Oz Rubinson, 19, who grew up in Brookside and was a camper and then counselor at Camp Scatico in the Hudson Valley of New York, said, “My best friends are from

being a camper. Camp has been an invaluable experience.” Kayla Wolovitch, 20, of Ridgewood Wilton, who attended and works at Camp Tawonga in Groveland near Yosemite, said, “I love my friends at camp. They’re all interested in having fun and being outdoors. At camp, you’re outside 95% of each day.”

Rubinson’s sister, Lilah, also went to Camp Satico. She

CRUISING ON THE ZIP LINE at Camp Tawonga is Ridgewood Wilton resident Ella Wolovitch.

has a summer birthday and said, “Aside from being with my parents, camp is the best place to celebrate my birthday. It’s way more fun than being at home.”

“We’re known as the Kennedys of Scatico.”

Being a camp counselor Although everyone the Chronicle spoke with loves being a camper, those who had the opportunity to be a coun-

selor said that experience had its own benefits. They enjoyed the leadership opportunities and helping younger kids relish the fun. According to Wolovitch, being a counselor is even better than a camper because you get to do stuff with your friends at night and on days off. Oz commented, “Being a counselor gave me a new set of life skills. It was a unique and positive experience.”

(Please turn to Page 12)

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

SECTION ONE

9

Camps Wilshire Warriors sign-ups, season is off to a home run Wilshire Warriors Pony Baseball League’s weekly practices and games will begin in March and continue until early June.

Sign-ups are already underway for boys and girls ages 4 to 14. Everyone is welcome.

“Registration is open now and going strong,” WWPBL President Timothy Karp told us.

Early bird fees are $295 until Mon., Jan. 12. After that the regular price is $325.

Practices and games will be held at Pan Pacific Park.

Once players register, the league will hold player evaluations for kids 7 and older on Sat., March 1.

Opening weekend is March 13 to 15.

Championship weekend is June 5 to 7.

“We’re excited to get the word out. It should be a great year, especially on the heels of

St. Brendan basketball season to start

Sign-up is underway for the St. Brendan Basketball Association. Elementary and middle school boys ages 6 to 14 in the Hancock Park, Windsor Village, and MidWilshire neighborhoods play in the games.

The season runs from Sat., Jan. 10 to Sat., March 21.

Practices for older boys, ages 8 to 14—the Bobcats, Cobras, and D-League—begin the week of Jan. 5. Alligators, ages 6 and 7, practice before games on Saturdays.

Games are played at the Fleming Family Center at St. Brendan School, 238 S. Manhattan Pl. To register or for more information, visit sbba.sportngin.com.

Wildcats spring season training to start this month

Registration for the Wilshire Wildcats spring season for girls is now open.

Four age divisions are offered: 8U (and under), 10U, 12U, and 14U. Practices start the week of Jan. 26 at Lemon Grove Recreation Park Center, 4959 Lemon Grove Ave. Games will take place on weekends beginning in mid-February and continuing through May. Register at wilshiresoftball. com. Scholarships are available.

For more information, call or text Coach Keith Perera at 323-383-5954, or email president@wilshiresoftball.com.

another World Series win by our Dodgers. Let’s play ball!”

Wilshire Warriors Registrar Melissa Disharoon wrote to us in an email.

A community event, Sand-

lot Scrimmage Kick-Off, Sun., Feb. 22, will feature 12-year olds who play on the Wilshire Warriors Club teams.

“Also of note,” Karp told us, “is we have two, 12-and-un-

WAVING FLAGS are members of the eight-and-and-under Wilshire Warriors Orange Fall Team.

der Club teams made up of 26 kids from the neighborhood who will be going to Cooperstown this year for a weeklong tournament in June. The team has been en-

gaged in fundraising events throughout the fall that will continue into 2026.”

To register and for more information visit wilshirewarriors.leagueapps.com.

WARRIORS enjoyed a movie night last month, watching the coming-of-age baseball film, “The Sandlot,” in Pan Pacific Park.

10 SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Camps SCHOOL NEWS PILGRIM SCHOOL

Allison Pak 12th Grade December at Pilgrim is al‑ ways a special time, filled with excitement, c o m m u n i t y, and meaningful opportunities to give back.

One of the highlights of the sea‑ son is Winter Fest, our beloved all-school event organized en‑ tirely by our secondary students.

Winter Fest is more than just a celebration; it’s a chance for our students to come together, show leadership, and make a positive impact. This year, we are proud to support Alexandria House, a women’s and children’s shelter in Koreatown. Through their fund‑ raising efforts, our students are helping to provide vital resources and hope to families in need.

Meanwhile, our seniors are deep in the college application process, having submitted their early action and early decision applications, as well as many reg‑ ular admissions applications. We are so proud of their hard work, resilience, and dedication as they take this important next step in their academic journeys.

For families and prospective

students, December is also a great time to explore what makes Pil‑ grim such a special community.

Whether you’re interested in ac‑ ademics, arts, athletics, or STEM, we invite you to learn more and see our students in action.

You can reach out to our ad‑ missions team at admissions@ pilgrim-school.org to schedule a visit or get more information.

As we move through the winter season, we are reminded of the spirit, curiosity, and generosity that make Pilgrim a vibrant place to learn, grow, and give back. We look forward to sharing these moments with our students, families, and community!

NEW CONVENANT

Evelyn Lee 11th Grade As the 2025 Fall Semester was coming to an end, NCA hosted its annual Christ‑ mas Service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This festivity was met with jolly per‑ formances by our NCA students, festive music, and a meaningful Christmas message to end the year off strong.

Both the girls’ and boys’ bas‑ ketball teams kept the NCA

spirit alive as they held their first games of the season. These stu‑ dents showcased not only their athletic talent but also their dedication and teamwork, set‑ ting the tone for an exciting year ahead.

The final days of the semester were also met with joyful morn‑ ings as our NCA staff prepared breakfast for our students in the midst of the stressful test‑ ing season. With hearts full and spirits lifted, our students were off to enjoy their three‑week Christmas break. Here’s to new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and the promise of 2026!

BRISKIN ELEMENTARY

Emme Feldsher Goldberg 6th Grade At Briskin, we wrapped up November with a week off to feel grateful and spend time with our fam‑ ilies, and we jumped straight into December with a focus on helping others through community service. The 6th grade supported our local community by holding a bake sale, and we raised over $600 for Heal the Bay. We then took part in a beach cleanup. Mean‑ while, the 5th graders organized

an all-school Brown Bag Lunch project, making 100 lunches that the Hollywood Food Coalition distributes to people experienc‑ ing food insecurity.

Our whole school is also con‑ tinuing a nearly 35-year Temple Israel of Hollywood tradition by partnering with the Hollywood United Methodist Church to pro‑ vide a Christmas dinner for those in need. This interfaith tradition gives our neighbors a warm and welcoming place to find comfort and joy on Christmas Day. To support the program, every class will have age-appropriate les‑ sons, and all Briskin families are invited to participate. Kids under 12 can help set up the church on Christmas Eve, donate toys or toiletries, and drop off baked goods. Volunteers over 16 can help serve dinner on Christmas Day. To learn more about getting involved, you can email commu‑ nity@tioh.org.

Earlier this month, our young‑ er students had a special treat when author Mike Bender visited Briskin to read his book Bored Panda to kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. We even invited our friends in pre-K, and everyone had so much fun. They talked about reading and storytelling and used their imaginations to share things they like to do when

they are bored. Some of the ideas were bungee jumping, playing outside, building forts, playing soccer, and reading books. These ideas are great if you are ever looking for inspiration.

The semester will end with the 6th graders performing Shake‑ speare, and our whole school will celebrate Global Fest with an allschool performance along with a day-long celebration. Global Fest is the big finale of our study of countries around the world, in‑ cluding their cultures, foods, and Jewish communities. Our grade has been studying Iceland, and we have learned so much about this small but mighty country.

Two fun facts: In the summer, the sun hardly sets in Iceland, so they have nearly 24 hours of straight daylight, and Iceland elected the world’s first democratically cho‑ sen female president in 1980. Go Iceland and happy holidays from Briskin Elementary!

CHRIST THE KING

King Hernandez 8th Grade As we closed one year and welcomed the next, December and January were meaning‑ ful months at

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11

Camps School News

(Continued from Page 10) Christ the King School. In early December, students auditioned for drama club, and Aladdin was selected as this year’s school production. On Dec. 13, CKS athletes competed in a volleyball tournament and proudly earned third place overall. Throughout the month, students generously contributed to our Christmas Toy Drive, highlighted by a visit from local firefighters who collected the donated toys. Students also participated in the Knights of Columbus–sponsored “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest. The year concluded with our annual Christmas pageant, sharing the story of Jesus’ birth through song and performance.

In January, as we welcomed the new year, the school joyfully celebrated Catholic Schools Week. Students were also busy on the basketball courts and hard at work preparing for Academic Decathlon, proudly fielding both Gold and Silver teams this year, reflecting the strong spirit of faith, teamwork, and unity at Christ the King.

CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION

Hugo Payne 5th Grade The Center for Early Education has turned into a festive wonderland in these early days of December! In addition to everything happening on campus, there has been a lot happening off campus. The 5th grade class went on an overnight trip to Ojai, which included a variety of activities that encouraged collaboration and fellowship. Students had fun playing trivia games and competing to see who could climb the highest on the ropes course. One activity aimed to encourage teamwork required a student to run into a room where there was a structure made of straws and tape. The student

then had to run back to his/her team and describe the structure for their team to recreate. As you can imagine, the students had a great time working together and supporting each other. Back on campus, practice for winter sports, including basketball and volleyball, has begun with students gearing up for an exciting winter season ahead.

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL

Sloan Kennedy 6th Grade Happy holidays, 2026 is almost here! We had many things to look forward to this holiday season.

On Dec. 6, our St. James’ Choir members visited Larchmont to serenade holiday shoppers and passersby with classic holiday carols. On Dec. 12, we had our Holiday Market filled with festive cheer and holiday gifts. Following that, we had our very first Christmas Pageant in the newly renovated St. James’ Church, including the 6th Grade Handbell Choir performance! Recently, our 6th graders have come together to make and distribute food for our Soup Kitchen for those in need.

Afterwards, many of us will be enjoying a much-needed winter break. Finally, on Thu., Jan. 22, we will have our first 2026 In-N-Out Burger Day to look forward to! I hope you are having a cheerful holiday with all of your loved ones, and we will see you back at St. James’ soon!

IMMACULATE HEART

Madison Dang 11th Grade Happy New Year! Students remain on winter break after enjoying December activities full of holiday cheer.

Service played an instrumental role in spreading the Christmas spirit, from contributing toys to the Homeboy Industries Carnival

to delivering presents to those in need through the Adopt-a-Family program. Students also took part in our Annual Winter Art Show, which was curated by students and showcased original art.

Afterward, guests were graced by the voices of student singers during our Christmas Concert.

Following the school’s Christmas program, we gathered at the Omni Hotel for the Snowflake Soiree and a night of celebrating the end of the semester with classmates!

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE

Reece Bagley 6th Grade The annual Hollywood Schoolhouse Spring Musical is already exciting many people, and the audition process is officially underway. Those auditioning have been asked to sing part of a song and recite a few lines from memory. Students are very enthusiastic to rehearse, and their energy is off the charts!

Even those in the stage crew, whose rehearsal days are much later, seem to be buzzing with excitement. Nonetheless, the Spring Musical is a long-awaited show with tickets selling out every year. This year, the musical is “Annie,” which has garnered many students auditioning. The Hollywood Schoolhouse musical experience is incredible. It’s one big ensemble with amazing energy and it brings people out in droves. We’re all wishing the auditioners good luck in this venture!

THIRD STREET ELEMENTARY

Evelyn Abrams 5th Grade Hello Larchmont and a happy New Year! We come back from Winter Break on Mon., Jan. 12.

Last month,

three Third Street Elementary robotics teams competed in the First LEGO League regionals and had an amazing experience! They won one trophy (Innovation Project Award), one certificate (Motivate Award), and one team will advance to the Southern CA FLL Championship on Sun., Jan. 18. In December, 2nd and 3rd graders went to Disney On Ice and had a fantastic time. This month, Third Street Elementary’s first annual schoolwide spelling bee will take place on Tue., Jan. 20. The 5th graders will be taking an exciting threeday trip to AstroCamp at the end of the month, where we will learn extraordinary things!

FAIRFAX HIGH

Joyce Kang 12th Grade Fairfax High School will kickstart the new semester by greeting students from their winter break with a festive Welcome Back spirit week composed of White Lies Shirt Day, Matching the Baby Photo to Senior Day, and more entertaining activities hosted by ASB. On Wed., Jan. 28, Fairfax High School’s second semester club rush will be taking place with various clubs such as KIWIN’s club, HOSA club, and Korean Culture Club recruiting students, expanding their communities, and igniting school spirit. Fairfax students will also share their lion pride on Wed., Jan. 14, cheering on the boys’ basketball team as they play against Westchester High School.

THE OAKS

Atlas Tuck 6th Grade Winter at The Oaks is always one of the most fun times in the school year.

There are many events for students and their families to enjoy including our

book fair, singing carols for the residents at Belmont Village, and my personal favorites, the craft fair and the Winter Sing.

The craft fair is an event where Oaks students make and sell a craft of their choice and then donate a portion of the proceeds to a charity. The Winter Sing is an event where each grade learns and performs a song for the community. I love how The Oaks is able to incorporate learning, joy, and community into all their activities.

LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL

Thatcher Hartman 11th Grade The Cubs have had a busy first semester, the Water Polo team won the Division 1 CIF championship, and the football team made it all the way to the Division 5 semifinals. On top of that, students had their first Winter formal, A Dance in Winter Wonderland, on Dec. 6. On Nov. 24, Fr. Greg Goethals passed away after suffering a massive heart attack. Fr. Goethals served as president at Loyola High School for 19 years; he increased the school’s endowment significantly and helped lead the construction of multiple school buildings. Loyola celebrated his life on Dec. 7 with a funeral mass. Students will have their class finals soon and then will be able to enjoy a nice twoweek break.

MARLBOROUGH

Madison McClure 10th Grade As fall semester comes to an end, Marlborough is nothing but hard at work.

The performing arts are booming this chilly month with the all-school dance concert, “Mosaic,” that opened earlier this month (which was absolutely

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Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Camps Scouts defend titles in Raingutter Regatta model boat race

By Jim Kalin Local Cub Scout Pack 16 recently held their annual Raingutter Regatta race at St. Brendan School’s gymnasium.

There were five age-group racing divisions, a “most-creative” contest, and a special bracket for siblings too young to qualify for Scouts just yet.

Ellie Ahn and Charlie Gibson defended their titles from last year. In addition to the competition, there was plenty of cheering, celebrating, and of course, pizza at the Nov. 14 event.

Below are the results of the races.

Tiger (first graders): Caleb Kim, 2nd: Rowen Park, 3rd: Oliver Gibson.

Wolf (second graders): Ryan Scanell, 2nd: Julian Chen: 3rd, Rio Park-Cordoza.

Bear (third graders): Ellie Ahn, 2nd: Nick Sakmar, 3rd: Chapman Harris.

Webelos (fourth and fifth graders): Charlie Gibson, 2nd: Indy Jung, 3rd: Charles Cordero.

Arrow of Light (fifth graders): 1st: Jeraldine Miron, 2nd: Adriana Kim, and 3rd: Henry Butler.

Most Creative Boats Tiger: Hailey Im, boat “Rumi.”

Wolf: Christian Miro, boat “Captain Snoopy.”

Bear: Henry Deemer, boat “The Boo.” Webelos: Francesca Uy, boat “Pink Flower” Arrow of Light: Mason Im, boat “Sho Time.”

What is a Raingutter Regatta?

The race takes place in two rain gutters filled with water that are placed side-by-side on a long table. Standard gutter length is 10 feet. Two competing Scouts place their boats at the starting end and propel them to the finish line by blowing air through a straw aimed at the sail.

Like the Pinewood Derby, using cars the Scouts build in the spring, Raingutter Regatta boats also come in a kit and need to be constructed. It’s a less involved project than the cars, but parents can still help.

The kit includes two balsa pontoons called outriggers, a

plastic trimaran hull to attach them to, four screws, a wooden mast, a sail in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, and a sheet of number decals.

Scouts can decorate their boats any way they choose, but water-based paint should be avoided.

Camp

(Continued from Page 1) At overnight camp, enjoy the freewheeling feeling of being out of town and in nature.

You can go alone or send your teen solo, why not hike during the cooler months of fall or winter? Song session in front of a blazing fire? Yoga in the dining hall? Create a gift for someone at arts and crafts?

Day or specialty craft or sports camps in town often offer single-day, multiday, or weeklong experiences during holiday breaks, both winter and spring. Your child can be with peers and do what they like best while you work or prepare for the holidays.

THE MOON RISING over the ridge at Camp Tawonga in Groveland.

FINALISTS (left to right) Ellie Ahn, Jeraldine Miron, and Grand Champion Charlie Gibson hold their boats.

COUNSELORS GREET campers for a summer of fun.

Overnight

(Continued from Page 8)

MOST CREATIVE winners are pictured above.

From generation to generation Camp can be a family thing, too. Josie Aaronson, Hancock Park adjacent, goes to Camp Solomon Schechter in Olympia, Washington, where her mother also went. Aaronson’s sister, Cayla, was a camper and a counselor at Solomon Schechter.

Ziperovich started at Skylake as an infant attending family weekend retreats. Her mother started as a camper, became a counselor, and has remained close to her camp friends for decades. Ziperovich hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

The most miraculous generational story was from Lilah.

She relayed that her great grandfather was on the first bus to Scatico in 1921. Her grandparents met at camp.

Her dad and his siblings went there, and all her cousins have gone there. That’s four generations. She said, “We’re known as the Kennedys of Scatico.”

School News

(Continued from Page 11) phenomenal) and “Hope Lingers On,” the winter choral concert, that performed last Friday. I am happy to report that the Marlborough tradition of Winter Fest is still going strong. I can’t even explain how excited I am;

HANGING WITH FRIENDS is Josie Aaronson, second from right.

PARENTS COME FOR VISITING Day at Camp Scatico, left to right, Brookside residents Melissa Karz and Lilah, Tom, and Oz Rubinson. it’s probably my favorite event of the first semester. There are bouncy houses, cotton candy machines, a photo booth, lots of delicious food, and (everyone’s favorite) the raffle. And as for athletics, I am happy to report that our golf team did indeed win the CIF SoCal Regional Championships!

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14 SECTION ONE

On the Blvd.

(Continued from Page 3) boards. A shop closed its doors, sad to say, another is set to open the very next day. An inside source told the Chronicle that Topo will close its doors permanently at the end of December, and Topologie will step in. Previously, Topologie products were carried next door at Topdrawer.

Topologie sells accessories “inspired by rock climbing gear,” according to its advertising. Topo, Topdrawer, Topologie…well, terrific!

A bit more dramatic is the gossip that Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese no

by Finn Walker

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

longer has ciabatta bread as an option for its sandwiches.

This is not simply tittle-tattle; it is truth according to Operations Manager Mercedes Ascencio. She said, “The quality of the bread wasn’t there anymore. Our signature here is using half-baked ciabatta.

We are looking to replace it.

In the meantime, we are using our baguettes.”

TOPO CLOSES and Topologie climbs in.

Instagram @finnwalkersart

Protest at Wilshire Blvd.

Temple turned violent

WHO KNEADS THIS? A serious ciabatta issue is at hand.

Reiners

(Continued from Page 7) ic event, Castle Rock was in the midst of a shared expansion plan. In the immediate term, all activity has paused as we take time to absorb the gravity of this loss. We are in shock and heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob and Michele, and with their family.

Castle Rock Entertainment holds a singular place in American entertainment—a legacy built with vision, courage, and heart. That legacy must endure. In time, Derrick Rossi, Hernán Narea, Jonathan Fuhrman, and the Castle Rock leadership team intend to carry the company forward as the iconic entertainment brand it has long been, honoring Rob and Michele, their family, and the extraordinary legacy they built together.

Matthew George is president of Castle Rock Entertainment where Rob Reiner was a key founder in 1987.

A protest involving several dozen people at Wilshire Boulevard Temple turned violent Dec. 3, disrupting an event held to promote bridge-building between communities and public safety in Koreatown.

Protesters gathered outside the temple, shouting antisemitic epithets and slogans.

One protester smashed a vase indoors. Others set off smoke bombs at the entrance, spat on security guards, and harassed attendees, according to various reports, including the Jewish Journal.

According to the Jerusalem

Post, protesters “blockaded two entrances,” and allegedly “charge[d] at a diplomat” and “pounced on the windows of vehicles leaving the event.”

LAPD officers arrested two individuals: one for vandalism and the other for battery.

The Turtle Island Liberation Front, some of whose members were arrested Dec. 12 for allegedly testing explosives planned for bombings across Southern California on New Year’s Eve, had posted the address of the temple and told followers to protest there.

Signs

Swaden is hopeful that Soto-Martínez’s recent request to the L.A. City Council to use $1 million of his discretionary fund for Bureau of Street Lighting overtime repairs will benefit his neighborhood.

CD13 said the discretionary fund request should be approved when Council returns to session in mid-January.

As the paper went to press, the Chronicle heard from Swaden. After two years of phone calls and emails, the streetlights in his area were repaired. He can’t wait to see them on tonight.

(Continued from Page 6) years for the lights to be repaired.” His frustration is palpable. More than 10 streetlights are out in the area bound by Wilton Drive to the east, Beverly Boulevard to the south, Van Ness Boulevard to the west and Elmwood Avenue to the north.

He feels Hugo Soto-Martínez of Council District 13 should give LAPD more money to help curb the flagrant prostitution situation in the area. However,

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

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15

Health, Fitness & Beauty

Martial arts from Brazil and Japan find fans at ‘Like Water’

By Suzan Filipek In an homage to martial arts master Bruce Lee —who allegedly said, “Be like water”—a neighborhood studio is named Like Water Jiu Jitsu.

The martial arts discipline from Brazil by way of Japan increases mental acuity and physical fitness and teaches self-defense. The practice makes you flexible and formless, “like water,” said academy Owner Mauricio Antunes, who has a third-degree black belt and multiple winning titles.

He’s taught in his native Brazil as well as in Africa and at his brother’s studio in Santa Clarita before opening his academy in 2021.

Caroline Suh’s son, John Marc, 9, has been a regular at the school for the past year,

BOXING keeps Ben Schwartz in shape and releases tension.

Working Out

(Continued from Page 1) and wood panels. An eclectic playlist plays upbeat and joyful music. “I call it the anti-Gold’s,” said LaVeris. “It feels more Zen.” When she saw the space at 418 N. Larchmont become available, the Larchmont fan and a few other like-minded women pounced on it.

A certified aerobics teacher and a decades-long student of yoga and other physical practices, LaVeris had been looking to open a gym geared toward women—something sorely lacking in the area.

Strength training is essential to increase bone density for women as they get older, her doctor told her.

During the workout, clients use stretch bands for resistance and lift weights, starting at 5 to 10 pounds.

One older client, who was a novice in weight lifting, can “now swing a 45-pound kettle bell. It’s extraordinary,” said LaVeris.

Sessions typically are 45 minutes to an hour, either one-on-one or the more popular semi-private.

“Our entire clientele, almost,

and he is smitten.

The Hancock Park mom had signed him up at another martial arts school to get

him in touch with his Korean roots, but it wasn’t a good fit.

Everything changed when John Marc read the book,

“The Way of the Warrior Kid,” which tells of a fifth grader’s journey from “wimpy to warrior” with some jiu jitsu thrown in.

Caroline’s son took to Antunes’ teaching skills and the physical aspect of the sport, which includes rolling around on the ground with his classmates.

Students also aim to subdue and restrict one another with grappling, throws, and locks and chokes.

“He loves it. It makes sense to him,” said his mom. It’s also made him more body aware and coordinated, she added.

Jermaine Crawford, 20, is an actor who has earned two stripes on his white belt in his past year at the studio.

After white, the belts for

can walk to the gym. So we really are a neighborhood gym.”

And, it’s for everyone, including men who make up about 40% of its clientele.

Besides the physical aspect, the community feeling here is a major draw.

“I think there is a huge group of us middle-aged, perimenopause, postmenopausal women lifting heavy weights for longevity,” said Windsor Square resident Devon Dentler.

“It’s not about bikini season, but more about being able to run around Paris at age 80! Heavy weights plus Pilates feels like the perfect recipe!”

••• Windsor Square resident Samantha Goodman can relate to that.

“I’m a middle-aged woman trying to work against gravity and time. There’s nothing fancy or LA.ish about me.”

In her routine, she throws a mat on her living room floor, lifts weights and kettlebells and pulls and tugs on a stretchy band twice a week with personal trainer Steve Spiro.

She met with Spiro at a nearby gym years ago, and eventually they moved her routine to her home.

The machine gyms aren’t made for her shorter, 5’4” frame or for women in general, she found.

“I get a better workout from [weights and kettlebells], than from the fancy machines,” said the recent empty-nester.

The routine has given the writer and animal rescue volunteer more energy, and a focus on strength training in her private workouts made a “huge difference lifting up grocery bags.”

She augments her routine with twice-weekly visits to

That Pilates Place Larchmont.

Ben Schwartz first took up boxing eight years ago at the advice of his acting coach, who said “physical work would be good for my instrument…

“Pretentious,” he said, but it did help with his acting, he acknowledged (though now he works in commercial real estate).

Initially he didn’t want to take up the combat sport and martial art, but he’s all in now, and has even found it has re-

lieved aggression and tension.

Starting during COVID-19, he now throws punches in a leafy park. He augments his workout with pushups and more exercises on his own.

Spiro, a London native, began his career 30 years ago teaching kung fu, originally because he was bullied as a teenager. He went on to win amateur titles.

“Boxing is not just about the physical attributes. There is so much psychology involved.

JIU JITSU black belt Mauricio Antunes with student John Marc Suh.

adults are blue, purple, brown, and then the top ranking, black.

Crawford says he practices jiu jitsu to release frustrations, to be with like-minded individuals, and to grow.

“It teaches you patience and how to operate in very uncomfortable positions,” he said.

He is also impressed with Antunes. “He’s a very centered individual—not just in the sport,” he said.

Students range in age from 4 to 70. Classes for boys and girls are aimed to increase self-confidence and fight bullying. Adult classes are offered for all levels and include self-defense and conditioning.

Like Water, Jiu Jitsu, 5770 Melrose Ave. The discipline you need to become good takes a lot of focus, and you have to dig deep. You can’t cut corners. I’ve seen many lives changed as a result of this incredible sport,” he said.

Today, weight training and boxing with people of all ages and abilities fill his calendar.

Uplift Collective, 418 N. Larchmont Blvd., semi-privates are $85; privates are $125.

Steve Spiro, londonboyssteve6@gmail.com.

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Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Health, Fitness & Beauty Living longer in U.S.’s only Blue Zone: lessons from Loma Linda When you think of “Blue Zones,” those regions where people commonly reach their 90s and beyond while experiencing remarkably low incidences of chronic diseases, you probably picture quaint rural towns in Greece or Japan. Surprisingly, the U.S. has one Blue Zone, located right here in Southern California. Loma Linda, under an hour away by car from Larchmont, stands as the only Blue Zone in the United States—and its insights seem especially pertinent at a time when numerous Americans question why maintaining good health seems so hard to access.

Loma Linda is home to a community; a significant portion of its residents, particularly those with extended lifespans, are Seventh-day Adventists. For years experts at Loma Linda University have examined the people living in this city. The links between lifespan and faith here are remarkable: Adventist men typically outlive other Californians by 7.3 years, and Adventist women live roughly 4.4 years longer, accompanied by noticeably reduced instances of chronic illnesses.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign from God about healthy living, Loma Linda’s majority Seventh-day Adventist population is… available.

Health & Wellness

By Priscilla Duggan

The positive news for all Los Angeles locals engaging in your own brand of selective spirituality and hunting for $17 smoothies is that you don’t need to convert to Seventh-day Adventism to adopt their method. Their secret is simply the unglamorous mix of physical activity, volunteering, avoiding smoking, and skipping alcohol. Their long lifespans aren’t due to therapies or elitist wellness trends.

It originates from common collective practices—things anyone can do yet most of us rarely have the social structure to maintain.

A lifestyle of shared practices In place of going to the gym, the Loma Lindans simply stay active—they stroll, tend to their gardens, help out their neighbors, and volunteer. Two simple habits—eating nuts and consistent physical activity— were linked to an improved quality of life in a 2024 study of Loma Linda inhabitants.

Vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and early evening meals are the foundations of their diet. Alcohol and tobacco are nearly nonexistent (though moderate and consistent alcohol consumption

is typical in the Blue Zone of Sardinia, Italy, so interpret that as you wish). Numerous Adventists adhere to vegetarian or almost vegetarian diets, which numerous studies over the years associate with lower death rates and enhanced metabolic well-being.

Certain research has reported long-term tradeoffs: a study on vegetarian men in Loma Linda observed lower sperm parameters compared to non-vegetarians, probably due to prolonged soy consumption.

Yet this also emphasizes a concept: health is ecologically influenced by surroundings and enduring behaviors—not instant solutions.

Community as a health intervention Perhaps the quiet revolutionary idea to come out of Loma Linda is that health is a collective endeavor. Community members maintain social ties, eat together, and frequently engage in volunteering; and they dedicate one day weekly solely to relaxation. Elderly individuals report relying on spiritual grounding, nature, and their community members to cope with challenges—habits associated with resilience and reduced stress over their lifetimes.

In a country where loneliness has subtly evolved into a

public health crisis, the idea that well-being could arise from collectivism seems both invigorating and insightful.

Loma Lindans teach us that a long life might depend less on our purchases and more on the communities we create collectively.

What we can bring home to Larchmont The charm of Loma Linda’s approach is found in its simplicity: no memberships, applications, or new identities necessary. It beckons us

instead to recover practices we’ve slowly lost: shared meals, neighborhood ties, communal rest, and small, steady rituals of care. Eat intentionally. Move with purpose. Make time for people.

Let life be structured around connection instead of urgency. If Blue Zones teach us anything, it’s that health flourishes where communities do. Longevity isn’t just a matter of years added; it’s the quality of the world we build around one another.

Dr. Genewick opens practice on Larchmont

By Suzan Filipek Dr. Joanne Genewick will open her new practice, Genewick Osteopathy, at 435 N. Larchmont Blvd., on Fri., Jan. 2.

“The focus of my practice is osteopathic manual medicine and integrative medicine consults,” she told us via email.

Her new office is a one-person operation. “It is a simple, one room, one doc, cash practice.” She shares the space with an acupuncture clinic.

As a doctor of osteopathic medicine, Genewick treats with the same medical authority as M.D.s, but with a deeper focus on whole-person healing. The practice helps “understand how structure influences function and how subtle imbalances can ripple into chronic issues.

This is medicine that listens, observes, and treats with intention,” she said.

What is integrative medicine?

The integrative medicine part of her practice brings together conventional medical treatments and and alternative therapies to address the full spectrum of a patient’s health—physical, emotional, and social. Physicians practicing integrative medicine consider a wide range of options, from lifestyle modifications to medications, and work collaboratively with patients to create personalized plans.

This approach encourages

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE emphasizing the whole person is practiced by Dr. Genewick, here with her daughter.

active participation in health decisions and aims to promote long-term wellness through tailored, practical strategies, Genewick said.

Genewick grew up in Windsor Square, and she attended All Children Great and Small Preschool, St. Brendan Catholic Elementary, and Immaculate Heart High School.

She wanted to be a doctor from a young age and was initially drawn to sports medicine, but personal experiences guided her toward holistic medicine.

After graduating from medical school in 2014, Genewick practiced family medicine in Iowa before joining the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota. There she completed a fellowship through the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine.

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Health, Fitness & Beauty Knowles Karate Academy serves the Larchmont community Most people understand that in martial arts, the black belt (kuro obi) signifies mastery and is the highest level a student can reach. This degree can take anywhere from three to five years to achieve, depending on how intensely the student trains, though once the black belt is attained, that pupil is considered a teacher.

“Dojo” (martial arts gym) “Martial arts academies generally are neighborhood businesses,” said black belt Michael Knowles, who is proprietor and head instructor of Knowles Karate Academy at 149 S. Western Ave. This is a brand new location for the school.

“We bought the building, so this should be our home for many years to come.”

Knowles, who is originally from Gibbsboro, New Jersey, was a wrestler in high school.

Mix of martial arts is taught at MUSA Arts

By Nathan Rifkin Musa Martial Arts Academy owner Davis Chong teaches tae kwon do and hapkido to children and a mix of martial arts and self-defense to adults. He works with actors on stunts and choreography and is also an actor and stunt performer himself. He offers weapon training, such as the use of nunchucks (two sticks linked by a chain or rope), swords, and staffs.

His modest studio is located on the upper floor of a Larchmont Boulevard lot and has been a part of the community since 2011. Trophies displayed in the studio were awarded to his students for achievement in martial arts championships.

In Korean, musa means “warrior,” Chong said.

Chong began his martial arts training as a child. He got into teaching children while in high school, by which time he had already earned a black belt.

“Every student’s kind of like its own puzzle,” Chong said.

“I as a teacher have to figure out what the best way to teach somebody is. Not everybody learns the same [way]…and that’s important in martial arts in general; in self-defense you have to have the ability to adapt to the situation, the environment.”

Musa is at 415 1/4 N. Larchmont Blvd, 323-902-6872, and on Instagram @musamartialacademy.

Youth Sports

by Jim Kalin

He had been exposed to karate briefly when his parents enrolled him and his brothers in a martial arts class. When he was 20 years old, he took it up again.

“I joined karate to work on my flexibility because I had just made it onto Team USA’s Roller Hockey Team,” said Knowles. “Now, 36 years later, I’m glad I did.”

Tang soo do moo duk kwan, which is a Korean-style karate, is the foundation of what Knowles teaches.

“We also incorporate jiujitsu, as well as other techniques from styles we find beneficial to help our students develop their mind-body relationship and the ability to defend themselves,” he said.

“Sensei” (teacher) Knowles’ son, Logan, is 13.

He teaches a class at the Academy on Tuesdays, though he assists his dad throughout the week. He also gives private lessons.

“Logan started training when he was 3 1/2 years old,” said his dad. “He tested for his

STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTORS (left to right) Yanek Glebov, Danyella Alarcon, Emely Campos-Flores, Michael and Logan Knowles, and Emmanual Aquilera.

third-degree black belt earlier this year.”

Logan Knowles is an eighth grader and is homeschooled.

He’s interested in the arts— writing and drawing—and plays piano. He plans to attend college and would like to study physics. Presently, his focus is on teaching karate.

“I love sharing my knowledge with students,” he said.

“I want them to achieve their best and do better than I did.”

Logan Knowles does not play any other sports, though he cross-trains by doing exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, and planks, which he

requires his students to do during class.

“We have plank contests, and they’re hard,” said Rory Kosloff, who’s presently a

yellow belt at the Academy.

“Forms, which is putting karate moves together in a sequence, are also challenging.”

Kosloff attends Larchmont Charter School and is working toward his orange belt. He also plays baseball, golf, and soccer.

“Joshi” (female) Karate was once male-dominated, which stemmed from traditional views and dojo environments, but that’s no longer the case, especially at Knowles Karate Academy.

Emily Campos-Flores is 11 and has a green belt with one white stripe. She was 9 when she took her first class.

“I joined because my little brother Brian was also taking (Please turn to Page 23)

18 SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

LACMA

(Continued from Page 1) ture “Split-Rocker” was recently installed outside the museum’s new David Geffen Galleries. The building is scheduled to open in April.

The 37-foot sculpture, a half-pony, half-dinosaur homage to children’s rockers, might best be described as a giant Chia Pet, as it is planted with succulents and perennials and other native plants that will sprout, flower, and grow year-round.

Koons noted that “Split-Rocker” hosts 45,000 plants, necessitating 45,000 decisions about plant placement and color choices.

And yet, since growing flora changes over time, Koons stated, “The beauty is exercising control and also giving up control.”

Govan added that support for the piece from donors Lynda and Stewart Resnick

LACMA’S GENESIS TALKS launched with a conversation between LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan (left) and artist Jeff Koons.

“SPLIT-ROCKER,” at LACMA by artist Jeff Koons, is covered with 45,000 plants.

includes an endowment for ongoing upkeep of the living sculpture.

Govan first saw an iteration of the piece in France and thought it would become an iconic sculpture in Los Angeles, much like Chris Burden’s beloved “Urban Light.” An earlier Koons planted artwork, “Puppy,” was covered in colorful annuals (which went dormant in winter) and appeared cute and cuddly.

in that tradition. In a sense, it offers shelter.”

In fact, Govan reported that the natural environment around the sculpture has been affected, offering shelter to insects and birds not normally seen along the street.

“Butterflies and bees are on Wilshire Blvd.”

Perhaps best known for his stainless steel “balloon” animal sculptures, Koons is the first authorized artist

Noting that the two halves of Split-Rocker don’t match up because a pony and a dinosaur are shaped differently, Govan said, “‘Puppy’ is adorable. ‘Split-Rocker’ is weird.

It references ancient art, the idea of a split. Yin and yang.

Sun and moon.”

Koons also explained, “I grew up in York, Pennsylvania. There’s a shoe house there, an example of fantasy architecture. ‘Split-Rocker’ is

to exhibit on the moon. In February 2024, his sculpture “Moon Phases” was carried to its final destination by the Odysseus spacecraft. “I enjoy being an artist,” Koons proclaimed. “I feel a responsibility to the community. I want to serve.

“Because of its scale, [Split-Rocker] is a communal piece. It’s not for an individual to contemplate… With public art, in some manner you can change lives. It helps people to be open to experience.”

Philanthropist and former president of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker and Los Angeles artist Mark Bradford will discuss how a museum space can spark creativity and community engagement Fri., Jan. 16.

Timed to coincide with the opening of the David Geffen Galleries, Swiss architect Peter Zumthor will focus on how his design of the building shapes the museum experience in spirit.

The Genesis Talks; LACMA; 5909 Wilshire Blvd.; 323-8576000; lacma.org.

Tickets are $8 for museum members; $10 for the general public.

The Genesis Talks will continue through 2026.

Dr. Genewick

(Continued from Page 1) She also pursued advanced studies in herbal medicine through the Foundations of Herbal Medicine Course, which she continues to study today.

Genewick has published articles in medical journals and lectures on a range of osteopathic and primary care topics like care following abdominal surgery, cardiovascular disease risk factors in women, and advanced care planning.

In 2025 Dr. Genewick returned to her childhood home on Van Ness Avenue to be closer to family and to open her practice.

When not working, she spends time with her wife, Kemmie, daughter Sylvie, and her dogs.

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Homeless

(Continued from Page 1) programs, auditors found that recordkeeping was so inconsistent they were often unable to follow the money.

Some invoices lacked verification that services were ever delivered. Contracts didn’t include receipts. And in the case of more than 2,300 “housing sites,” auditors couldn’t independently confirm their existence. In roughly 70% of those cases, there were no disclosed expenses at all in the previous year.

These problems didn’t stay inside City Hall. Civil rights attorneys and community groups pressed the city to explain how so much money could move with so little clarity. Then, in March 2024, U.S. District Judge David Carter ordered a full accounting of homelessness funds, including Inside Safe. He questioned which service providers were producing results and whether the programs were truly helping people. Suddenly, the need for a deeper, independent look became difficult for any official to ignore.

That is the environment in which Mejia stepped forward.

His office had not historically tracked homelessness spending in a systematic way, but he argued that the magnitude of the crisis demanded it. Instead of waiting for the outside review to finish, he directed the controller’s internal staff of roughly 160 accountants and analysts to conduct a parallel investigation.

In a recent release, Mejia’s team reported that at least $513 million earmarked for homelessness went unspent in fiscal year 2024. The city had budgeted about $1.3 billion for homelessness, meaning

Photo by Joshua Hoehne

nearly 40% of it never made it into services. His office called that gap “incompatible with the urgency of the crisis.”

No previous controller had created this level of program specific tracking, so the findings landed with force.

What this effort reveals and why it matters If the internal audit is thorough and independent, it could give the public a clearer picture of whether the city is putting its money to work effectively.

One major issue is the unspent dollars. With tens of thousands of people living outdoors, the discovery that half a billion dollars sat unused strikes many as alarming. That money could have supported shelter beds, outreach workers, or faster pathways into housing. The reasons for the bottleneck are not yet clear. It may be bureaucracy, delays in contracting, limited staff capacity, or simply outdated systems.

Regardless, it raises fair questions about basic competence within agencies meant to respond to a crisis.

Beyond the financial story, the city is also grappling with criticism about the scale and ambition of its homelessness strategies. The city and county have been questioned

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not only about transparency but also about a lack of innovation. Officials hold ribbon-cuttings for new housing developments that serve a few dozen or maybe a few hundred people. Meanwhile, the number of people living on the streets measures in the tens of thousands. It has become increasingly clear that modest additions to the shelter or housing inventory cannot match the size of the crisis. Whether or not that is the fault of any one department, it is a structural issue that deserves acknowledgment.

Mejia’s move signals a push toward stronger long-term accountability. By using the controller’s office not only as an accountant but as a watchdog, he is testing a model that could influence oversight in other city departments.

In theory, this could lead to more consistent scrutiny of programs far beyond homelessness.

But impulse isn’t enough.

Look carefully at what comes out Still, none of this means the public should take his findings at face value. Oversight is important, but so is skepticism.

Mejia is a political figure, and his views place him on the farther-left side of Los An-

SECTION ONE

geles politics. He campaigned on the promise of challenging long-standing assumptions about spending priorities, especially around policing and homelessness. That alone is enough to make some residents question whether audits conducted by his office will be interpreted through a political lens.

Then there are the personal controversies. Former staff members from both his campaign and the early months of his office have accused Mejia of poor workplace management, describing a tense or even hostile environment.

Others raised concerns that he removed experienced auditors and replaced them with newcomers whose qualifications were questioned. Some saw this as weakening, not strengthening, the office’s independence.

More recently, he has faced criticism over the alleged misuse of public resources for political branding. The most visible example involved corgi-themed imagery associated with both his campaign and some of his official communications. The dispute resulted in an ethics complaint that, regardless of its outcome, is now part of the political backdrop. Mejia denies wrongdoing, but the very fact that such criticism exists is a reminder that any audit he conducts must be evaluated with care. Residents should scrutinize his findings not only for accuracy but also for political intent. The risk is that an audit becomes a way to shift attention from his own challenges.

Transparency is important, but it must be paired with trustworthiness. The measure of this audit will be whether it stands up to public and professional scrutiny.

19

What’s next and why it deserves attention Once Mejia’s report is released, expected this month, the public will be looking for specifics. Will he identify wasted or mismatched spending?

Will the recommendations lead to real changes in budgeting or contracting? Or will the findings simply restate what Angelenos already know: that the system is strained, slow, and often unclear?

If the audit provides a detailed picture of where the money is going and how to redirect it more effectively, it could change how Los Angeles approaches homelessness spending in the years ahead.

If not, it risks becoming another report that generates headlines but little action.

What is certain is that the stakes are enormous. Hundreds of millions of dollars, and the well-being of thousands of residents without shelter, depend on the city’s ability to manage this crisis thoughtfully and efficiently. Whatever Mejia presents should be welcomed, but also examined closely. In a city where political ambition often shapes public messaging, readers should keep a careful, even skeptical, eye on the story as it unfolds.

THE STORIES behind each of the city’s unhoused residents are unique and varied.

20 SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

It’s music’s biggest night—and The Grammy goes to…

There are 95 categories in the 68th annual Grammy Awards for recordings released during the eligibility year of August 31, 2024, through August 30, 2025. The minimum number of nominations in each category are five, going up to eight if there were ties in the voting process.

If I were to predict all of the categories (which run several genres globally), I would have a column that would occupy this entire newspaper. For that reason, I will stick to just the four major categories that most viewers tune in to see, with the exception of many nominated and non-nominated musicians who also have their fan favorites. For those who just tune in to see the performances, the line-up is looking very exciting this year.

Leading the pack with the most nominations is Kendrick Lamar, with nine nominations. He’s followed by Lady Gaga, producer and writer Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut, with seven nods each, and Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas, who have six nods apiece.

I am predicting who will win and who I feel should win.

If you’re interested in current pop music, this should be an enjoyable list for you to fol-

low. Of course, you may agree or disagree with my choices.

Or maybe this list could simply serve as a guide to what’s happening in the music industry in 2026. C’mon, play along with me. You might even have some fun!

Record of the Year “DtMF,” Bad Bunny “Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter “Anxiety,” Doechii “WILDFLOWER,” Billie Eilish “Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga “luther,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA “The Subway,” Chappell Roan “APT.,” ROSE Bruno Mars Who Will Win: Kendrick Lamar with SZA. Lamar won last year in this category for “Not Like Us.” Who Should Win: Lady Gaga for “Abracadabra.” I feel this is the strongest record she’s released since “Shallow,” which happened to win the Oscar for Best Song, co-written and performed with Bradley Cooper for the 2018 film “A Star Is Born.”

Album of the Year “DeBI TiRAR MaS FOToS,” Bad Bunny “Swag,” Justin Bieber “Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter “Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse, Pusha T and Malice

Pick up the Larchmont Chronicle!

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Musical Notes

by Steven Housman “MAYHEM,” Lady Gaga “GNX,” Kendrick Lamar “MUTT,” Leon Thomas “CHROMAKOPIA,” Tyler, The Creator Who Will Win: Lady Gaga.

“Mayhem” is her strongest pop album of the 17 years since her first release. Also, her sold-out The Mayhem Ball Tour (2025-2026) proves to be the most successful and exciting tour of her career.

Who Should Win: Lady Gaga. The music business is very fickle. Not many artists ‘popularity and fame grow stronger nearly two decades into their career.

Song of the Year awarded to the songwriter(s) “Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga, Henry Walter & Andrew Wyatt. Artist: Lady Gaga “Anxiety,” Jaylah Hickmon.

Artist: Doechii “APT.,” Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét

Chahayed, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park, Theron Thomas & Henry Walter. Artist: ROSÉ, Bruno Mars “DtMF,” Marco Daniel Borrero, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Fallick, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, Hugo René Sencion Sanabria, Tyler Thomas Spry & Roberto José Rosado Torres. Artist: Bad Bunny “Golden,” from “KPop Demon Hunters,” EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick. Artist: HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI. “luther,” Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solana Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears, & Kamasi Washington. Artist: Kendrick Lamar With SZA. “Manchild,” Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff and Sabrina Carpenter. Artist: Sabrina Carpenter.

“WILDFLOWER,” Billie Eilish O’Connell, Finneas O’Connell. Artist: Billie Eilish.

Who Will Win: Sabrina Carpenter for a smart and infectious pop song that deals with successful but immature men. This song has become an anthem.

Who Should Win: Sabrina Carpenter.

Best New Artist Olivia Dean KATSEYE The Marias Addison Rae sombr Leon Thomas Alex Warren Lola Young Who Will Win: Alex Warren, due to his song “Ordinary,” which went viral this past year on Tik Tok. Who Should Win: Leon Thomas. He has been a presence on the music scene since he was a teenager. This 32-year-old has already written several successful songs for dozens of artists.

Tune into the 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sun., Feb. 1, at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST. You can then check my predictions, as well as your own.

Author to discuss her debut novel at Chevalier’s Larchmont Village resident Sarah Vacchiano will discuss her new book, “Soft Launch,” with L.A. Times writer and author Marc Weingarten Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at Chevalier’s Books, 133 N. Larchmont Blvd.

Vacchiano is an entertainment lawyer, mom, and now author. She started her

career as a litigator representing “Poker Princess” Molly Bloom, the subject of an Oscar-nominated film.

“They became good friends.

This novel is inspired by Sarah’s experience,” the author’s spokeswoman told us.

The Bloom character in the novel plays high-stakes games with Hollywood’s elite. The

debut novel is stylish, feisty, charming, and greatly inspired by novels she read while “growing up” in her 20s, her spokeswoman said.

The novel published by Little A, hits book stores Feb. 1.

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

SECTION ONE

21

Strange things, aliens; nothing normal except humor of aging Pluribus: Something strange happens on our planet and literally everyone’s world gets turned upside down. Without giving away any spoilers, that is the premise of this show on AppleTV. It is part comedy, part sci-fi, part thriller. Created by Vince Gilligan of “Breaking Bad” fame, it stars Rhea Seehorn, who is tasked with solving the mystery. The show takes its name from the Latin phrase “e pluribus unum,” meaning “out of many, one.” Suffice it to say, the show takes the name very literally, which creates a lot of drama when you are not a part of the “one.”

Stranger Things: The fifth and final season of the Netflix sciencefiction horror drama continues the saga with even higher stakes. Winona Ryder, David Harbour, and Millie Bobby Brown (as well as the other castmembers) are all back to fight the good fight.

The season will be split into three releases, continuing into next year. If you haven’t watched the previous seasons, get on it now so you can finish off with the finale when it all gets released.

Bugonia: Yorgos Lanthimos, known for “Poor Things” and “The Lobster” once again brings his form of dark comedy ,starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. The plot centers around two conspiracy theorists who kidnap the CEO of a large pharmaceutical company, believing she is

What We’re Watching

by A.R. Johnstone an alien. There are numerous surprises and turns that will leave you asking yourself, “What just happened?” Plemons is erratic and fantastic as the “brains” behind the kidnapping. Aidan Delbis, in his debut, is captivating as the cousin who finds himself in the middle of the heist and can’t seem to find a way—out until he does. Emma Stone, once again, dives headfirst into the role of the CEO and does so with considerable aplomb. At the time of print, you can still catch this film in the theaters. However, you can also rent it on Prime Video or many other pay-perview platforms.

Kevin Hart: Acting My Age: The latest comedy special by Hart will have you laughing and relating to getting older.

He explores his relationships with his family, his “beef” with Michael Jordan, and the perils of still trying to do what you could do when you were young now, when you’re just a little over the hill. He is extremely vulnerable and honest, with an energy that keeps you engaged for the hour-long special. Watch it on Netflix.

It: Welcome to Derry: This series is the continuation of the two “It” films that were adapted from the Stephen

King novel of the same name.

Starring Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Bill Skarsgård, the show will taking you deeper into the world of Pennywise,

the horrifying clown from the films. A child goes missing in Derry, Maine then strange and very bad things start happening in the town.

It has social commentary and jump scares, and you might want to watch it with the lights on. The series is streaming on HBO Max.

Novel tells of survival in the American West The start of a new year always sends me looking back at the books that have stayed with me, and this time I wanted to highlight one of my absolute favorites from 2025: Beartooth, by Callan Wink.

I’m not entirely sure how it first landed on my radar, but I’ve been especially drawn to novels set in Montana, likely because I have family in Big Sky Country. The publisher’s description of this one hooked me instantly.

The premise: The novel opens with brothers Thad and Hazen, who live off the grid in a remote stretch of Montana mountains near Yellowstone National Park. They’re drowning in debt from their late father’s medical bills and barely scraping by through logging, fishing, and the occasional risky—and very illegal—work of poaching black bears out of season for their hides, claws, skulls, and highly valuable gallbladders. Thad, the older brother, shoulders the burdens of adult responsibility— everything from hospital debts to the looming tax lien on the cabin their grandfather built. Hazen, the more instinct-driven of the two, is deeply attuned to the rhythms of the natural world.

Larchmont Bookshelf

by Katie Urban When a mysterious outsider offers them a lucrative but dangerous job, the brothers agree to attempt a heist. They agree to smuggle elk antlers out of Yellowstone National Park, a federal crime.

The verdict: I saw the New York Times’ Book Review headline for their review of this novel, and I couldn’t agree more: “Skip ‘Yellowstone’ for This Rawer Version of the West.” “Beartooth” stayed with me long after I finished reading. The novel is explicitly fast-paced from the get-go, which is likely why I found it so thrilling and devoured it so quickly. There’s one scene that’s so absorbing and gripping, I had to reread it a few times. I could feel the character’s pain, almost physically, which is a testament to Wink’s talent. This is a masterfully crafted story about survival, revenge, and the bond between brothers, all set against the stark, stunning beauty of the American West.

I highly recommend this one!

Fun Fact: The author, Callan Wink, is a fishing guide on the Yellowstone River in Livingston, Montana. My husband and father were lucky enough to get to fish with him this past summer, and they still talk about what an incredible experience it was.

If you ever find yourself in Big Sky Country in need of a top-tier fishing guide, he’s your guy.

And here’s another unexpected tidbit I learned from the novel: a bear’s gallbladder can sell for roughly $1,500 on the black market. It’s not a fact I ever expected to know… and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Take a walk to Blüthner piano store Local walking group, Sidewalking.org, is planning a visit to the family-owned Kasimoff Blüthner Piano store on Sat., Jan. 10.

A mini piano concert is scheduled at the shop at 337

N. Larchmont Blvd.

Final details were being arranged as we went to press.

The walks are free and a time to disconnect and reconnect.

For more information visit sidewalking.org.

22 SECTION ONE

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Is theater a rich man’s world? The diagnosis is complicated Since this is the Chronicle’s health issue, I’d like to take a brief look at the state of theater in 2026. Both diagnosis and prognosis for the patient are complicated.

Box office revenues are up, but audience attendance has flatlined. Fewer attendees are paying higher prices for fewer shows. A top ticket to “Hamilton” on Broadway is $1500, $900 to see Denzel Washington in “Othello,” an orchestra seat at the Ahmanson can be $200, and 99-seat houses now charge $45 for a show.

Much like dining out, increasingly only the well-off can afford to go to the theater frequently. The rest of us pick and choose our “experiences” with an eye to our budgets.

The result is the gradual decline in small theaters (and restaurants), especially those taking creative risks on marginal budgets.

If nothing else, our local theaters once served as incubators for developing talent.

Now many of our best small theaters have become rental spaces for self-funded vanity projects that, to stretch the analogy, bring little meat to the table, while larger theaters bring in shows that were developed elsewhere (to share costs) or focus on plays with small casts.

The Theater Communications Group (the theater industry’s association) has noted a 40% drop in theater

Theater Review

by Louis Fantasia

programming since the pandemic, with shortened runs, fewer productions, and complete theater closures as the prime factors. With dwindling audiences, the doom loop continues. Theaters sacrifice modest subscribers in exchange for patrons with more significant disposable income who’ll pay for a “premium experience” at each event.

“The pandemic,” according to the TCG analysis, “was a hard stop button on life… people changed their habits, their behaviors, their preferences, and the way they consume arts and culture. It’s a shift in consumer behavior.”

Consumers were not the only ones to shift behavior. Nationwide, corporate, foundation, and private donor support to theaters has dropped about 40%. Donors are increasingly “skeptical about the power of the arts to create a better world” (TCG), and research shows that funders who have lost faith in the ability of the arts to impact society are more focused on advancing social and political agendas directly.

If this diagnosis isn’t bad enough, another TCG survey, entitled “Heart, Hustle, Survival,” found that 73.3% of respondents have considered or already left the theater

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Letters

(Continued from Page 2) brought the issue to the community’s attention and faithfully listened to our concerns, and finally Jane Usher, for volunteering her legal analysis and expertise.

Sam Uretsky President of LUNA Larchmont United Neighborhood Association, Larchmont Village

Sex worker, prostitute?

I am writing to express concern regarding the dehumanizing coverage of sex workers in the November issue of the Chronicle. In the article “Prostitution bleeds into neighborhood,” adult women are infantilized as “girls,” and the publication relies on the stigmatized term “prostitution” rather than “sex work.”

Most shocking to me, however, was page 25. Accompanying a letter regarding sex trafficking was a photo of a woman from behind with the caption “The corner of First Street and Western Avenue at 4 p.m.” I have been a reader of this paper for 20 years; seeing a neighbor photographed without consent in this context was jarring. (I assume there was no consent, since there was no photo credit included in the caption.)

Whoever the unnamed woman is, she deserves the same

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field, primarily due to financial constraints. The data points to a broader crisis in the arts, where passion often clashes with the economic realities and psychological strains of making a living. The fewer shows available provide fewer jobs; fewer jobs draw fewer people into the arts as careers; fewer arts education programs mean fewer students are exposed to the arts, which means even fewer audiences for the future.

We’re not quite on life support yet. Nearly half of single ticket buyers are first time theatergoers, again choosing plays that present

an “experience” over more traditional fare, and theater closures seem to have run their course.

The plague may have taken its toll, but those of us who have survived, perhaps, have been inoculated enough to thrive in an uncertain future.

What to watch for Patrick Page brings his evening of Shakespeare’s villains, “All the Devils Are Here,” to Santa Monica’s Broad Stage, Thu., Jan. 15, to Sun., Jan. 25; 310-434-3200; thebroadstage. com.

The Geffen Playhouse presents the world premiere of “Sylvia, Slyvia, Sylvia,” a

thriller, Wed., Feb. 4, to Sun., March 8; 310-208-2028; geffenplayhouse.com.

A Noise Within puts Shakespeare’s “Richard III” on stage Sun., Feb 8, to Sun., March 8; 626-356-3100; a noisewithin. org.

Mozart and Salieri dish it out in Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” at the Pasadena Playhouse, Wed., Feb 11, to Sun., March 8; 626-356-7529; pasadenaplayhouse.org.

The Mark Taper brings David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Imelda Marcos musical, “Here Lies Love,” to L.A. Wed., Feb 11, to Sun., Mar 22; 213-6282772; centertheatregroup.org.

respect as other subjects photographed in this issue.

As a longtime resident, I have walked past the used condoms and parked cars where this work occurs. It is unpleasant, to say the least.

But residents do not need invasive, dehumanizing photography to illustrate that sex work is happening in our neighborhood. It felt very out of character for the Chronicle to include it.

I don’t claim to have the answers to this difficult and entrenched problem. But as a reader, I expect to see sex workers treated with the humanity they deserve in these pages.

Abe Forman-Greenwald Larchmont Village [Editor’s note: To address some of the points in this letter and the referenced article, many sex workers are minors, some as young as 11 years old, so they are girls.

It is legal to photograph and publish a picture of any-

one in a public space. The Chronicle used discretion by only showing the back of the scantily clad woman. Many of our photographs do not have photo credit.]

Red zone prostitution

I live [on] South St. Andrews and have a large red zone (for a fire hydrant) in front of my house. It is very dark at night and [the area] is used by the prostitutes to bring their “Johns” to render their services. The area is literally strewn with used condoms... completely gross. I propose some sort of a hotline for the community to be able to call and report activity in real time so that these people can be caught, as they say, “in flagrante delicto.” Is something like that possible?

Chris Black St. Andrews Square [Editor’s note: This letter was incomplete in the December edition of the Chronicle.]

MMRA to discuss SB 79 at 40th annual meeting The Miracle Mile Residential Association’s annual community meeting—its 40th—is Sat., Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. at the Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd.

The focus of the meeting is “Change Is Coming to Miracle Mile: Understanding Senate Bill 79 & How It Will Impact Your Block.”

“Many people do not understand that SB 79 passed and are unaware of its impact,” MMRA Vice President Kari Garcia said. “We hope to engage our neighbors and keep them apprised of what the future holds for our historic and amazing neighborhood!” The senate bill allows construction of multistory high-rises in single-family and historic districts near transit stations.

Also on the agenda is a state of the neighborhood address from MMRA President Greg Goldin. Council District 5’s Katy Yaroslavsky and CD 10’s

Heather Hutt will speak, and LAPD Senior Lead Officer Timothy Estevez will discuss current crime trends, including an uptick in residential burglary.

The meeting is open to residents who live in Miracle Mile. The boundaries are Fairfax and La Brea avenues and Wilshire and San Vicente boulevards. To address an issue or topic at the meeting, or if you have questions, email info@ miraclemilela.com.

Park La Brea to hold meetings Jan. 7 and Jan. 21

Meet candidates for the board of the Park La Brea Residential Association at a meeting on Zoom Thur., Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. The election is at the annual meeting Sun., Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. in the PLB Theatre.

For more information, write to questions@plbra.org.

Larchmont Chronicle

JANUARY 2026

Homeless Count

(Continued from Page 1) vices Authority and is a joint city-county effort.

The point-in-time count includes a visual tally conducted by thousands of volunteers who will travel in teams from some 150 deployment sites scattered throughout the county.

Locally, on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m., they will embark from Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 3300 Wilshire Blvd.; The Hollywood Partnership, 6000 Hollywood Blvd.; and Clinica Romero, 2969 Wilshire Blvd.

San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles will be covered on Jan. 21, and West Los Angeles, the South Bay, and other areas are visited Jan. 22.

The count seeks to find people who have been pushed into the streets, many from a combination of high rents

COMPLEX ISSUES including economic hardship, job loss, and healthcare crises can contribute to an individual’s housing status.

Youth Sports

(Continued from Page 17) classes.” she said. “Our mom got us involved.”

Like Kosloff, Campos-Flores’ favorite part of karate is doing forms.

“The hardest part to me is learning new techniques,” she said.

Campos-Flores attends Berendo Middle School. She also plays flag football and soccer.

Logan and Michael Knowles are not the only ones in their family who practice karate.

“My wife, Kathy, is a third-degree black belt,” said Knowles. “She’ll be testing for her fourth degree in two years.”

Kathy Knowles also teaches classes. She was 45 when she began training and is a great inspiration for anyone who is hesitant about starting a martial arts journey because of age.

“Kathy’s focus and great work ethic sets a wonderful example for both kids and adults,” said Knowles.

At Knowles Karate Academy, it’s a family affair.

Knowles Karate Academy, 149 S. Western Blvd.; 744-238-8335.

UNHOUSED PEOPLE need support from the community to make it a temporary situation, and not a permanent one.

and low wages, among other factors. (A renter needs to earn $48 an hour to afford the median monthly rent in Los Angeles, see count.lahsa.org).

Data collected will be combined with information raised from sheltered and youth counts. The final estimate is expected to be released in the spring. The data is used to deliver services where they are needed most, according to the LAHSA website.

Last year, 72,308 people were found to be homeless in the Greater Los Angeles area, a 4% decrease from the previous year.

However, a later analysis by Rand, a nonprofit research institute, found that a third of those sleeping in tents or vehicles in Hollywood, Venice, and Skid Row were not counted.

“While LAHSA appreciates and values the Rand study as

a helpful tool to help understand homelessness, the two studies are different and have disparate methods for observing homelessness. However, it’s important to note that both Rand and the LAHSA counts are showing point-in-time homelessness trending down.

This is a significant trend,” said Ahmad Chapman, LAHSA director of communications.

LAHSA’s Homeless Count illustrates the state of homelessness across all of Los Angeles at a single point in time. By comparison, Rand’s study tracked three neighborhoods with high concentrations of people experiencing homelessness over the course of a year. Unlike the volunteer-led three-night Homeless Count, Rand’s study spans years and uses professional canvassers.

“LAHSA met with Rand last month to begin dis-

SECTION ONE

cussing why some of these differences may have arisen,” Chapma continued. “As we move forward, we plan to review questions such as the precise geographic boundaries of the neighborhoods and whether differences in counting practices could be affecting these two data collection efforts. In 2026, LAHSA will introduce several enhancements to strengthen data quality, improve coordination, and make the volunteer experience smoother.”

To register, to volunteer, or for more information visit

23

count.lahsa.org.

What’s new in 2026?

Improvements in staffing support, volunteer recruitment, and training are featured in the 2026 Count. LAHSA will partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and the Emergency Centralized Response Center to help reach hard-to-access areas.

Training materials have been simplified to ensure consistency across all regions, and new mock site tests will help volunteers and coordinators prepare before Count night, Chapman said.

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JANUARY 2026

Larchmont Chronicle