Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 63, NO. 5
• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
IN THIS ISSUE
Local group works to build and grow L.A.
Center-lane parking on Larchmont: a neighborhood dilemma
n Studies show residents want a ‘walkable’ city
DESIGN FOR LIVING SECTION 2
CELEBRATING moms.
1-16
By Nona Sue Friedman Housing is a complicated, hot button topic in the neighborhood, Los Angeles, the state and the nation. The city undoubtedly needs more housing, but how and where to place it is a charged matter. Job locations and modes of transportation are changing the landscape, which in turn affects the kind of housing residents want. Shouldn’t cities strive to give people what they want? One would think, but someSee Local group, P 7
New state bill threatens neighborhoods n If approved, city would lose local control
GARDEN TOUR in the neighborhoods. 2-2
BEST martinis near Larchmont. 2-6 Mailing permit:
By Brian Curran A new threat to historic neighborhoods is winding its way through the legislative process in Sacramento. State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, with new Senate Bill SB79, is once again attempting to open single-family neighborhoods up to development, upending our city’s state-approved Housing Element, as well as the recently passed ordinance Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) and Community Plans. The bill takes a hammer to these well-crafted documents and in the process once again puts a target on the historic neighborhoods of Greater Wilshire. See New bill, P 22
GRAD SALUTE
Our annual section honoring local high school graduates will be featured in the June issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. Advertising deadline is Mon., May 12. For more information or general advertising questions, contact 323-462-2241, ext. 13, or email wyatt@ larchmontchronicle.com.
MAY 2025
n It’s illegal, yet common
CRIME AND HOMELESSNESS are down, our mayor said.
Mayor Bass reveals the State of the City 2025 n Housing guidelines could be double-edged sword By A.R. Johnstone The council chambers in City Hall have seen some contentious meetings over the last several years and a lot of promises have echoed off of those walls. On April 21, Mayor Karen Bass tried to paint a picture of hope and change. “Homelessness is down and crime is down, specifically violent crime,” said the mayor emphatically to the invite-only crowd. A writer for another local publication whispered to me, “Homelessness is down because they stopped counting.” Whether that is a fact or not, I don’t know, but perception becomes reality. Many of us have been touched by crime in the last year and one can simply drive under
most freeway overpasses and still see signs of mass homelessness. The mayor emphasized, “The recovery in the Palisades is on track to be the fastest in California history.” Having driven through the Palisades recently, it seems the recovery is a long way from being complete. She did announce that the permitting process should be much quicker because of a self-certification program that will reduce the time and tedious paperwork needed to get the rebuilding process started. She also asked the City Council to waive all plan check and permit fees. All of these actions will make the process easier, See Mayor, P 20
By Bridget Smith Larchmont Village is one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems—a charming, pedestrian-friendly shopping district that draws visitors from across the city. Like many great urban streets worldwide, it thrives on its vibrant street life and local businesses. But a long-standing issue persists: illegal center-lane parking. Should it be eliminated, or should the city consider formally legitimizing it? At the heart of the debate is the unofficial use of Larchmont Boulevard’s center turn lane as an impromptu parking area. It’s illegal, yet common. Some argue it’s a necessary convenience; others worry it’s a safety hazard for people walking across the street and adds congestion for drivers behind a car waiting for a legal parking spot on the right. Who uses center-lane parking, and why? The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) clearly states on their website that parking in a center median is prohibited unless explicitly allowed by posted signage. But could the city post signs to allow it on Larchmont? And more importantly—should it be allowed? Two primary groups take See Parking, P 12
Decorating is all in this family n Bold colors and rooms with atmosphere By H. Hutcheson Elizabeth Wilson and Devon Wilson Dentler are sisters with an interior design business based here in Windsor Square. Wilson Studio L.A. started by making customized mirrors with a colored reflection, a signature piece for them, and developed into an extensive interior design business. One client might want new drapes throughout See Decorating, Sec. 2, P 10
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WILSON FAMILY: Devon, Betty and Elizabeth at their family’s Windsor Boulevard residence.
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