Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 61, NO. 8
⢠DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK ⢠WINDSOR SQUARE ⢠FREMONT PLACE ⢠MIRACLE MILE ⢠PARK LA BREA ⢠LARCHMONT â˘
IN THIS ISSUE
New shops open on Boulevard
Hospital to rise at former Olympia site n UCLA to open mental health facility
7-18
WINNING Warriors. 22
SUMMER SOIREE at YMCA. 2-4
REVELRY on Lillian Way.
2-12
By Suzan Filipek Construction is underway for a new neuropsychiatric hospital at the site of the former Olympia Medical Center at 5900 Olympic Blvd., which closed in 2021. The new Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA in Mid-Wilshire will replace and expand the one in Westwood. The 175,000-square-foot new hospital will include both new construction and reconstruction of the existing building as outlined by architectural firm HOK and McCarthy Building Companies, according to the UCLA Health project website. 119-bed facility The 119-bed facility will cater to patients suffering from mental and behavioral health issues. The current 75 inpatient beds at UCLA will be relocated to the new facility, and the vacated space at the Westwood site will be used for medical and surgical care for more pediatric and adult patients at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The estimated $450 million project in Mid-Wilshire is expected to be completed in spring 2026. See Hospital, p 2
For information on advertising rates, please call Pam Rudy 323-462-2241, x 11
AUGUST 2023
n Duer, âHair and Nailsâ
NEW PRESIDENT Janice Prior was sworn in July 1. At left is Past District Governor of Rotary International, Scot Clifford.
New leader at Wilshire Rotary takes helm n Joyce Kleifield steps down after two years By Suzan Filipek Janice Prior was sworn in as new president of the Wilshire Rotary Club at a ceremony July 1 at Buca Di Beppo restaurant at Universal City. Prior joined the organization with some trepidation 20 years ago, she told us. She has gone on to serve on the board multiple times, and she has grown to appreciate the groupâs global efforts to eradicate polio. âItâs amazing to be a part of an organization that can say that,â Prior said. She also appreciates the clubâs efforts closer to home, such as collecting food and money to help supply a local food bank. âThat was a huge hands-on highlight moment. âWe can come together and make things happen rather quickly,â she adds. What she likes most about the 61-member group is, âYou
donât get tied to one specific cause. You can do multiple things and pivot to whatâs most needy.â Among her goals in the coming year is getting the word out that the Rotary is not your grandparentsâ club. âItâs often joked that itâs the best-kept secret, so weâre trying to get the word out⌠the face of Rotary is changing. Itâs service-minded professionals.â Pretty much like Prior herself. Prior, who grew up in the area, lives in historic Lafayette Square with her husband Chris and their teenage son and daughter. Her parents, Elsa and Larry Gillham, are longtime Wilshire Rotarians. Prior is director of sales at Ampersand, a TV advertising and technology company. Joyce Kleifield stepped down after serving a two-year presidency.
By Casey Russell Duer, the stretch performance denim pants store, opened in mid-July at 129 N. Larchmont Blvd. The space briefly was the home of vintage clothing store Pola and, before that, Face Haus, both occupying this former extra dining room of Larchmont stalwart Le Petit Greek. Anna Davidson, director of retail for Duer, told us that lots of people have been coming by, and business has been steady. Duer is unique in that its apparel is made from plants and recycled materials. Up the street, just north of Beverly Boulevard and a mainstay of the neighborhood for more than 22 years, is Larchmont Hair and Nails at 417 N. Larchmont Blvd. The salon now has a new owner, Helen Yeom, who has done extensive work to modernize and expand the establishment. A grand opening was held on June 25. When asked how business is going so far, Yeom told us itâs been good. âWe have more hair dressers and manicurists now. Everybody likes that itâs See New shops, p 2
DUER employees work in the recently-opened location.
Mailing permit:
Taste of Larchmont
AERIAL VIEW of the new Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA in Mid-Wilshire.
n Save the date
Get ready for Back to School
Our annual Back to School section in September will highlight students, faculty and schools! Advertising deadline is Mon., Aug. 14. For more information, contact Pam Rudy, 323462-2241, ext. 11.
SEE HISTORY âthrough the windshield of the carâ with docent-led tours at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Above, docent Diane Isaacs receives an annual Award for Excellence. See story in Sec. 2, page 2
Diners can visit restaurants on Larchmont Boulevard at HopeNetâs 31st annual Taste of Larchmont on Mon., Sept. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enter under a colorful balloon arch â located by the Clock Tower â to receive your âpassport.â Money raised supports local food pantries. Tickets usually sell out. Get yours at hopenet.org.
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