Larchmont Chronicle
VOL. 63, NO. 9
• DELIVERED TO 76,439 READERS IN HANCOCK PARK • WINDSOR SQUARE • FREMONT PLACE • MIRACLE MILE • PARK LA BREA • LARCHMONT •
Preparing for earthquakes and wildfires
IN THIS ISSUE
Council OKs, but bill still is a threat
n September is National Preparedness Month
BACK TO SCHOOL
MUSEUM exhibit visits “Jaws” at 50.
7
10
CARNIVAL-STYLE barbecue at The Ebell. 2-6
LOOKING BACK.
Mailing permit:
2-14
By H. Hutcheson My Glaswegian father-inlaw would clap his hands, smile at us and say, “Well, we havenee’ died a winter yet!” when we as a family were faced with some insurmountable task. It’s a great way to get the spirits up (along with a glass of whiskey) but, September is National Preparedness Month, so let’s get real and maybe do a wee’ bit o’ prepping. The Ready LA County website reminds us that “Emergency situations become disasters when they overwhelm the resources that are there to protect our community.” So the best thing we can all do is make sure we’ve done our due diligence in preparing ourselves and our community just in case there See Preparing, P 25
Chronicle hit newstands 52 years ago
n First issue published in September 1963 Against the odds, Jane Gilman co-founded the Larchmont Chronicle in September 1963, 52 years ago this month. It was an uphill battle for her and fellow co-founder Dawne Goodwin to get their feet in the door in an era when women were still known by their husbands’ last names. Read about how they did it. See Looking Back, P 2-14
Halloween & Harvest and Breast Cancer Awareness
Our annual Halloween & Harvest section will be featured in the October issue of the Larchmont Chronicle. New this year, the issue will also highlight Breast Cancer Awareness. Advertising deadline is Mon., Sept. 8. Contact 323-462-2241, ext. 13, or email wyatt@larchmontchronicle.com.
SEPTEMBER 2025
n Assembly to consider
CITY COUNCIL voted to oppose high-rise buildings in single-family neighborhoods such as Hancock Park, above.
Mansion tax is a big idea with big bumps in area
By Suzan Filipek Last month the Los Angeles City Council voted 8-5 against Senate Bill 79, a state measure that would allow multistory buildings to be built near transit sites. Opponents of the measure, which include several homeowner associations, argue the bill takes away local control and threatens neighborhoods. After the vote, residents reached out to Mayor Karen Bass requesting that she sign a resolution adopted by the council, “unless amended to exempt jurisdictions with a certified Housing Element.” See Council OKs, P 4
Trees make a comeback n Number of sales above $5 million dropped by half in time for By Jon Vein and 5.5% on anything highA couple of years ago, Los er. That means if your home subway
Angeles voters approved Measure ULA—better known as the “mansion tax.” The idea was simple enough: when a property sells for more than $5 million, the seller pays an extra tax and that money goes straight into housing and homelessness programs. The tax is steep: 4% on sales between $5 and $10 million,
sells for $6 million, the city collects $240,000 before you even get to escrow fees. The good news first Since it kicked in, Measure ULA has brought in over $702 million. For this year alone, the Los Angeles City Council has approved a $425 million spending plan. About $100 See Mansion Tax, P 27
n Critics lament ‘missed opportunity’
By Suzan Filipek A decade ago, when Metro officials removed several palm trees from the Miracle Mile to make room for subway construction, they promised to bring trees back—twofold. See Trees, P 24
Taste of Larchmont is September 15 n Restaurants to open doors for HopeNet
By Nona Sue Friedman Over 15 restaurants have come on board to make this year’s Taste of Larchmont a fun and fruitful evening for HopeNet. This vital, one-andonly fundraiser takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 15, along Larchmont Boulevard between First Street and Beverly Boulevard. HopeNet is a nonprofit organization that provides healthy food and logistical support to 12 local faith-based food pantries. This year’s theme is “Hope
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PARTICIPANTS AT LAST year’s Taste of Larchmont converse with neighbors in the festival’s pavilion.
Rises.” In addition to restaurants, Executive Director Roya Milder has obtained close to
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25 benefactors, sponsors and supporters to contribute to See Taste, P 3
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