LC Section One 11 2025

Larchmont Chronicle

Larchmont Market faces uncertain future

By Suzan Filipek

Could closing a coveted parking lot on Larchmont Boulevard—that is home to its popular farmers markets, Clock Tower and, well, parking—be a good thing?

Some of the parties involved promise that it just might be.

A new, larger space for farmers to sell their green leafy offerings and ripe fruit could be had across the street, and drivers could stop circling the block and find ample parking—yet to be determined where—on North Larchmon, they say.

Larchmont Properties, Ltd., and City Council District 13 are in negotiations, which, under all scenarios, will ensure farmers’ produce and freshly baked breads will be

n ‘We prepare students for an brighter future,’ said Principal Martinez New campus

By Suzan Filipek

Cheers and smiles were all around at the opening of a new three-story campus on Oct. 6 at John Burroughs Middle School ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new building—which was years in the making and shows off a green-glitter-

Light up your holidays with the Larchmont Chronicle’s special section featured in the December issue. Advertising deadline is Mon., Nov. 10. For more information, contact 323462-2241, ext. 13, or email wyatt@larchmontchronicle.com.

WEST PARKING LOT is under negotiations with a Larchmont developer and the city.

available on the Boulevard, as always, at its twice-weekly farmers market.

The reason for the proposed change is a long tangled story that dates back to the mid 80s.

The 34-space west parking lot at 209 N. Larchmont Blvd. is caught up in a deal that is tied to the street’s other public parking lot across the street, adjacent to the former RiteAid—Larchmont Village Plaza, 218 N. Larchmont Blvd.

If the deal is approved, the city would continue to own the farmer’s market lot and lease it to Larchmont Properties, who would essentially act as tenants under a long-term lease.

This would avoid a potential

lawsuit and would be the best outcome for the Boulevard, CD13 representatives said.

The City Attorney and Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation (LADOT) are in negotiations with Ron Simms, owner of Larchmont Properties, and have reached a potential agreement to

See Parking, P 22

n Around the lot: Larchmont’s beloved market faces uncertain future amid backroom land deal

By Jon F. Vein

On any given Sunday and Wednesday, the surface parking lot at 209 N. Larchmont Blvd. transforms into a bustling community hub. The Larchmont Farmers Market, a fixture since at least 2001, draws families, neighbors, and visitors to its stalls of fresh produce, local crafts, and lively conversation. For decades, this unassuming lot—known officially as Municipal Lot No. 694—has been more than just a place to park; it’s been the beating heart of Larchmont Village, a rare patch of public space in a city where such places are increasingly scarce. Beyond the market, Lot 694 is also regularly used for special seasonal events and charitable activities, serving as Larchmont’s de facto town square and gathering place for the community.

But now, the future of this cherished gathering spot hangs in the balance. A proposed land deal between the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and Larchmont Properties, Ltd. has ignited a wave of concern and suspicion among resi-

It wasn’t always this way, the ubiquitous winning by the Dodgers. During the eight seasons before current ownership bought the Dodgers they missed the playoffs four times and never advanced to the World Series.

Since then they’ve won the division 12 of 14 times, won two World Series, and are attempting to be the first repeat champions in 25 years. Do you know how many teams have won 12 division titles in a 14 year span? One—your Los Angeles Dodgers.

Though it may seem like it, Dodgers success is not a

birthright; it hasn’t always been this way. So rather than question if they screwed up

outfielder, now shortstop Mookie Betts by having him

Storage locker sites as housing

Governor Newsom has signed Senate Bill 79 into law. The unexpected consequences are starting to appear.

Recently, we were sent an email by a group lobbying for more storage units to be built in the city, because SB 79 prohibits units larger than 1,700-square feet to be newly built. Wouldn’t it make more sense to replace existing storage facilities with housing? Most other major cities do not allow storage facilities in the heart of the city and instead build them in the outskirts.

The support for the new law has indicated that we now have a solution for homelessness and housing affordability. Unfortunately, it seems that there have been many potential solutions in the past that have all cost the taxpayer more, and reduced the problem very little.

The advocates for SB 79 also maintain that more people will be able to take mass transit to work, and local businesses will benefit with increased density in the area. Yet, in June 2025 L.A. Metro was down 1.5 million rides from June of 2024, according to LAist analysis of Metro ridership data. We are the second largest city in the country, but only rank as the fifth highest in ridership. We are a community that drives cars—it is a fact. And in the new SB 79 zoning the parking requirements have been eliminated. If you find it hard to park now, wait until the new law takes effect in July of 2026—you might have to take a bus to get home after parking your car.

Unfortunately, the desired outcomes of new laws are often far from reality. Maybe the focus should have been on those storage units before changing the makeup of a community and allowing developers to determine our neighborhoods.

Calendar

Fri., Oct. 31—Halloween. Sat., Nov. 1—Day of the Dead.

Sun., Nov. 2—Day Light Savings time ends.

Tue., Nov. 4—Election Day. Thu., Nov. 6—Larchmont United Neighborhood Association meets at Van Ness Elementary, 501 N. Van Ness Ave. at 6:30 p.m.

Tue., Nov. 11— Veterans Day. Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom, midcitywest.org.

Wed., Nov. 12—Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting on Zoom, 6:30 p.m., greaterwilshire.org.

Thu., Nov. 27— Thanksgiving Day. Delivery of the December issue of the Larchmont Chronicle

Larchmont Chronicle

Letter to the Editor

Racial descriptions

I notice in the Police Beat section that you capitalize black as in “Black male” but do not capitalize white as in “White male”. What is the editorial reason for this discrepancy?

John Kaliski Windsor Village [Editor’s Note: The capitalization of Black male or female is done according to Associated Press style, which we follow. White is not capitalized. Further explanation at tinyurl.com/mtn4pc7k.

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.

‘What is a holiday flavor you look forward to?’

That’s the question our inquiring photographer asked locals.

“I’m really interested in corn—we grow a lot of different types. I like blue corn, which you can’t eat on the cob, but the flavor is amazing once it’s processed,” said Emmett. “We make tamales from summer through Christmas. It has become a Christmas thing,” said Maisy. Maisy Capps with Chip (left) and Emmett Sutherland On the Boulevard

“Ever since I was a little kid my family made gingerbread around the holidays. It has a homey, nostalgic holiday vibe. Subsequently, I love gingerbread and rarely see it until around November. But if my husband or kids see it, they know I’ll love it!”

Bridget Bjorna Smith On the Boulevard

“I don’t even understand the holiday flavors here! I’m from Australia, so it’s summer in November and that’s mango season. My brother just sent me a photo with my neice’s face buried in a mango.”

Willy Maitland (left) On the Boulevard “Pumpkin and cream cheese. Trader Joe’s has a little pumpkin Blondie brownie thing with cream cheese on it. Very good!”

Cidnee Corry (right) On the Boulevard

Larchmont Village waits for its diner to open, new frame store

By Nona Sue Friedman

Yes, it’s true, soon Larchmont Boulevard will have its own diner. A common destination on the East Coast, this restaurant style is void out west. Coffee shops are the closest iteration.

Max and Helen’s is being brought to life by Phil Rosenthal, creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and star of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil,” and Nancy Silverton, renowned chef who operates Osteria Mozza among many other accomplishments.

The restaurant is named after Rosenthal’s late parents and will open soon in the former Le Petit Greek space at 127 N. Larchmont Blvd. It’s a family affair with Rosenthal’s daughter, Lily, as creative director, and her husband Mason Royal as chef. The collaborators seek nostalgia and coziness with the feeling that everyone is a regular. The menu includes

day,

Bagels,

photos for their frames and frame artwork.

Located at 654 N. Larchmont Blvd., Color Me Mine will officially celebrate its opening on Sat., Nov. 8 with a party open to all with sweet treats and entertainment.

Chevalier’s Books, the oldest store on the Boulevard at 133 N. Larchmont Blvd., is turning a new page with a new co-owner. Patti Lombard, of the Larchmont Buzz, has taken over half ownership of the shop.

Witches and Warlocks made appearances at Fair

The Larchmont Chronicle hosted a booth and published a special front-page edition for the Larchmont Family Fair, which took place Oct. 26 on Larchmont Boulevard.

Visitors to the booth received collector editions of the paper celebrating the 100th anniversary of Larchmont Boulevard, tossed rings on bottles to win a custom printed Chronicle T-shirt, and received branded pencils for the budding journalist.

Following are pictures taken at the Fair where passersby magically became witches and

warlocks by posing for the faux front page. Have a look at the local wizards.

(Please turn to Page 23)

Block party; Plymouth School; Women’s Empowerment Movie

It was billed as “It’s a Wrap! The Last Brookside Block Party,” but residents are hoping that not to be the case.

On Sept. 28, Brookside held its 43rd annual block party on Tremaine Avenue, the longest continuously running block party in the city (minus the COVID interruption). As families have grown and moved on, or just plain grown older, it has been difficult to find volunteers to replace the stalwarts who have loyally stepped-up year after year. The good news is that the success of this year’s block party, filled with face painters, a potluck, Pink’s hotdogs, a bounce house, and lots of good fun, has encouraged fresh voices and younger residents to step in and consider taking over the reins.

There was much chatter about new ideas, and all in attendance realized the importance of this annual

Around the Town with Sondi Toll Sepenuk

community gathering. Over the years, the block party has featured pet contests, pie-eating contests, dessert contests, a teen “game room,” live bands, DJs, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Hawaiian dancers, costume contests, homemade BBQ, and more.

This year, each attendee was asked to bring a potluck dish that would serve 10 to 12 people. Every household also received two free tickets for Pink’s hotdogs. Neighbors brought appetizers, main dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages.

Tremaine was taken over by tables and chairs for lounging and eating, a bounce house for little ones who wanted to get some energy out, children running freely in the street, and dogs who were just happy

to be there!

Safe to say, it was a rollicking good time, and everyone wants it to continue. Stay posted a year from now to see the results of this reinvigorated community, and to see the fresh ideas that will

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Blue light: how it shapes our sleep Health

It is difficult to conceive of modern life without our beloved screens. As we get further into fall and the weather continues to cool down, we likely will be spending more time indoors—studying, working, watching movies. From our phones and laptops to our TVs and tablets, most of us spend large chunks of time bathed in their light. And the problem extends to our energy-efficient new bulbs; LED and fluorescent lights. According to a UCLA study, people are spending 13 hours a day in front of screens. But that light is not just light—it’s blue light, a high-energy wavelength that can affect our health in several different ways.

According to the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, children have even less ability to filter the short wavelength of light, and suffer at proportionately higher rates than adults, with eye strain, headaches, and longer-term health results. Harvard Health Publishing reported that our excessive basking in blue light, “…may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.”

In small quantities, it is natural to be exposed to blue

& Wellness

By Priscilla Duggan

light, even required for our overall health. The sun, which produces a combination of all colors in the visible spectrum, is our biggest source of blue light controlling our internal clock, or circadian rhythm and, thus, telling us when to wake and sleep. Exposure to blue light during the day keeps us awake, boosts mood, and might even assist in memory and cognitive function. The issue is when blue light lingers in the evening, due to the use of our electronic devices.

We are hardwired to respond to light as a signal of time. When blue light enters the eyes after sunset, it suppresses melatonin, the hormone that signals to the body, “It’s time to sleep.” The result? Tossing and turning when we’d rather be relaxed and drifting off. As most readers probably know, disrupted sleep can ripple into other areas of health, affecting mood, immunity, and even metabolism.

But hold off on worrying about your late-night reel scrolling or Netflix binging just yet: awareness is where we

begin, and small changes can make a big difference. Here are some friendly suggestions for working with—rather than against—blue light:

Set a screen curfew. Try putting devices down at least an hour before you go to bed (two or three hours would be optimal in order to give your body proper time to settle). If that’s not doable, even 20 to 30 minutes of screen timefree can be helpful.

Use night mode. Most devices have a “night shift” or “blue light filter” feature that makes the screen’s color redder after nighttime, minimizing your exposure to blue light.

Try to get some real light exposure every day. Going outside during the day—ideally in the morning—is an excellent way to build up your circadian rhythm, so that it’s easier to sleep at night.

Consider blue-light blocking glasses. They’re not for everyone, but for shift workers and anyone who is just staring at screens all evening, they can be useful. Another idea is a screen protector that lowers blue light emission, and keep interior lighting dimmed (or use candles—just kidding).

And, as with most problems

of our contemporary era, the issue isn’t blue light, but balance. We can think of our exposure to light as yet another cycle to honor. Sun by day, soft light by night—that’s what our bodies were meant to expect.

So as we head into November, when days shorten and nights draw out longer, experiment with how you light your life. Maybe dim the lamps after dinner, substitute scrolling with a book, or take a morning walk to get a little natural light. By doing that, you’re not only saving your eyes, and maybe your health in general—you’re giving your entire body a chance to restart.

After all, health is not about getting rid of the comforts of modern times, but finding a rhythm that fosters rest, resil-

ience, and a bit more ease in our lives.

Celebrate JLLA Centennial at Yacht Club

Nov. 9

Join the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA) as it celebrates its Centennial at the California Yacht Club, 4469 Admiralty Way, on Sun., Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dining, signature cocktails, a silent auction, and entertainment will add to the vibrant atmosphere. “Heather Ogilvie Shuemaker is our Spirit of Voluntarism Awardee and Nichol Whiteman of Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is our Community Achievement Awardee,” JLAA President Dawn Eash Wazzan told us. For tickets and information visit jlla.org.

Neighbors meet their SLO, get safety tips

By Nona Sue Friedman

Thirty residents of Ridgewood Wilton Neighborhood Association met with their Senior Lead Officer (SLO) Daniel Chavez of Olympic Division at a resident’s home on Oct. 21 to discuss local break-ins, home safety, and prostitution.

The first comment was about prostitution. “It’s out of control,” said Sheila Hoyer of Wilton Drive. Chavez was glad she brought it up. Two of his four days on patrol are dedicated to the issue. His division has Vice Units that come out four times a month. The L.A. City District Attorney is targeting Johns, the men who engage the sex workers, as a means to mitigate the activity. He told the group that Council District 13 (CD13) just signed a contract with Journey Out, a nonprofit that helps victims of sex trafficking. He’s hopeful this will have an impact on the situation that has plagued Western Avenue for 20 years.

One resident suggested another way to combat prostitution in the area would be to send traffic enforcement in the middle of the night since the area is a preferential parking district. Chavez said he will follow-up with parking enforcement to patrol the area.

He also offered to walk through properties to find weak areas at resident’s homes. He suggested saying hello to anyone seen walking around the neighborhood so potential criminals know that they’ve been seen.

Lastly, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has facial recognition software. If anyone has video of suspicious people, email it to him so there’s a record.

He explained that senior lead officers are liaisons between the community and the LAPD, council districts, city agencies, and private companies. He encouraged all attendees to reach out to him, via text or email, about issues involving the community. He wants to know what’s going on so he can help. “Utilize me as a resource,” he said.

By Nona Sue Friedman

Neighbors were startled from slumber to the sound of six gunshots followed by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) helicopter with a spotlight circling the normally quiet 200 block of North Ridgewood Place. The incident began just before midnight on Wed., Oct. 22 according to LAPD.

Kate Corsmeier, a resident for more than 20 years, said, “Olympic Division have been guardians of this area, I commend you and your work. You don’t feel like an outside force, you care.” Chavez responded, “Olympic officers do care. This is my home.”

While the investigation is ongoing, the tragic evening unfolded with the male suspect, 39, shooting and killing his girlfriend and wounding his mother before turning the gun on himself. A handgun was found at the scene.

The mother, 70, who lives in the house owned by her suspect-son, had hid in the back of the house and called 911. LAPD arrived quickly, closed off the block to cars and pedestrians, swarmed and entered the house from the rear.

After being rescued from the home, the mother went to the hospital for her wounds. She is believed to be recuperating successfully.

The mother and son have lived in the home for over 20 years. According to Senior Lead Officer Daniel Chavez, “It is an isolated incident and no suspect is outstanding.”

Box cutter used as weapon, license plate stolen OLYMPIC DIVISION AGGRAVATED ASSAULT & BURGLARY THEFT FROM A VEHICLE: A victim recovered property that had

WINDSOR SQUARE ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL TOWN HALL MEETING

Monday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. • Review of WSA Activities in 2025 • Mayor Karen Bass • City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto • Public Safety • Land Use Issues • Block Captain Matters • Other Community Concerns • Squeaky Wheel Award • 2025-2026 Directors

743 S. Lucerne Boulevard (at Wilshire) (parking lot entrance on Eighth Street)

Nicely done, Bureau of Street Lighting!

By H. Hutcheson

The darker days and nights are on the horizon with fall afoot, but so are our city workers promising light again on Van Ness Avenue and First Street.

On Oct. 12 three technicians from L.A. Bureau of Street Lighting showed a group of children and their parents how our streetlights work on the block. “When this spot doesn’t detect sun it makes the light turn on,” said the technician pointing to a solar panel. “Pretty cool,” was the response of one of the children. The sigh of the parents expressed the same sentiment.

Recently vandalized streetlights have plagued streets throughout Hancock Park and Windsor Square on and off over the years when copper wires are stolen making the lights inoperable.

Recently, Council District 13 allocated $500,000 from its discretionary fund for overtime hours at the Bureau of Street Lighting to repair the broken lights in the neighborhoods.

The engineers on-site explained they are putting a security lock on the junction box access cover, and a steel

plate covered in cement at the base. “Not impossible to break into, but it would take loud machinery—it would wake up the whole block,” said the technician.

The smiling engineer said about the return of lighting to the neighborhood, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone!”

What to do when local rules frustrate

residents and the city

By Nona Sue Friedman

For more than 10 months, residents of North Norton and Van Ness avenues have been plagued with a heavily graffitied and brightly colored eyesore of a truck parked on the street.

Dennis Levin, a 40-year resident of Larchmont Village, has spent hours trying to remedy the situation. He’s called parking enforcement numerous times to file complaints that the truck hasn’t moved for over 72 hours, which is illegal. He claims that the city’s parking department hasn’t come out to chalk the tires.

One time when he was on hold, there were more than 60 calls ahead of him. He tried again the next day. On one of his calls the beginning of October, the parking representative was aware of the vehicle and his situation, but still, the truck is parked in his neighborhood.

Levin has placed signs on trees and poles in the neighborhood explaining the truck is there illegally and urging neighbors to call and complain. Still nothing.

Levin has also been in touch with his city council’s field deputy, Mark Fuentes of

CD13, on several occasions. Although he’s gotten responses from Fuentes, the truck is still there.

The City’s side Fuentes is aware of the truck situation and has been working with parking enforcement. According to Fuentes, on four or five occasions, parking has chalked the tires to start the 72 hours limit. When an officer returns to ticket and tow the vehicle, it’s moved to a different part of the street. The truck hops around the neighborhood. Fuentes said, “Parking is at wits’ end” with the situation. He continues, “It’s a never-ending cycle.” The owner somehow knows every time the tires are marked, commented Fuentes.

This situation annoys both parties.

The truck does not qualify as a commercial vehicle, so it is allowed to park in the area. According to Fuentes, parking enforcement has talked to Levin about the truck.

So what to do when the governing rules frustrate all parties and don’t help the situation? As Levin said in an email to the Chronicle, “Something needs to be done!”

Around town

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(hopefully!) be born out of the changing of the guard!

•••

Plymouth School parents, teachers and neighborhood supporters showed up at the home of Brookside resident Megan Drynan to celebrate 53 years of the play-based school’s commitment to early childhood education within the community. The annual Fiesta Fundraiser, on Oct. 16, helped raise money to support this local 501(c)(3) bedrock neighborhood school, which has educated a good percentage of Larchmont area kids for decade upon decade.

The party was a chance for parents and teachers, including former teachers and board members, to socialize and connect as their little ones at home slept soundly in their beds. Guests enjoyed a catered Mexican food spread, including tacos, rice, beans, guacamole, and all the fixins. The evening also featured a raffle, with donations from Larchmont Wine & Cheese, Dyptique, M Special Beer Company, Flicka, and the highlight: a two hour tour of L.A. in a vintage 1971 Chevrolet Impala convertible, with late councilman Tom La-

FORMER TEACHER Fran Hentz gets a hug from former student Giacomo Lovatelli.

Bonge’s son Charles LaBonge as the tour guide!

Attendees included George Hawley, who was in the first graduating class at Plymouth, and former teachers Fran Hentz and Donna Marie Carolan, who taught at the school for 33 and 15 years, respectively.

The West Hollywood City Council Chamber was filled with a standing-room-only crowd to celebrate the launch of L.A. Tech Week Women’s Empowerment Movie Day on Oct. 11, which celebrated women’s leadership, innovation, and equality across film, tech, and venture capital was first up on the agenda.

The event opened with a morning meet-and-greet and

CURRENT PARENTS enjoy an evening of food, drink, and friendship while celebrating 53 years of The Plymouth School.

book signing with “Cagney & Lacey,” and “Queer as Folk” star Sharon Gless, a Los Angeles native and Hancock Park alum. Gless wrote the forward and narrated the audio version of the book “Show Her the Money” written by Catherine Gray, executive producer and producer of the same named book and documentary, revealing the realities women face in raising venture capital.

Gless also received the Legacy Impact Award, recognizing her acting career and decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy. “Sharon has used her voice and her art to open doors for others,” said Gray. “She represents the courage, passion, and integrity that continue to drive this movement forward.”

Additional screenings included “Lilly,” and “Still Working 9 to 5,” two films that focus on the struggle

BOARD MEMBER and former school director Diana Conforti, Debra Lovatelli, and former teacher Donna Marie Carolan catch up at the Plymouth School annual Fiesta.

for workplace equality. The coffee table book expands the message of the “Show Her the

Money” documentary, spotlighting more than 30 women who are rewriting the rules of business and finance. “This isn’t just about money,” said Gray. “It’s about equality, opportunity, and giving women the power to lead and invest.” And now you’re in the Larchmont know!

LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL

Thatcher Hartman 11th Grade

This past month Loyola has been full of activity. The Loyalist released its first edition, which can be found at theloyalist.org.

Loyola’s football team defeated longtime rival St. Francis High School 9–3 and later edged out Serra High School 13–10 at SoFi Stadium. Students also enjoyed Party in Cubiza, the first school dance of the year. More than 1,000 Cubs took the PSAT or SAT, and freshmen participated in a retreat led by seniors that ended with a night on campus.

Looking ahead, William Brooks, associate director of financial aid at Loyola Marymount University, will host a Zoom presentation on student aid (FAFSA). Details can be found in emails from the counseling office.

THIRD STREET ELEMENTARY

Evelyn Abrams 5th Grade Hi! I’m Evelyn Abrams, the second news reporter alongside Cole Bigus for Third Street. We’ve

had a wonderful school year so far, including a successful movie night and lots of fun classes such as drama, tech lab, P.E., science, and art. Friends of Third has been fundraising for all these amazing classes. Kindergarten is going on their very first field trip to the Nine O’Clock Players Theatre. Other classes are going on field trips too, such as third grade will go to the Craft Contemporary Museum, and a 5th grade class to the Marciano Art Museum. There is also a Korean Dual Language Program (KDLP) ice skating event on Nov. 15. We have some half days this month due to Parent-Teacher Conferences, in addition to having Nov. 24 to 28 off for Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!

LE LYCEE FRANÇAIS DE LOS ANGELES

Cielle Khoury 7th Grade

Theater, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Middle School is getting ready for a Halloween carnival fundraiser with more than 20 fun booths where students can win prizes. We are very excited for the big raffle, which will have multiple baskets with lots of fun amazing gifts. Students will dress up to compete in a costume contest. For the movie contest, we’re sure students will get creative and submit spooky and fun films. The countdown has started!

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE

Reece Bagley 6th Grade

first day of the week for elementary students. Throughout these Morning Meet-Ups within Hispanic Heritage month, there have been numerous speakers acknowledging people of Hispanic Heritage. This all goes to show how nurturing the Hollywood Schoolhouse is!

PILGRIM SCHOOL

Allison Pak 12th Grade

Le Lycée kicked off the sports season with High School Spirit Night, inviting the community to cheer for the volleyball team and enjoy some tacos. The cheerleaders and our Lion Mascot brought the heat! Louis Bertignac, a French rock star, performed for our middle and high schoolers, singing with the high school band and answering questions for the school newspaper. He also gave a concert at the Raymond Kabbaz

Hollywood Schoolhouse is a diverse community that goes to lengths to ensure that all students’ cultures and traditions are acknowledged and celebrated. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the school has had many celebrations. At the recent community circle, where parents can visit the school and watch special presentations, Hispanic dancers from the Pacifico Dance Company performed, bringing everyone on a journey through states of Mexico through dance! These dances were the highlight of the event, filled with energy and vibrant traditional clothing.

Hollywood Schoolhouse also has Morning Meet-Ups on the

It is Open House Season, and we invite you to visit us, see our beautiful campus, learn about our wonderful programs, and get a sense of our special community and culture.

Outdoor Education Day has become a Pilgrim School tradition over the years. Students spend the day exploring nature, doing science experiments, hiking, creating art, and making music. They enjoy reading under trees and having picnics with friends.

Students in grades 6 through 12 at Pilgrim will have their annual trips week, and it will be so much fun and opportunity to bond and connect with classmates and teachers. Sixth and 7th graders go to Surf Camp in San Diego, where they do archery, climb high walls, participate in beach cleanups, surf, and compete in castle-building contests. Eighth graders visit Washington D.C. to learn about

the history the city offers. Ninth graders camp in beautiful Yosemite, while 10th and 11th graders travel to the East Coast for college tours and visits. They also explored Times Square and enjoyed a slice or two of pizza. Seniors stay on campus with our college counselor and English teachers for a week of college applications, essays, and practice interviews. We invite you to come take a tour at Pilgrim and see all the wonderful things we have to offer.

FAIRFAX HIGH

Joyce Kang 12th Grade

Fairfax High School had its annual UCLA Blood Drive on Sept. 10 and successfully donated 62 pints of blood with the participation of over a 100 students who each received an In-N-Out gift card.

Seniors showcased their Fairfax spirit during Senior Sunrise. Seniors cozied up in pajamas and warm blankets, ate a delicious IHOP breakfast, and played Duck Duck Goose, traveling back to their childhood while also admiring a beautiful sunrise.

Parents and students greeted teachers, learned about expectations and the class curriculum, and learned about the upcoming school year during Back to School Night.

(Please turn to Page 11)

School news

(Continued from Page 10)

BRISKIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Emme Goldberg 6th Grade

The Briskin school year started off with lots of excitement and a whole lot of Jewish holidays— namely, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah! Still, there’s been time for a lot of learning and several amazing school trips! The 6th graders went to Catalina Island for two nights to learn about marine biology and bond as a class. Our 5th graders went to Astro Camp and did a lot of experiments—learning about lights, lasers, and astronomy.

And our 2nd graders just went to the California Science Center. All this activity and it’s only October! Meanwhile, Briskin’s flag football and soccer teams have kicked off their seasons (go Bears!) According to Coach Jordan, “the soccer team is very strong with great talent in the younger grades, and the flag football team is really starting to gel gain momentum.”

Finally, after many not-sosubtle clues, our annual spring musical has been announced... it’s “Peter Pan!” That’s it for now. Hope you’re hooked!

MARLBOROUGH

Madison McClure 10th Grade

placing 9th out of 37 teams at the Central Park Invitational, and varsity volleyball recently winning their homecoming. Speaking of homecoming, Marlborough annual homecoming dance theme 2016 was Tumblr! There was glitter tattoos, a photo booth, and the best fries I have ever had in my life! Like honestly, my friends and I had probably five servings of them! Homecoming was so much fun and made us 10th graders even more excited for semiformal in the spring.

LARCHMONT CHARTER

LAFAYETTE PARK

dance at the L.A. Sound Nightclub. There was food, drinks, dancing, and so much fun! Additionally, on October 8, 10th and 11th grade students took the PSAT in preparation for the SAT that many students take during their junior year.

Marlborough sports are finishing off with a bang! With the 7/8 grade swim team winning league and breaking many school records, cross country

Ella Wolovitch 10th Grade

The recent weeks at LFP have been full of excitement! On September 20, students attended the Homecoming

At the end of October, we will be hosting our annual Halloween Fair. It will include lots of different activities, games, club booths, snacks, and many Halloween themed things! Additionally, there will be the annual haunted hallway which is an interactive experience for students to walk through—very scary! Every year it’s hosted by the UNICEF club at LFP.

PAGE ACADEMY

Naya Savodivker 6th Grade

get to enjoy a yummy Mexican Dinner and a fun Movie Night. I can’t wait to see what amazing baskets we’ll have this year! Before we start our academic break on Thanksgiving week, we’ll get to give thanks to our community by hosting a Food Can Drive. We will also celebrate the season of thankfulness with our Thanksgiving Potluck on Nov. 21. Our Page Academy family will get to enjoy a wonderful spread of Thanksgiving foods. I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! See you next month!

IMMACULATE HEART

Madison Dang 11th Grade

Hello Larchmont friends! I’m back and so excited to tell you more about Page Academy events. October was full of wonderful fall events. We had so much fun at our first Family Game Night on Oct. 3. We played games, such as tug-a-war, sack racing, bean bag relay, and spoon races. All of the students and parents had a great time!

On Oct. 16, we had the Great CA Shakeout. We practiced how to stay safe during an earthquake. Everyone did great! October was also the month of our Annual iJOG Fundraiser, where parents pledged an amount for every lap their child ran to help raise money for the school. On the Oct. 26, we had the Larchmont Fair, where we promoted the school and passed out fun giveaways.

On Oct. 27-30, we celebrated Red Ribbon Week. We dressed up head-to-toe in red, neon colors, wore cool hats, and our favorite team jerseys. Our Annual Fall Festival was on Oct. 31. We all had an amazing time, playing fun games with prizes and eating delicious snacks. We also had a Halloween costume parade and a petting zoo.

One of the main highlights of October was Immaculate Heart’s annual Walk fundraiser.  Widely anticipated among Pandas, The Walk is the biggest fundraising event of the school year, raising vital funds while also celebrating school spirit. Students raise money to support the school’s financial aid program, as well as campus upgrades and enhancements to student life.

The Walk also provides an opportunity for students and faculty to walk around the Los Feliz neighborhood and enjoy the outdoors together before returning to campus for a festive lunch. With fun gifts and rewards to look forward to along the way, as well as spirit points given to individual classes, The Walk is a beloved tradition that continues to bond the school community.

THE OAKS

Atlas Tucker 6th Grade

As we head into November, we are getting ready for our biggest fundraiser of the year: the Silent Basket Auction. Each class is tasked to create a basket that will be auctioned off to our Page Academy families. We’ll also (Please turn to Page 12)

Ms. Kathryn Kaiser is the interim head of school at The Oaks and previously started The School at Columbia University in 2003, retiring in 2023.

We sat down to discuss her experience at The Oaks. When I asked her why she chose our school, she said, “The mission matches my values, and the

School news

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adults in this community want children to learn about themselves, but also about others.”  She shared, “Adjusting to a new school is exciting because you’re always learning.” Her biggest concern in education is freedom for teachers to be able to teach what they feel is important to learn. Kathryn has a great perspective on education and she’s already done amazing things for our school!

CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION

Hugo Payne 5th Grade

make that happen. Finally, every student signed the charter and hung them up for all to see. I think it is valuable to create such a charter because it gives each classroom guidelines on how best to act as a community and toward one another.

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL

8th Grade

My name is Hugo Payne and I’m a fifth grade student at the Center for Early Education. In these first weeks of school, every grade in my school created a class charter. Students talked about how they wanted to feel in their classroom community, and then, to narrow it down, everyone voted on what feelings they believed were most important. Words like “inclusive, safe, and heard” were some examples.

Teachers in each grade then made posters that stated how the class wanted to feel and what we could do as a community to

Immaculate Heart student interviews

Justice Barrett

By Poppy Seidler, age 13, KidScoop Media correspondent

I had the privilege of interviewing Justice Amy Coney Barrett at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley recently. She was there to promote her book, “Listening to the Law.”

At first, I was nervous—it’s not every day you get to meet someone who helps make decisions for the entire country. But as soon as she walked in, she made everyone feel comfortable with her calm and kind personality.

She explained that at her family dinners, she can share what case she is hearing at the Court, but she can’t talk about her opinions or predict what the Court will decide.

When I asked her, “How did it feel to replace such an iconic justice like Justice

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Sloan Kennedy 6th Grade Fall is underway, and the leaves are changing colors! Recently, we had our annual family trip to El Capitan camping grounds from Oct. 10 to 13, where there were plenty of s’mores and wildlife! We returned to school after the long weekend with an assembly by our 3rd graders retelling the Chumash legend “The Rainbow Bridge” in shadow tableau. On Oct. 21, we celebrated Diwali with a special chapel. Next up is the fall dance for upper graders, filled with dancing, spooky costumes, and even a photo booth!

The Larchmont Family Fair was Oct. 26—a highlight of the month with many organizations and schools hosting booths, including St. James’! We hope to see you there! To end the month, we’ll celebrate Halloween with our exciting Halloween Costume Parade.

CHRIST THE KING King Hernandez

Marlborough senior digs deep at Alexandria House

Suzan Filipek

Emily Hohmann vegetable and herb garden at Alexandria House is a passion project for the Marlborough senior, who is earning her Girl Scout Gold Award—the group’s highest achievement—with the project: two planter boxes filled with bell peppers, cucumbers and lettuce, a bounty of herbs: cilantro, mint, and parsley adding fragrance, and tomatoes.

“I also brought in my love of creativity by organizing a garden painting day, where the children at Alexandria House decorated the garden boxes before we planted,” she said. Hohmann, class of 2026, took an online sustainability USC course this past summer, and she is Environmental Representative on her school’s Student Council.

She is also in the works to

The fall season at Christ the King School has been full of activity, celebration, and community spirit. Students have enjoyed many special events that brought the school together in learning, faith, and fun.

On October 2nd, Christ the King hosted High School Night, giving middle school students the chance to meet representatives from different high schools and begin planning for their futures. A few days later, on October 6th, students celebrated Korean Thanksgiving or Chuseok. Students learned about Korean culture and the importance of gratitude and family.

On October 7th, the school came together for the Living Rosary, a beautiful and prayerful tradition that reminded everyone of the importance of faith and unity. The school also celebrated Spanish Heritage Month,

recognizing the traditions, history, and contributions of Hispanic communities.

As part of this celebration, on October 24th, Christ the King held a Fiesta Hispana. This event was joyful and featured Hispanic foods, music, and class performances of various Hispanic dances. The students enjoyed the performances and the cultural displays. This event was a vibrant celebration of the culture, traditions, and the community.

At the end of October, students participated in the Larchmont Fair on the 26th, where families, teachers, and friends gathered to enjoy food, music, and community fun. The Halloween Festival on October 31st brought excitement to the campus with costumes, games, and the 8th grader’s very own haunted house.

As the year continues, Christ the King students are showing their school spirit through learning, service, and celebration making this fall one to remember.

Land Deal

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dents, business owners, and market vendors. At the center of the controversy: a complex, decades-old tangle of property rights, a subterranean parking garage, and what some are calling a “backroom deal” that could reshape the very character of Larchmont Boulevard.

History of Lot 694

The story of Lot 694 is, in many ways, the story of Larchmont itself. Since the turn of the century, the lot has hosted the farmers market, serving as a rare open space for community events, neighborhood celebrations, and the everyday rituals that knit a community together. “It’s not just a parking lot,” says one longtime resident. “It’s where we see our neighbors, support local farmers, and keep the smalltown feel alive in the middle of Los Angeles.”

The lot’s central location has also been vital for local businesses, providing much-needed parking for shoppers and helping sustain the economic vitality of the area. Over the years, Lot 694 has become a symbol of what makes Larchmont unique: a walkable, welcoming village in a city better known for its sprawl. The deal: swap & high stakes

The current controversy centers on a proposed agreement that would see LADOT enter into a long-term ground lease with Larchmont Properties, Ltd. to build private commercial uses on Lot 694. In exchange, the city claims that it would gain clear ownership of Subterranean Lot No. 732, a four-level underground parking facility across the street. The roots of this arrangement stretch back to 1986, when the city and Larchmont Properties entered into

a “Parking Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement” for Lot 732—a deal that, for as yet undisclosed reasons, may have never fully resolved, leaving the city’s ownership now in limbo for decades.

Now, with the original lease expired and the ownership question currently unsettled, city officials and Larchmont Properties have quietly negotiated a swap: the city gets the underground garage, and Larchmont Properties gets the right to develop the surface lot across the street that has long served as the community’s front porch.

“A backroom deal”

News of the proposed deal has landed like a thunderclap in Larchmont. Many residents say they were blindsided by the agenda item, which appeared with little outreach and scant opportunity for community input. “This feels like a backroom deal,” says a local business owner.

“We’re talking about the future of our neighborhood, and most people didn’t even know this was happening.”

Why the secrecy? Were there threatened lawsuits? Would any potential claims be time-barred? Why is this coming to a head now, and with little to none community input?

The concerns go beyond process. The Larchmont Farmers Market, which relies on Lot 694 for its operations every Sunday and Wednesday,

could be forced to relocate— possibly to a much smaller site or even out of the neighborhood altogether. City officials have floated the idea of moving the market to a 17-space surface area adjacent to the former RiteAid, potentially closing part of the boulevard to traffic. But many worry that such a move would disrupt the market’s accessibility and diminish its role as a community anchor.

The potential loss of parking also looms large. Local businesses and residences fear that development on the lot will lead to parking overflow on already parking-starved Larchmont, making it harder for customers to visit, and threatening the economic health and residential character of the larger area. “We need more parking, not less,” says one shop owner. “If you take away the lot, you take away the lifeblood of Larchmont.”

Public vs. private Proponents of the deal argue that it will resolve a long-standing legal and financial headache for the city, finally bringing the valuable

subterranean garage into public ownership and generating new revenue through the ground lease for Lot 694. The LADOT board report notes that the deal is expected to have “no impact on the General Fund” and could add a “multi-million dollar asset” to the city’s Special Parking Revenue Fund.

But critics question whether these benefits justify the loss of a vital community space. “This isn’t just about money,” says a resident. “It’s about what kind of neighborhood we want to be. Do we want more retail, or do we want to preserve the places that bring us together?”

The debate echoes similar controversies across Los Angeles, where public land has often been leased or sold for private development, sometimes at the expense of affordable housing, open space, or community needs.

In each case, the central question remains: Who gets to decide the future of public land, and for whose benefit?

The imperative for public purpose, transparency, and community voice

As the LADOT Board prepares to consider the agreement, calls for transparency and public engagement are growing louder.

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez has not taken a position on the lease deal, but his office has emphasized the importance of the Farmers Market in any plan: “The Larchmont Farmers Market must be considered a key

part of the conversation. And, avoiding a legal battle is key,” his office said.

In a letter to the Board, Soto-Martinez urged commissioners to postpone any decision to ensure the community’s voice is heard: “Lot 694 is something more than a City parking lot. It is also Larchmont Village’s town square… The Larchmont community as a whole needs time to understand the implications of this decision, and as their elected official, I welcome their input to ensure I make the best possible recommendations in response to this report. They deserve to attend your meeting and speak directly to you before you make any decisions.”

Residents are being encouraged to send comments to city officials and to attend upcoming meetings. For many, the fight for Lot 694 is about more than a parking lot—it’s about preserving the soul of Larchmont Village and ensuring that public land serves the public good.

What’s Next?

The fate of Lot 694—and the future of the Larchmont Farmers Market—now rests with city officials and the outcome of a process that, many hope, will become more open and inclusive in the weeks ahead. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the community’s voice will be crucial in determining whether this corner of Larchmont remains a place for everyone, or becomes just another retail address.

AT THE RIBBON CUTTING were Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, Burroughs Principal, Steve J. Martinez and LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.

Burroughs

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ing facade facing McCadden Place—is Phase One of the school’s $277 million Comprehensive Modernization Project.

It will host science classrooms, labs, workrooms, and special education classrooms.

Also included in Phase One is a lunch shelter, modular classroom buildings, landscape and hardscape, and basketball courts.

Remaining new construction work—which is expected to continue through Summer 2027—will include two, one-story buildings, with a flexible drama classroom, music classrooms, a new sports field, and a learning garden.

New parking areas, a bus drop-off location, and EV charging stations will also be on-site.

Speakers at the event held at the 101-year-old school at McCadden and Sixth Street included Los Angeles Unified

District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.

Carvalho praised the school’s academics, dual language, and its gifted programs, which “ensure the future of our nation and of these students.”

Recently released data show improved reading, math, and science scores for Burroughs’ students. “Then it gets better. [Students] improved in all subjects, all grades, all subgroups...surpassing preCOVID levels, because of the people in this room,” Carvalho said to the administrators and teachers at the opening.

“I’m excited for Phase 1; this is just the beginning,” said Sherlett Hendy Newbill, Board Member, LAUSD, District 1.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky said the school has special meaning to her. “My mom was a student here 70 years ago… This new building has the tools to allow John Burroughs to prepare for the future.”

Like many of the speakers LAUSD Chief Facilities Executive Krisztina Tokes thanked the voters for providing the resources to update the school. “There had been no serious investment in decades,” she said.

School Principal Dr. Steve Martinez was praised for his years of attending community meetings and tireless pursuit to bring the project forward at the school, home to students from 70 Zip Codes, and who speak a total of 40 different languages. “It is a stunning, new, three-story building with modern learning spaces to support academic success,” Martinez said.

The school opened in 1924 as Wilshire Junior High School at 600 S. McCadden Place in Hancock Park.

The student body included 400 students and 23 teachers. Today there are 1,300 students in grades six, seven, and eight.

“As we step into the second century, we prepare students for college, careers, and life… and an even brighter future” Martinez said.

Phase Two, which is expected to begin in 2027 and continue until 2030, features existing building upgrades to include interior spaces and exterior elevations of existing buildings, landscape and hardscape improvements and upgrades of campus utilities infrastructure, safety and security systems, and technology. DLR Group is implementing the designs of Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects for the school’s modernization project.

By Suzan Filipek

Willy Wonka will find himself in a chocolate factory once again this holiday season when the Nine O’Clock Players bring author Roald Dahl’s story to life.

Showtimes are Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 23 at the Assistance League Theatre, 1367 N. St. Andrews Pl. in Hollywood.

“We’re so excited to highlight our production of ‘Willy Wonka!’ this year! It is a very special production, because in our nearly 100-year history, we’ve never put on this show before,” volunteer Katie Best said.

“It’s been a big undertaking—everything from the costumes to the props had to be imagined and created for this new show,” she added. Best is among several locals who are putting in overtime to bring the show to the stage. Others include Libby Jasper who leads the play reading committee. For this season, the committee chose “Willy Wonka Theater for Young Audiences,” a version famil-

ALAKAZAM

iar with local children who have probably seen the movie adaptation of the tale and are familiar with the story. “Tickets have been selling at a record pace, so we are excited that the community has responded so positively,” Best said.

“In addition to 17 exuberant actor volunteers, we have countless people helping to create the magic (around 60 all counted). Many of our volunteers are retired people looking to give back. A bunch are younger people using their creative energies for good in a tough job market,” she added.

Retired Disney Imagineers bring their creativity and aesthetic to the Wonka set and prop design, joining professional builders to do the construction and the small army of volunteers to prep and paint the sets. Professional set painters put on the finishing touches.

A volunteer day hosted for the Young Professional Group of the Assistance League of Los Angeles helped create candy props and paint sets. Other volunteers have had prop parties at their homes, including in Larchmont, making paper-mache strawberries and giant Hershey’s Kisses.

For tickets and more information visit nineoclockplayers.com.

Dodgers

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change positions, if left fielder Michael Conforto was a bad signing, or if manager Dave Roberts and the front office rely too much on analytics, I’d invite you to appreciate this historical run.

Since taking over the team in 2012, Mark Walter and Guggenheim partners have made the Dodgers the best organization in the sport, and it’s not even close (good news for Lakers fans, they just bought your team too). Forget about the fact that the Dodgers are extremely wellheeled financially and can afford any player they want; that helps a lot, but let’s push that aside for a second.

Andrew Friedman took over baseball operations for the Dodgers at the end of 2014; he earned acclaim by doing a lot with a little in Tampa Bay, turning their low-budget franchise into a consistent winner by doing a better job of finding good players than anyone else.

Turns out Friedman has been able to do a lot with a lot, too. And it’s not just player acquisition; their front office is the envy of the league. Two Friedman lieutenants have already gone on to take over other franchises, and three of their former assistant coaches went on to manage other teams.

And it seems like every player wants to come to the

Chasing Sports

by Chase Campen

Dodgers, not just because they win and play in big games where players can become legends. The Dodgers also have a knack for acquiring once great pitchers who are either later in their career or coming off an injury, and helping them have a rebirth. When it comes to player acquisition, the Dodgers will do whatever they have to do in order to win. The 2020 championship team had homegrown stars like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Julio Urías, Kenley Jansen, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Will Smith, and Max Muncy (technically he was a cast-off of another team but he’s also the epitome of a Dodgers reclamation project, turning him into an All Star).

Some of those homegrown stars earned massive contracts with new teams, and the Dodgers seem adept at knowing which of their stars to retain and which to let walk. Because they draft and develop players so well, they have a rich pool to use to acquire players via trade, which they’ve done most notably with Mookie Betts, as well as Tyler Glasnow and mid-season acquisitions like Manny Machado, Max Scherzer, and Trea Turner.

But when the Dodgers decide to dip into free agency, they go big. Two years ago

Aerial Gondola might get fans to stadium faster

By H. Hutcheson

Dodger fans were over the moon after winning the National League Championship Series (NLSC), but then they had to attempt to exit the parking lot. It was reported that more than 90 minutes after the final pitch, the parking lot was still packed with brake lights. This is a regular issue at Dodger Stadium, (maybe not as extreme as after the NLCS win, but nevertheless, L.A. certainly needs traffic-reduction solutions).

World Cup coming, Olympics coming…what’s an Angeleno with a car to do?

Probably L.A. could use multiple fixes for its infamous traffic, and Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) proposes to connect L.A. Union Station with Dodger Stadium by a gondola.

“The gondola will transport more than 10,000 people to the stadium within two hours before a game or event. That’s equivalent to running 77 buses per

hour, each loading to full capacity in just 53 seconds. The ride is just over one mile, with a travel time of only seven minutes between Union Station and Dodger Stadium. On major gamedays during rush hour, driving from mid-city to the stadium takes over an hour. Using Metro and the gondola takes under 30 minutes,” said Maddy Buss, communications representative for the project.

But it still remains a question if this is “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” In August of this year a demonstration by some community members was held at L.A. Historic State Park with visuals including a rope line to show the path of the gondola that would cut through the park a mere 26 feet over the ground, and mature shade trees with RIP signs on them that would need to be cut down.

The congested, heated topic seems to still be gridlocked for now.

they made the biggest splash of them all, convincing the game’s biggest star, Shohei Ohtani, to head north on the 5 and play for the Dodgers. That same offseason they signed his countryman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a star pitcher in Japan, to a stunning 12year, $325 million contract. Today he’s the Dodgers’ ace. This year, the latest Japanese import that had teams clamoring for his services was Rõki Sasaki, and he choose the Dodgers too. He’s a future ace but in the playoffs he’s serving as their closer and so far has been unhittable. And honestly, why wouldn’t Sasaki, or the next great Japanese player choose the Dodgers? Can you imagine the lure of playing with Ohtani? For good measure this past offseason the Dodgers also signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, he of the massive quads and blazing speed, who scored the winning run in the divisional round against the Phillies.

portion of the planet.

The Dodgers aren’t just the biggest show in the US, they may own a significantly larger

Chargers, fully charged?

By Chase Campen

The Rams get a lot of attention in L.A., and rightfully so; they used to call this city home, and since returning have already claimed a Super Bowl. But let’s take a look at the other team that shares the same city and field, the one that moved up from San Diego.

I recently caught the Chargers in a Thursday night tilt against the Vikings. Led by their own high-profile coach with a National Championship and Super Bowl pedi-

gree, Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers bolted out to a 3-0 record this year, before injuries and inconsistent play started to threaten their championship dreams. The version of the Chargers on display vs the Vikings was Harbaugh’s blueprint for success: dominant ground game, a potent air attack, and a suffocating defense, that improved their record to 5-3. With Justin Herbert, Derwin James and company, there’s still enough talent for this team to make a deep playoff run; perhaps

Elite front office. Homegrown players. Acquiring stars via trade or free agency. The Dodgers are winning by any means necessary; let’s enjoy it while it lasts.

WINDSOR SQUARE NEIGHBORS in attendance are Chase Campen and Mindy Goodrich.

dreams of an all L.A. Super Bowl remain alive.

‘The History of Sound’ is a perfect collection of short stories

The History of Sound is the perfect collection of short stories. That’s not an exaggeration. Every single one of these stories felt incredibly well written. I was constantly blown away by how the author, Ben Shattuck, managed to balance plot and character in under 30 pages per short story, giving each one a sense of wholeness that left me wanting so much more. The 12 interconnected tales are set across three centuries in New England, exploring the unexpected ways the past returns to us and how love and loss are intertwined across generations.

After finishing the book, I learned that the film adaptation of the same name as the first story was just released in theaters this September. While I won’t be heading to the theater for this, I’m

really looking forward to watching the adaptation (starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor) once it hits streaming soon.

From Yosemite to New York City, robberies and whodunits galore

Black Rabbit: Stars Jason Bateman and Jude Law are brothers who find themselves in a dark hole. There is a little bit of everything in this eight-episode limited series on Netflix: the seductive party scene of the restaurant business in New York city, the issues that arise from addiction of any sort, and organized crime that gets its claws into you and doesn’t let go. They are the ingredients for an intriguing, characterdriven ride that feels real and true, shot in a dark and dirty way that lends a tactile side to your viewing. One will find themselves rooting for some unsavory characters, but disliking them at the same time for the mistakes they make. It is well worth the watch.

One Battle After Another: Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, of “Licorice Pizza” and “Boogie Nights” fame, brings a decidedly unvarnished look at political activism and the characters who inhabit that world. Leonardo DiCaprio shows his lack of vanity as an actor and his ability to immerse himself into a character without the worry of looking silly and unkempt in a role. With a star-studded supporting cast, including Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and newcomer Chase Infiniti, the film takes the audience on a ride with humor and a dose of thrills that makes the 2 hours and 42 minutes fly by. Based on the Thomas Pynchon book “Vineland,” you will be left questioning how we got to this place in our current world, and what is the right solution to get us out of it. At the time of print, the film is still in the theaters and I strongly recommend you see it in a reclining seat at your

Maine woods, forever changed by the experience. Decades later, a woman discovers the wax cylinders recorded that fateful summer while cleaning out her newly acquired house in Maine. That story really sets the tone for the beauty in the rest of the collection. Shattuck’s stories move from 1700s Nantucket to modern New England, where memories, objects, and lost love reappear across time and place.

I had two favorite stories in this book. The first was The Journal of Thomas Thurber. This story feels made for the

Larchmont Bookshelf by

of this story was based on real events! It isn’t.

Katie Urban

screen. It follows a group of men on a doomed logging expedition in 1907. Alone in the deep woods, the isolation slowly pushes them to descend into paranoia and madness.

The Children of New Eden is my other favorite, about a young couple drawn into a religious cult in 1696 Massachusetts. I was so enthralled with this one, I actually Googled post-reading to see if any

Final Verdict: This very well will likely be in my top three books I read in all of 2025. I’d highly recommend picking it up. And since it was released in July 2024, you’ll likely be able to get this one very quickly at your local library. I’ve also heard that the narration on the audiobook is excellent.

Fun Fact: The author is married to writer-actress Jenny Slate and he runs the oldest general store in America, built in 1793, in Massachusetts.

Experienced College Application Essay Tutor

Eric Gudas, Ph.D., English, UCLA

What We’re Watching

by A.R. Johnstone

favorite movie theater with popcorn.

Untamed: Eric Bana takes a starring turn in season one of this mystery crime thriller on Netflix. Set in the vast expanse of Yosemite National Park, Bana plays a federal agent trying to get past his own personal demons while solving several crimes that occurred in the park. He is supported by a new park ranger, played by Lily Santiago, and mentored by his longtime friend, portrayed by Sam Neill. It is maybe worth watching just to see the beautiful landscapes in Yosemite. This role of Bana sees him as a character with deep flaws, but also a moral compass pointing him in the right direction.

Task: Task is another crime thriller that will make you question what you would do in a given situation. Mark Ruffalo plays an FBI agent who has had his world turned upside down and is thrown back into the frying pan to solve a crime spree that takes a dark turn. Tom Pelphrey, as the hapless criminal Robbie, is a bright light that will have you cheering the “bad guy” along in his hopes of a better life. The cinematography plays a major role in this seven-episode series on HBO Max. The use of gloomy settings and filming for Ruffalo’s world collides with the shiny life of Pelphrey’s until they coalesce into one. The story doesn’t end when the crime is solved—the story of the relationships keep developing and that is probably the true value of this series.

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Fun at Taper, rip-roaring play at Geffen, and elegance at Rogue

The fall season has arrived, with plenty to see in theaters of all sizes.

The Mark Taper presents the local premiere (after a short Broadway run and a two-year national tour!) of Ja Ja’s African Hairbraiding, Jocelyn Bioh’s award-winning comedy about the Black women who work in, and patronize, a New York hair-braiding salon. Immigrant dreams, struggles, and rivalries are woven as seamlessly as any extension, and the laughs come at welltimed intervals for most of this 90-minute play. Eventually, the “deus-ex-machina” of ICE descends, when we learn that Ja Ja has been arrested at City Hall during what might have been her green card marriage. We get the now all too familiar trope of the community coming together to carry on and, above all, take care of one another. It’s a fun night, with a firstrate cast, even if the play’s politics are a bit frizzy (to Sun., Nov. 9; 213-628-2772; centertheatregroup.org).

The Geffen Playhouse is calling its production of Rudi Goblen’s Littleboy/Littleman a “world premiere,” which, given that it was written in 2019 and had two productions at Yale, I find slightly problematic. More problematic is that the playwright was a student of Tarell Alvin McCraney at Yale, as was a.k. payne, the writer of last season’s “Furlough’s Paradise.” Both plays are much too influenced by McCraney’s “The Brothers Size:” two actors, of color, related by blood, impacted by trauma, up from poverty, chasing the American Dream, one more or less successful, the other jailed or murdered by the state, and so on. For decades, George Pierce Baker ran a famous playwriting class at Harvard and later established the playwrighting chair at Yale. His students included Eugene O’Neill, George Abbott, Sidney Howard, and Ben Hecht (not to mention Hallie Flanagan of the 1930s Federal

Theatre Project). In the future, might we hope for such diversity from the current Yale chair?

Having said that, Goblen’s play gets a rip-roaring production at the Geffen, with outstanding performances by Alex Hernandez as the older brother, and especially Marlon Alexander Vargas as the rapper-dreamer younger one. Drummer Dee Simone and bassist Tonya Sweets keep the place jumping.

British director Nancy Medina and her design team keep the pace throbbing to its inevitable, if, again, obvious, conclusion (to Sun., Nov. 2; 310-208-2028; geffenplayhouse.com).

Lauren Gunderson’s Anthropology does not deserve the production it gets from Rogue Machine Theater (at the Matrix to Sun., Nov. 16).

John Perrin Flynn’s direction is too good, the design team too talented, and the quartet of actresses too spectacular for this mush of a script.

Gunderson is one of the most produced English-language playwrights in the world today (“The Book of Will,” about Shakespeare’s First Folio, is her bestknown work). But her plays are like beach-read novels: fast-paced, with superficially drawn characters, and huge plot holes. Here, the thriller revolves around whether the surviving daughter of an alcoholic mother can use AI to ease the loss of her murdered sister, who, so the algorithm says, may not actually be dead. Spoiler alert: she’s not. But don’t let that stop you from seeing a truly elegant production, featuring four outstanding performers (323-852-1445; roguemachinetheatre.org).

Playwright Josefina Lopez’s (“Real Women Have Curves”) new play Eléctrico (at Casa 0101 to Sun., Nov. 2) should be more exciting than it is. Based on documentary evidence of Mexican-Americans driven off their land by white Texans in the early 20th century, the play is too polemic for its own good. The production quickly descends into

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stereotypes and the acting becomes declamatory: the suffering Mexican widows, the evil cowboy sheriff, the half-Anglo/half-Mexican electrician caught in the middle.

This is a story that needs to be told, but this premiere would have benefited from more time in development (323263-7684; tickets@casa0101. org).

Wrestling’s a major theme in John Irving’s newest book

By Jim Kalin

I’m fortunate enough to occasionally receive uncorrected advance reader’s editions of soon-to-be published novels. These can have errors and typos, but generally they’re 99% ready for print.

One of this summer’s highlights was receiving an advance edition of Queen Esther from the highly acclaimed American-Canadian novelist and screenwriter John Irving. His upcoming book, which will be published by Simon & Schuster and comes out Nov. 4, is a historical fiction novel with his usual New England setting, and a main character who wrestles in high school, then continues with the sport after graduation while pursuing a career in writing.

There’s a reappearance of Dr. Larch and the orphanage in St. Cloud’s, Maine—but a younger Larch, at an earlier time than readers or moviegoers familiar with “The Cider House Rules” will remember.

Another memorable setting is a wrestling gym in early ’60s Vienna, with an international mix of wrestlers.

“I took some liberties with the actual wrestling gym I knew in Vienna, in terms of its location in the city,” said Irving about one of the story’s prominent settings. “My regular workout partners were an Israeli and a Soviet.”

The book moves through several decades with a final chapter in early ’80s Jerusalem,

which is where the story ends.

“I took similar liberties with the actual counterparts to the Israelis and European Jews I knew in Jerusalem in 1981; historical fiction must be true to life without exposing your real-life friends and acquaintances. Or at least this is my hope, and my intention.”

Irving’s been busy with preparations for the release of “Queen Esther.”

“I’ve got a ton of interviews upcoming,” said Irving. “I’ve just finished a three-hour interview with Publishers Weekly for a profile they’re running before publication. I also have a New York Times Style interviewer coming to Toronto. This is separate from a review in the daily New York Times, or a review in the New York Times Book Review.”

Irving was raised in New Hampshire and grew up skiing. He won an Academy Award for “The Cider House Rules” in 1999, for best-adapted screen-

play. He now lives and writes in Toronto. “Queen Esther” is his 16th published novel.

Irving was a wrestler in his youth, and this oldest of sports surfaces in many of his books, most notably “The World According to Garp,” and “The Last Chairlift.” His article “Gorgeous Dan” about Iowa Hawkeye wrestling legend Dan Gable appeared in the April, 1973 issue of Esquire and is still considered one of the greatest essays on the sport. Irving continued wrestling past the age most people accept that it’s time to stop. It’s this intensity and unwillingness to quit that comes out in his writing.

“I have osteoarthritis in my fingers—mostly precipitated by wrestling injuries: broken fingers and torn flexor tendons,” said Irving. “Wrestlers have to accept, if not embrace, the consequences of repeated injuries. ”

John Irving has been nominated for the National Book Award three times, and won it in 1980 for “The World According to Garp.” His novels champion both feminism and masculinity while exploring themes of sexual politics and family identity. His characters are never predictable, nor are they ever perfect. It’s difficult to close an Irving book once

that opening chapter is read.

“Queen Esther” is drawing good attention, but I’m already tired of talking about writing—I would prefer to be writing.”

“Queen Esther” is typical Irving, and it’s amazing how he continues to produce fresh reads after 60 years of writing. He is this era’s Charles Dickens.

SANTA, HIS REINDEER, and the Marines will be at this year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade.

November Events Calendar

1

GREAT PUMPKIN

BASH is Sat., Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with music, food, and some old-fashioned pumpkin smashing at Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd. Bring your pumpkins and take a swing at them before depositing in the compost at this event sponsored by Council District 5 and others. Costume parade for kids, games, and prizes. Free. RSVP at tinyurl.com/mf2aytdx.

LARCHMONT PAWDESTRIAN DOG WALK is a fun stroll through the streets of Windsor Square and Larchmont Village on Sat., Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. All friendly dogs on leashes and people, with or without a dog, are welcome. Visit sidewalking.org.

LACMA’S 2025 ART+FILM GALA, Sat., Nov. 1 honors artist Mary Corse and filmmaker Ryan Coogler. Co-chairs are Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio. Doja Cat is the musical guest. Contact artandfilm@lacma.org or call 323-857-4770.

8

LOS ANGELES BREAKFAST CLUB Centennial Celebration takes place Sat., Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. in the Friendship Auditorium, home to the group’s weekly breakfast meetings. The event takes place at 3201 Riverside Dr. Dancing, dining and more are featured. For tickets, visit labreakfastclub.com.

23

AUSTRIAN EXPRESSIONISM exhibit opens at LACMA on Sun., Nov. 23. A selection of 24 from 130 works out of a gift to the museum by the family of Otto Kallir will be featured. Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Richard Gerstl are among artists whose works will be on display. Exhibit ends May

31, 2026. LACMA is at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Visit lacma.org.

30

HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS

PARADE will roll out the red carpet and ring in the holidays beginning at 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 30. Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie will host with co-host Elizabeth Stanton. Grandstand bleacher seats open at 4 p.m. with pre-parade entertainment starting at 5:30 p.m. Festivities along the 3.2-mile trek starting at Orange Street and Hollywood Boulevard include colorful floats, award-winning bands, and movie cars as well as Santa and his reindeer. The 93rd event supports Marine Toys for Tots. Tickets are at tinyurl.com/mrysxfvt. For more information visit thehollywoodchristmasparade.org.

EXPERIENCE holiday cheer at the Grove.

Majestic tree arrives at Grove

A dose of holiday cheer was scheduled to arrive at the Grove Oct. 28, after the Chronicle went to press. A 100-foot, 80-year-old Christmas tree was selected from the Mount Shasta region. The white fir will be adorned with 15,000 lights and 10,000 ornaments. Family-friendly seasonal programming, including tree lighting celebrations, Santa photo moments, nightly snowfalls, and more are slated soon, as the Grove becomes a winter wonderland. For more information, visit thegrovela.com or on Instagram @ TheGroveLa.

Nicks of time—from ‘70s with Fleetwood Mac to solo career

By Steven Housman

On a recent brief road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, I was scanning my favorite Sirius radio stations and I paused on the 70s on 7 channel. To my pleasure, one of my favorite artists came on—Stevie Nicks.

In 1974, co-founder of the British band Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood was in a Los Angeles recording studio when the house engineer Keith Olsen played him a track, “Frozen Love,” which he worked on from an obscure 1973 album, “Buckingham Nicks.” “Frozen Love” was just reissued in September of this year.

Fleetwood was so impressed by the guitarist of the duo, Lindsey Buckingham, that he asked him to join his band. Buckingham was thrilled by the idea but his decision came with one condition, that his musical partner and girlfriend, Stevie Nicks, was also included.

[Taylor] Swift’s admiration goes so far as to her crediting Nicks’ songwriting as the reason why the songs she writes are so personal.

Nicks would go on to become the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice—in 1998 as a member of Fleetwood Mac and in 2019 as a solo artist. She is still actively touring and has recently set out on her 2025-26 solo multi-city tour, which kicked off on Oct. 2, 2025, with dates through the end of the year.

Nicks’ singing and songwriting skills have influenced several high-profile artists over the years including Sheryl Crow, The Chicks, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Harry Styles, Belinda Carlisle, and Taylor Swift, just to name a few. Swift’s admiration goes so far as to her crediting Nicks’ songwriting as the reason why the songs she writes are so personal. Swift even wrote a song that referenced Nicks, “Clara Bow,” which appears on her 2024 album “The Tortured Poets Department.” In the song, she wrote, “You look like Stevie Nicks in ‘75, the hair and lips.” Nicks also wrote a poem in the liner notes for Swift’s album. But back to how she got from the 1970s to the present.

New Year’s Eve 1974, American singer-songwriters Buckingham and Nicks officially joined the band. Former member of the band Bob Welch was exiting the group and was looking to venture out on a solo career, which

left a void. Only singer and keyboardist Christine McVie remained. To say that the addition of Buckingham and Nicks transformed the moderately successful Fleetwood Mac into a massive sensation would be an understatement.

In 1975, Nick’s first hit single, “Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win),” came out, and it sounds as fresh today as it did all those years ago. It was also the second single released from the band’s self-titled 10th studio album, and for the first time after nearly a decade and nine studio albums, their single releases made the Top 40 radio stations in the U.S. The single followed Christine McVie’s Top 20 hit “Over My Head.” Three singles were released from the album, the third being McVie’s “Say You Love Me.” Nicks had the biggest success when “Rhiannon” became the highest charting single, just missing the Top 10 and peaking at No. 11. “Rhiannon” also propelled the album to No. 1 in its 57th week, following its decline after peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The album ended up selling

over seven million albums— nine million as of 2025.

By the time of Fleetwood Mac’s second collaboration with Buckingham and Nicks, their iconic 1977 album “Rumours,” the relationships between Buckingham and Nicks had soured, as sid the marriage of McVie and her husband, bass guitarist John McVie. The result was an overwhelming success, with all of the songs focusing on the dysfunctional relationships that the two couples had endured in 1976. Their songwriting became extremely personal, and each of their songs were purposefully aimed at their exes. The album had four Top Ten singles. Their sole No. 1, Nicks’ “Dreams,” followed the leadoff single, Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way.” Christine also enjoyed poking fun at her ex-husband with the song “You Make Loving Fun,” a reference to her new boyfriend, and her other hit, the optimistic “Don’t Stop.”

Nicks was in demand and was also featured on the big late ‘70s hit “Magnet and Steel,” by Walter Egan (No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100), and

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duets with Kenny Loggins, “Whenever I Call You Friend” (No. 5), as well as “Gold” with John Stewart, also peaking at No. 5.

Following Nicks’ involvement and third collaboration with Fleetwood Mac, 1979’s “Tusk,” a 20-track double-album set, which included the album’s highest-charted single, Nicks’ highly personal and heartbreaking hit “Sara,” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

After the huge success Nicks had received in less

than four years, she set out to record her first solo album, 1981’s “Bella Donna,” which went to No. 1, produced four hit singles, and was certified quadruple platinum. This cemented her status as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of her generation and of all time. Following the superb reception of her first of eight solo studio albums to date, Rolling Stone magazine hailed her as “the Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll.” All ’n all, Nicks’ music has definitely stood the test of time.

Conspiracy theories abound with comic book icon, Crumb

By Helene Seifer

In the solo exhibit “Tales of Paranoia” at David Zwirner gallery, the 81-year-old underground comic book icon R. Crumb demonstrates he’s still a vital voice. Comic books drawn mostly within the last five years are displayed page by page on the gallery walls. Robert Crumb’s idiosyncrasies, fears, and conspiracy theories jam the panels, populated by depictions of friends, his late-wife and sometime collaborator, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, and the artist himself. Petrified about the state of the world, Crumb asks, “Will we all die from Covid-19? Is everyone in the room whispering about me? Are vaccines deadly? Am I going crazy? Are we living in an alien’s brain?” This is Crumb’s first L.A. show since 2009.

Crumb made his mark in the 1960s with the founding of Zap Comix, the first suc-

“COVER: TALES OF PARANOIA,” by R. Crumb, 2025. cessful underground cartoon magazine. The characters in his early sexualized, scatological cartoon panels questioned the status quo, as he still does. He created the counter-culture icon Fritz the Cat and the hippie favorite  “Keep on Truckin,’” originally published in the first issue of Zap Comix in 1968, and later was

Sorcery of Images opened at Marciano

By Helene Seifer

Sister Corita Kent, 19181986, is best known for her message of faith, love, and peace as expressed in her pop art serigraphs, silk-screened prints. She was also acclaimed for her social activism and for building community as an innovative art teacher and art department chair at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She belonged to the Immaculate Heart of Mary order, which she left in 1968. The Marciano Art Foundation (MAF), in conjunction with the Corita Art Center, which is dedicated to preserving Corita Kent’s legacy, presents a different side of the prolific artist in the exhibition “Corita Kent: The Sorcery of Images.”  Sister Corita, or just Corita, as she is known, documented student activities, everyday people, community gatherings, and street scenes which were a source of inspiration on their own and for her art practice. The Corita Art Center archives have more than 15,000, 35mm slides, recently digitized, that Kent made between 1955 and 1968. Over 1,100 of those images

are currently showcased at MAF.   In a large, dark room, a 45-minute presentation of three slides at a time are alternately projected onto adjacent screens in an inspiring and vivid display. From colorful buttons to flower-crowned protestors, Kent’s slides captured the zeitgeist of the time.

“She was a true poet of the everyday. This is a time capsule of our city,” explained MAF Director and exhibit Co-curator Hanneke Skerath.

“Corita used beauty and joy as a form of resistance.”

Kent was named Woman of the Year in 1966 by the Los Angeles Times, graced the

R. Crumb

(Continued from Page 20)

linked to the 1970 Grateful Dead song, “Truckin’.”

Over time, Crumb’s work became more personal and his renderings more sophisticated, although still possessing a frenetic quality, befitting his paranoia. He’s not dogmatic

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cover of Newsweek in 1967 and posthumously received an American Institute of Graphic Arts medal in 2016.

A companion exhibit, “Irregularity: Corita and Immaculate Heart College’s Rule Breaking Designs,” is on view in the Marciano Art Foundation library. Material from Kent’s years as a teacher offers further insight into the artist’s practice.

MAF will host Corita Art Center’s annual Corita Day on Sat., Nov. 22, 2025. For more information, go to marcianoartfoundation.org.

“Corita Kent: The Sorcery of Images,” Marciano Art Foundation, 4357 Wilshire Blvd., 323-204-7555, marcianoartfoundation.org. Exhibit runs through January 24, 2026.

(Continued from Page 12) Ginsburg,” she described her as smart, approachable, and gracious. She admitted it was intimidating to replace someone so brilliant and respected.

I also asked about how she chooses her law clerks. “When I hire law clerks, I want to hire people that are really smart, but who won’t just say, ‘Yes, Justice, I think what you think.’ I always want to hire clerks who are willing to push back and tell me if they think I got it wrong, because otherwise they are no good to me.”

Another fun question I asked was about her favorite Smithsonian museum. She said the American History Museum and the Archives are her favorites, and she even plans to schedule next term’s clerks for a visit to the Archives. Poppy Seidler, an 8th-grader at Immaculate Heart, is a resident of Larchmont Village.

about his views; instead, his comics question everything— there isn’t necessarily a right answer.

David Zwirner has represented Crumb since 2006. Gallerygoers might question if comic books belong in an art setting, but the quality of his illustrations, the uniqueness of his viewpoint, and his importance in the counterculture movement make them worth exhibiting on a gallery’s walls.

A single panel from 2003 aptly summarizes Crumb’s beliefs. In “Self Portrait (Just My Normal Day),” Crumb’s thought-bubble states, “Nobody understands…and of course…how could they?”

R. Crumb’s “Tales of Paranoia,” David Zwirner, 606 N. Western Ave., 310-7771993, davidzwirner.com. The exhibit continues through December 20, 2025.

Marlborough

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plant a hyroponics at her school. The busy teen is also treasurer of the Violet’s Giving Circle, a student-led philanthropic board that, “coincidentally, Alexandria House is one of our grant partners,” said Hohmann.

Fluent in Spanish, she was able “to connect more meaningfully with many of the residents at Alexandria House.

“This project brought together many aspects of who I am: my dedication to service, my passion for environmental sustainability, my creativity, and my language skills. Most importantly, it allowed me to give back to a community that has given so much to me over the years.”

It also brought her closer to her grandmother, a master gardener. “We bonded over the [Alexandria] project,” Hohmann said.

Parking

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ground lease Lot 694 (the Farmers’ Market Lot) in exchange for completing the option to purchase the other lot, Lot 732 and its 167 spaces, for $1.

That’s right, $1.

It’s part of the deal that goes back to the 1980s, said Heather Duffy Boylston, of the Duffy Co., a PR and marketing firm, which represents the Larchmont Village Business Improvement District (BID).

“As executive director of the BID, my responsibility is to represent property owners and support thoughtful development on Larchmont. But I’ve also lived here for 25 years and have been coming to Larchmont my entire life —so I deeply understand what’s at stake for our community. I’ve been assured by the City that our beloved Farmers Market will always have a home in Larchmont, as well as a space for community gatherings. Ron Simms has also offered the Rite Aid upper parking lot as an option for the Farmers Market.”

When Simms first came to Larchmont, like many others before and after him, he was stricken with the Boulevard’s charm. He bought the RiteAid site (which was a Safeway market at the time) and a large dirt lot next door, where he planned to build retail. (He also owns the building next door, which today incudes a Starbucks, The Shade Store, and Larchmont Beauty Center. The RiteAid site is for lease.)

Back in the 80s, the late Councilman John Ferraro approached Simms. Larchmont needed more parking, he told him, and asked if he would be be willing to build a massive parking structure on some of his dirt lot.

The four-level underground lot with 19 surface spots was built. Simms’ retained the ownership of the lot and the city reaped the ticket revenue.

The agreement called for the city to pay $1 for an Option to Purchase the lot, known as Lot 732. The city never paid and the offer expired in 2011.

In an email to the Chronicle, Simms wrote: “When the City asked me to build the underground parking lot, I did it to help solve Larchmont’s parking challenges. That investment created hundreds of new spaces for the neighborhood, and in turn, the agreement granted me the option on the lot across the street. It was always meant to be a balanced, good-faith deal that supported the communty.”

“I’ve been invested in Larchmont for nearly 40 years, and it remains one of the most distinctive and meaningful places I’ve worked with. Any future plans will be guided by respect for the neighborhood’s character and the small-town charm that defines our village,” Simms added.

No one knows why the city didn’t complete the deal and acquire the underground lot out right, but it now faces a costly lawsuit if an amicable deal with the developer isn’t reached, the CD 13 representatives said.

Meanwhile, the city loaned Simms the money to build the massive lot.

Simms has been a good neighbor in his 40-year relationship with the Boulevard, Duffy added. He has made contributions to pay for its bistro-style street lites and new trash cans and more than $50,000 in sidewalk repairs in front of RiteAid, and most recently, paid the entire price tag to fix the Boulevard’s Clock Tower.

Initial plans for developing

the west parking lot include ground-floor retail with parking above, or not, depending on community sentiment.

Other options being considered are tying Larchmont to its neighbor north of Beverly Boulevard, and also adding parking there, city representatives said.

Where to move Larchmont Farmers Market?

Some considerations on where to move the Larchmont Farmers’ Market include across the street to the 17-space surface space adjacent to the former RiteAid site, and continue it down the east

side of the Boulevard, which could be closed to traffic.

As it stands, according to the LADOT, Lot 694’s 34 spaces is expected to garner more than $100,000 gross revenue a year, after recent rate increases. Lot 732 is projected to exceed gross revenues of $400,000 in the new fiscal year under a new rate structure.

“If the City had to go into a legal battle it will add to the growing legal costs of the City and the outcome is extremely uncertain. The deal allows the City to retain more control and access on both sides of the

CD 5 staffer suffers injuries, dog killed in hit-and-run

Rollerskating through the Miracle Mile with her beloved corgi Kobe, Thao Tran was a familiar sight. In addition to being a former board member of the Miracle Mile Residential Association, she is City Council District 5’s business development deputy.

At about 8:30 a.m. Oct. 5, the pair were stuck by a Toyota Tacoma while crossing Eighth Street at Cloverdale Boulevard. Tran was hospitalized with multiple fractures. Her four-legged pal died at the vet’s emergency room. Tran is heartbroken, according to her Instagram. She has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

The female driver left the scene but later turned herself in to the Los Angeles Police Department. While

the incident is still being investigated, she is accused of running through a stop sign.

Police

(Continued from Page 7) been taken from their vehicle on the 4000 block of Leeward Avenue. Then, the suspect grabbed the victim’s rear license plate and brandished a box cutter at the victim on Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

GRAND THEFT AUTO: A 2010 white Ford Edge was stolen from the 700 block of South Gramercy Place on Oct. 4 at 10 p.m.

BURGLARY: Two male suspects smashed a window of a home on the 200 block of South Windsor Boulevard and took unknown property on Oct. 4 at 8 p.m.

Meeting at City Hall

The parking lots are scheduled to be on the agenda of the LADOT Board’s monthly meeting on Thu., Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. in City Hall. Agendas are listed at:  ladot.lacity. gov/about/commissions.

street. Lot 694 (the farmers’ market lot) would still belong as property to the City,” CD13 representatives said.

Residents can send comments to Emma Howard and Ted Walker at: cd13planning@lacity.org and also to Jasmin San Luis, LADOT Acting Commission Executive Assistant at jasmin.sanluis@ lacity.org.

Magen Am given safety award

Magen Am USA, a security company that patrols Hancock Park, La Brea, and Miracle Mile among other areas, received the Assembly District 51 Community Safety Award Oct. 12.

The president and founder of Magen Am, Rabbi Yossi Eilfort, accepted the award.

The event was hosted by Assemblymember Rick Zbur at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. The organization was honored for its work protecting neighborhoods, synagogues, and public spaces.

Larchmont Fair

(Continued from Page 3)