LC Section One 3 2026

Larchmont Chronicle

Team works to end prostitution on Western

n Shift moves to ‘buyers, exploiters’

By Nona Sue Friedman

A new anti-sex trafficking strategy to combat illegal activities occurring along the Western Avenue corridor has been established. Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto described the multipronged program as “a group effort” between many city agencies.

She stated the first objective is to “shift criminalization away from the victims to the buyers and exploiters.”

At a press conference in City Hall in late January, she was joined by L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman; LAPD Deputy Chief Gerald Woodyard of Operations - West Bureau, Olympic Division LAPD Capt. Rachel

See Western, P 13

n A collective effort

By Nona Sue Friedman

One of the signature facets of the Western Avenue Corridor Task Force to eliminate sex trafficking is to involve the community. A meeting held Feb. 19 at the LAPD Olympic Station provided an opportunity for the different agencies—Council District 13, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles City and County attorneys and Journey Out—to explain their role and ask for help and information

Complex set to open in eight-story development

By Suzan Filipek

An eight-story residential and retail project at Third Street and Fairfax Avenue across from The Grove and the Original Farmers Market is nearing completion.

The development, at 6300 W. Third St., includes a ground-floor retail component called Bloom on Third.

The upper residential floors, named The Daphne, include 311 studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as

well as an athletic club, theater, and outdoor terrace. There will be parking for nearly 1,000 vehicles in a podium garage.

The project, at the former Town & Country site, is developed by Holland Partner Group.

Apartment prices have yet to be determined at the complex scheduled to open in the late second quarter of this year, said George Elum, managing

By Jon Vein

Nithya Raman’s late entry into the Los Angeles mayoral race doesn’t just add another name to an already long list of candidates. It shifts the balance of the contest.

Until she filed, the race was shaping up largely as a referendum on Mayor Karen Bass—her approach to homelessness, her wildfire response, and whether City Hall feels steady or stalled. Raman’s decision to jump in changes that equation. It sharpens the ideological contrast and raises a real possibility in a crowded field: progressive vote-splitting.

Bass is running. Tech entrepreneur Adam Miller is running. So are community organizer Rae Huang, engineer Asaad Alnajjar, and others. Voters aren’t facing a narrow set of choices. They’re facing abundance.

Raman enters with energy and name recognition—but

What’s in your garden? We visit local sites and tell you the dirt. Summer plans will be told in the Larchmont Chronicle . Advertising deadline is Mon., March 9. To reserve space, call 323462-2241, ext. 11, or email jesse@larchmontchronicle. com or sandy@larchmont chronicle.com.

n Hungarian, German specimens

By Nona Sue Friedman

Over 30 mummies from South America, Europe, and ancient Egypt are back in Los Angeles after a 16year trip around the world.

“Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” is an interactive, family-friendly display at the California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Dr., showing until Mon., Sept. 7. Los Angeles is its final stop before each section is returned to its lending museum of origin. New items and information have been added since its 2010 debut in the City of Angels.

The exhibit gives visitors insight into the lives of ancient people spanning hundreds and thousands of years.

Mummies new to the exhibit include two Egyptian

priests, remains of 18th-century townspeople found in a long-forgotten church in Hungary, and a 17th-century German nobleman buried in his military boots.

For this final stop, the Center teamed up with Keck Medicine of USC to examine the two Egyptian mummies under a CT scan, the gold standard for viewing mummies. Using CT scans enables

Editorial

By Chronicle Editorial Board

Race is on for Los Angeles Mayor

There are a total of 36 candidates running for Los Angeles mayor in this year’s election, most of whom you have probably never heard of and who don’t stand a chance. However, what is interesting about the mayoral race is that if one candidate wins over 50% of the vote in the June 2 primary, that person will become the mayor—no more voting. If no one gets over 50% in the June vote, then the top two winners face off in the general election Nov. 3.

Many voters in Los Angeles do not know this is how the mayor’s race is determined, or that the June primary has historically had a low turnout. It is vitally important you vote in June if you want a say in who will be our next mayor.

The race currently is no longer about who didn’t run, or who dropped out, but who is running. Do research and make sure you know who you are voting for—and why.

Hopefully, if enough voters head to the polls come June, then there will be at least one candidate you feel deserves the coveted position. If your voice is not heard in June, you might be stuck between two candidates that don’t align with what you want for the city, or we might even have a mayor elected already. Voting in the upcoming primary affords one a chance to have a candidate one supports on the ballot in November. Your vote counts in June, and it may matter more than you think.

325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 Los Angeles, California 90004 windsorsquare.org

157 N. Larchmont Boulevard

“March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes, and a laugh in her voice.”

-Hal Borland

New Leadership for the WSA: The Windsor Square Association Board of Directors formally elected Board member Jason Greenman as the new president of the WSA. A Windsor Square resident of over 25 years, Jason joined the board in November 2018, and has taken the lead on many neighborhood issues, including the Larchmont parking lot fight last year, while also leading much of the Windsor Square Association’s outreach efforts, including the Association’s updated website and email campaigns, which now reach over 1,300 subscribers in Windsor Square.

o o o

WSA Meets with Deputy Mayor: On February 10th, the Windsor Square Association board met virtually with Deputy Mayor Andrea Greene and officials from LADOT and the Bureau of Street Lighting to discuss persistent streetlight outages (especially on Plymouth Blvd) and traffic safety concerns on Third and Sixth Streets and Larchmont Blvd. City representatives detailed ongoing efforts—including right-turn restrictions, enforcement pushes, solar lighting pilots, vandalism fortifications, and a planned 2026 ballot to increase frozen streetlight assessments—while acknowledging funding constraints and infrastructure deterioration. Read the full story at our website: https://windsorsquare.org o o o

REPORT STREET LIGHT OUTAGES: the WSA continues to track street light outages throughout Windsor Square so that they can be properly reported and scheduled for repair. If your street is experiencing an outage please report it by contacting blockcaptains@windsorsquare.org and CD13 representative Mark Fuentes mark.fuentes@lacity.org.

o o o

“ARE YOU PREPARED?” The WSA’s one page sheet on preparing yourself, family and A Guide to Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness is now available online. Download your copy at https://windsorsquare.org/safety-security/ emergency-preparedness/ o o o

WE NEED BLOCK CAPTAINS! Be the leader of your block and point person for all that’s going on the neighborhood. The WSA has numerous block captain positions open. A great opportunity to engage with neighbors and community leaders. blockcaptains@windsorsquare.org

The Windsor Square Association, an all-volunteer group of residents from 1100 households between Beverly and Wilshire and Van Ness and Arden, works to preserve and enhance our beautiful neighborhood. 325 N. Larchmont Blvd., #158, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or windsorsquare.org.

Calendar

Sun., March 8—Daylight Savings starts.

Tue., March 10—Mid City West Neighborhood Council board meeting, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom, midcitywest.org.

Wed., March 11— Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council board meeting 6:30 p.m. via Zoom, greaterwilshire. org.

Tue., March 17—St. Patrick’s Day.

Fri., March 20—First day of spring.

Sun., March 29— Palm Sunday.

Thu., March 26—Delivery of the April edition of the Larchmont Chronicle

Countdown to L.A. events:

FIFA World Cup 2026: 105 days to first match June 12

‘What Olympic sport would you like to compete in?’ That’s the question our inquiring photographer asked locals.

2028 Summer Olympics: 868 days to Opening Ceremony July 14

2028 Summer Paralympics: 900 days opening ceremony Aug 15

by

Letter to the Editor

February paper rocked I very much appreciated the

Larchmont Chronicle

“I would want to do the Olympic high jump,” said Lila. “I would want to be a figure skater for sure! Absolutely, no doubt,” said Alyse.

Lila Brallier (left) and Alyse Diamond

Digital

606 N. Larchmont Blvd., #103 Los Angeles, CA 90004

323-462-2241

larchmontchronicle.com

editorial acknowledgment of the significance of Leimert Park, but the whole February issue was great: the restaurant review, the treatment of Valentine’s Day, the [ad] memorial remembrance of Chris Blakely, the information about [hairstylist] Romi Cortier who is godsend to the neighborhood, and the article about Dr. Gordon’s presentation on the Cocoanut Fire. (I’m a history nerd, and my family is from Boston, so this story was especially interesting to me.) I would love to learn of any future presentations by Dr. Gordon, even though I’m not a member of the Daughters of the Revolution.

Kathleen Mulligan Ridgewood-Wilton

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.

“Ballet or gymnastics,” said Lily. “The giant slalom,” said Adrian. Lily (left) and Adrian Berger

“Skiing and snowboarding, both!” said Theo. “I go fast when I ski—I go superfast. Fast skiing,” said Frankie. Theo (left) and Frankie Kim-Ulin

Olympic ticket draw to March 18; new stadiums

With the winter Olympics behind us, Angelenos are looking forward to the 2028 summer games in Los Angeles.

First up, Angelenos can register for the LA28 Olympic Ticket Draw through Wed., March 18. If chosen, the random selection secures a 48-hour time slot to purchase up to 12 tickets at a discounted rate of $28 each. Registrants will be notified via email March 31 to April 7 confirming whether they received a time slot. To register, visit tinyurl.com/bdf4h5jk. Soccer

Meanwhile, preliminary and

knockout stages will occur at six Major League Stadiums for the 2028 Olympic Football (Soccer) Tournament matches.

The selected sites include New York City, Columbus, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; and San Jose and San Diego, in California.

The gold medal matches will be held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on July 28, 2028, for the men’s tournament, and July 29, 2028, for the women’s tournament.

The games will move from east to west as teams advance toward the final stages. They will potentially start before the opening ceremony on July 14, 2028.

“The schedule for both the women’s and soccer tournaments, including the dates

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Games and Fan Zones coming our way!

By Suzan Filipek

If you don’t have your $1,000 ticket yet to a soccer match in this summer’s World Cup, attending a Fan Zone may be just the ticket. Outside of SoFi Stadium, these are the best places to watch the games, according to FIFA, the games’ governing body. Fan Zones will offer “a buzzing environment, and… the best in football, music, entertainment, culture, food, and lifestyle,” the group’s website said.

Fan Zones will be set up throughout the city: L.A. Memorial Coliseum will offer a global celebration Thurs., June 11, to Mon., June 15. The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., takes the spotlight from Thurs., June 18 to Sun., June 21.

Selected as the city’s official Fan Zone, “Heart of the City: Union Station & La Plaza De Cultura Y Artes” is happening

Thurs., June 25, to Sun., June 28.

The games will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. June 11-July 19. The U.S. Men’s National Team vs Paraguay opens the games in L.A. on June 12.

The City of Angels will host a total of eight matches, all at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

With 48 teams included for the first time in the games’ 95-year history—the most ever—and the first time more women’s soccer teams than men’s will be featured, it’s a

great time to enjoy the city’s diverse map of bars and eateries serving cuisine from around the world. Visit Discover L.A. for information, at tinyurl.com/3bmem9yp.

Local themed pubs and eateries include: Guelaguetza, a Oaxacan restaurant in Koreatown; Mexican food at Mariscos Marias, on South Vermont and in Culver City, and S.O.L, an Aussie cafe on Melrose.

For more information on the World Cup, visit sofistadium.com and fifa.com.

POLICE BEAT

Daughter brandishes knife at mom, stepdad punches juvenile

OLYMPIC DIVISION

AGGRAVATED ASSAULTS:

During an argument, a suspect brandished a knife at her mother. She was arrested Feb. 9 at 2:50 p.m. on the 300 block of North Norton Avenue.

A man pushed his stepchild to the ground and punched them multiple times Feb. 8 at 4:30 p.m. on Irving Boulevard and Sixth Street.

During an argument, an Asian male stabbed a victim in the leg with a knife Feb. 15 at 11:45 p.m. in a parking lot at Fifth Street and Western Avenue.

BURGLARIES: An unknown suspect pried open the front door and took money and jewelry Feb. 6 at 6:30 a.m. from a residence on the 100 block of South Gramercy Place.

An unknown suspect pried open a balcony sliding door and took a purse and jewelry

Feb. 7 at 7:20 p.m. on the 400 block of St Andrews Place.

BURGLARY THEFTS

FROM AUTO: A license plate was stolen from a car Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. on the 800 block of South Wilton Place.

An unknown suspect smashed a window and took tools from a vehicle Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. on the 300 block of Manhattan Place.

A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle Feb. 14 at noon on the 200 block of South Van Ness Avenue.

GRAND THEFT PROP-

ERTY: An unknown suspect took a phone from a woman’s purse Feb. 14 at 1:45 a.m. on the 600 block of South Western Avenue.

ROBBERY: A Hispanic male took a sewer-line camera from a vehicle, brandished a gun at a victim, and fled in a black BMW Feb. 13 at 2:30 p.m. on the 100 block of South Norton Avenue.

11am to 4pm

4066 W. 7th St in Wilshire Park (213) 568-3030 VanishingArts.Gallery

WILSHIRE

DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer

Tyler Shuck

213-793-0650

40740@lapd.online

Twitter: @lapdwilshire

ADDITIONAL NEIGH

BORHOOD UPDATES: SLO

Chavez arrested a suspect trespassing at 505 to 509 N. St. Andrews Pl. after a “no trespassing” order was filed for the property. Additionally, an arrest was recently made related to a burglary at 532 N.

OLYMPIC DIVISION

Furnished by Senior Lead Officer

Daniel Chavez

213-793-0709

36304@lapd.online

Instagram: @olympic_slo1

Manhattan Pl. WILSHIRE DIVISION

BURGLARIES: One suspect wearing a dark hoodie and pants, and a second suspect wearing a white hoodie, black pants, and gloves, shattered a side window, entered a home, took property and

exited through the front door. The suspects fled in a car from the 100 block of South Citrus Avenue Feb. 8 at 6:45 p.m.

BURGLARY THEFTS FROM AUTO: An unknown suspect broke the rear passenger window of a car and stole a purse Feb. 3 at 7:15 p.m. on West 2nd Street near South La Brea Avenue.

ADDITIONAL NEIGH -

BORHOOD UPDATES: SLO Shuck said that he’s trying to remove squatters from a property near Third and Detroit streets after receiving complaints from neighboring residents.

Officer gets his dream job at Wilshire

By Nona Sue Friedman

On the day we spoke, Senior Lead Officer Tyler Shuck had helped some unhoused people in the morning and pressure washed the back deck of his station, Wilshire Division. “SLOs are all purpose officers, helping the community and the station,” according to Shuck.

Shuck grew up watching his dad serve LAPD and has a passion for service himself. When he became an officer, he took his dad’s badge number, an LAPD tradition.

But before joining LAPD, after high school, he signed up with the United States Marine Corps for four years

The Beauty of Experience

Larchmont 's own Rebecca Fitzgerald MD, a board-certified derma tologic surgeon, brings extensive experience and up-to-the-minute expertise to the convenience of your own neigh borhood

and spent six months stationed in Iraq. He believes the Marines prepared him for LAPD.

“The police academy was a blast, lots of fun,” according to Shuck. Cadets are paid to attend, and he was thrilled to be able to go home every day, a big change from his time in the Marines.

He graduated from the Academy and spent his first year of service as a probationary officer at Wilshire

(Please turn to Page 13)

STANDING BY HIS PATROL CAR is Senior Lead Officer Tyler Shuck.

Disco will never die

In a corner of our little community, local friends hit birthday girl Kim Huffman Cary’s backyard dance floor Feb. 14 to celebrate disco in all its sparkly, wide-leg-jeaned, white-matching-suit and Diane von Fürstenberg glory. Was I at Studio 54 or in Hancock Park? I still don’t know after returning from the backyard transformation which included strobe lights, disco balls, and a few ’70s-style club props that shall remain nameless. The dual Valentine’s Day/ birthday bash was a great excuse for Larchmont friends of 20 years to boogie on down until the sandman came a-calling. Seen pulling some serious Saturday Night Fever bendy moves were Rebecca and Charlie Hutchinson, Amy Keihl Miller, Lisa O’Malley, and Jane and Matt Stuecken. And, of course, cue the movie “Airplane!” where the radio station WZAZ plays disco forever!

Leipzig, Germany since 1853 Concert, Recording, Home Rentals

Henle Editions

Helga Kasimoff

LA’s oldest family piano store kasimoffpianoslosangeles.com

Around the Town with Sondi Toll Sepenuk

KASIMOFF-BLUTHNER PIANO CO. 337 N. LARCHMONT BL. • HOLLYWOOD, CA 90004 323-466-7707

On the Boulevard

Scouts of Troop 10 greeted Boulevard-goers, offering the best pancakes around, to raise funds for their activities last month. Challenging terrain, compared to the last 30-mile trek of theirs in Yosemite? No. Larchmontians love their carbs.

Not to be outdone, Girl Scout Cookies were in high demand for the month and selling old favorites such as the Thin Mints and the new favorites, Exploramores.

The place to be the night before Valentine’s Day was on Larchmont. Inclusive beauty boutique Thirteen Lune had an evening dance party with DJ Lee Clay Bang, bites, and drinks to celebrate the launch of Bria Bryant’s fragrance line, Leier which once applied promises to evolve “into a scent that’s unmistakably yours.”

And Buck Mason chose the same night to host the after-party for LA Vintage Rendezvous, a vintage clothing and collectibles show, serving Smokeye Hill bourbon and Tail o’ the Pup hot dogs. The crowd who appeared to be vested in the laid-back California style of this popular fashion house.

11:04

And who keeps the Boulevard so well groomed? Well, who other than our LBA President (and local salon owner) Romi Cortier with Virgo De-

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Microplastics: where do

Last month, I was catching up with one of my long-distance friends. At one point on our call she commented, “Are you still wearing leggings? I see this influencer on Instagram talking about how we should be wearing all-cotton activewear because of microplastics, but it feels kind of stupid to just throw away a bunch of clothes and buy new ones.” I had nothing to offer, so I decided I’d do some research for this month’s article on microplastics.

Here, we’ll go over what microplastics are, what research is showing (rather than getting alarmist content over social media), and what’s reasonable to do. After reading through a few articles, I decided to use one published in 2023 in the journal Cell, written by Dr. Adeniyi and others, as my reference point.

First, let’s review the basic science. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm. They come from various sources (environmental pollutants, synthetic

they come from and how do they affect us?

Health & Wellness

By Priscilla Duggan

textiles, cosmetic products, and plastic products—more on this later) and make their way into our surroundings, as well as our bodies. Their ubiquity makes them hard to study and trace. Therefore, the study of microplastics is an emerging field and not many quantifiable impacts on health have been documented. It is important to keep this in mind, no matter how many reels you scroll through telling you otherwise.

One of the most common ways that microplastics make their way into our environment is from microfibers in textiles. When synthetic clothing—made of materials such as polyester and nylon— are laundered, they release fibers into the wash. The water from your washing machine travels through the plumbing and eventually ends up at a wastewater treatment plant

before it is released into rivers or oceans. The small fibers released from synthetic fabrics in the wash are too small to be filtered by wastewater treatment plants and thus end up, oftentimes, in our oceans. This is why seafood, primarily shellfish, contain microplastics which eventually make their way into our diets. Other sources include cosmetic products such as toothpaste, which can release about 4000 microbeads per single use. Bottled water has also been shown to contain microplastics, which can come from the bottles themselves or from the shipping process.

Currently, research shows that microplastics have been detected in human stool, saliva, and even placenta. How does this happen? There are three main routes of exposure: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. As I wrote earlier, data is limited on the health effects of bioaccumulation and exposure to microplastics, but preliminary research suggests

Goop Kitchen opens in the neighborhood

By Helene Seifer

Actress and lifestyle entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow has opened her 10th goop Kitchen in the Greater Los Angeles area, this time just blocks from Larchmont. Dedicated to providing prepared meals that promote a “clean eating” ethos, the takeout storefront sources sustainable ingredients; offers many dishes that are free of refined sugars, gluten, and dairy; and uses fully recyclable packaging. The company claims that just one of their kitchens could save over 25,000 pounds of plastic from landfills each year.

The goop Kitchen menu offers close to 60 options, including a kale and brussels

sprouts salad with avocado and candied puff rice; organic turmeric-spiced chicken bone broth; gluten free pepperoni pizza; whole or half organic rotisserie chicken with veg-

(Please turn to Page 12)

GLUTEN-FREE pepperoni pizza.

Dentistry for Children and Young Adults

Pediatric Dentistry

gastrointestinal disturbances, endocrine disruption, and transmission of pathogenic bacteria (wherein the microplastics act as a “Trojan horse” to carry bacteria into the body) are of primary concern. What do we do about this?

It’s important to keep in mind that whenever a new health concern comes up, the supposed response is often individualized: buy new clothes, buy purifiers, etc. The sad reality is that microplastics are sneaking their way into lots of products even if they don’t come in plastic packaging simply due to the equipment used in the preparatory or shipping process. Nonetheless, we do what we can. In general, it’s a smart idea to stay away from single-use plastics (or single-use anything as a whole) and focus on products with natural, biodegradable ingredients. Be careful to avoid products with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PET, PMMA,

living room atmosphere Children from newborns to 18-year-olds feel comfortable (323) 463-8322 • 321 N. Larchmont Blvd, Suite 809 ilovemydentist809@gmail.com

nylon, or acrylates in the ingredients.

No doubt taking preventative measures can be helpful and remind us to live cleaner whenever possible, but real change is likely to come from larger-scale adjustments such as improved industry standards: Public health is not predicate on boutique consumption and anxiety should not be monetized. Remember that awareness is good, but panic is not necessary or helpful.

And so improved regulatory standards and a collective willingness to attend to environmental health is probably the most sustainable response. For now, the healthiest thing we can do in the face of information like this is to stay informed while avoiding fear—as is often the case. As for me and my leotards and leggings? I haven’t thrown anything away, yet. Comments? Email pcd1130@gmail.com.

City Services at your fingertips,

Where to find the help you need in megalopolis Los Angeles

By Nona Sue Friedman

By population,

Los Angeles

is the second largest city in the country; by area, it’s the ninth, spanning roughly 469 square miles. With nearly 4 million residents, that’s approximately 8,102 people per square mile. And one wonders why there’s congestion?

It certainly isn’t small town U.S.A., so getting the services and help you need can sometimes be tricky to say the least.

Getting to know your local representatives helps to get tasks accomplished in your area. Council district field deputies and Los Angeles Police Department senior lead officers are available to come to neighborhood meetings, as this is an integral part of their job.

Here is a guide to help you know who, when, and where to make contact.

The areas mapped are based on the circulation area for the Larchmont Chronicle which are Fairfax, Melrose, and Western avenues and Olympic Boulevard.

MyLA311

This is a city service hotline. You can access it through their app, or call 311, or 213-473-3231, or visit online at myla311.lacity. gov. Contact them if you need to be connected to any city agency—they will direct and connect you. Using the app or website, one can take a picture, file a report, and upload information to the site 24/7. Or call weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays. The site will send you an email or text with your service request number.

This is the agency to contact if you see graffiti on a fence, there’s a mattress on the parkway, or your garbage can lid was mutilated at the last pickup. A broken streetlight? Yup. An unhoused person is setting up their home in front of your office? Yes. Contact 311.

City Council Districts

This vast megalopolis is divided into 15 districts known as city council districts. Each numbered district oversees approximately 260,000 residents and is headed by an elected councilmember who is your representative on the Los Angeles City Council. The City Council votes on proposed laws and budgets for the city. Use the map above to look up your council district.

Each council district is divided into smaller areas, which are headed by a field deputy. The field deputy is your contact to help you with questions you might have

Council Districts

CHRONICLE CIRCULATION AREA spans two council districts, CD5 and CD13.

regarding city services, landlord issues, the unhoused, or how to get city items in your area fixed, for example, if the trees on your block need to be trimmed or your landlord won’t fix your shower. Reach out to your field deputy. If you’ve made a call to MyLA311, keep that confirmation number so your field deputy can trace it. It’s also helpful to sign up for your council district’s newsletter.

• • •

Council District 5 councildistrict5.lacity.gov

Councilmember: Katy Yaroslavsky councilmember.yaroslavsky@ lacity.org

District Office: 5416 Wilshire Blvd., 323-866-1828

Field Deputy: Michelle Flores

michelle.flores@lacity.org

Covers Hancock Park, Greater Wilshire, and Park La Brea Field Deputy: Shannon Calland Shannon.calland@lacity.org

Covers Miracle Mile, MidCity, and Carthay

• • •

Council District 13 councildistrict13.lacity.gov

Councilmember: Hugo Soto Martínez councilmember.soto-martinez@lacity.org

District office: 1722 Sunset Blvd., 213-207-3015

Field Deputy: Mark Fuentes

mark.fuentes@lacity.org 213-207-3015

Covers Larchmont Village and Windsor Square L.A. Police Department LAPD’s purpose is to protect and serve the people and property of Los Angeles.

Visit lapd.org.

911

When should you call 911? When there’s an active crime or when someone’s life, safety, or property is endangered. Call the non-emergency number, 877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273), with noise complaints, arguments without violence, or trespassing. When in doubt, call 911 and the operator will determine which avenue is best.

The circulation area for the Chronicle is primarily divided between two divisions, Olympic on the east side and Wilshire on the west. Each division is further divided into basic car stations. Each basic car station has a senior lead officer. The SLO is a resident’s first point of contact. They are community liaisons, like a neighborhood cop in a small town.

Wilshire Community Police Station

4861 W. Venice Blvd. 213-473-0476

SLO Tyler Shuck

40740@lapd.online 213-793-0650

Covers the western portions of Windsor Square and

Larchmont Village as well as La Brea Avenue areas. SLO Andrew Jones 41719@lapd.online 213-793-0782

Covers the Miracle Mile, Brookside and Park La Brea.

Olympic Community Police Station 1130 S. Vermont Blvd. 213-383-9102

SLO Danny Chavez 36304@lapd.online 213-383-9102

Covers the eastern portions of Windsor Square and Larchmont Village, Ridgewood Wilton, as well as St. Andrews Square.

Neighborhood Councils

This is the closest form of government within reach of Los Angeles residents. Ninety-nine councils were established in 1999. They are volunteer, elected bodies and always looking for more interested parties. Their purpose is to advise elected council members about issues affecting their community, including land-use, public safety, quality of life, renter-landlord issues, transportation, and much more. To participate, one must be a stakeholder, meaning they are a resident, business owner, or employed in the area. Each council has newsletters to sign up for and keep you in the know.

See the neighborhood

council map to see where you are a stakeholder.

Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Greaterwilshire.org

The general board meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held in-person at the Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd., in January, April, July, and October. Zoom meetings occur in February, March, May, June, August, September, November, and December. See website for the meeting link and other committee meeting times.

Mid-City West Neighborhood Council Midwest.org

The general board meets the second Tuesday of each month via Zoom. See their website for link. If they meet in-person, it’s at Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd. SoCal Gas 877-238-0092

SoCal Gas provides natural gas to your home. Additionally, they provide free safety evaluations and tune-ups for a number of home appliances as a complimentary service. If you ever smell gas or suspect a leak, get to a safe location and call 800-427-2200 immediately 24 hours, seven days a week. A representative will arrive at your location within hours to inspect the area and ensure your safety.

with a pull-out to keep handy

Directory of elected officials for the city, the county, and the state

Mayor Karen Bass

200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, 90012 213-978-0600 mayor.lacity.gov

County Supervisor

Holly J. Mitchell 2nd District

500 W. Temple St., Ste 866 Los Angeles, 90012 213-974-2222 mitchell.lacounty.gov

County Supervisor

Lindsey Horvath 3rd District

500 W. Temple St., Ste 821 Los Angeles, 90012 213-974-3333 lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov

State Sen.

Ben Allen 24th District 111 Penn St., Ste 101 El Segundo, 90245 310-414-8190 sd24.senate.ca.gov

State Sen.

María Elena Durazo 26th District 1808 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, 90026 213-483-9300 sd26.senate.ca.gov

State Sen.

Lola Smallwood-Cuevas 28th District 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, 90037 213-745-6656 sd28.senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember

Rick Chavez Zbur 51st District 1445 N. Stanley Ave., 3rd Fl Los Angeles, 90046 323-436-5184 a51.asmdc.org

Assemblymember

Mark González 54th District

320 W. Fourth St., Rm 1050 Los Angeles, 90013 213-620-4646 a54.asmdc.org

Assemblymember

Isaac Bryan 55th District 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 345 Los Angeles, 90036 310-641-5410 bryan.asmdc.org

Gov. Gavin Newsom 1021 O St., Ste 9000 Sacramento, 95814

Los Angeles Police Department

Senior Lead Officer Andrew Jones 213-793-0782 41719@lapd.online

Senior Lead Officer Tyler Shuck 213-793-0650 40740@lapd.online

213-793-0709 36304@lapd.online

916-445-2841 gov.ca.gov

U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff 4111 W. Alameda Ave. Ste 608 Burbank, 91505 818-303-3841 schiff.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla

255 E. Temple St., Ste 1860 Los Angeles, 90012 310-231-4494 padilla.senate.gov

Rep. Laura Friedman 30th District

245 E. Olive Ave., Ste 200 Burbank, 91502 818-524-4384 friedman.house.gov

34th District

515 S. Figueroa St., Ste 1040 Los Angeles, 90071 213-481-1425 gomez.house.gov

Rep. Ted Lieu 36th District 1645 Corinth Ave., Ste 101 Los Angeles, 90025 323-651-1040 lieu.house.gov

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove 37th District 4929 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 650 Los Angeles, 90010 323-965-1422 kamlager-dove.house.gov

Western Ave.

(Continued from Page 1)

from residents.

The meeting was hosted by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez of CD13, about 30 residents attended.

Olympic Division Capt. Rachel Rodriguez explained her goals with the Task Force. Safe passage—there shouldn’t be any women on the streets barely clothed when kids walk to school in the morning. This isn’t an uncommon scenario. Kids should also not have to walk over condoms or other debris left in the street. She is implementing a newly instated law, colloquially known as the “Johns law,” that allows officers to arrest people who loiter with the intent to buy sex as a misdemeanor. Over many months, she persuaded Soto-Martínez to provide funding for surveillance cameras that aid prosecution and

help send “Dear John” letters to the registered vehicle owners cruising for a prostitute. Rodriguez said, “We’re truly creating a partnership with CD13.” She has also moved around some resources at her station to provide addition undercover vice units.

Senior Lead Officer Danny Chavez said, “Thank you everyone for coming tonight. I appreciate all of you. Most of this area falls under my jurisdiction, and it’s my number one priority.” He wants residents to continue to work with him and find innovative ways of solving the problem of noise, leud behavior, and trash left behind. “While maintaining your safety,” he explained, he encouraged residents “to please send pictures, videos, and license plate numbers to him…You know the hot spots.”

Some tasks have already begun. Trees have been trimmed, and broken streetlights are

being repaired. As the Chronicle went to press, a second meeting was scheduled for Feb. 24 to address how to have a city agency clean up the streets from the evening’s litter, so it doesn’t fall on residents.

Representatives from both the L.A. City Attorney and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office mentioned that their offices can only prosecute with existing laws. The City Attorney’s representative said, “Petition your state elected officials if you think some acts should be felonies. Let them know how you feel. It might put some pressure on them.”

Many of the questions and comments focused on better communication and action. There was also a general concern for the safety and well-being of the sex traf-

fickers. Loretta Ramos, who is very active in St. Andrews Square, said “The women are important. The residents are important.”

A woman who owns a home nearby declared that she’s a sex worker on occasion, which she does because she likes it. She started to help pay for college. She and her husband don’t like to clean up the condoms on their street either, but feels that penalizing the women for working needs to be changed.

Ramos told the Chronicle “I’m grateful for some of the traction with the various parties. There’s a lot more communication and involvement. After the community meeting in the fall, where Hugo said prostitution wasn’t a priority for him, it’s nice to see some changes in their priorities. I think there was pressure from the community.”

ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL SCHOOL PRESENTS

Midlife…opportunity? Try a routine of rigorous exercise

Usually “midlife” is followed by the word “crisis.” When we think of a midlife crisis, we envision a guy buying a Porsche, or a woman of a certain age shacking up with a man of a much younger age. Tropes aside, reaching that theoretical midpoint of life does create an opportunity to shake things up in some way. For some that’s a career change, maybe even a significant geographical move. For others it’s a hobby, like learning to play an instrument or picking up a foreign language. And then there’s the world of exercise.

About 12 years ago, out of nowhere, I began running. One mile became two, which became four, and suddenly I signed up for a half marathon, to be held, in the Valley, in the heat of the summer no less. As I finished the 13 miles, I looked with amazement at the lunatics who’d signed up for the full 26.2. Soon, I’d become one of those lunatics.

I signed up for the L.A. Marathon in 2015, did pretty well, and swore I’d never do that again—the itch had been scratched.

That lasted about a month; then I signed up for my second. In a three-year span I’d run five. My speed improved with each one and I found myself finishing in the top 10% of the field.

And then one day, like Forrest Gump, I just stopped. Literally mid-run. I was training for the sixth marathon, languishing through a practice run, and decided halfway through that I was done. Done with the training, with the long runs and the marathons. Whatever purpose all of that was serving for me, I was done.

But I wasn’t done with fitness and this midlife pur-

Chasing Sports

by Chase Campen

suit of pushing myself. I also wasn’t alone. Nearly one-third of triathlon participants are over 40. More than 25% of runners didn’t even pick up the habit until they were near 50, which was my circumstance.

And it’s not just running. Cycling is a common entrance sport for the midlife set. You’ve seen the type…often a group of men of a certain age (my age!) riding in a pack on a Saturday or Sunday morning, often frequenting your favorite local coffee shop for a mid-ride snack, proudly wearing their skintight Lycra, leaving nothing to the imagination.

I’d know because I was one of those guys! Cycling became my sport du jour after running. I quickly realized the cardio endurance I’d built up on the pavement served me well on the bike.

One thing that struck me as fascinating was the nutrition requirements for running vs cycling—you could run a marathon on a near empty stomach. This was NOT the case on a long bike ride! I found this out the hard way, nearly passing out after one of my early rides before I made it to the kitchen.

I enjoyed cycling on the hectic roads of L.A. for several years until one day something terrible happened. Fear crept in. You almost accept a contract riding a bike—you understand it’s inherently dangerous sharing the road next to speeding cars while you’re on tires less than an inch wide. You took that deal for the payoffs—access to any part of the city you wanted, often getting great views and

scenery in the process, all in the name of exercise.

But when you ride a bike, you inherently hear things like “Did you hear about Carl? He got clipped by a car in Pasadena. Broke his hip.” Or worse.

These stories came with steady frequency, and I always managed to pretend they weren’t happening, until I couldn’t.

After that I briefly tried swimming, another popular activity for those of a certain age, and I enjoyed it, but the repetitive strokes were ultimately too much for my shoulders.

Which might make my current chapter sound strange! Last fall I entered my first Spartan race. This is where you run approximately six miles through usually dirty conditions and interrupt those runs to complete a series of athletic achievements like scaling a tall wall or carrying an 80-pound sack some distance.

I actually did this on a date, which is not a bad way to do it. You’ll definitely be supremely motivated to do your best! And that wasn’t the end of

On the Boulevard

(Continued from Page 5)

signs and Landscaping. In between rains the men were working on the landscaping around the Village Clock fixing irrigation. Cortier said, “Keep your eyes peeled— plants are next!”

those types of events for me. By the time you read this I’ll have just completed my first Hyrox, with the same lady who inspired me to do the Spartan, and this is even more extreme. You run 1,000 meters eight times, and in between each you do something like row a thousand meters, do a 200-foot farmer carry with a 53-pound kettle bell in each hand, or push a 335-pound sled 50 yards.

What’s this all about? I have a few theories. We are drawn to these things midlife because we’re at a turning point. Perhaps the career is well established, and the kids are settled. They still need you, but not as much. You’re aware that you’re getting older and maybe even—gulp—slowing down. So, you either give in to it, or resist it. Many of us choose the latter.

Like saving for retirement, the payoffs are substantial. And starting too late, you may miss the window.

Have you found a new interest midlife? Share a letter with the Chronicle! Email circulation@larchmontchronicle.com.

Area volleyball players compete at annual Callum Classic

The fourth annual Callum Classic was held in January in Santa Monica, on Sorrento Beach just north of the pier. Sixty-four players from Greater Los Angeles high schools, including Campbell Hall, Loyola High School, Harvard Westlake, Hamilton High, Larchmont Charter, and Beverly Hills High, participated in the invite-only double-elimination volleyball tournament. The bracket featured 16 four-player teams, and matches consisted of a

Youth Sports

by

Jim Kalin

single 25-point set.

Many of the players also compete on local club teams like SG Elite, MB Surf, Rockstar, and Westside. The Callum Classic teams were drafted Friday night before the Jan. 24 tournament during a player gathering, then were designated creative names like Jumping Beans,

Olympic ticket

(Continued from Page 3)

and match distribution per stadium, will be announced before the first ticket drop in April 2026. The specific team matchups will be revealed later, following further progress in the LA28 Olympic qualification process for soccer and the official tournament draw,” a spokesperson for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games told us via email. Visit la28.org.

Good Kitchen

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etables; sunflower seed pesto penne pasta; winter salmon bowl with brown rice, haricot vert, cauliflower, and greens; and gluten-free, dairy-free dark chocolate brownies.

Paltrow founded goop in 2008 after years of sharing her personal healthy recipes and travel and lifestyle choices through photos taken on her BlackBerry with friends. Beauty products entered the

Unprotected Sets, and Stinky Feet Squadron.

Tournament directors Callum McLachlan and Sam Plant hold the tournament twice a year, in January and July.

“I didn’t do a lot of birthday parties growing up, so I decided I wanted to have a volleyball tournament instead,” said McLachlan. “I really wanted to bring friends together, especially people we’ve encountered in our volleyball journeys.”

The initial tournament was not as big as this recent version.

“We wanted to expand the event, so we began a draft night,” said Plant.

“We had everyone over to my house and picked the teams,” added McLachlan.

Breakfast and lunch were provided for the players on game day, and there was a hired masseuse on the prem-

GOOP KITCHEN’S winter salmon bowl with veggies. scene in 2016, and her delivery-only kitchens, led by chef Kim Floresca, arrived in 2021. goop Kitchen is located at 615 N. Western Ave.; 310-9541286. For more information visit, goopkitchen.com

ises to work on sore muscles and fatigued players.

The team champs were Plants vs. Zombies. Sam Plant was team captain, and his father, Tim, agreed to play as a last-minute substitute. Jumping Beans were runners-up.

The directors and players thanked McLachlan’s parents, Desiree and Kyle, for making this event possible, and to Head Coordinator Barron Linnekens for keeping the teams on schedule.

Western

(Continued from Page 1)

Rodriguez; and Nayeli May, executive director of Journey Out, a nonprofit organization that assists victims of sex trafficking.

Feldstein Soto outlined task force plans to disrupt the demand by stopping the johns; make streets less conducive to sex trafficking by fixing broken streetlights and trimming trees; jail predators, profiters, and pimps; and lastly, increase public awareness.

Feldstein Soto has gone to Sacramento numerous times to strengthen laws that aid local law enforcement in arrests and make prosecution more straightforward. Two bills she lobbied for have become law.

Assembly Bill 535 makes the intimidation and bullying of a sex worker a crime, and the other, State Bill 680, requires a sex offender to register with local law enforcement when convicted of having sex with a 14- to 17-year-old.

As Officer Woodyard stated, “[Capt.] Rachel [Rodriguez] has the lion’s share of the issue” on the Western corridor, which is bounded between Olympic and Santa Monica boulevards.

When the Chronicle reached out to Capt. Rodriguez she said, “We are excited

WOMEN SEEN ON Western Avenue at 7:30 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 14.

for this collaboration to come to fruition.” She was quick to state that as of Jan. 1 of this year, California Penal Code 653.25—loitering with the intent to purchase commercial sex—is now, again, a misdemeanor, after being repealed by the State legislature in 2023 after the SB357 Safer Streets for All Act passed in July 2022. “We fully intend to enforce this misdemeanor, which will also impact the profitability and deter human trafficking.” Even without the previous legislation, the Olympic Division made 372 arrests for crimes related to sex trafficking in 2025. With disdain in his voice and visible disgust on his face, Hochman warned sex trafficking exploiters that “The city is after them… This is your warning. There will be no sympathy once you are in handcuffs.” He said the issue normally involves men seek-

ing sex from underage girls and sometimes boys. He spoke about how the prostitutes are lured into the life of being a sex worker and likened their desperate lives to what Cali-

Officer Shuck

(Continued from Page 4)

Division, where he learned what a SLO was. Immediately he thought, “That’s what I want to do!” After Wilshire, he was transferred to 77th in South L.A. He said it was a different pace, and he “gained a lot of experience, had a good partner, and learned how to be a cop.”

Eventually, he applied for a promotion to field training officer back at Wilshire, now his home division, and got the job. He worked with and trained new officers at night for nine years. He liked the evening shifts, comment-

fornia Attorney General Rob Bonta called “modern-day slavery.”

A majority of the Western corridor is in Council District 13, Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez’s district. With regards to this new cross-agency task force, Soto-Martínez said, “This effort brings together our office, the city [and county] attorney, LAPD, and service providers to take a coordinated, neighborhood-based approach.” His office allocated $200,000 to hire Journey Out to help the victims. According to his communication director, this amount is significant in bolstering efforts to combat

ing, “Night crews get closer together, there’s more camaraderie, lots of young officers, and certain crimes happen at night.” But when a spot for a SLO came up, he was ready for a change.

For the past 15 months, he’s been the SLO for Basic Car 7A17. His patrol area covers the western portion of Windsor Square and Hancock Park and areas along La Brea Avenue. “Being a SLO is a great job.

I think it’s the best job in the department. You see a problem from beginning to completion. On patrol, you never know what happens. It’s a good feeling and a rewarding job.”

human trafficking.

Work around the affected neighborhoods has already begun. Trees that residents have been pleading with CD13 to have trimmed so streetlights can shine through have been pruned. The specific areas as of press time are Van Ness Avenue between Rosewood Avenue and Clinton Street, and Elmwood and Maplewood avenues west of Western.

To emphasize their dedication to eliminating the sex trafficking industry, Feldstein Soto said, “Pimps, johns, predators, we’re coming after you. We’re determined to stop this blight throughout our city.”

According to Shuck, his dad was a very well-liked and well-respected officer for 20 years with LAPD. His dad told him not to be a SLO because, “It’s too hard, too challenging of a job.” Despite his comment, Shuck said his dad is really proud of him.

Shuck is father to a 14-yearold boy, 10-year-old girl, and a brand-new baby boy. When asked if he thought either of his older kids would follow in his footsteps, like he did with his dad, he said his daughter has expressed interest in being a canine officer. Perhaps a third-generation LAPD officer is coming around?!

As seen in House Beautiful, Luxe, Elle Decor, Traditional Home, HGTV & Architectural Digest

Mayoral Race

(Continued from Page 1)

not with an empty lane waiting for her.

The incumbent factor

Karen Bass still begins from a position of strength. She has institutional backing, relationships across labor and civic groups, and a governing style that emphasizes coordination over confrontation.

But incumbency accumulates dissatisfaction. Homelessness remains the city’s defining challenge, and many voters feel the pace of improvement has not matched the scale of the crisis.

The Palisades Fire added another layer of scrutiny. LAFD Chief Jaime Moore acknowledged that earlier drafts of the department’s after-action report were edited in ways that softened criticism of leadership decisions. Reporting showed that Bass’ office reviewed the report before it was publicly released. Bass has denied directing substantive changes, saying her team sought factual clarification rather than revising findings. Even so, the episode added to scrutiny at a moment when crisis leadership is closely examined. Her advantages remain real. But they are no longer unqualified.

A managerial lane and a real opening

Adam Miller has made a different argument. Through his nonprofit Better Angels, he has focused on housing production and lower-cost development models aimed at addressing homelessness more efficiently. His campaign centers on execution: Los Angeles doesn’t lack plans; it lacks systems that work.

Raman’s entrance sharpens that contrast.

If she and Bass draw from overlapping progressive voters—particularly those motivated by housing and equity issues—their support could split. In a primary where only two candidates advance, fragmentation can shape the outcome. It doesn’t require a majority. It requires

arithmetic. That possibility is now part of the race’s underlying structure.

Why the New York analogy doesn’t fit

Some have tried to frame Raman’s candidacy through the lens of New York’s recent mayoral contest. The comparison overlooks critical context.

In New York, voters faced unusually constrained options. One major political figure exited amid serious sexual misconduct allegations. Another leading contender was widely viewed as occupying a far-right ideological lane. In that environment, a credible alternative could consolidate broad support simply by not being either of those polarizing figures.

Los Angeles is different. There is no vacuum created by scandal or ideological extremes. There are multiple viable candidates across the spectrum. Raman isn’t inheriting a coalition by default; she must assemble one in competition with established figures.

That is a more difficult path.

Economic judgment and policy consequences

Two votes from Raman’s time on the City Council will likely resurface repeatedly during this campaign: Measure United to House LA (ULA) and the Convention Center modernization.

Raman was a strong supporter of Measure ULA, the real estate transfer tax intended to fund housing and homelessness programs. Critics argue that after its passage, commercial transactions slowed and financing for multifamily projects became more complicated. Raman

has since backed amendments exempting certain new developments, calling the changes necessary adjustments.

She also voted against modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Business leaders and labor unions—not often aligned—supported the upgrade, warning that without it Los Angeles risked losing major conventions to cities with newer facilities.

The concern extended beyond convention halls: hotel bookings, restaurant traffic, tourism, surrounding development, and ultimately the city’s general fund all depend in part on maintaining a competitive convention destination.

For many voters focused on economic stability, these are not minor policy disagreements. They speak to executive judgment. For some, the pattern is troubling enough to be disqualifying.

Raman’s effort to amend ULA has only intensified that perception. One critic described it as “the arsonist calling the fire department and claiming to be a hero.”

Raman’s effort to amend ULA has only intensified that perception. One critic described it as “the arsonist calling the fire department and claiming to be a hero.”

The phrasing may be harsh, but it reflects a belief among segments of the business community that economic consequences became clear

Bogie’s Liquor

only after implementation.

Her stance on public safety funding has also divided voters. Raman has supported shifting portions of police funding toward alternative response models and social services—a position reform advocates applaud but some moderates and small business owners view with concern.

The strategic question Raman clearly energizes a segment of the electorate. The question is whether that segment expands—or hardens.

If she consolidates voters seeking a sharper break from the current administration, she could force a

Complex

(Continued from Page 1)

director for the Los Angeles Region for real estate developer Holland Partner Group.

The project will include a pedestrian paseo connecting Odgen Drive to the existing shopping center through the first floor of the project, a new crosswalk at Gilmore Drive and Odgen, and a new crosswalk across Fairfax near Blackburn Avenue, Elum added.

Bloom on Third, which has approximately 84,000 square feet of retail space and will include a new two-level Whole Foods Market, is developed by Regency Centers with the Arba Group.

The existing Whole Foods Market will move from its longstanding place near the corner of Third and Fairfax and increase from 41,000 to 65,000 square feet. It will include three levels. The move is expected later this year.

Regency Centers is leasing the market space to a national retailer expected to open in 2027, according to its website.

A CVS pharmacy at the site is being remodeled and will stay on the property, and the existing parking lot and driveways are being renovated, according to reports.

MVE + Partners designed the mixed-use complex, which is set to feature set-

runoff and redefine the race. But if she and Bass divide overlapping constituencies, particularly on housing and homelessness, the arithmetic shifts. A candidate running on operational steadiness rather than ideological repositioning could advance with a smaller but more unified coalition.

This isn’t New York. There’s no binary dynamic driving consolidation. Los Angeles voters have options.

Raman’s late entrance doesn’t clarify the field. It makes the math more complicated. And in a fragmented primary, math can matter more than momentum.

NEW DEVELOPMENT inclues ground-floor retail and residential units.

backs that reduce the scale of the building along adjacent streets and neighboring Hancock Park Elementary School to the south.

While the project’s entitlements were approved in 2022, the final design is a far cry from the original proposal for a 26-story tower. It was significantly reduced after community outcry, including from Hancock Park Elementary.

In 2020, the owners of the Third and Fairfax property erected a 10-foot masonry block wall between the school and the service areas of Whole Foods Market and CVS Pharmacy to address noise concerns. Demolition of the buildings that were east of Whole Foods occurred during the school’s summer break in 2022. Among the buildings that came down was the one that was the longtime home to Andre’s Italian Restaurant, which has since reopened at 5400 Wilshire Blvd., in the historic Dominguez Building in the Miracle Mile.

MARCH EVENTS

GOV. GAVIN NEW-

Mummies

(Continued from Page 1)

doctors to see inside the specimens, just like a patient. Summer Decker, Ph.D., 3-D imaging lead for Keck Medicine of USC, said about one of the Egyptian mummies, 3

SOME will discuss his book, “Young Man in a Hurry” at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., on Tues., March 3 at 7 pm. The Ebell of L.A. and Writers Bloc co-host the event. For tickets call 323-931-1277.

CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH with Victorian charm at the Grier-Musser Museum, built in 1898. Collections showcase suffragettes Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton as well as women such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Julia Morgan, the architect of Hearst Castle. Grier-Musser is at 403 S. Bonnie Brae St. For reservations, call 213-4131814.

FIRST FRIDAYS celebrates its 20th anniversary season with an evening of science, music, cocktails, and lively discussion of the vibrant life of cities and the people and other species who inhabit them, at the Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., on March 6, April 3 and May 1, from 6 to 10 p.m. General admission is $30. Visit nhm.org.

LOS ANGELES MARATHON takes off on Sun., March 8, at 7 a.m. from Dodger Stadium. Named Stadium to the Stars, the 26.2-mile course passes iconic landmarks on its way to the finish line on Santa Monica Boulevard at Avenue of the Stars. A 5K and other events are planned from Fri., March 6-8. To register and more information, visit mccourtfoundation.org.

the stage with the Iranshahr Orchestra conducted by Shahab Paranj. Visit farhang.org for tickets and more information.

KCRW’s PIEFEST is on (what else, but) Pi Day, Sat., March 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Autry Museum of the American West. KCRW’s Good Food host Evan Kleiman will host the event, which features a pie contest, live music, and a marketplace with food trucks, baking demos, and a beer garden. Celebrity judges include Will Ferrell. Free, but RSVP required for entry. Visit kcrw. com. The Autry is in Griffith Park at 4700 Western Heritage Way; theautry.org.

ITALIAN MANDOLIN SHOW with Johnny Mandolin, who will perform Italian and Italian American favorites and music of the Great American Songbook, is at the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, 664 N. Main St., Sat., March 14 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10. Visit iamla.org.

LUCK OF THE IRISH and lots of good eats and fun will be served at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration Tues., March 17 at the Original Farmers Market, including traditional Irish food and live music, green beer, and more. All day. The Original Farmers Market is at 6333 W. Third St.

COOLEST IN LA. Climate Resolve will host a night of camaraderie, purpose, and

hope at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Honorees include Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan, 55th District. The event is Fri., March 20 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the NHM, 900 Exposition Blvd. Tickets are $350. Visit coolestinla.org.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES turns

“There are holes in the vertebrae that look man-made. This could be surgical intervention for a bad back—the same injuries humans are experiencing 2,000 years later.”

The exhibit is a timed and ticketed event. Tickets are

$23.95 for adults; $15.95 for children. There is also a documentary IMAX movie, “Mummies 3D,” that accompanies the exhibit for an additional $11 for adults; $9 for kids. More information is at californiasciencecenter.

Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association

Serving the Larchmont community between Beverly and Melrose, Arden to Wilton Place

“The objective and purpose of the LVNA has, since 1987, been the preservation and enhancement of our neighborhood.”

ALEXANDRIA HOUSE’s 30th Anniversary WalkA-Thon is Sat., March 21, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Mount St. Mary’s University Doheny Campus, 10 Chester Pl. The event honors the women and families who have rebuilt their lives with the Help of Alexandria House, and the staff, alumni, and volunteers at the transition house who have helped them along the way. To register, visit givebutter.com/ ahwalk2026. 8 14 17 20 21

LIGHT ALWAYS PREVAILS, a Nowruz concert honoring the voices of Iranians, is on Sun., March 8 at 6 p.m. at Royce Hall, UCLA. The grande dame of Iranian classical music, Parissa, and award-winning soprano Golda Zahra will take

100 this year and is throwing a party to celebrate, Sat., March 21 at the California Club. The JLAA, which has made a home in the Rainey House, at 630 N. Larchmont Blvd., since 1995, will celebrate their 100 years of service at the black-tie optional event at The California Club, 538 S. Flower St. Visit losangeles.jl.org to purchase tickets.

Spring is about to happen. We’ve had an extended practice for it with some warm and beautiful days in February which showcase many of the strengths of our walkable, live/work neighborhood. These are the days in which it seems everyone in Los Angeles is coming to Larchmont Village to enjoy themselves. As always, we all need to strive to be aware of the shared environment, do our best to use the facilities with an eye towards everyone else also using them and be prepared to seek help when people are abusing

The city is now fully engaged in addressing the neighborhood problems stemming from the prostitution corridor on Western Avenue. CD 13, the District Attorney’s Office and the Olympic Division of LAPD are being both responsive AND pro-active in addressing all parts of this unacceptable activity. As part of this, the District Attorney’s Office program “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild” has uncovered a statewide human trafficking agencies leading to hundreds of arrests of perpetrators as well as dozens of

None of this would ever have happened without the very visible work being done by the local neighbors who have taken the initiative to improve

If you’ve read your LVNA email updates or you’re reading this online or even hot off the printing presses, CD 13 has put together a taskforce meeting Thursday, February 19th at 6:00 PM at the LAPD Olympic Community Station (1130 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006). All are welcome. Up

If you can’t make the meeting and are looking for more details, search “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild” online. There’s been excellent reporting

Larchmont Village is served by two different LAPD Divisions. Wilshire Division serves those locations WEST of Gower, Olympic Division serves

ings are happening regularly. These local volunteer groups in each of our neighborhood’s LAPD areas are an essential communication link between residents, community leaders, and police to discuss crime, safety, and quali-

The meetings are hosted on Zoom and in person at the police station itself. The Olympic Division CPAB meetings are now both on Zoom and in person in their community room at 1130 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006. It takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at 6 pm. The https://zoom.us/j/99307955868?pwd=a2a8iCwha8HUalhbpoyNrLua6y(https://zoom.us/j/99307955868?pwd=a2a8iCwha8HUalhbpoyN-

The Wilshire Division CPAB meeting takes place on the third Thursday of the month at 6 pm. If you would like to join, please call the Wilshire Community Relations Officer @ 213-473-0200 or email - Wilshirecro@ groups, is putting together a regional Town Hall/Meet The Candidates

This election will greatly affect the future of Los Angeles. The primary is

Although the LVNA is non-partisan and works with every elected official, -

In Larchmont Village there are always new ideas and opportunities to further enhance our quality of life. If you have an idea or project on which exactly the right combination of interest and knowledge to help you get it off the ground. The solution to the problems of our community comes from participating, working together and making our voices heard. Reach

You can write to the LVNA at: Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association 325 North Larchmont #294 Los Angeles, CA 90004

You can email the general LVNA box at lvna90004@gmail.com or President Charles D’Atri at lvgwnc@gmail.com