Community News
Larchmont Blvd. grapples with multiple matters
As 2021 approaches, merchants on Larchmont Boulevard continue to defend against challenges. Village Pizzeria Steve Cohen, proprietor of Village Pizzeria for 24 years, told the Chronicle that the existing problems in being a merchant on Larchmont are exacerbated by the new pandemic-related regulations. “With limited staff and the physical, mental and emotional strain this has […]
Renderings released for historic Rossmore project
The final design and first architectural renderings have been released for the “reconfiguration” of an historic Hancock Park apartment building located on Rossmore Avenue opposite the Wilshire Country Club. The building, 410 N. Rossmore Ave., will get a new lease on life by way of an extensive restoration project that will see seismic safety upgrades, […]
Nithya Raman wins City Council seat for CD4
Taking nearly 53 percent of the vote, political newcomer Nithya Raman last month won a runoff election for the Fourth Council District seat against David Ryu, who became the first City Council incumbent in 17 years to be ousted by a challenger. “I congratulate my opponent on her victory,” Ryu said in a statement following […]
It’s been an honor to serve; see you on the Boulevard
Of all the columns I have sent to this paper over the years, this one is by far the most difficult to write — because this one will be my last as your Councilmember. It has been an honor to work with the neighborhoods of Windsor Square, Hancock Park, and Greater Wilshire, as well as […]
What's Entertaining
Doggie day spa caters to the well-heeled on Larchmont
Jess Rona had such a long waiting list for her competition-worthy doggie cuts and blowouts, she was running out of room in her garage for her expanding business. So she was excited to find the perfect spot to open her first commercial storefront on Larchmont. Then the pandemic hit and slowed the opening process, but […]
Holidays arrive on Larchmont
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Parkway trees have been decorated with red, bodacious ribbons, and Christmas trees were en route to the boulevard as we went to press. The annual Small Business Saturday officially kicked off the holiday shopping season. Students from Rhodes School of Music performed, and Paramount Pictures donated […]
Santa on way through sleet, snow, pandemic
Winter is upon us, and the pandemic continues to cast a shadow on the holidays. But there is plenty of reason to be of good cheer. Resilient and resourceful Angelenos are finding many ways to assist the less fortunate. • • • Imagine LA promises its most magical event yet, Winter Wonderland, the Drive-Thru Edition […]
Snow and Santa at The Grove nightly
Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., which is dressed up in its holiday finest. See snowfall and Santa Claus twice nightly at 7 and 8 p.m. through Fri., Dec. 25. Santa will make his special appearance from aboard the Grove’s trolley. On weekends, visitors also can […]
Who's Doing What
A quick trip through Los Angeles history with Wayne Ratkovich
Wayne and Jo Ann Ratkovich have lived in Windsor Square and Hancock Park (and Windsor Square again) for most of the past 50 years. Wayne has become a “famous real estate developer,” especially because of his interest in historic preservation. (He preceded me in serving a nine-year term as a Trustee of the National Trust […]
21-year-old makes fashion-forward twist for 1960s Contempo Casuals
Stylish women, popular girls, Cher Horowitz from the 1995 movie “Clueless” and every fashionista in between during the late 20th century flocked to Contempo Casuals, a pioneering giant in fast-fashion clothing. Both the brand’s future and aspects of its history are tied to Hancock Park. Los Angeles couple Dottie and Wil Friedman founded the clothing […]
Local runners are eager for cross country season to begin
I wrestled in high school and college. It was no picnic. Cutting weight, the grueling practices, and competing with injuries made it extremely challenging. Distance running kept our cardio up, especially off-season. In high school, I ran cross country during the fall to help prepare for the wrestling season. Some days we’d run 10-15 miles […]
Resilience, staying connected in 2020
It’s been quite a year, what with a once-in-a-century pandemic and a presidential election like no other in recent memory, or maybe ever. There were shining moments too, some surprises and glimmers of hope. When the lockdown came, religious leaders probably said a quick prayer before moving their services outdoors and online. Programs online Wilshire […]
Real Estate News
Hugh Wilton remembers ‘the jungle’
Hugh Wilton was five years old when his family moved across the street from the Wood family compound, the present-day Harold A. Henry Park in Windsor Village. (See Oct. 2020 Larchmont Chronicle story in Section 2, Page 8.) Wilton remembers playing with neighborhood kids in what they called “the jungle,” an overgrown area that was […]
Home at 361 N. Citrus Ave., one year later
The reaction throughout Los Angeles to the sudden demolition last year of an historic 1927 Tudor-style home at 361 N. Citrus Ave., on the southwest corner of Oakwood Ave., was like a roar of outrage that echoed everywhere. Tinyurl.com/y2j8s5xq is just one example. There are nearly 100 other online references to the destruction of the […]
Insider Jane Gilman makes rounds for book ‘Inside Hancock Park’
Buy an autographed copy of “Inside Hancock Park” by Jane Gilman and hear her speak on the history of the neighborhood at a Zoom talk through the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society Wed., Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 for a copy of the autographed book and the presentation, or pay $10 for […]
Other Recent Stories
Doggie day spa caters to the well-heeled on Larchmont
Jess Rona had such a long waiting list for her competition-worthy doggie cuts and blowouts, she was running out of room in her garage for her expanding business. So she was excited to find the perfect spot to open her first commercial storefront on Larchmont. Then the pandemic hit and slowed the opening process, but […]
Holidays arrive on Larchmont
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Parkway trees have been decorated with red, bodacious ribbons, and Christmas trees were en route to the boulevard as we went to press. The annual Small Business Saturday officially kicked off the holiday shopping season. Students from Rhodes School of Music performed, and Paramount Pictures donated […]
A quick trip through Los Angeles history with Wayne Ratkovich
Wayne and Jo Ann Ratkovich have lived in Windsor Square and Hancock Park (and Windsor Square again) for most of the past 50 years. Wayne has become a “famous real estate developer,” especially because of his interest in historic preservation. (He preceded me in serving a nine-year term as a Trustee of the National Trust […]
21-year-old makes fashion-forward twist for 1960s Contempo Casuals
Stylish women, popular girls, Cher Horowitz from the 1995 movie “Clueless” and every fashionista in between during the late 20th century flocked to Contempo Casuals, a pioneering giant in fast-fashion clothing. Both the brand’s future and aspects of its history are tied to Hancock Park. Los Angeles couple Dottie and Wil Friedman founded the clothing […]
