Politics, comedy, birthdays and benefit events fill calendars
Locals gathered in the expansive garden of the historic Windsor Square home of Kevin MacLellan and Brian Curran on Jan. 27. Their “O’Melveny House,” named for its original owner, pioneer Los Angeles lawyer H.W. O’Melveny, was moved from the Westlake neighborhood to South Plymouth Boulevard in 1930. The reception was organized for friends to meet House of Representatives candidate Anthony Portantino.
ANTHONY PORTANTINO introduces himself to locals at the Windsor Square garden of Brian Curran and Kevin MacLellan.
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The 1929 Deco Building on Wilshire Boulevard, originally a bank, played host to the Jan. 28 inaugural evening of Whippet Comedy Night. Organized by Hancock Park residents and stand-up comedians Mary Huth and Diana Hong, the sold-out, first-of-its-kind showcase featured up-and-coming and established comics seen on Comedy Central, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Superstore, Shrinking, Crashing and Second City.
On stage were Aparna Nancherla, Chris Grace, Kari Assad, Lizzy Cooperman and Brian Gallivan.
Huth and Hong organized the event as a way to feature monthly comedy shows in Hancock Park and the Miracle Mile. “Los Angeles has a deep pool of comedic talent. Whippet offers a unique opportunity to bring those incredible comics into Hancock Park, in a beautiful Art Deco venue to showcase their talents,” said Huth, who has lived with her partner Susan Butler in Hancock Park for more than 20 years. Now an empty-nester, Huth caught the comedy bug after the pandemic. Her co-producer, Hong, is an established comedian from the Bay Area, having performed at Limestone Comedy Fest, FUSE and San Francisco Sketchfest.
FRIENDS AND COMEDIANS, left to right, Jehonna Corrales, Mary Huth, Ruth Brandt and Lisa Orkin.
All future events will be held the fourth Saturday of the month at Hexi, located in the historic Deco Building. Hexi is a service-oriented initiative aimed at enhancing Indonesia’s national image, and patrons can shop for clothing, purses, jewelry and many more offerings while enjoying the evening of comedy. Locals in attendance included AJ and Julie Johnson, Kenji and Tadashi Butler and Grethel Bayro.
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Fifteen neighbors interested in increasing housing gathered with Lindsay Sturman Jan. 30 at her Windsor Square home. Over drinks and pizza, they heard from her, from building designer John Claflin and from former Culver City Mayor Thomas Small. Those three are among the creators and advocates for the Livable Communities Initiative that promotes construction of attractive three- to five-story buildings above ground-floor retail and adjoining walkable, tree-lined and car-light streets with protected bicycle lanes.
FORMER MAYOR of Culver City Thomas Small, at left, speaks with neighbors gathered in the Windsor Square home of Lindsay Sturman to learn more about the Livable Communities Initiative for building housing.
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Pasadena on a rainy Feb. 4 was the site for a festive Sunday brunch given by popular Pasadenan Gordon Pashgian at the Annandale Golf Club honoring Windsor Square’s Pamela Clyne. The setting was appropriate because Pamela loves the game. Locals heading east for the event included Olivia and Steve Kazanjian, Robert Ronus, Martha and John Welborne, Carlotta Keely, and Pam’s hubby Shannon.
Son Taylor Clyne recounted funny stories, and Virginia and Ross Roberts came down from San Francisco for the occasion. Virginia is Pam’s oldest friend, from childhood. Party highlights included a clever poem written for Pam and recited by the author, Joan Hotchkis. Host Pashgian commissioned a most extraordinary birthday surprise — a really big golf ball chocolate cake — just right for player Pam.
GOLF BALL chocolate cake is a big surprise for honoree Pamela Clyne.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS for Pamela Clyne (center) include Ross Roberts, left, and Bill Hammerstein, right.
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Supporters of Larchmont Charter School gathered at an ultra-private screening room in Beverly Hills Feb. 7 to socialize, eat, drink and view the recently released first-run feature film “Argylle.” Surrounded by movie posters and a vintage popcorn machine, guests were transported into the land of movies and fantasy. The Matthew Vaughn-directed comedy mystery adventure was the highlight of the evening, projected after guests enjoyed bites and tastings from Ricca Kitchen by Kori Bernards, formerly of Larchmont Charter Edible Schoolyard. The spread included an array of fresh cheeses, vegetables, salads, dips, meats and tasty homemade desserts. Guests drank wine and beer while catching up with old friends and new. After the feast, the hosts, Windsor Square’s Danny and Zoe Corwin, beckoned the celebrants into the plush, sound-proof, cave-like screening room for the big screen entertainment.
Zoe Corwin thanked the crowd for supporting such an important pre-K-12 local school, recently awarded a California Distinguished Schools Award. Ready for the movie magic were locals Mike and Lisa O’Malley, Daphne Brogdon, Gio Verri, AJ and Julie Johnson, Zoe and Danny Corwin, Pete Sepenuk, Laura Siegel and Bob Wenoker, Jane and Matt Stuecken, Kori Bernards, Tom Eisenhauer, Hayley and Chris Stott, Kelvin Koze and Jen Enani.
LARCHMONT CHARTER SCHOOL supporters at movie night.
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TAILWAGGERS’ Todd Warner enjoys the reception.
When guests were asked to glam up their attire for the Tailwaggers Foundation Waggy Awards on Feb. 8, they did not disappoint! Attendees showed up in their glamorous, sparkly, fur-friendly best to raise funds and to celebrate the efforts of the Tailwaggers Foundation, a charitable organization run by the Larchmont Tailwaggers’ own Todd Warner.
The organization raises funds for various animal rescue organizations in and around Los Angeles.
The event was hosted by Lotta Slots and Kay Sedia, honoring Dr. Kwane Stewart of Project Street Vet (a 2023 CNN hero honoree) for his work with the homeless
LANA PARRILLA receives an award for her animal welfare activism.
and their pets; activist actor Lana Parrilla from Netflix’s “The Lincoln Lawyer;” and Congressman Ted Lieu, each for their advocacy and work with the animal welfare community. The evening’s ticket sales and live and silent auctions raised $100,000 to be granted to various local 501(c)3 organizations that specialize in animal welfare. Dr. Stewart commented on one of the most memorable things he’s ever heard from his work with the unhoused community about their animal companions. “If I end it tonight, who is going to feed [my pet] in the morning?” one unhoused man expressed to Dr. Stewart about the man’s reason to keep enduring. Todd Warner was proud to mention that the first person to purchase a table for this year’s event was his mother. A successful night indeed!
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And now you’re in the Larchmont know!
Category: People