Larchmont Blvd. Sign Returns to the Street

The commemorative Larchmont Blvd. sign made for the 85th anniversary of the street by former City Councilmember Tom LaBonge has retuned to the street. Thanks to Joane Pickett, who accepted the sign on behalf of the community during her years of service as president of the Larchmont Boulevard Association, the sign is now displayed in the former Trina Turk space at 212 N. Larchmont Blvd.  Also in the space are two posters with historic photos of Larchmont, as part of the preparation for the street’s upcoming 100th anniversary this fall. Thanks to building owner Ron Simms for hosting the sign and the posters.

The commemorative sign was presented to Pickett in 2006. She proudly displayed the sign in her store, Pickett Fences, until she announced its closing earlier this year. Sadly, that announcement to close the store store after 27 years on the street came the same day (January 7, 2021) as LaBonge’s passing. Pickett, who was very close to LaBonge, recently told the Buzz she is now ready to part with the sign, and hopes to see it permanently installed on the Boulevard in a prominent place. We accepted the sign on behalf of the LBA and assured her we would work to get the sign installed, possibly in the planted area near the Rotary Clock, in time for the centennial celebration of Larchmont in October.

In addition to the sign, LaBonge had a decorative proclamation from the City made for the occasion, which read:

“Happy Birthday to Larchmont Boulevard, the most Charming business district in Los Angeles. Developed in 1921 by Julius LaBonte, Larchmont was created as a business district for the Windsor Square and Hancock Park residential neighborhoods. Through the commitment of the vibrant community,  Larchmont has maintained a friendly, small-town atmosphere as the world-class City. All of Los Angeles and Meyers Larchmont’s tree-lined Boulevard, sidewalk cafés and sophisticated shops. It truly represents the best of Los Angeles.”

The proclamation was dated April 27, 2006 and signed by Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.