Larchmont Boulevard Association Hosted Meeting with CD13 Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell

Members and guests of the Larchmont Boulevard Association gathered in the Tailwaggers parking lot last week for a “meet and greet” with CD13 Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who now represents the area following the recent City Council redistricting. The event was hosted by Todd Warner, owner of Tailwaggers pet store and Tailwaggers Foundation, who opened his latest Larchmont village store last summer and for this event decorated his parking lot with festive lights and umbrellas to accommodate COVID gathering protocols.

In his opening remarks, O’Farrell introduced himself and his staff in attendance – George Hakopiants, Field Deputy for the area; Marisol Rodriquez, District Director, and Dan Halden, Communications Director. O’Farrell said his office is best known for its commitment to constituent services. He said he likes to focus on  quality-of-life issues such as public safety, cleanliness, and beautification in the neighborhoods he represents. He described his background as a volunteer in his neighborhood and his training as a city staff member for then-Councilmember Eric Garcetti before being elected to serve in 2013.

“I’m committed to responsive constituent services. For me, it’s all about providing judgement free city services,” said O’Farrell. “That’s how I like to lead, but I also like to follow and that means listening to constituents.”

O’Farrell said he was very excited about the new areas that have been added to his district, including Larchmont Blvd. and the surrounding neighborhoods to the north and east, including Larchmont Village, Windsor Square, Ridgewood-Wilton/St. Andrews Square, Oakwood-Maplewood-St. Andrews, and Western-Wilton.

“We have inherited four historic HPOZs and that’s very exciting,” said O’Farrell. “I feel very strongly about local zoning.” O’Farrell said he is also looking forward to looking at the “Q” Conditions that govern the zoning on Larchmont, and working with the business community to develop solutions and correcting the “deficiencies” in the ordinance.

O’Farrell fielded questions on a range of issues. John Duerler, local realtor and LBA member, asked about public safety and what can be done to reduce crime. O’Farrell said he’s concerned about the effect of recent laws that reduce sentences for criminals, and said he’s working closely with LAPD to address these issues. Nora Houndalas, owner of Le Petite Greek, and Steve Cohen, owner of Village Pizzeria, asked what O’Farrell can do to help small businesses address the crushing weight of high rent. Cohen applauded the city’s efforts with residential renters, but said he wonders what can be done for small commercial tenants. O’Farrell acknowledged it is complicated, but said he was willing to sit down with the community and look over the options the city has, and to explore some state level solutions with our local legislators.

At the end of the event, O’Farrell encouraged business owners to keep in touch with his office and be organized in their efforts to support the local business community, and Warner thanked the Councilmember and his staff for taking the time to visit and get to know the neighborhood.