As winds as strong as 13 miles per hour swept through Greater Los Angeles last night, with one victim the house called Tara at 1343 N. Laurel Ave. in West Hollywood.
The wind toppled a eucalyptus tree, which fell onto the historic property on Laurel south of Sunset Boulevard. The fall apparently was slightly blocked by other trees, minimizing the damage to the house, which was built in 1914.
A repair crew was on the site quickly to remove the fallen tree.
The property was donated to West Hollywood in 1997 by its owner, Elsie Weisman, with an oral, but not written, stipulation that the city preserve it. After Weisman died in 2000, the city announced plans to convert the house into apartments and build other apartments on the property, all to house low-income senior citizens. A group called “Save Tara,” organized by Allegra Allison, who lived there for 30 years, launched a campaign that went all the way to the California Supreme Court. In 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled the city failed to get sufficient public input before proceeding with plans for the property. The City Council eventually agreed to halt its plans and preserve the property. The grounds surrounding the Colonial style house now are used as a public park.
A 30 year tenant apparently failed to provide private input during residence to the elderly Mrs. Weisman. With proper care and feeding, this issue appeared to take on a life of its own. Gone with the Wind but the wind returned.
Roots of the large tree are still on site adjacent to the wall of Villa d’Este to the north. The tree knocked off the NE corner of the roof. Many concerns about the vegetation and lack thereof have been brought to the attention of the Urban Landscape Dept. The grounds have become a de facto off leash dog park. Sad.
The extreme winds are a particular concern for me as I look out at the green monster ficus towering over the front of my house. Of course, the fact that it is so large and menacing is my fault for, you see, I allowed its roots to creep into my sewer and feed until it became the far-out-of-scale weed it is now. The city is aware of my concerns and I am praying that during the up-coming tree trimming that more actual pruning will be done instead of the simple haircut it usually receives. The city arborist told me that… Read more »
How absurd that we continue to call that house Tara. It looks absolutely nothing like the house in Gone With The Wind. Nothing. It’s merely an emotional moniker appropriated by a group of selfish NIMBYs who didn’t want low-income housing for seniors in their neighborhood.
I normally don’t side with NIMBYs, but in this case, I’m glad this property was saved, as it is quite unique and it is of historical significance. I just don’t think it is being used properly. Why is the inside not used for more public events and meetings? It has very limited daytime use, as a park. Our city government needs to be more creative about its use and be open to the idea of it being rented for private events, such as weddings, etc.. Nothing too rowdy, or that goes late into the evening. Maybe similar to how the… Read more »