02-21-11 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS Volume 40, Number 8

INSIDE

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT

The latest information on 69 Downtown projects, along with a special Downtown Living section.

9-23 W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M

February 21, 2011

The Downtowners of Distinction A scene from June’s Hope for Firefighters fundraiser, one of Downtown’s most popular and enduring community events.

Urban Scrawl on the Oscars.

photo by Gary Leonard

Los Angeles Downtown News Celebrates 10 Community Highlights

See Richard run again.

Another delay for Hall of Justice.

by Jon RegaRdie

new building, a glistening beacon that with its light and life represents the evolution of a neighborrogress comes in many forms. In 2010, hood. In other instances, it was a restaurant, luring there was a lot of progress, and a lot to cel- patrons to an otherwise forlorn block, especially at ebrate, in Downtown Los Angeles. night or on weekends. This may seem a surprising assertion in a year Other times it was something else, a legal madominated by the nation’s dull economy. Yet, neuver designed to make a neighborhood safer, while spending was down and lending markets or a cultural program that reminds people of a were frozen, plenty of people did good, in many community they once visited. In 2010, these and different ways, in the Central City. other signs of progress were witnessed all across seea xxxxxxxxxxxx, In some cases progress came in the form of Downtown, page from25 the Arts District to Central

executive editoR

Huge Chinatown project moves forward.

Oscar costumes at FIDM.

A Downtown Buss Stop

Lakers Owner Discusses His Humble Beginnings, And the Future of the Team by Ryan vaillancouRt staff wRiteR

Old guy goes X-rated at East West Players.

30 CALENDAR LISTINGS 33 MAP 34 CLASSIFIEDS

City East to the Historic Core to South Park and beyond. Los Angeles Downtown News is proud to celebrate 10 of these efforts in its 10th annual Downtowners of Distinction issue. In each case, the projects were selected for how they benefited their district, and in many cases gave a boost to all of Downtown or even the entire city. Individual winners were selected by the editorial staff of Downtown News, and the awards will be see Distinction, page 25

onsidering his humble beginnings in a one-traffic light Wyoming town, his stint working on a railroad and his doctorate in chemistry, Jerry Buss may just be the most unlikely owner of a professional sports franchise. Of course, it’s not just a franchise. As owner of the Los Angeles Lakers for more than three decades, Buss has presided over a dominant era in which the Lakers have participated in almost 50% of the NBA finals, and evolved into perhaps the biggest brand in professional basketball. Buss spent an hour on Wednesday, Feb.

16, at Morton’s Steakhouse at 7+Fig discussing his life and the unlikely path to the Lakers’ corner office. The packed event was part of 710 ESPN’s “Lunch with a Legend” live radio series. Like many of the nation’s top business leaders, Buss amassed the cash he would need to buy the Lakers by playing the real estate game. He recounted how, while attending graduate school at USC (from which he’d later earn a PhD in chemistry), he and five friends spent a year saving $1,000 apiece to purchase a small Westside apartment complex. “Real estate was increasing at such a rate see Buss, page 8

The Voice of Downtown Los Angeles

photo by Gary Leonard

Lakers owner Jerry Buss last week told a Downtown crowd how he built his fortune. He also signed autographs.

2 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

AROUNDTOWN Ritz-Carlton Residences Close First Sale

t’s been a long road for the Ritz Carlton Residences, the 224 condominiums on the upper levels the J.W. Marriott/ Ritz-Carlton tower at L.A. Live, but the project is now finally open. More than three years after taking its first deposit, the project developed by Anschutz Entertainment Group closed its first sale last week. More than 60% of its units are in escrow with nonrefundable deposits, said Laurie Miskuski, the project’s sales director. The condos, which occupy floors 2752 in the tower, range from $850,000-$9.3 million. The range reflects an up to 20% drop from the prices offered last year, Miskuski said. So far, most buyers expect to use their units as a second, or third, home, she said. Not all of the construction is complete in the building, however. Crews continue to finalize “punch list items” on the lower floors, and are doing finishing work on floors 36 and higher, Miskuski said. The city has issued final inspection approvals on multiple floors, and continues to inspect floors as the finishing touches are completed. Miskuski said she expects the project, which has a temporary certificate of occupancy, to get its final certificate of occupancy in the summer.

A Safer Cities Progress Report

ore than four years after it was implemented, the Safer Cities Initiative, an effort to reduce crime and enhance safety in the Skid Row area, is about to get a thorough progress report from the man who inspired the program. This month, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee approved a $14,760 donation from the Los Angeles Police Foundation for the services of George Kelling, who with James Q. Wilson co-authored the “Broken Windows” theory of policing, which maintains that addressing small qualityof-life offenses helps deter more serious crimes. It was a cornerstone of the policing strategy former LAPD Chief William Bratton employed. If the plan is approved by the full council, Kelling will study the effects of the initiative in five communities in Los Angeles, including Skid Row. The Safer Cities Initiative, launched in Skid Row in September 2006, deployed

50 additional police officers to the area; it was widely hailed as a success by local homeless services providers and businesses. According to city documents, Kelling will collect crime statistics, analyze the decline of crime, and study quality of life improvements such as the reduction in the number of people living on the streets of Skid Row. No timeline is available on when Kelling’s project should be completed.

State to Remove Toxic Soil at Skid Row School Site

he state Department of Toxic Substances Control will soon begin removing 1,680 tons of contaminated soil found beneath the former site of the Ninth Street Elementary school in Skid Row. The school was closed last spring in anticipation of demolition work that began this year. The LAUSD plans to build a new elementary school at the site, along with a charter middle school that will be run by the nonprofit Para Los Niños. The DTSC, along with officials from the LAUSD Facilities Division, said lead and other environmental hazards were discovered beneath paved surfaces and posed no health risks to children when they were at the school. “However, to prevent the possibility of future exposure, the district was required to clean up soils to acceptable levels,” said DTSC spokeswoman Jeanne Garcia. The DTSC is collecting public comments on the plan for removing the soil through March 7; those who want to see the plan or comment should contact Jeanne Matsumoto at (714) 484-5338. Copies of the plan are also at the Little Tokyo Branch Library, 203 S. Los Angeles St., or at Para Los Niños Middle School, 1617 E. Seventh St.

City West Project Eyes April Groundbreaking

onstruction could soon begin again on the far side of the 110 Freeway. Holland Development has filed building permits for a seven-story, 210-unit project at 1111 Wilshire Blvd. in City West. It is a scaled-down version of the 11-story,

398-unit tower the Vancouver, Wash.-based company had previously envisioned (in 2007 the firm discussed a 40-story tower on the site). The website Curbed LA was first to report on the plans. The project includes about 8,000 square feet of retail space and is expected to cost about $60 million, said Tom Warren, the firm’s chief operating officer. The 1111 Wilshire project is diagonally across the street from Holland’s other City West project, the apartment complex Glo. Holland is also at work on a $4 million renovation of a 77-unit lowincome housing complex at 625 Bixel St., which is expected to be completed this summer, Warren said. Additionally, the firm is seeking entitlements for a 550-unit apartment complex at Sixth and Bixel streets. Warren said that project will likely take another 18 months to get approvals.

Reward for Information on Chinatown Killing

he City Council last week approved a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing a woman whose body was found at a Chinatown recycling center. Workers at the Los Angeles Recycling Center at 1000 N. Main St., on the eastern edge of Chinatown, discovered the body last September. The woman, who is estimated to be between 40 and 80 years old, remains unidentified, said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon. The department has no leads on a suspect, but the County Coroner has deemed the incident a homicide, according to a city report.

Downtown to Face Slow Recovery

ancy Sidhu, chief economist at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, said regional unemployment will continue to fall through 2012, but Downtown will be uniquely hit by projected losses in L.A.’s most vulnerable industry: government. Speaking last Thursday before a crowd of local business leaders at the Central City Association’s Downtown Los Angeles Economic Forecast, Sidhu said that almost every indussee Around Town, page 24

Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?

Defining the Skyline

Defining the Skyline Find out at the landmark location near Downtown. Home of the original Chili-burger. Quality and value since 1946:

Chili Hamburger .............. $1.90 Chili Cheeseburger ........... Figueroa at Wilshire$2.30

www.brookfieldofficeproperties.com Figueroa at Wilshire

tax included

Bank of America Plaza

Ernst & Young Plaza

Bank of America Plaza

Ernst & Youn

www.brookfieldof ficeproperties.com

Figueroa at Wilshire

Many Imitate, But None Compare!

Bank of America Plaza

Ernst

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 3

DowntownNews.com

Downtown L.A. Auto Group Close to Work • Close to Home

Family Owned and Serving the Community Since 1955 The Downtown L.A. Auto Group treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence! Our experienced sales staff is eager to share its knowledge and enthusiasm with you. We encourage you to browse our online inventory, schedule a test drive and investigate financing options. You can also request more information about a vehicle using our online form. We look forward to serving you!

2011 Versa Hatchback

Lease for

$99

/month + Tax for 39 months

Plus tax. 39 month lease. $2,880 due at lease signing. 12,000 miles per year. Excess mileage charge .15 per mile over 39,000 total miles. 1 at this price/offer, Stock N110043 /VIN BL401603. MSRP $15,425

NISSAN

of Downtown L.A.

WEEK >>>> 2011 C300

New 2011 Mercedes-Benz

C300

LeaSe

>>>> DEALS

OF THE

349

+ Tax per month for 33 months

5 TO CHOOSE!

$349 + tax + Lic, 33 months on approved credit Tier 1 credit. $2,750 CAP reduction, + first payment + acquisition fees. Total due at signing $4,444, $0 security deposit. 10K total miles per year. $0.25 cents per mile excess. MSRP $38,350.

Downtown L.A. Motors

Mercedes Benz

635 W. Washington Blvd. • 888-838-5089

1801 S. Figueroa St. • 888-319-8762

Mon.-Sat. 8:30am – 9pm & Sun. 9:30am – 8:30pm

Mon.-Sat. 8:30am – 9pm & Sun. 10:00am – 9pm

Free Shuttle Service Monday – Saturday

DOWNTOWN L.A. AUTO GROUP 888-I-LOVE-LA (456-8352) W W W . D T L A M O T O R S . C O M

4 Downtown News

Twitter/DowntownNews

February 21, 2011

EDITORIALS Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

The Readers Respond Comments on Football, Filming and a Streetcar Regarding the column “AEG and the Super Bowl of Marketing,” by Jon Regardie, posted online Feb. 4

feel terrible for all these pathetic “civic boosters” who keep braying that L.A. won’t be a world-class city until we get an NFL franchise. Let the NFL pay for the stadium. Not. One. Dime. Of. Our. Money. —Bob Williams, Feb. 4, 6:05 p.m. Regarding the article “Figueroa Plan Eyes Bike Lanes,” by Ryan Vaillancourt, posted online Feb. 4

love this idea! No cars on Figueroa would be outstanding! Please tell my councilwoman and mayor how I feel. —Robert Newman, Feb. 4, 1:04 p.m.

his idea of dressing up Figueroa Street is great. There are attractive streetlights, ornate benches to sit on and artwork throughout. I believe in more street lighting for safety reasons during the night. This will attract more local and outside tourists to the entertainment and business centers. —Michael Tagupa, Feb. 4, 5:16 p.m.

ounds like a dream! I hope I don’t get smushed on my bike by a car before this happens. —Kathleen, Feb. 4, 5:38 p.m. Regarding the article “The Streetcar Dollars,” by Richard Guzmán, posted online Feb. 8

ow many of the people in the photo have ever used public transportation in this city? You have to give incentives for people to use it. I mean people with gray suits. —Brian, Feb. 9, 8:07 a.m.

certainly hope it’s recognized that L.A. Live and AEG stand to benefit the greatest from this and any tax allocation is handled accordingly. I think this would be a great project, but make paying for it fair. —Kevin, Feb. 9, 9:44 a.m.

reat news, but a groundbreaking of 2014? With an opening of 2015-2016? I’ll be an old man. —Chris L., Feb. 9, 3:53 p.m.

his is awesome! For you disbelievers, public transportation in L.A. is popular, and always has been. You just need to stick your head out of the sand (or out of your car) and take a ride on a subway line or a light rail line. And you’ll see the popularity of our mass transit. The streetcar will be an essential part of our Downtown mobility. The only thing I’m disappointed in is the delays. I’ve heard originally the streetcar would be launched by 2014; now there’s a one-year delay. Hopefully LASI will catch up. —Alek F, Feb. 10, 9:50 a.m.

Time to Move Forward on Grand Avenue

or more years than is comfortable, the Grand Avenue plan has been one of the most closely watched projects in Downtown Los Angeles. The spotlight is merited: What happens on the four properties will shape the look, feel and function of Bunker Hill for decades to come. Further, the fact that the plots are owned by the city and the county (each controls two) means that the public’s interest must be protected. The combination of years of inaction and signs of change make this the right time to look closely at the state of the project and the parcels. As Los Angeles Downtown News reports this week (see story, page 8), on Feb. 14 the Grand Avenue Authority, the city/county joint powers authority that oversees the project, granted developer Related Companies another two-year deadline to break ground on the first phase of the $3 billion development. At the same time, the board refused to consider a proposal by Downtown Councilwoman Jan Perry to remove Eli Broad’s museum from the JPA’s purview. We’ll take the second matter first: The JPA’s move seems unnecessarily detrimental to Downtown. The museum is ready to move forward, one of the few projects in the region where financing is not an issue. While the development requires some level of oversight, the current set-up is cumbersome and over-managed, and could delay the project. The formation of the JPA was a good idea that has not always yielded best practices. About a decade ago, local officials realized that the empty lots on Bunker Hill might be best utilized if they were packaged together. The goal soon became to find a developer with the vision, track record and financial resources to take those properties and trans-

form the area with buildings and amenities that both turn a profit and improve the neighborhood. Related Companies won the ensuing competition with an exciting plan highlighted by two Frank Gehry-designed towers. In the years after the 2003 debut of Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, the plan thrilled observers. It would create thousands of housing units, 20% of them affordable, along with an upscale hotel and extensive retail. It was viewed as the missing link for Grand Avenue. Giving credit where credit is due: One of the JPA’s best moves was requiring Related to pony up $50 million in advance for construction of the Grand Avenue Civic Park. The 12-acre expanse broke ground last summer and is scheduled for completion in 2012. Once finished, it will hopefully make the stretch between the Music Center and City Hall easier to access, more user-friendly and serve as a community gathering point. That said, Related has repeatedly been put in a difficult position as it needs to get approval for each element of the project from four different political bodies: City Council, the County Board of Supervisors, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the JPA. Making matters even harder is that the city and county interests do not always align, even on this shared project. The distrust that city and county governments have long held for each other has continued here too, and egos have come into play. Thus, Perry’s request to remove Broad’s $100 million art museum from JPA oversight seemed reasonable, a move to simplify a process that is no longer needed. Broad is funding it himself and hopes to break

ground shortly and open in early 2013. The sooner this comes online, the sooner it will benefit Downtown and the rest of the region. It shouldn’t need to jump through an extra JPA hoop. Then there is the question of extending Related’s groundbreaking deadline. This, too, is controversial, considering the firm has been unable to secure financing for a project that was originally slated to break ground in 2007. Even with the new deadline, no one expects work to start any time soon. It has progressed to the point that Related now wants to begin instead with a shorter, single apartment tower that had been intended for a later phase of the project. At this point, we think the JPA did the right thing giving Related one last extension, if only because, with lending markets still tight, it’s not as if another developer would be able to swoop in, create designs, secure approvals and funding and start work. Unless there are clear signals that a self-funding entity is ready to move, if Related can’t do it, probably no one else can. Additionally, Related has not sat idle. Along with the money fronted for the park, the company has paid Gehry and other designers. A Related official recently told Downtown News that so far they have spent more than $100 million on the project. With this and the hurdles the multiple levels of government present, they deserve one last shot. It’s time to move forward on Grand Avenue. Remove obstacles to get Broad’s museum going. Work with Related to spur at least the new tower. Additionally, make sure that the government players all remember that they are working for the public’s interest, not their own.

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 5

DowntownNews.com

See Richard Run

Martinez Collapses After Candidates Forum

Even an Indictment Can’t Stop Serial Campaigner Alarcon

Challenger to Huizar Released After Overnight Hospital Stay for Exhaustion, Stress

by Jon Regardie executive editor

by Jon Regardie

Rudy Martinez, Councilman José Huizar’s challenger in a tight and often nasty race for the 14th District City Council seat, was hospitalized Thursday night. Doctors said his collapse was caused by a muscle spasm that was attributed to stress and exhaustion

executive editor

udy Martinez, the challenger to 14th District Councilman José Huizar in next month’s City Council election, collapsed last week following a candidates’ forum in El Sereno. Martinez was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena on Thursday, Feb. 17, where he was kept overnight. Tests were run and his episode was determined to be a muscle spasm that was attributed to stress and exhaustion, said George Gonzalez, a spokesman for the campaign. Martinez was released Friday morning and sent home with orders to rest and take muscle-relaxing medication, said Gonzalez, who was with the candidate during and after the community forum. Gonzalez said that after the event, Martinez reported feeling poorly. He collapsed and complained of chest pains. Gonzalez said doctors determined that Martinez had not suffered a heart attack or stroke. Martinez’s self-funded campaign has focused on walking precincts and meeting with neighborhood groups. The man best known for his appearances on the reality show “Flip This House” also owns two restaurants in the 14th District, one in Eagle Rock and the other in Highland Park. The life and pace of a political campaign, Gonzalez said, is new to Martinez, who has been working 14 or more hours a day, seven days a week. “It’s getting up in the morning, making fundraising calls, calling voters, walking and listening to people’s concerns,” said Gonzalez. “I think for somebody who is not a career politician, this is not his normal routine. I think the

photo courtesy of Benjamin James

exhaustion just got to him.” Martinez and Huizar have been engaged in a protracted nasty campaign, with each side leveling charges at the other. Yesterday, the sister of a slain LAPD police officer, who had previously criticized Martinez for apparently having a badge that belonged to her brother, changed course and accused Huizar of using the issue for political gain. The reversal came after she met with Martinez. Before that, Martinez was the target of a vicious email, sent by Huizar’s campaign manager Michael Trujillo, that threatened “to put a political bullet in between Rudy Martinez’s forehead.” Trujillo was subsequently fired. Gonzalez said doctors want Martinez to take a few days off the campaign. With less than three weeks until the March 8 election, he was not sure if Martinez would heed the recommendation. “He will take today off. Tomorrow I’m not so sure,” Gonzalez said Friday morning. “He wants to walk precincts.” Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

ichard Alarcon is addicted to running. I don’t mean in a Kenyan marathoner way, but rather in the political sense — the recently indicted 57-year-old City Councilman representing the San Fernando Valley’s Seventh District always seems to be running for office. THE REGARDIE REPORT

Though considering the current situation, as Alarcon runs for something, he may also be running from something much bigger. Alarcon, who like all council members spends a lot of time Downtown in City Hall, recently shocked L.A.’s political establishment by starting fundraising for a 2012 state Assembly race. The wondrous part isn’t that he’s giving up a plum, $180,000 a year City Council job to mess around in the rumpus room that is the California legislature, but rather his timing — he’s seeking lower office at the exact moment when he is under investigation for 18 perjury and voter fraud charges that he didn’t live in the area he represents. Oops! Even though he maintains his innocence, the timing makes one question Alarcon’s thinking: Does he expect that whomever he runs against just won’t notice the dozen and a half charges filed by the District Attorney last August? Does he think voters in the 39th Assembly District will be willing to look the other way because there’s eternal sunshine in Alarcon’s mustachioed mind? Or does he actually have some secret Machiavelli-meets-Manhattan Project plan, whereby he can spin the terrible into good, a sort of The-Man-is-keeping-me-down-and-I-always-rebelto-help-you-the-voters platform. Maybe this is just par for the course for a figure who adores political hopscotch. The onetime aide to Mayor Tom Bradley won a City Council seat in 1993, and then in 1998, see Alarcon, page 24

KEEP HEARING THE SAME OLD EXCUSES FROM YOUR PHONE COMPANY? SWITCH TO TIME WARNER CABLE BUSINESS CLASS FOR A TAILORED INTERNET AND PHONE SOLUTION THAT CAN CHANGE WITH THE NEEDS OF YOUR BUSINESS.

GET BUSINESS CLASS PHONE & INTERNET Plus add Cable TV for $29.95 a month for 12 months. 3-year agreement required for all services. Act by 3/31/11.

Internet | Phone | Cable TV | Ethernet

STARTING AT

.90 A MONTH

At Time Warner Cable Business class, you get answers — not excuses. So if your business is changing, we can tailor a solution to fit your needs. And we deliver it with personal support. Want to set the record straight? Call us today.

for the first 12 months.

www.twcbc.com/LA | 1.866.636.5896

Offer available for new customers. Phone offer includes subscription to one nationwide phone line. Additional nationwide lines available at $29.95 per line up to a maximum of 12 lines. Internet offer includes subscription to 3x384 in LA/SD&DC markets, 3x756 in MW market and 3x768 in HI market. Cable TV includes subscription to Basic Cable TV service. After 12-month promotional period, contracted monthly rate will apply. Early termination fees may apply. Offer is not transferable and may not be combined with any other offer. Business Class Phone does not include backup power, and should there be a power outage, Business Class Phone, including the ability to access 911 services, may not be available. Additional charges apply for construction, installation, taxes, fees, Directory Assistance, Operator Services and calls to international locations. Products, offer and services not available in all areas. Actual speeds may vary. Some restrictions apply. Offer expires 3/31/2011. Time Warner Cable Business Class reserves the right to discontinue any feature or offer at any time. Subject to change without notice. Time Warner Cable Business Class is a trademark of Time Warner Inc. Used under license. ©2011 Time Warner Cable. All Rights Reserved.

6 Downtown News

Twitter/DowntownNews

February 21, 2011

Waiting for Justice Protest From a Third-Place Bidder Delays $244 Million Restoration of County Landmark by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

any Downtowners rejoiced in November when the County Board of Supervisors approved a $244 million plan to rehabilitate the Hall of Justice. It signaled a turnaround for a once-stately 1925 landmark that had been shuttered for 16 years. Three months later, those plans remain on hold, and there is no indication as to when work might begin on the edifice at 211 W. Temple St. The culprit is a protest filed against the county’s selection of Clark Construction and architecture

firm AC Martin Partners to design and build the project. “So far the project has been delayed three months,” said Bob Spencer, a Los Angeles County spokesman. “It’s inappropriate for us to speculate as to what other delays may be affected in the future.” The protest was filed by M4 Development Group/Lutzky Associates, a team that bid on the project but came in third in the competition conducted by the County Department of Public Works. Spencer said the county is reviewing the process, but does not have a timeline for a resolution. He noted that after the review, the county would return to the supervisors with

Los Angeles Downtown News would like to thank the following sponsors:

platinum sponsor

Anjac fashion buildings & The Orpheum theatre silver sponsors

Central City Association Downtown Center Business Improvement district bronze sponsors

Downtown L.A. Motors Group Brookfield Office properties

2011 —H O N O R E E S — Factory Place Arts Complex • Central City Recovery Zone • Chinatown Summer Nights • California Science Center University Gateway • Stair Climb To The Top • Hope For Firefighters • Public Safety Appreciation Barbecue • Medallion Lazy Ox Canteen • Emergence of Restaurant Row on Seventh St. • Ritz-Carlton / J.W. Marriott

“Project of the Year” will be announced at the cocktail reception.

photo by Gary Leonard

In November, Clark Construction and architecture firm AC Martin Partners won a public competition to rehabilitate the 1925 Hall of Justice. A protest from the third-place finisher has imperiled the project.

contract recommendations, which could still be appealed. The delay is the latest hiccup in the long effort to activate the Civic Center landmark that once shined thanks to its Sierra white granite exterior. The structure was home to the Sheriff’s Department, a jail, the Coroner’s office and the District Attorney’s office, and has housed prisoners including Charles Manson and Sirhan Sirhan. Marilyn Monroe’s corpse was once stored in the coroner’s office. The 14-story edifice was closed after being damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Several attempts to rehabilitate the building have since failed. The most recent was halted six years ago due to questions over the extent of the damage and the cost of restoring the structure, which was then estimated at $285 million. Momentum picked up again last year, with expectations that prices would be lower due to a slowdown in the construction industry. That led to the competition won by Bethesda, Md.based Clark Construction and Downtown-based AC Martin, the firms involved in the 2004 restoration effort. Chris Martin, CEO of AC Martin, said he is not familiar with the firms that filed the protest, but fears it may be a maneuver to delay the project and restart the bidding. “They filed a litany of complaints and just seemed unhappy with the procedure the county had set in place,” he said. The protest from a third-ranked team, he added, “tells me they’re not trying to be selected, they’re trying to overturn the entire process.” Calls to Costa Mesa-based Richard Lutzky of Lutzky and Associates and William Barkett, who is listed by the California Secretary of State as a representative of La Jolla-based M4 Development, and is president of real estate development firm Merjan Financial Group at the same location, were not returned by press time. The county was mulling several options when it came time to award a contract: a straight design/build option or a “salelease back” where a developer would get the title for the property, finance the project and then lease it back to the county for 30 years. At that future point, the county would have the option to buy the building for $1, according to county officials. Spencer said the M4/Lutzky team highlighted more than two dozen grievances in the protest. Ready to Go The delay is a disappointment to Martin, who said his firm was already preparing for the project. “Everything was lined up and ready to go,” he said. The renovation plan calls for fixing seismic design flaws to reduce the load on the top floors, along with elevator upgrades and new mechanical systems. There would also be a new, partially underground 1,000-space parking garage on the north side of the building and a high-pressure wash of the granite exterior to restore its gleam. When it opens it would once again house the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney and other county agencies. Dan Rosenfeld, who as a former state real estate official spearheaded previous attempts to restore the building and other Civic Center properties, and now works as a senior deputy to Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, recently toured the Hall of Justice, which was gutted by the county in 2004 in preparation for restorations. He said the county has already stored and catalogued doorframes, light fixtures, elevator doors and other items that have historic merit. He noted that while the project is “ready to go,” completing the proper protest process is necessary. “We’ve waited a long time. But it’s important first of all that the Department of Public Works review the protest carefully and thoroughly,” he said. “Obviously many in the Downtown community are anxious to see work commence.” The $244 million price tag is not final. It is based on the average cost proposed by the seven builders who submitted bids on the project. A county study last summer estimated the project cost at $216.4 million. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

February 21, 2011

DowntownNews.com

Downtown News 7

Gateway Swings Open Again Groundbreaking Expected Shortly For 280-Apartment Chinatown Complex by Richard Guzmán city editor

here is another sign that the Downtown residential market is ready to move forward: A major housing project in Chinatown is slated to break ground within the next few weeks. Officials with Chicago-based developer Equity Residential said work could begin this month on Chinatown Gateway, a 325,000-square-foot development at 639-643 N. Broadway, at Cesar Chavez Avenue. The project had been stalled for several years while financing was sought. Dustin Smith, a development associate for Equity Residential, said there have been no major changes in the design of the project since it was put on hold in 2009. Chinatown Gateway will include 280 studio, one- and two-bedroom market-rate apartments in a six-story building, along with a 588-space subterranean garage and nearly 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Estimates from 2007 had the project cost at about $90 million, although Mee Semcken, a spokeswoman for Equity, said that is not the current price. Officials would not comment on what the building will cost. Seventeen-foot wide sidewalks are part of the plan, making the project conducive to pedestrian activity. It will also include a landscaped plaza. Thomas P. Cox Architects is handling the designs. Semcken said completion is expected in about two years. She and Smith said it will have a significant impact at what is essentially the entrance to Chinatown. “It’ll prove to be an important landmark in the area,” Smith said. Chinatown Gateway has the support of City Councilman Ed Reyes, whose First District includes Chinatown. “The project will provide much needed housing and retail space, bringing temporary and permanent jobs, on a property that has long been an underutilized parking lot,” said Reyes in an email. The development is also drawing accolades from area stakeholders. In part, that comes because several major projects for the neighborhood were stalled during the recession. This is the first large one to move forward. “We are thrilled that the Gateway project is ready to break ground,” said George Yu, executive director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District, who expects the development will provide an economic boost to the neighborhood. “It’s one of the few projects anywhere in Downtown that’s breaking ground and it provides a much-needed balance to Chinatown in terms of economics.” Equity Residential is a developer and operator of about 500 apartment properties in the United States that house more than 200,000 residents. In Downtown, the company operates the Mozaic complex at Union Station. It also has properties in Koreatown, West Los Angeles, Long Beach and other Southern California locations. Back From the Dead Chinatown Gateway was launched about five years ago. At the time, it was a partnership of Equity, J.B. Allen Realty Inc. and Delia LLC. The other partners have not been involved since 2008, said Semcken. Semcken said it took about two years to go through the entitlement process. Once that was completed, Equity decided to put the project on hold for another two years while waiting for the economy to improve. “We think that economy-wise, it’s a good time to start the project,” she said. Once completed in 2013, she added, “The economy will be back and we’ll be able to fill retail commercial spaces and rent out the apartments.” The project is not using any city funds, but did require approval from the Community Redevelopment Agency, which OKed a zoning variance on the land to allow for residential use, said Bibiana Yung, a project manager with the CRA. Yung said in addition to financing, some design issues had to be resolved before the project could start again, such as the placement of loading zones and left turn lanes. “It has all been resolved satisfactorily and we are all looking forward to the project,” Yung said. Chinatown Gateway would create about 1,000 permanent and temporary jobs, along with generating approximately $850,000 in annual tax revenue for the city. “The first level’s commercial and retail, along with the market-rate apartments, will be an important addition to the Chinatown area,” Yung said. It could also be the first of two major projects to help change the face of Chinatown. In March, the CRA is expecting re-

sponses from a public bidding process for the failed Blossom Plaza site just up the street, on Broadway between College and Spring streets. Although a shuttered and fenced-off Italian restaurant now sits at that location, city officials hope the fully entitled land will attract a developer that can activate the 1.9-acre spot that was once slated for a $165 million project. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

rendering courtesy of Equity Residential

After being on hold for two years, the Chinatown Gateway project is ready to break ground. It would create 280 apartments and about 20,000 square feet of retail space.

8 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

Perry Wants Broad Site Out of Grand Avenue Plan Move Prompts Terse Exchange With Molina; Related Gets Two-Year Extension by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

ith phase one of the Grand Avenue plan on hold, Councilwoman Jan Perry last week tried to extract control of the site of Eli Broad’s art museum from the city-county joint powers authority that governs the $3 billion mega project. The move prompted a terse exchange between Perry and County Supervisor Gloria Molina, the chair of the Grand Avenue Authority. The panel voted on Monday, Feb. 14, to give developer the Related Companies another two-year extension of its dead-

line to break ground on phase one of the project. The firm has been unable to secure financing for the two luxury residential towers with a boutique hotel and 250,000 square feet of retail it envisions for the county-owned site east of Walt Disney Concert Hall. Perry cast the lone vote against the extension. The phase one concept, she said, is simply “not viable” in today’s economy. Prior to the vote, Perry sought to discuss removing the Broad parcel from the JPA. She said after the meeting that the move would allow the museum to sidestep any potential delays imposed by the panel. The authority is due to consider the museum plan, including a proposed public plaza and ex-

You’re invited

Women’s Wellness Conference Keynote Speaker

A New Look at Nutrition

Edward Schneider, M.D. Emeritus Dean of the Andrus Gerontology Center Professor of Gerontology, Medicine, and Biological Science, Demographics and Health Care

Saturday, March 5, 2011 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Luncheon following program. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Parking will be validated. Good Samaritan Hospital Moseley-Salvatori Conference Center 637 S. Lucas Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90017

For more information or to register in advance please call 1 (800) GS-CARES (1-800-472-2737) or go to www.goodsam.org. Cost: $25

panded parking garage, on Feb. 28. Molina coolly dismissed the notion that any of the four parcels that comprise the Grand Avenue plan be removed, quashing any chance at a public debate on the matter. After the meeting, Molina could be heard accusing Perry of directly approaching Related to work on phase two plans instead of keeping talks solely within the framework of the JPA. The Grand Avenue Authority was created in 2003 in part so the city and county could combine four Central City assets to maximize their value and share control in the development of the marquee locations. The countyowned sites are just east of Disney Hall, bounded by First, Second and Hill streets and Grand Avenue. The city-controlled, Community Redevelopment Agency-owned sites — including the Broad museum parcel — are just south of Disney Hall, on the west side of Grand Avenue. All four currently operate as parking lots. As the massive phase one remains on hold — Monday’s deadline extension was the latest in a long string of delays tied to the lack of financing; the development was originally slated to break ground in 2007 — the city stakeholders on the authority are seeking to fast track plans for the city properties that were originally tabbed for phase two. First there was the Broad museum, which the JPA approved last year for the site known as parcel “L.” Then came the CRA’s proposal for Related to build a scaled down apartment tower on what’s known as parcel “M.” That plan replaces the original concept to build a condo tower up to 35 stories. Related is due to submit schematic designs for the apartment project this month. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

Buss Continued from page 1 that you could refinance and use your acquisitions to buy additional properties,” Buss said. “It begins to snowball, as long as things keep going up.” In the late 1960s, Buss began snatching up vacant lots along Wilshire Boulevard when the price was — wait for it — $15 per square foot. Three years later, he sold most of those holdings when the price ballooned to $105 per square foot, he told ESPN hosts Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley. Although his fortune was growing, Buss said he saw himself becoming a teacher, likely at the University of Hawaii. In fact, that was his plan, as soon as he could sell all of his real estate assets. Moving the land, however, took longer than he planned, and it was during that stretch in the mid-1970s when Buss came to know then-Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke. Buss had already purchased a tennis team, the Los Angeles Strings, which soon set attendance records for the upstart league. That impressed Cooke, who planted the seed that Buss could one day own the Lake Show. It took three years to negotiate the deal, but in 1979 Buss spent $67.5 million to buy the Lakers, the Kings and the Lakers’ then home, the Los Angeles Forum. Buss has earned a reputation as an owner who rarely meddles in the team’s day-to-day affairs, Kellerman said. Call him the anti-George Steinbrenner. But recently, as the Lakers endured a bumpy stretch, Buss did visit the team at practice. Buss said he tries to initiate small talk with the players, to calm them down, and to remind them that he’s behind them “100%, win, lose or draw,” he said. But he didn’t deny that the Lakers are not in championship form — yet. Going to the NBA Finals three years in a row takes a toll on players’ bodies, and the team is dealing with fatigue, he said. “Right about now everybody senses that we have to get busy,” he said. “This is going to be our time…. The pride begins to set in, not the fatigue. The fatigue begins to float away. They begin to say, our championship, you’re going to have to take it away from us.” Several hours after Buss’ appearance, the Lakers lost to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers, the team’s third consecutive defeat. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 9

DowntownNews.com

Downtown developmenT

Signs of Progress, Signs of Hope Ryan Vaillancourt n the world of Downtown Los Angeles development, a lot remains the same: Plenty of people have big dreams, and hope to construct housing complexes, entertainment attractions, even mega mixed-use projects. In the current environment, however, these dreamers are often stymied by frozen lending markets that make construction impossible. At the same time, there are signs of progress across the community, as several major developments are moving forward. Many in the area hope that once these break ground, reticent lenders will recognize that a new wave of activity is viable, and the floodgates will open again. For example, in the next few months, Downtown is expected to see construction start on the $100 million Broad Art Foundation museum on Bunker Hill, and a major housing project in Chinatown. Meanwhile, Anschutz Entertainment Group is garnering significant attention for its proposed $1 billion South Park football stadium and convention facility. Although the spotlight is not as bright, progress continues on several affordable housing developments. The cranes that a few years ago speckled the Downtown skyline may be gone, but if the above projects, and others like the Wilshire Grand replacement get going, there just might be a return. If one thing in the past decade has proven true, it’s that there is a serious appetite for Downtown living. What follows is the latest on 69 Downtown projects.

NEW PROJECTS These projects were either publicly announced, or gained prominence in the past five months.

photo by Gary Leonard

CHESTER WILLIAMS BUILDING

existing West Hall of the Convention Center and in its place build a 64,000-seat, $1 billion football stadium with a retractable roof; it would expand up to 72,000 seats for Super Bowls, Final Fours and other events, and could also be used for large conventions. Additionally, the project envisions a new West Hall of the Convention Center that would connect to the current main convention building. In total, it would give Los Angeles 1.4 million square feet of convention space, up from 770,000 square feet. AEG late last year named architecture firms Gensler, HKS and HNTB as finalists to design the stadium, which would sit on a 15-acre site. AEG has begun talking with city officials about a plan to raze and rebuild the convention facility; the negotiations, which would include the city floating $350 million in bonds for the convention building (AEG has promised to back the bonds so taxpayers are not at risk), are expected to take months. AEG does not yet have a team for the stadium.

LITTLE TOKYO SHOPPING CENTER Although no timeline has been provided, plans are underway to renovate the 25-year-old Little Tokyo Shopping Center, said project representative Jay Kim. The mall at 333 S. Alameda St. is nearly half-empty, but a group of KoreanAmerican investors who bought the property in 2008 intend to bring about eight new restaurants to the three-story structure. The fortress-like building will also undergo a renovation to give it a more open and inviting look. The 250,000-squarefoot building last year saw the arrival of a new nightclub, Vault 21, and Woori Market, a Korean grocery chain.

ROSSLYN HOTEL Nonprofit developer SRO Housing Corp. is in the pre-development phase for a renovation of the 264-unit affordable housing complex at Fifth and Main streets. The company, which bought the property last year with help from the Community Redevelopment Agency, is required to preserve the affordable residences in the building. SRO expects to have funding for the project by mid-2012 and start construction by the end of that year, said Joseph Corcoran, the developer’s director of planning and housing development.

RESIDENTIAL FOR SALE ALAMEDA AND FOURTH CONDOS

Downtown Management broke ground on an adaptive reuse conversion of the 75-year-old Chester Williams Building at Fifth Street and Broadway in December. The company plans to spend about $15 million converting the old commercial edifice into 88 apartments, said Greg Martin, the company’s vice president. Martin said the project should open by mid2012.

CHINATOWN GATEWAY A long-stalled, 321,000-square-foot development at Broadway and Cesar Chavez Avenue is back on track, and a groundbreaking is anticipated for this month, said Bibiana Yung, a project representative with the Community Redevelopment Agency. The project, by developer Equity Residential, had been on hold due to the economy. Chinatown Gateway would include a sixstory building with 280 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with 18,000 square feet of retail.

FARMERS FIELD Officials with Anschutz Entertainment Group this month announced a deal with Farmers Insurance that would name the new football stadium Farmers Field if it comes to fruition. AEG, working with Casey Wasserman, hopes to raze the

Completion of an approximately $20 million adaptive reuse project that will transform a six-story Arts District building is scheduled for late 2011, said Peklar Pilavjian of developer Alameda and Fourth, LLC. The project at Fourth and Alameda streets is transforming the 1923 structure into 53 artist-in-residence lofts. Units will range from 650-2,400 square feet. No sales prices have been set. A secondary phase of the project is in the planning stage. It calls for a new residential structure on the side of the lot fronting Alameda Street.

CONCERTO TOWER Astani Enterprises, developer of a 30-story tower at Ninth and Figueroa streets, has sold the project to ST Residential as part of a bankruptcy settlement deal reached on Feb. 17. Construction is nearly complete on the structure that encompasses phase two of the development (a seven-story, 77-unit building that fronts Flower Street that is open was the first phase). Astani’s construction lender, Corus Bank, went bankrupt in 2009, and its assets were purchased by the FDIC and Starwood Capital Group, the New York-based parent of ST Residential. Under terms of the settlement, Astani forfeits the tower and collects a $9.25 million payment. The sleek black edifice includes 271 studio to three-bedroom residences. There remains no timeline for the third Concerto component, which would add another 281 market-rate condominiums in a second 30-story tower on the same block. The settlement gives ST Residential control of phase three, which is approved and entitled. A sales and design center is at 900 S. Figueroa St. The settlement prohibits all involved parties from talking about the details of the deal, or making negative comments about the other in public, effectively ending what had been a nasty legal battle. At Stresidential.com.

LIBESKIND TOWER According to the most recent information available, developer Human Technologies LLC is still trying to secure a construction loan for the 43-story South Park tower. Officials with the project did not return calls for comment. The developer, which has secured entitlements, had announced plans for a project that would rise on two South Park parking lots at 1340-1360 S. Figueroa St. and 1355-1365 S. Flower St. Plans call for 35 levels of housing with 273 residences over an eightfloor podium and two subterranean levels. The project would also hold 11,673 square feet of space for two restaurants, a 9,325-square-foot spa and 379 parking spaces. No timeline or budget has been announced.

SANTEE VILLAGE photo by Gary Leonard

by Roselle Chen, Richard Guzmán, Jon Regardie and

photo by Gary Leonard

The Latest Information on 69 Downtown Projects

BARN LOFTS Although much of the work on the transformation of the former Speckles Brothers sugar beet warehouse at 940 E. Second St. has been completed, the future of the development is unclear. Developer Mark Borman, who has encountered financing troubles, did not respond to requests for comment. The plan called for turning the Arts District structure into a 58,000-square-foot complex with 38 market-rate, three-story townhouses ranging from 1,300-2,600 square feet. Each unit would contain two and a half bathrooms, two bedrooms and a roof deck, and the project would have 69 parking spaces.

BROWNSTONE LOFTS Completion of a 55-unit condominium project at 1168 W. Bellevue Ave. is expected by mid-May, and pre-sales are underway. The three-story 1928 building includes 55 studio and one- and two-bedroom units. Prices range from $375,000-$1.4 million. The project will include a pool, gym and concierge.

The team of Kennedy Wilson and RECP Urban Partners plans to restart sales at a long-stalled trio of Fashion District buildings this month. Kennedy Wilson/RECP Urban Partners see Projects, page 10

10 Downtown News

SHY BARRY TOWER II Developer Barry Shy said he plans to start construction on a six-story parking garage at 601 S. Main St. and a 40-story, 700-unit condominium tower on the same parcel in about six months. Construction would last about two years. There is no budget available yet.

RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT 11TH AND GRAND TOWER Meruelo Maddux, the Downtown landowner and developer embroiled in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, submitted applications last year to build a 21-story residential tower on the northwest corner of 11th Street and Grand Avenue. The company, which as of press time was nearing completion of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, managed to maintain control of the site through a settlement with creditor Legendary Investors. But there remains no timeline for development, which would require a construction loan. The surface of a former parking lot at the site was removed last June and the company is allowing another developer to store a crane there, said Andrew Murray, Meruelo Maddux CFO. Eventually, the company hopes to build a tower with 19 units (one per floor), all at about 4,000 square feet, which the firm says would fill a niche in family housing Downtown. The architect on the project is Meruelo Maddux’s Manuel Funes, who also designed the 35-story tower developed by the company at 705 W. Ninth St. That building was sold to Watermarke Properties.

1027 WILSHIRE Central City Development Group in November secured entitlements for a 376-unit live/work complex at 1027 Wilshire Blvd. in City West. The company, which is partnering with the Amidi Real Estate Group, views the low-rise building as the second phase of 1010 Wilshire, a corporate housing complex across the street, said Hamid Behdad of the CCDG. Behdad said the focus is now on securing financing for the development that would also contain 6,500 square feet of retail and 5,000 square feet of office space. The timeline will depend on the financing, said Behdad.

Construction could begin by the fall on Meta Housing’s conversion of two structures at 808 N. Spring St. into a 123-unit apartment complex, said Tim Soule, the project manager. The property includes a nine-story edifice built in 1918 as a storage facility for nearby train depots. The company has been in escrow to purchase the property from the Kor Group since 2009 for $10 million. The deal is slated to close once Meta completes funding applications. The project is estimated at $44 million.

PANAMA APARTMENTS SRO Housing Corp. had planned to convert the rear portion of the 87 emergency shelter units at the Panama Hotel into 41 efficiency apartments for permanent housing. The project at 403 E. Fifth St. is on hold until 2012. When it does resume, the nonprofit developer plans to turn the entire 221unit emergency housing complex into about 100 permanent supportive housing apartments, said Joseph Corcoran, SRO Housing’s director of planning and housing development.

PIERO II

DA VINCI There remains no construction timeline for G.H. Palmer Associates’ proposed 627-apartment complex in City West. The development is currently in the planning stage. Da Vinci would rise at Fremont and Temple streets on a 193,000-square-foot site that Palmer bought in 2004 for about $9 million. The 578,172-square-foot complex would put five floors of housing above three levels of parking with 8,158 square feet of street-front retail. The site includes a parcel on Temple Street that abuts the nightclub Vertigo’s. At ghpalmer.com.

GATEWAYS APARTMENTS SRO Housing Corp. is still looking for funds to build a 108unit affordable housing project on a 22,000-square-foot vacant lot at Fifth and San Pedro streets, said Joseph Corcoran, the nonprofit developer’s director of planning and housing development. Plans remain preliminary, but SRO expects to secure the money by November and begin construction in about a year. At srohousing.org.

MEGATOYS RESIDENCES Developer Charlie Woo continues to look for funding for a 49,000-square-foot apartment complex he plans to build on the Megatoys warehouse site and an adjacent parking lot. Woo originally planned to do condominiums, but has switched instead to a rental project due to the market. He said the change does not affect the entitlements. The 2.9-acre complex will include about 300 apartments, nearly 16,000 square feet of retail space and about 700 parking spaces. No budget information has been released.

NEW GENESIS

photo by Gary Leonard

BROCKMAN BUILDING

CHINATOWN METRO APARTMENTS

less individuals. It is funded by a mix of local, state and federal sources. Twenty-five percent of the apartments will be set aside for working individuals earning less than $37,260 per year. Ninety-eight residences will be efficiency apartments, and eight will be one-bedroom, loft-style spaces. Completion is expected in March 2012, said Molly Rysman, director of external affairs for SRHT.

photo by Gary Leonard

Continued from page 9 bought the buildings — all part of MJW Investment’s Santee Village project that finished in 2008 — in November. The package includes the 73-unit Santee, which has sat vacant since MJW finished the project. It also includes the 48-unit Eckardt and the 95-condo Cornell. The new owners will begin sales at the Eckardt, which has 36 residences available, on Feb. 26. When the project sells out, the Cornell will open for sales, which the owners expect to happen in April, said Steve Henry, managing director of acquisitions for Kennedy Wilson. There is no concrete timeline for opening the Santee, but sales there will proceed when the two other buildings are completely sold, Henry said. At the Eckardt, all but three units range from 813-936 square feet, with an average price of $250,000. There is one penthouse, which hasn’t yet been priced, and two larger units priced at about $330,000. All the Eckardt units are loft-style one bedrooms. At santeevillagelofts.com

After a protracted bankruptcy process, lender Bank of America was allowed to foreclose on developer West Millennium Group’s 80-unit Brockman Building in December. The foreclosure paved the way for the bank to sell the project at 530 W. Seventh St. that houses the popular ground floor restaurant Bottega Louie. Bank of America officials are considering two strategies for selling the Brockman, said Kenneth N. Russak, an attorney for the bank. They will either market the entire property for sale, or sell or lease individual units. Typically, banks opt to unload foreclosed properties in a single deal. Bank of America lent developer West Millennium Group $35 million to finance the renovation of the 1921 Brockman Building, and costs later escalated to $44 million. The property is believed to be worth less than its outstanding debt.

photo by Gary Leonard

Projects

February 21, 2011

Development

Work continues on developer G.H. Palmer Associates’ 335-apartment complex at Bixel and St. Paul streets, company owner Geoff Palmer said. The City West project follows the same Italian villa-inspired design as Palmer’s other Downtown developments, including the adjacent Piero I. Piero II is slated to include a pedestrian bridge over St. Paul Street that will connect a rooftop swimming pool deck to the first phase of the Piero. The $70 million development is tentatively slated for completion in 2012. At ghpalmer.com.

STAR APARTMENTS The nonprofit developer Skid Row Housing Trust is planning a 102-unit permanent supportive housing project at the southeast corner of Sixth and Maple streets, but the timeline remains uncertain. SRHT is working to secure financing for the effort; it is expected to come from a mix of private and public sources. The project would reinforce the current structure and add new residential units above the existing shell. The company hopes to break ground in December, said Molly Rysman, director of external affairs for SRHT.

THE FORD Developer SRO Housing Corp. continues to transform the Ford Hotel at 1000 E. Seventh St. into 151 studio apartments. Currently, crews are doing lead and asbestos abatement work, along with structural and seismic upgrades, said Joseph Corcoran, the nonprofit developer’s director of planning and housing development. Construction is about 50% complete. When acquired by SRO, the hotel had 295 units and 132 people lived in the dilapidated building. The $25 million project will create 90 residences for chronically homeless individuals, Corcoran said, with each one holding a kitchenette and bathroom. The remaining apartments will be for low-income residents earning up to 50% of the Area Median Income (approximately $60,000). Completion is anticipated for September. At srohousing.org.

MIXED USE Work continues on nonprofit developer Skid Row Housing Trust’s $22.3 million affordable housing development at 458 S. Main St. The project will include a solar energy system on the roof and is expected to be the first permanent supportive housing effort in Los Angeles built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification standards. Designed by Killefer Flammang Architects, the New Genesis will provide 106 residences, mostly for home-

BLOSSOM PLAZA The Community Redevelopment Agency is waiting for proposals from developers in a public bidding process for the former Blossom Plaza; they are due March 4, according to an agency official. The CRA and City Councilman Ed Reyes hope to activate the 1.9-acre site on Broadway between College and Spring streets. The Chinatown location was

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 11

photo by Gary Leonard

rendering courtesy of the Jerde Partnership

Development

formerly slated for a $165 million development, though that died due to financing issues. The city then purchased the fully entitled land for $9.9 million. The lot holds the former Little Joe’s restaurant, which has been closed for more than a decade.

L.A. CENTRAL The fate of the long-stalled South Park mega-project is uncertain. Five years ago New York-based Moinian Group, owner of the current parking lot across from Staples Center, announced plans to build 53- and 37-story towers housing 860 condominiums, plus 250,000 square feet of retail space, a grocery store, restaurants and a boutique hotel with 222 rooms. Those failed to come to fruition when the company failed to secure a loan for the $1 billion mixed-use project at Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street. Moinian, which did not return phone calls, bought the lot for $80 million from L.A. Live developer Anschutz Entertainment Group in 2006.

NIKKEI CENTER Plans for the city to sell a five-acre parcel at the northeast corner of First and Alameda streets for $44 million ended

tabbed for phase two. The tower, which has no architect or timeline, would rise up to 23 stories, instead of the approved maximum height of 35 stories. Related is expected to submit schematic designs for the tower to the Community Redevelopment Agency by Feb. 28.

VIBIANA Negotiations to house an upscale restaurant in the rectory of the former St. Vibiana’s cathedral continue, said Anika Warden Ingalls, executive director for Vibiana. Developers Gilmore Associates and Weintraub Financial Services recently completed a second round of renovations at the events venue. The upgrades included a garden redesign, mechanical system improvements and a new finishing kitchen. The 130-year-old landmark now hosts community gatherings, performances, fundraisers, weddings and other events. The partners also hope to build a high-rise on the property immediately south of the building. According to the restaurant’s website, Grace at Vibiana would take up the first three floors of the rectory building and would include a bar and lounge with a rooftop terrace.

in December, when the City Council voted to terminate a negotiation agreement with Kaji & Associates, the developer of the proposed Nikkei Center, according to city documents. The move came after Kaji’s early partners in the proposed development dropped out. According to a plan presented by Metro to the Little Tokyo Community Council in January, the agency, in the short term, is looking at the property for a possible construction staging area for work on the Regional Connector. No long-term plans for the long-vacant property have been announced.

THE GRAND The Grand Avenue Authority on Feb. 14 approved another two-year extension for developer the Related Companies to break ground on phase one of the $3 billion mega-project known as The Grand. The extension gives the firm through February 2013 to start construction, unless the authority can show that another major mixed-use project with a budget of $500 million or more breaks ground in the state before then. Meanwhile, the developer is working on plans for a scaled-down residential tower originally slated for a parcel

WILSHIRE GRAND REPLACEMENT The team working on a $1 billion, two-tower project at the northwest corner of Seventh and Figueroa streets expects to take the project to the City Council for final approval in early March, said Ayahlushim Getachew, senior vice president at Thomas Properties Group. Korean Air, the owner of the Wilshire Grand hotel, and TPG, which is working as the developer on the deal, intend to raze the 1952 hotel and erect a 45-story tower holding a 560-room, four-star hotel along with 100 residences, and a 65-floor office tower. The project was approved by the Planning Commission in December, though the panel required the developers to scale back its proposal to wrap much of the hotel’s podium in digital signage. TPG officials have said they hope to begin demolishing the building in December and break ground on the hotel tower in December 2012. They aim to open the new hotel in 2015. The second building would follow at an undetermined time, depending largely on conditions in the currently weak office market. The hotel’s development agreement with the see Projects, page 12

12 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Development

CIVIC BROADWAY REVITaLIZATION The 10-year plan to revive the Broadway corridor between Second Street and Olympic Boulevard has been under way for three years. Fourteenth District Councilman José Huizar said his office is close to completing Historic Commercial Reuse Guidelines for implementing the California Historic Building Code. This will make it easier to reactivate the nearly 1 million square feet of vacant space above street level. The Broadway Streetscape Master Plan is moving into the environmental review phase and should be completed this year. Work is also underway on implementing a sign district on Broadway that would allow placing historic signs on buildings that existed long ago but are no longer allowed due to city codes.

CENTRAL REGION HIGH SCHOOL NO. 12 Camino Nuevo, a 10-year-old charter organization that runs five schools in the Westlake-MacArthur Park area, plans to open a 500-seat school in City West by 2013. The Los Angeles Unified School District owns the site adjacent to the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex on Third Street just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway. The move is part of the district’s effort to comply with Prop. 39, a state law that requires school districts to make space available to charters. District officials are currently proceeding with an environmental study. Plans call for a 55,361-square-foot, three-story school on a sliver of land immediately east of the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex athletics fields, near the intersection of Miramar Street and Huntley Drive. The new school will share use of the playing fields. It would include a 47-space, subterranean garage.

CHINATOWN PLAZA IMPROVEMENTS Work on revitalizing the heart of Chinatown continues, with 48 property owners signing up for city grants to renovate their buildings. Construction has started on a handful of projects, with dozens of others in various pre-building stages, such as design development and contract bidding, said Bibiana Yung, a project representative with the Community Redevelopment Agency. The CRA is leading the program to revitalize Central and West plazas and Bamboo Lane. The grants, through the CRA’s façade improvement program, cover new paint, the installation of Chinese architectural features and neon lighting.

EXPOSITION LIGHT RAIL The Exposition Light Rail, a $930 million project that will connect Downtown to Culver City, is 86% complete, said Gabriella Collins, a spokeswoman for the Exposition Construction Authority. The line’s La Cienega station is scheduled to open in the fall. In March train testing will begin and crews are currently finishing work on the stations and street reconstruction. A 2012 debut is expected for the Venice/Robertson station. The eight-mile route will share two stops with the Blue Line and will add nine new stations. At buildexpo.org.

FEDERAL BUILDING A winter 2011 completion is now set for a $90 million seismic upgrade of the Federal Building at 300 N. Los Angeles St., said Gene Gibson, regional public affairs officer for the General Services Administration. The structure has been upgraded with new fire safety systems; the original ceiling and lighting systems have been replaced and work has been done on the signage, security systems, elevators and environmental remediation. The project grew in scope when it secured $19.5 million in Recovery Act funds to make the Civic Center property more energy efficient.

LOS ANGELES RIVER Efforts to revitalize the Los Angeles River continue. Following last July’s designation by the Environmental Protection Agency of the river as “traditional navigable waters,” First District Councilman Ed Reyes is working with officials and environmental groups to identify an area along the waterway to launch a pilot program for non-motorized boating. Reyes is also working on a motion for tour operators to access the river to lead groups, said Reyes spokeswoman Monica Valencia. Reyes, along with other local leaders and representatives of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan, continues to lobby for federal dollars for the project, and the city is waiting to hear back about funds it may receive, Valencia said. The overall effort could cost $2 billion and take decades, though full funding has not been secured. The Army Corps of Engineers is also working on a feasibility study for ecosystem restoration that is expected to be complete within two years. An updated River Improvement Overlay Plan is available for viewing on the city Planning Department’s website. At lariver.org.

FEDERAL COURTHOUSE The city Chief Legislative Analyst’s office is working to determine whether an exchange involving the Federal Courthouse and the vacated Parker Center would be in the city’s interest, said Eva Kandarpa, a spokeswoman for Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry. There is no timeline yet on when the CLA’s report will be completed, she said. The 3.6-acre federal site, at the southwest corner of First Street and Broadway, had been slated to hold a 41-room courthouse, though the project has been stalled since the projected cost ballooned to more than $1 billion — Congress had appropriated $314 million for the building. The site was previously home to a state office building that was razed. Now there is just a fenced-off hole. Gene Gibson, regional public affairs officer for the General Services Administration, had no comment on the issue of a property switch. She said the GSA has been working with the courts over the past year to revisit the project and is awaiting the outcome of the 2011 budget to determine the future of the development.

GRAND AVENUE CIVIC PARK

image courtesy of LASI

DOWNTOWN STREETCAR

The nonprofit L.A. Streetcar Inc., set up by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar and a group of Downtown stakeholders, is completing an economic analysis to determine the details of a proposed assessment district aimed at raising about half of the funds for the up to $125 million project. Huizar said that analysis should be complete by the end of February. The study will look at whether to tax just property holders on the proposed route linking L.A. Live, Bunker Hill and Broadway, or also land owners in the surrounding area. LASI officials will begin meeting with property owners once

1925 structure. However, a protest was lodged by another construction firm that bid for the job, and the transformation of the Civic Center development is on hold while the county prepares a response. There is no timeline for when that will be complete. The supervisors had approved a $244.2 million rehabilitation of the building at 211 W. Temple St. When done, it will once again house the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney and other county agencies. A completion date had been set for 2014, though it is unknown if that will be delayed.

LOS ANGELES STATE HISTORIC PARK The California State Parks Department in December unveiled a new $18 million plan to renovate the 32-acre park. Construction is set to begin in 2013 with completion approximately 18 months later. The plan includes a welcome pavilion, a promenade for a farmers market, an amphitheatre, some wetland areas and infrastructure improvements such as permanent restrooms. It’s a scaled-down version of the original $55 million plan for the site. Although the $40 billion statewide high-speed rail system could cut through the park, officials said they still intend to move forward with the project.

LOS ANGELES TRADE-TECHNICAL COLLEGE The multi-phase, $613-million upgrade continues on the L.A. Trade-Tech campus at 400 W. Washington Blvd. A $65 million upgrade of the west wing of the 102,295-square-foot “A” Building is scheduled to be completed in early fall, with an atrium and gallery spaces, among other improvements. Plans are also underway for a proposed $90 million Construction Technology Building on land across Grand Avenue from the South Campus. The project will include a 1,000-space parking structure with stations for charging electric vehicles; the charging stations will be powered by a solar installation on the structure’s roof. The $23 million renovation of the Learning Resource Center is scheduled for completion in late 2012. Anil Verma Associates, a Los Angeles-based architecture and engineering firm, is the project manager.

PARKER CENTER REPLACEMENT Construction continues on the $56 million Grand Avenue Civic Park. Work began in mid-July, and the project is scheduled to open in summer 2012, said Jack Mollenkopf, project executive with the park’s general contractor Pankow. The project was funded by the up-front payment made to the county by Grand Avenue project developer Related of California. The design by Rios Clementi Hale Studios will eliminate the large circular parking ramps at the west end of the site (across from the Music Center) and the L-shaped entrance points near Broadway. The 12-acre facility will feature terraced green space, pathways, an event lawn, additional trees and a small dog run. Monuments on the site have either been moved to another location or protected from construction. About 100 trees have also been removed, and will be replanted later.

HALL OF JUSTICE In November, the County Board of Supervisors was slated to approve the hiring of Clark Construction and architecture firm AC Martin Partners to oversee the rehabilitation of the

photo by Gary Leonard

Continued from page 11 city, which has been agreed to verbally but needs approval from the council, is for 20 years.

photo by Gary Leonard

Projects

the report is complete. The streetcar plan is also moving into the environmental review stage; that is slated to be finished this year. The streetcar team will apply for up to $50 million in federal funds. Huizar hopes to break ground in 2013 and open the line two years later.

The city is considering a property swap with the federal government that would give it control of a 3.5-acre parcel bounded by Broadway and First, Second and Hill streets in exchange for the Parker Center site. Parker Center, the LAPD’s 54-yearold former headquarters, has been empty since the department’s 2009 move into the Police Administration Building.

February 21, 2011

The city was looking at authorizing an Environmental Impact Report that would study five options for the site, including adaptive reuse of the building, partial demolition and renovation, and demolition and replacement with a temporary parking lot. Now, the focus has shifted to the possible swap; the federal government had planned to build a courthouse on the 3.6-acre parcel, but the plan is stalled. City leaders are awaiting a report from the Chief Legislative Analyst’s office on the proposal, said Eva Kandarpa, spokeswoman for Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry. The CLA is expected to issue a report once it hears back from the federal government.

REGIONAL CONNECTOR Metro in October chose a $1.44 million fully underground route as its preferred alternative for the two-mile Regional Connector. The agency is now preparing a final environmental impact report on the underground light rail link. The study is expected to be complete late this year. In selecting the underground option, Metro also eliminated plans for a station at Fifth and Flower streets. A group of business and mass transit interests are currently lobbying to have Metro re-insert the station into the final EIR. The agency has indicated that the community would need to come up with approximately $2 million to cover the cost of adding the station back to the study. Once the study is finished, design and engineering would take another two years. Completion is tentatively pegged for 2019.

SIXTH STREET VIADUCT State attorneys continue to review the city’s environmental impact report on plans to replace the ailing, 78-year-old Sixth Street Viaduct, which spans the Los Angeles River between Downtown and Boyle Heights. The city’s Bureau of Engineering expects final approval on the report by September, at which point officials can proceed with the final design phase and right-of-way acquisition, said John Koo, group manager with the Bureau of Engineering. A chemical reaction is breaking down the bridge, though officials have said there is no imminent danger of collapse. Since 2007, Bureau of Engineering staff have been looking at repairing, or more likely replacing the structure; the environmental analysis was completed on time, but legal review by CalTrans has held up the work. Current projections are that a new bridge won’t come until 2017 at the earliest. The project is estimated at $359 million. The city has identified a new cable-supported structure as a preferred design, which 14th District City Councilman José Huizar supports, though the organization Friends of the Los Angeles River has called for an international design competition to generate other options.

Downtown News 13

Development sions the first exhibition opening in early 2013. The museum, previously known as the Broad Collection, will be named the Broad Art Foundation but referred to as The Broad. Architect Diller, Scofidio + Renfro unveiled the three-level museum’s design in January. The building will features a pre-cast concrete web that will encase the museum on five sides, including the roof, letting diffuse light inside and providing the primary structural support for the building. The 93,000-square-foot museum will house Broad’s 2,000 contemporary works, with rotating pieces on display in the third floor gallery. The museum will also come with a new public plaza to the south and west of the site, and widened sidewalks along Grand Avenue between Second and Third streets. The CRA is spending $52 million on the plaza, sidewalks and garage portions of the project. Broad will cover the rest of the museum construction cost, in addition to the $7.7 million he paid to lease the land for 99 years. Broad will also endow the museum with $200 million.

MOCA EXPANSION A three-story, 90,000-square-foot museum building that would rise on a current parking lot adjacent to MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo is still in the works, but there is no timeline or budget, a MOCA official said. Plans call for 6,000 square feet of educational program space, 18,000 square feet of exhibition/storage space and 66,000 square feet of pure storage space. According to Planning Department records, in 2009 MOCA requested a five-year period after approval to begin construction, which would take about 18 months

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM The six-year, $135 million transformation of the Exposition Park attraction continues. In January, the museum unveiled see Projects, page 14

presents

Wisdom Andrew Zuckerman

CULTURAL/ENTERTAINMENT BELASCO THEATRE The restoration of the theater at 1050 S. Hill St. has increased from $10 million to $12 million, said project spokeswoman Sharon Dominguez. Husband and wife team John and Christina Kim have a long-term lease on the property owned by Mehdi Bolour and will manage and operate the venue. Theater inspections have been finalized by the city and restaurant inspections should be done this month. The 41,000-square-foot project includes a main theater, ballroom, basement lounge, one wine bar/lounge called Vintage 10 Fifty and two restaurants called Grill Fresco and Café Belasco. The property has already hosted some special events, though no public opening has been set.

image by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

BROAD ART FOUNDATION

Bank of America Plaza 333 South Hope Street Concourse Level February 21 – April 1 Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm A collection of large-format photographs of leaders and visionaries from the worlds of politics, sports, and the arts. Wisdom was conceived and created by award-winning photographer and filmmaker Andrew Zuckerman, who was inspired by the idea that one of the greatest gifts a generation can give to the next is the wisdom gained from experience.

Visit ArtsBrookfield.com for information. Admission is free. No tickets required. Philanthropist Eli Broad expects to break ground by April on a 370-car parking garage that will serve as the base for a $100 million contemporary art museum. The timeline envi-

14 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Development

Continued from page 13 the Tyrannosaurus rex centerpiece for its upcoming Dinosaur Hall; that will open in July, and a new exhibition exploring the natural and cultural history of Los Angeles and Southern California is scheduled to debut the following year. Also part of the renovation is the North Campus, a 3.5-acre project that will create a new “front yard” for the facility, with outdoor exhibits in 11 “zones.” That is also set for completion this year. The North Campus will cost $30 million; $10 million comes from the county, and the rest will be secured from private donors like The Otis Booth Foundation, which in January gave $13 million for the North Campus project. The money will pay for the creation of a glass entrance pavilion for the museum, scheduled for completion by November 2013, in time for the celebration of the NHM’s 100th anniversary.

SPRING STREET PARK A groundbreaking is scheduled for the winter for an approximately one-acre park on Spring Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, said Eva Kandarpa, a spokeswoman for Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry. Completion of the green space is expected a year later, she said. The city purchased the parcel from developer Downtown Properties for approximately $5 million. The space between Downtown Properties’ Rowan and El Dorado buildings is currently a parking lot.

CLEANTECH MANUFACTURING CENTER The Community Redevelopment Agency’s long effort to develop a clean technology-oriented industrial park in southeast Downtown continues. In December, the agency received seven responses to a public bidding process for the site east of Santa Fe Avenue near the intersection of 15th Street and Washington Boulevard. The agency is reviewing the bids and could make a recommendation by early March, said project manager Alex Paxton. However, Patton also said that it is not guaranteed that any of the bids will be approved. The city has been looking for an anchor tenant for the site for two years. The city purchased the property, a formerly contaminated brownfield, from the state for $14 million in 2008 and spent $2.2 million to clean it up.

protection for the project last August, but it failed to retain ownership. A judge cleared the way in December for lender East West Bank to foreclose on the complex, which was 90% complete in spring 2010. Plans called for 132 showrooms in the building at 810 E. Pico Blvd., designed by the firm MAI. The project had originally been slated to open in fall 2009.

WESTIN BONAVENTURE RENOVATION The $35 million renovation of the 1,354-room hotel at 404 S. Figueroa St. is expected to be complete by the end of August, said Mike Czarcinski, managing director of the establishment. Upgrades to the lobby and public spaces are slated to be finished by April 30, while some of the guest rooms will be done by June 30. The 140,000 square feet of meeting rooms, some suites and other rooms have already been completed. The hotel remains open throughout the renovations.

NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY

LUXE HOTEL photo by Gary Leonard

Projects

ence. Meanwhile, a temporary beer and wine license has been secured for Tuck, the Historic Core hotel’s restaurant, said Bill Lanting, president of The Lanting Hotel Group.

BUDOKAN LOS ANGELES The Little Tokyo Service Center is in negotiations with the city over a proposed ground lease for the site of the group’s proposed recreation center, said Bill Watanabe, LTSC executive director; it will ultimately require City Council approval. The 38,000-square-foot project formerly known as the Little Tokyo Recreation Center will hold four full-size basketball courts that can also be used for volleyball and martial arts; additionally, there will be a rooftop with a jogging track. Negotiations with the city call for the LTSC to build the parking lot and fulfill the minimum parking requirements for the facility. Once the lease is completed, the LTSC will try to raise $16.5 million for the project.

BUSINESS image by Gensler

7+FIG RENOVATION/TARGET

GOOD SAMARITAN EXPANSION

Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, announced plans last April to bring its headquarters to the Figueroa Corridor. The company is in the process of selecting a contractor for improvements of the space at 1800 S. Figueroa St., said Michael Austin, a BYD spokesman. BYD expects to finish and occupy the space in the middle of this year. The facility will function as a showroom for the firm’s electric cars and other sustainable technologies, including solar energy creation and storage systems, and a center for research and development offices. The property is owned by the Shammas Group.

The expected completion date for renovations of the hotel at 251 S. Olive St. is mid-March. The cost of the work, which includes upgrades of meeting spaces and guest rooms, increased from $12 million last year to about $15 million, said Chaya Donne, director of marketing for the Bunker Hill facility. The hotel, which has continued to operate throughout the renovation, will open up two floors at a time as each phase of the project is completed. The 20,000 square feet of meeting spaces were finished in December. The 17-story hotel has 453 rooms.

STANFORD REGENCY PLAZA

CECIL HOTEL Improvements to the 600-room Cecil Hotel, at 636 S. Main St., remain on hold due to a lawsuit between hotel owner The Lanting Hotel Group and the city over the building’s designation as a residential hotel. The operator wants it removed from the list so it can be marketed to a more upscale audi-

The KI Group, developer of the $80 million, 400,000-squarefoot complex for wholesale garment businesses, has lost control of the project. The firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

HOPE STREET FAMILY CENTER The California Hospital Medical Center is finalizing negotiations with Catholic Healthcare West to construct a $15.7 million recreation and childcare facility at the southeast corner of Venice Boulevard and Hope Street. The project has been delayed multiple times but is now slated for an April groundbreaking, said hospital development associate Amy Parsons. Bids for general contractors were due Feb. 1. The Hope Street Family Center, designed by Abode Communities, calls for a four-story, 26,000-square-foot structure housing administrative offices, classrooms and an outdoor basketball court. California Hospital Medical Center applied for state Prop 40 funding but did not receive it. At chmcla.org.

YWCA JOB CORPS CAMPUS photo by Gary Leonard

BYD HEADQUARTERS

OMNI HOTEL RENOVATION

photo by Gary Leonard

A $40 million renovation of the outdoor shopping center at Seventh and Figueroa streets began in January after Target and mall owner Brookfield Properties signed a deal for the Minneapolis-based retailer to become the anchor tenant; Target plans to open in a 104,000-square-foot store in fall 2012. Meanwhile, the 330,000-square-foot mall will undergo a renovation set to finish at the same time. Already, the majority of the restaurants and businesses in the mall have moved out for the renovation, with the exception of California Pizza Kitchen, Starbucks, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Adoro Mexican Grille, Gold’s Gym and Yolanda Aguilar Spa. Plans call for the current circular layout of stairways, zigzagging escalators and side elevators to be replaced with a grand stairway that will lead shoppers directly into the Target entrance from Figueroa Street. A glass canopy will top the center and the twin columns that front the mall will be increased in height and sheathed in glass. The project is being designed by Gensler.

Officials with The Luxe Hotels did not return calls for comment, though work continues on the company’s renovation and rebranding of the former Holiday Inn on Figueroa Street across from L.A. Live. The project is turning the property’s 200 rooms into 180 larger rooms, including 15 suites. It was undertaken in partnership with longtime property owner Emerick Hotel Corporation. The work has included room renovations and a rehab of the lobby, two restaurants and the building’s exterior and signage. Sand Design is handling designs. The project has an estimated budget of $10 million. At luxehotels.com.

Plans are still underway to build a 190,000-square-foot medical office building at Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street in City West. Good Samaritan Hospital has begun utility installation and site preparation for the $80 million project, according to hospital officials. The project is expected to begin in late spring and take about two years. The facility would include a pharmacy, an outpatient surgical center and five levels of physicians’ offices. Architecture firm Ware Malcomb is overseeing the design, while Millie and Severson is handling construction.

A $73 million Downtown YWCA Job Corps Urban Campus at 1020 S. Olive St. is on schedule to open in early 2012, according to YWCA officials. A topping-out ceremony, marking the end of vertical construction for the seven-story building, took place in November. The project will include classrooms, 200 residential rooms that will house 400 Job Corps trainees, and a medical center. The building will consolidate

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 15

the Job Corps Center’s housing and service facilities that are currently scattered throughout six Downtown sites.

OPENED IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS

units are for market-rate tenants while the rest will house low-income individuals. The project contains approximately 8,000 square feet of retail space including a 2,500-square foot D-town Burger Bar that occupies part of the ground floor. A wine shop is planned for another 500-square-foot groundfloor space.

photo by Gary Leonard

Development

CORPORATION ARTS BUILDING

655 HOPE

The 14-story, 55,250-square-foot Corporation Arts Building at 724 S. Spring St. has been transformed from a garment manufacturing edifice into a creative office rental structure. Units ranging from about 400-4,000 square feet are being leased for $1.25-$1.65 per square foot. The building is about 70% occupied, said Jay Lopez, the leasing agent. Current tenants include fashion designers, film industry workers, artists and architects. Lopez said incentives are being offered for potential clients who lease entire floors at 4,250 square feet. At corporationbuilding.com

to take 88 officers out of the field to staff the jail. The facility did, however, open its basement level space for the LAPD Property Division last November. The first inmates were moved into the three-story, 160,000-square-foot project on Los Angeles Street on Feb. 2. The new jail can hold up to 512 inmates; the jail is divided into four pods.

BRISTOL HOTEL

FIAT-CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP

RENATO APARTMENTS

A new car dealership featuring five brands under the Chrysler umbrella, including Fiat, opened for business on Jan. 31, said Ralph Kisiel, a spokesman for the Chrysler Group. The dealership at 2025 S. Figueroa St. includes showrooms for Chrysler, Fiat, Dodge, Ram Truck and Jeep. It is expected to create more than 100 jobs. Chrysler officials said the building, which had sat empty since 2004, will function as a “showplace” for new concepts and vehicles under the Chrysler Group umbrella. The site also holds one of the first North American Fiat stores. The building is perhaps most eyecatching from the rear: It backs up against the Harbor (110) Freeway and features a five-story, LED-lit, glass-encased podium displaying cars.

Nonprofit developer SRO Housing Corp. opened the Renato Apartments, a 96-unit complex for the chronically homeless, in September. The project, which replaces the Leo Hotel, includes two levels of subterranean parking with 64 spaces. The $25 million effort at 531 S. San Julian St. houses 58 people who were chronically homeless and have a mental illness. All the apartments measure about 350 square feet and include kitchenettes, private bathrooms and come furnished. At srohousing.org.

photo by Gary Leonard

The Seck Group, developer of the 17-story adaptive reuse project at 655 S. Hope St., has sold 15 units in the $17 million Financial District building, project spokesman James Jordan said. The development has 80 condominiums, from 600-1,268 square feet, on 11 residential levels. Remaining units range from 530-1,180 square feet. Prices are $176,000$783,000. The structure offers three floors of parking, a gym and a roof deck with a bar. Move-ins began in November. At 655hope.com.

METRO DETENTION CENTER The renovated Bristol Hotel opened in January and move-ins are underway. Developer Izek Shomof would not reveal the cost of the project that transformed the 1906 edifice at 423 W. Eighth St. into 107 efficiency units. Shomof bought the property for $2.5 million in 2009. Residences average about 200 square feet and rents are $642 to about $700 a month. Four

The $80 million Metropolitan Detention Center opened in February, more than a year after construction on the new city jail was completed. The facility built to replace the smaller Parker Center jail requires more staffing — 164 employees compared to the 83 needed at the old jail — a situation complicated by the city’s budget troubles. The department opted

Unwind LifestyLes LUxUry Units for corporations, sports teams & more

Panoramic Ocean, City and Mountain Views!

Perfect for Executive Stay, Film and Media Professionals 310.821.0337 | www.UnwindLifestyLes.com Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Pamela Albanese, Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Michael X. Ferraro, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Billy Wright, Lon Wahlberg circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News twitter: DowntownNews The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

PROJECT HOME A 67,000-square-foot former industrial building at 434 S. San Pedro St. has been converted by the Downtown Women’s Center into 71 apartments for low-income women. The building opened Dec. 10. Project Home will allow the DWC to help more than 3,500 homeless women and serve 75,000 meals annually, an increase from the 45,000 meals a year it had been serving at its longtime home at 325 S. Los Angeles St. The $26 million project was paid for in part by $3.5 million from the Community Redevelopment Agency and $8 million from state funds. At dwcweb.org/projecthome.htm.

February 21, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL

photo by Gary Leonard

16 Downtown News

a special advertising supplement

Cultural Connection The Towers Deliver a Rich Downtown Experience

owntown Los Angeles: Here, the living experience goes unmatched anywhere in the West. It’s a lifestyle richly embellished with art, music and the cultural events that make headlines. Downtown breeds success, housing prominent firms in impressive architecFROM OUR ADVERTISERS

tural sculptures composed of glass, steel and stone. Yet historical elements of yesterday also remain — artifacts of this city’s rich past. From the faithful climb of the renowned cars of Angels Flight to the fantastic urban spectacle of California Plaza, daily life in the Towers’ neighborhood remains unsurpassed. Extraordinary fountains, garden alcove retreats, gourmet dining and first-run entertainment provide the perfect setting for a lifetime of enjoyment. Downtown holds all the essentials to fulfill the most demanding lifestyles. During the day, you are moments from the business district, minimizing or even eliminating a commute. Evenings become immersed in a flood of nightlife, movies and culture beneath the brilliant lights of the city. Day and night, the Towers place residents among all the excitement Downtown offers. Promenade Towers greets guests via a two-story lobby embellished with a tranquil indoor waterscape. Four impressive towers embrace a breathtaking pool, spa and fitness center in an oasis of flowing fountains and immaculate landscaping — a true departure from the ordinary. Promenade Towers’ individual design includes apartments with balconies, contemporary solariums and angular rooms as exciting as the property’s unique exterior styling.

Grand Tower’s sensuous granite exterior distinguishes this landmark development as the address that reflects success. The 24-hour manned lobby provides impressive passage to spacious apartment homes with balconies and a rooftop pool, spa and fitness center with beautiful mountain and city views. Adjacent to the renowned California Plaza, entertainment can be found virtually at your doorstep. Museum Tower neighbors the beautiful Museum of Contemporary Art. This fine collection of apartment homes features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Exhibit your most precious belongings amidst the outstanding backdrop of the city skyline. A controlled access lobby, pool, spa and fitness center provide the upscale amenities Downtown residents desire. Double Assurance of Quality: For more than 50 years, Shapell Industries and Goldrich & Kest Industries have established themselves among America’s most successful and most honored residential developers. Today, their nationwide reputation for providing exceptional housing is earned through a consistent dedication to quality craftsmanship and design. As a result, many of their joint ventures have been cited as model developments. Marina Park in San Diego, Town Square in Santa Ana and The Promenade and Promenade West in the Bunker Hill district of Los Angeles have all achieved unparalleled success in these prominent urban centers. Together, they bring to the Towers Apartments a vast combination of experience, talent and integrity. Each has proven its dedication for a total of more than 90 years. It is that strong combination of experience, innovation and commitment to quality that makes Shapell Industries and Goldrich &

Kest Industries a team you can rely on for excellence. For leasing information at the Promenade Towers, 123 S. Figueroa St., call (213) 617-3777. For leasing information at the Grand Tower, 255 S. Grand Ave., call (213) 229-9777. For leasing information at the Museum Tower, 225 S. Olive St., call (213) 626-1500, or visit TowersApartmentsLA.com

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 17

Downtown Residential

Visconti Brings a Tuscan Village to Downtown A Luxury Apartment Community With Resort-Style Living

he graceful serenity of a quaint, Tuscan village meets the urban sophistication of Los Angeles in Visconti. This new luxury apartment community effortlessly brings together the finest elements of locaFROM OUR ADVERTISERS

tion, amenities and lifestyle in the heart of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Elegant beauty is meticulously breathed into every element of this stunning commu-

nity. The Visconti’s trademark, Tuscan villainspired design features European resort-style architecture comprised of lushly landscaped courtyards, breathtaking piazzas and exquisite fountains and waterfalls. The Visconti’s exterior gives way to 297 spacious residences offering an unparalleled level of both luxury and convenience. The sumptuous interiors of the Visconti meld European elegance with modern sophistication, boasting nine-foot ceilings, designer-inspired

Omni Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Downtown’s Only Four-Diamond Hotel Revamps Guest Rooms, Meeting Spaces, Decor

his March, the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza will unveil its highly anticipated guest room and meeting space renovation, as well as its new menu at the award-winning Noé Restaurant and Bar. FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Located within the cultural heart of Los Angeles, just steps away from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Omni is perfectly situated atop historic Bunker Hill. Evoking the glamour of cosmopolitan city living, the newly revitalized 453 luxurious rooms and VIP suites now feature a clean and inviting palette of soft gray, ivory, midnight blue and rich chocolate, with brushed silver hardware accents that capture contemporary elegance at its best. Guests will also enjoy new flat screen TVs as they lay comfortably in sumptuous linens. The hallways feature murals depicting iconic images of Downtown L.A. and beyond, complemented by modern light fixtures and lush new carpeting with bold geometric lines. Guests looking to host their next business conference or social gathering will utilize meeting spaces featuring new carpet, lighting, wall coverings, foyer furniture and banquet chairs, marrying the Old World elegance of the landmark hotel with a contemporary décor that fits any occasion.

“We are always looking for different ways to accommodate the ever-changing needs of our affluent business and leisure guests,” said Bob Graney, general manager of Omni Los Angeles Hotel. “With these new revisions, we are able to maintain our goal of providing first-class comfort and quality service — with luxurious surroundings that our guests are accustomed to receiving from Omni Hotels.” Within Omni lies a culinary jewel: Noé Restaurant and Bar, one of Los Angeles’ few world-class hotel restaurants, featuring an array of seasonal and market-driven dishes in an elegant but relaxed setting. In addition to upscale signature offerings such as seared sea scallops with pear ratatouille and maple leaf duck breast and seared foie gras chestnut puree, Executive Chef Glen Ishii, who has been bringing his Japanese lineage and Angeleno heritage to the restaurant for six years, is introducing a selection of approachable small plates and shareables: chicken katsu sliders with poached quail eggs, crisp calamari with yuzu crème fraiche and popcorn chicken with mustard-sesame dressing, to name a few. A truly memorable dining experience, Noé offers superb cuisine with a spectacular backdrop of the glittering Downtown skyline. Omni Los Angeles Hotel is at 251 S. Olive St., (213) 617-3300 or omnihotels.com.

color schemes, elaborate crown moldings, Italian marble bath vanities and custom-trimmed interior doors. Residences also feature individual washer/dryers, generous walk-in closets, DSL and DirecTV access. Gourmet cooking aficionados can prepare memorable meals within the Visconti’s spacious kitchens, which feature granite countertops, state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, rich maple wood cabinets and ceramic tile floors. Active residents not content to simply soak in the Visconti’s relaxing ambiance and stunning views can enjoy the community’s Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool and spa, state-of-the-art fitness center with LCD TVs, yoga and dance studio with Pilates equipment, and spacious training rooms. Residents with a flair for the urban lifestyle will find the excitement of Los Angeles right at their fingertips. Located amidst the city’s landmark restaurants, entertainment venues and cultural attractions, the Visconti places its residents in an eclectic urban environment. A brisk walk or short car trip leads to such quintessential L.A. landmarks as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, historic Chinatown and hallowed Dodger Stadium.

The gated community features a 24-hour doorman, business center with adjacent conference room, study library with high-speed Internet access and a recreation room with a full bar and catering kitchen. The Visconti offers truly elegant living in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The Visconti is at 1221 W. Third St. For leasing information, call (877) 644-2623 or visit thevisconti.com.

18 Downtown News

At the Center Of it All Gas Company Lofts Offers a Home in the Heart of South Village

magine living, working and playing in an exquisitely restored historic landmark. The beautifully restored Gas Company Lofts offer extraordinary city views

he Renaissance has arrived in Downtown Los Angeles. Standing elegantly in the heart of this dynamic urban village, The Medici effortlessly combines the finest in luxury, location and lifestyle. Tuscan-inspired architecture surrounds lush, garden courtyards with cascading waterfalls FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

home. Located directly in the center of Downtown Los Angeles, Gas Company Lofts is part of South Village, a multi-block residential and retail community that includes rental housing and a full-service grocery store. These elements make it the hotspot of L.A. The Gas Company Lofts’ historic architecture is complemented by quality finishes in each unit, creating a signature project and luxurious environment. Interior amenities include a variety of granite countertops,

dark cherry wood and maple cabinetry with modern design finishes and brushed stainless steel appliances. The “green” floors are reused materials such as cork, bamboo or distressed concrete. All apartments come with garaged residential and gated parking, free of charge. The Gas Company Lofts leasing office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Appointments are highly recommended on weekends. For information contact (213) 955-5700 or visit gascompanylofts.com.

Elegant Apartment Living Dramatic Downtown Views

• Luxurious interior upgrades including granite & marble countertops, stainless steel appliances & a washer / dryer in every apartment home • Business Center complete with study library, computer center and conference room • Jr. Olympic-size pool & spa with gorgeous city views & expansive sun decks • Fitness Center including saunas, steam & tanning rooms • 24-hour doorman, concierge services Gated community with FREE reserved parking • View our website for additional details and SPECIALS Free Rent Specials* *All Specials are subject to change.

ThePiero.com

Piero

Escape to an Urban Oasis Location, Luxury and Lifestyle Unfold at The Medici

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

that capture the imagination and open floor plans with limitless options to tap your creativity. The inviting neighborhood entices residents outdoors to explore the parks, eclectic shopping and exceptional dining. Convenience is the priority of the easygoing lifestyle at Gas Company Lofts. Residents live within a one-block radius of everything they need, and the best part is that there is no driving required. Enjoy seasonal and weekly events, such as a farmer’s market every Wednesday and Friday, and the Ralphs Fresh Fare is literally steps away. The surrounding neighborhood also features a pharmacy, a post office, an outdoor shopping mall, Staples Center and L.A. Live. With such a multitude of choices within walking distance, it is difficult to decide which restaurant to dine at. The Metro is a block away, making it a breeze to hop on and be in Orange County or North Hollywood in less than an hour. Location, location, location! It is one of the most important things to consider when moving to a new

February 21, 2011

Downtown Residential

877.223.1494 616 St. Paul Avenue

and soothing fountains, allowing you to escape to an urban oasis in the center of Downtown. The centerpiece of this recreational paradise is a picturesque, one-acre private park offering picnic facilities, sand volleyball and tennis courts, a putting green, golf driving cages, a professional jogging path and a play area. Feel like unwinding after a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center? Take in the breathtaking skyline views from The Medici’s rooftop swimming pool, relax in the sauna and steam baths or reenergize in the meditation garden. Eager to explore Los Angeles’ numerous cultural and entertainment options? Simply consult with The Medici’s concierge service and secure tickets for concerts, sporting events and theater productions. Residents of The Medici will find themselves constantly surrounded by decadence. Sophisticated living areas offer fine Italian marble vanities, maple wood cabinetry, recessed lighting and large picture windows with breathtaking city vistas. In addition to offering resort-style living at its finest, The Medici has everything needed for life on the go, including a 24hour doorman, 24-hour onsite management and maintenance, high-speed Internet, dry cleaning pick-up and delivery, and a Continued on next page

> dive in today

> now leasing. Cooperating Brokers Welcome Valet parking. Fitness Center. Rooftop pool. Metro station. Resident’s Lounge. Zen garden.

call> 213.623.3100 visit> www.rsvlt.com >showroom open: m-F 10-6, s-s 11-5 727 W. Seventh St., Downtown Los Angeles

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 19

Downtown Residential

Resort Living With City Views At The Orsini’s Grand Tuscan Village, a Luxurious Lifestyle Is Closer Than You Think

lose your eyes and envision yourself in a luxurious European village with lushly landscaped courtyards, grand fountains and gorgeous views set against the backdrop of a vibrant urban atmosphere. This dream could soon be a reality at The Orsini, a grand Tuscan village in Downtown Los Angeles offering world-class FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

amenities, incredible city views and an unparalleled attention to detail that touches every corner of this urban paradise. Wrap yourself in luxury in one of The Orsini’s sophisticated living areas, offering airy interiors, stylish colonial crown moldings and gourmet kitchens equipped with sleek granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The luxurious baths are comprised of elegant tile floors, richly framed mirrors and

beautiful Italian marble vanities. The Orsini is the perfect place for your active lifestyle, featuring a virtual sports center with Brunswick bowling and golf; a regulation-size indoor basketball court; an onsite park surrounded by a jogging track; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with vanities, locker rooms and steam rooms. Even the most active residents will enjoy lounging by one of the two resort-style pools, unwinding at the spa and free tanning facility or taking in a show at the 29-seat movie theater. A rarity in Downtown, Orsini residents can take advantage of ample free parking with each home, as well as a one-of-a-kind karaoke lounge with a private resident liquor cabinet.

Immediately outside of The Orsini’s gates lies a bevy of entertainment and cultural offerings such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, Staples Center and Downtown’s vibrant shopping and restaurant scene. With myriad unique floor plans from which to choose, including studios, one- and two-bedroom units, the luxurious lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of is closer than you think. And with the opening of the Orsini Phase III, there are even more options for luxury living, including units with magnificently landscaped, secluded patios. The Orsini is at 550 N. Figueroa St. For leasing information, call (877) 267-5911 or visit theorsini.com.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore! Call Now Fo r

It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes Move-In provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.

Spec ial s

Grand Tower

255 South Grand Avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants

Continued from previous page business center with an executive conference room and library. Choose one of 25 unique floor plans and finally have the opulent lifestyle you’ve always wanted. The Medici is at 725 S. Bixel St. For leasing information, call (888) 272-5614 or visit TheMedici.com.

Promenade Towers 123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies

On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / Beauty Salon

museum Tower 225 South Olive Street Leasing Information 213 626 1500 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

www.TowersApartmentsLA.com MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING

RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM

20 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Downtown Residential

In the Heart of Little Tokyo Hikari and Sakura Crossing Blend Tradition and Contemporary Living

Sakura Crossing apartments highlight sophisticated, modern design.

esigned by noted residential developer Related, Hikari and Sakura Crossing are the most exciting homes to enhance Downtown’s historic Little Tokyo district. The stunning 128-unit Hikari features contemporary studio, one- and two-bedroom FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

residences designed with oversized windows for views and light, sleek granite kitchens, sumptuous baths, media outlets, and washers and dryers. Hikari is more than a place of residence. It is a place of wonder, where residents can swim in a glistening blue pool, sunbathe on a private terrace, socialize in a fabulous lounge, exercise in a state-of-the-art fitness center, and even conduct business in a fullyequipped business center. There is also convenient 24-hour underground parking with direct building access. Little Tokyo is Downtown’s hottest place to live. Absolutely everything can be found

in this diverse neighborhood, which is just a short walk to surrounding districts bursting with music, restaurants, art, shopping, sports and nightlife. Sakura Crossing Sakura Crossing is bold and contemporary. Its forms, colors and materials were inspired by neighborhood warehouses and Toy District buildings. The architecture of Sakura Crossing also references its immediate surroundings, especially the revered Noguchi garden directly across San Pedro Street. Modern, yet respectful of both its neighbors and the past, Sakura Crossing is a welcome new addition to the streetscape of Downtown L.A. Designed by Studio Gaia, this extraordinary collection of contemporary architect-designed homes ranges from spacious sun-filled studios to light and airy one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each showcases a gourmet kitchen with sleek, white contemporary cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and polished Caesarstone counters and honed hardwood floors. Ceramic

Hikari offers stunning, contemporary homes in one of Downtown’s hottest districts.

tiled baths are equipped with oversized medicine cabinets, abundant mirrors and opulent Caesarstone vanities. Notable features include a stackable washer/dryer, designer carpeting in all bedrooms, and customized and/or walk-in

Repurposed 1920s Building Wows Buyers Alta Lofts in Lincoln Heights Offers Unique Opportunity for Buyers

lta Lofts in Lincoln Heights offers a unique residential opportunity that today’s buyers are embracing. Alta Lofts is a 1920s adaptive reuse building that blends its original architectural detailing with modern design and authenFROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Lots of Style. Loads of Features. Lofts of Space. Now Renting! The Historic Gas Company Lofts. Get ready for the thrill of a lifestyle. Spectacular spaces. Soaring ceilings. Sophisticated finishes. All in the heart of LA’s hip hot South Village.

213.955.5700

gascompanylofts.com

closets. Many residences include private outdoor terraces. Luxury amenities include a rooftop lounge with landscaped sundecks for sunbathing, entertaining and private barbecue dining, a rooftop screening room with oversized outdoor private terrace, a courtyard terrace with outdoor fireplace, pool and Jacuzzi, and outdoor barbecue dining, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a professionally designed business center with Internet access. For added convenience, there is 24-hour underground parking with direct building access and an on-site ATM. Both Hikari and Sakura Crossing were envisioned as an oasis by Related, the nation’s most acclaimed developer of luxurious metropolitan homes. Over the past quarter-century, Related has dramatically redefined the American skyline through its contribution of important new architectural landmarks in such cities as New York, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston. The Hikari leasing office is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (213) 625-8500. The Sakura Crossing leasing office is open MondaySaturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (213) 625-9200.

tic loft-living spaces. Alta Lofts is further enhanced by historically low interest rates, FHA financing, down payment assistance for qualified buyers, immediate move-ins, and affordable pricing. “Buyers are discovering the distinctiveness and amazing value at Alta,” says Don Mercado, Alta Lofts sales manager. “With its superb location that’s close to everything, plus hard-to-find authentic lofts, there’s nothing else that compares to Alta Lofts.” Offering a great starting price from the $200,000s plus FHA financing with only 3% down, first-time buyers are taking advantage of this affordable opportunity to realize the benefits of homeownership. Moreover, some Alta Lofts buyers may qualify for down payment assistance for the 10 preselected moderate-income units. Alta Lofts showcases raw, industrialstyle lofts. It artfully weaves the building’s original 1920s structure with contemporary design and features for today’s diverse

lifestyles. There are 104 flats and two-story lofts with up to 1,700 square feet with one and two bedrooms. The four historic floors feature hard lofts with original oversized windows, exposed ducts, columns and no drywall. The original windows have been retrofitted with double panes. The fifth and sixth floors offer all-new modern, open-style lofts that reflect the look and feel of the original building. All lofts feature high ceilings, concrete or wood floors, exposed walls and ceilings (in many units), central heat and air, plus laundry hook-ups. Upscale kitchens boast granite countertops and GE Energy-Star stainless steel appliances. Amenities include a large, first-floor courtyard, secured parking for residents, a social room and workout area plus outdoor barbecue area. There is an open-air fifth floor deck as well as ground floor commercial space. Alta Lofts is adjacent to Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Glendale, Echo Park and Pasadena, and is minutes from Downtown L.A. The sales office and models are open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Alta Lofts is priced from the high $200,000s to the $500,000s. Alta Lofts is located at 200 N. San Fernando Rd. in Lincoln Heights. For information call (323) 223-3100 or visit livealta.com. Connect on Twitter and Facebook.

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 21

Downtown Residential

introducing, Orsini III

Unquestionably the Most Luxurious Accommodations in Downtown Los Angeles. Now Open for Immediate Occupancy. Community AdvAntAges Free Wi-Fi • Private Study Rooms/Library/DSL Computers • Free Gated Parking for Residents and Guests • Free Tanning • Karaoke Room • Outdoor Grills/BBQ Areas Virtual Golf/Indoor Bowling • Full Size Indoor Basketball Court • Resort Style Swimming Pool • Roof-Top Pool and Resident Lounge • Cybex Fitness Center with Cardio Salon Directors Screening Room • Mens/Womens Locker Rooms with Sauna And Steam Rooms • Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball Court • Jogging Track • Furnished Guest Suites

inteRioR Amenities Generous Walk-In Closets with Organizers • High-Speed Internet Access Available • Eight (Category 5 Speed) Phone Line Capability • Direct (Satellite) Tv Available Large Picture Windows • Panoramic Downtown L.A. Vistas or Courtyard Views • Individual Apartment Balconies or Patios • Den/Study Dodger Stadium

866-479-1764

TO PASADENA CHINATOWN

ORSINI PHASE III ORSINI

El PUEBLO/ Olvera Street

SANTA ANA

FIGUEROA ST.

110

FWY.

GRAND AVE.

TEMPLE ST. HOPE ST.

www.TheOrsini.com

CESAR E. CHAVEZ AVE.

ORSINI PHASE II

101

HARBOR FW

550 North Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

1st St.

LITTLE TOKYO

THEY’rE IN. ArE YOu?

VISCONTI

TWO HOT! 2 Great New Luxury Rentals in LA’s Hottest Neighborhood. Sakura Crossing and Hikari have it all — SUNBATHE, ENTERTAIN AND BBQ

DON’T MIss THE

Luxurious Rooftop Lounge with Three Sundecks

OWN FOR AS LITTLE AS

PAINT FACTOrY ArT ExHIbITION saturday, March 12

$1,669

MOVIES AND STARS Rooftop Screening Room with Outdoor Private Terrace

LOUNGE, SWIM AND GET COZY

PER MONTH*

Lushly Landscaped Courtyard Terrace with Outdoor Fireplace, Pool and Jacuzzi, and Outdoor BBQ Dining

Residents have just started moving in, adding to the energy and vibe of this singular loft community. Historic. Iconic.

WORK AND WORKOUT AT HOME

Contemporary. ALTA Lofts is all this and more. You too could

Professionally Designed Business Center Ultra Private Fitness Center

be part of this cool, new scene. Visit today, then get moving.

METROPOLITAN HOME

In Lincoln Heights near

FHA FINANCING (ONLY 3.5% DOWN)

cafes, shops, the Brewery

Tour 2 fully decorated models. 1 & 2 bedroom lofts Flats and 2-story units

Arts Complex, the Gold

Custom Gourmet Kitchens with Stainless Steel Appliances and Designer Baths, and Washers and Dryers in Every Home

STEPS TO EVERYTHING

Line and Downtown.

Fabulous Downtown Location In the Heart of Little Tokyo

From the high $200,000s - the high $300,000s

CREDIT CARD RENT PAYMENTS ACCEPTED

Named one of the top 10 real estate deals**

www.hikarila.com www.sakuracrossing.com

200 N. San Fernando Rd. | Los Angeles | Sales office unit #101

323.223.3100 | LIVEALTA.COM

213.625.9200

3% broker cooperation

STUDIOS, 1 & 2BRS *Advertised monthly payment is for illustrative purposes only and is based on a sales price of $224,312 with a conforming loan amount of $216,461 and may vary based on down payment assistance, borrower’s credit, actual closing costs and other variables. Scenario is based on borrower qualification for a 30year fixed rate loan at 4.750% (4.875% APR.) Monthly payment of $1,669 includes taxes, insurance, and HOA. Borrower down payment is 3.5%. Down payment assistance programs through LAHD and other City assistance are available to qualified buyers based on income qualifications. There are a limited number of moderate income units. Rates effective January 2011 and are subject to change without notice. Scenario assumes the buyer has good credit. Not all buyers will qualify. This offer subject to underwriting guidelines and available only for owner-occupied homes. Pricing and terms subject to change without notice. See salesperson for further details. **toptenrealestate.com, 3/23/10.10LHA261

11LHA261 • Alta Ad • 5” x 7.625” • Downtown News • 2/21/11 • bw

PRIVATE TERRACES, CORNER HOMES TOWNHOUSE RESIDENCES ALSO AVAILABLE

375 East Second Street

E QU A L H O U S IN G OP P ORT U N IT Y

235 South San Pedro Street

22 Downtown News

City Living With Old World Charm The Piero Offers Discerning Residents Elegant Amenities in a Vibrant Setting

rom the formal entry lobby with skyhigh ceilings and a black baby grand piano, to the lush courtyards and tranquil water features, Piero sets the standard in Los Angeles for gracious European living. FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Constructed with the finest Old World building methods and incorporating all of the most modern features of today’s demanding lifestyle, this spectacular community incorporates the best of yesterday and today. Piero offers uninterrupted views of one of America’s most dynamic skylines. Within minutes of your front door, drama and music are available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, sporting and concert events are at the Staples Center, and the Financial District is within walking distance. And five-star dining and world-class shopping are just seconds away. Piero is truly in the center of it all. After indulging in all that the city offers, residents will be nestled in comfort and convenience back home at Piero. Reserved, gated parking and a 24/7 door attendant offer peace of mind, letting you rest easy knowing

February 21, 2011

Downtown Residential

that you may return home at any time and have a place to park and a familiar face at the front desk. Personal time at Piero can be spent lounging in the cityside pool, relaxing in the spa or dry sauna, or working off some of the city’s indulgences in the private fitness center. Piero also offers residents plenty of amenities for weekday activities, including a business center, conference rooms and wireless Internet. The homes at Piero were planned with the discerning resident in mind. All of the homes feature granite and marble countertops, washers and dryers, tile kitchen and bath floors, and a full Whirlpool appliance package. Nine-foot ceilings and traditional crown molding create an open, Old World feeling. Fully furnished corporate apartments are also available at Piero. These homes offer everything to make your stay memorable. From one month to one year, these furnished apartments offer extreme convenience. At 616 St. Paul Ave., (877) 223-1494. Visit thepiero.com for more information and to schedule a tour.

Experience the Roosevelt Residences High-End Condominium Homes Offered for Limited Leasing Event

ome see what all the talk is about. Poised at the corner of Seventh and Flower streets, this imposing historic residence has stood since 1927. Situated in Downtown’s Financial District, The FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Roosevelt Residences are within walking distance to L.A. Live, Ralphs, Bottega Louie, the theater district and so much more. Seventh Street is fast becoming Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade — it is lively, safe, clean and booming. Sitting above the 7th & Metro subway station, residents have easy access to everything from LAX to North Hollywood, including attractions such as Hollywood and Highland, Pasadena, Hollywood and Vine and Universal Studios. The project is also ideally located near the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and USC, making it one of the premier residences in L.A. Location and amenities separate The Roosevelt Residences from the competition. Among the highlights are a beauti-

ful rooftop pool and resident lounge, a 1,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center, tanning and hydrotherapy massage rooms, valet parking and one of the best attributes — guest parking for family and friends. Although reintroduced to sell in 2007, The Roosevelt Residences have recently decided to lease select units in the building, affording an amazing opportunity for clients to experience the condo building under lease terms. The homes are beautifully appointed with sub-zero refrigerators, Bosch and Kohler appliances and fixtures, hardwood floors and Jacuzzi soaking tubs. Lease rates start from $2,000, and units feature soft-loft floorplans along with original ceilings to give a strong urban feel. Square footage ranges from 800 to 1,450. The Roosevelt offers two-level “townhouses” as well as single floor plans. The Roosevelt Residences are at 727 W. Seventh St. The leasing showroom is open daily. Call (213) 623-3100 or visit rsvlt.com.

Back on the Market Santee Village Lofts Priced to Sell From $199,000

“first chance” release of 15 residences at Santee Village Lofts brings living in the Fashion District back on the market. A limited number of real lofts in historic buildings will be sold at a First Chance Sale, Feb. 26-27, FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

with purchase incentives offered throughout the weekend. With the newly renovated lofts returning and priced to sell from $199,000, the new ownership led by Kennedy Wilson brings stability and investment opportunity to one of Downtown L.A.’s emerging hot zones. Located amongst a spirited community of artists, creative professionals and cultural trendsetters, Santee Village Lofts sits at the epicenter of the best art, culture, entertainment and dining in the city. Ownership is not only a unique investment in urban growth; it’s a dynamic opportunity to experience an eclectic urban lifestyle. Those officially registered at santeevillagelofts.com will be given extended price

information counting down to opening weekend. A new sales center, located in the Santee Village Courtyard, opened Feb. 12. Four newly designed model units are open. Originally built at the beginning of the 20th century by business tycoon Michael J. Connell, the buildings are the cornerstones of the rich architectural landscape and urban community of the Fashion District. Informed by an understanding of contemporary life, each residence retains the original concrete floors, large industrial windows, and high ceilings blending seamlessly with the modern fixtures and features that define today’s standard of loft living. Santee Village residents also have access to rooftop retreats including a basketball court, golf practice area, pool, spa and lounge with barbecues. An urban oasis, the adjacent Santee Village Courtyard includes an ambient water feature, gourmet market, dog park, fitness center, patios and food court for further community and convenience.

“Santee Village presented a rare opportunity to invest and participate in the growing Downtown residential market. The adaptive reuse project was creatively conceived and well executed forming one of Downtown’s most unique and vibrant communities,” said Stephen Henry, managing director of acqui-

sitions at Kennedy Wilson. For exclusive information on the First Chance Sale at Santee Village Lofts visit 716 S. Los Angeles St., Suite D, santeevillagelofts. com or call Kathy Klingele or Mitch Carricart at (213) 867-2131. You can also connect and “like us” at Facebook.com/santeevillagelofts.

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 23

Downtown Residential

A New Lifestyle at TenTen Wilshire

tion, the access point to Metrolink, Los Angeles’ commuter rail system, is also nearby. With neighbors like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Exposition Park and the Staples Center, additional entertainment and recreational activities are available year round. L.A. Live, a 4 million-square-foot sports and entertainment district, offers many exciting venues and restaurants as well. With flexible lease terms, TenTen Wilshire is the perfect option, whatever your needs may be. TenTen Wilshire is a new lifestyle solution for professionals wanting to live, work and play… no matter how long or short the stay. Be sure to visit the new website (1010wilshire. com) for even more details. For more information about TenTen Wilshire contact (877) 338-1010 or visit 1010wilshire. com. TenTen Wilshire is at 1010 Wilshire Blvd.

The One-Stop Residence for Savvy Business Professionals and Urban Dwellers ness professionals need. In an area lined by the most extensive freeway system in the world, including the 110, 10, 101 and 5 freeways, Downtown Los Angeles, home to major legal, financial and telecommunications companies, is also a center for the entertainment, textile, jewelry and fashion industries. Just two blocks from TenTen Wilshire is 7th Street/Metro Center, which offers easy access to Metro, Los Angeles’ subway system, instantly connecting commuters to Long Beach, Hollywood, Pasadena, LAX and more. Union Sta-

enTen Wilshire is the ideal place for business-minded individuals to live, work and play. Whether you are a travel manager, relocation specialist, working professional or entrepreneur, TenTen Wilshire pro-

voted downtown's best residential living six years in a row

within two miles, free basic utilities, wired and wireless high-speed Internet, premium cable TV, local phone calls, iPod-ready sound systems, high definition LCD TVs, full kitchens with stainless steel appliances and extensive kitchenware sets, and individual thermostats for optimum cooling and heating. TenTen Wilshire recently received the award for “Best Rooftop in Downtown Los Angeles.” Inspired by luxury resorts, the world-class rooftop features a full gym, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, locker rooms, a movie/screening room, lounge, fire pits, barbecue areas, sundecks, custom outdoor billiard and foosball tables, all while being surrounded by endless panoramic views. It is also a great venue for the complimentary happy hour five days a week, ideal for meeting people and networking. Stop by on Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a wine and cheese mixer. It is easy to see why TenTen Wilshire is the complete lifestyle solution busi-

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

vides the perfect blend of amenities and necessities to make your decision an easy one. You have heard the phrase “Live, Work and Play” countless times, but not until now have all three been addressed in a single lifestyle solution. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, TenTen Wilshire offers 227 luxury suites in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. At TenTen Wilshire, all suites are designated live/work, so conducting business from home in a professional manner just became possible. The suites at TenTen Wilshire come equipped with every imaginable amenity including 24/7 valet parking, drop-off service

Elegant Apartment Living Free Rent Specials*

FREE RENT SPECIALS! • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Studio, one & two Bedrooms Granite kitchens Italian marble counter baths Washer/dryer in every home Crown molding Direct TV & Internet access Dramatic views of the city

Free gated parking Sand volleyball court Roof top pool and spa Fitness centers with sauna 24-hour doorman Spectacular waterscapes Study Library

• • • • •

FREE tanning bed Private one acre park Golf driving cages Putting green Tennis courts

walk to l.a. live and nokia theater

888.886.3731 •TheMedici.com 725 Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017

• Business center with conference room, computer offices, copier and fax machine • Exquisitely designed interiors with all the upgrades you would expect in a luxury apartment home. • Peaceful and lavishly landscaped garden courtyards with water fountains

• Washer/dryer in every residence • State-of-the-art fitness center with saunas, steam rooms and free tanning facilities • Swimming pool with relaxing sundeck and spa • 24-hour doorman • FREE gated and reserved garage parking

LADowntownNews.com

LADowntownNews.com LOS AN ANG GE G

GEL G ELE LES ES S DOW OWNT

OWN NEW S

Volume

NEWS

Volume

39, Num ber

INSIDE

A Bigger

Football stad ium and other hap talk, a big lease, penings Arou nd Town. Judge approve the Skid Row s first part of WWW drug dealer .DOW injunction. NTO WNN EW

and Bette r

S.CO

Cornfield Park M

TheVisconti.com Smells like holiday spirit.

32-Acre Att raction

877.644.2623

.DOW

and Better

8 NTO

Football stadiu and other happm talk, a big lease, enings Aroun d Town. Judge appro ves the Skid Row first part of drug deale r injunction.

WNN

EWS

.COM

Cornfield Park

State Park s Departm ent to Unv eil $18 Mill ion Plan for

32-Acre Attr action

The new look of 7+Fig.

PICK TH E

Pick football games, win prizes.

California State P Parks Superin project tth project that hat will cr dent Sean creat create eatee numero tendent eat us new facilitieWoods with two rangers ranggers ran gers at tth s and and attractio the attra att he Los Angeles tractions. ns. R State

Good happeni ngs Good Samarita at n.

Historic Park.

This week,

the departm ent

will un alifornia unveil plans With one State for an $18 hand extende Woods could Parks Superintenden million on the steerin d outw outwarrd outwa hardly contain t Sean g wheel, d ment he eagerly and tthe other his excite- future of the site. Los Angele last week as he be a place envisioned less State drove State Histori Sta “We’ll have the ffarmer where we can cart-lik car -likee vehicle cart c Park in around the have the welcom v have vendor ’s market . his green, people on e s pull in for golf historic “We’re also . hand to handpavilion here. We’ll a creating a tours of the park,” out maps and lead it’s going to pay citrus promen creating a he enthus homage pavilion ade grove; ed. “We’re prior to rail activity to the here, a promen through a . You can agricultural past ade which citrus promen imagine will walkin ade during the bloomi g ng see Park, page 10

For Hom eless Wom en, a New Center’s $26 Home Million Faci lity Ope

Downtow n Women’s

State Parks Department to Unveil $18 Millio n Plan for

WWW

PROS

Rocking Wi Rocketteth s

6, 2010

Flip you lid at a newhat new hat shop.

Decembe r 6, 2010

December

A Bigger

Smells like holiday spirit.

Rocking W Rocketteith s

LOS AN GE

GELES DOW NTOWN

* Limited time offer, select floorplans, restrictions apply.

39, Numb er

INSIDE

Reviewing L.A. Opera’s Rigoletto .

19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 21 MAP 22 CLAS SIFIEDS

ns This Wee k

amble into uring her the Downt Center years on own streets of the houses , a facility that feeds, Women’s Skid Row, homele aids and Mayfie Fannie One night ld saw it all. Last week, ss women. on fire just Mayfield saw a Downtown Mayfield walked man set into the set up her steps from where but this time Women’s Center she tent. again, were literally She watched as had ganization’s she stepped into the orpeople walk, recently dumped on the Pedro St. new home at 434 The 33-year S. San pital or somewdischarged from side- structure -old industr has a hosial facility with been converted Mayfield, here else. into a 57, 71 perman was addicted and alcohol housing units ent to and several supportive into despera. The addiction sunkdrugs rooms to offices and support the her social casionally tion, leading her center’s services suite eat out of to oc. of vive. trashcans The $26 to surthan twice million project Through is more it all, Mayfie the size respite. During longtim of the ld e the day, had one When Los Angeles Street DWC’s she would it opens on Friday, location. Fannie Mayfiel Dec. 10, see DWC, which celebrat d in one of the page 7 71 apartm es its grand home ents

The Voice

in South

of Downtow n Los Ange les

Downtown’s Daily Newspaper

in the Downto opening on L.A. to receive Dec. wn DWC services10. Mayfield commuWomen’s Center, . tes daily from her

The new look of 7+Fig.

PICK TH E

PROS

Pick football games, win prizes.

1221 W. 3rd Street California State Parks project that Superintend will create numerous ent Sean Woods with new facilit ies and attractwo rangers at the Los tions.

Flip you lid at a new hat shop.

by RichaR d Guzmá n city edito R

Good happe nings Good Samaritan. at

Angeles State Historic Park.

This week,

the depar tment

will unvei alifornia photo by Gary With one l plans for State Leonard hand exten an $18 millio Woods could Parks Superinten ded outw n dent Sean on the steering hardly ard and ment last wheel, he week as contain his excite- future of the site. eagerly envis the other be a Los Ange he drove les place wher ioned the “We’ll have around cart-like vehicState Historic Park farmer’s mark e we can have the welco in his green the have peop le. vendors pull me pavil le on hand , golf histo in for a “We’re also et. to hand out ion here. We’ll ric tours creating a it’s of maps going to the park, creating a and lead pay hom citrus promenade ” he pavilion age to the grove; here, a promenthused. “We’re prior to rail activ agricultur ity. You enade whic through a al past can imag citrus prom h will enade durin ine walking g the bloom ing see Park, page 10

For Hom eless Wom en, a New Center’s $26 Home Million Fac ility Opens

Downtow n Women’s by Ryan Vaillancou Rt staff wRite R

Reviewing L.A. Opera’s Rigole tto.

amble into urin g her the Downtow Cent year s on n Women’s streets of the hous er, a facility that feeds Skid Row, es homeless , aids and Mayf Fannie women. One night ield saw it all. Last week on fire just Mayfield saw a Downtow , Mayfield walked man set into the n Women’s steps from set up h but this wher Cen

This Week

1264 W. 1st St., LA, CA 90026 (213) 481-1448 • FAX (213) 250-4617

LADowntownNews.com

24 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

Alarcon Continued from page 5 just a year into his second term, jumped to the state Senate. In 2005 he ran for mayor of Los Angeles but fared terribly, his Ishtar of a campaign notching a fifth place finish with less than 4% of the vote. He won a seat in the 39th Assembly District in 2006, though almost instantly announced that he’d run for the old City Council post he’d abandoned. He won that race and then resigned from the Assembly, forcing a costly special election, after just 102 days. It wasn’t as short an Assembly stint as Barnabas Collins (yes, his real name; no, not the “Dark Shadows” vampire) had in 1901, but Collins had a better excuse — he died after eight days in office. All of which brings us to the present. But it also brings up the past. The last time Alarcon ran for the Assembly, he was such a feared political figure that no one ran against him — not in the primary, and not even in the general election. Don’cha think someone might have gotten into the ring if they had an inkling that he’d skip to the Council so soon? Richard’s new run is familiar, in that his

Around Town Continued from page 2 try has lost jobs since the economy peaked in the fourth quarter of 2007. Government, which in Downtown includes city, county, state and federal offices, has lost 6.8% of its jobs since the high point. One of the few industries to post a recent uptick in jobs in the county is tourism, where jobs have increased by nearly 1%. Sidhu’s 2011 forecast envisions more growth in the hospitality business, especially in Downtown. The lynchpin of the local economy, she said, would be the projected December groundbreaking of the Wilshire Grand hotel replacement project. Meanwhile, the Downtown office market, which has a vacancy rate around 16%, is still high even if it appears to be stabilizing, she said. With the state and city precariously in the red, Sidhu said local service businesses will lose out when more public workers are laid off. “Those people will be missed,” she said.

photo by Gary Leonard

Richard Alarcon is at again. He’s raising money for a race for the 39th Assembly District, a seat he previously held for only 102 days.

Council term isn’t finished until 2013. He ran unopposed two years ago, but the current move makes you feel for Monica Rodriguez, who in 2007 spent $194,000 to come in second place. In winning that race, Alarcon dropped $347,000, including $65,000 in city matching funds. Since he’s not fulfilling this term, I wonder if he’d be willing to give back some of that money to the city or to those who supported him. Actually, that raises one final question: Is there a greater chance of Alarcon giving back the money, or going to the pokey for fraud and perjury? Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

Become the Undisputed World Champ

hen it comes to professional wrestling in Downtown Los Angeles, the action usually takes place inside Staples Center. This week, the activity spills outside the arena. On Thursday, Feb. 24, Chris Jericho, who the wrestling scriptwriters made the first WWE Undisputed Champion and nine-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, will sign copies of his book at the ESPN Zone at L.A. Live from 6-7:30 p.m. The book, which chronicles Jericho’s rise in wrestling, is titled Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps. For the record, those 1,372 steps are 128 fewer than the 1,500 steps in Downtown’s 75-floor U.S. Bank Tower.

* * ConvenientHealthcare. Healthcare. Convenient * * Convenient Healthcare. Convenient Healthcare. Convenient Healthcare.* In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles. In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles. In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

Convenient Healthcare * Convenient Healthcare. In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

729 7th st. Los Angeles

el: 213.402.1500 In The HeartTof Downtown Los Angeles.

In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

Best Sushi in Town Best Price in Town

Sushi

50% Off

In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

On Grand and Pico. 2 blocks of L.A. On Grand and Pico. Just Just 2 blocks east east of L.A. LIVE!LIVE!

On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A

On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE!

include great doctors included. great doctors included. * great doctors included. * great doctors included. * great doctors great doctors * 2 blocks *east * Just On Grand and Pico. of L.A. LIVE!

promotion for dine-in customers (Mon. - Sun. All Hours)

Grand and Pico. Just 2 bl On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocksOn east of L.A. LIVE!

Happy Hour

great doctors included.

*Patient-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, Close to Home: Patient-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, Close to Home: Patient-Centered Care Close to Work, Close to Home: Patient-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, Close to Home: Diagnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology 3:00 p.m. - 7:00p.m. Medical Diagnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology Patient-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, Close to Home: �

� State-of-the art Cancer Treatment Patient-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, to Home: � Diagnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology Imaging —Close MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology � Diagnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology � Diagnostic

* Convenient Healthcare. Reverse Happy Hour State-of-the artInterventional Cancer Treatment State-of-the art Cancer Treatment Diagnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Radiology � �

— HDR & IMRT

— Medical, Radiation & Surgical Treatment options

— HDR & IMRT

� Orthopedic Services Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder) — HDR & IMRT HDR & IMRT Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder) — Medical, Radiation & — Surgical Treatment options——Joint

— Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder) — Spine disorders

— Hand, Foot and Ankle treatments

�

— Hand, Foot and Ankle treatments -Imaging Premium — Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, — Hand,Shoulder) Foot and Ankle treatments — Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee,Knee, Shoulder) � Orthopedic Services Diagnostic — Roll MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology � Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory Care FLOWER

- Drink

FLOWER

Patient-Centered MedicalL.A. Care Close to Work, Close to Home: Spine disorders —— Spine disorders Best Happy Hour in Downtown Services � Orthopedic � Orthopedic Services — HDR & IMRT Lakers Bomb - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $3.95

Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory Care

�

FLOWER

9:30 p.m. - Close

— Medical, Radiation & Surgical Treatment options — HDR & IMRT — Medical, Radiation & Surgical Treatment options State-of-the Cancer � Orthopedic Services In The Heart of art Downtown LosTreatment Angeles. � Orthopedic Services

FLOWER

�

— Medical, Radiation�&State-of-the Surgical Treatment options art Cancer Treatment

— Medical, Radiation & Surgical Treatment options

FLOWER

�

State-of-the art Cancer Treatment

�

We’re Here for We’re You. Here for

Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory Care

� Ear, Nose and Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services — Spine disorders — Spine disorders — Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder) � Ear, Nose and Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services State-of-the art Cancer Treatment

(Japanese beer(355ml) + small hot sake) � Octopus Bomb - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $6.95 (Japanese beer(570ml) + small hot sake)

Kirin Draft Pitcher

--------

�

— Spine disorders

�

� Ear, andCare Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services Urology — Diagnostic, Treatment andNose Surgical

On andFoot Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE! —Grand Hand, and treatments — Hand, Foot and Ankle treatments � Ankle Urology — Diagnostic, Treatment and Surgical Treatment Care � Urology — Diagnostic, and SurgicalDIGITAL Care Services � Cardiology — Diagnostic and Testing

—$9.95 Medical, Radiation & Surgical Treatment options

We’re for You. We’re HereHere for You.

We’re Here for You. Women’s & Children’s Services — Level II NICU Women’s & Children’s Services — Level IINOW NICU AVAILABLE � II Emergency Care and Level Trauma Center �� 24/7 � Nose Ear,* great Nose and Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services andCare Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services � Ear, doctors included. Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory � Cardiology — Diagnostic and Testing Cardiology —Services Diagnostic and Testing Services Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory Care � treatments Women’s & Children’s Services �— Level II NICU Pulmonary Medicine and �Respiratory Care MAMMOGRAMS — Hand, Foot and �Ankle

— HDR & IMRT

CALL 24/7 Emergency Care and Level II Trauma Center

� 24/7 Emergency Care and Level II Trauma Center Orthopedic Services � Urology — Diagnostic, Treatment and Surgical — Treatment and Surgical Care Care � Urology andDiagnostic, Treatment Services � Ear, Nose and Throat Diagnostic �

�

FLOWER

�

NOW!

Discover what theServices right doctor can do for you ... � -Cardiology — (Hip, Diagnostic and Testing Cardiology — Surgical Diagnostic and Testing Services �/Treatment —� Joint Replacement Reconstruction Knee, Shoulder) Urology — Diagnostic, Care and more - - and Discover what the right doctor Patient-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, Close to Home: CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462) Discover what the right doctor can do for you can ... do for you ... & Children’s Services — Level II NICU � Women’s & Children’s Services — Level II NICU � Women’s Cardiology — Diagnostic and Testing Services —� Spine disorders Diagnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462) Emergency and Level II Trauma Center � 24/7 � 24/7 Emergency and Level II Trauma Center � Women’s & Children’sFree Services — Level II Care NICUCare CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462) State-of-the art Cancer Treatment — Hand, Foot andEntree Ankle treatments Combo � �

Ho pe

St .

low

Fig ue r

er St . .

d Blv ere lsh Wi

�

oa St � .

�

We’re Here for You.

Medical, Radiation & Surgical Treatment 24/7—Emergency Care and Level options II Trauma Center up to $14.95

HDR & IMRT Pulmonary— Medicine andandRespiratory Buy one combo two drinks at regular price, Care

FLOWER

t. 7th S

get a second combo free of equal or lesser value. Not valid w/ other offers

Orthopedic Services

Dine in only Discover what right doctor do for Ear, Nose—and Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services Discover what the the right doctor can can do for youyou ... ... Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder)

Discover what the right doctor can do for www.octopusrestaurant.com — Diagnostic, and Surgical Care � Urology — Hand, Foot and Ankle Treatment treatments

you ... CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462) CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462) We’re Here for You. CardiologyCALL — Diagnostic and Testing Services(2462) 1-888-742-CHMC — Spine disorders

� �

�

Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory Care

�

Ear, Nose and Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services

�

$6 9U PO L NL UT IM IM ’ to ITE 70 D T ITE 21 IM D 0f E ! o

Urology — Diagnostic, Treatment and Surgical Care Women’s & Children’s Services — Level II NICU

RE G Te . $1 xt 5 ‘TA 0 -

�

Cardiology — Diagnostic and Testing Services

Women’s & Children’s Services — Level II NICU 24/7 Emergency Care and Level II Trauma Center � �

24/7 Emergency Care and Level II Trauma Center

Eyelash Extensions, Facials, WholeDiscover Body Waxing, what the right doctor can do for you ... Acrylic, Gel 3D Nail Arts, Spa Manicure & Pedicure (2462) can Discover CALL what1-888-742-CHMC the right doctor

do for you ...

Try Our New Gel Manicure $28 CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462) Little Tokyo • 244 E. 1st St. • www.nailserviceusa.com • Find us on Facebook • 213.626.0315 • M-Sat. 10am-8pm, Sun. 10am-6pm

r O OF ffe FE r R

400 W. Pico Blvd., los angElEs ca 90015 • 877-452-8276

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 25 photo by Gary Leonard

DowntownNews.com

Distinction Continued from page 1 handed out on Tuesday, Feb. 22 (awardees were not named in every Downtown district). Next week, the Project of the Year, chosen by leaders from each of the districts, will be announced. Following, in alphabetical order by district, are this year’s Downtowners of Distinction winners.

photo by Gary Leonard

Arts District

Winner: Central City Recovery Zone

Winner: Factory Place Arts Complex

hen developer Howard Klein opened the $10 million Factory Place Arts Complex, he was mixing the new with the very old. The collection of 51 apartments at 12911333 E. Sixth St. activated an off-the-beaten track portion of the Arts District, and gave new life to a batch of buildings whose history dates to the early 20th century. Factory Place was one of the few housing projects to debut in the Arts District during 2010, and its open space and communal aspects provide a comfortable feel in a community still known more for creative life behind closed doors. The project provides a new opportunity in city living, and creates a new batch of patrons for area businesses and restaurants.

Because

n April, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich announced the Central City Recovery Zone, a groundbreaking effort to crack down on drug dealers in Skid Row. In this new approach to a troubling and complicated issue, Trutanich sought to put into effect an injunction that would prevent known dealers from coming into the community, reasoning that people on the list — most of whom hail from outside Downtown — are preying on and exploiting addicts by selling crack, heroin and other drugs. The effort required months of prep work, but it paid off: In November, a judge approved the first part of the injunction. In fact, the widely praised move had an impact long before the judge’s OK: Shortly after Trutanich’s announcement, many of the dealers felt the heat and fled the area.

Chinatown Winner: Chinatown Summer Nights

hinatown stakeholders have long sought to raise the community’s profile and lure new customers and restaurant patrons. During August, they did just that. Every Saturday night for a month, the Summer Nights Program

filled Central and West plazas with DJs, food trucks, art programs, cooking lessons and more. The streets were alive until midnight and crowds came, everyone from swing dancing couples to families pushing strollers. Though limited in terms of time, the effort, launched with the help of the Community Redevelopment Agency, reminded people of all that Chinatown has to offer, and laid the groundwork for visitors to return throughout the year.

Figueroa Corridor (Tie) Winners: California Science Center Expansion/ University Gateway

he March opening of Ecosystems, an exhibit that is part of the California Science Center’s $165 million expansion, did exactly what it was supposed to do: It made science cool. But it had a greater effect: It injected new life into the Exposition Park museum. The institution’s 170,000-squarefoot expansion is expected to boost attendance by about 25%. The upgrades are first class, with eight zones exploring different parts of the planet, including a 188,000-gallon aquarium that thrills kids. Bringing more field trips and families to the museum also increases attention on the other cultural resources in Exposition Park. The housing complex University Gateway reaches a difsee Distinction, page 26

know some habits are worth forming.

Earn a $25 Savings Bonus 1 with a new savings account When it comes to money, one of the best habits you can start is saving. Just a little bit from every paycheck can make a big difference. That’s why Union Bank supports America Saves Week, a nationwide campaign to encourage more people to save.

Because Toyota owners deserve more,

we do more for Toyota owners.

To help you take the first step, Union Bank will give you a $25 savings bonus when you open a new savings account by April 30, 2011 and grow your balance by $25 a month for three consecutive months. Open your Union Bank savings account today. Stop by one of our branches to get started, or call 800-818-6060.

(1) Available for personal accounts only. Offer valid for new customers with funds not presently on deposit with Union Bank, existing customers without a savings account may qualify, ask your branch representative. To qualify for the $25 bonus, open a Union Bank Regular Savings account (or 55+ Savings, Nest Egg Savings, or Cuentahorros Savings) with a minimum opening deposit of $50 by 4/30/11, and grow your balance by at least $25 each month for three consecutive months; your balance by 7/31/11 should therefore be at least $125. The bonus will be deposited by 8/31/11 into the Union Bank savings account, which must be active and in good standing. To waive the $3.00 regular monthly service charge, you must maintain a $300 minimum daily ledger balance or deposit $25 per month. Limit one offer per household. Not valid with other offers. Bonus reported as interest paid; Form 1099-INT will be sent for tax purposes. See our All About Personal Accounts & Services Disclosure and Agreement and Fee Schedule for complete account details.

OIL CHANGE*

• TOYOTA Genuine Parts • Rental vehicles available • Service: M- F 6AM -6PM, Sat 6AM-5PM • Sales: 7 days 9AM -10PM

* Up to 5 quarts of oil. Tax and hazardous disposal fees extra. Synthetic oil additional. Toyota vehicles only. Must present 45633 coupon at time of service. Expires 02/28/2011.

Make an appointment today!

1-800-716-1345

FREE shuttle service drop-off & pick-up

110

• toyotacentral.com

1600 S. Figueroa (at Venice), LA — 2 blocks south of the Staples Center UBGN0272_AmSavesWk_General_Print_K_em0.indd 1

2/17/11 6:52 PM

26 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

photo by Gary Leonard

Continued from page 25

viding 400 units and 1,600 beds to an area that is vastly underserved in terms of student housing. The $200 million development, which includes more than 80,000 square feet of retail space, instantly changed the northern entryway to USC. It also adds another anchor to the southern tip of the Figueroa Corridor, and increases the connectivity with the heart of Downtown. This project was complicated from the beginning, but Urban Partners never backed down, even when legal hurdles pushed construction back several years.

photo by Gary Leonard

Distinction

photo by Gary Leonard

Twitter/DowntownNews

photo by Gary Leonard

Financial District

Winner: Three Charity/Community Events: Stair Climb to the Top Hope for Firefighters Public Safety Appreciation BBQ owntown’s concentration of businesses has long made the area a hub for philanthropy and community events. Three especially stand out by engaging the neighborhood and aiding worthy causes. Every September, the Ketchum Downtown YMCA stages the Stair Climb to the Top. It brings thousands of people to U.S. Bank Tower, where they try to climb the 1,500 steps in the tallest building west of the Mississippi. It’s exhausting (the slogan is “Elevators Are for Wimps”), but all that stepping pays off: The 2010 event, the 17th in the series, raised $340,000 for local youth and teen programs. Also drawing crowds is June’s Hope for Firefighters, which

ferent kind of student — those in college. Developer Urban Partners opened the long-awaited project in August, pro-

raises money for the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. The gathering — 2010 marked the 13th installment — annually generates about $125,000. It does so in a fun way, as area businesses take part in traditional firefighter muster games — picture attorneys trying to handle a fire hose — while others among the crowd of 15,000 sample the chili, tri-tip and other culinary offerings prepared by participating fire houses. Also paying heed to firefighters, and many others who take risks to help Angelenos, is the L.A. County Public Safety Officers Annual Appreciation Barbecue. The 11-yearold event organized by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District takes place in October and gives firefighters, LAPD and Sheriff’s Department employees (and other county public safety workers) something everyone wants: a free, hearty lunch. The rest of the population pays, with funds going to the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, which supports families who experience financial difficulty due to death, injury or illness.

Ten Ten AveDA concept Salon and Spa offers a complete range of hair, skin, body, nail & makeup services. • Haircuts, Color, Threading • Airbrush Tanning • Manicure • Pedicure

50% OFF Any Service With this Ad. First time customers only.

213.785.5109 | tentensalonspa.com | 1010 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 115 Tues-Sat 11am-7pm | Free PArKinG at 637 Saint Paul St. (Mention going to Salon.)

$99 TeeTh whiTening for life Ask us hOW!

0% Financing Available Better than buying Dental Insurance!

VOTED BEST DENTIST

INVISALIGN PREFERRED PROVIDER LASER DENTISTRY DIGITAL X-RAYS

213.620.5777 • DOWNTOWNDENTALLA.COM

Downtown Los AngeLes

Fashion District

840 S. Los Angeles St.

213-627-6861 Hours 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Closed Sunday

Don Mungcal, DDS

255 SOUTH GRAND AVE, SUITE 204 LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 • VALIDATED PARKING

DIsCoUnt PRICes T SHOP EARLY FOR BES SELECTION & PRICES

Huge S of Kid election s Wea r

Elyi Capital Tailored For Small Businesses While traditional lenders may decline businesses for a less-than-perfect credit score, we believe that a small business with a healthy cash flow should be supported. A strong cash flow and good payment behavior demonstrate the performance of your business and can help you to qualify for business credit from $5,000 up to $100,000.

Small Business Loans | Business Expansion Loans | Inventory Loans | Temp. Cash Flow Loans

www.elyicapital.com | phone: 310-461-1562 | fax: 310-862-4714 Go to DowntownNews.com for daily news updates.

1901 Avenue of the Stars, 2nd Floor, LA 90067

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 27 photo by Gary Leonard

DowntownNews.com

photo by Gary Leonard

Historic Core

floodgates on Seventh Street, helping the corridor reach its longdesired potential of becoming Downtown’s “restau rant row.” The idea was proffered several years ago by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, but only came into its own in the past year or so. New additions in clude the heralded sushi establishment Sugarfish, upmarket Thai emporium Soi 7, and the instantly popular Mexican eatery Mas Malo (shown here). The action creates jobs, gen erates tax revenue and, more than anything else, makes this stretch come alive seven nights a week.

any gasped a few years ago when developer Saeed Farkhondepour halted construction on the Medall ion. Fortunately, that was only a blip, and in August Farkhondepour introduced the complex that has changed the look and feel of the northern part of the Historic Core. With 96 apartments and more than 200 retail spaces, the project extends the residential momentum of the Old Bank District while also connecting to the Toy District and the Civic Center. The $125 million development on Fourth Street between Main and Los Angeles streets not only has homes and businesses, but also offers a plaza for community events and something rarely seen in the Historic Core: green grass.

the casual joint with oversized light bulbs and plenty of wines by the glass was packed at 6:15 on a recent Sunday evening. The establishment from owner Michael Cardenas brings foodies to Little Tokyo, and once they finish a meal (or while waiting for it), they have a chance to take in the charms of the neighborhood.

Seventh Street Corridor photo by Gary Leonard

Winner: Medallion

Winner: Ritz-Carlton/J.W. Marriott Hotel

Little Tokyo Winner: Lazy Ox Canteen

any restaurants have opened in Downtown in recent years, with mixed results. One unquestioned hit is the Lazy Ox Canteen. The restaurant at 241 S. San Pedro St., on the ground floor of the Sakura Crossing apartment com plex, has been praised by, well, almost everyone. Chef Josef Centeno’s small plates menu features unusual, inventive and downright delicious offerings such as pig’s ear, caramelized cauliflower and even lamb’s neck hash. The crowds swarm —

Had Dump

enough the

Winner: Emergence of Restaurant Row

all it the Bottega Louie effect: The debut two years ago of the loud, cavernous restaurant has opened the culinary

The Art Program of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) developed these tours to introduce residents and visitors to their collection of public art created by a broad range of artists, in a variety of forms and neighborhood contexts. The tours available include:

yet? pump.

Metro Briefs

Financial District Historic Core Bunker Hill Little Tokyo

The Solution To High Gas Prices. Go Metro.

With gas prices rising daily, there's never been a better time to Go Metro. You can save as much as $10,000 annually by taking public transit in LA instead of paying for gas and parking. LA is among the top 10 cities where public transit riders realize the greatest savings. Find your best route with the Trip Planner at metro.net.

LA Among Top 10 Transit Systems

Get Direct Deposit On TAP ReadyCARD Now TAP ReadyCARD, the prepaid Visa® and TAP card all-in- one, o=ers direct deposit. Use direct deposit for the >rst time and earn a free Metro Weekly Pass. Then, after three months of direct deposit you'll earn a free Metro Monthly Pass. Call 800.921.7107 to sign up for this limited-time o=er. Learn more at tapreadycard.com.

More than 100 motorists and pedestrians have found out the hard way – never cross Metro Rail tracks when a train is approaching. Motorists and pedestrians must stop at a crossing as soon as the red lights start ?ashing even if the crossing gates have not come down. It’s the law and authorities cited 106 persons for ignoring it recently during a three-hour period at a Metro Blue Line station.

PUBLICART walkingtour PODCASTS

to your personal MP3 player and explore the public art of Los Angeles like never before.

Metro Title VI Policy

If you’d like to know more, please call us at 1.800.464.2111, or visit metro.net.

downtown

DOWNLOAD FREE AUDIO TOURS

Don’t Cross The Tracks, It’s The Law

Metro is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the bene>ts of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin. For complete information, please visit metro.net/titlevi.

t is difficult to overestimate the impact that the $900 mil lion project developed by Anschutz Entertainment Group has had on Downtown. The 54story edifice has changed the community’s skyline, and the 1,001 hotel rooms have kick started the city’s stalled convention business, luring lucrative business gatherings that L.A. was previously incapable of securing. It is actually two hotels in one: An 878room J.W. Marriott opened in February, and the 123room RitzCarlton debuted a few weeks later. The project at L.A. Live provides customers for the theaters and restaurants at that complex, but also funnels people to businesses all across Downtown. Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

The Art Program is integral to CRA/LA’s mission to eliminate blight and to revitalize Los Angeles through focused redevelopment activities in designated project areas.

Metro came in seventh overall, just behind San Francisco but ahead of Chicago, Seattle and Washington D.C., in a recent ranking of the 10 Best Cities For Public Transportation by U.S. News and World Report. The ranking was made by comparing data on ridership, safety and government spending.

GEN-FE_11-009rev2.indd 1

photo by Gary Leonard

South Park

2/15/11 4:49 PM

Printable maps direct you to each stop as you listen to the artists’ stories.

For more information on the artwork shown here and to download the tours please visit crala.org/art

28 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

JAN 31

! s w e N E r o ✔ Sign Up f

E-NEWS SIGN UP

T he OuT fiT Ac T iOn

or nNews.com at Downtow hand corner maillist ht rig r pe s/ e up symbol in th ntownnews.com/form Look for this www.ladow

Starts Jan.28/Feb.4

Oscar Nominated Costumes Make Their Way Downtown

Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com The costumes from last year’s Oscar-winning film The Young Victoria are on display at the FIDM Museum & Galleries as part of the annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibit.

FEB R7 by

oselle Chen

his week’s Academy Awards are not the only place where the best the film world offered in 2010 will come together. There’s also a spot in South Park. News owntownInstitute .A.DFashion Granted, theceexhibit at the of Design /L m o .c k o o Fa b and Merchandising is much narrower in scope than the Feb. 27 broadcast — it holds the outfits from films nominated for the Best Costume Oscar. However, it is probably the only way most people in Downtown Los Angeles will get close to anything that has the honor of even being nominated. After all, the exhibit, the 19th annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design, features more than 100 original pieces from 20 nominated and one Oscar-winning film. During a recent media preview for the show that runs through April 30, staffers at the FIDM Museum and Galleries were rushing hurriedly to get everything ready. “There’s an all-out dressing frenzy because the mum or nNews.co seum staff has only three weeks tornget it allowdone once er at Downt co nd ha ht r rig llist Christina rms/maisaid the designs and costumes been/foset,” l in the uppe have nnews.com E-NEWS Look for this symbo w.ladowntow w w P U SIGNJohnson, the museum’s collection manager. The outfits adorn white mannequins that are spread across the 10,000-square-foot space. They range from fantastic, futuristic designs to costumes that seek to capture in exacting detail what people wore nearly 200 years ago. There are layers of blue and purple silk and taffeta gowns from the 1830s period piece The Young Victoria, which captured last year’s Academy Award for Best

an! F a e m o c e B

Fan Downtown News on Facebook & Be Entered to Win Movie Tickets!

FEB 14

s! w e N E r o f ✔ Sign Up

Costume Design (the FIDM exhibit traditionally features at it, whether you drew it up or pulled the pieces from outfits from the previous year’s Oscar winner at the end shops.” of the show). There are gold buttons hanging from cotThe nominated films this year represent a range of ton pajamas on the outfits from the film Coco Chanel & styles and, for the designers, tactics. British historical Starts Igor Stravinsky. drama The King’s Speech had a limited wardrobe budAn Elizabethan era gown in black with silver zipget, forcing February 11 designer Jenny Beaven to borrow pieces pers running along its seams celebrates The Tempest. from a London costume house that specializes in period Silkscreen snowflakes and jewels decorate the White clothing. Colleen Atwood started her work on Johnny Queen’s dress from Alice in Wonderland. Depp’s Mad Hatter character from Alice in Wonderland Easy to Acquire with the hat. She found the laser-cut leather in Italy and Since its inception in 1992, the exhibition’s aim has brought the material to London to have it made by a been to showcase the creativity of the costume designer milliner. in film. Museum coordinator Michael Black spends the While all the outfits on display have different stories, Check Our the Website forpredicts Full Movie year choosing outfits he will be Listings nominated LADowntownNews.com they share one thing in common — they were relatively for the Academy Award, then takes two months to de- easy for FIDM to acquire. The school’s long history of sign the gallery with creative director Horacio Avila. presenting the exhibit means filmmakers are eager to This year’s nominees are Alice in Wonderland, I Am participate. Love, The King’s Speech, The Tempest and True Grit. “We’ve developed a great relationship with the studios Outfits from those films are interweaved through the as well as costume designers,” said FIDM instructor and space (with the exception of I Am Love; the museum gallery spokesman Nick Verreos. encountered nettlesome issues getting the costumes When the show closes, the costumes will be returned through customs in Italy). Other films represented in- to the studios, and another round of outfits will come in, clude Inception, Hereafter and Burlesque. this time for work on television as part of an exhibit tied Starts Mary Claire Hannan, costume designer for The Kids to the18 Emmy Awards. For the next few months though, February Are All Right, said it takes an average of six to eight it’s all about the movies. weeks to pull designs together for a movie set. She es“This is a tribute to the Oscars,” said Verreos. “Grandmas, tablishes the look of the project by either drawing the moms, kids and fashionistas come here to get a piece of patterns and having the clothes made, or finding items Hollywood in Downtown.” in vintage stores. The Art of Motion Picture Costume Design is free and Check Website Full Listings “What Our matters to me isfor when I’veMovie found the charac- LADowntownNews.com runs through April 30 at FIDM Museum & Galleries, 919 ter,” said Hannan. “It doesn’t matter how you arrived S. Grand Ave., (213) 623-5821 or fidmmuseum.org.

FEB 21

n! a F a e m o c Be ntownNews om/L.A.Dow .c k o o b ce Fa

Starts

Feb. 25/Now Playing

Fan Downtown News on Facebook & Be Entered to Win Movie Tickets! Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com

photo by John Sciulli©Berliner Studio/BEImages

CALENDAR

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 29

DowntownNews.com

Triple X Marks the Spot Shock, Humor and Elder Porn Take the Stage at East West Players by Jeff Favre contributing writer

great idea alone isn’t enough to sustain an entire play, but Paul Kikuchi has now proved twice that it can come close. Two years ago, Kikuchi pondered the activities at a reincarnation waiting room in limbo for his debut play Ixnay, which was mounted by Little Tokyo’s East West Players. Last week the same company debuted his new work, Wrinkles, about an amateur porn star… who happens to be 73 years old. Kikuchi lacks the subtleties of a veteran writer, preferring to rely on broad humor and driving ideas into the ground through repetition. Director Jeff Liu, who also helmed Ixnay, appears unsure what tone to adopt, and instead tries the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach to create his emotional palette. Despite these problems, the main concept, executed by the gently charismatic Broadway veteran Sab Shimono, is both charming and occasionally quite funny. Wrinkles needs script tweaks and a clearer vision for its fourmember cast, but most of the 80-minute production is entertaining. The audience is aware of the bombshell, but the fictional family doesn’t at first know the secret of widower Harry, who moved into their house after gambling away his savings. That changes when high school senior Jason Komiyama (Ki Hong Lee) and his divorced attorney mother, Nancy (Amy Hill), discover some unusual items — including a Hello Kitty vibrator. They soon learn that Harry’s movies are distributed in Japan, and that he has become famous in

the Japanese “elder porn” genre. Harry can’t hide his new career after his 19-year-old co-star Teena (Elizabeth Ho) drops by the house to pick him up for a video shoot. It’s the same day a large poster arrives in the mail advertising their latest movie, Lady and the Gramps. The realization of Harry’s secret life is, at times, hysterical. But Kikuchi and Liu keep shifting wildly from slapstick — Nancy’s over-emoted cries resemble an episode of “I Love Lucy” — to heavy sentimentality, such as Harry recalling his loving and understanding wife. The rapid-fire jokes also sometimes come screeching to a halt — during Thursday’s performance, Shimono flubbed several lines. But when Shimono finds his groove, which tends to be in the flirtatious exchanges with the exuberant Ho, Wrinkles turns into what it should be — a reality-based comedy that’s not trying too hard to squeeze laughs out of absurd twists, including an out-of-left-field solution to a problem with Nancy’s job at her law firm. All is forgiven, at least temporarily, when Harry and Teena finally get down to the business of making the video. Their choreographed moves, suggestive without being remotely graphic, spark big laughs. The same can be said (at least the big laughs part) of the various adult DVD titles offered, including Joy Suck Club. There’s also a period piece set at a Japanese internment camp, which sets a new standard for poor taste — it’s titled Tramp of the Camp. The always-reliable Hill, who tends to portray outlandish characters, serves mostly as the straight-woman, serving up the jokes

photo by Michael Lamont

In Wrinkles, the revelation of Grandpa Harry’s life as a star of the Japanese elder porn world shocks his family. (l to r) His co-star Teena (Elizabeth Ho), daughter Nancy (Amy Hill), Harry (Sab Shimono) and grandson Jason (Ki Hong Lee).

without trying to steal focus. The only cast member who struggles consistently is Lee, as Jason. It’s difficult to decide if Lee, whose smart-aleck lines sound too memorized, is simply in over his head and relying on volume and sarcasm to make his point. Though not necessary given the nature of this play, Alan Muraoka’s set design is spacious and attractive, with back rooms, such as the kitchen, which aren’t used. The conservative living room, however, transforms into a comic character, thanks to a decision to shoot an adult video on the couch. Or is it the living room table? World premieres, by their nature, almost

always require changes before being remounted, because it’s difficult to know what works with an audience until a run of a few weeks. If Kikuchi, who is growing as a writer, returns to the play and focuses more on its heart instead of going for the wacky responses, then Wrinkles has a chance at a life beyond its premiere. But even in its current form, missteps and all, Kikuchi’s core idea and its execution are strong enough to keep much of the evening entertaining. Wrinkles runs through March 13 at East West Players, 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000, ext. 20, or eastwestplayers.org.

Specializing in difficult to find herbs and spices as well as various brands of high quality vitamins and health supplements

Save $1

Feeding Los Angeles Since 1917

Just Bring this Coupon to

317 South Broadway between 3rd and 4th, Broadway and Hill

(213) 624-2378 $1 off with a minimum $5 purchase With this coupon only. Coupon expires 3/27/11.

www.grandcentralsquare.com

FREE

Free 1 hour parking with $10 minimum purchase; Courtesy of the City of Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation Metro redline passengers exit Pershing Square

30 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

EVENTS JOIN US AT LA’S LARGEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION!

The ‘Don’T Miss’ LisT

Follow the Bouncing Ball, Watch the Natives, See the Turk Sing by Lauren CampedeLLi, Listings editor

6am till 2am

calendar@downtownnews.com

Broadcast live on 98.7 & 100.3

photo courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters

Perfect pints of Guinness Jameson shots. Green beer. Picklebacks. Jameson Girls.

613 S. Grand Ave. Downtown LA, 90017 213/Casey’s partner with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks at Pershing Square to present the Young Dubliners Noon concert.

SPONSORED LISTINGS Live Church LA Club Nokia, 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 4934329 or livechurchla.com. 10 a.m.: Every Sunday, Live Church L.A. takes over the VIP Lounge at Club Nokia, bringing great music, people and inspiring messages.

photos courtesy of Global Theatre Project

Juggling two lovers and one husband can be challenging, if not downright farcical. Los Angeles Opera presents the company premiere of Gioacchino Rossini’s zany comedy The Turk in Italy at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The show debuted Feb. 19 and this week’s performance is Sunday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. Georgian soprano Nino Machiaidze plays the lady with too much love on her plate; Italian bass-baritone Simone Alberghini, Italian baritone Paolo Gavanelli and Russian tenor Maxim Mironov are her amours. Company Music Director James Conlon conducts the masquerade of mistaken identities played out against a bel canto score of tongue-tangling patter arias and coloratura showpieces. The show runs through March 13 at 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8000 or musiccenter.org.

photo by Dorit Thies

four

One of Spanish artist Francisco de Goya’s most famous works, the 1799 creation “El Sueño de la Razon Produce Monstruos” (“The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters”), depicts a sleeping man surrounded by bats and other menacing creatures. What does this have to do with Downtown Los Angeles 212 years later? Find out at the Bootleg Theater on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26, at 8 p.m., when the Latina Dance Theater Project takes the theme and runs, er, dances, with it in a performance incorporating dance, song, art and theater. Intelligent thought takes a nap and human folly runs rampant in 10 vignettes, both humorous and dark, that explore contemporary demons. At 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org.

five

Friday, Feb. 25 Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. 8 p.m.: The “Icons of the Music Industry” series presents Def Jam Recordings creator and hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons. He’ll discuss his entrepreneurial approach to both business and philanthropy.

photo by Armin Bardel

Thursday, Feb. 24 Central Library Meeting Room A, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7000 or lapl.org. 6-8 p.m.: This hands-on Business Plan Basics workshop will teach you how to identify goals and objectives in relation to marketing and sales, and write a business plan. MOCA Art Talk The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 621-1745 or moca.org. 6:30 p.m.: Curator Alma Ruiz leads a walkthrough of the exhibit Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color, and Space. Free with museum admission. ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Lit master Carlos Fuentes offers a wild, riveting saga that explores passion, magic and corruption in modern Mexico. He’s Downtown to tout his recently released Destiny and Desire: A Novel.

Concert l good… Walt Disney rea … od go es ak m nd in Orange Local ba Local Natives formed ers ck ro e di In . tood school to Hall go members went to high the of l era sev ere wh bb y du ed County ed in a rented house the liv nd ba the ere wh d Now based gether an of their recent album. le tit the o als , or an M rate on evGorilla lic folk hipsters collabo de he yc ps the , ke La r in Silve been lauded to artwork and have g itin wr ng so m fro house that erything rcussion. They visit the pe d an ies on rm ha ir . At 111 S. for the rday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m tu Sa on ilt bu y hr Ge Frank 000 or laphil.com. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2

The Lakers are stumbling now. The Clippers routinely falter. About the only certain basketball win around is the Harlem Globetrotters, who come to Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 27, at noon. There will be plenty of trick plays — including a 4-point shot — in their bout with the Washington Generals. The team that adds theater and comedy to the sport was actually created in Chicago in 1926, took on the “Harlem” moniker as a PR ploy, and didn’t play a “home” game there until 1968. If you close your eyes and listen hard, you can hear Brother Bones whistling his version of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” the team’s signature song. At 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 7427340 or staplescenter.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 22 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Dambisa Moyo, named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people and the author of Dead Aid, discusses the economic myopia of the West and the radical solutions necessary. Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. 8 p.m.: A tribute to Teena Marie, the late R&B singer/songwriter. The event includes a panel discussion and performances from Lalah Hathaway and Shanice Wilson. Wednesday, Feb. 23 TOWN HALL Los Angeles Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org. 11:30 a.m.: Mark Emmert, president of the NCAA, speaks on “Achieving Student-Athlete Success.” It’s a complex topic in a landscape littered with college football and basketball players mired in controversy. SCI-Arc Lecture Series W. M. Keck Lecture Hall, 960 E. Third St., (213) 3565328 or sciarc.edu. 7 p.m.: A panel discusses “Polytopes: The Architecture of Soundscapes,” inspired by the work of composer and architect Iannis Xenakis.

one

LIVE MUSIC & DJs 3 stages with theYoung Dubliners kickin’ if off at noon

photo courtesy of the Local Natives

LISTINGS

Art can be a matter of life and death when you’re fighting for democracy. Case in point: The Belarus Free Theatre, a company based in Minsk but now in exile for fear of imprisonment by the government. On Friday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m., the Global Theatre Project will present a staged reading of the play Being Harold Pinter, starring James Cromwell (left) and Ed Harris, to benefit the company. The play comprises writings by the late playwright (a supporter of the ensemble) and testimonials by political prisoners from the peaceful protests of the disputed re-election of Alexandr Lukashenko in December 2010. The event at the Los Angeles Theatre Center includes a catered reception. At 514 S. Spring St., (818) 823-0891 or theglobaltheatreproject.org.

Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 31

DowntownNews.com

We Got Games Lakers Trade Talk, Kings Back on Track? Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers. Feb. 22 and 25, 7:30 p.m.: The Lakers endured their most painful stretch of the season last week, highlighted (lowlighted?) by a Feb. 16 loss to the abysmal Cavaliers. Trade rumors are swirling, with the mercurial Ron Artest in the center of it all. With or without the same pieces, the schedule is not getting easier. After the break, the Lakers have a four-game week, starting with Atlanta at home followed a trip to Portland (Feb. 23). Then it’s back home to host the no-longer-a-gimme-game Clippers. Finally, Phil and friends jet off to Oklahoma City (Feb. 27), home of the feared Durantula. Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/clippers. Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.: There’s no doubt that the Clippers,

And, what do you know, he’s also got a new book, Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All. Saturday, Feb. 26 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 3 p.m.: Chamber music with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic includes a program of Beethoven’s Duo for Viola and Cello; his Serenade Op. 25 for Flute, Violin, and Viola; and Mozart’s Quartet for Flute, Violin, Viola, and Cello (K 285 in D). Maréorama Resurrected Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 W. 24th St.,

armed with Rookie of the Year lock Blake Griffin, are better this year. There’s also little doubt that the Clippers will not make the playoffs. But they’ve proven that they can beat any team on any given night, and this week they face a quartet of NBA heavyweights. They’re on the road against Oklahoma City (Feb. 22) and New Orleans (Feb. 23), then play visitors at Staples Center to the Lakers. Finally they host Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics, who have had trouble in recent years with the Clippers. Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com. Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 26, 1 p.m.: As of press time the Kings had won eight of their last 10 games, with six of those victories coming on the road. The Kings finish a 10game road swing this week in Anaheim (Feb. 23) before returning to their home ice. When they do, they’ll host the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche as they try to

8 p.m.: Media archaeologist Erkki Huhtamo will present an illustrated lecture and demonstration on Hugo d’Alesi’s moving panorama spectacle “Maréorama,” an illusionistic sea voyage on the Mediterranean, first presented at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1900. Sunday, Feb. 27 Staples Center 1201 S. Figueroa St., staplescenter.com. Noon: The Harlem Globetrotters bounce into town with their trickster hoops shenanigans. As always, they’ll take on the Washington Generals.

photo by Gary Leonard

One never knows which Ron Artest will show up when the Lakers play. Mr. Mercurial is the subject of incessant trade rumors.

play the last month and a half of the season like they did in the first month and a half. —Ryan Vaillancourt

Vegas favors the Globetrotters. MOCA Art Talk The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 621-1745 or moca.org. 3 p.m.: Art historian Andrea Giunta will discuss artist Lucio Fontana’s work in Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color, and Space.

FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. Feb. 24, 7 p.m.: A sneak preview of Happy, a documentary that journeys from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy. Actually, the answer’s simple: ice cream. Feb. 27, 3-11 p.m.: The 83rd Annual Academy Awards “Drink Along,” live on the big screen. Flagship Theatres University Village 3323 S. Hoover St., (213) 748-6321 or flagshipmovies.com. Through Feb. 24: Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son (11:30 a.m. and 2, 4:30, 7 and 9:30 p.m.); I Am Number Four (noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m.); The Roommate (12:30, 2:50, 5:30, 8 and 10:15 p.m. No 5:30 or 8 p.m. shows on Monday). IMAX Theater California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 744-

2019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Through Apr. 7: Under the Sea 3D; A Rainforest Adventure: Bugs! in 3D; and Hubble 3D. REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org. Feb. 21, 8:30 p.m.: “Body and Mind: The Primordial Cinema of Fred Worden” features The Or Cloud (2001), Here Amongst the Persuaded (2004), 1859 (2008), Possessed (2010) and others. For the past 20 years, New York-based Worden has created film and digital works, offering experiences for both body and mind. Feb. 22, 8:30 p.m.: “In Focus: The Humorous” features recent video art from Israel, Japan and Mexico, with the emphasis on humor. Paul Young will lead a short post-screening discussion on humor in contemporary art. Regal Cinema L.A. Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. Through Feb. 24: Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (12:10, 1:40, 2:40, 4:30, 5:20, 7:10, 7:50, 9:50 and 10:30 p.m.); I Am Number Four (12, 1:30, 2:30, 4:20, 5:10, 7, 7:40, 9:40 and 10:20 p.m.); Unknown (12, 1:50, 2:40, 4:40, 5:20, 7:20, 8, 10 and 10:50 p.m.); The Eagle (12:50, 3:50, 6:40 and 9:20 p.m.); Gnomeo & Juliet 3D (12:20, 2:30, 4:40, 7:10 and 9:20 p.m.); Gnomeo & Juliet (1:50, 4 and 6:30 p.m.); Just Go With It (1:50, 4:50, 7:40 and 10:40 p.m.); Justin Bieber: Never

Continued on next page

20% Off Your Entire Order Plus Additional 10% Off Late Night Snack

FixingSales Downtown LA Bicycle and Service Fixing Downtown LA Since 2001 Since 2001

FREE Parking We Do Catering

1 coupon per customer, per visit. Expires 02-28-11

Buy 1

Falafel Pita, Baguette or Plate

Get 2nd Free

*2nd item must be of equal or lesser value. Must buy 2 drinks. Offer expires 3/31/11. Dine in or take out only.

225 wEsT 7Th sT. | 213.622.3033

Combo with Coffee or a 22oz. Drink

$ 99

With this coupon.

No Substitutions. Limit one offer per coupon. State sales tax applicable. One coupon per person, per visit at participating locations only. Not valid with any other coupon, combo meal, advertised special or offer. Expires 3/14/11.

213-228-8999 | farmerboysla.com | 726 Alameda St. (Bay & Alameda) | Open 24/7

I SUSeH T ers Original Revolving d S a E R ews DB

VOT.AE. Downtown N by L

Sushi Counter in LA! Featuring

sashimi, yakitori, Tempura, different kinds of sushi open 7 days a week, 11 am - 10 pm 120 Japanese Village plaza (Little Tokyo)

(213) 680-0567

Validated Parking (Enter on Central Ave.) or use DASH Route A–Bus



MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

New!

Strawberry French Toast

Gourmet Fast Casual Restaurant Since 1973 7 Days-7am to 10pm 1657 W. 3rd St. at Union Ave. • 213-483-8885

Flames

Strawberry Pancakes or French Toast

 Suim nner m i D ch and D Lun 

Pastrami Combo

$6.99

Additional 10% between hours of 8pm and 4am. No substitutions. Limit one coupon per customer. At participating locations only. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 3/14/11.

An Extensive Seafood Menu including Dim Sum at Moderate Prices Relaxed Dining in an Elegant Ambiance Live Lobster Tank

Free Parking Next to Restaurant

700 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Tel: 213.617.2323



32 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

Listings Continued from previous page Say Never 3D (1:20, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:10 p.m.); The Roommate (1:40, 4:10, 6:50 and 9:10 p.m.); Sanctum 3D (9 p.m.); From Prada to Nada (12:40, 3:40, 6:40 and 9:20 p.m.); The Mechanic (12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 8 and 10:40 p.m.); The Rite (1:10, 4:10, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.); No Strings Attached (1:20, 4:20, 7 and 9:30 p.m.); The Green Hornet (1:40, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:40 p.m.); The Fighter (12:30, 3:30, 6:50 and 9:40 p.m.); The King’s Speech (1, 3:50, 7 and 10 p.m.). Feb. 25 (partial list): Drive Angry 3D (12, 2:30, 5:10, 7:50 and 10:30 p.m.); The Grace Card (12, 2:30, 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m.); Hall Pass (1:50, 4:30, 7:10 and 9:50 p.m.).

ROCK, POP & JAZZ Casey’s Irish Pub 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. Feb. 25, 10 p.m.: C-Horse rocks out along with a special guest every Friday in February. Get it? Seahorse, see horse, C-Horse! Feb. 26, 10 p.m.: Restavrant and Mo-Odds rock

THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

the joint. Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., c lubnokia.com. Feb. 25, 7 p.m.: Miranda Cosgrove takes the stage. Feb. 26, 7 p.m.: The Morehouse College Glee Club centennial celebration, whch has nothing whatsoever to do with with the Fox show “Glee.” Founded in 1867, Morehouse is a private, all male black college in Atlanta. Conga Room L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic, (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com. Feb. 23, 8 p.m.: Balkan Beat Box fuses gypsy rock, pop, electronic dance and world music. Who knew they did that in the Balkans? Feb. 24, 9 p.m.: Ivy Queen rocks the room. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. Feb. 25, 8 p.m.: Latin pop star Lucero. Feb. 26, 2 and 5 p.m.: Disney’s Imagination Movers on their “In a Big Warehouse” tour. They’ll bring kids’ pop from the TV set to the stage. Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. Feb. 21, 10 p.m.: Regular Phil Alvin rocks out with friends. Feb. 22, 10 p.m.: Comedians Kevin Seconds, Joey Briggs, Kyle Kinane and more. Here’s hoping Kinane busts out his Trader Joe’s bit. Feb. 23, 10 p.m.: Rumble King. Feb. 24, 10 p.m.: Fierce Bad Rabbit and Space Waves. Feb. 25, 10 p.m.: Texas Terri Bomb, The Neurotics, A Pretty Mess and Million Kids. Feb. 26, 10 p.m.: Bar That Sucks with The Lords of Altamont, Death Hymn #9, Action 45 and Cold Blue Rebels. Feb. 27, 10 p.m.: Brothers Gross, Downtown Struts and Blvd Beat. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., sevengrand.la. Feb. 22, 10 p.m.: House band The Makers. The Smell 247 S. Main St., alley between Spring and Main streets, thesmell.org. Feb. 22, 9 p.m.: Everyone loves those Vivian Girls.

Also, Catwalk and Cold Showers. Feb. 24, 9 p.m.: dubBUMBA, Gibbons and the Ghosts and pek pek — a line-up fit for the Copy Editor’s Nightmare tour. Feb. 25, 9 p.m.: Sic Alps, Whitman, White Fence and Literature. Staples Center 1201 S. Figueroa St., staplescenter.com. Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.: Linkin Park is in town to show that the rap-rock thing ain’t dead yet. The Varnish 118 E. Sixth St., (213) 622-9999 or thevarnishbar.com Feb. 21, 9 p.m.: Drink in great jazz piano every Monday with Jamie Elman serenading live on The Varnish keys. Feb. 22, 8 p.m.: Jazzman Mark Bosserman entertains on the house piano every Tuesday.

THEATER, OPERA & DANCE 100 Days LOFT ensemble, 929 E. 2nd St. Studio 105, (213) 6800392 or LOFTensemble.com. Feb. 26, 8 p.m.; Feb. 27, 7 p.m.: After his Buddhist mother passes away, a college circuit comedian has 100 days to marry for his mother’s spirit to transition in peace. Written by Weiko Lin. Through March 20. 33 Variations Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.org. Feb. 22, 24 and 25, 8 p.m.; Feb. 26, 2 and 8 p.m.; Feb. 27, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: In Moises Kaufmann’s Tony Award-winning play, Jane Fonda plays a Beethoven scholar driven to solve the genius’ greatest mystery, while her own life crumbles around her. Through March 6. As The Globe Warms Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.com. Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.: Heather Woodbury’s solo performance narrative about God, sex and ecological disaster. Through April 5. La Razón Blindada 24th Street Theatre, 1117 West 24th St., 213-745-6516 or 24thstreet.org. Feb. 26, 8 p.m.: Argentine playwright/director Aristides Vargas infuses Cervantes’ classic novel El Quijote with Franz Kafka’s The Truth About Sancho Panza and testimonies by Chicho Vargas and other

political prisoners held in the 1970s during Argentina’s dictatorship. Two political prisoners, oppressed by physical and emotional abuse, find solace in meeting every Sunday at dusk to tell the story of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Through Feb. 26. Magic Strings The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com. Feb. 22-25, 10:30 a.m.; Feb. 26-27, 2:30 p.m.: More than 100 of Bob Baker’s fantastical marionettes appear in an hour-long variety revue include puppet horses frolicking on an old-fashioned merrygo-round and a marionette “Day at the Circus.” After the performance, guests are invited to have refreshments in the Party Room. Open-ended run. The Turk in Italy Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8000 or musiccenter.org. Feb. 27, 2:30 p.m.: L.A. Opera presents the company premiere of Gioacchino Rossini’s zany comedy of amorous misadventures and a masquerade of mistaken identities, played out against a bel canto score of tongue-tangling patter arias and blazing coloratura showpieces. Through March 13.

MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews.com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.

Easy ways to submit Your

Event Info

4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar/submit 4 EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com

Email: Send a brief description, street address and public phone number. Submissions must be received 10 days prior to publication date to be considered for print.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

B A

HIST

CHAVEZ RAVINE

10 11

R PA

CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

NA PA

DYNASTY CENTER

N SIO MIS

AN GE

MWD

DE LA SERRA PLAZA PARK

HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

BUSINESS MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL

UNION STATION

DOWNTOWN SLO

FWY

ST H

ST TH 5

GLADYS PARK

SKID ROW HOUSING TRUST INNER CITY ARTS

PRODUCE MARKETS

ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL

ST SAN JULIAN

SANTEE

MAPLE AVE

S ST NGELE LOS A

WALL ST

T MAIN S

South Figueroa Corridor District

FASHION DISTRICT

MOUNT ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

ADAMS

BLVD

AAA HQ

ANNENBERG RESEARCH PARK

FIGUEROA CORRIDOR

BOR

VE LA

NORTH UNIVERSITY PARK GRAND AVE

AIR & SPACE MUSEUM AFRICAN ROSE AMERICAN GARDEN MUSEUM CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER

VE TA

MEMORIAL COLISEUM

L.A./ SPORTS ARENA

TON BLVD

SAN PEDRO STATION

D LV

10 G WASHIN

17TH ST

E X P O S I T I O N PA R K

UNIVERSITY EXPO PARK WEST

MAPLE AVE

SANTEE ST

LOS ANGELES ST

MAIN ST

BROADWAY

HILL ST

AVE

OLIVE ST

GRAND

HOPE ST

OA ST

FLOWER

FIGUER

VD BL N TIO NATURAL I S PO HISTORY EX MUSEUM

15TH ST

18TH ST

R FWY

14TH ST

A FWY S A N TA M O N I C

PATRIOTIC HALL

HARBO

CHERRY

14TH PL

FRIEDMAN OCCUPATIONAL CENTER

110

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

PICO BLVD

VENICE BLVD

GALEN CENTER

VD SON BL

JEFFER

CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

OA ST

12TH ST

FLOWER

AT&T CENTER

SHRINE AUDITORIUM

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

FIGUER

NC EAR

STAPLES CENTER ARENA

HEBREW UNION COLLEGE

Y SANTEE ALLE

11TH ST

RA PARA LOS NINOS

MAYAN THEATER

CONVENTION CENTER

110

SPRING ST

CALIFORNIA MARKET CENTER

SOUTH PARK

SOUTH EXHIBIT HALL

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

OLYMPIC BLVD

VD PICO BL

LAPD

6TH ST

ORPHEUM THEATER

9TH ST

L PA

WHOLESALE SEAFOOD DISTRICT

CENTRAL CITY EAST

BROADWAY

STILLWELL HOTEL

7TH ST

8TH ST

PED 4TH ST

MERCANTILE ARCADE

HILL ST

OLIVE ST

FIDM ANNEX

4TH ST

FLOWER MARKET GRAND AVE

HAR

SAN

HISTORIC CORE

ART SHARE 4TH PL

SAN JULIAN PARK

JEWELRY DISTRICT

PICO STATION

LITTLE TOKYO GALLERIA MARKET

6TH ST

RALPHS

LUXE CITY CENTER HOTEL

5TH ST

NEW LATC

BILTMORE PERSHING HOTEL

LAAC 7TH ST

HOPE ST

FLOWER ST

O HOTEL

WEST EXHIBIT HALL

PICO UNION

LOS ANGELES ST

OLD BANK DISTRICT & GALLERY ROW

5TH ST

SQUARE

TRACTION AVE

TOY DISTRICT

MACY'S PLAZA FIGUEROA ST

FRANCISCO ST

D AVE

GARLAN

H CHICK

MAIN ST

SPRING ST

GAS CO TOWER

FIGUEROA HOTEL

MARRIOTT L.A. LIVE & RITZ REGAL NOKIA CARLTON CINEPLEX PLAZA NOKIA THEATRE T WEST

12TH ST

BROADWAY

US BANK TOWER

PERSHING SQUARE STATION

3RD ST

MUSEUM OF NEON ART

GRAND HOPE FIDM PARK

11TH ST

110

MELLON BANK

ARTS DISTRICT

PLAZA

SHERATON HOTEL

777

GARAGE

BRADBURY BLDG. RONALD REAGAN BIDDY STATE MASON BLDG PARK

ARATANI NOGUCHI THEATER PLAZA JACCC

OLIVE ST

AVE

BLVD

GRAND AVE

LUCAS

OLYMPIC

GRAND CENTRAL MARKET

CALIFORNIA FLIGHT PLAZA

7TH ST / METRO CENTER STATION

7 + FIG

GARLAND BUILDING

WATER COURT ANGELS

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

725

LOYOLA LAW SCHOOL

HOPE ST

WIL

WELLS FARGO CENTER

3RD ST

1ST

2ND ST

LITTLE ST VIBIANA TOKYO LIBRARY

4TH ST

WESTIN YMCA UNION BONAVENTURE HOTEL BANK CITIGROUP PLAZA CENTER

FIGUEROA AT WILSHIRE WILSHIRE BLVD WILSHIRE GRAND HOTEL

VD SHIRE BL

LVD WOOD B

BA PLAZA

MAGUIRE CITY GDNS NATIONAL JONATHAN PLAZA CALIF. CLUB CLUB THE STANDARD

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL

JAMES

FLOWER ST

MARRIOTT HOTEL BEAUDRY AVE

4TH S

MOCA OMNI HOTEL

3RD ST TUNNEL

FIGUEROA ST

LAUSD HQ

3RD ST

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CITY WEST

POLICE ADMIN

COLBURN SCHOOL OF PERF. ARTS

LOS ANGELES CENTER STUDIOS

7TH ST

LITTLE TOKYO

KYOTO CALTRANS GRAND HQ HOTEL

2ND ST

2ND STREET TUNNEL

CROWN HILL

LAPD PARKER CENTER

I-A

TIMES MIRROR SQUARE

BUNKER HILL

CIVIC CENTER STATION

L. A. COUNTY COURTHOUSE

LITTLE TOKYO/ ARTS DISTRICT STATION

MOCA AT GEFFEN UNION CENTER JAPANESE FOR THE ARTS NATIONAL MUSEUM

HARBOR FWY

DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION

CENTRAL AVE ART PARK

LOS ANGELES CITY HALL

1ST ST

2ND S

MIGUEL CONTRERAS LEARNING COMPLEX

CIVIC CENTER

EOC-POC-LFD

VE EA

1ST ST L.A. DOWNTOWN SHAKESPEARE LA NEWS

TEMPLE ST HALL OF CRIMINAL RECORDS COURTHOUSE

HALL OF ADMINISTRATION

FEDERAL BLDG ROYBAL FEDERAL BLDG

AF NT

EDWARD R. ROYBAL LEARNING CENTER

VISTA HERMOSA PARK

DEPT. OF WATER & POWER

DEPT. OF BUILDING & SAFETY

LOS ANGELES MALL

AHMANSON THEATER MARK TAPER FORUM

FEDERAL COURTHOUSE

CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS

110

TEMPLE BEAUDRY

101

C. EDWIN PIPER TECHNICAL CENTER

OLVERA ST

LE ST

SAN BERNARDINO SPLIT

101

TEMP

4-LEVEL INTERCHANGE

www.cartifact.com

AVE

101

CHINATOWN GATEWAY

EZ AVE CESAR E. CHAV

H O L LY W O O D F W Y

Gas Stations

S NE VIG

ST HIGH

CHINATOWN LIBRARY

OA ST

EVANS ADULT SCHOOL

Metro Red & Purple Lines

AVEZ

ORD

FIGUER

Free Parking with validation

ALPINE HILL

HIST

Metro Blue Line

E. CH

R CESA

CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT HQ ING SPR

ANGELINO HEIGHTS

Metro Rail Station Entrances

CHINATOWN BL VD

Metro Gold Line

E ST

ALPIN

NEW

HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES

WAY

EGE S

COLL

CASTELLAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

EGE S

COLL

CHINATOWN STATION D BROA

PACIFIC ALLIANCE MEDICAL CENTER

Contact Cartifact for the full-color, every-building version of this map and others. Available as a poster and in print, web, and mobile media.

700 S. Flower St, Ste. 1940 Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.327.0200 maps�cartifact.com

HILL

FIGUEROA TERRACE

CENTRAL PLAZA

G RD

M WAY

KAISER MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

ANN STREET ELENTARY SCHOOL

BAMBOO PLAZA

G KIN

STADIU

Los Angeles

ARD S

BERN

Downtown

N CHU

CASA ITALIANA

ELYSIAN PARK

YS EL

LOS ANGELES STATE HISTORIC PARK (CORNFIELD)

AIN

N F

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL

BROAD WAY

110

W STADIUM

DODGER STADIUM

NORTH

ELYSIAN PARK

NOR TH M

NORT H SPR ING S T

34 Downtown News

February 21, 2011

Twitters/DowntownNews

CLASSIFIED

place your ad online at www.ladowntownnews.com

FOR RENT

l.a. downtown news classifieds call: 213-481-1448 Classified Display & Line ad Deadlines: thursday 12 pm REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

real estate services

Buy SEll lEaSE

lofts for sale

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

Bestlarealestate.com 323.298.0100

Bill Cooper

213.598.7555 out of state RUIDOSO, New Mexico Area - 5 acres w/city water and city maintained roads near small fishing pond and golf course. Only $19,900. Financing avail. Call NMRS 1-888-791-6136. (Cal-SCAN)

Available Immediately

CONSIDERING FORECLOSURE? Are you late in payments? A short sale may be your solution. Call Lady Rodriguez, Realtor 310-600-7534. Represent both buyers and sellers. timeshare/resorts SELL/RENT Your Timeshare for cash!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for cash! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.SellaTimeshare.com (877) 554-2098. (Cal-SCAN)

Top floor of 11 story historical building available now! We have approximately 2,868 square feet of contiguous exterior space facing Olympic Blvd. Stunning views of L.A. Two blocks away from the Staples Center and adjacent to the new L.A. Live Complex. The building also has other beautiful contiguous space & some small offices available. This space can be viewed by appointment.

“Be wary of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send any money for fees or services. Read and understand any contracts before you sign. Shop around for rates.”

FOR RENT

apartments/unfurnished

Milano Lofts Now LeasiNg! • Gorgeous layouts • 10-15’ ceilings • fitness center • Wi-fi rooftop lounge • amazing Views 6th + Grand Ave. • 213.627.1900 milanoloftsla.com

BRAND NEW Luxury Apartments Homes. Orsini III. Now open for immediate Occupancy. Call for Specials. Never Lived in, Free Parking, Karaoke Room, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor Basketball, Uncomparable Amenity Package. Call today to schedule a tour - 866-479-1764.

Brand new

Bristol apartments 423 West 8th street

All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

CALL FOR SPECIALS @ the Medici. Penthouse 1 & 2 bdrm apts. Granite kitchens, washer/ dryers, business center, 2 pools, spa! Visit TheMedici.com for a full list of amenities. Call 888886-3731.

condominiums/unfurnished Explosive City Lights Views, Hardwood Floors, $1,800 month. All Utilities Included & Parking. Agent (310) 247-1230 NS&A/DRE/LIC/#01127380.

CALL FOR SPECIALS @ The Visconti. Free parking, free tanning, free wi-fi + biz center avail. Cardio Salon, pool, Spa, steamroom, sauna. Call us today. 866742-0992.

EMPLOYMENT drivers CALL NOW. Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits. 300 New T660’s. Need CDL-A & 3 months recent OTR. 1-877-258-8782. www. MeltonTruck.com. (Cal-SCAN)

loft/unfurnished

old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts

COMPANY Solos & Teams Western US! National Pay for Regional Work! Great home time. 1-year OTR or recent grad. Hazmat required. 1-888-9059879 or www.AndrusTrans.com. (Cal-SCAN)

from $1,100 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge call 213.253.4777 laloft.com

LOFTS STARTING AT $1700 Real artist lofts, high ceilings, hardwood/concrete floors, kitchen, fireplace, pool/spa, gated parking, laundry, sorry no dogs. Open House Sundays 12-3pm. Leasing office @1250 Long Beach Ave. & 14th St. 213-6295539

DRIVER - Daily or Weekly Pay. Single source dispatch. No tractor older than 3 years. Safety bonuses paid quarterly. CDL-A, 3 months recent OTR experience. 1-800-414-9569. www.DriveKnight.com. (Cal-SCAN)

the loft expert! group

now leasing studios

Call us today!

income qualifications - under $46,400/year

213-228-3000

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.) Starting Jan. 1, 2011

all applications can either be mailed in or dropped off to: 206 West 6th st., la ca 90014 or 423 West 8th st., la ca 90014

Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

Monthly from $595 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151

Do you have something to sell?

Ad Copy: _________________________________________

Ad Prices

________________________________________________

(Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY) • Items under $300 • Items $301 to $500 • Items $501 to $1200 • Items $1201 to $2000 • Items $2001+…

Name: Address: City Phone: Cash $ Credit card #: Exp. Date:

FREE! $11.50 $14.00 $16.50 $19.00

12 words, 2 weeks 15 words 15 words 15 words 15 words

All ads run for 2 weeks. Ads may be renewed after two weeks for 50% off the original price of the ad.

With a circulation of State Check $

Zip Credit Card $

47,000,

our classifieds get results!

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION!

ALL CASH Vending Route! Be Your Own Boss! 25 Machines + Candy All for $9995. Vend3, 880 Grand Blvd., Deer Park, NY. 1- 877-915-8222. Major CC accepted! (Cal-SCAN) LEARN HOW to Double Your 2011 Income at this Live Event: WealthBuildersConference. com/money. (Cal-SCAN) help Wanted ABLE TO Travel. Hiring 8 people. No experience necessary. Transportation & lodging furnished. Paid training. Work and travel entire USA. Start today. www.ProtekChemical.com 1-208-590-0365. (Cal-SCAN)

family, criminal, p.i. for more than 20 yrs! child support / custody necesita permiso de trabajo? tagalog / español / Korean

get your green card or citiZenship Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710

Business services ADVERTISING- Best kept secret. A business card sized display ad 140 California community newspapers. Reach 3 million+ Californians. Cost $1,550.$1.33 cost per thousand. Free brochure (916)288-6019; www.CalSDAN.com. (Cal-SCAN) cleaning CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.

SERVICES home improvement

E&R Reasonable Prices

323.228.4500

Voted Best Downtown Residential Real estate Agent

$662/month

2-5 days, some subsidies Near Little Tokyo Metro Station Harry Pregerson Center 213-894-1556 Joy Picus Center 213-978-0026 mtwashingtonpreschools.org attorneys

Email request to ghollis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300 x1455

Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $30.00 •Weekly, $109.00 •Monthly, $310.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.

Infant - Pre-K full-day care

Business opportunities

Plumbing, Heating, Electrical Drain Cleaning Services starting at $35 Residential Commercial Experts Lic. #814113

Prime downtown location

madison hotel

childcare

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Information available to qualified prospective tenants.

ALL UtiLities pAiD

DRIVERS/CDL Training - Career Central. We Train and Employ You. Company Drivers up to 40K First Year. New Team Pay! Up to 48c/mile Class A CDL Training Regional Locations! 1-877-3697091 www.CentralDrivingJobs. net. (Cal-SCAN)

financial services CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. (Cal-SCAN)

legal notice the community redevelopment agency of the city of los angeles, california (the "cra/la") is soliciting proposals from interested and qualified individuals and firms to conduct a series of four organizational development workshops for 501(c)(3) arts organizations in north hollywood, ca. firm will also coordinate peer review of capacity plans developed by participants through the workshops. the rfp no. np-13968 will be posted on or after february 18, 2011 on the cra/la website at www.crala.org and the los angeles business area Virtual network at www.labavn.org. to be placed on the list of registered firms for this rfp, email Jennifer brueggemann at jbrueggemann@cra.lacity.org. 2/21/11 cns-2046428# doWntoWn neWs

Real Estate Specialist of San Gabriel Valley Proudly serving the communities of San Gabriel, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Montebello and El Monte.

Cal Best Realty

________________________________________________

Emi Terauchi Realtor / Notary • Lic.No.00810238

________________________________________________

English/Japanes/Chinese speaking emiterauchi@yahoo.com • (626) 786-9086

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Restrictions: Offer good on private party ads only. Ads must be pre-paid by cash, check or credit card. Certain classifications excluded. Deadline: Thursday at noon for next issue.

is your teen experiencing:

• School problems? • Conflict at home or with friends?

adolescent support group now forming ages 13-17 low fee call marney stofflet, lcsW

(323) 662-9797

4344 fountain ave. (at sunset), suite a los angeles, ca 90029

February 21, 2011

Downtown News 35

DowntownNews.com

Education ATTEND COLLEGE Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-210-5162 www.Centura.us.com. (Cal-SCAN) HIGH SCHOOL Diploma! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure. Call Now! 1-866-562-3650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com. (Cal-SCAN) HEaltH NOT FEELING any joy? Overwhelmed by stress and emotional overload? Professional counseling helps! www.drannewarman. vpweb.com, Downtown Wilshire Office, reasonable rates, insurance accepted, 310-281-9797. IF YOU USED The Antibiotic Drug LEVAQUIN and Suffered a Tendon Rupture, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800535-5727. (Cal-SCAN) SURGERY: If you had hip replacement surgery between 2005 -present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. (CalSCAN)

2006 NISSAN FRONTIER LE Crewcab. Fully loaded. Extra clean. Great condition! Stock C110036-1 vin 406234 $18,988 call 888-203-2967. 2007 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 Pewter/Black, 3.5 Liter, leather, $28,999 4JGBB86E77A260898 Call 888-319-8762. 2008 AUDI A4 Premium package, Automatic, Moonroof, Certified. #8A054729 $21,980. Call 888-583-0981 2008 PORSCHE LIMITED EDITION BOXSTER Tiptronic, Bose, Navigation Sport Chrono, 31K miles, certified, #710470. $38,888. Call 888-685-5426. 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Certified. Low miles. Manager’s Special. vin 092851 $14,610 Call 888-781-8102. 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S Certified, air with power pkg # NI3609 / 9N487053 $14,999, call 888-838-5089. 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Low Mileage, Black/Black stk #UC562R/221046 $20,990 Call 888-879-9608.

For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com autoS WantEd

tax SErvicES TAX PREPARATION SERVICE for individuals and businesses, GB Tax Services, Inc. Gracita Babao, EA, enrolled to practice before the IRS. 213-359-1748. Free Evaluation!

AUTOS PrE-oWnEd

doWntoWn l.a. auto GrouP Porsche Volkswagen audi Mercedes-Benz nissan cheVrolet cadillac

DONATE YOUR car, truck or boat to Heritage for The Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-9026851. (Cal-SCAN) DONATE YOUR Car: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CalSCAN) DONATE YOUR Vehicle! Receive Free Vacation Voucher. United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info Free Towing, Tax Deductible, NonRunners Accepted, 1-888-4685964. (Cal-SCAN)

PETS/ANIMALS adoPt a PEt ADOPT (OR FOSTER) your forever friend from Bark Avenue Foundation. Beautiful, healthy puppies, dogs, cats and kittens available at Downtown’s largest private adoption facility. Call Dawn at 213-840-0153 or email Dawn@BarkAveLA.com or visit www.Bark Avenue Foundation. org.

ITEMS FOR SALE aPPliancES GENERAL ELECTRIC PROFILE 2 door Refrigerator Freezer $300 Good Condition. 310-9630410. MiSc. itEMS SHARI’S BERRIES - Mouthwatering gourmet strawberry gifts fresh for all occasions! 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Delivered nationwide. Save 20% on Dipped Berries! Visit www.berries.com/berries or Call 1-888903-2988. (Cal-SCAN) WINE OF THE Month Club! Send the gift of wine all year long! 2 Bottles each month from award-winning wineries around the world. Call 888-682-7982 and get Free Shipping! (CalSCAN)

ANNOUNCEMENTS voluntEEr oPPortunitiES HELPING KIDS heal. Free Arts for Abused Children is looking for volunteers to integrate the healing power of the arts into the lives of abused and at-risk children and their families. Today is the day to get involved! Contact Annie at volunteers@freearts. org or 310-313-4278 for more information.

loSt SOLD KEPLER the Bengal Cat ‘04 to a male Downtown LA. Lost contact info & need to talk to him. If you know of him/Kepler, please contact me. 909-592-8626 noticES UPCOMING AUTHOR, Hannah Faye presents new hip hop novel entitled “A Rapper’s College.” Visit www.arapperscollege.weebly.com for more information. 3174428324 VONAGE Unlimited Calls in U.S. & 60 Countries! No annual contract! $14.99 For 3 Months! Then ONLY $25.99/mo. Plus Free Activation. Call 877-881-2318. (Cal-SCAN) WANTED DIABETIC Test Strips. Cash Paid. Unopened, Unexpired Boxes Only. All Brands Considered. Help others, don’t throw boxes away. For more information, Call 888-491-1168. (Cal-SCAN) cHurcHES THE BRIDGE / Little Tokyo: Contemporary worship, 11 am Sundays at Union Church 401 East Third St. www.thebridgewired.org.

LEGAL

the following registrant: MIKE GOTO, 1706 South Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrants has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on January 31, 2011. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 2/21, 2/28, 3/07, 3/14/2011 ProBatE PEtition to adMiniStEr EStatE suPeRioR couRt oF caliFoRnia countY oF los anGeles notice oF Petition to aDministeR estate oF William l. Denmon, JR. (DeceDent) CASE NO. BP126485 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contigent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate,

FictitiouS BuSinESS naME Fictitious Business name statement File no. 20110169097 The following person is doing business as: OUTDOOR MEDIA ADVERTISING, 1706 South Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90006, are hereby registered by

The Downtown Renaissance Collection

Sell your items under $300… 12 words, 2 weeks it’s FREE!

Be Inspired... Best Downtown Locations!

Downtown Los Angeles Brentwood y Century City Woodland Hills

EstD 1912

Beautiful Fully Furnished Offices Starting at $500 y Flexible Terms y Corporate ID Programs Beautiful Fully FurnishedAvailable Offices

Historic beauty. Modern refinement. Eclectic elegance.

Starting at $500 y Flexible Terms y Corporate ID Programs Available Services Include:

Telephone & Voice Mail y West Law y Photocopy & Fax y Video Conferencing

Additional Features: Kitchen Additional Facilities, Mail/Copy Features: Room, Conference Rooms, Mail/Copy Spectacular Views, Kitchen Facilities, Room, Fully Trained Staff Views, Conference Rooms, Spectacular

noW lEaSinG

$1,400’s/Mo. Free Parking ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE GRAND LOBBY • FITNESS CENTER • SPA MODERN KITCHEN w/CAESAR COUNTERTOPS HIGH SPEED INTERNET DESIGNER LIVING SPACES • PET FRIENDLY • DRAMATIC VIEWS WALKING DISTANCE TO RALPHS SUPERMARKET

Fully Trained Staff

JENNY AHN JENNY AHN (213) 996-8301

(213) 996-8301

laleads@regentbc.com

www.regentbc.com

MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing! 756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 213-892-9100 | chapmanf lats.com

• Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views

Pricing subject to change without notice.

THAI MASSAGE SPECIALIST VIP Room Available. The Best Way For Business Meetings & Entertainment

Professional massage for men & women. Services include Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Swedish Oil Massage, Foot Massage, Sauna, Steam, and more. Lounge area.

550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST.

877-231-9362

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

6th+Grand Ave. • milanoloftsla.com • 213.627.1900

HBODY

MASSAGEH

First Professionally Licensed Massage Shop in L.A. County.

d o W n t o W n n E W S . c o M

3386766 0119

SaKura HEaltH GYM & Sauna, inc. 111 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste #231-233 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 458-1919 [Corner of Garvey Ave.]

Medici 725 SOUTH BIXEL ST.

877-239-8256

WWW.THEMEDICI.COM

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.

Monthly from $550 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348

Piero 616 ST. PAUL AVE.

877-235-6012

WWW.THEPIERO.COM

Visconti 1221 WEST THIRD ST.

866-690-2888

WWW.THEVISCONTI.COM

FREE Rent Specials On Select Floor Plans • Free Resident/Guest Parking in Gated Garage • Private Library, Business Center & Conference Rooms • Free Wi-Fi & DSL Computer Use • Resident Karaoke Lounge • Directors Screening Room • Lavish Fountains & Sculptures • On-Site Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball, BBQ’s and Jogging Track • Night Light Tennis Courts • Indoor Basketball

s Performing Group Children’3 Version

HealtH Dept. rank a for 7 ConseCutive Years

Elegant World Class Resort Apartment Homes

Orsini

Reception y Mail y Fiber Optic Internet y TelephoneServices & Voice Include: Mail y West Law y Reception y& Mail Optic Internet y Photocopy FaxyyFiber Video Conferencing

FOR SALE

Los Angeles, CA 90012. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided in Probate Code section 9100. The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. attorney for Petitioner: Law Offices of Donald A. Hunsberger Sarah E. Barb, #267359 625 The City Drive South Orange, CA 92868 telephone: 714-663-8000 Date filed: January 13, 2011 John A. Clarke, Executive Officer/Clerk By: Betzaida F. Mendez, Deputy Pub. 2/21, 2/28, 3/7/2011

Downtown Los Angeles Brentwood y Century City Woodland Hills

Beautiful

SWING STAGE WINDOW ACCESS EQU HORIZONTAL TROLLEY SYSTEM IN EXCELLANT SHAPE USED BEFORE CONSTRUCTION STARTED. EASY TO ASSEMBLE. MUST HAVE A PARAPET AT LEAST 3 FEET TALL FOR INSTALLATION. FLEXIBAL UNIT WILL GO ON ANY HIGH RISE. HAVE PICTURES. EVERYTHING ON SKIDS READY TO MOVE. (714) 550-0005 • 949-412-6771 (714) 719-4614

or both, of: William L. Denmon, Jr. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: Crystal La Shawn Denmon in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The Petition for Probate requests that Crystal La Shawn Denmon be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decendent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept in court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: March 14, 2011 time: 8:30am Dept.: 11 Address of court is Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 111 N. Hill Street,

Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up!

• Brunswick Four-Lane Virtual Bowling • Full Swing Virtual Golf • 3100 Square Foot Cybex Fitness Facility • Free Tanning Rooms • Massage Room, Sauna & Steam Room • Rooftop Pools with Dressing Rooms • Concierge Service • 24-Hour Doorman • 24/7 On-Site Management • Magnificent City Views *Amenities vary among communities

HollYWood Nails & Spa

Client: G.H. Associates Professional NailPalmer Care & Waxing for Ladies & Gentlemen Publication: LADT News Size/Color:323.662.2718 4.3125” x 8” 4CBlvd. • 4335 W. Sunset Walk-in Welcome • GIft Certificate Available

SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433 Design

M.-F. 9:30am - 7:30pm Sat. 9am - 7:30pm • Sun. 10am - 7pm

by: apluscreative@yahoo.com

Ph: 323.474.4668

36 Downtown News

Twitter/DowntownNews

SANTEE VILLAGE LO F TS

$5,000 puRChASE iNCENTivE

$4,000 BoSCh appliance upgrade

FeB 26/27

lIMIteD Release

18 UnIts priCed from

$199K

WWW.santeeVIllageloFts.CoM

SALES CENTER:

716 s. los angeles st In santee CoURtYaRD

LA, CA 90014

213. 867. 2131

DoWnToWn LA los angeles st @ 7th

The Seller reserves the right to change prices without prior notice or obligation. All units are subject to prior sale or reservation. Kennedy Wilson, A California Real Estate Broker. License #00746768

February 21, 2011