LOS ANGELES
DOWNTOWN
NEWS
13
2
A change at the top of Central Bureau, and other happenings Around Town.
6
Looking at how prison and parole reform will impact Downtown.
W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M
March 1, 2010
Volume 39, Number 9
INSIDE
Kids’ Films at REDCAT
A Distinct Collection Rail Line Gets Top Prize as Downtown News Recognizes 13 Projects From 2009 by Ryan VaillancouRt
The return of Jerry West.
2
Urban Scrawl on dog licenses.
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Furnishing the Convention Center hotel.
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staff wRiteR
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t a time when headlines tend toward gloom, nearly 400 business, civic and community leaders gathered to celebrate more than a dozen standout projects that spurred investment, created jobs and brought people together in Downtown in 2009. The ninth annual Downtowners of Distinction Awards, presented by Los Angeles Downtown News at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Feb. 23, highlighted 13 key projects in the area, with the Project of the Year prize going to the Metro Gold Line
Eastside Extension. The $898 million light rail project topped a list of efforts that included residential developments, a new synagogue, restaurants, entertainment venues and community empowerment initiatives. “What’s important is the fact that we’ve built a community down here and a community that has articulated its needs, the spiritual needs, the needs to shop and buy food, to exercise,” said Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry. The 13 district winners were chosen by the Los Angeles Downtown see Distinction, page 10
The Sweet Sound of ‘Sold!’ A New Downtown Auction House Hopes To Spark Some Sunday Bidding Wars by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
All the latest Health news.
11
Reviewing ‘The Subject Was Roses.’
14
Five great entertainment options.
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15 CALENDAR LISTINGS 17 MAP 18 CLASSIFIEDS
M
ateen Saffari is a treasure hunter. On a recent Sunday afternoon, he was eagerly and thoroughly searching for his next big find. He investigated an old Victorian couch, inspected a box of antique silverware, closely observed an oil painting and caressed a Louis XV style vitrine, looking for imperfections in the dark wood finish. “If there’s workmanship, an antique quality to it, I’ll want it,” he said. Saffari knew that getting what he wanted photo by Gary Leonard would require more than Danny Shaoulian sells pipe organs and other whipping out a credit antiques to the highest bidder at the recently opened card — he would have to Tiffany Auction on Grand Avenue. Events take place be willing to outbid op- every other Sunday. ponents desiring the same item. Shaoulian, a partner in the real esSaffari was one of the customers at tate firm D&R Brothers, which owns Tiffany Auction, a recently opened, 10 buildings in the area. 7,000-square-foot Downtown busiThe first auction was held on Jan. ness that stocks hundreds of antique 24 and attracted about 150 people, and unique items that are put up Shaoulian said. He sold about 200 for auction every other Sunday. The items, everything from a $10 vase to next sale is March 7 at 11 a.m. (with a $5,000 Marc Chagall painting. previews starting an hour before). “It was very successful. We were The store opened in November very happy with the outcome,” at 1201 S. Grand Ave. It is owned Shaoulian said, though he would not by Downtown businessman Danny see Auction, page 7
photo by Gary Leonard
Officials who planned, prepped, oversaw and worked on the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension accepted the Project of the Year prize last week at Los Angeles Downtown News’ ninth annual Downtowners of Distinction awards.
Scooting Around Downtown Gets an Unlikely Business in A Little Tokyo Vespa Dealership by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
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year lease on the space at Third Street and Central Avenue. The store opened in November with 40 Vespas on the floor. It also stocks accessories such as brightly colored half helmets and riding jackets, as well as a service station where customers can bring in their vehicles for maintenance. The dealership is a fashionable see Vespa, page 8
hen Caroline Le Duc’s car broke down, she decided she needed some new wheels. But the 27-year-old Historic Core resident had other considerations too: She wanted to zip through traffic and save on gas. So when Le Duc went out to dinner in Little Tokyo, she stumbled onto the perfect solution. “I walked past here and saw all the Vespas behind the locked gates and that was it for me,” she said. Last month, Le Duc became one of about 20 owners of a scooter purchased at Vespa of L.A., a 4,000-square-foot showroom and service center that owner and general manager Roger Miyakawa hopes will tap into the young urban market. He noted that his business is aiming at those frustrated by traffic and parking in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as tourists who are familiar with the scooter as a mode of transportation. “My goal is also to try to move people into alterative forms of transportation,” said Miyakawa. “Scooters, as a mode of transportaphoto by Gary Leonard tion, are going to lead the Downtown resident Caroline Le Duc bought way in the future.” a scooter from Vespa of L.A. Roger Miyakawa Miyakawa signed a three- opened the shop in November.
The Voice of Downtown Los Angeles
2 Downtown News
March 1, 2010
Twitter/DowntownNews
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fter 33 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, Deputy Chief Sergio Diaz plans to retire on March 31. As deputy chief of Central Bureau, Diaz has overseen operations of Central Division in Downtown, as well as Newton, Rampart, Northeast and Hollenbeck divisions. His replacement will be Commander Jose Perez, who currently heads the department’s Employee Relations Division. The groundwork for Diaz’s upcoming retirement was laid five years ago when he opted into the department’s early retirement plan. Still, the 55-year-old Diaz may continue working, either with another department or in private security. “I’m not ready to hang up my pistols yet,” he said. Diaz said that the changes that have occurred in Downtown during his time with the force are particularly memorable. “Downtown in the last few years has been transformed dramatically, certainly not solely by the efforts of the police department, but I think certainly the efforts contributed and laid the groundwork,” he said. “I’ve been an L.A. police officer for 33 years, and probably no place has changed as dramatically as the Downtown area.”
gallery, the 7,000-pound skeleton is hailed by the museum as one of the most complete large-whale exhibits in the world. It was acquired by museum osteologist Eugene Fischer and field collector Howard Hill in 1926 from a whaling station in Humboldt County. It was on display continuously from 1944 through 2006. During the restoration, each of the 221 bones were cleaned.
Women Business Leaders to Be Feted
T
he Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners is set to honor a collection of pioneering local leaders at a Downtown event. The 24th annual NAWBO-LA Leadership and Legacy Awards will present its top honor, the Leadership Award, to Lizanne Falsetto of thinkproducts, a brand of health food items. Caroline Nashas of the executive recruitment firm Korn/Ferry International will get the Legacy Award and Peter Young of Ernst & Young will receive the Man of the Year prize at the March 19 event at the JW Marriott hotel. Additional information and registration is at (213) 622-3200 or events@nawbola.org.
NHM Shows Off Whale of an Exhibit
Skid Row Arrest Nets Five Weapons
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fter a four-year absence for cleaning and restoration, a fin whale skeleton returned to the Natural History Museum last week. The 63-foot-long specimen, complete with a 16-foot-long skull, was unveiled to the public Saturday, Feb. 27, as part of the Fin Whale Passage exhibit. Located in a newly renovated
APD Central Division officials announced last week that they recently seized five weapons and drug paraphernalia during an arrest at a Skid Row hotel. The incident occurred Feb. 19, when police were investigating reports that Jimmy Joe Dukes, a resident of the Southern Hotel, was dealing drugs out of
Former Laker great Jerry West (left) returned to Staples Center on Thursday, Feb. 25, to participate in Basketball 101. In the event organized by the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, he spoke with Lakers coach Phil Jackson (center) and host Bill Macdonald.
his room at Fifth and San Julian streets. When Dukes, 55, let officers into his room, he admitted he had a gun. A search turned up five firearms, including two shotguns, and an array of drug paraphernalia. Dukes had been arrested more than two dozen times in the past 35 years, but only had one felony conviction, for welfare fraud in 2004, Lt. Paul Vernon said. “Every gun police take off the street is a potential murder averted,” Vernon said in a release. Detectives also seized a scale and bags for selling drugs, ammunition, brass knuckles and more than $800 in cash. Dukes was charged with four counts of firearms possession and one count of possession of cocaine for sale. His bail was set at $105,000.
Fresh & Easy Opens Near Downtown
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owntowners have a new place to get groceries, even if it is not in the heart of the Central City. On Wednesday, Feb. 24, a Fresh & Easy market opened at 1025 E. Adams Blvd., at the corner of Central Avenue. The store, which is about 2.5 miles from the Ralphs Fresh Fare in South Park, is the centerpiece of a new mixed-use develop-
ment that includes affordable housing units, which will debut later this year. If Downtown residents aren’t accustomed to driving south for groceries, Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry sees a shift coming. “I think it’s going to change peoples’ perspective on their neighborhood from north to south and one of the reasons I think it’s going to change is because of the architecture of the building,” Perry said. “It’s open, it’s inviting and very contemporary and spare in an elegant way.”
Help for the Food Truck Trackers
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hose who don’t have time to follow every tweet or Facebook update to keep track of their favorite food truck now have some help: a recently launched website does it all. Truxmap.com is a self described “up to the tweet” food truck tracker that points out where many food trucks are on one map. It’s particularly useful to Downtown workers and residents — during a spot check around lunch time last Thursday, five trucks were in the area, including one on Grand Avenue and Ninth Street, one on Olympic Boulevard and one at Bixel Street and Wilshire Boulevard.
Through May 30, 2010 Featuring the Collections of Barbara Kawakami Through a colorful display of intricately woven and hand painted kimono and pre-war plantation clothing, rare oral histories, photographs, and moving images, this exhibition gives voice to the unknown stories and sheds light on the innumerable hardships of the early Japanese immigrants of Hawaii. EX O HI PE B N ITIO IN G N
Top Downtown Police Official to Retire
photo by Gary Leonard
AROUNDTOWN
Visit janm.org for Museum hours and related public programs, or call 213.625.0414.
Major support for this exhibition is generously provided by
The Hiroaki, Elaine & Lawrence Kono Foundation Media Sponsors
Reception Sponsors
369 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tel 213.625.0414 | janm.org
March 1, 2010
Downtown News 3
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A Los Angeles Icon
engineer turned billboard businessman Wayne Heath, the Felix sign survived neon signage shifting out of vogue, high winds (including a tornado that skipped down Fig in the 1970s), and the changing face of a thoroughfare once home to miles of dealerships. Today, the Felix sign is a landmark. Shammas Group CEO Darryl Holter says that people come from all over the country to take pictures and videos. For Angelenos it’s nostalgic because they grew up looking at it. For visitors and history buffs, it’s an icon they remember from the first time they visited the city. “I think it’s a good entry point to L.A.,” Holter says. “We’ve had a few of these iconic signs, and a lot of people adopt them as their own.”
Felix The Cat Stands Tall 51 Years Later
P
eople joke about car dealership signage, but it’s a serious part of the business — supersized neon beacons are inextricably linked many dealerships’ histories. fROM OUR ADvERTiSERS
Felix Chevrolet is just one of these. Founder Winslow “Bill” Felix was friendly with animation studio owner Pat Sullivan, and Sullivan’s star, the lucky black cat named Felix (a character created by cartoonist Otto Messmer), appeared in the dealership’s ads through the 1920s.
As the cat evolved, so did the dealership. Used car success story Nick Shammas took over Felix Chevrolet in 1955, and when he moved the store to its current location at Figueroa and Jefferson, he understood this: As people moved from Downtown to the suburbs, visibility from the new freeways was key. So, Shammas went about transitioning the Felix the Cat brand from two to three dimensions. He commissioned a giant neon sign that went up on at the dealership in 1959. Designed by aeronautic
The giant neon Felix Chevrolet sign was installed above the dealership in 1959.
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4 Downtown News
March 1, 2010
Twitter/DowntownNews
EDITORIALS More Boomtown Than Doomtown
T
he state of the economy in Downtown has been a frequent subject in Los Angeles Downtown News and many other media outlets. It has also been the topic of numerous conversations, everything from water cooler talks to business community panel discussions. Generally, the theme is woe is us (or, when it comes from beyondDowntown naysayers, the same thing but with a nastier delivery). It is understandable, because with the devastating recession, housing production in Downtown has slowed dramatically. The residential revolution that began in 2000 is what attracted so much attention and additional investment to Downtown, and the reporting on projects that never make it off the ground, or those that complete construction but can’t open, are necessary. However, the focus on what has fallen through makes it easy to overlook what has arrived. This is not a call to see
the community through rose-colored glasses and be an unabashed Downtown booster (something that does no one any good), but rather to grasp the situation as it really is, the bad with the good. The truth is, in terms of arrivals, Downtown Los Angeles had a heck of a year in 2009, and plenty of developments already have or will open in 2010. It is easy to go tsk tsk over stalled projects like the Grand Avenue plan or the housing tower 705 W. Ninth. But one should also note the debut this month of the $1 billion Convention Center hotel, and the arrival last year of housing developments with a total of more than 1,000 residences. Last week, Los Angeles Downtown News published its Development issue, providing the latest information on 114 area projects. That issue also included the naming of the 13 Downtowners of Distinction, the prizes handed out by Downtown News to projects that had a significant im-
Business Community Taking Smart Steps on Homelessness
L
ast May, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the United Way held a splashy event to announce something that sounded great: The local business community would partner with the nonprofit on a plan to combat homelessness. The spur was the recognition that paying for emergency room visits and other care for homeless individuals, many of whom are mentally ill and/or addicts, ends up costing taxpayers and businesses more than coming up with preventive plans. Shortly after the announcement, however, the recession went from bad to much worse, and local business was hit especially hard. It could be expected that with layoffs rampant and businesses struggling to stay afloat, the plan would be moved to the back burner. That did not occur, and not only have the Chamber and the United Way established a task force that has met nearly monthly since September, they have taken a very important step: They have put the issue of securing funds to address homelessness on their agenda when they travel to Washington, D.C. this month. This move demonstrates that, after years of relative inactiv-
ity, the local business community is not only taking a stand on homelessness, but is allocating its resources in an intelligent manner. It is too early to know how everything will turn out, but this is clearly a step in the right direction. Homelessness is prevalent throughout Southern California. The issue is most pronounced in Downtown Los Angeles, where hundreds of people sleep on the streets each night and thousands more reside in low-income hotels. It is unknown how many receive the medical treatment and counseling required to help them turn their lives around, but it is surely a small percentage. The problem has only worsened since the economy tumbled, and Skid Row officials have reported a surge in the number of families winding up in the community. The Chamber leaders heading to Washington will focus on a few specific targets, including lobbying for a change in the federal formula that determines how homeless services funds are allocated, and pushing for an overall increase in the money available. The latter may be difficult to achieve considering the national economy, but as is often the case in lobbying efforts, one has to aim big to win even a fraction of
pact on their community. Most of the Distinction honors went to projects that opened last year. They ran the gamut and, when taken as a whole, depict a community that is more boomtown than doomtown. In 2009, Downtown saw the arrival of the $232 million High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, the $440 million Police Administration Building and the $898 million Gold Line Eastside Extension. The supposedly beleaguered housing market saw the opening of the $78 million Sakura Crossing in Little Tokyo, the $50 million Rowan Lofts in the Historic Core and the $10 million Haas Building in the Jewelry District. Plenty of restaurants opened Downtown in 2009 as well, including Bottega Louie on Seventh Street and Rivera in South Park. Both were some of the most celebrated dining arrivals in the city last year, and are doing booming business. The point is, yes, the community has taken some hits, but it has also hit some balls out of the park. The stalled developments should not be dismissed, and the opened projects should not be overlooked. There is much more good to come. what is desired. Those with experience also know that they often have to work the same issue numerous times, and in many cases the first attempt does little more than get a subject on the radar of those who control the dollars. Another positive development is that the task force is coalescing around an approach to have permanent supportive housing be a primary component of addressing homelessness. This is important because the upfront costs for this type of housing are high, and the sheer dollar amounts can scare off those who have to look for or contribute to funding. However, permanent supportive housing — in which individuals receive not just shelter but services such as drug treatment and job and mental health counseling all under one roof — has been shown to be more effective than a piecemeal approach (this does not mean abandoning other efforts such as shelters and emergency care; those are also key parts of addressing homelessness). Again, everything is in the early stage, and the members of the Chamber/United Way group already know that change is not easy on this issue, and any significant turnaround will take too much time by any definition. The next step may be expanding the effort from the task force and working to convince the greater business community that it is in their interest to be proactive and even shell out more money to address the issue. This will be a long, difficult road, as those who have worked in the homeless services field can attest. The business community should continue on its new path. The journey to Washington is an important step.
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis 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
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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writErs: Anna Scott, Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, 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 ProductioN AssistANt / EvENt coordiNAtor: Claudia Hernandez PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway, Tam Nguyen, Kelley Smith circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla 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.
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March 1, 2010
Downtown News 5
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Room Service How the Convention Center Hotel Got 1,800 Nightstands, and the Rest of Its Furniture by AnnA Scott
client on another project, the St. Regis in San Francisco, and he wanted us to work on this.
StAff writer
D
avid Shulman’s job involves coordinating hundreds of people, handling millions of dollars and pulling off nearly impossible feats of engineering on a regular basis. Chances are you have seen his work, though you have probably never heard of his company or even his field of business. Shulman and his business partner Paul Jones run Project Dynamics. The Calabasasbased firm (they also have offices in Las Vegas and the Philippines) specializes in procuring furniture and fixtures for hotels, from beds to desks to tiny bottles of shampoo. Most recently, Project Dynamics furnished the $1 billion, 54-story J.W. Marriott/RitzCarlton tower at L.A. Live, which opened Feb. 15. Shulman spoke with Los Angeles Downtown News about how you fill a 1,001room hotel.
Q: How do you approach such a big job? A: Our first thing was analyzing budgets. We had to start by taking a single line item in an overall project budget and making sense of what that dollar amount was, then figuring out how monies were going to be allocated and what we could do to help save.
photo by Gary Leonard
Calabasas-based Project Dynamics procures furniture and accoutrements for hotel projects, including the new Ritz-Marriott at L.A. Live. The company worked on the tower’s hotel rooms and condominiums.
Q: Did you only handle the furniture? A: We got involved in bigger things, like building materials and finished materials such as doors, cabinetry or appliances, before we got into the minutiae, which is really what we do: furniture, fixtures, linens, china, glass, silver. Down to the shampoo.
Los Angeles Downtown News: What is your role in projects like the Ritz-Marriott? David Shulman: We go from conceptual designs through mock-up rooms. We do the bid out [for furnishings], the purchase, the receipt, the load-in and assembly of everything. We deal with everyone — the operator, developer, lending institution, interior designer.
Q: Where do you buy all of these things? A: There are products from the four corners of the globe. If you look at the typical J.W. Marriott room you’ve got hard furniture, like the headboards and closets, fabricated in China. You have upholstered furniture fabricated domestically or made in Canada. The lighting is from overseas and domestic [sources], and the carpet is made domestically. It all depends. It’s not just the cost of the merchandise, but also the cost of freight and delivery and schedules.
Q: How did you get involved in the RitzMarriott project? A: We’ve been working on this for two and half years. We were brought on because the project executive who was hired to run the job was our
Q: How large are your purchase orders? A: There are many times we’ve had sevenfigure orders. When you’re dealing with the J.W. Marriott [at L.A. Live], which is almost 900 rooms, that’s 900 desks, 1,800 nightstands.
A: Yes. Even though Marriott owns RitzCarlton, there are different groups that run those companies. They have different standards, technical specifications and requirements. The restaurants, the health clubs, the exercise equipment — they each have their signature specifications.
There’s a formula that you have to figure out based on your access, what you can install. There are a lot of things used to weigh into the decision-making. It’s not just buying a lamp. Q: Who actually moves the furniture into the hotel? A: Commercial installers from the hospitality industry. There’s a nine-month ramping up before we even start to figure out what’s going in on each day. There are schedules that are color-coded and countless meetings about access and manpower.
Q: How did you get into this business? A: My college roommate met a guy who was from Florida, and his family was in this business. It was called the Leonard Parker Company, out of Miami. I became very good friends with the family over the years. When they decided they were going to open an office in Los Angeles they came after me. I had no interest. But a few years later, long story short, I ended up doing that. I worked for them 12 years and left and started this company with my partner. This is my penance for what I did in my past life [laughs]. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
Q: How long did it take to get all of the furniture into the Ritz-Marriott? A: We’ve been installing this project since the beginning of August. There are three companies we’ve hired that just handle bringing the product to the building from the warehousing. Q: Did you handle buying for the Marriott rooms and the Ritz-Carlton rooms separately?
metro.net
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6 Downtown News
March 1, 2010
Twitter/DowntownNews
Police Brace for Unsupervised Parolees Parole Reform Is Happening, But Effects on Downtown Remain Uncertain by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
R
ecently, the California Department of Corrections began implementing a slate of prison reforms aimed at reducing the state inmate population. While convicted criminals are not being released early from area facilities, local law enforcement officials and social service providers are still trying to sort out how the community will be impacted. The reform package strives to reduce the California inmate population by up to 6,500 people this year, mostly by making it easier for inmates to shorten their sentences through work and good behavior. It was signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger primarily as a means to address the state’s budget woes. The move has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who warn that it could jeopardize public safety, especially in an era when police forces are facing tighter budgets. The Los Angeles County prison system, which is anchored in the Downtown area by the Men’s Central Jail and the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, is challenging the state law. While other counties have been advised that the state legislation also applies at the county level, Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for Sheriff Lee Baca, said Los Angeles interprets the law differently. “Our legal counsel has said that the spirit of this law was not to reach into county jails,” he said. The Sheriff’s Department requires in-
mates serve at least 80% of their sentences. Downtown, however, is more likely to be affected by a separate piece of the legislation that overhauled the state parole system. Under the new rules, certain nonviolent offenders will no longer be subject to supervision by a parole officer. In addition, these so-called non-revocable parolees cannot be sent back to prison for parole violations. The department projects that some 7,720 inmates will be eligible for the less stringent parole in Los Angeles County, and 2,381 in the city. Downtown can expect to see a disproportionate share of the unsupervised parolees, since discharged inmates coming to Los Angeles often wind up in Skid Row: Of the 2,381 currently active parolees in the city, 814 are registered as residing in and around Skid Row, a Los Angeles Downtown News analysis found. All parolees are required to register with local law enforcement when released, but the unsupervised parolees will no longer be prohibited from leaving the area (regular parolees cannot leave the area without permission from a parole officer). Though no longer subject to direct supervision, non-revocable parolees are still subject to searches and seizures without a warrant, a critical tool for law enforcement, said Lt. Paul Vernon, who leads the Central Area detectives. The new law is expected to shrink parole officer caseload ratios from 70-to-1 to 48-to-1, allowing them to focus more intently on high-risk offenders, said Gordon
Hinkle, a spokesman for the Department of Corrections. To be eligible for non-revocable parole, inmates cannot have been imprisoned for a violent offense, a sex crime, nor can they be gang members, Hinkle said. The eligibility rules apply to the inmate’s entire record, not just their most recent offense, he said. Blunt Teeth In the eyes of local law enforcement, the reforms remove at least one important tool from cops. When police catch someone for a parole violation, they will often overlook the infraction in exchange for cooperation that provides information on a more serious crime. In the end, it’s a win-win for the parolee and the police, who wind up with a tip on a more important crime, Vernon said. “We can say look, we know you’re on parole, if you help us today about this other crime we can overlook a possible violation and say you made a mistake — that’s going to be gone,” he said. “Without the consequence of going back to prison, what’s their incentive to cooperate?” The changes could also place a burden on the local judicial system, since non-revocable parolees who commit new crimes cannot be sent back to prison on a violation. “Now the court won’t have that option of revoking parole and sending them back to prison, so the only option is to take it through the entire court process, which is going to be more cumbersome for society to take this criminal off the street,” Vernon said. Rev. Andy Bales, CEO of the Union
Rescue Mission, expects many Downtown parolees to seek services with his and other similar institutions at a time when their funding is limited and demand is already at record levels. Ultimately, Bales fears that the reform will lead to an increased population in the area. “Of course we welcome anyone on the street to come in and utilize our services, so it’ll increase that already high need,” Bales said. Since non-revocable parolees will no longer be supervised, law enforcement agencies are trying to come up with strategies to keep an eye on those individuals. At the county level, Baca is working on a program that would steer non-revocable parolees to the kind of social services — like drug addiction treatment or other counseling — that they would normally be required to get as part of the conditions of their parole, Whitmore said. At Central Division, Vernon said, officials will continue to meet with and interview parolees residing Downtown when they register. “It’s very difficult to say how much we’ll be affected,” Vernon said. “We’re trying to put things into place, trying to get a parole agent to be assigned to the police station Downtown. And if we have any cases where a person on earlier release has been involved in a terribly tragic type of crime, we’re going to take note of that and keep track of those kinds of things.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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Downtown News 7
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Auction Continued from page 1 release total sales figures. Eclectic Collection At first glance, it appears that the majority of the items at Tiffany Auction are Victorian or 18th-century style furnishings. Paintings of men and women in period outfits hang on the walls, while elaborate couches, chairs and coffee tables dot the entrance. But a closer inspection reveals a more eclectic collection — African masks and fertility statues sit below a table that holds what appears to be an early 20th century brass phone. The number printed on the handset reads PO-1-5908. The auction house also holds a 1950s Coca Cola machine (so well preserved that store employees had to assure buyers that it was an antique, and not a modern replica), and large crystal and porcelain chandeliers hang from the roof, many of them from Spain and about 100 years old. On a recent visit there was a 19th century diamond ring, a pair of Fender acoustic guitars, Bulgari silver champagne glasses, a silver cigarette case, a Moroccan pistol, toy trains and an approximately 150-year-old pipe organ from a church. Shaoulian said the auction house stemmed from a slowdown in his primary business. “We started off because the real estate business had stalled and we needed some cash flow and we really like the business of antiques,” he said. “I’m a collector myself.” Auction on Request At Sunday auctions, doors open at 10 a.m. for inspections, with bidding beginning an hour later. During the preview period, customers tell the staff what they are interested in, and those pieces are put on the auction
Association. The figure includes live auctions for cars, farm equipment, art and many other items, Longly said. The treasure hunt also takes some skill. While Shaoulian will share as much information as he can regarding his items, it is up to the buyer to figure out what it’s really worth, and what they are ready to pay. “If they know its history and that it’s an antique they’ll tell you,” said Tony Hernandez, a Brentwood resident who attended the Jan. 24 and Feb. 7 events. “If they don’t, they’ll tell you that too.” At the Feb. 7 auction, Hernandez purchased a mirror, a couch and a dining set for less than $1,000. “It’s probably worth six to seven thousand,” he said. “I’m not sure what era they are, but they are beautiful.” Longly said many of the people who attend auctions are experienced collectors who use their knowledge of antiques, along with their instincts, to determine the value of what they are considering purchasing. photo by Gary Leonard “You’ll know your comfort level when you About 200 items can go on the block during a Tiffany Auction event. Bids are placed on everything from go to an auction,” Longly said. “It’s about furniture to art to African masks. what you feel that item is worth. But you have to be prepared that others may find it floor. An auctioneer works the crowd to jack spokesman for the auction house. more valuable.” up bids. People are also looking to have some fun, Nayer Simanian knows all about wanting The items are acquired through estate sales and auctions can provide good deals and a something. At the Jan. 24 auction he bought and even other auctions, Shaoulian said. The good time, said Chris Longly, a spokesman a bronze statue for $300, but was outbid on a store owns most of the merchandise, but for the National Auctioneers Association. pair of old glasses when the price rose above some is still the property of the original own“The auction is the only place where you’re $20. Then, when a painting he liked came ers and the auction house takes about a 15% going to buy something, but you’re going to up, he dug in — he started a bidding war by commission when those items sell. say you won it,” said Longly. “You don’t say offering $40. It went up to $200 before he The store is also open during the week, and I won this sweater at Dillard’s this weekend, heard the sweet sound of ‘Sold!” walk-in customers can make offers on items but you say I won it at an auction. I went in “I’m really not sure what it’s worth, but I they like. If the price is right, they’ll get it. the trenches.” liked it. It really caught my eye,” he said. “People are looking for deals, and the type While the auction house business is new That’s all part of the game. of people that are moving Downtown we fig- to Downtown Los Angeles, it is popular Tiffany Auction is at 1201 S. Grand Ave., ured are in a better position to buy high qual- around the country. The live auction indus- (213) 746-1373 or tiffanyauctions.com. edward r. roybal metro gold line eastside extension la extension hacia el este de la linea de oro de metro, edward r. roybal little tokyo arts district pico aliso mariachi sales plaza soto maravilla east la civic center atlantic at ity items for very reasonable prices,” said Rafi union try station generated $268 billion in total in indiana Contact Richard Guzmán Shaoulian, a partner in D&R Brothers and a 2008, according to the National Auctioneers richard@downtownnews.com. /
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Continued from page 1 space with big windows displaying the brightly colored scooters, dark cement floors and exposed wood ceilings. Large posters with chic models standing next to Vespas hang on the walls, as do helmets, T-shirts and motor oil. Prices start at $3,199 for a 50cc Vespa, which can reach up to 39 miles per hour. The most expensive model, which sells for $6,900, is a 250cc version that can hit 78 miles per hour. Miyakawa said about 90% of his buyers so far have been Downtown residents. He said he hopes to sell 200 Vespas during his first year in business, with a goal of 300 per year after that. Vespa officials said that is the norm for their dealerships. Italian Cool Originally manufactured in 1946 by the Italian firm Piaggio & Co., Vespas are hailed as the original scooter. They are popular not only for their performance but also for their
stylish design. They were renowned as the vehicles of choice in the 1960s British mod movement. These days, Vespas can be as much a fashion accessory as a mode of transportation, said Paolo Timoni, president and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, the New Yorkbased domestic maker of Vespa. That makes them a good fit for the Central City. “Downtown is a neighborhood with the right demographics,” he said, citing the area’s youth, growing residential population and stylish urban lifestyle. The Downtown dealership is part of a recent expansion by the company. In 2005 there were 70 dealerships nationwide, Timoni said. Today there are 300. Other Southern California locations are in Sherman Oaks, Long Beach, Torrance and Marina Del Rey. For Miyakawa, starting a dealership in Downtown was about taking advantage of all the change occurring in the area. “With everything going on in Downtown the last few years, the revitalization of the area and all the people that are moving and visiting here, I felt like this was a great mar-
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ket,” he said. “Vespa is top of the line, it’s synonymous with scooters and you have to have a sustainable business, so you don’t want to mess around with lesser brands.” But Miyakawa knows that in a down economy, reaching his sales goals will not be easy. Although it has been a slow start, the key, he said, will be to get the word out about the gas savings provided by a scooter, which can get up to 75 miles per gallon. Miyakawa is hoping to expand his clientele by encouraging locals and tourists to drop the four wheels and get on a Vespa. He intends to begin scooter rentals in the summer, making them available at his shop and at Downtown locations such as hotels. “A lot of the European tourists are already familiar with scooters and will feel right at home hopping on a Vespa,” he said. He also hopes to obtain special parking rates in the area for scooter owners, although that effort is in the early stage and could be a far
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reach considering the state of the economy. “If you don’t take up as much room then you shouldn’t have to pay as much,” Miyakawa reasoned. But it may take more than a year to reach optimum sales. Timoni said a typical Vespa dealership needs about 18 months to build up a solid clientele. An avid rider himself, Miyakawa has owned sport bikes like Ducatis, but now he commutes daily on one of his two Vespas from his home in West Hollywood. “You have that feeling of freedom and at the same time scooters are so easy to maneuver that you get through traffic real easily,” he said. “It takes me 15 minutes to get here.” Likewise, Le Duc’s only mode of transportation now is her cream colored Vespa LXV 150. “It’s just so appealing and riding Downtown is easy,” she said. “It’s even relaxing.” Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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Downtown News 9
DowntownNews.com
A Party With a Distinct Flair Photos by Gary Leonard
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early 400 Downtown Los Angeles stakeholders showed up to honor a baker’s dozen of notable projects on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Los Angeles Downtown News’ ninth annual Downtowners of Distinction awards paid tribute to 13 residential, business, cultural and other projects that made the community better in 2009. Maguire Properties President and CEO Nelson Rising was the featured speaker at the event at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and attendees included Council members Jan Perry and Dennis Zine and City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.
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Distinction Continued from page 1 News editorial board, with the criteria being the impact they had on the greater community and on Downtown Los Angeles as a whole. The Project of the Year was voted on by leaders from the various districts. Winners this year were the High School for the Visual and Performing Arts in Bunker Hill; the Skid Row 3-on-3 Streetball League in Central City East; Cirque Berzerk in Chinatown; the Police Administration Building in the Civic Center; the ESPN Production Center and the Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 in the Figueroa Corridor (a tie); Pershing Square’s slate of programming in the Financial District; the Rowan
Twitter/DowntownNews Lofts in the Historic Core; the Hass Building and its Chabad of Downtown Los Angeles synagogue in the Jewelry District; Sakura Crossing in Little Tokyo; Bottega Louie Restaurant and Market in the Seventh Street Corridor; Rivera restaurant in South Park; and the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension for Union Station/El Pueblo. The Gold Line extension, which opened in November, connects Downtown with East Los Angeles. It added eight rail stations, including one serving Little Tokyo and the Arts District. The project has been touted not just for tying together the communities, but for coming in on time and on budget. “This is an honor that all of you share,” Paul Taylor, Metro’s deputy CEO, told the audience, as he was flanked by officials who worked on the project. “Metro is here to serve you, the customers, the riders, the taxpayers of Los
Photos By Gary Leonard People accepting Downtowners of Distinction awards for (top row, l to r): Skid Row 3-on-3 Streetball League, ESPN Production Center, Bottega Louie; (second row) Haas Building, Pershing Square programming, Sakura Crossing; (third row) Police Administration Building, Rowan Lofts, Rivera restaurant; (bottom row) Regal Cinemas Stadium 14, Cirque Berzerk, Chabad of Downtown synagogue.
March 1, 2010
Angeles County, who only a year and a half ago entrusted Metro with another half cent of your sales tax on the promise of expanding the system beyond what we have today. The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension is but the beginning of that expansion.” Perry praised Downtown as a community made distinct by its diversity in people, businesses and experiences. “I think it’s great that we’ve grown to the point where we honor groups like the 3-on-3 basketball league, because the Skid Row community has become so stable that now they have the energy and capacity to be able to develop activities beyond just survival, and we have [Chabad of Downtown Los Angeles] so now we have spiritual options that we didn’t have before,” Perry said. “The community is being built one block at a time and people are connected to each other.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
March 1, 2010
Downtown News 11
DowntownNews.com
HEALTH Start ’em Young Tips to Help Get Kids to Eat Healthier Foods by Sharon naylor
T
he facts are alarming: The number of overweight children who are 6 to 11 years old has more than doubled in the past 20 years, going from 6.5% in 1980 to 17% in 2006, and the number of overweight teens has more than tripled, soaring from 5% percent to 17.6%. These statistics, from the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, show that today’s children are in dire need of better nutrition and a healthier lifestyle. After all, overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese adults. The issues once considered “adult health problems” — such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and joint problems — are now all too prevalent among the junior high school set. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in three American children born in 2000 will develop diabetes at some point and that poor dietary habits already are manifesting in artery disease among children. Extra body fat and poor nutrition also are proven risk factors for cancer. Add to the frightening health statistics the reality that overweight children often suffer from low self-esteem and bullying at school and the message is clear: Action must be taken now to establish better nutrition for children. There are easy changes you can make in your children’s diets immediately. Julie Meyer, a registered dietician and a nutrition communications consultant, says: “Choose nutrient-rich foods for children. Many kids are missing out on the critical nutrients they need for growth and development, so bulk up their diets with food naturally rich in nutrients, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean proteins such as chicken, fish and tofu. Avoid empty calories from sodas, candy and refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pastries.” The solution starts in your shopping cart. If you don’t buy the white bread, soda, candy and cookies, your kids don’t have a supply waiting for them in the pantry. “Keep your fridge stocked with healthy, low-fat and nutrient-rich foods and that is what your family will be eating,” Meyer instructs. “Save treats for outings like pizza nights on Fridays or cake at birthday parties.”
Pizza ranks among many children’s favorite foods, and it also provides a great opportunity for a healthy strategy. “Allow kids to choose their own toppings for a pizza or fillings for a taco from a collection of healthier options, such as fresh veggies or avocado slices,” suggests Suzanne Monroe, Creators.com photo courtesy of Emerika
Planting a vegetable garden in your yard is a great way to eat healthy foods and save money.
‘Keep your fridge stocked with healthy, low-fat and nutrient-rich foods and that is what your family will be eating. Save treats for outings like pizza nights on Fridays or cake at birthday parties.’ —Julie Meyer, dietitian
a food coach and author of The Real Life Food Cookbook and Lifestyle Plan. Some healthy pizza toppings include diced green or red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, broccoli and spinach. Using low-fat cheeses still allows for the melted texture kids love while cutting the saturated fat content way down. And they get a dose of calcium, which the CDC says children are lacking greatly, putting them at risk for early osteoporosis. “Make sure to include a vegetable at every meal to provide a dose of antioxidants to boost immunity,” Monroe says. “Keep a veggie chart of all of the veggies the family likes and those they haven’t yet tried. Each week, have a child choose which new vegetable the family will try that week.” Giving children a voice in their healthier menu helps. “When kids have a say in what
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they are eating, they tend to be less picky and feel a sense of accomplishment,” Monroe says. Meyer agrees: “Have kids help you make a few choice recipes that are healthy and delicious. Some good ideas include whole-grain muffins, fruit kebabs or veggie dips.” Presentation is also a key motivator for kids. When fruit is used to make kebabs, children are involved in the “art” of designing the meal, flexing their creative muscles as they build their signature apple and pineapple “wands.” When play is introduced to meal and snack preparation, kids view fruit as a friendlier diet staple. Cut out sodas and sugar-based fruit drinks. Replace unhealthy drinks with water served in fun, themed cups and garnished with the child’s choice of fruit slices. A circle of orange dropped into a glass of water gives the sweetness children crave and delivers a touch of vitamin C and fiber. “You can keep it sweet, but naturally sweet,” Monroe advises. “Eliminating refined sugar will help your entire family to feel better and have more energy. Substitute white sugar with natural sweeteners, such as honey, agave, brown rice syrup and maple syrup. These sweeteners taste just as delicious as sugar but have more nutrients and fiber,
“Getting vaccinated is an important step for you and your family’s well-being”.
Get vaccinated. Visit FluShotLA.com or call 211 This project was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number U90/CCU917012-06 from CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
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making them healthier for the body and easier on the blood sugar.” Part of making healthier eating a lasting value for your children is teaching them why you’re making changes to their diets and eliminating unhealthy snacks. When you’ve made healthy switches, bring the child’s attention to how much better he or she feels, how much more energy he or she has, how much better he or she can concentrate in school and on homework. Of course, emphasize the importance of physical activity, a cornerstone of kids’ health, by limiting computer time and encouraging athletic activities. The entire family can go for bike rides and walks together after dinner, for instance. Speak to your pediatrician to tailor your child’s diet according to his or her unique needs, as well as any family history of disease. You should get clearance from the doctor before you introduce new items to the child’s diet — especially any homeopathic products you’ve read about as nutrition boosters. If your child takes any medications regularly, a doctor’s approval of dietary and vitamin changes is essential. Article copyright 2010 creators.com.
12 Downtown News
March 1, 2010
Twitter/DowntownNews
RESTAURANTS Grub With Guzmán
♦♦♦
Red Hot Soi7 Modern Thai Food Joint Packs a Delicious Punch — If You Can Handle It by Richard Guzmán
City Editor ome people watch a game on TV and fantasize about being a professional athlete. Others rock out while listening to their iPod and dream of guitar hero status. My fantasies are a little different. When I’m watching one of my favorite shows on the Travel Channel, “Man v. Food,” I like to pretend I’m fearless host Adam Richman. The New Yorker makes a living taking on outrageous food challenges where he’ll eat gigantic portions (such as a 12-pound hamburger) or extremely spicy meals all for the honor of walking away with his stomach full. He almost always leaves a defeated empty plate behind. The man is my hero. But like sports fans who understand they will never
S
rule the court like Kobe, or music fans who destroy the songs they love at karaoke, I realized last week when I ate at Soi7, a new Thai spot on Seventh Street, that I will never be like the great Richman. On several occasions the TV host has devoured foods dripped in hot, spicy chiles like habañeros. He sweats and pushes his way through and cleans every plate. I, on the other hand, was sweating and crying like a baby after consuming a few tiny chiles at Soi7. The restaurant is inviting. It has big windows, giving passersby a clear view of the marble-top tables, high ceilings and contemporary furniture. It’s also very spacious, and on a recent weekday a lot of tables were available during lunch hour. I suspect that if it were not so close to Bottega Louie, this newcomer would be more crowded.
Side Dish
Those crowds would not be disappointed in the food, even the spicy offerings. The menu is more expensive than typical Thai restaurants. This is understandable when one considers the upscale atmosphere and the high quality of the ingredients. Options include the Arctic Char with Panang Curry Sauce ($17), which is pan-seared. Also worth a try is a dish not found in many Thai restaurants, the Mekong whiskey-infused baby back ribs ($16). The ribs are marinated in Thai whiskey and spices and baked until they are tender enough for the meat to fall off the bone. I like to start my meals off with a good soup, and some of my favorites are Thai soups. Soi7 offers choices such as the Tom Ka Gai ($6); it’s a rich coconut soup with lemongrass, chicken and mushrooms. I chose the Tom Yum Goong ($6), a traditional, spicy soup with shrimp, lemongrass, a ton of mushrooms and those spicy green chiles. The soup was deliciously spicy at first. Then, I accidentally scooped up two or three chiles in one spoonful of broth. I suddenly felt like my mouth was on fire. I’ve
had this soup many times in other restaurants, but never like this. My eyes watered, and I could imagine Richman looking at me with pity like he does one of those defeated empty plates. I was ashamed of myself for not being able to finish the soup, because it was tasty. But I began to feel better a few minutes later when my main course, the Drunken Seafood Noodles ($14), arrived. The wide rice noodles and pan-fried red peppers, onions, shrimp and scallops soothed my aching mouth, and my pride. The vegetables were crisp enough to add a complementary texture to the soft noodles and seafood. It was also lightly sprinkled with chile flakes, although this dish was in no way overwhelming. I’ve come to the realization that I can never be like Adam Richman. That’s OK. Now, I just need a new hero to aspire to be like. Maybe I should take up basketball. Soi7 is at 518 W. Seventh St., (213) 537-0333 or soi7la.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
Library Bar Most people don’t go to bars for a good meal, but Library Bar isn’t like most bars. It’s decked out in bookshelves and comfortable couches that make it look more like an Ivy league study hall than a bar. The food menu has classic bar fare such as steak fries ($6) and surprises like the pork
Yxta Cocina Mexicana
belly skewers ($6) and deviled marrow bones ($9), which
The name may be hard to pronounce, but the food will go down easy at this hip modern Mexican spot. Yxta was launched by Jesse Gomez, who also owns the Highland Park staple El Arco Iris. The space is modern and appealing, with a bar and high ceilings. The menu includes “antojitos,” or starters like shrimp cocktail ($12) and mashed potato tacos ($9). Entrees feature all sorts of enchiladas with traditional choices such as beef ($13), mole ($13) and chicken ($11), as well as more original offerings including salmon enchiladas. Also worth a try is the Carnitas Estilo Michoacan ($14), a slowcooked pork dish with guacamole, rice and beans. At 601 S. Central Ave., (213) 596-5579 or yxta.net.
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are roasted until the marrow bubbles, perfect for slathering on the side of toasted bread. The standouts are the Library Burger ($10) and the pork belly sandwich ($10). The burger is juicy and served with grilled onions and house-made pickles. The pork belly sandwich, with grilled sourdough, arugula and tomatoes, is smoky and jumps with flavor. At 630 W. Sixth St., (213) 614-0053 or librarybarla.com. photo by Gary Leonard
Wurstküche
Yxta Cocina Mexicana.
Want to eat alligator? Feel like munching on rattlesnake? Been craving some rabbit or buffalo? They serve it all here in sausage
The Gorbals
form. The more than 20 varieties of sausage arrive on a fresh roll
Hidden inside the Alexandria Hotel, this quirky and fun little
with sauerkraut, onions or peppers, and you can get fat Belgian
spot is quickly becoming a favorite for Downtowners. The
fries that come with dipping choices such as blue cheese or
food is an odd combination of Jewish and Scottish fare, or
plain-old ketchup. They have the classics like bratwurst, hot
whatever chef Ilan Hall, who won season two of Bravo’s
Italian and brockwurst (all $6). There are also gourmet choices
“Top Chef,” feels like throwing together, so it’s constantly
including mango jalapeño, Louisiana hot link and apricot and
changing. But chances are you’ll be able to score one of the
ginger ($6.75 each). But the exotics, among them the alligator,
house favorites, the bacon wrapped matzoh balls ($5), or
rattlesnake, rabbit and buffalo ($7.75 a piece) are must-tries. Of
the GLT ($7), which contains lettuce and tomato on rye and
course, you’ll need something to wash it down, so choose from
gribenes, a crispy, oven-roasted chicken skin that replaces
the dozens of specialty beers. At 800 E. Third St., (213) 687-
the bacon. There is also a haggis burger ($6). At 501 S.
4444 or wurstkucherestaurant.com.
Spring St., (213) 488-3408 or thegorbalsla.com.
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March 1, 2010
Downtown News 13
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CALENDAR photos courtesy of REDCAT
All Ages Shows REDCAT Brings Back a Film Festival For the Kids
“Teleportation,” a German film about two boys who want to teleport their friend but instead end up teleporting the whole town, screens March 6 at the REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival. More than 80 movies will be shown during the five-day event.
“Pink Nanuq” is one of the shorts aimed at the younger kids attending the festival. It concerns a little polar bear and penguin who are stranded in a tropicalized Europe. by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
W
hen Carol Kim takes her 4-yearold to the movies Downtown this week, she won’t have to worry about getting cold stares from audience members angry at her for bringing a talkative tyke into a movie theater. In fact, she’d probably get those stares if she did not have a kid in tow. Kim and her son Ever are some of the thousands of people expected to attend the fifth annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival. The event began over the weekend and continues March 1, 6 and 7. It features about 80 movies aimed at children as young as 2 years old and up to their teens. The films are broken down into more than a dozen programs aimed at specific ages. They cover various formats, including documentaries, animation, classics and even subtitled foreign pieces. Most are between two and 10 minutes, although some offerings for older kids run longer. Returnees like Kim are already looking forward to the shows. “In the theater it’s OK that the parents are talking to their kids, it’s OK that they ask questions,” said Kim. “What’s also nice is that the films cater to the kids but they are really sophisticated films. They’re short films that typically have an uplifting moral message to them.” All Ages The March 1 program includes films for kids ages 8 and up with features including “Waveriders,” a documentary about surfing, and “A Shine of Rainbows,” which follows a lonely orphan who sails off to an
island for an adventure. The March 6 lineup features three programs, starting with “Creature Comfort,” which is recommended for ages 3 and up. It includes movies filled with colorful animals, music and easy-to-follow stories. Later on Saturday is “Chills and Thrills,” a program of scary stories (though not too scary) for kids 8 and older. The day’s final program, “Passport,” intended for ages 9 and up, offers movies from Mexico, Brazil, India, Kenya and Palestine. The festival closes March 7 with “Animation Brigades,” an all-ages lineup that highlights puppet animation, and the “Magic Carpet” program for kids 7 and older that features international animated shorts. The final segment is “Green Screen,” an environmentally focused program for ages 8 and up that aims to raise awareness about the planet. While REDCAT is known as a progressive venue with a daring edge — it just came off the sex- and power-fueled North Atlantic, from the avant-garde Wooster Group — the material it presents for the children’s film festival is still a natural fit for the venue, said facility Executive Director Mark Murphy. “We realized that more and more of our audience is also interested in providing cultural stimulation for their young children and there are not that many activities to choose from,” said Murphy. “We tried to create a children’s program that still reflects our international and progressive focus in many ways.” The festival offers many contemporary and experimental animation features and other short-form projects that would other-
“Chicory ‘n’ Coffee” is an animated musical short based on a Slovenian folk tale. It screens March 7.
wise be hard to find, Murphy said. He added that the festival also gives directors more freedom in how they present their stories. “Some of the filmmakers that have been in past festivals talked about how they feel a sense of freedom creating films for children because children haven’t necessarily learned the rules about the structure of a story,” said Murphy. “So they are more open to receiving information in alternative ways. They don’t mind if the beginning, the middle and the end aren’t necessarily in that order.” Smart Humor Elizabeth Shepherd, the festival curator, viewed nearly 250 films before selecting about 80 to showcase. The chosen works mix entertainment with education, imagination and a few laughs. “Humor is always important,” she said. “I love films that will make kids laugh and I also like films that will make kids think and show them something about the world that they might not know.” There are plenty of lessons to be gleaned from this year’s lineup, she said. That starts with the “Passport” program, where viewers will see films featuring children from around the world. A highlight is “To Be a Child in Iran,” a documentary about children in that country. One scene follows a couple of kids who have been sent to the market to buy some food. But they have to figure out how to get a giant watermelon home.
“The watermelon is bigger than they are practically, and so they try all kinds of different things,” Shepherd said. “While young kids here may not be sent to the market alone, they can certainly relate to having to accomplish tasks that may seem impossible.” A more serious issue is raised in “The Scarecrow Girl.” The movie follows Luzia and Pedro, a brother and sister from Brazil. While Pedro attends school, his sister isn’t allowed to get an education. But she tries all kinds of tricks to convince her parents to give her the same opportunities as her brother. “They’ll come away with this knowledge that they didn’t have about the world while at the same time they’ll be caught up in the story about the lengths the girl will go to to trick her parents,” Shepherd said. Kids will also get a chance to ask questions after certain films, Murphy said. It’s a part of the festival that’s always unpredictable. “I’m always fascinated by questions kids ask,” he said. “One year one of the actors came out and talked to the young kids about the film they just saw, and the first question from the kids was how he got down from the screen so fast.” The REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival runs March 1, 6 and 7 at REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., (213) 2372800 or redcat.org. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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All in the Family Taper’s ‘Roses’ Is a Simmering and Standout Family Drama by Jeff Favre contributing writer
F
our months ago, no one knew that instead of David Mamet’s anticipated Speed-the-Plow, the Mark Taper Forum would offer Frank D. Gilroy’s 1964 family drama The Subject Was Roses, starring Martin Sheen. But four years from now, don’t be surprised if audiences name this captivating, top-flight revival one of their favorite productions at any Downtown venue since the Brian Dennehy-led Death of a Salesman at the Ahmanson Theatre in 2000. This Roses, directed by Neil Pepe and running through March 21, comes with high expectations because of its tie to history. Sheen was an unknown quantity when he portrayed 21-year-old Timmy, a son returning home to his parents after nearly three years serving in World War II. Sheen, today a TV and movie star, this time portrays Timmy’s dad John, handing over his breakthrough role to Brian Geraghty, a co-star in the film Bobby, directed by Sheen’s son, Emilio Estevez. Sheen, Geraghty and co-star Frances Conroy (also well known for her TV work, in particular her role on “Six Feet Under”) deliver the goods, finding every bit of humor and pathos in Gilroy’s straightforward, simple tale with universal and timeless themes. Impeccable pacing, honest conversation and believable relationships throughout the 100-minute production form a blueprint for a piece capable of connecting with virtually any American. War, though not the central subject, rests just below the surface. It’s 1946 in the Cleary family’s Bronx apartment, and the opening
photo by Craig Schwartz
(l to r) Brian Geraghty, Frances Conroy and Martin Sheen play a family splintering apart in The Subject Was Roses. The late replacement for Speed-the-Plow runs through March 21.
scene takes place the morning after a welcome home party for Timmy, who wears his uniform throughout the play because his old clothes no longer fit. While clues arise that relationships within the family are strained, there appear to be reasons for optimism. John, a career coffee merchant, treats his son as an equal, and he cancels a work appointment to take him to a Giants baseball game. Nettie (Conroy) displays nerves that her son’s first day back won’t be as perfect as she had dreamed. Meanwhile Timmy, who has matured — and also picked up his father’s
Editorial Cartoons and Illustrations by Doug Davis Opening Art Walk Reception: Thursday, March 11 • 7–9 p.m. Gallery Hours: Mondays–Fridays 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays noon–6 p.m. Sundays noon–3 p.m. Take My Picture 860 S. Broadway (at 9th) Los Angeles, CA 90013 213-622-2256 info@garyleonard.com
www.douginks.com douginks@roadrunner.com
habit of heavy drinking — wants to please his parents, though he feels that he no longer belongs in the home. The cracks show courtesy of a dozen roses. Timmy gets the flowers for his mother but tells his dad to say he bought them. That simple, thoughtful act, and its impact on Nettie, reveals a crumbling marriage and a broken family, with everyone hurting and no one able to help the others heal. Much of what is conveyed in Roses comes between the dialogue, and this cast comes through loud and clear with its actions. Sheen’s portrayal is fearless. From his first
lone moments on stage when he playfully tries on his son’s much-too-small-for-him Army jacket, to his expressions of shame for mistakes made, to his rage over a life that didn’t work out as he planned, Sheen becomes completely immersed in the role. He never over-acts, even though the script has moments where a lesser player could cater to audience laughter or surprise. Conroy is equally magnetic, despite Nettie’s reserve. Her one explosive moment is shocking, but not unexpected, because Conroy’s portrayal is one of barely contained anger. Nettie at first glance seems weak-willed, but she is strong, and Conroy’s resolute tone in key moments informs that strength. Though a decade older than Sheen was in 1964, Geraghty, 35, is convincing as a young man prematurely aged by the rigors and horrors of war. Geraghty injects a hard edge to his physical and vocal softness to help explain Timmy’s dilemma of being stuck between an unhappy childhood and an uncertain future. Pepe, who had been scheduled to direct Speed-the-Plow, was wisely retained for Roses (the change in shows was only announced late last year). Though there are many serious moments, Pepe enlists a snappy pace to accent the humor and to make the tonal turns more surprising. He uses the set — Walt Spangler’s authentic looking vintage living room and kitchen ensconced in surrounding tall brick apartment buildings — to increase the feeling of psychological claustrophobia. The tables are always in the way, and there’s nowhere to escape troubles, other than with alcohol or by running away. From Obadiah Eaves’ enchanting original music to Rui Rita’s complementary light design, no aspect, large or small, has been overlooked in this standout production. The Subject Was Roses runs through March 21 at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4400 or centertheatregroup.org.
March 1, 2010
Downtown News 15
DowntownNews.com
EVENTS SponSored LiSting Doug Davis: Inking Outside the Box Take My Picture Gallery, 860 S. Broadway, (213) 622-2256, garyleonard.com or douginks.com. March 11, 7-9 p.m.: Award-winning editorial cartoonist Doug Davis — creator of the Los Angeles Downtown News’ “Urban Scrawl” — opens a new show of cartoons at Gary Leonard’s Take My Picture gallery on March 11, coinciding with the March Art Walk. Wednesday, March 3 Town Hall Los Angeles National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 N. Central Ave., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org. Noon: Town Hall and the California Community Foundation present “Everyone Counts: 2010 Census,” a panel discussion on the importance of an accurate count. The event is free, but registration is required. Aloud at Central 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7000 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: “The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them,” is a conversation between L.A. Times book editor David Ulin and Elif Batuman. Literally and metaphorically following the footsteps of her favorite authors, Batuman combines fresh readings of the great Russians, from Pushkin to Tolstoy, along with some sad and funny stories from the people’s lives they’ve influenced, including her own. Thursday, March 4 Aloud at Central 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7000 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Drawing on a trove of original documents, tapes and interviews to chronicle the rise of the United Farm Workers during the heady days of civil rights struggles and the antiwar movement, author Miriam Pawel talks with L.A. Times editor-atlarge Jim Newton about her latest work, “The Union of Their Dreams: Power, Hope and Struggle in César Chávez’s Farm Worker Movement.” Friday, March 5 Farmlab Public Salons 1745 N. Spring St., Unit 4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org. Noon: Roy Brown, director of Vet to Vet, discusses his service organization for military veterans. The program is a recovery-based model that involves veterans as both consumers and providers of mental health services. First Fridays at the Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-DINO or nhm.org. 5:30-10 p.m.: In this installment of the popular series, which this year is devoted to local science stars and issues of importance to Southern Californians, museum curator Brian Brown leads an entomology tour called “Flies: They’re Everything You Think They’re Not.” Then, Caltech’s David Anderson talks about his work in mapping neural circuits that underlie innate behaviors in fruit flies. saTurday, March 6 Dodger Job Fair Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (323) 224-1466. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Employers will be in attendance to interview and hire. The event is a partnership between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the city’s Employment Development Department. Attendees should dress professionally and bring resume copies. Ford and Ching Launch KimSing Theater, 718 N. Figueroa St., fordandching.com. 8-11 p.m.: Furniture boutique Ford & Ching hosts a cocktail party to go with the launch of Go Build Studio’s “Wave Collection” of new furniture. Other designers featured include Geneva Lab and RS Barcelona, plus textiles by Tanya Aguiniga and Ford&Ching. RSVP required at info@fordandching.com. sunday, March 7 Target Sundays at California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: The museum celebrates women’s achievements in art, history, culture, politics and more. The event features music, dance and voices, as well as
Continued on next page
LISTINGS The ‘Don’T Miss’ LisT 1 H
by AnnA Scott, StAff writer
Russian Writers, a New Musical, R&B and Deep Talk
ave you ever wondered about Isaac Babel’s secret influence on the making of King Kong? If you haven’t, you will now. Find out the details and hear more stories about great Russian writers on Wednesday, March 3, at the Central Library at 7 p.m. Writer Elif Batuman will discuss her book The Possessed: Adventures With Russian Books and the People Who Read Them with L.A. Times book editor David Ulin as part of the Aloud series. The conversation will focus on lives influenced by Russian greats, from Pushkin to Tolstoy. At 630 W. Sixth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.
2 3
Y
ou’ve probably heard the song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” ad nauseam since Jennifer Hudson’s performance in the 2006 movie musical Dreamgirls. Now you can hear the song, and see the show, live when it opens at the Ahmanson Theatre on Tuesday, March 2. The musical, which tells the rags-to-riches story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl group, is said to be based on Diana Ross and the Supremes and features a rousing score and choreography. It runs through April 4. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 9724400 or centertheatregroup.org. photo by Joan Marcus
S
troll through a traditional Chinese village street fair, complete with lantern displays, and take in musical, acrobatic, lion dance and other performances — all without leaving Downtown. The annual Lantern Festival at the Chinese American Museum takes place Saturday, March 6, from noon-7 p.m. The event occurs each year on the 15th day of the first lunar month to mark the closing of Chinese New Year festivities. Admission is free. At 425 N. Los Angeles St., (213) 485-8567 or camla.org.
4
R
emember swaying awkwardly at your first middle school dance to “End of the Road?” Relive that wonderful experience, or try it for the first time, on Saturday, March 6, at the Boyz II Men concert
at Club Nokia. The R&B crooners, who did indeed debut as boys back in the early 1990s and have grown into men, will perform at 8:30 p.m. Expect plenty of their sappy hit ballads including “I’ll Make Love to You” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.” You know you love it. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 7657000 or clubnokia.com.
5
t on r th o u g h fo me disd o fo chool of me ts a lunchti o s s o h in C S Marshall S d homee U e n e th h t w n d u lg a , r 3 e professo y, March ntown-bas nd Wednesda Adlai Wertman, a f the Dow o rou O G E e C th d h it an on at o n t a cussion w e former president s rt sta “What nd th . The talk art of the p is d n a Business a nonprofit Chrysalis , ice s ersity’s Off SC campu es less servic ance Café on the U s hosted by the univ atters to m rm erie Zero Perfo and Why” lecture s on just that — what ) 740e 3 s 1 M u c (2 to fo , s pu will Matters . The talk University Park Cam e if L s u io of Relig At USC and why. ers. om. Wertman, u/whatmatt @downtownnews.c d .e c s u r o anna 6110 na Scott at Contact An
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photo by Gary Leonard
16 Downtown News
March 1, 2010
Twitter/DowntownNews
But Wait, There’s More!
Additional Event Information on the Web
LADOWNTOWNNEWS.COM/CALENDAR : EVENTS | ROCK, POP & JAZZ | CLASSICAL MUSIC THEATER, OPERA & DANCE | ART SPACES | FILM | BARS & CLUBS | MUSEUMS | FARMERS MARKETS | TOURS
Continued from previous page artist and food vendors. Free admission, parking $8. First Sundays For Families At MOCA MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1765 or moca.org. 1 p.m.: This family and youth-oriented event features a tour of “Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years” and includes a workshop in which participants work with a guest artist to create an autobiographical work.
FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., downtownindependent.com for showtimes.
THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
March 1: In Killer Clowns From Outer Space, a small town is invaded by aliens from outer space that appear and behave like clowns. Through March 3: In Bulletproof Salesman, a self-confessed war profiteer finds the perfect war when the U.S. invades Iraq. But as the war evolves, he finds himself engaged in a pathological arms race. Through March 4: Zombie Girl: The Movie chronicles the creative passion of Emily Hagins, a pre-teen following her filmmaking dreams. March 5-11: In Liverpool, a merchant sailor returns to his home in Tierra del Fuego after spending most of his life at sea. Regal Cinema L.A. Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. Through March 4: Cop Out (11 and 11:50 a.m. and 1:10, 1:50, 2:30, 3:50, 4:30, 5:10, 6:30, 7:10, 7:50, 9:20, 10 and 10:40 p.m.); The Crazies (11:20 a.m. and noon, 12:40, 1:40, 2:20, 3, 4:10, 4:50, 5:30, 6:40, 7:20, 8, 9:10, 9:50 and 10:30 p.m.); Avatar in 3D (11:40 a.m. and 3:20, 6:50 and 10:20 p.m.); Valentine’s Day (11:20 a.m. and 2:10, 5, 8 and 11 p.m.); The Wolfman (11 a.m. and 1:30, 4, 6:40 and 9:10 p.m.); Dear John (1:20, 4:20, 6:50 and 9:40 p.m.); Shutter Island (12:10, 12:50, 1:30, 3:10, 3:50, 4:30, 6:20, 7, 7:40, 9:30, 10:10 and 10:50 p.m.); Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (11:10 a.m. and 2, 4:40, 7:30 and 10:20 p.m.). March 5: Alice in Wonderland in 3D (11 a.m. and 1:40, 4:20, 7 and 9:50 p.m.).
8 p.m.: This installation of the group’s “Ascending Dragon” festival, an exchange with Vietnamese composers and musicians, features Olivier Messiaen’s “Quatuor pour le fin du temps,” and U.S. premiere of Nguyen Thien Do’s “Dôi for Bassoon and Percussion” and Tôn Thât Tiêt’s “Les Jardins D’autre Monde.” Pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Saturday, March 6 Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or musiccenter.org. 11 a.m.: Conductor Diego Matheuz helms this installment of the Philharmonic’s Toyota Sym-
Monday, March 1 Southwest Chamber Music Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., 1 (800) 726-7147 or swmusic.org.
Thursday, March 4 Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or musiccenter.org. 8 p.m.: James Conlon leads young French pianist Lise de la Salle in an all Prokofiev program, including the Russian composer’s enduring D-Flat Piano Concerto — while many critics called the work genius after its 1912 Moscow premiere, others deemed Prokofiev fit for a straightjacket for his unconventional melodies and harmony. Also on the program are his first Symphony and the Romeo and Juliet Suite. Also on March 6 at 8 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m. Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 622-7001 Ext. 215 or laco.org. 7 p.m.: This chamber music concert features Bach’s “Trio sonata in C major for Oboe, Violin and Continuo,” Telemann’s “Quartet in D minor for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon and Continuo,” Handel’s “Concerto in D minor for Oboe, Violin, Cello and Continuo” and Vivaldi’s “Concerto in G minor for Flute, Oboe, Violin, Bassoon and Continuo.”
Listings for additional concerts, exhibits and more in Downtown Los Angeles can be found on our website. Go to ladowntownnews.com/calendar for full information, including time and location, for all the happenings in Downtown. phonies for Youth series. Matheuz leads the Phil and the audience on a tour of Beethoven’s house, learning along the way about the composer’s determination to create and how that drive inspired Matheuz. Sunday, March 7 Los Angeles Master Chorale 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or musiccenter.org. 7 p.m.: The chorus performs J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, one of the most celebrated pieces of music in Western Civilization, especially for choral groups. The baroque ensemble Musica Angelica accompanies on period instruments.
2
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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
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18 Downtown News
March 1, 2010
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 ads deadlines: Thursday 12 pm REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL lofts for sale
Buying, Leasing or Selling a Loft?
homes for sale
LA’s #1 Loft Site
TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002
Bill Cooper
LARGE, 1 BEDROOM apartment in restored 1904 classic building. High ceilings, clawfoot tub, city view. West Downtown L.A. / MacArthur Park. $1,075. 213-389-0753.
apartments/unfurnished
REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL offiCe spaCe lease/sale
ALA 99¢/Sq. Ft. High Rise Office Space Walking distance to Metro Station, Social Security Office, Immigration Office, and Jewelry District. Close to 110 &101 Fwy. On site security guard.
213-892-0088
213.598.7555
retail spaCe lease/sale Condos/townhouses BEST VALUE Hollywood. New construc. 4 townhouses. 5936 Barton Ave. Start at $575,000. NO HOA. 3BR/3BA, HDWD flrs., frpl. Open House Sat./Sun. til sold. 12-4. PICS at ladowntownnews.com. (818) 430-1314.
FOR RENT
FORECLOSED HOME Auction. 150+ Homes / March 20. Open House: March 6, 13, & 14, 2010. View Full Listings. www.Auction. com. (Cal-SCAN)
TheLoftGuys.net Call 213-625-1313
“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.”
Retail Store Front Starting at $1000 gross rent Downtown LA 1240/2500 sq.ft., 20ft ceiling, water included, central AC w/private restroom. Call Pierre or Terri at 818-212-8333 or 213-744-9911
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.
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
Free Rent Specials! Nice 1 Bdrms from $775 Gated entry. All new decor. North Hollywood
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FREE RENT SPECIALS (O.A.C.) New downtown luxury apartments with granite kitchens, marble baths, pool, spa, saunas & free parking. 888-736-7471. FREE RENT 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.
Condos/unfurnished
Savoy
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, New Paint/New Carpet, Clubhouse Amenities, Gym, Pool/Spa, All Appliances, Was./Dryr., 1 Park/Space, Secure & Gated.
$1600 (310) 215-0788
Highland Park Charming Condo gated community, 2+2, fireplace, pool, sauna, BBQ, laundry, parking, near freeway. Some utilities included.
$1290
Good credit only.
Call (323) 225-6511
CommerCial spaCe ARTIST’S WORK STUDIO Sunny, 17’ ceiling, wi-fi, gated parking. Part of larger studio at Santa Fe Art Colony, close to downtown and freeways. $425/ mo + sec. Work Only/Not Livein. 213-509-4403. loft/unfurnished
old BanK District the original Live/Work Lofts from $1,100 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com
LA Live Loft 1 & 2 Bdrm Lofts
Hardwood, Bar, AC, Sauna, Greenhouse, all appliances, Was./Dryr., Secure, Garage.
Starting @ $1795 (213) 747-0523
rooms
Low-Income Single Room Occupancy Units #203, 207, 403, 413 and 416 available $290/mo., Shared Kitchen, Bath. Please call Norbo Hotel (213) 624-8024.
REAL ARTIST LOFTS 14001700 Sq. Ft., $1800-$1975/mo. High ceilings, hardwood floors, fireplace, pool/spa, gated parking, laundry, sorry no dogs, Open House Sundays 12-3pm @ 1250 Long Beach Ave. 213629-5539.
EMPLOYMENT drivers
On Spring St.
Spring Tower Lofts:
1850 sqft, open LOFT w/views $2950/mo. • 17 ft ceilings • Live/Work space • 14 story Bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in 240 Cal-SCAN newspapers for the best reach, coverage, and price. 25-words $550. Reach over 6 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 2886019. www.Cal-SCAN.com. (Cal-SCAN)
Business opportunities ALL CASH VENDING! Be Your Own Boss! Your Own Local Vending Route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405. (Cal-SCAN)
SERVICES attorneys
ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! 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
home improvement
崔RooF Michael Choi Roofing
880 sqft, 13 ft ceilings, $1425/mo. • Granite marble top • Stainless steel appliances/ refrigerator etc. • Pet friendly We are located in a prime area in Downtown LA nice neighborhood w/ salon, market, café etc. Wired for high speed internet & cable, central heat & A/C
Please call 213.627.6913 www.cityloftsquare.com
from $1,250’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
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EARN $1000+ WEEkLy! We are hiring, Not downsizing. Bus. to Bus. commercial collection sales. Guaranteed weekly rate + commissions on every deal. $300 Signing Bonus. Downtown LA. 213.621.2394
Children’s Performing Group
Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up!
SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc. Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
Monthly from $550 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348
323-229-3320 (C) 323-722-1646 (B) massaGe
Star Holistic Spa Massage/Acupressure $40 (1 Hour) 2551 W. Beverly Blvd. LA, CA, 90057 (Beverly Rampart)
Tel: 213-383-7676
EZ SHIATSU & MASSAGE 30mins. (Reg. $30) $10 OFF 1st customers only. 400 E. 2nd St., #205 LA CA 90012
(Honda Plaza Mall)
213-680-4970
Monthly from $695 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
SPECIAL MOVE IN -
TWO WEEKS FREE RENT AND LOW DEPOSIT. Real Artist Lofts available in original 18 unit Downtown Artist Loft bldg. close to Southern Cal. School of Architecture. Starting at approximately 1200 to 2100 Sq. ft. large open space with new kit and bath. Laundry, gated parking and intercom entry from $1200.
1427 E. 4th St. Contact Julie at (323) 261-1099 fictitiOus
Casaloma L.A. Apartments
name
Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath $695/mo.
Business
statements:
Only
$ 85.
fOr 4 insertiOns Call (213) 481-1448 for details.
(Note: The Downtown News does not perform filing services)
QUALITY LICENSED Full-day childcare available at Joy Picus or Harry Pregerson centers. Infants 5 years. (213) 978-0026 (213) 894-1556. CleaninG CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.
Reroof, Repairs • Lic. #C-39-588045
LOFTS • RENT • LOFTS • RENT now leasinG
ChildCare
Since 1972 • FREE Estimate
3 bdrms/2 bath, $2100/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking
City Lofts:
DISPLAY ADVERTISING in 140 Cal-SDAN newspapers statewide for $1,550! Reach over 3 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SDAN.com. (CalSCAN)
Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area. 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA
For English Call Pierre or terri 213.744.9911 For Spanish Call Susana 213.749.0306
eduCation HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure. Call Now! 1-866-5623650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com. (Cal-SCAN) home improvement PAINTING SERVICES Unlimited Design/Color/Finish. Loft Painting Experts. Since 1974. Staining-Distressing lep8ntr@ yahoo.com. Impeccable References. (818) 956-0609 misC. serviCes HERNIA REPAIR? Did You Receive A Composix Kugel Mesh Patch Between 1999-2008? If the Kugel patch was removed due to complications of bowel perforation, abdominal wall tears, puncture of abdominal organs or intestinal fistulae, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. (Cal-SCAN)
downtown south parK affordaBle proGram
luxury living Studios: $925 1 Bdrms $1,056 2 Bdrms $1,321
Income and Program Guidelines Apply. Call for Details. High Rise Apartment, Pool, Fitness Center, Subterranean Parking (Additional), Great Location, 2 blocks to Staples Center. Call Toll Free 1-888-810-9608
madison hotel Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $25.00 •Weekly, $99.00 •Monthly, $295.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.
(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)
March 1, 2010
Psychotherapy for adults and couples. Some insurances accepted. 5th & Grand. CA License LCS21567. Info at (310) 283-9027. (310) 283-9027.
AUTOS PRE-OWNED
m has
own’s s!
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com
$2 WIN!
2008 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN Automatic, Air, Cruise, CD, Premium Sound, ABS (4-wheel), Alloy wheels stock #UC518Rvin037040. $9,997. 888-879-9608.
For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com
Porsche Volkswagen Audi Mercedes-Benz Nissan chevrolet cadillac
Autos Wanted
08 JETTA S SDN 29 HWY MPG. 33199 miles. Air conditionng, power steering, power windows, power locks, cruise control, CD player, VIN 015827. $13,888. 888-781-8102. 2007 A4 PREM PKG., heated seats sport suspension $21,888. Stock #ZA9584 VIN 7A272428. 888-583-0981. 2007 CARRERA COUPE Black/ blk, certified pre-owned, tiptronic, 21K miles. VIN710520. 888685-5426. 2006 MBZ SLK280 Silver/ Black certified stock#4530C VIN #108686 $23,995. 888-3198762.
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)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lawn & Garden/Farm Equip NEW NORWOOD SawmillsLumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cyclesawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills. com/300N 1-800-661-7746 ext. 300N. (Cal-SCAN)
SONY HOLLAND DUO: Great music for your event or party. Guitar, vocal jazz. Contact sony@sonyholland.com for info. 213 241 9015.
PETS/ANIMALS
Volunteer Opportunities
Adopt A Pet
MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing! • Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views
Furniture HEADBOARD, 9 drawer dresser, 2 mirror, 1 lamp table, $165. 213-924-9462.
Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices
Locations Nationwide Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More
Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301
RENTING • BUYING • LIVING
Since 2001, LoftLivingLA.com has been helping people live in Downtown’s best condos, lofts & apartments!
8 7 7 - 4 L A- LO F TS Visit us online at www.LoftLivingLA.com
Guess where Candy bought six Red Velvet Cupcakes for $5.
Available Immediately Top floor of 11 story (18,000 SF) historic building available now! Perfect for corporate hqtrs. Features separate executive suite(s). Stunning views of LA two blocks away from Staples Center and across the street from the new LA Live complex. We have approximately 7,800 square feet of space open with offices along the exterior. Full kitchen with dishwasher, high exposed ceilings and stained floors. The building also has approx 4,000 sq ft of beautiful contiguous space and some small offices available. These spaces can be viewed by appointment.
Information available to qualified prospective tenants. Email request to mdavis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300
Take us home 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.
ELEGANT WORLD CLASS RESORT BRAND NEW APARTMENT HOMES
IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY! studios from $1,685* • 1 bedroom from $1,818* • 2 bedroom from $2,212* *Availability and prices are subject to change at any time.
• Brunswick Four Lane Virtual Bowling • Full Swing Virtual Golf • 3100 Square Foot Cybex Fitness Facility • Massage Room, Sauna and Steam Room • Rooftop Pools with Dressing Room • Free Abundant Gated and Garage Parking • Business Center, Conference Room • Directors Screening Room
• Lavish Fountains and Sculptures • Free Tanning Rooms • Concierge Service • 24 Hour Doorman • 24/7 On-site Management • Free DSL Computer Use Available • Free Wi-Fi • Magnificent City Views • On-Site Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball Court, Workout Stations, BBQ’s and Jogging Track
UNITS FEATURE: Private Washer and Dryer • Fully Equipped Gourmet Kitchens Maple European Style Cabinetry • Granite Counter Tops Natural Stone Marble Counter Baths
Downtown since 2002
Don't settle for anyone less experienced! Call us today! Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com
Rosslyn Hotel
1 month*
FREE *Limited time offer: when you sign 6 month lease.
Unfurnished rooms starting at $480 a month Laundry on site. All utilities included.
Living Outrageously For Today!®
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. 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/10
TM
Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.
jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com
Spring Street, Unit #801, Los Angeles, CA 90013. 2) Perla Araceli Hernandez, 408 S. Spring Street, Unit #801, Los Angeles, CA 90013 This business is conducted by a general partnership. 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 February 11, 2010. NOTICE—This fictitious name
Free Rent! Orsini
ITEMS FOR SALE
Burbank • Brentwood Century City • Downtown L.A. Woodland Hills
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 20100196493 The following persons doing business as: PAWS AND THE CITY, 408 S. Spring Street, Unit #801, Los Angeles, CA 90013, are hereby registered by the following registrants: 1) David Salgado, 408 S.
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.
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.
the loft expert! group
LEGAL Fictitious Business Name
Special Events
6th+Grand Ave. • milanoloftsla.com • 213.627.1900
DRE #01706351
NG
2006 TOYOTA TACOMA stock NI3477-1 VIN#6Z297822. $22,999. Call 888-838-5089.
Downtown L.A. AUTO GROUP
sly
Downtown News 19
DowntownNews.com
112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.503.7449 • www.rosslynstudios.com
Orsini
550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST. LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 OPEN DAILY
877-267-5911
WWW.THEORSINI.COM
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20 Downtown News
March 1, 2010
Twitter/DowntownNews
We Got Games Dustin Brown Is Back, and So Is Soccer Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers. March 2, 7:30 p.m.: The Lakers are battling with Cleveland for the league’s top ranking (and potentially home-court advantage in the NBA finals), so every game is key, including the only home contest of the week, against Danny Granger and the Indiana Pacers. Then it’s back on the road, with stops in Miami (March 4), Charlotte (March 5) and, in the game of the week, Orlando (March 7), for a finals rematch of last year.
March 1, 3 and 5, 7:30 p.m.: The Clippers seem to be clicking lately, despite trading away Marcus Camby. As of press time, they had three wins in a row. This week they host the Utah Jazz (We Got Games’ favorite unlikely NBA team name), the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder. All three of those competitors are likely headed to a destination the Clippers would need a magic car to reach: the playoffs. But crazier things have happened. They close the week in Utah (March 6).
Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/clippers.
Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com.
March 6, 7 p.m.: The Kings welcome Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson back from Vancouver, where the young Americans played for Team USA in the Olympics. The final outcome was not decided as of press time, but Brown and Johnson helped the home team to impressive victories over Canada and Sweden. After games in Dallas (March 2) and then Nashville (March 4), the Kings host the Montreal Canadiens. Soccer at the Coliseum 3939 S. Figueroa St., (213) 480-3232 or lacoliseum.com. March 3, 8 p.m.: International soccer returns to the Coliseum, as El Salvador takes on Guatemala. Get ready to shout gooooooooooooooal! Tickets are available at the Sports Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (213) 480-3232. —Ryan Vaillancourt
Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!
Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777
Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants
Now For Call n Specials Move-I
8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6
museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies
On Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / Beauty Salon
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)
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 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.
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