03-02-09

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS

9-14

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Bloom’s says bye, more Famima, and other happenings Around Town.

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Editorial: The lack of a Times California section should spark a public outcry.

W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M

March 2, 2009

Volume 38, Number 9

INSIDE

Healthcare

Distinct Despite the Odds L.A. Live Gets Top Prize as Downtown News Recognizes 12 Standout Projects From 2008

by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

The future of the Sixth Street bridge.

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Urban Scrawl on Election Day.

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Unexpected sex ed.

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espite the shadow of economic crisis hanging over the region, more than 300 Downtown Los Angeles business leaders, elected officials, representatives of cultural institutions and other stakeholders gathered last week to shine a celebratory light on the projects that pressed on in 2008.

The eighth annual Downtowners of Distinction Awards, presented by Los Angeles Downtown News at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Feb. 24, honored 12 key projects in the area, with the Project of the Year prize going to L.A. Live. Other winners ranged from bricks and mortar efforts like the luxury corporate housing development TenTen Wilshire to the cultural

programming at REDCAT. All were recognized for their impact and contributions to their individual district and to Downtown’s overall quality of life.

“Regardless of what happens with the economy, we’re still a community and the awardees are interesting, eclectic and brought new experiences to Downtown and the city that we haven’t had before,” Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry said at the event.

“So tonight is not just about celebrating the winners, it’s about celebrating our relationships with each other, through the ups and through the downs.”

Individual district winners were selected by Downtown News, with stakeholders from 16 Downtown districts voting for Project of the see Distinction, page 6

photo by Gary Leonard

Ted Tanner and Martha Saucedo of the Anschutz Entertainment Group accepted the Project of the Year prize for L.A. Live at the Downtowners of Distinction awards.

Mr. Mayor’s Re-election Speech

Rent Ruckus Begins At El Pueblo

Imagining What Hizzoner Might Say When the Polls Close Tuesday Night

Long-Term Leases Criticized; City Officials Can’t Answer Questions

by Richard Guzmán city editor

A

Get all the Restaurant Buzz.

15

The arrival of ‘Das Rheingold’.

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photo by Gary Leonard

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa giving a speech last year. He gets another chance to address the public when he claims victory in the March 3 election.

by Jon Regardie executive editor

Reviewing East West Players’ ‘Ixnay’.

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18 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS

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ood evening. I come before you on a historic night.

The polls have been closed for 19 seconds, and I am proud to stand here and am ready to lead the THE REGARDIE REPORT

state of California — I mean, the city of Los Angeles. We have four more years!

When I say we, I mean the royal we. Not all of us may stay here for four years, but for those who do, know that if I happen to take a trip to Sacramento for lobbying or more long-term reasons, I will write and

visit often. But in case you are wondering, right now I love this job.

Los Angeles, we stand at a crossroads. I now have a 2-1 record in mayoral races, and though some say the present is dark, I say the future is bright, and not just because the slogan tests well in gubernatorial focus groups. Others may point out that the past was very bright, but they are not thinking of the future.

This victory comes four months after a historic election. In November, President Obama, of whom I have been a very strong supporter for nearly nine whole months, showed us what can happen when see Re-election, page 8

n issue that has frustrated many but has rarely been brought up in official city channels gained a place in the spotlight last week. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, a committee of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Board of Commissioners began to look into the possibility of bringing rents up to market-rate levels for merchants at the monument in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

In a meeting that lasted about two hours and sometimes grew tense, concerns were raised about the economic practicality of giving 55-year leases to merchants, and some city officials were chastised for not send-

ing the right representatives to the meeting. Meanwhile, merchants maintained that they have not received promised improvements.

“This was a chance to take a look at some of the fundamental issues,” said David Louie, chair of El Pueblo’s Budget and Operations Committee, which has been given the task of reviewing rents at the monument and coming up with recommendations on what new rates should be. “The piece that’s missing is the city’s position.”

Rents for merchants at El Pueblo’s popular Olvera Street have long been a source of contention. El Pueblo officials and real estate experts say that many of the see Olvera Street, page 5

photo by Gary Leonard

Prominent leasing attorney Michael Meyer was among the figures who spoke at a hearing last week about leases at Olvera Street. Although some merchants want 55-year terms, Meyer said that is “really unheard of” for that kind of retail space.

Since 1972, an independent, locally owned and edited newspaper, go figure.

2 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

DowntownNews.com

AROUNDTOWN End of the Line for Bloom’s General Store

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ongtime Arts District pit stop Bloom’s General Store was scheduled to close for good on Saturday, Feb. 28 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press), said owner Randy Bloom, son of the late neighborhood activist Joel Bloom, last week. The eclectic shop at 303 S. Hewitt St. opened in 1994 and was the first area spot where locals could stock up on groceries, laundry detergent, magazines and other sundries. A beloved hangout, Bloom’s nonetheless struggled to stay afloat after its founder died in July 2007. Though a fundraiser last July helped to re-stock the shelves and kept Bloom’s open for a short time, a 50% rent increase last September combined with the faltering economy ultimately made it unsustainable. “I don’t know if the store ever made it into the black,â€? said Randy Bloom. “We’ve been losing so much money for so long‌ I am not doing anyone any good, the store is not making any money, and frankly, given all the options, the best one is just to be done and let someone else with the passion and the drive to step up and do whatever is best for the community.â€? Noting that landlord Meruelo Maddux Properties has had the building on the market for more than a year, he added, “I don’t know if there was ever a future for Bloom’s General Store at that location.â€?

Nelson Rising Addresses Economy

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n an address on the state of the economy to more than 300 Downtown business leaders and stakeholders last week, Nelson Rising, president and CEO of Downtownbased real estate firm Maguire Properties, called today’s financial crisis “unprecedented.� Looking to the past for clues about the current downturn, Rising explained that the longest recession in the last 40 years lasted 17 months.

The shortest was just two months. “So somewhere between the two we might find ourselves getting to our heads above water,� he said during remarks at the eighth

annual Downtowners of Distinction awards, presented by Los Angeles Downtown News on Feb. 24 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Rising, a former chairman of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, noted that the ongoing credit crisis makes this recession unique from previous slumps. “Using the home equity as a piggy bank, we became a consumer society of unparalleled proportions and we were buying things we didn’t need with money we didn’t have as a society,� he said. The Maguire chief, however, remains optimistic about the Central City. “Downtown, I’m extremely positive about,� said Rising, who also serves as chair of the Grand Avenue Committee, which is overseeing the stalled Grand Avenue project.

Although developer Related Cos. is currently unable to secure a construction loan, Rising predicted the project will eventually provide an economic jolt comparable to the impact from L.A. Live. “This is a tough time for everyone,�

Rising said. “I wish I could say I have a crystal ball and say when is it going to end, but it’s something we all have to work through.�

LAPD Looking for ICE Impersonator

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os Angeles Police Department detectives are looking for a man who allegedly posed as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent as part of a robbery scheme in a residential area south of Staples Center. In the 1400 block of Wright Street, the suspect allegedly identified himself as an ICE agent to two men in front of their residence, police said. The suspect, whom police described as being approximately five-feet two-inches tall and weighing about 230 pounds, handcuffed and placed one of the men in a black Chevrolet Suburban. After driving a short distance, the suspect released the victim after he was offered cash, said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “Suspects like this man pose a danger to the public and make it more difficult for real police to work with the public,� Vernon said. The impersonator was seen wearing an olive-colored

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Famima Expanding Downtown

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he Japanese convenience store Famima!! is set to open its fifth Downtown location on March 3. Like other area outposts, the store at 700 Wilshire Blvd. will feature an array of sandwiches, salads, sushi and Japanese snacks. The store also has a reputation for an eclectic inventory that includes items like A-1 steak sauce and fancy stationary. “We like to say we redefine convenience,� company Vice President Pervez Pir said. The company is not stopping there, as it plans to open a store on the ground floor of the Roosevelt Lofts at Seventh and Flower streets in the middle of the month, then in May, a seventh Downtown Famima is slated to go in at Union Station. The 700 Wilshire Blvd. store will host a four-day sale with merchandise giveaways, a lunch raffle and more.

Chinatown Work To Impact Traffic

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he city Department of Public Works expects to resume work Monday, March 2, on a sewer pipeline along Cesar Chavez Avenue, between North Broadway and New High Street. Though work will cease on weekends, it will take place around the clock on some days during the estimated 10-day project. The improvements are needed to prevent sewer odors, spills and disruptions to sewer service in the neighborhood, the department said in a statement.

Traffic lanes along North Broadway and Cesar Chavez Avenue will be reduced, and on-street parking will be unavailable. For more information, call the project hotline at (213) 978-0333 for English or (213) 978-0317 for Chinese speakers.

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LA Downtown News

March 2, 2009

Downtown News 3

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Rebuilding a Bridge Complex Plan to Replace Ailing Viaduct Involves Historic, Logistical Challenges

by Anna Scott staff writer

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he Sixth Street Viaduct, a 77-yearold, ailing concrete bridge stretching between Downtown Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, will likely be torn down within the next five years to make way for a replacement structure.

The massive undertaking, expected to cost as much as $400 million, would be the largest improvement or replacement project for any of the city’s 13 historic bridges spanning the Los Angeles River.

Within the next two months, city officials expect to release a study examining five potential designs for a replacement of the 3,500-foot long bridge. The study will also analyze at least one retrofit option, said John Koo, program manager of the city’s Bridge Improvement Program. But, he said, replacement is the most likely course of action.

“Retrofit options have a much shorter life — 30 years as opposed to 75 for a replacement,” he said.

Preservationists at the Los Angeles Conservancy, however, hope the city will save at least part of the original 1932 span, with its iconic steel arches and Art Deco-Streamline Moderne design.

“We’re not prepared to concede that replacement is necessary,” said the Conservancy’s Mike Buhler. “Our aim has been to find a way to retrofit the bridge without compromising public safety.”

Balancing historic and safety issues is just one piece of the puzzle as the city moves forward with fixing the Sixth Street bridge. The

sheer size of the project is the biggest challenge, said Kent Cordtz of the engineeringarchitecture company HNTB, who with a previous firm served as lead engineer on the Sixth Street bridge project. “It’s a very large project in close proximity to a lot of existing buildings,” he said.

Old and New City engineers estimate that there is a 70% chance the Sixth Street Viaduct will collapse due to a major earthquake in the next 50 years. The structure has been weakened by a chemical reaction known as Alkali-Silica Reaction, which causes concrete to erode over time.

City officials have long been aware of the problem, but funding issues prevented them from pursuing a large-scale fix until about two years ago.

In 2007 the city initiated a study of the possible environmental impacts of replacing or repairing the bridge. After deciding to pursue replacement, officials recently selected five potential designs The options include an exact replica of the existing bridge, two traditional designs featuring arched structures and two modern, cable-supported designs.

City engineers favor one of the modern designs, a bridge featuring three pairs of pylons placed along the edges of its deck.

“It’s kind of like a gateway,” said Donald MacDonald of the San Francisco-based Donald MacDonald FAIA Bridge Architects, who created the five designs.

All the proposals, he said, borrow massing, scale and certain details from the existing

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The city recommends building a cable-supported bridge to replace the ailing Sixth Street Viaduct.

bridge. Those include the long notches along the bridge’s “legs,” or support piers, and decorative, teeth-like walls along the edges. The designs also consider history.

“We’ve worked on other bridges on the river, so we take that vocabulary and apply it,” said MacDonald.

Still, the Conservancy hopes much of the original bridge can be preserved. Buhler said the organization has suggested that the city look at preserving the bridge’s center span and replacing the rest, and is awaiting a response.

Millions for Land Replacing the Sixth Street Bridge is expected to cost from $300 million for one of the modern designs to $402 million for an exact replica, said Koo. The funds would come partly from Proposition 1B, a state infrastructure bond passed in 2006.

The enormous budget would be mostly poured into construction costs, including demolition of the existing bridge, materials and labor. About $80 million would go toward purchasing seven mostly industrial parcels near the bridge to clear the way for construction, and $40 million would cover the design, construction management and

environmental work.

The cable-supported options are less expensive, said MacDonald, because they allow for a thinner bridge deck. Cost, however, is not the overriding concern.

The least expensive design would be a nofrills box girder bridge, the type typically seen over freeways, said MacDonald. “But to make the bridge be a monument and a landmark in the future is the kind of thing we’re going for, rather than just an elevated highway,” he said.

After the draft Environmental Impact Report is released in the coming weeks, the public will be able to comment on it during a series of meetings. A final EIR is expected by the end of the year, said Koo, and the city hopes to begin construction in early 2012.

There is no estimated completion date yet.

While the Sixth Street bridge was retrofitted after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, there are no plans to make further improvements until the city can move forward with the replacement.

“That is why there is a high priority to get this particular project done,” said Koo. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

4 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

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EDITORIALS Times Should Not Kill California

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his week, if all goes according to what has been reported, the Los Angeles Times will stop printing a stand-alone California section six days a week. (A memo from a Times executive last week stated that California will run solo only on Sundays. The rest of the week it will start on page A-2, with a concentration of news stories on A-3 and continue for several more pages.)

Because California is the local news section of the paper, we believe killing this stand-alone section and burying local news behind the front cover is a huge loss for Los Angeles and will result in the public being less informed on issues of importance. We hope when the public sees the new hole in the coverage, there will be a significant outcry, and the Times will quickly reconsider.

We recognize the irony of the “little paper” urging the 800-pound gorilla — a profitable gorilla now controlled, in a suck-it-dry manner, by Tribune Co. owner Sam Zell — to

go in a different direction. But we worry about what this means for news coverage in Los Angeles. We are not alone.

Numerous political and civic leaders have publicly fretted about how the events of the city and the region will be covered in this circumstance. It’s also clear that the loss of California must result in less investigative and enterprise reporting.

The Times brass is taking the stance that it will continue to do its best to cover Los Angeles, and we’re sure the journalists will try. But the fact is, stories that appear inside the A section will be less visible and will have less impact than if they started on the cover of their own section. Additionally, less space will mean fewer articles appear in print.

Equally distressing is the symbolic kick in the face that is being delivered. Killing the stand-alone California section sends the message that local coverage is no longer much of a priority. Times brass will likely argue otherwise, but the cho-

Art in Unexpected Places

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n January and the first half of February, those who went to grab lunch or do some shopping at the 7+Fig mall were treated to an unexpected sight: For seven weeks, dancers cavorted about the space, carrying a 200-foot-long piece of blue fabric, as part of an art project.

The most surprising aspect was not that the performers from the Collage Dance Theatre were providing a bit of unexpected color, but rather that the whole enterprise was powered and paid for by the landowner, Brookfield Properties. In this time when corporate entities are doing everything possible

to trim costs, Brookfield decided to dip into its pockets to provide some public art.

This was not the first time Brookfield took such a step. Last year, the New York-based real estate giant invited an Australian troupe, Strange Fruit, to perform a bizarre and beguiling series of free outdoor shows at 7+Fig that included dancers on high poles. This time, they gave Collage Dance Theatre a storefront space for seven weeks and allowed the company to craft a work designed specifi-

Keep Slowdown in Perspective

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he current recession is having a crushing effect on many across the nation, and figures from all levels of government and business should worry about how to turn things around. But as that occurs, and as some naysayers proclaim that Downtown Los Angeles is on a downslide from which it will not recover, we urge observers to keep a bit of perspective.

Yes, many projects in Downtown are suffering. Last week Los Angeles Downtown News published its Development issue, and the updates of the 124 area projects we are tracking revealed that a significant amount are having trouble securing financing and are stalled.

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

rus of disapproval since the decision became public reveals that people perceive it as such. And as anyone in the media or government can attest, perception is reality.

We know the Times, like all newspapers, is suffering amid the recession with a reduced advertising base (some of which will come back as soon as people are able to breathe again), and that many if not most employees in the paper’s Downtown Los Angeles headquarters hate this decision thrust on them by the number crunchers at Tribune Co. We know they would do almost anything to maintain the California section and to keep the many good journalists who are being lost in the latest round of layoffs.

We hope the higher-ups will soon come to their senses and realize that while it may save money short term on one side of the balance sheet, the cost will be greater long term because of the loss of reputation. If they don’t plan to shut it down, they need to keep its quality intact for the advertising to have a chance to come back. Los Angeles needs a healthy Times. Los Angeles needs to feel that the hometown newspaper considers local coverage a priority.

At the same time, it is astounding that Downtown has 124 projects. A decade ago, only a few dozen developments were proposed for the area, and people wondered if anyone would ever choose to live in districts such as the Historic Core or South Park. Early housing successes turned both areas into residential beachheads and inspired more development.

Now, after the creation of thousands of units, progress is slowing. That is not surprising, and is no different than the development fade in other cities.

Besides, in the last five months, Downtown saw the opening of at least 18 projects, from upscale restaurants like Provecho and Drago Centro to new residential complexes

cally for the shopping center in Downtown Los Angeles. It culminated in free shows on Feb. 18 in which hundreds of Downtowners followed the performers on an hour-long odyssey that utilized different portions of the space.

This was a nice example of a landowner rising above the basic level of service and offering something that benefits the entire community. We hope other Downtown businesses, including landlords, follow suit.

such as Evo and the National City Tower Lofts.

We have urged observers to maintain a sense of context before, but each new stumble in the economy raises more fears.

So we say it again: Downtown development is not as brisk as it was three years ago, but the community is so much better than it was 10 years ago. Even if painful, try to keep this recession in context. This too shall pass.

How to reach us Main office: (213) 481-1448 MAIL your Letter Letters to the Editor • L.A. Downtown News 1264 W. First Street • Los Angeles, CA 90026 Email your Letter realpeople@downtownnews.com FAX your Letter (213) 250-4617 Read Us on the Web DowntownNews.com

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 Vandervort sAlEs MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Vanessa Acuña, Robert Dutcher, Catherine Holloway, 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. It is also distributed to the extended urban communities of Glendale, Hollywood, Wilshire Center, Los Feliz, Silver Lake & Larchmont Village.

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Downtown News 5

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Olvera Street Continued from page 1 tenants pay rents that are far below fair-market value and have not been increased in decades. Merchants counter that they would pay higher rates if El Pueblo officials made fixes that improve the overall area.

Only 17 merchants operate under long-term leases signed in the late 1990s. The remaining 61 have not signed new leases since 1987, although some of those tenants who did not sign leases say their rent was also increased in the late ’90s, a claim Robert Andrade, El Pueblo’s general manger, disputes.

“There were no increases, there was a market study. I believe that market study made recommendations for an increase but those increases were never adopted, so the majority of tenants are paying rents that were established in 1987,” he said.

Rents in some of the largest restaurants on Olvera Street are less than $1 per square foot. Downtown real estate experts say some of those spaces could command up to $4 a square foot.

Raising rents could be a crucial issue for a department that has an annual budget of $4.1 million, yet requires about $1 million a year from the city’s general fund to operate. Last year El Pueblo needed another $350,000 bailout from the city to avoid having to shut down many services. Even with the bailout, 17 part-time employees were laid off and the operating hours at four of the museums on the street were slashed.

Part of the committee’s task in setting the new rates, Louie said, is to review leases and find out why certain decisions, like agreements that have resulted in 55-year leases, were made by the City Attorney’s office and the city Chief Legislative Analyst’s office, both of which had roles in negotiating rents.

Assistant City Attorney Dov Lesel attended the meeting, but said he had no knowledge about his office’s role in the negotiations that resulted in the 55-year leases or why the other 61 leases were never completed. He told the committee that a representative from City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo’s office who has knowledge of the leases will be at the next meeting.

Similarly, Marcela Cortez, a representative of City Councilman José Huizar, whose 14th District encompasses El Pueblo, seemed to be caught off guard when questioned by Louie about her knowledge of the lease issue.

“I was not briefed at all regarding any issues with leases,”

she told the committee.

The CLA’s office did not send a representative, though Louie said it had been asked to do so.

Merchants Speak The six merchants who attended the meeting reaffirmed their position that any increase should be fair and that the department should invest more money in the monument. They said promises were made during previous negotiations that never came to fruition, including a new parking structure and infrastructure improvements, although they acknowledge those improvements have finally begun with the recent refurbishment of some of the puestos (the small huts in the center of the street).

Valerie Hanley, whose family has owned Olvera Street’s Casa California for more than 40 years, said El Pueblo officials are not the only ones frustrated by how long it has taken to resolve the rent dispute.

“I was part of the original negotiation committee and we’ve been through three general managers, outside negotiators and with the city attorney’s office back and forth, and every time a new person tries to negotiate we have to start all the way from square one,” said Hanley, whose business sells novelties and piñatas. “We have the problem of discontinuity and not being able to finish.”

During the meeting, Michael Meyer, a prominent leasing attorney and managing partner of the Los Angeles area offices of the firm DLA Piper, spoke about what new leases should look like.

Meyer told the committee leases should be as simple as possible, with one all-inclusive rent that includes area maintenance fees (currently, tenants are charged rent and a separate fee based on the size of the business, as well as a storage fee for some merchants). They should also be transparent when it comes to negotiations.

“Everyone ought to see what everyone else is paying, no secrets,” he said.

With some merchants on Olvera Street passing down their businesses from generation to generation, Meyer said the department should ensure that those who take over a business have the ability to run it.

“It should be someone with the financial capability to stock the units, pay rent and meet the basic fundamental requirements of Olvera Street,” he said.

Meyer was particularly critical of long-term leases, calling

photo by Gary Leonard

Mike Mariscal, owner of Myrosa Enterprises, is one of the Olvera Street merchants who said that rents should not rise until area improvements are made.

55-year terms for that kind of retail space “really unheard of.”

He added that longer deals are usually reserved for a ground lease where a developer plans to build several structures over a lengthy period of time.

“It should be no more than five years,” he said of the Olvera Street leases.

That suggestion was greeted with disapproval by the merchants, who say their businesses have been part of the historic fabric of Olvera Street since it opened in 1930.

“The 55-year leases were to thank us, to realize what an asset we are to the city,” Mike Mariscal, owner of Myrosa Enterprises, which specializes in Mexican party supplies and souvenirs, told the committee. “It’s to protect one more generation of Olvera Street merchants… that’s some of the thought process that none of you are probably aware of.”

No date has been set for the next meeting where rents will be discussed, but El Pueblo officials hope the city will make more of an effort to attend.

“We’ve requested that our general manager again request that the CLA, the City Attorney and City Council District [14] attend the next meeting with folks that are familiar with the discussion and negotiations,” said Louie. “Absent that, it makes it very challenging to form an opinion and make recommendations.”

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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DowntownNews.com

Distinction Continued from page 1 Year. It was little surprise that the award went to L.A. Live, Anschutz Entertainment Group’s $2.5 billion mega-project that in November and December opened its second phase with a slew of restaurants, the Grammy Museum, Club Nokia and the Lucky Strike bowling alley.

The landmark South Park development was praised repeatedly by other attendees, including Maguire Properties CEO Nelson Rising. But Ted Tanner, AEG’s senior vice president of real estate, was quick to state that the project is not yet complete. Still to come is the 1,001-room Convention Center Hotel.

“Our work is not finished,” Tanner said.

“In November we open up 14 cinemas, in just three months we’ll open up four more restaurants and then a year from now that little 54-story building will open up, and I think it will be a major driver of convention business and visitation Downtown.”

Winners this year were Urth Caffe’s headquarters in the Art District; REDCAT’s adventurous programming on Bunker Hill; Inner-City Arts’ campus expansion in Central City East; the Yale Terrace affordable housing complex in Chinatown; Vista Hermosa Natural Park in City West; the Roosevelt Lofts in the Financial District; L.A. Live in the Figueroa Corridor; a trio of Historic Core film festivals (Last Remaining Seats, the Jules Verne Festival and the Downtown Film Festival); Nisei Week in Little Tokyo; apartment complex 717 Olympic in South Park; Philippe The Original’s 100th birthday in El Pueblo/Union Station; and TenTen Wilshire in City West.

Fourteenth District Councilman José Huizar, whose district includes parts of Downtown, said that because of the economic downturn, “It was easy to miss all the fantastic things that happened in Downtown L.A. in 2008.”

The event was sponsored by Maguire Properties, the Central City Association, the Downtown Center Business Improvement District and furniture design firm Maison Bertet.

City Councilman Ed Reyes, whose First District includes part of Downtown, praised the winners for seeing their projects through.

“It’s one thing to zone, it’s one thing to make plans, but it’s another thing to put the shovel in the ground,” Reyes said. “For that, I thank you for your investment, for your confidence in Los Angeles and, more importantly, for making this a great community.”

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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Downtown News 7

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Pregnancy Prevention in An Unexpected Area

High school students in Para Los Niños’ after school program talk about the economic, social and quality of life dangers of teen pregnancy.

Skid Row Program Helps Teens Stay Out of Trouble

by Ryan VaillancouRt

the organization applied for the funding after it realized that teen pregnancy prevention n a painting with a series of mini self- and general sex education was “a hole” in its portraits, Ariana Murrieta, 16, depicts curriculum. herself in three ways: as a college gradu“We noticed the teens talking about pregate in cap and gown, a doctor in blue scrubs nancy and being scared about it,” Flores said. with a stethoscope around her neck and as a “They started bringing it to our attention.” suit-clad professional.

In 2006, Los Angeles County recorded 41.5 “Like a business woman or a lawyer,” pregnancies for every 1,000 teen girls, slightly said Murrieta, a shy, soft-spoken junior at higher than the state average of 39.9. But in Downtown’s Oscar De La Hoya charter high the 22nd Senate District, which includes the school. low-income neighborhoods that most Para The images represent the dreams of many Los Niños participants call home, the figure teenagers, but a closer look at Murrieta’s jumps to 59.1, according to the nonprofit painting suggests she isn’t your average teen. Public Health Institute. The institute estiHer three self-portraits are drawn against mates that that translates to a $61 million ana tan background that is actually her bel- nual cost to taxpayers. ly, bulging with an imagined pregnancy. In Para Los Niños Executive Director Gisselle thin, cursive script, a title at the top reads “A Acevedo attributes the birth rate in these comDream Deferred.” munities largely to a disproportionate lack of That’s one of the messages that the direc- access to sex education resources and informators of the Para Los Niños Youth Center in tion compared to wealthier neighborhoods.

Skid Row, where Murrieta is one of about 60 “Teen pregnancy costs taxpayers money, students participating in an after-school sex and unfortunately they’re going to look at our education program, are hoping to impart. kids, at the minority kids, as the ones having The center has been serving children high rates of pregnancy,” Acevedo said. “But I and teens from at-risk areas in and around believe that education is the great equalizer.”

Downtown Los Angeles for 28 years, focusHelping Tentative Parents ing on academics, the arts, college preparaThe Para Los Niños Youth Center runs tion and leadership. Now, for the first time, into some of the same problems faced by any the program is weaving comprehensive sex educator when it comes to teaching sex edueducation and teen pregnancy prevention cation and teen pregnancy prevention. into its curriculum.

The subject is somewhat taboo. During a It is an unexpected option on Skid Row, recent 45-minute session in the Downtown where youth-oriented resources are notori- center, some topics prompted bursts of ously scarce. The program is the only one of teenage laughter. But there were also silent its kind in the area that organization officials moments of reflection and honest storytellknow about. ing about friends and family dealing with Para Los Niños launched the program with the social and economic perils of teen prega three-year, $300,000 grant awarded last nancy. sales opportunities? ofyear missing by the California Wellness Foundation.

“At first, if I see my friend is pregnant, We’ve got solution. Juggling deadlines and vendors?

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have someone to take care of it? Are you going to keep studying?”

Another student suggested abortion as an option, but the boy next to him shook his head and shouted, “That’s terrible, man.”

The group’s openness about sex and pregnancy likely presented a stark contrast to the home environment, where Flores believes a gregarious student could fall silent when the subject comes up. But it’s usually not the student’s fault; it’s the parents, she said.

“When we introduced the topic to the parents we were a little bit nervous, but wow, the parents welcomed it,” Flores said. “They were like, ‘Yes, talk to our kids about it because we don’t know how.’”

Parents are not completely off the hook. As part of the program, which is broken up into three 10-week sessions, parents come to the Downtown facility for workshops that teach them how to talk about sex and pregnancy with their children.

“The parent involvement part is very important,” said Flores, adding that their work at the center is diminished if students go home and are not comfortable talking about the issues.

Competitive Funds The California Wellness Foundation grant is not exclusively tied to teen pregnancy prevention; a portion of the funds also support in-house college preparation and health ad-

visors at Para Los Niños.

Julio Marcial, program director at the foundation, sees the two services as inherently linked.

“Whether it’s teen pregnancy or gang violence, there’s always a focus on prevention, but in turn what are you promoting?”

Marcial said. “For us, it’s stay in school, get an education, speak to your parents about what you’re dealing with, and that’s what they’re doing here.”

The California Wellness Foundation, which counts teen pregnancy prevention as its second priority after curbing gang violence, gave $4.8 million to teen sex education programs in the state last year. About 20 organizations received funds out of the nearly 100 that applied, he said.

“Our funding is very competitive, because we’re one of the only organizations that provides these kinds of dollars,” he said.

Count student Iris Lamas, 16, among those grateful that Para Los Niños was one of the recipients.

“The sex ed is good because we don’t learn this in our house, because our parents feel uncomfortable and at school we don’t get this either,” Lamas said. “Parents, they don’t want to know their kids’ sex life. Kids being pregnant are their worst fears, I think.”

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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8 Downtown News

Re-election Continued from page 1 we refuse to accept the status quo, when we know in our hearts that change is possible. But just as America last year decided that we need change, today, Los Angeles, you have had the courage to say that sometimes we do not need change.

Although change is always possible, sometimes we need the audacity to hope that the same person stays in office and that things stay exactly the same. Sometimes you need the audacity to hope that our allies win elections for seats such as City Attorney and City Controller.

Yes we can, Los Angeles.

Four years ago I came before you ready and eager to take on the challenges facing this great city. Four years ago, a mayor of Los Angeles had never appeared smiling on the

March 2, 2009

DowntownNews.com beach on the cover of Newsweek. Four years ago, a mayor of Los Angeles had never guest starred on “The George Lopez Show.” Four years ago, a mayor of Los Angeles had never been fawned over and described repeatedly as an “energizer bunny.” But now, we have shown that what once seemed impossible, is possible.

Yes we can, Los Angeles. I went to the White House to visit President Obama.

Four years ago, I asked you to dream with me. My dreams were big, and if we have not yet achieved all of those dreams, perhaps it is for the best. Not achieving those dreams means we still have dreams to dream.

Yes we can, Los Angeles.

When I stood on the steps of City Hall during my swearing-in in July of 2005, I dreamed of a city with 1 million new trees. Los Angeles, we only have 200,000 new trees today.

Some may say we are 80% short, but I like to think of the glass as one-fifth full, whereas before you had the audacity

and courage to elect me, we did not even have a glass to drink out of. Los Angeles, together we have already come so far.

Four years ago I dreamed of Los Angeles becoming the safest big city in America, with 10,000 police officers working to keep our schools, homes and parks safe. We are not there yet, but in that time we have had at least 10,000 media references to 10,000 LAPD officers. We are turning around the expectation of public safety in the city, and for as long as we do not have 10,000 officers, we will talk about getting there, and will use the as-yet unfulfilled goal to our advantage.

It is an admirable goal. Yes we can Los Angeles. The words “Obama” and “Villaraigosa” both include the letter “o.”

As gov — I mean, as mayor, there are additional goals that we, together as a community, can achieve. In the near future, no task will be as important as directing attention to our struggling natural resources. Let me be clear: If we do not take immediate action, we may not be able to clean the air, conserve water and save the media trolls at the Los Angeles Times. If we are not able to succeed in all three tasks, then let us work to be successful in the first two.

Some ask what can one person accomplish? To that I answer: as much as possible. Over the past several months, I have worked to turn around our economy. This has involved more than just having press conferences about turning around the economy and making statements about the crane, as in the construction crane, being the official bird of

I dreamed of a city with 1 million new trees. Los Angeles, we only have 200,000 today. Some may say we are 80% short, but I like to think of the glass as one-fifth full.

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Los Angeles. Let us not limit ourselves, Los Angeles, to press conferences.

Over the past year, my campaign has raised more than $2.9 million. Yes, some of this money came from people in other parts of the country. And yes, some have criticized me for holding fundraisers in New York and Chicago. And San Antonio. And also Florida. And San Francisco, too. But this has not been only for my benefit and to raise my profile across the nation. No, Los Angeles, I have taken that money and, through the Villaraigosa Stimulus Package, have invested it back in the city of the 21st century in the form of TV commercials, campaign mailers and other important voter education information.

Never forget the Villaraigosa Stimulus Package, or any president the last two words remind you of.

My fellow Americ — I mean, my fellow Angelenos, at this moment, we stand on the precipice of history, and if that does not really apply to Los Angeles right now, then know it is something my close personal friend President Obama might say.

Los Angeles, there is so much we can accomplish in the next two — sorry, the next four years. Together, we can make this city better. Together, we can ensure that we have a strong voice in Sacramento, that someone who loves Los Angeles can have a place, maybe even a bedroom, in the governor’s mansion.

Let us have the audacity to hope that winning the Monday’s News election as mayor of Los Angeles leads to great things not just for me, but for all of California, now and in the 2010 guberFriday natorial election.Night!

Yes we can Los Angeles. And as I say good night, remember, President Obama is my best friend.

Available on-line @ Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

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10 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

Healthcare

Building a Legacy Orthopaedic Hospital Taps Two Prominent Physicians To Expand Its Team

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s Orthopaedic Hospital nears a milestone of 100 years providing the best specialty orthopaedic services for children with crippling birth defects and musculoskeletal disorders, the hospital has tapped two prominent orthopaedic physicians for the leadership team.

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Dr. Anthony Scaduto has been appointed to the prestigious post of Lowman Professor and will also serve as Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedics for Orthopaedic Hospital/UCLA.

The Lowman Professor position was created in 1955 to ensure continuance of Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital founder Dr. Charles LeRoy Lowman’s vision of the hospital as a place where children with disabilities could receive the finest orthopaedic treatment, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

Orthopaedic physician and colleague Dr. Richard Bowen also joins the hospital as Residency Director and Assistant Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedics, working closely with Scaduto to continue and expand upon Lowman’s founding mission of

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“This is an exciting time to join Orthopaedic Hospital because we are poised to expand our leadership position among pediatric orthopaedic programs in the country,” Scaduto said. “Our world-class research center, residency program and the excellent specialty care provided by our dedicated physicians will enable us to continue our mission of care to improve and enhance children’s lives locally, nationally and internationally.”

With more than 60,000 visits per year, the pediatric orthopaedic program at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital is one of the largest of its kind serving children in the U.S. With the addition of Scaduto and Bowen to the physician team, the hospital has a greater capacity to treat more children with orthopaedic conditions at the Downtown campus as well as the new Orthopaedic Hospital Clinic in Santa Monica, scheduled to open in the spring.

“Doctors Scaduto and Bowen bring a high level of talent, experience and passion to the hospital to benefit our young patients. Through their leadership, I am confident that Orthopaedic Hospital will continue to be a world leader for pediatric orthopaedic care,” said Dr. James V. Luck, Jr., president and CEO of Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital.

Both accomplished pediatric spine surgeons and researchers, Scaduto and Bowen most recently practiced at Shriners Hospital for Children in Los Angeles and each are graduates of UCLA School of Medicine.

Scaduto completed his pediatric orthopaedic fellowship at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas and Bowen’s fellowship was undertaken at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.

Orthopaedic Hospital offers the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic care for conditions such as cerebral palsy, clubfoot, fractures, hemophilia, scoliosis, spina bifida and other musculoskeletal disorders. More than 2 million patient visits later, the insight and dedication of Lowman continues with the expansion of a visionary leadership team and their commitment to excellence in patient care and education.

Orthopaedic Hospital is at 2400 S. Flower St., at the corner of 23rd Street. More information about Orthopaedic Hospital’s patient services is available online at orthohospital.org or by calling the physician referral service at (213) 742-6509. The Urgent Care Center can be reached at (213) 742-1162.

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12 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

Healthcare

An International Reputation World-Class Neurosurgical Techniques Available at St. Vincent Medical Center

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last year of House Neurosurgical Associates — affiliated with the acclaimed House Ear Clinic — St. Vincent has added talent to its Neurosurgical Service.

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Downtown News 13

Healthcare

Healthcare Happiness Good Samaritan Medical Practice Association Breaks the HMO Mold

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ave you ever wondered why some HMO patients have horror stories and other HMO patients don’t?

The reason may have nothing to do with the HMO but everything to do with the doctor group — but not the group of doctors you often see sharing the same office.

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

The doctor group that makes the biggest difference in the quality of medical care patients receive is called an IPA, or Independent Physician Association. Good Samaritan Medical Practice Association (GSMPA) is an IPA in Downtown Los Angeles that provides the kind of quality medical care not typically associated with HMO insurance plans.

IPA is a group of hundreds (or even thousands) of physicians in a certain part of town or near a certain hospital. Each physician in the IPA operates his own private office and employs his own nurses and staff. These doctors join GSMPA so that their names will be listed in the physician directory that

‘When a hospital can partner with physicians of the quality as those in GSMPA, extraordinary things happen.’

throughout the world.”

With the unique combination of GSMPA physicians and Good Samaritan Hospital it is no wonder that the HMO patients enrolled with GSMPA have healthcare stories that do have happy endings.

For more information about the Good Samaritan Medical Practice Association visit gsmpa.net.

OrthOpaedic hOspital U shering in a n ew e ra

—Andrew Leeka, president and CEO, Good Samaritan Hospital

HMO patients receive from their employers. HMOs require patients to choose doctors exclusively from these large associations because IPAs like Good Samaritan have teams of especially skilled physicians that coordinate the care of patients much better than any individual doctor could.

HMOs actually prefer that IPAs like Good Samaritan make the critical healthcare decisions for the patients that choose their group. That decision-making is crucial to the quality of care you receive. But not all IPAs have the caliber of physicians as those in GSMPA, and not many IPAs are anchored by a hospital as renowned as Good Samaritan Hospital. Most physicians who belong to GSMPA are on the staff of Good Samaritan Hospital and have exceeded the high credentialing standards of both the hospital and the IPA. “We are fortunate to have such a panel of well qualified physicians in GSMPA,” says Dr. Glen L. Hollinger, F.A.C.P., the medical director and chairman of the board of GSMPA. “Ninety percent of our specialists are board certified and some are even pioneers in their field. Patients enrolling with GSMPA have access to some of the finest physicians in the country — if not the world.”

GSMPA has more than 120 primary care physicians and over 1,500 specialists throughout Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. GSMPA attracts thousands of patients who work or live in the Downtown area because its physicians are among the finest in the state and their offices are convenient and plentiful.

“There are hundreds of individual physician offices in the GSMPA network, and each office is independently owned and operated by the physicians listed on the door. Patients simply choose a doctor who is near their work or home from their HMO directory and instantly they have a quality personal physician that is literally just around the corner,” stated Hollinger. “It’s hard to find that kind of convenience and quality in the typical suburban medical group.”

The physicians of GSMPA have a long standing relationship with Good Samaritan Hospital, the landmark medical facility in Downtown Los Angeles. Many of the physicians have offices on the campus of Good Samaritan and were instrumental in developing the hospital’s cardiac, neonatal and neuroscience centers of excellence.

“When a hospital can partner with physicians of the quality as those in GSMPA, extraordinary things happen,” said Andrew Leeka, president and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital. “Patients recognize that the success of any treatment is directly related to the skill of the physician and the technology and care provided by the hospital. For decades now, this partnership has saved and improved the lives of tens of thousands of patients from Southern California and

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14 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

Healthcare

Educogym Heralds A New Era in Fitness The Highest Gym in America Opens in Downtown L.A.

T

he 8,500-square-foot state-of-the art facility Educogym was recently launched on the 57th floor of the landmark U.S. Bank Tower in Downtown Los Angeles.

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

After only two-and-a-half years, Educogym is already a huge success with 35 gyms worldwide, more than 100 trainers and 6,000 clients.

“We are changing the industry’s focus from warehouse facilities to real results, for the first time offering a scientific solution to the overweight epidemic,” said CEO Thurston Pym. “With less than 20 minutes of exercise three times a week and the necessary motivation and supervision, Educogym is set to lead the way to a new era in health and fitness.”

Despite the fact that more Americans than ever are taking up new diet and exercise programs, we are getting fatter and fatter.

Incredibly, statistics show that 95% of all people who get back into shape will be in even worse shape just a year later.

Science shows that as we age we lose muscle tissue. This muscle loss leads to a lowered metabolism — the rate at which you burn food and fat for energy. Aerobics and low-calorie diets may help you lose weight initially, but much of the weight loss can be

muscle. This makes it harder to burn fat as the metabolism lowers until eventually the weight piles back on.

The Educogym system is based on university research showing that the average person actually gains muscle while burning fat (gaining three pounds of muscle and losing 7½ pounds of fat in only 12 days). It’s a careful combination of exercise, balanced nutrition and pure concentration. Without one of these elements, the system would fail. The three elements combined lead to increased muscle, less fat, increased energy and a faster metabolism.

Focusing on the results, it was necessary to develop a new type of gym. The common “warehouse” gym fails in achieving the necessary results for many reasons: attendance can be as low as 10% after a few months, there is a lack of motivation, and the training program typically does not address the need to maintain or increase muscle.

At Educogym, you receive the advantages of personal training plus the benefits of the group dynamic for a fraction of the price. This allows the average person to benefit from the correct scientific approach. Appointment-based scheduling, personalized programs and closely supervised training are some of the necessary unique features that help replicate the university researched results.

For more information, visit Educogym.com.

NURSES: HAVE A LICENSING PROBLEM?

A Lifesaving Landmark California Hospital Sets the Standard In Trauma Care

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or those who live, work and play in Downtown and surrounding communities in Los Angeles, the Trauma Center at California Hospital is FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

a lifesaver. Quality and competence are at the core of trauma care at California Hospital, the third-busiest trauma center in Los Angeles County.

It is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as the only trauma center with a back-to-back “Zero Deficiencies” designation. This is the highest quality standard ever awarded to a trauma center in ACS’s 25-year history.

“Our patients’ lives depend on the highest quality of care we give them,” says Dr. Gudata Hinika, a trauma surgeon and medical director of trauma care. “We do not compromise on that. With such high stakes, we cannot afford to do otherwise.”

Board certified surgical specialists are onsite 24 hours a day. When needed, a helipad allows for rapid transport to and from the facility. “Trauma demands commitment and excellence,” says neurosurgeon John Holly. “We value the opportunity to do meaningful work for our community.”

Trauma cases rely on the golden hour, the crucial 60 minutes that determine the best opportunity for improved outcomes for the patient. Nowhere is this more critical than in brain and spinal cord injuries.

“The brain and spinal cord are less forgiving than other organs, and the quality of outcome is dependent on the timeliness of treatment,” says neurosurgeon Samuel Biggers. “Operating rooms and surgical

teams are always available so life-saving surgeries can be done expeditiously.”

In addition to highly trained neurosurgeons, orthopedic and vascular surgeons, a digit re-implantation surgeon is on staff, a rarity for most Level II trauma centers. “Although re-implantation is not a program requirement, we believe in raising our standards to provide comprehensive, exceptional care to our patients,” says Dr. Hinika.

Digit re-implantation specialist and hand surgeon Gary Chen believes in putting patients first. “The patient’s best interest is always at the core of what we do, and that means getting our patients to function at their best levels possible.”

California Hospital’s trauma center has been transformative for the hospital, having a domino effect for all levels of patient care.

“Whether it is an injured firefighter, police officer, commuter, resident or tourist,” says hospital President Mark Meyers, “our goal is to provide one standard of care for our patients: the highest standard.”

For information about the Trauma Center at California Hospital call (213) 7482411 or visit chmcla.org.

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Downtown News 15

SearchDowntownLA.com

RESTAURANTS Restaurant Buzz Good Views and Deals, Power Lunch, Meat Is Good and the New Taco Truck

photo courtesy of Morton’s the Steakhouse

Morton’s the Steakhouse is gearing up for an evening with dinner and absinthe.

by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

n A Deal With a View: With its wraparound 6,000-square-foot space on the 21st floor of the 811 Wilshire Building, the views from Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant are priceless, while the new lunch menu is, well, less pricey.

The ultra-modern establishment has gone crazier than Gideon, slashing its popular Sushi and Sashimi Bento boxes by one-third. Formerly $32, the Sushi Bento, with one piece of tuna, yellowtail, salmon, halibut, shrimp, albacore and a choice of spicy tuna roll or California roll, is now $23. The Sashimi Bento has gone from $35 to $25. Takami also has some recession-friendly new lunch bowls served over rice, like the Chicken Robatadon ($12), with chicken breast skewers, mixed vegetables and teriyaki sauce; the Niki Donburi ($12), thinly sliced beef mixed with vegetables; and the Una-don ($14), fresh eel with mixed vegetables and sweet soy sauce.

At 811 Wilshire Blvd., 21st floor, (213) 236-9600 or takamisushi.com.

n All Business: Real power players know that sometimes deals need to be made not in the board room, but in the dining room. But at this time when even Downtown Los Angeles power players are feeling the economic crunch, Patina in Walt Disney Concert Hall is offering a power lunch special for $25. Offered Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the lunch includes a chef’s choice of two courses and, for an additional $5, you can get your clients tipsy with a glass of wine recommended by the sommelier. Patina claims this special will help you learn to master the art of the power lunch. So if you want to get plenty of practice, feel free to invite Restaurant Buzz along, especially if you’re going to shell out the extra $5 for a nice glass of wine.

At 141 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-3331 or patinagroup.com/patina.

after you tangle with the Green Fairy. On Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m., Morton’s the Steakhouse in the 7+Fig mall is hosting “Absinthe, The Green Hour,” which the restaurants describe as “a chance to experience the mystique, allure and ritual of tasting Pernod Absinthe.” Restaurant Buzz describes it as a chance to get totally wasted on some of the most potent liquor ever made. The 136-proof green spirit, made from grande wormwood and herb extracts, was popular with French artists and writers in the 19th century, but due to controversy over its, umm, effects, was banned until 2007, when restrictions on distilling and selling were eased. The Morton’s event, at $45 per person, includes a lesson on the proper way of drinking absinthe, which means dripping ice water over a sugar cube that is placed on a spoon over the glass. The event will also include crab-stuffed mushrooms, sliced tenderloin on crostini, mini cheeseburgers and, in case you just can’t get enough booze, Oysters Rockefeller made with absinthe. Just remember to drink responsibly, which means don’t spill any of this fine liquor no matter how tipsy you get.

At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 553-4566 or mortons.com. n Pleased to Meat You: If you’re anything like Restaurant Buzz, then the best night of the week is the night you go out for steak. If you want to overdo it (like

Restaurant Buzz!), then you also like to precede the steak dinner with a steak lunch. You can do just that at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, the L.A. Live eatery that this week is launching its lunch menu. The mid-day meal is served from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some starter options are seared Ahi tuna ($12), shrimp tempura ($14) and steak fries ($8), while sandwiches include crab cake ($15) and the Rich Boy ($21), a lobster-filled dish. But the stars are, of course, the steaks, like the filet mignon ($24), the prime New York strip ($27) and the prime chopped sirloin steak ($16). If only Fleming’s would also offer a steak breakfast, it would be a perfect day.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-9911 or flemingssteakhouse.com. n Catch the Truck: Most foodies have heard the buzz about the Kogi Taco Truck, which serves up Korean BBQ with a Mexican flair and has pretty much been ruling the streets of L.A. since its debut in November. Lines form instantly wherever this truck stops and hour-long waits are not unheard of. So get the jump this week when, according to Joan McCraw, a spokeswoman for Downtown club guru Cedd Moses, the truck will stop outside the Broadway Bar Tuesday and the Golden Gopher on Wednesday after 9 p.m. Lines will form, so you may want to start camping out in front of the Gopher tonight.

Broadway Bar is at 830 S. Broadway, Golden Gopher is at 417 W. Eighth St. Contact Richard Guzman at richard@downtownnews.com.

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DowntownNews.com

March 2, 2009

CALENDAR

The Rheingold Standard Mad Genius Reinvents the Gods for L.A. Opera

by MaRc PoRteR Zasada contRibuting wRiteR

W

e modern people like to think we are building a society obsessed with reason and technology, while actually we are building a society obsessed with myth and magic — not just light sabers and Batmobiles, but godlike directors and digitally improved actors. We have become so comfortable in faux mythological worlds, and so drenched in CGI stereotypes, that they no longer pack much shock or awe.

Who cares anymore when a dark figure expands to twice its size or hurls lightning from its fingertips? Who cares when a man and woman of literally impossible beauty manage to kiss?

More and more we find ourselves saying, “So what?”

Now, a mad German theatrical genius named Achim Freyer has seized control of the stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and dragged the human imagination straight out of its CGI stupor, kicking and screaming. The vehicle is the mother ship of all mythological excess: Richard Wagner’s Ring of the Niebelungen, which draws on the same Nordic sources as Tolkein and Stan Lee, and explores the same themes of corrupting power and the redemptive power of love.

In Das Rheingold, prelude to the great Ring cycle, Wotan, king of the gods, has mortgaged away Freia, goddess of youth and beauty, in order to build Valhalla. Wanting to get Freia out of hock, Wotan enlists Loge, the god of fire, to help him steal the Rheingold from Alberich, an evil dwarf. Alberich, meanwhile, has stolen the magic gold from the Rhinemaidens and has forged a ring of ultimate power. Nobody comes out smelling like roses.

In the L.A. Opera production that continues through March 15, the Rhinemaidens wear ugly whiteface and are obsessed with their own reflections in a black Rhine of fluttering cloth where the gold shines. Wotan is a grotesque one-eyed creature, hiding behind his own cardboard cutout or wearing a cage on his head (think Munch’s “The Scream”). His wife Fricka, god-

dess of marriage, has long wooden arms and glowing hands that perpetually and eerily reach toward her husband. Froh, god of light and joy, is downmarket natty, plays a cheap accordion and flies a claptrap biplane to make a rainbow. Loge hops around in a leering red devil costume straight out of a burlesque show. The giants who built Valhalla magnify themselves with actual magnifying glasses, and Valhalla, palace of the gods, is nothing more than a child’s drawing of a crenellated tower.

Freyer is both the director and the designer, and presents a crazy mix of styles and symbology on a big, obvious scale — like a costume party where everyone’s come up with their own loud themes. But this is not a low-rent production.

Millions have been spent and the stagecraft is spectacular in its own, offbeat, Brechtian way: The cardboard cutouts are fabulous art. Gold top hats and neon spears fly across the stage. Hokey costumes expand to 30-feet high, size 800 XXL. Lighting and projection effects are spectacular. Still, Freyer never lets us forget that everything we see is stagecraft. He never lets us be impressed by mere myth.

Most importantly, this Das Rheingold stays true to Wagner.

The gods of the Ring were always intended to be not just human, but less than human: crippled, self-destructive and doomed — after all, they have rejected both love and honor.

In this production, the gods are also highly static — more statues than beings, and fixed in their incompetencies.

Static can be hard on a singer. The ensemble of Wagnerian experts drawn from around the globe is strong, with highly defined voices that fill the Dorothy Chandler to the back rows. But as often happens with an avant-garde production, Freyer’s vision limits the dramatic art of the cast. As Wotan, bass Vitalij Kowaljow spends much of his time with his head stuck through his cardboard cutout, and while his singing is topnotch, beautifully projected and clear as a big, well-made bell, he has a hard time seizing control musically. All the time one wonders how he’d sing if the director let him wear one of

German director and designer Achim Freyer oversees a vibrant new L.A. Opera production of Das Rheingold.

those big Wagnerian helmets with the horns.

The excellent Beau Gibson as Froh and Wane Tigges as Donner were never allowed to move far from their own cutout statues, but managed to convey the helpless, pathetic splendor of their roles. Michelle DeYoung as Fricka and Ellie Dehn as Freia offered some potent songs, but again, you had to wonder if they felt held back by the heavy burden of their costumes.

Freia literally had to carry her full-body mask, a stiff, ugly, postmodern distortion of feminine “beauty” under her arm.

Since he was playing the god of fire, tenor Arnold Bezuyen was allowed not only to move around, but forego a mask.

This motion pushed him up to the principal character in the piece. Gordon Hawkins, whose head was trapped in a huge mask throughout the show, proved a nevertheless compelling Alberich, the evil dwarf who forges the ring and enslaves his brothers. Graham Clark, shrouded in his own mask, managed a highly sympathetic Mime.

All in all, it’s not easy to be a singer in an avant-garde production.

On opening night, conductor James Conlon seemed to take Freyer’s god-deflation to heart, offering a Wagner with a certain restraint. It was subtle and beautiful, but it may have disappointed those who like to be overwhelmed. Freyer’s troupe of supernumeraries, whether waving the Rhine or standing in for the gods, added important energy to the careful balance of action and inaction that characterized the night.

Das Rheingold kicks off four operas and 15 hours of myth spaced out over a full year — along with a cultural festival planned for 2010. It is clear that this Ring cycle is in the hands of major artists, and we are in for plenty of shock and awe — just not the kind that makes us comfortable.

Das Rheingold continues through March 15 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001. Be sure to study a synopsis and an analysis beforehand, or you will not grasp this production.

Symphony Phil Comes Alive Fictional Mouse Who Lives in Disney Hall to Make an Appearance

by Rod Riggs contRibuting wRiteR

S

ymphony Phil, the fictional mouse who lives in Walt Disney Concert Hall, will appear before a live audience there for the first time.

Phil is part of the pre-concert program at the Toyota Symphonies for Youth that will take place on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. (a previous event was held Feb. 28). During the session, Phil and several other mice will perform. The audience of kids 5-11 and their families will then hear “Wing on Wing,” composed by L.A. Phil Music Director EsaPekka Salonen, inspired by the concert hall.

The children’s book Symphony Phil grew

as I watched Disney Hall being built and thought, “what if...?” Illustrator Wendy Summerfield looked at my manuscript and brought substance to the vision. The first printing was in 2005.

Vicki Friedman, buyer for the L.A. Phil Store, encouraged me with an order. She has reordered several times, confiding, “You’re a success.” She knows far more about the book business than I do.

Symphony Phil and the Shiny Horns followed in 2007. Two more books are in production.

Phil has been more fun than almost anything I’ve done in a career as a newspaper writer. I’ve read the books to second graders

from Thousand Oaks to Richmond, Va. I’ve signed copies in Downtown Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead and Sherman Oaks. Friends and customers across the country ordered by mail. The Phil books are on shelves in stores on Larchmont, in Pasadena and in Phoenix.

Early on, another writer counseled, “I hope you’re not in this for the money.”

Well, Phil is not Harry Potter. The book business moves very slowly for a newspaper writer. A Harvard Business School study found that fewer than 15% of the titles in children’s books sell more than 15 copies a year. Phil is into his second printing.

The Toyota Symphonies for Youth event is Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. at the Walt

Illustrator Wendy Summerville teamed up with Rod Riggs on the book Symphony Phil, about a mouse who lives in Disney Hall. The character will be part of a performance at the concert hall on March 7.

Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com. To order a copy of Symphony Phil, call (213) 500-4876.

photos by Monika Rittershaus

16 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

SearchDowntownLA.com

Downtown News 17

Life After Life East West Players’ ‘Ixnay’ Mines Reincarnation And Ethnic Identity, With Mixed Results

by Jeff favre contributing writer

I

n the fantasy world created by novice playwright Paul Kikuchi, everyone who dies is reincarnated and gets to request a specific cultural heritage for the next life. But if one person — say a dissatisfied Japanese American named Raymond — mucks up the system, then the waiting room in Reincarnation Station 92 can get pretty screwy.

East West Players’ world premiere comedy Ixnay, which was developed in the company’s David Henry Hwang Writers Institute, earns plenty of laughs and several heartfelt moments from this simple concept, despite some need for script edits, tighter direction and a miscast lead. The production at the David Henry Hwang Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles continues through March 15.

The world between lives is the setting for Ixnay, where Raymond Kobayashi (Aaron Takahashi) arrives after driving his car into a tree. As a fellow Japanese American, aka JA, the Reincarnation Station’s director, Tadashi Ozaki (Gedde Watanabe), decides to fast track Raymond, placing him ahead of others who must work for years in the netherworld before returning to earth.

The first problem is, Raymond doesn’t want to be a JA anymore. The onetime owner of a fishing store explains, “It wasn’t so good the last time.” The next problem comes when he refuses to leave through the red door labeled “Next Life.” That means the others in the waiting room can’t go until he does.

That’s bad news for Chinese-American dentist Dr. Frank Fong (Matthew Yang King), who wants a life exactly like the one that ended in a waterskiing accident. It’s also displeasing to Samoan-American Julie Fotoni (Ellen D. Williams), who wants to return to her roots, as does Korean-American Grace Kim (June Kyoko Lu).

Taking a different route is Filipino hipster Eric Galindo (Dante Basco). He plans to switch to Chinese American so he can be a “parachute kid,” a group of immigrants known for having parents that don’t live in America and leave their children alone in expensive homes with lots of money. The Reincarnation Station also holds a lone white visitor, Norton Biggs (Matt Braaten), who longs to be Japanese American.

The remaining character is Reiko Tanaka (Elizabeth Ho), Tadashi’s kindhearted assistant, which is a good thing for Raymond because Tadashi will stop at nothing to return Raymond as-is.

“You are my Japanese-American stimulus package,” Tadashi tells him.

Kikuchi’s script contains several wellknown insider glimpses of the pan-Asian world, including Eric’s pecking order, which puts Japanese on top and Hmong on the bottom. He deftly explains a variety of cultural terms that may not be familiar to outsiders, but which are funny no matter one’s background.

Caucasians are not off the hit list. When Raymond asks how to be less Japanese, Norton tells him to say he likes NASCAR,

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Coming March 30th!

213-481-1448

photo by Michael Lamont

Tadashi Ozaki (played by Gedde Watanabe) threatens to kill himself if Raymond (left, played by Aaron Takahashi) does not do as he is told in Ixnay. The world premiere at East West Players runs through March 15.

and also to cry.

The one-idea plot suffers through too much repetition, particularly in the first act, when a solid 10 minutes is spent with Raymond continuing to refuse to go through the door. The lone unexpected twist is underused, and the post-climactic wrap-up drags.

Script issues are exacerbated by director Jeff Liu’s lethargic pace. Pauses between verbal exchanges and slow entrances and exits add several minutes to the one-and-threequarter-hour running time.

But the biggest issue stems from casting Takahashi. Yes, Raymond should be an antithesis of the career-focused overachiever.

But his laidback tone is taken to extremes.

Takahashi’s monotone vocals and sad-sack physicality are too boring.

Fortunately, the remaining cast picks up much of the slack.

Williams, as wacky Julie, earns laughs every time she stomps on the stage and belts a Samoan scream. Her sheepish explanation

Location: File Name: Rep: Date: Creator: Changes:

ROP A 2009 Allston Yacht Club 2-16 CH 2-11 ar 2

of Julie’s untimely demise is the evening’s highlight.

Also quite humorous is Lu as the grandmotherly Grace, who keeps catching everyone off-guard by slapping sense into them.

Though it’s an obvious joke, Lu always makes it work with her innocent smiles and gentle demeanor.

Adding to the laughs are a few quirky sound cues, designed by Dennis Yen, and Kurt Boetcher’s whimsical set, dominated by swirling clouds, with a staircase leading to a bright red door as its centerpiece.

Kikuchi’s afterlife realm, realized by East West Players, is quite imaginative. Until two years ago, he had never attempted a play, and his debut effort, even with its flaws, is enjoyable and fun. With some future revisions, Ixnay has the potential to become a real winner.

Ixnay is at East West Players through March 15, 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000, ext. 20, or eastwestplayers.org.

18 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

DowntownNews.com

LISTINGS EVENTS SPONSORED LISTING Specials at Bacaro LA Wine Bar 2308 S. Union St., (213) 748-7205 or bacarolosangeles.com.

Bacaro LA Wine Bar is now hosting a Sunday brunch with $5 carafes of sangria and, every Monday, the bar offers $1 off all wines by the glass all day.

The

Get Pampered, Informed and Entertained

Tuesday, March 3 Get Your Kicks on Route 66 Metro Board Room, 1 Gateway Plaza, larhf.org.

7 p.m.: The Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation hosts Elrond Lawrence, author of the newly published photo book “Route 66 Railway,” for a lecture and book signing. The public is also invited to join Lawrence prior to the lecture at Philippe’s, where the foundation has its own Route 66 photo exhibit, at 1001 N. Alameda St. at 5 p.m.

by AnnA Scott, StAff writer

1

Does the thought of a spa treatment right now make you feel like an AIG executive? Relax! On Saturday, March 7, you can indulge guilt-free for a good cause and get a cut-rate price at Pamper Me Fabulous! The event at Vibiana offers a sample of services including massages, manicures and hairstyling from a plethora of spas and salons. Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry will introduce the event’s Fabulous Female Awards ceremony. Tickets for either the morning session, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or the afternoon session, from 2-6 p.m., are $30-$100. Ten percent of ticket proceeds will go to the Step Up Women’s Network, a national organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women. 210 S. Main St., (626) 353-6489 or pampermefabulous.com.

photo courtesy of the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery, New York and Paris

photo by Adrienne Gunde

2

Pomegranate juice with breakfast? Sounds tasty and profitable! On Thursday, March 5, the Aloud Business Forum hosts a breakfast program at the Central Library featuring Lynda Resnick, the owner of pomegranate juice company POM Wonderful, as well as Fiji Water and flower delivery service Teleflora. Titled “Fresh Approaches to Branding and Marketing,” the discussion led by author and journalist Lisa Napoli will focus on Resnick’s secrets for creating memorable brands. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. and the program starts at 8:15. In the library’s Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or lfla.org.

3

Just in case the photographic tapestries of East Coast cookiecutter homes, mirror-heavy installations and geometric pavilions are not otherworldly enough on their own, on Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m., science fiction writer (and exhibition catalogue essayist) Mark von Schlegell will lead a walk-through of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Dan Graham: Beyond. The exhibition, on display through May 25, is a retrospective of the New York-based conceptual artist’s work. 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 6266222 or moca.org.

4

5

Tap your inner Einstein on Saturday, March 7, when Create:Fixate presents Wisdom Within Us, a multimedia extravaganza featuring works and performances by artists and musicians. The event will feature photography, live painting, video projections, musical guests and even an edible sculpture by Original Hip Hop Chocolates. You either love this kind of thing or you don’t. The gallery preview goes from 4-7 p.m.; the actual event begins at 7 p.m. and carries on until 3 a.m. 613 Imperial St., createfixate.com.

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

photo courtesy of CreateFixate

Friday, March 6 SCI-Arc Lecture Series Sci-Arc, Keck Lecture Hall, 960 E. Third St., (213) 623-2200 or sciarc.edu.

1 p.m.: The school hosts architect Tom Farrage, who specializes in the conceptualization, design development and fabrication of diverse projects, for an afternoon lecture.

Farmlab Public Salons 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org Noon-1 p.m.: Fiamma Montemezolo, co-author of the book, “Here is Tijuana!” and writer Bill Kelley, Jr., explore the darkness and light in the notorious Continued on page 19

photo c ourtesy of LA Fringe Theatre

This weekend the LOFT Ensemble, the resident company of the Arts District’s newly launched LA Fringe Theatre, presents its debut comedy, The LOFT Variety Hour Featuring Naughty Nancy. The sketch comedy show involves puppetry, singing, dancing, an Amsterdam prostitute called Naughty Nancy and a group of excited actors. The production marks the return of the 25-year-old Fringe Theatre to Downtown. Performances run this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. The show will continue on weekends through March 15. 929 E. Second St., #105, (213) 680-0392 or LOFTensemble.com.

Wednesday, March 4 SCI-Arc Lecture Series Sci-Arc, Keck Lecture Hall, 960 E. Third St., (213) 623-2200 or sciarc.edu.

7 p.m.: Architect Stan Allen, former dean of the School of Architecture at Princeton, looks to field theory, landscape architecture and ecology as models to revitalize the practices of urban design. His talk is called, “Before and After Landscape Urbanism.”

ALOUD at Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7241 or lapl.org.

7 p.m.: Writers Antonya Nelson and Marisa Silver pick apart the domestic drama, and address whether the genre is a “Novel Form or Formula.” Author Bernadette Murphy moderates.

Thursday, March 5 ALOUD Business Forum Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudbizforum.org.

7:30 a.m.: Businesswoman Linda Resnick is the marketing maven behind brands such as POM Wonderful, Fiji Water and Teleflora. She and her husband also own two massive citrus companies that make them the largest farmers of tree crops in the U.S. Her talk, in conversation with NPR journalist Lisa Napoli, will explore fresh approaches to branding and marketing. The talk begins at 8:15 a.m.

Leadership Skills Series Employers Group, 1150 S. Olive St., suite 2300, (800) 748-8484 or employersgroup.com.

9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Do you have the supervisory blues?

If so, you could write a song: “My workers are always late; they’re wasting time on the net, I’m stressing and putting on weight; I’m gonna get fired, I bet.

Yeah, I got the supervisor blues.” Then again, you’re probably better off attending the Employers Group leadership training, which teaches the skills needed to create a better work environment for not only themselves but the employees they work with.

All About Business Loans 315 W. Ninth St., Suite #501, RSVP to (818) 5523321 or vpinedo@vedc.org.

4-5pm: This free workshop explores the different financing options available for businesses and how the loan process works. The session covers interest rates and other pertinent information for Small Business Administration, microenterprise, minority, veteran and other special loan programs.

MOCA Grand Avenue 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.

7-10 p.m.: As part of the its free “Engagement Party” series, the museum will be transformed for one evening into a miniature golf course courtesy of the artist collective Knifeandfork, which is beginning a three-month residency. The course will be routed throughout the museum, including spaces not typically open to the public such as the roof, office hallways, the boardroom and loading docks.

‘Don’t Miss’ List

March 2, 2009

Downtown News 19

SearchDowntownLA.com

But Wait, There’s More!

Listings for additional concerts, exhibits and more in Downtown Los Angeles can be found on our website. Go to downtownnews.com/listings for full information, including time and location, for all the happenings in Downtown.

Additional Event Information on the Web

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM/LISTINGS : EVENTS | ROCK, POP & JAZZ | CLASSICAL MUSIC | THEATER, OPERA & DANCE ART SPACES | FILM | BARS & CLUBS | MUSEUMS | FARMERS MARKETS | TOURS

Listings Continued from page 18 border town.

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3230 or nhm.org.

5:30-10 p.m.: The museum continues its popular series, which this year pays tribute to Darwin and evolution, with lectures and presentations on the evolutionary links between fish, amphibians and humans. Too bad we shed the gills, but at least we have fingers and thumbs; the bands and DJs at this event are going to need them. saTurday, March 7 Create:Fixate Premiere Events Center, 613 Imperial St., 310-5907199 or createfixate.org.

4 p.m. – 3 a.m.: The arts organization Create:Fixate kicks off the new year with its first event of 2009, “Wisdom Within Us.” The party fills two large warehouses with art and music from more than 40 local artists, DJs and musicians. Parents are encouraged to bring the whole family from 4-7 p.m. and take advantage of the Kids Kreativity Zone, a supervised kids’ art making space. sunday, March 8 Pamper Me Fabulous Vibiana, 210 S. Main St., (626) 353-6489 or pampermefabulous.com.

9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m.: Here’s one way to commemorate Women’s History Month: Indulge in a morning or afternoon of luxury spa treatment, gourmet goodies and walk away with a Hollywoodstyle “swag bag” of accessories and products. This women-only affair includes the “Fabulous Female Awards,” at noon. Tickets are $100, and a portion benefits the Step Up Women’s Network.

MOCA Grand Avenue 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1745 or moca.org.

3 p.m.: Science-fiction writer and exhibition catalogue essayist Mark von Schlegell will lead a walkthrough of “Dan Graham: Beyond.” The tour is free with museum admission.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ 2nd Street Jazz 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047, 2ndstjazz.com or myspace.com/2ndstreetlivejazz.

Tuesdays: Jazz jam session. Music usually starts at 9 or 10 p.m.

626 Reserve 626 S. Spring St., (213) 627-9800 or 626reserve.com.

Tuesdays, 6 p.m.: Live music with Goh Kurosawa.

Thursdays, 6 p.m.: More live sounds, this time with Jessie Torrez.

Automat 936 Chung King Rd., (213) 617-0422.

Bar 107 107 W. Fourth St., (213) 625-7382 or myspace.com/bar107.

Tuesdays: A classic island mix of reggae with attitude. Jah! Wednesdays: The world famous (or at least in L.A.) Bar 107 Karaoke Gong Show. Come join the fun and help the judges vote for the best act of the evening.

Sundays: DJ’s choice with 107’s Matt Dwyer, the comic-actor genius who plays music while serving the meanest drinks (in the nicest way) Downtown.

Blue Velvet 750 S. Garland Ave., (213) 239-0061.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 p.m.: Live music and DJs. Café Corsa 2238 S. Figueroa St., (213) 746-2604 or cafecorsala.com.

Café Metropol 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com.

March 6: Pianist Gary Fukushima plays a mix of jazz, folk and classical with his trio.

March 7: The Duane Allen Band plays contemporary jazz funk and electronica.

Casey’s Irish Bar and Grill 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com.

Fridays: Live Irish music.

Chop Suey Café 347 E. First St., (213) 617-9990 or chopsueycafe.com.

Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Live jazz on the patio of the restored landmark.

Cicada Cicada Restaurant, 617 S. Olive St., (213) 488-9488 or cicadarestaurant.com.

Thursdays, 8-11 p.m.: The velvet-voiced Max Vontaine recreates the sounds and styles of rat packers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His smoking jackets and tunes are vintage; his bawdy repartee is less so. Keep a close eye on the unlit cigarette.

Sundays, 6-11 p.m.: The restaurant is transformed into a vintage, old Hollywood-style dance club every Sunday. Come out to appreciate the big band, swank costumes, dinner and cocktails. Visit cicadaclub.com.

Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., clubnokia.com.

March 4: Jodeci, the R&B and soul group, is still laying down lovetracks.

March 5: Jimmy Eat World takes you back to 1999 for a special performance of its seminal album “Clarity” in its entirety.

Conga Room L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic, (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com.

Thursdays: “Azucar” features tropical rhythms from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Fridays: “The Beat Down” features global beats and dance groove starting at 9 p.m.

Saturdays: “Plata” brings an upscale Latin flavor from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. e3rd Steakhouse and Lounge 734 E Third St., (213) 680-3003 or www.myspace. com/therhythmsectionla.

Second Saturdays: The Rhythm Section brings in DJs and live acts to this Arts District restaurant, playing eclectic selections in nujazz, soul, rare groove, soul and hip-hop.

Grammy Museum LA Live, corner of Olympic Blvd and Figueroa St., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

J Restaurant and Lounge 1119 S. Olive St., (213) 746-7746 or jloungela.com.

Tuesdays: Live acoustic performances in the lounge.

Wednesdays: Salsa in the City features complimentary salsa lessons at 8 p.m. At 9 p.m., a batch of live musicians takes over for a jam session.

Fridays: Live bands on select dates.

La Cita 336 S. Hill St., (213) 687-7111 or myspace.com/ lacitabar.

Mondays, 9 p.m.: Mustache Mondays is a gay/ mixed theme night with the best in electro, dance and live performances.

Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Cheap Souls, featuring DJs spinning funk, soul, old school and electro dance.

First and third Wednesdays, 9 p.m.: Mucho Wednesdays are dance nights with Latin music.

Second and fourth Wednesdays, 9 p.m.: Full Frontal features big-time DJs from LA and beyond. $5 cover.

Thursdays, 9 p.m.: Dance Right, voted Downtown’s best dance night. Free if you RSVP, $5 otherwise. So duh, RSVP. Fridays, 9 p.m.: Punky Reggae Party. That’s right: punk plus reggae equals party. Free before 11 p.m.

After that, it’s $5.

Saturdays, 6 p.m.: Hacienda Nights features live Tejano, Norteño and cumbia music. Cover $10.

Sundays, noon-10 p.m.: Hacienda Nights again, $8.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel – Gallery Bar 506 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1011 or millenniumhotels.com.

Mountain Bar 475 Gin Ling Way, (213) 625-7500 or themountainbar.com.

Every Tuesday “Broken Dreams” is DJ’ed by China Art Objects’ Steve Hanson and the Red Krayolas’ Tom Watson.

Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000 or nokiatheatrelalive.com.

March 7: Conjunto Primavera is a band whose members wear their heavy hearts on their sleeves. If saxophone-heavy ballads are your thing, don’t miss this show.

Orpheum Theatre 842 S. Broadway, (213) 622-1939 or laorpheum.com.

Pete’s Café and Bar 400 N. Main St., (213) 618-1759 or petescafe.com.

Tuesdays, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.: Pablo Calogero and Fabiano Nacimento play Brazilian jazz.

Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com.

March 2, 10 p.m.: Jake LaBotz, praised by Tatoo Magazine for his “sadder than hell balladry, razor sharp testifying, storied takes on loneliness, beatnikon-the-Mexican-border music, coffeehouse chic.”

With Hank Bobbit.

March 3, 10 p.m.: Deep-rooted country from Mike Stinson and Dave Gleason.

March 5, 10 p.m.: Violinist turned rocker Quetzal Guerrero and the Warriors.

March 6, 10 p.m.: Paging Beto, with the Memphis Kings.

March 7, 10 p.m.: The Lords of Altamont play rock and roll the way it’s supposed to be played: loud, fast and out of control. They’re supported by Wooly Bandits, Mission Creeps and Two Dollar Bash.

March 8, noon.: Brunch Americana with Eleven Hundred Springs, Sarah Gayle Meech and Mike Stinson.

March 8, 10 p.m.: Bring your eye patches for Pirate Burlesque.

Rerax Fridays at Señor Fish 422 E. First St., (213) 625-0566 or senorfishla.com.

Fridays, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.: Music, art, VJ performances, silk screening and photos.

Royale 2619 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 388-8488 or royaleonwilshire.com.

Mondays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: A live musical showcase with bands, a DJ and an Eastside vibe.

Tuesdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: An acoustic live set in the historic Royale lounge. A DJ spins between sets.

Wednesday (second of every month), 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: A fusion of spoken word and acoustic musical melodies.

Sundays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Rat pack protégé Max Vontaine.

Sheraton L.A. Downtown Hotel 711 S. Hope St., (310) 216-5861.

Fridays: The hotel presents a weekly live jazz night.

Standard 550 S. Flower St., (213) 892-8080 or standardhotels.com.

Nightly DJs at both the lobby bar and rooftop lounge.

Wednesdays, 8-11 p.m.: DJs spin in a swank, but still comfy, lobby. And yes, there’s a bar right there.

Saturdays, noon-8 p.m.: Local DJs unleash indie, rock and electronica at “Diss.”

Suede Bar and Lounge 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 489-3590 or suedebarla.com.

Nightly DJs and pop music in this upscale lounge at the Westin Bonaventure.

Tribal Café 1651 W. Temple St., tribalcafe.com.

March 6: Tribal presents Niantic and Shark!

Shark! (Let’s hope they’ve mastered the two-note theme song from Jaws).

March 7: The café hosts “A Night in the Avant Garde.”

Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.org.

March 7: The atmospheric sweeps and chiming astro-pop of France’s M83 share the stage with the L.A. Phil.

CLASSICAL MUSIC Monday, March 2 Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., Thayer Hall, colburnschool.edu.

7:30 p.m.: Conservatory student Martha Long gives a flute recital.

Tuesday, March 3 Los Angeles Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.org 8 p.m.: Conductor Zubin Mehta leads the Vienna Philharmonic in a program that features Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9.

Please email Your event info To submit events for this section, please email a brief description, street address and a public phone number to calendar@ downtownnews.com. Web addresses are welcome. Listings are due 10 days before publication date. Because of time constraints, submissions without full information cannot be considered for publication.

Inclusion in the listings is at the discretion of the L.A. Downtown News. Sorry, we cannot accept follow-up calls about event listings.

A HAndy MAP RefeRence To food, ATTRAcTions & enTeRTAinMenT F

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§ Where to Live

§F § §

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Grand Tower • 255 S. Grand Ave. Museum Tower • 225 S. Olive St. Promenade Towers • 123 S. Figueroa St.

229-9777 626-1500 617-3777

§

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The Metropolitan Apartments • 950 S. Flower St.

489-3300

EF m C6 FF_ C6 E# # F m B7 F F F

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624-1011 687-2001 687-2190 626-1901

Wilshire Grand Hotel • 930 Wilshire Blvd.

• Cardini Ristorante • Seoul Jung • Kyoto

688-7777 896-3822 688-7880 896-3812

Downtown Dental Office • 255 S. Grand Ave., Suite 204

620-5777

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Kyoto Grand Hotel & Garden • 120 S. Los Angeles St.

629-1200

Frying Fish Restaurant • 120 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

680-0567

The Los Angeles Athletic Club • 431 W. 7th St.

630-5200

Bunker Hill Real Estate • 800 W. 1st St., #401

680-1720

Dr. Silvia Kasparian DDS • 601 W. 5th St., Suite 1110

892-8172

CBS Seafood Restaurant • 700 N. Spring St.

617-2323

F C7

Clifton’s Brookdale Restaurant • 648 S. Broadway

627-1673

FF_ C2

Far East Plaza/Wing Hop Fung • 727 N. Broadway

626-7200

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM FIDM Museum Galleries & Shops • 919 S. Grand Ave.

624-1200

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • 555 W. Temple St.

680-5200

E ☞ C8

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F NA

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El Pollo Loco • 260 S. Broadway Orsini Apartments • 505 N. Figueroa St. Gus’s Drive-In • 1657 W. 3rd St. Medici • 725 S. Bixel St. Carl’s Jr. • 254 S. Broadway

626-7975 877-267-5911 483-8885 888-886-3731 625-1357

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PIP Printing • 700 Wilshire Blvd.

489-2333

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Tommy’s • 2575 W. Beverly Blvd.

389-9060

7+FIG • 7th & Figueroa Sts.

955-7150

Ernst & Young • 725 S. Figueroa St.

955-7100

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

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Downtown News 21

SearchDowntownLA.com

CLASSIFIED

pLAce your Ad onLine At www.LAdowntownnews.com

L.a. downtown news classifieds call: 213-481-1448 classified display & line ads deadlines: thursday 12 pm

“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.”

office sPace

HigHland park beautiful Home 3 Bdrm, 1 Bath

Utility included. 800 sqft. Balcony

$1500/mo.

(213) 215-2256

The Medici 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 for Specials!

2 MONThS FRee! (O.A.C.).

Studio, 1 & 2 bdrms available.

Upgraded interiors & washer/ dryer in every home. Pool & spa with a skyline view, gym, sauna.

FREE ONSITE PARKING. TheVisconti.com (888)736-7471.

Up TO 2 month free! (O.A.C.) New downtown luxury apartments with granite kitchens, marble baths, pool, spa, saunas & free parking. 888-736-7471.

TWO MONThS FRee! (O.A.C.) Brand New Resort Apartments.

Granite kitchens, washer/dryers, pools, spas, saunas, fitness ctr, free tanning beds & much more!

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MONTeRey hillS 3 bdrm, 3 story townhouse. 1800 sq. ft. 7 miles to Civic Center. Many extras. $1950/Mo. 626-799-3104. dOWNTOWN Los Angeles 2 Month’s FREE RENT! Studio $1688/ month Luxury at it’s finest! Granite counters, W & D 888-262-9761. chARMiNG Mid-ceNTURy studio with kitchenette. Cozy & private. Patio. Quiet. $650. 2505A W. 5th, LA 818-352-1732.

1+1 SKyliNe condo. Renovated kitchen & bath. Pool, spa, racketball, social room. 310-9898895.

NeW UNiqUe bUildiNG 4 professionals, greatrooms4rent@ sbcglobal.net. $500+,323-2387924.

cOMMeRciAl SpAce for lease. 1800 square feet. 804 E. 7th Street, L.A. $1,100 per month. ist month 1/2 price. 213623-9090.

High-Rise Building on Olive St. Near Metro (train), Security, New Elevator System. Air Condition.

213.892.0088

Up TO 2 MONThS FRee! Panoramic downtown views.

1 bed/1bath starting at $1398.

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Lofts Buying, Leasing or Selling a Loft?

TheLoftGuys.net LA’s #1 Loft Site

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Lofts from $1,100. High ceilings.

A/C. Parking available.

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Land/acreaGe

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Call us today! cOlORAdO bANK foreclosure35 AC $29,900. Enjoy 300 days of sunshine. Rocky mountain views, utilities. Excellent financing. First come, First serve!! Call Today 1-866-696-5263 x4938.

(Cal-SCAN) bUyeR’S MARKeT. New Mexico. Ranch Dispersal. 140 acres $89,900. River Access. Northern New Mexico. Cool 6,000’ elevation with stunning views. Great tree cover including Ponderosa, rolling grassland and rock outcroppings. Abundant wildlife, great hunting. EZ terms. Call NML&R, Inc. 1-866-360-5263.

(Cal-SCAN) ARiZONA lANd. Big Lots. $0 Down, $0 Interest. Best Land, Best Terms Nationwide. Guaranteed Financing. Starting $129/ mth. Total $14,995. www.sunsiteslandrush.com Pre-Recorded Message 1-800-631-8164 mention code CALPRESS. (CalSCAN)

reaL estate FOReclOSed hOMe auction. Southern California. 1000+ Homes Must Be Sold! REDC / Free Brochure. 1-800-677-9563. www.USHomeAuction.com.

(Cal-SCAN)

Prime Office Spaces As Low As 99¢/sqf.

Management on site

for rent

reaL estate for saLe

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

AbSOlUTe AUcTiON - Tehachapi Land (probate sale) Last bid wins! No Reserve. Online bidding available. March 20 @ noon. www.AuctionCA.com.

Elite Auctions (661)325-6500.

(Cal-SCAN)

commerciaL reaL estate FOR leASe: 945 E. 10th St. (at Stanford) 11,500 total square feet, (3) 5000 sq. ft. beautiful offices. 24’ ceilings. Built 1986. 22 car parking lot. $0.85 per sq. ft modified gross. Call Stuart 323246-9800 Mon-Sat. 8-6.

Continued on next page

Selling Land?

For exposure to serious buyers, contact L.A. Downtown News TODAY! Call 213-481-1448

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

22 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Continued from previous page

help WANTeD

DRIVER - Positions Available!

Start your NEW CAREER with our CDL Training: $0 down, No Credit Check financing by Central Refrigerated. 1-800-5870029 x4779. www.CentralDrivingJobs.net. (Cal-SCAN)

DRIVER - West Coast Regional New hiring area. Newest equipment on the road. Competitive Pay. Run the Western 11 States.

On Site - Full Service Maintenance Shop. Reasonable Home Time. Western Express - 22 yrs. old. Good MVR, EOE, CDL-A, 1 yr. OTR. Call Edna Today!

1-866-863-4112. (Cal-SCAN)

busiNess services 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.

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ACUPUNCTURIST MS in Acupuncture or Oriental Med. required. Fax resume: Cerritos 562-860-8311 Acuworld Group, Inc.

NEWS RELEASE? Cost-efficient service. The California Press Release Service has 500 current daily, weekly and college newspaper contacts in California. Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6010. www.CaliforniaPressReleaseService.com.

(Cal-SCAN) CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in 240 Cal-SCAN newspapers for the best reach, coverage, and price. 25-words $550. Reach 6 million Californians!. Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SCAN.com.

(CalSCAN)

AuTOs WANTeD 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)

AAA+ DONATE Your Vehicle.

Help disadvantaged children.

Tax deduction sometimes based on bluebook value. Call for info: 1-800-339-7790 Children’s Literacy.

busiNess OppOrTuNiTY 100% RECESSION PROOF! Be Your Own Boss! Your Own Local Vending Route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy for $9,995.

MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405.

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60 min. massage (Reg. $60) $20 OFF w/this ad

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(Honda Plaza Mall) 1st Visit Only.

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Beverly's Laundromat Drop Off

50% OFF 1st time customers only. Minimum 25lb

FREE Pick-up & Delivery

ATTOrNeYs

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs!

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Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español

with minimum 35lb

610 S. Rampart Blvd. @ 6th St (213)804-0069 Open Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. • Free Parking

FOr sAle

get your greeN cArD or ciTiZeNship

Announcing a new affordable housing opportunity in downtown Los Angeles Requests for applications are being accepted from qualified applicants for Studio, one and two bedroom apartments with luxury amenities such as Caesar stone counters, washer & dryers in every apartment

Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710

Luxury Rooms in Downtown Monthly Rents Start at $880 1 & 2 Rooms Available • Fully Furnished • 100% Utilities Paid • • Refrigerator, Microwave & TV In Each Room • • Wireless Access Throughout Bldg. • Gym • • Close to USC & Loyola Law School • • Presidential Suite with Kitchen • Parking Available Onsite

Special STUDeNT RaTe! $780 1 person

cOmpuTers FRUSTRATED BY computers?

For services or solutions for home or business, call 213-4586873.

Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices

$100 OFF on 1st months Rent Exp. March 31, 2009

Mayfair Hotel

Burbank • Brentwood Century City • Downtown L.A. Woodland Hills

1256 West 7th street

In order to qualify for this housing opportunity provided under a Federal affordable housing program the following criteria apply: • A minimum of one person per household. A maximum of 4 persons per household • A 1-person household must have a total income between $17,523 and $26,550* • A 2-person household must have a total income between $17,523 and $30,300* • A 3-person household must have a total income between $22,506 and $34,100* • A 4-person household must have a total income between $22,506 and $37,900* Rents range from $463 to $731* *Maximum incomes and rents are subject to federal adjustments in area median incomes.

Mail a written request including your name and address to: Little Tokyo Apartments P.O. Box 26220 Los Angeles, CA 90026 Or You may also request an application by sending your complete mailing name and address, including apartment number and zip code, by e-mail to littletokyorequests@related.com. Requests will be received through March 6th.

REQUESTS FOR APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN March 6th, 2009 Due to the limited number of these special apartments, the filing of an application in no way guarantees you an apartment Equal Housing Opportunity

Learn Course Management

3 Learn while you play 3 Shot visualization 3 Mastering club selection

3 Driving strategies 3 Mid/long iron techniques 3 Short game fundamentals

In golf, its you versus the course. Learn to manage the entire game, not just the mechanics of your swing. Learn course management and improve your game.

Steve Andelich Professional Golf Instructor

Simin (213) 484-9789 Ext. 555 or (213) 632-1111

Locations Nationwide

Abram Friedman Occupational Center WAsc postsecondary Title iv institutions

Accreditation Abram Friedman Occupational Center is applying for accreditation with the Accrediting commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Persons wishing to make comments should write to: Executive Director Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC 533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200 Burlingame, CA 94010 Persons making comments must provide their names and mailing addresses.

WWW.DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

madison hotel

818.618.2099

Catering to Intermediate/Advanced Players

Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites

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.

Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.

Children’s Performing Group

Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun!

For boys & girls ages 3 and up!

Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301 jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com

SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433

Monthly from $595 utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.

Do you have something to sell?

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

Ad prices (Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY):

Take Your Game to the Next Level

BUILDING SALE!... “Unprecedented Low Prices”. Reduced Deposits. Limited Inventory.

25x40 $6,844. 30x50 $7,844.

35x60 $12,995. 40x60 $15,995.

60x100 $37,400. Others! Pioneer Steel. 1-800-668-5422.

Since 1980. (Cal-SCAN)

• Items under $300…12 words, 2 weeks FREE! • Items $301 to $500…15 words, only $11.50 • Items $501 to $1200…15 words, only $14.00 • Items $1201 to $2000…15 words, only $16.50 • Items $2001+…15 words, only $19.00 Restrictions: Offer good on private party ads only.

Ads must be pre-paid by cash, check or credit card.

Certain classifications excluded.

Deadline: Thursday at noon for next issue.

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

State Check $

With a circulation of 49,000 our classifieds get results!

Zip Credit Card $

Ad Copy: ___________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

March 2, 2009

SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $2,990 - Convert your Logs To Valuable Lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.NorwoodIndustries. com/300N -Free Information: 1-800-578-1363 x300-N. (CalSCAN) SILVERLAKE carpet/tile floors, Downtown views. Near bus & freeway. 5 Minutes to central city.

2 BR/1BA. Room for expansion.

619 N. Rampart Blvd. $339,000.

323-663-1318 or 323-896-2223.

HEALTH JOB SECURITY: Be Great Looking. Fully stocked private gym personal training right in Downtown. Fast learning curve will result in high intensity workouts to get you fit and keep you in shape. Free parking. Email: Ronnie@HealthConquest.com (248) 980-5695. I have a degree in Exercise Science. Experienced, w/NASM.

Kids performing schools Children’s Performing Group! Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! See SunshineGenerationLA.com or call 909861-4433.

Downtown News 23

SearchDowntownLA.com ANNOUNCEMENTS

DONATIONS

SHOULDER PAIN pump injury alert! If you received a pain pump after shoulder surgery and suffered further cartilage damage, it may be due to the pain pump itself and you may be eligible for Money Damages. Call the attorneys at James Rolshouse & Associates at 1-800-598-5940. Licensed in Minnesota. (Cal-SCAN)

JUST $5 CAN MAKE YOU feel good. www.homelessinamerica. blogspot.com. Make your donation at www.servantofthefather. org/donation.

DENTURE CREAM injury alert!

Zinc poisoning, nerve damage and other serious neurological injuries may be linked to the zinc found in denture creams such as Poligrip, Fixodent and others. If you’ve suffered zinc poisoning or other serious injuries from your denture cream you may be eligible for Money Damages. Call the attorneys at James Rolshouse & Associates at 1-800-969-5633.

Licensed in Minnesota. (CalSCAN)

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

services A VACATION does not have to break your budget. Call or email us TODAY for Cruise and Resort Vacation Special Rates. 714401-1053 or richard@whittingtontravel.com.

LIFE INSURANCE Beneficiary Available.

Singhaa2000@yahoo.com.

CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818409-9183.

LEGALS SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES No. KC 053121

PLAINTIFF: RAFAEL CASTILLO; JOSE FLORES; VANESSA ZAMORA; KENIA FLORES, A MINOR,

BY VANESSA ZAMORA, HER GUARDIAN AD LITEM vs DEFENDANT: RENEE BELL; ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR; JOHN DOE and DOES 1-20, inclusive You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form, if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney refer-

ral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

The name and address of the court is: POMONA COURTHOUSESOUTH(EAST DISTRICT) 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA POMONA, CA 91766 Case Number: KC053121 Dated: June 16,2008 John A Clarke, Clerk E. Leon, Deputy The name, address, telephone number, and fax number of Plaintiff’s attorney is: THE LAW OFFICES OF ARTHUR G. LESMEZ BERNARD WARE, ESQ (SBN 159833) A Professional Corporation 854 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405-1325 Telephone: 310-399-1111

Fax: 310-399-3299 Pub. 2/23, 3/02, 3/09, 3/16/09 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES SOUTH DISTRICT LONG BEACH COURTHOUSE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NO. NS020883 Petitioner (name of each): LUIS ANGEL TOBON BARRAGAN, 4561 Montair Ave., Apt. D8, Long Beach, CA 90808 filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: LUIS ANGEL TOBON BARRAGAN Proposed name: LUIS ANGEL TOBON JR. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the rea-

sons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 4/02/2009 Time: 1:30 p.m.

Dept.: G Room: 51 The address of the court is 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90802. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in CIVIC CENTER NEWS, 1246 West First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026, of general circulation, printed in this county.

Date: Feb. 13, 2009 John A Clarke, Executive Officer/Clerk Hon. Douglas M. Haigh, Judge Pro Tem Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 2/23, 3/02, 3/09, 3/16/09

Why Chapman Flats are the fastest leasing lofts in Downtown?

Iconic Beauty

On Spring St.

Spring Tower Lofts:

Open floor plan, 2000 sqft $2500/mo. • Live/Creative work space • 14 story bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly

Premiere Towers:

2 bdrms/2 bath, $1600/mo. • 1 bdrms, $1300/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking

Now Leasing

Move-in Specials $1395* - Free Parking • Rooftop Garden • Pet Friendly • Stainless Steel Appliances • BBQ • Refrigerators • Hi-speed Internet • Spa • Fitness Center • Ground Floor Dry Cleaners and Kelly’s Coffee *subject to change without prior notice.

City Lofts:

880 sqft, 13 ft ceilings, $1600/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

TWO MONTHS FREE!

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MOVE-IN SPECIAL REAL ARTIST LOFTS FOR LEASE

Open House Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm 1250 Long Beach Ave., L.A. (Friendly Fun Community)

Bunker Hill Real Estate Co, Inc. Established 1984 For Rent: ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 7th Floor. Elegant Upgrades. Green House.

Pride of Ownership. $3,000 Furn. $2,800 Unfurn. ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 5th Floor. Move in Now. $2,200 Month ❏ Bunker Hill Tower-2 Bed. 2 Bath. N/W View. $2,200 Month ❏ Bunker Hill Tower-1 Bed. 1 Bath. South View. $1,600 Month Foreclosures-Los Angeles Pasadena Home. Semi Circular Driveway. More. Price $399,900 ❏ 3 Bed. 2 Bath. Pasadena. Upgrades. 3 Car Gar. Big Lot. $547,800

Promenade West Condo

2 Story Townhouse. West Facing With Downtown City View. Upgrades. Large Patio. Very Elegant.

Asking $599,900

Wood floors, New kitchen, fireplace, high ceilings, jacuzzi, laundry room, pool.

Gated Parking. View of Downtown.

Sorry No Dogs 1100 Sq Ft – 2000 Sq Ft. Prices from $1600-$2300 Includes 1 Pkg space.

Call Emily (866) 425-7259

Mirza Alli

Broker/Realtor Leasing-SalesLoans-Refinance

(213) 680-1720 e-mail us: Info@bunkerhillrealestate.com

Call us for other condos for sale or lease Dwntwn & surrounding areas!!

www.Bunkerhillrealestate.com

Monthly from $695 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator.

Full bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

Available Immediately

The Alexandria

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. 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

is Now Leasing!

THAI MASSAGE SPECIALIST

On-site laundry, free utilities, indiv. bathrooms, 24 hr. security & pet friendly. Close to metro, restaurants, farmers market & supermarket. Units starting at

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

$570/month

income & other restrictions apply.

Call 213.626.1743 or stop by for a tour

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

Health Dept. rank A for 7 Consecutive Years

SAKURA HEALTH GYM & SAUNA, INC. 111 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste #231-233 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 458-1919 [Corner of Garvey Ave.]

HBODY

MASSAGEH

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

3386766 0119

at 501 S. Spring St.

OFFICE SPACE

DOWNTOWN L.A. at Hill St. & 14th 1200 sqft to 2400 sqft for retail rent or office space.

1st 2 months FREE. Call Pierre for details at (213) 744-9911

ARTIST LOFTS FOR LEASE Live/Work in Downtown Fashion District 700 to 1500 Sq. Ft. Lofts.

High ceilings, skylights, cable, kitchen, bath+shower, laundry room, elevator, controlled access, sub. parking. Sorry no dogs.

Call George: 818-634-7916 or 310-275-9831 x24

Rent

Move-in Special 1/2 Month Free Single rooms starting from $550/mo.

Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site, street parking, 1 yr lease.

208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown L.A.

For English Call Terri or Pierre 213.744.9911 For Spanish call Susana 213.749.0306

Luxury Living in the heart of Downtown Modern Gourmet Kitchen (gas) • Rooftop spa/garden/BBQ • Fitness Room • Billiard/Media room • Secured access • Magnificient City views and much much more...

Starting from $1,350 Studio, 1 Bdrm, 2 Bdrm, Bi-Level Penthouses National City Tower Lofts 810 South Spring Street 213-623-3777 nctlofts.com

LOFT LIVING Your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development!

LADowntownNews.com

24 Downtown News

March 2, 2009

DowntownNews.com

We Got Games The Clips Try to Build on An Upset Special Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/lakers.

Tuesday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.: It’s highly unlikely that either of the Lakers’ opponents this week, the Memphis Grizzlies or the Minnesota Timberwolves, will be able slow down the purple and gold. But whenever the Lakers take on the Memphis Grizzlies, there’s high entertainment value in watching Spanish brothers Pau and Marc Gasol play against each other. They battle as if one of the brothers has stolen the other’s bowl of paella. Nobody messes with a Gasol’s paella. Not even another Gasol.

Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/clippers.

Monday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.: It’s been a rough season for the Clippers, who have seen such lowlights as a 40-point loss to the Phoenix Suns and forward Zach Randolph being suspending after launching a haymaker at an opponent. Despite that, they managed to knock off the world champion Boston Celtics last week, in what is probably the biggest surprise of the NBA season. This week Mardy Collins, a key figure in the upset, and the rest of the Clips host the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers.

Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or kings.nhl.com.

Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m.: After a lengthy road trip that ends with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets (March 3), the Kings come back home to host the Dallas Stars and then the Minnesota Wild.

Trouble is, the Kings have played much better on the road.

Cheer on the hometown team and let them know it’s okay to win in L.A. On second thought, trick them by cheering for the other team.

—Ryan Vaillancourt

photo by Gary Leonard

After last week’s upset of the Boston Celtics, the Clippers this week host San Antonio, Memphis and Indiana.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

G r a n d To w e r 255 South Grand Avenue

Promenade To w e r s 123 South Figueroa Street LEASING INFORMATION

LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N

Penthouse Available

M u s e u m To w e r 225 South Olive Street

(213) 229-9777

LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N

(213) 617-3777

(213) 626-1500

It’s our business to make you comfortable...

sauna and recreation room with kitchen.

Far below are a host of businesses ready to

at home, downtown. Corporate and long term

Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty

support your pampered downtown lifestyle.

residency is accommodated in high style at

homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and slender

Even the most demanding tastes are satisfied

the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles,

skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to

with gourmet dining, shops, theatres and

studio, one bedroom and two bedroom

complement your decor.

the cultural events that make headlines.

apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant,

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore.

heated pool, spa, complete fitness center,

Visit the Towers Apartments today.

SINGLES, STUDIO, ONE BEDROOM & TWO BEDROOM RESIDENCES

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