04-25-11 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS

16-18

A loft project returns, redistricting, and other happenings Around Town.

A cricket in a condo wall brings a bit of chirping nature to Downtown.

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

April 25, 2011

Volume 40, Number 17

INSIDE

Bargain Lunches

TOWERS OF TROUBLE MPG Office Trust, the Owner of Seven Downtown High-Rises, Fights for Its Future

Urban Scrawl on the Dodgers’ tumble.

A big lot gets a parking future.

One Santa Fe rises again.

photos by Gary Leonard

MPG Office Trust is looking to renegotiate its debt on four key Downtown towers that are worth less than their loans. (l to r) US Bank, Wells Fargo and Gas Company towers and Two Cal Plaza. by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

M Crowds throng a MOCA opening.

PG Office Trust, the commercial real estate giant that once dominated the Downtown office building scene, is staring at a mountain of debt that it can’t afford to pay and is at risk of defaulting on several of its most prominent buildings. The firm that owns more of the Downtown skyline than any other company — it has a hand

in seven Class A office towers — defaulted on the $470 million loan for Two Cal Plaza in March. It has filed notices of imminent default on three other trophy buildings: Wells Fargo, Gas Company and US Bank towers. The company hopes to keep all four buildings by restructuring its loans. The situation has some wondering if the company that played a key role in shaping the Downtown Los Angeles skyline is built for the future. “It’s the end of the era for [MPG],” said Steve

Marcussen, executive director of commercial real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield, who believes that lenders on MPG’s core properties will have little incentive to renegotiate their loans to keep MPG in its assets. MPG officials see it differently. By continuing a strategy to raise money by selling non-core assets and working with lenders to extend debt maturities or write down portions of what they owe, the see Office Towers, page 14

The Inn Crowd Wants More Festival of Books ditches the Westside

22 CALENDAR LISTINGS 24 MAP 25 CLASSIFIEDS

Marriott’s $120 Million Project Is Just a First Step for South Park Proponents by Jon RegaRdie executiVe editoR

here was plenty of celebration last week when a team of city leaders, business officials and union representatives came together on a South Park lot to announce a $120 million hotel project. If a group of local players have their way, however, it will be just the first in a string of expensive, attentiongrabbing new developments around L.A. Live. On Tuesday, April 19, Homer Williams, who a little less than a decade ago ignited a South Park housing craze, announced that his firm, Williams/Dame & Associates, in partnership with investment entity American Life, Inc., is embarking on a 22-story tower on the

northeast corner of Olympic Boulevard and Francisco Street. The companies are in escrow to buy the land from Anschutz Entertainment Group, the developer of Staples Center and L.A. Live. The deal calls for the creation of two Marriott brands in a single edifice. Construction is slated to start next March for the project that would create 180 Courtyard by Marriott rooms and a separate 197-room Residence Inn. The 300,000-square-foot development would open in March 2014. Perhaps the only thing that eclipsed the announcement of the 377-room project was the hope that it precedes a wave of development see Hotels, page 11

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The project marks a return to Downtown for Homer Williams, the Portland-based developer who created the Elleven, Luma and Evo towers in South Park.

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April 25, 2011

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AROUNDTOWN 2121 Lofts Back From the Dead

three-building, 78-unit apartment cluster in the Arts District has new life. Linear City, the developer of the Toy Factory and Biscuit Company lofts, has taken over the 2121 Lofts, a project long mired in a tangle of lawsuits. Linear City is now working on finishing construction, said Yuval Bar-Zemer, a partner in the firm. In 2006, Lapchih Fan and Michael Shannon purchased the site near the southeast corner of Seventh and Santa Fe streets and launched a $32 million renovation. They defaulted on their loan in 2008, leading to a series of lawsuits with their lender. The conflict ended in a settlement that allowed Linear City to purchase the note on the property and foreclose. One of the three buildings was nearly finished at the time, and Linear City has now opened that 19-unit edifice at 2135 Seventh Place and signed three leases (one tenant has moved in), Bar-Zemer said. Work on the other two buildings will take six to nine months to complete; Bar-Zemer said the firm is looking to incorporate restaurant and other commercial uses with those properties. “The idea is to give it a similar feel like Industrial Street where it’s not just residential, but more of a vibrant urban area,” he said. The project cost is estimated at about $5 million.

SCI-Arc Buys Its Home

he Southern California Institute of Architecture cemented its long-term future in Downtown last week when it completed a deal to purchase its Arts District campus for $23.1 million. The sale, finalized on Thursday, April 21, between SCI-Arc and seller Legendary Investors Group, includes the 90,000-square-foot Santa Fe Freight Depot building, which stretches along Santa Fe Avenue between Third and Fourth streets, and the school’s parking lot. “SCI-Arc has been a vagabond school for almost 40 years,” said school Director Eric Owen Moss in a statement. The architecture school, which moved to Downtown from Marina Del Rey in 2000, has long sought to buy the property from former owner and landlord Meruelo Maddux Properties, which is now in bankruptcy. In a settlement reached during Meruelo Maddux’s ongoing Chapter 11 reorganization process, lender

Legendary Investors took over the property and agreed to sell it to SCI-Arc. SCI-Arc Chief Operating Officer Jamie Bennett said the school is interested in acquiring two additional dirt lots to the west of the campus, but does not currently have the financial resources to do so.

Rave Ban at the Convention Center?

n Footloose, Kevin Bacon found himself battling authorities in a small town where dancing and rock music are outlawed. While Los Angeles is not going quite as far, some possible new restrictions on events could remind people of the 1984 film. On Wednesday, April 20, at a meeting of the City Council’s Trade, Commerce and Tourism Committee, 15th District City Councilwoman Janice Hahn introduced a motion asking for officials with the Convention Center and the police and fire departments “to report with recommendations for banning raves at the Los Angeles Convention Center.” The move, according to the motion, follows last year’s Electric Daisy Carnival at the Coliseum, where a 15-year-old girl died and 120 people were taken to the hospital. At a Thursday luncheon hosted by the Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum, Hahn said the effort will be a policy rather than a ban, and if passed would be extended to all city-owned buildings (she noted that raves are not currently held at the Convention Center). The intent, she said, is to ensure that emergency resources are not taxed by such events. “I know there’s a First Amendment issue there and I know we can’t ban certain kinds of music,” she said, “but I think we need a policy and we need a checklist before we book anything at our Convention Center, and we need to find out how many resources that is going to cost.”

Help Redraw California’s Districts

very 10 years, after the federal census is complete, states redraw their legislative districts to reflect the new population data. For the first time in California’s history, voters get to decide how to alter state Congressional, Assembly, Senate and Board of Equalization districts. The state Citizens

University of Southern California

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books The literary extravaganza moves to USC’s University Park campus after 15 years in Westwood

Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. University Park campus Parking: $10 (213) 237-BOOK latimes.com/festivalofbooks

The Los AngeLes Times Festival of Books, one of Southern California’s most cherished and engaging celebrations, kicks off its 16th storied year in a new home on USC’s University Park campus. Featuring 400 authors and some 300 exhibitor booths, the two-day literary whirlwind boasts a nonstop schedule of readings, book signings, Q & As, writing workshops and entertainment. The Trojan Marching Band starts the festivities Saturday, followed by a welcome from Times CEO Eddy Hartenstein and USC president C. L. Max Nikias. USC Bookends and Festival Arts – events and panels featuring USC schools and departments – run concurrently with the festival. Check them out at festivalofbooks.usc.edu.

Also AT UsC

Spring Dance Migration Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29, 7 p.m. Directed by Angeliki Papadakis, a dance instructor with the Peninsula School of Performing Arts in Palos Verdes Estates, this production marks the “migration” of talented alumni choreographers back to the USC campus. Collaborating with the USC School of Theatre Repertory Dance Company, alumni choreographers showcase an eclectic blend of contemporary and classical jazz, modern dance, ballet, tap and hip-hop. Scene Dock Theatre Admission: $5 – $12 usc.edu/spectrum (213) 740-2167

USC your cultural connection

For more information visit usc.edu

LA Downtown News

photo by Gary Leonard

Saturday, April 16, marked the grand opening of LA Plaza de Cultura Y Artes. The $27 million project focuses on the contributions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Los Angeles.

Redistricting Commission is hosting a series of meetings, and one of them is in Downtown, in City Hall on Thursday, April 28, from 6-9 p.m. “This is important because for the first time the public has an opportunity to choose who their elected officials are, as opposed to the politicians choosing the voters,” said redistricting commissioner M. Andre Parvenu. The commission is charged with redrawing boundary lines in conformity with strict, nonpartisan rules designed to create districts of relatively equal population that will provide fair representation, getting around the gerrymandering that has become rampant. The public’s role is the result of Proposition 11, which voters passed in 2008. The meeting is on the third floor of City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.

Write, Read, Look, Listen and Help

batch of prominent writers headlined by T.C. Boyle will be in the Historic Core this week to raise funds for an organization that helps at-risk young women find their literary voice. On Saturday, April 30, literary journal Granta and PR/events company Rare Bird Lit are throwing a fundraiser at the Spring Arts Tower for the nonprofit organization Write Girl, which aims to empower teens through writing and self-expression. The event, at 453 S. Spring St., see Around Town, page 15

April 25, 2011

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EDITORIALS Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

Slow and Steady on The Football Stadium Deal

couple months ago, when a slew of city officials showed up at an event to announce the naming rights deal for the proposed South Park football stadium/events center known as Farmers Field, it was easy to worry — not over whether Los Angeles would lure the NFL back to the city, but rather if apparently fawning city officials could negotiate a deal that protects the taxpayers. During the February event, official after official, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, clambered on stage to gush about how great the project would be for Downtown and the rest of Los Angeles. The premature celebration prompted concerns that developer Anschutz Entertainment Group would wind up with a deal that could put the city at risk, even if AEG said that would never happen. Now, things have tightened up on the city’s end, and while much work remains, it appears as if a more restrained negotiating process is under way. Just last week, during the first hearing of the City Council’s Ad Hoc Stadium Committee, there was talk about ensuring that any team would stay in a Downtown stadium for at least 20 to 30 years, or until $350 million in bonds for a replacement for the Convention Center’s West Hall are paid off. That’s no small matter in a town that has lost two pro football franchises — it’s a point worth making ironclad in the contract. We don’t believe AEG is out to pull a fast one on Los Angeles — it’s not in the company’s interest to fleece the populace, and it goes against AEG’s track record of being a good corporate citizen. That said, AEG is a gigantic business, and even the most civic-minded developer’s first interest is its own bottom line. That is why the city needs to come from the same standpoint. Los Angeles’ negotiators must be respectful but tough. They can be in favor of the project, but they need to ensure that nothing is left on the table. Right now the talk is that a preliminary deal with AEG will take months. Council members and others are looking at an array of issues, including questioning whether the city could get a cut of the $700 million naming rights deal. Time is on our side — the NFL is supposedly not even thinking about a Los Angeles team until it comes to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. This will be a long process, and the parties may annoy each other — that happens frequently when hammering out deals. Still, two things are certain 1) This would be a great project for Downtown, and 2) It can happen in a way that protects the city and works for the developer.

The CRA, Now and in the Future

ov. Jerry Brown has it in for community redevelopment agencies, and if he gets his way, they will cease to exist throughout the state, possibly as soon as July 1. Although his proposal to axe these municipal vehicles charged with turning around blighted communities, and instead direct their revenues to counties and schools, continues to be contested by entities across California, many believe Brown will ultimately prevail. Some are trying to work out a deal to preserve CRAs and have them voluntarily give up a portion of their funds. Still, one must consider what life and urban turnarounds would look like in a post-CRA world. After all, a need for low-income housing and a way to address blight won’t go away just because Brown claims the cash. It is a significant issue in Downtown, a community that has benefited tremendously from the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, but that still has many pockets of blight, most notably in and around Skid Row. Los Angeles Downtown News recently reported on the situation, which is already prompting local leaders to take steps to ensure that certain anticipated projects don’t just die on the vine. The situation both raises a question and presents an opportunity for what some will deem necessary change: On the former front, local leaders are struggling to come up with a mechanism that allows for the support of the kinds of projects that have long relied on CRA dollars, such as the aforementioned lowincome housing. In a well-considered ongoing policy, CRA cash was frequently used as the seed money that allowed developers to leverage other funds to create projects that could be very difficult to piece together without this civic help. Not all such investments were perfect, but indeed they did save our city. The question is, what should happen now? Where should public policy focus in a Downtown that has seen tremendous change? What should an agency’s duties and powers be? Many in the Downtown business community have complained in re-

cent years about a CRA board that has morphed into two areas beyond its purview: They say the board shouldn’t be a sort of second Planning Department and shouldn’t be a social welfare agency. If the CRAs go away as part of Brown’s plan to resuscitate California’s finances, there will be successor agencies in each municipality to close up shop as soon as possible. In Los Angeles there would be another entity, however, that would continue to do the CRA’s work. It would likely have tremendous pull, at least for a while. The City Council in March approved the transfer of some current assets and $930 million in obligated future revenue away from the CRA. Nearly $575 million of that would be set aside for 90 Downtown projects (though not all of the projects will come to fruition; additionally, Brown could challenge the transfer in court). A new public entity would manage the money. The problem is that there is, as of now, no revenue stream beyond that future $930 million. Councilwoman Jan Perry has suggested a partial solution of creating a Downtown-specific economic development corporation funded by money the city gets through some of the CRA lease transfers. We think that’s a good first step, but it won’t begin to match what has been previously provided. The end of the CRA also offers the chance to realize that certain communities no longer need the assistance they once required, that in some areas the agency has finished its job. Much of Downtown no longer faces the blight it did when the project areas were established. This could free up funds to go to other neighborhoods, whether they are in Downtown, the San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles or anywhere else. If this is indeed the end of the CRA, then Downtown, and the rest of the city, will survive, but certain important projects will need help. While many people will continue to protest, Brown’s course of action may prove unalterable. Los Angeles needs to prepare for a future of redevelopment, and not just mimic the present.

April 25, 2011

The Readers Speak Out Website Comments on the Power List, Lighting on Figueroa and More

very week Los Angeles Downtown News gets online comments to the stories we publish. These are some of the most interesting responses. Additional comments are welcome at ladowntownnews.com. Regarding the article “The 42 Most Powerful People in Downtown,” published April 4, by Jon Regardie, and the follow-up “Make Your Own Downtown Power List,” posted online April 6

orty-two candidates for most powerful, and the only person who is an arts professional is [Gustavo] Dudamel? What about Michael Ritchie, whose three theaters under the CTG banner produce more theater annually than any other regional theater? If power aggregates at the top only among politicos, bureaucrats and developers, no wonder we’re in such a deep trench! —Paula Holt, April 4, 4:02 p.m.

he perception of power is not only subjective but also fleeting. Here is my personal Downtown Top 10, rejigged to the current nanosecond. I do think you got the first two right though, even in that context: 1) Tim Leiweke 2) Eli Broad 3) Antonio Villaraigosa 4) The Blogosphere 5) Blake Griffin 6) Gustavo Dudamel 7) Rick Caruso 8) Charlie Beck 9) Eric Garcetti 10) Chick Hearn’s Statue —Richard, April 6, 12:04 p.m.

y No. 1 would be [Downtown News editor and Publisher] Sue Laris who I have observed become

Downtown News 5

Opinion

more and more influential in Downtown matters over the last 30 years! Staying with a longer-term view, next would be Jan [Perry], Tim [Leiweke], Eli [Broad], Carol [Schatz] and Zev [Yaroslavsky] at Nos. 2-6. Nos. 7-10 would be His Eminence the Cardinal [Roger Mahony], Rick Caruso, Mark RidleyThomas and then a tie with several elected officials. —Stan Michota, April 6, 12:20 p.m.

ow about Lauren Bon (the Annenberg family)? She’s a very important artistic force in L.A. —Jack English, April 6, 1:46 p.m.

ou left out the LGBT community. We’re out hyping all of these projects and moving into the lofts and condos, pushing our friends to come Downtown for the Art Walk and to check out L.A. Live. We’ve already been coming Downtown for years supporting the theaters, the opera, ballet, Disney Hall. The community was hosting the Outfest Film Festival at the Orpheum when everyone else was afraid to hold nighttime events here. Just sayin’! It wasn’t cool until the gays moved into the neighborhood. —Calvin, April 7, 6:49 p.m.

rian D’Arcy (at No. 11]? Are you guys kidding? How about Julie Butcher instead? She’s the one who put together the [union retirement healthcare reform] deal with the city. —Gorgonzola, April 8, 1:56 p.m. Regarding the article “Let There Be Lights,” about the plan to establish a sign district on Figueroa Street between 7+Fig and L.A. Live, published online March 25, by Ryan Vaillancourt

lad to see the renderings feature butterflies, when we can be sure the actual flitting images will be soda cans or Target logos. This “Blade Runner-ization” of Downtown will

be useful in holding the shaky hands of the terrified tourists I regularly have to direct to the Convention/Staples/L.A. Live area. At least it’ll be less work for the locals — the tourists will be drawn south by the lights like moths. —South Park Dweller, March 29, 9:25 a.m. Regarding the article “An Offer, With an Asterisk,” about the latest lease offer for Olvera Street merchants, published March 28, by Richard Guzman

here is so much potential to turn that place into a true cultural and historic landmark, with shops and restaurants to pay homage to the city’s past, but it has been reduced to a flea market of trinkets and T-shirts. While I sympathize with the current tenants and their needs, I feel the best move would be for the city to make use of eminent domain laws, compensate the tenants and start fresh. T-shirts can be sold from anywhere. —Ricardo, March 29, 1:52 p.m. Regarding the article “Street Artists Jab MOCA Show,” about a mural poking at Eli Broad and MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch, published online April 6, by Ryan Vaillancourt

an you blame them? It was an embarrassment that Blu’s piece was painted over so quickly. Freedom of expression, as long as the message doesn’t hit too close to home, eh? —Chris L, April 7, 10:06 a.m. Regarding the article “Fitter, Healthier and More Productive,” about the National Start Walking Day event in Downtown, published April 5

ational Start Walking Day or National Get Off Your Butt Day? Good to see some lip service being paid to this, though I’d suggest that what we really need running through and around Downtown is a network of bike/pedestrian paths so that those of us who do like to forego cars don’t have to stop every block for traffic signals and dodge cars whose drivers don’t look for pedestrians before turning. Other cities have bike paths and pedways, why not Los Angeles? —Tessa Lucero, April 6, 7:13 a.m.

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April 25, 2011

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LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY PRESENTS

CELEbRATE A QUARTER CENTURY OF CLASSIC FILMS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN HISTORIC THEATRES

MAY 25 - JUNE 29, 2011 FEATURING THE MOVIE PALACES OF THE bROADWAY HISTORIC THEATRE DISTRICT

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T! U O REAROWINDOW LD S

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Host Leonard Maltin; performance by Robert York on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ; at the beautifully restored 1926 Orpheum Theatre, celebrating its 85th birthday

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THE MUSIC MAN

(1962)

Orpheum Theatre

Host Charles Phoenix interviews special guest, co-star Susan Luckey (schedule permitting); at the spectacular 1931 Los Angeles Theatre, celebrating its 80th birthday

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CAPTAIN BLOOD

(1935)

Photos courtesy of berger/Conser Photography, from the book The Last Remaining Seats: Movie Palaces of Tinseltown

Errol Flynn swashbuckler at the magnificent 1918 Million Dollar Theatre, one of the first movie palaces in the U.S.

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KING KONG

Los Angeles Theatre

(1933)

Timeless tale of beauty and the beast with special guest Pauline Wagner, Fay Wray’s stunt double in the film

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ZOOT SUIT

CO-PRESENTED WITH

(1981)

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April 25, 2011

Downtown News 7

DowntownNews.com

photo by Edgar Chamorro

Chirper in the Night A Historic Core Cricket Makes His Presence Known by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

hen I moved to Downtown two years ago, I didn’t expect peace and quiet. Nobody should. Busses screech. Drunks holler. Sirens wail. Street preachers sermonize. Eventually, you get used to it all. There’s another sound that’s been tormenting me, though, and it’s one I never expected in the Historic Core. Cricket song. A single cricket has been lodged in one of my walls for the past month, sawing away at its one-note violin. Every day, it’s the same maddening, minimal music. Chirp-chirp-chirpchirp-chirp. Crickets are usually associated with silence — you hear them when all other noise is dead. But even with my winREPORTER’S NOTEBOOK

dows open, this not even knuckle-sized bug makes a sound that cuts above the traffic and boozy Spring Street club goers. It’s a dog whistle for humans. I’m not sure how the insect got here, but Brian Brown, curator of entomology at the Natural History Museum, says my cricket is a he. Only male crickets, it turns out, have the ability to chirp, and they do so specifically to attract females. Judging by my cricket’s persistence, I’m thinking he’s lovesick. Poor guy. This is, of course, good news for me. A single, male cricket that can’t find love can’t make baby crickets. I’m learning to live with the soloist in my walls. A symphony of little chirpers would send me over the edge. The common house cricket’s lifespan is about six months, says Brown. Presuming he doesn’t find a mate, his final curtain call will come before Labor Day. Until then, he’s squatting. I contemplated a chemical attack. There’s a tall, maroon can of RAID in the cupboard that did deathly wonders on a black widow that was hiding in a vent at a previous apartment. I could spray the poison into the seam of the wall nearest to the cricket’s hiding place. But I can’t bring myself to do it. I wake up in the morning, walk into the kitchen and the cricket is rocking out. Chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp. He pauses only when I open the refrigerator. Something about the pressurized door seems to startle him. When I get home from work, sure enough, he’s in the middle of what may be the 897th movement of his chirp epic. He pauses occasionally, but usually gets back at it just when I notice he’s stopped. Like the other sounds of the city, I’m starting to get used to it. Since he’s going to be around for a couple of months, he needed a name. I call him Crickey Steve. Hitchhiker’s Paradise How Crickey Steve ended up behind a wall in my kitchen is a mystery. One theory: When I returned from a recent camping trip near Joshua Tree, he came along for the ride. His first chirps came a day or two after that trip. “Crickets are good hitchhikers,” Brown said. Crickey Steve could be a field cricket, but that variety is less adaptable to urban living. More likely, Brown said, Crickey Steve is a good old-fashioned domestic house cricket. These little omnivores are resilient and determined. “In some ways they’re almost like cockroaches that can jump,” Brown said. It’s also pretty easy for them to find food, because they’ll eat anything from dead insects and crumbs to bits of fabric. “The normal sort of flotsam and jetsam of a human existence would be good enough for them,” Brown said. So, this much we know: Crickey Steve is a he; he won’t live very long; he’s got plenty to eat; and he’s single and hating it. Actually, we don’t know that last part. I assumed that Crickey Steve would stop chirping if he found a mate and cured his lovesickness. I take his constant noise to mean he’s still a bachelor. How naïve. “They’re not like you or I who have rational thought,” Brown said. “They’re genetically programmed little machines who try to call and mate. That’s what they’re there for. They’re not going to be deterred by the presence or absence of females in their chirping.” In other words, this mindless bug that I like to think of as a yearning-for-love sap could actually be an insect lothario using a nook in my wall for his own cricket bordello. Chirpchirp-chirp-chirp-chirp. Mostly because I still can’t bring myself to rain poison down his perch, or even let pest control do it for me, I’m sticking with the theory that Crickey Steve is a loner. Well, not a loner. He’s got me. A few months from now, if his solitary chirp blossoms into a chorus, we’ll see who’s the sap. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

This domestic house cricket, on file at the Natural History Museum, is likely the variety chirping like mad in a Historic Core apartment.

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8 Downtown News

April 25, 2011

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Parking King to Buy Large South Park Site by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

he sleek marketing brochure for a 2.7acre parking lot near Staples Center boasts that a developer could build 648 condominiums and 822,000 square feet of retail space on the site. That vision will have to wait. A deal is in place to sell the parcel, on the east side of Figueroa Street just south of 12th Street, to parking lot giant L&R. The firm, which owns or operates more than 60 Downtown lots, is in escrow to buy the site across from the Los Angeles Convention Center and catty corner to Staples Center, according to five Downtown real estate figures who have knowledge of but were not authorized to comment on the deal. L&R officials did not return numerous messages over the past two weeks. An agent with Jones Lang LaSalle, who has the listing on the property, declined to comment. The Downtown-based L&R Group of Companies owns several parking lot operators, including WallyPark and the locally ubiquitous Joe’s Auto Parks. The site the company is lined up to purchase is currently a Joe’s lot. L&R has a reputation for buying vacant sites, operating parking facilities for the long term and occasionally selling the land when values increase. It sold the Historic Corp parcel where the Medallion mixed-use project was built as well as the Little Tokyo site known as “Block 8,” part of which has been turned into housing. L&R is not known for developing its properties. Terms of the pending deal have not been

disclosed, but the seller was reportedly looking to secure more than $30 million for the land. Best Use? If the deal goes through, it would seem to cement the site’s at least near-term future as an island of concrete along a block that Downtown stakeholders have long imagined as a more dense, active and pedestrian-oriented urban center. It would also be a pointed contrast to the most recent deal in South Park real estate. On Tuesday, April 19, Portland-based Williams/ Dame & Associates and the firm American Life announced that they are buying a parking lot a few blocks away at Olympic Boulevard and Francisco Street and plan to build a $120 million, 22-story hotel tower. “You have to ask whether this is the highest and best use for a parcel that’s in the Sports and Entertainment District corridor,” said Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry. “It would be much more visionary and strategic to put a very vibrant use at the street level because whoever chooses to do that is going to have a lot of customers.” The site has long been envisioned as a development with residential or hotel and retail uses. That’s what Anschutz Entertainment Group expected when it sold the land to developer Homer Williams nearly a decade ago. Williams (part of Williams/Dame) was unable to erect the planned twin 34tory residential towers on the plot and ultimately transferred the deed to current owner SwedBank. “Of course we’d prefer to see it developed,” said Ted Tanner, executive vice

photo by Gary Leonard

Transaction Would Keep Figueroa Property for Cars, Not Condos

Parking lot giant L&R is in escrow to buy a parking lot at 12th and Figueroa streets that many hoped would be developed.

president of AEG. Just north of the site is the square-block parking lot that has long been envisioned as the mixed-use mega project L.A. Central. New York-based developer the Moinian Group continues to search for financing for the stalled effort. The pending deal with L&R “certainly sets a bottom for the market in terms of land transactions,” said broker Mark Tarczynski of Colliers. “Parking lot guys are always buying at the bottom and since this is a parking lot guy it sets the market at the bottom.” That doesn’t mean the economy isn’t ready to support a new mixed-use project on that site, Tarczynski said. “There is a market for development,” Tarczynski said. While developers such as Grand Avenue project builder Related Companies remain

unable to secure construction financing, others are finding ways to get projects going. In addition to the hotel announced last week, Hanjin International and Thomas Properties are slated to break ground at the end of the year on a replacement for the Wilshire Grand hotel. AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke has long been forecasting a wave of new hotel development, and said at last Tuesday’s press conference that he expects two more new hotels to be announced in 2011. Tanner said that L&R’s purchase of the parking lot site should not be mistaken for evidence that the economy won’t support a major development there in the near term. “I think it says just the opposite,” he said. “A parking lot operator is land banking because they see the upside.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

April 25, 2011

Downtown News 9

DowntownNews.com

Second Chance for One Santa Fe A $150 Million Arts District Project Returns by Richard Guzmán city editor

long-delayed $150 million project that could bring more than 500 new residents and a grocery store to the Arts District is back on track. The City Council last week approved a $4 million loan from the Community Redevelopment Agency for the affordable housing component of the One Santa Fe project at 214 S. Santa Fe Ave., across from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. “I think we’re the final piece of funding,” said Josh Rohmer, a CRA project manager working on One Santa Fe. “We are the last commitment that basically makes the project feasible.” According to a CRA report, once the development team gets the money, it would submit completed construction drawings to the Department of Building and Safety for permitting. The development team consists of the Beverly Hills-based McGregor Company, Polis Builders, which includes longtime Downtown player Nick Patsaouras, and Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group. The project being designed by Michael Maltzan is slated to break ground in October with the first two phases completed within about two years. The entire construction would last about three years. The project is slated for a four-acre portion of a 32-acre plot that is currently a Metro lot used for the maintenance and storage of rail cars. The property is bounded by Santa Fe Avenue, the First and Fourth streets bridges and Metrolink service tracks adjacent to the Los Angeles River.

Under a 65-year ground lease with Metro, which owns the land, the developers would build a project consisting of a six-story building with 438 housing units, 78,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, including a 15,000-square-foot grocery store, and a 3,000-square-foot space to be used rent-free by one or more community organizations that are involved with the arts. It would also include a 47,400-square-foot plaza and 802 parking spaces. The CRA’s loan will subsidize 88 affordable units aimed at artists. The apartments would include studios to two-bedroom townhouses ranging from 431-1,216 square feet. “I’m very excited about it because it’s the first affordable housing project being built for artists,” said Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry, whose district covers the site. “I would expect it to become an artistic epicenter and a place to come if you want to have an experience, not only to live there but visit, and there’s room for a grocery store, which we can really use.” One Santa Fe has been in the works since 2005, when it was dubbed Santa Fe Yards; at the time it was a $65 million project. In 2007, Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group came aboard and the project was renamed. The development was approved by the City Council in February 2008. However, the recession hit the project like it did many others. A March 2009 groundbreaking date came and went. Developers did not return calls and emails for comment. Attracting Artists Regardless of the delay, longtime Arts District community member Qathryn Brehm

rendering courtesy of Michael Maltzan Architecture

The $150 million One Santa Fe is back on track, following the approval of a $4 million loan from the CRA. The project would create 438 residences at 214 S. Santa Fe Ave.

said she is excited about the project and its planned focus on embracing artists. “The artist housing is fantastic,” she said. “It would be great to be able to keep the artists that are there now and maybe some would return.” Brehm said that in order to attract artists, it is important to provide the type of spaces where they can work, which could mean anything from larger units to spaces that get a lot of light and ventilation. “It’s very important to be able to actually work in the unit and not just live there,” she said. Rohmer said attracting artists to this project and being complementary to the essence of the neighborhood was an important goal for the CRA. “We felt that for spending our funds, it needed to help bolster and support

that artistic community,” he said. There are no details yet on qualifications for the 88 below-market rate residences and what the rates would be, or which organizations would be housed in the free commercial space. Perry said that the artistic commercial space will be an important center to promote arts in the area. She also pointed to SCI-Arc as an important component in making the project feasible. The school recently completed a deal to purchase its campus for $23.1 million. SCIArc’s continued presence Downtown could provide a long-term tenant and commercial base for the project, Perry said. The school has about 500 students. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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10 Downtown News

April 25, 2011

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Big Endorsement for Beutner Riordan Says City Needs ‘Jobs, Jobs, Jobs’ by Jon RegaRdie executive editoR

he location was unlikely — a nondescript produce facility in the Arts District. The microphone was a problem — it didn’t work at all. Still, the message was clear and direct last week at a Downtown press conference: Austin Beutner has the first big endorsement of the 2013 mayor’s race in former Mayor Richard Riordan, and he’s using it to launch a message that Los Angeles needs to be business-friendly, especially small-business

friendly, and he’s the guy to make it happen. “Let’s have Austin Beutner as our next mayor, and let’s have jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Riordan, a former venture capitalist who served as mayor from 1993 to 2001. The two appeared on Wednesday, April 20, at Pear Garden Produce, a Sixth Street business that opened about a year ago with help from Beutner, who in January 2010 joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s office as first deputy mayor. They took a brief tour of the building, which included a stop in a room where white-clad employees shoveled

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

various foodstuffs into machines. On a table were packets labeled “Korean Rice Ovaletts.” Beutner characterized the business, which is owned by the Han family and has 30-40 employees depending on the season, as one “that was stuck in the bureaucracy, stuck in the red tape” a year ago. Riordan, who has been fiercely critical of Villaraigosa, and who at one point warned that Los Angeles could tumble into bankruptcy without pension reform, called the hiring of Beutner the “turning point” of the Villaraigosa administration. “My hat goes off to Mayor Villaraigosa,” Riordan said. “He hired Austin Beutner to create jobs.” Beutner this month filed papers to begin fundraising for the race to succeed Villaraigosa, who will be termed out in

2013. City Controller Wendy Greuel, City Councilwoman Jan Perry and radio host Kevin James have already announced their candidacies. Others who have publicly pondered entering the race are City Council President Eric Garcetti, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, state Sen. Alex Padilla and mall developer Rick Caruso. If Caruso enters the race, he in considered by many to be Beutner’s stiffest challenger for support from the business community. Some observers have suggested that Beutner, 51, a former venture capitalist, needs to raise his profile. Asked if more endorsements from prominent figures are coming, Beutner smiled and said, “Stay tuned.” Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

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Downtown News 11

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Hotels Continued from page 1 tied to AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke’s vision to build a $1 billion football stadium/events center where the West Hall of the Convention Center now stands. At the event in the shadow of the 1,001-room Ritz-Carlton/J.W. Marriott hotel, Leiweke repeated his desire to ultimately see five new hotels erected in the area. “This is the first,” he stated. “I think you’re going to see two more hotels announced by the end of this year.” The project, and the promise of more, was embraced by a cadre of local players, perhaps none more enthusiastic than Robbie Hunter, the head of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building Trades Council, which represents 140,000 construction workers. Hunter noted that the recession has pushed the unemployment rate in his field to nearly 40%. The sentiment was echoed by Councilwoman Jan Perry, whose Ninth District includes the area around L.A. Live. “Successful development brings more investment and more jobs,” she stated. Quick Deal The $120 million project (the price includes the acquisition of the land) marks a return to Downtown Los Angeles for Williams. In the early 2000s, he and his partners purchased about a half-dozen South Park parcels. The Elleven tower, which opened in 2006 with 176 condominiums, was the first new residential high-rise in the area in decades. Williams followed it up with his Luma and Evo buildings, creating another 236 and 311 condos, respectively. The new project will be funded with American Life equity provided through the EB-5 Investor Green Card Program. It allows individuals who invest $500,000, and whose projects lead to the creation of at least 10 direct or indirect U.S. jobs, to get Green Cards. Jo Hwang, marketing director for Seattle-based American Life, said more than 200 investors (including some Americans) will be involved in the Downtown project. “U.S. companies get money pumped into the economy of the local community,” Hwang said, referring to the EB-5 program managed by American Life. “We create jobs, U.S. jobs, and foreign investors have a pathway to a Green Card

photo by Gary Leonard

A $120 million project that will create 180 Courtyard by Marriott rooms and a 197-room Residence Inn, all within the same 22-story tower, is set to break ground next March and open in 2014.

through their investment. It’s a win-win for everyone.” Williams said the Marriott deal came together in the past six to eight months, after he teamed up with American Life and heard about Leiweke’s plan for a football stadium. The tower, which will rise regardless of whether the stadium moves forward, officials said, occurred after Williams reached out to AEG to see if any property was available. Although the hotel won’t break ground for about a year, Williams is already looking toward the future. “We’d like to do two, three, maybe four projects down here,” he said. “That’s our goal. We like the neighborhood. We believe in it.” While Williams’ past projects eased the way for other building in the area, not all of his South Park dreams came to fruition. A twin 34-story tower development known as Figueroa South faltered once the recession hit. The land where that project was slated to rise was eventually taken over by SwedBank.

Parking lot giant L&R is now in escrow to acquire the land. Williams is not the only one already looking to expand his footprint in Downtown. Tony Capuano, executive vice president of development for Marriott, Inc., said the firm is bullish on the area. In fact, with the new project, the hotelier will have five holdings in Downtown: In addition to the two properties in the Convention Center hotel (Marriott owns Ritz-Carlton), there is a Marriott at 333 S. Figueroa St. “I think there’s room for a number of our other products Downtown,” Capuano said. “With the opportunity for the football stadium and the modernization of the Convention Center, we think there is lots and lots of runway ahead of us in terms of demand growth. We’ve got 18 lodging brands and we are aggressively and actively looking for opportunities to grow with some of those other brands in Downtown.” Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

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April 25, 2011

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14 Downtown News

April 25, 2011

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Continued from page 1 firm expects to hold on to its core Downtown towers, said Jonathan Abrams, MPG senior vice president and general counsel. It won’t be easy. As the struggling office giant is that, as it strives to reduce a $3.7 billion debt burden (as of December 2010), with $604 million in loans coming due this year and in 2012, the office market may not yet have hit bottom. Vacancy in Downtown office towers crept up to 18% in the first quarter and is poised to increase further this year as large tenants continue to downsize, according to a report by Cushman and Wakefield. Tenants with expiring leases are armed with the leverage of a sluggish marketplace and are angling for the best deals possible. That means rent concessions and allowances to improve their spaces at the expense of landlords. Although notices of imminent default have been filed for the Wells Fargo, Gas Company and US Bank towers, the buildings are not in default. The company took the step as a legal

and Maguire changed his company’s name to Maguire Properties, but that moniker wouldn’t stick either. The firm’s current struggles are just the latest chapter of a rocky four-year period. Maguire was ousted in 2008 as the firm struggled to recover from a 2007 purchase of 24 buildings and development sites in Los Angeles and Orange County from Blackstone LP for $2.88 billion, at the height of the commercial real estate market. Since then, values have plummeted and the firm has sought to shed non-core assets, selling or defaulting on properties mostly out of Downtown. MPG did, however, stop making payments in 2009 on the $200 million loan for 550 S. Hope St., which it acquired as part of the Blackstone portfolio. The building is for sale. So is One Cal Plaza, of which MPG is a minority owner. The majority owner, the Australia-based Charter Hall Group, has been looking to sell the tower since 2009. Nelson Rising, a longtime player in Downtown’s development and civic realms, replaced Maguire in 2008. He steered MPG away from properties in Orange County,

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Glendale and Burbank and focused on keeping its Downtown assets. The firm dropped Maguire from the company’s name in 2010, changing to MPG Office Trust. Citing differences with fellow management, however, Rising stepped down from his chief executive post in November. “I believe the board of directors and I do not share a common vision for the strategic direction of the company and a capital structure necessary to achieve it,” Rising said in his resignation letter. Rising was replaced by David Weinstein, who had sat on the company’s board of directors since 2008. Four months after the change, MPG defaulted on the $470 million loan on Two Cal Plaza, a Bunker Hill trophy tower. Now the company is looking to renegotiate that loan too. Marcussen isn’t optimistic that the special servicers will agree to write down the debt on the MPG properties, which he believes are worth far less than their respective debt. “If a lender is going to take a $100 million haircut, why would they leave Maguire in place?” Marcussen said, using the name that

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prerequisite to having formal discussions with its lenders on the properties, Abrams said. The move transfers the loan to the properties’ special servicers, entities that administer the complex commercial mortgage backed securities (or CMBS) debt used to finance the towers. “We’ve never given any indication that we would have any problem continuing to own these assets, unless we actually stop paying on the mortgages,” said Abrams, who called the notices of imminent default a “non-event.” “We want to be out ahead of our loan maturities and other issues that require discussions with lenders and so, with CMBS loans, we don’t have any way to do that other than to put them in special servicing,” he said. Rocky Road The seeds of MPG Office Trust were sown in the 1980s as Maguire Thomas Partners, helmed by Robert F. Maguire and Jim Thomas. The pair built four of Downtown’s most prominent structures — Wells Fargo Center, KPMG Tower, Gas Company Tower and the 73-story US Bank Tower, which was known as Library Tower when it opened in 1990. Thomas split off in 1996 to form Thomas Properties Group,

clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Lon Wahlberg

April 25, 2011

Downtown News 15

DowntownNews.com

Around Town Continued from page 2 will feature readings from Boyle, Richard Rayner, Mona Simpson and others, as well as a silent auction, music and more. Granta Editor John Freeman will MC the evening. Admission is free, though attendees will be asked to donate at various spots in the event, including a 1930s-style photo booth. “The space holds 400, so if it gets full and everyone donates $10, that would be a very nice amount to raise,” said Saskia Vogel, a publicist for Granta. For more information email svogel@ granta.com. photo by Gary Leonard

(left) Robert F. Maguire co-founded and grew the development firm now known as MPG Office Trust. He was forced out of the company in 2008, and was replaced by real estate veteran Nelson Rising. In November, after clashing with the MPG board, Rising resigned.

many in the local real estate community still employ when discussing MPG. “The only times we’ve seen this happen in the past is when the borrower has significant equity to contribute, but it’s expected that Maguire doesn’t have more money to put in.” MPG’s Abrams said that while the firm could look to negotiate write-downs or other concessions, it will also try to extend some of its maturities, a proposition he says could be in the best interest of the lenders. “If money isn’t put into certain assets, then things could go worse,” Abrams said. “The lender could foreclose, which takes money and time and they may have to sell in a distressed market. Wouldn’t a lender rather do some small concessions and ultimately have collateral with potentially a lot more value when the loan matures?”

Ultimately, Two Cal Plaza and the Wells Fargo, Gas Company and US Bank towers all have different economic profiles, and MPG’s strategy will vary for each one, Abrams said. But the firm says that by moving the properties to special servicing, they are not folding — they are digging in their heels. Still, as MPG looks to renegotiate its debt, company officials admit they are uncertain how the special servicers will play their hand. “There are numerous tools available to special servicers once they have been transferred,” Abrams said. “We don’t know what their approach will be until we get into constructive dialogues. While we have ideas, we don’t know what’s achievable.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

Pegasus Apartments Sell for $100 Million

quity Residential has purchased the 322-unit Pegasus apartment building at Sixth and Flower streets for $100 million. The deal works out to $310,000 per unit for the sellers, The Kor Group and Buchanan Street Partners. Marc Renard, executive managing director of capital markets for commercial real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield, represented the seller. The deal, Renard said in a statement, is a sign that institutional and publicly traded real estate investment trusts are looking for core infill, coastal assets. “For Equity Residential to deploy such significant capital, is a tremendous endorsement of Downtown Los Angeles,” Renard said. The deal comes as institutional investor demand for multi-family projects is on the

rise. LaSalle Investment Management bought the 204-unit City West apartment complex Canvas L.A. in January for $62.5 million, or about $306,000 per unit. Pegasus, a luxury apartment building that includes the Daily Grill and the under-construction Café Primo, was one of Downtown’s first adaptive reuse projects. The Kor Group purchased the 13-story former General Petroleum Headquarters Building in 2001 and converted it two years later.

Read in Español

he world of Spanish language literature will be celebrated in Downtown as LéaLA comes to the Los Angeles Convention Center April 29-May 1. The Spanish book fair, which overlaps with the larger Los Angeles Times Festival of Books being held at USC, will feature more than 100 publishers and 80 fiction and non-fiction writers. Those scheduled to attend include Chilean author Isabel Allende, Colombia’s Laura Restrepo, and Francisco Martin Moreno, a Mexican writer and historian. The fair will also include theatrical performances by Ofelia Medina, who will present “El Placer de Nuestra Lengua,” starring Rubén Albarrán, the lead singer of Café Tacuba. Book signings and panel discussion are scheduled throughout the event, which is expected to attract more than 30,000 people. Additional information is at leala.com.

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16 Downtown News

April 25, 2011

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BARGAIN LUNCHES Meals in the ’Hood No Matter Where You Go in Downtown, There Are Plenty of Mid-Day Bargains by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

ne of the great things about Downtown Los Angeles is that you don’t have to go far for a good lunch. We’re not just talking about the whole of the Central City, but rather specific neighborhoods. In most cases, you can find a quality, affordable spot for the mid-day meal that is within walking distance of your office or home. What follows are some of the best choices for lunch deals in your ’hood.

Historic core More Than a Pie: Old Bank District pizzeria Rocket Pizza has quality pies. That’s a given. What may surprise some people is everything else on the menu. The Fourth Street joint has an array of hot sandwiches such as the Rocket garden panini ($9) with zucchini, bell peppers and a side of mixed greens, or the Tuscan chicken panini ($9) with grilled chicken breast, marinated eggplant and a side of greens. You’ll still come here mostly for the pizza, but variety does a stomach good. At 122 W. Fourth St., (213) 687-4992 or rocketpizzalounge. com. Royal Bargains: If you’re really hungry and want to make those few bucks in your pocket go a long way, while still getting the royal treatment, check out Sultan Chicken. The Sixth Street establishment specializes in Mediterranean dishes that offer big portions for a tiny price. A good choice is the combo kebab plate ($10). It’s a chicken, steak and lule (ground beef and spices) kebab with hummus, rice, pita bread and a salad. There’s also a lamb plate ($8) and a half chicken plate ($7.50) with hummus, salad, rice and a pita. Or, pony up $1.50 more to get the whole chicken. At 311 W. Sixth St., (213) 236-0604.

Financial District Decisions, Decisions: With most items under $10 and fresh ingredients, lunch at Ocho Mexican Grill is a good deal. Ocho’s menu works like an assembly line. First you choose

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the style of lunch you want, such as a burrito, taco, salad or a bowl. Then you pick one of the eight main ingredients, among them grilled steak ($8.50), grilled chicken ($8.25) and shredded beef ($8). Once that selection is made there are 16 additional choices that include toppings, salsas and sauces. At 630 W. Sixth St., (888) 988-6246 or eatocho.com. Taste of the East: Bargain lunches don’t have to mean the same old burgers/Italian/Mexican rut. You can get the flavors of India at the City National Plaza food court with Saffron. Options include a chicken tikka masala (marinated chicken breast in tomato sauce), chicken curry, chicken daal (marinated chicken in lentil sauce) or tofu daal and channa masala (chickpeas in tomato-onion curry). You can get two chicken dishes for $7.75, a chicken and veggie combo for $7.15 or a veggie combo for $7.15. At 505 S. Flower St., lower level food court, (213) 488-9754 or saffronindia.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

Rocket Pizza is known for its pies, but it also has an array of sandwiches priced under $10.

soutH Park In Style: There are a few things that should never go out of style, among them mustaches, sarcasm and lunch for about $5. The latter can still be found at the Fashion Café. The tiny spot is easy to miss unless you’re walking through the courtyard at FIDM — to help, look for the pyramid with all the colorful collage art by the edge of the park. Once inside you’ll need just $4.95 to get any of the five hefty sandwiches on the menu. Meat choices are ham, tuna, roast beef, chicken and turkey. There are several bread choices and spreads such as pesto, honey Dijon and jalapeño cilantro that you can mix and match to make your own sub. The portions are big, so if you do have a mustache, expect some of it to stick to your face. That’s sexy (and there’s the sarcasm.) At 501 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 623-5626. Fishy Advice: We don’t pretend that the sushi at Ralphs Fresh Fare compares to what you’d get a short drive away in Little Tokyo, but if you don’t want to climb in the car,

photo by Gary Leonard

Good prices are always in style at the hard to find Fashion Café in South Park.

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Downtown News 17

Bargain Lunches

you won’t go wrong with a fish lunch from the supermarket. Ralphs employs a handful of sushi chefs who are on location daily preparing a variety of fresh sushi. They pack them up right there in convenient packages that you can take back to work. Choices include spicy tuna rolls, Hawaiian rolls, assorted sashimi and a great big rainbow roll that will fill up most bellies. Prices vary depending on the exact ingredients, but they go from about $7 for the spicy tuna to about $10 for the rainbow roll. Here’s a tip: Wait and watch the chefs place the newly packaged meals in the display case. Then take one of those, since it is the freshest. At 645 W. Ninth St., (213) 452-0840 or ralphs.com.

Arts District Slice of Heaven: Few things are better for lunch than a nice slice of pizza, and few places make it better in Downtown than Toddy G’s. The Seventh Street spot offers New York-style slices, thin and with a crispy crust that will remind you of the Big Apple. A slice of pepperoni goes for $3.25. Two slices are enough for most grown men, and even if you top it off with a bottle of Coke (in a glass, not a can) for $2, you’re still well under $10. At 2019 E. Seventh St., (213) 627-1430 or toddygs.com. Seoul Food: Korean food in Downtown is not exactly prevalent. That’s part of what makes KTown BBQ, located in the middle of a trio of restaurants owned by Jason Ha, such a nice option. The establishment offers $1 tacos like the bul go ki (marinated rib eye) and du ru chi gi (marinated pork tenderloin). If you want to go all out and slap down an extra

50 cents, try the sang sun (Baja-style fish taco). The best deal is the all-you-can-eat special, which comes with a clever catch: If you buy an alcoholic beverage you get an unlimited choice of brisket, rib eye or chicken, plus sides like rice and mixed vegetables, for $9.95. It’s an extra $3 if you eschew the booze. At 738 E. Third St., (213) 680-3008 or k-townbbq.com.

LittLe tokyo Pho Sure: It can get hot in spring in Los Angeles, but that’s no reason to shy away from a steaming bowl of pho. The Vietnamese soup is energizing, filling and quite a bargain at Pho 21 in Little Tokyo. Hidden away in a corner of Honda Plaza, the restaurant offers a big selection of pho combinations such as the house special, pho dac biet, a steak flank, tendon and tripe combo; it’s $5.95 for a small bowl and $6.45 for large. Pho da bien, a seafood combo, is the same price. If you want to add an appetizer, try the spring rolls for $3.50. At 432 E. Second St., (213) 620-0513. Waka Waka Waka: There are a couple hundred lunch bargains at Wakasaya in Little Tokyo, in the Japanese Village Plaza shopping center. The restaurant serves donburi, a rice bowl with pretty much any kind of sashimi or seafood you can envision. The menu lists about 200 combinations such as sea urchin with tuna and sweet shrimp ($13.10), salmon roe, tuna and yellowtail ($12), and tuna, salmon and squid ($8.80). That’s just the beginning. At 104 Japanese Village Plaza, (213) 621-2121. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

KTown BBQ in the Arts District has $1 tacos and an all-you-can-eat special for $9.95.

photo by Gary Leonard

Toddy G’s in the Arts District serves large slices and pizzas.

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April 25, 2011

Bargain Lunches

The Italian Job In His Own Words, Eastside Market Deli’s Vito Angiuli Discusses His Family-Run Restaurant’s Huge Meals and Big Deals as told to RichaRd Guzmán

Italian deli. I would say that we have the best hot sandwiches [at $7.30 each] in L.A. I’ve never been anywhere where I’m able to find eggplant parmigiana sandwiches or meatball sandwiches or sausage sandwiches all on the same menu like we make them. “The roast beef and pastrami is really unique. It doesn’t compare to anything else. It’s traditional pastrami, but we add marinara sauce and it gives it a very unique flavor. And our roast beef is soaked in the au jus. When you combine the pastrami, roast beef, the au jus and the red tomato sauce it gives it an awesome flavor. “We don’t have lots and lots of sauces going on here. We make one batch of sauce a day. We go through 50 gallons of tomato sauce a day. We put tomato sauce on our meatball sandwiches, on our sausage sandwiches, eggplant, pastrami, roast beef; every sandwich that we make has sauce. “It has been difficult keeping our prices low as meat prices continue to go up. We’re struggling to keep our prices low and our consumers very happy. They’re paying less than $8 a sandwich and they’re getting, at least I feel, about $12 worth of meat. You’re getting a good quantity of food for that price. “The best deal in here is anything you choose. Everything is good, and whatever

city editoR

“

he business started in 1929; my dad bought it with my uncle in 1974. My dad was a singer and he had an album out but it didn’t work out for him. It didn’t go the way he wanted it to and he decided to go work in a wholesale distributing business, which is what this was originally. “A lot of what the meat packing district and the produce market do nowadays is exactly what they did here originally. After my dad bought the business, he made the transition into making sandwiches. The reason why we are here today is my dad’s passion for this place and his passion for making his customers happy. I’m very proud every day when I walk in here. “Everyone here has a responsibly. I take care of all the catering and Anthony is responsible for managing — he’s a great manager. If I could compare him to anyone I would compare him to Gordon Ramsey. That’s how tough he is. “Rocky takes care of the financials. He makes sure we have change every day and makes sure we have enough money to run the business. Dad comes in every day at 4 a.m. and opens the doors for the purveyors to come in. He leaves when he wants and then he gets paid. “I would describe this as a 1920s-feel, old

photo by Gary Leonard

Vito Angiuli serves his customers football-sized sandwiches for less than $8.

you order it’ll be more than enough food. The sandwiches are all about seven inches, but don’t put how much they weigh in the article — they weigh too much. “At lunch, everyone gets into a zone and they love to see the line go. And the line can go up to 200 feet and it can stay at 200 feet for hours and we go through it and we’re happy at the end of the day, everyone is happy with their accomplishments. But it can be a train wreck if somebody is yelling, and it’s not fun if someone’s getting reprimanded. “There’s always something going on in the kitchen. We make meatballs; we go through about 400-500 meatballs every two days. We make the eggplant parmigiana and we end up

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doing about 500-600 sandwiches a day. I think we do about 100 pounds of ham a week, and pastrami, maybe about 1,000 pounds a week. “Our clientele is a lot of city, county and state employees, everybody from school teachers to the city attorneys and everyone in between. I really feel this place attracts clients from all backgrounds. The motto is to make sure everyone is happy all the time. If they’re not happy, we’re not happy. I think for what you’re getting and the price you’re paying, you’re walking away with a great meal and a deal.” Eastside Market Italian Deli is at 1013 Alpine St., (213) 250-2464 or esmdeli.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com

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April 25, 2011

Downtown News 19

DowntownNews.com

Climb for a Cause American Lung Association Fundraiser Takes Over the 63-Story Aon Tower by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

he Ketchum Downtown Stair Climb to the Top is not the only opportunity to make your calves ache for charity. On Saturday, April 30, the Fight for Air Climb Los Angeles, at the Aon Center at 707 Wilshire Blvd., will raise money for the American Lung Association. Event chair Peter Szabo and Vanessa Petersen, senior development manager for the American Lung Association, talked to Los Angeles Downtown News about the fourth annual event in the 63-story building.

for Air? Peter Szabo: It’s a fundraiser for the American Lung Association. You actually climb to the top of the Aon building, which is the second-tallest building in Los Angeles, 63 stories. It’s for people that are stair climb enthusiasts as well as people who just want a challenge. It’s a great view when you get to the top. You get to come out on the helipad and look all around L.A.

photo courtesy of American Lung Association

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Q: How much are people asked to raise? Szabo: Every person is asked to raise $100 for the American Lung Association. That money goes to help with research, education and advocacy for lung disease and problems associated with it.

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Up to 1,000 people are expected to climb the 63 floors of the Aon Center on Saturday, April 30, for the fourth annual Fight for Air Climb Los Angeles.

Q: How much are you hoping to raise this year? Vanessa Petersen: We’re hoping to raise $205,000 with this event. That could mean about 800 to 1,000 people for the event.

Q: How will the money be used? Szabo: Lung disease is responsible for one in seven deaths in the U.S. and lung canrtDowntown of Downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles. cer is actually the leading cause of cancer eles. death for both men and women. The money * things: There’s a helpline that goes to several eles. In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles. * the American Lung Association funds, it’s 1-800-lungusa. It’s a one-stop place where In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles. people can ask questions about lung disIn The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles. ease and get information. There’s also a lot of work done to help people stop smoking and people affected by secondhand smoke. On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE! On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE! And there is a summer camp for kids called On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east ofScamp L.A. LIVE! Camp. It’s for kids ages 8-14 and On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE! the Lung Association covers the costs of a overnight camp where they get to Grand and Pico. Just weeklong 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE! On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocksOn east of L.A. LIVE! go and talk to doctors and pharmacists in a * 2 blocks *east of L.A. LIVE! * Just fun environment. They get to learn about On Grand and Pico. the triggers of asthma and what they can do * * * as kids to make it better for them and help make it a more manageable disease. Los Angeles Downtown News: What is Fight

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Q: What kind of shape do you have to be in to complete the climb?

Szabo: If you can walk three miles, you can climb the building. It took me about 40 minutes my first year. For my second year I trained a little bit and was able to get my time down to about 28 minutes, and I’m hoping to do better this year. Q: What are the fastest times for the climb? Petersen: Our fastest guy last year came in from Mexico to participate. He completed it in eight minutes and three seconds. Q: If you can’t make it, can you drop out in the middle? Szabo: I don’t know that anyone has ever dropped out. I haven’t heard of anyone quitting. Petersen: I think there was one person once on the 10th floor who said this is enough. They can just go back down the elevator, so there are opportunities to get out of the stairwell. But it’s really just about going slow and steady. We had a gentleman who was in his 80s climb the stairs, and people in all sorts of conditions. People with asthma do the climb. Online registration closes April 27 at lungusa. org. You can also register the day of the event. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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EagEr rEadErs Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Ditches the Westside and Comes to USC by Roselle Chen

The Westside’s loss is the Downtown reor the last five years Jennifer Joseph, gion’s gain. The festival’s arrival also follows the founder of a small alternative a line of cultural events that have come east. press based in San Francisco, has been Last summer, the Los Angeles Film Festival making an annual April pilgrimage to Los was centered at L.A. Live after years of taking Angeles so that she can sell her wares at the place on the Westside. It will return to South Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Park this summer. It’s been a good business decision for the Jim Hooker, USC liaison for the Festival founder of Manic D Press. In recent years she of Books, and John Conroy, the Times’ cohas found enthusiastic crowds at the event on ordinator for the gathering, both agree that the UCLA campus. She regularly sells out fic- the move to USC presents an opportunity for tion, poetry and other books. diversity. “L.A. has adventurous readers who have “It’s easier to get to our campus,” said very much embraced alternative literature,” Hooker. “One of the challenges of UCLA was said Joseph. “You feel how vibrant things still that it was surrounded by a mostly residential are.” neighborhood and not as accessible from Joseph is coming to Los Angeles again freeways.” photo by Gary Leonard this week, but she’s not heading to UCLA. Here for the Long Haul The 2010 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books attracted 140,000 people to the UCLA campus. This year, Instead, she’ll drive down the Figueroa ews After the issues with UCLA surfaced, the event moves to USC. It takes place April 30-May 1. wnN Starts Corridor to the Bruins’ archrivals onntothe the festival organizers reached out to USC. om/L.A.Dow Facebook.c campus of USC, where the festival is moving University President C. L. Max Nikias wel- a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. ItApr. has always been 1/Apr. 8 held sellers have to get used to a whole new system for the first time in its 16-year history. comed them, said Hooker. on the last full weekend in April but changed and set-up, Joseph is enthused that the event It’s a shift forced by necessity, but one that “It’s fitting that we would be joining to- the date this year due to Easter. The festival continues. She enjoyed the UCLA campus, also yields opportunity. Although the two- gether for this event that is so important to will move back to the last full weekend in but the primary draw of the festival is the day gathering begun in 1996 has become the the intellectual life of Southern California,” April next year. opportunity to expose her authors to new largest literary festival in the United States, Nikias said in a prepared statement. The event is free, but some panels and readers, as well as the chance for Joseph to attracting 140,000 people last year, it has also Hooker noted how Downtown has grown writing seminars have an entry fee. Visitors speak with visitors who happen by her booth. Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com turned into a financial burden for UCLA. over the past decade, and that the commu- can expect authors, booksellers, publishers People want to be engaged and it creates a The state school subsidized last year’s event, nity now boasts numerous after-dark and and cultural organizations discussing various sense of community, she said. chipping in $176,000. The Los Angeles Times weekend cultural options. With the freeways forms of literature ranging from poetry to “With Borders’ stores closing, you feel that charged for panels for the first time in 2010 and bus access, and construction proceed- fiction to graphic novels. people aren’t reading anymore,” she said. and kept the proceeds, said Phil Hampton, a ing on Metro’s Expo Line, he said attendees Stages will feature author readings, live “Then you come to the festival and you get a spokesman for UCLA. have a greater sense of mobility to and from music and Q&A sessions (see sidebar for sense of wow, people are reading and writing “The campus was concerned with the costs Downtown. highlights), and will be organized into nine more than ever.” Starts stage, a The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is ews.com orthe festival to stay at USC for a and the festival’s long-term commitmentcorntoer at DowntHe expects sections. Those include a children’s ownN ht hand t rig r llis ai pe m up s/ e th rm UCLA,” Hampton said.l in“But we’re happy long time. cooking stage and an area dedicated /fo April 15to young April 30-May 1 on the USC campus. Parking nnews.com E-NEWS Look for this symbo w.ladowntow wwthe UP here and wish thatSIGitNwas festival well. It’s This year’s event takes place April 30-May adult readers. at USC is $10. The program schedule is at an important event.” 1. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 Although the new location means book- events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks.

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Check Our Websitenfor Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez

shows up at, naturally, the L.A. Times for children on April 30 at 11:45 a.m. Pavilion on May 1 at 3:30 p.m. to talk and May 1 at 4:40 p.m. at the Target about column writing and his new book Children’s Stage. Dreams and Schemes: My Decade of Fun n Cheryl Kline, the director of Poets & in the Sun. He’ll sign the book at 4:15. Writers West Coast office and the au- n Big-shot novelist Mona Simpson leads thor of the novel Lilac Mines, will sign the seminar “Making a Life for Writing” Starts her book at the Manic D Press booth on on April 30 from 2-4 p.m. Attendees of the News n w to n ow n On April 30, the Bing Theatre host a April 30 at 3:30 p.m. $100 session need to bring paper and pen .D April 22 .A /L m o .c ook Facebfigures: batch of prominent Peter Guber n Super chef Thomas Keller shows up as they’ll be asked to do writing exercises. and Peter Bart talk at 10 a.m.; T.C. Boyle at the Cooking Stage on May 1 at 12:30 n Super illusionist and magic historian appears at 11:30 a.m.; and Michael p.m. He’ll be in conversation with Russ Ricky Jay is in conversation with Joe Connelly takes the stage, in conversation Parsons. Morgenstern on April 30 at 2:30 p.m. in with Richard Rayner, at 1 p.m. n The best-named panel of the festival, the Campus Center Ballroom. At 4 p.m., n Hip Hop Harry is perhaps the only “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” takes place on the ballroom hosts a conversation about creature ever who combines rap, ur- the YA Stage on April 30 at 12:30 p.m. David Foster Wallace, whose posthuphoto by Cecilia Ybarra Check Ourliterature Websitemous for Full Listings sine culture and kids. The yellow furry The discussion of young adult novelMovie The Pale King has LADowntownNews.com just been Author Cheryl Klein appears at the Manic D Press booth on April 30 at 3:30 p.m. bear will offer some hip-hop party jams features Lisi Harrison, Joanna Philbin, released.

he Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is filled with hundreds of authors and dozens of panel discussions and events. It’s impossible to make all of them, or even most of them. Here are a few of the many highlights

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Lost on Purpose In Old Downtown A 1930s Guidebook Gives Glimpses of the Past And a New View of the Present

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ing at Broadway and Ord Street. No wishing well. No statues. No sound of trickling water. Not long after, we arrived at Pershing Square. Standing near the statue of Beethoven, we looked toward the empty parking lot at the northeast corner of Fifth and Olive streets. The guide would have readers visit the vast Philharmonic Auditorium on that corner. The venue was razed in 1985, erased by the same ownership group that is still holding out hope to develop housing on the site. “Los Angeles courts nostalgia, and punishes see WPA, page 28

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what we now call the Arts District). It’s no surprise that many of the 38 landmarks listed in the book’s Downtown section are lost. After zigzagging from the Civic Center to the “Union Passenger Terminal” (today’s Union Station), Kipen and I sought out the “Miniature Landscape and Fish Pool” in Chinatown, a small hill promising “miniature bridges and paths [that] lead up among small figurines of the Chinese Eight Immortals to the hill’s summit.” Standing in place of this supposed oasis is BC Plaza, a boxy, feature-less concrete commercial build-

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David Kipen, at Union Station, wrote the introduction for the recently re-issued Los Angeles in the 1930s: The WPA Guide to the City of Angels.

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f you are going to rely on a guidebook to tour Downtown Los Angeles, consider ditching the latest from Frommer’s, Lonely Planet or Not for Tourists. Nothing against those guides; they’ll ably lead visitors from Disney Hall to the local bourbon emporiums, from the gourmet coffee houses to a slew of hot new restaurants. Instead, consider a guidebook focused on the old city and its stories. Be warned though: It will send you to restaurants that no longer exist, and its hotel recommendations include several that have long since lost their luster. Los Angeles in the 1930s: The WPA Guide to the City of Angels, newly reissued by University of California Press, is a time capsule of old L.A. It is full of walking tours and essays that the federally funded authors of 80 years ago say presents the city “truthfully and objectively, neither glorifying it nor vilifying it.” The book is a faded blueprint to local history, a sample of how the city looked and felt at a time when the building code strictly enforced a 150-foot height limit (City Hall was one of a few exceptions). To navigate the city, the guide advises starting at Union Station. From there, it directs readers to 610 S. Main St., to the Pacific Electric Railway hub to grab a trolley to Hollywood or the beach.

There are recreation suggestions too, some far afield from the ’30s equivalent of L.A. Live. Deer hunting season, the guide notes, is Aug. 10 to Sept. 9. Keep in mind: “No does, fawns or spike bucks. No sale of venison or skins. Two bucks per season.” Some Gone, Much Remains The guide was researched, written and edited by a stable of scribes working under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Federal Writers Project, the literary arm of the New Deal job engine the Works Progress Administration. In 2011, it is perhaps intended less as a practical guide, and more as an artifact, or just delightful armchair reading for the L.A. history enthusiast. While it’s rooted in a bygone era, it also provides a new way to view the present. I got a firsthand glimpse recently when I met up with David Kipen, who wrote the introduction for the reissue. Kipen, the former director of National Reading Initiatives for the National Endowment for the Arts, and the founder of Boyle Heights book shop and lending library Libros Schmibros, agreed to join me in canvassing Downtown as the FWP scribes presented it eight decades ago. Starting at City Hall, we set out to visit most of the landmarks described in the guide’s section on Downtown (another chunk is all about the “Industrial Section,” surveying the old factories that comprise

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by Ryan VaillancouRt

22 Downtown News

April 25, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

LISTINGS EVENTS

Friday, april 29 AIA|LA Breakfast Series AECOM, 515 S. Flower, 8th Fl., (213) 639-0764 or aialosangeles.org. 8-9:30 a.m.: AEG executive vice president Ted Tanner, who heads the firms real estate operations, headlines the program “Vision 2020: Leading Los Angeles into the Future.” California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 2 p.m.: As part of the L.A. Times Book Festival, the museum hosts an “Adult Book Talk.” Participants bring a book that they have read and deliver a persuasive pitch by creating a storyboard depicting the elements of literature. saTurday, april 30 Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7000 or lapl.org. Noon-2 p.m.: “Overcoming Brick Walls in Your Genealogy Research” will provide ideas about how to approach the challenges, uncover overlooked clues and sources and achieve breakthroughs in your research. Free and open to the public. Meeting Room A. Noon-3 p.m.: Library of Congress Veterans History Project. David Meyer-O’Shea will conduct oral history interviews with WWII veterans. Meeting Room B. 1-3 p.m.: The “Cashing In On Your Great Ideas: Green2Gold” workshop is all about environmental entrepreneurship, innovation and the green economy. In the Taper Auditorium. 3:15-5:30 p.m.: Meeting of the L.A. chapter of In-

calendar@downtownnews.com

one

he dance troupe pat gr aney company has br ought its 1991 epic Faith literal ly around world, from New York City to Germany to Ch ile. This week, the pe finally gets its Los rformance Angeles premiere, wi th a four-show run beginning at ReDc aT on Thursday, Apr. 28, at 8 p.m. Seattle-based choreo grapher Graney has sp ent 30 years as a maverick with a sin gular theatrical vision — her contemporary movement-bas ed works draw from ballet, marital arts, gymnastics and even American Sign Language, and are paired with lush visuals and manipulat ion of time and space. Faith, an explo ration of the culture of women, was inspired in part by the art of Caravaggio. It ru ns through May 1 at 631 W. Second St ., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

ThRee

un may reign supreme in Los Angeles, but step into Zipper Hall at the colburn school on Monday, Apr. 25, at 8 p.m., and it will be all about snow. The Monday evening concerts series, which offers some of the best in new classical music, presents Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen’s Schnee (Snow), a tribute to the chilly precipitation in 10 movements. An ensemble of two pianos, each with its own trio, and percussion paint the aural landscape. Rick Bahto’s film Cave Creek: Winter Canon 2011, a visual landscape of the winter Sonoran desert, will premiere as well. At 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 260-1632 or mondayeveningconcerts.org.

rom the highbrow The King’s Speech to the lowbrow Burlesque, from the fantasy of Alice in Wonderland to the Western grunge of True Grit, the 19th annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design features original outfits from more than 20 movies from 2010 at the FiDM Museum and galleries. This is your last week to get up close and personal with the clothing that got up close and personal with your favorite stars. Perhaps Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes in Clash of the Titans? The show closes April 30, and this week is open Tues.-Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. At 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1200 or fidmmuseum.org.

FouR

lso in the last chance department, this marks the final week to check out the revival of Burn This, which the Mark Taper Forum has brought back nearly a quarter century after John Malkovich and Joan Allen made Lanford Wilson’s work famous. A lot is different this time around: Adam Rothenberg and Zabryna Guevara play the respective Malkovich/Allen roles, and Wilson passed away just days before the show debuted. Perhaps the brightest flame in the new Burn This comes from Brooks Ashmanskas, who plays a supportive, very funny and sometimes poignant roommate. The show closes May 1 at 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

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Thursday, april 28 MOCA Grand Avenue 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1745 or moca.org. 6:30 p.m.: In conjunction with William Leavitt: Theater Objects, exhibition catalogue essayist Annette Leddy will discuss the artist and his first museum retrospective. Free, no reservations necessary. California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 7 p.m.: Films at CAAM presents The Radiant Child (2010), about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, chronicling the meteoric rise and fall of this young artist.

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Tuesday, april 26 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Former New Yorker writer Jamaica Kincaid reads from “See, Now, Then,” her forthcoming novel about a family’s life in a small Vermont town.

The ‘Don’T Miss’ LisT

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SPONSORED LISTINGS Live Church LA Club Nokia, 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 4934329 or livechurchla.com. 10 a.m.: Every Sunday, Live Church L.A. takes over the VIP Lounge at Club Nokia, bringing great music, people and inspiring messages. Free Downtown Audio Walking Tours Various Locations, crala.org/art. Free audio walking tours and maps are available for download at www.crala.org/art. Explore Downtown’s Bunker Hill, Financial District, Historic Core, and Little Tokyo neighborhoods by discovering public art and places developed through the CRA/LA Art Program. Levy Restaurant at The Cathedral 555 W. Temple St., (213) 680-5271 or cathedralcatering.com. The Center at Cathedral Plaza is a full service event site and conference center. It can handle events from 10 to 900 people, and is fully integrated for audio and visual presentations, with onsite parking. Spanish Language Book Fair L.A. Convention Center, 1220 S. Figueroa St., lea-la.com. April 29-30 and May 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: LéaLA (ReadLA), the first Spanish book fair in the U.S., comes to Los Angeles. Free admission. The event features music and entertainment, and of course, books. Spring Green Expo Metropolitan Water District, 700 N. Alameda Ave., mwdh2o.com. May 4, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: This unique oneday educational event has something for everyone. Listen to noted speakers on various sustainability topics and see eco-innovative concept projects created by local college students. Vendors will showcase green products and services. Free. For more details or to register for seminars, visit mwdh2o.com and click Spring Green Expo.

ndie rockers unplug for Lifers Lounge, an acoustic evening of original music by singer/songwriters who are “in it for life.” Curated by Willo Benno, the event’s second edition does time at 2nd street Jazz on Monday, Apr. 25, starting at 8 p.m. Benno travels the country performing and the lineup flows with artists he has met on his musical path. A fiver gets you 13 lifers bringing it raw and fresh, including Ben Hunter, Anne Donahue, Erik Calvin and Amber Tissue all on guitar, as well as Mr. F on piano and Elijah Trotsky on long neck banjo. At 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047 or 2ndstjazz.com. Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

April 25, 2011

Frank Fights On, And so Do the Lakers Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com. April 29-30, 7:10 p.m.; May 1, 1:10 p.m.: Embroiled in a PR, public safety and apparently financial tailspin, the Dodgers have been wrested from the control of Frank and Jamie McCourt. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig stepped in last week, saying a trustee will be put in place to make decisions regarding the team. Frank McCourt appears ready to fight the move, but much of Dodger country appears eager to part with current ownership. Meanwhile, the players have games this week, first in Florida (April 25-27), and then back home as they host the Padres. The question is how the turmoil will impact the onfield play. ventors Workshop International and the nonprofit Entrepreneurs Workshop. Meeting Room A. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-DINO or visit nhm.org. 1-4 p.m.: In these weekly spring gardening classes, learn to start your own healthy vegetable garden. California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 2 p.m.: For Literacy Day at CAAM, participate in a smorgasbord of activities connected to reading. The Da Camera Society Doheny Mansion, 8 Chester Place, (213) 477-2761 or msmc.la.edu/lifelong. 3 p.m.: The great-great grandson of Ulysses S. Grant will place the Doheny Mansion in the context of that post-Civil War spurt of opulence in an illustrated lecture. Sunday, May 1 California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 1 p.m.: In “Each One, Teach One,” CAAM spotlights educators in recognition of their contributions to their community. Japanese American Cultural & Community Center JACCC Plaza or Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-3700 or jaccc.org. 1 p.m.: In conjunction with the exhibition “Bamboo and Petals III,” the three longest-standing and highly respected experts in flower arrangement in Southern California will talk and give an ikebana demonstration.

FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. Apr. 25, 7-11 p.m.: Once and For All is an experimental film about a couple that suffers from a break-up. Apr. 27, 7 p.m.: In the feature documentary Skid Row, Pras Michel — one third of the successful hiphop band The Fuguees — lives on the streets of L.A.’s Skid Row for nine days as a homeless person. He and his crew are undercover, using surveillance cameras. Apr. 30, 7 p.m.: Channel 101, a monthly battle of episodic videos in which the audience gets to play TV exec. May 1, 5 p.m.: Enjoy a three course dinner courtesy of Pitfire Pizza before or after the screening of Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused. Flagship Theatres University Village 3323 S. Hoover St., (213) 748-6321 or flagshipmovies.com. Through Apr. 28: Rio 2D (12, 2:20, 4:40, 7 and 9:20 p.m.); Scream 4 (12:30, 3, 5:30, 8 and 10:30 p.m.); Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (11:30 a.m. and 2, 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m.). Apr. 29: Fast Five (show times TBA). IMAX Theater California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 744-

Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com. April 25, 7:30 p.m., if necessary: The Kings could be eliminated by the time you read this (game five happened after press time). What a wild series it’s been for the Kings and their fans, who will never forget game three, when the squad went up 4-0 at home, then ended up losing 6-5 in overtime to the Sharks. The Kings need another big game like their 4-0 game two win to recapture the momentum, and keep those Sharks out of the water. —Ryan Vaillancourt

2019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Ongoing: Born to be Wild 3D is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals that documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the people who rescue and raise them — saving endangered species one life at a time. Regal Cinema L.A. Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. Through Apr. 28: African Cats (3, 5:20, 7:40 and 10 p.m.); Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (10:30 and 11:20 a.m. and 1:20, 2:10, 4:10, 5, 7, 7:50, 9:50 and 10:40 p.m.); Water for Elephants (10:50, 1:40, 4:30, 7:20 and 10:10 p.m.); Rio The Movie (11 a.m. and 1:30, 4, 6:40 and 9:20 p.m.); Rio The Movie 3D (11:50 a.m. and 2:20, 4:50, 7:30 and 10:10 p.m.); Scream 4 (10:50 and 11:40 a.m. and 1:30, 2:20, 4:20, 5:10, 7:10, 8, 10 and 10:50 p.m.); Arthur (10:20 a.m. and 1:10, 3:50, 6:40 and 9:30 p.m.); Hanna (11 a.m. and 2, 4:40, 7:30 and 10:20 p.m.); Soul Surfer (1:50, 4:30, 7:20 and 9:50 p.m.); Your Highness (6:30 and 9:10 p.m.); Hop (11:10 a.m. and 1:40 and 4 p.m.); Insidious (12, 2:30, 5:20, 8 and 10:30 p.m.); Source Code (11:30 a.m. and 1:50, 4:20, 6:50 and 9:10 p.m.); Limitless (10:10 a.m. and 1, 3:40, 6:30 and 9 p.m.). Apr. 29 (partial list): Fast Five (10 a.m. and 1:10, 4:20, 7:40 and 11 p.m.); Prom (11:10 a.m. and 1:50, 4:30, 7:10 and 9:40 p.m.); African Cats (3, 5:20, 7:40 and 10).

ROCK, POP & JAZZ 2nd Street Jazz 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047 or 2ndstjazz.com. Apr. 25, 8 p.m.: Indie rockers unplug for Lifers Lounge. Apr. 29, 9 p.m.: MC Battles. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301, 213-6200908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Apr. 29, 8 p.m.: Jazz jam session hosted by the Kevin Kanner quintet. Casey’s Irish Pub 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. Apr. 29, 10 p.m.: Ovideo with guest Niilo Smeds. Apr. 30, 10 p.m.: Twangy blues and fiery vocals with String Fellow Hawks. Cicada 617 S. Olive St., (877) 463-7773 or clubcicada.com. May 1, 6-11 p.m.: The restaurant turns into Cicada Club. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dining and dancing to big band music. Chestmore Whitmore’s Central Avenue Revue performs at 8:30 p.m. until closing. Patrons are required to dress up. Conga Room L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com. Apr. 25, 8 p.m.: The Foxxhole Live, hosted by Mark Curry, has live stand-up comedy and R&B music. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

Sushi Counter in LA! Featuring

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

(213) 680-0567

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

photo by Gary Leonard

Frank McCourt has lost control of the Dodgers, for now.

Apr. 26, 8 p.m.: Pop-reggae singer/songwriter Mishka talks about his work and his early life on a boat in the Caribbean, then takes audience questions and performs. Apr. 28, 8 p.m.: Country rock star Kenny Chesney drops in for an already-sold-out stop on his Goin’ Coastal Tour. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. Apr. 29, 8 p.m.: Lupillo Rivera Y La Original Banda El Limon. Apr. 30, 8 p.m.: Pedro Fernandez. May 1, 7 p.m.: Alt Latin rockers Molotov and Monterrey’s Kinky. Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. Apr. 25, 10 p.m.: Living old time relic Frank Fairfield. Apr. 26, 10 p.m.: White Flag Down, The Slanderin’ and A Pretty Mess. Apr. 27, 10 p.m.: The Morgansterns. Apr. 28, 10 p.m.: Los Straitjackets. Apr. 29, 10 p.m.: RumbleKing record release party. Apr. 30, 10 p.m.: Trinket, Wonker, HDR and Peach Fuzz. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. Apr. 25, 10 p.m.: Bijon Watson presents the WOW Factor. Apr. 26, 10 p.m.: The Makers. The Smell 247 S. Main St., alley between Spring and Main streets, thesmell.org. Apr. 27, 9 p.m.: Abe Vigoda, Cold Showers, Beaches and Pope Anthing. Apr. 28, 9 p.m.: Dash Jacket, Black Elephant, Plasma Centre and Tinylittle. Apr. 30, 9 p.m.: Captain Ahab, Divtech, NVRNDR and Flybatsu. Varnish 118 E. 6th St., (213) 622-9999 or thevarnishbar.com. Apr. 25, 9 p.m.: Live jazz piano with Jamie Elman. Apr. 26, 8 p.m.: Marc Bosserman tinkes the house keys.

CLASSICAL MUSIC Monday, Apr. 25 Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., colburschool.edu. 8 p.m.: In the season finale of the Monday Evening Concerts, the series presents Scnee, Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen’s musical tribute to snow, and Rick Bahto’s film, Cave Creek: Winter canon 2011. Tuesday, Apr. 26 Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave., musiccenter.org. 8 p.m.: In a chamber music concert, members of the L.A. Phil perform Stravinsky’s Histoire du soldat

Grand Star Jazz Club

943 Sun Mun Way - Central Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: (213) 626-2285 E-Mail: tquon@netzero.com grandstarjazzclub.com Party & Buffet Facilities (for from 50 to 300 people) Your Hosts: Wally, Frank & Tony

(Soldier’s Tale), a cautionary fable about the devil, a soldier and a fiddle. Also on the program is Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 1. Friday, Apr. 29 Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., colburschool.edu. 7:30 p.m.: Students from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts present the “Monster Piano Concert.” For tickets and additional information, call (323) 343-2659. Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave., musiccenter.org. 8 p.m.; Apr. 30, 8 p.m.; May 1, 2 p.m.: Jaap van Zweden conducts Prokofiev’s Sinfonia concertante, with Peter Stumpf tackling the cello part. Saturday, Apr. 30 Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave., musiccenter.org. 11 a.m.: Toyota Symphonies for Youth presents the LA Phil performing excerpts from Beethoven’s dramatic Third Symphony (the “Eroica”) and new works by Jim Matheson, A. J. McCaffrey and four local high school student composers. Sunday, May 1 Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., colburschool.edu. 2 and 4 p.m.: The Colburn School presents its String Festival concerts. Free. Advocacy of Life: A Concert for Holocaust Remembrance Day Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., lazc.org. 8 p.m.: The LA Zimriyah Chorale presents lifeaffirming music composed during the Holocaust, with commentary by music director Nick Strimple. For free tickets and information, email tickets@ lazc.org.

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

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Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers. April 26, 7:30 p.m.: The Lakers recovered from a game one loss to the Hornets and beat back those pesky stingers in game two. The Lakers really leaned on Lamar Odom, which was fitting since the game came on the day that Odom was named the NBA’s sixth man of the year. That guy should get a reality show. Oh, right. Anyway, the Lakers will host game five in L.A., and if necessary, go back to New Orleans for game six (April 28).

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We Got Games

by L

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

Free Parking Next to Restaurant

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

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

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

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April 25, 2011

Downtown News 25

DowntownNews.com

CLASSIFIED

plaCe your ad online aT www.ladownTownnews.Com

FOR RENT

l.a. downtown news classifieds Call: 213-481-1448 Classified Display & Line ad Deadlines: Thursday 12 pm REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL lofts for sale

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

“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.”

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apartments/unfurnisHed

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DRIVERS - No Experience - No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Benefits. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to 49c per mile. CRST EXPEDITED. 1-800-326-2778. www.JoinCRST.com. (Cal-SCAN) DRIVERS/CDL Training - Career Central. No Money Down. CDL Training. Work for us or let us work for you! Unbeatable Career Opportunities. *Trainee *Company Driver *Lease Operator Earn up to $51k *Lease Trainers Earn up to $80k 1-877-3697091. www.CentralDrivingJobs. net. (Cal-SCAN) INTERNATIONAL Cultural Exchange Representative: Earn supplemental income placing and supervising high school exchange students. Volunteer host families also needed. Promote world peace! 1-866-GO-AFICE or www.afice.org. (Cal-SCAN) TECHNICIANS for Satellite TV Installation. Work as Independent Contractor. Knowledge of low voltage electronics. Reliable truck, ladder, hand tools. Lift 50+ lbs. $600-$1200wkly. 602-7696472. (Cal-SCAN) Continued on next page

LOFT LIVING

Your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development! downtownnews.com

The Downtown Renaissance Collection

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

TOWNHOUSE STYLE 2 bdrm. 2 bath. $1100. 15 minutes from Downtown. Near South Pasadena 323-254-0763.

ALL CASH Vending route! Be Your Own Boss! Investment as low as $4995. Vend3, 880 Grand Blvd., Deer Park, NY. 1- 877915-8222. Major CC accepted! (Cal-SCAN) Help Wanted

Single Apt. Near Produce Mkt.

Business opportunities

loft/unfurnisHed

Call 213.253.4777 laloft.com

PROBATE SOLUTIONS Need an heir cash advance on estate before it even closes? Call Richard for all the details 323-9067160.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Be Inspired...

> now leasing. Cooperating Welcome BestBrokers Downtown Locations!

> now leasing.Cooperating Cooperating Brokers Welcome Brokers Welcome

EstD 1912

Valet parking. Fitness Center. Rooftop Valet parking. Fitness Center. Rooftoppool. pool. Valet parking. Fitness Center. Rooftop pool. Metro station. Lounge. Zen Garden. MetroResident’s station. Resident’s Lounge. Zen garden.

Metro station. Resident’s Lounge. Zen garden.

Historic beauty. Modern refinement. Eclectic elegance.

call> 213.623.3100 visit> www.rsvlt.com noW leasinG

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

call> 213.623.3100 visit> www.rsvlt.com Elegant

> now leasing. Cooperating Brokers Welcome >> showroom open: m-F 10-6, s-sCooperating 11-5 SHOWROOM OPEN: Brokers Welcome now leasing. 727 W. Seventh St., Downtown Los Angeles Valet parking. Fitness Center. Rooftop M-F 10-6, S-S pool. 11-5

Orsini 727 W. Seventh St. Resident’s Lounge. Metro station. Zen garden.

Metro station. Resident’s Lounge.Valet Zen garden. parking. Fitness Center. Rooftop pool.

visit> www.rsvlt.com

Medici

727 W. Seventh St., Downtown Los Angeles

>showroom open: m-F 10-6, s-s 11-5 725 SOUTH BIXEL ST.

727 W. Seventh St., Downtown Los Angeles

877-239-8256

WWW.THEMEDICI.COM

756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 213-892-9100 | chapmanf lats.com

MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing! the loft expert! group

Downtown since 2002

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FREE Rent Specials On Select Floor Plans

Pricing subject to change without notice.

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World Class Resort Apartment Homes

call> 213.623.3100 550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST. Downtown Los Angeles 877-231-9362 open: m-F 10-6, s-s 11-5 visit> www.rsvlt.com >showroom WWW.THEORSINI.COM call> 213.623.3100 727 W. Seventh St., Downtown Los Angeles >showroom open: m-F 10-6, s-s 11-5

Piero

Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com

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

Version 1

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

26 Downtown News

April 25, 2011

Twitters/DowntownNews

Continued from previous page

EMPLOYMENT Professional “WEB PROGRAMMER. Bachelor’s degree in Telematics Engineering required. Send resume to JM Dreamline Inc. 1200 Santee St. #505, Los Angeles CA 90015 Attn: Joon Kyu Kim.”

SERVICES Home Improvement E&R REASONABLE Prices. Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Drain Cleaning Services starting at $35 323-228-4500.

Cleaning

Attorneys

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs! Child Support / Custody Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español / Korean

Get your GREEN CARD or CITIZENSHIP Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710

Business Attorney All Litigation Matters Transactions & Contracts 20 Years Experience Ivy League Background

Paul Bloom, Esq. (805) 984-8375

CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183. Psychic PSYCHIC READER Spiritual advisor. Tarot $20. Confidential text for one free question 323493-9494. Education HIGH SCHOOL Diploma! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure. Call Now! 1-866-562-3650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com. (Cal-SCAN)

Elevate Your Lifestyle @ PE Lofts Today! n Covered On-Site Parking n 24 Hr. State of the Art Fitness Center n Heated Pool and Spa

ATTEND COLLEGE Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-210-5162 www.Centura.us.com. (Cal-SCAN) Business Services ADVERTISING- Best kept secret. A business card sized display ad 140 California community newspapers. Reach 3 million+ Californians. Cost $1,550.$1.33 cost per thousand. Free brochure (916)288-6019; www.CalSDAN.com. (Cal-SCAN)

ATTENTION Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-589-0439 to try Hydraflexin Risk-Free for 90 days. (Cal-SCAN) DIABETES/ Cholesterol/Weight Loss. Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call to find out how to get a free bottle of Bergamonte! 888-6159598. (Cal-SCAN)

CLASSIFIED Advertising. 240 California community newspapers reaching over 6 million Californians. 25-words $550 works out to 18 cents cost per thousand! Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.CalSCAN.com. (Cal-SCAN)

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills - 4 Free for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.70/ pill. The Blue Pill Now! 1-888904-6658. (Cal-SCAN)

Financial Services

Health

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

LIFE Circumstances often hurt us. Emotional pain overwhelms you? Call Laurie Mendiones MFT Psychotherapist 213-3943464. (Downtown office) www. Lauriemendionesmft.com

n Rooftop Lounge with Cabanas, Fireplace and BBQs

Rosslyn Hotel

Large Studio - 363 sqft. Full Bathroom Apartment

$700 mo. to mo. (No Contract) $680 on 6 mo. Lease $623 on 12 mo. Lease (866) 561-0275 pelofts.com 610 S. Main, Downtown LA

AUTOS

Health & Fitness

No Application Fee! - Sec. Dep. $175 Free Utilities, 24 hr. laundry, Around the Clock Security 112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.503.7449 ask for Lafoe • rosslynstudios.com

PRE-OWNED

Downtown L.A. AUTO GROUP Porsche Volkswagen Audi Mercedes-Benz Nissan chevrolet cadillac

2007 PORSCHE CAYMAN S Certified, Only 29K Miles, Silver/Blk, Bose Xenon. #783463 $39,988. Call 888-685-5426. 2008 AUDI A6 Certified, Premium package, only 29K miles # N011782 / ZA9847 $27,992 Call 888-583-0981 2008 Cadillac CTS Very clean, 39,876 miles, White Diamond exterior Great features! UC762 / 116586 $29,995 Call 888-879-9608. 2008 MERCEDES BENZ C300W Certified, Low miles, 7 speed automatic, 3.0L 5306C / F051792 $26,991 Call 888-3198762. 2009 NISSAN VERSA 1.8S Certified, Auto, AC, 1 owner, CD and more NI3677 / 9L449916 $11,499, call 888-838-5089 2010 NISSAN SENTRA 2.0 Certified, 1 owner, Auto, AC and more NI3697 / AL612400 $13,999 call 888-203-2967

2011 VOLKSWAGEN CC Great Car, Almost new! Only 5,551 miles ZV1154 / BE713152 $26,487 Call 888-781-8102.

For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com Autos Wanted 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) DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or boat to Heritage For The Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-9026851. (Cal-SCAN) DONATE YOUR CAR: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CalSCAN) Motorcyles 2003 ATLANTIS DERBI European Scooter. 303 total miles. Auto-shift, 1 cylinder 2 stroke, 49cc. Garaged, rarely ridden; excellent condition. GREAT mileage, perfect for Downtown! 1,300. 805-644-3248

Premiere Tower

7000 sqft. Basement Space - $3900/mo. set up for Gallery/Office space • w/Gallery Lights • Wide Private (Spring St.) Entrance • Ideal for Art Gallery, SPA, Office Space • Wired for internet service/telephone outlets • Prime Location in Downtown (Gallery row, residential area, wine bar, café, market)

213.627.6913 | cityloftsquare.com

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

April 25, 2011

Downtown News 27

DowntownNews.com

PETS/ANIMALS

noticeS WAnTED: LARgE Collections of, movie posters, press books, photos, stuff from science fiction, horror, and classic films PRE1970 also comic books PRE1970. Call Mike: 800-723-5572. (Cal-SCAn)

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

BRiStol ApARtmentS 423 W. 8th St. Al lU til iti es pa id

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SpeciAl eventS TREyBLing... its’ a ring thing Defeat the ‘Peat - Say no to Pat! Talkin’ ‘bout my Lakers.

ITEMS FOR SALE

cHURcHeS

ticketS

THE BRiDgE / Little Tokyo: Contemporary worship, 11 am Sundays at Union Church 401 East Third St. www.thebridgewired.org.

DODgER TOCkETS behind the Dodger Dugout! Season ticket holder with Field Level seats for less than facevalue: Dosxx222@ yahoo.com 626-926-3298.

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

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

Casaloma L.A. Apartments

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

Prime downtown location • Now leasing studios

$662/mo. income qualifications - earn under $46,400/year

Move-in SpecialS

213-228-3000 Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

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

Cal Best Realty

Emi Terauchi Realtor / Notary • Lic.No.00810238

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

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

Expose your auto to Downtown Los Angeles. With one of the fastest growing residential areas Los Angeles Downtown News gets results.

Call 213-481-1448

mynails Professional Nail Care Specialist - Facial - Waxing

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

Real Estate Specialist of San Gabriel Valley

Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area. 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA

Sell Your Car!

Children’s Performing Group

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

323.662.2718 • 4335 W. Sunset Blvd. Walk-in Welcome • GIft Certificate Available

$9,999

NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

Sec. Deposit Special @$100

Starting Jan. 1, 2011

Downtown L.A. Auto Group has thousands of new, used and certified pre-owned vehicles to choose from. For a complete list including pictures, descriptions and prices please visit our website...

w w w. D T L A M O T O R S . c o m

Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath at $695/mo.

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

Downtown L.A. Auto Group

SunshineGenerationLA.com • 909-861-4433

M.-F. 9:30am - 7:30pm Sat. 9am - 7:30pm • Sun. 10am - 6pm

888-838-5089

2007 NISSAN SENTRA 2.0S # N110806-1/7L726199

Certified, 2.0L, Blue, Auto.

$14,999 $14,999 Certified, 8 Cyl., Silver, Auto. N110025-1 / 8N317410 2008 Nissan Armada LE 4X4 ........................................... $29,999 Certified, 8 Cyl., 4WD, Grey. #N110674-1 / 8N632795 2005 Nissan Xterra S ........................................................ 4.0L 6-Cyl., RWD, Auto, Black, 68,675 miles. #NI3770/C618410

2008 Nissan Titan King Cab ............................................

$14,900

FELIX CHEVROLET

888-879-9608

2007 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER # UC721/72202215

Black exterior, Auto, 6 Cyl., 44,190 miles.

2010 Chevy Malibu ...........................................................

$16,887 2009 Chevrolet Impala .................................................... $23,995 5.3L, Convenience Pkg, Bose, Sunroof, 4,500 miles. C09113D/253990 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche .............................................. $27,900 26,694 miles, Grey Metallic exterior, Auto, 5.3L, V8. UC722/G178131 2.4L, Auto, White/Ebony, Clean, 38,839 miles. UC748R / AF1881120

$21,625

VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

888-781-8102

2008 VW EOS ZV1152/8V023495

Certified, Hardtop Convertible just in time for convertible season, 4-Cyl Turbo.

$13,788 2008 Volkswagen Passat ................................................ $17,574 Certified, German Engineering at a discount! ZV1158/8P089065 2008 Volkswagen GTI ...................................................... $18,994 2.0L Turbo, Black, Auto, 31,547 Miles. ZV1118/8W217721

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit ................................................ 2.5L, White/Grey, Auto, 38,318 Miles. ZV1072/8W149660

DOWNTOWN L.A. MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ

2008 MERCEDES BENZ C300W #5306C/F051792

Certified, 3.0L V6, 7-Spd Auto, Palladium Silver, 38,711 miles.

2008 Mercedes E350 Sedan ............................................

$28,994 $29,994 Certified, 3.5L V6, Iridium Silver, Auto, 45,859 miles. #5160/F223491 2007 Mercedes ML350 ..................................................... $35,994 Certified, 3.5L V6, Artic White, 7-spd Auto, 35,974 miled. #5260C/A378822 Certified, 3.5L, V6, 7 Speed Auto, 44,634 Miles, Indium Grey. #5098C/B334494

2007 Mercedes CLK350A Cabriolet ...............................

$34,990

AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. Is your teen experiencing:

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

Adolescent support group now forming Ages 13-17 Low fee

4344 Fountain Ave. (at Sunset), Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90029

✓ comment on stories

✓ submit your own news

✓ submit your own events ✓ post your own photos

2008 AUDI Q7 ZA9001/8D067989

Certified, 3.6L V6, Premium package, white/black, auto, 29,580 miles.

$27,893 2008 Audi A6 ..................................................................... $28,988 Certified, 3.2L V6, Premium Pkg, Silver, Auto, Only 29K miles. ZA9847/N011782 2009 Audi Q7 .................................................................... $39,890 Certified, 3.6L V6, Premium Pkg, Grey, Pano roof, low miles. A11492-1 /9D010670 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet ...................................................

(323) 662-9797

Go to DowntownNews.com We want to hear .COM from YOU

888-583-0981

Certified, 2.0L Turbo, Black/Beige, 21,428 miles. ZA9872/ 8K010006

Call Marney Stofflet, LCSW

www.

$26,991

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THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

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$62,988

888-685-5426

Certified, 3.8L V6, GT Silver/Black, Leather, Adaptive Sport Seats, Sport Exhaust, Nav, Bose, 16K miles.

2001 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet ....................................

$32,988 Certified, 2.7L 6 Cyl., Tiptronic, Silver/Blk, 18” S Wheels, Sound pkg +, 27K miles. 8U762103 $39,988 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS ............................................ $59,988 White/black, Like New, Certified, 29,000 miles. LA73964 3.4L V6, Polar Silver/Grey, Crest wheel caps, 56K Miles, Excellent condition. 1S651787

2008 Porsche Cayman .....................................................

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Featuring a more robust local search powered by Yellow Pages.

28 Downtown News

April 25, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

WPA Continued from page 21 it,” Kipen writes in his introduction. “If there’s a WPA guide to a more vanished American city, beats me what it is.” I thought of this line as we surveyed the parking lot where the auditorium, and Hazard’s Pavilion before it, once stood. But as we continued to the Central Library, to the old Edison Building at Fifth Street and Grand Avenue, and circled back to see an old mural at the Federal Building, I realized that for every landmark razed, much of old Downtown is still intact. In fact, more than half of the guide’s Downtown landmarks remain, and are in decent to great condition. The State Building at First Street, between Broadway and Spring Street, may have been reduced to a graffiti-laden, post-Sylmar earthquake remnant pile. On the other hand, the Civic Center of the 1930s — anchored by City Hall, the Hall of Justice, the Hall of Records, the Federal Building

and Union Station — is essentially preserved. Count on history for a little perspective. As Kipen and I pounded the pavement, our noses furrowed in the WPA Guide, I felt turned around in a neighborhood I thought I knew every nook of, and it wasn’t just because the map included streets that city planners have long since erased. Even Kipen’s compass was a bit wobbly. We must have looked like tourists. Why else would City Councilman and Los Angeles booster extraordinaire Tom LaBonge, driving around the corner of First and Main streets en route to City Hall, pull over, roll down the window, and ask: “Do you need any help?” Kipen beckoned LaBonge to the sidewalk for a chat (nobody trying to sell a book about Los Angeles should miss a chance to put it on LaBonge’s radar), but truthfully, we didn’t need much help. We were a little bit lost, in search of a city that doesn’t quite exist. That was really the point. More information on Los Angeles in the 1930s: The WPA Guide to the City of Angels is at ucpress. edu. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

The intersection of Sixth and Spring streets circa 1904, one of the pictures of Downtown Los Angeles in a book about the city in the 1930s.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777

Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

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

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

Now For Call n Specials Move-I

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500

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

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

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

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

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

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

www.TowersApartmentsLA.com

MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM