04-26-10 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS April 26, 2010

Volume 39, Number 17

INSIDE

Bargain Lunches 13

Pot clinic break-ins, a tower revival, and other happenings Around Town.

The readers have their say on a variety of Downtown issues.

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

Dozens of Olvera Street Merchants Withhold Portion of Rent

A big sale for a big building.

Major upgrade at the Natural History Museum.

city editor

he battle between Olvera Street merchants and the management of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument has heightened in recent weeks, as more than 40 merchants have refused to pay their full rents, which increased on April 1. The move, which means the cash-strapped city is short more than $72,000 of what is owed, could lead to eviction notices being sent to the tenants, though it is unclear if those would be pursued. Robert Andrade, El Pueblo’s general manager, said that tenants could face a three-day notice to pay rent or face the consequences. The move came after 43 tenants on April 1 delivered only the amounts they had been see El Pueblo, page 11

Timeline to the State of the City Jefferson Davis, Dwight Eisenhower And a Political Sophie’s Choice by Jon Regardie executive editor

A ‘Bengal Tiger’ with a surreal roar.

very so often, a speech is described as “the most important” of a politician’s life. That

the regardie report

phrase, however, will never be affixed to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s 2010

State of the City address. “Most depressing speech of the spring” might apply, as would “first ever State of the Anything speech to generate only one applause line.” To call it grim, even if the tone was appropriate given that Los Angeles has about 80 cents in the bank, was an understatement. Heck, see State of the City, page 8

Going to the Chapel Forty Years of Downtown Weddings A beautiful musical Blasting Company.

19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 21 MAP 22 CLASSIFIEDS

The owner of Casa La Golondrina, a popular Olvera Street restaurant, opted to pay only about half of her April rent. More than 40 Olvera Street business owners made a similar move, leaving the city $72,000 behind on what it is owed.

photo by Gary Leonard

by Richard Guzmán

by Richard Guzmán city editor

hen Angelica Herrera’s boyfriend of seven months proposed to her in February, the 34-year-old did not want to waste any time. “He might change his mind, so I had to jump at the opportunity,” she said with a laugh. A quickie wedding in Vegas was out of the question — too far and too tacky for her taste. And while

the couple plans to hold a big wedding in their native Mexico one day, she wanted something fast, but still classy and romantic. So the couple headed to Downtown, to a Broadway building where, for nearly 40 years, thousands of couples have tied the knot. “It’s really nice. They accommodate you with everything,” Herrera said a week after her Friday afternoon ceremony at Guadalupe Wedding see Guadalupe, page 10

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa delivered his fifth State of the City address on Tuesday, April 20.

photo by Gary Leonard

Urban Scrawl on the Downtown sports scene.

photo by Gary Leonard

Partial Payments, a Protest to Rate Hikes, Could Lead to Eviction Notices

After a seven-month courtship, Angelica Herrera and her new husband Gerardo took the plunge at Downtown’s Guadalupe Wedding Chapel.

2 Downtown News

AROUNDTOWN

cast partner Stu Lantz. The statue shows Hearn behind the desk with headphones on while calling a game. The statue joins others in front of Staples Center representing Los Angeles sports greats. Already enshrined are Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky and Oscar De La Hoya.

ongtime Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council President Russell Brown will not seek re-election this June. Brown, who is also executive director of the Historic Downtown Business Improvement District, has been on the board for five-and-a-half years, and was first elected board president in 2006. He said he decided not to run in the June 25 election because, “It’s time for somebody else to take over and take on the leadership challenges.” The board has 28 seats, all of which become open in June. There are seats for residents, business representatives and community stakeholder groups. Those interested in running must register by Tuesday, April 27, in order to appear on the ballot (anyone who misses the filing deadline can still run as a write-in candidate). “It’s a great way to get involved and learn all about the issues and really create change,” Brown said. “Where else can you help design a streetcar system, neighborhood parks or the Regional Connector?” Filing information is at dlanc.com.

black tarp and scaffolding went up around the Little Tokyo Fire Tower at Japanese Village Plaza last week, as part of outdoor mall owner American Commercial Equities’ plan to renovate the shopping and eating center. In November, the Cultural Affairs Commission approved a $500,000 plan to replace the termite-infested tower with a metal replica. Located at the First Street entrance of the mall, the 30-year-old tower’s replacement is part of an overall upgrade of the JVP. Other plans call for the removal of a wall that encloses the plaza at First Street and Central Avenue to create a new entrance.

Hearn Gets Staples Center Statue

Police Looking for ‘Pretty Boy’ Pot Robber

he late, legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn was immortalized in Downtown last week, with the unveiling of a bronze statue at Staples Center. In addition to a crowd of fans, attendees at the April 20 dedication included former players. At the event, the announcer’s wife, Marge Hearn, stood next to Lakers stalwarts James Worthy and Rick Fox. Also on hand was Hearn’s broad-

Fire Tower Work Underway

APD detectives are looking for help in tracking down two men who robbed a Skid Row medical marijuana clinic, the City Compassionate Caregivers, on Monday, April 19. An armed suspect, said Lt. Paul Vernon of Central Division, was described as “a pretty boy with good teeth.” He was listed at about 5-feet-8, 190 pounds, with short, black hair. An accomplice was described as

slightly thinner; both suspects are believed to be between 25 and 30 years old. The suspects rang the doorbell at the clinic at 606 E. Fourth St. at about 7:45 p.m. When the door was opened, they pushed their way inside and ordered the lone employee to the ground at gunpoint. The men took $1,200 and two pounds of marijuana, valued at $7,000. They also took a laptop computer and $100 from the employee’s wallet. The suspects left in a black four-door, crew-cab truck with oversized tires. Local medical marijuana clinics have proven to be common targets for thieves, police say. The April 19 incident is the fifth robbery of a Downtown-area clinic in the past 18 months. Anyone with information on the April 19 robbery is asked to call Detective Al Rasch at (213) 972-1245.

Skid Row Murder Suspect Surrenders

Downtown murder suspect is behind bars, after Charles Colbert, 50, turned himself in to authorities. Colbert was booked in connection with the shooting of Conrad Fitzgerald Phillip, 41. Colbert, a resident of the low-income Pershing Hotel, surrendered at the Southeast Police Station on April 18, and was later booked at the Central Police Station in Downtown. He is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Jail. Colbert is suspected of killing Phillip in the early morning of April 16 at Sixth and Los Angeles streets.

Flea Market Coming to Dodger Stadium

hose itching for some bargains can head to Chavez Ravine this summer, when the L.A. Flea Market opens on July 18. About 650 vendors are expected for the grand

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Gates Funeral to Cause Downtown Traffic Delays

f you’re driving into Downtown on Tuesday, April 27, be prepared for a slow ride. The Department of Transportation will close several streets in the area around the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels before, during and after the 9 a.m. funeral services for former LAPD Chief Daryl F. Gates. A procession will begin from the Ron Deaton Auditorium at the Police Administration Building at approximately 8:30 a.m., and will progress to the cathedral. Temple Street between Broadway and Grand Avenue and Hill Street between Temple and Ord streets will be closed between 6:30 a.m. and noon. Court employees will be allowed access to Hill Street between First and Temple streets. There will be intermittent closures on First Street, between Main Street and Broadway and on Broadway between Second and Judge John Aiso streets, between 8 and 9 a.m.

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opening of the monthly event at Dodger Stadium, although organizer Phillip Dane hopes that figure will quadruple in the future. Vendors will offer everything from antiques to handcrafted items to clothes and jewelry. General admission will be $5 for the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. market. There will also be live bands, a children’s area and food trucks. This is not the first Downtown-area attempt for Dane — in 2008 he opened the South Park Flea Market in a parking lot at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue. However, crowds were hard to come by and it ultimately disappeared. He thinks the new venture offers greater opportunities. “This is Dodger Stadium,” he said. “It has everything, a ton of parking and amazing views.” Eighteen years ago, Dane launched the Melrose Trading Post, a weekly flea market at Fairfax High School.

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DLANC President Won’t Run Again

April 26, 2010

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Downtown News 3

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then use them to create a pedestrian-oriented streetscape with green space, new landscaping, new sidewalk paving, a distinctively designed bus line and the potential for transit-oriented housing developments, including subsidized housing. At the core of the group’s ambitious proposal, called “Figueroa Corridor: Connecting Communities,” was the idea that Figueroa serves as a vital connection between the economic engine of Downtown and the communities of South Los Angeles. One of the proposal’s most ambitious aspects was a new feasibility study for a “freeway park,” capping the area Darryl Holter along from 23rd Street to Adams, from with other community Figueroa to Flower. ”There had to leaders banded together be an alteration in the state law to to secure money from allow business improvement disinfrastructure bonds to tricts to apply alongside with muimprove the Figueroa Corridor. nicipalities for this infrastructure funding,” said Holter. The proposal survived the rigorous selection process. “The project is moving forward, if slowly”, says Holter. Holter advocates a reoriented DASH transit route that is more visible throughout the corridor, better signage, more trees and green space, bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly development around the upcoming light rail stations — and the discussions for these things is underway. “It was the first time as far as we know that a business improvement district had joined with a municipality to undertake a project funded by bond money,” Holter said. “We think it’s a really interesting precedent. It’s another example of creative public-private partnerships. We might see more of these projects in the future.”

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April 26, 2010

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EDITORIALS DWP ‘Transparency’ Must Be More Than Lip Service

ast week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sought to deal with a problem he surely never expected to become so nettlesome — rate hikes at the Department of Water and Power, and their ensuing fallout. By appointing Austin Beutner as interim general manager of the embattled agency, he seems to be sending a message to an angry populace and an emboldened (and also angry) City Council that, finally, some things may change at the department, and that he can get the situation back in hand. Exactly what will change, we don’t know. It remains to be seen how much leeway Villaraigosa will give Beutner, who only joined his administration in January and still has the substantial tasks of heading job creation and overseeing a dozen city departments. If the mayor truly recognizes that serious problems have arisen at certain levels of the DWP, and if he really wants to hear Beutner’s ideas for altering the culture of the agency, then this could be a good move. If, however, this is just a canny effort to deflect the recent criticism and that after a few months some poorly planned and inadequately described rate increases will be passed in a sleight-ofhand manner, then little will have been accomplished. Beutner, an experienced businessman, seems to have the chops and the backbone to effect change. He’ll need every bit of his acumen, as well as help from those skilled in negotia-

tions and battles with the agency’s powerful public employees union leader, as he begins his task. According to a statement from Villaraigosa’s office, Beutner’s directive at the DWP is “to immediately perform a top-to-bottom financial and operational review to lead to a new era of transparency, accountable management and to implement business- and ratepayer-friendly reforms.” On one hand, yawn; these are the kind of slogans one hears all the time in politics, and new GMs are regularly introduced with similar marching orders. Yet there is an intense hope that this time it will be different, that in the case of the DWP the words will be followed with substance, although of course it won’t happen “immediately.” In fact, the situation may be one where real change, the kind that actually does benefit residential and business customers instead of just the entrenched forces, has to occur. Villaraigosa was bruised recently when his attempt to shove through a hefty DWP rate hike was terribly fumbled. The decision was badly conceived from the start, and the situation grew worse as the agency, and its now former head David Freeman, battled with the city council over the $73 million it had committed to transfer to the general fund. In a relatively short time, the management of the agency came to look like a batch of blackmailing bullies; Villaraigosa was not spared,

Stimulating Downtown

ince the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009, more commonly known by its already mythical nickname, The Stimulus, about $500 million has been directed to agencies and projects based in Downtown Los Angeles. That not-insubstantial sum is a nice beginning. Let’s just hope that last word, “beginning,” is the operative one. Downtown, which in the past decade has seen phenomenal growth in the residential, cultural and nightlife spheres, is poised for even further advancement in the next 10 years and beyond. The community is home to numerous projects and entities that could bolster the workforce. It is an area that deserves more consideration for, and then allocation of, stimulus dollars. Last week, Los Angeles Downtown News

published the story “The Stimulus in Downtown.” It detailed how the $787 billion initiative signed by President Barack Obama has affected the Central City. So far, more than 50 local projects and organizations have received money. Governments and municipal agencies have seen the lion’s share (more than $300 million, for example, has been steered to Metro, including about $60 million for the Gold Line Eastside Extension), while about $107 million has gone to other entities. The allocations are across the board. About $9.6 million is going to the New Genesis Apartments, a low-income housing project on Main Street that will create 220 construction jobs (though it is unclear how many positions are directly tied to stimulus dollars). Many cultural organizations

as he has the power to appoint and fire board members. Sensing the public frustration and seeing a political opening, the council not only rebuffed the rate hike that would have begun April 1, but began talking about assuming financial management of the DWP. This is where Beutner comes in, and why it is so important for him to be more than a figure who parrots the mayor’s policy wishes. This is also why the choice of Beutner for the job is shrewd and potentially inspired — the man who makes just $1 a year clearly isn’t doing this for the salary. He has the freedom to go against the grain and not suffer for it. Then again, this prompts some questions: How will Beutner have the time to handle the DWP post and his other duties? He now has the responsibility, but does he have the authority? Does he have the depth of staff it will take to support the high level of delegation needed? Also, we can’t help but wonder, if Beutner is overseeing a dozen city departments and the DWP and is working on job creation, what the heck is the mayor doing? This is a crucial time for Villaraigosa, as dictated in his State of the City address last week. What Beutner comes up with and how it is embraced will say a lot about the direction the mayor wants to go in his final three years. Here’s hoping that “a new era of transparency” and “business- and ratepayerfriendly reforms” are more than just the stuff of press releases.

have received smaller allocations. For example, the Arts District-based Cornerstone Theater Company got $50,000 to hire a staffer to outreach to various communities. REDCAT and MOCA also got $50,000 apiece, while the Friends of the Chinese American Museum will save one job with a $14,000 grant. This money is welcome. Yet many other projects are on the books in Downtown, and it seems that one of the primary growth centers in the state deserves more. There are numerous projects here that would bolster the overall economy. A handful of transportation projects, such as the proposed Regional Connector, seem worthy of stimulus funds. So does the stalled Federal Courthouse, a $1 billion development that would rise in a current hole in the ground at the southwest corner of First Street and Broadway. A case could be made to direct stimulus money to the Hall of

Administration, a onetime County jewel that officials are looking to restore. All of these would pay benefits well into the future. There are other local projects that seem to be valid applicants for the $275 billion in stimulus money being directed to businesses, nonprofits and public agencies to create jobs or deliver services to the unemployed. Consider the many social service providers in Central City East, or the multiple low-income housing projects in the planning stage or under construction. Certainly a case can be made for aiding other Downtown arts and cultural organizations. Getting stimulus funds isn’t easy. And it shouldn’t be. Applicants should have to jump through hoops — tough criteria will help cut down on fraud and misuse. But Downtown is poised for continued growth, and it needs all the help it can get. More stimulus money would have a solid payoff.

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jeff Favre, Michael X. Ferraro, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins ProductioN AssistANt / EvENt coordiNAtor: Claudia Hernandez PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway, Tam Nguyen, Kelley Smith circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

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Downtown News 5

Opinion

LETTERS

The Readers Talk Back

A Question of Rent Control

Comments on a Drug Dealer Crackdown, a Melting City and More

Dear Editor, s a rental property owner in the rent-controlled city of Los Angeles, I read with interest about the dispute between city leaders and the merchants of Olvera Street (“El Pueblo Rent Increases Begin,” by Richard Guzmán, April 5). The city leaders advocate, favor and endorse rent control, except with city-owned property. So what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. These same leaders are always proclaiming the city needs X-number of units of affordable housing to keep up with the increase in population. —Sal Calderon, Los Angeles

Another Eyesore Nomination Dear Editor, ongratulations on your article on Downtown’s 10 worst eyesores (March 22, by Anna Scott). The only problem is that you left out the worst one: the 110 Freeway from the Convention Center north to the end of the tunnels. Especially the four-level, which should be a showpiece but instead is a disgrace. Caltrans is doing nothing in this area. Check out the 210 through Pasadena and La Cañada-Flintridge as a comparison. As a retired city employee I am pleased at what you are doing, but please get some “community service” people to clean up the 110 mess. —John Coombs, South Pasadena

Los Angeles Downtown News encourages letters. They become the property of Los Angeles Downtown News and may be edited. All letters should be typewritten and include an address and telephone number for verification. Please send them to: Letter to the Editor 1264 W. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90026 Fax to: (213) 250-4617 Email to: realpeople@downtownnews.com

os Angeles Downtown News posts comments to stories on our website. Here are some of the most recent responses. Additional comments appear on downtownnews.com (comments follow individual articles). Further responses are welcome. Regarding the article “City Cracks Down on Skid Row Drug Trade,” by Ryan Vaillancourt, published April 12 t’s about time someone takes control of those who target the poorest in the area. These people are victims who don’t have a chance when the drug dealers are all around. How does an individual recover from drugs? The war on drugs is never-ending. As long as you have people in our society who can’t leave them, and continue to consume them, it will be impossible to stop the dealers. —posted by Maria, April 12, 8:45 p.m.

live in that part of Downtown and I’ll admit the police have their job cut out for them. I’m not a fan of the LAPD, but something must be done to make living in this area better. I hate to say it, but thanks to all of the loft people maybe Skid Row will become a more livable, drug-free area. There’s only one problem: Where are all of the yuppies going to buy their drugs once they clean up the area? A lot of them are buying just as many drugs as the residents of Skid Row. —posted by Tishawn, April 13, 4:13 p.m.

irst, congratulations to all on the Row who have been working tirelessly for this injunction. Second, there is no promise that this will totally stop drug dealing or use, but it can serve as a deterrent. I particularly like the public naming of the 80 people who are known to be the worst offenders; I would wager they are people who have been arrested repeatedly in the community. What has contributed to the continued drug phenomenon on the Row is being quiet about it. The more that is said and done publicly about it, the better. Lastly, hundreds of thousands of people recover from substance abuse. There are thousands of them on Skid Row and I applaud the efforts of those that

participated in making this injunction possible. —posted by Leslie C, April 13, 5:50 p.m. Regarding the column “The Great Melting City,” by Jon Regardie, posted online April 9 hanks for mentioning the big union pay raises the DWP handed out. The board can’t claim to be poor today when it was in such good shape financially just months ago. It reminds me of homeowners taking money out of their homes for vacations, recreational vehicles, big screen TVs, etc., and then claiming they can’t afford the mortgage. The DWP knew that greening was coming, but committed all their money to the labor contracts first so they could request a rate hike for going green. If they had committed the money to going green first, just think what the reaction would be if they came in asking for big rate hikes to give their workers raises. It was and is totally dishonest, and most people in town aren’t willing to call them on it. —posted by AJK, April 9, 7:15 p.m.

couldn’t have said it better myself. See, the DWP only denied the city of L.A. the $73 million because the Council denied them the rate hikes. It’s like two 5-year olds fighting. Come on guys! The city is in trouble. Instead of giving out raises, why not use the money to help the city get out of this hole? It’s so stupid sometimes. All the bigwigs need to just grow up. —posted by Danny, April 12, 12:09 p.m.

Regarding the news brief “Police Looking for Brazen Bike Thief,” published April 12 his guy stole my bike from the parking garage where I work in Pasadena, so he is not just targeting Downtown L.A., but rather locations that are in close proximity to Metro stations. Video footage shows that he broke my lock and was on my bike within 25 minutes after I parked it. My advice: Go back and check on your bike frequently. Call the police immediately if it is stolen. And request that the surveillance video from your location be sent to the police. —posted by Madeleine, April 14, 2:25 p.m.

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6 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

Twitter/DowntownNews

Downtown News Scores in State Awards First Place Prizes in Feature Writing, Editorial Cartoon

os Angeles Downtown News had its strongest showing ever in the recent awards handed out by the California Newspaper Publishers Association, picking up two first-place prizes and three second-place awards. Downtown News was also named a finalist in four additional categories. In the 2009 Better Newspapers Contest, which covered works from April 1, 2008-Oct. 31, 2009, Downtown News received a first place prize in the Feature category, for “More Than Just a Game,” staff writer Ryan Vaillancourt’s threepart series on a Skid Row basketball league. Vaillancourt spent more than a year interviewing participants and immersing himself in the league and the community; the stories appeared over three weeks last October. Another first place honor went to Doug Davis in the Editorial Cartoon category for his July 14, 2008, effort “Zell the Executioner,” about Sam Zell’s acquisition of Tribune Co. and the disastrous layoffs that followed at the Los Angeles Times. Downtown News earned a second-place prize in the Public Service category, for a collection of six news stories and three editorials about problems with rents at El Pueblo de

Los Angeles Historical Monument. The “Trouble at El Pueblo” collection, with bylined pieces by City Editor Richard Guzmán, ran over a 17-month period. A second place award in the Feature Photo competition went to Gary Leonard, for his June 2008 shot of City Councilman Ed Reyes jumping into a pool in City West. The final second place award, in the Investigative/Enterprise Reporting category, went to former staff writer Anna Scott for “The Downtown Diamond Caper.” The story, published in December 2008, was an investigation into a con man who bilked Jewelry District business people out of millions of dollars worth of diamonds and other precious gems. Downtown News was cited as a finalist in Columnists, for two Regardie Report columns by Jon Regardie; Editorial Pages; General News Photo, for another picture by Gary Leonard; and Local News Coverage, for a collection of 10 pieces over a two-week period. The awards were announced April 16. In all categories, Downtown News competed against weekly newspapers throughout the state with a circulation of 25,000 and above. Altogether, nearly 4,000 entries were submitted for the contest’s 28 categories.

Doug Davis won the California Newspaper Publishers Association first-place prize in the Editorial Cartoon category for the July 14, 2008, work “Zell the Executioner.”

photo by Gary Leonard

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Gary Leonard’s June 2, 2008, shot of City Councilman Ed Reyes jumping into a pool in City West earned a secondplace award in the Feature Photo category.

April 26, 2010

Downtown News 7

DowntownNews.com

Meruelo Maddux Tower Sale Approved Thirty-Five Story South Park Building Fetches $110 Million

eveloper Meruelo Maddux Properties last week sold its 35-story project at 705 W. Ninth St., providing the best opportunity in years for the long-anticipated South Park trophy tower to finally open. Corona-based Watermarke Properties agreed in February to purchase the South Park building for $110 million, and Judge Kathleen Thompson approved the sale in bankruptcy court on Monday, April 19. The deal was slated to close within five days of the judge’s approval, and though escrow was not finalized as of press time, it was expected to go through, officials familiar with the deal said. Officials with Meruelo Maddux, which according to court documents spent about $150 million developing the tower, declined to comment on the deal, and Watermarke did not return multiple calls for comment. The privately owned company bills itself as an “all-cash” buyer that has closed on more than $450 million worth of California real estate in the past two years. Though it is unclear whether Watermarke intends to operate 705 W. Ninth St.’s 214 units as condominiums or apartments, the company is geared mostly toward the latter. Watermarke has purchased seven residential properties since 2008, all of

Filming Complaints Rise Although Numbers Increase 50%, Permitting Group Sees a Bright Side by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

istorically, Downtown Los Angeles’ residential population has had a rocky relationship with Hollywood production companies who take over blocks and parking lots to shoot everything from Jack Bauer action scenes to 7-Up commercials. Now, the situation is worsening, with the number of complaints rising 50% in a year. To visitors, it might be cool to stumble upon Dog the Bounty Hunter posing for a promotional shot on Main Street, with smoke machines and fans blowing white clouds behind his blonde mane. But for those who live Downtown, on-location filming means street closures, loud noises and other disturbances. FilmL.A., the nonprofit that coordinates film permits in much of the region, fielded 432 complaints related to Downtown productions in 2009, up from 286 in 2008. FilmL.A. President Paul Audley sees the uptick not necessarily as a reflection of more people frustrated by filming, but as an indication that their efforts to engage the public are working. The organization has boosted its community outreach in recent years; since 2008, he said, FilmL.A. has sent 1.6 million emails as part of its electronic notification system, with the vast majority of the recipients located in Downtown. “As a result of sending those out, it gives them an immediate opportunity to reply,” Audley said. “So, the fact that we’re hearing from more people, we’re strangely happy with that.” FilmL.A. ranks complaints by category. Of the 432 protests in 2009, 93 were from businesses that claimed to have lost revenue as a result of a production. There were 37 such complaints in 2008. The increase in those complaints was common across areas where FilmL.A. coordinates permitting, Audley said. “Certainly, the economy and the stress that business is under is making people look for every opportunity for revenue, and we believe that’s a lot of why we’ve seen this increase,” he said. The production business has been lumbering through its own economic slump, though the first quarter of 2010 did see an increase in filming. The Los Angeles region saw an 18% jump in film production days compared to the first quarter of 2009, thanks largely to a 61% rise in commercials, according to a recent FilmL.A. report. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

them rentals, according to information on its website. Meruelo Maddux initially planned the property as highpriced condos. Then, last September, it launched a short-lived marketing campaign geared toward attracting renters, touting units that started at $2,248 for an 862-square-foot studio. For the $110 million deal to pencil out for Watermarke, broker Kitty Wallace, senior vice president at Colliers International and a specialist in multi-family property sales, said 705 W. Ninth St. will have to command rents similar to the Hanover Company’s 717 Olympic tower at Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street. When that project debuted in 2008, rents started at $2,499 and went up to nearly $20,000.

(A 717 leasing agent was not immediately available to comment on current rates). “They’ve got the Hanover project next door, and if I’m them I’m comfortable because I can get those rates,” Wallace said. “The rental rate is your biggest uncertainty and for a long-term hold — and they’re a long-term hold type buyer on an asset like that — they’re able to make some fluctuations because the rental market is depressed, but it’s coming up.” As part of the sale approval, Mereulo Maddux also finalized a settlement with Canyon Capital Realty Advisors, which had financed construction with an $84 million loan. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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8 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

Twitter/DowntownNews

State of the City Continued from page 1 I’ve had more fun at wakes. Here are the highlights from before, during and after the April 20 address. 3:24 p.m.: The Ron Deaton Auditorium, part of the new Police Administration Building, is about 15% full. It is also so dark they have to bring in extra lights. Why a $440 million project lacks adequate lighting is beyond me. This place has all the charm of a Tora Bora cave. 3:33: The suits and ties start to fill the room. Some gladhanding, but the overall energy level is low. Amid the quiet, I ponder the likelihood of things happening. Will AnVil use the word “dream” in his speech (I give it a 36% chance)? Will he mention any members of his family (23%)? Will he put the letters D, W and P together in a sentence (73%)? Speaking of said department, will he begin the address with the unofficial Department of Water and Power alphabet, which can be sung along to the ABC tune. It goes: A-OK DWP, FU LA OMG. That is only 13 characters and the normal alphabet has 26. The DWP commission promises to deliver the next verse if the city raises water and power rates 983%. 3:39: More people file in, some of them smiling. Why are they

photo by Gary Leonard

More than 400 people filled the Ron Deaton Auditorium at the Police Administration Building for what might be considered the grimmest speech of the spring.

so happy? Probably because they’re not city employees being furloughed or laid off. 3:45: Councilman Tom LaBonge enters, and one instantly wonders if he’s thinking, “Four years from now I’ll get to give the State of the City speech.” 3:46: There’s Lieutenant Governor candidate Janice Hahn, who if I remember right is also a City Council member. By the way, she dislikes Gavin Newsom more than anyone else in the auditorium.

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3:49: The energy in the room is increasing, with more chatter and more council members. There’s Herb Wesson. There’s Dennis Zine’s goatee, followed a moment later by Dennis Zine. 3:54: Council President Eric Garcetti strolls in, and one wonders if he’s thinking, “Four years from now I’ll get to give the State of the City speech.” He gives Janice Hahn’s back a quick rub. He wonders, is she still on the council? 3:55: Controller Wendy Greuel arrives, mentally calculating

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whether Los Angeles will be broke by the time the speech ends. One wonders if she’s thinking, “Four years from now I’ll get to give the State of the City speech.” 3:56: City Attorney Carmen Trutanich arrives. He resists the urge to arrest everyone in the front row. 3:58: Eli Broad enters, and in the next couple minutes it’s like the nobles who used to line up to pay their respects to French kings. Greuel speaks with him, followed by Garcetti. Then Zine approaches. Then holy cow, Councilman Bill Rosendahl comes over and gives him a hug! Are you allowed to do this? I thought King Eli had that look-but-don’t-touch thing. Can Rosendahl get whacked for this? 4:09: The crowd has been asked to sit five times. Two of the few still standing and holding court are Broad and Trutanich. I calculate a 64% chance that Nuch sits first.

Downtown News 9

DowntownNews.com ponder, but she had to decide and then live with the consequences. It’s kind of the same thing here (minus the yucky Nazis): Pounded into near-submission by a decrease in tax revenue and hamstrung by the huge amounts that must be paid to pension funds, the city has to chop, and AnVil becomes Sophie. He’s made the call that the LAPD gets to live at full strength, and that most every other department and every other city worker will suffer. 4:41: “This is not a budget that reflects why I ran for office,” he says. Gosh, I hope not. Of course, it’s not the budget that reflects why anyone ran for office. 4:45: Building toward the climax, he says, “We must all be willing to take cuts in our pay. It begins with me.” That may trim his salary all the way to about $160,000, or even $150,000. I hope he’ll be OK.

4:46: He references his “grandpa Pete,” predicts “sunnier days ahead” in a decidedly non-sunny manner, and then closes the speech. To mild applause. In the following minutes, some people appear grim, some stunned and some grateful. I overhear Councilman Paul Koretz express relief that layoffs are down from the 4,000 and could fall even further. As folks gather in front of the building, there is plenty of spin, especially from the union leaders who speak to any microphone available about their counter budget. If someone held up a cucumber they’d probably talk to that. 5:25: Forty minutes after the speech, I see Police Chief Charlie Beck giving a tour of the new LAPD headquarters to Eli Broad. He points out the collection of motorcycles in the lobby of the building. Wow, a personal tour from the chief. It’s good to be the king. Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

4:10: King Eli sits first. Nuch follows 20 seconds later. 4:13: A group of about a dozen children from the Summer Lights gang prevention program file in to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I’m told there was supposed to be 16 of them, but four have been furloughed. 4:16: Police Commission member John Mack takes the stage. He describes Villaraigosa as “an outstanding leader and dedicated public servant.” He does this with a straight face. 4:18: AnVil is introduced. Applause rings as necks crane to see him. However, after about 30 seconds, it becomes clear that he is not in the room. I’ve never before seen someone late for their own introduction. This is like the scene in Spinal Tap where the band is lost in the tunnels of the arena as the cheering crowd awaits. Mack gets back on the stage and reintroduces him. This time he arrives. I wonder if he’ll sing “Stonehenge.”

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4:19: The talk begins. Villaraigosa says that he’ll only be addressing the economy and the city’s budget. He’s somber as he describes a “historic economic collapse.”

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4:21: He mentions city employees who may get a whopping 26 furlough days a year. Then he describes “initiating layoffs of more than 800 employees.” If anyone’s stunned by this number — well, everyone’s stunned by this number. The amount of city workers to be laid off has bounced wildly in recent months, with figures including 1,000 and then 2,000 employees. A couple weeks ago, elected leaders were ruing that 4,000 city workers would lose their jobs. In addition to the 2,400 early retirements. Now it’s 800? What are they doing, tossing numbers into a Bingo hopper, letting possible Councilmember Janice Hahn pull them out and saying that’s the layoff figure of the day? Has no one figured out that such fluctuation is about as credible as professional wrestling? 4:23: Villaraigosa gets to the DWP and the recent ugly showdown over rate hikes. He delivers the gem, “I think you could even say that we have allowed the strain of the challenges we face to undermine civic unity.” Undermine civic unity? That’s a super polite way of describing a weeks-long political slugfest in which AnVil and the DWP Commission he appoints were pummeled. This is kind of like if Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy described the Civil War as a petty dispute over non-unionized labor, then afterwards gave a shrug and quipped, “My bad.” 4:29: Describing the growth of the LAPD, Villaraigosa remarks, “Our neighborhoods are the safest they’ve been since the Eisenhower administration,” prompting the speech’s first (and what will prove to be the only) interrupting round of applause. Which is weird, because who knew 34th president Dwight D. Eisenhower would resonate so intensely 49 years after he left office? Angelenos sure love them some Dwight D. 4:31: He talks about getting Measure S, the telephone tax, passed by the voters. He mentions getting Measure R, a tax for public transit projects, passed by the voters. But he neglects to bring up Measure B, the DWP solar power initiative that was kidney punched to defeat by the voters. Hey, two out of three ain’t bad. 4:36: He gets to the heart of the matter, the issue that he is basing his mayoral legacy on: public safety. “This budget maintains our police department at its current level of just under 10,000 officers,” he says. “And this budget makes no cuts to our 9-1-1 emergency response system.” This, for better or worse, is the mayoral equivalent of Sophie’s Choice. In the 1982 comedy (joking!), Meryl Streep had to decide whether her son or daughter would live. Either choice was terrible, something no one would ever want to

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10 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

Twitter/DowntownNews

Guadalupe Continued from page 1 Chapel. She called the facility two days before they exchanged vows. From the street, the Guadalupe Wedding Chapel can easily fade into the bustling urban

landscape. Inside, it has a spacious waiting room decked out with Victorian-style furnishings and oil paintings that nearly cover the walls. It holds five fully decorated chapels and offers five wedding packages ranging from about $200 to $900. Couples can opt for a wedding license and a quick 15-minute ceremony for about 15 guests, or a 100-person

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The newlyweds with some of the friends and family who attended the Downtown ceremony.

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ceremony complete with a photo album, edited videos of the ceremony and even wedding rings. The business also can help with taxes or immigration paperwork. Or, for those who jump into marriage too quickly, or who just realize the match isn’t made in heaven, they do divorces. “In Guadalupe it’s a one-stop shop,” said Giuliano Rodriguez, who along with his wife Maria Morchon runs the chapel and its Huntington Park outpost. The building opened at 237 S. Broadway in 1971, with a single chapel. Licensed as notary publics who can issue wedding licenses, they offered an alternative to a city hall or courtroom wedding, as well as an affordable option for their blue-collar clientele. They can be pretty fast weddings too. With an ID or a passport, or with written permission from the court if the participants are photo by Gary Leonard younger than 18, a couple can go Kewyn Cardenas and his wife Lilia are typical customers to Guadalupe and, in as little as 30 of Guadalupe Chapel: young, in love, and with a family minutes, walk down the aisle as connection to the nearly 40-year-old business. man and wife. “Next comes the honeymoon,” Rodriguez said. “We don’t get involved in just about any background can be inserted. that, but in one of our packages you receive a “We can put Hawaii in the background, the trip to Vegas as a honeymoon.” beach, anything they want,” Monroy explained. The chapel has helped spark a small wedRodriguez and Morchon talk like business ding industry along Broadway. There are two people, but they literally know what their smaller chapels and numerous wedding dress customers go through. They got married shops within blocks on the street, all aimed at there in 1996. a largely Latino clientele. “It was a beautiful experience,” Morchon “They were the first ones here, and they’re said. “It was my employees, a few friends. It the biggest, and when anything is successful, was so memorable.” others will follow,” said Arnoldo Dehming, a The D Word minister at Elvira’s Wedding Chapel, a oneThey also deal with the darker side of marchapel venue that was opened by a former riage: divorce. Guadalupe employee 25 years ago. While Morchon was quick to point out The Venetian that they are not attorneys, Guadalupe can Almost everything in the Guadalupe help prepare divorce documents that couples Wedding Chapel screams marriage. can present to the court. A red, heart-shaped image adorns the “We do maybe about 20 a month. It hapshiny marble floor in the lobby. A message pens,” Rodriguez said. circles the heart and reads: “From This Day There are even times when couples marForward Our Hearts Will Join As One As ried at Guadalupe return later for a divorce, We Begin Our Journey Together Through he admitted. Lifes Glory.” Other times couples come back for a difJust past the marble insignia is a spacious ferent reason: Guadalupe Wedding Chapel waiting room decorated in Victorian-style also does tax and immigration work. It is furnishings. in response to the needs of their clientele, “It’s a waiting room for all of our cha- which has traditionally been largely Latino pels,” said Juan Monroy, the chapel manager. and young, Rodriguez said. “During the weekends it can get really full.” Kewyn Cardenas and his new wife Lilia The five chapels are fully decorated all typify that customer base. the time, with chandeliers hanging and silk The 22-year-old proposed to his 21-yearflowers draped along the benches where old girlfriend at Griffith Observatory three guests sit. Chapel five, the largest in the months ago. Two days after calling the chabuilding, boasts a ceiling painted to resem- pel, they headed Downtown to get married. ble a bright blue sky to make the ceremony “I was scared,” Cardenas admitted. “But feel like an outdoor wedding. we’re young and we’re happy and I’m look“When you go to Guadalupe in Downtown ing forward to a future with her.” you feel like you are at the Venetian hotel in They chose Guadalupe, he said, because Vegas,” Rodriguez said. “When you walk in his mom and stepfather got married there 10 with the high ceilings and beautiful lobby years ago. areas and the chapels, we have everything to “It was a memorable experience,” he said of make it romantic.” his wedding. “We may actually have a big wedIf the chapel and ceremony are not roman- ding when we have the money and resources, tic enough, a downstairs photo studio can but in the meantime, this was perfect.” snap pictures of couples against a dark backContact Richard Guzmán at drop, or if they prefer, a green screen where richard@downtownnews.com.

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Continued from page 1 paying, in many cases for a decade or longer. Some merchants have protested that the new rate hikes are too steep. At least three rent checks that were paid April 1 bounced, as merchants stopped payment. “At this moment we are dialoguing with the city about how to proceed,” Andrade said, adding that there is no timeline yet on when and if the notices to evict will be served to the tenants. He added that he is consulting with the City Attorney, the Mayor’s office and the office of Councilman José Huizar, whose 14th District covers El Pueblo. For years, tenants on Olvera Street have paid rates that many experts have said are well below market value. An audit of El Pueblo conducted last year by the City Controller’s office found that Olvera Street rents average $1.35 per square foot, and that tenants of the puestos, the small kiosks in the center of the street, pay an average of $300 a month. On Jan. 14, the El Pueblo Board of Commissioners approved new rents recommended in a study commissioned by the city. The report said that retail tenants should pay $2$6.50 per square foot, and that puesto occupants should be charged $950-$1,350, depending on location. Most of the new rents are at the low end of the study’s spectrum. In recent years El Pueblo has required a subsidy of $800,000 or more from the city’s general fund to balance its budget. Increasing rents is seen as a crucial step in making the department self-sufficient. Rare Evictions El Pueblo officials for years have tried to increase rents, only to be rebuffed by a powerful and politically connected group of merchants. The city’s budget deficit, projected at $485 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1, has helped create an atmosphere making some more amenable to rate hikes. Of the 74 tenants on Olvera Street, 17 have 55-year leases, and are not impacted by the new rates. Fourteen have paid the new rates, while 43 delivered checks for the previous amounts. Their increases range from $316 to $5,762. Tenants that made partial payment include Casa La Golondrina, owned by Vivien Bonzo, president of the Olvera Street Merchants Association. Bonzo, who did not return calls for comment, still owes $5,095 (the total new rent is $10,726) for her 5,363-square-foot restaurant, according to documents that are publicly available. She also owes an additional $1,039 for 1,650 square feet of office space. La Golondrina owes the city more money for April’s rent than any other tenant. Other tenants that owe substantial amounts include Myrosa Enterprises, run by Mike Mariscal; he only paid his previous rent, of $1,046. That makes him $4,234 behind on the $5,280 rent that went into effect April 1. When called by Los Angeles Downtown News, Mariscal hung up on a reporter. Evictions at El Pueblo, which sees more than 2 million visitors every year, are rare. Although one longtime shop, Casa De Sousa, was evicted last October, city officials do not expect that tenants withholding portions of their rent will suffer the same consequences. While Huizar said he has been pushing for higher rents that are fair to merchants and still make El Pueblo self sufficient, evictions “[are] not going to happen,” he told Downtown News. He said that he thinks the merchants have not had an opportunity to negotiate their leases. “I don’t think that’s the right thing for the city as a landlord to do to the merchants who have given so much of their time. They’ve been there for decades supporting El Pueblo and Olvera Street and there should have been an opportunity for discussion,” he said. Legal Response On March 30, Huizar unsuccessfully sought to delay the new rents by 30 days. The City Council approved his motion to do so, but the vote came after the time when the council could legally mandate such a delay; instead the move was only a recommendation. In a letter dated April 9, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich advised Andrade that despite any opposition, the April 1 rent increases remain in effect, since there is no legal requirement to negotiate leases with the tenants, who are under month-tomonth concession agreements with the city. “Even if the City never enters into new concession agreements, the City may nonetheless increase rents to current market conditions,” the letter states. In an April 8 letter to Huizar, Trutanich said that tenants on month-to-month deals can have their rates raised with 30 days notice; at El Pueblo, notice of the increases were sent out 60 days before the new rates went into effect. Another contentious issue has been the length of new leas-

es. Many merchants on month-to-month deals have pointed to Proposition H, a measure approved by voters that they believe gives them the right to long-term leases, such as the 55-year terms signed by 17 tenants. Trutanich’s letter to Huizar expresses a different opinion. It states that under Proposition H, the city is permitted, but not required, to enter into long-term concession agreements. “Nothing in the language of Proposition H or in the current Charter, requires any particular length of time for a long term concession agreement. Additionally, the Charter does not authorize the concession agreements to be below market rate,” the letter reads. Alternate Study Huizar supports rate hikes, but objects to the current situation and the possibilities it could lead to. “Bottom line is I won’t support any eviction,” he said. “I would fight tooth and nail for anybody that’s being asked to

leave because of this process. It was a terrible, horrible process. I don’t disagree with rent increases, but the process was a horrible one.” Meanwhile, Olvera Street merchants have said that although they are willing to pay higher rents, the increases are too much and too soon. The Olvera Street Merchants Association, which represents the tenants, hired attorney Paul Hamilton to represent them in the dispute. “Our plan right now is to seek a meeting with the mayor, with Councilmember Huizar, and with the city attorney at the earliest possible time to see if we can find an amicable resolution to the differences,” Hamilton said. The Merchants Association has also commissioned its own report to determine what their rents should be. The study is expected to be completed this month, “I’d also be interested in seeing what that report has to say,” Huizar said. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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Urban Wilderness Natural History Museum Announces $30 Million Garden Plan by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

he Natural History Museum last week announced a new $30 million, 3.5-acre project that will transform and create a new “front yard” for the Exposition Park facility. The project, known as the North Campus, will include interactive outdoor exhibits; habitats for butterflies, birds, bugs and plants; and a new main entrance to the museum. It is set to open in July 2011, and is part of the museum’s $115 million master plan to renovate many of the public spaces as it ramps up to its centennial celebration in 2013. “It’s going to symbolize the transformation of the museum which is well underway, and will bring the work of scientists and educators outside in a beautiful green space in the middle of Downtown,” said Dr. Jane Pisano, president and director of the museum. The exhibit, announced on Thursday, April 22, will include 11 “zones,” with monikers such as Urban Edge, Transition Garden and Car Park. The former will span the museum perimeter along Exposition Boulevard and will be made up of butterfly and bird hedges. The latter will be a nature-filled twist on a

standard parking garage, with visitors able to leave their cars in a structure filled with vines, hummingbirds and butterflies. Insects encased in amber will serve as markers for parking spaces. Other elements include the Shadow Garden, a no-touch viewing area visible from an enclosed bird-viewing platform, and the Get Dirty Zone, which will house worms and pill bugs and offer information on composting. The 1913 Garden will include a Beaux-Arts sculptural fountain and mazes. In addition to beautifying the museum, the aim is to inspire thought from NHM visitors. “I hope people will go home to their own backyards and local parks and turn over rocks and have a new appreciation for critters they find, and that they see the world and nature through new and knowing eyes,” Pisano said. The project was funded with $10 million from the county, with the remaining money being raised from private donors. The overall museum project includes several major new exhibits. The first, Age of Mammals, opens in July. That is also when the restored 1913 main building will come back online. The NHM work comes at the same time as major upgrades in Exposition Park. Some renovations are taking place at the

photo by Gary Leonard

Natural History Museum President and Director Jane Pisano at the site of the Exposition Park facility’s coming North Campus project, which will create 11 specialty zones.

Coliseum, and last month the California Science Center saw the opening of a $165 million expansion, highlighted by the 45,000-square-foot Ecosystems exhibit. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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BARGAIN LUNCHES Bargain All-Stars Grub With Guzmán Picks the Best Local Low-Price Lunches by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

hen the clock strikes noon and the stomach begins to growl, the last thing you need is to be short of funds. It is a scary thought, but really, there is nothing to fear, since Downtown Los Angeles can accommodate just about every taste, on almost any budget. Over the past two years, the Grub With Guzmán column has focused on finding bargain meals that taste like they should cost a lot more. Here are the best of the bunch, the Grub With Guzmán All-Stars. Crave This: Pretty much any weird craving you have can be satisfied at the Old Bank Deli. The Historic Core favorite sells everything from canned sardines to Mexican condiments. Open seven days a week, the small deli and grocery store has an outdoor patio and an interior full of everything you need, starting with a selection of great deli sandwiches, hot paninis and salads. The sandwich selections include the Italian Combo ($6.49), with Black Forest ham, Genoa salami, mortadella, black olives and chopped pepperoncini. Another good choice is the Times Square, a pepper turkey panini with bacon, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing ($6.49). My favorite sandwich is the one I make myself with the deli’s Build Your Own Menu ($4.99). I usually go for the Black Forest ham with cheddar cheese on a French role with mayo, spicy mustard, tomato, lettuce, onion, pepperoncini and horseradish sauce. Old Bank Deli is at 409 S. Main St., (213) 680-9000.

Food for a Cause: Saving money is always a good thing, but when you can do something good while saving money, it’s even better. That’s where Village Kitchen in City West comes in. The small restaurant is run by the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children. It employs and teaches formerly homeless women how to cook and work in a kitchen in hopes of giving them the tools to find a job. The menu is constantly changing, so you never know what you’re going to get, but chances are it’ll be pretty good. Almost everything on the menu is $8 or less. Some popular items that are often available include the hot pastrami sandwich with house-made coleslaw ($6), the roast beef sandwich with horseradish cream ($6) and the grilled salmon BLT with house-made tartar sauce ($8). But Village Kitchen really shines with its baked goods. The red velvet cupcake ($2) is a must have. Also impressive are the chocolate pound cake ($2) and the carrot cake ($4). At 1667 Beverly Blvd., (213) 235-1487. Viva Deli: If you fancy yourself a proud Los Angeles food lover, then you regularly hit the Eastside Market Italian Deli. It has great history and even better food. The market has been around since 1929 and the deli opened in 1974. It’s an oldschool Italian deli that serves fresh and delicious sandwiches. It is also usually packed with locals, especially City Hall suits and fire and police officers. If you ask the guys behind the counter what they recommend, they’ll guide you to the number seven, the hot roast beef and pastrami ($6.60). This sandwich is huge and super meaty; it looks like an over-inflated football with meat spilling out everywhere. Also good are the tuna and cheese ($6.60), the cold cut and cheese ($7.10) and the D.A. Special ($8.10) with sausage, meatball, roast beef and pastrami. At 1013 Alpine St., (213) 250-2464 or esmdeli.com. Budget Sushi: When you think of bargain lunches, sushi doesn’t usually come to mind. But at SanSai Japanese Grill, sushi is served fresh, fast and for a good price. Granted, the

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sushi doesn’t compare to some of the more expensive places in Downtown, especially in flavor. But if you’re in a hurry or low on funds, SanSai (which is part of a chain) is more than adequate. The best deals are the combos. The Hand Roll Combo ($7.99) includes three hand rolls with a salad and miso soup. The Sushi Special Box ($11.99) offers the most fish, with 10 pieces of nigiri, including tuna, salmon, eel, shrimp and red snapper. I recommend the Sushi and Roll Combo ($7.99), since you get four pieces of nigiri and a six-piece roll. The restaurant also offers some Japanese favorites such as a tempura bowl ($6.49), udon noodles ($5.99) and a charbroiled salmon plate with rice, salad and veggie skewers ($8.99). At 806 W. Eighth St., (213) 627-2053 or sansaiusa.com. continued on next page

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Bargain Lunches

alligator and hickory smoked pork sausage ($7.75) is magnificent, crisp and fresh. Other exotic choices include the buffalo, beef and pork with chipotle ($7.75), the rabbit, veal and pork ($7.75), and for the really adventurous types, the rattlesnake and rabbit with jalapeño ($7.75). If those are too exotic, they also serve classic sausages like the bratwurst ($6) and gourmet twists such as the mango jalapeño chicken ($6.75). At 800 E. Third St., (213) 687-4444 or wurstkucherestaurant. com.

All-Stars Continued from page 13 Oink!: There are two things I know for sure about pigs: 1) They’re cute as hell when they’re little, and 2) They taste great when I eat them. But before all the animal activists start filling my inbox with hate mail, it’s not all my fault, since Uncle John’s Ham & Eggs continuously reaffirms my findings with its incredibly delicious grilled pork chops, which come with a side of fried rice ($6.50). Every day Downtowners pack the tiny, 1950s-style counter known for its curious mix of American and Chinese food. It’s at once a landmark and a hole-in-the-wall. Although not as magnificent as the pork chops, the chicken chow mein ($6.25) holds its own. Also worth a bite is the house noodle soup with shrimp, chicken, chasu and wonton ($6.50). At 433 W. Eighth St., (213) 623-3555. Playing Chicken: If you like shopping at those discount warehouses that offer gigantic portions at miniscule prices, then you’ll feel right at home at Sultan Chicken. The Sixth Street restaurant offers several delicious Mediterranean dishes along with breakfast. There are also some Mexican choices such as quesadillas and burritos and American classics like burgers and fries. The portions are huge and the prices phenomenal. The combo kebab plate ($9) is a great choice. It includes chicken, steak and lule (ground beef and spices) kebab with hummus, rice, pita bread and a memorable lemony salad. Those who eschew meat can opt for a veggie plate ($7.50) with falafel, salad, hummus, mutabal, taboule and pita. I usually go with the half chicken plate ($7.50) with hummus, salad, rice and a pita. The whole chicken plate is $2 more. At 311 W. Sixth St., (213) 236-0604. Pupusa Platter: While Mexican food in L.A. gets all the glory when it comes to Latin cuisine, there’s a tiny country that also deserves some recognition, and not just for being the land that

photo by Gary Leonard

Spitz in Little Tokyo specializes in the döner kebab, a traditional Turkish street food.

created me. Grand Central’s Sarita’s Pupuseria Salvadorean Food does a great job with my country’s main dish, the pupusa. It’s basically our taco, hot dog, hamburger and apple pie all in one in terms of what it means to my compatriots. It’s a thick tortilla stuffed with pork, cheese, beans or all of them at the same time. Sarita’s sells them for $2.40 apiece and two per plate should satisfy anyone. There are other classic Salvi dishes on the menu, such as the bistec encebollado, marinated beef with onions ($8), or the sopa de res, a filling beef stew ($6.75) At Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway, (213) 626-6320 or grandcentralsquare.com. Snappy Sausages: One might think that it would cost a fortune to eat exotic meats such as alligator and rattlesnake. But Wurstküche, an Arts District gem, will not only give you a great deal on those meals, they’ll serve them up in a nicely packaged sausage. Wurstküche is a sausage and beer lover’s paradise, with more than 20 varieties of sausage on the menu. They are served on a fresh roll with sauerkraut, onions or peppers, and you can get fat Belgian fries that come with dipping choices such as blue cheese or plain-old ketchup. The

A Goner for Döner: Traditional street food shouldn’t be ruined by being too classed up. They know that at Spitz, the Downtown home of the döner kebab, a traditional Turkish meal. The döner kebab is a slow-roasted meat that is similar to shawarma and is shaved into thin strips and served as a sandwich or a salad. I recommend the Classic Döner ($6.47 à la carte, or $9.24 as a meal with a drink and a side of fries, pita strips or a salad). The meat is half-lamb, half-beef and can be served on focaccia bread or in a lavash wrap (think pita bread). The sandwich is topped with tzatziki and chili sauce. Those who don’t eat meat can try The Veg ($6 or $8.50 in the combo) with hummus, feta cheese, olives and vegetables. The Chicken Doner ($6.47/$9.24) is another must-try, with a lightly spiced bird and green peppers. At 371 E. Second St., (213) 613-0101 or at eatatspitz.com. Going South: The Historic Core spot Ensenada is named after the famous Mexican beach town. It also offers plenty of foods you might find on a trip south, such as the green enchiladas ($8.95) and the carne asada plate ($10.95), which comes with sides of rice, salad and grilled onions. Also appetizing are the seafood items, such as the Caldo 7 Mares (seven seas soup, $12.50), which has everything you could find in the ocean in one delicious bowl. The oyster plate ($13) is tempting, but it may be too much for a workday lunch. The pork short ribs ($8.95) are a great choice and are served in a red-hot sauce. At 517 S. Spring St., (213) 489-2950 or ensenadarest.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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April 26, 2010

Bargain Lunches

Deals on Meals A Food Tour Guide Dishes on Downtown Lunch Bargains by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

eff Okita knows a thing or two about food in Downtown Los Angeles. He is one of the owners of Six Taste, which offers tours that take participants to different parts of the city where they sample five to nine restaurants in one day. Downtown is one of their more popular locations, he said, and it offers plenty of inexpensive, solid choices. “We’re at the stage where a lot of midrange restaurants are moving into the area,” Okita said. “Since a lot of them are brand new they are willing to offer these great happy hours and affordable lunches.” Okita shared some of his advice on finding bargain lunches with Los Angeles Downtown News. Los Angeles Downtown News: What is your definition of a bargain lunch? Jeff Okita: In the Downtown area I would definitely say anything under $10-$15 is a solid bargain lunch. And there are places where you can even find things under $10. Q: Where in Downtown can you find multiple bargain lunches in a compact area? A: A lot of the places on Spring Street are popping up, from restaurants to coffee shops. There are places like L.A. Café, where you can get a sandwich and a drink for under $10. For desserts there are places like Syrup; it’s a great place especially for sweet grilled cheese sandwiches. Q: Are there any unexpected or new places that offer bargains? A: A great spot is Lost Souls Café; their food is really affordable. It’s a cool coffee shop and just a nice place to hang out, and you can get a sandwich and drink for under $10. At Eighth and Broadway is Mac & Cheeza. They offer very solid lunch options for not a lot of money. Q: Is there a particular kind of food that’s usually a bargain? A: Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine offer the best deals, some of the lowest prices you’re going to find. Thai food too. While Downtown can be a little pricier than places like the San Gabriel Valley or Thai Town, there are places like Soi 7 where the prices are a little higher, but pretty reasonable for the quality of the food and the environment. I still consider it a bargain.

photo courtesy of Jeff Okita

Jeff Okita of food tour company Six Taste has plenty of tips on finding inexpensive, good meals Downtown.

Q: When you’re exploring, what type of place do you look for? A: If you’re looking for a bargain lunch you’re obviously not going to want to go to a place that’s spent tens of thousands of dollars on the interior. In general I look for places that are nice and comfortable but homey. I look for places that are unpretentious, where the service is very friendly. Q: Are there any places in Downtown where you think you’re going to spend a lot of money but it’s really a bargain? A: One place is ZenCu in Little Tokyo. Considering that it’s sushi, they have really affordable prices. Q: What about lunch trucks? Which ones do you recommend for a bargain in Downtown? A: There’s definitely some that give you a lot more bang for your buck. One of the best is Nam Nam, which is Vietnamese. For $7 you can get a six-inch sandwich plus two tacos and a drink. I think that’s a great deal. Six Taste is at sixtaste.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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Downtown News 15

16 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

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It Pays to Weight Lifting Has Plenty of Benefits, Even for Beginners by Reina V. KutneR

t can be easy to be intimidated at the gym. You want to start weight training, and all you can think about are the bodybuilders with incredible amounts of muscle who are using the machines all around you. Believe it or not, weight training doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, it’s crucial for your workout. According to the Mayo Clinic, lean muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and if you don’t do anything to replace it, fat will creep in instead. But if you weight train, you’ll maintain joint flexibility, increase bone density and be able to manage your weight. More muscle in your body means that your metabolism increases, which allows for more weight loss, if that’s your goal. Another benefit is that it doesn’t take as much time as most people think. Bodybuilders may spend 90-plus minutes in the gym, but others don’t have to. “You can see significant improvement in your strength in just two or three 20- or 30-minute weight-training sessions a week,” says Edward Laskowski, the Mayo Clinic’s physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Here are some of the Mayo Clinic’s tips on how to get started: n Start with a good warm-up. Five to 10 minutes of running or other aerobic exercise

will get your muscles ready for training. If you don’t, you’re more likely to hurt yourself. n Learn proper technique. If you aren’t doing exercises properly, they can hurt you more than they help you. Sometimes they cause sprains, strains and even broken bones. A specialist, such as a personal trainer, can help you get on the right track. n Make sure you are wearing the right gear. Good shoes are particularly important for weight training, as you need footwear with strong traction so you can avoid slipping. When you become more advanced, you also can opt for gloves. n Pick the right amount of weight. According to the clinic, you should start with a weight that you can lift 12 to 15 times. If you’re a beginner, this may mean a few pounds. Don’t worry; you will get stronger. And once you do, you can start to increase the weight slowly. n Don’t forget to breathe. The Mayo Clinic says that holding your breath while lifting weights can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure. It suggests breathing in as you lift and breathing out as you lower the weight. n Make sure not to rush your exercises. You need to raise and lower your weights slowly to get the full burn and not injure yourself. If you go too fast, you will be relying on momentum, not your own body. n Learn to work all your major muscle groups,

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Downtown News 17

CALENDAR Tiger Talk by Pamela albanese

n the midst of a city torn asunder by bombs, two soldiers stand guard at a zoo. Imprisoned behind them, an irascible tiger with a fondness for the f-word endures an existential crisis. Welcome to modern Baghdad. The setting comes courtesy of Rajiv Joseph, a figure who until two weeks ago was relatively unknown outside the theater community. But a couple things are changing that, and quickly. First, his Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, a play that attempts to depict the vast emotional spectrum of war, opened at the Mark Taper Forum on April 25. It continues through May 30. The second element concerns the praise heaped on Joseph. Not only did he earn accolades when the show premiered last year at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, but on April 12 the bomb dropped that Bengal Tiger was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in drama (it lost out to Next to Normal).

photo courtesy of Center Theatre Group

New York-based Rajiv Joseph recently learned that his play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in drama.

photo by Craig Schwartz

Arian Moayed plays Musa, a topiary artist turned translator who in one scene is threatened by the ghost of Uday Hussein (played by Hrach Titizian).

Then again, that’s not a surprise to everyone. Director Moisés Kaufman, himself a Pulitzer and Tony Award winner (for I Am My Own Wife), latched on to Joseph’s tale before the Kirk Douglas run. “Rajiv Joseph is one of the most talented new American voices in the theater,” said Kaufman. “I think he’s truly brilliant and has a fantastic theatrical imagination. In my work I am drawn to that kind of very daring imagination that mixes the political and the magical.” Joseph, a 35-year-old who lives in New York, was simply stunned by the Pulitzer announcement. “I was overwhelmed and totally honored and couldn’t believe it,” he said. The collaboration between Joseph and Kaufman seamlessly blends past and present, reality and fantasy, and life and afterlife. Characters, languages and cultures clash and coexist as situations totter on the precarious edge of humor and horror. The shows sets Arian Moayed as Musa, a topiary artist for the Saddam Hussein regime who becomes a translator for the American forces. In one scene, Musa is the go-between for an explicit transaction between an American soldier and an Iraqi prostitute. The mood of the scene vacillates so drastically between comedy and anguish, Moayed compares it to Chekhov. “It’s phenomenally absurdist, but man is it depressing,” he said. That’s only the beginning. Joseph’s script also channels the ghost of Uday Hussein, Saddam’s notoriously bloodthirsty son, and a tiger that speaks to the audience. For Kaufman, it’s all a metaphor. “When people die in Iraq, they stay to haunt the people who kill them,” he said. “It’s a world that’s parallel to our own that has so much to say about how we are living.” Surreal News Joseph’s idea for the play came from a news story about a confrontation between a tiger and two American soldiers at the Baghdad zoo. The event struck the playwright as surreal and dislocating. He fleshed out the work with, among other things, the presence of ghosts who ask for help from the living. The play’s surreal qualities allowed Joseph to develop a psychological complexity in his characters, who include soldiers Kev and Tom, played by Brad Fleischer and Glenn Davis, respectively. It also offers creative possibilities in exploring the effects of war on an individual. A parallel between character and country emerged immediately for Moayed. This came even though the piece sprawls in the subjects it touches. That also makes it difficult, he said, to condense Bengal Tiger’s complex themes into a neat sound byte. “It’s about war, existentialism, man vs. man, nature vs. nurture, religion, invasion, occupation, the past coming to haunt you, American soldiers and the grief that they’re going through to try to make ends meet, dysfunction, Gulf War syndrome. I can literally go on forever, and that’s beautiful.

photo by Craig Schwartz

A Pulitzer Prize Finalist, The Ghost of Uday Hussein and the Horrors of War Come Together at the Taper

Brad Fleisher is an American soldier and Kevin Tighe is the titular tiger in Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. The surreal work is at the Mark Taper Forum through May 30.

You don’t get a chance to be in a work of art that has that much meat to it,” said Moayed. Another unique element is the opportunity for an entire cast and crew to reunite for a second run. The show drew raves its first time around, prompting the rare experience where a work jumps from the Kirk Douglas, the smallest of Center Theatre Group’s venues, with 317 seats, to the Taper, which holds 739. Reminiscent of the restless spirits who haunt the stage and search for meaning, the creative team has also come back to the play, and in the process has deepened and expanded its meaning. That was abetted by a larger stage and, of course, a bigger budget. “It was a huge gift to be able to work with the same cast, the same director and the same design team on a play a year ago, and then take a year off, come back together, and work it out again,” said Joseph. “If every play had that opportunity, playwrights would be very happy people.” For Moayed, revisiting the role of Musa allows him to finetune every moment, from the duration of a dramatic pause to the layered meaning of a specific line. “One of the things the whole show does very beautifully is you really have no idea what’s going to happen next,” he said. Then there’s that cursing tiger. In its native land, the Bengal is a deeply respected, almost deified creature. Joseph’s play holds to the theme that if any animal were able to talk, this would be it. “More than any other animal, the tiger is the perfect one that might engage in a conversation and in a quest for a relationship with God.” Again, welcome to modern Baghdad. Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo runs at the Mark Taper Forum through May 30. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

18 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

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That Blasting Sound From the French Quarter to Belgrade to Downtown With the Brothers Petrojvic by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

he first song calls to mind a mad gypsy caravan, rumbling down some distant Balkan hillside. Double trumpets spit out a rapid-fire pattern, like pots and pans rattling off the side of the wagon. A standing figure with a big bass drum suspended from his shoulders taps out the jagged rhythm of wooden wheels bouncing down the uneven path. In an instant, the band — The Petrojvic Blasting Company — breaks out its collective passport and heads stateside to the French Quarter, where they trade off-beats for an up-tempo swing feel that would make Fats Waller proud. Then, as if already bored with New Orleans, the accordion player takes over, squeezing out minor chords as he croons some sad-sounding lyrics in a foreign language. We’re back in Serbia. In reality, the band, a brass outfit anchored by brothers Josh and Justin Petrojvic, is entertaining at The Gorbals, the restaurant tucked inside the lobby of the Alexandria Hotel in the Historic Core. It’s one of two regular Downtown gigs for the group, which has become somewhat of a staple of the Central City’s music scene, even if many of their shows have been unscheduled busking affairs on the street. It was one of those impromptu street performances in November 2008, on Art Walk night, that impressed a manager from Bar 107. The group was instantly offered a

Sunday night gig at the Old Bank District watering hole, which they’ve kept ever since. “Downtown works for us because we live in Macarthur Park, so it’s really easy to access Downtown on the train and then I think we all just love Downtown,” Josh Petrojvic said. “Downtown is so weird.” But then, Petrojvic admits there’s also something weird about an Eastern Europeobsessed brass band intent on performing music from Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Turkey (and beyond) for an audience mostly comprised of listeners who don’t know the difference among the countries’ musical traditions anyway. This is a big time for the Petrojvic Blasting Company. They’ve just released a record, A History of Public Relations Dilemmae (a record release party was scheduled for April 24, after Downtown News went to press, at the Mezz at the Alexandria), and next month they’ll pack their instruments for Europe. There are six shows left in Downtown — every Thursday at The Gorbals, and Sundays at Bar 107 through May 29 — before they head for venues where local listeners will know whether their sound is authentic. They’ll be back in the fall. The trip has Josh Petrojvic half nervous and half excited, but before they leave, he says the band is intent on enjoying their final shows and paying tribute to the following they’ve built from playing Downtown, at the Hollywood Farmers Market and at other regular gigs around the city. The brothers Petrojvic inherited their

photo by Gary Leonard

The Petrojvic Blasting Company, which jumps between old New Orleans jazz and traditional Balkan music, will play six more Downtown shows before taking off for a summer in Europe.

fascination with Balkan music from their mother, a dancer who played old Eastern European tunes when the boys were growing up in Nashville. Since rooting down in Los Angeles a few years ago, they have enlisted a group of other brass players with similar musical tastes. Usually, the Blasting Company is a six- or seven-piece outfit, with two trumpets, trombone — played usually by Justin Petrojvic — accordion, drums and sousaphone. They’re looking to grow. Those who have seen the band would know Josh Petrojvic as the accordion player, but calling him that is not quite accurate. Like his brother and the other members, he’s a multi-instrumentalist.

Fans with a penchant for accordion, however, should get their fill of the Petrojvic Blasting Company now, since Josh Petrojvic hopes to phase out the instrument by the time the band returns from Europe. His real dream, he says, is to master the zurna, a Turkic double-reed woodwind. “I’m going to buy one for sure this time when we go to Europe,” he said. “It is the meanest and most awesome melody instrument ever.” The journey continues. The Petrojvic Blasting Company performs at 10 p.m. on Thursdays at The Gorbals, at 501 S. Spring St., and on Sundays at Bar 107 at 107 W. Fourth St. More information at theblastingcompany.com.

For almost half a century, her story was kept secret. Join us for an engaging and first-time West Coast presentation with…

Ms. Beate Sirota Gordon

Under General MacArthur, Gordon played a significant role in drafting Japan’s post-war Constitution to include Japanese women’s rights. Her life experiences, along with her Ukranian Jewish heritage, will provide a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between the U.S. and Japan.

Sunday, May 16, 2010 11 am–12:30 pm Film Screening—Sirota Family & the 20th Century Award Winning Documentary Film by Tomoko Fujiwara

2 pm–3 pm Lecture by Beate Sirota Gordon Light reception to follow. in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy 100 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (across from the Japanese American National Museum) Tickets (Film & Lecture) $27 Museum members; $30 non-members Advance ticket reservation and payment required to the Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, or by fax to 213.687.9140. For information, call 213.625.0414, ext. 2249.

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April 26, 2010

Downtown News 19

DowntownNews.com

Thursday, april 29 Metabolic Studio Public Salon 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org. Noon: Woodbury University students present the Guerilla Art Fair. Thursdays at Central 630 W. Fifth St., Meeting Room A, (213) 228-7272 or lapl.org. 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m.: “The Seven Habits of Financially Successful People” will focus on the importance of setting and working to achieve financial goals and the resulting impact on one’s health and well being. Bring your lunch. Friday, april 30 Zócalo Public Square Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), 250 S. Grand Ave., zocalopublicsquare.org. 7:30 p.m.: New Assembly Speaker John A. Perez discussing his life, his new job and his plans for job creation and government reform. saTurday, May 1 Little Tokyo Treasure Hunt Little Tokyo District, (323) 799-1374 or outoftheboxevents.net. 2 p.m.: How well do you know the temples, towers and tofu of LT? Discover out-of-the-box trivia and hidden Japanese secrets in the Little Tokyo Treasure Hunt. Bring your camera for photo challenges. Exact starting point is revealed upon registration. Also at 2 p.m. on May 2. Human Resources 510 Bernard St., (213) 453-0539 or

Continued on next page

calendar@downtownnews .com ph oto by Cr aig Sch wa rtz

s Alfred Hitchcock rolling over in his grav e? Or rolling with laughter? You be the judge, when the touring productio n of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps bounds into the Ahmanson Theatre on Wednesday, April 28, at 8 p.m. (a preview is on April 27). It’s a spy tale, with a man, a woman, a murder and a mysterious organization calle d, natch, “The 39 Steps.” The bizarre re-imagining of Hitchcock’s 193 5 thriller employs four actors who play all 150-plus characters. Yeah, this one gets loopy. Through May 16. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4400 or centertheatregroup.org.

ig this — before the hippie movement redefined San Francisco’s Fillmore District, jazz was king. If you didn’t know that, there is only a limited time to learn more, because the California African American Museum exhibit Harlem of the West: Jazz, Bebop and Beatnik closes Sunday, May 2. The show celebrates this epicenter of innovative jazz during the 1940s, ’50s and early ’60s. Predominantly an African-American community, most of the 19 Fillmore jazz clubs were black-owned. They attracted some of the biggest names of the era, hosting performances by Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. Experience the hep scene through photographs, films and artifacts. At 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org.

photo courtesy of REDCAT

xperience a full spectrum of so und Spectralism is a movement bo this weekend at REDCAT. rn in the 1970 to reconnect m s that sought usic with the tone, from cons fu ll spectrum of onance to nois sound e. OK, that soun so get through ds like crazy ar and the clutter in t-speak, the two-night Acoustiques showcase Les and Espaces April 30, at 8:30 Beyond: New Music Aft er Grisey. On p.m., the venu Frid e of Les Espaces Acoustiques by hosts the first full U.S. perfor ay, mance spectralism pion following night, eer Gerard Grise also at 8:30 p.m y. The ., of composers in fluenced by the brings a concert featuring the works movement: Tris Philippe Hurel, tan Murail, Thie Ger rry Alla, Rand Steiger an ard Pesson, Wolfgang von Sc hw d James Tenney . At 631 W. Seco einitz, Rozalie Hirs, or redcat.org. nd St., (213) 23 7-2800

fabulous life should be followe d by a fabulous death. That’s the premise as a charac ter named Moe throws a “Going Away For Good” par ty in the Latino Theater Company’s production of De mentia. Moe is dying from AIDS and is drifting in and out of the dementia that accompanies his illness. As he nears death, secrets are revealed, skeletons come scampering out of the closet, and Moe is visit ed by his alter ego — the glamorous, torch-singi ng drag queen Lupe. Death never sounded so fun. Dementia opens Saturday, May 1, at 8 p.m. (previews are April 29-30) and runs through May 30 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. At 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org. Send information and possible Don’t Miss List subm issions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

photo by Gene Ogami

alifornia has been struggling financially, to put it mildly. The latest big gun to take a whack at the fiscal crisis is Downtown resident John Perez, a former labor leader who happens to be the new Speaker of the Assembly. Perez was sworn in to his post two months ago and has pledged to work across the aisle for job creation and government reform. He’s also a cousin of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. On Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m., Perez speaks at an event hosted by Zócalo Public Square. The address at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Grand Avenue space will touch on Perez’s life, his new job and his plans for the state. At 250 S. Grand Ave., zocalopublicsquare.org.

photo by Gary Leonard

editor

photo by Carol Peterson

Wednesday, april 28 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Neuroscientist Gary Lynch, subject of journalist Terry McDermott’s new book, discusses his decades-long, obsessive pursuit to uncover the mechanism by which the brain makes memories. They’re in conversation with Larry Swanson, professor of Biological Sciences at USC. Revenge of the Merlot 811 Wilshire Blvd., 21st Penthouse Level, (310) 4517600 or learnaboutwine.com. 7-10 p.m.: Merlot got a bad rep from the movie Sideways, but it’s back and flowing at Takami Sushi/ Elevate Lounge in a wine tasting presented by Learn About Wine that will feature more than 40 Merlot producers. Richard Blade will spin while you sip. All levels of wine experience are welcome.

by Lauren CampedeLLi, Listings

Tuesday, april 27 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Author Helen Benedict discusses The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq with Deanne Stillman. Zócalo Public Square National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 N. Central Ave., zocalopublicsquare.org. 7:30 p.m.: Will the Internet collapse? How safe are the sites and how precarious is the system? Joseph Menn, technology correspondent for the Financial Times and author of Fatal System Error: The Hunt for the New Crime Lords Who are Bringing Down the Internet, explains why organized crime threatens to end the Internet as we know it.

New Theater, Old Jazz, Political Talk and More

SPONSORED LISTINGS MERIT Presents Tastings & Trends JW Marriott Hotel, 900 W . Olympic Blvd., (877) 781-7787 or visit meritpm.com. May 10, 5:30-8:30p.m.: MERIT Property Management and Colliers International Host this complimentary evening of wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an interactive expert panel discussion on the resurgence of Downtown L.A. living. Seating is limited. RSVP by May 5. JANM Presents Beate Sirota Gordon Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., (213) 625-0414, ext. 2249 or janm.org. May 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Under Gen. MacArthur, Beate Sirota Gordon played a major role in drafting Japan’s post-war constitution to include women’s rights. The museum will screen the documentary Sirota Family and the 20th Century from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., then Gordon will discuss her life in a lecture starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $27 for members and $30 for non-members.

EVENTS

LISTINGS

20 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

Twitter/DowntownNews

Listings Continued from previous page humanresourcesla.com. 7 p.m.: Founded to curate the experimental performative arts, Human Resources gallery opens in Chinatown with an inaugural May Day event packed with, well, performance art. Admission is free. Sunday, May 2 California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: “Black to Broadway” features the music of Broadway, gospel and R&B. There will also be gifts at artist booths and food vendor. Big Family Day 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1765 or moca.org. 1-4 p.m.: MOCA’s Big Family Day features entertainment from neighboring cultural institutions, art-making activities and student docents from MOCA’s Contemporary Art Start program discussing the current exhibit, “Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years.”

FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., downtownindependent.com for showtimes. April 26, 7 p.m.: Film Courage Interactive presents writer/producer Nathan Cole’s The Waterhole, in which a young man takes sanctuary in a friend’s bar rather than deal with a failed relationship and pending college graduation. The screening is followed by a director Q&A. April 30, 6, 7:15, 8:30 and 10 p.m.; May 1, 3:40, 4:55, 6 and 7:15 p.m.; May 2, 3:40, 4:55, 6, 7:15 and 8:30 p.m.: Heather Ross’ doc Girls on the Wall: The True Story of a Lockdown Musical follows a group of

Grand Star Jazz Club

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teenage delinquents in Illinois who are given a shot at redemption and a chance to tell their own stories in a musical based on their lives. Flagship Theatres University Village 3323 S. Hoover St., (213) 748-6321 or flagshipmovies.com. Through April 29: The Losers (1:15, 3:30, 5:45, 8 and 10:15 p.m.); Kick-Ass (1:45, 4:30, 7:15 and 10 p.m.); Date Night (1, 3:15,5:30, 7:45 and 10 p.m.). Regal Cinema L.A. Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. Through April 29: The Back-up Plan (11:10 and 11:50 a.m., and 1:40, 2:20, 4:20, 5, 7, 7:40, 9:30 and 10:10 p.m.); The Losers (11:30 a.m. and 12:10, 2, 2:40, 4:40, 5:20, 7:10, 7:50, 9:50 and 10:30 p.m.); Oceans (12, 2:20, 4:40, 7 and 9:20 p.m.); Death at a Funeral in the Premiere Cinema (11 a.m. and 1:30, 4:10, 7 and 9:50 p.m.); Death at a Funeral (11:50 a.m. and 12:30, 2:10, 2:50, 4:30, 5:10, 6:50, 7:30, 9:10 and 9:50 p.m.); Kick-Ass (11 and 11:40 a.m. and 1:10, 1:50, 2:30, 3:50, 4:30, 5:10, 6:40, 7:20, 8, 9:40, 10:20 and 11 p.m.); Date Night (11:40 a.m. and 2, 4:20, 6:50 and 9:10 p.m.); Clash of the Titans 3D (11:20 a.m. and 2:10, 4:50, 7:30 and 10 p.m.); Hot Tub Time Machine (12:30, 3, 5:30, 8:10 and 10:40 p.m.); How to Train Your Dragon 3D (11 a.m. and 1:30, 4:10, 6:40 and 9 p.m.).

ROCK, POP & JAZZ 2nd Street Jazz 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047, 2ndstjazz.com or myspace. com/2ndstreetlivejazz. Tuesdays: Jazz jam session. Music usually starts at 9 or 10 p.m. Café Metropol 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com. April 29, 8-10 p.m.: CD release party with the Alan Ferber Nonet. Caña Rum Bar at the Doheny 714 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-7090 or canarumbar.com. April 29, 9 p.m.: Prolific violinist, cellist and trombone player Dan

Weinstein stops by Caña for a night of salsa. Casey’s Irish Pub 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. April 30, 9 p.m.: Les Blanks, with special guest indie pop band Le Switch. May 1, 10 p.m.: Every Saturday night in May, watch Lightnin Woodcock serve up his mix of punk rock blues and country music. Chop Suey Café 347 E. First St., (213) 617-9990 or chopsueycafe.com. Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Live jazz on the patio of the restored landmark.

See Complete Listings on the Web at ladowntownnews.com/calendar.

2 yOuR EvEnt InFO EAsy wAys tO subMIt

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

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

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4TH ST

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6TH ST

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3RD ST

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22 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

Twitters/DowntownNews

CLASSIFIED

place your ad online at www.ladowntownnews.com

FOR RENT

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

GET MORE 4 LESS! 10+ acre in New Mexico close to Arizona border. Views, trees, power, for less than $300/month. You’re approved! Call now 888-8125830. www.SWProperties.com. (Cal-SCAN)

lofts for sale

Buying, Leasing or Selling a Loft?

ONLINE HOME AUCTION: 300+ Bank-Owned Homes thruout 46 States including 24 in California! Go online now to see Color Photos and get complete details. Don’t miss deadline- Bid Now: www.OnlineBidNow.com 1-866-539-4174. Buyers Agents: Up to 3% commission available! Auction by Hudson & Marshall, Bond FS386-69-21 & FS386-6922. (Cal-SCAN)

TheLoftGuys.net LA’s #1 Loft Site

Call 213-625-1313

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper

1ST TIME OFFERED. 40 AC outside Show Low, Arizona. $29,900. One day only, May 1st. Only 9 ranches on 360 acres priced for immediate sale - great opportunity. Middle of nowhere prices, for an exactly where you want to be location. Shadow Springs by AZLR. 1-888-4455740. (Cal-SCAN)

213.598.7555 acreage/lots BANK OWNED LAND! 10 acres. Trout stream, $39,750. Substantial discounts, limited availability. Beautiful Fish Lake Valley acreage w/year round rainbow trout stream in foothills of Boundary Peak, Nevada’s highest mountain. Gorgeous snow-capped views. Great recreational opportunities. Upscale ranch community. Financing available to qualified buyers. Call 1-877-6693737. (Cal-SCAN)

20 ACRE RANCH Foreclosures Near Booming El Paso, Texas. Was $16,900 Now $12,900. $0 Down, assume payments, $99/ month. Owner financing. Free map/pictures 1-800-343-9444. (Cal-SCAN)

“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.”

condos/townHouses SkYLINE CONDOMINIUM. upgraded 1bed/1bath unit.754 SF. Regular sale.$ 325,000. Offred by daniel Choi, Crown Realty DRE Lic # 01700325. (213) 8207509 real estate services CONSIDERING Foreclosure? Are you late in payments? A short sale may be your solution. Call Lady Rodriguez, Realtor 310-600-7534. Represent both buyers and sellers.

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL office space lease/sale

DOWNTOWN L.A. OVIATT BUILDING

2 offices for rent, all hook-ups, partly furnished. 530 sqft. flex lease.

213.623.7008 or 213.280.5452 retail space lease/sale

Retail Store Front Starting at $1 a foot gross Lease

Homes for sale

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! Owning land in “The Path of Progress & Development” is one of the great secrets to wealth! Discover how you can now participate for far less than you ever imagined! Call (866)221-4004 to hear a vitally important recorded message. (Cal-SCAN)

UNRESERVED AUCTION / Sacramento: Thursday/Friday, May 20-21, 2010. Two Unused Modular Homes By A Ritchie Bros. Unreserved Auction. For more details: 530-724-3900; www.RBAuction.com. (CalSCAN)

Downtown LA

1250-2500 sq.ft., 20ft ceiling, water included, central AC w/private restroom. Call Pierre or Terri at 818-212-8333 or 213-744-9911

downtownnews.com

Help wanted ADvertiSing SALeS - ProjeCt The Los Angeles Downtown News is seeking an experienced advertising sales professional to sell our annual Downtown Guide during the next 10 weeks. A successful selling campaign could lead to a long-term relationship. The Guide is in its 11th year of publication and is considered the best and most comprehensive guide to Downtown. Last year’s edition was nearly 100 pages and had more than 70 different advertisers. You will be selling to a wide array of advertising prospects including restaurants, boutiques, museums, retail businesses, real estate, auto dealers and more. The ideal applicant would have prior print media sales experience, be well-organized, tenacious, ambitious, high-energy, self-starter and have solid phone and in-person skills. You must also be a strong closer and live in or near Downtown Los Angeles or, at the very least, have a detailed understanding of the uniqueness that is Downtown Los Angeles. Compensation for this position includes salary plus commission. A successful selling campaign could lead to a long-term relationship. Please send your cover letter and resume to Advertising Director Steve Nakutin at steve@downtownnews.com. Please include the subject line DTG SALES POSITION. No phone calls please.

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.

FOR RENT

condos/unfurnisHed

Savoy

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, New Paint/New Carpet, Clubhouse Amenities, Gym, Pool/Spa, All Appliances, Was./Dryr., 1 Park/Space, Secure & Gated.

$1500 (310) 215-0788

the loft expert! group

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

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ORSINI III - Now Pre-leasing for May 2010. Hard Hat Tours Available by appointment. Never Lived in, Brand New Luxury Apartment Homes, Free Parking, Karaoke Room, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor Basketball, Uncomparable Amenity Package. Call today to schedule a tour - 866-479-1764.

duplexes

commercial space

HIGHLAND PARK DUPLEX Upper Charming 20’s townhouse; 2 Bedrm, 1 Bath, view. 5 minute stroll to Gold-line. 15 minute drive to downtown. Paint, hardwood, new appliances. Private roof deck & balcony. $1,325 per month. Ask for Mindy (323) 2586000.

TWO GREAT ARTIST’S work studios. Sunny, 16’ ceilings, gated parking, wi-fi. Close to downtown and freeways. 240sf for $350/mo, 300sf for $465/mo. WORK ONLY/NOT LIVE-IN. 213-509-4403 loft/unfurnisHed

apartments/unfurnisHed

Milano Lofts Now LeasiNg!

• Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views 6th + Grand Ave. • 213.627.1900 milanoloftsla.com

1 bdrm. Balcony w/French drs. New frig. & stove installed. spacious dining & living rm. area w/additional inset for sml. office, music, etc. 1 mile West of Staples Center. $850/mo. 213-387-7486 FREE RENT SPECIALS @ the Medici. Penthouse 1 & 2 bdrm apts. Granite kitchens, washer/ dryers, business center, 2 pools, spa! Visit TheMedici.com for a full list of amenities. Call 888886-3731.

old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts from $1,100 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge call 213.253.4777 laloft.com

LA Live Loft 1 & 2 Bdrm lofts

Hardwood, Bar, AC, Sauna, Greenhouse, all appliances, Was./Dryr., Secure, Garage.

Starting @ $1895 (310) 275-2076 REAL ARTIST LOFTS 11501650 Sq. Ft., $1700-$1985/mo. High ceilings, hardwood floors, kitchen/bath, fireplace, pool/spa, gated parking, laundry, sorry no dogs, Open House Sundays 12-3pm @ 1250 Long Beach Ave. 213-629-5539.

Luxury Rooms in Downtown Monthly Rents Start at $780 1 & 2 Rooms Available • Fully Furnished • 100% Utilities Paid • • Refrigerator, Microwave & TV In Each Room • • Wireless Access Throughout Bldg. • Gym • • Close to USC & Loyola Law School • • Presidential Suite with Kitchen • Parking Available Onsite

Special STUDeNT RaTe! $690 1 person

Children’s Performing Group

FREE RENT SPECIALS Up to $3500 off select apartment homes! Additional Look + Lease specials may apply. Free parking, free tanning, free wi-fi + biz center avail. Cardio Salon, pool, Spa, steamroom, sauna. Call us today. 866-742-0992.

Stay 3 months & get

$100 off

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

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

ATTN: COMPUTER WORk. Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/ mo. Full Time. Training provided. www.KTPGlobal.com or call 1-800-330-8446. (Cal-SCAN) drivers DRIVERS- NO EXPERIENCE required. Tuition paid CDL Training. No Credit Checks, Immediate Benefits. Recent School Grads welcome. 800-553-2778. www.JoinCRST.com CRST Van Expedited. (Cal-SCAN) NATIONAL CARRIERS needs O/Os, Lease Purchase, Company Drivers for its expanding fleet. Offering Regional/OTR runs, Outstanding Pay Package, excellent benefits, generous hometime. 1-888-707-7729. www.NationalCarriers.com. (Cal-SCAN) REGIONAL DRIVERS Needed! More Hometime! Top Pay! Up to $.41/mile company drivers! 12 months OTR required. Heartland Express 1-800-441-4953. www.HeartlandExpress.com. (Cal-SCAN) SLT NEEDS CLASS A Team Drivers with Hazmat. $2,000 Bonus. Split $0.68 for all miles. Regional contractor positions available. 1-800-835-9471. (CalSCAN) educational SPEECH/LANGUAGE Teacher: Teach students with disabilities. Resume/Ad/Job: Norwalk - La Mirada USD, 12820 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90620.

sales ADVERTISING SALES - Project The Los Angeles Downtown News is seeking an experienced advertising sales professional to sell our annual Downtown Guide during the next 10 weeks. A successful selling campaign could lead to a long-term relationship. The Guide is in its 11th year of publication and is considered the best and most comprehensive guide to Downtown. Last year’s edition was nearly 100 pages and had more than 70 different advertisers. You will be selling to a wide array of advertising prospects including restaurants, boutiques, museums, retail businesses, real estate, auto dealers and more. The ideal applicant would have prior print media sales experience, be well-organized, tenacious, ambitious, high-energy, self-starter and have solid phone and in-person skills. You must also be a strong closer and live in or near Downtown Los Angeles or, at the very least, have a detailed understanding of the uniqueness that is Downtown Los Angeles. Compensation for this position includes salary plus commission. A successful selling campaign could lead to a longterm relationship. Please send your cover letter and resume to Advertising Director Steve Nakutin at steve@downtownnews. com. Please include the subject line DTG SALES POSITION. No phone calls please.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

general

Business opportunities

ABLE TO TRAVEL. Hiring 8 people. No experience necessary. Transportation & lodging furnished. Paid training. Work and travel entire USA. Start today. www.ProtekChemical.com Call 1-208-591-0813. (Cal-SCAN)

ALL CASH VENDING! Be Your Own Boss! Your Own Local Vending Route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405. (Cal-SCAN)

AUTOMOTIVE Great jobs in downtown LA! Full time or part time. Two blocks south of the Staples Center at Figueroa & Venice. Toyota Central is growing! Sales Associates - all levels. Internet Associates. Service Technicians. Service Consultants. Drivers. Cashiers. Receptionists. Bilingual Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern and women encouraged to apply. Great compensation package and employee benefits. Please call 800-597-5516 or send resume to autosuccess@ aol.com. EOE. JOBS. JOBS, JOBS! Get paid to train in the California Army National Guard. Up to 100% tuition assistance. Part-time work. Fulltime benefits. May qualify for bonus. www.NationalGuard.com/ Careers or 1-800-GO-GUARD. (Cal-SCAN)

EARN $500 DAILY Providing a simple service for Home and Business - Dry Tech #CL28547. 8920 Quartz Ave. Northridge, CA 91324. 1-800-507-7222. WARNING - DO NOT Start a home/new business opportunity until you listen to this pre-recorded message: 1-800-714-9540. (24/7) (Cal-SCAN)

SERVICES attorneys

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

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

$200 off

Mayfair Hotel

Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $25.00 •Weekly, $99.00 •Monthly, $295.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.

computers/it

“SENIOR FASHION Designer. Master’s degree in Fashion Design required. Send Resume to: MS Fabrics Inc. 2224 Damon St., Los Angeles, CA 90021 Attn: Mi Sook Park.”

Stay 6 months & get

1256 West 7th street

madison hotel

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT? FOR LEASE? FOR SALE? People are looking here, shouldn’t your ad should be here?

(213) 481-1448

rosslyn Hotel Unfurnished rooms starting at $480 a month Laundry on site. All utilities included. 112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.503.7449 • www.rosslynstudios.com

April 26, 2010

Downtown News 23

DowntownNews.com

Accounting/Bookkeeping

Advertising

EXPERIENCE COUNTS Bookkeeping, Accounting, Projections. Contact Office Mgr. 213880-5992 stephanie@jkbassoc. com 600 W. 9th St. #1102, LA, CA 90015.

ADVERTISE ONLINE in a network of 80-plus newspaper websites. Border to Border with one order! $7 cost per thousand impressions statewide. Minimum $5,000 order. Call for details: (916) 288-6010. www. CaliforniaBannerAdNetwork. com. (Cal-SCAN)

Cleaning CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183. Education HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure. Call Now! 1-866-5623650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com. (Cal-SCAN) Financial Services CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. (Cal-SCAN) Health & Beauty IS YOUR TEEN Experiencing: School Problems - Conflicts at home or w/friends? Adolescent support group ages 13-17. low fee. Marney Stofflet, LCSW 323662-9797.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in 240 Cal-SCAN newspapers for the best reach, coverage, and price. 25-words $550. Reach over 6 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 2886019. www.Cal-SCAN.com. (Cal-SCAN) DISPLAY ADVERTISING in 140 Cal-SDAN newspapers statewide for $1,550! Reach over 3 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SDAN.com. (CalSCAN) Real Estate MANAGING ASSISTANCE If you need help collecting the rent or managing/supervising your business or property. Call Rik Martino ...Conservator/executor/ investigator...(Actor M D B) youtube.com 323-850-8580.

‘08 HONDA CIVIC EX only 16K miles with navi. N13552/507882, only $17,999. 888-838-5089 ‘08 MERCEDES E350 Sedan, certified, nicely equipped, VIN 246623, $35,996. 888-319-8762 2007 AUDI A4 premium pkg., leather, moonroof, certified VIN #7A149635. $19,888. 888-5830981 2008 911 TURBO CABRIOLET black/black, 6-spd, deviated stitching, 9K miles CPO 789471, $115,988. 888-685-5426. 2010 VOLKSWAGON CC 2,369 miles, white, carfax 1 owner, VIN 528667, $26,888. 888-7818102

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 To Breast Cancer! Help Support Breast Cancer Patients Financially. Free towing! Tax deductible! Se Habla Espanol 1-800-489-2540 www.CarsForBreastCancer.org. (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)

ITEMS FOR SALE Lawn & Garden/Farm Equip NEW Norwood SawmillsLumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cyclesawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills. com/300N 1-800-661-7746 ext. 300N. (Cal-SCAN)

LEGAL

PETS/ANIMALS

Fictitious Business Name Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 20100474380 The following person is doing business as: BLOCK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, 8306 Wilshire Blvd., #1047, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, are hereby registered by the following registrant: MARILYN MEDIA GROUP, INC., 8306 Wilshire Blvd., #1047, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein.

This statement was filed with DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on April 7, 2010 NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/03/1008

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.

The Downtown Renaissance Collection

Be Inspired...

LOFT LIVING

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

Best Downtown Locations!

AUTOS PRE-OWNED

Health & Fitness FDA APPROVED MEDICAL. Medical Vacuum Pumps. Viagra,Testosterone, Cialis. Free Brochures. (619) 294-7777. www.drjoelkaplan.com. (CalSCAN) If you used Type 2 Diabetes Drug AVANDIA and suffered a stroke or heart attack. You may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800535-5727. (Cal-SCAN)

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

Orsini

‘01 AUDI TT QUATTRO Roadster 2D, 1.8 LTR, 4 cyl. 110 Turbo, AWD, 4-whl, ABS, 6 Spd., Pwr. Roof 888-879-9608 Vin 001940. $10,887

550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST.

877-231-9362

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

Medici

On Spring St.

Spring Tower Lofts:

1900 sqft, open LOFT w/views $2850/mo. • 17 ft ceilings • Live/Work space • 14 story Bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly

Premiere Towers:

I c o n i c B e au t y S e e k s S t y l i s h M at e

3 bdrms/2 bath, $2100/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking We are located in a prime area in Downtown LA nice neighborhood w/ salon, market, café etc. Wired for high speed internet & cable, central heat & A/C

Please call 213.627.6913 www.cityloftsquare.com

Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices

725 SOUTH BIXEL ST.

877-239-8256

WWW.THEMEDICI.COM

Elegant World Class Resort Apartment Homes

Piero 616 ST. PAUL AVE.

877-235-6012

WWW.THEPIERO.COM

Visconti 1221 WEST THIRD ST.

866-690-2888

WWW.THEVISCONTI.COM

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

• 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

NOW LEASING

FROM $1,250’s/Mo. Free Parking ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE GRAND LOBBY • FITNESS CENTER • SPA MODERN KITCHEN w/CAESAR COUNTERTOPS HIGH SPEED INTERNET DESIGNER LIVING SPACES • PET FRIENDLY • DRAMATIC VIEWS WALKING DISTANCE TO RALPHS SUPERMARKET

756 S. Broadway • Downtown Los Angeles 213-892-9100 • chapmanf lats.com

Version 2 Burbank • Brentwood Century City • Downtown L.A. Woodland Hills Locations Nationwide

Pricing subject to change without notice.

Want to make new friends? Join your local Adult Kickball League! Individuals, groups and corporate teams welcomed! Season starts April 29 At Shatto Recreation Center, 3191 W. 4th St. Located right off the METRO Red Line station

visit kickball.com/CAjunction Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

ARTIST LOFTS FOR LEASE Live/Work in Downtown Fashion District 700 to 1500 Sq. Ft. Lofts. High ceilings, skylights, cable, kitchen, bath+shower, laundry room, elevator, controlled access, sub. parking. Sorry no dogs. Call George: 818-634-7916 or 310-826-8810 x24

Monthly from $695 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151

Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More

Casaloma L.A. Apartments

Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath atClient:

$550/mo. Publication:

208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA

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

G.H. Palmer Associates• 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center LADT News • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views 4.3125” x 8” 4C

Design by: apluscreative@yahoo.com

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

Ph: 323.474.4668

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

LOFTS • RENT • LOFTS • RENT

SPECIAL MOVE IN -

Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301

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

• Gorgeous Layouts

Includes utilities, basic cable chanSize/Color: nels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area.

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

jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com

MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing!

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

TWO WEEKS FREE RENT AND LOW DEPOSIT. Real Artist Lofts available in original 18 unit Downtown Artist Loft bldg. close to Southern Cal. School of Architecture. Starting at approximately 1200 to 2100 Sq. ft. large open space with new kit and bath. Laundry, gated parking and intercom entry from $1200.

1427 E. 4th St. Contact Julie at (323) 261-1099

24 Downtown News

April 26, 2010

We Got Games Ron Ron Holds It Down on D Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers. April 27, TBA; May 2, if necessary: The Lakers hope to dispose of Kevin Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder quickly (game four happened after press time), which would allow them a chance to rest up for round two. Against the Thunder, hairstyle of the month poster child Ron Artest has been charged with clamping down on uber-scorer Durant. His task could be equally tough in the second round if he goes up against Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com. April 28-May 1, 7:10 p.m.; May 2, 1:10 p.m.: The

photo by Gary Leonard

Twitter/DowntownNews Pirates come to the Ravine for a four-game series that should give the Dodgers a chance to cross the .500 plateau. Pitching for the Blue Crew continues to be shaky, but the bats haven’t run out of the lateinning magic that propelled so many exciting wins last year. Andre Ethier, as usual, is the guy the club wants at the plate when the game is on the line. The team’s first challenge, though, is to start putting opponents away early. The second is for the bullpen to stand up. Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com. At press time, the Kings and the Vancouver Canucks were tied at two games apiece in their playoff series, with a match in Vancouver on Friday and game six at Staples Center Sunday. If the series does go seven games, it will finish in Canada. The Kings will need goalie Jon Quick to return to form after he allowed five scores on 37 Canuck shots in game four. If the Kings manage to escape, they’ll face the winner of the Chicago-Nashville series. —Ryan Vaillancourt

Ron Artest always draws the toughest defensive matchup, no matter who the Lakers face.

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