05-04-09 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS Urban Scrawl on the city attorney’s race.

Shopping at Downtown’s ‘Thai Costco.’

A mom’s tale, complete with scooters.

A new Patina, paper yachts, and other happenings Around Town.

Skid Row service providers look to catch momentum from ‘The Soloist.’

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

May 4, 2009

Volume 39, Number 18

INSIDE

Mother’s Day in Downtown

The New Face Of Fashion A $130 Million, ‘Commercial Condo’ Facility Lands in the Fashion District by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

rom a distance, it looks like a glass-encased, futuristic cruise liner, moored on San Pedro Street just north of the Santa Monica Freeway. The aqua windows also suggest an aquarium, and invite curiosity about what’s behind all the glass, steel and concrete. In reality, the structure is the latest mega-mall for the wholesale fashion business to open in

Downtown’s Fashion District. Though it pales in comparison to the 3 million-square-foot California Market Center, at 200 showrooms and 300,000 square feet the Los Angeles Fashion Center, also known as L.A. FACE, is the largest commercial development in the Fashion District in the last decade, said Kent Smith, executive director of the Fashion District Business Improvement District. see Fashion, page 11

photo by Gary Leonard

The Los Angeles Fashion Center, also known as L.A. Face, has 200 “commercial condos” for wholesale fashion showrooms. The building at 1458 S. San Pedro St. holds its grand opening May 20.

The Former Clash of the Downtown Dead Zone Chambers Though Long Gone, Chinatown Site Held One of City’s Earliest Cemeteries

Two Downtown Organizations Both Aim to Serve Latino Businesses by Richard Guzmán city editor

One venue, two musicals.

An old, and reliable, Misbehavin’.

photo courtesy of Monsignor Francis J. Weber

The Calvary Cemetery, on the site of the current Cathedral High School, once held the remains of members of Los Angeles’ most prominent early families. It opened in 1844. by Jay Berman research by Sésar Carreño

Five great entertainment options.

17 CALENDAR LISTINGS 18 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS

f students at Cathedral High School find that local history seems to come easily to them, it could be because they’re right on top of it. Cathedral, in Chinatown just a few blocks north of the Civic Center, has been in operation since 1925. But nearly a century before the school was built, the area was the site of the city’s first Catholic cemetery. Broadway was known as Buena Vista Street in 1844 when Catholic officials set aside a 12-acre parcel adjacent to it for burial purposes.

Bishop Francisco Garcia Diego y Moreno authorized the local priest to bless what would be known as Calvary Cemetery “as soon as it is properly fenced in.” Monsignor Francis J. Weber, archivist for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, wrote in the 2006 history of the archdiocese he co-authored that the cemetery began “with an adobe building, probably a receiving vault or chapel...” The City Council claimed that the graveyard was municipal property, Weber wrote, but the bishop countered that it belonged to the church see Cemetery, page 9

owntown Los Angeles is filled with rivalries in which two entities provide roughly the same service: Philippe’s and Cole’s battle over French dip supremacy; Famima and 7-Eleven both strive to be the area’s leading convenience store. Now there is a new battle: Who gets to be the go-to place for representing and helping small Latino businesses? While neither the new Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles nor the nearly 35-yearold Latin Business Association say they alone deserve the job, it is clear that there is overlap between the two. The Latino Business Chamber

launched last month with speeches from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Robert Mooney, deputy director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and others. The event touted the commitment of the organization, which is based at 634 S. Spring St., to provide technical and loan assistance, as well as educational and advocacy resources, to the Latino business community. “A lot of us got together and we felt we really weren’t participating at any tables in corporate America or government, and we thought we needed an organization that could get some good dialogue, some input, participation and leadership in many of these areas,” said Jorge see Businesses, page 8

photo by Gary Leonard

Jorge Corralejo, chairman of the recently launched Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles, wants to make his organization the go-to place for business owners. He has a rival in the 34-year-old Latin Business Association.

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

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May 4, 2009

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AROUNDTOWN CRA Looking at Land for Housing Project

he Community Redevelopment Agency is in the final stage of purchasing an approximately 50,000-square-foot Industrial District parcel. The approximately $1.8 million acquisition would be used to create a 155-unit affordable housing project on land on Washington Boulevard between Santee Street and Los Angeles Street. It would hold one- to three-bedroom units aimed at very low and low-income families and elderly residents, said Jenny Scanlin, a project manager with the CRA. She said that due to the ongoing negotiations she could offer no further details on the project, its timeline or ultimate cost. According to CRA documents, the project would be developed by Mercy Housing California, a low-income, nonprofit housing provider founded in Nebraska. It specializes in creating affordable housing for families, seniors and people with special needs. The 155 units, to rise on 1.59 acres, would be the first part of a multiphased development proposed by Mercy Housing, which could ultimately stretch to Maple Street. The scope will depend on whether more land can be acquired, according to the CRA report. The site was occupied by the newspaper La Opinion until May 2008, when it was vacated. It is currently empty.

Little Tokyo Showgirls Loses Bid to Sell Alcohol

he California Court of Appeals has upheld a city ruling that prevents the selling of alcohol at Little Tokyo Showgirls,

a strip club at Vignes and Commercial streets. After the city issued a temporary liquor permit to the club in 2006, owner SP Star Enterprises had its alcohol permit revoked by the Area Planning Commission, a move backed by City Council members José Huizar and Jan Perry, as well as the Los Angeles Police Department and community groups and stakeholders such as the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Opponents of the club’s bid to serve alcohol argued that the venue was not compatible with the neighborhood. (Strip clubs that serve alcohol are not allowed to have full-nude dancers. Little Tokyo Showgirls, which has nude dancers, serves juice, soda and other non-alcoholic beverages.) SP Star Enterprises appealed, arguing that the commission’s decision was rooted in a discriminatory position toward a business that engages in protected, but unpopular, “speech.” The court, however, concluded that “problems in existing bars support denial of additional permits in the area,” according to court documents.

Police Investigating Fiesta Broadway Fight

fter an altercation between Loft Appeal co-owner Ron Senger and Fiesta Broadway event staff sent two people to hospitals, police are still trying to determine who initiated the April 26 fight. Senger alleges that he was jumped by at least three men — all Fiesta Broadway staff or volunteers — after he verbally confronted Annette Gonzalez, the daughter of event promoter Larry Gonzalez. Senger said he was “livid” after realizing that his car, which had been parked in an Olive Street

lot that Fiesta Broadway had taken over as a staging area for the day, had been towed. An argument followed in the parking lot between Senger and Annette Gonzalez’s sister, Eileen Gonzalez, both of whom were working at a registration table. Within minutes, Senger was on the ground. LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon said officers are looking into the incident. “According to my detectives, it is very clear that Senger is the primary aggressor here,” said Vernon, who stressed that the investigation is in the preliminary stage. “He is really the one that pushed this whole issue that led to the level of it being a battery.” Vernon said the initial investigation is based on witness statements, a fact that Senger argues is one-sided, since he believes witnesses would all have been Fiesta Broadway staff. Detectives are still interviewing witnesses, and the police will submit a report to the City Attorney’s office, Vernon said.

Garcetti Hopes For Mixed-Income Ordinance This Year

he Mixed-Income Ordinance may have temporarily given way to the city’s budget battle, but it could move to the front burner again soon, a top city official said last week. On Monday, April 27, City Council President Eric Garcetti told a crowd at the Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum that he continues to support the initiative, and that he is “optimistic that we can do it this year.” The controversial proposal would require developers of market-rate residential complexes to include some level of affordable housing in their developments, or pay for it to be built offsite. Garcetti was involved with a

similar effort several years ago when it was labeled the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (at the event, he jokingly referred to the Mixed-Income Ordinance as “the artist formerly known as Inclusionary Zoning”), though it drew heavy opposition and did not make it to the full Council for a vote. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa brought the issue back last year under the new name as part of his overall housing initiative, though it continues to draw criticism from business advocates who say any requirement should include incentives to make it economically feasible. Garcetti told the lunch crowd that the city needs to be “transparent” in the process, particularly with regards to when it would take effect. “To me, it just readjusts land prices,” Garcetti said. “It shouldn’t catch anybody in the development pipeline, because if you do it wrong it does drive value down, and anybody who has penciled out their development shouldn’t be caught midstream, something that’s a surprise.”

Patina, Fox to Move to AT&T Center

he recently renovated AT&T Center at 12th and Olive streets in South Park has snagged two major tenants for the 32-story structure. Patina Restaurant Group, whose Downtown empire includes Patina, Café Pinot, Zucca Ristorante and other establishments, and Fox Entertainment Group have signed long-term leases, said a spokesperson for LBA Realty, which owns the building. The Patina Group will occupy a 30,000-square-foot space for its headquarters, catering operations and a restaurant. Christina Wong, a spokeswoman for Patina, said the move will occur this year. The future restaurant is currently in the planning see Around Town, page 11

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CLASSIC FILM & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN HISTORIC THEATRES THE 23 RD ANNUAL PRESENTS

WEDNESDAYS AT 8 PM MAY 27 – JULY 1, 2009 FEATURING THE MOVIE PALACES OF DOWNTOWN’S BROADWAY HISTORIC THEATRE DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF BERGER/CONSER PHOTOGRAPHY, FROM THE BOOK THE LAST REMAINING SEATS: MOVIE PALACES OF TINSELTOWN

LOS ANGELES THEATRE (1931)

See classic films as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen, in a beautiful theatre, surrounded by hundreds of fellow fans. Last Remaining Seats proceeds benefit the nonprofit Los Angeles Conservancy, which has worked since 1978 to recognize, preserve, and revitalize the historic architecture and cultural resources of greater Los Angeles.

MAY 27 THE STING (1973)OORPHEUM THEATRE (1926) ! OLD UT

S Bob Mitchell performs on the Orpheum’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ Host Charles Phoenix, pop culture enthusiast and author; JUNE 3 BUCK PRIVATES (1941) MILLION DOLLAR THEATRE (1918) Host Tony Valdez of KTTV FOX 11; live “Old Time Radio” salute to the Armed Forces with Dean Mora, the Fort MacArthur Officers Orchestra, the Satin Dollz Pinup Dancers, and Maxwell DeMille

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JUNE 17 MACUNAÍMA (BRAZIL, 1969) MILLION DOLLAR THEATRE — Co-presented with Host Sergio Mielniczenko of Brazilian Hour and Global Village radio shows; DJ Mochilla spinning samba, bossa nova, folk-psyck, and batucada

JUNE 24 A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951) LOS ANGELES THEATRE LD OUT!

S OJames Dean: Behind the Scene and Graven Images Host Leith Adams, Warner Bros. Corporate Archivist and co-author of JULY 1 PANDORA’S BOX (1929) ORPHEUM THEATRE Host Hugh Munro Neely, film historian; acclaimed organist Robert Israel accompanies the film on the Orpheum’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ

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EDITORIALS Broadway Plan Needs Public Leadership and Serious Private Investment

he subject of how to revitalize Broadway is a popular one for Downtown politicians, business interests and residents. This is appropriate, considering the street’s placement, pedestrian traffic and potential. Despite the fact that proposals to upgrade the corridor have been floated for several decades, no one has yet found a way to revive most of the faded movie palaces and transform the street into a true after-dark destination. A relatively new plan has a chance, and has established momentum beyond any other recent proposal, but even this effort will hinge on more than the city can provide — ultimately resuscitating Broadway will depend on the private sector’s willingness to spend money. Last week Los Angeles Downtown News reported on the first 15 months of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar’s Bringing Back Broadway initiative. Launched with much fanfare in January 2008, the extensive plan reaches farther and involves more people than previous efforts. This “publicprivate partnership,” as Huizar terms it, envisions upgrades for the corridor in entertainment, business and transportation, all things that are necessary for a turnaround. The work completed so far is impressive. Huizar has begun to put down the base that is necessary to again make Broadway a place that people will talk about and visit. He has made some shrewd decisions and has energized area stakeholders to the point that they realize they have a role in the street’s resurgence and are willing to work to make it happen. This is exciting. However, it is way too early to celebrate. While worthy proposals for the street have been announced, the money to make them happen is not yet in hand. While area residents and activists have invested a year or so of their time, they’ll need to be ready to put in another five to 10 years before their labors bear fruit. The key, in fact, will be Huizar: Now that he has piqued interest, he must continue to be proactive and look for funds. He will need to rally supporters even when the dark economy makes new projects appear daunting. A key goal of Bringing Back Broadway is the return of a streetcar. Smartly, a nonprofit group, Los Angeles Streetcar Inc., has been formed to advocate and raise money for the line that one day could use Broadway as a transportation spine to connect L.A. Live and Bunker Hill. This builds on

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

a sense of nostalgia and would create a system that could prompt Downtowners to leave their cars in the garage for short trips. Additionally the streetcar, like models in Portland and Seattle that LASI has studied, would generate buzz for Downtown. This will be expensive, as much as $100 million, and only $10 million has been raised so far. Huizar hopes to have a line running by 2014; given the tortoise-like speed at which transportation projects move in the city, this is perhaps optimistic. Although LASI has a leader, the key will be Huizar and his ability to accrue money from a variety of sources. If he wants to hit 2014, he’ll need to make all aspects of this — route selection, purchasing equipment, construction, etc. — a priority. Another goal, while less sexy, has significant potential. Huizar is looking at a legislative change that would facilitate the conversion of the upper floors of vacant commercial buildings into new, active uses. It could take years, and much wrangling will be required over code changes, cost and other factors. Still, Downtown Los Angeles benefited greatly from the 1999 Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, which is the model for this work. That made it easier and less expensive for developers to turn dead office space into housing. Again, Huizar and his legislative team will need to focus on this opportunity and then follow up to spur implementation from businesses. All of this is intriguing, and after so many years of startstop plans, one can glimpse a feasible framework for a better Broadway. However, people in the private sector will make the moves that determine whether Bringing Back Broadway succeeds or fails. Foremost, the owners of the street’s historic theaters will need to invest millions in their buildings and make them suitable for consistent after-dark use. The key is the Delijani family, which owns four theaters on Broadway. They have been criticized for the limited amounts they have invested in their properties. Although some of the holdings have been in their family for decades, the buildings are barely utilized by the public. Certainly, they get far less action than the Orpheum Theatre, which was revitalized in 2001 after owner Steve Needleman put $3.5 million into the venue. That space regularly hosts concerts, award shows and more. The Delijianis and others will need to spend to make the street a success. Huizar and others are trying to gently re-

mind them of their responsibilities to the community — the Central City Association recently recognized patriarch Ezat Delijani with a major award at its Treasures of Los Angeles luncheon, and Huizar has proposed naming Seventh Street and Broadway Delijani Square. The Delijanis and other theater owners have repeatedly stated one reason they have not upgraded their properties is because the street lacks sufficient parking, so another part of Bringing Back Broadway is a more than $50 million effort to purchase a building and make it a garage for at least 300 cars. We want to see a watertight guarantee from the theater owners that if such a facility rises, they will fix their venues. We actually question whether a new garage is as necessary as is claimed — the Orpheum hosts sold-out events by utilizing existing lots, and the Los Angeles Conservancy for years has drawn thousands to Downtown theaters for its Last Remaining Seats film series, also relying on current parking. We’d rather not see this expenditure of public money, but if that is what it will take to make the theater owners invest the serious cash to activate the venues — and Huizar seems to think it is — then we will grudgingly back it. But again, we want a guarantee: If taxpayers are stepping up, theater owners need to as well. Huizar’s multifaceted plan will take years, but it is important that the extended time frame not serve as a deterrent. Same goes for the recession; even though banks are not lending and many are afraid to invest in projects now, by the time a “new” Broadway appears we’ll be in another economic cycle, one in which people would be willing to come to a revived Broadway and spend money on a night out. Keep pushing on Broadway. The street deserves to have a future as bright as its past.

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

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writErs: Anna Scott, Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jeff Favre, Michael X. Ferraro, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins ProductioN AssistANt / EvENt coordiNAtor: Claudia Hernandez PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Vandervort sAlEs MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Vanessa Acuña, Robert Dutcher, Catherine Holloway, Kelley Smith circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles. It is also distributed to the extended urban communities of Glendale, Hollywood, Wilshire Center, Los Feliz, Silver Lake & Larchmont Village.

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Downtown’s Costco, With a Thai Twist Asian-Themed Mega-Market Caters to Restaurants and Residents by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

owntown has a grocery store so big it could store airplanes, or at least it feels that way. And it’s not Ralphs. East of Chinatown, at 1100 N. Main St., LAX-C is a mega-store stocked with tons (literally) of produce, fresh fish, frozen meats and other foodstuffs. Described by many as a sort-of Thai Costco because of its vast selection of Thai and other Asian products, it primarily caters to small restaurants looking to save by buying in bulk. But amidst the 50-pound bags of yellow onions, 45-pound boxes of butchered lamb and 25-pound bags of rice, there is an array of foods and household items that make LAX-C a viable, one-stop grocery option for Downtown residents. “The average new person walking in a place like that, they’ll be overwhelmed, but I do know that especially in the Chinese community you have many brothers and sisters, families, who are still close and they’ll buy in bulk and share,” said George Yu, executive director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District. LAX-C started as a small market in Chinatown and, according to its website, has expanded into the largest Thai-owned company in the United States. Company owners did not return multiple calls requesting an interview.

The LAX-C kitchen and grocery emporium is about a block east of the Metro Gold Line Chinatown station and a half-mile north of Philippe The Original. Also included on the sprawling property are a Thai language bookstore and the headquarters of a Thai newspaper. On the weekends, a food stand in the parking lot sells sweet coconut cakes and succulent pork or beef satay. But the focus is definitely LAX-C, a common stop for many Los Angeles restaurateurs and a smaller, knowing clientele of individuals looking for bargains on groceries. “It’s just like when we go to Costco, we figure out how to buy in bulk and save, but just not with as fancy packaging,” Yu said. Grocery List LAX-C is a gold mine for anyone who knows how to prepare Asian or southeast Asian cuisine. Aisles with ceiling-high racks stock dozens, if not hundreds, of different kinds of noodles. One section sells dozens of specialty Asian flours (there’s all-purpose white and wheat flour too), and bags of tempura batter. Soy sauce, fish sauce and plum sauce are among a litany of bottles of flavoring. Most of the produce, including lemon grass, Japanese eggplants, zucchinis, snow peas and green onions, comes stuffed in plastic bags. The meat section may disappoint a shop-

photo by Gary Leonard

LAX-C is a sprawling emporium of bulk groceries and Thai snacks.

per looking to pick up a couple of steaks, but customers planning a barbecue are in the right place. A 44-pound box of boneless pork “butts” (it’s actually the shoulder), which is most commonly used to slow roast and turn into pulled pork, costs $50.60, or $1.15 per pound (at Ralphs, it goes for $2.49 per pound). A 40-pound box of frozen Australian lamb costs $63.75, or $1.59 per pound. A 15-pound box of oxtails goes for $2.25 per pound; mainstream supermarkets commonly charge more than $4 per pound. About 70% of the store’s customer base is Los Angeles-area restaurants, said Arturo Chia, a store manager. The inventory, which Chia estimated is 85% Asian food, is mostly imported from China, Thailand and Taiwan. One of the most practical sections in LAX-C for household shoppers is the seafood area, where Maine lobsters go for $11.99 per pound ($14.99 per pound at Raphs) and dozens of whole, fresh fish including rock cod, tilapia and catfish are on ice. It’s also

next to a mini-restaurant that sells plates of noodles, meat and papaya salad. The store’s toiletries section has all the regulars: toothpaste, shaving necessities and nail polish. It also has an aisle devoted to Thai healing remedies that require some fluency of Thai, or a bold curiosity to try foreign, overthe-counter pharmaceuticals. Then there is the decor section that probably satisfies the designers of the city’s Asian eateries. A warehouse-sized showroom is full of imported furniture, southeast Asian musical instruments and sculptures. A four-foot elephant statue carved out of wood is $2,495, and there is also a wide selection of five-foot-tall gongs, man-sized Buddhas and a half-dozen mannequins modeling exquisite, silk Thai dresses. “I think people would be very interested to find out about these places,” Yu said. LAX-C is at 1100 N. Main St., (323) 3430030 or lax-c.com. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

COME OUT AND PLAY There is more to life than spectacular views, hardwood floors, European appliances, an acre of green space, saltwater pool and Tai Chi park. Around Concerto high-rise condominiums there is also the vibrant urban playground of downtown Los Angeles – an area brimming with restaurants, galleries and nightlife including L.A. Live and Staples Center. Concerto’s location was chosen to let you enjoy going out as much as you will staying in.

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May 4, 2009

Basking in the Glow of ‘The Soloist’ Skid Row Community Had a Supporting Role in Film by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

owntown is no stranger to Hollywood film shoots: Dozens take place on any given day, in all corners of the community. While most of those films, television shows or commercials are about something else or pretend to be somewhere else, that is not the case in The Soloist, the recently opened film inspired by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez’s book about his relationship with Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a homeless, mentally ill man and talented musician. The film, in which Robert Downey Jr. plays Lopez and

Jamie Foxx portrays Ayers, is ostensibly about how a newspaperman’s quest for a promising story — at one point sleeping on the street with Ayers in Skid Row — evolves into a crucial friendship for both men. But for the Skid Row community, the movie marks the culmination of hundreds of other friendships that were made between the crew and a cadre of area residents who helped shape director Joe Wright’s understanding of the world Ayers inhabits. Wright and his crew relied on many service agencies in Skid Row to learn the area’s history and politics, but no group had a more visible role in the film than Lamp Community, the permanent supportive housing provider where Ayers

photo by Gary Leonard

(l to r) Casey Horan of Lamp Community, Teri “Detroit” Hughes and Nathaniel Ayers. Hughes was one of the Skid Row residents who appeared in The Soloist, about Ayers’ relationship with L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez.

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ultimately moved into an apartment. A group of the organization’s members comprised what Wright called the “Lamp Chorus,” which is seen when Lopez and Ayers visit a Lamp facility that was recreated for the film. Casey Horan, Lamp’s executive director, said the production left a deep imprint in the community, but she admits to having been skeptical at first. “No one was more skeptical than Lamp Community, because we recognized from the get-go that if they used our name and we partnered with them really in a relatively small capacity, that it’s their film and we’d have no control,” Horan said. More concerning was the possibility that the film would mischaracterize mental health and homeless issues, and jeopardize Lamp’s credibility, she said. “The men and women who live on the streets are still really depicted in a way that is demeaning and punitive, as if it’s a lifestyle, and they’re seen as crack-addicted, treatmentresistant people, which is completely erroneous,” Horan said. “But it was the relationships they made months before they started shooting that allowed them to come in here, and allowed them to get it.” The Chorus The members of the Lamp Chorus were not quite actors in the film, but they were more than extras. The directing crew and acting coaches led the group through two days of improvisation classes. “The stories and the performances that came out of that were so extraordinary,” said Thomas Napper, second unit director on the film. “At the end of the second day, everyone sat in a circle and told their life story…. I think really it was just such an eye opener and we felt as filmmakers, we had to respond for that.” They did respond: While Skid Row residents, and Skid Row itself, plays a side role in the film, Napper is wrapping up a documentary about the community called The Chorus. Individuals with minor roles in The Soloist take center stage in Napper’s film, which doesn’t yet have a release date, though he plans to premiere it Downtown. Both films represented a sense of opportunity for participants, who were paid, but Horan said the larger value was in the interaction between the crew and the community. “These individuals have been so isolated and dismissed,” Horan said. “In this case they were really included and valued.” One of those involved was Teri “Detroit” Hughes, a recovering drug addict who is still homeless. She appeared multiple times in the film, and credits the experience with catapulting her out of depression and into a new life direction. “This has been the best thing in life that could have ever happened to me, not just the movie, but all the people in it,” said Hughes, who remains in contact with Wright, Napper and other production staff. Horan is hesitant to speculate about whether the national exposure of Skid Row and issues surrounding homelessness and mental illness will lead to change in the neighborhood. But that would be optimal, she said. Some housing and homeless service agencies have approached film studios Dreamworks and Paramount to ask if they could screen the film in conjunction with fundraisers, but the producers were hesitant to green light such requests before talking to Lamp, Horan said. She is enthusiastic about the possibilities. “That’s what the best case scenario is,” she said, “that people will see this film, talk about it and it will impact individuals who work in the field as well as the general public and create dialogue, and people maybe will focus on those strategies that are proven to end chronic homelessness.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

May 4, 2009

Downtown News 7

DowntownNews.com

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8 Downtown News

May 4, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Businesses Continued from page 1 Corralejo, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, in an interview last week. With promises to be the “go-to” organization for access to funds provided by the federal stimulus package, as well as access to Washington power brokers in general, the Chamber has some lofty goals. “We are looking to build a large infrastructure of technical assistance,” Corralejo said. “Of course we’ll do workshops like everyone else, but in addition we’re bringing on people with experience in providing technical assistance in areas like marketing, bookkeeping, accounting, finance, loan packaging, all those types of things.” Multiple Groups The Latino Business Chamber chose its Historic Core address because of its central location and access to city leaders. It happens to be less than a mile from the Latin Business Association, which is headquartered at 120 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo. That group also provides local and national advocacy for members. A third organization, the L.A. Metropolitan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is based just outside of Downtown, on Wilshire Boulevard near Vermont Avenue. The Greater Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, has its headquarters on Bixel Street in City West. The Downtown-based Latino organizations are, on the surface at least, being cordial, and pledge that there is room for both. “The more help we can get, the better off

we are, as long as the organization is doing this for the right reason, which is to really help the small businesses, small business owners and to really advocate on behalf of the Latino community,” said Ruben Guerra, chairman and CEO of the LBA. Others agree that the more representation, the better. “I think any strong representation on behalf of minority — and in this particular case Latino — businesses is a good thing,” said John W. Murray Jr., president of the Southern California Minority Business Development Council. Murray’s group, which is also based in Downtown, helps minority businesses grow by providing connections and work with major corporations. “From my vantage point, the more coordination there is between the groups, the more collective strength within the groups, the stronger their voice, the better,” he said. Looking for Differences Whether there will be coordination between the two Latino business groups remains to be seen. Indeed, disagreement has already surfaced about what each can and will do for members. Latino Chamber officials said their work, with its focus on national legislation and local technology help for small business, is different from what the LBA does. The LBA contends that the only difference between the groups is experience. “There really is no difference,” Guerra said. “They’ve taken our model and duplicated it and they’re hoping to do the same thing we’re doing. “The only difference is they just started, and we are a 34-year organization. A lot of organizations come and go. We’re still here.”

The LBA was established in 1976 and represents about 800 members. It offers training for small businesses and serves as an advocate for member interests at the city, state and federal level. Guerra also pointed to the fact that many of the people involved with the new chamber had former roles with the LBA. “This is an organization where their chairman and some of their board members were part of LBA two years ago,” he said. “Some ran for the LBA board and lost; now here they are starting an organization. “If they’re going to be transparent, really for the community, not self serving, not about their own egos, then they’ll make a difference in the community. If not, they’ll be gone in a couple of years.” Corralejo is confident the LBC will be around for a long time, saying that his organization offers “something substantially different.” One thing Corralejo and Guerra agree upon is that the size of the area and the increasing power of the Latino business community means there is plenty of room for growth. “The demographics are so huge in L.A. There really are too few chambers to provide service, that’s our position,” said Corralejo. “It’s not about competition. It’s about providing direction.” Learn to Share Despite the assertions about serving different customers, Murray thinks the organizations will have common members. One of them may be Juan Alday, the owner of Dura Flooring, a floor installation business in Commerce. He has been a member of the LBA since 1995. He said the Chamber invited him to join and he plans to do so, while also

photo courtesy of the Latin Business Association

Ruben Guerra, chairman and CEO of the Latin Business Association, said his organization’s experience makes it the best choice to represent the interests of Latino businesses.

still staying part of the LBA. “I belong to several chambers and organizations already,” said Alday. “I can join whomever I feel is helping the Latino community. If they worked together it would be ideal.” Whether that will happen is unknown. Guerra said one organization cannot be a perfect fit for all businesses, and predicts members will gravitate to whomever they feel best represents them. While some businesses may decide to sign on with the new group, the organization has a ways to go before it can catch up to the LBA in terms of membership. “We just launched, we know it takes time,” Corralejo said. As for membership numbers, he said, “Ask me that in a couple of months.” Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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Cemetery Continued from page 1 because it had received an official blessing. The bishop won the argument. It opened on Nov. 3, 1844, and, for the next five decades, became the final resting place for pioneer families whose names make up a “Who’s Who” of Los Angeles history: Pico, Boyle, Bell, Chapman, Dominguez, Bandini and Downey, among them. Between 1844 and the end of the 19th century, when the cemetery was shut down and those buried there were moved to a new Calvary Cemetery on Whittier Boulevard east of Downtown, as many as 10,000 of the city’s early residents were laid to rest there. As early as 1860, however, the cemetery was criticized as being too small. An article in the Los Angeles Star that year called it “sadly overcrowded” and noted its “crumbling walls.” In 1886, cemetery officials stopped accepting new burials, but no move was made at that time to move the bodies that were already there. Bishop Francis Mora, recognizing the cemetery’s limitations, had purchased 52 acres at the eastern edge of the city in 1895. Boyle Heights property owners objected to the idea of a graveyard in the area, claiming it would depreciate their property. As a result, the new graveyard was constructed even farther east, outside city limits. Grave Robbers In the last days of the burial ground, after the new cemetery was opened in 1896, Calvary fell into disrepair. Marble fixtures were stolen, windows were broken and, worse, tombs were plundered, apparently by people looking for valuables that might have been buried with the deceased. In January 1903, the skeleton of Maria Ygnacia Pico, who died in 1854 and was the wife of former Gov. Pio Pico, was, according to a Los Angeles Times account, “torn from [its] last resting place in the old Calvary Cemetery on Buena

we know is that they’re lost.” One result of the loss is that it is impossible to estimate the number of people who were buried there. The 10,000 figure is hard to question, Weber said. Another factor in the equation is that “some people who didn’t want to pay for a burial or couldn’t afford one would bring family members in at night and bury them.” In June 1925, the Los Angeles City Council adopted an ordinance requiring all bodies to be removed by Jan. 1, 1928. A city planner at that time called the old cemetery “an eyesore” and “a disgrace” and said only about 500 of its “thousands of graves can be found or identified.” In the meantime, Cathedral High School was opened in 1925 in a building at the nearby Sacred Heart Parish Hall. In 1927, classes began at the new campus site. The January 1928 removal deadline was not met, Weber said. “Burial vaults weren’t universally used,” he said. “So graves were not as well defined. Without the record, it’s impossible

to know how many bodies were left behind.” There were a few surprises at the old cemetery long after it was believed to have been vacated. One Los Angeles Times story told of rumors “of a ghost who haunted the old Calvary Cemetery.” The ghost story became a lot less spectral when a homeless man was arrested for using an abandoned vault as a place to sleep. In June 1933, workers filling in old vaults found a body of a man they thought might have been a murder victim. An autopsy indicated he had been dead for decades and had been overlooked when moving time came for the Calvary bodies. As recently as June 1978, a Times historical feature noted that “...up to several years ago, one could still see the outlines of graves along the higher sections of the [area surrounding Cathedral].” School officials don’t shy away from references to the campus’ history. Today, Cathedral’s athletic teams are known as the Phantoms.

CAMERATA PACIFICA proudly presents its annual free public performance at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

In June 1933, workers filling in old vaults found a body of a man they thought might have been a murder victim. An autopsy indicated he had been dead for decades and had been overlooked when moving time came for the Calvary bodies.

Vista Street. Some ruthless vandal, either in hope of finding valuables in the crypt or out of idle curiosity, broke into the vault during the past few days, tore open the coffin and carried the skeleton... to a point about 50 feet from the tomb.” A boy on his way home from school found the skeleton in the cemetery and called police, who speculated that jewelry had been taken from the crypt. The graveyard was vandalized again a year later. This time, the tomb of Andres Briswalter, one of the city’s first wealthy residents, was the target. Briswalter, who was born in France, had come to Los Angeles in 1853 and become a fruit grower. When he died in 1885, his fortune was estimated at $750,000, about $17 million today, according to the Inflation Calculator website. His tomb, a two-story brownstone and marble chapel, was completed in 1890. It had cost $25,000 to build (more than $500,000 today). Yet, scarcely 14 years later, it was abandoned and in disrepair. In a headline that would seem as much at home in today’s supermarket tabloids as in a June 1904 Times article, an all-capital letters headline read: “GHOULS RUIN FINE CHAPEL.” A secondary headline called the situation a “Scandalous state of affairs.” The story called the situation a “shock to the sensibilities of all who see the city of the dead.” It attributed the theft of stone flooring and marble tile and the destruction of lights and windows to “hobos and hoodlums,” some of whom had been living in a pile of granite at one edge of the cemetery. Lost Records, Lost Bodies All interment records from Old Calvary have been lost, Monsignor Weber said in a recent interview in his office in the San Fernando Mission. “They could have been burned,” he said. “They could be sealed up somewhere. All

Downtown News 9

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10 Downtown News

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May 4, 2009

Continued from page 1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;That propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge,â&#x20AC;? Smith said, referring not only to the physical size of the sevenstory structure at 1458 S. San Pedro St., but also to its impact on the area from an economic development perspective. The $130 million project by developer Crestpoint Group, Inc. represents the continuation of two significant Fashion District trends: It comes as part of a building boom that has occurred southeast of the core of the Fashion District, where many merchants have street-front retail stores and activity bustles in Santee Alley; and it furthers the creation of buildings where people buy commercial condominiums, rather than rent space, which they use to show off goods to buyers for department stores. Commercial condominiums are still a burgeoning trend in the U.S., but the model is widespread internationally, said Fraydoon Bral, a partner in Crestpoint Group. Wholesalers want to own their units for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;same reasons somebody wants to buy a house, and not rent,â&#x20AC;? he said. Construction on the project wrapped at the end of 2008, and buyers are now fixing their units in preparation for the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s May 20 grand opening. While the surging economy and fashion market in 2003 and 2004 prompted Crestpoint to begin the project, the current downturn has not whittled down demand for L.A. FACE units by much, Bral said. Bral said the company sorted through more than 1,000 â&#x20AC;&#x153;applicationsâ&#x20AC;? before selling 150 units prior to completing construction. The showrooms range from about 1,000-1,400 square feet and sell for $800,000-$1.2 million.

Each unit has bathrooms and individual air conditioning and heating controls. Bral and his partner, Bruce Askari, also have another strategy that might surprise the developers of Downtown residential condominium projects: Even though there is an appetite to buy, they are holding on to 50 of the units until the market rebounds and they can command a higher price. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the economy stayed as well as it was, we would have sold them all and made a lot of money,â&#x20AC;? Bral said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But as of today, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re waiting for the market to get back in shape so we can make a profit on better prices.â&#x20AC;? Built-in Demand In the individual showrooms of L.A. FACE and other wholesale â&#x20AC;&#x153;marts,â&#x20AC;? business owners offer new designs to representatives of large department stores and small boutiques, many of which are located in South America and Asia. Many companies have their own local manufacturing facilities; others contract with a local or foreign manufacturer. In the Downtown Fashion District, most wholesalers target a middle to low price point â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the kind of fashions found in stores such as Forever 21 or Ross Dress For Less, as opposed to Barneys New York or Saks Fifth Avenue. Discount and mid-range stores send buyers to visit the outdoor and indoor showroom malls, where they peruse new designs from hundreds of garment makers in the same compact location. Unlike the retailers in and around Santee Alley, these businesses only sell in bulk. Though Fashion District real estate experts say demand for wholesale showrooms remains strong, especially among makers and sellers of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary garments, L.A. FACE negotiated an even stronger position to sell units by partnering with a major fashion business group before shovels hit dirt. As part of a deal that gave priority to mem-

bers of the Korean Apparel Manufacturers Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 1985 that represents about 900 Downtownbased Korean garment wholesalers and manufacturers, Crestpoint essentially guaranteed that it would have buyers, Bral said. Though non-members were also eligible to buy units, priority went to those affiliated with KAMA, he said. Bral estimated that 99% of the units sold were purchased by KAMA members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These people were adamant about having this project and owning their own units,â&#x20AC;? Bral said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in the business for years and most have locations already, most of them are leasing. But they want to bring the business to this location because a lot of them, for the first time, are owning their units.â&#x20AC;? A case in point is Ely Kim, the owner of Savoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fashions, which designs and produces contemporary womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wear. Kim bought a showroom at L.A. FACE, mostly, she said, because she is confident that the Downtown Fashion District is establishing itself as an international epicenter for the wholesale fashion industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great project, and I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to do really well, especially in three to four years,â&#x20AC;? Kim said. Fashion District Fad Afari and Bral, who prior to developing L.A. FACE dealt mostly in buying and selling commercial real estate in Los Angeles, are not the only ones with a bullish outlook on the Fashion Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth potential. L.A. FACE is one of four wholesale fashion showroom malls within a one-mile area set to open by this fall. The 109-unit, $64 million Stanford Wholesale Mart, developed by Falcon California Investment, opened at 807 E. 12th St. last September. Unlike L.A. FACE, Falcon is renting the showrooms, charging $2,400-$15,000 per month for units ranging from 800-1,500 square feet. Jade Enterprisesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Around Town Continued from page 2 stage but Patina will open a Market CafĂŠ to service the building. Meanwhile, Fox will occupy a 25,000-square-foot space in part to hold its Cable Sports Division, said Steve Simpson, senior vice president with Fox Entertainment Group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The property is near Staples Center, home to many of our professional sports broadcast affiliates,â&#x20AC;? he said. Foxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cable Sports Division will be a neighbor of its competitor, ESPN, which recently opened up facilities at L.A. Live. The deals follow a $35 million renovation for the AT&T Center. As part of the upgrade, it received a LEED Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is one of the highest ratings given to buildings for environmentally friendly improvements

LAPD Seizes $10.5 Million Worth of Counterfeit Goods

Fraydoon Bral (left) and his business partner Bruce Askari developed the $130 million project.

117-unit, $80 million L.A. Fashion Mart also opened in mid-April (the company declined to comment on rental prices or occupancy numbers). Then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the KI Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stanford Regency Plaza, a 132-unit, $80 million commercial condominium project at Stanford Avenue and Pico Boulevard. That is slated to open in September, and units have been priced at $1 million-$3 million. All four projects focus on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary, budget-conscious fashions, a category that represents the largest piece of the garment industry pie. Collectively, the projects represent a major shot in the arm for the Fashion District economy, and signal the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing relevance in the national and international fashion business, Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to call it the equivalent of adding The Grove into our district, and of course this is oriented to the wholesale market, but what I think it shows is Los Angeles is really leading the world in this price point for contemporary young womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashions,â&#x20AC;? Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really have become the go-to place for this kind of fashion.â&#x20AC;? Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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counterfeit retail business; in response to increased enforcement, vendors are no longer storing large amounts of goods on the curbside, and instead are using secure floors of buildings where they can control customer entry and exit.

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n a Thursday afternoon last September, the fountain in front of City National Plaza was taken over by a plethora of floating paper contraptions. In less than two months, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back. Joel Miller of consulting/engineering firm Psomas announced that the second Psomas Paper Yacht Challenge will take place on Thursday, June 18, in the same location at 5:30 p.m. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest allowed dozens of engineers, architects and anyone else to build a boat out of paper and race it across the fountain. The event last year raised about $3,000 for the Blind Childrens Center. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficiary (entry is $25 per person or $50 per company) will benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, said Miller. There will also be a silent auction with prizes including Dodger tickets. Registration information and entry rules are at psomas. com.

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12 Downtown News

May 4, 2009

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Mother’s Day Be Good to Momma

Mother’s Day Meal Specials Abound in Downtown Champagne and Brunch: Since you never want to be downing tequila shots or Wild Turkey with your mom, why not take her to a place where you can still get some food and a classy drink? The Center at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is offering a nice champagne brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The meal runs $30 per adult ($15 for children 12 and under) and mom will enjoy the fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, country sausage, omelets, French toast and lemon chicken, among other items. And both of you — or more if you bring along the family — should particularly enjoy sharing some memories and mimosas. At 555 W. Temple St., (213) 680-5267.

RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

he nurtured you, fed you, loved you, raised you and dealt with everything you put her through. And it wasn’t always easy. So don’t you dare let this Mother’s Day go by without thanking the woman without whom you wouldn’t exist. A mere card, hug or phone call are a start, but there is more to do. We’re talking mom, after all. She deserves to be treated well and spoiled on Sunday, May 10. Considering all the meals she has made for you, why not return the favor and take her out to one of the many Downtown Los Angeles eateries that are having Mother’s Day specials. Whether you’re thinking a steak dinner, a champagne lunch or even a leisurely afternoon tea, Downtown has plenty of deals to offer. Meat Her Expectations: It’s hard to live up to your mother’s expectations, and if you haven’t, or heck, even if you have, then take her to Morton’s the Steakhouse. It is one of the area’s finest restaurants, and as soon as mom enters the Financial District establishment she’ll realize that this is a serious thank you. The sentiment will continue well into the meal, as Morton’s is offering a $59 per person, three-course prix-fixe Mother’s Day menu. It starts with a choice of either a Caesar salad or a Morton’s Salad, with blue cheese dressing, chopped egg and anchovies. There are five different entree options, including the broiled salmon fillet or the filet mignon. You get a side dish, and dessert is crème brûlé or double chocolate mouse. At 735 S. Figueroa St., suite 107, (213) 553-4566 or mortons.com.

Patio Brunch: Bottomless mimosas will await mom as she enters J Restaurant & Lounge for the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. For $25 per person ($10 for children 10 and under), you’ll get dishes like buttermilk pancakes and eggs benedict, while desserts include chocolate-chunk cookies, cream puffs and crème patisserie. Along with the food, the lounge offers one of the largest patios Downtown with cabanas and flat screen TVs, so your mom can drink mimosas and look up at the Downtown skyline. At 1110 S. Olive St., (213) 746-7746 or jloungela.com. Big Shot Lunch: Even if you’re not a big shot your mom will think you are after you treat her to a full day of celebrating at the elegant Biltmore Hotel, which will host events at its Smeraldi’s restaurant and Rendezvous Court. The celebration in the grand dame of Los Angeles hotels starts off at the restaurant with a brunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The $49 per adult meal ($25 for children under 11) includes fruit, pasta and seafood choices; there will also be carving stations. After (or instead of) lunch, amble over to the Rendezvous Court, where for $45 ($25 for kids under 11), a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is planned for 2-5 p.m. This is an elegant spot for a tea you won’t soon forget, and the atmosphere will be enhanced by live piano music. Snacks include a selection of sandwiches, scones, desserts, champagne and, of course, tea. Additionally, mom will be able to pick and choose flowers for an arrangement that she can take home. The flowers come with the price of admission, but you want to pretend she’s getting VIP treatment, so we won’t tell. At 506 S. Grand Ave., (213) 612-1562 or millenniumhotels.com. Aloha Mom: Although a trip to Hawaii would really impress mom, that is probably out of the question in today’s economy. Instead, bring Hawaii to Downtown, and bring mom

photo courtesy of Millennium Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel’s Rendezvous Court will host an afternoon tea on Mother’s Day.

along, by dining at Roy’s. The Hawaiian-infused restaurant is offering some island classics with a special menu for the keikis (children) as well. The 10 a.m.-2 p.m., three-course brunch ranges from $30 to $49 depending on what entrees are selected. The choices include appetizers like clam, corn or potato chowder, lobster pot stickers, and champagne sorbet or a tropical fruit float. Main courses include Yama Mama’s meatloaf with two eggs over easy, Roy’s Original Hawaiian Blackened Island Ahi, and tender braised beef short ribs and poached eggs. For $12 per keike, the li’l ones get a choice of cinnamon French toast with bacon, or scrambled eggs, bacon and toasted English Muffin. At 800 S. Figueroa St., (213) 488-4994 or roysrestaurant.com. Adore Your Mom: Okay, the actual restaurant name is Adoro Mexican Grille, but it sounds close enough. The Financial District restaurant is offering a great deal on Mother’s Day, and you have plenty of time to take advantage of it. From 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and for $34 per person, you can create a three-course meal with options such as pollo relleno, mole Adoro (a dish with a chicken breast) and carne asada. The special also includes a glass of champagne. At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 955-9204 or adorogrille.com. A Filling Brunch: While some brunches may leave you feeling a little light, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Bar at L.A. Live is offering a hearty meal to win over mom’s heart from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For $29 per person, you can fill up on appetizers like The Wedge, a crisp hunk of iceberg lettuce with grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese. Also served see Mother’s Day Meals, page 14

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May 4, 2009

Parenthood In the City Having a Baby Changes Your Approach to Downtown, But Not Your Attitude

his July will mark my fourth year living Downtown. When I moved here, there was only one baby in my building. Since then, there has been something of a mini baby boom. Our approximately 50-unit Historic Core building now has nine little ones, with two more on the way. My husband and I had our daughter, Nina, 13 months ago. It has been an unforgettable year of learning and adventure. But we are far from alone — and not just in our building. A recent demographic study by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District found that 19% of the residential respondents have children 5 or younger, while 4% have children between 5 and 13. Of course, you don’t need a study to tell you that Downtown has ba- Kathryn Maese bies on the brain. Just walk down RESIDENT the street and you’ll see strollers, a d v is o r wagons and buggies. Most restaurants have become kid-friendly and provide highchairs and booster seats. There’s more family programming at venues like MOCA and the Music Center, as well as great new events like last year’s Halloween night at Grand Hope Park that saw hundreds of parents and kids turn out (Nina was a ladybug). When I first wrote about our decision to raise a child in Downtown Los Angeles, we received many questions. Where would she play? Is it safe? Can you walk down the street? Are there parks? What about schools later on? We quickly learned

Nina’s a girl after my own heart and loves to eat out. Some of our regular spots are Clifton’s, Korean BBQ, Blossom, Ma Petite and Cole’s — they all have highchairs, of course.

the answer to those and more, thanks to some trial and error, dumb luck and an amazing support system of local parents. Honestly, this is one of the most tightly knit communities I’ve ever lived in, and I’m thankful to be a part of it. Our neighbors have become some of our best friends, sharing tips when the baby gets sick, dropping in for play dates, offering babysitting services to give us a night alone, and just lending a hand when we need it. Our single lives have blended almost seamlessly into family life, and instead of bar crawling like we did in the old days, we find ourselves going to the park or zoo as a group or watching the game at a neighbor’s unit while the kids play together. This past Easter we had a few neighbors over and the kids went crazy with confetti eggs and an egg hunt in the loft — it was worth every piece of confetti we had to sweep up. What makes our home in the city so special is that we can stroll down the hall and Nina can visit her friends. We can borrow milk or sugar when we run out, or stop in for an impromptu cup of coffee in our sweats and slippers. When one little girl outgrows her clothes or toys, they get passed on to the next in a sort of co-op. We take trips to Costco and pick up diapers for each other, and even share a babysitter for a double-date on Art Walk night. Sometimes when the moms need a break, the dads take over and we head to Pete’s Café for a glass of wine and some blue cheese fries.

Mother’s Day Since I work from home now, I’m often asked what activities I do with Nina during the day. Her favorite thing is going for strolls in her red push car and waving at everyone who passes. Little Tokyo is one of our regular destinations, and we often sit with our frozen yogurt in Japanese Village Plaza and people watch, or occasionally have a girls lunch of sushi (my favorite) and chicken teriyaki (hers). We love the farmers markets on Wednesday at Pershing Square and Thursday at City Hall, and shopping at Ralphs where they have really fun shopping baskets that look like cars. Nina’s a girl after my own heart and loves to eat out. Some of our regular spots are Clifton’s, Korean BBQ, Blossom, Ma Petite and Cole’s — they all have highchairs, of course. On nice days we go to the Cornfield and spread a blanket on the grass and play or walk around the track for some exercise and wave at the trains as they rumble by. Our newfound pastime is riding my bike around Downtown, which gives her a different vantage point from which to

Downtown News 13

explore the neighborhood. As a city dweller, you learn to be savvy when it comes to safety. My husband and I had one unsettling incident early on when we were walking down Broadway with the baby (I wrote about it in this column and received dozens of comments) and an apparent homeless man leaned into the stroller and yelled at our daughter. It was a reminder to be even more vigilant than ever, but we didn’t let the experience scare us off or change the way we live. In March, we celebrated Nina’s first birthday in our building’s atrium, where all her neighbor friends ran around in tutus and tiaras. We made it a year, despite all those who worried or wondered whether having a baby in the city could be as fulfilling as it is in the suburbs. After watching Nina take a bite of her first birthday cupcake, I can tell you that motherhood in Downtown has been sweeter than I ever expected. Contact Kathryn Maese at kathryn@downtownnews.com.

14 Downtown News

May 4, 2009

Mother’s Day

Downtown, Through the Eyes of a 6-Year-Old In the Central City, Motherhood Means Pools, Fashion District Bargaining and Scootering Everywhere by Karin LiLjegren

have been involved with Downtown for about 10 years, ever since I was an architect working on Tom Gilmore’s Old Bank District. With Killefer Flammang Architects, I’ve designed and overseen a few thousand lofts in Downtown, and now I’m MY DOWNTOWN

helping to bring hotels, restaurants and bars to the area. I am proud of my work. But I am also very proud to have my son be part of the first generation of new Downtown residents during L.A.’s great revitalization. My son Arik is an intensely observant, active, opinionated, 6-year-old, and he is thriving Downtown. We moved into the Pacific Electric Lofts 20 months ago when our family separated and we sold our house in Culver City — it was the opportunity to finally live Downtown. Today we live in the Roosevelt building and Arik attends kindergarten at Pilgrim School 10 minutes west of Downtown. Arik mastered a scooter at age 2, and nothing was going to deter him from getting out and being active — almost immediately we were scootering around the Historic Core. Our first “scooter” up Main between Fifth and Sixth streets was interesting: I knew the neighborhood very well, but I wondered what he would think about all the downand-out folks hanging out on the street. As usual, he was about 40 feet ahead of me, racing by the folks who were hunkered down on the sidewalk. As Arik sped past, they all cheered and waved him on. When I passed

they did the same, and it was wonderful to see huge smiles on everyone’s faces, including mine. When I met Arik at the corner he said, “Mommy, can we do it again?” He went back and forth about six times and we all became friendly. What I love about Downtown, and what I see my son experiencing, is the essence of a community — these personal connections between people are experiences that you don’t get in many parts of L.A. Here, you are out of your car and out experiencing the street. To be with an innocent, open-minded child when making these connections is even more magical. One of Arik’s favorite outings is shoe shopping in the Fashion District. We take the DASH (and wait for “eternity,” as he says), he gets an allowance (usually only $10) and he can buy whatever he wants. Where else in L.A. can you get a pair of shoes for $10? Already I’m saving $40 by not going to the mall, and he is learning the value of money and the responsibility to use it wisely or foolishly. He now makes the transactions by himself and we are both working on our bargaining tactics. Many times he is shy and that is fine, but again, the connection with real people and real living in this “market” type of atmosphere is priceless for a child’s education. Then there is the fun to be had at home. Do you know how much mileage you can get with a roof pool and a kid? First of all, it was how I sold my son on the idea that we would be living in a Downtown loft when mommy and daddy got divorced — a roof pool and two new kitties. Even his “west of the 405”

may 10, 2009

CelebraTe

Mother’s Day

friends love to come down and swim with us in a pool on a tall building. A young child’s mode of operation is to dive into and be excited about everything in life. To me, urban living is essentially about energy and excitement. When the two come together and you witness it on a daily basis, it simply makes everyone feel alive. I’ve watched my son buy his birthday party favors in the Toy District, including 25 three-foot long water guns that we then lugged all the way home. I’ve seen his jaw drop in amazement at puppet shows, Peruvian scissor dancers and a children’s opera at the Music Center. I love to watch him pick out his own books in the most gorgeous children’s library (part of the Central Library) I’ve ever seen. I love to see the pride he has when the pictures he’s drawn for Karla at Rocket Pizza are tacked on the wall. Arik is obsessed with the photo by Gary Leonard Downtown infrastructure. Karen Liljegren and her son Arik live in the Financial District. Arik’s Sure his mom is an architect favorite activities include shoe shopping in the Fashion District and and his dad is a general conriding his scooter. tractor, but he loves maps of Downtown, he studies the buildings, he draws them constantly, he builds Recently, as I was looking out my window Lego models of Downtown L.A. and he knows at Seventh and Flower, I saw a mother and how many stories all the tallest buildings are, son on their scooters. I just smiled. A few from U.S. Bank Tower down to about the months back, there were comments on a TCW building. Downtown blog about how children don’t Downtown certainly has its drawbacks, belong Downtown. I’d challenge anyone who and my biggest issue is that I have only one thinks this. friend with boys his age and she lives in I may not be doing mommyhood my South Pasadena. There is starting to be plenty mother’s way, and it isn’t always easy, but of new babies and toddlers around, but to a I know I’m laying the building blocks for 6-year-old boy, they are still embryos, and my son to become a well rounded, socially embryos aren’t fun to play with. We need aware, street smart and cultured man — and more kids of all ages. we both get to enjoy the ride.

...IN A sPeCIAl WAY!

Where else would you TreaT mom on Her day?

Cafe Pinot 700 W. Fifth St. | 213 239 6500 Three-course brunch 10:30am-2:30pm (adults $35.50; children $16) A la carte menu 4:30-9pm

ZuCCa ristorante 801 S. Figueroa | 213 614 7800 Three-course brunch 11am-2:30pm (adults $48; children $25) A la carte menu 4:30-9pm

Kendall’s Brasserie Music Center of Los Angeles 135 N. Grand Ave. | 213 972 7322 Three-course brunch 11:30am-2pm (adults $35; children $15) A la carte menu 4:30-10:30pm

niCK & stef’s steaKhouse Wells Fargo Center 330 S. Hope St. | 213 680 0330 A la carte menu 4:30-8:30pm

Patina Walt Disney Concert Hall 141 S. Grand Ave. | 213 972 3331 Three-course brunch 11am-2pm (adults $49; children $29) A la carte menu 4-9:30pm

Walt disney ConCert hall Blue Ribbon Garden 141 S. Grand Ave. | 213 972 3550 Buffet brunch Seatings at 10:30am & 12:30pm (adults $58; children $18)

Mother’s Day Meals Continued from page 12 as an appetizer is a fruit plate with melon, pineapple, sour cream and honey sauce. Of course, the entrees are the big draw — there is a choice of filet mignon benedict with tomato concassé and Béarnaise sauce, crab cake benedict with Hollandaise sauce, an applewood smoked pork chop with port wine mustard sauce, or smoked salmon quiche with caviar and crème fraiche. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-9911 or flemingssteakhouse.com. Tea Time: Most mothers would love to have a cup of tea with their children ev-

ery once in a while. And if you haven’t done that lately, then head to the properly named Siptea. For $19.95 per person you can make momma smile with an Organic Tea Afternoon. The special includes scones, ice cream, tea sandwiches, cookies and a small pot of tea. For $11.95 a person you can downsize to scones, ice cream and a pot of tea. It may not seem too filling for a Sunday celebration, but Siptea is a delightful place to go for an after-brunch talk. At 852 S. Broadway, (213) 622-8007 or siptea.biz.

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May 4, 2009

Downtown News 15

DowntownNews.com

photos by Gary Leonard

CALENDAR

and Jennifer Paz in Jason sses) directs Michael K. Lee gla h wit rt, shi ck Marry Me a (bla era Jon Lawrence Riv with Stephen Sondheim’s Years,, which shares a bill e Fiv t Las e Th ’s wn Bro Robert Little at East West Players.

One Night, Two Musicals Starting With Sondheim, East West Players Pulls an Unlikely Double Play

by AnnA Scott StAff writer

ast West Players, one of the country’s most prominent Asian American theater companies, also has a reputation for being Los Angeles’ preeminent ensemble for Stephen Sondheim musicals. The Little Tokyo-based troupe reaches a milestone this week when it begins performances of its 10th Sondheim show. Marry Me a Little is comprised of songs originally written for different Sondheim Broadway shows that, for various reasons, never made it to the final stage versions. The one-act musical will be paired with another one-act, The Last Five Years, by Jason Robert Brown (known to many in Downtown Los Angeles for creating the teen musical 13 at the Mark Taper Forum, which went on to Broadway). The double bill begins previews at EWP’s David Henry Hwang Theater on Thursday, May 7, and opens on May 13. It runs through June 7. The production marks the first time the two works have shared the stage, though they have things in common. Each runs slightly longer than an hour, and each revolves around a romantic couple. “While each musical is a fulfilling and satisfying evening of theater, I thought pairing them would be a knockout event,” said EWP Artistic Director Tim Dang. “We want people who love Sondheim to sample Jason Robert Brown, and vice versa. I also think, with the economic downturn, you can see two great composers for the price of one.” A Happy Marriage EWP’s relationship with Sondheim dates back to 1976, when the company’s founding artistic director, Mako, was cast as the lead in the original Broadway production of Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures. Two years later, EWP did its own production of Pacific Overtures at the 99-seat Silver Lake theater it occupied at the time. After Dang came on as artistic director in 1993, one of the first shows he mounted was Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. “Everyone thought I was crazy to put it on in a 99-seat theater with an Asian cast, because it takes place in London in the 1800s,” said Dang. “It became a hit. Then we decided to do it again with Into the Woods; it was a hit again, and all of

a sudden we became known as the theater that did Sondheim in Los Angeles.” Since then, EWP has performed Sweeney Todd a second time (in 2006), a Polynesian take on A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in 2001 and several other Sondheim works. Sondheim once sat on EWP’s honorary Board of Governors and donates to the company, Dang said. Marry Me a Little revolves around two lonely characters, a man (Mike Dalager) and a woman (Jennifer Hubilla), who live in the same New York City apartment building but have never met. The roles are not race-specific, but have traditionally been cast with Caucasian actors. Adapting the musical for an Asian American cast was the easy part, said director Jules Aaron. “The show is interesting because the book is very sketchy. It just allows you a premise in which two people in the same apartment building go through a Saturday night,” he said. “Of course, the lyrics of the songs are quite universal in terms of what the characters go through.” The bigger challenge, said Aaron, was creating a cohesive show out of a patchwork of songs created for several different musicals. Giving the characters active imaginations helped bridge the gap, he said. “What’s wonderful about the play is it takes the ordinary things in the apartments and brings them into fantasy,” he said. “The woman is unpacking her groceries and just seeing the different kinds of vegetables helps her get into a foxtrot, for a song from Follies. A plunger can suddenly become a sword, for a song from A Little Night Music. “It has a different context than it ever did, but it works.” Getting Creative The characters in The Last Five Years presented a bigger challenge for EWP. The musical by Brown, who in addition to 13 composed the acclaimed Parade, tracks the relationship between a Jewish man, Jamie (Michael K. Lee) and the non-Jewish Cathy (Jennifer Paz), as they go from dating to marriage to divorce. Rather than seek permission to re-write the book for Asian American characters, Lee and Paz created their own back sto-

ries, said director Jon Lawrence Rivera. In the EWP version of The Last Five Years, Jamie is a Korean man who was adopted as a baby by a Jewish family. “For us, it was, ‘How do we justify this? Is it even possible?’” said Rivera, who also directed EWP’s production of The Joy Luck Club. “We were thinking at one point that maybe the mother is Jewish, trying to find the strongest choice for the character, and eventually we decided on the adoption thing.” Paz, who is Filipino American, is the first non-Caucasian performer to play the role of Cathy on a professional level, Rivera said. Her character required less of a stretch, however, since she is only identified in the book as non-Jewish. Rivera noted that if not handled correctly, The Last Five Years can be confusing. The characters tell their story simultaneously, but while Cathy starts with the divorce and moves backwards, Jamie begins at the beginning. They only share one scene together, when they meet in the middle. “People are always confused that the woman’s story is going backwards and his is going forwards, unless you know the material,” said Rivera. To remedy that, the EWP production begins with Cathy dressed in black and Jamie dressed in white. The actors change costumes throughout the show, going through various shades of gray before Cathy ends up in white and Jamie in black. There are other indicators as well. “I’m really crossing my fingers that we get it clear and the audience understands,” Rivera said. Regardless, one thing that will resonate are the emotional themes in both musicals, said Dang. “What I think is key is that these composers have been able to invoke, through their music, emotions that everyone can identify with when in a relationship,” he said. “The fact that they can communicate heartbreak or joy through music, I think, is the reason a lot of people connect to these particular composers.” Marry Me a Little and The Last Five Years run May 7-June 7 at the David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St. Performances are Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. More information at (213) 625-7000 or eastwestplayers.org. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com

16 Downtown News

DowntownNews.com

May 4, 2009

Appropriate Misbehavior Fats Waller Musical May Not Be New, But It Still Makes the Ahmanson Come Alive by Jeff Favre contributing writer

hould Michael Ritchie, artistic director of Center Theatre Group, bring to the Ahmanson Theatre a musical revue that hasn’t left the community and regional theater world since its 1978 premiere? Would Los Angeles be better off with a new or lesser-known work? It’s debatable. The reason for the revival of Ain’t Misbehavin’, which landed at the Ahmanson April 24 and continues through May 31, is to celebrate its 30th anniversary. There’s also a national tour, which, like this production, is directed by cocreator Richard Maltby, Jr., and features dances by original choreographer Arthur Faria. But while the tour touts two “American Idol” stars, the Ahmanson’s cast includes Armelia McQueen from the first Broadway production, and longtime Misbehavin’ vets Doug Eskew and Eugene Barry-Hill. Theater purists may criticize Ritchie’s decision for joining the pack instead of leading it. But scheduling debates aside, any top-flight production of this tribute to jazz legend Thomas “Fats” Waller — and this is top-flight — is Teflon, as in there’s almost nothing negative that will stick to it. There’s no plot to dissect. Instead, it’s two hours of jazz classics. This means that, at worst, it’s a pleasant concert, and at best it’s an homage to some of the best music in American history. The 30 songs, either composed or recorded by Waller, are presented at a brisk pace by a five-member ensemble, accompanied by pianist/musical director William Foster McDaniel and a six-piece band. The show, which won a Tony for best musical, doesn’t have true characters, and it contains almost no dialogue, only a few original lyrics by Maltby and Horwitz. In other words, it’s a revue, with physical humor augmenting the songs. But the lineup of songs goes from wonderful to fantastic to even better. “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Spreadin’ Rhythm Around,”

“Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now,” “The Joint Is Jumpin’” and the title number are some of the finest compositions from the 1920s and ’30s. They also exemplify the unusual style, known as stride piano, for which Waller was known. The most clever addition by Murray and Horwitz are lyrics to the Waller tune “Handful of Keys,” which describes stride piano’s rich sound. Ain’t Misbehavin’ remains a showcase for talented singers, having made a star of the late Nell Carter. McQueen’s versatility is as impressive as it was 30 years ago. Her coy, comehither tones caress the melodies of “Squeeze Me,” while her haughty high range, mixed with bawdy bass, widens the wit in “Find Out What They Like.” Roz Ryan specializes in booming vocals, such as her rousing rendition of “Cash for Your Trash.” The humor high point comes from Debra Walton, who, donning a sailor’s hat and pretending to be a nervous amateur singer, delivers a perfectly “awful” “Yacht Club Swing.” The male contingent is also up to the task. Eskew, whose professional career began with the first Ain’t Misbehavin’ national tour, delivers a winning and sassy “Honeysuckle Rose,” complete with a sustained note that seems impossibly long. Then there’s Barry-Hill, who has the difficult task of the lengthy solo “The Viper’s Drag.” Faria’s subtle but effective choreography shines in this ode to marijuana, during which Barry-Hill transforms into a slithery, shadowy snake. Faria faithfully recreates Depression-era slide steps, high kicks and jitterbugging. The freedom and glee exhibited in his choreography mirrors the joyous and frequently risqué songs. There are plenty of laughs, thanks to the novelty numbers “Your Feet’s Too Big” and “Fat and Greasy.” But the showstopper remains the ensemble number “Black and Blue,” composed by Waller and Harry Brooks, with lyrics by Andy Razaf. The cast, seated stoically, pours heartache and soul into one of the most artful songs about the blues of black Americans in the early 20th century. Over the years, directors and performers have toyed with

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Debra Walton is part of the five-person ensemble that performs 30 songs by Thomas “Fats” Waller in Ain’t Misbehavin’. The musical revue continues at the Ahmanson Theatre through May 31.

Ain’t Misbehavin’. But the aim of Maltby, Faria and company is to pull from the theater time capsule a nearly exact replica of what audiences experienced in 1978, including Luther Henderson’s orchestrations, John Lee Beatty’s nightclub set and recreations of Randy Barcelo’s flashy gowns and dapper pinstripe suits. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with what works. Newcomers should see Ain’t Misbehavin’ at its most glorious, and longtime fans expect the familiar. Some detractors may disagree with Ritchie scheduling a well-worn revue. But it’s hard to argue with fabulous fun. Ain’t Misbehavin’ runs through May 31 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

May 4, 2009

Downtown News 17

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LISTINGS

The ‘Don’t Miss’ List Dance, Race Cars, Talk and Music by AnnA Scott, StAff writer

We promise, this is way better than sitting on the couch watching “Dancing With The Stars.” Auditions for the Conga Room Latin Dance Championship (a Latin-style dance competition, natch) begin Thursday, May 7, from 6-9 p.m. at L.A. Live’s Conga Room. The contest will continue every Thursday until the grand finale on July 23. All the festivities are open to spectators. Twelve couples will be selected as finalists to vie for the $5,000 grand prize — and the glory of winning. Competitors will show off their moves in salsa, merengue, reggaeton/hip-hop and bachata, and the contest will be broadcast in installments on KMEX Univision 34. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-0162 or congaroom.com/ latindance. photo courtesy of the Conga Room

Monday, May 4 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Reza Aslan surveys the global scene in “How to Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization and the End of the War on Terror,” and revolutionizes the way we understand — and confront — radical Islam. Tuesday, May 5 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: The library’s stalwart series continues, with a poetry performance from Anne Waldman that draws on animal lore, animal encounters, dreams, evolutionary biology, neuroscience and Buddhist ritual. Animal encounters in poetry? Wow. Wednesday, May 6 Downtown Business Resource Workshop Clifton’s Cafeteria, 648 S. Broadway, (213) 4883599 or info@downtownlaretail.com. 6-8 p.m.: At this free workshop, learn about strategies and the free business assistance available on topics such as financing, site selection, tax incentives, business consulting and training, permit assistance and more. Thursday, May 7 MOCA Grand Avenue 250 S. Grand Ave., moca.org. 7-10 p.m.: For their final Engagement Party event, arts collective Knifeandfork invites participants to race remote-controlled cars through the MOCA exhibition “A Changing Ratio: Painting and Sculpture from the Collection.” Using mounted cameras, each Wi-Fi-enabled car will be driven remotely through a video game interface that shows the car’s point of view. Through the lens of 1980s American gaming culture, this project offers an alternative perspective on the permanent collection. Cash bar. Urban Land Institute and SB 375 Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Bixel St., (213) 213-2245 or uli.org. 7:30-9:30 a.m.: The Urban Land Institute and the American Planning Association host a discussion with two of the Southern California representatives of the SB 375 Regional Targets Advisory Committee, which oversees implementation of sustainable planning laws. Richard Katz and Michael Woo will influence the carbon emissions targets for the region and the future development of the community.

Drink and drive without breaking the law on Thursday, May 7, from 7-10 p.m. at MOCA Grand Prix, a free event organized by local arts collective Knifeandfork. Participants will race remote-controlled cars through the museum’s exhibition A Changing Ratio: Painting and Sculpture from the Collection. The project offers an alternative perspective on the exhibit, through the lens of 1980s American gaming culture. Of course, if you partake in the cash bar, be sure to have a designated driver behind the wheel of your real car at the end of the night. The gathering is part of MOCA’s Engagement Party series, held the first Thursday of each month. 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.

In the seems-boring-but-it’s-actuallyimportant-and-interesting category, on Thursday, May 7, from 7:30-9:30 a.m., the Urban Land Institute and the American Planning Association host The Magnitude of the Challenge , a discussion featuring Metropolitan Transportation Authority Director Richard Katz (left) and City Planning Commissioner Michael Woo. The discussion will focus on their roles as part of the committee that provides carbon emissions target recommendations for different parts of the state. The event takes place at the Los Angeles Area Chamber head of Commerce headquarters, 350 S. Bixel St., (213) 2132245 or uli-la.org.

ew winner for coolest job title: crustacea curator. Also cool: The Natural History Museum’s Dr. Jody Martin, who holds that position, will discuss his experiences scuba diving, collecting and photographing the marine invertebrates of the outer Hawaiian Islands. It takes place Sunday, May 10, as part of NHM’s Sustainable Sundays series, which focuses on environmental issues. Martin speaks at 12:30 p.m. 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.

On Monday, May 4, the 22-year-old ensemble Southwest Chamber Music ends its season with a concert at the Colburn School, performing six pieces by Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu from his vast Waterscape series. Takemitsu was one of Japan’s most important 20th century classical composers, as well as a prolific film composer whose work earned four Japanese Academy Awards for Best Music Score between the late 1970s and the ’90s. 200 S. Grand Ave., (800) 726-7147 or swmusic.org. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

Friday, May 8 Town Hall L.A. National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 N. Central Ave. (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org. 8:30 a.m.: Have breakfast with and engage in a Continued on page 19 photo by Corina Gamma

photos courtesy of the Urban Land Institute

SPONSORED LISTINGS Seis de Mayo at Bar 107 Bar 107, 107 W. Fourth St., (213) 625-7382 or myspace.com/bar107. May 6, 9 p.m.: The bar hosts its fourth annual Seis de Mayo, “Lose your pantalones fiesta.” Sombreros, mariachis, drink specials and more. This party, without a doubt the best party Bar 107 throws all year, is not for amateurs. Spring Green Fair Metropolitan Water District, 700 N. Alameda St., mwdh2o.com. May 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: More than 70 vendors will showcase industrial and residential green products and services at the Metropolitan Water District’s second annual Spring Green Fair. There will be a variety of workshops on greening the home and garden. For more details or to register for workshops, go to mwdh2o.com. Mothers Day Champagne Brunch The Center at Cathedral Plaza, 555 W. Temple St., (213) 680-5273, (213) 680-5271 or levyrestaurants.com. May 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: The Center at Cathedral Plaza restaurant hosts a special Mother’s Day champagne brunch with a menu featuring a hot iron waffle station, made to order omelets, baked goods, carved roast beef and turkey, salads, champagne, mimosas and more. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Advanced reservations required.

photo courtesy of Knifeandfork

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

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

BAMBOO PLAZA

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But Wait, There’s More!

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

Additional Event Information on the Web

provide participants with the tools (cigar boxes and recyclable materials) to create a one-of-a-kind altar honoring their ancestors. The workshop, for ages 10 and up, is free, and participants are encouraged to bring recyclable or found items. To reserve space, call (213) 744-2024. Sustainable Sundays at the Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-DINO or nhm.org. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: For this event in the Sustainable Sundays series, NHM Crustacea Curator Dr. Jody Martin will discuss marine invertebrates of the outer Hawaiian Islands, where he has done extensive scuba diving, collecting and photographing of the marine life.

Listings Continued from page 17 Q&A with Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass. In May 2008, Bass made history when she became the first Democratic woman, and the first African American woman, to take the post. Saturday, May 9 Warhol and Watts Pharmaka, 101 W. Fifth St., (213) 689-7799 or pharmaka-art.org. 6-9 p.m.: The gallery will exhibit the 10 original portraits from the Athlete Series by Andy Warhol, courtesy of Richard Weisman. Alongside the Warhols will be for-sale art works by children in the Urban Compass program, which mentors underserved youth in Watts. The event is a fundraiser for Pharmaka and Urban Compass. Reading at Metropolis Metropolis Books, 440 S. Main St., (213) 612-0174 or metropolisbooksla.com. 5 p.m.: Andrew Losowsky will sign and discuss his book “The Doorbells of Florence.” You gotta love doorbells. Free Tennis Clinic Ketchum Downtown YMCA, 350 S. Figueroa St., (213) 617-1803. 9:30 a.m.: Tennis everyone? The Downtown YMCA hosts a free tennis clinic and round robin tournament as part of National Tennis Day. Culinary Historians of Southern California Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., lapl.org. 10:30 a.m.-noon: Weslie Janeway, co-author of “Mrs. Charles Darwin’s Recipe Book,” speaks on the topic “Researching Emma Darwin’s RecipesProblems and Opportunities.” Come planning for the survival of the hungriest. Great L.A. River Cleanup Friends of the Los Angeles River, Taylor Yard, (323) 223-0585 or folar.org. 9 a.m.-noon: The organization Friends of the Los Angeles River hosts its annual great river cleanup. Groups will converge at 16 sites along the river; the closest site to Downtown is at Taylor Yard. To get there, take the Glendale (2) Freeway and exit at San Fernando Road. Go south/east, and turn right at an unnamed access road just south of Future Street. Thomas Guide 594 G4. Or just mapquest it.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ Café Metropol 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com. May 8, 8-10 p.m.: Vocalist Kathleen Grace. May 9, 8-10 p.m.: Straight ahead jazz nonet Hip Pocket Casey’s Irish Bar and Grill 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. Friday: Fridays are for fiddles, as the bar hosts live Irish music. Somebody buy that fiddler a Guinness. 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 Little Tokyo landmark. Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., clubnokia.com. May 9, 7 p.m.: Shiny Toy Guns headlines a bill that also features Nico Vega, Electrocute and The Ringers. May 10, 8 p.m.: J. Holiday and Day 26. May 11, 8 p.m.: Legendary comedian Steve Martin performs with his five-string banjo, churning out barn burners. He’ll be joined by the equally funny Dave Barry. The event is a benefit for the Los Angeles Public Library. Conga Room L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic, (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com. May 7: Los Angeles salsa outfit Tabaco y Ron. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. May 6, 8 p.m.: The man who was kissed by a rose, then by Heidi Klum: Seal. Orpheum Theatre 842 S. Broadway, (213) 622-1939 or laorpheum.com. May 7, 8 and 9, 8 p.m.: The legendary songsmith Van Morrison is resurrecting his 1968 album “Astral Weeks” for three nights at the 2,000-seat historic Downtown theater.

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Sunday, May 10 California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 738-9240 or caamuseum.org. 1 p.m.: A workshop led by the artist Cola will

Pete’s Café and Bar 400 N. Main St., (213) 618-1759 or petescafe.com. Tuesdays, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.: Pablo Calogero and Fabiano Nacimento play Brazilian jazz. Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. May 4, 10 p.m.: Jake LaBotz, praised by Tattoo Magazine for his “sadder than hell balladry, razor sharp testifying, storied takes on loneliness, beatnikon-the-Mexican-border music, coffeehouse chic.” May 5, 10 p.m.: Deep-rooted country from Mike Stinson and Dave Gleason. May 6, 10 p.m.: From New Orleans, it’s Sista Otis and the Wholly Rollers. May 7, 10 p.m.: The Honorable DHC plays folk, country and roadhouse gospel rock. May 8, 10 p.m.: Power chords at breakneck speed with The Stains!, Lords of Altamont, Ladykillers and We Should Be Dead. May 9, 10 p.m.: Blues queen Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, with Tijuana Panthers and 3 Balls of Fire. May 10, Noon: Mike Stinson presents A Mike Stinson Mothers Day Ode to Mom at brunch. Royale 2619 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 388-8488 or royaleonwilshire.com. Sundays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Rat pack protégé Max Vontaine. Sheraton L.A. Downtown Hotel 711 S. Hope St., (310) 216-5861. Fridays: The hotel presents a weekly live jazz night.

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

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nization’s Celebrating Takemitsu Festival comes to a close with a program of works by the celebrated composer Toru Takemitsu, including his “Waterscape Series.” A pre-concert talk is at 7:30 p.m., with the program starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 Colburn School Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu. 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Conservatory student Aleksey Klyushnik gives a double bass recital at 1 p.m. and Darryl Littman gives a percussion recital. Friday, May 8 Los Angeles Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.org. 8 p.m.: Pianist Yefim Bronfman plays Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Bartók’s “Suite from the Miraculous Mandarin.” Colburn School Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu. 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Various student ensembles and individuals perform Friday night recitals. Saturday, May 9 Colburn School Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu. 7:30 p.m.: An advanced School of Performing Arts ensemble, the 30-member Colburn Chamber Orchestra is a string ensemble that performs professional-level repertoire. Conducted by Ronald Leonard. Los Angeles Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.org. 8 p.m.: See May 8 listing. Continued on page 20

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Where to Eat

§F § § §

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§ Where to Live

Grand Tower • 255 S. Grand Ave. Museum Tower • 225 S. Olive St. Promenade Towers • 123 S. Figueroa St. The Metropolitan Apartments • 950 S. Flower St.

229-9777 626-1500 617-3777 489-3300

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The Millennium Biltmore Hotel • 506 S. Grand Ave.

624-1011

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California Plaza II • 4th St. & Grand Ave. • Watercourt • 4th St. & Grand Ave. • Angels Flight Railway • 4th St. & Hill St.

687-2001 687-2190 626-1901

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Wilshire Grand Hotel • 930 Wilshire Blvd. • Cardini Ristorante • Seoul Jung • Kyoto

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

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

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F Where to Office F m D5

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Points of Interest

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

629-1200

Frying Fish Restaurant • 120 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

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

630-5200

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

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

892-8172

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CBS Seafood Restaurant • 700 N. Spring St.

617-2323

F C7

Clifton’s Brookdale Restaurant • 648 S. Broadway

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

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

624-1200

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

680-5200

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

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20 Downtown News

May 4, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Listings Continued from page 19

Sunday, May 10 Los Angeles Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.org. 2 p.m.: See May 8 listing.

THEATER, OPERA & DANCE Ain’t Misbehavin’ Ahmanson Theater, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.org. May 5-May 8, 8 p.m.; May 9, 2 and 8 p.m.; May 10, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: At the height of the Harlem Renaissance, venues like The Cotton Club were jumping to a new beat called “swing.” Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a rollicking, finger-snapping, toe-tapping, Tony Award-winning musical revue and a tribute to the black entertainers of the early 1900s. Its main focus is the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller. The Designated Mourner Son of Semele Theater, 3301 Beverly Blvd., (213) 3513507 or sonofsemele.org. May 4-5 and May 8-9, 8 p.m.: The play by Wallace Shaw is not unlike a literary puzzle to be deciphered by its audience. Non-linear and multi-layered, it takes place in an imaginary country where tension between priviliged and impoverished classes have generated fears of revolt among the elite, and have motivated the government to remove anyone capable of igniting such an event. The story is voiced through three narrators who explore class, culture and the role of the self in a divided country. Through May 20. LA Views II Company of Angeles at the Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring St., Third Floor, companyofangelestheater.org. May 8 and 9, 8 p.m.; May 10, 3 and 7 p.m.: LA Views II, a reincarnation of LA Views, the first production the company did in its home at the Alexandria, takes inspiration from luminaries of the silent film era. This collection of eight short plays draws from past celebrities like Mary Pickford and Sessue Hayakawa who lived in or frequented the old hotel in its glory days. Through May 10.

Lydia Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.org. May 5-May 8, 8 p.m.; May 9, 2:30 and 8 p.m.; May 10, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: In “Lydia,” a MexicanAmerican family is mired in grief and guilt over a daughter tragically disabled. So, the Flores family welcomes Lydia, an undocumented maid, into their El Paso home and is immediately set on a mysterious journey of discovery that threatens to uncover elusive secrets. Through May 17. Marry Me A Little and The Last Five Years David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000 or eastwestplayers.org. May 6-9, 8 p.m.; May 10, 2 p.m.: This is an evening of two one-act musicals by two powerhouse composers. “Marry Me a Little” features songs that didn’t quite fit into some of Stephen Sondheim’s best-known musicals and are woven into a simple tale of two lonely people during one evening in their small, one-bedroom apartment. “The Last Five Years” has music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, and tells the story of an imploding relationship from the points of view of both lovers. Through June 7. The Next Dance Company REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800, redcat.org. May 8-9, 8:30 p.m.: The new resident ensemble of the Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance at CalArts, the Next Dance Company, makes it debut with a pair of concerts. Directed by choreographer Stephan Koplowitz, dean of the school.

FARMERS MARKETS WEDNESDAYS Pershing Square Farmers Market 532 S. Olive St., ccfm.com 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Rows of fresh, in-season produce and a variety of hot snacks. Thursdays City Hall Farmers Market South Lawn of City Hall, between Main and Spring streets, downtownfarmersmarket.org. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Farm fresh produce, flowers, olives, oils, hummus, dips, honeys and crafts. Music 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s a chance to pick up fresh goods and get some face time with your favorite civil servant.

7+Fig Farmers Market 725 S. Figueroa St., (213) 955-7150 or 7fig.com. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: The outdoor mall in the Financial District offers produce, hot and sweet kettle corn, flowers, honey, breads, bonsai trees, tamales, olives, nuts and more. Fridays Bank of America Farmers Market 333 S. Hope St., at Bank of America Plaza, ccfm.com. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Visitors rave about the falafel, samosas and tamales, but there’s also produce, flowers and crafts.

BARS & CLUBS The Association 610 S. Main St. Carved out of the back area that used to belong to Cole’s, the bar in front, the Association is a dimly-lit, swank little alcove with some serious mixologists behind the bar. Banquette 400 S. Main St., (213) 626-2768 or banquette-cafe.com. This petite cafe and wine bar with its red and white striped awning has become a popular hangout for casual evenings of drinking wine and meeting up with friends. During monthly Art Walks on the second Thursday of the month, Banquette buzzes with almost every kind of Downtown denizen you could imagine. They have a small but lovely selection of wines by the glass as well as beers. Barbara’s at the Brewery 620 Moulton Ave., No. 110, (323) 221-9204 or barbarasatthebrewery.com. On the grounds of the Brewery, this bar and restaurant in an unfinished warehouse is where local residents find their artistic sustenance. Beer on tap, wine list and full bar. Bar 107 107 W. Fourth St., (213) 625-7382 or myspace.com/bar107. Inside the keyhole-shaped door, tough-as-nails Derby Dolls vie for elbowroom with crusty old bar guys and a steady stream of Old Bank District inhabitants. Velvet señoritas, deer heads with sunglasses, a wooden Indian and Schlitz paraphernalia plaster the red walls. There’s no shortage of entertainment, with

the funky dance room, great DJs and the occasional rock band. In the photo booth, you can capture your mug in old-fashioned black and white. Located just two blocks east of the Pershing Square Metro stop, Bar 107 is open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week. Blue Velvet 750 S. Garland St., (213) 239-0061 or bluevelvetrestaurant.com. Located off a small side street, look for the blue neon sign that says The Flat. This stylish poolside restaurant and lounge in the former Holiday Inn (now a residential building) features sparkling views of Staples Center, a dining room with a 17-foot sunken granite table, and a sleek bar with white stools where you can saddle up cowboy style. Bonaventure Brewing Company Westin Bonaventure, 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 2360802 bbc2go.com. Where can you get a drink, order some decent bar food, sit outdoors and still feel like you’re Downtown? It’s a tall order to fill, but this bar in the Bonaventure Hotel does it admirably. Sure, the hotel is vaguely ’80s, and you’ll probably encounter some convention goers tying a few on, but it only adds to the fun. Pub Quiz Trivia Night every Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. Bona Vista Lounge 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 624-1000 or starwoodhotels.com. Located in the heart of the Financial District in the landmark Westin Bonaventure Hotel, this revolving cocktail lounge offers a 360-degree view of

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2 MONTHS FREE @ 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 888-8863731. DOWNTOWN Los Angeles 2 Month’s FREE RENT! Studio $1688/ month Luxury at it’s finest! Granite counters, W & D 888-262-9761. TWO MONTHS FREE! (O.A.C.) Brand New Resort Apartments. Granite kitchens, washer/dryers, pools, spas, saunas, fitness ctr, free tanning beds & much more! 866-690-2894.

toWn HoUses MONTEREY HILLS 3 bdrm, 3 story townhouse. 1800 sq. ft. 7 miles to Civic Center. Many extras. $1750/Mo. 626-799-3104. dUplexes 1 BEDROOM, 1 BATHROOM duplex. $750.00 monthly. 4 minutes to downtown. Older retired couple or single professional preferred. Excellent credit required. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ lac/apa/1147023194.html.

UP TO 2 months free! (O.A.C.) New downtown luxury apartments with granite kitchens, marble baths, pool, spa, saunas & free parking. 888-736-7471. UP TO 2 MONTHS free! Panoramic downtown views. 1 bed/1bath starting at $1398. Washer dryer in unit, gated,Pool, spa and sauna. (888)265-1707. commercial space COMMERCIAL SPACE for lease. 1800 square feet. 804 E. 7th Street, L.A. $900 per month. 1st month free. 213-623-9090. ENTIRE TOP FLOOR Historic buidling. 5400 sqft Day Studio/ No-Live. NChinatown. $3800/ Month. Shows M-F/9-5. Greg 323-343-9670.

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loft/UnfUrnisHed

22 Downtown News

May 4, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Continued from previous page

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INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS & Company drivers. All 53’ Refrigerated. Various Lanes, 7 Western States. Contact Brent Redmond Transportation Safety Department for details, 1-800777-5342 or www.BrentRedmond.com. (Cal-SCAN) DRIVER - West Coast Regional New hiring area. Newest equipment on the road. Competitive Pay. Run the Western 11 States. On Site - Full Service Maintenance Shop. Reasonable Home Time. BCBS Insurance. Western Express - 22 yrs. old. Good MVR, EOE, CDL-A, 1 yr. OTR. Call Edna Today! 1-866-8634112. (Cal-SCAN)

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WestLaKe reCovery redeveLopment proJeCt area Committee proJeCt area Committee (paC) eLeCtion meeting JUNE 17, 2009 The Westlake Recovery Redevelopment Project Area will hold a Project Area Committee (PAC) Election Meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 , at 6:30 p.m., with voter/candidate registration from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Pre-Election Meeting will be held on May 6, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Election and Pre-Election Meeting will be held at 2845 West Seventh Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005. A PAC is a community advisory committee formed to advise the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on goals, priorities, and formulation of the annual work program and budget for the project area. Terms of office are for three years. PAC members must attend monthly PAC meetings and actively participate in all deliberations, and serve as liaison to the constituents they are elected to represent. PAC members must file a Conflict of Interest Financial Disclosure Statement. The general boundaries of the Westlake Recovery Redevelopment Project Area are: Third Street and Beverly Boulevard on the north; Witmer Street and Union Street on the east; Olympic Boulevard on the south; and Hoover Street and Benton Way on the west. (See enclosed Boundary Map.) Candidates are needed for a total of nineteen (19) PAC vacancies in the following categories and positions per category: RESIDENTIAL OWNER OCCUPANTS (4), RESIDENTIAL TENANTS (4), BUSINESS OWNERS (Non-Manufacturing/Non-Industrial) (4), MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS OWNERS (4), and EXISTING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS (3) *. Community Organizations must submit all necessary documentation of eligibility ten (10) business days prior to the election. Voting is restricted by category, e.g. a Residential Owner Occupant may only vote for the Residential Owner Occupant category, except that all voters will have the opportunity to vote for representatives of Existing Community Organizations. Proof of eligibility to vote or stand for election must be provided for the category chosen. No absentee or “proxy” voting will be allowed. Eligible candidates or voters qualifying in more than one category must choose only one category in which to participate. Any person desiring to stand for election to the PAC, or to vote in a PAC election, must produce adequate evidence of eligibility. Proof of eligibility must include, in all instances, a form of current photo identification such as a passport, driver’s license or California identification card, in addition to the required proof relating to the specific categories. All voters and candidates must be at least 18 years of age. Persons without appropriate documentation will not be allowed to vote or be a candidate. Past service on the Project Area Committee or participation in previous elections will not be accepted as a substitute for providing proper documentation. Eligible candidates who register on or by Wednesday, June 3, 2009, will have their name printed on the ballot. Specific Criteria and Guidelines determining eligibility for candidacy and to vote will be distributed at the locations, dates and times listed below or a copy can be requested from Mr. Michael Cortez or Mr. Kenyon Price at the CRA site office located at 3055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite # 520, Los Angeles, CA. Pre-registration for voters and candidates will take place at the following locations, dates and times: PRE-ELECTION MEETING/ REGISTRATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2009 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. CARECEN 2845 West Seventh Street Los Angeles, CA 90005 Second REGISTRATION Meeting WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2009 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. CARECEN 2845 West Seventh Street Los Angeles, CA 90005 Third REGISTRATION Meeting WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2009 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. CARECEN Los Angeles, CA 90005 ELECTION DAY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2009 Election Date 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. - Final Registration Candidate speeches Voting CARECEN 2845 West Seventh Street Los Angeles, CA 90005 The Westlake community is encouraged to attend the meetings and participate in the election and redevelopment project plan implementation. If you have any questions concerning the PAC election, or care to obtain additional information regarding eligibility criteria, please contact Donna Vong or Aileen Villegas from the Office of the City Clerk, at (213) 978- 0440, Mr. Michael Cortez or Mr. Kenyon Price at the CRA site office (213) 977-2633 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies of the Redevelopment Plan, Procedures for the Formation and Elections of the Project Area Committee (PAC), and Project Area PAC By-laws may be obtained at the CRA site office, or at the Agency’s Records Department at 354 South Spring Street 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. * MUST ADHERE TO ESTABLISHED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR EXISTING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 5/4, 5/11/09 CNS-1567584#

WWW.DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

LeGAL nOtICe notiCe of poLLing pLaCes and designation of CentraL CoUnting pLaCe NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office of polling places designated for the STATEWIDE SPECIAL AND CONSOLIDATED ELECTIONS scheduled to be held on May 19, 2009. NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's facility, 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk California 90650 has been designated as the central counting place for the above elections. Polling places shall be open between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Persons requiring multilingual assistance in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino, or Vietnamese regarding information in the notice may call (800) 481-8683. POLLING PLACES 9000053A (9000053B, 9000053C, 9000053D and 9000053E CONS) - MAGNOLIA AVENUE ELEM SCHOOL 1626 ORCHARD AVE LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9000355A (9000355B, 9000355C, 9000355D, 9000355E and 9002229A CONS) - NORMANDIE RECREATION CENTER 1550 S NORMANDIE AVE LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9000418A (9000418B, 9000418C, 9000418D, 9000418E, 9007367A, 9007367C, 9007367D and 9007367E CONS) - HOLLYWOOD LAND 554 N LARCHMONT BLVD LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9000454A (9000454B, 9000454C and 9000454D CONS) NORWOOD ST ELEMENTARY SCH 2020 OAK ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9000464A (9000029A, 9000029B, 9000029C, 9000029D, 9000029E, 9000029F, 9000029G, 9000029H, 9000464A, 9000464B, 9000464C, 9000464D and 9000464E CONS) - ALPINE RECREATION CENTER 817 YALE ST LOS ANGELES 90012 Accessible: Y 9000476A (9000476B, 9000476C, 9000476D and 9000476E CONS) - ALEXANDRIA AV ELEM SCHOOL 4211 OAKWOOD AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9000517A (9000517B, 9000517C, 9000517D, 9001680B, 9001875A, 9001875B, 9001875C, 9001875D, 9001875E and 9005399B CONS) - LEO POLITI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2481 W 011TH ST LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9000608A - THE ORIENTAL MISSION CHURCH 424 N WESTERN AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9000884A (9000617D, 9000617E, 9000617F, 9000617G, 9000884A, 9000884B, 9000884C, 9000884D, 9000884E and 9000884F CONS) - HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH 751 CRENSHAW BLVD LOS ANGELES 90005 Accessible: Y 9000888A (9000888B and 9000888C CONS) - HOOVER RECREATION CENTER 1010 W 025TH ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9000914A (9000914B, 9000914C and 9001852A CONS) - HOOVER RECREATION CENTER 1010 W 025TH ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9000957B (9000957A, 9000957B, 9000957C, 9000957D, 9000957E, 9000957F and 9000957G CONS) - IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 847 GREEN AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 Accessible: Y 9000965A (9000965B, 9000965C, 9000965D, 9000965E and 9000965F CONS) - FIRE STATION # 6 326 N VIRGIL AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9000971A (9000971B CONS) - SIMPLE TOUCH WIRELESS 4214 BEVERLY BLVD LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001008A (9000989C, 9000989D, 9001008A, 9001008B, 9001008C, 9001008D, 9001008E, 9003763B and 9003763E CONS) - KOREAN AMER UNI FOUNDATION 981 S WESTERN AVE LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9001009A (9001009B, 9001009C, 9001009D, 9001009E, 9001009F, 9001009G and 9001009H CONS) - KOREAN AMER. UNI. FOUNDATION 981 S WESTERN AVE LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9001024B (9001024A, 9001024B, 9001024C and 9001024D CONS) - VERMONT AVE ELEM SCHOOL 1435 W 027TH ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001025A (9001025B and 9001794A CONS) - CARECEN 2845 W 007TH ST LOS ANGELES 90005 Accessible: Y 9001046D (9001046A, 9001046B, 9001046C, 9001046D, 9001046E, 9001046F, 9001046G, 9001046H, 9001046J, 9001046K, 9001046M, 9001046N, 9001046P and 9001046R CONS) - JOHN ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL 151 W 030TH ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001069A (9001069B, 9001069C, 9001069D, 9001069E, 9001069F, 9001685A, 9001685B and 9001685E CONS) - MIJOO PEACE CHURCH 170 BIMINI PL LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001098C (9001098D, 9001098E and 9001098F CONS) - FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH 2936 W 008TH ST LOS ANGELES 90005 Accessible: Y 9001499A (9001499B, 9001499D, 9001499E, 9005757B and 9005757F CONS) - UNION FERRARO TOWERS 455 S UNION AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 Accessible: Y 9001537A (9000360A, 9000360B, 9001537A and 9001537B CONS) SEOUL INTERNATIONAL PARK 3250 SAN MARINO ST LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9001603B (9001603C, 9001603D, 9001613A, 9001613C and 9007367B CONS) - THIRD ST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 201 S JUNE ST LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001613B (9000272C, 9001613B, 9001613D, 9001613E and 9001613F CONS) - THIRD ST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 201 S JUNE ST LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001620A (9001541A, 9001541B, 9001541C, 9001541D, 9001620A, 9001620B and 9001620C CONS) - THE ORIENTAL MISSION CHURCH 424 N WESTERN AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001621A (9000272A, 9000272D, 9000272E, 9001621A, 9001621B, 9001621C, 9001621D, 9001621E, 9001621F and 9001621G CONS) - COLDWELL BANKER 119 N LARCHMONT BLVD LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001660C (9001660F CONS) - ALPINE RECREATION CENTER 817 YALE ST LOS ANGELES 90012 Accessible: Y 9001668B (9001098A, 9001098B, 9001668B and 9001668C CONS) - FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH 2936 W 008TH ST LOS ANGELES 90005 Accessible: Y 9001684A (9001684B and 9001684C CONS) - VERMONT AVE ELEM SCHOOL 1435 W 027TH ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001685C (9001685D CONS) - MIJOO PEACE CHURCH 170 BIMINI PL LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y

9001686A (9001686B and 9001686C CONS) - FARM LAB 1745 N SPRING ST LOS ANGELES 90012 Accessible: Y 9001693A (9001693B, 9001693C and 9001693D CONS) - KOREAN AMER. UNI. FOUNDATION 981 S WESTERN AVE LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9001702A (9001702B, 9001702C and 9001702D CONS) - WILTON KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN 470 N ST ANDREWS PL LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001704A (9001704B and 9001704E CONS) - GRATTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 309 S LUCAS AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 Accessible: Y 9001739A (9001739B, 9001739C, 9001739D, 9001739E and 9001739F CONS) - FIRST A M E ZION CATHEDRAL 1449 W ADAMS BLVD LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: N 9001751A (9001751C, 9001751D, 9001751E, 9001751F, 9001958B and 9001958F CONS) - ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN CHR. 3500 S NORMANDIE AVE LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001757A (9001026B, 9001026D, 9001757A, 9001757B, 9001757C, 9001757D and 9001757E CONS) - WEEMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1260 W 036TH PL LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: N 9001762A (9001026C, 9001026E, 9001026F, 9001762A, 9001762B, 9001762C, 9001762D and 9001762E CONS) - WEEMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1260 W 036TH PL LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: N 9001781B (9001781C, 9001781D, 9003645A and 9003645B CONS) - SOPHIA T SALVIN SPEC. ED CTR 1925 BUDLONG AVE LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001801A (9001740A, 9001740B, 9001740C, 9001801A, 9001801B, 9001801C and 9001801D CONS) - ALEXANDRIA AV ELEM SCHOOL 4211 OAKWOOD AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001804A (9001804C, 9001804D and 9001804E CONS) ROSEWOOD UNITED METH CHR 4101 ROSEWOOD AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001810A (9001810B, 9001810C, 9002017A and 9002017C CONS) - PORTALS 269 S MARIPOSA AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001814A (9001814B, 9001814C, 9001814D, 9001814E and 9002017B CONS) - PORTALS 269 S MARIPOSA AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9001864A (9001236A, 9001864A, 9001864B, 9003185B and 9007016B CONS) - ANGELUS PLAZA 245 S HILL ST LOS ANGELES 90012 Accessible: Y 9001920A (9001920B, 9001920C, 9001920D and 9001920E CONS) - SUNG KWANG PRESB CHURCH 1359 W 024TH ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001929A (9000554A, 9000554B, 9000554C, 9000554D, 9001929A, 9001929B, 9001929C and 9001929D CONS) - OUR SAVIOR CATHOLIC CENTER 3207 UNIVERSITY AVE LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001932A (9001932C and 9001932D CONS) - JOHN ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL 151 W 030TH ST LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9001956A (9001751B, 9001956A, 9001956B, 9001956C, 9001956D, 9001956E, 9001956F and 9001956G CONS) - ROGER WILLIAMS BAPTIST CHR 1342 W ADAMS BLVD LOS ANGELES 90007 Accessible: Y 9002001A (9002001B, 9002001C, 9002001D, 9005401A, 9005401B, 9005401C, 9005401D and 9005401E CONS) - FIRST KOREAN METHODIST CHURCH 1230 S HOBART BLVD LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: N 9002012A (9002012B, 9002012C, 9002012D, 9002012E, 9002012F, 9003952A, 9003952B and 9003952C CONS) - FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH 2936 W 008TH ST LOS ANGELES 90005 Accessible: Y 9002952A (9001668A, 9002952A, 9002952B, 9002952C, 9002952D, 9002952E and 9002952F CONS) - FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH 2936 W 008TH ST LOS ANGELES 90005 Accessible: Y 9003185A (9001236B, 9001236F, 9003185A and 9003185C CONS) - BUNKER HILL TOWERS 800 W 001ST ST LOS ANGELES 90012 Accessible: Y 9004230A (9001714A, 9001714B, 9001714C, 9004230A, 9004230B, 9004230C, 9004230D and 9004230E CONS) - WILTON KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN 470 N ST ANDREWS PL LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9005006A (9005006B CONS) - WILSHIRE CHRISTIAN MANOR 616 S NORMANDIE AVE LOS ANGELES 90005 Accessible: Y 9005399A (9001781A, 9001781E, 9001781F, 9005399A, 9005399C, 9005399D, 9005399E, 9005399F and 9005399G CONS) - BERENDO JR HIGH SCHOOL 1157 S BERENDO ST LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9005543B (9001660D, 9002072E, 9005543B, 9005543C, 9005543D, 9005543E, 9005543F, 9005543G and 9005543H CONS) - HOLY HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH 1111 SUNSET BLVD LOS ANGELES 90012 Accessible: Y 9005757A (9001499C, 9001704C, 9001704F, 9005757A, 9005757C, 9005757D, 9005757E and 9005757G CONS) - GRATTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 309 S LUCAS AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 Accessible: Y 9005769B (9001704D, 9005769B, 9005769C, 9005769D and 9005769E CONS) - IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 847 GREEN AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 Accessible: Y 9005778C (9002947A, 9002947B, 9002947C, 9005778A, 9005778B, 9005778C, 9005778D, 9005778E, 9005778F and 9005778G CONS) - THE ORIENTAL MISSION CHURCH 424 N WESTERN AVE LOS ANGELES 90004 Accessible: Y 9007016A (9000502A, 9000502B, 9000502D, 9000502E, 9007016A, 9007016D, 9007016E, 9007016F, 9007016G and 9007016H CONS) WOO 209 S GAREY ST LOS ANGELES 90012 Accessible: Y 9007107A (9000911A, 9001681A, 9001681B, 9007107A, 9007107B and 9007107C CONS) - NORMANDIE RECREATION CENTER 1550 S NORMANDIE AVE LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y 9007542A (9001913A, 9001913B, 9001913D, 9007542A, 9007542B, 9007542C, 9007542D, 9007542E, 9007542F and 9007542G CONS) - ANGELICA LUTHERAN CHURCH 1345 S BURLINGTON AVE LOS ANGELES 90006 Accessible: Y DEAN C. LOGAN Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk County of Los Angeles 5/4/09 CNS-1579049#

taiLor

EDDIES TAILOR SHOP Take your wardrobe to the next level! Same Day Service! Open 7 days a week! 115 E. 8th St. L.A. 90014 (213) 399-1177

eddiestailorshop.com attorneys

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs! Familiar o Amigo Arrestado? Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS donations JUST $5 can make you feel good. www.homelessinamerica. blogspot.com. Make donations at www.servantsofthefather.org/ donation. speCiaL events CELEBRATE MOTHERS DAY at the 12th Annual Koroneburg Renaissance Festival, 14600 Baron Dr, Archibald near Corona and Norco. Call for more information 951-735-0101, www.koroneburg.com. (Cal-SCAN)

Rent

Low Move-in SPECIAL Single rooms starting from $550/mo.

Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site, street parking, 1 yr lease. 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown L.A.

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

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

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

HealtH Dept. rank a for 7 ConseCutive Years

saKUra heaLth gym & saUna, inC. 111 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste #231-233 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 458-1919 [Corner of Garvey Ave.]

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EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

heLp Wanted

Dancers Make Big Money Now! 18 and over at Downtown LA’s most upscale Gentlemen’s Club Call 424-222-3739

Children’s Performing Group

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

SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433

May 4, 2009

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)

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

ITEMS FOR SALE laWn & Garden/Farm equip

WANTED TO BUY

sAWMills FROM OnlY $2,990 - Convert your logs To Valuable lumber with your own norwood portable band sawmill. log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills.com/300n -Free information: 1-800-578-1363 x300-n. (Cal-sCAn)

Wanted to Buy We pAY CAsH for guitars, instruments, Records and accessories. if it’s musical and you want to sell it - then we’re the guys to Call. 760-987-5349. (Cal-sCAn)

LEGAL

AUTOS & RECREATIONAL

Fictitious Business name Fictitious Business name statement File no. 20090413274 The following persons doing business as: OTAAT, ATp., 2102 Hillcrest drive, los Angeles, CA 90016, is hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) AlBeRT CHU, 2102 Hillcrest drive, los Angeles CA 90016, (2) AMeliA sTepHensOn, 818 s. lucerne Blvd., #101, los Angeles, CA 90005. This busi-

autos Wanted dOnATe YOUR CAR: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help save A Child’s life Through Research & support! Free Vacation package. Fast, easy & Tax deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CalsCAn)

Bunker Hill real estate Co, inC.

EstablishEd 1984

For SaLe: buNker HiLL Tower ❏ 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath. Elegant. Ready To Move In. South City Lights View. Recently Refurbished. Offered At $329,999. For reNT: ❏ Prom. West. 2 Bed. 2 Bath. 7th Flr. Elegant Upgrades. Green House. Pride Of Ownership. $3,000 Furn. $2,800 Unfurn. ❏ Prom. West-1 Bed. 1 Bath Penthuse. Overlooks Pool

& Gardens. Greenhouse Windows And Balcony. Stunning! $1995 Month. ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 5th Floor. Move In Now. $2,200 Month. ❏ 1 Bed. 1 Bath. Lafayette Park Place. Move In Now. 1100 Month. ForeCLoSureS: ❏ 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Pasadena. Upgrades. Large Deck. $477,800.

Promenade West Condo

Mirza alli

Broker/Realtor

2 Story Townhouse. West Facing With Downtown City View. Upgrades. Large Patio. Very Elegant. Asking $599,900

leasing-salesloans-refinance

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

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

www.Bunkerhillrealestate.com

ness is conducted by a general partnership. Registrants began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on november 1, 2008. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of los Angeles on March 23, 2009. 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. 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11/2009. Fictitious Business name statement File no. 20090499891 The following persons doing business as: WelCOMe, 1497 Beverly Blvd., los Angeles, CA 90026, is hereby registered by the following registrant(s): lAURel BROUgHTOn, 1497 Beverly Blvd., los Angeles, CA 90026. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrants has not began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein.This statement was filed with the County Clerk of los Angeles on April 7, 2009 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 state-

Do you have something to sell?

ment 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. 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11/2009. Fictitious Business name statement File no. 20090474372 The following person is doing business as: CHRisTine nOR, 880 W. 1st street, #613, los Angeles CA 90012, are hereby registered by the following registrant:CHRisTine nORene sMiTH, 880 W. 1st street, #613, los Angeles CA 90012. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrants has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with deAn C. lOgAn, los Angeles County Clerk on April 2, 2009 . 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. 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/04/09

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

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

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Downtown News 23

DowntownNews.com

DRE #01706351 Looking for a new house, a car, a job, an antique? Take a closer look at the classifieds. Hundreds of terrific values are listed daily. Or if you’re looking for a way to make extra cash, sell it quickly in the Classifieds.

CALL: 213.481.1448 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90026 • 213.481.1448

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

On Spring St.

Spring Tower Lofts:

Open floor plan, 2000 sqft $2200/mo. • Live/Creative work space • 14 story bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly

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Please call 213.627.6913 www.cityloftsquare.com

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90026 • 213.481.1448

Take Your Game to the Next Level Learn Course Management

1264 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90026,

___________________________

• 213.481.1448

___________________________

3 Driving strategies 3 Learn while you play 3 Mid/long iron techniques 3 Shot visualization 3 Mastering club selection 3 Short game fundamentals

___________________________

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

___________________________ ___________________________

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818.618.2099

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the alexandria

Top floor of 11 story (18,000 SF) historic building available now! Perfect for corporate hqtrs. Features separate executive suite(s). Stunning views of LA two blocks away from Staples Center and across the street from the new LA Live complex. The building also has approx 4,000 sq ft of beautiful contiguous space and some small offices available. These spaces can be viewed by appointment. Information available to qualified prospective tenants. Email request to mdavis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300

is Now Leasing!

at 501 S. Spring St.

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

$570/month

income & other restrictions apply.

call 213.626.1743 or stop by for a tour

24 Downtown News

May 4, 2009

We Got Games On to Round Two For the Lakers Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/lakers. Monday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. After dropping one game to the Jazz, in Utah, the purple and gold sealed the deal at Staples Center, ending a first round series that was never really in question. But going into the second round, when they will face a strong Houston Rockets team led by Yao Ming and Ron Artest, the Lakers have some questions: Start young center Andrew Bynum, who struggled mightily in the first round, or go with forward Lamar Odom, who has shined off the bench? Injuries are nagging the team too, with forward Luke Walton out indefinitely with a ligament tear in his ankle, and guard Trevor Ariza nursing a sprained ankle after

photo by Gary Leonard

DowntownNews.com landing awkwardly from a celebratory chest bump. Hey Trev, save that for after the championship. The first two games are at home. Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com. Monday, May 4-Friday, May 8, 7:10 p.m.; Saturday, May 9, 12:40 p.m.; Sunday, May 10, 1:10 p.m.: The first-place Dodgers are at home all week, with series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the woeful Washington Nationals and the always-hated San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers were kept afloat last year largely by consistent pitching from their young arms, and although there have been some changes in the rotation, the pitching has been pretty solid this year too, especially Chad Billingsley and, in the bullpen, Jonathan Broxton. But the Blue Crew is undoubtedly being led this season by their bats. In addition to the power-hitting outfield trio of Matt Kemp, ManRam and Andre Ethier, the Dodgers are being paced by new second baseman Orlando Hudson, who is among the league leaders in hits. —Ryan Vaillancourt

New Dodger Orlando Hudson is quietly leading the team’s offensive attack.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

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

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

LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N

Penthouse Available

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

(213) 229-9777

LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N

(213) 617-3777

(213) 626-1500

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

sauna and recreation room with kitchen.

Far below are a host of businesses ready to

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