LOS ANGELES
DOWNTOWN
NEWS
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Wilshire Grand’s closing, crime stats, and other happenings Around Town.
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Two Downtown business improvement districts try to push their borders.
W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M
May 30, 2011
Volume 40, Number 22
THE 11 MOST INTERESTING CHEFS IN DOWNTOWN photos by Gary Leonard
INSIDE
Soapbox Scenes
Urban Scrawl on the city Gold Cards.
4
Say thanks to the firefighters.
5
Buy your own Chinatown building.
10
(clockwise from top left) Fred Eric of Tiara Café, Judy Han of Mendocino Farms, John Rivera Sedlar of Rivera and Ilan Hall of The Gorbals are some of the Downtown chefs challenging diners, and themselves, with their culinary inventions.
A big batch of Restaurant Buzz.
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The Local Kitchen Wizards Who Are Pushing Food Forward by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
John Rabe sees dead TVs.
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Three outdoor film series.
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18 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS
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o one can argue that Downtown Los Angeles has experienced a restaurant renaissance. In the last five years, the community has emerged as a dining destination, with foodies flocking to hot establishments in Little Tokyo, near L.A. Live and in other locations. One reason for the surge is that chefs are challenging each other. Kitchen wizards are heading to the Central City in part so they can be around, and compete with, those who are also pushing food forward. In short, Downtown is full of interesting chefs. Below, we’ve come up with 11 of them. “Interesting” is both a specific and a general word. It doesn’t necessarily mean the best meals in Downtown — there are other restaurants where a reliance on traditional styles and techniques regularly provides diners with food they won’t soon forget. It also doesn’t mean the chefs always get it right — those who aim high sometimes crash hard. What it does mean is that they offer something either brand new, or with enough of a twist on the traditional to feel and taste original. They also get it right a lot more than they get it wrong. Here, in alphabetical order, are the Downtown chefs who are redefining the dining scene, a few plates at a time.
Josef Centeno of Lazy Ox Canteen
Gilberto Cetina of Chichen Itza
Centeno’s offerings at Little Tokyo’s Lazy Ox are constantly changing and spark vigorous conversations amongst his fiercely loyal clientele. Diners wonder what the beef neck will look like when it’s plated. Will the seared beef tongue with pickled fennel and semolina compare to those found in old-school taco trucks? And what exactly is a whelk? The 35-year-old chef, a firm practitioner of the tail-to-snout school of cooking, is driven by whatever ingredients are fresh and that he happens to come across, even if it means they will only be on the menu for a day or two. He describes his food as American with a global influence, which sounds just about right. There’s fried baby pompano, buttermilk fried quail and steamed whelks, a large marine snail usually found in Chinese or Italian markets. This summer Centeno plans to open a new restaurant in the Historic Core called Baco, after his signature dish, a combination of a gyro, pizza and taco. At 241 S. San Pedro St., (213) 626-5299 or lazyoxcanteen.com.
Cetina’s Mayan-influenced Yucatan cuisine gives his better-known neighbor at Mercado La Paloma, Mo-Chica, serious competition. Cetina’s Chichen Itza is small, but produces some citrus-rich spicy gems. Cetina grew up in the Yucatan and helped in his mother’s restaurant. He opened his own place in 2001 and serves dishes like panuchos, a crispy corn tortilla stuffed with black beans and topped with lettuce, shredded charbroiled turkey, pickled red onion, cucumbers, tomatoes and avocado. The poc chuc is tender pork marinated with sour orange juice and salt, which adds a slightly acidic flavor. Many do cochinita pibil, but Cetina’s is magnificent, a savory, slow-cooked pork marinated with sour orange juice and annatto seeds that is roasted while wrapped in a banana leaf. Cetina makes the habanero sauce in house, and isn’t afraid to use it freely. At 3655 S. Grand Ave., (213) 741-1075 or chichenitzarestaurant.com. see Chefs, page 13
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AROUNDTOWN
with some condominiums on the upper floors. It is slated to open in 2015.
Vote for Downtown’s Best, Win an iPod
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he window will soon close on the voting for Los Angeles Downtown News’ 23rd annual Best of Downtown issue. When it does, Downtown workers and residents will also see their chance to win an iPod Touch come to an end. Voting began May 16 and continues through Friday, June 3, and readers have the opportunity to weigh in on more than 100 categories, everything from Best New Restaurant to Best Hotel Bar to Best Florist. All voting takes place online at votebestof.com. Those who fill out at least 30 categories are entered in a drawing to win prizes including an iPod Touch, cash and gift certificates. The grand prize package includes a two-night stay at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, dinner for two at Sai Sai, $200 cash, dinner for two at Morton’s, a $150 Ticketmaster gift card and a Los Angeles Conservancy walking tour. The Best of Downtown issue will publish July 18.
Downtown Crime Ticks Up, New Maps Online
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he LAPD’s crime statistics show a slight year-to-date increase in violent and property crimes in Downtown. So far, violent crime is up 7% compared to the same period last year. As of May 21, there were 318 violent crimes reported in Central Division, up from 298 at this time in 2010. Most of the increase stemmed from a rise in aggravated assaults, from 141 last year to 151 so far in 2011. Property crime has also increased 7%, mostly because of a 30% surge in burglaries from vehicles; there have been 386 so far this year, compared
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to 296 last year. Other burglaries are down 4% and car thefts have fallen 11%. While statistics are trending upward for the year, Central Division officials are battling their own advances in crime reduction. A prolonged fall in Downtown crime began with the introduction of the Safer Cities Initiative in 2007, leading to a 30% drop that year. Although there was a slight increase in 2008, crime fell 10% in 2009 and dropped another 2.8% in 2010. Meanwhile, the LAPD recently unveiled an interactive crime-mapping program that allows people to easily follow crime in their neighborhood. The site, crimemapping.com, allows users to sort crime by category, area and date range.
Wilshire Grand to Close Dec. 31
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nyone hoping to stay in the Wilshire Grand hotel had better make reservations soon. S. Chris Park, vice president and general manager of the Financial District facility, last week announced that the hotel will shutter on Dec. 31. The complex on the northwest corner of Seventh and Figueroa streets is slated to be razed early next year to make way for a $1.1 billion, two-tower hotel, condominium and office project. Earlier this year, hotel owner Korean Air and its development partner, Downtown-based Thomas Properties Group, secured the approvals for the new project. According to a statement from the Wilshire Grand, the hotel received its building permit on May 22, 1950, and groundbreaking on the $15 million project took place in July of that year. The facility opened on Aug. 6, 1952, as the Hotel Statler. In later years it was the Statler Hilton and an Omni Los Angeles. The first element to rise in the new project will be a 45-story tower holding 650 hotel rooms,
An Icon in the Making
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onstruction is underway on a new student housing complex called Icon Plaza at USC. The $30 million development, by Los Angeles based The Icon Company and Chicago’s Campus Acquisitions, will consist of a sixstory, 100,000-square-foot, mixed-use building. Although the project will have just 56 apartments, it is slated to house 250 students. There will also be 12,500 square feet of ground level commercial space above three levels of underground parking at Figueroa Street and Exposition Boulevard. The project will include a 24-hour concierge and security, a library, study rooms, a recreation room, a pool and a fitness center. The project broke ground in January and completion is expected in fall 2012.
Facelift for Pershing Square Stage
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he Pershing Square stage is getting an upgrade in preparation for the summer concert season. A $200,000 renovation will close a portion of the northern part of the park at Olive and Fifth streets until July 4. The renovation will add a cement floor to the stage that is currently made of decomposed granite covered in Astroturf, which is hard to keep clean and causes problems when loading equipment, said Louise Capone, senior recreation director for the park. A new electrical system will add a clearer, though not necessarily louder, sound to concerts. New ramps and handrails will also be installed. The work is scheduled for completion before the upcoming summer concert series and no other events at the park, including the weekly farmers market, will be affected, Capone said.
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Chili Hamburger .............. $2.00 Chili Cheeseburger ........... $2.40
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4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ...Registration 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm ...Welcome in Auditorium 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm ...Networking
LADWP Headquarters Auditorium & A Level Lobby 111 North Hope Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Free Parking in Customer Lot, Gate 6 (Enter on Hope Street) Please R.S.V.P. no later than Wednesday, June 8th at DWP.WKY@LADWP.COM For more information, please call (213) 367-EXPO or visit our website at www.ladwp.com/businessexpo for a current listing of opportunities open for bid.
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As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, service and activities. To ensure availability, such request should be made 72 hours in advance by calling (213) 367-2252, TDD: 1(800) 432-7397.
May 30, 2011
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EDITORIALS Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
Surviving The Lakers
T
he NBA Finals begin this week, and for the first time since 2007, they are taking place without the Los Angeles Lakers. While this sparked a lot of consternation a couple weeks ago, when they were decimated by the Dallas Mavericks, with a little perspective we can all see that everything is just fine. For most people, life is no worse. The city hasn’t plunged into the Pacific. The team even managed to find a new coach. Angelenos are continuing to enjoy the many wondrous things the city offers, just without those flying purple and gold car flags. Downtown restaurants are still pulling in diners, though they’ll miss the added revenue of customers attending up to 10 more home games (the maximum if the series against Dallas had gone to seven games and if the Lakers had home court advantage in the next two rounds). Area businesses are forced to make do with their regular customers, leisure travelers and the massive crowds coming next week to the E3 video game convention. The Lakers play an important role in the city’s entertainment scheme and social psyche, and provide a tremendous business bounce for untold numbers of enterprises. Their NBA titles in 2009 and 2010 (and their appearance in the Finals in 2008) helped unite a diverse city. The team has proved even more important at a time when Los Angeles’ other beloved franchise, the Dodgers, have become an afterthought, for all sorts of McCourtrelated reasons. Still, the Lakers are just one piece of a great city. While we groaned like many when Kobe Bryant missed his chance at a sixth title and Phil Jackson endured the humiliation of his first ever playoff sweep in his final season, the end of the Lakers’ campaign won’t stop anyone from attending the free concerts this summer at Cal Plaza or Pershing Square. In fact, no Laker games could mean bigger audiences for the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Radar L.A. theater festival, both of which are coming to Downtown in June. The options still proliferate across the region. You know the drill — we’ve got the mountains, the beach and the desert all within a couple hours’ drive. The Lakers’ loss doesn’t lessen any of that. We hope the Lakers regain their swagger next season. Even if they don’t, we’ll all survive just fine. There’s plenty to do in Downtown.
Keep Downtown Together in Redistricting Process
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he City Council redistricting that erupts every 10 years in Los Angeles is one of the most tumultuous and tension-filled processes inside City Hall. In terms of potential for conflict, it probably trails only elections and budget battles. This is neither unexpected nor unreasonable, considering that the horse-trading and power grabs impact the city for a decade at a time. Over the next year, redistricting will roar back, and Downtown will play a central role. Already we see the likelihood of disagreement, but at this early stage, there is something more important to the area than fighting: The council lines need to be redrawn so that all, or at least the vast majority of Downtown Los Angeles, falls into a single district. What happens in the redistricting process will have major implications for Downtown all the way through 2022. If everything goes right, a growing Central City will emerge united, with a stronger voice in City Hall. Conversely, if things go wrong, the neighborhood will get sliced and diced, and the residential base will be carved among two or three districts to the point that the area becomes secondary to other communities and less important to its council representatives. The City Council has until July 1, 2012, to approve new boundaries for Los Angeles’ 15 districts. However, the whisper campaign has already begun, and elected officials across the city are beginning to determine which areas they want to target. The need to keep Downtown united follows the area’s rapid growth. The market-rate residential population has skyrocketed since 2000. This, coupled with Downtown’s demographics and its ability to hold even more development and business, make the community more desirable than ever for politicians. Officials will have a lot to haggle over, but we think the high-density areas should absolutely be together. It is time to reunite sectors that were torn apart in previous redistricting processes when the residential population was
limited. Bunker Hill, the Historic Core, South Park, the Financial District, Little Tokyo, Skid Row and the principal residential bases in the Arts District and City West should all fall together in a single district. Splitting of individual sectors — the Historic Core and Skid Row are now divided — must not be allowed. These areas all share a base of concentrated urban living. It makes sense for them to be together. The redistricting process is part of the City Charter. Every 10 years, following the demographic data delivered by the United States census, the city is forced to redraw the council districts to ensure that each one has approximately the same number of inhabitants. The 2010 census found that Los Angeles has about 3.8 million residents, meaning each district should hold approximately 253,000 people. While 15 equally sized squares or blocks might seem the most logical step, the squiggling, darting and just plain weirdly shaped territories detail the impossibility and impracticality of that. The charter dictates that “communities of interest” be kept together. The term, which can apply to physical neighborhoods as well as enclaves with ethnic and income concentrations, has propelled the peculiar patterns that exist today. It also helps explain why, in 1991, thenCouncilman Richard Alatorre was able to snag a nine-block stretch of Broadway and include it in his 14th District, the lion’s share of which falls in Boyle Heights. While the “Alatorre Finger” looks downright crazy on a map, it made demographic sense to some to pair the city’s predominant Latino shopping street with a Latino residential base. To others it merely came across as a raw power grab, unnecessarily creating chaos in defined neighborhoods. These days, Downtown is divided among three council sectors. Ed Reyes’ First District contains City West and Chinatown; Jan Perry’s Ninth holds Bunker Hill, the Financial District, Little Tokyo, South Park and parts of the Historic Core, Skid Row and the Arts
District; and Jose Huizar’s 14th includes Broadway, much of the Downtown industrial area, and the swaths of the Historic Core, Skid Row and the Arts District that Perry does not control (all three also represent significant territory beyond Downtown). Los Angeles has seen many pitched territorial battles over the years, though Downtown’s have been relatively tame by virtue of the low number of residents. There was a kerfluffle a decade ago when Perry, Reyes and former 14th District rep Nick Pacheco all eyed some overlapping land. This time, with the community’s aforementioned growth, the conflict could heighten. The tough part comes not only in dividing territory, but in creating districts with equal numbers of residents. Early data indicates the Ninth will have to shrink while the First and 14th grow. The big question for Downtown will come in whether these districts cut and swap within the Central City, or whether the shuffling happens in other portions of the districts. The process does not occur in an ideological or numerical vacuum. As one political observer noted in a story Los Angeles Downtown News published last week, the driving motivation is often re-election and power. Council reps want to ensure that their territory contains the demographic base to keep them in office and, later, the platform upon which to build support in future elections. A growing Downtown will be desirable, and no one is going to willingly walk away from the area unless they get something significant in return. A lot will happen over the next year. In August, city officials will appoint their representatives to a panel in charge of handling redistricting. Throughout the process the council reps will play a huge behind-the-scenes role. We’ll have more to say on redistricting as the matter moves forward. So will many others. For now, it’s clear that greater Downtown is a “community of interest,” with urban concerns that tie areas and inhabitants together. Downtown needs to stay in a single district, and local players need to be ready to make their voices heard.
May 30, 2011
Downtown News 5
DowntownNews.com
The Readers Speak Out ‘Everyone Loves Firefighters’ Website Comments on Rick Caruso, Helping a Mission and More
Regarding the column “A Trolley to the Mayor’s Office,” about a speech by possible mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, published online May 12, by Jon Regardie
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.A. does not need a developer to be the next mayor. —Dino Esposito, May 12, 6:21 p.m.
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aruso is a pretty bright guy. He’s business friendly and would really have a handle on how to strengthen Los Angeles and get things moving in the right direction. Those qualities will never get you elected in Los Angeles. —Mario, May 14, 11:11 a.m.
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hope he runs and I hope he wins. At least we know he can afford his own tickets to the Grammys, the Oscars, the NBA playoffs, the Nokia Theater... —Doug, May 20, 2:48 p.m. Regarding the article “A Bar and a Man on a Mission,” about Edison owner Andrew Meieran’s efforts
to support the Midnight Mission, published online May 20, by Ryan Vaillancourt
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udos to all involved parties — Andrew Meieran, Barbara Jacobs and the Midnight Mission. What a wonderful program this is! These are the types of new and innovative solutions that will benefit the Skid Row community, as well as the Downtown business community, on a longterm basis. Ultimately, the city of Los Angeles and all Angelenos win. I hope this program expands to serve even more Skid Row “rebounders,” those who truly are trying to rebuild their lives, which is a different demographic than your typical “homeless” person. Thank you Downtown News for covering this important story! —General Jeff, May 20, 6:11 p.m. Regarding the editorial “The Right Lights on Figueroa,” published April 11
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live across from L.A. Live, the Staples Center and the new Ritz tower. The lights are beautiful except at 1 in the morning when it is so bright in my loft you cannot sleep, even with the shades drawn. Turn them down after midnight, please! —Izy, April 15, 7:38 a.m.
as told to RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
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was the operations manager at the Bank of America Plaza. I’ve always had tremendous respect and admiration for firemen and what they do. In 1998 they lost a helicopter and several firefighters along with a little girl they were rescuing. Before it happened, one of the firemen for Station 3 was in our building doing a familiarization walk-through and he had asked if there was a way they could sell some tickets to a football game they had as a fundraiser for widows and orphans. At the building, we were planning on doing a tenant event later, so I told him to bring a fire truck, set up a table and sell some tickets. “Then the helicopter crashed, and all the firemen that were killed had families and children. I got together with my people and told them we needed to turn the event into a fundraiser for families and the widows and orphans. We coordinated with the fire department and they brought a hook and ladder truck and an old steam engine, complete with horses. In two hours we raised over $11,000. After I got back to my office I had half a dozen phone calls from people telling me how much they appreciated it. “I got together with [then LAFD PIO] Steve Ruda. We sat down and said how can we make this an event? We put our heads together and came up with the concept of food booths, games and corporate sponsors. “Initially the idea was because people came Downtown, worked and went home, they never get to see the firemen in their area. So this was
L I A R E MOR
photo by Gary Leonard
The 14th annual Hope for Firefighters fundraiser takes place Thursday, June 2 at 11:30 a.m.
the idea, to bring firemen together with people in high-rises and give them the opportunity to thank them for what they do. Firemen are natural heroes. They run into burning building, rescue babies and cats. Everyone loves firefighters.” The 14th annual Hope for Firefighters is Thursday, June 2, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Hope Street between Third Street and Hope Place. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. More information at hopeforfirefighters.org. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
metro.net/works
S K R O W E H T IN
The Expo Construction Authority passed two major milestones for Phase 2 of the Expo Transit Corridor to extend the nearly completed light-rail line to Santa Monica.
po line
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corridor
Metro has been conducting geotechnical tests along the planned two-mile underground route of the Regional Connector light rail line connecting the Metro Gold Line, Blue Line and future Expo Line through Downtown LA. > The route connects with the Metro Blue and Expo lines at 7th Street/Metro Center Station and with the Metro Gold Line at Alameda Street. > The Regional Connector will save approximately 20 minutes of travel time by eliminating passenger transfers through Downtown. > Under the 30/10 Initiative, leveraging Measure R funding with federal dollars, construction could begin in 2014 and be completed by 2019. For more information, visit metro.net/regionalconnector.
A $1.5 billion agreement between Metro and the Expo Construction Authority will fund the Exposition Transit Corridor Phase 2 project through Measure R tax revenue as well as state and local funds. > A $541.7 million contract was awarded to design and build Phase 2 of the Expo Line extending the line now under construction farther west to Santa Monica. > Train testing is currently underway on Phase 1 of the Expo Line running between Downtown LA and Culver City. > Work on Phase 1 is 90 percent complete and it is expected to partially open later this year. For more information, visit buildexpo.org.
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very week Los Angeles Downtown News gets online comments to the stories we publish. These are some of the most interesting responses. Additional comments are welcome at ladowntownnews.com.
Hope for Firefighters Founder Paul Linton Describes the Start of the Downtown Fundraiser
5/24/11 2:10 PM
6 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
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Big BIDs Aim for Small Expansion Historic Core, Arts District Organizations Look to Rope in More Properties by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
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ost of Downtown falls in one of 10 business improvement districts, where landowners tax themselves to pay for services, such as street cleaning and security, beyond what the city provides. Properties that fall outside the BID boundaries don’t pay the assessments, but they also miss out on those extra services. Now, two Downtown BIDs are seeking to grow their territories. The BIDs that cover the Arts District and much of the Historic Core are looking at expansions that would rope in properties with hundreds of residents. The effort to expand the Historic Downtown BID is relatively small, and seeks to pull in just the Pacific Electric Lofts, the Bartlett Building and the SB Spring and Main buildings, said Russell Brown, the organization’s executive director. The move comes two years after the BID was renewed for another five-year term. If the expansion fails, the BID would continue to operate. The Arts District effort comes in the final year of its fiveyear lifespan, which means that if the expansion is not approved, the entire BID would fold. As it looks to renew the district, BID management has proposed expanding to include several properties along the west side of Mateo Street, north of Seventh Street. Currently the BID covers only the east side of Mateo Street. The new border would encompass properties including the Toy Factory and Biscuit Company lofts. The expansion would grow the BID’s service area while bringing in new tax revenue from condo owners. Sometimes, BID renewals and expansions are contentious. In the Fashion District in 2008, a group of dissatisfied property owners sought to kill the BID’s renewal effort. Instead, the district shrank temporarily, cutting services to areas where people were opposed to renewal. Ultimately, a compromise was brokered with the promise of lower assessments, and those owners were re-added to the district, said Kent Smith,
executive director of the Fashion District BID. “Renewing a district is challenging,” Smith said. “We had to significantly improve the way we were handling our BID to basically get the approval, and property owners ultimately got the BID that they asked to get.” A Toy and a Biscuit While it’s rare for property owner opposition to kill a BID renewal, it does happen. That occurred in 2009 when the operators of the Toy District BID couldn’t collect approval signatures from property owners controlling a majority of the buildings. The expiration vexed many stakeholders in that part of Downtown when the cutback in street cleaning led to trash heaps along Los Angeles Street. The Arts District proposal to expand has already generated some opposition, though it remains unclear if it will be enough to halt the proposed growth: Yuval Bar-Zemer, whose firm Linear City developed the Toy Factory and Biscuit Company projects, and who is president of the Biscuit Co. building’s homeowners’ association, is staunchly opposed to paying into the BID. Denizens of both buildings will be charged approximately $100-$300 per year, depending on the size of their units, if the BID expands. Bar-Zemer said that residents don’t want to pay the assessments because they already tax themselves to cover security and cleaning services around the buildings. Estela Lopez, executive director of the Central City East Association, which manages the Arts District BID, countered that some residents from both buildings responded in favor when a petition was circulated this year to get the expansion on a ballot. All property owners will have a chance to vote on the proposed district lines. In Historic Downtown, ballots were mailed in April. Property owners have until June 7 to submit their votes to the City Clerk’s office. In order to qualify for a vote, expanded BIDs must receive approval from owners who control more than 50% of the
photo by Gary Leonard
Business improvement districts generally provide safety, street cleaning and marketing services.
property in the assessed area. That means landowners with more square footage count for more in the tally (they also pay more into the BID). When it comes time to vote, only property owners who submit a ballot are counted; it takes a majority of the submitted votes for a district to be renewed. In the Arts District, the 50% margin to get the proposal on the ballot could prove controversial. BID staffers recently collected favorable petitions from property owners representing 50.66% of the territory. But almost 7% of the land in that count is owned by the city. State law mandates that public agencies in control of land in the service area pay into approved BIDs. “We could have collected more petitions to get a higher percentage, but after you reach that point it becomes moot,” Lopez said of the majority mark. “It’s a matter of resources. We could continue to collect petitions, but we have a small staff, so we now move into a ballot phase.” The City Council will hold a hearing to consider the Historic Downtown BID expansion on June 7. In the case of the Arts District BID, the council has not yet approved the expansion plan. The council’s Jobs and Business Development Committee is slated to consider the plan this week, though a meeting time was not set by press time. If approved by the panel and the full council, the City Clerk’s office would mail ballots to Arts District property owners. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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May 30, 2011
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8 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
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The Fast And the Curious Photos by Gary Leonard
M
ore than 100,000 people thronged the area around Fifth Street and Grand Avenue on Saturday, May 21, for the second Downtown installment of the Red Bull Soapbox Race. During the afternoon event, 40 gravity-powered cars sped down Grand Avenue and sought to make a 90-degree turn. Some made it, many crashed. The Lakers Fanwagon car notched first place, beating vehicles with County Jail and Jurassic Park (complete with dinosaurs) themes. Downtown entrants included a team from the Art Walk and one representing Takami Sushi. See more pictures at downtownnews.com.
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10 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
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WHAT’S FOR SALE
A Building in Historic Chinatown by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR
I
n the column “What’s for Sale,” Los Angeles Downtown News looks at everything from condos to multi-family buildings to vacant lots now on the market. We hope that regular snapshots of individual properties will make for a wide-ranging survey of the overall community. This week, the focus is on a 1,392-square-foot commercial or live/work building in Chinatown. The Property: The one-level building at 936 Mei Ling Way, on the southern end of Central Plaza in Chinatown, currently houses several artist tenants. It’s listed at $439,000. The History: Built in 1940, the structure has long been owned by a family trust, said Brian Linder of Deasy Penner and Partners, who has the listing with Scott King. The building once housed an office for Caesar’s Palace, where patrons could reserve transportation and rooms in the famous Las Vegas casino, King said. Location Cubed: The property counts as its neighbor Hop Louie, the Chinese restaurant that is perhaps better known these days for its dimly lit ground-floor bar, where regulars snack on appetizers brought down from the upstairs kitchen and drown their Lakers- and Dodgers-related sorrows in cold Tsing Taos. The real key to the location though is that it is steps from Central Plaza, the anchor of contemporary Chinatown. The Community Redevelopment Agency is investing in the local businesses, offering an array of façade improvement grants. The plaza is home to restaurants and bars, and is ground zero for several summer evening festivals that are meant to draw Angelenos to the historic neighborhood.
w No
Rental Base: Although several artists currently use the building as studio space, Linder is not marketing the property to investors looking to rent it out (indeed, King noted that the tenants are on month-to-month leases and the property can be delivered vacant). Instead, he sees it as a good opportunity for an owner/occupier. The photo by Everett Fenton Gidley property’s zoning would ulA one-story, 1940 building just off Central Plaza is on the market for $439,000. timately allow for a live/work use, though the buyer would have to secure approvals from the city, he said. the Fong’s building, but is vacant, is currently in escrow for “We’re really thinking it will appeal to an artist who wants more than the $639,000 asking price ($266 per square foot), to go with the live/work angle,” Linder said. “For an investor said King, who also has the listing on that property. I don’t know that it makes any sense. It’s sort of below the radar for tenants.” Looking Up: One potential draw for the property is that its zoning would allow a new owner to build another floor, Compared to What?: The $439,000 price translates to about Linder said. “That’s something that’s not available in many $320 per square foot. There are not many comparable re- other places and is highly desirable for architects,” he said. cent sales in the area. A 2,400-square-foot, two-level building at 943 Chunk King Rd., with ground-floor commercial Color Scheme: Those with quirky taste might dig the exterior space (it’s the home of Fong’s gift shop) and second-story of the building — it’s painted a color that rests somewhere housing sold for $567,005 in February, or $236 per square between eggplant and pink. Conservative aesthetes might not. foot. That’s significantly less than 936 Mei Ling Way, but it was occupied on both levels, which generally lowers value Contact: Co-listing agent Brian Linder is at (310) 592-5417. on the commercial market. The Happy Lion building at 963 Co-listing agent Scott King is at (310) 275-1000. Chunk King Rd., which is about the same size and use as Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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The Art Program of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of 10.25 x(CRA/LA) 7.625 Los Angeles developed these tours to introduce residents and visitors to their collection of public art created by a broad range of artist, in a variety of forms and neighborhood contexts. The tours available include:
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12 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
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We’ve transformed our bill into a larger, easy-to-use format with: 3 Previous balance, payment, and current charges conveniently laid out 3 LADWP and City of LA charges clearly boxed and shaded 3 The due date, total amount due, and payment stub on first page 3 Simple charts to help you better monitor your water & power use
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LADowntownNews.com LOS AN ANG N NG G GE
G GE EL LE ES S DOW NTOWN
NEWS
Volume 39, Num ber 49
INSIDE
Decembe r 6,
2010
A Bigger
Rocking W Rocketteith s
Football stad ium and other hap talk, a big lease, penings Arou nd Town. Judge approve the Skid Row s first part of WWW drug dealer .DOW injunction. NTO WNN EW
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State Parks Department to Unveil $18 Millio n Plan for
Smells like holiday spirit.
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The new look of 7+Fig.
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PROS Pick football games, win prizes.
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California State Parks project that Superintend will create numerous ent Sean Woods with new facilit ies and attractwo rangers at the Los Angel tions. es
Flip you lid at a new hat shop.
9
BY Y RICHA ICHAR ARD GUZMÁ N CITY EDITO R
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Good happe nings Good Samaritan. at
12
Statee Histo ric
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week, the
department
will will unvei alifornia un l plans photo With one State for an $18 by Gary Leonard hand exten Woods could Parks Superinten million ded outw dent Sean on the steering t ard and hardly ment last wheel, he week as contain his excite- future of the site. eagerly envis the other be a Los Ange he drove les place wher ioned the “We’ll have around cart-like vehicState Historic Park farmer’s mark e we can have the welco in his green the have peop le. vendors pull me pavil le on hand , golf histo in for a “We’re also et. to hand out ion here. We’ll ric tours creating in a citrus it’s going of the park, maps and creating a to prom lead pay hom ” he enade grove pavilion age to the here, a promenthused. “We’re prior to rail activ ; agricultur ity. You enade whic through a al past can citrus prom h will imag enade durin ine walking g the bloom ing see Park, page 10
For Hom eless Wom en, a New Center’s $26 Home Million Fac ility Opens
Downtow n Women’s BY Y RYAN N
V
AILLANCOU URT RT STAFF WR WRITE W RITE ER
Reviewing L.A. Opera’s Rigole tto.
18
19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 21 MAP
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22 CLASSI FIEDS
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This Week
amble into
urin g her the Downtow Cent year s on n Women’s streets of the hous er, a facility that feeds Skid Row, es homeless , aids and Mayf Fannie women. One night ield saw it all. Last week on fire just Mayfield saw a Downtow , Mayfield walked man set into the n set up her steps from where but this time Women’s Center she tent. She watched as had ganization she stepped into again, were litera the or’s people lly walk, recen dumped on the Pedro St. new home at 434 The 33-ye S. San tly discharged sidepital or some struc ar-ol where else. from a hos- facilitture has been conv d industrial Mayfield, erted y with into a and alcoh 57, was addicted housing units71 permanent supp to ol. ortive and sever into despe The addiction sunkdrugs rooms to al office support the ration, leadi s her socia casionally center’s suiteand l services. eat out of ng her to ocof vive. trashcans The $26 to surthan twice million project Through is more the size respite. Duriit all, Mayfield had longt of one Whe ime Los Angeles the DWC’s ng the day, Stree n it open she woul s on Frida t location. d y, Dec. 10 Fannie Mayfi 10, see DWC se i one of D which celebr eld in , page 7 the 71 apart ates its grand ments home
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Downtown’s Daily Newspaper
1264 W. 1st St., LA, CA 90026 s &!8
LADowntownNews.com
May 30, 2011
and is known to use diners as guinea pigs. He once slid a bowl of charred chicken feet, nails and all, to two guests to gauge their reaction. One loved it; the other couldn’t bring himself to chew on feet. A 501 S. Spring St., (213) 488-3408 or thegorbalsla.com.
Chefs Continued from page 1
Fred Eric of Tiara Café When Eric opened Tiara Café in the Fashion District in 2006, his goal was to redefine Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food and serve quick, healthy and original meals. He’s done it with a fresh and inventive menu and a motto that urges diners to “Eat healthy more often and diet less!” Perhaps his most popular innovation is the freshwich, which takes its inspiration from the Vietnamese spring roll by wrapping grilled meats, vegetables, spices and herbs in rice paper. He can also satisfy seafood cravings with dishes like the pan seared halibut with somen noodles in a miso mushroom broth. Eric’s meals, replete with ingredients from local farmer’s markets, are healthy and light with plenty of grains and vegetables. Best of all, they never taste like diet fare. At 127 E. Ninth St., (213) 623-3663 or tiara-cafe-la.com.
Ilan Hall of The Gorbals Hall’s restaurant is downright unusual. It’s inside the low-income Alexandria Hotel, diners sit on slabs of wood at communal tables, and the menu can be rough around the edges. Most of the time it works, on rare occasions it doesn’t, but it’s definitely not boring. The bespectacled, boyish-looking Hall, who rides his bike to work from his Arts District home, is best known for winning the second season of “Top Chef.” He opened The Gorbals in 2009 and serves dishes inspired by his Scottish and Jewish heritage. Think baconwrapped matzo balls, charred octopus tentacles with sautéed chicken gizzards and a BLT with no bacon (Hall substitutes gribenes, or fried chicken skin). He seems to cook on a whim
mered in traditional mole poblano, has roots in family gatherings. The Ensenada bacon-wrapped shrimp was inspired by family trips to Baja California. At 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 985-4332 or malorestaurant.com.
Larkin Mackey of Judy Han of Mendocino Farms Mac & Cheeza
With a background in fine dining and time at high-end kitchens such as Grace and Literati II, it may seem like making sandwiches for lunch would be beneath Han. But she’s not making any old sandwich at any old place; she’s chef-partner at Mendocino Farms, and her vision is putting fine dining between bread. The former law school student is responsible for the upscale but moderately priced options at the popular lunch spot, the first outlet of which opened in 2004. A believer in working with local farmers, Han has been known to persuade them to grow the ingredients she needs if they are not part of their regular crop. The results are sandwiches like the duck confit with duck-skin chicharrones on ciabatta, and the prosciutto and roasted chicken with mozzarella from the Gioia Cheese Company. At 300 S. Grand Ave. and 444 S. Flower St., (213) 627-3262 or mendocinofarms.com.
Robert Luna of Mas Malo Luna, an affable 38-year-old, helped open the original Silver Lake Malo nine years ago. He now helms the kitchen at Mas Malo, where his childhood memories combine with distinct East L.A. flavors for his own take on Mexican food. It’s secondgeneration immigrant fare, borne out of creativity when not all of the ingredients from back home were available. His signature dish is the ground beef and pickled taco, inspired by his mom’s ingenuity when she ran out of bread for hamburgers and replaced it with a tortilla. The Boyle Heights Picnic, a quarter chicken roasted and sim-
For most people, macaroni and cheese is a Kraft afterthought. For Mackey, who is also behind (and spends much of his time at) Larkin’s Joint in Eagle Rock, it’s a launching pad. Mackey has managed to turn the classic meal into his own signature dish. Mac & Cheeza is a customer-involved, assembly line process, where diners start with the secret three-cheese mixture, then add flavors such as collard greens, black olives, peas, ground beef, BBQ chicken, etc. It all goes through a conveyor oven and comes out with a crispy top. It’s simple and won’t earn Mackey a James Beard Award, but no one is doing anything like it. At 223 W. Eighth St., (213) 622-3782 or macandcheeza.com.
Bryant Ng of Spice Table Ng truly used his life as the background for Little Tokyo’s new Spice Table. The 34-year-old took the skills he learned as the launching chef of the popular Pizzeria Mozza and melded them with his Singapore heritage and his wife’s Vietnamese background. While he’s not re-inventing either cuisine, Ng is elevating the food and presenting it to an eager Downtown audience. He does the charcuterie in house and the bread is baked daily in the restaurant; it serves as the base for the banh mi sandwiches, which are fresh, filling and a complex mix of flavors. With a wood-burning oven he recreates the traditional satays (skewers) from Singapore. He’s not afraid to toss his food in a strong anchovy and oyster mix see Chefs, page 14
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May 30, 2011
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Chefs Continued from page 13 either, like he does with his koh loh mee (mixed noodles). At 114 S. Central Ave., (213) 620-1840 or thespicetable.com.
John Rivera Sedlar of Rivera
traditional flavors, with Jidori chicken breast (a high-end, free-range bird) served with fideos, a very thin noodle used in Latin dishes. Then there’s the spice play, where toppings meets stencils, and customers get images on their plate like the highway caution sign that depicts undocumented immigrants running across a freeway. At 1050 S. Flower St., (213) 749-1460 or riverarestaurant.com.
Thi Tran of Starry Kitchen
Rivera was a hit from the moment it opened in January 2009, though the chef has not rested on his laurels. Sedlar, a pioneer in fusion cuisine, whips up a superb menu of modern Latin food, with inspiration taken from Spanish, Portuguese, South American, Mexican and Caribbean flavors. The duck enfrijolada, served with poached egg, rioja wine and cascabel chile sauce, looks like a plate of beans and eggs, but it’s actually two blue corn tortillas over duck and beans. The pollito is rich in
The 34-year-old Tran began her cooking career in her own kitchen. When the Health Department nixed her habit of accepting “donations” for her mix of Vietnamesebased Asian comfort food, she and her husband opened Cal Plaza’s Starry Kitchen. The menu changes weekly, but enduring popular dishes include the spicy “crack” crab cake with wasabi mayo and jalapeños for texture; nom nom pork, a ground and grilled meat usually found in spring rolls that is served with a house meat sauce; and crispy kimchi rice cakes, a pairing of minced kimchi and Parmesan cheese served with soy vinegar. Her husband
High-Speed Rail Authority
(Call for Location & Time)
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) will host a series of community open houses in a location near you to share the results of the Preliminary Alternatives Analysis (PAA) Report. The PAA Report is the first step in a two-step process to identify the range of alternatives to be carried forward for detailed engineering and the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS). The next step will be the Supplemental Alternatives Analysis Report, which will be completed in 2011-2012. The goal of the open houses is to present current plans and obtain your input before CHSRA initiates the detailed environmental/engineering analysis later in 2012 (subject to funding availability). Agency and public input will be used in the ongoing refinement of alignment alternatives, station locations and design options. Potential Route Alternatives & Stations The (PAA) report recommends that the potential rail corridor alternatives and station options be carried forward for further evaluation. For complete documentation of the PAA Report, please visit www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov, click on the “Library” tab, select “Project Sections” and choose “Los Angeles - San Diego.”
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The raves flow for Zarate: The 38-year-old founder of a Mercado la Paloma food stand was named one of the Best New Chefs of 2011 by Food & Wine magazine; before that, Los Angeles magazine called Mo-Chica one of the 10 Best New Restaurants in the city. Zarate, a Peru native with 12 siblings, builds off the food of his homeland. His ceviche uses rich, thick, fresh fish that is perfectly marinated and is often served with squash and corn kernels. The lomo saltado, a staple of Peruvian cuisine, is served with salsa criolla, an onion-rich mixture emboldened by tomatoes and topped with a mountain of fried potatoes. The seco de cordero, lamb shank served on a bed of canario beans, is incredibly tender. Expect the raves to increase this summer when Zarate brings Mo-Chica to Seventh Street in the heart of Downtown. At 3655 S. Grand Ave., (213) 747-2141 or mo-chica.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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RESTAURANTS Restaurant Buzz
Holy Stromboli, Downtown Has New Restaurants and Drinking Spots
T
ime to Stromboli: What do you get when you mix a calzone, a slice of pizza and a burrito? In addition to a pudgy Restaurant Buzz, it’s a stromboli! The Philadelphia specialty is now available in Downtown Los Angeles thanks to Rachel Thomas and Coly Den Haan, owners of The Must wine bar. The rhythmically named Coly’s Stromboli opened May 25 at 456 S. Hill St. The strombolis cost $6 and come in meat and veggie options. It may look a little weird when you first see it, but don’t be a food wuss. Just dip it in marinara sauce and take a bite. BTW, The Must will return in its new location in the fall. At 456 S. Hill St., (213) 627-9990 or colystromboli.com. n Peru-sing a Good Meal: There are a few things we can all enjoy about Peru, including Machu Picchu, llamas and Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, the Miss World 2004. But what do any of those have to do with food? Nothing! Fortunately, Restaurant Buzz recently enjoyed an outstanding Peruvian lunch at the just opened Chimu next to Grand Central Market. The restaurant, a take-out window really that shares a patio with other restaurants at the market, has an impressive culinary pedigree. It’s from former Lazy Ox Canteen sous chef and former Mo-Chica partner Mario Orellana, his Lazy Ox co-worker Rolando Maldonado, and Jason Michaud of Local in Silver Lake. The menu consists of Peruvian “soul food,” which means hearty offerings like seco de cordero (lamb belly, $10) and lomo saltado ($12), thick juicy beef over French fries and rice with kernels of Peruvian corn. Thank you Peru, for your food, old cities, supermodels and llamas. At 324 S. Hill St., (213) 625-1097. n Grow Row Grow: The restaurant choices continue to grow on Seventh Street, and things are getting a little greener too. The Green Hut Café opened on the block between Flower and Figueroa streets this month. It offers a diverse menu with nothing more than $13 (roasted steak with ginger brown rice, edamame dumplings and a Brussels sprouts salad). Salads include the Very Berry Salad, replete with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, dried cranberries, and mixed with grapes, apples, cucumbers and candied walnuts. Think of it as nature’s candy bowl. The sandwiches look
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n Luminary Beans: Organic coffee company Urth Caffé received the first Arts District Community Luminary Award on May 20. The prize was established by the Arts District Business Improvement District and is presented to Arts District residents, businesses and artists who bring positive attention to the neighborhood. Urth owners Shallom and Jilla Berkman were given the honor not just for opening the business, which has become a popular gathering spot for locals, but also for helping to encourage sustainable farming practices in places where they grow their coffee, such as Uganda in East Africa. Those who attended the ceremony received a taste of this year’s first crop of organic Mountain Gorilla Coffee from Uganda. We think you gonda love it. Sorry. At 451 S. Hewitt St., (213) 797-4534 or urthcaffe.com. n Salvage a Drink: The long, slow revival of the Roosevelt Lofts continues. The Salvage Bar & Lounge is set to open in June on the ground floor of the 1926 building at 717 W. Seventh St. The 2,700-square-foot lounge is being built out of refurbished material salvaged from the structure’s 2008 renovation. The interior includes Carrara marble slabs, old panels, doors, windows and fixtures from the building. Drinks will range from beer on tap to fancy mixed cocktails. At 717 W. Seventh St. n Summer Garden: Chaya Downtown has the right idea when it comes to summer gardens. The Financial District fusion restaurant isn’t adding more greenery to its patio, but instead is focusing on what really matters during a summer outdoor lunch — drinks and food. Staring June 6, the restaurant’s Japanese Beer Garden will offer food and drink specials for patio diners. They’ll be on like Donkey Kong every Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. until closing and will include skewers ($2) grilled on the outdoor patio. The skewer choices will include bacon, chicken, beef tongue and short rib. Among the drink options are pitchers of Kirin ($15) and hard-to-find
2 Downtown Locations Corner of BroADWAy & 3rd 260 S. Broadway
L.A., CA 90012 (213) 626-7975 • (213) 626-8235
Tel/Fx:
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at corner 9th/Santee (213) 623-5091 • (213) 327-0645
Tel/Fx:
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photo by Gary Leonard
Urth Caffe received the inaugural Arts District Community Luminary Award on May 20.
Japanese craft beers such as Ginga Kogen. At 525 S. Flower St., (213) 236-9577 or thechaya.com. n Make Your Mark: Once upon a time, beef met bourbon, and they lived happily every after. That happens on June 16, when Morton’s The Steakhouse teams with bourbon giant Maker’s Mark to debut Maker’s 46, the first new product in the company’s history, with some of Morton’s hors d’oeuvres. Known for producing just one bourbon, Maker’s Mark, the company recently launched Maker’s 46, which is aged differently and has a stronger spice and caramel flavor than the original. The $45 event will include a member of the Maker’s Mark Heritage team (it is too a job) who will explain all about the new product. At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 553-4566 or mortons.com. n Hoot, There It Is!: Things are progressing for the first Downtown Hooters, and whether you think this is a great thing or a sign of the apocalypse says a lot about who you are. The restaurant, known more for its perky staff than its cuisine, recently obtained a full liquor license and is now taking applications for staff positions prior to the planned summer opening. So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be a Hooter girl, grab your tank top and orange shorts and head on down.
At 1248 S. Figueroa St, (213) 222-9464. n Hot Skills: The Two Hot Tamales, aka chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, are hoping to create a few more top chef masters with some cooking lessons. The owners of the Border Grill and veterans of the cooking reality show scene recently announced that they’ll bring people into their Downtown kitchen on June 23 to learn how to fashion a proper Mexican meal, although the details on exact dishes are still being worked out. Yes, it’s a ways off, but these events sell out fast, so don’t waste too much time. The class is $75. Registration at (213) 486-5171. n Light Em’ Up: Getting lit up isn’t just a lot of fun, it can also lead to some new business contacts. Find out how when Cana Rum Bar joins forces with the So Cal Cigar Club for Let’s Get Lit, a new mixer that runs at the South Park venue every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. The next event takes place June 1 and will bring together cigars, cigar companies, rum and Downtown business people. The event is free but there is a catch: You have to puff on the patio since smoking inside is a no-no. There’s room for about 35 people on the patio and the night will be limited to 50 attendees. At 714 W. Olympic Blvd. Mixer information at (323) 380-8685 or socalcigarclub.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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16 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
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photo by Gary Leonard
CALENDAR He SeeS DeaD TVS
by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR
V
eteran journalists usually don’t go out looking for trends. They pick up on them instinctually, like hounds onto a scent that the mainstream hasn’t yet detected. John Rabe, host of KPCC’s popular weekend show “OffRamp,” felt he was on to such a trend in 2009, when he started noticing junked television sets. They were everywhere in his Cypress Park neighborhood, littered like plastic bags and soda cans. Some, like an old Sony he found at the foot of a quaint wooden fence in the shadow of a tree, were abandoned but still seemingly in working condition. Others were reduced to pathetic piles of wire, glass and plastic guts. His journalistic instincts kicking in, Rabe got the itch to start documenting them, if only to beat another culture cataloguer to the punch. Instead of quickly turning it into a radio segment, however, he began photographing them with an Apple iPhone. Whenever he came across one, which was several times per week, he’d snap an image. “I thought if I don’t start documenting this, it’s going to be in the New York Times,” he said. Two years later, the photos are ready to debut as an art exhibit. The show Vast Wasteland Project opened May 26 at Bermudez Projects at 917 W. Ninth St. (the space in an Anjac Fashion building is helmed by Rabe’s husband, Julian Bermudez). A public reception is scheduled for Saturday, June 4. The featured subjects — there are 46 images of trashed TVs — share several commonalities, but there’s no getting past one trait, Rabe said: The things are ugly, and not just because many of them are broken and sitting amidst other urban detritus. “It’s like all of a sudden all the good designers quit or, maybe it was some sort of conspiracy,” he said. “I’m serious, because all of the manufacturers made ugly TVs and we put these things in the middle of our living rooms.” Bringing Back Minow The show’s title is a reference to a speech given 50 years ago this month by Newton Minow, the then 35-year-old chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (Rabe interviewed Minow for “Off-Ramp” this month). In it, Minow — the namesake inspiration for the S.S. Minnow of “Gilligan’s Island” — famously praised the television as a programming medium, while lambasting the networks for churning out a parade of shows and commercials that he said amounted to a recipe for boredom. “When television is good, nothing — not the theater, not
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the magazines or newspapers — nothing is better,” Minow said in the address, which plays in the gallery. “But when television is bad, nothing is worse. I invite each of you to sit down in front of your own television set when your station goes on the air and stay there, for a day…. I can assure you that what you will observe is a vast wasteland.” As Rabe photographed discarded television after discarded television in and around Cypress Park, he found himself surveying a physical manifestation of Minow’s metaphorical wasteland. The bygone era during which these bulky, heavy televisions lived is captured several ways in the show. Rabe’s photos are washed in a warm, faded light. The focus is soft around the central image. The borders and square formatting of the fourby-four-inch shots suggest vintage Polaroids. In short, they look old. It’s an effect produced, somewhat ironically, by a cutting edge, pop culture tool. Rabe took all the pictures using Hipstamatic, a camera application for the iPhone that features an array of filters and settings that mimic analogue lenses and film processing techniques. The photos were, however, printed using an analog, chemical film practice, Bermudez said. “We tried a lot of methods, but printing them traditionally provided the best quality, so they didn’t look like digital pictures,” Bermudez said. The throwback effect continues in Minow’s speech. The full address is broadcast in the gallery through speakers hidden in the shell of a 1950s Philco Predicta television. Compared to the sets in Rabe’s images, which span the 1980s and ’90s, the Philco machine is handsome in a vintage way, even if the model was infamously unreliable. Problems with the Predicta helped drive Philco to bankruptcy in 1960. One of the junked TVs that Rabe found, or “plucked out of the wild,” as he said, is on display, cheekily placed atop a white pedestal. Vast Wasteland Project figuratively kicks that television, and the era from which it came, right back onto the sidewalk. As Rabe scanned a wall with more than a dozen junked TV images, he saw “all of the failed awful series. This is not ‘Murder, She Wrote’ or ‘Matlock.’ This is Jerry Springer.” Trash TV sentiments aside, the warm glow cast on the images evokes a nostalgic effect, which is fitting since Rabe is seeing the trend start to wane. The era of viewing the squawkboxes of the ’80s and ’90s in the street appears to be coming to an end. Why? That might take a little more investigation, but Rabe’s got his theory.
photos by John Rabe
Radio Host John Rabe Documents a Vast Wasteland of Junked Televisions
Some of the 46 ph otographs of telev isions Rabe has on in the exhibit on Ninth Street. display
“I think what’s happened is as many people who are going to get LCDs or plasma TVs have them now, and they’ve run out of money and so they’ve stopped throwing out their TVs,” he said. At least for now. Vast Wasteland Project runs through June 22 at Bermudez Projects, 117 W. Ninth St., Space 810. The public reception is Saturday, June 4, noon-3 p.m. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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A Full Menu of al Fresco Films Summer Brings Three Outdoor Movie Series to Downtown by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
I
n Los Angeles, summer means beach time. For Downtowners who don’t want to deal with the 10 Freeway, it can mean something else: a plethora of outdoor activities, including a slate of al fresco movies. Downtown now boasts three outdoor film series. The lineups are varied, with campy ’80s movies, action adventure classics and cult hits. They take place in parks and on top of a building. Even the one that’s a drive-in doesn’t actually require patrons to come by car. Back for a second year is the Outdoor Cinema Food Fest, which screens movies on Saturday evenings at different parks around the city, though mostly in Downtown. It launched May 28 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press) with the comedy There’s Something About Mary. It continues June 4 in Exposition Park with Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Oscar Winner for Best Picture Unforgiven. As at all events in the series, the movie is only part of the attraction. “We basically wanted to create a festival-like experience that we could do every week,” said Heather Hope-Allison, the co-founder and producer of the event. This season’s series will screen 14 films through Sept. 3 (the majority of them in Exposition Park). Films are projected on a 52-foot wide screen and a live band plays before each movie. There are also approximately a dozen food trucks per event. “Most people will bring their blankets, go to the trucks and get their food and listen to the band before the movie starts,” Hope-Allison said. Season highlights at Exposition Park include the gangster classic Goodfellas on June 11 and Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn in Old School on June 18. Other Downtown screenings are the comedy Office Space at Grand Hope Park on July 16 and a July 30 showing of L.A. Confidential at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. The Devil Made Me See It For a more traditional outdoor movie experience, though one that still has a twist, there’s the Devil’s Night Drive-In.
It features year-round monthly Downtown screenings and launched its summer season (with movies every two weeks through Sept. 10) on May 28. The next installment is expected to be one of the most popular of the season, said Morgan Night, founder of the 5-year-old Devil’s Night. It’s a June 11 showing of Patrick Swayze’s dance romance Dirty Dancing. “It’s a lively audience. They talk back to the screen,” said Night. Films are projected on a 24-by-18-foot inflatable screen on the rooftop of a two-story building near the corner of Fourth Street and Broadway. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate. Although the majority of people drive and watch the movie from their cars, the sound comes from speakers rather than car radios. There is also an Astroturf area where walkers lay out lawn chairs and blankets. The Devil’s Night summer season includes family-friendly films such as E.T. on June 25 and the Will Ferrell (again) comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy July 9. For the July 23 show, Night is changing things up: He’s allowing the audience to pick the film, by voting online between The Legend of Billie Jean, Do the Right Thing, Kids, El Topo and Grandma’s Boy. Voting starts Tuesday, May 31. The democratic process is not invoked at Friday Night Flicks, the popular series that takes place in Pershing Square. The outdoor film season launches July 15 with Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Films are screened every Friday night on a 40-by-20 foot screen at the park. Admission is free. The event is in its fourth season and runs through Oct. 28. “We’ve got a little bit of everything this summer,” said Louise Capone, senior recreation director for Pershing Square. The schedule includes Young Sherlock Holmes July 22, Mommy Dearest July 29 and Raiders of the Lost Ark Aug. 5. The season ends Oct. 28 with the disaster flick Cloverfield. Pershing Square is at 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare. Devil’s Night Drive-In is at 240 W. Fourth St., (310) 5841086 or devilsnight.com.
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photo courtesy of Outdoor Cinema Food Fest
The Outdoor Cinema Food Fest sets up a 52-foot wide screen at various parks in Downtown. On June 4 it shows Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven in Exposition Park.
photo by Paul Gronner
The Devil’s Night Drive-In offers two outdoor movies a month during the summer. It takes place on a rooftop near Fourth Street and Broadway.
Outdoor Cinema Food Fest is at various locations, outdoorcinemafoodfest.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
18 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
Twitter/DowntownNews
The ‘Don’t Miss’ List by Lauren CampedeLLi, Listings editor calendar@ downtownnews.com
Tuesday, May 31 Aloud at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: In the eight years after her four kids left home, Melissa Greene and her husband adopted five children from orphanages in Bulgaria and Ethiopia. She comes Downtown to talk about the experience she chronicled in the book No Biking in the House Without a Helmet.
Legend of Los Lobos, doWntoWn danCing, and more
Friday, June 3 Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-DINO or visit nhm.org. 5-10 p.m.: The final First Friday of 2011. Say goodbye to the wonderful series that blends music and drink with cutting-edge academia. There are performances by Gayngs and Dirty Beaches, scientific discussion on the dinosaur-bird link and behind-the-scenes curatorial tours.
sunday, June 5 California African American Museum 600 State Dr., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Celebrating Black Music Month, the program “Bee Bop Doo Wop, Scat and the Blues!” traces the evolution of musical forms preceding R&B, soul and hip hop. LAVA Sunday Salons Clifton’s Cafeteria, 648 S. Broadway, lavatransforms.org. Noon-2 p.m.: Los Angeles Visionary Association hosts a salon on the shipwreck of the S.S. Dominator off Palos Verdes. Also up for discussion is the history of The United Lodge of Theosophy. MOCA Big Family Day 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1745 or moca.org. 1 p.m.: MOCA gets all family friendly with gallery tours, art and writing activities, live music and more. No, you still can’t touch the art in the galleries.
FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.
Continued on next page
T
FOUR
saTurday, June 4 Community Salute to Future Soldiers Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center, 1700 Stadium Way, robert.blankenship@usarec.army.mil or rwatanabe@live.com. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: A program to honor more than 500 men and women from Los Angeles County who have joined the U.S. Army includes a keynote address from Medal of Honor recipient George Sakato. There are also displays of Army equipment, information booths and a Q&A session with the battalion leadership.
Many moons ago, 40 years to be exact, two high school buddies started writing songs after classes. David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez would later become the front men of the L.A. Chicano rock band Los Lobos. On Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m., they will play their favorite tunes, and be joined by some guests, in a program called Stories & Songs. The acoustic concert will raise funds for About Productions’ theater work Evangeline, The Queen of MakeBelieve (named after a Los Lobos hit and incorporating many of the band’s songs) and its programs for at-risk youth. At 514 S. Spring St., (626) 3960920 or aboutpd.org.
hen the week w rown. is th t c respe omeg et a little new program, Ha talent kicks g l il w s hes its les-are usician Local m Museum launc ght on Los Ange y Grammer, li y d Gramm that will shine a 0 p.m., with An of classic s :3 d ie 7 r n t e a le s al b The y 31, is origin nade. He day, Ma off Tues d out playing h ird Street Prome House e te h who star rn pop on the T the Roxy and th wn mu, e to d m n o o w o m rR e Do and the Vipe evening shop in th moved to nd now sets up is Theater. The an audiv a d of Blues, 0-seat Clive Da ith Grammer an -6800 or 0 5 w 2 6 7 n ’s ) io 3 seum a discuss mpic Blvd., (21 s e d lu c ly W. O also in A. At 800 ence Q& useum.org. m grammy here are two types of people in this world — those who think they can dance, and those who prefer to play the wallflower. Fortunately, the Dance Downtown series at the Music Center Plaza applies to both crowds. The always popular series began last month and continues on Friday, June 3. There’s a different type of music/movement every week, and this time it’s country line dancing and two-stepping. Yep, think Urban Cowboy under the Downtown stars. It starts at 6:30 p.m. with free lessons and continues through 10 p.m. in a relaxed, nopressure environment. So grab your hat, your cowboy boots, your horse and come on down. At 135 N. Grand Ave., musiccenter.org.
photo by Gary Leonard
Thursday, June 2 Aloud at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Narrative historian Adam Hochschild examines one of the greatest and most puzzling examples of civilized evils in the book To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918. Hmm, we think it may involve WWI. MOCA Grand Avenue Engagement Party 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1745 or moca.org. 7-10 p.m.: The arts collective Neighborhood Public Radio presents “In the Air,” a combination of musicians, electric guitars and “fuzzboxes” that create a drone that visitors will experience both live and through their radios. Supposedly this drone is a good, arty thing.
photo by Josh Newton Photography
Wednesday, June 1 Zócalo Public Square MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., zocalopublicsquare.org. 7:30 p.m.: In “Telling Mexico’s Stories,” a panel of journalists explores how to create a coherent story for a country with divergent and demanding plot lines.
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SPONSORED LISTINGS Where’s the Money? Access to Capital Business Expo Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown, 711 S. Hope St., vedc.org. June 25, 8 a.m.: The Valley Economic Development Center hosts this business expo and workshop with a panel of experts and lenders. $10 registration includes breakfast, lunch, workshops and one-on-one loan consultation. More info and registration at vedc.org.
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Prepare to giggle like a schoolgirl in Little Tokyo when comedy improvisation and sketch troupe Cold Tofu Improv appears at the Japanese American National Museum on Thursday, June 2, at 8 p.m. In The Hiroshi Show, the group will take an audience suggestion and create a long form improv performance based around the special guest host for the evening — Nisei actor and museum volunteer Rodney Kageyama (The Next Karate Kid, Gung Ho, etc.). The show is part of the museum’s Art, Culture & Identity series. At 369 E. First St., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.
Kick back and lift a glass for a cause on Memorial Day at the City of Angels Wine Festival. The second annual charity event, which takes place on Monday, May 30, at the Music Center Plaza, benefits the Volunteers of America Rotary House in Downtown, which provides transitional services, shelter and job opportunities for homeless people and veterans. The bacchanalia, which runs from 1-6 p.m., includes a silent auction, wine tastings from California vintners, food catered by the Patina Restaurant Group and live music from alt rock bands The Family Crest and Ours. Special benefit for L.A. Downtown News readers: Get a 15% discount by entering coupon code: dtnews1 on the event website. Cheers! At 135 Grand Ave., cityofangelswinefest.com. Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.
photo by M Palma Photography
EVENTS
photo by Anna Webber
LISTINGS
May 30, 2011
Listings Continued from previous page May 30, 7-11 p.m.: Film Courage Interactive presents Juan Diego Ramirez’s drama South Loop. Director and cast Q&A and after-party to follow. June 1, 7 p.m.; June 2, 9 p.m.; June 3, 7 p.m.; June 4, 5 p.m.; June 5, 3 p.m.: Hitparkut (Dissolution) combines an almost surreal fairy-tale energy with black and white realism to explore the violence that permeates contemporary Israeli society. Shot in Yafo, the predominantly Arab area of Tel Aviv, the movie follows the moral collapse and first glimmer of redemption of a young, morose Jew. Through June 7. Flagship Theatres University Village 3323 S. Hoover St., (213) 748-6321 or flagshipmovies.com. Through June 2: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (12, 3, 6 and 9 p.m.); The Hangover 2 (11:30 a.m. and 2, 4:30, 7 and 9:30 p.m.); Kung Fu Panda 2 (11 a.m. and 1:15, 3:30, 5:45, 8 and 10:15 p.m.). June 3: Schedule unavailable at press time. IMAX Theater California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 7442019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Through June 30: A sweeping portrait of the history, culture and religion of the Arabian Peninsula, Arabia 3D is a mix of contemporary scenes of modern-day Arabian life, epic historical recreations of ancient civilizations and stunning digital visual effects, shot at more than twenty locations across Saudi Arabia. Last Remaining Seats Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S. Broadway, laconservancy.org. June 1, 8 p.m.: The technicolor version of the hit musical The Music Man (1962) with Robert Preston as conman Harold Hill. Author and pop culture enthusiast Charles Phoenix will interview the special guest, co-star Susan Luckey. Outdoor Cinema Food Fest Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr., outdoorcinemafoodfest.com. June 4, 5:30 p.m.: The ultimate picnic features gourmet food trucks, live music and a movie on a 52-foot screen. Tonight, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven screens at 8:30 p.m. Regal Cinema L.A. Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. Through June 2: The Hangover Part II (10:30, 11:10 and 11:50 a.m. and 1:10, 1:50, 2:30, 3:50, 4:30, 5:10, 6:40, 7:20, 8, 9:30, 10:10 and 10:50 p.m.); Kung Fu Panda 2 (10:20 and 11:20 a.m. and 12:40, 1:40, 3, 4:10, 5:30, 7:50 and 10:20 p.m.); Kung Fu Panda 2 3D (9:40 a.m. and 12, 2:20, 4:50, 7:10 and 9:40 p.m.); Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (11:40 a.m. and 3, 3:40, 6:20, 9:40 and 10:20 p.m.); Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D (9:50 a.m. and 12:20, 1, 4:20, 7, 7:40 and 11 p.m.); Bridesmaids (10:40 a.m. and 1:30, 4:40, 6:50, 7:30, 9:50 and 10:30 p.m.); Priest (9:30 and 11:40 a.m. and 2:10, 4:30, 6:50 and 9:10 p.m.); Jumping the Broom (10 a.m. and 12:50, 3:30, 6:30 and 9:10 p.m.); Thor 3D (10:40 a.m. and 1:20, 4, 6:40 and 9:20 p.m.); Fast Five (10:10 a.m. and 1:20, 4:20, 7:30 and 10:40 p.m.). June 3 (partial list): X-Men: First Class (10 a.m. and 1:10, 4:20, 7:40 and 11 p.m.).
ROCK, POP & JAZZ 2nd Street Jazz 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047 or 2ndstjazz.com. June 3, 9 p.m.: MC Battles. Two MCs enter, one MC leaves. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301, 213-6200908 or bluewhalemusic.com.
May 31, 8 p.m.: A jazz jam session hosted by the five friends in the Kevin Kanner quintet. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. May 30, 9 p.m.: Y Luv, Maniac and Hello Vegas. June 1, 9 p.m.: Eastern Block Party featuring AK and her Kalashnikovs, The Shpil, Plotz! and Shoestring Trio. June 2, 9 p.m.: Givers, Family of the Year and Caddywhompus. June 3, 9 p.m.: Future Dancing, The Lonely Wild, Handshakes and Sea of Cortez. June 4, 8 p.m.: Inara George and Greg Kurstin, alias the Bird and the Bee, are an army of two. Hipsters love them. June 4, 10:30 p.m.: Electronic/alternative Alek Finn. Cicada 617 S. Olive St., (877) 463-7773 or clubcicada.com. June 4, 6-11 p.m.: The restaurant turns into Cicada Club. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dining and dancing to recorded music. Dean Mora’s Latinaires perform at 8:30 p.m. until closing. Patrons are required to dress up. Not as clowns or dinosaurs. Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. June 3, 9 p.m.: Funkmaster Bootsy Collins. Conga Room L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com. June 2, 8 p.m.: The Que Chevere concert series presents Charanga Habanera. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. May 31, 7:30 p.m.: “Homegrown,” a new series featuring local musicians, welcomes Andy Grammer. June 1, 8 p.m.: Flavor Flav discusses his new book Flavor Flav: Icon, Public Enemy and his life. Will somebody please ask him why a grown man wears a clock around his neck? Los Angeles Theatre Center 514 S. Spring St., (626) 396-0920 or aboutpd.org. June 4, 8 p.m.: David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez of Los Lobos play their favorite tunes in Stories & Songs, a benefit acoustic concert to raise funds for About Productions’ programs for at-risk youth. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. June 1, 8 p.m.: It’s not the 21st night of September, but Earth, Wind & Fire is here anyway, for their 40th anniversary world tour. Why not bring three generations of your family? Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. May 30, 10 p.m.: Lydia Loveless, The Blue Shadow and The Rock Tigers. May 31, 10 p.m.: Dirty Eyes, Crazy Squeeze, Super Bees and The Ex-Gentlemen. June 1, 10 p.m.: Viet-nam Prom, Black Mambas and Roman Candle Wars. June 2 and 3, 10 p.m.: Jake LaBotz brings his mix of whiskey-soaked blues ballads and beatnik Americana storytelling. June 4, 10 p.m.: Eddie Nichols takes the stage. June 5, 10 p.m.: Sioux City Pete, The Defendents, The Crystelles, Aftergloam and L. Ron Cupboard. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. May 31, 10 p.m.: The Makers do their thang. The Smell 247 S. Main St., alley between Spring and Main streets, thesmell.org. June 3, 9 p.m.: Forts, Religious Girls, Tigerbitch and Combat! June 4, 9 p.m.: Jungle Fever, The Lumps and Deadly Finns.
Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Iedia Hess, Catherine Holloway, Bill McBee, Brenda Stevens circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
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Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or staplescenter.com. June 1, 8 p.m.: R&B superstar with moves-aplenty, it’s Usher. Are there any ladies in the house? Varnish 118 E. 6th St., (213) 622-9999 or thevarnishbar.com. May 31, 8 p.m.: Live jazz piano with Marc Bosserman.
CLASSICAL MUSIC Tuesday, May 31 Los Angeles Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., laphil.com. 8 p.m.: Brahms month comes to a close with a bang. Members of the L.A. Phil give a chamber music concert with the composer’s Piano Trio No. 2 in C; Two Songs for Alto, Viola and Piano, Op. 91; and String Sextet No. 2 in G. Thursday, June 2 Los Angeles Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., laphil.com. 8 p.m.; June 3, 11 a.m.; June 4, 8 p.m.; June 5, 2 p.m.: Dudamel conducts Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 and Górecki’s Symphony No. 4. saTurday, June 4 The Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., colburnschool.edu. 3 p.m.: The School of Performing Arts presents its Chamber Music Gala. Free, no ticket required. But you must wear shoes and a shirt. 7:30 p.m.: The Korean American Youth Symphony’s season finale concert. Tickets and information at kamfla.org. sunday, June 5 The Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., colburnschool.edu. 3 p.m.: The School of Performing Arts presents its Honors Recital, a showcase featuring talented young students. Free, no ticket required. Jr. Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., laphil.com. 7 p.m.: Conductor Gary Greene leads California’s Jr. Philharmonic in its 74th Anniversary Concert Spectacular with classical favorites and show music including the romantic Scheherazade and the bombastic 1812 Overture. Carol Channing will perform “Hello, Dolly” and Wink Martindale will emcee. BTW, Martindale hosted a lot of game shows.
THEATER, OPERA & DANCE Above the Call: Beyond the Duty Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.org. May 30, 3 p.m.: In a rare-for-the-Taper shortrun show, James McEachin plays the Old Soldier on a journey into the afterlife. He confronts his grandfather and goes on to face some haunting questions. Through May 30. Bordering on Love Company of Angels, Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring St., (213) 489-3703 or companyofangels.org. Previews June 2-3, 8 p.m.; Opening June 4, 8 p.m.; June 5, 7 p.m.: Evangeline Ordaz’ new play combines two provocative questions: What are the definitions of marriage and immigration? It’s a platonic love-story “dramedy” with a drag queen chorus. You’ve been warned. Through July 2. Clear and Present Danger The Exchange, 114 W. Fifth St., (323) 850-4436, dramastage-qumran.org. June 5, 4 p.m.: A reading of a new play by Stephen Rohde features Mike Farrell (“M*A*S*H*”) performing the part of Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, who had to decide between free speech and national security in 1919. Krunk Fu Battle Battle David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000 or eastwestplayers.org. June 1-4, 8 p.m.; June 5, 2 p.m.: In East West Players’ hip hop musical, young Norman Lee battles the baddest B-Boy crew at Sunset Park High for respect, honor and the heart of sweet Cindy Chang, all under the tutelage of Sir Master Cert. Through June 26. La Razón Blindada 24th Street Theatre, 1117 West 24th St., 213-745-6516 or 24thstreet.org. June 5, 8 p.m.: Argentine playwright/director Aristides Vargas infuses Cervantes’ classic novel El Quijote with Franz Kafka’s The Truth About Sancho Panza and testimonies by Chicho Vargas and other political prisoners held in the 1970s during Argentina’s dictatorship. Two political prisoners, oppressed by physical and emotional abuse, find solace in meeting every Sunday at dusk to tell the story of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Through June 25. LoveSick LOFT ensemble, 929 E. Second St., (213) 680-0392 or
loftensemble.com. Opening June 4, 8 p.m.; June 5, 7 p.m.: A dark and comic Wonderland-like journey into the poetic story of two lovers caught in the same dream. We hate when that happens. Through July 17. Magic Strings The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com. May 31-June 3, 10:30 a.m.; June 4-5, 2:30 p.m.: More than 100 of Bob Baker’s fantastical marionettes appear in an hour-long variety revue. See puppet horses frolicking on an old-fashioned merrygo-round and a marionette “Day at the Circus.” After the performance, guests are invited to have refreshments in the Party Room. Open-ended run. Trembler.Shifter REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800, redcat.org. June 2-4, 8:30 p.m.; June 5, 3 p.m.: Los Angeles choreographer Meg Wolfe’s full-evening work propels its dancers through unsustainable acts of balancing with the joy, anger, angst, and sweat of bodies.
MUSEUMS African American Firefighter Museum 1401 S. Central Ave., (213) 744-1730 or aaffmuseum.org. Ongoing: An array of firefighting relics dating to 1924, including a 1940 Pirsch ladder truck, an 1890 hose wagon, uniforms from New York, L.A. County and City of L.A. firefighters, badges, helmets, photographs and other artifacts. Annette Green Perfume Museum FIDM, second floor, 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 6241200 or fidmmuseum.org. Ongoing: One of a kind, the museum is dedicated to enhancing our understanding the art, culture and science of the olfactory. Originally opened in New York City in 1999, the collection—2,000 bottles, perfume presentations and documentary ephemera dating from the late 1800s to the present—was donated to FIDM in 2005. Also, “High Style: Perfume and the Haute Couture” features a selection of fragrance bottles and packaging that reflect the many ways that fame inspires design. Images of Men: A Look Through Fragrance is a new installation in the Annette Green Fragrance Archive. The bottles and accessories showcased explore how men’s diverse identities and roles are conveyed through the changing designs of the bottles themselves. California African American Museum 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. Through June 5: Camera and Community features the work of 20 California photographers from the collection of The Institute of Arts and Media that merge artistic vision and social consciousness. Daufuskie Island features the black and white photographs of Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe of the people and culture of the last of the Seas Islands off the coast of S. Carolina and Georgia. Ongoing: The multi-functional Gallery of Discovery offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the lineage of their own family, engage in artistic workshops, educational tours and other programs of historical discoveries. Hear recordings of actual living slaves from the Library of Congress archives and discover stories from the past. California Science Center 700 State Drive, (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org. Through Dec. 31: 1001 Inventions is a traveling international exhibition that promotes awareness of scientific and cultural achievements from the “Golden Age” of Muslim civilization during the 7th to 17th centuries from a diverse region stretching from Spain through China. Through interactive displays, explore basic science principles in such fields as optics, time-keeping, hydraulics, navigation, architecture and math.
MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews.com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.
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Contact Cartifact for the full-color, every-building version of this map . Available in print, web and mobile media.
700 S. Flower St, # 1940 Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.327.0200 maps�cartifact.com
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May 30, 2011
Downtown News 21
DowntownNews.com
CLASSIFIED
plaCe your ad online aT www.ladownTownnews.Com
FOR RENT
l.a. downtown news Classifieds Call: 213-481-1448 Classified Display & Line ad Deadlines: Thursday 12 pm REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL
timeshare/resorts SELL/RENT Your Timeshare For Cash!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for Cash! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.SellaTimeshare. com (877) 554-2098. (CalScan)
lofts for sale
TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002
FOR RENT
Bill Cooper
213.598.7555 out of state apartments/unfurnished
NY STATE LAND Rivers & Small Lakes for Sale 27 Acres-Salmon River Area -$39,995. 97 Acres w/ Stream Surrounded by State Land -$110,995. Independence River-Adirondacks-16 Acres WAS: $129,995. Now $79,995. Oneida Lake Proximity 16 Acres -$29,995. Over 100 New Properties Offered. Call 800-229-7843 Or Visit www.LandandCamps. com. (CalScan)
Milano Lofts Now LeasiNg! • Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views 6th + Grand Ave. • 213.627.1900 milanoloftsla.com
806 W. 80th St.
SOUTHEAST Vegas, Investors!, Nice 3/2, built 2004, Valued at $69,000, $46,000 cash takes it! Rents for $900, Buy Vegas Trustee Sale Homes for Instant Equity! Call Pauline, 702-9898980, HorizonRE. (CalScan)
Completely Remodeling
Ceiling Fans. Near USC. Ceramic Tile. UV Windows.
“Be wary of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send any money for fees or services. Read and understand any contracts before you sign. Shop around for rates.”
BRAND NEW Luxury Apartments Homes. Orsini III. Now open for immediate Occupancy. Call for Specials. Never Lived in, Free Parking, Karaoke Room, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor Basketball, Uncomparable Amenity Package. Call today to schedule a tour - 866-479-1764. CALL FOR SPECIALS @ the Medici. Penthouse 1 & 2 bdrm apts. Granite kitchens, washer/ dryers, business center, 2 pools, spa! Visit TheMedici.com for a full list of amenities. Call 888886-3731. CALL FOR SPECIALS @ The Visconti. Free parking, free tanning, free wi-fi + biz center avail. Cardio Salon, pool, Spa, steamroom, sauna. Call us today. 866742-0992. loft/unfurnished
old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts from $1,100 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 laloft.com
All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
CommerCial spaCe VICTORIAN HOUSE Converted to Office Building—2349 sq. ft. building 6621 sq. ft. lot.PARKING: 8 to 10 spaces, in rear of the building. 213-985-4458 offiCe spaCe SHARE 300 Square Feet Office Space in Little Tokyo $200/ month. Call 213-273-3994.
DRIVERS - CDL-A Flatbed Drivers Needed. Teams, Solos & O/O’s. Great pay & benefits. Consistent miles & hometime. 1 yr. Experience Required. 1-888-430-7659. www.systemtrans.com. (CalScan) DRIVERS - REEFER Team Lessee. Average $1.03/mile (+ fuel surcharge). Paid CDL Training Available & Benefits! Call Prime Today! 1-800-277-0212. www. PrimeInc.com. (CalScan)
DRIVER - START a New Career! 100% Paid CDL Training. No Experience Required. Recent Grads or Exp Drivers: SignOn Bonus! CRST EXPEDITED 800-326-2778 www.JoinCRST. com. (CalScan) DRIVERS/CDL Training - Career Central. No Money Down. CDL Training. Work for us or let us work for you! Unbeatable Career Opportunities. *Trainee *Company Driver *Lease Operator Earn up to $51k *Lease Trainers Earn up to $80k 1-877-3697091. www.CentralDrivingJobs. net. (CalScan) sales
LOAN OFFICERS- Tired of Working For A Broker- Work with a Mortgage Banker FHA, VA, Jumbo, Reverse- excellent commissions- Ray-800-429-5000 visit www.OakTreeFunding.com click Virtual LO. (CalScan) General LOSE UP to 30 lbs. in 30 days with Herbalife’s cellular nutrition program. Free coaching 888223-0457 or diethelper4u.com.
SERVICES psyChiC
LIVE WORK Party Play!! Play in Vegas, Hang in LA, Jet to New York! Hiring 18-24 gals/guys. $400-$800 wkly. Paid expenses. Call 1-866-574-7454. (CalScan)
PSYCHIC READER Spiritual advisor. Tarot $20. Confidential text for one free question 323493-9494. Continued on next page
EMPLOYMENT drivers
The Downtown Renaissance Collection
CALL NOW. Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits. 300 New T660’s. Need 2 months CDL-A driving experience. 1-877-258-8782. www.MeltonTruck.com. (CalScan) COMPANY SOLOS & Teams Western US! $300 Bonus after 30 days. Excellent Pay. CDLA, 1-year OTR or recent grad. Hazmat required. 1-888-9059879 or www.AndrusTrans.com. (CalScan)
Be Inspired... Best Downtown Locations!
2 bdrm 1 bath
(323) 732-5141
downtownnews.com
Beautiful EstD 1912
the loft expert! group
Historic beauty. Modern refinement. Eclectic elegance.
TM
Orsini 550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST.
877-231-9362
WWW.THEORSINI.COM
Medici
noW leasinG
Downtown since 2002
Voted Best Downtown Residential Real estate Agent Call us today! Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com
FOR LEASE 21% Off/Shwrm & 79% Warehouse 18,000 sf, 2 DH doors, kitchen, 3 bathrooms & 1 shower. On-site pkg, fenced. Close to 5 & 110. Walk to Goldline Station. Check w/ city for uses - poss work/live. $0.44/SF/Mo/IG
$1,400’s/mo. free parking ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE GRAND LOBBY • FITNESS CENTER • SPA MODERN KITCHEN w/CAESAR COUNTERTOPS HIGH SPEED INTERNET DESIGNER LIVING SPACES • PET FRIENDLY • DRAMATIC VIEWS WALKING DISTANCE TO RALPHS SUPERMARKET
756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 213-892-9100 | chapmanf lats.com Pricing subject to change without notice.
MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing! • Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views
rosslyn hotel
$700 mo. to mo. $680 on 6 mo. Lease No Application Fee! - Sec. Dep. $175 Free Utilities, 24 hr. laundry, Around the Clock Courtesy Patrol
112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.908.9006 ask for Courtney • Rosslyn@SROhousing.com
877-239-8256
WWW.THEMEDICI.COM
Piero 616 ST. PAUL AVE.
877-235-6012
WWW.THEPIERO.COM
Visconti 1221 WEST THIRD ST.
866-690-2888
WWW.THEVISCONTI.COM
FREE Rent Specials On Select Floor Plans
Call K3 Investments 626 272-1373
Studio 280 sqft. Full Bathroom Apartment one month Free!
725 SOUTH BIXEL ST.
Elegant World Class Resort Apartment Homes
• Free Resident/Guest Parking in Gated Garage • Private Library, Business Center & Conference Rooms • Free Wi-Fi & DSL Computer Use • Resident Karaoke Lounge • Directors Screening Room • Lavish Fountains & Sculptures • On-Site Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball, BBQ’s and Jogging Track • Night Light Tennis Courts • Indoor Basketball
• Brunswick Four-Lane Virtual Bowling • Full Swing Virtual Golf • 3100 Square Foot Cybex Fitness Facility • Free Tanning Rooms • Massage Room, Sauna & Steam Room • Rooftop Pools with Dressing Rooms • Concierge Service • 24-Hour Doorman • 24/7 On-Site Management • Magnificent City Views *Amenities vary among communities
Version 1
6th+Grand Ave. • milanoloftsla.com • 213.627.1900
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.
Monthly from $550 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348
Elevate Your Lifestyle @ PE Lofts Today! Client: Publication: Size/Color:
G.H. Palmer Associates LADT News ■ 24 Hr. State of the Art Fitness Center 4.3125” x 8” 4C ■ Covered On-Site Parking ■ Heated Pool and Spa
■ Rooftop Lounge with Cabanas, Fireplace and BBQs Design by: apluscreative@yahoo.com
Ph: 323.474.4668
(866) 561-0275 • PELOFTS.COM • 610 S. Main, Downtown LA
22 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
Twitter/DowntownNews
Continued from previous page
SERVICES Messenger
Downtown Messenger $19 Flat Rate
ATTEND COLLEGE Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-210-5162 www.Centura. us.com. (CalScan)
home improvement
contractorsbuilders Plumbing, Electrical, Tile, Hardware 80% savings OT Liquidators 1920 E. Olympic
(213) 627-0200 DowntownMessenger.net
Education HIGH SCHOOL Diploma! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure. Call Now! 1-866-562-3650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com. (CalScan)
Attorneys
213.614.0018 MEDICAL MANAGEMENT Careers start here - Get connected online. Attend college on your own time. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800481-9409. www.CenturaOnline. com. (CalScan)
ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs! Child Support / Custody Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español / Korean
ATTENTION Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888589-0439 to try Hydraflexin Risk-Free for 90 days. (CalScan)
Get your GREEN CARD or CITIZENSHIP Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710
Cleaning
Health & Fitness
CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.
VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills - 4 Free for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.70/ pill. The Blue Pill Now! 1-888904-6658. (CalScan)
DIABETES/ Cholesterol/Weight Loss. Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call to find out how to get a free bottle of Bergamonte! 888-6159598. (CalScan)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Business for Sale ESTABLISHED SIGN Franchise business for sale. Low investment. Financing available. Call Eddy 818-437-2555. Business Opportunities BE YOUR Own Boss - Start Today! Own a Red Hot - Dollar, Dollar Plus, Mailbox or Discount Party Store from $51,900 worldwide! 100% Turnkey. 1-800518-3064. www.DRSS25.com. (CalScan)
Do you have something to sell?
Ad Copy: _________________________________________
Ad Prices
________________________________________________
(Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY) • Items under $300 • Items $301 to $500 • Items $501 to $1200 • Items $1201 to $2000 • Items $2001+…
Name: Address: City Phone: Cash $ Credit card #: Exp. Date:
FREE! $11.50 $14.00 $16.50 $19.00
12 words, 2 weeks 15 words 15 words 15 words 15 words
All ads run for 2 weeks. Ads may be renewed after two weeks for 50% off the original price of the ad.
With a circulation of State Check $
Zip Credit Card $
47,000,
our classifieds get results!
Help Wanted Data Collectors Immediate need for Data Collectors in the Pacoima area, 15-20 hours per week. Apply at www.retaildatallc.com. FOREMEN TO Lead Utility Field Crews. Outdoor physical work, many positions, paid training, $17.00-22.64/hr. plus weekly performance bonuses after promotion, living allowance when travelling, company truck and benefits. Must have strong leadership skills, good driving history and able to travel in California and nearby States. Email resume to Recruiter1@ osmose.com or apply online at www.OsmoseUtilities.com. EOE M/F/D/V. (CalScan) GET JOBS BY Text On Your Cell Phone, Free! Construction, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Automotive. Certify your skills. Create your free profile and resume in 5 minutes. www.WorkersNow. com. (CalScan)
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RECIBA TRABAJOS Por Texto En Su Teléfono Móbil, Gratis! Construcción, HVAC, Electricistas, Plomería, Automotriz. Certifique sus habilidades. Cree su perfil y resume gratis en 5 minutos. www. WorkersNow.com. (CalScan)
________________________________________________
AUTOS
________________________________________________
________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Restrictions: Offer good on private party ads only. Ads must be pre-paid by cash, check or credit card. Certain classifications excluded. Deadline: Thursday at noon for next issue.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
PRE-OWNED
Downtown L.A. AUTO GROUP Porsche Volkswagen Audi Mercedes-Benz Nissan chevrolet cadillac
May 30, 2011
Downtown News 23
DowntownNews.com
2001 PORSCHE CARRERA CABRIOLET 3.4L V6, Polar Silver/Grey, Crest Wheel Caps, 56K miles #1S651787 $32,988. Call 888-685-5426. 2006 NISSAN XTERRA S Carfax, 1 Owner, RWD, 37k Miles, N110810-1/6C548329 $16,499 call 888-838-5089 2008 MERCEDES C300 Certified, 3.0L V6,Palladium Silver, Dual Fuel, 39k Miles #5306/ F051792 $25,991 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TURBO Only 30k Miles, Blk/Blk, CD, 32MPG Highway V110331 - 7M003955 $14,388 Call 888781-8102. 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA SE Certified, Auto, AC, CD, Alloys N111001-1/8C816359 $19,899 call 888-838-5089 2010 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET 2.0 TURBO Leather, ABS, Dual Zone A/C, Only 50K Miles 7K018416 / ZA9951 $20,890 Call 888-583-0981 2010 CHEVY COBALT Great Fuel Economy. White/Gray, Only 39k Miles #UC808R/103397 $14,900 Call 888-879-9608.
For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com
DONATE YOUR Car: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CalScan) DONATE YOUR Vehicle! Receive Free Vacation Voucher. United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info Free Towing, Tax Deductible, NonRunners Accepted, 1-888-4685964. (CalScan)
ANNOUNCEMENTS Found LOST JEWELRY on the beach, park etc? I can find it. http://www. RingFinder.net Randy@RingFinder.net Serving the greater Los Angeles area 626-417-9136 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 Clothing/JeWelry MUST SELL 6 amethyst necklaces at $20/each. Please contact Aisha’s cell 213-400-7809.
LEGAL FiCtitious Business nAme FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2011004521 The following person(s) doing business as: BEVERLY MANAGEMENT, 2014 S. Longwood Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90016, are hereby registered by the following registrant: BRIAN SCOTT BEVERLY, 2014 S. Longwood Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90016. 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 the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 11. 2011 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. 5/09, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30/11 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2011033366 The following person is doing business as: JOSEPH KALMAR ARTWORK, 688 S. SANTA FE AVENUE #304, LOS ANGELES CA 90021, are hereby registered by the following registrant:JOSEPH HYRUM KALMAR, 688 S SANTA FE AVENUE #304, LOS ANGELES, CA 90021. 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 LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on May 19, 2011. 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. 5/23, 5/30, 6/06, 6/13/2011
400
DOWNTOWN L.A. AUTO GROUP OVER
PRE-OWNED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS & SUV’s! NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
2005 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S N110984-1/5N499320
$10,999
888-838-5089
Great Value, A/C, Auto, 35MPG Highway
$11,499 2006 Nissan Xterra S ........................................................ $16,499 Carfax 1 Owner, Silver, RWD, 37k miles, 4.0 6 Cyl. N110810-1/6C548329 2008 Nissan Maxima SE .................................................. $19,899 Certified, 58k miles, 3.5L, 6 Cyl, CD, Alloys. N111001-1/8C816359 2007 Nissan Versa 1.8S Hatchback .............................. AC, Alloys, CD, Dual Sport Mirrors, Tinted Glass, 35MPG. #N111022-1/7L407727
VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
2007 VW JETTA TURBO V110331- 7M003955
$14,388
888-781-8102
Only 30k Miles, Black/Black, CD, 32 MPG Highway
$14,380 2010 VW GTI 2.0 Turbo Hatchback ............................... $23,980 Certified, Only 9k Miles, 16V GDI DOHC . ZV1183 / AW280740 2008 VW Touareg SUV .................................................... $28,980 Certified, Only 31k Miles, 24V GDI DOHC, Navigation. ZV1225 / 8D046176
2008 VW Rabbit Hatchback ........................................... Certified, Only 19k Miles, Blk/Blk, 2.5L 20V MPFI DOHC. ZV1226 / 8W256660
Autos WAnted DONATE YOUR Car, truck or boat to Heritage for The Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-9026851. (CalScan)
madison hotel Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $30.00 •Weekly, $109.00 •Monthly, $310.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.
(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)
Monthly from $595 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
Starting Jan. 1, 2011
7000 sqft. Basement Space ✦ set up for Gallery/Office space
CAll FoR PRiCE
• w/Gallery Lights • Wide Private (Spring St.) Entrance • Ideal for Art Gallery, SPA, Office Space • Wired for internet service/telephone outlets • Prime Location in Downtown (Gallery row, residential area, wine bar, café, market)
213.627.6913 | cityloftsquare.com
PUBLiC imPrOVEmENT BLESSED SACRAMENT SOCIAL SERVICE CENTER REMODELING IFB NP-14330
Casaloma L.A. Apartments Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath at $695/mo. sec. deposit special @$100 Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area. 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA
For English Call Pierre or Terri 213.744.9911 For Spanish Call Susana 213.749.0306
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.]
HBODY
MASSAGEH
First Professionally Licensed Massage Shop in L.A. County.
The scope of work includes the change of use of an existing 5876 sq. ft. two-story building from convent to a social services center. The work will include new electrical and mechanical systems, existing dorm rooms converted into bathrooms with showers, a new commercial kitchen, a general refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the building, new landscape and hardscape, removal of a street tree, grind the roots to 6 inches below grade, plant two (2) street trees, and ‘A’ permit work to repair curb, gutter and sidewalk and install a new driveway and approach. A complete itemization of work is listed in Part II of the Bid Documents. A detailed Invitation for Bids is posted on the CRA/LA website at www. crala.org. Bid documents may be obtained by emailing to wstarks@cra. lacity.org; include your company and contact person’s names, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address. A compact disc containing the bid documents will be mailed to you. Please call (213) 977-1820 to confirm receipt of your request. 5/30/11 CNS-2108202# DOWNTOWN NEWS
THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
$14,900 Great Fuel Economy, white ext/gray int, only 39k miles
2010 Chevy Impala ..........................................................
$15,900 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche ............................................. $25,900 26,694 miles, Grey Metallic exterior, Auto, 5.3L, V8. UC722/G178131 2010 Chevy Suburban 1500 LT ...................................... $27,900 Black/Gray, 5.3L V8, 3rd row split bench. UC781/142503 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
2007 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET 2.0 TURBO 7K018416 / ZA9951
$20,890
888-583-0981
Leather, ABS, Dual Zone AC, Only 50k Miles
$36,824 2010 Audi A5 Convertible .............................................. $39,978 Only 10k Miles, Turbo, Fully loaded. ZA9947 / AN013991 2010 Audi Q5 Quattro ..................................................... $42,610 Only 10k Miles, 3.2L, V6, Blk/Blk, Panorama Roof. ZA9956 / AA080335 2010 Audi A4 Avant Quattro Wagon ............................
INVITATION FOR BIDS The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, California (herein referred to as the “CRA/LA”) invites sealed bids from experienced contractors interested in providing construction contracting services for the Blessed Sacrament Social Service Center Project.
2010 CHEVY COBALT UC808R /103397
888-879-9608
3.5L V6, Auto, AC, ABS, CD, Only 39k miles. UC801R /168271
3386766 0119
PrEmiErE TOWErS
FELIX CHEVROLET
Real Estate Specialist of San Gabriel Valley Proudly serving the communities of San Gabriel, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Montebello and El Monte.
Cal Best Realty
Emi Terauchi Realtor / Notary • Lic.No.00810238
English/Japanes/Chinese speaking emiterauchi@yahoo.com • (626) 786-9086
Certified, Sport Pkg.,Turbo, Tiptronic, 27 mpg highway. A11661D-1 / AA011780
DOWNTOWN L.A. MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ
2008 MERCEDES BENZ C300 #5306/F051792
$25,991
888-319-8762
Certified, 3.0L V6,Palladium Silver, Dual Fuel, 39k Miles
2008 MERCEDES C350 .....................................................
$30,991 $30,991 Certified, 3.5L, V6, 7 Speed Auto, Only 44 K Miles, Indium Grey. #5098C/B334494 2008 MERCEDES ML350 .................................................. $35,997 Certified, 3.5L V6,White / Cashmere, Appearance Pkg, mp3, 36k Miles. #5260/A378822 Certified, 3.5L V6, AMG Sport, Blk/Blk Panorama Roof, 30k Miles. #5203/F016208
Children’s Performing Group
Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! SunshineGenerationLA.com • 909-861-4433
2008 Mercedes E350 Sedan ...........................................
PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
2009 PORSCHE CARRERA S COUPE #ZP1352/9S720906
$83,988
888-685-5426
Certified, 3.8L V6, 24V GDI DOHC, Cream Wht/Blk, Chrono Pkg, 8K Miles
2001 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet ....................................
$32,988 Certified, 2.7L V6 Blk/Grey, Alloys, Rear Spoiler, 29MPG Hwy, 25K Miles. #ZP1347/8U711448 $40,988 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS ............................................ $61,988 Certified, Blk/Beige, Park Assist, Light Comfort Pkg, 25K Miles. #Z1349/8LA71608 3.4L V6, Polar Silver/Grey, Crest wheel caps, 56K Miles, Excellent condition. 1S651787
2008 Porsche Boxster Convertible ...............................
is your teen experiencing:
• School problems? • Conflict at home or with friends?
Adolescent support group now forming Ages 13-17 low fee
DOWNTOWN L.A. AUTO GROUP 888-I-LOVE-LA (456-8352) W W W . D T L A M O T O R S . C O M
Call marney stofflet, lCsW
(323) 662-9797
4344 Fountain Ave. (at sunset), suite A los Angeles, CA 90029
24 Downtown News
May 30, 2011
Twitter/DowntownNews
We Got Games The Sparks Are Back, the Dodgers Are Tumbling Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com. May 30, 5:10; May 31-June 1, 7:10 p.m.; The Dodgers continue their homestand, taking on divisional foes the Colorado Rockies. Monday is Memorial Day, and what better way to salute fallen American heroes than to take in America’s pastime at the ballpark? The Dodgers are looking to string a winning streak together, and this would be a good week to start. The Rockies are eminently beatable. After an off day, the Blue Crew heads out on the road for a grueling 13-day, 13-game stretch that starts in Cincinnati (June 3-5). It’s tough being a Dodger these days; they dropped two of three to the woeful Houston Astros last week, and the line-up has been hammered by injuries.
Los Angeles Sparks Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 929-1300 or wnba.com/sparks. June 3, 8 p.m.: Welcome back Sparks fans! The ladies of purple and gold take the floor this week, led by returning superstar Candace Parker. The former WNBA rookie of the year and MVP sat out most of last season with a shoulder injury, but she’s healthy now. That will be especially important on opening night as the Sparks host the Minnesota Lynx, bolstered by former UConn star Maya Moore. Can Parker show Moore than she’s still got more to learn? Or will Moore’s fresh legs lead her past the Sparks? The teams will have two chances since, after the game, the Sparks fly to Minnesota for a rematch (June 5). We hear it’s lovely in Minnesota this time of year. —Ryan Vaillancourt
photo by Gary Leonard
Candace Parker, who missed most of last season with an injury, is back at the helm of the Sparks.
Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!
Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777
Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants
Now For Call n Specials Move-I
8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6
museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies
On Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / Beauty Salon
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.
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www.TowersApartmentsLA.com
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