LOS ANGELES
DOWNTOWN
NEWS June 1, 2009
Volume 38, Number 22
INSIDE
Chamber steps up to combat homelessness.
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A Burger Taste-Off 14
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A big donation, Skid Row TV, and other happenings Around Town.
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The readers speak out on parking garages and other plans for Broadway.
W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M
Designs on Downtown A Look at Four Local Up-and-Coming Fashion Figures by Anna Scott staff writer
F Cornering the Downtown juice market.
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Last chance to vote for the Best of Downtown.
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Time to praise the firefighters.
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Ballet Hispanico comes to Downtown.
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or decades Downtown Los Angeles has been a behind-the-scenes fashion industry hub, a place where designers trawl for fabric and store buyers stock up at showrooms like the ones inside the behemoth California Market Center. In recent years, Downtown has raised its fashion industry profile on numerous fronts. It is the home to the 2-year-old Downtown Fashion Week and to a cluster of hip boutiques. It also serves as the headquarters for a growing crop of fashion designers, from fledgling labels to big names. Here, Los Angeles Downtown News looks at four of the local designers and teams drawing attention from fashion industry observers. From Jünker Designs, which has a track record of outfitting rock stars, to Odyn Vovk, headed by a designer just a few years out of high school, each is a unique addition to Downtown’s fashion set. Skin Game If there were such a thing as Victorian-era bikerwear, Skin.Graft would capture the look perfectly. The 2-year-old line, headed by two former stilt walkers and a onetime professional belly dancer, features plenty of leather, corseted waists, puffy shoulders and the occasional ruffle. Top-selling items include the jodhpur-style pants, the leather garter that wraps around the waist and loops around each thigh, and the “gun holster bag,” with wallet-like pouches on either side instead of weapon holders. “It all came out of us making costumes for ourselves,” said Katie Kay, 29, one of the designers (and the former belly dancer) behind Skin.Graft, on a recent morning in their Historic Core headquarters. “We’re really inspired by where we came from, even though we’ve grown a lot.” see Designers, page 12
Conserve Water, or Pay the Price New DWP Rates, Intended to Spark Conservation, Go Into Effect June 1 by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
Five great entertainment options.
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18 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS
photo by Gary Leonard
Alexis LaMontagna creates flirty, comfortable looks from her studio in the Cooper Design Space. She is one of a group of Downtown clothing designers drawing attention from the fashion industry.
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f they have not yet received it, residents of the Jewelry District apartment complex the Chapman Flats will get a letter soon from the landlord. In it, building owner All Pacific Financial will ask them to be water wise. The letter urges residents to “Change your habits, but not your lifestyle,” and asks questions like, “Do you spend too much time in the shower?” The intent, noted project co-developer Mark Farzan, is to encourage “them to become more sensitive to our water shortage by telling them there are many ways to conserve water that people take for granted.” Residents of the property at Eighth Street and Broadway will not be the only ones asked to take a look at their water-use habits. Starting June 1, as the city prepares for its third consecutive summer
drought, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is implementing new shortage-year water rates that will force heavy users to pay a price. In the grand scheme, Downtown residents may see little impact. The new rate structure focuses primarily on single-family homes and water used for landscaping, said DWP Executive Director David Nahai. Since most Downtown property owners and tenants do not have significant landscaping needs, they are not expected to feel the same pinch as lawn-watering suburban dwellers, he said. “In terms of residential use altogether, about 40% of the water used is used outdoors, so that is where the opportunity lies to affect the savings we need quickly,” Nahai said. Under the new system, the DWP created two new, separate billing structures: one for single-family residents see Water, page 10
Since 1972, an independent, locally owned and edited newspaper, go figure.
photo courtesy of LA DWP
DWP Executive Director David Nahai is overseeing an increase in water rates as the city gets ready for its third consecutive summer drought.
2 Downtown News
June 1, 2009
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AROUNDTOWN Homeless Authority Appoints New Leader
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he Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Commission has appointed Michael Arnold, the agency’s chief operating officer since 2007, as its new executive director. “Mike Arnold is uniquely qualified to lead LAHSA,” said LAHSA Commission Chair Doug Mirell in a statement. “His extraordinarily impressive fiscal and management background, his deep knowledge of LAHSA’s personnel and systems, and his strong relationships… will secure our current standing and enhance our future development.” Arnold’s resume includes experience as a management consultant in Los Angeles and Seattle; he has worked for entities including Evergreen Healthcare, pharmaceutical services company Caremark RX and UCLA. LAHSA’s former executive director, Rebecca Isaacs, announced her departure last month. She will become president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles on June 22.
Grammy Museum Introduces New Program
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outh Park’s Grammy Museum recently announced a new program that will feature prominent musicians appearing and performing in a small space. Titled The Drop, the series kicks off Monday, June 8, at 8 p.m. with Grammy-winning songwriter Nanci Griffith in conversation with museum Executive Director Robert Santelli about Griffith’s new album, The Loving Kind. The Drop will continue with singer-songwriter and Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller on
June 10; teen idol turned singer-songwriter Mandy Moore on June 11; and songwriter Marshall Crenshaw on June 15. The musicians will discuss and perform songs from their upcoming albums, then take questions from the audience. All events begin at 8 p.m. “We realized that the museum is a perfect forum for breaking new music,” said Grammy Museum Public Programs Manager Lynne Sheridan, who organized the series. “We wanted to offer fans the opportunity to hear new music first and talk about it after with their favorite artists.”
Good Samaritan Receives $12 Million Donation
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n $81 million, seven-story project for City West got a boost from the Frank R. Seaver Trust, which last month announced a $12.1 million donation for Good Samaritan Hospital’s planned medical center. The funds will go toward construction of the Frank R. Seaver Ambulatory Surgery Center, to rise next to the hospital at Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street; it will be part of the planned 190,000-squarefoot Good Samaritan Medical Plaza and Outpatient Pavilion. Groundbreaking on the project is expected this year and construction is slated to take about 18 months. Nearly $60 million, which includes the Seaver donation, has been raised so far. “It’s an exciting time to be investing in the hospital and in Los Angeles,” said Victoria Seaver Dean, president of the Seaver Institute and Trustee of the Frank R. Seaver Trust. “The new Ambulatory Surgery Center will provide important additional services to Downtown and surrounding communities.”
BIG
photo by Gary Leonard
Program Aims to Help Skid Row Residents Get Digital TV
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n order to help Skid Row residents who may lose access to free television when broadcasters switch to digital signals on June 12, volunteers are collecting coupons from people who don’t need a converter box. The converter boxes cost $50-$70, though the government has been handing out $40 coupons as part of a $1.5 billion program to offset the cost. However, due to a loophole in the program, low-income individuals who live in Single Room Occupancy housing (SROs) do not qualify for coupons. The Downtown coupon program is an effort to get the coupons from those who qualify into the hands of those who do not. “It’s easy, it’s legal to do so, and it can make a big difference in the lives of the men, women and children who live on Skid Row,” said Shannon Parker of
Longtime NBC newsman Tom Brokaw came to Downtown on Thursday, May 28. He spoke at the Central Library as part a lunchtime session of the Aloud speaker series. He was interviewed at the event by Geneva Overholser, director of the USC Annenberg School of Journalism.
the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council and Skid Row Housing Trust, who is spearheading the effort. Coupons can be requested at dtv2009.gov; affordabledowntown.blogspot.com has instructions on how to donate them.
Last Chance to Pick Downtown’s Best
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eaders of Los Angeles Downtown News only have a few more days to weigh in on their favorite restaurants, stores, politicians and other subjects. Friday, June 5, will be the final day for voting in the 2009 Best of Downtown readers’ pool. Voting in more than 40 categories began last month, with all the activity happening online at votebestof. com. As an added incentive, those who vote are eligible for prizes including hotel stays, meals and gift certificates. The winners will be revealed in the Best of Downtown issue that publishes July 21.
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EDITORIALS Keep Safer Cities Initiative Fully Staffed
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he issue of whether the city can afford to continue hiring police officers has been vigorously debated recently, and a proposal to halt all hiring for a year was nixed when the City Council voted to keep LAPD staffing fairly consistent even as officers retire or in other ways leave the department. However, there will be no growth, and the long-anticipated 10,000-officer level will have to wait at least for another year and likely for longer, since after this year’s $530 million shortfall the city faces a $1 billion deficit in fiscal year 2010-11. There are many demands on the department for staffing, yet we think one in Downtown Los Angeles is as important, if not more so, than any other in the city. We urge that, no matter the pressures, the LAPD continue to fully staff the Safer Cities Initiative.
The SCI was launched in September 2006. The program, championed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief William Bratton among others, deployed 50 additional officers to Skid Row (officers volunteered for the beat). The impact was immediate and dramatic, and an area that was once close to a Wild West atmosphere became more controlled and lawful, with a crackdown on drug dealing and other offenses. Some have criticized the SCI, alleging that the LAPD has in certain cases made homelessness itself a crime. However, the larger community has applauded and supported the program, and the result is that crimes are no longer being tolerated simply because they happen in Skid Row. Stakeholders from the homeless services, the business and the residential communities have praised the effort and want it to continue.
Under Manny’s Shadow
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strange thing has happened in the month since Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games for violating baseball’s drug policy: Local fans have kind of stopped caring. There are several likely reasons the outrage, which by the way was more outrageous in the media than in the stands, has devolved to
barely a murmur. It could be that people have gotten used to the fact that Manny isn’t in the lineup, or maybe it is that the team is winning without him, so his loss seems less severe. Perhaps it is that, despite all that has been said about the suspension, no one has provided clear details on what Manny actually used. Or maybe it is that Manny’s M.O. to date, to stay
Wine Time
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very so often, the unforeseen happens in Downtown, and startling results follow. A decade ago, a dreamer named Tom Gilmore started developing housing on the edge of Skid Row, and a few years later the neighborhood bloomed into the vibrant Old Bank District. Also in the late 1990s, Denver developer Phil Anschutz was spending a few hundred million on an arena in a sleepy part of South Park. A decade later, Staples Center is the hub of several billion dollars worth of housing and entertainment projects. Now there is another unlikely evolution: Downtown as wine bar central. Los Angeles Downtown News last week reported on the area’s growing concentration of wine bars. The first, Banquette,
We have heard no intimations that staffing for the Safer Cities Initiative is on the chopping block, but one thing we know from previous economic crises is that whenever budgets need to be cut or hiring patterns changed, everything is on the table, and programs and causes that do not get initial, vocal support can be in danger. It is particularly easy for officials to ignore Skid Row. We do not want to see that happen. We hope that as budget proposals are floated, Downtown stakeholders and politicians will let the LAPD know that the SCI needs to remain fully staffed. Significant progress has been achieved, and any reduction in deployment patterns could lead to backsliding. Maintaining the SCI staffing level is good for Downtown, good for the city and good for the homeless who for too long have been victimized by drug dealers and other predators.
out of the media glare, is working. Or maybe it is that the Lakers’ playoff run is dominating the city’s sports consciousness. Probably it is a combination of all of the above. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: The uncertainty around What Manny Did is going to cast a shadow over the Dodgers. When he returns on July 3, if he has not taken a serious step to inform the public and the fans about what happened and why, questions
opened five years ago in the Old Bank District, and in the last year four others have come online. Suddenly, Downtown workers, residents and visitors have multiple options to sip anything from a California cabernet (Corkbar, in South Park, specializes in wines from the Golden State) to options from Bosnia and the Republic of Georgia (the Historic Core’s The Must features bottles from around the globe). Part of the beauty of the new wine bars is that they are completely unexpected. When residents began arriving in force in Downtown early in the decade, one could anticipate that restaurants and various neighborhood service outlets would follow. Bars were also predicted, though most people expected a scattering of the hip establishments that rise whenever a neighborhood catches fire. Downtown has gained all of the above, but has also seen offerings from people who really know their wine. The new op-
and skepticism will remain, and whatever else the Dodgers accomplish this year will have an asterisk. People will continue to ask until they have satisfactory answers. It’s human nature. Manny still owes an explanation to the public, and Dodger owner Frank McCourt, should make sure that explanation happens — and we mean a real one, not a watery mea culpa like the statement issued last month. People may temporarily be overlooking Manny, but don’t expect Manny’s shadow to just fade away.
tions are in South Park, the Historic Core and Little Tokyo. It is unknown if there is enough of an audience for five Downtown wine bars. In fact, another wine bar, also in the Historic Core, recently closed, having failed to secure a large enough clientele after three years. What will come next is impossible to say. Right now though, the critical mass of wine bars is an exciting example of the area’s evolution.
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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writErs: Anna Scott, Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jeff Favre, Michael X. Ferraro, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins ProductioN AssistANt / EvENt coordiNAtor: Claudia Hernandez PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Vandervort sAlEs MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Robert Dutcher, Catherine Holloway, Kelley Smith circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles. It is also distributed to the extended urban communities of Glendale, Hollywood, Wilshire Center, Los Feliz, Silver Lake & Larchmont Village.
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Opinion
The Readers Give Their Regards to Broadway Website Comments on Plans to Revive the Street, a Proposed Garage and a Streetcar
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os Angeles Downtown News posts comments to stories on our website. Here are some responses to a recent series of articles, editorials and columns about Broadway and a plan to update the street with a streetcar, building improvements and more. Additional comments appear on downtownnews.com (comments follow individual articles). Further responses are welcome.
sored safe, subsidized parking. True, the Red Line is there and that is a huge benefit for the future of Broadway. However, the current rail capacity and ridership is not enough to expect that more people can or will come to Broadway via rail. Also, the private owners of garages/parking lots are not about to give away parking at affordable rates. —posted by Barcelona, May 11, 12:53 p.m.
Regarding the article “Garage Gamble,” about a proposed $50 million parking facility for Broadway, by Anna Scott, May 11
Regarding the editorial “Broadway Plan Needs Public Leadership and Serious Private Investment,” May 4
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ne can’t read about Broadway without his blood pressure rising to dangerous levels. There are so many issues here. Why doesn’t Downtown News mention the existence of rapid transit available to these theaters? The Red Line subway is one block away from Broadway, and a scant two blocks walk from the Los Angeles and Palace theaters. All one needs to do is walk down Broadway any time after 8 p.m., even on a Friday night, to see that there are thousands of spots available. As Downtown News rightly points out, there are more than 5,000 parking spaces in the area, many of which are currently empty at night. If the theater owners aren’t opening up now while there is an (over)abundance of parking in the area, why does anyone think they will be opening up after the city dumps $50 million for a new lot? If the city wants more parking at night, why not buy one of those parking structures (maybe the huge lot at Seventh and Broadway) and keep it open 24 hours? Better yet, encourage those parking lot owners to guarantee they will stay open later once the theaters open, then dump that $50 million into the Broadway streetcar line. We need leadership on this issue, not kowtowing to the various stodgy interests that are satisfied with the status quo. —posted by Alossix, May 10, 7:12 p.m.
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have to disagree with Alossix. I applaud city-sponsored efforts to build new parking. The revitalization efforts in Pasadena and Santa Monica were successful due to city-spon-
n iconic streetcar system that links the Convention Center, L.A. Live/Staples, Grand Avenue and the Historic Core will have a positive effect on a number of important priorities: it will reduce congestion/pollution and improve public health; further encourage the pedestrianization of Downtown; and continue the redevelopment of underutilized and neglected properties. This much is not in question. In fact, this is exactly why proponents are pushing so hard for a streetcar. This may or may not spur local theater owners to renovate and revive their properties, but the growth, prosperity and improvement of Downtown and Broadway will advance regardless. It has thus far. Consequently, I find it perplexing why $50 million would be spent (half of what it would cost to build a complete streetcar system) to build a mere 300 parking spaces. The paradigm of development in Downtown is shifting away from the auto, which was confirmed by the near unanimous passage of the Downtown Design Guidelines recently. Construction of a parking garage reflects a schizophrenic approach to planning that is inconsistent with L.A. and Downtown’s long-term goals. Building the streetcar first will provide a compelling market incentive for theater owners to rehab their properties as the area around them continues to improve. Making the revitalization of Broadway contingent upon theater owners and a costly and unnecessary garage carries with it greater political risk and will ultimately hamstring efforts to build the streetcar. —posted by Angeleno2002, May 4, 11:47 a.m.
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Regarding the column “Portland Report,” about that city’s streetcar system, by Anna Scott, May 11
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ortland transit is well designed and wildly successful. Sadly, L.A. keeps citing Portland, but doesn’t realize that the devil is in the details. And L.A. has changed many details: 1) The Portland streetcar runs curbside; L.A.’s would run down the middle of the street, putting automobile traffic between the disembarking rider and the sidewalk. If, like Portland, we want to put the pedestrian first, this is really foolish; 2) Portland ran their streetcar up one street and down another on the west edge of downtown, spaced a good number of blocks from the north/ south alignment of the Max Light Rail line. This in turn spurred development at that edge of downtown. In L.A., that would be equivalent to running our streetcar up Main and down Spring, which would draw more development to the Old Bank District. But instead, we are running ours up Broadway, only one block away from the Red Line; 3) The Portland streetcar then leaves downtown and heads into The Pearl, their loft district. The residential base of The Pearl grew exponentially once the streetcar was in. Portland created a loop of people coming into downtown for movies, shopping and work and heading into The Pearl to live. In L.A., instead of heading over to our loft district, our streetcar heads over to the Music Center, a neighborhood that will never hold as many people as The Pearl currently feeds into downtown Portland. Some people might think that each of these are minor changes. But together they add up to a big change. There is only one thing our streetcar will have in common with Portland’s: steel wheels. —posted by phatnblak, May 12, 10:42 a.m. Regarding the Around Town brief “Siptea Stops Pouring,” about the shuttered Broadway teahouse, May 18
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ill certainly miss this teahouse and look forward to its new location. How about along the Gold Line Eastside Extension? Downtown-close and accessible. —posted by Eon1st, May 17, 2:19 a.m.
6 Downtown News
June 1, 2009
DowntownNews.com
Chamber Takes on Homelessness Business Organization Partners With United Way by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR
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omelessness may be the greatest human tragedy in Los Angeles, but those working to combat the problem are taking a new tack to rally support: They want the public to know it is also bad for business and costly to taxpayers. Homeless service providers have made the argument before, but now the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, which represents 1,600 members, is listening and spreading the word. On Wednesday, May 27, Chamber President and CEO Gary Toebben announced that the Downtown-based organization will partner with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles to develop a set of homeless and housing policy recommendations for city and county elected officials. First up will be conducting a study to show the true costs of caring for the homeless. “When politicians see business leaders taking a role, that’s when we really get traction,� said Elise Buik, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. To kick off the effort, the Chamber hosted a three-hour panel discussion and the United Way flew in flew in experts in supportive housing (residences that includes medical and drug treatment, job training and other services all under one roof) and business representatives from New York, Washington, D.C. and Denver to discuss models they say are working. Denver has reduced chronic homelessness by 36% in the past three years; Washington, D.C. saw a 42% reduction in 18 months in a one-square-mile area in its downtown; and Times Square has seen an 87% drop in four years. Becky Kanis, director of innovations for the New York permanent housing provider Common Ground, said her organization’s housing initiative around Times Square was funded with $75,000 in seed money from JP Morgan Chase after a federal grant request was denied. Los Angeles County has approximately 73,000 homeless people, more than any other county in the country, on any given night, according to a 2006 study by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Housing experts blame what they
say is a fragmented governmental system in which the county and city have failed to work together on the issue. The lack of a systematic plan to end homelessness in Los Angeles is also partly the result of the region’s sprawl and size, said Orlando Ward, director of public affairs for the Midnight Mission. “While it’s worked in those cities where the political leadership is bought in, we’re not there in Los Angeles yet,� Ward said. “You’ve got 15 city council members and the mayor, five county supervisors, so you’ve got 21 different views on the problem and what the solutions are.� Eye Contact County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky likened the region’s approach in the past to someone who avoids eye contact with homeless people on the street, “as if to pretend they weren’t there.� “We have failed to make eye contact with this problem,� said Yaroslavsky, who is trying to grow Project 50, a program to house Skid Row’s 50 most vulnerable homeless people, into Project 500. Being the homeless capital of the nation is a black eye for the region and detrimental to business, said Helmi Hisserich, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s housing deputy. Villaraigosa’s office has committed $100 million from the city’s affordable housing trust fund since he was elected, but Hisserich said the mayor believes that the city needs private sector leadership (Villaraigosa was scheduled to attend the event, but was “pulled away at the last minute,� said Hisserich). The panelists argued that letting taxpayers pay to maintain the homeless with expensive public resources like jails, mental health facilities and emergency rooms costs more than putting those individuals into supportive housing. “I don’t think that there was the data to make the case for why the business community should care,� said Mike Alvidrez, executive director of Skid Row Housing Trust, a developer of permanent supportive housing. “But now we have the research.� At least other cities do. The Denver Housing First Collaborative, a coalition of homeless service providers and public health agencies, tracked a group of chronically home-
photo by Gary Leonard
Gary Toebben, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and Elise Buik, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, are partnering on a new effort to help people get off the streets.
less individuals for two years prior to getting housed, and two years after. The study indicated that after moving into permanent supportive housing, emergency-related costs declined by 73%, or $31,545 per person. Boston, Seattle, Atlanta and New York have done similar studies with similar results, though levels of savings varied. Los Angeles has not yet conducted such an analysis, but one is in the works. The United Way recently retained USC professor Michael Cousineau, a public health expert, to develop case studies that will track chronically homeless individuals in Skid Row, Santa Monica, South L.A. and the San Fernando Valley. The study is planned for release in October. As the study is prepared, the chamber’s next step is to create a task force that will continue meeting and identifying policy recommendations, said Sam Garrison, the chamber’s vice president of public policy. “We see ourselves as a steward of the region’s economic resources and quality of life and no one likes to see L.A. listed as the homeless capital of the United States.� Garrison said. “[A solution] is good for business and it’s good for everyone in L.A.� Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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Reduce Your Water Use
Know the Law
Southern California’s current water shortage has created the need for serious conservation now. Beginning June 1, LADWP will apply shortage year water rates to customers as a means of encouraging conservation. Under shortage year rates, the amount of water allotted to single family residential customers at the lowest price - called Tier 1 - will be reduced by 15%. Commercial, apartment and condo customers also must reduce their water use but are subject to a different conservation formula. Customers who stay within the new allotment will not be affected while customers who exceed their Tier 1 allotment will pay more for each gallon they use over their limit.
On June 1 watering with sprinklers will be restricted to Mondays and Thursdays before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. - only. Violators are subject to fines. The City has other prohibited uses of water which are also being enforced. Are you obeying the law?
To learn more visit www.ladwp.com or call 1-800-DIAL DWP. Start conserving water now.
8 Downtown News
June 1, 2009
DowntownNews.com photo by Gary Leonard
Juicing the Market NutriPartners Finds a Downtown Niche With 14 Food Spots, Including 11 Robeks by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
M
oe Nariman was never one to miss an opportunity. At 11, he was already spotting the angles as he sold roses and ice cream on the Santa Monica Pier. “I was that guy approaching couples and asking the guy if he wanted to buy roses for the ladies,” he said. If they weren’t interested in roses, maybe it was ice cream they were looking for as they needed a cool-off on a hot summer day. “It was all about timing,” he laughed. Nariman is still working the angles, except now, at 40, he’s moved on from the pier and into Downtown. He’s also changed his product, shifting from flowers and ice cream to sandwiches, burgers and smoothies. As founder and CEO of Downtown-based NutriPartners, Nariman has 14 businesses in Downtown: Johnny Rockets in Little Tokyo and the Financial District; a Quiznos on Bunker Hill; and 11 Robeks juices. “I find a good site and think about what would work there,” Nariman said as he sat outside his newest venture, a Johnny Rockets at 135 S. Central Ave., which after a little more than a week in business already had lines for lunch. “It’s always about what the customer wants. I can make it work.” Looking to move on from his family’s real estate business, Nariman saw an opportunity in Downtown in 2001 as the area’s revitalization was taking shape. Although residents were moving in, he also targeted office work-
ers. Noting the trend toward quick, healthy items like smoothies and fruit juices, he decided to buy into the Robeks franchise, which at the time was a fairly new company that was still trying to find its foothold in Downtown. NutriPartners’ first two Robeks came in 2001 at Macy’s Plaza and the 7+Fig mall. After their initial success, he was ready to expand. “Robeks had a few more existing stores in Downtown, and we stepped it up and we took over,” Nariman said. “We wanted to have a monopoly on the market. Now we basically own every Robeks Downtown. We don’t want competition. We’d rather compete with ourselves.” In addition to buying existing Robeks, NutriPartners opened new locations in places like the AT&T Center and at Second Street and Central Avenue. The latter, at the base of the Hikari apartment complex, is next to the new Johnny Rockets. Got the Market Eleven Robeks might seem like a lot in a single community, but observers note that there has been a payoff. “You notice there’s no Jamba Juice Downtown,” said Hal Bastian, senior vice president and director of economic development for the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, who in 2001 was the broker who helped iron out the deal for NutriPartners’ first Downtown Robeks. The company, Bastian added, has “a very aggressive marketing campaign where they do outreach to the community and let people know they’re there. When you do the work
Moe Nariman of NutriPartners, which owns 14 franchise food businesses in Downtown. The newest is the Little Tokyo Johnny Rockets, which is next to one of the company’s 11 Downtown Robeks.
and reach out and you don’t just open your door and wait for business to come in, good things happen.” Mitch Baker, the company’s vice president of marketing, said that despite having a stronghold on the juice business, NutriPartners uses aggressive marketing including “street teams” that distribute coupons near the stores. They also meet with concierges at residential buildings and hand them coupons, and contact area businesses to offer them deals and coupons. “You have a captive audience in Downtown,” Baker said. Some of that captive audience has been captured. Nariman said his Downtown Robeks average about $400,000-$500,000 in total yearly sales, while the Quiznos, which opened at 330 S. Hope St. in 2007, does $600,000-$700,000 a year in sales. The newest restaurants are expected to fare even better. The Financial District Johnny Rockets will bring in an estimated $800,000$900,000 in yearly sales while the Little Tokyo location is anticipated to do $1.2 million a year, Nariman said.
“It will be our biggest earner,” he said. The shift to Johnny Rockets was a response to the increased crowds flocking Downtown. Nariman saw a chance to target not just business people, but also residents and visitors to the area’s nightlife scene. “We like what we see here on the weekends,” said Nariman. “We’re open until midnight and we may push that during the summer to 2 a.m. There’s a lot of bars around here, a lot of USC kids who drink and will want a good burger and fries. We want to make sure we are the last [place open] on the street.” Another Johnny Rockets and Robeks are slated to open near USC in 2010. After that, Nariman will do what he does best, like he did when he was a kid selling flowers and he spotted the guy trying to impress his girl. “We’ll see where the economy goes, looking at how many more people move down here,” he said. “We’re basically going to go with the flow.” Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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DowntownNews.com
Downtown News 9
10 Downtown News
Water Continued from page 1 and another, less stringent model for multifamily dwellers and commercial and industrial users. The DWP uses a tiered rate structure, where customers get a specific allotment of water at a set price. Those who surpass that level are charged a higher rate for “tier-two” water. Under the new billing structure for single-family homes, the first tier allotment, which varies according to lot size, climate zone and number of residents in a household, is slashed 15%, and the tier-two rate is increased by a factor of 1.442, or about 40%, DWP officials said. While every residence will be different, department officials said a typical family of two could see their rates rise by about $10 a month. Passing On Increases The new rate structure for apartment and condo buildings and industrial and commercial users sets the tier one allotment at about 98% of the ratepayer’s highest, daily average use during the winter season (December through March) over the past three years. Inhabitants of these buildings would also see a tier two increase of about 40%, DWP officials said. Few apartment dwellers will see an immediate increase; because most rental buildings utilize a single meter, the landlord will bear the burden if the bill goes up, at least until any increased costs can be worked into new leases. In any rent-controlled building, the landlord cannot pass on increased water costs at all. The financial impact of the new structures at most Downtown buildings is still
June 1, 2009
DowntownNews.com uncertain. But at rental properties, the onus to conserve is primarily on the landowners, either by encouraging tenants to cut back on usage or investing in water-saving infrastructure. Hence the letter from the owner of the Chapman Flats. For condominium buildings, most of which are also billed on one meter, the rates are worked into homeowner association fees.
‘We do anticipate that people will lower their use. This measure is not intended to increase revenues. It’s intended to induce conservation.’ —David Nahai, LA DWP
Rhonda Slavik, director of sales and marketing for the South Group, developer of three buildings in South Park that have been recognized for their environment friendly lesing, said the company’s properties do not expect a water rate increase. Because of the buildings’ comprehensive water conservation infrastructure, which includes a reclamation system that recycles rain
Selected Sprinkling DWP Tips for Reducing Water Consumption And Saving Bucks n Scrape dishes instead of thoroughly rinsing them under running water before placing in the dishwasher. n Put a stopper in the sink when washing fruits and vegetables, instead of letting the water run continuously. n Install a water-saving aerator on the kitchen faucet. n When doing laundry, wash full loads or adjust the water level to match smaller loads. and runoff water for landscaping uses, their “costs are lower anyway,” Slavik said. “I don’t anticipate that this will change our rates on Evo,” said Slavik, referring to the last South Group building to open. “On Evo we actually just lowered our HOA fees by about 10% after estimating them conservatively. So our residents haven’t seen the increases that other buildings could see moving forward. Finally we think we’re going to see the financial upside of buying green.” As for office buildings, which hold hundreds of thousands of Downtown workers every day, any increase in water expenses is passed on to tenants. Office towers are assessed based on one meter, but most leases include language that allows landlords to pass on the cost of operating expenses yearly if they exceed original estimates, said Travis Addison, vice president of operations for Maguire Properties, Downtown’s largest office building owner. Maguire, which has completed water saving infrastructure enhancements over the past three years, does not anticipate a major bump in its water bills, Addison said. The new billing system takes the company’s highest use during the winter season over the past three years, and the company has reduced its usage every year since 2006, Addison said.
n Select the shortest wash time necessary to get clothes clean, and use the lowest appropriate water temperatures. n Check for leaks regularly, and repair leaky faucets, showers and toilet tanks. A toilet leaking at one gallon per minute wastes $200 in water per month. n Use less water for baths and take shorter showers. n Don’t leave the water running when you are shaving or brushing your teeth. “I took a typical 1 million-square-foot building for us, and I looked at our usage profile each month and looked at the cost differential, and we’re talking about a minimal impact,” Addison said. That means Maguire Properties is among the group of DWP customers who stay mostly within their tier one allotment. “By far the majority of our customers are in tier one and would need to conserve quite modestly to get us there,” Nahai said. “Many people are already below that 15% compressed level and won’t need to conserve any more.” Even if the financial impact is minimal for some customers, Nahai said he expects the new rate system to help significantly reduce overall water usage in the city. Ratepayers currently within tier one, after all, could get bumped into tier two when the new system takes effect. “We do anticipate that people will lower their use,” Nahai said. “This measure is not intended to increase revenues. It’s intended to induce conservation.” For more information about the new rates, or to calculate your new first tier allotment, call (800) DIAL DWP or visit ladwp.com. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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12 Downtown News
Designers Continued from page 1 Kay, with short, dark hair and thin limbs decorated in tattoos, met partners Jonny Cota, 25, and Cassidy Haley, 28, in 2006. In addition to a common fashion sense, the three shared a background as performers at the Burning Man arts festival and a flair for the theatrical. That year they became Downtown roommates. Cota and Haley were already designing clothing together for friends, and Kay joined them in 2007. The name Skin. Graft, Cota said, refers to the team’s first custom leather designs, which were created with extremely small scraps of leather sewn together. The trio got its big break that August when Skin.Graft was showcased at the Pool Trade Show, a carefully selected mar-
DowntownNews.com ket for store buyers. The label’s bold looks were purchased for several stores. The three opened a Downtown shop at 125 W. Fourth St., with office space and a small sewing area in the back, nearly three months ago. Skin.Graft clothing is also sold in approximately 20 stores across the U.S., at Maxx Department Stores in Japan and online at skingraftdesigns.com. The clothes are not cheap, with prices from $100 for accessories to $1,100 for some leather jackets. Still, they have been scooped up by “anyone from a soccer mom in her 40s to artists in their late teens,” said Kay. The three are currently working on a new collection, to debut at Los Angeles Fashion Week in October. Their muse for the line is Amelia Earhart, which means lots of 1940s, aviation-inspired looks. Future plans include creating a second, more accessible line under the Skin.Graft label with a lower price point, and focusing on the designers’ growing bridal department. Regarding
June 1, 2009
photo by Shawn Smith
Katie Kay, Jonny Cota and Cassidy Haley of Skin.Graft operate out of a space on Fourth Street.
Skin.Graft’s ambitions, Kay said, “We kind of operate with reckless abandon — but calculated reckless abandon.” Closet Inspiration Alexis LaMontagna’s eponymous women’s line has an appropriate inspiration: herself. “I always design what I would want my closet to look like,” said LaMontagna, 26, who runs her label out of a studio and office at the Cooper Design Space at 719 S. Los Angeles St. “Comfort is really important to me, along with being sexy, and usually those two things don’t go together. I like to make sure that everything is flattering, and not just on a six-foottall, 100-pound model.” That means a lot of soft materials, high-waisted but flexible skirts and pants, and flowing jackets and skirts in solid colors or simple plaid prints. LaMontagna, a Beverly Hills native who briefly attended Otis College of Art and Design after graduating high school in 2002, debuted her first collection at Culver City’s Fashion Week in March 2008. About 40 stores now carry her line, from Los Angeles to New York and Japan. (She also sells clothes online at alexislamontagna.com.) Her high-end, contemporary designs retail from approximately $80 for a tank top to $700 for a wool coat. The designer, who lives in Pasadena, moved her business operations to Downtown about a year ago, and oversees a staff of six sewers. Everything, she said, is made in-house. LaMontagna, who cites designers Vivienne Westwood and Diane Von Furstenberg as inspirations, is slated to complete a new collection for New York Fashion Week in October (though she may skip it because she is expecting a baby in December). The most recent designs, which will hit stores next spring, “are pretty hippie-inspired,” she said. LaMontagne’s clientele proves that there are plenty of people who might also like her closet. “I wear it, my girlfriends wear it, and we’re in our 20s,” she said. “My younger friends wear the skirts, dresses and T-shirts. But my mom is 63, and she and her friends also wear it.” Hungry Like the Wolf Austin Sherbanenko is the founder of the men’s clothing line Odyn Vovk, which means “one wolf” in Ukranian. He lives up to the name. The ponytailed 22-year-old, who looks more like a teenage heavy metal fanatic than a budding force in fashion, lives and works in a nondescript, Skid Row-area space on Gladys Avenue. He has a small upstairs apartment and a small showroom where he greets local buyers. The inspirations for his deceptively simple, mostly black and white shirts, jackets and pants are not other fashion designers, he said, but music, particularly dark, loud heavy metal, and also taxidermy. “This one was kind of inspired by a doctor,” he said on a recent afternoon in his studio, pulling a black, cloak-like top off a rack. He lifted the arms to show off the holes under the armpits that prevent the wearer from getting uncomfortably hot. “It’s for spring,” he explained. Sherbanenko’s interest in fashion dates to when he screenprinted his own T-shirts while attending high school in Corona. Two years ago, he had an internship for a New Yorkbased menswear designer, and while there he borrowed space to show off his first clothing collection. It paid off: The next season, a New York showroom approached Sherbaneko. His clothes are currently carried in stores in the U.S., Canada and Japan, including Downtown’s Sartorialoft. Sherbanenko’s designs come in two lines: Odyn Vovk, which retails for $1,000-$3,000; and the lower-end OV line, which features items like leggings and hooded shirts in the $150-$500 range. Though Sherbanenko describes himself as a workaholic, the label’s name is not inspired by himself. “It’s for my grandparents,” he said, Ukranians who were imprisoned in German labor camps during World War II. Wolf, he said, connotes family loyalty. “I’m the last to carry on the Sherbanenko name,” he said. “I’m the one wolf.”
June 1, 2009
Downtown News 13
DowntownNews.com
photo by Gary Leonard
Austin Sherbanenko is the “one wolf” behind the fashion line Odyn Vovk, based on the edge of Skid Row. photo by Gary Leonard
Tod Waters and Giuliana Mayo, who work under the name Jünker Designs, outfit rock stars from a warehouse-like space on Santa Fe Avenue.
Rocking Out Tod Waters and Giuliana Mayo are cooler than you. That is not an insult, just a probability. The duo behind Jünker Designs ooze rock star charisma, so it is hardly surprising that for the past seven years they have built a business partly based on outfitting rock stars. They do everything, from designing to producing their clothes, in a cluttered office/studio on an industrial stretch of Santa Fe Avenue. Waters, a 41-year-old originally from Texas, and Florida native Mayo, 30, joined forces in 2002 after meeting at a party and
discovering a shared affinity for fine art, punk and layered clothing. Jünker Designs, named as a tribute to American slang, a World War II German airplane maker and “the nonfunctioning umlaut,” started out of a onebedroom Hollywood apartment. Soon after they began collaborating, Waters went to a friend’s house to borrow a sewing machine. He left his garment behind, and as luck would have it, singer Lenny Kravitz’s stylist happened to stop by, saw the piece and bought it. Things have gradually snowballed since, and the designers have built up a stable of ce-
lebrity fans, outfitting everyone from Britney Spears and Shakira to Prince to the members of Motley Crüe. Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has been a devoted client for five years. “We don’t do much advertising,” said Waters, 41. “We had a lot of word of mouth.” In addition to customized pieces for rock stars, Waters and Mayo design two collections a year, and their clothes are carried at L.A. stores including Forgotten Saints on Melrose Avenue and J. Ransom on La Brea Avenue. Their designs can also be found in Las Vegas, New York, Spain and Japan, and on their website, junkerdesigns.com. They moved to Downtown in 2005. On a recent morning, a motorcycle sat parked inside Jünker Designs’ headquarters,
draped with jackets. The men and women’s clothes are artfully distressed, often adorned with patches, deliberately tarnished materials and surprising details — like the men’s leather jacket lined with light blue fabric that once served as He-Man bed sheets. Despite their success, Waters and Mayo still talk like fans, running down a wish list of clients. The lineup includes the Rolling Stones, Patti Smith and Iggy Pop. The latter could be difficult, Mayo noted, because “Iggy Pop never wears shirts.” Waters added, “And he always wears jeans.” Still, he said, “It would just be cool to hang out with him.” Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
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RESTAURANTS Who's Got the Best Beef?
And that’s a good thing, especially if you don’t come here expecting the bells and whistles of a fancier burger. D-Town delivers a fresh, American classic that’s cheap and enjoyable, and while it’s not huge, it is satisfying. The straightforward creation is served in a plastic basket and includes a toasted sesame seed bun, cheddar, big pickle slices, crisp lettuce, tomato, white onion and a delicious mess of fries — in this case a delightful mix of sweet potato and regular. Part of the appeal is that D-Town Burger Bar, at the base of the Hayward Hotel, is a scrappy, independent business you can feel good about supporting, particularly in this emerging residential pocket. You can sit at the counter with your burger and a great vanilla shake, and somehow it all tastes better because it cost less than $10. Service is friendly and your food comes fast. Cost: $5.50 ($7.50 with fries and a drink) Pros: Low prices, quick service Cons: Patty on the small side Rating: 2.5 Stars At 216 W. Sixth St., (213) 228-0022.
Six New Burgers Face Off in a Lunchtime Taste Test
photo by Gary Leonard
Blu L.A. Cafe in the Pacific Electric Building was the underdog in this burger taste test. It blew away the competition in every category.
T
hese days everyone is searching for a bargain, especially at lunch. And there is perhaps no more perfect vehicle to slake midday hunger for a steal than the classic hamburger, a convenient assemblage of all the major food groups stacked between two pieces of bread. It has been two years since Los Angeles Downtown News conducted its last burger taste test (Redwood Bar & Grill won top honors), and with a new crop of burger joints popping up across the Central City in recent months, it was high time to revisit that all-important question: Who has the best beef Downtown? For this showdown, we focused on six new options. The criteria were simple: The burgers had to be offered during lunch and the cost had to come with recession-friendly prices — in other words, no $20 wagyu beef and truffle versions. Each entry is rated on a scale of one to four stars. The Mother Road: The Sonoma Burger Four burgers grace the menu of this modern, Route 66-esque diner, including an eye-popping $17 Royale Burger made with ground chuck, short rib and truffle cheese. It was too over the
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top for this taste test, so we’ll save it for another visit. Instead, we tried the Sonoma Burger, which combines thick slices of Maplewood bacon, gooey cheddar and a fluffy potato bun. This is not a burger for the petite eater. It’s plenty meaty and stacked with just the right amount of tomato and lettuce. Instead of classic fries you get a side of crispy, wedge-cut potatoes and a bowl of ketchup. Meat is the focus here, and the freshness and simplicity shines through. The handmade patty is nicely caramelized and the potato roll adds a twist to an otherwise simple meal. The only (minor) complaint was that everything seemed to need more salt. Still, a solid entry from the former owners of Mode (now defunct), who seem to be having more luck with the 24-hour diner concept this time around. Cost: $8.99 Pros: Potato bun, hefty patty Cons: Could use a bit more seasoning Rating: 3.5 Stars At 836 S. Grand Ave., (213) 622-2410 or motherroaddowntown.com.
by Kathryn Maese contributing editor
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Magnolia: Magnolia Burger Magnolia’s burger is on the pricy side, but you get a lot of bang for your buck — in other words, you won’t leave hungry. We added bacon and, in an effort to shake things up, some goat cheese. In retrospect, the latter was a bit on the dry side, so stick with the cheddar or blue cheese. This hamburger packs a nice, smoky flavor with a respectable-sized patty, an average sesame bun, red onion (though I’m a sucker for grilled), tomato and lettuce. It’s a well-made classic that can be enjoyed in the lovely modern dining room or outside on the perfect summer patio. Now, I’ve never met a burger that was overshadowed by its fries, but this one was. If I can use a bit of creative license, OMG! Magnolia’s sweet potato fries are amazing. Probably some of the best I’ve eaten, if not the best. They seem to be battered, resulting in a crispy coating dusted with a delectable combo of salt and parsley. In this case, the burger is better because of the fries. Cost: $11 (add $3 for cheese and bacon) Pros: Patio seating, sweet potato fries, valet parking Cons: Average bun, pricey add-ons Rating: 2.5 Stars At 825 W. Ninth St., (213) 362-0880 or magnoliala.com. Rowdy Red Wine and Burger Bar: Black and Blue I had high expectations for this new burger bar in the underground food court of 505 Flower. The simple space is modern and comfortable, with red banquettes, zebra-striped stools and flat screen TVs. Named after an heirloom tomato that’s only in season a few months of the year, this house of hamburger offers 11 options that include everything from Hawaiian teriyaki and mushroom Swiss to ahi and turkey. Rowdy Red proudly touts its one-third pound of all-natural Angus beef that hails from a humane farm in Montana. The bun is a little too plain for my liking, though the patty is generous. It’s not as tasty as some others we tried, but the blue cheese crumbles give it a boost and the bacon got the job done. (It came to my attention later that you can add an egg, something that just might tip the scales for a better burger.) The skinny fries were quite good, and you’d be happy to eat them on their own. While Rowdy Red turns out a fair burger, I must protest the gigantic hunk of iceberg that caps the meat. It’s literally a quarter head of lettuce; I solved the nuisance by chucking it altogether. The restaurant has a handy to-go counter if you’re in a hurry or don’t want to pay more than $8 to park. Cost: $7.25 ($5.95 for a cheeseburger) Continued on next page
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June 1, 2009
Downtown News 15
Restaurants Grub With Guzmán
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Go Yxta Go! You Can’t Pronounce It, But You Sure Can Eat There by RichaRd Guzmán
city EditoR ive me a Y, give me an X, give me a T, give me an A! What does that spell? I still can’t pronounce it, but since Yxta is such a cool place, with good food and a great vibe, I’m cheering for the restaurant to make it, especially since it is on the outskirts of Downtown in a spot that has seen other eateries fail. Opened in February at 601 S. Central Ave., Yxta was launched by Jesse Gomez, who also owns Highland Park staple El Arco Iris. Yxta took over the space that was home to Sixth Street Bar & Grill, which despite a good vibe lasted less than a year and closed in November. I’ve been to Yxta a couple of times, and although the waiter told me they’ve had an equal share of busy lunch hours and slow days, right around noon the place has always been pretty empty, with less than a dozen people eating lunch. It’s a shame, since Yxta has a cool, contemporary look mixed with an edgy loft feel that is perfect for the neighborhood. They play Spanish rock music, the patio is roomy and inviting and the staff is super friendly. Fortunately, Yxta has good food. Unfortunately, it isn’t the greatest deal for its price point, about $11-$23 for entrees.
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photo by Gary Leonard
The sleek Magnolia restaurant in South Park serves a respectable burger.
photo by Gary Leonard
The Mother Road blends a kitschy Route 66 vibe with a seriously meaty burger that doesn’t disappoint.
Continued from previous page Pros: All-natural beef, fries Cons: Lettuce-to-meat ratio, expensive parking Rating: 2 Stars At 505 S. Flower St., B-Level, (213) 6275511. Blu LA Café: Blu LA Café Burger On the ground floor of the Pacific Electric Lofts next to Cole’s, you’ll find this cute-as-abutton restaurant with a handful of tables, a cozy wine bar and a luscious dessert counter. But it’s the eatery’s half-pound burger that’ll command your attention from the first bite. For starters, it comes on a tasty brioche bun that’s kicked up with a slather of garlic mayo. A criss-cross of crispy bacon sits atop the perfectly cooked, hand-formed meat as if to let you know that X marks the spot. Nestled beneath are a mound of Roquefort cheese and a mix of greens (no tasteless iceberg here). This is the most flavorful burger I’ve had in a long while. It’s well seasoned, each bite more explosive than the next. Add the cheese and bacon and you’ve got a knockout. It comes with lovely pile of medium, hand-cut fries with bits of crispy potato skin, but it’s hard to tear yourself away from the burger. This unassuming Historic Core cafe has definitely upped the ante in the Downtown burger wars. Cost: $12 ($9.50 for the cheeseburger) Pros: Intensely flavorful, brioche bun Cons: A tad salty (if you’re concerned about
that kind of thing) Rating: 4 Stars At 126 E. Sixth St., (213) 488-2088 or blu.la. Yard House: Classic Cheese Nine burgers compete for your attention at this busy L.A. Live eatery — they’ve even got a Surf & Turf version with lobster, Swiss and asparagus. Nothing goes with sports and beer better than a burger, and The Yard House offers a classic half-pound cheeseburger made with natural Angus beef. It’s assembled on a soft potato bun with tangy cheddar, red onion, iceberg lettuce, a tomato slice and a smear of roasted garlic aioli (which I couldn’t detect, unfortunately). The meal comes with a pile of skinny fries that are crispy and soft inside. It’s a decent sized burger with great charred flavor. Even after a week of burgers and fries I still wanted to finish this one. I could see how it would taste even better with one of the dozens of unique beers on tap. Parking is an issue however, and you can easily pay more than your lunch costs. Take the DASH bus or look for metered parking a block or two away. Cost: $10.45 Pros: Nice grilled flavor, generous patty Cons: Parking Rating: 3 Stars At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-9273 or yardhouse.com. Contact Kathryn Maese at kathryn@downtownnews.com.
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I recommend items from the Entradas Clasicas, or classic dishes, like the Enchilada de Res, with spiced shredded beef and fresh Mexican cream ($12). Another option is the Carnitas Estilo Michoacan ($14). I try the carnitas at every Mexican restaurant I visit, and although they were a bit dry, the dish was hearty with good beans and fresh guacamole. The Tacos al Pastor ($11) are a must-have at any respectable Mexican restaurant, and Yxta does them well with a bit of pineapple, red onions, cilantro lime rice and beans. I haven’t tried the caldos (soups) yet, but that’s my next item, and the Sopa de Fideo, served on Tuesdays, and Cocido de Res, served on Wednesdays, sound good. They’re each only $6. I hope my visits came on unusually slow days, since I want to put Yxta on my regular lunch rotation. But if it wasn’t, I’m prepared to try to convince more people to go there, even if that means putting on a cheerleader’s outfit and busting a routine in front of the restaurant. Actually, the sight of me as a cheerleader might just get the place shut down faster that you can spell e-w-w-w. At 601 S. Central Ave., (213) 596-5579 or yxta.net. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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16 Downtown News
June 1, 2009
CALENDAR Hot Stuff Food, Demonstrations and Muster Games Return In Hope for Firefighters Fundraiser
Flair Game Ballet Hispanico Brings Its Latin Dance Spin to Downtown by Jon Regardie executive editor
F
or nearly four decades, Ballet Hispanico has been entertaining audiences around the nation. This week, the company will finally make it to Downtown Los Angeles. “I don’t know why it’s taken so long,” confessed founder and Artistic Director Tina Ramirez last week, speaking by phone from the company’s New York headquarters. “I’m very happy that while I’m still artistic director that we get to play Los Angeles in a big theater.” Ramirez’s comments preface Ballet Hispanico’s performances on June 5-7 at the Ahmanson Theatre. The production will feature four pieces, including the West Coast premieres of “Destino Incierto,” which tells the “Carmen” story, and “Tres Bailes.” Also in the lineup is “Ritmo y Ruido,” which encompasses hip-hop and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and “Club Havana,” a sort of sampler of Latin dance, with elements of conga, mambo, rumba and cha cha. Ramirez, who was born in Venezuela, came to the United States when she was 7. She founded Ballet Hispanico in 1970 and has received numerous accolades, including the National Medal for Arts. However, this marks her last tour: She will step down Aug. 1. An enthusiastic Ramirez spoke with Los Angeles Downtown News about what Downtown audiences can expect. Los Angeles Downtown News: You sound pretty excited to play Los Angeles. Tina Ramirez: Absolutely. The chance to play the Ahmanson Theatre is a dream come true.
photo courtesy of Hope for Firefighters
The muster games are one of the most popular parts of the Hope for Firefighters event. It takes place June 4.
They may have their work cut out for them. Although most of the competitors will be the suit and tie crowd, this year the L.A. Kings will compete, although it’s not known if stars like Anze Kopitar will take off their skates for the games. “Some of them could be retired Kings, but I’m sure it’ll be very competitive with the Kings involved,” Ross said. Robinson said the organizers are grateful more and more people continue to come out for firefighters. “We feel fortunate people are embracing this event and helping it grow,” he said. Hope for Firefighters is Thursday, June 4, from 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. on Hope Street between Third Street and Hope Place, (310) 237-6430 or hopeforfirefighters.org. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
photo by Eduardo Patino
F
irefighters are usually the first ones on the scene when there’s an emergency. And if on June 4 your emergency is hunger, they’ll definitely be there — though expect chili and cheese steaks as opposed to axes and the jaws of life. The 12th annual Hope for Firefighters fundraiser, which benefits the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund, takes place Thursday, June 4, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Hope Street between Third Street and Hope Place. The event will feature food prepared by local firehouses, live music, fire gear and demonstrations, gift booths, raffles and the ever-popular “muster” games, where corporate teams compete in events like the bucket brigade, the firefighter suit-up and the hose pull contest. About 25 firehouses will compete in a cook-off to win bragging rights in categories like Best Food, Best Dessert and Best Booth Decor. The event is expected to attract about 15,000 people. “It’s a chance for the public to give back to those who basically risk their lives on a daily basis for them,” said Steve Robinson, co-chair of the event. “These guys are true heroes. They run into the fire as we’re running away and it’s a way to say thank you.” Hope for Firefighters raised about $105,000 last year, and despite the recession, this year’s goal is $150,000, organizers said. “We were a little bit concerned because of the economy and a lot of nonprofits are really suffering, so we thought we
were going to be scaling down this year, and it’s been the opposite,” said Heather Ross, also an event co-chair. She credited the addition of the event’s first title sponsor, U.S. Bank, for the growing success. “We have other sponsors bringing in other people and sharing booths to keep costs down and everyone is always supportive and thankful to our firefighters,” she said. Try the Shortcake Or it may just be the food. With the long shifts and the down time between calls, firefighters have developed a reputation as good chefs. The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association has even published a cookbook with firefighter recipes. “Firefighters love to show off their food and they’re a little competitive, so they want to make sure their food is the best,” Robinson said. At the Downtown event, people will be able to sample from a menu that includes tri-tip sandwiches, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, tamales and fish tacos. There will also be the seemingly un-firefighter-like strawberry shortcakes. “Just good old firehouse food. You can’t beat it,” Ross said. One of the biggest attractions will be the muster games, where about 20 corporate teams will likely struggle with the firefighting gear that the pros make look easy to handle. The team to beat this year is Universal Protection Service, who won last year and told the organizers to “just leave the plaque on the trophy because we’re going to win this year,” Ross said.
photo by Richard Corman
by Richard Guzmán city editor
For 90 minutes the audience will be lifted out of the stress and worries of their life and they get to experience the world in a different way. Q: The pieces the company will perform on the tour include elements of conga, rumba, hip hop and more. Why do you want to incorporate so much variety? A: Because that is what we’ve always done. There are 22 nations I think that speak Spanish. What unites us is the differences between each other. Bolero, tango, rumba; they come from different countries and it is the same three-quarter European beat done in different ways. We are very varied, and I like to challenge my dancers, because why do dance pieces that are easy? Q: You have West Coast premieres in “Destino Incierto” and “Tres Bailes.” What should audiences expect? A: For “Destino Incierto,” everyone has their own idea of “Carmen.” Everyone has their own idea of who she is. For me, Carmen was a very liberated woman. She chose to die rather than to accept living with someone she did not want to live with. That is the original story, but choreographer Carlos Sierra Lopez has another view of it. Q: You also have “Club Havana,” which for a West Coast audience seems worlds away. Why did you choose this piece? A: “Club Havana” was choreographed in the year 2000 by a former Ballet Hispanico member, Pedro Ruiz, and has music by Buena Vista Social Club. It is a club in Havana in the ’50s; it has son, conga, bolero
Nicholas Villeneuve and Candice Monet-McCall (right) appear in “Club Havana,” one of the four pieces Ballet Hispanico will perform at the Ahmanson Theatre June 5-7. This marks the first visit to the Ahmanson for the company founded by Tina Ramirez (above) in 1970.
and more. I think this audience will love it. Q: You have done so much with the company over the years. But why did you decide to start it? A: I formed Ballet Hispanico so people could get to know us as people, not as a token stereotype, but because we have a great culture, great painters, great musicians, and without my saying a word you will see that onstage. We also have wonderful music, wonderful costumes and lighting. Q: In 2005 you were in the Oval Office to receive the National Medal of Arts from President Bush. What did that mean to you? A: My grandmother was a teacher and she came from Puerto Rico. She would have been so proud. I have met Carter, father Bush, Clinton and this Bush, and now I have to meet Obama. I think it’s an immigrant’s dream to meet the president. Q: You also have a large school for Ballet Hispanico. A: Yes. I started with the school. Then I
started the company, so my students would have employment. Q: How do you keep the kids in line? A: I’m a very good disciplinarian. Without discipline there is no art. Ballet Hispanico performs June 5-7 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 365-3500 or musiccenter.org. Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.
June 1, 2009
DowntownNews.com
Downtown News 17
From Mannywood to Blake Placid A Nearly Overlooked Third Baseman Is Part of the Reason The Ramirez-less Dodgers Are Still Flying High
H
ey kids, what do you say we play a quick game of fertility drug in May, he was suspended for 50 games. With Name that Dodger! Here are five helpful hints: the Dodgers deprived of their Octo-Manny for two months, n The home team acquired this talented veteran it was widely assumed that the team would stagger, or at least free agent late last summer. lose some of its swagger. n He filled a huge void and was instrumental in the team But the team has continued to win since Manny has been having its best season since 1988. gone, and has maintained the best record in n Over the off-season, it was unclear if this player the major leagues while upping its lead in the would be back in Los Angeles in 2009, but he ultiNational League West to about 10 games. Some mately came around. excellent pitching, led by Chad Billingsley and n Thousands of Los Angeles kids have his bobbleyoung Clayton Kershaw, has been a key compohead. nent in the success, and former unhappy bench n This slugger has one of the most familiar first dweller Juan Pierre’s play at the top of the batting names in baseball history, and is perhaps bestorder since replacing Manny has been nothing known for his hair. short of scintillating. Think you know who it is? Then there’s that “other guy” the Dodgers Guess again. picked up last July to fill a gaping third-base vacu Sure, you might be tempted to say Manny Michael X. Ferraro um that the team had been trying to plug with the Ramirez, but third baseman Casey Blake is druglikes of Andy LaRoche, Wilson Betemit and even free, dreadlock-free and you wouldn’t believe how All-Star catcher Russell Martin on some days. ego-free. He’s recently batted clean-up for man- STADIUM Blake leads the best team in the majors with ager Joe Torre’s first-place Dodgers, but he usually nine home runs (as of press time) and is on pace hits out of the does-that-kid-have-to-be-on-our-team? eighth for career highs in homers (32) and RBIs (113). He doesn’t slot and doesn’t say peep about it. fan the flames in the clubhouse, like ornery former second Blake has been a rock for the boys in blue ever since his baseman Jeff Kent used to, but instead provides a steady voice arrival last summer, when he was acquired in a trade from of reason, like when the Dodgers’ alpha dog was suspended. Cleveland, and since he decided to return to the Dodgers, he’s “Like we’ve said before, are we better with [Manny]?” Blake looking more and more like a bearded boulder. As well as a said to MLB.com. “Yes, we are. We are still very, very good different substance, according to his manager. without him. What are we going to do? Hang it up? Shut it “When we got Casey Blake, it sort of became some glue we down the rest of the year? No.” needed for this ballclub to mesh,” Torre said last fall. “Just the Mannywood may be thrilling, but Blake Placid can be way he prepares and goes about his business. I know you’ve deadly calm, especially in pressure situations. Four of Blake’s heard the expression; he’s a blue-collar guy who just goes and homers this season have either tied the game or put the Blue plays baseball.” into the lead. We here at Cliché Stadium revel in those kind of phrases Interestingly, this was impossible to predict early in the seaJoe, but when you’re right, you’re right. Case in point — son, not only because Manny was still here, but also because when that silly superstar Ramirez tested positive for a female Blake struck out 13 times in the first 11 games of the season.
CLICHE
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Join Us In Celebrating... Join Us In Celebrating...
h AnniversAry! Our 60th AnniversAry!
Saturday, June 20, 2009 y, June 20, 2009 Wells Fargo Theater
Autry National Center of the American West
s Fargo Theater 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, California 90027 We welcome our special guests, internationally acclaimed opera stars Center of the American West
Marilyn Horne • Mary Costa • Heinz Blankenburg
ge Way, Los Angeles, California 90027
Featuring Two Performances of “The Treasure of California”
uests, internationally acclaimed opera stars 2:00pm and 4:30pm
Mary Costa • Heinz Blankenburg Reception & Silent Auction 3:00pm
Tickets are $60.00
Featuring Two Performances of “The Treasure of California”
GUILD OPERA COMPANY
1636 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 204, Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 463-6593 Fax: (323) 463-2926 E-mail: GuildOperaCo@aol.com
www.GuildOpera.org Check out Guild Opera on LAArtsEd.org – a searchable online catalogue.
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Reception & Silent Auction 3:00pm
photo by Gary Leonard
Dodgers third baseman Casey Blake, the “other guy” acquired before the trade deadline last year, has been a steady but relatively quiet contributor to the Dodgers.
Still, the 35-year-old veteran of 11 seasons knew better than to overreact. Sure enough, the early-season slump soon evaporated, and Blake was making waves at the plate, crushing big hits as the Dodgers coalesced into the most well-rounded club in baseball. “Blake Placid” may not attract the paparazzi Mannywood does, but look for steady Casey Blake to be talking loudly with his big stick when the Dodgers are in the playoffs once again this fall. Bad Hops: But wouldn’t you know it? Just when the Dodgers third baseman is starting to make some headway on the PR front, those wacky and woeful L.A. Clippers stumbled their way into the first pick of the upcoming NBA draft. Since the consensus best player in the nation is Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin, poor Casey won’t even be the most famous Blake in town by the end of the summer.
18 Downtown News
Wednesday, June 4 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: In a discussion with L.A. Times Book Review Editor David Ulin, essayist Philip Lopate considers the achievements and limitations of Susan Sontag, the subject of Lopate’s most recent work. Friday, June 5 Farmlab Public Salon 1745 N. Spring St., Unit 4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org. Noon: Riccarlo Porter offers solutions and ideas Continued on next page
‘Don’t Miss’ List by AnnA Scott StAff writer
Twenty years after the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy in Little Tokyo will host a onenight-only performance of Letters to a Student Revolutionary,, a play that addresses the tragedy. The story concerns a Chinese and a Chinese-American woman whose 10-year correspondence is cut short by the government’s brutal crackdown on student protestors on June 4, 1989. The production, written by Elizabeth Wong and directed by Peter Kuo,, begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. 111 N. Central Ave., (877) 682-8777 or metamorphosistheatrecompany.org.
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Dance Camera West, a nonprofit dedicated to (you guessed it) showcasing dance films from around the world, kicks off its eighth annual, month-long film festival at REDCAT this weekend. The festival, which will unfold at venues throughout the city through June 21, begins with an 8 p.m. reception Friday night, followed by short film programs at 6 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. The programs, collectively titled ScreenDance: A New Visual Language, encompass 31 short films from 14 countries. 631 W. Second St. For details and tickets contact REDCAT at (213) 237-2800 or visit dancecamerawest.org.
photo by Peter Kuo
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Tiananmen at 20, Dance on Film And High School Musicians
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photo courtesy of Dramastage-Qumran
Tuesday, June 3 ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Aloud turns to the border with “Blogging the Narco-Wars: A Panel Discussion,” with border researcher Victor Clark Alfaro and journalists Amy Isackson and Vincente Calderon. Moderated by KPCC reporter Adolfo Guzman-Lopez. Zocalo Public Square National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 N. Central Ave., zocalopublicsquare.org. 7:30 p.m.: Jim Newton, L.A. Times editorial page editor, moderates a panel discussion that asks “How do we save California’s education gap?” The panel features Michele Siqueiros, Campaign for College Opportunity executive director, Camille Esch, director of the California Education Program at the New America Foundation and Hans Johnson, associate director of the Public Policy Institute of California.
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photo by Mkrtych Malkhasyan
SPONSORED LISTINGS: Youth Peace Concert Belmont High School, 1575 W. Second St., (213) 250-1616. June 6, 1 p.m.: The nonprofit Belmont Direction Program and Belmont JROTC, along with its sponsor Matthews Wilson Hunter, LLP and other community agencies host the first annual Echo Park Youth Peace Concert. Student performers will compete for opportunities to win time in professional recording studio and to receive musical training. The concert will also feature celebrity appearance by the likes of “Krayzie Bone” of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and actress Olivia Jones. Students organized the concert after deadly shootings of a 4-year-old and a tamale vendor in the neighborhood around Belmont High. The event is free. Girls Night Out at Cole’s 118 E. Sixth St., (213) 622-4090 or colesfrenchdip.com June 4: Ladies, Cole’s will host a “Happy Minute” just for you, from 5:30-5:31 p.m. then from 10-10:01 p.m., during which the bar’s 1926 Cosmopolitan can be had for $1. Every Tuesday, all day and all night, all drinks are $2 off. On Sunday, the eatery hosts its Downtown Down Home Brunch, featuring Cole’s Eggs BeneDip, Harry Cole’s French Toast, P.E. Pancakes, and the “213 Locals Breakfast.” Each item is under $10. Lakers Playoff Pints Special at Casey’s Irish Pub 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353, caseysirishpub. com or visit Casey’s on Facebook.com. Watch the Lakers playoff action on eight screens. Game seven (if needed) is on May 31 at 5:30 p.m. The bar offers 20-oz Budweisers on tap for $5 during playoff games. On June 3, play team trivia. Test your wits and win cash prizes. No entry fee. On June 7 from 5-7 p.m., there’s live jazz with Yvonne Butler and the Crew. Tony’s Saloon in the Arts District 2017 E. Seventh St., (213) 622-5523. This new old school saloon offers locals a great whiskey with a solid beer chaser, “priced to please.” There are more than 150 spirits, and the list leans heavily on bourbon, rye, scotch, gin, tequila and mescal. Only seasonal California beers on tap. For the summer, it’s The Bruery Blonde, Stone IPA and Sierra Nevada Summerfest. A state-of-the-art sound system powers a selection curated by GM Skyler Reeves. Jukebox features a page of local L.A. bands. There’s a pool table and an outdoor smoking patio with a ping-pong table. Free parking in Tony’s well-lit parking lot.
LISTINGS
Pay homage to a former center for Los Angeles graffiti art on Saturday, June 6, from 6-9 p.m. at the opening reception for Crewest gallery’s new exhibition, The Legendary Belmont Tunnel, named for a colorful (in more ways than one) subway tunnel in City West. The site now houses the Belmont Station apartment complex, though for years it was an international destination for taggers. The show features the work of more than a dozen local graffiti-style artists, and will remain on view through June 27. 110 Winston St. (818) 235-4598 or crewest.com.
photo by Eriberto Oriol
EVENTS
June 1, 2009
DowntownNews.com
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The Mira Costa High School Symphony is not as prestigious as the L.A. Philharmonic, but it’s worlds beyond, say, your Uncle Milton’s string quartet. The young musicians will take over the stage of Walt Disney Concert Hall on Tuesday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. The Mira Costa symphony, which played at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2006, will perform works by Franz von Suppe, Leonard Bernstein and Peter Tchaikovsky. 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0711 or mchsorchestra.org. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
June 1, 2009
Downtown News 19
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DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM/CALENDAR : EVENTS | ROCK, POP & JAZZ | CLASSICAL MUSIC | THEATER, OPERA & DANCE ART SPACES | FILM | BARS & CLUBS | MUSEUMS | FARMERS MARKETS | TOURS
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Charlie James Gallery 975 Chung King Road, (213) 687-0488 or cjamesgallery.com. China Art Objects 933 Chung King Road, (213) 613-0384 or chinaartobjects.com. Chinese Historical Society of Southern California Saturday, June 6 415 Bernard St., (323) 222-0856 or chssc.org. Go For Broke Anniversary Ongoing: An exhibition about the history of imJapanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., 10 a.m.: World War II veterans of the 100th In- migration from China to the United States. fantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Chung King Project Military Intelligence Service and other units will 945 Chung King Road, (213) 625-1802 or join elected officials for the Go For Broke National chungkingproject.com. Education Center’s 10th anniversary tribute to Cirrus Gallery Japanese soldiers at the Go For Broke Monument. 542 S. Alameda St., (213) 680-3474 or cirrusgallery.com. The hour-long program will be followed at noon Colburn School by a celebration luncheon at the Japanese Ameri- 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu. can National Museum. Ongoing: Work from three artists whose oeuvres Reading at Metropolis are influenced by music: photographer Jenny Okun, Metropolis Books, 440 S. Main St., (213) 612-0174 or sculptor and author Sarah Perry and photographer metropolisbooksla.com. 4 p.m.: Author Dr. Nancy Irwin will sign and Barbara Strasen. It is installed throughout the lobby discuss her book “You Turn-Change Direction in and hallway areas of the school. The Company Midlife.” 946 Yale St., (213) 221-7082 or thecompanyart.com. Through June 6: “Screwball Asses” is curated by Sunday, June 7 David Jones and Hedi El Khoti. The Man-made Wonders of Los Angeles The Continental Gallery Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7000 or 408 S. Spring St., (310) 277-9698. lapl.org. 2-4 p.m.: Abraham Hoffman, writer and history Cottage Home teacher at Los Angeles Valley College, discusses the 410 Cottage Home Road, cottagehomela.com. man-made wonders of L.A. The event is co-spon- Crewest sored by the Los Angeles City Historical Society and 110 Winston St., (213) 627-8272, crewest.com or thelabellab.com. the History & Genealogy Department. June 6-28: The gallery pays tribute to the Belmont Tunnel, one of the cornerstones of the Los Angeles graffiti history. The City West tunnel, which used 01 Gallery to be a train path for the old city subway line, is now 530 S. Hewitt St., Suite 141, (213) 689-0101 or obscured by the Belmont Station Apartpments com01gallery.com. plex. But tapping a long list of local artists, Crewest 410 Boyd memorializes the spray paint mecca. 410 Boyd St., (213) 617-2491. Dalessio Gallery 626 Gallery and 626 Gallery at Studio B 838 S. Spring St., (213) 471-2977 or dalessiogallery.com. 626 S. Spring St., (213) 614-8872 or 626artgallery.com. David Salow Gallery 7+Fig Art Space 977 S. Hill St., (213) 620-0240 or 735 S. Figueroa St., Suite 217, (213) 955-7150. davidsalowgallery.com. Acuna-Hansen Gallery The Distributed Gallery 427 Bernard St., (323) 441-1624 or ahgallery.com. 972B Chung King Rd. (213) 344-6137 or dg.telic.info. Andlab Through June 30: “24/7 Truth” is a show curated 600 Moulton Ave. #303, (323) 222-2225 or andlab.com. by Tom Leeser featuring the drawings of Mark AlArt Slave len and Perry Hoberman. It is inspired by the quote 216 S. Spring St., (213) 598-3155 or artslavegallery.com. from Jean Luc Goddard, “The cinema is truth 24 Ongoing: More than 115 paintings and mixed frames per second.” The show centers around two media works by artist Neil Simon Poyuzina. videos, each documenting twenty-four drawings Automat from the two artists. Each drawing is held on screen 936 Chung King Road, (213) 617-0422. for seven seconds, the purported time a museum Bank visitor pauses to look at a work of art. The ‘video/ 125 W. Fourth St. #103, (213) 621-4055 or drawings’ are displayed on the Distributed Gallery’s bank-art.com. video monitors and will be accompanied by twelve Bert Green Fine Art audio works by twelve artists. The audio artists were 102 W. Fifth St., (213) 624-6212 or bgfa.us. asked to create a response to the drawings using only Through June 27: The gallery presents two solo their first impressions. exhibitions, both of which are the first show at the Doheny Memorial Library gallery for each artist. Dorian La Padura paints with USC, 3550 Trousdale Parkway, (213) 740-2070 or color and light, tying relationships of colors to one usc.edu/libraries. another and to various gray tones. Included in this Downtown Art Center Gallery SPOTLIGHT ON one site-specific wall 828 S. Main St., dacgallery.com. show are several paintings and mural. Marvin Jordana’s drawings pull from sub- June 11-July 5: Acclaimed “micro sculptor” Wilconscious sources, combining non-specific organic lard Wigan depicts scenes from Disney movies and forms with cultural references, drawing on Chinese other pieces of Hollywood iconography, like the traditions and American post modernism to form Academy Award trophy, in mini sculptures barely )HMXSVMEP JSV EHZIVXMWIVW MW contemporary hybrids. All these drawings are simple, visible with the human eye. EZEMPEFPI MR XLMW WTIGMEP WIGXMSR stark presentations on paper or traditional scrolls. Downtown Art Gallery Bonelli Contemporary 1611 S. Hope St., (213) 255-2067 or downtownag.com. 943 N. Hill St., (213) 617-8180 or Tuesdays, 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Figure drawing classes FIND OUT WHAT TO EAT bonellicontemporaryla.com. are $12; bring your own AND WHERE TO EAT @materials. 1264 W. 1st St., LA, CA 90026 Box Ongoing: Large format drawings and different (213)Gallery 481-1448 • FAX (213) 250-4617 977 Chung King Road, (213) 625-1747 or theboxla.com. pieces by gallery artists. LADowntownNews.com LAD OWNTOWN NEWS .COM BOXeight Gallery Edgar Varela Fine Arts 1446 E. Washington Blvd., (213) 631-0560 or 542 S. Alameda St., second floor, (213) 494-7608 or boxeight.com. edgarvarelafinearts.com. for troubling economic times. Get a step-by-step once-over on green initiatives for new development and find new hope in dealing with a troubled system.
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El Nopal Press 109 W. Fifth St., (213) 239-0417 or fauxpop.com/nopalpress. Farmlab 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org. Fifth Floor 502 Chung King Court, (213) 687-8443 or fifthfloorgallery.com. g727 727 S. Spring St., (213) 627-9563 or gallery727losangeles.com. Gallery 143 530 S. Hewitt St., Barker Block suite 143, (213) 689-0101. Gallery 1927 811 W. Seventh St., (661) 816-1136. Gallery Waugh 548 S. Spring St., Suite 108, (310) 435-9551 or gallerywaugh.com. Gary Leonard 860 S. Broadway, takemypicture.com. Ongoing: Hung on the walls of veteran lensman Leonard are several decades of Los Angeles — punkers, Dodgers, cops, politicos and wackos. George J. Doizaki Gallery Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-2725 or jaccc.org. Happy Lion 963 Chung King Road, (213) 625-1360 or thehappylion.com. Helen Lindhurst Fine Arts Gallery Watt Hall 104, USC University Park Campus, (213) 740-2787 or roski.usc.edu. Hive Gallery and Studios 729 S. Spring St., (213) 955-9051 or thehivegallery.com. June 6-July 1: The gallery hosts “Power People,” a mixed-media installation by featured artist Treiops Treyfid. The opening reception will be from 8 p.m.midnight on June 6. I-5 Gallery 2100 N. Main St. #A9, (323) 342-0717 or breweryartwalk.com. Through June 3: “MFA Conversations Part I” is the first in a series of shows running in summer and fall 2009. MFA Conversations Part I (May/June) and Part II (July/August) explore the abundance of MFA and MA programs in the Southern California area from San Diego to Santa Barbara. The first installation will show work from seven schools; UC Irvine, Claremont, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State Los Angeles and Cal State Long Beach. This show is not a survey or comprehensive of all the graduates: Instead, studio visits for all eligible candidates for this show were conducted, and participants were chosen from that pool. The intimate scale of the I-5 Gallery allows for an exhibit like this to function and for the works to interact by the space they share. Infusion Gallery 719 S. Spring St., (213) 683-8827 or infusiongallery.com. Jail 965 Vignes St., Suite 5A, (213) 621-9567 or thejailgallery.com. Julie Rico Gallery 500 S. Spring St. and 116 W. Fifth St., (213) 817-6002 or weeneez.com. Katalyst Foundation for the Arts 450 S. Main St., (213) 604-3634 or kffta.org. KGB Studio and Gallery 1640 N. Spring St., (323) 224-1900 or kgbla.com. Mihai Nicodim Gallery 944 Chung King Road, (213) 621-2786 or nicodimgallery.com. L2kontemporary 990 N. Hill St. #205, (626) 319-3661 or l2kontemporary.com. LADWP John Ferraro Office Building, 111 N. Hope St., (213) 481-5411 or ladwp.com. Ongoing: A salute to William Mulholland with
Listings for additional concerts, exhibits and more in Downtown Los Angeles can be found on our website. Go to downtownnews.com/calendar for full information, including time and location, for all the happenings in Downtown.
historic photos, artifacts and memorabilia. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This is the first installment of what will be a permanent exhibition showcasing the water and power of Los Angeles. La Mano Press 1749 N. Main St., (323) 227-0650 or lamanopress.com. Lamp Community Art Project 452 S. Main St., lampcommunity.org or lampartproject.org. Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture At the New LATC, 514 S. Spring St., (213) 626-7600. Library of Congress/Ira Gershwin Gallery At Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4399 or musiccenter.org. LMAN 949 Chung King Road, (213) 628-3883 or lmangallery.com. Los Angeles Center for Digital Art 107 W. Fifth St., (323) 646-9427 or lacda.com. Lost Souls Café 124 W. Fourth St., (213) 617-7006 or lostsouls.com. Lot 44 257 S. Spring St., (213) 626-4646 or lot44coffee.com. June 11-July 3: The Lot 44 Gallery features abstract paintings by Kymm Swank. Often inspired by jazz music, Swank layers geometric compositions that combine and coalesce into rhythmic swatches. An opening celebration is on June 11, from 6-9 p.m. Los Angeles Artcore Brewery Annex 650A S. Ave. 21, (323) 276-9320. Los Angeles Public Library Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lapl.org/events. Through September 6: “Richard Neutra, Architect: Sketches & Drawings,” features a selection of travel sketches, figure drawings and building renderings from one of modernism’s most important architects. Main Field Projects 418 Bamboo Lane, (323) 559-1568 or mainfieldprojects.com. Mandarin Gallery 970 N. Broadway, Suite 213, (213) 687-4107 or mandaringallery.com. Mesler and Hug 510 Bernard St., (323) 221-0016 or meslerandhug.com. Mexican Cultural Institute Gallery 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Suite 100, (213) 624-3660 or mexicanculturalinstitute.com. No end date: Joe Bravo’s tortilla artwork appears in “The Traveling Museum of Tortilla Art.” M.J. Higgins Fine Art 104 E. Fourth St., (213) 617-1700 or mjhiggins.com. MLA Gallery 2020 N. Main St. #239, (323) 222-3400 or mlagallery.com. Morono Kiang Gallery 218 W. Third St., (213) 628-8208 or moronokiang.com. Niche.LA Video Art 453 S. Spring St., Suite 443, (213) 247-0002 or niche.la. North Hill 945 N. Hill St., (213) 500-7778 or northhillchinatown.com.
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“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.”
BANK FORECLOSURE Colorado Ranch 40 acres $29,900 Clean Title, Warranty Deed. Enjoy 300 days of sunshine. Rocky Mtn. views, utilities. Excellent Financing! Call Today! 1-866-6965263 x4938. www.ColoradoLandBargains.com. (Cal-SCAN) LAND FORECLOSURES In New Mexico! From as low as $19,995 for 10+/- acre, phone, electric close, views. Guaranteed financing, low down! Going Fast! 888-812-5830. www.SWProperties.com. (Cal-SCAN) real estate services STOP FORECLOSURE Now! Guaranteed Cash Offer On Your Home in 72 Hours. www.HouseOffersToday.com or 858-4147314. (Cal-SCAN)
REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL
Eagle Rock, Silverlake
office space lease/sale
People are looking here, shouldn’t your ad be here?
(213) 481-1448
Large 1bed, 1bath, new unit, private garden, carport, entrance. Secluded & clean, walk in closet,
ALA 99¢/Sq. Ft. High Rise Office Space
A/C, UTILITIES INCLUDED $1,380.mo
Walking distance to Metro Station, Social Security Office, Immigration Office, and Jewelry District. Close to 110 &101 Fwy. On site security guard.
APARTMENT FOR RENT: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, balcony. Downtown view, no pets. 562760-0101.
213-892-0088
FOR RENT apartments/unfurnisHed
MILANO LOFTS Now LeasiNg!
■ Gorgeous Layouts ■ 10-15’ Ceilings ■ Fitness Center ■ Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge ■ Amazing Views
6th + Grand Ave. www.milanoloftsla.com
213.627.1900
FOR RENT? FOR LEASE? FOR SALE?
EXCELLENT LOCATION Centralized Glendale,
FREE RENT SPECIALS (O.A.C.) New downtown luxury apartments with granite kitchens, marble baths, pool, spa, saunas & free parking. 888-736-7471.
(323) 258-0538
FREE RENT SPECIALS (O.A.C.) Brand New Resort Apartments. Granite kitchens, washer/dryers, pools, spas, saunas, fitness ctr, free tanning beds & much more! 866-690-2894.
rooms
loft/unfurnisHed
BacHelor rooms 1 Month FREE
Little Tokyo/Arts District Clean shared baths and kitchen.
Free Wireless
$575/Month
213-784-4421
old Bank district
Lofts from $1,100. High ceilings. A/C. Parking available. High speed internet/T1 & direct T.V. Pets no charge. call 213-253-4777 LAloft.com
Continued on next page
THE ANSWER to LASt wEEK’S puZZLE
FREE RENT SPECIALS @ the Medici. Penthouse 1 & 2 bdrm apts. Granite kitchens, washer/ dryers, business center, 2 pools, spa! Visit TheMedici.com for a full list of amenities. Call 888886-3731. FREE RENT SPECIALS Los Angeles Studio $1688/ month Luxury at it’s finest! Granite counters, W & D 888-262-9761. FREE RENT SPECIALS Panoramic downtown views. 1 bed/1bath starting at $1398. Washer dryer in unit, gated,Pool, spa and sauna. 888-265-1707. LA/METRO $850, large one bedroom, new carpets, appliances, paint, community laundry, gated parking. 131 S. Carondelet Street. 310-922-5437.
downtownnews.com
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
22 Downtown News
June 1, 2009
DowntownNews.com
Continued from previous page
FOR RENT Loft/UnfUrnished
SERVICES LaUndry serviCe
CHARMING LIVE/WORK studio. 400sf, great light, gated parking, shared kitchen & bath. Santa Fe Art Colony, close to downtown. $700/mo. Incl. util. + sec. dep. Available July. 213509-4403. REAL ARTIST LOFTS 12002000 Sq. Ft., $1600-$2200/Mo. High ceilings, hardwood floors, fireplace, pool/spa, gated parking, laundry, sorry no dogs, Open House Sundays 12-3pm @ 1250 Long Beach Ave., L.A. 866-4257259, LAartistlofts.com.
Let us do the dirty work!
Beverly's Laundromat Drop Off
20% OFF
AMERICAN TAX RELIEF. * Settle IRS Back Taxes * Do You Owe Over $15,000? If So... Call us Now! * Free Consultation*. For Less Than What You Owe! Stop Wage Garnishments! Remove Bank Levies Tax Levies & Property Seizures! Stop Payment Plans That Get you Nowhere! Settle State and Business Payroll Tax Problems Eliminate Penalties, Interest Charges & Tax Liens! * Settle IRS Back Taxes * No Obligation! Confidential! Call American Tax Relief 1-800-496-9891 * Free Consultation * (Cal-SCAN)
attorneys
ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs! Familiar o Amigo Arrestado? Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español
get your green Card or CitiZenship Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710
1st time customers only. Minimum 25lb
FrEE Pick-up & Delivery with minimum 35lb
610 S. Rampart Blvd. @ 6th St (213)804-0069 Open Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. • Free Parking
CommerCiaL spaCe
taiLor
EDDIES TAILOR SHOP
video TV COMMERCIALS Professional from $900, Corporate Video, Infomercial’s, English/Spanish. Call Irma 213-400-7537. CLeaning
LOFT LIVING
Your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development! downtownnews.com
CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.
Take your wardrobe to the next level! Same Day Service! Open 7 days a week!
mUsiC Lessons CHILDREN’S PERFORMING Group! Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! See SunshineGenerationLA.com or call 909861-4433.
115 E. 8th St. L.A. 90014
eddiestailorshop.com
CREDIT CARD RELIEF. * Free Consultation * Save Thousands of Dollars. Out of Debt in Months! Avoid Bankruptcy! Credit Card Relief. Not A High Priced Consolidation Company or A Consumer Credit Counseling Program. Call Credit Card Relief 1-866-479-5353. * Free Consultation * (Cal-SCAN)
advertising CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in 240 Cal-SCAN newspapers for the best reach, coverage, and price. 25-words $450. Reach 6 million Californians!. Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SCAN.com. (CalSCAN)
Burbank • Brentwood Century City • Downtown L.A. Woodland Hills
Spring Tower Lofts:
Open floor plan, 2000 sqft $2200/mo. • Live/work space • 14 story bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly
Premiere Towers:
2 bdrms/2 bath, $1600/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking
City Lofts:
850 sqft, 16 ft ceilings, $1500/mo. • Granite marble top • Stainless steel appliances/ refrigerator etc. • Pet friendly We are located in a prime area in Downtown LA nice neighborhood w/ salon, market, café etc. Wired for high speed internet & cable, central heat & A/C
Please call 213.627.6913
Locations Nationwide Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.
Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301 jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com
Monthly Rents Start at $780 1 & 2 Rooms Available • Fully Furnished • 100% Utilities Paid • • Refrigerator, Microwave & TV In Each Room • • Wireless Access Throughout Bldg. • Gym • • Close to USC & Loyola Law School • • Presidential Suite with Kitchen • Parking Available Onsite
Special STUDeNT RaTe! $690 1 person
50 Channels Direct TV
Mayfair Hotel 1256 West 7th street
Simin (213) 484-9789 Ext. 555 or (213) 632-1111
NO WORRY LEASE IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB, YOU CAN CANCEL YOUR LEASE
NO PENALTY Ask for details.
noW Leasing
from $1,300’s/mo. free parking ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE • GRAND LOBBY FITNESS CENTER • SPA • MODERN KITCHEN WITH CAESAR COUNTERTOPS HIGH SPEED INTERNET • DESIGNER LIVING SPACES • PET FRIENDLY DRAMATIC VIEWS • WALKING DISTANCE TO RALPHS SUPERMARKET STAINLESS APPLIANCES INCLUDING REFRIGERATOR GATEWAY TO FASHION DISTRICT GROUND FLOOR DRY CLEANERS • KELLY’S COFFEE
756 S. Broadway • Downtown Los Angeles 213-892-9100 • chapmanf lats.com Pricing subject to change without notice.
HELP WANTED Finance Trust Company of the West is seeking a VP/Sr. Risk Analyst to manage enterprise risk infrastructure and oversee all corporate risks. Reqs. incl. Master’s in Finance, Economics, or rltd. & 1 yr. rltd. exp. Exp. w/French Basel II standards; Structured finance incl. CDO's, MBS & equity; investment management operations; advanced modeling skills utilizing MS Excel; and, fluent in French (both verbal and written). Job site: Los Angeles, CA. Interested candidates may email resumes to hrtcw@tcw. com referencing the job title in the subject line. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. EOE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
aUtos Wanted DONATE YOUR CAR: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CalSCAN) DONATE YOUR VEHICLE! Receive Free Vacation Voucher. United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info Free Towing, Tax Deductible, NonRunners Accepted, 1-888-4685964. (Cal-SCAN)
ALL CASH VENDING! Be Your Own Boss! Your Own Local Vending Route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405. (Cal-SCAN)
Top floor of 11 story (18,000 SF) historic building available now! Perfect for corporate hqtrs. Features separate executive suite(s). Stunning views of LA two blocks away from Staples Center and across the street from the new LA Live complex. The building also has approx 4,000 sq ft of beautiful contiguous space and some small offices available. These spaces can be viewed by appointment. Information available to qualified prospective tenants. Email request to mdavis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300
NEVER FEEL SCARED Again! Protect yourself with a stun gun now. Email to receive free report on how stun guns can save your life. CA@BestStunGun.com 1-800-793-0617. (Cal-SCAN)
fiCtitioUs BUsiness name
GROCERY STIMULUS Program Helping People just Like You! Get $1000 Groceries! Pay Only $3.90 It’s True! Consumer Advocate Research. Limited Time Offer – Call Now! 1-877301-7436. (Cal-SCAN)
Available Immediately
misC. items
LEGAL
BUsiness 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
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
notiCes
voLUnteer opportUnities
DRIVER - REGIONAL RUNS West Coast. Professional Equipment. Great Pay. Reasonable Hometime. Run the Western 11 States. On site - Full Service Maintenance Shop. BCBS Insurance. Western Express - 22 yrs. old. Good MVR, EOE, CDLA, 1 yr. OTR. Call Edna Today! 1-866-863-4112. (Cal-SCAN)
EMPLOYMENT drivers TRUCK DRIVERS: CDL Training. Up to a $15,000 Bonus. Accelerate your career as a soldier. Drive out terrorism by keeping the Army National Guard supplied. www.NationalGuard.com/ Truck. (Cal-SCAN)
FictitiouS BuSinESS nAmE StAtEmEnt FiLE no. 20090576138 The following persons doing business as: (1) THE CORVARYS GROUP, (2) VAN PARYS TEAM, 645 W. 9th Street, #416, Los Angeles, CA 90015. , is hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) MICHAEL VAN PARYS, (2) ROSA CORNEJO, 645 W. 9th Street, #416, Los Angeles, CA 90015. This business is conducted by Husband and Wife. Registrants began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on April 1, 2009. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on
the alexandria at 501 S. Spring St.
is Now Leasing! On-site laundry, free utilities, indiv. bathrooms, 24 hr. security & pet friendly. Free Internet. Close to metro, restaurants, farmers market & supermarket. Units starting at
$832/month
Children’s Performing Group
Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up!
income & other restrictions apply.
Call 213.626.1743 or stop by for a tour
SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433
Do you have something to sell?
www.cityloftsquare.com
Luxury Rooms in Downtown
SOLAR POWER Systems Go Green. Residential/Commercial. Tax Credits & Rebates. 310-7954516.
AUTOS & RECREATIONAL
finanCiaL serviCes
Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices
On Spring St.
NEWS RELEASE? Cost-efficient service. The California Press Release Service has 500 current daily, weekly and college newspaper contacts in California. Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6010. www.CaliforniaPressReleaseService.com. (Cal-SCAN) reneWaBLe energy
(213) 399-1177
TERRIFIC WORK STUDIO near downtown & freeways. 300sf, large skylight, private, gated parking, park of larger studio at Santa Fe Art Colony. $485/mo. + sec. 213-509-4403.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING in 140 Cal-SDAN newspapers statewide for $1,550! Reach over 3 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www. Cal-SDAN.com. (Cal-SCAN)
All ads run for 2 weeks. Ads may be renewed ds get results! after two weeks for 50% off the original With a circulation of 49,000, our classifie price of the ad.
Ad prices
Name: Address: • Items under $300…12 words, 2 weeks FrEE! City • Items $301 to $500…15 words, only $11.50 Phone: • Items $501 to $1200…15 words, only $14.00 • Items $1201 to $2000…15 words, only $16.50 Cash $ • Items $2001+…15 words, only $19.00 Credit card #: Restrictions: Offer good on private party ads only. Exp. Date: (Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY):
State Check $
Zip Credit Card $
Ads must be pre-paid by cash, check or credit card. Certain classifications excluded. Deadline: Thursday at noon for next issue.
Ad Copy: _________________________________________
________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
June 1, 2009
Downtown News 23
DowntownNews.com
April 21, 2009. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/01/09 Fictitious Business name statement File no. 20090735264 The following person is doing business as: TGBG, 1552 Hi Point, #9, Los Angeles, CA 90035, are hereby registered by the following registrant:SIMONE RUTH BLAKE, 1552 Hi Point, #9, Los Angeles, CA 90035. 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, 2009. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22/09
Exclusively Downtown Since 2001,
www.LOFTLIVINGLA.com
voted downtown's best residential living six years in a row
ImmedIate Occupancy!
Elegant wOrld class resOrT
FREE RENT SPECIALS! • • • • • • • • • • • •
Studio, one & two Bedrooms Granite kitchens Italian marble counter baths Washer/dryer in every home Crown molding Direct TV & Internet access Oversized windows with Dramatic views of the city European maple cabinets Balcony or patio Nine foot ceilings Subterranean, gated parking Private one acre park
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Brunswick Four Lane Virtual Bowling Regulation Size Indoor Basketball Court Full Swing Virtual Golf 3100 sq. ft Cybex Fitness Facility Massage Room, Sauna & Steam Rooftop Pools with Dressing Room On-Site Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball, Workout Stations, BBQ’s and Jogging Track Abundant Gated and Garage Parking Business Center, Conference Room Screening Room Free Tanning Rooms Concierge Service Dry Cleaning Service Available 24 hr. Doorman Free DSL Computer Use Available Free Wi-Fi Magnificent City Views Granite Countertops Private Washer and Dryer
Golf driving cages Putting green Tennis courts Sand volleyball court Designer carpet And ceramic tile Roof top pool and spa Fitness center with sauna Executive Business Center Study Library FREE tanning bed 24-hour doorman Spectacular waterscapes Lush courtyards
866.690.2894
Thinking about Leasing or Selling?
close to l.a. live and nokia theater
550 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Buyers visit us for...
888.886.3731 •TheMedici.com
www.TheOrsini.com
• SHORT SALES • FORECLOSURES • RENTALS • VIDEO TOURS
725 Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
Call 877-4LA-LOFTs Drew Panico
MOnteBeLLO
Great location for: • Medical/Dental Clinic or Laboratory • Veterinary Hospital • Sober Living • Womens Shelter • Assisted Living • Day Care, Church • Convalescent Hospital • Educational Institution • Hotel
DRE #01706351
Rent
Low Move-in SPECIAL
EstablishEd 1984
selleR FinancinG!! 2-Buildings side by side (28-Rooms, 5-Bath)
Keller Williams Realty 877-452-5638
Bunker Hill real estate Co, inC.
OFFICE SPACE
$1,400,000 30% Down
10 Day escrow OK
Agent: David Romero (909) 910-2867
For sale: bunker Hill Tower ❏ 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath. Elegant. Ready To Move In. South City Lights View. Recently Refurbished. Offered At $329,999. For renT: ❏ Prom. West. 2 Bed. 2 Bath. 7th Flr. Elegant Upgrades. Green House. Pride Of Ownership. $3,000 Furn. $2,800 Unfurn. ❏ Prom. West-1 Bed. 1 Bath Penthuse. Overlooks Pool
OFFIce SpAce & eVeNT SpAce FOR LeASe! Beautiful, historic Banks Huntley building located in Gallery Row district of Downtown LA offering office space close to Federal Court House and City Hall – ideal for non-profits! Rental rate: $1.70-$2.00/sq.ft./month Full Service Gross. Ground-floor event and conference space also available in gorgeous art-deco setting, perfect for private functions, weddings, business meetings, etc. For further information, please contact Joe Dieringer at 213-629-2512 ext. 110
Promenade West Condo
2 Story Townhouse. West Facing With Downtown City View. Upgrades. Large Patio. Very Elegant. Asking $599,900
208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown L.A.
For English Call Terri or Pierre 213.744.9911 For Spanish call Susana 213.749.0306
THAI MASSAGE SPECIALIST VIP Room Available. The Best Way For Business Meetings & Entertainment
Professional massage for men & women. Services include Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Swedish Oil Massage, Foot Massage, Sauna, Steam, and more. Lounge area.
LOFT LIVING
Your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development! LADowntownnews.com
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.
You never know what you’ll find in the…
Downtown News
Classified
HealtH Dept. rank a for 7 ConseCutive Years
MASSAGEH
www.Bunkerhillrealestate.com
First Professionally Licensed Massage Shop in L.A. County.
(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)
Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
Monthly from $695 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
Take Your Game to the next level Learn Course Management
3 Learn while you play 3 Shot visualization 3 Mastering club selection
Professional Golf Instructor
3 Driving strategies 3 Mid/long iron techniques 3 Short game fundamentals
818.618.2099
Catering to Intermediate/Advanced Players
GET THE SCOOP
madison hotel Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $25.00 •Weekly, $99.00 •Monthly, $295.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.
Monthly from $595 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348
Steve Andelich
3386766 0119
HBODY
Leasing-SalesLoans-Refinance
(213) 680-1720 e-mail us: Info@bunkerhillrealestate.com
In golf, its you versus the course. Learn to manage the entire game, not just the mechanics of your swing. Learn course management and improve your game.
SAKURA HeALTH GYM & SAUNA, INc. 111 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste #231-233 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 458-1919 [Corner of Garvey Ave.]
Mirza alli
Broker/Realtor
Call us for other condos for sale or lease Dwntwn & surrounding areas!!
Single rooms starting from $550/mo.
Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site, street parking, 1 yr lease.
& Gardens. Greenhouse Windows And Balcony. Stunning! $1995 Month. ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 5th Floor. Move In Now. $2,200 Month. ❏ 1 Bed. 1 Bath. Lafayette Park Place. Move In Now. 1100 Month. Foreclosures: ❏ 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Pasadena. Upgrades. Large Deck. $477,800.
Place your classified ad online, its safe and secure at DowntownNews.com/classified. Or call 213.481.1448
Read Monday Morning’s News On Friday Night! w w w. L A D o w n t o w n N e w s . c o m
24 Downtown News
June 1, 2009
DowntownNews.com
We Got Games Dodgers Settle Into the Ravine and the Lakers, Well… Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/lakers. The Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets will be settled after Los Angeles Downtown News goes to press. If they lost, you’ve already stopped reading. If they won, you don’t know whether you’re more relieved that the Lakers are going to the finals or that you don’t have to watch Chris “Birdman” Anderson play basketball anymore. If they’re still alive, then the big question is whether a team that looked tired and often uncertain when playing Denver has the energy for one more series, which will be tough whether it’s against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic or Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, as worn out as the Lakers may be after an 82-game series and three rounds of the playoffs, expect Kobe to dig deep, as this may be his best shot to prove that he can
win a ring without Shaq. Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com. June 1-5, 7:10 p.m.; June 6, 1:10 p.m.; June 7, 5 p.m.: The Dodgers are set to clash this week at Chavez Ravine with the Arizona Diamondbacks (June 1-3) and the world champion Philadelphia Phillies, who last year eliminated the Dodgers from the playoffs (June 4-7). The NL West-leading Blue Crew will look for more offensive help from the hot hitting… Juan Pierre? Really? Yep. Don’t look now, but the speedy outfielder not known for his bat, who had been relegated to riding the pine until Manny Ramirez got suspended, is hitting a sizzling .404 in 40 games. Forget Mannywood. Welcome to Los Juangeles. —Ryan Vaillancourt
photo by Gary Leonard
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers desperately want to capture an NBA title.
Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!
G r a n d To w e r 255 South Grand Avenue
Promenade To w e r s 123 South Figueroa Street LEASING INFORMATION
LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N
Penthouse Available
M u s e u m To w e r 225 South Olive Street
(213) 229-9777
LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N
(213) 617-3777
(213) 626-1500
It’s our business to make you comfortable...
sauna and recreation room with kitchen.
Far below are a host of businesses ready to
at home, downtown. Corporate and long term
Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty
support your pampered downtown lifestyle.
residency is accommodated in high style at
homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and slender
Even the most demanding tastes are satisfied
the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles,
skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to
with gourmet dining, shops, theatres and
studio, one bedroom and two bedroom
complement your decor.
the cultural events that make headlines.
apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant,
Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore.
heated pool, spa, complete fitness center,
Visit the Towers Apartments today.
SINGLES, STUDIO, ONE BEDROOM & TWO BEDROOM RESIDENCES
MAID SERVICE FURNITURE HOUSEWARES CABLE UTILITIES PARKING WWW.GKIND.com