LOS ANGELES
DOWNTOWN
NEWS
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A big bike ride, radio station moves, and other happenings Around Town.
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A new study adds fuel to the El Pueblo rent rates fire.
W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M
June 14, 2010
Volume 39, Number 24
INSIDE
Sports and Spending
Downtown in Focus Los Angeles Film Festival Comes to the Central City, With 200 Movies, Videos and More in 11 Days by RichaRd Guzmán
John Waters hits Downtown.
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Urban Scrawl on Laker love.
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A Celtics fan in Los Angeles.
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Return of the Paper Yacht Challenge.
city editoR
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or decades, production companies have used Downtown Los Angeles as a backlot. Starting this week, Downtown gets on the other end of the filmmaking process, when it hosts the biggest collection of screenings this year in the city. On June 17, the Los Angeles Film Festival opens in Downtown. Over 11 days, the event formerly based on the Westside will screen approximately 200 features, shorts, documentaries, music videos and more in numerous venues. The 16th annual event, produced by the nonprofit arts organization Film Independent, will host works from more than 40 countries. Officials expect about 85,000 people to take in the films, panel discussions, parties and other activities. The lead sponsor is the Downtownbased Los Angeles Times. “We love the diversity of Downtown,” said Rebecca Yeldham, the festival director. “We love the energy of Downtown. This new growth and the massive reawakening and transformation and excitement of what is happening Downtown seems to be a natural fit for the festival.” The event opens with The Kids Are see Festival, page 16
photo by Gary Leonard
Rebecca Yeldham and David Ansen are making Downtown the home of the Los Angeles Film Festival. The 16th annual event was formerly held on the Westside.
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Honoring Beyonce Is Honoring Los Angeles Reviewing ‘South Pacific.’
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18 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS
by Jon ReGaRdie executive editoR
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ours after a mayor’s spokesperson told a Times reporter that Villaraigosa was not attending the Beyonce concert, the mayor’s office put in a rush order for a proclamation for the singer, to be presented by Villaraigosa in person that night. The certificate recognized her ‘international success and contributions to the entertainment industry.’” —Los Angeles Times, May 29, 2010 The morning after the concert, 8:43 a.m., THE REGARDIE REPORT
Model Eye Shown. * Restrictions Apply
the breakfast table in the Fassbender household, Los Angeles. Teenage Girl: Daddy, thank you so much. I re-
ally had a great time last night at Staples Center. Father: I’m so happy we could attend the show. Daddy worked very hard to buy the tickets to see the woman who has made so many contributions to the entertainment industry. What was your favorite part of the concert? Girl: The song “All the Single Ladies” was nice. But I really liked when the mayor came on stage. Wow, an international entertainment industry icon and the mayor together? I began tweeting and texting right away. Father: That was a great surprise. What did you think of the costumes and the dancing? Girl: Those were wonderful, but mostly I enjoyed her general presence as someone who has had so much international success. And of course, seeing the mayor! Live! In person! He see Tickets, page 13
www.Lasereyecenter.com 1-800-80-LASER (52737)
photo by Gary Leonard
The Mayor, Great Seats, Great Events and the Calligraphy Gnomes
What could be more mayoral than giving a city certificate to a music star?
4 Convenient locations, including Downtown 4 In Saturday, back to work Monday 4 BOTOX® & Cosmetic Procedures