LOS ANGELES
DOWNTOWN
NEWS July 9, 2012
Volume 41, Number 28
INSIDE
Dogs Have Their Day 5
2
A new farmer’s market, rail action, and other happenings Around Town.
7
A City Hall battle over South Park signs ends with a whimper, not a bang.
W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M
The End of a Downtown Era After a Bitter Redistricting Fight, Councilwoman Jan Perry Reflects on Her 11 Years Representing the Community
Urban Scrawl on MOCA’s power fight.
4
Cleaning up Skid Row.
8
Some new food finds.
15
photo by Gary Leonard
Jan Perry was sworn in as the Ninth District City Council representative in 2001. Downtown saw projects worth literally billions of dollars come online during her tenure. by Jon RegaRdie executive editoR
Outfest fills Downtown screens.
16
O
n July 1, 2012, following a vicious redistricting battle, nearly all of Downtown was pulled out of Jan Perry’s Ninth
cluding South Park, the Civic Center, the Financial District, Bunker Hill, Skid Row and Little Tokyo — Perry had represented them since being sworn into office in 2001. Last Monday, Perry, who is running for mayor, sat down with Los Angeles Downtown News to discuss the changes that occurred Downtown during her watch, and the challenges that continue to face the community.
Los Angeles Downtown News: This is the first weekday since you were elected that you don’t represent most of Downtown Los Angeles. What’s going through your mind? Jan Perry: I’m proud of the work that I’ve done here since 2001. My interest and fascination with Downtown go back to when I was in college at USC. I always wondered how to connect the Figueroa Corridor and South L.A. to Downtown see Perry, page 12
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CONVERSATIONS
District and inserted into José Huizar 14th. It marked a major change for neighborhoods in-
Angeles. That would translate to more revenue It’s tIme to vote! WWW.VOTEBESTOF.COM from other fees, such as sales tax, to offset the loss For City and Businesses,
The people and puppets of ‘War Horse.’
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It’s One Gross Taxing Matter
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Officials Examine Plan to Phase Out Key Tax Over 15 Years, but Some Say It’s a Foolhardy Idea by Ryan vaillancouRt staff wRiteR
in gross receipts tax proceeds, they say. The plan has been in the works since at least 2009, when the city reconvened the Business Tax Advisory Committee, a panel of private sector leaders charged with crafting a strategy for phasing out the tax. “L.A. is on fire and it’s not an accident that we have unemployment that is 18% higher than the state and 51% higher than the country,” said Lloyd Greif, a Downtown-based investment banker and chair of the BTAC. “We’re doing something wrong here and the city better wake up and take action to say L.A.’s open for business.” Currently, businesses pay different tax rates depending on which of nine categories they fall into. They range from .101% to .507% ($5.07 for every $1,000 in sales). About 43% of local compasee Business Tax, page 10
10% of the city’s precariously balanced budget. The measure, which was approved by the council’s Jobs and Business Development Committee last month, would phase out the so-called business tax over 15 years. Doing so, say supporters, would spur new economic activity within city borders, chiefly from companies deciding to relocate to Los
after theto City vote! Council returns from its It’shortly tIme see pAgE 8 FoR a lIst oF CateGoRIes & NomINees. summer recess late this month, it is expected
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to take up a controversial proposal to eliminate the gross receipts tax. The stiff levy on businesses accounts for about $424 million annually, or around
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2 Downtown News
AROUNDTOWN Target at Figat7th To Open Oct. 14
T
he long wait for Downtown’s first Target will soon be over. Officials with Brookfield Properties, the owner of the shopping center at Seventh and Figueroa streets, last week said that the 104,000-squarefoot Target will open Oct. 14. That will also be the day when Brookfield celebrates the opening of the renamed Figat7th shopping complex, which is in the midst of a $40 million renovation. The mall’s other anchor tenant, the sporting goods giant Sport Chalet, which signed a lease to occupy a 26,800-squarefoot space in the lower courtyard level of the plaza, will open in May 2013. The project will include a new food court, Taste Figat7th. The 25,000-square-foot dining area will ultimately have about 18 restaurants, among them outposts of Silver Lake gourmet coffee house La Mill Coffee and Hollywood’s Loteria Grill. The project is being designed by Gensler.
Judge Sides With LAPD In Harassment Case
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Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ruled that a Central Division officer’s claims of sexual harassment in the workplace were unfounded. Central Area Officer Marie Kardiban sued the department in April 2011, alleging that treatment in the workplace — namely the behavior of former Sgt. Pete Foster — amounted to sexual harassment. After a March bench trial, Judge William F. Fahey found that the alleged behavior in the station at Sixth and Wall streets did not constitute harassment. Kardiban had further alleged that a transfer
July 9, 2012
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from the division to another post outside Downtown — imposed by the department after she sued — amounted to retaliation. In his decision Fahey wrote that alleged insulting comments by Foster were “directed at all of his officers, were not gender based and are not actionable in the case before the Court.” Last year, rancor within Central Area’s Community Relations Office, where Kardiban worked, prompted department brass to reassign and downgrade six LAPD staffers. After Kardiban sued, four others involved in various harassment-related disputes filed complaints (two officers filed suit jointly). Those cases are pending. Kardiban waived her right to appeal.
Feds Give Important Green Light To Regional Connector
T
he Federal Transit Administration last week certified the proposed $1.37 billion Regional Connector, clearing the way for Metro to proceed with planning and fundraising work. Metro can now initiate final designs and start negotiations with the FTA to secure matching funds from the federal government. Metro estimates that construction of the 1.9-mile tunnel and three new stations could begin in August 2013. The project could open in 2019 at the soonest. Next month Metro aims to begin a round of public meetings on station design and the process for community input. The Regional Connector will add underground light-rail stations at Second and Hope streets, Second Street and Broadway, and First Street and Central Avenue (replacing the existing Gold Line station at First and
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Alameda streets). One potential hitch is a looming legal challenge from property owners, including Thomas Properties Group, who charge that construction on Flower Street will unfairly burden businesses along the Financial District corridor. Metro has pledged to use value engineering to reduce construction impacts, as much as possible, without increasing the project budget.
Historic Core Farmers Market Arrives
T
he first installment of a Sunday farmer’s market in the Historic Core was set to take place July 8 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press). The 9 a.m.-1 p.m. weekly market will occupy Fifth Street between Spring Street and Broadway. The Sunday schedule will al-
July 2, 2012
low vendors access to area residents who can’t ditch work to stock up on fruit, vegetables and other edibles at one of the four weekday markets already in Downtown, said Blair Besten, executive director of the Historic Downtown Los Angeles Business Improvement District, the market organizer. Besten enlisted the Southland Farmers’ Market Association, which helps organize new markets — it launched the hugely successful markets in Santa Monica and Hollywood, among others — to operate the Historic Core initiative. The effort comes after affiliates of the Alexandria Hotel tried to organize a Sunday market last year. The event proved too costly to sustain, company officials said when shutting it down after only three weeks. Besten said the BID’s effort is different because it includes the partnership with an experienced operator in Southland.
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Downtown News 3
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4 Downtown News
July 9, 2012
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EDITORIALS MOCA at a Crossroads
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
I
n some ways, the recent blow-up at Downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art had to be expected. For a couple years now there have been, by all appearances, entities operating with vastly different artistic mindsets. The local arts community was in an uproar after MOCA in late June parted ways with Chief Curator Paul Schimmel, who is among the most respected contemporary art figures in the country. While published reports indicate that things have been bubbling for a while, as Schimmel was butting heads with Jeffrey Deitch, who became director of MOCA in 2010, the average museum goer was taken aback by the departure of such a prominent figure. Adding to the fervor was the question of how he left. Initial reports said Schimmel was unceremoniously fired. MOCA countered that he chose to resign. Now, whether Schimmel jumped or was pushed out, MOCA is at a crossroads. The museum needs to determine what it wants to be, what kind of audience it hopes to attract and what kind of exhibits to mount. The MOCA brass must decide if it’s an institution where international respect through in-house curated shows is paramount, or if financial stability is dependent on incorporating a hefty element of flash, celebrity affiliation and exhibits curated by other museums. Or maybe there’s a combination of the two. It is not a simple decision, and it will only create art-world division. It is easy to see the side of Schimmel’s supporters. One can also comprehend the point of view of those who back Deitch. In a way it’s the same battle that happens whenever there is a new owner or CEO or coach or artistic director or editor of any business/cultural organization/sports team/publication, etc. In times of change, the new regime brings in its own team, a cadre of supporters and longtime allies who share a vision with the person tapped to make multi-million dollar decisions. Sometimes heads roll within a few weeks. In other instances everyone tries to work it out and survive, to find a way for the new boss to coexist with the old guard. Sometimes it works and common ground is found. Sometimes it works for a while and then things explode. That seems to be what has happened here. Schimmel is rightly credited with putting MOCA on the map. His 1992 show Helter Skelter was a defining moment for Los Angeles art and is still talked about to this day. Over the years he was the big brain behind many large, highly praised survey shows that involved scores of respected artists. Deitch’s approach is different. The former New York gallery owner scored a massive success with last summer’s graffiti exhibit Art in the Streets. Under his tenure there have been ties to Hollywood and crossover stars. Actor James Franco has been involved with MOCA. This month prominent choreographer Benjamin Millepied (who worked on Black Swan) will dance in the Grand Avenue galleries. There isn’t an approach that will please everyone — one group will be unhappy no matter what. The MOCA board, and Deitch, need to satisfy the existing audience, bring in new supporters and, oh yeah, makes things pencil out financially. It’s not easy.
Skid Row Cleanups Can’t Be A Temporary Solution
O
n the morning of June 19, a group of city workers, some in hazmat suits, arrived on Gladys Avenue. They spent several hours removing debris from two blocks of streets and sidewalks. Once the ground was clear, they used pressure washers and applied disinfectant solution to terrain that had been covered with syringes, feces and a batch of undesirable vermin. That was the first day of an at least three-week effort to reclaim some filthy Skid Row territory. We’re pleased that the action, part of a larger effort to address unsanitary and in some cases downright dangerous conditions in the neighborhood, finally occurred. Now an equally important issue has arisen — city officials need to ensure that things don’t quickly backslide. The matter is crucial. If city officials, business leaders and even homeless rights activists do not recognize this moment as a building block, then they could make the same mistakes that have occurred in the past. Too often advances in Skid Row have been temporary. In this neighborhood a problem either receives sustained attention or it festers and worsens. The cleanup is part of what city officials termed Operation Healthy Streets. It is a response to the situation that followed a misguided judicial decision delivered in June 2011. That was when U.S. District Court Judge Philip Gutierrez ruled in favor of a group of homeless individuals who had sued, charging that city workers were destroying their property while they accessed indoor support services. Although the destruction should not be condoned, Gutierrez’s judgment prevented city employees from removing any abandoned items (except for outright health hazards) unless they could be stored for 90 days. It didn’t take long for trouble to arise. Police were stymied when homeless individuals would claim that even apparent junk was a treasured personal possession. The breadth of the problem was apparent by last November, when Los Angeles Downtown News addressed the teeming garbage as part of the three-part series “Skid Row’s Perfect Storm.” Even then it was obvious that the hard-fought gains made from the 2006 launch of the Safer Cities Initiative (when police began cracking down on so-called “quality of life” crimes in Skid Row) were being lost. Disease was spreading. Business owners in the community were complaining about the mess. The worsening
conditions allowed the drug dealers who prey upon the addicted to operate with impunity — narcotics can easily be hidden in furniture that piles up on the streets. One factor in the worsening conditions was the lack of space where property could be stored for 90 days. Again, city officials were slow to respond to offers, including one in February to put personal items in storage containers set up on a parking lot owned by the Weingart Center. Things finally began to change when the County Health Department, responding to a request from the city, did a study of the area and determined that conditions were, indeed, a serious health hazard. The department’s report, released in late May, led to the street cleaning, which dovetailed with two other city efforts: the move to establish a new Temple Street warehouse where personal items could be taken, and the doubling in capacity of a longtime storage facility run by the Central City East Association. All this means that the resources to combat the cluttered, dirty sidewalks are now in place. The police presence in the area remains strong and visible thanks to the recent deployment shift that added 50 officers to Downtown. The additional warehouse space allows the city to meet the 90-day storage terms of Gutierrez’s injunction. About two blocks of streets a day are being scrubbed. The issue now is how to sustain the momentum. City officials have yet to determine a long-term strategy. Whatever comes next, it cannot be a temporary cleaning after which officials walk away. Streets and sidewalks are public territory, and Skid Row cannot go back to a situation where large portions of certain blocks are impassable. It is in everyone’s interest to continue the frequent cleanings. Local officials should also do what they have done so far, and inform street dwellers before the work crews arrive so that personal property can be removed. Then there’s the intent, announced by the LAPD, to enforce laws against daytime street sleeping and sidewalk blocking. It’s a delicate dance, as arresting people for these transgressions could prove controversial. However, steps need to be taken so that, once again, public passages are clear. This is, as we say, a crucial time in Skid Row. We’ve seen advances. The city needs to follow up on this initial bout of good work, even if it was long in coming, and keep the area safe for all.
July 9, 2012
Downtown News 5
DowntownNews.com
Raise the Woof In Their Own Words, Dog Day Afternoon Founders Hal Bastian and Kevin Kostelnik Discuss Downtown’s Biggest Pet-Friendly Event as told to RichaRd Guzmán
H
al Bastian, Downtown Center Business Improvement District: “Dog Day afternoon came about because Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik and I were talking one day about the plaza at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. When the Cathedral was built the plaza was intended to be a community place for not only Catholics, but the entire community. Monsignor Kostelnik is a dog lover. He has Joaquin and I had Buddy at the time, and I said to him, ‘Why don’t we do a dog event on the plaza of the Cathedral for all these Downtown residents who have dogs to meet each other?’” Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: “Joaquin has a two-and-a-half acre plaza to run in all the time and I thought he needed to share. One of the main reasons for doing this is to allow dog owners to meet one another. I think something like 30% of the people moving into Downtown have a dog and meeting the
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neighbors is an important part of who we are in Downtown Los Angeles.” Bastian: “The first year we did it was 2007. This is our sixth year. For a brief moment, before our lawyers and our insurance company got involved, we thought about doing an off-leash event “Our biggest concern initially was to encourage people to bring dogs that are social, because we couldn’t have aggressive dogs. But we knew that it would work. It really was a matter of how many people would attend. “The first year I think we had a couple of hundred dogs and probably about 300 people. We’ve been doing it in July ever since and we’re really proud of the event. The first day was a magical experience. We had Dodger dogs, which we thought was pretty cute, though they were available for the humans only. We had various vendors. Every kind of dog is represented, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.” Kostelnik: “When the dogs leave, the plaza is cleaner than when they arrive. The BID
photo by Gary Leonard
Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik (left) with Joaquin and Hal Bastian with Scooter (Cardinal Roger Mahony is in the background). Dog Day Afternoon started in 2007. This year’s event takes place on Wednesday, July 11.
guys all dressed in purple shirts are here en masse, and if there are any accidents they’re immediately cleaned up.” Bastian: “Our biggest challenge now is that this is for Downtown residents, for Downtown dogs specifically. It’s not for dogs from the region. Otherwise it loses its community character. That’s been the most difficult thing, doing outreach but not doing outreach to the extent that people are coming in from all over the region.” Kostelnik: “I think people enjoy meeting
one another. When you live in high-rises it can sometimes be lonely, and we have a lot of single, wonderful adults in Downtown. Bringing the pets together brings other people together.” Bastian: “There’s no agenda. People can just be and have a nice time and utilize the plaza of the Cathedral. I’m not surprised it got this big because we go through great efforts to do outreach for the Downtown community. There are many hours of coordinasee Dogs, page 7
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ANT T AT EAK T DIM SU CH BE LUNCH T M N T N A O S A R R ICE T T AU UR EN ES S EST T S T A R B B S O T E S F E B S E M T R E ) N H B T SPOT EST WRAP VE R T ITALIA O HEAD TS BES HOUSE I B C L N . 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V H L ( N I T DEAL TORCYC NCY B ITURE ST EPAIR N EST /MID- G BES AMERICA ST RAME EST DO ICE E V L R P/MO VEL AGE RE/FURN SHOE R FIRM B B E S DA ININ R R T A D EST SHI BE KERY B UL FO O E S O R E B T E F E M T G S F N B I O A T A E T F S BA SU T W SO ST KER ST CUS S E T T A TIQU ANY E N O S F S N B E R K R E T A B B A O HE B O S E T E T E P C K T B S R B É M D C S N E B D A T O O A EST JAPANES DESSER URANT NG HE RANT GE C MENT/ST UTIQUE METRIST ESTAUR B A R A O EST OR DINI EST STAU BES EST EST S/BO T OPTO NT R AURANT R B E B V E A I R N T L G I S L P T E O R S E E L P T N ST T SU ING BE SCALE/E NS RES T BURGE STAURA DIAN B ST OUTD EST HOT BRUNCH EST H E P ST EST USE B R M LEAN NEW UP IC OPTIO N BES NDLY RE BEST IN INE BE ACO B B C Y A S FO HO ER TT UI E W R S T DR EST ORGAN /MEXIC N FRIE CAFÉ C E C E E B N T A R B L A R B EST ST P Y ATTRAC ST C EST LATIN GETARIA ASTE ST THAI B E E B RANT H DIP E T B B S E IL E T C BE DL AD OD T VE EST T SEAFO EST MID ANCE B RTS BAR D TO HE INE LIS BEST FAM UB BES FREN PIZZA B W O I CL EST E B BEST CHINESE S BES NNER B RE/AMB BEST SP AR HEA URANT CTION C N A D E E I ST D TO HEA (MUST ST B T RESTA T ATTRA BEST CUPCAK BEST D TMOSPH RANT E E B B BES EAD OCTOR TA TAU BES SMALL RT EST LUNCH BE H N S U B A E G B R R N D O T U U Y R Y T W S C L H / A I I E N T EAM NIGHTC OWNTO T THEAT LOR N BES /COMPA UILDIN BES ST REST OMANT F R C T E D S R E T S IC BE BE ST GEO T FIRM AL B NT ES ST BES I T E R B O T S B U N M E E W S E N E VIE H B T SPOT ALLERY ER LARG UE/STOR PLASTIC NAGEME E RESID ROVEME ST AP C R N W / U H Q BE US IMP MA E S Y WICH RGAIN L LATE NIG ST ART G T THEAT T BOUTI CILITY R E S T E U E W S EN E PER TIV SIN BA ES FA BEST EUM B RINK B ING BE EDICAL EST PRO ST ADAP EST BU EVENT V T BEST E EST B S D M B AR BE LOF AUTO D EST S B W G E EL B BEST MU UARE ICE ING BUIL SPITAL I S E N T I E I N K ILD AL RAT EN EST AWYER ST HIP O Q B U O M E S S H B O A B R T L G L IES L HIN BES ENT ICA EST DING F WO THING MERCIAL EST T BAR B PERS UFF B ARKET T HISTOR ILDING R ICE BUIL LACE O O BES ORT ’S CL ENT COM AW FIRM U F M S /P ST B N F E E S E Y O L B U R U M A N L T G E G T O TI S OB BEST E HO FARM STORE ESIDEN G BE /SYNAGO E BES ESTATE A T BEST AIR SAL T T S BE MEN BEST H DENTIS /FOR TH AR ELTY BEST R BUILDIN CHURCH E TO LIV N REAL T V R O A N L C / IA ST LA ST OW ICE DEP LER ORE T E P T E T BEST S N GIFT ENITIES B B S N T E S D W E A I E R V I R O E S T B BE G AM D UP RE NPROFI ATER L D LER - SER YCLE D AGENCY /FURNITU OE REPA IRM A I T E C E H EN R EL SH /NO UN EA EF ER S T G M S A O E GRO GROUP ADWAY T NT RESID AUTO D P/MOTO ST TRAV UE STOR R B OKE ST CUST BEST O E T O E IQ E R L H S B R T Y G B B S E B N N A A B A K L T BE PA C T TE IKE TORE T FU S O M S I A B T / E T T R O E S B S R U A / C U TRIS NT RES E E T C S E Q E T I N L B D G K T BEA O M E A U E A O U E O O N R ER – US ST SC CAL BO ALTH CL G/STOR INVESTM LIES/BO ST OPT E/ELEGA TAUR W O BE NT BE LO ST CAL NS RES R UPP T HE T MOVIN E DEAL NS T S S S B S P O E G T E U T B N E B P TIO W NI AU RGE D P BES NK T E A H U ATIO NCY A S O E S N V B L B E A C E T O B C W R N BES ORGANI N BEST RIEN BEST MING DRY T F T RE ENT AGE EST CAR ONE STO E) T S A O B B M PH TUR ET GRO ARE BE STAURAN CH DIP IN/MEXIC ETARIAN FOOD L C L E E PLOY ACTOR T RE YC CHI ST C ST P R FREN EST LAT EST VEG EST SEA T BEST S ROP ART BE DING (AR ING BE BEST DA -RANGE E B B B B R M ID D E S NE IL ZA /M ORE BEST BU ET BOAR SCHOOL DABLE/M -TO-HEAD EST PIZ CHINES UPCAKE EST DIN PHERE/A B R P BEST BEST C NCH B T ATMOS TAURANT EST EST PRE ST AFFO T HEAD OUSE RM B M B LU U N H KH RAN IC RES ER BE S A T A C U S R E N URT S M A T E U E I G E T S B ROK A T R T D O S R T I F N T N Y E T ES RA YT RES EST HOUSE BES ST R ST ROMA CREAM/ GHTCLU B E B O BU RESTAU .A. 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July 9, 2012
Downtown News 7
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South Park Sign Battle Ends Quietly After Initial Huizar Objection, Council Passes Perry Proposal by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR
T
wo weeks ago, Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry was digging in for a political battle in order to ensure that a project she had supported for years would get approved before city redistricting took effect. The battle ended with a whimper instead of a bang. The project — a set of special signage rights for four South Park properties, including a proposed 21-story tower at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising — was approved by the City Council on a 10-0 vote on June 27. The result came days after 14th District Councilman José Huizar had secured support to keep the proposal in the Planning and Land Use Management Committee, delaying final consideration until he could learn more about the planned sign district. Perry, who had worked on the project for eight years, invoked a rare legislative maneuver to sidestep the committee and bring the plan directly to council. It was put on the agenda and approved without discussion. “There was no logical reason to hold this up,” said Perry. Huizar spokesman Rick Coca said the vote still gives the councilman time to vet the sign district before it is fully approved. Despite the unanimous vote, a legislative technicality requires the proposal to get 12 ballots in favor. Thus the sign district plan will return to the council for a “second reading” on July 24 (after the panel’s summer recess), when it is expected to get two more supportive votes, Perry spokeswoman Eva Kandarpa Behrend said. “Our office has had preliminary discussions with the project proponents to go over details of the plan and [Huizar] will meet with them before the City Council’s required second-
reading vote,” Coca said in an email. “We are hopeful that those discussions will answer any questions we might have before the final vote on July 24th.” The so-called Figueroa Olympic Sign District would grant special rights to four properties, including the FIDM project, which would create a 21-story tower with classrooms and offices on the first six levels and student housing above. Designs call for a 429-square-foot digital sign that would be embedded in the skin of the building. Redistricting took effect July 1, and most of Perry’s former Downtown territory was moved into Huizar’s 14th District. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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tion and outreach in terms of handing out postcards and promoting the event. Last year we had 800 dogs and 1,400 people. It’s at a great level.” Kostelnik: “Someone told me last year you should have a helicopter overhead at about 6 o’clock because the number of dogs streaming north on Broadway and Spring Street and Grand Avenue to come to the Cathedral is amazing. This year will be the first year we’re going to have a live band. The music used to come from a DVD called Songs to Make Dogs Happy. I think people got tired of those songs. “Dog Day Afternoon obviously has grown quite a bit. I think anything we can do to continue to create community Downtown among those who live here is an important component of life, and an important component of spiritual life.” Dog Day Afternoon is Wednesday, July 11, from 6-9 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St. Advance registration requested at downtownla.com/dogday. The event is free. Parking in the cathedral is $5. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownews.com.
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Continued from page 5
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8 Downtown News
July 9, 2012
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Operation Healthy Streets, As Seen From the Streets Major Cleaning Proves No Easy Answers to Skid Row Grime by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
B
arbie Carter’s home is assembled on a 10-foot length of sidewalk on San Julian Street in Skid Row. She sleeps on a narrow cot, flanked by four packed shopping carts that act like living room walls. She has placed small flowers in a fence that abuts the sidewalk. To Kill a Mockingbird sits on her bedside table. On the morning of Monday, July 2, Carter was among the dozens of people ordered to vacate the premises to make way for a convoy of city cleaning vehicles. In response to a county report detailing a flood of health code violations, city crews have been removing biohazards and power washing segments of the poverty-laden neighborhood since June 18.
For Carter, however, getting out of the way wasn’t as simple as picking up a few belongings. Carter, who can walk but favors a wheelchair, was brought to tears at the prospect of uprooting her cramped sidewalk apartment. “Ma’am, we’re trying to help you here,” said Chief Patrick Butler, a Los Angeles Fire Department official overseeing the cleaning effort dubbed Operation Healthy Streets. “Give me a break,” Carter responded. “I bleached this sidewalk before I put my stuff down on it. I can clean it myself.” It took nearly two hours for Carter to warm to the idea of moving her things, a task that ultimately required several trips and the help of a volunteer. Butler offered to connect her with a social service provider, but she showed no interest. The missions, she said, are crawling with bed bugs.
photo by Gary Leonard
Inspectors with the Watershed Protection Division of the Bureau of Sanitation are charged with identifying biohazards and protecting property.
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July 9, 2012
Downtown News 9
DowntownNews.com hazards. It also remains unclear how much regular cleanups would cost. So far, the work has been covered by the operational budgets of the participating agencies, Vargas said. Some street dwellers have cheered the cleanings. They include Penny Hill, who has slept on Skid Row for, she said, 20 years. “Oh God, this is so needed, it’s so wonderful,” Hill said. But Hill said the cleaning effort ignores some basic needs that relate to the public health woes: “Bathrooms — we need simple Port-a-potties,” she said. “At night, there’s nowhere to go to the bathroom.” The city maintains five public toilets in Skid Row. Two of them (on Fifth Street at San Julian and Los Angeles streets) are open 24 hours a day. The others close at 6 p.m. at the direction of the LAPD and City Attorney, who have reported that the toilets are often co-opted by drug dealers and prostitutes. The Midnight Mission keeps its restroom open 24 hours.
photo by Gary Leonard
After the sidewalk is cleared, workers bring out the pressure washers. Later, disinfectant is applied.
The exchange was one of the lesser-seen elements of the high-profile Skid Row cleaning effort. Some street dwellers, especially those suffering from mental illness, remain resistant to moving. Butler said the cleaning crews try to be accommodating. Notices of the daily cleanings are posted on light poles and fences on targeted blocks two days before crews arrive. Even after blocks are sealed off by police tape, individuals who show up to retrieve items left on the street have been allowed to quickly grab their belongings before they are taken to temporary storage. Hot Sharps The effort brings together workers from departments including Street Services, Sanitation, the LAPD and the LAFD. There is a line of trucks hauling pressure-washing equipment and storm drain vacuuming systems. Before any cleaning happens, Tyvek-suit wearing inspectors with Watershed Protection, a division of the Bureau of Sanitation, comb the sidewalks for “sharps,” their term for hypodermic needles, razor blades and other hazards. They carry long rods with pincers at the end to pick through piles of clothes and overflowing trashcans. They also determine what items left on the sidewalk should be “bagged and tagged” and taken to the city’s temporary storage facility at 432 E. Temple St. The rules for distinguishing trash from property are fairly simple. “Pretty much when something is in contact with the ground and it’s near urine and feces, it’s a health hazard, so it’s trash,” said inspector Howard Wong. An un-pitched tent found on the sidewalk, for example, was declared trash. Before discarding the tent, however, Wong and his partner picked through it, retrieving clothing (also trashed) and a razor blade. An identification card and medication were taken to the storage facility. After the Watershed Protection inspectors canvass the block, workers spray down the sidewalks and street with a powerful disinfectant. Then a backhoe scoops up trash accumulated in gutters, clearing the way for a pressure washing — followed by another disinfectant spray-down — and storm-drain cleaning. On Monday, Wong and his Watershed Protection inspectors documented 219 needles and six razor blades, said Michelle Vargas, a spokeswoman for Street Services. As of Monday, crews had disposed of 3,700 pounds of trash and secured 20 items for temporary storage. The Band-Aid Effect When a block of Skid Row gets the Healthy Streets treatment, the impact is major, but not lasting. On Monday, as crews cleaned San Julian south of Sixth Street, they could see that trash and encampments were already piling up one block north, where they had worked three days before. It appeared that Monday’s portion of San Julian would also soon revert to filth. Carter, after all, merely relocated her caravan of carts and crates to an adjacent block, and said she planned to return later in the day. She declined to use a voluntary storage facility on Seventh Street operated by the Central City East Association. It closes at 5 p.m. Since the start of the cleaning initiative, 168 additional people have utilized the recently expanded warehouse, said CCEA Executive Director Estela Lopez. Operation Healthy Streets officials are still assessing the rate at which streets return to their pre-cleaning state, and have yet to devise a maintenance plan to keep them free of health
Operation Healthy Streets formally concluded on Friday, and a maintenance plan will be devised after the City Administrative Officer assesses the cost. As city officials consider the impact of the cleaning, some area stakeholders are urging City Hall to think bigger about Skid Row’s challenges. “The problem is that there aren’t enough beds,” said Mae Lee, a spokeswoman for the Midnight Mission, which houses about 150 people on an emergency basis every night, plus another 300 participants in their recovery program. According to the LAPD, there are currently about 1,386 people sleeping on the streets of Skid Row every night. The captain of the department’s Central Division has also said that his officers will enforce city laws that prohibit sidewalk sitting and sleeping between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. That raises a question for service providers like Lee. “You can tell the people not to go back to the sidewalks,” Lee said, “but where are they supposed to go?” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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Business Tax Continued from page 1 nies, who account for more than half the city’s business tax revenue, fall into the top bracket. That’s the highest rate in the region, almost 10 times the average of the other 87 cities in Los Angeles County, according to the 2010 Kosmont-Rose Institute Cost of Doing Business Survey. The top rate in Santa Monica is .503%. In Culver City, the maximum rate is .301%. The comparable rate in most other L.A. County cities is below .2%. In Inglewood it’s .165% and in Claremont it’s .111%. Under the BTAC plan, those nine categories would be collapsed into three after five years, with the rate capped at .255%. It would continue to fall incrementally until complete elimination in year 15. The proposal comes at a crucial time — the city in 2010 had 165,077 fewer jobs than it did in 1980, despite having 823,440 additional residents, according to the Southern California Association of Governments. Yet if nixing the business tax appears like a silver bullet for the local economy, there’s an important reason lawmakers haven’t rushed to do so: The tax is a key funding source for the city’s General Fund, which pays for basic services such as police, fire, parks and trash removal. “If you’re a business person, would you invest in the city if all of a sudden 10% of their general fund was missing and they haven’t fixed a sidewalk in five years?” asked Eighth District
Councilman Bernard Parks, the former chair of the council’s Budget & Finance Committee and an opponent of the proposal. An analysis of the proposal last year by USC economist Charles Swenson suggested that new business activity would eventually generate around $493 million annually in other fees such as sales and property taxes. If Swenson (whose report was commissioned by the city) is right, then new revenue would more than cover the gap left by an eliminated business tax. However, not everyone is sure he’s right. Stop, Gap The BTAC originally proposed phasing out the tax in four years. That timeline, however, was met with skepticism last fall by City Hall’s top budget minders. The City Administrative Officer and Chief Legislative Analyst urged lawmakers not to erase the business tax unless they had a parallel plan to guarantee new revenues or reduce spending. A separate city-commissioned study, by Blue Sky Consulting, agreed with Swenson that the business tax elimination would generate new economic activity. But their analysis suggested it wouldn’t be nearly enough to cover the city’s revenue losses. In April, the BTAC revised its proposal, extending the timeline to 15 years. The plan would involve an estimated $25 million reduction in business tax revenues in year one, according to the BTAC report. Even with the more conservative timeframe, City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana says he will urge the council to find $25 million in spending cuts before it approves any business tax reduction. “If it’s a $25 million revenue reduction starting July 1, 2013, that would increase the deficit projected currently at $216
photo by Gary Leonard
Councilman Eric Garcetti is a strong supporter of reducing the gross receipts tax, and helped reconvene the Business Tax Advisory Committee. “Our economy is contracting and we’re losing jobs and that’s because of this job-killing tax,” he said.
million by an additional $25 million,” Santana said. “We have to assume we don’t have that revenue.” The idea of eliminating the business tax is not new. The Business Tax Advisory Committee was first formed in 1999, and the council has approved several business tax changes since then. In 2003, for example, the city implemented a 15% reduction across the board on the business tax. In 2010, the council passed a three-year business tax “holiday” for new companies opening in the city. Last week, the council agreed to nix the business tax for new auto dealerships. Still, private sector leaders say the current tax — even with
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recent updates — dissuades companies from locating in the city and encourages struggling firms to move to municipalities with a friendlier tax code. In the process, the city lags behind its neighbors. BTAC points to the fact that while Los Angeles has lost jobs since 1980, the rest of the county has increased its employee pool by 16.5%. While removing the business tax comes with no guarantee that new revenues will plug the resulting budget hole, 13th District City Councilman Eric Garcetti, who believes that they would, said the city needs to try something new. “Our current policies are costing us jobs and revenue,” said Garcetti, who is the council’s most ardent supporter of the measure. “Our economy is contracting and we’re losing jobs and that’s because of this job-killing tax.” The BTAC report recommends instituting a stopgap mechanism every three years, so that if additional revenues are not equal with the lost business tax funds, the 15-year-plan would pause until new revenues catch up. Garcetti, who chairs the Jobs and Business Development
Committee, said he will instead suggest annual reviews, but without the automatic triggers, which he said would not provide certainty to companies making decisions about where to locate. Austin Beutner, the former deputy mayor for economic affairs and the architect of the city’s business tax holiday on new businesses, was cool toward the 15-year proposal. “Anything that takes 15 years is not a plan,” said Beutner, who recently ended his bid for mayor in 2013, a race he suggested could have more to do with the timing of the current tax reform effort than high unemployment. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this is happening during an election season,” he said. Garcetti, who is running for mayor, said he became an advocate for eliminating the gross receipts tax long before he hit the mayoral campaign trail, initiating the re-formation of BTAC in 2009. The proposal has not been scheduled yet for a council hearing. Officials say they expect a vote late this month. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
photo by Gary Leonard
Councilman Bernard Parks is among those who have questioned eliminating the tax, saying the city does not yet have the revenue streams to completely make up the approximately $424 million annually that would be lost.
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was traditional thinking versus being forward thinking.
Perry Continued from page 1 Los Angeles. To be a part of that, that growth and expansion and the strengthening of the connection, is something that is beyond my wildest dreams. Q: You fought the redistricting process very hard. Are you angry with the way things turned out? A: I am sad that public testimony was ignored. My relationships with the people that I have all over Downtown, including Skid Row and Little Tokyo, will continue. That’s not going to change. The relationships I had with people were not because of the title I held. Q: You were sworn in in July 2001. What do you recall thinking about Downtown back then? A: Downtown was a quiet, underdeveloped place that had this enormous potential for bringing [homes] closer to where people worked and building a whole community where there was none. There was the chance to build on what we already had there, the early pioneers in the Arts District, and to give Skid Row what everybody else wants, which is housing and cleaner streets. Q: What was the difference in the approach to Downtown between your office and that of your predecessor, Rita Walters? A: Because we have term limits — and during the course of my service we were extended one more term — I always felt the pressure of time and that everything was urgent, and so I was very, very aggressive in terms of getting projects done, built and open, especially housing and in particular permanent supportive housing. Q: The general perception was that the previous administration didn’t care a lot about Downtown — Walters even opposed Staples Center. Was this area not getting the attention it deserved? A: As an elected official you have to stay very aware and abreast of changes in whatever district you’re in — the demographics, the needs of emerging communities — and you can’t rely on traditional ways of thinking about a community if you want to move an agenda forward. Maybe the difference
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Q: L.A. Live, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels were the most prominent projects to open during your tenure. What other projects do you think were crucial but that didn’t get as much attention? A: The Downtown Women’s Center. I not only love the building, I love what goes on inside the building. To me it’s a place of healing, of recovery, and it’s a beautiful setting, both inside and out. There’s also the New Carver, over by California Hospital Medical Center, and Michael Maltzan is the architect. My favorite part of the project is the laundry room. That’s an undesirable location because it is between two freeways, so he took the freeways and made them part of a sort of kinetic art piece. There’s this long slice of window in the laundry room and you see the freeway as you’re doing laundry, and it looks like this moving piece of art. Q: What has been your biggest frustration in Downtown over the years? A: It has always been the time it takes to get things done, particularly when you have projects that have some component of public financing. Q: One project that never moved forward is Related Cos. Grand Avenue plan. It’s still stalled. A: Supervisor [Gloria] Molina had the foresight to get the money for the park upfront, so the park clearly is going to open, and thank goodness she did that. Then the Broad museum came along and was able to utilize one of the parcels for probably the largest contemporary art collection right here in Los Angeles. Great for us. But we have three more parcels that remain undone, and [Related] will have to come up with some financing or reduce the scope of the project or something to be able to move it along. I think in February they’ll come back before the Grand Avenue Authority for review. Q: Is this a lost opportunity? A: This project is of a huge magnitude. Of course I would have preferred it would have been completed while I still represented the area, but given the worldwide recession, they got hit like everyone else. It’s my hope they’ll be able to find some
photo by Gary Leonard
Perry at the 2010 opening of the Downtown Women’s Center. She called the project one of the most important buildings to debut during her time on the City Council.
alternative sites for financing so maybe they’ll be able to move it forward, at least in some phase. Q: You spent more time addressing Skid Row than any elected official had in decades. There’s no political payoff — you don’t get financial contributions or more than a few dozen votes. So why spend all the time and resources there? A: Because I thought it was horrendous that the city would even leave people out there on the sidewalk to live as if that was some kind of a solution to homelessness, and it wasn’t. The [monthly Skid Row] walks were useful because you got to see somebody new each time and learn something new each time. I spent a lot of time talking to people who were both in housing and not in housing. The people who were in
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housing and who’d gone through recovery programs always said we want to be safe, we want somewhere nice to live. I just believed people wanted the same thing no matter where they lived.
would get greater floor area ratio and density bonuses to build workforce housing on areas on the Figueroa Corridor all the way down to Martin Luther King Boulevard. I think if we continue to push the envelope we can eventually take the impact of Downtown down to Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Q: You have had to contend with a core group of activists who seem to protest any city-led changes in Skid Row. Is that frustrating? A: Everybody has their own value system, and I have my belief that it’s important to get people off the street and into a stable situation so they can recover. To leave people on the street is something that will never be acceptable to me. I think it’s just wrong and a dereliction of our own moral obligation to take care of people and help them recover.
Q: What are the biggest problems Downtown still faces? A: I think time, lack of continuity, financing, disruption of vision, and there must be a continuation of the effort to house people who are homeless. It has to continue. It can’t stop. That is going to be a problem for everybody, citywide. Q: Do you take pride at the changes in Downtown over the last 11 years? A: Absolutely. And true happiness. I still feel optimistic. One thing I can tell you about Downtown is that even when the rest of the world is down, Downtown is always on the rebound and always on the climb and always redefining itself, whether organically, neighborhood block by block, or by large projects. The people who come here are unique by the very nature that they have chosen to come here.
Q: You referenced the goal to connect South L.A. and USC with the core of Downtown via the Figueroa Corridor. Where are you on that? A: The connection has been severed because of redistricting and because of the demise of the Community Redevelopment Agency. It will require a whole new approach. USC is a private nonprofit institution and there is no redevelopment agency. I had done some legislation a while ago to incentivize developers to develop further south by purchasing air rights from over the Convention Center, and in exchange they
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Perry, surrounded by community members, at a press conference this year opposing the redistricting process that ultimately moved most of Downtown from the Ninth to the 14th District.
representative, whomever that may be, whose territory covers Downtown, what would you say? A: You’d better be prepared to work harder than you ever have in your life, and the peo-
ples’ needs come first, and these relationships are very, very important. Every single one of them. Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.
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HEALTH Good Samaritan Hospital Part of Senior Care Effort City West Institution Teams With CareMore on Program to Boost Local Coverage
C photo by Gary Leonard
Andrew Leeka, president and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital, has led the City West institution in a partnership with CareMore Health Plan.
ity West’s Good Samaritan Hospital has been generating attention in Downtown Los Angeles for months for its under-construction medical office building at Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street. The $80 million, 190,000-square-foot edifice is slated to open in the first quarter of 2014. That doesn’t mean, however, that officials with the 125-year-old institution are waiting for the debut before making any other major advances. Last week, officials with Good Samaritan announced that the hospital has been selected as the preferred healthcare provider in Central Los Angeles for the CareMore Health Plan.
A Cleansing Condition A Detox Can Help Revive the Body, Though Following Certain Steps Is Necessary by Chelle Cordero
I
n today’s environment, people are exposed to many toxins and contaminants. Eventually, these poisons add up and create various problems that can make you feel run down, ill or otherwise out of balance. Cleansing is one option to detoxify yourself and clear out the body. While many companies offer specialized cleanses for everything from weight loss to skin care, Carly Brien, co-founder of Pressed Juicery, says, “We do not advocate doing a
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certain cleanse for one specific goal such as weight loss. We advocate cleansing to promote a sense of balance within the system, and often the results of this are symptoms like weight loss, mental clarity and improved energy.” She adds that cleanses can help give the body “a break.” During her system, various foods are eliminated from the diet. Instead, meals temporarily come from nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable juices “Raw fruit and vegetable juice is the most
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The alliance means that Medicare recipients in Central Los Angeles (which in addition to Downtown includes residents of Hollywood, Koreatown and Hancock Park) will be able to access CareMore’s system of integrated medical care. The program is designed to improve specialized care for senior citizens in the community. As part of the agreement CareMore will build a new Comprehensive Care Center. The facility, described in a press release as “a one stop medical home for seniors,” is expected to open this fall. “Good Samaritan Hospital has been committed to serving the senior popu-
nutritionally complete nourishment we can get,” she says. “By drinking this juice, the nutrients are going straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and allowing the body to heal and regenerate.” The system, she points, out, can bring up unexpected reactions. She says that during and after a cleansing, the drinker can experience “detox symptoms,” among them dizziness, fatigue, skin eruptions and nausea. She suggests that cleanses be done only after consulting with a doctor. Additionally, she cautions, “It is important to remember that while the digestive system is at rest, the body is releasing toxins and trying to adjust to the clean nutrients that are being consumed.” After a cleanse, many people report feeling more energetic and revived. A complete cleanse might also take more than one session. Some entities, including Pressed Juicery, recommend changing one’s diet after a cleanse by opting for lighter and more nutritious foods. For instance, intestines tend to trap the fats and chemicals from processed foods, which can lead to a bloated and constipated feeling. Opting for a low fat and lighter diet will help prevent similar sensations form occurring again so quickly. When cleansing, you are giving your body a rest from having to break down complex foods while ingesting healthy juices and liq-
lation in our service area for over 125 years,” Andrew Leeka, president and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital, said in the statement. “We share CareMore’s philosophy of providing a continuum of care to support seniors and we are proud to have been selected as their preferred hospital for their new network.” Ken Kim, the chief medical officer of Clinical Programs for CareMore, added, “We have partnered with the most prestigious and respected hospital in Downtown Los Angeles. This affiliation will add a new level of comprehensive care for our members in the Los Angeles area.” uids. Ideally, these drinks should be supplying the body with nutrition so that you can comfortably skip meals. Possible benefits of a cleanse will include balanced pH and sugar levels, diminished aches and pains, increased energy and stamina and a feeling of lightness. Some experts advise keeping a journal throughout a detox experience. Write down how you are feeling and all of the processes and experiences of your detoxification. A journal will be a permanent record of your moods, thoughts and experiences. Maintain a diet rich in antioxidant-rich fruits, amino acids and super nutrients to help keep your body functioning at its best. To detox using herbs, after receiving a doctor’s approval, use well-known, common herbs that can lessen the toxic overload on the body. One option, say detox advocates, is garlic. Studies show garlic can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels while increasing the body’s ability to fight off bacterial infection and strengthening the immune system’s cells. Those embarking on cleanses are also encouraged to drink lots of pure water, exercise and load up on fiber-rich foods. It is also good to include an exercise routine that will help your body get back into the proper shape after the cleanse. Article copyright 2010 creators.com.
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RESTAURANTS Restaurant Buzz
A Big Fast Boast, Pizza Love and More Food Happenings by RichaRd Guzmán
least Mama’s menu seems to hit all the right spots for Filipino food fans. Dishes include traditional breakfast meals such as tapsilog, which is kind of like the Filipino version of steak and eggs, and tocilog (pork and eggs). Lunch items include lechon kawali, a pan-roasted pork, caldereta, a hefty beef stew, and lumpiang sariwa (egg rolls). At 724 S. Olive St., (213) 488-1935.
city EditoR ast and Filipino: Restaurant Buzz raised its eyebrows in doubt when it heard the slogan of Mama’s Asian Cuisine, a Filipino restaurant that opened at 724 S. Olive St. in January. The motto, “Best Asian Fast Food in Town,” is scribbled right in the middle of their menu. Really, Mama’s? That’s like saying Big Momma’s House was the best ever movie with a momma in it. In fact, there are numerous places in Downtown where all varieties of Asian food are served fast and good. There’s Pho Broadway in Chinatown, where a bowl of the good stuff flies out of the kitchen about 27 seconds after you order it. At Essan on Fifth and Hope streets the generous Thai menu is made for hungry people on the go, so the portions are big and fast, kind of like a polar bear. In other words, the claim is huge, but at
F
n Love It: Pizza and pasta lovers can continue their love affair in the Fashion District with Amante Pizza and Pasta. The small Washington state-based pizza chain just opened its first California location at the California Market Center. Among the options are the Amante Special, made with prosciutto, Italian sausage and shredded pepperoni, and the Meat Lover, with pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage and bacon. There are also pies for vegetarians. Pasta options include
lasagna, baked cannelloni, salmon linguini and spaghetti Veneto. They also serve something very special with every meal, at least according to the general manager, Kevin Smith. “The things that set us apart from most restaurants is the love we put into our food and the passion we have for taking care of our customers,” Smith said in a statement. Awwwwww. At 109 E. Ninth St., (213) 488-4999 or amantepizzaandpasta.com. n Food Fest: Start clearing stomach space now, because the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival takes place Aug. 9-12. Since Anschutz Entertainment Group is helping organize the event, there will be
plenty of culinary happenings in Downtown. One highlight, Asian Night Market, will be hosted Aug. 10 by Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” show. The L.A. Live event will attempt to re-create an Asian street food market with chefs including Roy Choi of the famous Kogi truck and Ricardo Zarate of Downtown Peruvian joint Mo-Chica (tickets are $75-$125). Also that day is the Celebrity Chef Power Lunch Series, in which big-name chefs will partner and cook up a powerfully good lunch. Tickets are $125. More information at lafw.com. Got any juicy food news? If so, contact Restaurant Buzz at richard@downtownnews. com.
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CALENDAR Kirsten Schaffer, executive director of Outfest 2012, prepares for the July 12 opening night at the Orpheum with Jeffrey Schwarz, whose documentary Vito screens that evening. The night includes a celebration of director John Waters.
Come out and Play
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Turns 30 and Starts This Week in Downtown by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
I
t started 30 years ago with just three films on the campus of UCLA. It was organized by a group of graduate students frustrated by not seeing images of gay and lesbian people on the big screen. Now, three decades later, the city’s oldest film festival continues its mission of telling stories about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, although with a lot more films and a lot more places to see them, including venues in Downtown. Outfest 2012 opens Thursday, July 12, with a screening, gala and celebration of director John Waters at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown. It continues through July 22 with 147 films from 24 countries in venues throughout the city. “We want to showcase high quality films from around the world and also bring the community together,” said Kirsten Schaffer, the festival’s executive director. “It’s a unique way for the LGBT community to celebrate our stories in an environment that encourages dialogue and discovery.” The films are chosen for their various connections to the LGBT community, said Schaffer. These include works with a lead or a secondary character who is gay, a film by a gay director, storylines of interest to the gay community and even works that are just campy. The lineup runs the gamut from shorts to feature films to documentaries to foreign entries. There are also panel discussions, among them a July 21 discussion at REDCAT on gay Internet stars. As part of the 30-year celebration, the festival will screen the three films that were in the first Outfest. Two of those will appear at REDCAT: the 1963 experimental film Queen of Sheba Meets the Atom Man on July 14, and on July 21 the sexually m or nNews.coas explicit Taxi Zum Klo, a 1981 German film that was hailed ntow rner at Dow co nd ha ht t per riglife,” by/fo rms/maillis theE“first of bol in the up gaynn symmodern ews.com the Village Voice. -NEWSmasterpiece Look for this w.ladowntow w w P U N Outfest venues beyond Downtown include the Directors SIG Guild of America and the Ford Theater. Hailing Waters The festival launches with the presentation of the Outfest Achievement Award to Waters. The filmmaker began his career as a puppeteer before becoming famous for works like 1972’s grungy Pink Flamingos and, in 1988, the more mainstream Hairspray. “The thing about John is that he has made gay films that appeal to a mainstream audience,” Schaffer said. The night also holds the Los Angeles premiere of Vito, a
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documentary directed by Jeffrey Schwarz about activist and film historian Vito Russo. Schwarz, a New York native, has been attending Outfest as a fan since he moved to L.A. in the mid-1990s. His 2008 film Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon, debuted at Outfest, and with his new film he hopes to remind audiences about a pioneer in the gay movement. “I’m hoping to restore Vito’s memory to the pantheon of gay and lesbian heroes, to get his name back up there and tell his story and tell the story of the gay and lesbian community,” Schwarz said. Russo is known for his landmark book The Celluloid Closet, which looked at the way gay characters were portrayed in film and how that shaped the perceptions of the gay community. The 93-minute documentary follows Russo through the gay rights movement, including marches with Bette Midler and
Jobriath A.D., directed by Kieran Turner. It screens July 20. The documentary follows a forgotten musician named Jobriath. The artist, who appeared at the same time that acts such as David Bowie and the New York Dolls flirted with crossdressing and bisexuality, was a little too real for audiences. “He was an out gay man and he proclaimed himself the true fairy of rock and roll,” Turner said. “In 1973 people weren’t ready to accept an openly gay anybody, but especially a musician.” While Jobriath was a talented musician, an overhyped promotional campaign, which included billboards, bus and magazine ads months before his debut album was released, helped derail his career. “By the time the album came out people were sick of seeing this effeminate creature everywhere they went, so they were kind of predisposed to not like the music,” Turner said. Jobriath became one of the early victims of AIDS. He died, shunned from the music industry, in 1983 at the Chelsea Hotel. Another intriguing Outfest documentary is Homeboy, which is set for REDCAT July 14. The 56-minute piece looks at local gay Latino men who are former gang members. While the documentaries can serve as entertaining history lessons, there are also plenty of features films at REDCAT. The lineup includes a July 15 showing of Mommy Is Coming, a raunchy romantic comedy directed by Cheryl Dune. Set in Berlin, the film follows a lesbian couple who want different things: one seeks a more sexually adventurous life, the other wants love. Things get complicated when the mother of one photo courtesy of The Film Collaborative The festival features 147 films from 24 countries. The lineup includes of the women visits. Los Angeles is featured prominently in Sunset Stories, screenJobriath A.D., a documentary about a 1970s rocker. It screens at ing at REDCAT July 14. The dark comedy includes actors Sung REDCAT July 20. Kang of two Fast and Furious films and Zosia Mamet, who the founding of organizations like Act Up and GLADD, to his stars in the new HBO hit “Girls.” It’s about a nurse who comes death from AIDS. to L.A. to retrieve some important cargo that she ends up los“Before there were gay film festivals in the early 1970s, ing and her encounters with an ensemble of gay locals. Vito was very active in the gay liberation movement and 3in& 6 While Outfest may seem mainstream today, many things Starts July New York City he was the first person to gather gay people have changed in the festival’s three-decade history. Schaffer together to show movies,” Schwarz said. “He realized not all notes that the quality of films has improved. There are also, gay and lesbian people were going to be activists, but every- she said, fewer coming out stories and more tales of people one loves the movies, so he used the movies as a way to create dealing with other elements in their lives. community and bring people together. Still, Schaffer said she hopes the festival does one thing the “I don’t think there would be an Outfest without the work original Outfest did — help empower people and make them Check OurinWebsite for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com Vito was doing the early ’70s.” feel excited and supportive of the diverse community in the city. Rockers and Moms Outfest runs July 12-22 at various venues. Tickets, a full Other gay pioneers will get their due in a series of nearly schedule and information are at (213) 480-7065 or outfest.org. 20 documentaries, some of them at REDCAT. They include Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com
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Horse Sense Puppet Pageantry Elevates a Plain Old Equine Tale by Jeff Favre contributing writer
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t’s difficult these days for live theater to take your breath away. Part of the problem is that movies have become showcases for techno-wizardry. By comparison, what happens on the stage is limited. That said, no CGI or green screen magic can hold a candle to the moment when the spirited, spry foal Joey lifts up his front legs, neighs to the sky and descends back to the earth a fully grown, fully realized, living, breathing horse. Not since Julie Taymor’s visionary version of The Lion King has there been a more arresting theatrical example of animism than the wondrous War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel. The first national tour of the Tony-winning play opened recently at the Ahmanson Theatre. The show, directed by Bijan Sheibani, runs through July 29. Joey and the other magnificent equines in this nearly three-hour World War I epic are the brainchildren of South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. When inhabited by a team of actors, these aluminum, wood and nylon constructions breathe, gallop and bond with their riders. Yes, people actually can ride these puppets. The puppets may not be the entire show, but without them and the impressive lighting and sound designs, War Horse would be little more than a decently performed, welltrod tale of a boy and his pet set amid the horrors of armed conflict. With its technical elements, War Horse is a tear-jerking, uplifting piece of magic. Unlike most magic shows, War Horse openly shares its secrets. No one tries to hide the actors who appear as the horses, beginning with Laurabeth Breya, Catherine Gowl and Nick LaMedica as the foal Joey. Each takes one-third of the horse’s body, and they gallop, make horse-like noises and perform minute movements that add realism. Within minutes of freely roaming the stage, Joey is, for all intents, a three-dimensional character. Soon, Joey is purchased at great expense by Ted Narracott (Todd Cerveris), whose motivation to win the horse is to outbid his brother. The real winner, however, is Ted’s son Albert (Andrew Veenstra), who immediately falls in love with Joey. The pair spend days riding the countryside and playing games, but soon war will send them on separate journeys. Joey is befriended by a British officer, James Nicholls (Jason Loughlin) and a German captain, Friedrich Muller (Andrew May). Aware that Joey is lost in the war, Albert, only 16, runs away from home and joins the army to find his best friend. While searching for Joey he meets Private David Taylor (Alex Morf). Both learn firsthand what war means to humans and animals. As a grown horse, Joey was performed on opening night by Christopher Mai, Derek Stratton and Rob Laqui — two stand inside the belly of the beast controlling his legs and other body parts, while one is to the side holding a stick attached to the head. They are always visible but never a distraction. Instead, Joey becomes more than the sum of his parts. Most of the horse actors have dance training, and their movements, choreographed by Toby Sedgwick, convey different personalities. Joey is outgoing and playful. His rival Topthorn exhibits a strutting arrogance. Beyond the puppets, War Horse contains a full spectrum of sensory delights. Paule Constable’s lighting segues from warm and idyllic on the farm to stark, cold and shadow-filled on the battlefield. A series of projected animated drawings flesh out the mostly bare stage. The scene is complemented by Christopher Shutt’s unsettling sound effects of war. John Tams’ folksongs help tell the story, and Adrian Sutton’s music accents the action. When all of the technical elements are in full gear, as witnessed during a battle scene with a tank hailing bullets, the result is mesmerizing. The standout performance among the solid ensemble is May, as the German captain with a soft spot for horses and a disdain for fighting. May’s anguished, weary portrayal gives an additional sense of gravitas to the war story. As the lead, Veenstra’s performance as Albert veers toward the melodramatic, but his emotional rollercoaster fits the frequently clichéd dialogue. This isn’t a new story, but how it’s presented is revolutionary. That’s why the film version of War Horse, with its big budget and special effects, doesn’t impact audiences with the same intensity. War Horse runs through July 29 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.
The Ahmanson Theatre’s War Horse features spectacular puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company.
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photo by Brinkhoff/Mogenburg
July 9, 2012
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LISTINGS
’ s s i M t ’ n ‘Do List
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ans of the majestic three ring big top and scary clowns alik e will converge on Staples Center for the annual summer residency of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. This show, titled Dra gons, opens Wednesday, July 11 (it runs thr ough July 17) and features the harrowing tra peze acts, exotic animals and travarious strongmen. Myth meets merry making in this imaginative blend of tim e honored circus tradition and massive fire breathing reptiles that never live d. Before each of the 15 shows , attendees can meet the performers and take a glimpse behind the scenes. Turn that sad clown’s frown ups ide down and snag your ticket today. At 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7326 or ringling.com.
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erlin’s song “Take My Breath Away” is one of the most iconic pieces of film soundtrack work ever. The seductive bit of synth pop from 1986’s Top Gun captures jaunty fighter pilot Tom Cruise as he churns through the tumult of a bad romance. Twenty-six years later, Berlin is ready to embark on a fresh tour as maverick Cruise prepares to ride solo once again. Be part of the eerie synchronicity on Saturday, July 14, as Berlin kicks off Pershing Square’s summer concert series. If you’re lucky they’ll also dig out “The Metro” and “Sex, I’m A…” from the 1982 album Pleasure Victim. The show starts at 8 p.m. with opening Brit-pop act Purple Melon. At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 485-1645 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.
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ednesday lunchtime is the exact middle point of any workweek. So celebrate the zenith of your productivity and your steep decline into Friday’s apathy with a July 11 noon concert at FIGat7th. Singer/songwriter Keaton Simons is keeping things lively as the mall undergoes a massive makeover. He’ll be performing just west of the construction zone, thanks to the kind programmers at Arts Brookfield. Arrive early, claim a spot and forget, for an hour, all that corporate America asks you to do. At 735 S. Figueroa St., (212) 417-7000 or artsbrookfield.com.
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Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. July 10: Jordan Carrington, John Daversa, Brijesh A. Pandya, Jacob A. Scesney and Neil Patton. July 11: Set one: Dan Clucas and Ted Byrnes. Set two: Beth Schenck, Devin Hoff, Corey Fogel and Vinny Golia. July 12: Edwin Livingston Group. July 13: Brandon Fields Group. July 14: Slumgum. Not recommended for chewing. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. July 9, 8 p.m.: Chunky, rumbling beats festoon the erotic orchestral feel of July residency superhero JMSN. July 11, 8 p.m.: Fallen Riviera builds spacious reverbing rhythms beneath breathy vocal musings on identity. July 12, 8 p.m.: When the pop-punk world imploded from overuse, a bevy of talented musicians exploded into indie, giving us such bountiful acts as Sanglorians, Sandbox and Hunting Accident. July 13, 8 p.m.: Local ghouls United Ghosts bring their synth draped pounding rock into Beverly Boulevard’s finest venue. July 14, 8 p.m.: Carina Round’s music is dark, churning and endorsed by both Brian Eno and Maynard James Keenan. July 15, 6:30 p.m.: Down home but filled with long scoping insights, Simon Joyner gets it done. Broadway Bar 830 S. Broadway, (213) 614-9909 or broadwaybar.la. July 12, 10 p.m.: HM Soundsystem’s electronica variety show Broader Than Broadway. Casey’s Irish Pub 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. July 13, 10 p.m.: If it ain’t authentic, it ain’t bluegrass and by gum, the Get Down Boys are the finest local collection of Southern boys and soulful crooners running around the Southland. July 14, 10 p.m.: Escalator Hill plays at Casey’s tonight. By which we mean the local Americana oriented outfit, not Bunker Hill. Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. July 12, 7:30 p.m.: Chill to decades-old grooves from Tangerine Dream. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. July 13, 10:30 p.m.: Awakening with Myon and
by Dan Johnson, listings eDitor | calendar@downtownnews.com
photo courtesy Arts Brookfield
ROCK, POP & JAZZ
CirCus Fun, PoP Thro wba Laughs and More dow Cks, why you Crying nTown haPPenings
photo courtesy Feld Entertainment
SPONSORED LISTINGS Under the Sheet Music Film Series Pershing Square, 562 S. Olive St., (213) 4851645 or laparks.org/pershingsuare. July 13, 8 p.m.: An ode to excess and life on the road, Part of the Weekend Never Dies follows French brothers Soulwax as they take their dance music spectacular around the globe. Using just one camera to capture the action on and off-stage over 120 shows on a vast worldwide tour, interviews and cameos include James Murphy, Klaxons, Erol Alkan and Peaches. L.A.’s Largest Mixer XIV Shrine Auditorium Expo Center, 700 W. 32nd St., (323) 230-5656 or lamixer.com. July 19, 5-9 p.m.: Join Los Angeles area chambers and business organizations for The Ultimate Business Networking Event. Mix and mingle with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of business people representing industries and companies in and around Southern California. L.A.’s Largest Mixer XIV is an opportunity to reach small to large companies, meet new clients and learn how the different chambers of commerce and business organizations can make your business grow. Mixer admission: $20 per person (no credit cards). Little Tokyo Annual Sake and Food Tasting Vibiana, 214 S. Main St., sake.ltsc.org. July 19, 7 p.m.: Enjoy sake, beer and shochu sampling while pleasing your palate with various servings by popular restaurants and eateries in a festive atmosphere. Visit sake.ltsc.org for full event details. General admission is $75; for entrance to the VIP reception at 6 p.m., tickets are $125.
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eveloping ly dynamic, red a gathu tr a f o er h et bellw d evolves, rt Walk is the nter changes an ol aficionados ce ty ci e th s A . h Downtown stalkers and alco to keep tabs ck u tr d o fo s, st onth ering of arti day of every m rs u one Th d n co se n the gathering marks 12 ly Ju e Th join together o c. adsi its current spre and what’s clas to ew in n t ’s en at ev h e w n th o ared ies are headqu l accident push it ta iv fa st a fe ce e n th si , g ar ye gagin S. Spring St.) on. No less en ange LA (618 ch Ex out configurati at e g n u and La Vida rt Walk lo d Venezuelan b r downan g in tered at the A n in sp e Vee will b 617-4929 o where DJ Angie jams. At (213) e th t u o g in ck e ki Boheme will b rg. o k. al townartw
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or some, comedian George Lopez is a living local legend. The Mission Hills native worked up a brand of sharp humor derived from his childhood in an eccentric Mexican-American family and honed it in the world of L.A. morning radio show comedy. Now a veteran of standup and television, Lopez is embarking on a two-night stint at Nokia Theatre. On Friday-Saturday, July 13-14, see the man who had Antonio Villaraigosa on his sit-com and who demands to know, “Why you crying?” At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6020 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. photo courtesy AEG
Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.
July 9, 2012
Downtown News 19
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Shane54. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. July 10, 8 p.m.: The collective children of the Beach Boys (not a metaphor) gather as California Saga. Grand Performances California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2159 or grandperformances.org. July 13, 12 p.m.: Feel-good vibes abound as Thao and The Get Down Stay Down take the stage. July 14, 8 p.m.: DJ extraordinaire Nitin Sawhney will surely be grand. Last Bookstore 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com. July 11, 8 p.m.: Trois Filles features Jillian “Hank” Leigh, Irene Diaz and Christy Paige in a singer/songwriter bonanaza. July 14, 8:30 p.m.: Panther Heart presents “Panther Heart Defeats the Dire Wolf.” Levitt Pavilion 2230 W. Sixth St., (213) 384-5701 or levittla.org. July 12, 7 p.m.: Frenetic Colombian outfit M.A.K.U. Soundsystem. July 13, 7 p.m.: String Theory appear yet again with their gigantic harps. July 14, 7 p.m.: More vintage surf rock as AllahLas and Sony and the Sunsets magically appear. Nokia Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6020 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. July 13-14: You will be made to feel laughter down inside your gut with George Lopez. Nola’s 734 E. 3rd St., (213) 680-3003 or nolasla.com. July 9: Aalon. July 10: Sharon Ridley. July 11: Aalon. July 13: Lorraina Marro. July 14: 3rd Wave. July 15, 11 a.m.: Sharon Marie Cline and The Bad Boyz of Jazz. July 15, 6 p.m.: Song Writers Explosion Vol. 2. Pershing Square 542 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/ pershingsquare. July 11, 12 p.m.: Latin jazz with Susie Hansen. July 12, 8 p.m.: Maxi Wild. July 14, 8 p.m.: Berlin will take your breath away with the help of openers Purple Melon. Redwood Bar and Grill
316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar.com. July 9: Fletcher’s Castorians. July 10: Johnny Madcap & The Distractions and The Three Two Ones. July 11: The Condors. July 12: The Maxines, Magic Trash and Wounded Lion. July 13: The Objex, Lightnin’ Woodcock, Death Squad Demon Gods, Lowman and Deadhand. July 14: Black Beverly Hills, Sinner Sinners, Death on the Radio and Cornfed Project. July 15: The Midnight Ghost Train and Mountains of the Moon. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. July 9: Sand dunes, shorty wetsuits and jazz with the Ron King Quartet. July 10: The Makers walk amongst us and coalesce every Tuesday to spray Downtown with improvisational jazz. July 11: In a welcome departure from normal programming, taxidermy and upholstery heavy Seven Grand hosts Reggae & Friends. The Smell 247 S. Main St., alley between Spring and Main streets, thesmell.org. July 10: Dunes, Yellow Fever, Spray Paint, Infinite Body. July 11: Speedy Ortiz, Tennis System, LA Font and The Withers. July 12: DJ Scott Stone and DJ Dane Josiah. July 13: Extra Life. July 14: TraPsPs, Peter Pants, MHV and No Paws (No Lions). Summer on the Plaza FIGat7th, 735, S. Figueroa St. or artsbrookfield.com. July 11, 12:30 p.m.: Acoustic maestro Keaton Simons.
FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or dffla.com. July 12, 7-9 p.m.: Channel 101 features indie pilots. July 13, 7 p.m.: Another double feature drink along. This showing dives deep into the fermented fantasy world of Hook and The Princess Bride. Drinking for every pun or celebrity cameo is highly recommended. July 14, 8 p.m.: Prank is a found footage crime thriller that follows three high school friends as they
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plan, stage and execute what they think will be the perfect prank on their bully. Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., (213) 6171033 or dffla.com. Also at the Hayworth Theatre and Regal Cinemas (See below). At the Downtown Independent. July 9, 7:30 p.m.: Beyond Pollution. The BP oil spill, brought to the TV viewing public in real time, was the worst man-made environmental disaster in America’s history. July 10, 7:30 p.m.: My Father and the Man in Black. You might think you know everything about country music’s original bad boy, Johnny Cash, but before there was Johnny and June, there was Johnny and Saul. That’s Saul Holiff, Cash’s talented but troubled manager. July 10, 9:30 p.m.: The Light Of Love. One of the more insanely improvised films you’ll ever see follows four friends in the L.A. counterculture makinge a film about their lives but not really. July 11, 7:30 p.m.: Falling Up. Welcome to the mean streets of Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles. Your host is Johnny Popp, a Vietnam veteran from Michigan and a crack addict. July 11, 9:30 p.m.: Colfax & 15. Issac, a young hood turned bounty hunter, gets caught in a web of corruption as the shady organization of his bail bondsman employer unravels. At the Hayworth Theatre, 2511 Wilshire Blvd. July 9, 7:30 p.m.: Delusions Of Grandeur. Lulu, Rocio and Illusion are struggling with the sexuality and gender roles in 1970s San Francisco. July 9, 9:30 p.m.: Fuzz Track City. A down-andout private eye is hired by a sultry woman (is there any other kind in a detective story?) from his past to find her missing son. At Regal Cinemas, 1000 W. Olympic Blvd. July 10, 7:00 p.m.: Fixation. The current “fixed gear” craze within the biking community is all about returning to the biking basics, no fancy gears, no carbon-ceramic stuff, etc. IMAX Theater California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 7442019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Explore the remnants and wisdom of an ancient empire in Mysteries of Egypt. Ice and polar bear enthusiasts will likely dig To the Arctic 3D. Experience the gripping story full of hope, crushing disappointment and triumph in Hubble 3D.
Regal Cinemas LA Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. Through July 12: Savages (12:40, 3:50, 7:10, 7:50, 10:20 and 11 p.m.); Katy Perry: Part of Me (11:30 a.m.); Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D (2, 4:40, 7:20 and 10:10 p.m.); The Amazing Spider-Man 3D (11:30 a.m. and 12:30, 3, 4, 6:30, 7:30, 10 and 11 p.m.); The Amazing Spider-Man (11 a.m. and 12, 2:30, 3:30, 6, 7, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.); Magic Mike (11:10 a.m. and 1:50, 4:50, 7:50 and 10:50 p.m.); People Like Us (11:20 a.m. and 2 and 4:50 p.m.); Ted (11:40 a.m. and 1:20, 2:10, 4:10, 5, 6:50, 7:40, 9:40 and 10:40 p.m.); Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection (11:10 a.m. and 1:50, 4:40, 7:40 and 10:40 p.m.); Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (10:10 p.m.); Brave (1:30 and 6:40 p.m.); Brave 3D (11 a.m. and 4:10 and 9:20 p.m.); Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (1:20 and 6:20 p.m.); Prometheus (1:10 p.m.). Under the Sheet Music Film Series Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare. July 13, 8 p.m.: A bit of electronica from 2008 resurfaces in the SoulWax doc Part of the Weekend Never Dies.
MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews.com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.
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LITTLE VIBIANA TOKYO LIBRARY
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Contact Cartifact for the full-color, every-building version of this map . Available in print, web and mobile media.
700 S. Flower St, # 1940 Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.327.0200 maps�cartifact.com
DYNASTY CENTER
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CASTELLAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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July 9, 2012
Downtown News 21
DowntownNews.com
CLASSIFIED
plaCe your ad online aT www.ladownTownnews.Com
FOR RENT
L.a. downtown news classifieds Call: 213-481-1448 Classified Display & Line ad Deadlines: Thursday 12 pm
computers/it Lofts for saLe
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Bill Cooper
213.598.7555
Vacation Homes ADVERTISE YOUR vacation property in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $600. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN)
FOR RENT
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Manager/Computer User Support Specialist, Bachelor in Administration and CompTIA A+ Certification. Mail resume to Prodee University, 3251 W 6th St #420, Los Angeles CA 90020.
from $1,295 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 laloft.com
SERVICES attorneys
ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Immigraiton, Criminal, Accidents. Child Support/ Custody over 25 years’ experience. Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español / Korean / Mandarin Chinese
get your green card or citiZensHip Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710
driVers ATTENTION: DRIVERS. Freight Up = More $$$. New Pay Package. New KW Conventionals. 2 Mos CDL Class A Driving Experience. 877-258-8782 (CalSCAN) DRIVERS - NEW Freight lanes in your area. Annual Salary $45K-60K. Flexible hometime. Modern Trucks. Great Benefits. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569. www. driveknight.com (Cal-SCAN) DRIVERS CO & O/OP’s. Regional Home weekly. Teams 7-14 days. Class A CDL 1 year experience in last 3. Call 1-800695-9643. (Cal-SCAN)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Lofts/unfurnisHed
oLd Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts
“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.”
EMPLOYMENT
REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL
Business opportunities PROFITABLE California Businesses for sale by owners. Many types, sizes, locations, terms. $25K to $15M. Other states available. www.bizsale.com. Call 1-800-617-4204. (Cal-SCAN)
All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
cLeaning
ATTEND COLLEGE online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-210-5162 www.CenturaOnline.com (Cal-SCAN) psycHotHerapy TIRED OF TELLING them THIS when you’re really doing THAT? www.jimmichael.com/doublelife 424-235-0614 misc. serVices
CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183. computers/it MY COMPUTER works. Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - Fix it now! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-888-865-0271 (Cal-SCAN) notary Joe Kennedy CALIFORNIA NOTARY PUBLIC, I travel. Call now for quote, 818 919-4569.
ATTENTION JOINT & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 877-217-7698 to try Hydraflexin Risk-free for 90 days. (CalSCAN)
ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a free Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at No Cost, plus free home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-781-9376. (Cal-SCAN) ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA sufferers with Medicare. Get free CPAP Replacement Supplies at No Cost, plus free home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-699-7660. (Cal-SCAN)
financiaL serVices EVER CONSIDER a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your free DVD! Call Now 888-698-3165. (Cal-SCAN)
LegaL SOCIAL SECURITY disability benefits. Win or Pay Nothing! Start your Application In Under 60 Seconds. Call Today! Contact Disability Group, Inc. Licensed Attorneys & BBB Accredited. Call 877-490-6596. (Cal-SCAN)
HeaLtH & fitness
HIGH SCHOOL Proficiency Diploma!!! 4 week Program. Free Brochure & Full Information. Call Now! 1-866-562-3650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com (Cal-SCAN)
FEELING OLDER? Men lose the ability to produce testosterone as they age. Call 888-904-2372 for a free trial of Progene- All Natural Testosterone Supplement. (Cal-SCAN)
ADVERTISE a display Business Card sized ad in 140 California newspapers for one low cost of $1,550. Your display 3.75x2” ad reaches over 3 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN) ADVERTISE Your Truck Driver Jobs in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $600. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (Cal-SCAN) REACH CALIFORNIANS With Classified in Almost Every County! Experience the power of classifieds! Combo~California Daily and Weekly Networks. One order. One payment. Free Brochures. elizabeth@cnpa.com or (916)288-6019. (Cal-SCAN)
pre-oWned
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Over 1000 vehicles on Sale Now!
Nearly Every Make & Model Visit us online
dtlamotors.com 2006 MERCEDES ML350 Certified, Silver/Black, 3.5L V6, 36K Miles 121888-1/A580846 ONLY....$37,991 Call 888-3198762. 2007 NISSAN FRONTIER KING CAB SE Low miles, 4.0L, 6 Cyl., ABS, and more N1212831/7C429668 ONLY.....$14,499 call 888-838-5089 Continued on next page
SAVE ON Cable TV-InternetDigital Phone. Packages start at $89.99/mo (for 12 months.) Options from all major service providers. Call Acceller today to learn more! CALL 1-888-8977650. (Cal-SCAN)
education
Business serVices
AUTOS
Chic Urban Lofts with Massive Floor Plans in an Unbeatable Historic Core Location
HeLp Wanted
apartments/unfurnisHed One Month Free! 1 unit AVAILABLE for rent. $650/ STUDIO, laundry on-site, 433 COTTAGE HOME ST. L.A. IN CHINATOWN 818-593-9060.
INTERNATIONAL Cultural Exchange Representative: Earn supplemental income placing and supervising high school exchange students. Volunteer host families also needed. Promote world peace! www. afice.org/reps (Cal-SCAN)
ed
leas
213.478.0499
Downtown L.A. 2 bed, 2.5 bath
the LOFT expert!
TM
Downtown since 2002
Bill Cooper 213.598.7555 TheLoftExpertGroup.com DRE # 01309009
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
South Park Corner Unit View Designer Furnished w/ Balcony $5,800/mo.
Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
DRE# 01889449
T
Monthly from $695 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
Voted BEST Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent! premiere Towers
madison hotel Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $30.00 •Weekly, $109.00 •Monthly, $310.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.
(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.) Starting Jan. 1, 2011
Sell your items under $300… 12 words, 2 weeks it’s FREE!
Casaloma L.A. Apartments Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath at $695/mo. sec. deposit special @$100 Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area. 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA
For English Call Pierre or Terri 213.744.9911 For Spanish Call Susana 213.749.0306
7000 sqft. Basement Space ✦ set up for Gallery/Office space
CALL For PrICE
• w/Gallery Lights • Wide Private (Spring St.) Entrance • Ideal for Art Gallery, SPA, Office Space • Wired for internet service/telephone outlets • Prime Location in Downtown (Gallery row, residential area, wine bar, café, market)
213.627.6913 | cityloftsquare.com
he Mercantile Lofts offer a wonderful mix of history and contemporary style. Our recently remodeled lobby and common areas offer vintage appeal together with modern sophistication and offer an exclusive live/work experience in LA’s trendiest urban neighborhood. Centrally located in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles, The Mercantile offers residents the best that Downtown living offers. Within walking distance are unique dining venues and the epicenter of nightlife which includes local favorites such as The Varnish, The Association, Cole’s French Dip Sandwiches, Mignon Wine and Cheese, BabyCakes NYC, featuring vegan baked goods and our newest establishment—Artisan House, featuring a wonderful bar/restaurant/marketplace with in-suite delivery options The Mercantile’s historic features—such as barn-style doors and exposed brick walls—are highlighted within the context of the building’s modern amenities. These amenities include custom bamboo flooring on some floors, polished concrete flooring on others, stainless-steel appliances and an in-suite washer/dryer unit. Perhaps most unique about the units are their 14 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and floor plans ranging from approximately 1400 to 2000 sf, providing the units with an abundance of volume.
HIGHLIGHTS • STUNNING BEAUX-ARTS DESIGN WITH URBAN SOPHISTICATION • 1400-2000 SF FLOOR PLANS WITH 14 FOOT CEILINGS • IN-SUITE APPLIANCE PACKAGE, INCLUDING WASHER-DRYER • FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.
Monthly from $550 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348
• ON-SITE SECURE ASSIGNED PARKING • PETS WELCOME
(213) 627-5600
22 Downtown News
July 9, 2012
Twitter/DowntownNews
Continued from previous page
PRE-OWNED 2008 NISSAN ROGUE Gotham Gray/Silver,AWD,ABS,CU0714P / 188220 ONLY....$13,995 call 888-845-2267 2009 AUDI A5 QUATTRO PREMIUM Certified, AWD, Only 13,144 Miles, White/Blk ZA10405 / BA073241 ONLY....$38,980 Call 888-583-0981 2009 PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS Certified, Silver/Black, Pano. Roof, Navi., Bose ZP1500 / 9LA62364 ONLY....$57,898. Call 888-685-5426. 2009 VW PASSAT TURBO Certified, White/Beige, Leather, Moonroof ZV1679 / 9P001079 ONLY....$18,480 Call 888-7818102.
2010 CHEVY AVEO 4 DOOR Auto, AC, 35 mpg, Silver/ Gray UC174R/ AB088565 ONLY....$13,995 Call 888-8799608
For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com Autos Wanted DONATE YOUR Car, truck or boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-9026851. (Cal-SCAN) I BUY ANY Junk Car - $300 Flat Rate *Includes Pick-Up. 1-888366-7662 (Cal-SCAN)
PETS/ANIMALS
LARGE birdcage and stand. Cage ~30” x 18” x 18” Stand has wooden shelves $80 OBO 323276-0118
Dogs Dog Potty-Daily and Emergency. Near odorless and works for nearly all dogs. Uses scented clay. Two artificial grass tops. Unique design. Perfect for Any home Provisional Patent. 909697-0131
ITEMS FOR SALE Misc. Items 3-Piece Microfiber all reclining sofa, $100; 4-Burner BBQ $99; Electric Dryer $100. 323)201-1261
SAVE 65 Percent & Get 2 free gifts when you order 100 Percent guaranteed, delivered to the door Omaha Steaks - Family Value Combo. Now only $49.99. Order Today 1-888-525-4620 use code 45393JRK or www. OmahaSteaks.com/father56 (Cal-SCAN) SELL YOUR unwanted Gold Jewelry and Get Cash! Ranked #1 on NBC`s Today Show SellYourGold. Call to Request a Free Appraisal 1- 888-650-1019. (Cal-SCAN) Shower chair like new $15. (213)612-0952.
MANTIS DELUXE Tiller. New! FastStart engine. Ships free. One-Year Money-Back Guarantee when you buy Direct. Call for the DVD and free Good Soil book! 888-815-5176. (CalSCAN)
ANNOUNCEMENTS AUCTION ADVERTISE YOUR Auction in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $600. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)2886019. (Cal-SCAN)
LEGAL Civil Summons LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT Case No. BC464507 Plaintiff: Jin Ree vs. Defendants: Choon Do Lee and Does 1 through 10 NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your writ-
ten response must be in proper legal form, if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services
Do you have something to sell?
Ad Copy: _________________________________________
Ad Prices
________________________________________________
(Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY) • Items under $300 • Items $301 to $500 • Items $501 to $1200 • Items $1201 to $2000 • Items $2001+…
Name: Address: City Phone: Cash $ Credit card #: Exp. Date:
FREE! $11.50 $14.00 $16.50 $19.00
12 words, 2 weeks 15 words 15 words 15 words 15 words
All ads run for 2 weeks. Ads may be renewed after two weeks for 50% off the original price of the ad.
With a circulation of State Check $
Zip Credit Card $
47,000,
our classifieds get results!
________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Restrictions: Offer good on private party ads only. Ads must be pre-paid by cash, check or credit card. Certain classifications excluded. Deadline: Thursday at noon for next issue.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
July 9, 2012 from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. The name and address of the court is: Los Angeles County Superior Court 111 N. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Case Number: BC464507 Dated: June 29, 2011 The name, address, telephone number, and fax number of Plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff’ without an attorney, is: JIN REE 401 N. Bixel Street Los Angeles, CA 90026 Telephone: 213-482-1804 Clerk by: Shaunya Wesley, Deputy NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual defendant PUB. 6/25, 7/02, 7/09, 7/16/12. STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT DANE COUNTY DIVORCE SUMMONS CASE NO. 12FA0691 IN RE: ThE MARRIAgE OF PETITIONER: ERIKA SARAI MELENDEZ DIAZ AND RESPONDENT: hEVER NIELZEN DELCID FLORES THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, TO THE PERSON NAMED ABOVE AS RESPONDENT: You are notified that the petitioner named above has filed a petition for divorce or legal separation against you. You must respond with a written demand for a copy of the petition within 40 days from the day after the first date of publication. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court at: Clerk of Court, Dane County Courthouse 215 S. Hamilton Street, Room #1000 Madison, WI 53703 And to Erika Sarai Melendez Diaz 505 N. Frances, Apt. #1006 Madison WI 53703 It is recommended, but not required, that you have an attorney help or represent you. If you do not demand a copy of the Petition within 45 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Petition, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incor-
Real Estate Specialist of San Gabriel Valley
rect in the Petition. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. You are further notified that if the parties to this action have minor children, violation of 948.31, Wis. Stats., (Interference with custody by parent or others) is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment: If you and the petitioner have minor children, documents setting forth the percentage standard for child support established by the department under 49.22(9), Wis. Stats., and the factors that a court may consider for modification of that standard under 767.511 (1m), Wis. Stats., are available upon your request from the Clerk of Court. You are notified of the availability of information from the Circuit Court Commissioner as set forth in 767.105, Wis. Stats. 767.105 Information from Circuit Court Commissioner. (2) Upon the request of a party to an action affecting the family, including a revision of judgment or order under sec. 767.59 or 767.451: (a) The Circuit Court Commis-
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sioner shall, with or without charge, provide the party with written information on the following, as appropriate to the action commenced: 1. The procedure for obtaining a judgment or order in the action. 2. The major issues usually addressed in such an action. 3. Community resources and family court counseling available to assist the parties, 4. The procedure for setting, modifying and enforcing child support awards, or modifying and enforcing legal custody or physical placement judgments or orders. (b) The Circuit Court Commissioner shall provide a party, for inspection or purchase, with a copy of the statutory provisions in this chapter generally pertinent to the action. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call: (608) 266-4311 at least ten (10) working days prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation. Dated: April 2, 2012 CARLO ESQUEDA, Clerk of Courts By KAREN B. MORE, Deputy Clerk PUB 7/2, 7/9, 7/16/2012
THE ANSWER
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Downtown News 23
DowntownNews.com
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NEW ’12 Mercedes C250 Lease for only
369
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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Dave Denholm, Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Ryan E. Smith, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins
PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Catherine Holloway, Sol Ortasse sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Jessica Tarr distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris
+ tax 33 month closed end lease on approved credit. $2865 due at signing excluding title, taxes, options, acquisition fees, dealer fees & first payment. Zero Sec. Dep. Residual $25,196. .25cents/mile over 10K miles/year. All with MSRP of $38,175. Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News twitter: DowntownNews 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.
One copy per person.
NEW ’12 Porsche Panamera Lease for only
940
$
per month for 48 mos
+ tax, 48 month closed end lease on approved credit. $0 Sec Dep. $4,988 plus tax,1st month payment, acquisition fee, lic, doc fee to start. Residual $36,963 $0.30 per mile over 10K miles/year. 1 At this payment # CU792064
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CARSON NISSAN
888-845-2267 1505 E. 223rd St., Carson • carsonnissan.com
$9,995 $9,995 Blue, Auto, AC, Low miles. C121500-1 / 1230180 2004 Chevy Silverado Ext. Cab LS .. $10,995 4.8L, V8, Auto, Dual zone AC. C120984-1 / Z236265 2008 Dodge Avenger SE 4 DR ............. White, Auto, AC, CD and more. C121407-1 / N210978
2008 Toyota Yaris Sedan .....................
Plus 281 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
FELIX CHEVROLET
888-879-9608 3300 S. Figueroa St. • felixchevrolet.com
$10,995 2010 Chevy Cobalt ............................ $14,995 Silver/Blk, Auto, AC, Low miles. UC50 / 7227889 2011 Chevy Malibu Sedan ............... $17,995 Silver/Gray, Auto, AC, ABS. UC179R / F1699992 2010 Chevy Aveo LT .......................... 4 Door, Auto, AC, Low miles. F12165P-1
Plus 179 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 888-781-8102 1900 S. Figueroa St. • vwdowntownla.com
$14,998 2009 VW Passat Turbo ...................... Certified, White/Beige, Leather, Moonroof. ZV1679 / 9P001079 $18,480 2009 VW CC Sport ............................. $18,995 Certified, Turbo, Gray/Blk, Leather. ZV1611 / 9E514969 2009 VW Jetta S ................................. Certified, White/Blk, 2.5L 5 Cyl. ZV1757 / 9M157162
Plus 299 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
888-838-5089 635 W. Washington Blvd. • downtownnissan.com
$8,999 $10,999 A Real Beauty. Great Truck. N111432-1 / 5N513889 2007 Nissan Frontier SE ................... King Cab, Low Miles, 4.0L, 6 cyl, ABS. N121283-1 / 7C429668 $14,499 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S ..................... Great Value, Great Car. N120339-1 / 5N444312
2005 Nissan Titan XE ........................
Plus 265 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 888-583-0981 1900 S. Figueroa St. • audidtla.com
$30,830 2011 Audi A5 Quattro Premium ..... Certified, AWD, 13,144 miles, White/Blk. ZA10405 / BA073241 $38,980 2011 Audi A6 Quattro 3.0T .............. Certified, AWD, 15,659 miles, Gray/Blk. ZA10322 / BN028945 $45,980 2011 Audi A4 2.0T ............................. Certified, Wht/Blk, Prem Pkg. 12k miles. ZA10364 / BN039985
Plus 89 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
DOWNTOWN LA MOTORS 888-319-8762 1801 S. Figueroa St. • mbzla.com
Mercedes-Benz
$26,991 Certified, Silver/Black, 3.5L V6, 36K Miles. 121888-1 / A580846 $37,991 2009 Mercedes GL450 ...................... Certified, White/Silver, 4.6L V8, 36K Miles. 112368-1 / A529087 $45,991 2009 Mercedes C300 ......................... Certified, Blk/Blk, 7 Spd Auto, 25K miles. 121576-1 / R058772
2010 Mercedes ML350 .....................
Plus 394 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
888-685-5426 1900 S. Figueroa St. • porschedowntownla.com
$47,886 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS ............. Certified, Silver/Blk, Pano Roof, Navi, Bose. ZP1500 / 9LA62364 $57,898 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera ............... $73,893 Certified, Aqua Blue/Grey, 16K Miles. P12438-1/9S740105 2009 Porsche Cayenne ..................... Certified, White/Blk, Navi, Bose. ZP1473 / LA46047
Plus 100 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
24 Downtown News
Twitter/DowntownNews
July 9, 2012
SUPPORT LOCAL
JOURNALISM Dear Readers: Freedom of the Press does not mean the press is free. And a free newspaper only appears to be free. Increasingly, as the economy shifts and changes, the formula of producing a weekly print newspaper and a daily online publication on the sole revenue stream of advertising dollars does not compute. It doesn’t pencil. To continue to deliver timely, original local news based on the principles of journalistic objectivity and relevance — our hallmark for 40 years — we are inviting you, our dedicated readers, to become paid supporters. We are asking for your participation — we need your participation — at a level of support beginning at $5 per month, or you can make a lump sum donation. For details please go to LADowntownNews.com/supportlocaljournalism to learn more. When we started the paper in 1972, Los Angeles was famously 88 small towns in search of a city. Over the last four decades, Los Angeles has found its city, and it is Downtown. Downtown Los Angeles has become one of the most powerful communities in the world, and we Downtowners — residents, workers, everyone — are its citizens. From Chinatown to LA Live, from the Arts District to Disney Hall, from the Historic Core to the gleaming towers of the Financial District, you’ll find the Downtown News and its readers. From new residents and businesses to the stalwart pioneers of Downtown, we’re in it together. Downtown News is the award-winning news organization that has reported on every major news story impacting the area for forty years, helping to spur local growth and a sense of community. We like to think we’ve played a key part in giving Downtown the strong identity it has today. As a paid supporter you will receive something very special: your photograph (or that of your favorite charity) with not only your name but the name of your favorite charity printed in the paper and uploaded to our website, complete with a link to your charity’s website. The link can even be to your child’s school if you like. Or maybe you have a charity you admire but haven’t been able to give to. Every contributor who commits to at least the minimum donation will receive this opportunity to give publicity to his or her charity. Please go to LADowntownNews.com/supportlocaljournalism to make your contribution. Or mail it if you prefer. We thank you — and welcome you to the Downtown News team. Warmest regards,
Sue Laris Editor, Publisher and Owner Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 sue@downtownnews.com
downtownnews.com/supportlocaljournalism