08-17-09

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS Volume 38, Number 33

INSIDE

Healthcare 10-14

2

A City Hall milkshake, more bicycles, and other happenings Around Town.

6

The city-Geoff Palmer affordable housing lawsuit tangle continues.

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

August 17, 2009

School’s Not in Session Though Downtown Population Grows, Parents Find Few Options for Elementary Education

by RichaRd Guzmán

Urban Scrawl on the ‘taco truck’ craze.

4

The latest Restaurant Buzz.

15

Downtown’s first Fashion Walk.

16

An eating champ comes to Little Tokyo.

17

Nisei Week highlights.

18

Five great entertainment options.

19

19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 21 CLASSIFIEDS

city editoR

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owntown has a lot to offer residents like Alisa Rivera and Susana Benavidez.

It’s got dining, culture, entertainment and transportation options all within a relatively small neighborhood. There are more people and an increasing number of families.

But for parents like Rivera and Benavidez, the Downtown renaissance is lacking one crucial element. It is something that many believe needs to be addressed, and quickly. Without it, some of the new inhabitants may up and leave.

“I love living Downtown, but I would

consider leaving it because of the school situation,” said Rivera, the mother of a 2-year-old son, Nathan. “It’s going to become really difficult for parents.”

As the school year approaches, Downtown has in fact seen an expansion in educational offerings. In September, a charter middle school will open near Chinatown and the state-ofthe-art High School for the Visual and Performing Arts will debut on Grand Avenue. The latter marks the culmination of a Los Angeles Unified School District building spree that has delivered three new high schools to the area.

However, there remain very few options see Schools, page 7

photo by Gary Leonard

With her daughters approaching school age, Susana Benavidez is looking for elementary school options in Downtown. She is not alone.

Maguire Loses Seven Buildings

Fashion Industry Shakeup

Despite Problems, Company Chief Still Committed to Downtown Portfolio

Apparel Businesses Grapple With Recession And Find a Harder Time Getting Loans

by Ryan VaillancouRt

by anna Scott

Staff wRiteR

Staff wRiteR

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aguire Properties, Downtown’s largest commercial landlord, announced last week that it is going to stop making debt payments on seven high-profile office buildings: six in Orange County, and the 28-story Downtown edifice 550 S. Hope St. A combination of low rents, high vacancy and massive debt resulted in a negative cash flow from all the properties, Maguire CEO Nelson Rising said.

The 622,000-squarefoot 550 S. Hope St. building was part of Maguire’s $2.88 billion acquisition of 24 office properties and 11 development sites from the Blackstone Group in April 2007. At the time, the company was run by Robert F. Maguire. Rising replaced Maguire in May 2008.

“It’s a terrific building,” Rising said of 550 S. Hope St., which opened in 1991.

“But we no longer have an interest reserve in that building and when we look at what it’s going to cost us on monthly carry and in see Maguire, page 9

owntown Los Angeles has long been a fashion industry hub. The area is home to thousands of businesses at every level of the apparel food chain, from fabric suppliers to designers to wholesalers. According to a Fashion District Business Improvement District study, the area in 2006 supported 66,000 jobs and did an estimated $5.76 billion in volume.

Despite these powerful figures, business models that have driven the industry for decades are being challenged by the recession, local business leaders say. The forces at hand, specifically a nationwide dip in consumer spending and trou-

bles at the New York-based fashion industry-financing giant the CIT Group, Inc., extend well beyond Downtown. But the fallout is having a big impact at the local level.

“This has woken everybody up,” said Kent Smith, executive director of the Fashion District Business Improvement District, which operates in a 115-block area of Downtown. “The crystal ball has become a lot cloudier. In the fashion industry in particular, it is very murky out there in terms of trying to fathom what is going on inside the head of the consumer.”

The Los Angeles region’s apparel industry generated approximately $24 billion last year in sales and see Fashion, page 8

photo by Gary Leonard

The 28-story building at 550 S. Hope St. is one of seven structures that Maguire Properties last week said it would stop making debt payments on.

photo by Gary Leonard

California Fashion Association President Ilse Metchek, shown at the California Market Center, is working on a plan to match up-and-coming clothing businesses with investors. The effort is a response to upheaval in the apparel industry.

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

2 Downtown News

AROUNDTOWN Chick Checks In

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ormer Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick may be based in Sacramento these days, but she is still paying close attention — and has plenty to say — about Los Angeles.

At a Thursday, Aug. 13, luncheon hosted by the Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum, Chick described her new job as Inspector General in charge of ensuring that the billions of dollars in federal stimulus funds that come into California are appropriately spent. In a Q&A session with KCAL9/CBS 2 political reporter Dave Bryan, Chick noted that after Hurricane Katrina, 17% of the federal money that arrived was wasted on fraud. While Chick does not conduct audits, she said, simply, “My job is to make sure the money is spent well.” She also had critiques for a swath of Los Angeles political figures. “I have been frustrated for a long time that the city could be soaring higher,” she said, lamenting that Los Angeles lacks “the kind of political leadership that we need and deserve. Or maybe we don’t deserve it, because we’re not getting it and that means we haven’t demanded it.” Chick was careful to say that, despite some recent speculation, she is not running for governor. But when asked by Bryan if she is looking to 2013, when Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is termed out, she was coy. “I’m concentrating on the here and now,” she said. “I really want to try and make the next year and a half [a time] of serious and substantive, productive reform up in Sacramento.”

City Looks at Downtown Filming Incentives

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he City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 11, voted to explore a program that would offer entertainment companies incentives for using Downtown. The Council asked city staff to report back in 90 days on the possibility of expanding the Entertainment and Multimedia Tax Incentive, a program that lowers business taxes for entertainment firms in Hollywood and North Hollywood redevelopment areas, to Downtown.

The move followed a March 24 motion by Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry, which emphasizes the importance of film and television production to L.A.’s economy but notes the

support groups, resume assistance and other services to more than 2,500 individuals each year. threat of runaway production prompted by other states offering tax breaks. The Council also voted Tuesday to suspend the multimedia business tax for five years, in order to keep the city’s entertainment industry viable despite the slowdown.

Garcetti’s Milkshake Brings All the Boys and Girls to City Hall

C

ity Council President Eric Garcetti wants to know: Have you got milk? If so, he would like to whip it up into a Green Passion Milkshake — at least, according to a press release from the Got Milk? advertising campaign.

Garcetti is one of several California elected officials to loan his name to ads promoting milk drinking. The campaign pairs officials with recipes inspired by the politicians’ food and drink preferences. Garcetti’s milkshake recipe includes green tea powder and passionfruit juice. Though Garcetti did not personally create the recipe, he tasted and approved it, said spokeswoman Julie Wong. She added, “Eric also enjoys drinking DWP tap water.”

New Head for Skid Row Jobs Provider

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owntown social services agency Chrysalis has appointed Mark Loranger as its new CEO and president, the organization announced on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Loranger previously served for two years as vice president of Chrysalis Enterprises, a division of Chrysalis that provides clients, often formerly homeless individuals, with transitional jobs. Former Chrysalis CEO and President LaRae Mardesic Bechmann stepped down in February to focus on her family, said Chrysalis spokesman Patrick Shandrick. Loranger has served as interim CEO and president since then and was officially appointed to the position last week, Shandrick said.

Chrysalis, founded in 1984, helps the homeless and economically disadvantaged find employment and transition from a life on the streets. The organization, which also has offices in Santa Monica and Pacoima, provides job preparation classes,

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f you never saw the murals inside the Victor Clothing Building on Broadway, and if you’re willing to drive a bit and drop some cash, you can not only see a few of them, you can take them home. Three murals once housed in the Downtown building went on display and on sale Aug. 12 at the Grace Lane Gallery in Costa Mesa. The sale will benefit the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

The murals include “Gateway to Manifest Destiny,” by the collective East Los Streetscapers, which depicts a map with territories bearing Chicano names and figures of Western culture and is on sale for $65,000; Eloy Torrez’s “Mural of Muralists” for $50,000; and John Valadez’s “The Top Hat Bridal Mural,” also selling for $50,000. The murals were donated to MALDEF in 2002 by Ramiro Salcedo, a principal in the Victor Clothing Company, before he sold the building in 2004. The sale does not include the building’s most famous mural, “The Pope of Broadway,’”which depicts a dancing Anthony Quinn. More information on the sale is at gracelanegallery.com.

Ticket to Ride

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owntown cyclists have a place to pedal to for the latest cycling gear, following the opening last week of Wabi Cycles in South Park. The store, at 1200 S. Hope St., unit 403, specializes in designing, manufacturing and distributing fixed-gear bicycles, which are prized for their light weight and minimalist simplicity. The store is owned and operated by Richard Snook, a cyclist since the early 1970s who has been in the business of building bikes for decades. The business is mostly an Internet-based endeavor where Snook designs and develops bikes, which are then manufactured in Taiwan. But he has several bikes on display and for sale in his Downtown showroom. “What you’ll see when you walk into my place is predominantly boxes with Wabi cycles all over them, but there is a section for bikes assembled and on display that people can test drive,” he said. He sells two models: a steel frame version for $650 and a scandium frame for $800. Hours are basically 9 to 5, said Snook, but can vary, so customers are advised to call first. Info at (818) 237-9496 or wabicycles.com.

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EDITORIALS Next LAPD Chief Should Come From Within Department

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olice Chief William Bratton shocked Los Angeles with his Aug. 5 announcement that he will leave his post for a private sector job. Now, faced with the Oct. 31 departure of the man who changed the operations, culture and public view of the Los Angeles Police Department, all while overseeing a historic drop in crime, city officials have a crucial task — determining who should succeed Bratton.

With less than three months, the window is short. Local leaders have the option of putting an interim head in place and taking additional time to find the right person to helm the department, but the desire seems to be to have a seamless transition, with a new chief taking over the day Bratton departs.

There are many factors to consider when picking a person to head the department with nearly 10,000 sworn officers.

However, the most important place to start, even before individuals are considered, is where the next head should come from: Should the person be an outsider, someone who can instill a fresh vision, alter stale or outmoded systems and mindsets and lead a top-to-bottom reform agenda? Or should the person be an LAPD veteran, someone who understands the culture and context of the force and the city and has the support of the rank and file?

The answer is different every time, and in some recent instances it made sense to look beyond L.A. But in this case, the next step is clear: Look across the country in case an extraordinary individual is out there, but in all likelihood, pick a veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department’s command staff, someone who has worked closely with Bratton.

Choose a person who is versed in the reforms of the last seven years and who has the ability to continue the department’s progress.

The process of picking a chief of police is spelled out in the City Charter. But while the Personnel Department and the Police Commission play roles in finding a leader, the power really falls on the mayor. Selecting an appropriate successor to Bratton will be one of the most important decisions Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa faces and it will affect his legacy. The city cannot afford for him to get this wrong.

At the press conference announcing Bratton’s departure and in the following days, officials said all the right things

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

about finding the next chief. They said they will search for the best candidate and did not dismiss the concept of selecting someone from outside the LAPD. They noted that chief of police in Los Angeles is one of the most important positions in law enforcement, and that individuals from across the country will want to be considered. They pledged to make the process transparent.

At the same time, they talked up the strengths of the department’s command staff and expressed confidence that the right man or woman for the job is already wearing an LAPD uniform.

It is worth seeing who in other cities or states has interest in the job. That being said, we think that the most appropriate leader will be someone who has spent time working with Bratton on getting the department where it is today. Though great strides have been made, the work is by no means done.

The LAPD is on the right path, and the best way to continue down that road is by choosing someone who helped lay the groundwork.

The next chief will face some serious challenges, and the amount of time it would take an outsider to learn the machinations of Los Angeles could be problematic. The next chief will have to wrestle with budget woes, and may be forced into cuts Bratton never had to endure. Someone knowledgeable with department spending and who already understands where resources (including officers) are allocated and why will be in a far better position than an outsider to lead.

The next chief will have to understand the racial divides that still exist in the city, and the department’s standing in regards to them. Under Bratton, the police force came to resemble the city in terms of ethnic makeup, and there is general consensus that the department is better received and respected, especially in minority communities, than it was a decade ago. This is a complex issue and can best be addressed by having someone already familiar with the matter.

Bratton’s successor will have to deal with the peculiarities and egos of Los Angeles politics, including a city council that is prone to meddling. Whether the council is right or wrong is beside the point — the fact is, the next chief must

understand the interplay, personalities and desires of the mayor, the city attorney, the 15 council members and even the police union. This is a political job as much as it is a law enforcement job, and the chief must be prepared to work with local leaders and, when necessary, battle them, sometimes publicly. Again, this will be best handled by someone from within the department, someone who knows the players.

There have been times when it made sense to look beyond Los Angeles. In 1992, when Chief Daryl Gates stepped down, it was appropriate to conduct a nationwide search.

The police department was seen by many as a paramilitary organization, and the belief was that, in the wake of the Rodney King riots, only an outsider could effect real change.

Local officials made the right call to step beyond L.A., even if they made a mistake in the person they selected, Willie Williams.

The decision to follow Williams in 1997 with LAPD vet Bernard Parks (now a City Councilman) was the right call at the time — Williams had stumbled so badly and disenfranchised and appalled the rank and file to such a degree that it was necessary to come back to someone who understood Los Angeles’ police culture.

Of course, Parks’ tenure came to be dominated by the Rampart scandal, and when then-Mayor Jim Hahn chose not to reappoint him, it again made sense to look beyond Los Angeles. That led to Bratton, and we have since seen steep drops in crime, the lifting of the federal consent decree and the other improvements cited above.

All of which brings us to 2009, a time when the LAPD is a better and more effectively run organization than it has been in decades. At this point, the considerations and requirements in choosing a new leader are different than they were at other times in the past two decades. Now, the keys are to ensure that crime not rise and that the reforms that have taken place in the past seven years continue. The best way for that to happen is by picking a veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department.

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

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

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August 17, 2009

Downtown News 5

Opinion

The Readers Take Over

such financial straits if they don’t do a better job than this of collecting taxes.

—posted by Sandy E., Aug. 5, 1:50 p.m.

LETTERS

Website Comments on Mayoral Questions, Pershing Square Design and More

Regarding the Aug. 10 Around Town item “Bratton to Stay Until Downtown Police Headquarters Opens”

Chinatown Needs Some Help

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Dear Editor, egarding the story “Input Sought for Chinatown Upgrade” (July 27, by Richard Guzmán): In May I took friends from out of town for lunch and shopping in Chinatown. But to my dismay, we found the area dirty and smelly. Its shops were of no interest to any of us, with mostly cheap plastic and paper items. Parking was only on the street and only for two hours.

Lunch was changed from Chinatown to West L.A. This was my first time in the area in over 10 years. The shop owners/clerks have got to be friendly to the tourists.

Otherwise, nothing will improve or bring the traffic back.

—Robert Clark, Downtown

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os Angeles Downtown News posts comments to stories on our website.

Here are some of the most recent responses. Additional comments appear on downtownnews.com (comments follow individual articles).

Further responses are welcome.

Regarding the Aug. 10 column “What I Really Want to Ask the Mayor,” by Jon Regardie utrageous! Brilliant! Love the article, thought it would help me to get through to our mayor. Thank you so much for saving me the time and frustration! You hit the nail on the head, or something to that equivalent: precise, humorous, but so real. Loved the article, and am sharing with my little community of 80 in this residence.

—posted by Kim E. Goraya, Aug. 5, 1:50 p.m.

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Regarding the Aug. 10 story “Digging for Dining Dollars,” by Richard Guzman

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ive the people a sit-down, attractive and low-end restaurant with character Downtown and the folks will come. In fact, they might mob the place. The problem is that too many high-end places went rushing in to Downtown, and we just can’t afford them. Take a new reading of salaries this year. Look at the expenses of the average Downtown resident or visitor. It’s not going to come out well enough for many of us to support much eating out, and certainly not

at high-end places, no matter how beautiful, tasty or trendy they might be. Thank goodness for Urth Caffe, Pitfire and all the Asian choices. This is the new reality, and I hope some smart, grounded folks will take on the challenge.

—posted by Judith Cheerful, Aug. 10, 10:48 a.m.

Regarding the Aug. 10 story “Six Attempted Suicides, No Easy Answers,”

by Ryan Vaillancourt

T

he common denominator is that they all live in high-rise buildings with huge windows and no exterior barrier like a ledge or balcony. I too live in such a unit on floor 10, and while cleaning the windowsill, must be extra careful not to lose my balance. The ease with which a person can fall from these places is frightening. Once, while cleaning the window, I accidentally lost my grip on a heavy wall-mounted clothing rack. I prayed that no one on the street was hit.

Accidentally falling objects are another big safety hazard around these buildings.

—posted by Bethechange, Aug. 9, 11:17 a.m.

Regarding the Aug. 6 story “Parking Firm Convicted of 295 Criminal Counts,” by Richard Guzmán

T

he extremes in this story are shocking!

A 150 year prison term — $65.1 million due in taxes! No wonder the city is in

BARKER SALES EVENT ONE dAy ONLy

he timing of Chief Bratton’s departure, along with his approval rating, would make him a candidate for naming the new LAPD headquarters after him. Pass the word to “AnVil,” fire up the City Council and let’s get rolling on this. We could do a lot worse.

—posted by Avidsto, Aug. 11, 5:41 a.m.

Regarding the Aug. 3 Editorial “Progress at Pershing Square, which cited the park’s “fortress” style design

T

he fortress effect works two ways. Not only can people not see in, but once inside the Square it is very difficult if not impossible to gaze at the beautiful buildings like the Biltmore Hotel which surround it.

Whatever its architectural merits, the 1994 redesign was not intended to be peoplefriendly and needs to be revisited.

—posted by Rhenders, Aug. 3, 8:34 a.m.

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Los Angeles Downtown News encourages letters. They become the property of Los Angeles Downtown News and may be edited. All letters should be typewritten and include an address and telephone number for verification.

Please send them to: Letter to the Editor 1264 W. First St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Fax to: (213) 250-4617 Email to: realpeople@downtownnews.com

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ershing Square needs a whole new facelift. Lift the fortress walls and make it look more organic. However, I don’t know what fresh grass will do to the existing homeless situation.

—posted by PDM Alex, Aug. 7, 4:20 p.m.

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ershing Square has always seemed like a dangerous place to enter, exactly because of the fortress-like layout. In addition, Downtown needs green lungs! Tear down those walls, take up the concrete, open it up, make it green and inviting.

—posted by IonaTrailer, Aug. 10, 8:40 a.m.

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City to Appeal Housing Case Observers Uncertain Whether Supreme Court Will Hear Lawsuit Involving Downtown Developer

by AnnA Scott StAff writer

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os Angeles officials were dealt a blow last week in their effort to overturn a ruling that may impact affordable housing requirements in rental projects across the state.

The move, not necessarily a surprise, is propelling what could be a last-ditch effort — an appeal to the California Supreme Court.

On July 22, a three-member panel of state Court of Appeal judges ruled in favor of developer Geoff Palmer, who in 2007 had sued the city over a mandate to include affordable housing in a City West project. On Aug. 12, the Appeal Court rejected a petition from City Attorney Carmen Trutanich’s office to re-hear the case. “The City will be asking the Supreme Court to review the decision because of the importance of the issues statewide and because the City believes the case was wrongly decided,� a spokesman for Trutanich said in an email after the appeal was denied.

Palmer, known in Downtown for his Italian-style apartment projects in City West, sued the city to avoid having to

include units for low-income tenants in his proposed 350unit Piero II project. Palmer would have been required to build the apartments under an 18-year-old measure known as the Central City West Specific Plan.

The Specific Plan, essentially a set of development guidelines for the area just west of the 110 Freeway, requires that developers of large projects in the community either price a portion of the residences in new developments for low-income workers or pay for the city to build the housing elsewhere.

Palmer charged that the City West requirement violates a 1995 state rent control law known as the Costa-Hawkins Act, which gives landlords the right to determine rents for new or vacated units in their properties. A Superior Court judge ruled in Palmer’s favor in December 2007. Last month’s ruling, signed by Judge Steven C. Suzukawa, confirmed the decision.

If the Supreme Court decides not to take up the case, then the Court of Appeal decision would be final. That could put a major dent in Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s plan to create a citywide affordable housing measure, known as the Mixed Income

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Ordinance, similar to the City West requirement. It could also be used to challenge low-income housing mandates in apartment projects statewide, say attorneys on both sides of the case.

Going Through the Motions Trutanich’s office filed a petition asking the Court of Appeal to reconsider its ruling on Aug. 6. That petition (a fairly standard request that is rarely granted, according to attorneys on both sides of the case) was denied six days later.

The city must file its Supreme Court petition by Aug. 31.

The state’s highest court would then have 90 days to grant or deny the review, the Trutanich spokesman said.

The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions for review each year, said a court spokeswoman. The seven justices ultimately hear only a small percentage of those cases.

Whether the court will hear the case is far from certain, experts say.

The fact that the city lost in both Superior Court and the Court of Appeal does not necessarily bode well for its Supreme Court petition, said Daniel Gryczman, a land use attorney and an executive vice president at the developer-contractor Tri-Cal Construction, who is familiar with the City West Specific Plan. “The Supreme Court more often takes cases where there’s an ambiguity in a statute,� which is sometimes reflected by dissent in the lower courts, Gryczman said. “In this case, what you have is very clear statutory language, and allegations that the language doesn’t mean what it says it means. That, more traditionally, is a legislative issue, so the city is probably Continued on next page

August 17, 2009

Schools Continued from page 1 for elementary school students in Downtown.

LAUSD officials last week said there are no plans to open a new elementary school in Downtown. Although some local stakeholders are attempting to find a private or charter school for the area — something made more difficult by the recession — nothing has been achieved.

“I want Downtown to be a place where my kids can grow up in an urban area and enjoy the museums and architecture that comes with it, as well as feel a sense of community through the friendships that they form with their neighbors,” said Benavidez, who has been living Downtown for two years and hopes to raise her 3 and 4-year old daughters here. “We’re staying here. We’re not going anywhere, so we’re looking at all options.”

More Families The families are coming to Downtown.

According to a demographic study released this year by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, 6.5% of area residents have children ages 5 or under. Another 13% plan to start a family within a few years.

Parents of high school students have the choice of the new arts school, the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex, the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center and several charter schools. However, the majority of Downtown parents whose children are approaching school age only have Ninth Street elementary as a nearby option.

It is an option many parents say they do not strongly consider.

“It serves a lot of homeless families living on Skid Row, so it creates a challenging situation. It’s not as stable as a school that has a permanent base of parents. That’s when schools change and improve,” Rivera said, echoing a position of many in the community.

Having an elementary school option is critical to the future of Downtown families, said Carol Schatz, president of the BID. “The number of children is growing and the question is once a child hits 4 or is ready for kindergarten, are those families leaving or are they staying?” she said.

Schatz said the BID recognized the need early on and began a search for a new school a few years ago. The BID sought to recruit an establishment and, Schatz said, progressed to “serious discussions” with more than one private school operator.

“But when the economy went south all those plans were put to rest because private schools themselves were having difficulty just maintaining their enrollment,” Schatz said.

“The idea of expanding it simply wasn’t economically feasible. It’s something we are not giving up on, but it’s very hard because of the economy.”

For now the BID’s plans are on hold, but others are in the works.

The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council’s Education Committee, which previously focused on activities like book reading events for Skid Row children, has recently changed its focus to addressing the need for educational options for the growing number of families in Downtown.

“What we as a committee have done, along with parents, is reached out to charter school leaders, and charter schools have also come to us so we can learn more about their schools,” said Danielle Duran, chair of DLANC’s Education Committee.

“There should always be a diversity of choices for education for parents, and what parents are saying at these meetings is that they have limited choices with elementary schools, and private schools are very expensive,” she said.

Charter Option Ted Morris and Michelle Jasso received approval from the LAUSD to open two charter schools — an elementary and a middle school. Both were initially planned for the Boyle Heights area.

Continued from previous page better positioned to take this up with the California Legislature as a legislative policy issue than with the Supreme Court as a judicial issue.”

Michael Rawson of the nonprofit Public Interest Law Project, which has supported the city in the Palmer case, agreed that the fate of the city’s Supreme Court petition is uncertain.

“They don’t take the majority of petitions for review because they’re filed all the time,” he said. “Mainly it comes down to the justices and whether it’s something they think is important and are interested in.”

However, he added, in terms of its statewide impact on affordable housing law, “There has been uncertainty created by the case. They could see that it needs to be clarified. The dust hasn’t settled yet to really know what the effects of this case will be in the long run.”

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

Downtown News 7

DowntownNews.com However, after having trouble finding a location, the middle school, Endeavor College Prep, will open in September serving grades 4 through 8, and will share space with an existing elementary school. Whether either will be a serious option for Downtown parents is unknown — the school is opening near Chinatown in a rundown industrial neighborhood.

After contacting Benavidez and attending DLANC’s Education Committee meeting, Morris said he changed his focus for the other school, to be called Futuro College Preparatory Elementary, and is now considering Downtown. The charter institution would serve kindergarten through fifth grade students.

“We’re looking anywhere where we can find space, but we are also looking for a space in Downtown for the elementary school and we’re looking for a 2010 opening,” Morris said.

Morris hopes to open the school with kindergarten and first grade classes, with about 130 students, then add a grade each year (as often happens in new charter schools), eventually reaching about 400 students in kindergarten through fifth grades.

Morris has met with Duran, Benavidez and other parents to give them information about his school. He has also had an introductory meeting with Councilwoman Jan Perry’s office, whose Ninth District covers most of Downtown.

“We’re in the early steps, still pounding the pavement, working with brokers to find a location,” he said.

Meanwhile, parents like Benavidez are not putting all their eggs in one basket. Benavidez has a spreadsheet with information on charter schools near USC, as well as magnet schools and other options.

“Next year, hopefully, if everything goes as planned, we can open up an elementary school in Downtown,” she said. “But even if I find other options for my daughters, we still need to keep working on this. I’m sure five years down the line there’ll be a school here.”

The question is, will five years be too long for some Downtown families to wait?

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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August 17, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Fashion Continued from page 1 shipments and employed 122,240 workers, according to the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. About 70% of that industry is based in Downtown, said California Fashion Association President Ilse Metchek.

An unusual and intricate financing system underlies much of the industry.

Unlike most other goods-based businesses, clothing manufacturers and wholesalers often fill orders for retailers without seeing a dime upfront. Small- to medium-sized clothing companies without a lot of capital often rely on financing firms called “factors” for short-term loans to cover the upfront costs of creating shipments. Then, when the order is delivered, the retailer pays back the factor and the manufacturer or wholesaler gets paid as well.

With consumer spending down, that system has been unraveling, experts say. As retailers have faltered, factor financing is harder to come by.

“When we’re seeing some fairly large retailers going into Chapter 11, then factors get really nervous,” said Smith. “As credit has tightened up, it becomes more challenging for the wholesalers and manufacturers to get those loans in advance of delivering the goods to a retailer.”

The crunch has forced many Downtown fashion companies to find alternate ways of doing business.

Liza Stewart runs one of the more than 1,000 showrooms at the Fashion District’s California Market Center. She sells contemporary women’s sportswear and dresses from various fashion lines to retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and several small boutiques. In recent months, Stewart said, she and other showroom owners have gone from being neutral middlemen to active negotiators between clothing suppliers and stores.

“We’ve had to get involved a lot more to make sure we work out alternate forms of payment if they’re not factorapproved, or even contact stores directly for a payment,” said Stewart. “We’re relying on credit card payments, wire trans-

fers and upfront deposits more and more.”

CIT Fallout The situation has been exacerbated by troubles at one of the nation’s biggest factors for small and midsize apparel businesses, CIT. The company was on the brink of bankruptcy until it received a $3 billion rescue loan from bondholders last month, and still faces about $7 billion in debt over the next fiscal year, according to published reports. CIT’s problems have rippled throughout the fashion industry, because the lender not only functions as a factor but also has a research arm that vets retailers for many other, smaller factors.

“They affect the whole supply chain,” said Donald Nunnari, president of the Downtown-based factor Merchant Factors Corp., which represents many local apparel companies and relies mostly on CIT and Wells Fargo Trade Capital to run credit checks on retailers. While CIT seems to be back to business as usual following the infusion, Nunnari said, the uncertainty in the credit market has driven some businesses away from factor financing altogether.

“More and more specialty stores don’t seek credit and don’t have credit,” said Nunnari. “They have to pay for shipments by credit card or COD. That doesn’t help me as a factor.”

Some of the small clothing designers and manufacturers that deal with those specialty stores are in an even more precarious position.

Jünker Designs, a two-person, Downtown-based team that creates one-of-a-kind pieces for rock star clients and local boutiques, is too small to attract factors. The company has suffered consequences recently from dealing with small retailers in a down economy.

“We’ve had about $20,000 in returns” since last fall, said Jünker co-creator Giuliana Mayo. “It’s gotten really difficult for us. We take deposits now. Because so many people are canceling orders, that’s the only way we can do business.”

In the short-term, Metchek said, she is concerned that the upheaval in the industry could stop new, small operations like Jünker from starting up.

“Retailers will not buy from a newbie because they need to be guaranteed delivery,” she said. “These new, little companies are going to have a very tough time, and my concern is that creativity will be stymied.”

photo by Gary Leonard

Giuliana Mayo and Tod Waters of the Downtown-based Jünker Designs have seen about $20,000 worth of merchandise returned recently by struggling retailers. Young and small clothing design firms have had a particularly tough time in the recession.

Despite those worries, Metchek and Smith also say there are signs that, in the long-term, the uncertainty could be a positive thing, shaking up the old way of doing things to make room for local entrepreneurs.

In that spirit, Metchek recently started an initiative that she hopes will usher in a new business model. The effort, dubbed Business Innovation Strategies, aims to bring together small, burgeoning fashion businesses that have generated interest from retailers but might not qualify for factor financing with potential investors. The effort will unfold as a series of roundtable presentations, said Metchek.

The first meeting, to include Downtown-based banks, fashion industry venture capitalists, accounting firms and other potential local investors, is scheduled for November, she said.

“The mission is access to capital, providing the platform for that access and helping potentially great companies take flight,” said Metchek. “The turnaround in terms of new capital, new growth, it just won’t happen until 2010, but you’ve got to get ahead of the curve.”

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

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Downtown News 9

DowntownNews.com

Maguire Continued from page 1 tenant improvements to lease up… it becomes very difficult to hold on to.”

Rising, who has stressed his long-term commitment to Downtown, said the default of 550 S. Hope St. is not a sign of things to come for the company’s seven other Downtown properties. The publicly traded Maguire remains the biggest owner of Downtown high-rises.

“The net operating incomes from the [other Downtown] buildings, relative to the debt, are sustainable,” Rising said.

Mostly as a result of writing down the debt associated with the seven buildings, the company lost $375.7 million in the second quarter, up from a $105.9 million loss during the same period in 2008.

Rising told investors on Aug. 10 that the company is not considering bankruptcy and that Maguire will assist the debt holders on 550 S. Hope St. — a pool of investors — in selling the tower.

A Matter of Timing Maguire’s plan was a signal to some market watchers that

the commercial real estate industry is still in decline. But the second quarter actually saw a slight increase in asking rents at office properties Downtown, and vacancy decreased slightly, according to a report by real estate firm Colliers International.

Vacancy dropped from 15.2% in the first quarter of the year to 14.8% in the second quarter (for Class A buildings, the rate dropped from 12.7% to 12.1%). The average asking rent also increased slightly, from $33.96 per square foot per year to $34.32, according to Colliers.

Jack Kyser, senior vice president and chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, said that Maguire’s predicament is a result of the company’s purchase of the Blackstone properties. Criticism of the timing of that move helped lead to the replacement of company founder Maguire.

“Their situation is specific to them,” said Kyser. “They bought literally at the peak… and then the economy fell off the table. You talk to people in commercial real estate and they say 550 S. Hope St. is a good property.”

With the relinquishing of 550 S. Hope St., Maguire’s Downtown portfolio now consists of seven buildings, including US Bank Tower, Wells Fargo Tower and the two towers that comprise California Plaza.

Two California Plaza, however, is for sale. The 42-story structure is jointly owned with Macquarie Partners, which has an 80% stake. It was Macquarie’s initiative to sell the building, not Maguire’s, but the company is “cooperating” with the plan, Rising said.

Most of the other Downtown buildings remain self sufficient, in that rents from existing tenants service debt on the properties. Though Rising declined to go into details about each property, he said some of the buildings have more debt and may need help from investors.

“The next step is for us to attract third-party equity either at the corporate or asset level” to make sure the Downtown properties remain cash flow positive, he said.

“I’m very, very bullish about Downtown Los Angeles; of all of the major central business districts in the country, it has the most attractive underlying conditions because of the supply constraint,” said Rising, who is skeptical that the area will see new office buildings constructed in the near term, even with Thomas Properties Group’s proposal to break ground on a 60-story office tower by 2011. “While we’ve had a downturn we haven’t seen massive vacancies like they have in Manhattan. Downtown is going to become more and more attractive to people when they do expand.”

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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August 17, 2009

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Life and Health Bringing Alternative Healthcare to Downtown L.A. Transformation in Educogym Downtown Courtyard Wellness Introduces Its Organic Approach to Health

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Only 20 minutes a few times a week. The intensity, form and weights have given me better results than I’ve ever had. I believe no waiting for machines is very important. Educogym is my lifestyle but doesn’t take up much continued on next page

August 17, 2009

Downtown News 11

Healthcare

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August 17, 2009

Healthcare

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August 17, 2009

Healthcare

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Downtown News 15

DowntownNews.com

RESTAURANTS

Restaurant Buzz

Gobble Up Gorbals, Get Your Fill of Flatbread, And Other Downtown Food Happenings

by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

G

ood Day Gorbals: Ilan Hall gained a modicum of fame on season two of “Top Chef” on Bravo, where his Spanish-inspired dishes propelled him to the $100,000 grand prize. Now, he is turning his attention to Downtown Los Angeles, and is bringing more eclectic fare, as he readies his new restaurant The Gorbals. Named after a Glasgow neighborhood, the restaurant will open on the ground floor of the Alexandria Hotel. Although there was still plenty of construction going on during a recent visit, Hall told Restaurant Buzz that the 1,400-squarefoot spot will be ready to open Aug. 20. The menu, he said, will be influenced by the cultures of his Scottish father and Jewish mother. The dishes will be seasonal, span several cuisines and will come in the small plates format, with nothing more than $15. Hall also plans on including a wine list with bottles topping out at about $40. The restaurant is scheduled to stay open until midnight at first and later expand to 2 a.m. “I love this space, I love the size,” he said of the Alexandria. “I saw it and wanted it.”

At 501 S. Spring St., (213) 488-3408 or thegorbalsla.com.

Brick House: Many times it’s the simple or the tried-and-true methods that work the best. When it comes to food, it doesn’t get any simpler than a brick oven and some freshly baked bread. That’s the concept behind the Sandella’s Flatbread Café chain — bake fresh

flatbread in a brick oven and serve up some wraps, panini and quesadillas. The restaurant will hold an official opening in September for its first Downtown location, but the brick oven has actually been on since Aug. 3, and the bread is already baking for hungry Downtowners. The wraps include choices like pesto turkey ($6.69), spicy roast beef ($6.79) and hummus ($4.99). Among the panini choices are Tuscan chicken ($6.49), turkey and mozzarella ($6.99) and buffalo ($6.49), the latter actually being grilled chicken over blue cheese dressing. There are also flatbread choices like the aloha grilled flatbread ($6.29) with ham, bacon, pineapple and a mango habanero sauce, and Brazilian chicken grilled flatbread ($6.29) with mozzarella cheese and a house-made sauce. Flatbreads go back to the time of the Egyptians, so it doesn’t get much more tried-and-true than that.

At 514 W. Seventh St., (213) 612-0107 or sandellas.com.

Home for Dinner: Can you hear the dinner bell ringing? That’s Homegirl Café calling you in for supper. The Chinatown eatery, run

by Homeboy Industries, which provides jobs for at-risk youth and former gang members, is now open for dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5:30-9 p.m. The original Homeboy facilities were in Boyle Heights but moved Downtown in 2007. Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, said the response from the Downtown audience has been “tremendous,” and that prompted them to add dinner service. The menu has

been expanded and includes build-your-own chile relleno and enchiladas plates, as well as more salads and pastas, along with desserts from the Homeboy Bakery. The menu also features an apple and onion rings appetizer, which was chosen by the restaurant’s Facebook fans as one of their favorite items.

Restaurant Buzz didn’t vote in that poll, so here are some of our favorites: the Manoy sandwich, a Central American delight with chicken in a vegetable sauce and pickled salad; the tacos de chicharron with crema fresca (fresh cream); nopales (cactus) salad tacos; and of course Angela’s Green Potion, the delicious combination of lemonade with spinach and mint. But since Restaurant Buzz is a culinary professional, we will thoroughly examine the new dinner options soon and report back with a list of additional recommendations. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

At 130 W. Bruno St., (323) 526-1254 or homeboy-industries.org.

L.A. Live’s Final Bloom: Rosa Mexicano, the final piece of L.A. Live’s restaurant invasion, was set to open its doors Friday, Aug. 14 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press). The restaurant’s motto is “Not the Mexican You Expect.” It’s a bit of a risky brag for Downtown, since Mexican restaurants including Rivera, Casa, Provecho and Yxta have opened recently. So with the bar already set high, we expect a lot from Rosa Mexicano. But with its track record, Rosa could deliver — the first Rosa Mexicano opened in New York in 1984 and it comes to L.A. Live with a solid reputation. According to the restaurant’s website, New York Magazine celebrated the spot for its “hitherto unfamiliar, elevated version of Mexican cuisine.” The menu includes dishes such as salmon filet with tropical fruit mole, shrimp brochette and filet mignon with wild mushroom-tequila cream sauce. The L.A. Live version will be the restaurant’s eighth location and the 11th restaurant at L.A. Live.

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Dogs and a Show: Forget about trying to sing along to the lyrics during Pershing Square’s evening concerts, since your face will likely be stuffed with dogs from the Historic Core’s Weeneez. The hot dog restaurant will have a concession stand at the Pershing Square free summer concerts from 8-10 p.m. this Thursday and Saturday, and on Sunday afternoon. They’ll offer items from the regular menu including the chili and sauerkraut dog.

In case you can’t make it but still like your late night dogs, don’t worry — Weeneez will be extending its hours from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. starting Sept. 3.

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DowntownNews.com

August 17, 2009

CALENDAR Hi Fashion Taking Cues From the Art Walk, Downtown Kicks Off a New Clothing-Oriented Event

by Anna Scott staff writer

S

tart practicing your strut, because Thursday, Aug. 20, will mark the inaugural Downtown Fashion Walk — just wear comfortable shoes, please.

The Fashion Walk does not refer to a runway sashay.

Instead, it is modeled (so to speak) after the monthly Downtown Art Walk. For four and a half hours, Downtowners will get a self-guided walking tour that leads to clothing designers, boutiques and other fashion-forward attractions. And if people happen to stop for a drink or a meal on the way, all the better.

“The first idea was that [the Fashion Walk] would be a map,” said longtime area activist and Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Vice President Brady Westwater, who is spearheading the Fashion Walk. “There would be a website listing all the different fashion stores in the area, and the map would be handed out to all the stores. I figured that someday we should do a full Fashion Walk, and after the success of the last Art Walk I figured now is the time to do it.”

The Fashion Walk will take place between Broadway, Fourth, Seventh and Main streets from 5:30-10 p.m. It will encompass more than two dozen Downtown clothing stores, temporary pop-up stores, and special sales and exhibits, said Westwater. He was still finalizing the list of participants late last week.

Westwater said he plans to continue the Fashion Walk on the third Thursday of each month. Eventually, in addition to attracting shoppers to Downtown for a night, he hopes the event will raise the area’s profile as a destination for appareloriented businesses and retailers.

“It’s not just about fashion,” Westwater said. “We’re trying to help the local economy.”

‘Bodacious Bonnets’ The Fashion Walk takes its cues from the Art Walk, which occurs the second Thursday of each month. During the event, arts spaces in the Historic Core’s Gallery Row open their doors for extended hours to show off their exhibits. Many area restaurants and businesses also stay open later than usual and a block party atmosphere ensues. The Art Walk audience has grown from a mere 12 people when it debuted in 2004 to approximately 10,000 attendees in July, said event director Richard Schave.

No one expects the inaugural Fashion Walk to be nearly as popular. Still, Westwater is hoping to engender a festive atmosphere, and one Fashion Walk event promises to help his cause with cupcakes, conversation and “bodacious bonnets.”

A hat sale and exhibition titled “You’re the Top,” organized by writer and deepglamour.net blogger Virginia Postrel, will

photo by Gary Leonard

Blogger and writer Virginia Postrel is organizing a hat sale and exhibit in the Farmers & Merchants Bank lobby as part of the Downtown Fashion Walk on Thursday, Aug. 20. There will be more than two dozen fashion-oriented stops on the walk.

take over the lobby at the Farmer’s & Merchants Bank building at the corner of Fourth and Main streets from 6-10 p.m.

The “celebration of glamorous hats and the people who wear them,” said Postrel, will feature creations by milliners such as Stella Dottir (who owns a Historic Core shop), Louise Green and Arturo Rios, plus items from makeup artist and hat connoisseur Wendy Ann Rosen’s collection. Some of the hats will be for sale, others for display only. The event will also feature slide shows, a photo booth and prizes.

Postrel decided to do the show because “hats have many of the qualities that define a glamorous accessory.” She added, “There are door prizes for people who wear hats, and you get more tickets if you wear real hats. If you wear a baseball hat, you only get one ticket.”

The Pacific Electric Lofts building at 610 S. Main St. will be another key Fashion Walk stop. The building’s ground floor will host several pop-up stores from small designers, said Westwater, offering clothing, jewelry and other accessories.

A wide range of Downtown boutiques plan to participate, from the Shoe Hut at 629 S. Broadway to a shop specializing in military and civilian uniforms at 214 W. Fourth St. Also on board is avant-garde fashion label Skin.Graft, which has a boutique at 125 W. Fourth St. Skin.Graft will display some of its high-end couture looks, not generally sold in-store, and offer a preview of its upcom-

ing collection during Thursday’s event, said company cocreator Katie Kay, who also helped organize Fashion Walk.

Kay said she hopes the Fashion Walk will open other retailers’ eyes to Downtown.

“The success of Art Walk has been really inspiring for everyone down here,” said Kay. In terms of fashion, she said, “we’re getting stronger and stronger with boutiques. We just need to prove it to the bigger retailers.”

Industry Profile Westwater said he also hopes that the Fashion Walk will build momentum for the 2-year-old Downtown Fashion Week in October.

“It’s basically about maintaining Downtown as a fashion center,” he said.

Westwater co-founded the biannual Downtown Fashion Week in 2007 with real estate developer Gary Warfel and artist Peter Gurnz. The amalgamation of runway shows and related events takes place in March and October. It was created to coincide with the official Los Angeles Fashion Week, which moved from Downtown to Culver City in 2003.

This fall, with Los Angeles Fashion Week taking place at venues throughout the city, Downtown has even more of an opportunity to grab the spotlight. Yet, some local business leaders say, Fashion Walk and Fashion Week do not continued on next page

August 17, 2009

Downtown News 17

DowntownNews.com photo courtesy of Joey Chestnut

NISEI WEEK

Eager Eater Joey Chestnut, Who Last Year Ate 231 Gyoza in 10 Minutes During Nisei Week, Looks to Break His Record

by Richard Guzmán city editor

A

fter defeating Takeru Kobayashi in the Nathan’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2007, 2008 and 2009, Joey Chestnut cemented his place as one of the top competitive eaters of all time.

Now he’s coming to Downtown Los Angeles.

During competitions, Chestnut, 25, has eaten 47 grilled cheese sandwiches in 10 minutes; 68 Nathan’s hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes; 118 jalapeño poppers in 10 minutes; 45 pulled pork sandwiches in 10 minutes; and 103 Krystal burgers in eight minutes.

No wonder he was called “an American hero and national treasure” by the International Federation of Competitive Eating.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, the eating sensation returns to Little Tokyo to defend his title at the Gyoza Eating Championship, part of the Nisei Week celebration. He’ll look to bust his record, set last year, of, gulp, 231 chicken and vegetable gyoza consumed in 10 minutes.

The six-foot one-inch, 215-pounder took a break from training to talk to Los Angeles Downtown News about competitive eating.

Los Angeles Downtown News: How are you preparing for the gyoza competition?

Joey Chestnut: I’m actually cooking up pot stickers that are very similar to the gyoza dumplings. I’m going to do one really good practice on Tuesday and then pretty much just make sure I don’t eat much and drink a lot of liquids.

Q: What are your practices like?

A: I try to set it up like the contest. I get a timer, water and just go at it. I also fast for a couple of days beforehand to make sure I’m empty.

Q: Do you like gyoza?

A: Yes, I do like them.

Q: What’s the most you’ve ever eaten during a competition?

A: I usually weigh myself before and after.

continued from previous page necessarily attract the same crowd.

“The Fashion Walk is more focused on the consumer,” while Fashion Week is aimed at the fashion press, said Fashion District Business Improvement District Executive Director Kent Smith.

“I would be cautious to say that it’s going to have a dramatic effect on the plans for Fashion Week.”

Still, he added, “Anything that focuses attention on Downtown is not bad.”

Carol Schatz, president and CEO of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, echoed that sentiment. Like the Art Walk, she said, she hopes the Fashion Walk will endear more Angelenos to Downtown.

“I don’t know what kind of recordkeeping, if any, anyone keeps” on the financial impacts of Art Walk, she said.

“But the impact has been enormous in terms of changing people’s perceptions about Downtown. It’s grown exponentially, and the fact that we’re getting those really good crowds every month is an indication that the word spreads.”

The Downtown Fashion Walk is

Competitive eating champ Joey Chestnut has won hot dog, burger and jalapeño eating contests. On Saturday, Aug. 22, he comes to Little Tokyo.

There have been a couple of times when I gained 27, 28 pounds during a competition.

Q: Oh my god! What did you eat that made you gain 28 pounds?

A: It was the hot dogs. Because the hot dogs and buns I ate weighed about 15 pounds and during the contest I’m also drinking a lot of water.

Q: Where did the weight all go? Did you look like you were pregnant?

A: You could see my stomach bulging, but before the contest it was kind of hollow. But my body is used to it.

Q: When did you first realize you could eat massive amounts of food as quickly as you do?

A: I didn’t realize I could do it until my little brother said I could eat more than anybody he knew. He was a fan of competitive eating, so he started signing me up for contests.

I finally went to one and kind of fell in love with it.

menu I would probably stay away from.

Q: Are there any injuries competitive eaters need to watch out for?

A: There have been a couple of contests where I’ve pulled a muscle in my throat and every time I swallowed the next day it would hurt.

Q: What do you do when you’re not in an eating competition?

A: I have a normal job working construction management. Competitive eating could pay my bills but I like to work and it doesn’t keep

me busy. I think last year I made well over $100,000. Right now it’s good, and as long as I win it’s good.

Q: What’s your prediction for the Nisei Week competition?

A: Definitely a victory. I think I can get close to 250 gyoza.

The Gyoza Eating Competition is Saturday, Aug. 22, at 3 p.m. at the JACCC Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St. Info at niseiweek.org.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

Q: How come you’re not fat?

A: I diet like crazy. It’s always a battle for me.

When I’m preparing for my next contest I have to fast. After every contest I have to watch my calorie intake and just make sure I’m eating healthy.

Q: Do you have any food groupies?

A: I definitely have fans. I get fan mail like I never imagined from the military and people overseas and kids. At every contest there seems to be more people out there supporting me.

A

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Q: What’s the hardest thing to eat for a competition?

A: Anything I’m not familiar with. Grits was really hard. I went to Louisiana for a griteating competition and got my butt kicked. I ended up eating only 18 pounds.

Q: Is there anything you wouldn’t eat?

A: Anything I couldn’t find on a normal

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Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5:30-10 p.m. in the area bounded by Broadway, Fourth, Seventh and Main streets.

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

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NISEI WEEK

ing martial arts demonstrations, cultural exhibits and a street fair and anime exhibit.

The taiko drumming celebration is always a popular attraction during Nisei Week. This year, it takes place Sunday, Aug. 23, from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at JACCC Plaza.

A Week to Remember Highlights From the Downtown Nisei Celebration

Sunday, Aug. 16, 5:30 p.m.: The Grand Parade, always a top attraction, runs through Little Tokyo.

Monday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m.: Nisei Week Awards Dinner at the Kyoto Grand Hotel.

N

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 12 p.m.: Nisei Week Pioneer Luncheon at the Kyoto Grand Hotel.

isei Week is the biggest event of the year in Little Tokyo. The celebration of Japanese and JapaneseAmerican culture regularly draws tens of thousands of people to the community. This marks the 69th installment of the festival that opened on Friday, Aug. 14, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 23.

Here are some of the highlights. For a complete list of events and locations, check out niseiweek.org.

Saturday, Aug. 22, 3 p.m.: Competition Day is highlighted by the Gyoza Eating Competition and a Rubik’s Cube Challenge, at JACCC Plaza.

Saturday, Aug. 22: Mega Matsuri Car Show, at 100 S. Alameda St.

photo by Gary Leonard

EVENT CALENDAR

Saturday-Monday, Aug. 15-17: Tanabata Festival, with authentic Japanese streamers, in front of the JANM and MOCA plazas.

Saturday, Aug, 15, 7 p.m.: Coronation Ball at the Aratani Japan America Theatre.

Saturday, Aug.15, 12-4 p.m.: Courtyard Kids Festival at the Japanese American National Museum.

Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 15-16, various times: The JACCC Plaza is the site of numerous events, includ-

Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.: The Japanese Student Network’s Matsuri Festival is at JACCC Plaza.

Saturday, Aug. 22, 6-10 p.m.: New Generation Remix at JACCC Plaza.

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Various cultural exhibits take place at JACCC Plaza.

Sunday, August 23, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Taiko Gathering, aka the huge drum festival, at JACCC Plaza.

Sunday, Aug. 23,4 p.m.: Nisei Week Ondo (a community dance celebration) and Closing Ceremony, on First Street between San Pedro Street and Central Avenue.

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August 17, 2009

Downtown News 19

DowntownNews.com

The

‘Don’t Miss’ List

SPONSORED LISTINGS Free Concert Series MacArthur Park, (213) 384-5701 or levittla.org.

Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Latin jazz pianist Nachito Herrera plays old and new Cuban sounds with his quintet.

Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.: The Vagabond Opera brings their electric repertoire of cabaret with lyrics in 11 languages.

LA Kings Hockey Fest ’09 L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., lakings.com/hockeyfest.

Aug. 28-30: This three-day interactive celebration of the L.A. Kings kicks-off with a special acoustic performance with Eddie Kowalczyk of the band Live. Highlights include autograph sessions with Kings players, the re-unification of the legendary Triple Crown Line, and 17 NHL trophies and memorabilia on display. Threeday all event passes cost $60 and include an upper level ticket to any October home game.

by AnnA Scott, StAff writer

Wednesday, august 19 Meg Whitman L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Bixel St., lachamber.com/events.

Noon-1:30 p.m.: The Chamber’s California Candidates Series continues with Republican gubernatorial contender Meg Whitman, who will discuss jobs and the economy. Whitman is the former president and CEO of eBay. Steve Cooley on Democracy’s Costs Casa Italiana, 1051 N. Broadway, (213 )891-4845 or iala.info.

6 p.m.: The Italian American Lawyers Association hosts a dinner and discussion with District Attorney Steve Cooley about California’s initiative process and what it costs voters and citizens both financially and legally. Registration required.

W

2

thursday, august 20 FIDM Third Thursdays 919 S. Grand Ave., fidm.edu.

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: FIDM hosts its final “Third Thursday” event of the summer. The mid-day celebration brings bands, a sidewalk sale, lunch specials and FIDM store giveaways.

Continued on page 20

photo courtesy of the Downtown Film Festival L.A.

sunday, august 23 B-Movies and Bad Science Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-DINO or visit nhm.org.

2 p.m.: Join members of the Museum’s history and science departments for a lighthearted exploration of the “science” behind Hollywood’s creature features. On tap is a restored, 16-mm print of “Mothra vs. Godzilla” (1964). It features a battle royale between a giant moth and the notorious killer lizard. After the screening, entomologist Brent “the Bug Guy” Karner speaks.

hen you think of sushi, you probably think of fish, rice and seaweed — not gummy candy, Rice Krispies treats and fruit leather. But that could all change on Thursday, Aug. 20, when the Central Library hosts a candy sushi-making workshop (you read that right). The event is part of the library’s Thursdays at Central series, featuring weekly lunchtime programs from 12:15-1 p.m. in the library’s Meeting Room A. The seminar, led by one of the Central librarians, will teach participants how to make kid-friendly sweet treats that look like sushi rolls. Donut hole maki, anyone? 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7000 or lapl.org.

Oh no! Terrorists are holding Lois Lane captive and threatening to destroy Paris with a thermonuclear device! Not really, but that’s part of the plot of Superman II, the final film that will be shown as part of Pershing Square’s summer Friday Night Flicks outdoor movie series. If you think it can’t get any worse than Lois and Paris in peril, just wait until Zod, Ursa and Non wake up! The film starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, in the Financial District park and the screening is free with lawn seating. 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

Friday, august 21 Senior Talent Show Angelus Plaza, 255 S. Hill St., (213) 623-4352, ext. 317.

2 p.m.: The Senior Talent Show at Angelus Plaza returns, to the benefit of all. All contestants are 55 or older, and performances must be three minutes or less, but you’ll wish plenty of acts went longer.

Farmlab Public Salons 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org.

Noon: Don Hrycyk is the detective in charge of the LAPD’s Art Theft Detail –– the only full-time municipal art investigative unit in the United States. Hrycyk will discuss some of the art theft in L.A. and will profile the type of criminals who prey on artists, art dealers and collectors. Preventive measures that art lovers can take to protect themselves will also be discussed.

Dance Downtown In the Music Center plaza at 135 N. Grand Ave., visit musiccenter.org.

6:30-10 p.m.: Dance Downtown is the popular and free Friday night series for people of any level of expertise. This evening, the focus is on Argentine tango. saturday, august 22 Nisei Week Competition Day Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., niseiweek.org.

3 p.m.: Nisei Week gets competitive with the gyoza eating championship, in which participants will shove obscene amounts of Japanese pot-stickers into their systems. Then, watch as competitors race in a Rubik’s Cube challenge.

one

A

wise knight once said to always look on the bright side of life. Well, at least he did in Monty Python’s Spamalot, the comedic musical retelling of the tale of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail.

The show is nearing the end of its run Downtown at the Ahmanson Theatre, but there are still a few weeks left to see it. The musical, which stars “Seinfeld” and “Dancing With the Stars” alum John O’Hurley (shown here), has won Tony Awards and even a Grammy. Not bad for a show featuring a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and a warrior who has the unfortunate habit of losing limbs. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m.

Saturdays and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 6. 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

photo by Joan Marcus

Hard Rock, Eating Events And Music on Screen and Stage

3

The late King of Pop has received media coverage ad nauseam since his passing two months ago. But if anything is worth tuning back in for, it is the documentary Jackson 5 in Africa. The film features rare footage of the Jackson 5 during their 1974 tour in Senegal, offering a peek into the life of young Michael Jackson and his family at the height of their career as a group. Screenings of the film will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Los Angeles Theatre on Broadway at 7 and 9 p.m.

The film is the highlight of the 11-day Downtown Film Festival’s closing night gala. 615 S. Main St, (213) 623-1929 or dffla.com.

5

Experience the enchantments of the land of Oz, sing ABBA hits and take yourself to the top of the Vaudeville circuit, where everything comes up roses, all in one afternoon at Walt Disney Concert Hall. On Sunday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m., the California Philharmonic, led by music director Victor Vener with guest singers Khori Dastoor and Danny Gurwin, will perform a concert titled Broadway’s Best, featuring (you guessed it!) popular Broadway show tunes. Altogether now: Follow the yellow brick road. 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or calphil.org.

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

photo copyright 2005 Marcus Van Doren, TriMarc

EVENTS

LISTINGS

20 Downtown News

Listings

See Complete Listings on the Web at downtownnews.com/calendar.

Continued from page 19

roCK, PoP & JaZZ Grand Performances 350 S. Grand Ave., visit grandperformances.org.

Aug. 20, 8 p.m.: Inspiration House Poetry Choir: The Voice Music for Whole Living series features sets by male and female choirs, culminating in a finale of the Whole, blending the choirs and the poets.

Aug. 21, noon: Adaawe is six women from Kenya, Morocco, Brazil and the United States.

Aug. 21, 8 p.m.: Grammy nominated Iraqi oud player Rahim Al Haj has recorded with flamenco, jazz and rock musicians, including Michael Stipe and R.E.M. For this performance he is joined by renowned percussionist Souhail Kaspar.

August 17, 2009

DowntownNews.com

2 your EvEnt info Easy ways to submit

We Got Games Big Week for the Blue Crew And Wrestling Fans

4 wEb: www.DowntownNews.com 4 EmaiL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com

Email: Send a brief description, street address and public phone number. Submissions must be received 10 days prior to publication date to be considered for print.

photo by Gary Leonard

Dodger catcher Russell Martin is searching for his power.

Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com.

Aug. 17-19, 7:10 p.m.; Aug. 20-21, 7:10 p.m.; Aug. 22-23, 1:10 p.m.: It’s a big week for the Dodgers, as they host the cream of the NL Central. Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals come to town first, followed by the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers will look for catcher Russell Martin, who has struggled offensively this season, to keep a recent surge with the bat alive. Martin hit 19 homeruns in 2007, 13 last year and is now on pace to hit only four. But in the past few weeks, Martin’s been an on-base machine. Now, he just has to find his power.

Los Angeles Sparks Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 929-1300 or wnba.com/sparks.

Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.: The Sparks’ playoff prospects look bleaker and bleaker, though there are signs of life: Last week, they beat the best team in the league, the Indiana Fever. But then they lost to the worst team in the league, the New York Liberty, for the second time this season.

Which Sparks team will show up this week against the Washington Mystics and Minnesota Lynx? The team then hits the road for games in San Antonio (Aug. 21) and Atlanta (Aug. 23).

WWE Summer Slam 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or staplescenter.com.

Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Aug. 23, noon-4 p.m.: WWE’s Summer Slam muscles its way into Staples Center for two days of wrestling, chair throwing and related sports entertainment. Names like the Big Show, Chris Jericho, The Miz, The Colons, Great Khali, Tommy Dreamer, R-Truth and even Ted DiBiase will grace the ring. Ohhhh yeeeaaahhh.

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August 17, 2009

Downtown News 21

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roommate Wanted SILVER LAKE, Wonderful Mediterranean Home, Large Room with french doors overlooking gardens, quiet, available, must like animals. Male preferred. $925. per month. 213.386.0200 Continued on next page

Sell Your Car!

Expose your auto to Downtown Los Angeles. With one of the fastest growing residential areas Los Angeles Downtown News gets results.

Call 213-481-1448

Homes/unfurnisHed

Altadena Home

duplexes

for rent (2 wks free)

SILVER LAKE DUPLEX, Upper Floor, Unbelievable View, very Large Private Terrace, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Garage, quiet, very clean, 2 months security.

Per month $2750. 213.386.0200

3 Bd. 1 Bath Central Air, Near J.P.L./ Downtown/Cal Tech $1,650/mo. (626) 791-2785 BEAUTIFUL VIEW Beautiful View Home Minutes from Downtown. 3bd/21/2bth. Hrdwd flrs, Frnch drs, quiet patio and decks with views of Mt Wash/ Hlwd.Updated kitch/bth with 16ft ceilings and bonus fam rm/off/ den. Wash/Dryer. 2 car carport.

Beautiful garden with pond. Must see to appreciate. $3,000 mo + 1st, last security dep. Small pet considered. Custom furnishings left if desired. 323-221-1976

THE ANSWER to LAst weeK’s puZZLe

loft/unfurnisHed

old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts from $1,100 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

22 Downtown News

August 17, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Continued from previous page

EMPLOYMENT Retail/SaleS FAST PACE sales company needs people. Coast to coast travel req. call Desiree @ 931802-5461 between 8am til 5pm ct.

OVER 18? AVAILABLE to Travel? Earn Above Average $$$ with Fun Successful Business Group! No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided.

1-877-646-5050. (Cal-SCAN) GeneRal

Help Wanted

Movie Extras Earn up to $150/Day People needed for background in a major film production.

Exp. not required.

ComputeRS/it ATTENTION: International Wellness Company Expanding Online Computer Work! Work from anywhere 24/7. Great pay. Will train. Request info online: www.

KTPGlobal.com or 1-800-3308446. (Cal-SCAN) DRiveRS ANDRUS TRANSPORTATION Seeking Team Drivers! Dedicated Team Freight. Also Hiring OTR drivers - West states exp/ hazmat end, great miles/hometime. Stable Family owned 35 yrs+ 1-800-888-5838, 1-866806-5119 x1402. (Cal-SCAN) SLT - IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for CDLA teams, solo drivers willing to team. $1,000 Signon bonus. $1100/wk minimum pay. Hazmat & 1 yr experience.

Background check required.

1-800-835-9471. (Cal-SCAN)

(888) 366-0843 JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! California Army National Guard. No Experience. Paid training. High School Jr/ Sr & Grads/ GED. May qualify for $15,000 Bonus. www.NationalGuard.com/Careers or 1-800-Go-Guard. (CalSCAN)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY BuSineSS oppoRtunitieS ALL CASH VENDING! Be Your Own Boss! Your Own Local Vending Route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy for $9,995.

MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405.

(Cal-SCAN)

SERVICES

Star Holistic Spa Massage/Acupressure $40 (1 Hour) 2551 W. Beverly Blvd.

LA, CA, 90057 (Beverly Rampart)

Tel: 213-383-7676

EZ SHIATSU & MASSAGE 30 min. (Reg. $30) $10 off

400 e. 2nd St., #205 la Ca 90012

崔Roof Michael Choi Roofing

Since 1972 • FREE Estimate

(Honda Plaza Mall)

213-680-4970 attoRneyS

Reroof, Repairs • Lic. #C-39-588045

323-229-3320 (C) 323-722-1646 (B)

$98

Your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development!

Downtownnews.com

leGal

with this AD

home impRovement

Construction

LOFT LIVING

maSSaGe theRapy

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs!

Child Support / Custody Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español / Korean

Get your GReen CaRD or CitiZenShip Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710

tailoR

EDDIES TAILOR SHOP

houSekeepinG MONTE CARLO MAIDS References available. All major credit cards accepted, call for a free estimate. Licensed & Insured.

(213) 489-9401

CleaninG CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants.

Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.

MONTE CARLO CLEANERS offering Free Pick Up & Delivery 7 Days a Week on Dry Cleaning,Laundry,& Alterations.

Call for specials. (213)489-9400 aDveRtiSinG

s.f.

GC# 308729 est. 1975 details 323-960-5792

IF A LOVED ONE UNDERWENT Hemodialysis and received Heparin between September l, 2007 and August 31, 2008 and died after the use of Heparin, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson - 1-800-5355727. (Cal-SCAN)

Take your wardrobe to the next level!

Same Day Service! Open 7 days a week!

115 E. 8th St. L.A. 90014 (213) 399-1177

eddiestailorshop.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in 240 Cal-SCAN newspapers for the best reach, coverage, and price. 25-words $450. Reach 6 million Californians!. Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SCAN.com.

(CalSCAN) DISPLAY ADVERTISING in 140 Cal-SDAN newspapers statewide for $1,550! Reach over 3 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SDAN.com.

(CalSCAN)

NEWS RELEASE? Cost-efficient service. The California Press Release Service has 500 current daily, weekly and college newspaper contacts in California. Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6010. www.CaliforniaPressReleaseService.com.

(Cal-SCAN) muSiC leSSonS CHILDREN’S PERFORMING Group! Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! See SunshineGenerationLA.com or call 909861-4433.

ITEMS FOR SALE BookS FOR SALE: LAW BOOKS of California Forms of Pleading and Practice. $895 will negotiate. Practically brand new. Will be perfect for any law office library downtown. Call/fax 818243-3508.

ClothinG/JewelRy BEAUT. QUINCEANARES Gown w/slip, white, lt. pink trim, sz 6-10. $99. 323-292-6998 tv/eleCtRoniCS/ComputeRS PENTIUM 4 COMPUTER swap for a dead Macintosh computer or $250. 818-545-8282.

ANNOUNCEMENTS volunteeR oppoRtunitieS HELPING KIDS heal. Free Arts for Abused Children is looking for volunteers to integrate the healing power of the arts into the lives of abused and at-risk children and their families. Today is the day to get involved! Contact Annie at volunteers@freearts.org or 310-3134278 for more information.

AUTOS & RECREATIONAL vanS & BuSeS CHEVROLET 2008 EXPRESS 3500 extd wb passenger van6,573 miles. 15-Passenger, excellent condition, all power this is a like-new Chevrolet Express Passenger Van with 15-passenger seating capacity! Still under warranty, 5 year /100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with 24 hour roadside assistance.

4-Door, loaded with power steering, power windows, power locks, tinted windows, security alarm, tilt wheel, air conditioning. ABS brakes, deluxe console, remote keyless entry, van is loaded with an 6.0 Liter vortec v8 engine that delivers plenty of power.

Transmission automatic 4 speed.

Passkey III theft deterrent, child seat latch system, am/fm stereo CD player w/mp3 format. Exterior color- white /interior color- gray. $22,000. (323) 721-3947 Virginia or (323) 314-4360 Fernando. autoS wanteD

CAN YOU

Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator.

Full bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

CAN YOU HELP?

HELP?

Spring Tower Lofts:

2300 sqft. w/3 bdrm 2 bath LOFT $2,800/mo. • Live/Work space • 14 story bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly

Premiere Towers:

photo by j. mcnicol

Mission to Cambodia

On Spring St.

Distributing Medical Supplies, Food & Clothing to Children & Families.

2 bdrm/2 bath, $1550/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking

3 Clothing & Shoes for girls, boys, men & women 3 Personal Hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, soap, facial cleanser, tooth paste, tooth brushes etc.

3 Medicine/Vitamins 3 School Supplies, Computers, Notebooks, Pens/Pencils

900 sqft, 13 ft ceilings, $1500/mo. • Granite marble top • Stainless steel appliances/ refrigerator etc. • Pet friendly We are located in a prime area in Downtown LA nice neighborhood w/ salon, market, café etc. Wired for high speed internet & cable, central heat & A/C

All products must be in there original packaging and clothing with price tags due to customs.

Items will be collected at:

Please call 213.627.6913

Global Travel Outreach 1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

www.cityloftsquare.com

626-791-7900 www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

Mission CAN YOU to Cambodia

Do you have something to sell?

HELP? Distributing Global Travel Outreach “Daughters of Vision” Medical Supplies, Ad Prices A three phase program, Food & Clothing to Daughters Vision seeks (Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY) Children & Families.

All adstorun for 2ofweeks. aide the poverty-stricken

• Items under $300 • Items $301 to $500 • Items $501 to $1200 • Items $1201 to $2000 • Items $2001+…

FREE! of Cambodia.

Items In Need: Ads may children be renewed after 3$11.50 Clothing & Shoes two weeks forinfo50% offwebthe For more visit our site 3$14.00 Personal Hygiene Items or call toll free. Donations in the price of the ad.checks formof checks, cashiers 3$16.50 Medicine/Vitamins original or money orders can be made 3 School Supplies payable to: $19.00

12 words, 2 weeks 15 words, only 15 words, only 15 words, only 15 words, only

Drop-Off Location:

Global Travel Outreach

1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

Name: Address: City Phone: Cash $ Credit card #: Exp. Date:

Toll Free: 626-791-7900 www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

State Check $

Zip Credit Card $

Van For Sale

Global Travel Outreach aides Daughters of Vision

6,573 MIlES A three phase program, DaughtersOnly of Vision seeks to aide the poverty-stricken children of Cambodia. lIkE-nEw fOr $22,000

Phase I

Items In Need:

City Lofts:

Monthly from $695 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

Global Travel Outreach

1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

With a circulation of 49,000 , our classifieds get results!

Toll Free: 626-791-7900

Phase II

Phase III

An existing structure bequeathed to Global Travel Outreach will be transformed into a school and community hall.

We will open the Daughters of VisionExCELLEnt Girls home, a place dedicated towards ending the extremeConDition poverty & destitution under affecting Cambodia’s children, as well asStill a refuge and sanctuary warranty! for young girls from the reach of child traffickers.

Create a medical clinic to service the community.

For more visit our webextd site wb or call toll free.vanDonations the form ChevRolet 2008 info eXpReSS 3500 passenger 6,573 inmiles. of checks, cashiers checks money orders can be made payable to: 15-Passenger, excellent condition, all or power.

5 year /100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with 24 hr roadside 4-Door, loaded with power Globalassistance.

Travel Outreach steering, power windows, power locks, tinted windows, 1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CAsecurity 91104 alarm, tilt wheel, air conditioning. Remote keyless entry, loaded with an 6.0 Liter vortec 626-791-7900 v8 engine. Passkey III theft deterrent, am/fm stereo CD player w/mp3 format.

GlobalTravel08@gmail.com $22,000. (323) 721-3947 Virginia or (323) 314-4360 Fernando.

www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

DONATE YOUR CAR: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CalSCAN)

HELp WAntED telemarketing

earn $1000+ Weekly!

Commercial Collection sales.

Guaranteed weekly rate plus commissions on every deal. *$300 Signing Bonus!

FT/PT/Seniors/Students.

Business to business cold calling. Start immediately!

Experience preferred.

Downtown LA.

213.621.2394 • Fax 213.621.7679

Ad Copy: _________________________________________

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

GlobalTravel08@gmail.com

www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

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.

August 17, 2009

Downtown News 23

DowntownNews.com

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE! Receive Free Vacation Voucher.

United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info Free Towing, Tax Deductible, NonRunners Accepted, 1-888-4685964. (Cal-SCAN)

LEGAL Name ChaNge SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. BS122138 Petitioner (name): Tammy Ann Byler, 3579 E. Foothill Blvd., #638, Pasadena, CA 91107, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: TAMMY ANN TYLER Proposed Name: ISABELLA SOPHIA ROMALATTI THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 9/25/2009 Time: 9:00 am Dept.: 1A Room:548 The address of the court is Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA

90189. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set of hearing on the petition in the Los Angeles Downtown News, 1264 W. First Street LA CA 90026 of general circulation, printed in this county.

Filed: August 12, 2009 Murray Gross, Commisioner

By Dawn Alexander, Deputy John A. Clarke, Executive Officer/Clerk

Get Chapmanized!

You will love it.

Free Rent!

ELEGANT WORLD CLASS RESORT BRAND NEW APARTMENT HOMES

Orsini

IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY! studios from $1,685* • 1 bedroom from $1,818* • 2 bedroom from $2,212*

PoliCe Permit

*Availability and prices are subject to change at any time.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR POLICE PERMIT Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Board of Police Commissioners for a permit to conduct a MASSAGE BUSINESS NAME OF APPLICANT: JANTHIMA WOOD DOING BUSINESS AS: BEAUTY DAY SPA LOCATED AT: 2208 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 Any person desiring to protest the issuance of this permit shall make a written protest before September 17, 2009 to the: LOS ANGELES POLICE COMMISSION 150 North Los Angeles Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Upon receipt of written protests, protesting persons will be notified of date, time and place for hearing.

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS Pub. 8/17, 8/24/09

Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices

NoW leasiNg

From $1,300’s/mo. Free Parking ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE • GRAND LOBBY FITNESS CENTER • SPA • MODERN KITCHEN WITH CAESAR COUNTERTOPS HIGH SPEED INTERNET • DESIGNER LIVING SPACES • PET FRIENDLY DRAMATIC VIEWS • WALKING DISTANCE TO RALPHS SUPERMARKET STAINLESS APPLIANCES INCLUDING REFRIGERATOR GATEWAY TO FASHION DISTRICT GROUND FLOOR DRY CLEANERS • KELLY’S COFFEE

756 S. Broadway • Downtown Los Angeles 213-892-9100 • chapmanf lats.com Pricing subject to change without notice.

• Lavish Fountains and Sculptures • Free Tanning Rooms • Concierge Service • 24 Hour Doorman • 24/7 On-site Management • Free DSL Computer Use Available • Free Wi-Fi • Magnificent City Views • On-Site Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball Court, Workout Stations, BBQ’s and Jogging Track

• Brunswick Four Lane Virtual Bowling • Full Swing Virtual Golf • 3100 Square Foot Cybex Fitness Facility • Massage Room, Sauna and Steam Room • Rooftop Pools with Dressing Room • Free Abundant Gated and Garage Parking • Business Center, Conference Room • Directors Screening Room

UNITS FEATURE:

Luxury Rooms in Downtown

Private Washer and Dryer • Fully Equipped Gourmet Kitchens Maple European Style Cabinetry • Granite Counter Tops Natural Stone Marble Counter Baths

Monthly Rents Start at $780 1 & 2 Rooms Available • Fully Furnished • 100% Utilities Paid • • Refrigerator, Microwave & TV In Each Room • • Wireless Access Throughout Bldg. • Gym • • Close to USC & Loyola Law School • • Presidential Suite with Kitchen • Parking Available Onsite

Special STUDeNT RaTe! $690 1 person

50 Channels Direct TV

Mayfair Hotel 1256 West 7th street

Burbank • Brentwood Century City • Downtown L.A. Woodland Hills

CAN YOU

Locations Nationwide

CAN YOU HELP?

HELP?

Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites

Mission to Cambodia

Orsini

550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST. LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 OPEN DAILY

RENT /LEASE photo by j. mcnicol

Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More

Simin (213) 484-9789 Ext. 555 or (213) 632-1111

Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Distributing Supplies, Food & FullyMedical Trained Staff, Cost Effective.

Clothing to Children & Families.

Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301 Items In Need: jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com

3 Clothing & Shoes for girls, boys, men & women 3 Personal Hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, soap, facial cleanser, tooth paste, tooth brushes etc.

Furnished single unit Monthly from 3 Medicine/Vitamins with kitchenette, 3 School Supplies, Computers, Notebooks, Pens/Pencils $595

bathroom. utilities Excellent location.

Items will be collected at: paid.

DowntownGlobal LA. Travel Outreach (213) 612-0348 Weekly1105 rateWesley $275 Ave.inc.

Pasadena, CA 91104

All products must be in there original packaging and clothing with price tags due to customs.

626-791-7900 www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

Global Travel Outreach aides Daughters of Vision A three phase program, Daughters of Vision seeks to aide the poverty-stricken children of Cambodia.

Phase I

An existing structure bequeathed to Global Travel Outreach will be transformed into a school and community hall.

Phase II We will open the Daughters of Vision Girls home, a place dedicated towards ending the extreme poverty & destitution affecting Cambodia’s children, as well as a refuge and sanctuary for young girls from the reach of child traffickers.

Phase III Create a medical clinic to service the community.

Warehouse/ Office Space 13,000 sqft.

25 Parking Space Loading Docks Downtown Area 3,500/mo.

(323) 231-4150 (818) 257-3771

800 W. 1st St./Hope Unit 2606

Mission CAN YOU to 760-880-4526 Cambodia

1 bedroom, 1 bath, completely remodeled high fl., skyline views. 24 guards, underground parking. All amenities, low HOA. Shown by appointment only.

Distributing Medical Supplies, Food & Clothing to Children & Families.

HELP?

Global Travel Outreach 1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104 GlobalTravel08@gmail.com

www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

EASY AS EASY AS

Global Travel Outreach “Daughters of Vision”

Items In Need: 3 Clothing & Shoes 3 Personal Hygiene Items 3 Medicine/Vitamins 3 School Supplies

For more info visit our web site or call toll free. Donations in the formof checks, cashiers checks or money orders can be made payable to:

L.A. Downtown News is easierathan ever. ad in the DowntownNews.com makesplacing classified Your adDowntown will appear online in our publication L.A. News isand easier than ever. in a couple of easy Your ad will appear online andsteps. in our publication • Online ads willin appear immediately they are approved. a couple of easyafter steps.

Global Travel Outreach

• Print ads must be received before Thursday at noon PST • Online will appear they edition. are approved. to ads be processed forimmediately the followingafter Monday's

Toll Free: 626-791-7900

Deadlines to change for special issues and holidays. at noon PST • Print ads must besubject received before Thursday to For be processed for the following Monday's edition. legal notices please call 213-481-1448

Drop-Off Location:

Global Travel Outreach

1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

Toll Free: 626-791-7900 www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

GlobalTravel08@gmail.com

1105 Wesley Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

www.GlobalTravelOutreach.com

Deadlines subject to change for special issues and holidays.

For legal notices please call 213-481-1448

❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 5th Floor. Move In Now. $2,200 Month. ❏ 1 Bed. 1 Bath. Lafayette Park Place. Move In Now. $1200 Month. ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath PenthouseFor renT: Sophisticated, Spectacular One Of A Kind ❏ Bunker Hill Tower-1 Bed. 1 Bath. 28th Floor.

Condo. Top Of The Line Upgrades & Décor.

Move in now $1600 Gorgeous Furnishings Adorn This Pride Of ❏ Prom. West-1 Bed. 1 Bath Penthouse. Overlooks Ownership Home. Corporate Lease Welcome.

Pool & Gardens. Greenhouse Windows And Furnished $3500 Per Month. Un-Furnished Balcony. Stunning! $1995 Month. $3200 Per Month.

Promenade West Condo

2 Story Townhouse. West Facing With Downtown City View. Upgrades. Large Patio. Very Elegant.

Asking $579,900 Call us for other condos for sale or lease Dwntwn & surrounding areas!!

Children’s Performing Group

Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun!

For boys & girls ages 3 and up!

SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433

Mirza alli

Broker/Realtor leasing-salesloans-refinance

(213) 680-1720

e-mail us: info@bunkerhillrealestate.com

www.Bunkerhillrealestate.com

madison hotel

DowntownNews.com makesplacing a classified ad in the

EstablishEd 1984

For sale: bunker Hill Tower ❏ 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath. Elegant. Ready To Move In. South City Lights View. Recently Refurbished.

Offered At $315,000.

Top floor of 11 story (18,000 SF) historic building available now!

Perfect for corporate hqtrs. Features separate executive suite(s).

Stunning views of LA two blocks away from Staples Center and across the street from the new LA Live complex. The building also has approx 4,000 sq ft of beautiful contiguous space and some small offices available. These spaces can be viewed by appointment.

Information available to qualified prospective tenants.

Email request to mdavis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300

626-791-7900

A three phase program, Daughters of Vision seeks to aide the poverty-stricken children of Cambodia.

Bunker Hill real estate Co, inC.

Available Immediately

For more info visit our web site or call toll free. Donations in the form of checks, cashiers checks or money orders can be made payable to:

BUNKER HILL TOWERS • Must See! For Sale $349,000 or For Lease @ $1,700

877-267-5911

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

the alexandria at 501 S. Spring St.

is Now Leasing!

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

$775/month

august move iN sPeCial: ½ off 1st & 2nd month’s rent income & other restrictions apply.

Must move-in by Aug. 31

Call 213.626.1743 or stop by for a tour

Low Move in Special

Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service.

•Daily, $25.00 •Weekly, $99.00 •Monthly, $295.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.

Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area.

DowntownNews.com

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

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

Unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath $650/mo.

208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA

24 Downtown News

DowntownNews.com

August 17, 2009