LOS ANGELES
DOWNTOWN
NEWS
12-15
August 20, 2012
Volume 41, Number 34
INSIDE
Healthcare
2
More housing, adios Devil’s Night, and other happenings Around Town.
5
Details on what’s next at El Pueblo from the new general manager.
W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M
Twenty Million Reasons to Change Figueroa Street Business Gets a Major Renovation and Name Tweak to L.A. Hotel
Urban Scrawl on the Convention Center.
4
Skeeball and beer in a the Arts District.
6
Big changes in homelessness funding.
8
photo by Gary Leonard
General Manager Daniel Teng at the L.A. Hotel Downtown at Third and Figueroa streets. The 1984 establishment, which long operated as a Marriott, is undergoing a $20 million upgrade. Teng is holding a rendering of the lobby after the renovation. by Richard Guzmán city editor
Eat up in Towne.
16
T
he hotel at Third and Figueroa streets has been a lot of things over the decades. Most notably it was a Marriott, long before Downtown got a sparkling new J.W. Marriott as part of the Convention Center hotel. It was also the home, for a time, of Downtown’s only first-run movie house, a four-screen basement-level Laemmle that showed the blockbust-
ers, usually without the big crowds. It was where actor Christopher Walken starred in Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” music video in which he danced and glided in the air (thanks to wires) around the hotel’s lobby. It was where choreographer Heidi Duckler set a roving dance performance that concluded with a mermaid in a swimming pool. By next spring, however, the establishment will be something else: a significantly renovated busi-
ness that, its owners hope, will be able to compete with Downtown’s growing and otherwise updated hotel stock. The changes have already begun. This month, the hotel’s Chinese owners changed the name. Shenzhen New World Group, which purchased the establishment in 2010 for $63 million, is temporarily calling it the L.A. Hotel Downtown. A $20 million renovation will upgrade all 469 see Hotel, page 7
Terry’s Mountain Molina powers the Taper’s ‘Red.’
17
19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS
SEE PAGE 24
An LAPD Deputy Chief Takes a Surprising Fundraising Lead In the Ninth District Council Race, But There’s a Long Way to Go by Jon Regardie executive editor
A
political election is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s as true in Los Angeles City Council races as anywhere else, and the performance of one entrant early on may not mean a thing after the votes are counted. THE REGARDIE REPORT
That said, when it comes to the race for the Ninth District seat, which is being vacated by a
termed-out Jan Perry (she’s running for mayor, in case you haven’t heard), the early leader may be surprising. By June 30, according to documents filed with the City Ethics Commission, the frontrunner was Terry Hara, who had raised $117,541. If you just said “Who?” you’re not alone. Right now, some better known figures are eating Hara’s financial dust. State Assemblyman Mike Davis has pulled in just $50,005 (including a $15,000 loan to himself). Ana Cubas, the former chief of staff to Councilman José Huizar,
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has $51,353. In fact, the four other people who reported having any money in the bank by June 30 had raised a combined $118,172. In other words, one Terry Hara almost exceeds the rest of the field. This by no means guarantees Hara victory when voters head to the polls next March. However, it does make him a force in the race. This is intriguing not just because of the money, but because of the district’s makeup and Hara’s see Election, page 10
SEE PAGE 24
2 Downtown News
AROUNDTOWN Developer Plans South Park Housing Complex
J
ade Enterprises, a major commercial property owner with significant holdings in the Fashion District, has submitted plans to build its first Downtown residential project. The company is looking to erect a 419-unit, two-building complex at Pico Boulevard and Flower Street on two side-by-side parking lots, according to plans filed with the city. The project would rise over a cumulative 42,000 square feet of space. “We see demand in multi-family development, so we’re looking to capitalize on that,” said a Jade Enterprises spokesman. The development site is just north of the Avant, a three-building, 440-unit complex currently under construction at 1340-1360 S. Flower St. Jade’s plan still requires city entitlements — getting those approvals could take a year or longer. No project budget has been revealed.
Regional Connector Meetings Start This Week earn everything you need to know about the Regional Connector, a 1.9-mile underground light-rail line that will course through Downtown, at any of the four public meetings starting next week. Staffers with Metro (the agency is doing preliminary engineering work and geotechnical testing) will talk about the $1.3 billion project and discuss designs for three new Downtown stations. Although local legal disputes currently threaten the project, plans call for it to open around 2019; it would allow riders to travel from Pasadena to Long Beach or from East L.A. to Culver City without transferring. Construction will require several major trenches and holes at the station
TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD
locations. The meetings take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at the L.A. Times Community Room, 145 S. Spring St.; 1-3 p.m., Aug. 23, at the Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St.; 1-3 p.m., Aug. 28, at the Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave.; and 6:30-8:30 p.m., Aug. 29, at the Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St. Project information is at metro.net/ projects/connector.
Credits to Roll for Devil’s Night Drive-In
A
fter screening more than 80 outdoor films over six years, Morgan Night announced he is closing down the Devil’s Night Drive-In. Night said his desire to pursue other projects and to never show the same film twice are major factors in his decision. The Saturday, Aug. 25, screening of Sixteen Candles and the Sept. 8 showing of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure will be the final dates of the series, Night said. “We’re ending it with the movie we started with, which [itself] ends at a drive-in theater,” Night said of the Pee-Wee Herman film. The series began in a parking lot near the Alexandria Hotel in 2006 and later moved to a rooftop parking lot near Fourth Street and Broadway. The Saturday evening events included live performances inspired by the films and carhops on roller skates serving food and soft drinks. Films were projected on an inflatable screen and Night installed an Astroturf area where patrons set out lawn chairs or blankets. Although some people watched from their cars, others rode bikes or walked, and the movies attracted up to 150 people. Night said he will dedicate his time to making films rather than showing them, and is currently the executive producer on a documentary about the band DEVO.
Jerry Brown Greenlights Bulllet Train
Union Station
Skid Row Protestor Faces Bullhorn Battery Charges
T
he office of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has filed an assault and battery complaint against a local homeless advocate in connection with a June 2011 incident. Her alleged weapon? A bullhorn. Deborah Burton, 60, an organizer with the Los Angeles Community Action Network, is facing a misdemeanor charge of using a bullhorn during a protest of the monthly Skid Row walk organized by the Central City East Association. LACAN was protesting the walk for presenting what they say is a one-sided view of Skid Row. At the event, CCEA Executive Director Estela Lopez said that Burton’s use of the bullhorn at close range caused a 20% hearing loss in one ear and the onset of tinnitus, a constant ringing of the ears. Mai Lee, a spokeswoman for the Midnight Mission, is also named
July 2012
as a victim. Burton’s attorney could not be reached for comment, but LACAN co-director Becky Dennison said video evidence would prove her colleague’s innocence. Burton will plead not guilty at her Aug. 22 arraignment, Dennison said. Dennison said the CCEA has also filed a worker’s compensation claim with LACAN’s insurance company. “It’s our position that these are retaliatory efforts by the CCEA because they don’t want us to protest their safety walks,” Dennison said.
Senior Talent Show Returns to Downtown
D
owntown Los Angeles has unique traditions such as Dog Day Afternoon and the Pershing Square concerts, but nothing quite compares to the annual Senior Talent Show see Around Town, page 11
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Downtown News 3
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4 Downtown News
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August 20, 2012
EDITORIALS Hold Off on A Scalper Injunction
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
C
ity Attorney Carmen Trutanich took a bold step in April 2010 when he launched an effort to get an injunction that would prevent known drug dealers from entering a large portion of Downtown Los Angeles. While it is doubtful that the flow of narcotics in Skid Row has been stanched by the creation of the Central City Recovery Zone — although dozens of people were named in the injunction, plenty of others have come into the community to fill the void — it was an important move to protect addicts and the mentally ill from people who would prey upon them. So it should come as no surprise that Trutanich’s office is using the same tactic on another part of the populace that some would label a scourge: the ticket scalpers who congregate outside area venues, selling vastly inflated and sometimes counterfeit ducats. It’s an inventive approach to an old problem, and we appreciate the effort at new thinking. However, an injunction in this case seems excessive. We don’t like scalpers and we recognize that there is a risk of people being ripped off, but we can’t get behind this initiative that limits the rights of individuals to be in certain areas. Trutanich’s proposed injunction would prevent 17 oft-arrested or questioned scalpers (more people could be added later) from being close to Downtown area venues including Staples Center, L.A. Live and Dodger Stadium. In addition to selling fake tickets, Trutanich cited concerns such as scalpers being a public nuisance and obstructing traffic. The issue is complicated by the fact that past efforts to rein in scalping don’t have a lasting effect. The evidence is clear at any local sporting event or concert — folks mill about outside the venues, trying to unload tickets. Often police are within viewing distance, opting not to waste their resources. The fact that no effective means has been invented to deal with scalpers doesn’t make an injunction, which requires the approval of a judge, appropriate. We would prefer to see more vigilant efforts outside venues, whether by police or hired security guards who work in concert with the cops. This also raises the question of exactly what is being cracked down upon: Is it really people moving fakes, which are probably a small minority of the transactions, or are there concerns about ripping off the public by selling tickets for prices far higher than face value? If the latter is a problem, then this approach is misdirected — the secondary ticket market and ticket brokers often charge much more than street scalpers. Team-sanctioned fan exchange sites also ratchet up prices from what original buyers pay. People showing up outside arenas and stadiums know the risks of buying from scalpers, and if they wind up with fakes, it’s unfortunate, but they share culpability. If it takes extra education and vigilance from venue operators to address the problem, that’s fine. So is arresting those engaging in scalping — even if it’s not a long-term solution, taking a couple dozen sellers out of commission for a game will impact their bottom line. An injunction, however, overdoes it. This is the wrong approach to the problem.
A City’s Role and the Future of the Convention Center
T
he city of Los Angeles, as everyone knows, is in the midst of a long-running budget crisis. The structural deficit pretty much ensures that we start each budget season at least $200 million in the red — sometimes much more. At that point the elected leaders, department general managers and number crunchers frantically debate what to cut, what taxes or seemingly small fees (that add up quickly) to raise and what matters can be kicked down the road so someone else can deal with them later. The budget crisis has also created something of a municipal existential crisis. It’s an odd suggestion, to be sure, but the limited pool of money and the numerous things that require cash have led many to question just what a city should do. What core services must a government provide, and from which operations should it pull back? While everyone agrees that police and fire are in the bailiwick of the city — what is a better use of taxpayer money? — after that there are divergent views on what the public sector is best equipped to handle, and where private enterprise, with its tighter and often smarter financial constraints, could be a more effective manager. The topic of what a city should do didn’t get much play until about five years ago, when the recession began to be felt within the confines of Los Angeles. Spiraling pension costs added to the conversation. Now the matter can’t be escaped. The issue powers current discussions about the Convention Center. As Los Angeles Downtown News reported last week, City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana has released an 18-page report calling for the city to get out of the convention game. He suggests a rapid pace: Launching a bidding process immediately and having a private operator in place by July 1, 2013. There are good reasons for Santana’s current suggestion (similar proposals have bounced around for years). First would be the economics, as his analysis says going private would save Los Angeles up to $37 million over five years. There are functional and operational considerations too. Santana points out that different entities book different types of gatherings: An in-house Convention Center team operates the building and recruits small trade shows that attract a lot of visitors, but not the kind who fly in from out of town, book hotel rooms and take cabs. The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board (long known as
L.A. Inc.) recruits the big moneymakers such as E3 and last year’s Microsoft convention. However, Santana says the sides don’t work well together, which impacts the bottom line of the building that has $48 million in annual bond obligations. It is certainly worth exploring privatizing the Convention Center, though it begs some troubling questions, starting with, if we know the problems the city has in running the facility, why can’t those be addressed? Plenty of intelligent people are paid by the taxpayers, and it would seem that some of them, working together, could generate a plan that conquers the shortcomings Santana has laid out. Why has Los Angeles reached the point that only the private sector can effectively manage the 867,000-squarefoot attraction? If it is determined that the city really lacks the capacity to operate the building, then another question has to be asked sooner rather than later: It is not should the building go private, but rather, should Anschutz Entertainment Group operate the Convention Center? Some will say the question puts the cart before the horse, and to a degree a does. Still, any honest discussion of the subject has to consider the most likely result: Officials with AEG, which built Staples Center, L.A. Live and the 1,001-room Convention Center hotel, have said they would be interested in the contract. And the company would almost certainly win a competition to operate the building. A fair and even bidding process would need to be held, and perhaps AEG would take on a partner, but given its stake in Downtown, its investments in the area and its experience and savvy in serving visitors, it has to be considered the most likely entity to end up in charge. We’re not saying this is a bad thing, and it could turn out to be a wise move — AEG has been a key player in the Downtown renaissance. It also doesn’t mean the city should go easy in pursuing a deal. Any contract would have to focus on the bottom line, and city negotiators have, surprisingly at times, displayed an ability to carve good deals. It is distressing that Los Angeles has reached a point that discussions of giving up key assets are ongoing. But such is the state of affairs. The only thing one can hope is that the city, as it moves forward, is smarter than it has been in the past.
August 20, 2012
Downtown News 5
DowntownNews.com
photo by Gary Leonard
Powering the Pueblo Christopher Espinosa Sets His Agenda As the New Head of L.A.’s Historic Center by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
C
hristopher Espinosa has been the general manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument for only two months, but he has already had an impact on the area. As Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s former director of capital projects, he helped negotiate Olvera Street leases after years of battles with the merchants. He also oversaw the project management team on the soon to open David Alfaro Siqueiros Interpretive Center and helped coordinate the rehabilitation of the Italian Hall, which will house the Italian American Museum. That is slated to open in 2013. Now responsible for the department that runs El Pueblo and its $4.1 million annual budget, the affable 42-year-old is working on a new strategic plan for the attraction that sees about 2 million visitors a year. He spoke to Los Angeles Downtown News about the job. Los Angeles Downtown News: El Pueblo has a long and often tumultuous history. Why did you want this job? Christopher Espinosa: I had worked on the final lease negotiations with my predecessor Robert Andrade, so I already had a relationship with a number of the key merchants and their attorneys. I felt they were really great people and I’m very empathetic to the idea of having family businesses here a long time. I knew all those merchant agreements had been signed and completed and now it was time to start a new day.
Q: What are your immediate goals? A: Wi-fi connectivity, getting the Italian American Museum up and running, making improvements that will decrease liabilities and improve the visitor experience. I’m also looking at bathrooms; that’s a big deal. We have a large homeless population and because we are an open public site, the bathrooms are highly used. Clean bathrooms make a big difference to people. Q: What are your long-term goals? A: I’d like to work on the presentation of the goods that are sold by the merchants. I’d like to see increased coordination between the restaurants here and what they offer as far as variety of food. Those things require trust between the department and the merchants so it’s nothing that’s going to be forced, but something that will strengthen the relationship so that we can become more competitive. Q: Does that mean the look of Olvera Street may change? A: I received a lot of concern from the merchants and the public about some of the goods that are sold, or the idea that some of the things are made in China, or that they don’t seem as authentic. Q: What’s the biggest challenge you face? A: Just making sure that I have a trusting relationship with the merchants and how to enforce rules in terms of the types of goods that are presented to the public, and trying to keep true to the Mexican marketplace concept.
THE PETROLEUM BUILDING Commercial Office Space for Lease
Christopher Espinosa, the new general manager at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, is setting some new goals for the city department that oversees Olvera Street.
Q: How is El Pueblo doing financially? A: We’re doing excellent. We’re in the black. We bring in about $5 million annually in revenue and we are able to pay for all of our expenses. Q: Over the years there have been rumors that the County may try to take over El Pueblo. Will that happen? A: The county is an important partner for El Pueblo, especially because they opened up La Plaza de Cultura. What I’ve been trying to do is work closely with Gustavo Herrera, the new CEO. We’re coordinating events and street closures. We want to allow them to make better use of our space and us of their space. We want to figure out how to improve pedestrian connections too. You’ll see us working very closely with the county, but in terms of a joint-powers authority, that’s pretty much up to the policy makers. Q: How’s your relationship with the tenants? A: Very good; maybe I’m still in the honey-
moon period. I started monthly meetings with the merchants. I try to spend quality time in their businesses so that I know them as people. Q: Will there ever be a nightlife component to El Pueblo? A: Merchants used to open up at night, and what’s great is they’re telling me they want to stay open late. I’d like to start something about once a month. I’m thinking about bringing in different types of bands. Q: Are you talking about an El Pueblo Art Walk? A: I want to make something that’s distinct to this neighborhood. We’ve been here such a long time it would have to be organic to this place. It may not be an Art Walk, but it would definitely be a beautiful musical experience where people can stroll the street and rediscover this place in a new way. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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More Beer, and Skeeball, Planned for Arts District Nightlife Impresario Cedd Moses Working on Massive Traction Avenue Project by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
B
ar proprietor Cedd Moses has filed plans with the city for a 300-seat brewery in the Crazy Gideon’s building on Traction Avenue in the Arts District. Moses, whose 213 Inc. owns eight Downtown bars including Seven Grand, Cole’s and Las Perlas, would take over the ground-floor space where “Crazy” Gideon Kotzer built an empire on cheap electronics and kitschy advertising. The business closed in 2010. The proposal for 826-828 E. Traction Ave., a short walk from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, also calls for a 30-seat bar and eatery in the basement space. Moses’ Seventh Street-based nightlife company will operate the brewery, which is seeking permits that would allow so-called “off-site sales” of the house-made beer, said Eddie Navarette, 213’s land use consultant. Moses plans to distribute on a small scale within the Los Angeles region, Navarette said.
Moses declined to discuss the project, which has not been publicly named, but according to entitlement applications, the 17,320-square-foot brewpub would offer more to do than just sit on a stool and nurse a craft pint. Plans call for 27 lanes of skeeball, two pool or ping-pong tables, five coin-operated arcade games and live entertainment. The proposal requires a few special zoning exceptions, including the right to use a basement that wasn’t originally entitled for commercial use, Navarette said. A zoning administration hearing has not been set for the project, but Navarette said a tentative timeline imagines opening the venture by summer 2013. Although Kotzer is no longer stocking them deep and selling them cheap, as he used to say in his TV commercials, he still owns the building. He would lease the ground-floor and basement spaces to 213 under the proposal, Navarette said. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
photo by Gary Leonard
Cedd Moses of 213 Inc. is looking to turn the Crazy Gideon’s building on Traction Avenue into a 300-seat brewpub and basement bar.
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Hotel Continued from page 1 guest rooms, along with the meeting and ballroom areas and the building’s restaurants. The public spaces in the 14-story edifice are also being modernized. The Shenzhen Group is in final talks with a new operator to replace the Marriott brand, said general manager Daniel Teng. The L.A. Hotel name will change, likely within a month, when the agreement is signed. Teng said changes will make the 28-year-old establishment more competitive with other Downtown hotels and allow it to attract convention visitors and tourists. “You have to keep your property updated to remain competitive,” he said. “If you don’t improve yourself you’re going to be left in the dust.” The hotel will remain open during the renovations, which have already started on two floors. The work will bring a modern, minimalistic and earthy feel to the hotel, with a color scheme consisting of bright reds, oranges and beiges. New carpets, lighting and furniture will be installed. The upgrades are intended to represent elements of California, Teng said, with references to deserts, the city and Downtown. “The 1980s and ’90s style was designed to the Marriott brand standards, but with the Marriott brand leaving the hotel, and since we are in the process of negotiating another brand coming in, we wanted to make these changes,” he said. Upgrades Across Downtown The work at the L.A. Hotel Downtown is the latest in a string of upgrades and additions to Downtown’s tourist businesses. They were sparked in the early to mid-part of the last decade by the construction of Staples Center and L.A. Live, and additional momentum has come from the much-discussed, though far-from-finalized, plan to create the football stadium Farmers Field and expand the Convention Center. In March 2011, the 17-story Omni Hotel Los Angeles completed a $15 million renovation that included upgrades of meeting spaces and guest rooms. That came two years after the city’s largest hotel, Downtown’s Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, launched a $35 million renovation of the 1,354-room establishment at 404 S. Figueroa St. Luxe Hotels this year completed a $10 million upgrade and rebranding of the former Holiday Inn at 1020 S. Figueroa St., across from L.A. Live. Of course, the biggest change was the creation of the 1,001-room Ritz-Carlton/J.W. Marriott. The $1 billion establishment opened in 2010. More changes are coming. Portland-based Williams/Dame Associates in June broke ground on a $172 million project that will create two Marriott brand hotels in a single building across the street from the Convention Center hotel. Meanwhile, Korean Air continues with its $1 billion plan to tear down the Wilshire Grand and build a 900-room hotel on the site. It is slated to open in 2016. “Upgrading the hotel inventory in Los Angeles is good for our customers and will assist us in selling the city as a convention destination in a very competitive environment,” Mark Liberman, the president and CEO of the L.A. Tourism & Convention Board, said in an email. It’s not just the familiar names that are looking for a foothold. In January officials with Oregon-based Ace Hotel announced plans to open a 180-room business in the United Artists Theater at 933 S. Broadway. Additionally, PNK I Group, a Hollywood-based hotel developer and operator, is looking to break ground soon on a venture at 419 S. Spring St. Gary Toebben, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Downtown-based Hotel Association of Los Angeles, said the L.A. Hotel’s renovation is another good sign for the tourism industry. “It signals that people believe that investing in hotel rooms in Los Angeles is worthwhile,” he said. “I think people are optimistic about additional conventions and tourism in the future.” New Identity Some of the changes that have already taken place at the L.A. Hotel reveal the emergence of a new identity. The old rooms, which date to the building’s 1984 opening, featured heavy concentrations of wood and brass. That has given way to dark woods, leather headboards, gold-colored carpeting, sleek metal lamps and glass-top desks. In the hallways the carpets are being changed from green and beige patterns to splashes of bold, reddish colors. The lobby carpeting and floors will transform from the busy, bright 1980s motif to a minimalist contemporary look with soft blue and orange hues. The mismatched furniture will be replaced by leather chairs and couches. The two lobby restaurants will be combined into a single 24-hour spot. The average room at the hotel currently runs about $170
DowntownNews.com per night. Rates are expected to rise a bit after the renovation, but Teng said new figures have not yet been determined. Teng said challenges in the upgrade include completing the work while the hotel remains open, and making sure that the changes fit with the brand characteristics of a future operator. “Each brand has a certain favorite color scheme, so we have to be very, very sensitive about that,” Teng said. The change in operators was a mutual agreement partly due to the cluster of Marriott brands in Downtown, he noted. “Marriott is a major brand which brought us a lot of business and was very profitable in the past, but when you have so many Marriotts in a certain place we looked at different opportunities,” Teng said. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
Downtown News 7
photo by Gary Leonard
Fixes in the 14-story structure include upgrades to all 469 guest rooms. The 1980s lobby will also be modernized.
8 Downtown News
August 20, 2012
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Business Sector Steps Up as $105 Million In Homeless Services Grants Announced Funds to Help Veterans and Those Who Are ‘Chronically’ on the Streets by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR
H
ome for Good, an ambitious, business sector-powered plan to eradicate veteran and chronic homelessness in Los Angeles, last week announced it is dispersing more than $105 million to area permanent supportive housing providers. The grants include $5 million raised from private donors like the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the United Way and Goldman Sachs. The rest of the money comes from government entities that have agreed to spend more on Home for Good’s target population — veterans and those who have been on the streets for years. Of the $100 million contributed by various city and county entities, $55 million represent new funds for programs that focus on the chronically homeless, said Jerry Neuman, co-chair of Home for Good, a partnership
between the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Central City beneficiaries include Skid Row Housing Trust, which is getting $225,000, Lamp Community, which will receive $200,000, and the Downtown Women’s Center, which was awarded $135,000. Since launching in 2010, Home for Good organizers have lobbied city and county agencies and departments to funnel more of their homeless aid toward permanent supportive housing. The agenda hinges in part on the idea that housing the chronically homeless ultimately saves money for taxpayers who end up paying for emergency room bills and jail stints incurred by those on the streets. The grants are the first allocation from Home for Good’s Funders Collaborative, which pools and aligns public and private money for developing permanent supportive
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housing. It allows housing providers to apply to one entity for funds that could come from an array of sources. Historically, providers have secured capital to build housing from one source. They had to seek other dollars to pay for the services. The process benefitted Lamp Community, a Skid Row-based homeless services provider. Organization leaders submitted a single application to the Home for Good program and won $200,000 to pay for services for 40 formerly homeless individuals. Lamp was also awarded Section 8 rent vouchers through the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles that will allow the organization to house 20 additional people in sites around the city, said Donna Gallup, LAMP’s executive director. “We went through one application process and were able to access both a housing rental subsidy and the services and oftentimes were not able to put that together,” Gallup said.
photo by Gary Leonard
Jerry Neuman co-chairs the Home for Good Task Force, which is steering more public and private dollars to house the chronically homeless.
“Instead we’d have to go to five different sources.” Skid Row Housing Trust, one of the largest permanent supportive housing developers in the region, was awarded $225,000 to pay for in-house services in some of its older apartment buildings. The United Way contributed $175,000 and $50,000 came from another private foundation.
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While it is a leader in the supportive housing model, SRHT only started incorporating onsite services in 2003, when it revamped the St. George Hotel at Third and Main streets. The Home for Good grant will put more services in some of the entity’s 19 older buildings that now lack in-house support programs. That increases the odds that the formerly homeless will stay housed longer, officials say. “Typically the grants in the past have been targeted to new people moving into housing,” said SRHT Executive Director Mike Alvidrez. “One of the good things here is we’re able to reach back for people who may have moved into housing with just as many disabilities, but don’t have the services there.” The Downtown Women’s Center’s $135,000 award will pay for services in its 48-unit permanent supportive housing facility on Los Angeles Street, DWC spokesman Patrick Shandrick said. The building is undergoing a $4 million renovation paid for chiefly by foundations and private donors, he said. Business Responsibility Home for Good is novel in two ways: It has the business community working side-by-side with nonprofit homeless
advocates, and it is driving policy. Since 2010, Los Angeles has seen a paradigm shift in homeless services to prioritize permanent supportive housing over other service categories like emergency shelters or transitional housing. That shift has helped connect previously fragmented funding streams controlled by the city and the county. “Home for Good, they’re like a conduit,” said Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry. “They’re a place to meet somewhere in the middle. That is something that is very different than in the past.” Still, the campaign has generated skepticism among service providers in Skid Row and beyond that are not engaged in permanent supportive housing. Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission, said he cautiously supports Home for Good. The mission, like other shelters in Skid Row, relies on private donors and foundations to fund its array of services. Lately, several foundations have realigned their dollars to support permanent supportive housing, diminishing the pool of funds that cover transitional housing and emergency beds for the newly homeless.
“There are a lot of people who go through the continuum of care that just need housing that’s affordable,” Smith said. “To not provide that, but to provide the permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless person, I think does an injustice to others who have tried to get their life together and need help along the way.” If Home for Good’s goal to end chronic homelessness by 2016 sounds ambitious, its organizers believe they are on target. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which conducts a biannual homeless count, there were 51,340 people sleeping on the streets in L.A. County on any given night in 2011. Of that figure, 10,901 people were chronically homeless, meaning they had been on the streets for more than one year, or had experienced at least four episodes of homelessness in three years. The count found 8,131 homeless veterans. A Home for Good analysis issued in February reported that 2,273 chronically homeless individuals were moved into supportive housing last year, and 864 homeless vets were placed in permanent shelter. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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Election Continued from page 1 background. Although the Ninth once contained much of Downtown Los Angeles, it was filleted during the redistricting process. It now contains the Staples Center/L.A. Live/ Convention Center area, then extends down the Figueroa Corridor and encompasses a large portion of South Los Angeles. The new Ninth is exceedingly poor. The area is historically African-American, though in recent years it has become increasingly Latino. It includes neighborhoods that were decimated by the 1992 riots, and places where relations with the police have, at times, been notably tense. This is worth mentioning because Terry Hara is a 32-year-veteran of the LAPD. This is worth mentioning because Terry Hara is a Japanese American. This means the man running for the seat doesn’t, at first glance, seem to have much in common with voters in the district. So how, really, does he expect to fare. “I’m going to do well,” Hara told me last week as we sat in a high-backed booth in the DoubleTree Hotel (formerly the Kyoto Gardens) in Little Tokyo. “I’m going to do very, very well, because it’s about respect and results.” Dragnet Inspiration Hara grew up in Long Beach. His father was a commercial fisherman on Terminal Island and his mom was a homemaker who also did work for the local school district. Both parents were sent to internment camps during World War II. Hara, who has a twin brother, was president of his sixth grade class (biggest accomplishment: helping get the playground equipment painted) and was part of the Kiwanis
August 20, 2012
Twitter/DowntownNews while at Long Beach Polytechnic High. He attended Long Beach City College and, in 1980, joined the LAPD. It was an unlikely career choice on three fronts: 1) His parents thought it was dangerous and wanted him to pick something else, 2) His primary inspirations were the TV shows “Dragnet” and “Adam 12,” and 3) When he joined, he said, the approximately 7,300-member force only had 66 Asian Americans. Hara takes pride in the changing face of the department over the past 32 years. He mentions that there are now about 850 Asian Americans on the force. Like former Chief William Bratton and current top cop Charlie Beck, he proudly points out that the LAPD these days reflects the city. Hara has steadily climbed the ladder, rising from a foot beat to become a sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander and, ultimately, the department’s first Asian American deputy chief. He is the highest-ranking Asian American in the history of the LAPD. His voice is quiet yet also sturdy and confident, his mannerisms efficient. He wears a watch with a huge face and, during our meeting, sports a red tie over a white shirt. He’s friendly though not jovial. While repeated references to an affinity for public service and the cliché “I’m a people person” often ring false in others, when he says them he sounds sincere. While a sergeant, Hara worked with a commander to literally write the book on the LAPD use of force guidelines. He has held command posts in divisions including Newton, 77th, Southeast and Southwest, which all fall in the Ninth District. He helped create the current training regimen for department recruits and today is the commanding officer of the Personnel and Training Bureau. His background, Hara believes, will prove an advantage come election day. “Protecting and serving the streets of Los
photo by Gary Leonard
Terry Hara may not be the most recognizable name in the Ninth District City Council race, but he’s got the most money. The election is next March.
Angeles will bode well [for me] because contrary to what people believe, the negative side of policing that you hear, the community is very supportive of LAPD,” Hara said. “They need public safety and they need the police department. Knowing that a candidate has over three decades of police experience will ensure that public safety will remain a priority for that district.” Several Challenges There is a well-established precedent for Hara’s run. Eighth District Councilman Bernard Parks was a former LAPD chief. New 15th District Council rep Joe Buscaino grabbed his seat, beating out several heavily favored challengers, from a post as a senior lead officer. Third District Councilman (and current City Controller candidate) Dennis Zine was also an LAPD officer before getting elected. Still, like everyone running for the seat, Hara faces challenges. His include geogra-
phy: Hara is among several candidates who have to move into the district to qualify for the ballot. Although his Bunker Hill home was long part of the Ninth, it shifted into the 14th after redistricting took effect. He said he just got the keys to a residence near Figueroa Street and Exposition Boulevard. While he has a fundraising advantage over his competitors, it does not necessarily equate to votes. He admits that a lot of his donors are people he has built relationships with over the decades, figures who live outside the Ninth. He is also not the first rookie candidate to struggle with the gut-punch discomfort of having to headline fundraisers and to spend hours in a room with a phone and a list of names, calling friends and acquaintances and asking them for money. “You have to ask,” he says. “That’s the toughest thing to do.” Nor is he close to done: He thinks he needs to raise about $350,000 for the primary (if no one gets a majority, the top two finishers will move on to a May runoff). Hara recognizes that the race is, indeed, a marathon. He has started contacting community leaders he worked with during his stints in South Los Angeles police stations. Public safety can play big at the polls. The question for Terry Hara is, will that be enough to transcend differences that others describe as challenges. “The community is smart enough to select somebody that they will trust,” he said, “somebody they believe in who will serve their interests, and not just because somebody looks any particular way. “Wouldn’t it be a great story though?” he adds. “For the Ninth District, with the ethnic makeup, if they elect a Japanese American, it’s a statement in and of itself that maybe Los Angeles has gone beyond ethnic politics.” Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.
August 20, 2012
Downtown News 11
DowntownNews.com
Around Town Continued from page 2 at Angelus Plaza. The 12th annual event takes place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug 24. Some performers live in the 1,093-unit Hill Street apartment complex, but the competition is open to all people 55 and older who reside in Los Angeles County. Every year there are singers, dancers, magicians, musicians and more. It’s not all fun and games, as a total of $1,700 in prizes will be awarded, including $650 for the first place finisher. There is no entry fee and all acts are three minutes or less. The event is open to the public and there is no cost. Additional information is at (213) 623-4352 ext. 317.
Electric Car Charging Stations Open in Arts District
T
he first fast electric car charger in Los Angeles was unveiled in the Arts District this month as part of a batch of 11 stations that can soup up an electric vehicle. On Aug. 9, local officials presented the chargers in a parking lot at Mateo and Jesse streets. The speediest device can charge a car in about 30
minutes; the others take two to three hours. The chargers, which look like gas pumps with an electric cord and plug, were installed by Linear City, which developed the Toy Factory and Biscuit Company lofts across the street from the charging station. Company principal Yuval Bar-Zemer said he envisions the stations changing the habits of some commuters, with people from outside the area driving into Downtown and recharging before heading home. “The idea of living in the suburbs and driving electric to the city is now possible for just about everybody,” he said. Use of the chargers will initially be free, though the lot charges a parking fee, said Scott Watkins, a spokesman for ECOtality, the parent company of Blink, the chargers’ manufacturer. Eventually, it will switch and be free to park in the spaces by the chargers, but there will be rates starting at $1 an hour for the electricity.
formerly homeless tenants in addiction recovery programs. The nonprofit Skid Row Housing Trust has a deal with food truck operator Great Balls on Tires to open a gourmet meatball establishment in the Main Street project. The New Genesis is adjacent to Portofino Restaurant, which sells beer and wine, and shares a block with at least three eateries with full liquor licenses. “It’s one thing to have alcohol here and there in the neighborhood, but when you have to walk by a restaurant serving liquor to get to your door, that’s a problem,” said DLANC member “General” Jeff Page, who represents Skid Row. Molly Rysman, SRHT’s director of external affairs, said alcohol would be served only with food, and there would not be a dedicated bar. Still, DLANC’s 8-4 vote against sending a letter of support to the
city zoning administrator could jeopardize the proposed liquor license. A zoning official is already considering the license, but opted to withhold a decision until DLANC and local police weigh in. DLANC President Patti Berman said that in not sending a letter of support, the council is not technically in opposition. Construction is complete at the New Genesis, but the building is not slated to get its certificate of occupancy until September.
Correction
In the Aug. 6 story “Businesses Step Up Fight Against Regional Connector,” Paul Rutter, the co-chief operating officer of Thomas Properties Group, was misidentified as an attorney with Thomas Properties legal rep Gilchrist Rutter.
Drinking Dilemma on Main Street
T
he Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council voted last week to withhold support for a liquor license for a proposed eatery on the ground floor of the New Genesis, a soon-to-open mixedincome development that will house some
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HEALTHCARE
An Interview With Dr. Sejal M. Patel Plastic Surgeon Discusses Harnessing Nature to Restore, Rejuvenate and Nourish the Skin
Q
uestion: In addition to botox and fillers, what other nonsurgical skin treatments would you recommend to make the skin look prettier? Answer: I am very excited about a new skin treatment called the herbal peel. Traditional peels have a prolonged downtime with red-
SEE PAGE 24
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ness and peeling that can go on for weeks. With the herbal peel the patient may return to work the next day and be fresh faced by day five. The procedure combines elements of exfoliation and natural rejuvenation along with peeling and dermabrasion to help even out the skin tone and leave the skin looking brighter and healthier. Q: Can you tell us more about the specifics of having the peel? A: We perform the peel in both the Downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills offices. The crucial step, the herbal rub, pen-
etrates deep into the skin to induce the peel and kickstart the five-day healing and rejuvenation process. It is great fun to see the transformation during the exfoliation session as we rid the face of the old flaky skin with a soothing facial massage revealing a supple and more even complexion. All skin types and complexions can be treated.
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Q: What is the herbal peel rub made of? How are these natural herbs important? A: Fourteen herbs comprise the initial herbal peel mask. Field horsetail cleans the pores and prepares the skin. Sage and fenugreek have estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties helping to soften and heal the skin. Witch hazel has astringent properties that work along with plantago containing natural phenol, a component in traditional chemical peels. Sprulina is a microscopic blue-green algae which has been called the most nutritious substance on earth containing all essential amino acids in addition to
Result after botox treatment to forhead and herbal peel.
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SEE PAGE 24
Dr. Sejal Patel with Practice Coordinator Biancha Klimp (right) and Medical Aesthetician Christina Castaneda (left).
many vitamins and minerals, helping to balance the skin’s biology. Ginsen, pulmonaria and chamomile contain a high amount of protective antioxidants. Althea officinalis along with tilia platyphyllos extract obtained from fresh tree wood has soothing and emollient properties. Lemon balm contains
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August 20, 2012
Downtown News 13
Healthcare
Reach High, Play Hard at the Y
T
he Stuart M. Ketchum Downtown YMCA has a message to human resources directors and their Downtown businesses: Welcome! For groups of Downtown employees, the Y offers a competitive corporate FROM OUR ADVERTISERS
membership package with reduced rates, waived joining fees, fantastic amenities, and free week-long guest passes for its state-of-the-art facilities. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in the wellbeing of employees can result in big savings in reduced ab-
photo courtesy of the Stuart M. Ketchum Downtown YMCA
A Fresh Take on Corporate Wellness Programs Goganzer. “Nothing ensures that people will stay with a workout program like community and support, and people find both here at Ketchum.” For more information call Steve Kim at (213) 639-7443 or email SteveKim@YMCALA.com.
The Stuart M. Ketchum Downtown YMCA has corporate membership packages with an array of amenities.
photo by Gary Leonard
senteeism, increased energy, healthier habits, and prevention of short-term and chronic injury and disease. Results can include a 50% reduction in healthcare expenses, a 40%-60% reduction in absenteeism and an increase of 5%-12% in employee productivity. Located at Fourth and Hope streets on Bunker Hill, the Ketchum-Downtown Y is an 86,000-square-foot facility that includes top-notch cardiovascular and strength training equipment, tennis, racquetball and squash courts, a cycling studio, an indoor track, and more than 70 weekly exercise classes, as well as steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools. Other included amenities are: individualized fitness assessments with qualified Wellness Coaches and ongoing personalized support, as well as leagues and tournaments for dodgeball, basketball, tennis and volleyball. Corporate members can also take advantage of the indoor basketball/volleyball court or the overnight camp in Big Bear for retreats and corporate events at a reduced fee, in addition to massage therapists by appointment. The Y is the heart of the Downtown community, where the many groups that make up Los Angeles come together to build a healthy lifestyle and a healthy community. Aside from the outstanding facilities and support that it provides, YMCA benefits include free concerts by the Colburn School musicians, discounts to Downtown establishments such as the Grammy Museum and Tossed, and frequent volunteer opportunities in its various community programs. The Ketchum-Downtown Y is designed to engage people and keep them engaged, with trained staff that assists and supports members. “Our members credit us with changing their lives,” says Executive Director and Group Vice President Laurie
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summer camp for the younger crowd, which proved to be a phenomenal success.
iTennis LA’s range of group clinics and private lessons provide a perfect fit for every tennis level. Director of Tennis Kelly Gullett has taken this location from two courts in the middle of the city to a thriving, successful tennis “family,” a fine asset to the city of Los Angeles. After becoming a three-time All-American at Pepperdine University, Gullett competed on the ATP Tour from 1999 to 2001, earning three world titles while notching wins over recognizable names such as James Blake, Mardy Fish and others. Gullett now spends his time as tennis director at the Medici, while training some of the top juniors from across the country. iTennis LA strives to bring its vision for fun, high-energy tennis to Downtown L.A. residents. Adult clinics are in full swing, providing a healthy dose of cardio, perfect for those looking for a good workout outside the dull confines
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of a gym. Members take their workouts to the aesthetically beautiful setting of the Medici. From beginners interested in learning the sport in a fun, supportive setting, to a recreational player looking for a great workout, to an advanced player looking to improve their game while battling against other warriors, iTennis LA’s range of group clinics and private lessons provide a perfect fit for every tennis level. For those looking to find a different way to celebrate “happy hour” or want a “power lunch” on the court, iTennisLA is the clear choice. For more information contact iTennisLA at (213) 2228913, visit itennisla.com or email info@itennisLA.com.
“Our cutting-edge research has already proven to save lives and increase the quality of life for our patients,” says Dr. Inderbir Gill, chairman and professor of the USC Institute of Urology. “I am very proud of our team for their dedication to advancing the field of urology. We are continuously striving to improve treatment options for our patients as we ultimately search for a cure.” Patients such as Mark Howard, 49, have experienced the benefits of the state-of-the-art treatments offered by USC urologists. Howard was the first patient at USC to receive an outpatient catheter-free prostatectomy. He had his surgery in the morning and was sent home that same evening without a catheter. “Shortly after my surgery, I received the news that I was cancer free and I was back to work in a week and my daily routine in record time,” says Howard. “I am very grateful to have come to USC for my surgery. Thanks to Dr. Gill and his team’s skills and expertise, my surgery and recovery went better than I ever could have imagined.” The USC Institute of Urology is hosting its third annual Continued on next page
The Nurse Midwife: Our specialty is you!
Finally a Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon in Historic Downtown!
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With a graduate degree and advanced specialty training in the care of women before, during and after childbirth, the Nurse Midwife is your ally, your advocate and your friend throughout this special time. Find out for yourself about childbirth options in a babyand woman-friendly setting.
Contact the regional leader in midwifery programs, Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center, by calling (213) 747-5542 or visiting www.pedcenter.org.
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Continued from previous page L.A. Prostate Cancer 5K on Sept. 16, 2012, on the University of Southern California University Park Campus. This race starts and finishes at the iconic Tommy Trojan statue. All proceeds benefit prostate cancer research at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital. The race isn’t over until there’s a cure. Fight on for a prostate cancer cure. To register for the L.A. Prostate Cancer 5K, please visit USCUrology.com or call (323) 8653700. Runners, joggers and walkers of all levels are encouraged to participate. To make a donation text “usc” to 37284. Follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Downtown News 15
Healthcare
The Nurse-Midwife Experience Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center Provides Inspired Care “
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orking together to deliver healthy babies to happy mothers.” That motto drives Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center to provide inspired care to expectant mothers. Delivering nearly 200 babies every month, FROM OUR ADVERTISERS
the center’s staff believes that having a baby is a natural health event; women want to give birth in a caring environment and have the right to be heard regarding their healthcare needs. The center’s certified nurse-midwives help to make each childbirth experience safe, sound and satisfying. These devoted caregivers, who have advanced degrees and training, offer comprehensive pregnancy, gynecology and family planning care. Their high quality, dignified approach has earned them several “best practice” designations from the American College of Nurse Midwives, improved outcomes for mother and baby, and won them the gratitude and affection of their patients. The center’s nursemidwives are the pregnant woman’s primary care provider, working to create the most positive and comfortable birth experience possible. Listen to what one expectant mother had
to say: “The midwives were the icing on the cake. They were knowledgeable, competent, and empathetic. I got a high level of care from women who shared my philosophy about childbirth. They had the attitude that pregnancy is normal and that a woman’s body can be trusted to do what it needs to do when the time comes. They also explained the different medical tests to me, but never pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to do. What a breath of fresh air!” And another: “I feel like I stumbled on a gem when I found Eisner for my prenatal care. If you are planning a hospital birth, this is a wonderful alternative for experiencing natural, normal birth. I was able to get to know several of the midwives in the practice who thoroughly answered all of my ques-
tions at each visit, did not insist that I have procedures I didn’t want, helped me write a birth plan, and ultimately helped me to have a rather extraordinary birth.” Patients’ birth experience with a nursemidwife includes the best in medical care and prenatal education, delivered with professional expertise and a personal touch. The center maintains a commitment to meeting each woman’s individual preferences and choices, and understands her unique physical and emotional needs. For more information about the Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center call (213) 747-5542 or visit eisnerpedcenter.org.
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August 20, 2012
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RESTAURANTS Going to Towne Massive $4 Million South Park Restaurant Serves American Fare With a Modern Twist photos by Gary Leonard
by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
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hen he was a child, Armen Shirvanian had a weekly ritual of having lunch with his father at Bob’s Big Boy in Glendale. It was a formative experience, and one day, when he was 8, he announced that when he grew up, he would open his own restaurant. His father had other plans. “He literally smacked me in the back of the head and said no, you’re going to be a doctor or a lawyer,” recalled the now 50-year-old Shirvanian. “I went to law school, but that was my father’s dream, not mine.” Rather than make a career in law, Shirvanian focused on his passion. The legal system’s loss would turn out to be the restaurant industry’s gain, as in 1989 he opened Mi Piace on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. It was an instant hit and continues to be a popular destination. On July 16, the Iranian-born Shirvanian expanded into Downtown Los Angeles with the cavernous Towne Food & Drink. The 7,000-square-foot space is on the ground floor of the Watermarke Tower at 709 W. Ninth St. The $4 million project has transformed the corner space into a 200-seat restaurant that employs more than 100 people and serves what Shirvanian calls “whimsical” new American cuisine cooked up by Eric Hara, formerly of New York eateries davidburke & donatella and Pier 9. He’s teaming up in the kitchen with Ryan Morrison, a former director of culinary development for chef and restaurateur Scott Conant. The first impression of Towne comes not from the food, however, but the façade. Working with New York-based designer Mark Zeff, Shirvanian added a raised patio that holds wood-backed benches under a bright red canopy just outside the entrance. It adds a new touch to the 35-story Watermarke building, which was originally developed by Meruelo Maddux Properties but sold in 2010 to Corona-based real estate company Watermarke Properties for $110 million. “We poured that terrace. There was nothing there,” said Shirvanian. “We built what we think is a European-style terrace that’s really inviting.” The color scheme continues inside the restaurant, with brown hardwood floors, highbacked red booths and chairs and translucent white drapes that hang from the 16-foot ceilings. There are copper-colored chandeliers, and wallpaper comes in the form of a collage of black and white photographs from 1940s and ’50s films. Next to the dining area is the lounge, where brown leather seats and a hammered stainless steel bar sit under a brown leather ceiling. Yes, the ceiling is made of leather.
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Pastry chef Tamara Davis prepares Twinkies, donuts, macarons and more.
shank and steaks are prepared, fills the place. The scent is completely intentional. “There’s nothing like eating something that comes from a wood-burning oven.” Shirvanian said. “We knew that lasting scent would hit you immediately. That’s the first sense you eat with.” The dishes have a classic American feel, with a tinge of comfort food, though they are elevated with a modern spin. For example, Towne’s mac and cheese is made with lobster and pasta rings. The Pigs in a Blanket is basically a hot dog, but with a lobster sausage substituted for a beef or pork frank. The matzo ball soup is built from bone marrow, wild mushrooms and a beef consommé. The ketchup, jams, jellies and yogurts are all made in-house. “We want to be fun, but we don’t want to be pretentious,” Hara said. “We are serious about our food but it’s also approachable.” Towne also takes its desserts seriously. The pastry chef is Tamara Davis, who was the opening pastry chef at Bottega Louie.
She bakes everything in house, creating peanut butter candy bars, ice cream and sorbet push-pops. There are also cupcakes, macarons and a house-made Twinkie. “It’s bringing it back to your childhood roots with flavors and products that remind you of your childhood, but that are done a little bit more modern with better ingredients, better flavors,” Davis said. Lunch appetizers start at $9 for dishes such as the bone marrow matzo ball soup, and the chicken liver popcorn is $14. The 28-day aged prime rib-eye steak runs $46. Shirvanian said the average ticket for lunch is $18-$22 with dinner ranging from $26-$28. He eventually plans to expand Towne to other locations. At the moment, he has no plans to put his law degree to use. Towne is at 705 W. Ninth St., (213) 6232366 or towne-la.com. Open for lunch 11 a.m4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Open for dinner 5-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and 5-11:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
SPOTLIGHT ON Suim nner m D i d D ch an Lun
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A Marriage Shirvanian had been interested in Downtown for years. In 2006, excited by the changes underway in the area, he began looking for a restaurant space. Two years later he said he nearly signed a lease for a spot at the Roosevelt Lofts on Seventh Street, but the economic downturn killed the plan. Shirvanian said a Meruelo Maddux executive, who was a customer at Mi Piace, approached him about opening a place in the South Park property. After the building was sold, Shirvanian kept in touch with the new owners. There was a lot to like. Shirvanian noted the proximity of the site to L.A. Live, Staples Center and the Financial District, along with thousands of nearby residents. He also saw a trend of mega-restaurants blooming in Downtown, in particular the massive Bottega Louie at Seventh Street and Grand Avenue. “We walked into this place, obviously by then Bottega Louie had been opened, and I thought this was as good or a better corner than they have, and they have a great corner,” he said. The restaurateur is in it for the long haul. Shirvanian signed a 20-year lease on the property. Fortunately, Andrew Ruiz, property manager at the Watermarke Tower, is equally bullish on the potential. “I think it’s a perfect fit,” said Ruiz. “For the Watermarke it’s not only an amazing amenity, it’s a long marriage and it’s going to be good for the both of us.” Smell the Difference One of the most inviting things about Towne is not the way it looks or the location. Instead, it’s the smell. The aroma emanating from a wood-burning oven and grill, where dishes including halibut, chicken, crispy pork
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Armen Shirvanian happily passed on a career in law to get into the restaurant business. His latest spot is the $4 million Towne Food & Drink in South Park.
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August 20, 2012
Downtown News 17
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The Color and the Cl ash
Alfred Molina Plays Artist Mark Rothko and Powers the Taper’s ‘Red’
AUG 6
ws! e N E r o f p ✔ Sign U
by Jeff favre
photo by Craig Schwartz
CALENDAR
Alfred Molina commands the Mark Taper Forum stage in Red. He plays the late painter Mark Rothko. Jonathan Groff is his young assistant.
Starts August 10
soapbox sermon includes eventual Pop Art icons Andy Warhol ry they paint a base coat of red. It’s an enor on why you should like seemnNews.com wntowrandom contributing writer ingly blotches of color on a canvas. and Jasper Johns. Rothko challenges Ken’s be- joyable moment, but it’s more interesting to corner at Do nd ha ht t rig per maillis bol in the up lifennof com/forms/ WS Look is symprivate into The key lies with Molina, who also comliefs about art, frequently belittling the young watch the paint dry during the scene, as its E-NEeering for ththe ow ews.Mark nt w do .la w ww UP SIGNRothko, the enigmatic, egotistical, manded the Taper stage in 2006 when he ap- man for his lack of deep critical thinking. hues subtly shift. emotionally explosive late painter, peared opposite Annette Bening in Chekhov’s Rothko’s ego is front and center from the Groff succeeds at the unenviable task of would certainly seem more interesting than The Cherry Orchard. His imposing physical get-go, as it’s clear he doesn’t think most peo- being the counterweight to Molina’s engrosswatching paint dry. It is, but it turns out that presence and powerful performance could ple are worthy of owning his art, or even seeing ing portrayal by remaining low key. Ken’s watching paint dry can also be fascinating, at overshadow the play itself, but Molina uncov- it. So he remains encased in his studio, accom- importance to Rothko stems from his steady least under the right circumstances. ers the fears and frailties of Rothko, making panied only by classical music, his paintings presence, never getting too emotionally high There’s actual painting in John Logan’s him vulnerable even when he is berating his and Ken, who he has no interest in knowing as or low during each encounter. Check Our Website foraFull Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com two-person drama Red, directed by Michael assistant. person. It’s risky on stage to infuse silent action, Grandage, which has arrived with its star, Molina grabs the viewer before Red officially A play about an angry self-important artist but Grandage knows exactly when, and how Alfred Molina, at the Mark Taper Forum after gets underway by sitting onstage and staring at can get old fast, particularly if you’re not a fan long, to use it. At times, the silence allows successful runs in London and on Broadway. a mural-size canvas while the audience enters of that person’s work. Logan transcends that the viewer to think about the philosophical The show continues through Sept. 9. the theater. By the time he asks, “What do challenge by focusing on the art, in this case a questions Rothko poses. In other instancNo one is going to pay $86 million for you see?” to his new assistant Ken (Groff, best series of Rothko replicas. The crucial moment es, the absence of dialogue speaks volumes the canvas Molina and his co-star Jonathan known for his role on TV’s “Glee”), it’s clear comes when Ken turns on the harsh, fluores- about the tension between the characters, Groff bathe in the play’s titular color, which the question has consumed Rothko. cent overhead lights. The ominous, moody or about Rothko’s battle with his inner deStarts Aug. 15&17 was the recent Christy’s auction price for aNews The painting in question, along with other painting, which appears to pulsate, becomes mons. n w to n .A.Dow Rothko original. But Logan’s canvases on stage, are Rothko’s commission flat and uninteresting. Rothko had plenty of these demons, and om/LcontemplaFacebook.c tive examination of the Russian-born artist’s for a series of murals to fill The Four Seasons Illumination is a key component to Rothko’s anyone with a basic knowledge of his life and work is sure to make new fans of the painter, Restaurant in New York’s Seagram Building. work, and without Neil Austin’s lighting de- death will not be surprised by the plot. What who committed suicide in 1970. Rothko struggles with his decision to paint sign, which earned a Tony Award (one of six is surprising, and at times amazing, is that In a scant 90 minutes, which includes an works for a high-class eating establishment, the show received), none of what Rothko and Red shows such passion for art that it will inordinate amount of silence for a modern and he also battles himself with each choice Ken discuss would have meaning. compel audiences to examine it in ways they mainstream work, Red delivers a coherent of color and layer of paint. Once the audience has the basic under- never have before. symposium on abstract painting through the Ken, a fictional character, serves as Rothko’s standing of the work, they are treated to Red runs through Sept. 9 at the Mark Taper Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com bigger-than-life personality of Rothko. It does sounding board. A budding painter himself, a living example, when Rothko and Ken Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or this while avoiding the trap of sounding like a Ken represents the next generation, which stretch a canvas, and through a balletic flur- centertheatregroup.org.
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Rejoice and Be Mary Book-Turned-Movie-Turned-Musical Blows Back Into the Ahmanson by Jeff Favre contributing writer
T
he self-proclaimed practically perfect nanny Mary Poppins rides in and out of people’s lives on the wind. There must have been a shift in the Santa Anas, because she’s back in Downtown Los Angeles less than three years after her last flight to the Ahmanson Theatre. Center Theatre Group’s return engagement looks and sounds much like it did in 2009, except for its slight downgrade in leading performances. Although it’s a much briefer stay this time, running only until Sept. 2 (and neatly filling a gap in the season schedule), it’s a safe bet that the G-rated content will lure families who missed it the last time. The popularity of this Mary Poppins, other than its nostalgic reminder to older generations of the 1964 movie version, remains a mystery. Even with its frenetic pace, the show runs two hours and 45 minutes, which pushes the limits for most young people’s attention spans. Julian Fellowes’ adaptation of the P.L. Travers stories and the Walt Disney film that Travers openly disliked consists of a series of fragmented scenes. They serve no purpose other than to set up the classic Sherman brothers songs from the movie and the mostly forgettable new tunes by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. What remains impressive, and why young viewers probably pay attention through the darker segments, is the wealth of special effects, the Technicolor set designs and the
spirited dances choreographed by Matthew Bourne, who co-directed the original production with Richard Eyre (Anthony Lyn is the tour director). Mary Poppins crams a wealth of plot and character introductions into the first 10 minutes, delaying the round of fireworks that is “Jolly Holiday.” The Banks family lives in a delightful multi-level London home (Bob Crowley’s pop-up book set deign is inspired), but all is not well. Children Jane and Michael (Cherish Myers and Zachary Mackiewicz) have chased away another nanny, much to the dismay of their parents, George and Winifred (Michael Dean Morgan and Elizabeth Broadhurst). Soon enough, super nanny Mary Poppins (Rachel Wallace) pops into their home and takes charge. She leads the children on a series of adventures, frequently accompanied by her friend Bert (Nicolas Dromard). Wallace and Dromard try to live up to the portrayals of Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, who came to the Ahmanson in 2009 after originating the roles on Broadway. Both of the touring performers are strong in voice, but Wallace is a bit too sweet to pull off Mary’s edgy egotistical tendencies, and Dromard lacks Bert’s inherent charisma and charm. Where this Mary Poppins exceeds its predecessor is with Myers and Mackiewicz. The young performers deftly handle the roles of Jane and Michael without relying too heavily on bratty whining or dripping sarcasm. They actually come across as children, which is easier said than done.
photo by Deen Van Meer
A very different super nanny guides Michael and Jane through a series of adventures in Mary Poppins.
The brightest stars of both the stage and screen Mary Poppins are the songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” exude adventure and wonderment. “Step in Time” is a rousing backdrop for a gusto-filled dance. The delicate “Feed the Birds” is a soulful tune that provides the production’s only emotionally charged moment. Stiles and Drew provided new material to some of the Shermans’ songs, which may allow for more dancing, but they come at the cost of an unnecessarily long show. Visually, Mary Poppins remains eye-popping. Crowley’s sets fluctuate from the foggy greys of misty London to the brilliant rainbow of the magic shop run by Mrs. Corry
(Tonya Thompson), who sells sweets and words. The special effects, including Mary’s magic bag that holds an endless supply of items, Bert’s dancing on the ceiling and Mary’s flight over the audience earn well-deserved smiles and applause from all ages. The Sherman brothers assured that Travers’ nanny will remain a treasure for present and future generations. As a whole, however, Mary Poppins sacrifices character development and plot for the sake of more glitz and glamour. In a way, this may have been predictable. After all, they say it takes a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. Mary Poppins runs through Sept. 2 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.
August 20, 2012
Downtown News 19
DowntownNews.com
EVENTS
THE DON’T MISS LIST
SPONSORED LISTINGS Under the Sheet Music Film Series Pershing Square, 562 S. Olive St., (213) 4851645 or laparks.org/pershingsuare. Aug. 24, 8 p.m.: An exploration of the history of a New York hip-hop collective, the documentary “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest” captures a sense of the shared bonds and joys of music-making and the difficulties of holding onto those feelings as the accumulated peeves and disagreements of years roll by.
One
For those whose only knowledge of New Orleans culture comes from years of patronage at Popeye’s Chicken and a vicious blackout during a Mardi Gras party back in college, Arts Brookfield’s afternoon music series is ready to deliver a primer on the Big Easy’s signature sound. On Wednesday, Aug. 22, at high noon at FIGat7th, Bonne Musique Zydeco brings the wonderment of Cajun songwriting complete with blues bass, accordion accompaniment and a bit of that special magic that makes the Crescent City a place of dreams and fine drinks. Admission is free and the event is BYOB (bring your own beads). At 735 S. Figueroa St., (212) 417-7000 or artsbrookfield.com.
photo courtesy of Snoop Dogg
ROCK, POP & JAZZ
Five
An ancient Zen saying goes, “He who doesn’t appreciate the art of origami has never nursed a deep paper cut.” The intricate act of folding paper into whimsical, mystical and generally pleasing shapes has evolved over centuries and now matches advancements in science and engineering. Doubt it? Then head to the Japanese American National Museum for the final week of Folding Paper: the Infinite Possibilities of Origami. The show ends Sunday, Aug. 26, making this the last chance to learn about the history of the art form and catch some fantastic examples of the craft. At 100 N. Central Ave., (213) 625-1770 or janm.org.
2 yOuR EVENT INfO 4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar 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 Nat Bouman
MORE LISTINGS
EASy WAyS TO SuBMIT
photo courtesy Bonne Musique Zydeco
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sunday, augusT 26 Poetrypalooza Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com. 2 p.m.: From the good folks at Zzyzx Writerz comes poetry workshops, readings, performance art and a raffle (!!!). Come one, come all to explore rhyme scheme and social interaction amongst poets.
Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews.com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.
THREE
Another day of blistering live music in the Los Angeles State Historic Park promises to make the corn’s roots curl. On Saturday, Aug. 25, Univision Radio hosts the curiously titled H2O Music Festival. We’re still unsure what the eclectic lineup has to do with water, but all doubts will be allayed as headliners Snoop Dogg, John Legend and Wisin & Yandel bring some big talent to the park on the edge of Chinatown. Other acts on the bill include the banda stylings of Intocable, reggaeton luminary DJ Crème, Shakira doppelganger Paulina Rubio and local heroes Ozomatli. The show starts at 3 p.m. at 1245 N. Spring St. or H2Omusicfestival. com.
saTurday, augusT 25 African Designs Workshop California African American Museum, 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 1 p.m.: Cut and paint a paper mask in Elliott Pinkney’s African designs workshop.
Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Aug. 20, 8 p.m.: Meg Myers misses Tennessee and not just for the whiskey. Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m.: Mike Viola makes music for films and music for your ears. Indulge in both. Aug. 21, 8 p.m.: Ethereal pop harmonies abound with So & So, Scott Mellis and COYOL. Aug. 22, 8 p.m.: Wednesday residency holder Mike Andrews returns with help from six-string slinging Snowblink. Aug. 23, 8 p.m.: A veritable bevy of noisy alt rock and arcane phallus oriented tunes as State to State drops by with help from Jonny Polonsky. Aug. 24, 8 p.m.: The Jamestown Revival spent so much time coming up with a cockamamie origin story about their folksy two piece that they forgot they actually named their band after the birthplace of American slavery. Good going guys. Robert Schwartzman joins the ill-named duo. Aug. 26, 7 p.m.: Fun and fuzzy, Blank Tapes harkens back to the era when psychedelic music sounded as if it were actually made by people on psychedelic drugs. Thanks!
olors turning c ed g in t la p m nd are conte they’re being rou nd s e v a le , r is the e ool (or g longe e growin s are back in sch roaching, and so is hostr a s w o d mances The sha kateboarding kid words, fall is app d Perfor on on Friday, s r n e e a s r o th G o th : s n and ers). I adition ker Hill. At no y Sister ancy offic mmer tr up by tru f Downtown’s su eekend atop Bun Brother, She’s M tli side of one o nal events this w ng act He’s My show by Ozoma fufunk ing its fi , eccentric sibli fore the 8 p.m. Oro and Aug. 24 me rock heat be anda Viento de ries ends with a brings so l Gavachillo y B Saturday, the se adic Massive project E Brownout. On effusions of Nom n here) bid p p w sion grou e glowing hip-ho Ana Tijoux (sho 7-2159 or f th o ) 68 bang as ill vocal stylings ve., (213 A d n a h r c and the ieu. At 350 S. G ad summer mances.org. for grandper
FOUR
The strange nuance of human mating is the subject of a most intriguing filmic analysis this week at the Downtown Independent. Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same shows nightly through Thursday, Aug. 23. An amalgam of ’50s sci-fi and New York romantic comedies finds a team of obtuse aliens sent to Earth to experience heartache. While the premise may be farfetched, the escapades will make your misadventure with your neighbor at Bar 107’s cheap beer night seem like plain-old terrestrial banality. At 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.
photo courtesy of Robert Lang
Friday, augusT 24 ‘Play’ at MOCA Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org. 6 p.m.: Roam around the galleries of the Geffen Contemporary and take in multimedia art with visuals by Emmett Malloy, a DJ set by Victoria Bergsman and performances by Cults and Lord Huron.
by Dan Johnson, listings eDitor | calendar@downtownnews.com
photo courtesy The Windish Agency
Tuesday, augusT 21 Mindshare On Urban Homesteading Salvage, 717 W. Seventh St., or mindshare.la. 7 p.m.: Mindshare L.A. offers an evening focused on self-reliance and reclaiming urban space for productive gardening. Ponder homegrown herbs and sip a beverage.
Bye Bye Grand Performances, Hello Lesbian Space Alien, and More Downtown Culture
Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.
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700 S. Flower St, # 1940 Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.327.0200 maps�cartifact.com
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August 20, 2012
Downtown News 21
DowntownNews.com
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FOR RENT
L.A. Downtown News Classifieds Call: 213-481-1448 Classified Display & Line ad Deadlines: Thursday 12 pm REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL Lofts for Sale
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Bill Cooper
213.598.7555
Labor/Warehouse
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EMPLOYMENT Drivers ATTENTION: Drivers! Drive 4 Us. Top Pay & CSA Friendly Equipment. 401K & Great Insurance. Need CDL Class A Driving Experience. 877-258-8782. (Cal-SCAN) DRIVERS - Choose your hometime: Weekly, 7/ON-7/OFF, 14/ ON-7/OFF, Full or Part-time. $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Requires 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569. www.driveknight.com (CalSCAN) DRIVERS Co. & O/Op’s. Regional Home weekly. Teams 7-14 days. Class A CDL 1 year experience in last 3. Call 1-800695-9643. (Cal-SCAN) Employment Services Work from home, $1500 $7500 per month. Learn while you earn! Phone mentoring. Government compliant program. Fluent English. Good phone diction. www.teamcoach2.com.
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All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a free Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at No Cost, plus free home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-781-9376. (Cal-SCAN)
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Education ATTEND COLLEGE online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-210-5162 www.CenturaOnline.com (Cal-SCAN) Financial Services EVER CONSIDER a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your free DVD! Call Now 888-698-3165. (Cal-SCAN) GET FREE of credit card debt now! Cut payments by up to half. Stop creditors from calling. 888416-2691. (Cal-SCAN) Health 24/7 EMERGENCY Response $1/day. Living alone? You could fall! Deaths from falls can be avoided. Help is a button push away. Lifewatch 1-800-2074078. (Cal-SCAN) ATTENTION SLEEP Apnea Sufferers with Medicare. Get free CPAP Replacement Supplies at No Cost, plus free home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-699-7660. (Cal-SCAN) OVER 30 Million Women Suffer From Hair Loss! Do you? If So We Have a Solution! Call keranique to find out more 888-6900395. (Cal-SCAN)
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1966 CLASSIC CADILLAC Coupe Deville, 4-door. As is. Needs work $7000 OBO. (323) 974-1977.
SELL YOUR Unwanted gold jewelry and Get Cash! Ranked #1 on NBC’s Today Show SellYourGold. Call to Request a Free Appraisal 1- 888-650-1019. (Cal-SCAN)
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ITEMS FOR SALE Building/Supplies
Notices
Hot, cold water storage tanks for buildings. Carbon, stainless steel pressure vessels. Durable glass, epoxy, cement linings. Hanson tank ships worldwide from Los Angeles. Prices, specs, designs: http://www.hansontank.com. 213-747-7514
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Continued on next page
We've got what you're searching for! DowntownNews.com
2007 NISSAN FRONTIER KING CAB SE Low miles, 4.0L, 6 Cyl., ABS, and more N1212831/7C429668 ONLY.....$14,499 call 888-838-5089 2008 NISSAN ROGUE Gotham Gray/Silver, AWD, ABS, CU0714P / 188220 ONLY....$13,995 call 888-8452267 2009 AUDI A5 QUATTRO PREMIUM Certified, AWD, Only 13,144 Miles, White/Blk ZA10405 / BA073241 ONLY....$38,980 Call 888-583-0981 2009 PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS Certified, Silver/Black, Pano. Roof, Navi., Bose ZP1500 / 9LA62364 ONLY....$57,898. Call 888-685-5426. 2009 VW PASSAT TURBO Certified, White/Beige, Leather, Moonroof ZV1679 / 9P001079 ONLY....$18,480 Call 888-7818102.
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22 Downtown News Continued from previous page
LEGAL Civil Summons CIVIL SUMMONS LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT Case No.: BC470865 Plaintiff:(LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): ANGEL RAMOS, an individual; JUAN PABLO FRANCO, an individual vs. Defendants: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): BECHARA KFOURI, an individual; and NICHOLAS KFOURI, an individual; and DOES 1-10, inclusive NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Bechara Kfouri, Nicholas Kfouri, and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive. YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFFS (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Angel Ramos and Juan Pablo Franco. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard un-
August 20, 2012
Twitter/DowntownNews less you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), in your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money or property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit
THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Website (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts online Self-help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: the court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted puede usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero, y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro.
Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT, Central District, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA. 90012. The name, address and telephone number of the plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado es): JAY SHIN, THE WAGE JUSTICE CENTER (SBN 256082), 3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 470, Los Angeles, CA. 90010, Tel. (213) 273-8400. Date of Complaint (Fecha de la Demanda): October 4, 2011 Date of Amended Complaint (Fecha de la Demanda Emendada): October 13, 2012 JOHN A. CLARK Clerk (secretario) by SALLY PEREZ, Deputy (Adjunto) NOTICE TO THE PERSON BEING SERVED (AVISO A LA PERSONA SERVIDA):You are served as an individual defendant (Usted está siendo servido como demandado individual). Pub. 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20/12 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES No. 10K15186 Plaintiff: Jin Ree
vs Defendant: Jung A Kim aka Julia Jung Kim; DOES 1-10 NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form, if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbritation award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. The name and address of the court is: Superior Court of California
County of Los Angeles 111 N. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012-3014 Case Number: 10K15186 Dated: August 30, 2010 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without attorney is Jin Ree, 401 N. Bixel St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Telephone: (213)482-1805 NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual defendant. Pub. 8/6, 8/13,8/20, 8/27/12 public notice
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR Notice of Divided Publication NOTICE OF DIVIDED PUBLICATION OF THE PROPERTY TAX DEFAULT (DELINQUENT) LIST Made pursuant to Section 3371, Revenue and Taxation Code Pursuant to Sections 3381 through 3385, Revenue and Taxation Code, the Notice of Power to Sell Tax Defaulted Property in and for Los Angeles County, State of California, has been divided and distributed to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers. I, Mark J. Saladino, County of Los Angeles Tax Collector, State of California, certify that: Notice is hereby given that the real properties listed below were declared to be in tax default at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2010, by operation of law. The declaration of default was due to nonpayment of the total amount due for the taxes, assessments, and other charges levied in 2009-
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
2010 tax year that were a lien on the listed real property. Property upon which a nuisance abatement lien has been recorded and nonresidential commercial property shall be subject to sale if the taxes remain unpaid after three years. If the 2009-2010 taxes remain unpaid after June 30, 2013, the property will be subject to sale at public auction in 2014. All other property that remains unpaid after June 30, 2015, will be subject to sale at public auction in 2016. The name of the assessee and the total tax, which was due on June 30, 2010, for the 2009-10 tax year, is shown opposite the parcel number. Tax defaulted real property may be redeemed by payment of all unpaid taxes and assessments, together with the additional penalties and fees as prescribed by law, or it may be paid under an installment plan of redemption. All information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property will be furnished, upon request, by Mark J. Saladino, Treasurer and Tax Collector, 225 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90012, 1(888) 8072111 or 1(213) 974-2111. I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California on August 2, 2012.
MARK J. SALADINO TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES STATE OF CALIFORNIA Assessees/taxpayers, who have disposed of real property since January 1, 2009, may find their names listed for the reason that a change in ownership has not been reflected on the assessment roll. ASSESSOR’S IDENTIFICATION NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION
August 20, 2012
Downtown News 23
DowntownNews.com
The Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), when used to describe property in this list, refers to the Assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and the individual parcel on the map page or in the block. The Assessor’s maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available in the Assessor’s Office. The following property tax defaulted on July 1, 2010, for the taxes, assessments, and other charges for the fiscal year 2009-10: LISTED BELOW ARE PROPERTIES THAT DEFAULTED IN 2010 FOR TAXES, ASSESSMENTS AND 0THER CHARGES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010. AMOUNT OF DELINQUENCY AS OF THIS PUBLICATION IS LISTED BELOW. ARMENIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION SITUS 4709 LEXINGTON AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1657 5540-017-009/S2009-010 $14,071.16 5540-017-011 $21,474.75 ATIENZA,JANUARIO T CO TR ATIENZA FAMILY TRUST SITUS 4109 MELROSE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-3506 5539-021-010 $15,452.39 BOLOURI,EBRAHIM A AND MORTEZAVI,SETAREH J SITUS 1187 N ARDMORE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1409 5537-014-016 $31,765.62 CRUZ,LUIS E SITUS 515 N COMMONWEALTH AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90004-2302 5539-029-012/S2009-010 $20,128.06 DE ONG,ROSARIO A AND GEORGE TRS R AND G U DE ONG TRUST SITUS 950 N OXFORD AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-3218 5535-022010/S2007-010/S2008-010 $29,354.71 DEL GIZZI,DANA M 5535-025002 $293.76 DERDERIAN,HAGOP AND EMMA SITUS 743 N EDGEMONT ST LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2505 5538-015-020 $9,408.84 FARNSWORTH,SHAWN SITUS 654 N NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 900042113 5538-027-002 $11,067.94 SITUS 4216 MELROSE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-3509 5538-027-004 $8,085.79 GOLDEN STATE HEALTH CENTERS INC SITUS 4340 LOCKWOOD AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2810 5539-008-032 $21,994.88 HERNANDEZ,JOSEPH SITUS 970 N WILTON PL LOS ANGELES CA 90038-3214
5535-005-005 $3,259.76 LUNA,DENNIS SITUS 800 W 1ST ST APT 2904 LOS ANGELES CA 90012-2437 5151-027-233 $4,833.35 MILOSEVSKI,BARBARA TR BARBARAMILOSEVSKI TRUST AND PAZIEWSKA,IZABELIA SITUS 5352 LEXINGTON AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1112 5537-007-002 $5,362.17 MO AND SO LLC SITUS 612 N VERMONT AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90004-2117 5539-022-013/ S2008-010 $45,823.05 5539-022-014/S2008-010 $19,186.26 SANCHEZ,CARLOS SITUS 865 N HOOVER ST LOS ANGELES CA 90029-3058 5539-012-015 $29,342.76 SCHLAFF,JOHN SITUS 1216 N KENMORE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1589 5 5 4 0 - 0 11 - 0 0 3 / S 2 0 0 8 - 0 1 0 $64,452.50 TECSON,MARIA SITUS 1018 N KENMORE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2536 5538-012-005 $3,429.92 Fictitious Business name Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2012146223 The following person is doing business as: HALLER2ME SERVICES, 8209 Foothill Blvd., #214, Sunland, CA 91040, are hereby registered by the following registrant: ROBERT HALL, 8209 Foothill Blvd., #214, Sunland, CA 91040. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrants has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on July 20, 2012. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20/12 PRoBate Petition to aDministeR estate notice oF Petition to aDministeR estate oF salVaDoR sanaBRia
case no. BP134573 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Salvador Sanabria. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: Jobani Sanabria in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The Petition for Probate requests that: Jobani Sanabria be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 09/10/12 - Time: 8:30 A.M. - Dept.: 9 Address of the court: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided in Probate Code section 9100. The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-1 54) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Javier H. Castillo, Esq., 2126 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640; Tel.(888) 229-0089 Pub. 8/20, 8/27, 9/3/12
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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Dave Denholm, Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Ryan E. Smith, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins
PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Catherine Holloway, Sol Ortasse sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Jessica Tarr distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
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Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News twitter: DowntownNews The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.
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FELIX CHEVROLET
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SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM
24 Downtown News
August 20, 2012
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“Most of us probably feel we couldn’t be free without newspapers, and that is the real reason we want newspapers to be free.” —Edward R. Murrow
“Were it left to me to decide if we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” —Thomas Jefferson
Freedom of the Press does not mean the press is free. And a free newspaper only appears to be free. Increasingly, as the economy shifts and changes, the formula of producing a weekly print newspaper and a daily online publication on the sole revenue stream of advertising dollars does not compute. It doesn’t pencil. To continue to deliver timely, original local news based on the principles of journalistic objectivity and relevance — our hallmark for 40 years — we are inviting you, our dedicated readers, to become paid supporters. We are asking for your participation. Give what you think is both fair and generous. If you think Downtown should have a robust local paper, now is the time to support that idea. For details please go to LADowntownNews.com/supportlocaljournalism. When we started the paper in 1972, Los Angeles was famously 88 small towns in search of a city. Over the last four decades, Los Angeles has found its city, and it is Downtown. Downtown Los Angeles has become one of the most powerful communities in the world, and we Downtowners — residents, workers, everyone — are its citizens. From Chinatown to LA Live, from the Arts District to Disney Hall, from the Historic Core to the gleaming towers of the Financial District, you’ll find the Downtown News and its readers. From new residents and businesses to the stalwart pioneers of Downtown, we’re in it together. Downtown News is the award-winning news organization that has reported on every major news story impacting the area for forty years, helping to spur local growth and a sense of community. We like to think we’ve played a key part in giving Downtown the strong identity it has today. Please go to LADowntownNews.com/supportlocaljournalism to make your contribution. Or mail it if you prefer. We thank you — and welcome you to the Downtown News team. Sue Laris Editor, Publisher and Owner
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SERVING DOWNTOWN FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS
1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90026 • 213.481.1448