08-22-11

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS

9-16

SEE OUR Members of our Creative Community AD ON PG.17 Artists • Professionals Organizations • Businesses FOR We want to hear from you!

INFO The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs invites

attend the Broadway Arts Center W W W . D O W N T O WyouNtoArtist NMarket EW S.COM Survey Workshop

August 22, 2011

Volume 40, Number 34

INSIDE

Lunch From A to Z

DATE:

So a Stand-Up Walks Into Downtown…

Monday, August 15, 2011, 7 pm-8:30 pm

LOCATION:

Los Angeles Theatre Center 514 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

TRANSIT:Scene As the Central City Grows, so Does the Area’s Burgeoning Comedy

Take the Metro!

Pershing Square Metro Red Line Station, www.metro.net

PARKING: Several parking facilities are within one block of the LATC For more information visit: CreativeSpaceLA.org or call DCA at 213.202.5554 and Like us on Facebook: Creative Space L.A.

Blossom Plaza is back in play.

6

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Broadway Arts Center project partners include:

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts

Another arts school shake-up.

7

Buy your own apartment building.

8

photo by Gary Leonard

Bryan Ross headlining recently at the Downtown Comedy Club. The club founded by Kevin Garnier and Garrett Morris is the veteran of the growing Downtown comedy scene.

by Jacqueline Vergara amézquita

Do Downtowners want a football team?

17

Kicking it at night in Chinatown.

21

22 CALENDAR LISTINGS 24 MAP 25 CLASSIFIEDS

PICK THE

PROS

I

n the last decade, Downtown Los Angeles has seen its population soar. As the number of residents increased, so have the bars, restaurants and other businesses hoping to serve them.

This upswing has also led to a rise in something else that, even today, a lot of Downtowners are not aware of: There’s more laughter in the neighborhood than ever.

Right now, Downtown boasts about half a doz-

en comedy options. From clubs that bring standups twice a week to alternative line-ups that take place monthly, a comedy scene is growing in the Central City.

“There’s a comedy show happening every night of the week and for free in most cases,” said Grant Pardee, who runs the monthly Hamclown comedy show at the Alexandria Hotel. “Although it’s all happening right in their back yard, most people don’t know about it.”

Pardee, who with fellow comic Josh Androsky founded the alternative comedy show about a year ago, notes that the biggest challenge is getting the word out. Although Hamclown has drawn headliners such as Brody Stevens and Maria Bamford, both of whom have appeared on Comedy Central, word-of-mouth is still the main promotional tool.

Held on the second-floor mezzanine of the building at Fifth and Spring streets, the dimly lit, poorly see Comedy, page 20

When Golden Times Are the Worst of Times Jewelry District Businesses Feel the Pain As the Cost of the Precious Metal Soars by ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

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or the bevy of bling specialists in Downtown’s Jewelry District, the fall of 2009 was a scary season. That’s when the price of gold did the unthinkable: After a couple years of rising steadily, from around $600 an ounce up to $700 then to $850, it suddenly ratcheted higher, hitting the four-figure frontier of $1,000.

There were ripples across the industry.

Dealers sought to pass the price increases on

to customers, many of whom refused to pay more than twice what they would have paid a couple years prior for the same necklace, ring or bracelet. Sales slumped and vacancy rates increased.

Now, $1,000 per ounce seems like the good old days. Last week, the price of gold clicked north of $1,881, further rattling Jewelry District veterans like Vatche Berberian.

“I’ve been through a lot of cycles,” said Berberian, who opened his V&P Jewelry stall see Gold, page 18

photo by Gary Leonard

Vatche Berberian (right), who runs V&P Jewelry with his wife Aida and cousin Anna, calls 2011 his worst year in 27 years in the Jewelry District.

COMING SOON!

2 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

AROUNDTOWN We Have a New Website

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hile Los Angeles Downtown News is plenty happy that people pick up the physical paper, we now have a new and improved online version. Last week, after more than six months of behind-the-scenes work, we launched a retooled DowntownNews. com. It’s full of all the Downtown news, opinion, entertainment and food-related stories, guides and information we prepare and update every week, just with a different look. The calendar section, with hundreds of weekly music, theater, film and other listings, is easier to use. There are some new additions too, among them a handy 3 Things to Do Today feature and DTLA Notebook, a staff blog for some of the items, stories and oddities that don’t make it into print. So head to the web and read, click and repeat. Thanks for reading.

CicLAvia Expands Downtown Borders

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he popular pedestrian and cycling event CicLAvia is coming back, with expanded borders that take in more of Downtown than before. Officials last week announced that the happening for cyclists, pedestrians, skaters, people pushing strollers and anyone else not in a car will take place Oct. 9. The first two installments of CicLAvia (which was named “Best Reason to Leave the Car at Home” by Los Angeles Downtown News), in October 2010 and April 2011, saw thousands of people navigate a 7.5-mile route from Hollenbeck Park in Boyle Heights to East Hollywood, snaking through Little Tokyo, the Historic Core and the Jewelry and Financial districts on the way. The coming

event will add a northern spur past El Pueblo and into Chinatown, and a southern, Fashion District leg that will lead to the African American Firefighter Museum at Central Avenue and Fourteenth Street. Organizers hope that the latter spur will grow into South Los Angeles in future installments. More information is at ciclavia.wordpress.com.

Arts District BID Approved

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renewal and expansion of the Arts District Business Improvement District, which was due to expire in December, has been approved. Although 168 property owners voted in favor of the district and 167 were opposed, the vote depends on square footage, and the yes crowd controls 69.62% of the property accounted for among all submitted ballots, said Estela Lopez, executive director of the Central City East Association, which manages the BID. Lopez’s effort to renew the BID for five years and expand its borders was met with opposition from area stakeholders including developer Yuval Bar-Zemer, who sued the city on behalf of condominium owners at the Biscuit Co. and Toy Factory lofts. A judge denied Bar-Zemer’s request for an injunction to block the vote in late July.

The lawsuit claimed that the BID’s services do not match the costs of the taxes paid by residents and small businesses, and that the BID was only approved because the district includes many government-owned parcels that registered support, even though some of those properties are fallow and do not appear to derive real benefits from the BID. An analysis by the City Clerk, however, found that the BID would have been approved even

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without government-owned properties participating, as the “yes” votes would have represented 59% of the ballots.

Punchless Dodgers Team Up With Hello Kitty

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ome professional baseball teams try to lure fans to games by signing star sluggers and pitchers. The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a different tack as the current disastrous season plods on. Last week, they announced that fans who come to Chavez Ravine during the final week of the season will get… Hello Kitty gear. On Tuesday, Aug. 16, the Dodgers, who were 12 1/2 games out of first place in the NL West at press time, announced that they have partnered with Sanrio, the maker of the character adored by pre-teen girls. They are offering an online package that combines tickets and a plush Hello Kitty doll, sporting a Dodgers shirt and hat, for games Sept. 1618. Tickets are $15-$30. “In addition, Hello Kitty and her friends My Melody, Keroppi and Chococat will make special appearances at Dodger Stadium that weekend,” continued the press release, “and fans in attendance at Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 18 will receive a Hello Kitty Dodger-themed crown.” No telling if Chococat will hit before or after Matt Kemp, or whether Keroppi will replace Ted Lilly on the mound.

Holy Lease at El Pueblo

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he Olvera Street merchants are not the only ones at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument with a new lease deal. After five years of negotiations, the United Methodist Church at El Pueblo and

the city have reached a tentative agreement that could keep the church at El Pueblo for up to 30 more years. According to the office of 14th District Councilman José Huizar, the deal, for 15 years with a 15-year option, would have the church pay a monthly rate of $663 for 80 hours of religious and community services. The church will also have to establish a museum and facility that will be open to all visitors. The Plaza Methodist Church is actually a building at El Pueblo and has been an active church for more than 100 years. In 1956, the city and the church negotiated a 50-year lease at $1 a year. That expired in 2006, leading to the negotiations. Huizar was expected to introduce a motion Friday (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press) outlining the agreement. It is expected to go to the full City Council by November.

Reward for Information On Little Tokyo Mugging

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he search for a Little Tokyo mugger has intensified. Last week, the City Council authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person responsible for the July 24 assault of a blind woman in Little Tokyo. The 68-year-old resident of the neighborhood was pushing her walker down the sidewalk when a short man in a long white T-shirt snuck up behind her and ripped a gold necklace with a jade pendant from her neck. The mugger also had a small backpack and a baseball cap turned backwards. Police believe the same suspect robbed a 79-year-old Little Tokyo resident on Aug. 1. Anyone with information on the incidents can call Central Division detectives at (213) 485-3294.

August 22, 2011

Downtown News 3

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4 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

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EDITORIALS Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

Flurries on Figueroa

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he stretch of Figueroa Street that runs from Seventh Street to L.A. Live is a mixed bag. There are major developments at the poles and some pedestrianunfriendly dead zones in between. For years, even as much of Downtown has surged, portions of the corridor have remained frustratingly dark.

Now, there is the potential for some change. One problem edifice is being upgraded and another long-dreamed of development is getting a breath of possibility. As these move forward, we hope the privatesector players will work closely with the city to ensure that there are public gains, particularly on the streetscape.

In recent weeks, Los Angeles Downtown News wrote about parking lot giant L&R Group’s rehab of the five-story edifice at 845 S. Figueroa St., and IDS Real Estate Group’s renewed push on the Metropolis, a multiphase project that has been floating around for decades. The two developments have the potential to activate an underwhelming area and help link it to other lively hubs.

This portion of Figueroa has an advantage over many streets in the form of its bookend projects. L.A. Live and Staples Center draw people to South Park, and Seventh and Fig is being redefined with the $40 million upgrade of the outdoor mall and the upcoming Wilshire Grand replacement project. The stretch between these hubs should be an inviting 10-minute walk.

For years, one of the biggest problems has been 845 S. Fig. L&R acquired the dusty 1969 edifice seven years ago and did nothing. Ficus trees grew wild in front of the building and the block was grim, especially after dark.

L&R is upgrading the eyesore edifice now and hopes to turn it into a boutique office building. A company official recently said they want to help reactivate Figueroa. It’s hard to applaud this stance after years of inactivity, but it is better late than never.

Hopefully L&R will live up to the promise and make it an inviting stretch. A key will be lighting and enlivening the sidewalk that fronts Figueroa.

Metropolis is a bigger project and a bigger wish. First broached in 1988 and spurred by the office building boom of the era, it now would most likely start with a retail component or a hotel. Although the development site is bounded on the east by Francisco Street, one block from Figueroa, the activity still would funnel to the main corridor and have a heavy interplay with the rest of Downtown. Momentum for the project is being generated by the upcoming Target at 7+Fig and the proposed Farmers Field.

These developments alone would not turn around the dark patches of Figueroa, but they could play an important role. We hope they move forward. We hope that as they do the players keep not just themselves, but the greater Downtown, in mind.

AEG Is on the Clock

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n Aug. 9, much of Los Angeles applauded, and a few people groaned, when the City Council approved the framework of a deal that would allow Anschutz Entertainment Group to tear down the aged West Hall of the Convention Center and build a $1.1 billion football stadium in its place. The agreement, which would require the city to float $275 million in bonds, also involves erecting a replacement convention building adjacent to the main convention complex.

Even if a few too many council members were a bit too selfcongratulatory and in love with the sound of their own voices in the time leading up to the vote — does everyone around the horseshoe really need to stand up and say the same thing about how important it is to have a jobs generator? — approving the deal was the right move. As this page has stated before, the agreement largely protects the city and limits its risk. The upside is tremendous, as the development could improve Los Angeles’ convention business and spur another round of construction in Downtown. It could also propel the creation of businesses that would pay taxes and fill government coffers, a necessity at a time when the cash-strapped city needs to generate new revenue.

Realistically, there was never much question as to whether the city and AEG would reach an agreement. They went through the same dance before the approval of Staples Center and L.A. Live, so there was a track record of success. The Farmers Field campaign was mostly about hammering out terms. In the end, predictably, the city’s position was slightly improved over what was originally offered.

Now is the time when things get interesting, and now is the time when we really see what AEG is capable of accomplishing. To use a football term, this is the kickoff.

The outcome of the game will depend largely on whether AEG namesake Phil Anschutz and its charismatic point man, company President and CEO Tim Leiweke, can make headway with the National Football League and its 32 owners. Leiweke said after the council vote that he hopes to start construction June 1, 2012, and if he is to meet that deadline, then he has less than 10 months to convince an owner to move a franchise to Los Angeles, to sell a portion of the team — Leiweke said the financials don’t work out unless Anschutz himself has an ownership stake — and to get the rest of the league to OK such a move. A team relocating from an underperforming market to the second largest city in the country would likely have to pay a fee, possibly in the hundreds of millions

of dollars, to the league.

There are other challenges too. AEG has a stadium competitor in the City of Industry, a project helmed by Ed Roski, Anschutz’s partner in Staples Center. Despite the Downtown project’s momentum and wealth of press coverage, observers should note that the NFL has yet to give a public indication that it supports one site over the other. Additionally, during the 16 years since the Raiders and the Rams both left Los Angeles, the league has been known to play the developers of potential stadium sites against each other in the effort to sweeten the deal. These are 32 of the most cutthroat businessmen in the country, and though many of them have interacted or done deals with Anschutz, they won’t give him a football team because they like him personally.

It’s all business, all money.

There’s another challenge as well, one a few hundred miles to the north. AEG is lobbying Sacramento lawmakers to pass legislation that would prevent what Leiweke has termed a frivolous lawsuit that could imperil the deal. We support the concept of blocking frivolous lawsuits in all cases, but there is a lot to haggle over as officials define “frivolous.” It is worth stopping deep-pocketed gadflies from scuttling the stadium, but the process cannot quash legitimate challenges to the project’s environmental studies.

The development should not be doomed to endless court delays spurred by people with competing business interests, but neither does it deserve blanket protection.

Many people have stated that Los Angeles looks to be farther along now than during any previous effort to return football to the city. Many have stated that if the NFL is to come back, it will take a company with the clout, money and relationships of AEG. Both of those points are true, though the city and the developer would be wise to remember the past. In 1999, then-NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue stood in front of the Coliseum and talked about returning the league to the venue. Numerous local prominent, powerful business leaders have tried and failed.

AEG has the potential to bring football back to Los Angeles, and in the process to give the city a better footing in the convention game. That doesn’t mean, however, that the deal is done or that the time has come to stop looking closely at the process. The city still has an important role to fill — a final contract won’t be hammered out until next year. Meanwhile, we’re about to see whether AEG is just another player in the L.A. football game, or if the company is truly different.

August 22, 2011

Downtown News 5

Opinion

The Readers Wrestle Over Art Walk Website Comments on Changes for the Popular Monthly Event

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very week Los Angeles Downtown News gets online comments to the stories we publish. Recent stories about proposed changes at Art Walk following the death of 7-week-old Marcello Vasquez, killed when a car drove onto the curb during the July 14 event, prompted a huge response. These are comments from the editorial “Keep Streets Open During Art Walk,” posted online Aug. 5, and the article “Food Trucks, Vendors Banned From Art Walk Core,” published online Aug. 10, by Richard Guzmán.

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hy not just shut down the Art Walk? It’s creating a lot of chaos amongst dwellers/participants. You promote drinking in the streets, and a psycho holiday each month in Downtown L.A. —Maria de Los Angeles, Aug. 8, 8:34 a.m.

M

oving many food trucks out of the immediate Art Walk area sounds reasonable, but removing all of the indie pop-up artists from Art Walk will indeed create a feeling of “safer” streets — as people will stop attending an Art Walk that has few artists.

—Mark, Aug. 10, 11:45 a.m.

T

he temporary solution to ban the food trucks, vendors and musicians seems to me to be gallery biased and not indicative of the residents that live on Spring, Main and Second through Eighth streets. I don’t see how banning food trucks and vendors clears up the sidewalks, which is where the accident happened. As a monthly visitor to Art Walk, I’ve always thought the parking lots that housed the food trucks were safer than the sidewalks. The gallery owners need to evolve as Art Walk has evolved. In the beginning, the focus was on the galleries and the neighboring restaurants/bars. It has since evolved into an event not just for the galleries, but for all the retail that has developed in the area. By eliminating the festive aspect of the Walk, the

galleries have once again won the argument to keep Art Walk boring.

—Samuel, Aug. 10, 12:38 p.m.

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s a business owner in the heart of the Old Bank District, I think this is an uncalled-for move. I can fully understand moving the food trucks, but moving vendors and performers is way too drastic. I understand the congestion caused by the highly concentrated foot traffic, but this will drastically change the feel of Art Walk. In my opinion either Main or Spring should be shut down for Art Walk night, creating a safe street to walk down and to gather. It is so sad what happened last month, but it had nothing to do with the food trucks or vendors.

—John Esparza, Aug. 10, 12:54 p.m.

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s president of the Historic Downtown Merchants Association, I think this is a good first step in eliminating the congestion, danger and unruliness during Art Walk. And as a business owner in the Art Walk area, this is a move that has been overdue. Most of the businesses here have opened within the last two years. When Art Walk started there was open retail space all around Sixth and Spring. Now there are no empty spaces, but there are many thriving shops, restaurants and bars. We hope that with this first step, patrons will now visit the “brick and mortar” businesses in the Gallery Row area. Having the food trucks and vendors on the streets not only caused congestion but took away business from the people who pay rent here.

—Caryn Hofberg, president, Historic Downtown Merchants Association, Aug. 10, 2:27 p.m.

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t is always a tragedy when a child is injured, let alone killed, and steps should be taken to prevent it from happening again. But this particular tragedy was an accident, one that moving food trucks and vendors to another street will not correct or prevent. If this had taken place on any other day of

the month, we wouldn’t be taking these extreme measures.

Why don’t we stop parking on Spring during the Art Walk, or make it one lane only?

—Art Walk Fan, Aug. 10, 3:32 p.m.

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t’s odd that the reason they’re banning trucks and street art is because of a car killing a 2-month old. How exactly is it the trucks’ or the street performers’ fault for one bad driver?

Last month I saw motorcycles riding on the sidewalk without warning. How exactly is that bringing safety to the area?

—Javier, Aug. 11, 1:37 a.m.

I

f they want to make it safer, simply shut down the Art Walk core to traffic and make it pedestrian-only.

—Gage, Aug. 11, 7:17 a.m.

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iving on Spring Street, in the middle of all the Art Walk action, it was a relief to know that changes were coming to the troubled monthly event. I wish this affair was about art, but I’ve long since accepted that it’s about a lot of people who need or want an excuse to get drunk and stupid. Fine.

But if that’s what it is, these changes (and more) are the consequences. Those of us who live and work here — and, dare I say it, create art here — embrace a vibrant affair, but only when those attending can respect and have consideration for those hosting it: Us. —bigphatcatlover, Aug. 12, 1:31 a.m.

T

he accident was the catalyst to force city leaders to address what was a slowly building issue at Art Walk: absolutely over-congested sidewalks. Areas where active traffic is around clogged pedestrian arteries is a recipe for disaster. In order just to get around, or to move away from or around an emergency situation, there is no place for peds to go except the street (where the cars are). I was out in that Art Walk and there were several instances where stepping into the parking lanes was the only way to get around throngs of non-moving revelers. I suggest we give the city another Art Walk or two to shake the kinks out of this new arrangement. Of course, their finding came so last minute they couldn’t effectively administer the new policy quickly.

But people still found the vendors and artisans. I did, and without much effort.

—Neva Chevalier, Aug. 15, 1:16m.

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6 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

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Major Chinatown Project to Move Forward Veteran Real Estate Firm Forest City Likely to Kick-start Blossom Plaza

by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

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hen the real estate downturn hit, one of Chinatown’s most anticipated and potentially transformative projects was pushed to the sidelines. Now, seven years after it was first broached, and more than a decade since the site at a key location went dark, a turnaround could be coming.

On Monday, Aug. 15, officials with development firm Forest City Residential Group made a presentation during a meeting of the Chinatown Community Advisory Committee for the Blossom Plaza site. Although no votes have been taken, the Community Redevelopment Agency is set to recommend that Forest City take over a project that could ultimately connect the Chinatown Gold Line station and Broadway with more than 200 housing units, a plaza and other elements.

The selection of Forest City follows a bidding process conducted by the CRA. Six firms responded.

Jenny Scanlin, acting regional administrator for the CRA’s Downtown region, predicted the development will be a catalyst for the area.

“This is the critical project for this community,” Scanlin said at the meeting of approximately two dozen people. “I think it has the potential to really set a pace for new development in Chinatown.”

The deal would mark a major turnaround for the prime 1.9-acre plot on Broadway between College and Spring streets. The site includes the vacant and fenced-off Little Joe’s.

The former Italian restaurant has been closed since 1998.

The prospects for the site seemed to change in 2007, when the CRA and the City Council

gave the go-ahead for an ambitious $165 million project by developer Larry Bond.

Plans called for the creation of 262 residential units, with 20% of them priced as affordable housing, in two towers. The project would also have created 43,000 square feet of retail space, a 372-car garage and a 17,500-squarefoot plaza to be used for community events.

The latter was included after extensive debate and numerous community meetings.

Bond, however, was never able to secure the financing to bring the project to fruition.

In June 2009, lender Prime Property Fund foreclosed on the site.

The city purchased the land last year after the CRA Board of Commissioners approved the allocation of $3 million toward the $9.9 million acquisition. In December 2010, the agency began the bidding process.

Established Player With Forest City, the project could have a developer with an extensive record both in Downtown and across the nation.

Forest City was founded in 1920 and claims more than $11 billion in assets. The real estate development and management firm has properties in 27 states that include office buildings, hotels, retail centers and residential properties.

In Downtown, they are responsible for projects such as apartment complexes The Met at 950 S. Flower St. and Metro 417 at 417 S. Hill St. While their resume may be impressive, their role with the project has not yet been made official. Additionally, specific plans for the development have not been publicly unveiled. The former 262 housing units could be downsized to about 200.

Scouting Fundraiser Event--Oct. 7, 2011 Boy Scouts of America Los Angeles Area Council

IMAGINE rappelling 26 stories off a high rise!

photo by Gary Leonard

Forest City Residential Group will likely take over the failed Blossom Plaza project. Company Vice President Kevin Ratner last week spoke about the development at a meeting of the Chinatown Community Advisory Committee.

Kevin Ratner, president of Forest City West, the Downtown branch of the company that operates its West Coast holdings, said that since they are still considered candidates, the firm cannot release details on exactly what their project will look like, the budget or timeline.

However, he said that because entitlements are already in place, their version would be very similar to the previously proposed Blossom Plaza plans.

“It’s going to be mostly residential,” he said. “There will be some commercial, some retail in it, and other things required by the CRA. A lot of things that were agreed to between the city and the previous developer will still be in the project.”

Ratner, the grandson of the company’s founder, said Forest City has long had an eye on development in Chinatown. The site’s location near the Gold Line and its potential as a catalyst for the area attracted them to the project. The plaza is slated to connect to the Gold Line station.

“We’d like to move it along as fast as we can,” he said.

Unlike with Larry Bond, the project will not go before the CRA for approval. Instead, it will move directly to the City Council.

Scanlin said there is no timeline yet on when the CRA’s recommendation to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement with see Blossom Plaza, page 19

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More Leadership Turmoil at Arts High School LAUSD Principal Choice Rejects Post; New Search Starts Weeks Before Classes Begin

by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

T

he $232 million performing arts high school on Grand Avenue has had two principals in its first two years.

Now, two weeks before classes begin, the school finds itself without a permanent leader.

As first reported on downtownnews.com on Aug. 12, the high-profile New York arts school administrator who had been tapped for the job has decided not to take the position. It is the second time she has walked away from the LAUSD’s offer to lead the attention-grabbing school designed by Wolf Prix.

The latest rejection of the job by Kim Bruno, the principal of the lauded LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and Performing Arts in New York City, comes after a recent courting process that included in-person interviews in Los Angeles. She was not the only candidate, but she was the district’s top choice.

LAUSD’s human resources department reposted the principal position on Aug. 15, said Danny Palma, assistant to Dale Vigil, the local district superintendent for the region that includes the recently renamed Ramon C. Cortines School for Visual and Performing Arts. The district will accept applications through Friday, Aug. 26.

In late July, a principal selection committee consisting of parents, teachers and other stakeholders in the school at 450 N. Grand Ave. named Bruno their top choice to replace Luis Lopez, who in June was suddenly moved out of the job. They also selected second- and third-choice candidates.

LAUSD Supt. John Deasy and Vigil approved the recommendation, but Bruno ultimately rejected the district’s offer, Vigil said. The district has appointed interim principal Chieko

Rupp, a retired educator, to open the school in September and remain there until a permanent leader is chosen, Vigil said.

It is unclear why Bruno, who could not be reached for comment, backed out. When asked what could have caused the rejection, Vigil said, “You’d have to talk to her. I was very supportive of the committee and that’s who they wanted.”

This marks the second time Bruno appeared to want the job before changing course. She verbally committed to taking the position in 2009, when the district wanted her to be the school’s first principal. After visiting Los Angeles, she canceled, citing “professional reasons” in an email to Los Angeles Downtown News.

Unstable Ground Whoever ultimately takes the job will be the third principal in three years at a school that has been roiled by political and administration-related conflicts. Original principal Suzanne Blake was fired after one year, though no reason was ever publicly given. Parents who claimed Blake had done an able job and was adored by students staged a protest outside the district’s Beaudry Street headquarters in July 2010.

Blake’s replacement, Lopez, was removed in June. Again, there was little public explanation for the move. He has since taken a position in Deasy’s office that the district characterized as a promotion.

Vigil said the school nevertheless has stability because four assistant principals, who oversee the campus’ four arts-related academies in music, theater, visual arts and dance, are all returning. Still, the district will look to quickly find a permanent principal.

“We’d like to have someone in place before September is out,” Vigil said.

photo by Gary Leonard

The LAUSD’s $232 million arts high school lacks a permanent principal two weeks before school starts. Luis Lopez (left, with local district superintendent Dale Vigil) took the job before classes started last year, but now works in Superintendent John Deasy’s office.

Greg Schiller, a science teacher at the school, and a member of the selection committee, said he knew the group’s recommendation was “held up in human resources.” That was the last he had heard about the process, Schiller said.

Rupp, the interim principal, is overseeing the school as it sets to embark on its third year. Rupp, who in a short time has earned admiration from the school community, including teachers and parents who spoke with Downtown News, said she hopes the district selects a permanent leader soon.

“For the school’s sake, it’s better to have a permanent person so that that person can really help the school community,” Rupp said. “There’s no way I’d like to stay here for an entire year because people would look at me as an interim.

And that’s not fair to students.”

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

The Educogym Way Getting the Health, Fitness and Weight Loss Balance Right

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e are all guilty of it. Today, there are more gyms in the U.S. than ever before, yet research shows that 90% of people stop going to the gym after only six weeks. What has happened to our willpower and motivation?

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“When a new client comes in, we sit down and set out all their definite goals and targets,” Dunne says. “We talk in particular about nutrition. From this, we can put together a specialized program that is based on the client’s lifestyle. It’s a very natural diet based on eating good, wholesome, natural food. There is no modern or processed food, and no counting calories. Combined with our training sessions, the metabolism increases and the muscles become toned, thus leading to healthy weight loss that stays off.” educogym places a strong emphasis on a

healthy, balanced, low-glycemic diet. The right balance of foods and cutting-edge dietary supplements helps balance energy levels throughout the day, which in turn impacts focus, concentration, stamina, drive, and home and family life. educogym focuses on reenergizing the body rather than exhausting it. Most people either don’t exercise or over exercise. In fact, no exercise at all is probably better than exercising the wrong way. Correct exercise allows the body to rejuvenate and revitalize.

“It’s not all about the scales,” Dunne notes. “It’s about achieving results that have a very positive effect on your life and getting the balance right.”

There is no sign up fee at educogym and you can kick off your fitness program with a threemonth membership. Results are evident in as little as 12 days. educogym is at 633 W. Fifth St., Suite 5750.

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WHAT’S FOR SALE Long Stalled Brockman Building Is (Almost) Ready for Residents

by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

I

n the column “What’s for Sale,” Los Angeles Downtown News looks at everything from condos to multi-family buildings to vacant lots now on the market. We hope that regular snapshots of individual properties will make for a wideranging survey of the overall state of Downtown real estate.

This week, the focus is on the Brockman Building, the 12-story brick edifice that houses Bottega Louie and has 80 units on the upper, long-empty floors. A broker is soliciting offers on the property through this week.

The Building: At 530 W. Seventh St., on the southeast corner of Seventh and Grand Avenue, the Brockman is named for mining tycoon John Brockman. It opened in 1921, according to the L.A. Conservancy, as Brockman hoped to expand Downtown’s commercial district westward. The ground floor was home to several upscale clothiers, including Brooks Brothers, which occupied the space now held by Bottega Louie from 1965 to 1989.

The Wait: The quest to turn the structure into housing has been long and, for many, frustrating. Developer West Millennium once planned to wrap work in 2005. That was ultimately pushed back until spring 2009. Construction delays, a budget that skyrocketed from $16 million to more than $40 million, and turmoil in the housing market ultimately sent the project and then West Millennium into bankruptcy.

Lender Bank of America, which provided a $35 million construction loan, foreclosed in December 2010.

Apartments or Condos?: The short answer is apartments.

Whoever purchases the project will “most likely” bring the building to market as rentals, said listing agent Kitty Wallace of Colliers. West Millennium built out the 80 Brockman units as condominiums, but the investor market is currently targeting rental products over for-sale projects, she said.

Price: There’s no listed price for the Brockman. That is typi-

cal of large building sales, for which brokers generally seek to attract the highest possible bid. However, we know that Bank of America is into the Brockman for more than $44 million.

The construction loan was for $35 million, but the debt escalated by $9 million due to rising costs and various liens that were on the project before foreclosure. Banks typically look to recoup as much of their debt as possible through a sale like this one, but local real estate experts, and the court-appointed trustee formerly in charge of maintaining the Brockman, believe the building is worth far less than its debt.

Compared to What?: There’s recent evidence that institutional investors want in on apartment projects in Downtown. Equity Residential bought the 322-unit Pegasus Apartments in the Financial District for $100 million, or $310,000 per unit, in April. That followed LaSalle Investment Management’s $62.5 million purchase in January of the 204-apartment Canvas L.A. in City West. The latter deal translated to $306,000 per unit. If the Brockman sells for roughly the same rate as the Pegasus, it would go for $24.8 million.

Location Cubed: The eventual owner will likely use the building’s sole commercial tenant, the wildly popular restaurant Bottega Louie, to woo residents. And why not? There are not many places to live Downtown where you can walk downstairs for a fresh loaf of bread (yes, Market Lofts, we know you’re above Ralphs, and yes, Alexandria peeps, we know you’re above Two Bits Market, but you get our point).

Then again, loners and quiet types beware: Street noise is more of an issue here than at many other buildings, with lots of nightlife action nearby. The project is in the heart of a fast-changing Seventh Street. There are bars (Seven Grand, Dublin’s), restaurants (Soi 7, Sugarfish, Mas Malo) and the Seventh Street Metro Center station.

Floored: A buyer could open the building to renters immediately — the project has its certificate of occupancy. More likely, Wallace said, the new owner will take time to finish some

Real loft living…

photo by Gary Leonard

The Brockman Building is on the market, and offers are being accepted through Aug. 24.

details, namely the floors. Wood flooring was installed in only three residences. The remainder are unfinished, unpolished concrete floors, she said.

Contact: Listing agent Kitty Wallace is at (310) 622-1990 or kittywallaceteam.com. She is taking offers on the building through Aug. 24.

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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Let’s Do Lunch DowntownNews.com

Downtown News 9

photo by Gary Leonard

August 22, 2011

10 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

Let’s Do Lunch

Do you know The ABCs of Lunch in Downtown

throw a party

From A to Z, a Central City Tour of the Mid-Day Meal

by RichaRd Guzman city editoR

I

t has been pointed out before that eating lunch in Downtown can be an international experience. The great mix of cultures in the community means food from all over the globe is served in the relatively compact area.

There is another way to experience the Downtown lunch scene — alphabetically. In the following pages, Los Angeles Downtown

News takes a culinary trip around the Central City, going from A to Z. Stop on any letter you choose.

A

Aloha Café Get a little taste of the islands in a little spot in Little Tokyo at Aloha Café. While there were a lot of “littles” in the previous sentence, there is nothing small about the flavors served at the Second Street spot. Try the pork lau lau, a

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fect lunch. Meat, vegetables and dairy (if you get cheese, and there’s no reason not to) all smashed between an easy to handle bun. There’s no shortage of burger joints in Downtown Los Angeles, and many spots have their loyalists. You can’t talk burgers without mentioning Original Tommy’s, which for more than six decades has been serving its original chiliburger from, yes, its original location just west of Downtown.

Also noteworthy is Pete’s Café & Bar and

traditional Hawaiian dish with the tender pig meat wrapped around taro leaves. Or go for the house star, the Loco Moco, a hamburger patty on a bed of rice topped with two eggs and gravy. You won’t be so little after eating this.

At 410 E. Second St., (213) 346-9930 or eatatalohacafe.com.

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August 22, 2011

Downtown News 11

Let’s Do Lunch

photo by Gary Leonard

The celebrated Lazy Ox Canteen is perhaps the most popular restaurant in Little Tokyo. Crowds come at lunch for the very shareable small plates.

its Hellman burger. It’s made with a halfpound of prime beef with fontina cheese and smoked tomato aioli. Carnivores can also satisfy their craving at Bottega Louie. The burger there is made with Kobe beef and comes in a brioche bun.

Tommy’s is at 2575 W. Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-9060 or originaltommys.com; Pete’s Café is at 400 S. Main St., (213) 617-1000 or petescafe.com; Bottega Louie is at 700 S. Grand Ave., (213) 802-1470 or bottegalouie.com.

C

D

Daily Grill The Daily Grill is not exclusive to Downtown.

However, the Downtown Daily Grill is one of the busiest in the chain serving classic American fare. Located on the ground floor

photo by Gary Leonard

Pete’s Café and Bar in the Old Bank District is often filled at lunch. One of the most popular items is the Hellman burger.

of the Pegasus apartments, the restaurant is popular with the Financial District crowd for its selection of burgers, chops, seafood, salads and pasta. A house specialty is the charbroiled skirt steak marinated in citrus. Another good choice is the blackened tilapia, with Cajun spices and spinach mashed potatoes.

At 612 S. Flower St., (213) 622-4500 or dailygrill.com

E

Ensenada A trip to Ensenada necessitates a few things not everyone wants to endure. For one, there’s the crowded border crossing. Then there’s the hangover you’ll probably leave with after spending time in the party city.

You don’t have to deal with either of those at

Restaurant Ensenada in the Historic Core.

The Spring Street spot serves up whopping portions of food. Try the pork short ribs, which are served in a red sauce and accompanied by chips with salsa, a small bowl of refried beans and more. There’s also a whole fried fish, chicken or steak fajitas and plenty of other options.

At 517 S. Spring St., (213) 489-2950 or ensenadarest.com.

F

French Downtown is known as a place for Mexican food, American food and even Italian food.

French food, however, is a more endangered species. The longtime Fashion District restausee A-Z, page 12

JA ZZ LI NI VE GH TL Y!

Chinatown Every weekday, the small and large restaurants in the community on the northern edge of Downtown are jammed with diners. There are dozens of choices dotting the colorful landscape, but a few stand out from the crowd. They include Plum Tree Inn, which has been around for decades

and serves Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. The classics such as pan-fried noodles and orange chicken are always good, as are house specialties like the Beijing duck with lacquered skin, spring onions and hoisin dipping sauce. Another stalwart is Yang Chow, home to the famous slippery shrimp. They are lightly breaded, buttery shrimp served in a garlicky sauce with red chili flakes.

Plum Tree Inn is at 913 N. Broadway, (213) 613-1819 or plumtreeinn.com; Yang Chow is at 819 N. Broadway, (213) 625-0811 or yangchow.com.

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Let’s Do Lunch

H

A-Z

Homegirl Café Eat a good meal, drink a fine, dark-green beverage and feel like you’re helping make society a little better by patronizing Homegirl Café. Part of Homeboy Industries, the nonprofit that helps former gang members find jobs, the restaurant is popular with local residents and the City Hall crowd. Lunch highlights include the roast beef sandwich with spicy apple and tomatilla salsa and the beef tinga tacos with habanero pickled onions. The guacamole, with chunks of roasted pineapple, is a must-try, as is Angela’s Green Potion, a spinach-mint lemonade.

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

Continued from page 11 rant Angelique Café just closed. Still, you can find your escargots and eat them too. Located on the southern edge of the Arts District, Church and State is a bistro built in an old loading dock. Although Walter Manzke, the chef who gave it a following, is long gone, there is still a dependable bouillabaisse, a fish stew with blue prawns, clams and mussels. Or try the snails in a garlic butter sauce. Hidden in a desolate stretch of Seventh Street is The French Garden. Your mouth will drop in awe when you enter the colorful patio in the midst of so much concrete. Your mouth will drop again with offerings such as mustard salmon and ahi tuna salad Church and State is at 1850 Industrial St., (213) 405-1434 or churchandstatebistro.com; French Garden is at 1936 E. Seventh St. or (213) 623-4028.

I

photo courtesy of The Palm

The Palm in South Park attracts a who’s who of the Downtown business crowd. Customers dine amid caricatures of local power players.

G

Gourmet Sandwiches Gourmet meals are not just for dinner. In Downtown, you can eat them at lunch, and sometimes you don’t even need utensils. At Mendocino Farms, the philosophy is to take

fine dining off the fine china and slap it between artisan bread with upscale ingredients, most of them from small, independent farms. Chef Judy Han’s creations run the gamut, from the duck confit with duck-skin

chicharrones on ciabatta to the prosciutto and roasted chicken with mozzarella. You never know what they’ll invent here.

At 300 S. Grand Ave. and 444 S. Flower St., (213) 627-3262 or mendocinofarms.com.

Izakaya Little Tokyo is no longer just a place for sushi or gigantic, steaming bowls of noodles.

In recent years the neighborhood’s culinary scene has been redefined by the izakaya, or small plate bars. One of the most popular is Izakaya Fu-Ga. It’s got a modern look with dark wood and high-backed booths and serves grilled skewers and tapas-style plates with generous amounts of beer and sake, although you may choose to cut back on the

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Downtown News 13

Let’s Do Lunch It’s been around for a long time and has a large contingent of loyal customers. You can literally hear some of the dishes coming as they sizzle on the way to your table. The short ribs are a good choice and come with a side of tasty kimchee. Also strong is the BBQ pork and chicken.

At 323 E. First St. in Japanese Village Plaza, (213) 680-1826.

L

photo by Gary Leonard

Landmark A healthy handful of places in Downtown claim landmark status, but none can equal Philippe The Original, which has been serving for more than 100 years. The secret is in the juice, as in the au jus. The restaurant was founded in 1908, and 103 years later it is crowded every weekday with customers wanting the beef, turkey, lamb and other French dip sandwiches. There are sides (try the kosher pickles) and desserts, so save room and ogle them while you stand on the sawdust-covered floors. Make sure to bring cash, since they

don’t take plastic.

At 1001 N. Alameda St., (213) 628-3781 or philippes.com.

M

Mediterranean You don’t need to travel to the Mediterranean to enjoy the street food of the region. It can also be found at Spitz, the Downtown home of the döner kebab. The traditional Turkish meal is made with slow-roasted meat that is similar to shawarma and is shaved into thin strips; it is served as a sandwich or a salad. The classic döner is a good choice for lunch. The meat is half-lamb, half-beef and can be served on focaccia bread or in a wrap. It is topped with tzatziki and chili sauce. The French fries are tasty, and so is the sweet potato version. Veggie lovers can try a sandwich with hummus, feta cheese, olives and vegetables.

At 371 E. Second St., (213) 613-0101 or eatatspitz.com. see A-Z, page 14

A hot bowl of pho or the Shaking Beef with marinated filet mignon and sauteed onions will give you your fix of Vietnamese food at Blossom in the Historic Core.

alcohol during lunch. There are also specials like the rib-eye steak and the charbroiled chicken and salmon. While not a traditional Japanese spot, you can’t talk about small plates and Little Tokyo without mentioning Lazy Ox Canteen, helmed by chef Josef Centeno. The restaurant is ideal for lunch with a large group of people who don’t mind sharing plates and trying Centeno’s wildly original creations such as pig ear chicharron and the pork and beef ragu with pasta and fried egg. Even the caramelized cauliflower is delicious.

Izakaya Fu-Ga is at 111 S. San Pedro St., (213) 625-1722 or izakayafu-ga.com; Lazy Ox Canteen is at 241 S. San Pedro St., (213) 626-5299 or lazyoxcanteen.com.

photo courtesy of Tiara Café

Tiara Café in the Fashion District does a brisk lunch business with people looking for healthy and original meals.

Looking for a new place for breakfast, lunch and gourmet goodies to-go?

Then stop by Market Café at AT&T Center located downstairs on the Garden Level.

You’ll discover a “toss and chop” fresh produce bar, flatbread pizzas, artisan sandwiches, soups, daily entrée specials and a selection of sweets. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with free wifi. Planning a business meeting or birthday soon? The café also offers delectable catering for any size event. Impress your guests in the office, at home, or at AT&T Center! The building offers a 500 seat state-of-art theatre and a two-story Penthouse with 360-degree views of Los Angeles.

J

MARKET CAFE´ by Patina Open weekdays 6:30 am – 2:30 pm

Jalapeno: Jalapeño You’ll have to trek to the edge of the Fashion District, and peek through the poster-size pictures of food on the door, to find the tiny Casa Jalapeño. Once you do, you’ll see chef Kyle Moore in the kitchen, and he’ll talk up a storm about his food. The big thing here is, yes, the jalapeño. The Jalapeño Burger is made with prime beef and a mountain of melted cheddar cheese. The meat is mixed with spices and a hearty helping of garlic and cilantro, which add both texture and a kick. Chew slowly, though, because it can get spicy. To cool it off order the horchata milkshake, a blend of horchata ice cream, cinnamon, milk powder and whipped cream.

At 1300 S. Los Angeles St., (213) 747-7750 or casajalapeno.com.

K

Korean If it sizzles, it’s probably good, and there are a lot of sizzling hot plates at Korean BBQ House in Japanese Village Plaza.

213.536.4090 1150 S. Olive Street Complimentary valet parking for Market Café customers 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

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14 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

Let’s Do Lunch

A-Z Continued from page 13

N

Night Toast Judging by the name alone, Night Toast doesn’t seem to be a natural Downtown lunch spot. However, it’s open all day.

Choices from the Mediterranean-inspired menu include the Tunisian Toast with tuna, hardboiled egg and red onions. The Night Toast sandwich offers roast beef, American cheese and ranch sauce.

At 653 S. Spring St., (213) 488-9944 or nighttoast.com.

O

Old School Those who cried foul at the Philippe’s mention can stop getting all huffy — you can’t talk about lunch in Downtown L.A. without mentioning Cole’s. Like Philippe’s, it’s an old-school joint that bills itself as the originator of the French dip sandwich. The Historic Core restaurant had its menu revamped a few years ago, and it’s rock solid in the dip department; unlike at Philippe’s, you dip

yourself, since they give you a cup of au jus.

Also on the menu are a turkey salad sandwich and tuna sandwich. Enjoy them all in a place that looks more like an old saloon than a restaurant. Cole’s even has penny tile floors and the original 40-foot mahogany bar.

At 118 E. Sixth St., (213) 622-4090 or 213nightlife.com.

P

Power Lunch Fact No. 1 about Downtown: It is filled with corporate, legal and political power players.

Fact No. 2: When it comes to making deals and doing business, a lot happens not in the office, but while people break bread. Fact No. 3: Perhaps the best places for these power lunchers to do these deals are The Palm and Engine Co. No. 28. The latter is in the Financial District, within easy walking distance for all the suit-and-tie types in the office towers. They indulge in the meatloaf, the salads and a batch of sandwiches. While you can eat the famous lobster for lunch at The Palm, unless you plan a two-hour nap, you’re probably better off with something else. Consider the sliced New York steak sandwich or the Business Lunch, a three-course prix-fixe menu with entree choices like New York steak and Atlantic salmon filet and desserts such as key

photo by Gary Leonard

Although French food isn’t exactly prevalent in Downtown, a reliable spot is Church and State, fashioned from an old Arts District loading dock.

lime pie. The South Park spot with caricatures of Downtowners on the walls is the go-to destination for L.A. Live players.

The Palm is at 1100 S. Flower St., (213) 763-4600 or thepalm.com; Engine Co. No. 28 is at 644 S. Figueroa St., (213) 624-6996 or engineco.com.

Q

Quack If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and is served at Rivera, it’s going to be some of the most delicious duck you’ve ever had. The duck enfrijolada, served with poached egg, rioja wine and cascabel chile sauce, looks like a plate of beans and eggs, but it’s actually two blue corn tortillas over duck and black bean puree. If duck isn’t your thing, then try any

of the other options created by fusion pioneer John Rivera Sedlar. Standouts include the braised kurobuta short ribs or the Oaxacan ahi tuna. You pretty much can’t go wrong here.

At 1050 S. Flower St., (213) 749-1460 or riverarestaurant.com.

R

Rookies of the Year More than 20 restaurants have opened since the beginning of the year, and there is no slowdown coming. However, there are a few Rookie of the Year candidates. An instantly popular Seventh Street spot is Mas Malo, an East-L.A. style Mexican restaurant that is a spin-off of the Silver Lake Malo. For lunch try the ground beef and pickle taco or the Boyle Heights picnic, a quarter chicken roasted in

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August 22, 2011

Downtown News 15

Let’s Do Lunch

photo by Gary Leonard

French dips are the featured attraction at Cole’s. The restaurant’s menu was revamped recently.

Hill St., (213) 625-1097; Eco-Asian is at 521 W. Seventh St., (213) 489-1811 or eco-asian.com

rots and daikon, Vietnamese mint, cilantro and jalapeños. Also worth a try is the chicken banh mi. The bird is marinated overnight in spices, then grilled.

At 114 S. Central Ave., (213) 620-1840 or thespicetable.com.

S

T

photo by Gary Leonard

It’s hard to think of lunch in Downtown without mentioning Philippe The Original. The Alameda Street landmark still packs in crowds eager for a French dip sandwich.

mole poblano. Also in the running is Chimu, a fantastic little Peruvian spot, a window really, next to Grand Central Market. It’s tough to find a table in the patio, but if you do you will be rewarded with creations like pork belly chicharron or the lomo saltado, a traditional dish made of juicy beef over thick French fries. Although it may not be in quite the same league, Eco-Asian serves a seriously fresh bowl of pho. It smells like a garden boiling in hot water when it gets to the table. The meat finishes cooking in the broth.

Mas Malo is at 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 9854332 or malorestaurant.com; Chimu is at 324 S.

Spicy The charcuterie is done in-house, the bread is baked daily and the banh mi sandwiches are fresh, filling and unleash a complex mix of flavors. Welcome to the Spice Table, another new arrival which filled the Little Tokyo space formerly occupied by Cuba Central. A winner here is the cold cut sandwich, a big, meaty meal with pork, pork-liver pate and headcheese, house made ham, pickled car-

Tiara Café When Fred Eric opened Tiara Café in the Fashion District in 2006, his goal was to redefine Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food and serve quick, healthy and original meals. Amazingly, he’s managed to do both, and while fashionistas jam the joint, he also pulls an ample crowd from the rest of Downtown. One of his most popular innovations is the freshwich, inspired by the

Vietnamese spring roll. Eric wraps grilled meats, vegetables, spices and herbs in rice paper. He can also satisfy seafood cravings with dishes like the pan-seared halibut with noodles in a miso mushroom broth.

At 127 E. Ninth St., (213) 623-3663 or tiara-cafe-la.com.

U

Urban Noodle Located in the former Warung Café spot on Fourth Street, Urban Noodle is an Old Bank District winner. One of the standouts is the pepper beef noodles. The sliced meat is tender and just slightly spicy. It is served with chunks of red and green bell peppers over chow fun noodles and doused with a see A-Z, page 16

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16 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

Let’s Do Lunch

steak). The room is light, airy and friendly.

At 601 S. Central Ave., (213) 596-5579 or yxta.net.

A-Z

Y

Continued from page 15 black bean sauce. The Urban Noodle House Special Noodles combines shrimp, tomatoes, onions, red and green peppers and a sauce so special it is only identified as special sauce. There are also a lot of soups with noodles.

At 118 W. Fourth St., (213) 626-0662 or urbannoodlela.com.

V

Vietnamese: Blossom There’s a reason why pho is such a popular meal, and at Blossom restaurant on Main Street, the reason is instantly obvious.

Popular lunch choices at the Vietnamese destination include the pho ga chicken soup and the pho tai, with thinly sliced rare steak. The rice dishes are also worth sampling. Try the Shaking Beef, served with marinated filet mignon and sauteed onions, or the fried roasted

photo by Gary Leonard

Mas Malo, which opened in January, is attracting lunch crowds with its East L.A. take on Mexican food.

Cornish hen with pan-fried egg.

At 426 S. Main St., (213) 623-1973 or blossomrestaurant.com.

W

What the Heck Am I Eating?

If you’ve asked that question during a meal in Downtown, then chances are you are at Wurstküche. And chances are, as soon as you ask that question, you go right back in for another bit of the delicious sausages. The Arts District hangout offers a wide choice of perfectly prepared sausages. They range from the tame, tasty classics like the bratwurst, to gourmet selections such as mango jalapeño, to the exotic meats, among them rattlesnake, alligator, rabbit and buffalo. It’s all wrapped in a fresh roll. If you have room or you just want to diversify, order some of the Belgian fries.

At 800 E. Third St., (213) 687-4440 or wurstkucherestaurant.com.

X

Yxta We admit it: There aren’t that many Downtown choices when it comes to restaurants or food that start with X. However, Yxta has an X in it. That’s our choice and we’re sticking with it, partly because this is a pretty good Mexican restaurant for lunch.

Reliable choices include the carnitas tacos, the polo al pastor and arrachera (marinated

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Yucatan Don’t let the fact that it’s located in a swap meet-like shopping center fool you: Chichen Itza can compete with many of the fancier lunch joints Downtown. The Mayaninfluenced Yucatan cuisine includes offerings like the poc chuc, a tender pork marinated with sour orange juice and salt, which adds a slightly acidic flavor. Cochinita pibil is a common dish, but chef Gilberto Cetina’s is anything but common. It’s a savory, slowcooked pork marinated with sour orange juice and annatto seeds that is roasted while wrapped in a banana leaf. He makes the habanero sauce in house, and isn’t afraid to use it freely. It’s a drive down to Mercado la Paloma, but Chichen Itza is worth the trip.

At 3655 S. Grand Ave., (213) 741-1075 or chichenitzarestaurant.com.

Z

Pizza OK, this is another letter entry where the items are limited. We could have gone for zucchini, but who considers zucchini a real lunch option? So pizza, with the double Zs, it is. Fortunately, Downtown has some impressive options. The thin crust and personal pies keep people rushing to Pitfire Pizza — try the sausage or mushroom varieties.

New on the block is Urbano Pizza Bar. The recently opened establishment promises a frequently changing menu based on what’s seasonal; current options include the Funghi, a wood-roasted pie with wild mushrooms.

Garage Pizza is another new spot. It’s got curious concoctions such as the Garage Pizza with ground beef, pickles and cheddar cheese. They also make something called The Inferno, with hot Italian sausage, jalapeños, pepperoncini and crushed red peppers. Be ready to burn.

Pitfire Pizza is at 108 W. Second St., (213) 808-1200 or pitfirepizza.com; Urbano Pizza Bar is at 630 W. Sixth St., (213) 614-1900 or urbanopizzabar.com; Garage Pizza is at 100 1/2 W. Seventh St., (213) 622-3390.

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Downtown News 17

DowntownNews.com

STREET TALK

Asked at L.A. Live, by Gary Leonard and Richard Guzmán

Does Los Angeles Need a Football Team?

Yes, because I will make more money. Actually, me and everyone else, because of the construction and all the other stuff. I’m not really a football fan so it doesn’t really matter to me which teams come here.

Absolutely. It’s the only major metropolitan city without a football team.

I’d like to see San Diego come up or Minnesota come this way.

—Mike Louis, broadcast wireman

Yes. We don’t have one.

We miss the Raiders. We miss the Rams. I would love the Raiders to come back.

—Jim Steele, salesman

—Shelton Moore, carpenter

I would say so. It’s a big city; they used to have two teams here.

I don’t think we need any more new teams, so you probably would have to pull a team from somewhere.

Yeah, so the city can get some money. And we need to watch something in the fall.

I don’t know anything about football, but we should get the San Diego Chargers.

I do think L.A. should have a football team. It brings pride to the city if you have a team. I would like to see the Minnesota Vikings here.

—Patrick Weier, construction worker

—Marilyn Washington, management assistant

—Clarence Jackson, buyer

Members of our Creative Community

Artists • Professionals Organizations • Businesses We want to hear from you!

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs has partnered with Bringing Back Broadway, the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of L.A, the City Planning Department’s Urban Design Studio, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), the Actors Fund/Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation, and Artspace Projects to explore new affordable, mixed-use creative facilities in Downtown L.A. The project is called The Broadway Arts Center (BAC).

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counted for about 66% of gold traded on the market, with investors holding about 15%20% and industrial entities claiming another 15%, Nadler said. As investors have rushed into gold, they have surpassed jewelers as the Continued from page 1 at St. Vincent’s Jewelry Center 27 years ago. number one hoarders of the honey-toned “This recession is different. Last year, and the precious metal. year before that, they were the worst years.

Stretched Elastic Now, this is the worst year.”

The combination of a weak economy and The skyrocketing price of gold is driven by soaring gold prices has already claimed some several factors, including the weakness of the of the 5,000 businesses in the Jewelry District, U.S. dollar and the perception among inves- including wholesalers and manufacturers tors that gold offers an opportunity to hedge who found it impossible to compete with against otherwise unstable markets. As stock overseas operations that have cheaper labor prices have roller-coastered in recent weeks, costs. With fewer orders at the retail level, the gold has gone steadily higher. manufacturers that occupy upper floors in Jewelry dealers have seen gold spikes be- most area buildings have less diamonds to set fore. Berberian and others say that this time and ring bands to pull, and not enough earis different, mostly because the price hikes rings to shape. come as unemployment remains high and Some of the district’s jewelry centers, consumers have less disposable income. It’s which put small retailers that cater to foot a sort of “double whammy” for dealers, said traffic on the ground floor, and wholesalers, gold expert John Nadler, senior analyst at private dealers and manufacturers on upper Los Angeles Downtown News Montreal-based Kitco Metals Inc. levels, have gotten pretty lonely. On a recent 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 “I see a trade that is absolutely flat on its weekday at around 1:30 p.m., as the sidewalk phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 back,” Nadler said. “Global jewelry demand bustled with pedestrians, the L.A. Jewelry web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com has been plodding around at 23-year lows for Mart at Seventh and Olive streets had more facebook: twitter: the lastL.A. three or fourNews years, and of courseDowntownNews they empty stalls than occupied ones.

Downtown don’t see an end in sight unless prices revert to Other complexes, like St. Vincent’s, have some fair value mean.” been able to keep occupancy levels relativeEditor & PublishEr: Sue Laris Historically, theDawn jewelry ly high, but only by reducing rent signifiGENErAl MANAGEr: Eastin industry has ac-

Gold

ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada

photo by Gary Leonard

David Gidanian opened Cash 4 Gold in early 2010 to take advantage of surging gold prices. He too is Editor & PublishEr: Sue feeling a slowdown.

“ILaris think maybe people already sold all their gold,” he said.

GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

ExEcutivE Editor: Regardie cantly over theJonpast several years, said Peklar citY Editor: Richard Guzmán Pilavjian, co-owner of the building. The stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt 700,000-square-foot edifice is about 90% full, coNtributiNG Editors: Kathryn Maese he said. writErs: Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, coNtributiNG Kristin Friedrich, Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada “We are Howard doing Leff, the Rod same thing that we’ve

been doingBrian — Allison reducing rent, making a liveArt dirEctor: AssistANt Art dirEctor: Kanegawa because we and-let-live kind ofYumi atmosphere ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins

don’t want to lose tenants,” Pilavjian said. of a near-term

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard Faced with little prospect AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt

AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Iedia Hess, Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins

boost in jewelry sales, Pilavjian acknowledged that the trend of reducing rent to keep occupancy stable is unsustainable.

Los Angeles Downtown News band so far be“You can stretch a rubber 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 forephone: it breaks,” he said. “We’re not very far 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 from that.” web: DowntownNews.com Compro Oro email: realpeople@downtownnews.com Berberian’s V&P Jewelry stall looks like facebook: most of the retailers in the district, which L.A. Downtown News twitter: DowntownNews The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Iedia Hess, Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens

ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada

circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins

One copy per person.

facebook: L.A. Downtown News

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Iedia Hess, Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

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

ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard

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

twitter: DowntownNews

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Iedia Hess, Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

August 22, 2011

is loosely bounded by Broadway and Olive, Fifth and Eighth streets. Carefully illuminated gold chains dangle on a back wall. An array of diamond-encrusted accessories glisten in a carefully illuminated and mirrored display case.

About a block away, David Gidanian’s shop has a very different look. His display cases are an afterthought — there are a few scattered rings and bracelets inside, but no diamonds.

The walls do not serve as showcases for gold chains, but instead are covered with neon poster board, emblazoned with handwritten messages like “Compro Oro” or “We Buy Gold.”

Gidanian, another veteran of the Downtown Jewelry District — his family has operated a Broadway retail shop for 18 years — joined a group who no longer choose to sell jewelry. Instead, they’re capitalizing on gold prices, and an increasingly desperate consumer class that needs cash fast, by purchasing gold jewelry off the street. They buy it for about 15%-20% below market rate, melt it and sell it as scrap at market prices, turning a profit.

“It’s unfortunate because people have been losing money, and they need money to pay rent, to buy food, to pay for school,” he said.

But not even the cash-for-gold business appears to be a strong long-term play in the district. Gidanian, whose shop Cash 4 Gold is at 709 S. Broadway, said business was very good when he opened the shop in early 2010.

Now, it’s just “OK,” he said.

“I think maybe people already sold all their gold,” he said.

Nadler echoed a common sentiment among jewelers and property owners in the district that there seems to be little evidence that the conditions will soon improve for their industry. However, they hold out hope that long-term trends will return.

“Everything in life is a cycle,” he said.

Noting that it only costs about $600 an ounce to produce gold, he added, “When… the mining companies are raking it in hand over fist while at the same time their primary customer is moribund, that’s an upside down market to me.”

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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588-space subterranean garage and nearly 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. It is slated to open in 2013.

Last week, the City Council approved allocating $26.2 million in tax-exempt bonds for the $44 million Chinatown Metro Apartments, a project at 808 N. Spring St. It would convert two aged structures into a 123-unit apartment complex that will provide affordable housing for senior citizens.

The potential to move Blossom Plaza forward has community stakeholders excited. After sitting at yet another meeting to discuss the future of the land, George Yu, the executive director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District, said he sees signs of hope.

“The site needs to be activated, and it may take a developer of that caliber to do it,” he said.

While Ratner told the crowd that there will be several community gatherings to discuss the project in more detail if the city gives them the go-ahead, Yu hopes time is not wasted on redundant meetings.

“I was just looking back on my photos from 2004 during one of the first community meetings that we arranged for the project,” he said. “I don’t want to wait another seven years.”

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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Continued from page 6 Forest City will come before the council.

She noted that the community has long been involved in the planning.

First District City Councilman Ed Reyes, a longtime proponent of the project, called it critical for the community.

He said he is confident things will proceed smoothly with Forest City, especially since many of the key aspects have already been decided.

“We are very confident knowing they are going to include the elements the community has already prioritized for this project,” said Reyes, who hopes it will be completed in about two years. “It’s a very pivotal project and I’m very happy to see it move forward.”

City’s Stake One element that will still require negotiations is the city’s financial role in the project. Blossom Plaza under Bond had been slated to receive $41 million in subsidies from the city. The exact subsidy will be negotiated, Scanlin said.

The project is not the only major development happening in the neighborhood.

In April, Equity Residential broke ground on the 325,000-square-foot Chinatown Gateway, a long-stalled development at 639-643 N. Broadway. The project will hold 280 market-rate apartments in a six-story building, along with a

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August 22, 2011

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CALENDAR Laura Kightlinger, among others. The club has also hosted prominent names such as Demetri Martin, Louis C.K. and Aziz Ansari.

Those individuals, who showed up to test out Continued from page 1 material, have helped boost the club’s profile. ventilated room with ornate ceilings draws a “We haven’t always had a full house,” Ross quirky crowd. Seated on folding chairs and said. “During the first couple shows, only a wooden benches arranged in front of a make- few of my friends came, and then that evenshift stage, the mostly young crowd, which tually grew to 40-50 people. Our efforts to sefluctuates from 50 to 100 people each month, cure a solid line-up are paying off, and I hope comes for the free, anything-goes show. we continue growing.”

The surprise element is what brings Megan Original Laughter Curran each month.

It hasn’t always been yuks aplenty on the “People do interesting things here, like Downtown comedy scene. Many people have perform in character the entire time and you attempted to launch comedy nights, only to won’t even know it until the end of their set,” see empty rooms.

Curran said. “I think more established comeThe veteran of the scene is the Downtown dians are starting to see places like Hamclown Comedy Club. Launched by Kevin Garnier as playgrounds, where they can test non- and original “Saturday Night Live” cast memtraditional, avant-garde routines because the ber Garrett Morris in 2007, the club has had audience here is open to it.” its share of ups and downs. After jumping from venue to venue and shutting down for five months two years ago, the club in 2009 found its sixth home in the Historic Core. It now offers two nights of comedy a week in a or nondescript building on Fifth Street. ews.com DowntownN nd corner at aillis ha ht t rig r Bryan Ross, who started doing stand-up pe m up s/ e th rm in /fo l m co E-NEWS Look for this symbo ntownnews. www.ladow two years ago at the age of 50, and has perP U N IG S formed at places such as the Ice House, the Starts August 5 Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store, credits the Downtown Comedy Club with helping launch his career. He has worked his way up (above) Josh Androsky (with to a regular headliner at the venue, which beard) and Grant charges $10, although first-timers and curiPardee run ous passersby sometimes getOur in forWebsite free. Afterfor Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com Check Hamclown, a performing in front of a diverse crowd on a monthly comedy recent Friday night, Ross, who describes his showcase in routine as part cerebral, part fowl, credited the Alexandria Garnier and Morris for opening doors for Hotel. Performers include lesser-known comics. photo by Gary Leonard comedians Amber “Traditional clubs are so political, gimKevin Garnier (right) and original “Saturday Kenny and Chase Night Live” cast member Garrett Morris launched micky and clique-ish,” Ross said. “The Darren. the Downtown Comedy Club in 2007.

Downtown Comedy Club doesn’t suffer s Starts August 12 ew N n w to n om/L.A.Dow from that, and it’s nice to have a home to Facebook.c The Downtown comedy scene is decid- work out of.” edly different than the mainstream, and often Peter Berman who has been doing standlucrative, comedy venues of the Sunset Strip up for more than two decades, also likes the and other portions of Los Angeles. While Downtown Comedy Club. He started perthe Central City destinations — which for forming there in 2007. He said the audience the most part are events inside other ven- keeps him coming back at least twice a year. ues, as opposed to standalone clubs — lack “It’s okay to be messy, or bluesy and raw Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com the prominent names that regularly head- on stage because there’s a kind of forgiveness line at places like the Comedy Store and the that you don’t find in mainstream clubs,” The Downtown Comedy Club Holy [expletive] Laugh Factory, they also eschew the standard Berman said.

At 114 W. Fifth St., (213) 841-3940 or At the Downtown Independent, 251 S. expensive cover charges and the two-drink Like most sets from young comedians, downtowncomedyclub.com.

Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownminimums. there are still flat spots in the Downtown Friday and Saturday nights. Open mic independent.com.

It was precisely that desire to bring some- line-up. During a recent week, two scheduled at 7 p.m., headliners at 8 p.m., and main Every Tuesday, 9-11 p.m. No cover. thing different that prompted Dave Ross nights of stand-up were abruptly canceled.

Starts August 19 show at 9 p.m. $10 cover. to start the Holy [expletive] show at the Then, like the comedians themselves, there or m co s. wntownNew rner at Doare The Frolic Show Downtown Independent in uplate 2009. a number of options trying to stand out nd coIt’s per right ha maillist s/ e th rm in /fo l m bo S ews.co the this sym build, ownnnow E-NEaWslow The Hamclown Show At the Far Bar, 47 E. First St., (213) 617been but and from the crowd.

The Frolic Show at the Far ok forsteady Lo downt .la w w w UP SIGN Alexandria Hotel, second-floor, 501 S. 9990 or facebook.com/frolicshow. show in what is regularly a movie theater has Bar, the Big Trouble in Little Tokyo openSpring St., (213) 626-7484.

Every first and third Wednesday. No gone from monthly to weekly. During a re- mic night at Señor Fish and First and Hope’s Every last Thursday of the month, 8:30- cover. cent Tuesday night performance, a crowd of Swanky Comedy all offer laughs.

11 p.m. No cover. more than 200 overflowed the seats, forcing For Berman, the most exciting thing about Swanky Comedy people to sit cross-legged on the ground or the new Downtown clubs is the audience Big Trouble in Little Tokyo-Open Mic At First & Hope Supper Club, 710 W. First lean against the walls. involvement they allow. By getting the word At Señor Fish, 422 E. First St., (213) 625- St., (213) 617-8555 or firstandhope.com.

The crowd, a mix of trendy types and out, and helping stage and support the shows, Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com 0566.

Monthly schedule varies. Show starts at working professionals, took in sets by Ross, he said, the local community can take credit Every Tuesday, 7-11 p.m. No cover.

10 p.m. $10 cover. club co-producer Jeff Wattenhofer, L.A.- for pushing the scene forward. based Will Weldon and comedy veteran Also, they get to laugh. photo by Jake Kroeger

Comedy

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THE LAUGH LINEUP Where and When to Check Out Comedians in Downtown

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August 22, 2011

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Lighting Up Chinatown

by Richard Guzmán city editor

W

hen you think of nightlife in Downtown, Chinatown is probably not the first neighborhood that comes to mind.

But for two nights, starting this Saturday, the historic community will attract families, hipsters and thousands who just want an evening out. They’ll dance to music from radio DJs, sample offerings from food trucks and, if local shopkeepers have their way, buy something.

The Chinatown Summer Nights program takes place in Central and West plazas on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 5 p.m. to midnight.

It repeats on Sept. 10.

Launched last year by the Community Redevelopment Agency in an effort to activate and attract people to the neighborhood, the gathering will again turn the heart of Chinatown into a food and music party.

Although the four events of 2010 have been halved this year, community proponents are still enthusiastic.

“Chinatown needs these events to drive traffic, to showcase our merchants, our restaurants, since those are the things that will continue to bring people back,” said George Yu, executive director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District, the event producer.

On most nights, Chinatown’s plazas are quiet, with limited pedestrian activity. That changed during last year’s Summer Nights program, when as many as 17,000 people came to Chinatown and partied under the neon lights and lantern-filled streets.

Although many people who show up know the neighborhood from meals or occasional shopping forays, Yu expects a healthy

contingent of first-time visitors. He also anticipates both young crowds and some people who might otherwise not come back to an old haunt.

“You get a chance to see a lot of people who made Chinatown, the older stakeholders,” he said. “You also get all of the young hipsters and the young Chinese from the San Gabriel Valley that you never thought would return to Chinatown.”

Dance to the Music On Aug. 27, West Plaza will be geared toward families. Events will include calligraphy, candy and dough sculpture demonstrations and an “Iron Chef” like cook-off called Battle Chinatown.

Central Plaza will be a bit livelier, with food trucks, a ping-pong tournament, martial arts demonstrations, a beer garden, DJs from public radio station KCRW and an outdoor dance floor.

The same events will take place on Sept.

10, with the addition of a face painter in West Plaza and a magician in Central Plaza.

“People will see Chinatown in a setting they’re not used to seeing,” Yu said.

Chinatown Summer Nights is smaller in scope than last year for a familiar reason: Due to the state’s budget woes, and Gov. Jerry Brown’s threat to dismantle all community redevelopment agencies in California, the CRA could not commit to sponsoring the event, Yu said.

However, he said the BID had already promised the community another Summer Nights. So with a smaller budget of $25,000 for both nights, they pushed forward.

While the BID’s outreach draws a certain crowd, a major boost comes from KCRW.

photo courtesy of the Chinatown Business Improvement District

‘Summer Nights’ Events With DJs and Food Trucks Are Back in the Community

The Santa Monica-based station known for its knowledgeable and forward-thinking DJs promotes Summer Nights on the air. Many attendees end up dancing in front of the people who they usually only know by voice and playlist.

“Last year it was really well attended, very diverse and it shows that Downtown has really grown a lot,” said Jason Bentley, KCRW music director and host of “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” “The Chinatown event is an example of how far it’s come. The atmosphere is electric and diverse.”

DJs Jeremy Sole and Raul Campos will be behind the turntables, playing everything from dance friendly hits to hip-hop.

For business owners in the neighborhood, Summer Nights means a boost in sales, as well as exposure.

One of the beneficiaries is Richard Liu, whose home accessories store Realm has

Dancers will sway and shake under the stars during the second installment of Chinatown Summer Nights. It takes place Aug. 27 and Sept. 10

been in Central Plaza for almost a decade.

The shop’s anniversary in August happens to coincide with Summer Nights. Thus, Liu is staying open late.

“It brought in a lot of people from outside the area that normally wouldn’t come to Chinatown,” he said, noting that sales went up about 30% last year during Summer Nights events.

Liu also enjoys the food trucks, which he said add more options to the numerous restaurants in the area. He noted that even with the trucks, the established restaurants did a brisk business.

“Everyone was busy. It’s really great for Chinatown,” he said.

Chinatown Summer Nights are Aug. 27 and Sept. 10, 5 p.m.-midnight. Central and West Plaza are at 943-951 N. Broadway. More information at chinatownla.com.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

22 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

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the

Wednesday, august 24 City Hall Sunset Walking Tour City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., (213) 623-2489 or laconservancy.com.

5:30 p.m.: The last installment of the L.A. Conservancy’s summer sunset walking tours is a unique look at the iconic John Parkinson structure that dominates the Civic Center. The tour is just shy of two hours and visitors can reserve spots online.

Money in the Digital Age Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., (213) 6171033 or downtownindependent.com.

7-11 p.m.: Hollis Doherty, Micki Krimmel, Heather Schlegel and Sanjay Sabnani discuss the state of money in the digital age. In an era of online transactions and increasing financial technology, the methods with which money changes hands are increasing. Explore community bartering and systems of exchange. thursday, august 25 Working the Apollo California African-American Museum, 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org.

7 p.m.: Cornelius Grant, musical director for the Temptations and others, will share the excitement of standing on the stage and facing audiences while “working the Apollo.” Moderator Ruth Adkins Robinson will discuss the challenges of producing the film Showtime at the Apollo.

Friday, august 26 Angelus Plaza Senior Talent Show Angelus Plaza, 255 S. Hill St., (213) 623-4948 or angelusplaza.org.

2 p.m.: An assortment of seniors showcase their skills in this competitive yearly affair. Cash prizes and bragging rights go to the 55-plus person who most wows the crowd. Prepare yourself, you young whippersnappers.

Hempcon Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., (213) 741-1151 or hempcon.com.

3 p.m.: Experience this gathering of hemp enthusiasts and their unique culture. A variety of vendors, sponsors and empowered consumers geek out over one of the nation’s oldest and most lucrative cash crops. Through Aug. 28.

photo by Gary Leonard

SPONSORED LISTINGS Friday Night Flicks Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org/ pershingsquare Friday nights: Every Friday night through October 28, Pershing Square will present outdoor movies on a big screen. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to place on the lawn. Picnic baskets and snacks are welcome. No alcohol allowed. Film begins sometime after 8 p.m. when the sun is down.

On Aug. 26, the film is Gladiator.

Free Downtown Audio Walking Tours Various Locations, crala.org/art.

Free audio walking tours and maps are available for download at crala.org/art. Explore Downtown’s Bunker Hill, Financial District, Historic Core and Little Tokyo neighborhoods by discovering public art and places developed through the CRA/LA Art Program.

by Dan Johnson, listings eDitor | calendar@downtownnews.com

It’s the grand prix of geriatric talent, the tap dancing Super Bowl of one’s golden years. For competitors in the Senior Talent Show at Angelus Plaza, everything is on the line. At stake on Friday, Aug. 26, are bragging rights and a big cash prize. These aren’t your typical in-bedby-eight seniors. The pool is open to anyone over 55 who lives in L.A. County.

In a city brimming with talent, expect a gamut of acts ranging from the classic dance numbers to contemporary songs and a bevy of the unexpected. The event begins at 2 p.m. At 255 S. Hill St., angelusplaza.org or (213) 623-4948.

There are those who dismiss Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures as a bit of frivolous fun, something barely more than the sum of the parts comprised of Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter and George Carlin. Then there are those who know that the lessons of the film run deep. For who won’t be a better person by taking the parting lesson of the film to heart: Be excellent to each other. Also, find a phone booth and go back in time and liberate Socrates, Joan of Arc and other historical figures. These and other truths will be delivered Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Devil’s Night Drive In. If nothing else, think of it as your chance to see the film that taught the Tea Party everything they know about world history. Watch it outdoors at 240 W. Fourth St., devilsnight.com.

saturday, august 27 Chinatown Summer Nights Chinatown Central Plaza and West Plaza, 943-951 N. Broadway, (213) 680-0243 or chinatownla.com.

5:30 p.m.: Hip culture and the proud legacy of Chinatown intertwine in this event. Expect calligraphy, martial arts demonstrations, ping pong and guest DJs from KCRW. An assortment of food trucks will keep the event rooted in the contemporary mixing pot of the city.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org.

Aug. 22, 8 p.m.: A jam packed evening of rock from Robert Francis, The Constellations, Jenny O, Soft Pipes and Rachel Goodrich.

Aug. 23, 9 p.m.: Sunny harmonies and floating instrumentations cushion your ears like a sea of trippy clouds when Auditorium, College Kids and Kevin Earnest collide.

Aug. 25, 9 p.m.: Strange electric visions from White Arrows, Electric Guest and Gangi. You cannot resist.

Aug. 26, 9:30 p.m.: Mainland and Rumspringa.

Amish inspired band names? Yes please!

No, this is not a meet and great with a well-meaning crime fighter in black from Guadalajara. Instead, it’s a special noon installation of Grand Performances on Friday, Aug. 26. Chicano Batman might be the most interesting thing to happen to lunch hour at California Plaza since Mendocino Farms opened. The trio of vintage music connoisseurs weaves a web of soul-inspired samba surf rock and downtempo groove. Their analog sound, kitschy reverb and robin’s egg blue tuxedo shirt frills will take you back a couple decades, which is not to say the band isn’t fresh. With guitars and slinky summertime jams, Chicano Batman fights the wave of music mediocrity one lunch hour performance at a time. At 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2159 or grandperformances.org.

If you’re just now finding out that Taylor Swift is performing at Staples Center this week, today is surely a fairy tale. The perpetually heartbroken country damsel is doing four nights in Downtown on Aug. 23, 24, 27 and 28. Not only will she be putting in more work at Staples than Andrew Bynum did during the playoffs, Swift will be filling her audience’s ears with idyllic stories of small town soulmates and ceaseless laments of mistreatment at the hands of insensitive boys. How dare they?! At Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340, or staplescenter.com or taylorswift.com. image courtesy of the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. photo by Shahar Azran

EVENTS

photo by Joseph Anthony Baker, courtesy of AEG Live.

LISTINGS

Harlem’s Apollo Theater has played host to some of the most promising acts in jazz, soul and R&B. The theater’s legacy is the subject of the California African-American Museum exhibit A Photographer’s View Inside the Apollo. Thirty-two pictures of the celebrated venue create a composite of a theater that is simultaneously a historic landmark, a repository of cultural memory and a clockwork performance arena. Joe Gray, the former drummer of Cameo, has documented his intimate relationship with the venue in more than 50,000 photographs. Gray’s catalogue and its revered subject are in their last days on display at CAAM. On Sept. 6, the lights go out on the Apollo in Exhibition Park. At 600 State Drive, (213) 7447432 or caamuseum.org.

Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

August 22, 2011 Aug. 27, 9 p.m.: Mind the Gap, Shannon Curtis and A House for Lions.

Aug. 28, 9 p.m.: I Live Here Project Rocks: A Benefit for the Juvenile Prison School. Liongwe, Malawi featuring Uh Huh Her and Holly Miranda.

Casey’s Irish Pub 613 S. Grand Ave. or bigcaseys.com Aug. 26, 10 p.m.: La Font returns with their indie rock/country fusion. Guaranteed to be better than sitting at home on a Friday playing XBox. Aug. 27, 10 p.m.: Hard hitting blues rock from The Blessings.

Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., (213) 7657000 clubnokia.com.

Aug. 24, 9 p.m.: Los Angeles’ own rock gods the Red Hot Chili Peppers host a one-off performance to play new music and old hits in their continuing odyssey from hard hitting thrashers to soft spoken introverts.

Aug. 26, 9 p.m.: If you’ve ever wanted to hear some of your favorite songs laced with expletives and retooled to new comic heights, you’ll probably enjoy The Dan Band.

Grand Performances California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2190 or visit grandperformances.org.

Aug. 26, Noon: Chicano Batman brings vintage soul rock and surf guitar to lunchtime at Cal Plaza.

Aug. 26, 8 p.m.: From the Roots to the Fruits: A Tribute to Quincy Jones.

Aug. 27, 8 p.m.: The Grand Performances season closes with A Night at The Phillips Music Company.

Come celebrate a cornerstone of Los Angeles culture and music with a smattering of wildly lovely performances inspired by the old Boyle Heights music store.

Las Perlas 107 E. Sixth Street, (213) 988-8355 or lasperlas.la Aug. 10, 9 p.m.: Becky Stark kicks out the jazz with Bunny Love.

Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park, 2230 W. Sixth St., (213) 384-5701 or levittla.org. All shows at 7 p.m.

Aug. 25: Eerie vocals and heartrending chords from Mia Doi Todd will haunt the funk out of you.

Aug. 26: Upbeat Latin rock from Francisca Valenzuela with the Rhythm Roots Allstars. Leave your Slayer shirts and moshing boots at home for this one.

Aug. 27: Dublab presents: Cosmic Harp: A Tribute to Alice Coltrane.

Orpheum Theatre 842 S. Broadway, (213) 622-1939 or laorpheum.com.

Downtown News 23

DowntownNews.com Aug. 28: Punjabi poet and vocalist Satinder Sartaaj.

Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com.

Aug. 22: Frank Fairfield will wrap you in a vintage blanket of Americana sound so authentic you’ll immediately crave some high-octane moonshine.

Aug. 23: Rock luddite Adam Bones takes his back to basics rock to the stage with The Marietta James and Patrolled by Radar.

Aug. 25: Ertel and Friends.

Aug. 26: Take some punk to the face with U.S. Bombs, Reagan Youth, Sidekick Pascal and Briggs Lou. Aug. 27: Mugen Hoso from Japan with Tony Snow and the Change.

Aug. 28: South Paw, The Black Heart Throbs, 1050 Lies and Like Baboons.

Senor Fish 422 E. First St., (213) 625-0566 or senorfish.net.

Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.: An evening of jazz from saxophonist Javier Vergara.

Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la.

All shows at 10 p.m.

Aug. 22: Francisco Torres and Andy Martin sling the kind of tight jazz that sounds great in a room covered with dead animal heads.

Aug. 23: It’s Tuesday so come enjoy house band the Makers. How many times do we have to tell you?

Aug. 24: Sal Cracciolo and the Melanie Jackson Group blend Latin rhythms with jazz in a sassy sazerac of musical spirits.

The Smell 247 S. Main St., alley between Spring and Main streets, thesmell.org.

Aug. 23: It’s a battle of band name gimmicks out there and Helen Keller takes the cake. Too bad Carnage Asada, Peyote Ugly and Truman Peyote aren’t playing. But you know who is? B-Lines, Grown-Ups and Physical Forms.

Aug. 26: Clay TV presents Battle Show IV: Turf Wars. Check out band battles that pit Japan vs. Australia, USA vs. Mexico, Chicago vs. LA and West Coast vs. East Coast. It’s like the World Cup of noise rock.

Aug. 27: A Smell Tribute to the Cocteau Twins featuring Abe Vigoda/Dunes Super Group, Life Group, Magic Johnson (easy, Laker heads, it’s just one of those band name gimmicks again), Upsilon Acrux, Parallax Twins and Queue.

Aug. 28: Crazy Band, Mikki and the Mauses, Dunes, Lucky Dragon and Secret Circuit.

Staples Center

1201 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or visit staplescenter.com.

Aug. 23-24 and 27-28, 7 p.m.: Taylor Swift takes her broken heart blitzkrieg on a merciless mission of country domination to Staples Center. Surrender at once to the whims of this naïve songstress.

The Varnish 118 E. Sixth St., (213) 622-9999 or thevarnishbar.com.

Aug. 22, 9 p.m.: Jamie Elman tinkles the house ivories.

Aug. 23, 8 p.m.: Jazzman pianist Mark Bosserman entertains.

FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.

Aug. 27, 8 and 10 p.m.: Channel 101 is a monthly film festival featuring short comedy pilots. Best of all, the audience has control and can vote down the bad stuff and shower the glorious film victors with praise and adulation.

135 S. San Pedro Street, Li�le Tokyo cafedemitasse.com 213.613.9300

MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews.com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.

2 Your Event Info

Easy ways to submit

4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar/submit 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.

Now open.

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August 22, 2011

Downtown News 25

DowntownNews.com

CLASSIFIED

place your ad online at www.ladowntownnews.com

FOR RENT

L.A. Downtown News Classifieds Call: 213-481-1448 Classified Display & Line ad Deadlines: Thursday 12 pm REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

Loft/Unfurnished

Old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts

lofts for sale

TheLoftExpertGroup.com

from $1,100 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge

Downtown since 2002

Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com

Bill Cooper

213.598.7555 Vacation Homes ADVERTISE YOUR Vacation Property in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $550. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN)

FOR RENT

REAL ARTIST LOFTS High ceilings, hardwood/concrete floors, kitchen, fireplace, pool/spa, gated parking, laundry, sorry no dogs. Open House Sundays 12-3pm. Leasing office @1250 Long Beach Ave. & 14th St. 213629-5539 SPECTACULAR LOFT 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1100 SF).

Market Lofts Downtown. Atop Ralphs Fresh Fare. State of the Art Amenities. $2400/Month.

323-828-3953 or southparklofts@yahoo.com.

Roommate Wanted FIND SENIOR Housing! Affordable Living for the Aging can help you find housing. Home sharing is also available. Call today! 323650-7988

Apartments/Unfurnished BRAND NEW Luxury Apartments Homes. Orsini III. Now open for immediate Occupancy.

Call for Specials. Never Lived in, Free Parking, Karaoke Room, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor Basketball, Uncomparable Amenity Package. Call today to schedule a tour - 866-479-1764.

Call for specials @ the Medici. Penthouse 1 & 2 bdrm apts. Granite kitchens, washer/ dryers, business center, 2 pools, spa! Visit TheMedici.com for a full list of amenities. Call 888886-3731.

Call for specials @ The Visconti. Free parking, free tanning, free wi-fi + biz center avail.

Cardio Salon, pool, Spa, steamroom, sauna. Call us today. 866742-0992.

ECHO PARK 1 bdrm. 1 bath. Refrigerator stove and A/C. Starting at $850 a month. 213-250-4810 leave message.

OFFICE SPACE Cool turn-of-the-century Victorian office space. Parking for 10 cars, kitchen, two bathrooms, seven offices. Close to USC. $4200p/m Contact robert@thecipgroup.net or call 213-399-9001.

EMPLOYMENT Customer Service CUSTOMER SERVICE Representative. Must have good computer skills. Speak fluent English. No job experience needed.

Send a resume to: RL90000@ gmail.com.

Drivers A FEW PRO Drivers Needed.

Top Pay & 401K. 2 Months CDL Class A Driving Experience.

1-877-258-8782. www.MeltonTruck.com (Cal-SCAN)

All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability.

We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

“Be wary of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send any money for fees or services. Read and understand any contracts before you sign.

Shop around for rates.”

PSYCHIC READER Spiritual advisor. Tarot $20. Confidential text for one free question 323493-9494.

DRIVER - START a New Career! 100% Paid CDL Training. No Experience Required.

Recent Grads or Experienced Drivers: Sign On Bonus! CRST VAN EXPEDITED. 1-800-3262778. www.JoinCRST.com (CalSCAN)

Attorneys

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION!

DRIVERS: BACK by popular demand, run the 11 Western States! Weekly Home Time. The Best jobs getting even better!

Call Knight today. 1-800-4149569. www.DriveKnight.com (Cal-SCAN)

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

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

Get your GREEN CARD or CITIZENSHIP Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710

TEAM / SOLO Drivers – Dedicated Lanes – Western states!

Base Pay Increase. New Equipment! Immediate Sign-On Bonus. Great Home Time. CDL-A, 1-Year OTR. HazMat Required.

1-888-905-9879. www.AndrusTrans.com (Cal-SCAN)

Business Services ADVERTISE A display Business Card sized ad in 140 California newspapers for one low cost of $1,550. Your display 3.75x2” ad reaches over 3 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN)

Sales AVAILABLE TO TRAVEL? Over 18? Earn Above Average $$$ Selling with Fun Successful Business Group! No Experience Necessary. Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation provided.

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

ADVERTISE YOUR Truck Driver Jobs in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $550. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN)

Seasonal

HIGH SCHOOL Diploma! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure.

Call Now! 1-866-562-3650 ext.

60 www.SouthEasternHS.com (Cal-SCAN) SWIM LESSONS from Brian Nassau. 16 years experience.

Children and adults. Learn in a positive environment. Call Brian at 818-307-9153.

PSYCHOTHERAPY FAMILY PSYCHOTHERAPIST Weekends only. 601 W. 5th St. Licensed for 25 years.

Specialize in children and families. Individual’s, grief, chronic illness, trauma and hypnosis. Ted Siminoski 323-404-1701.

Health VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills - 4 Free for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.70/ pill. The Blue Pill Now! 1-888904-6658. (Cal-SCAN)

LOFT CURTAIN GALLERY Affordable custom drapery, fine vintage furniture & reupholstery.

www.LoftCurtainGallery.com

SERVICES Cleaning

Education

Psychic Readings

ATTEND COLLEGE Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance.

Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified.

Call 888-210-5162 www.Centura.us.com (Cal-SCAN)

by Lydia Reader • Healer • Advisor Complimentary Readings Every Friday from 10am - 3pm

Specializing in reuniting love Figueroa Corridor (Dwtn LA) (323) 208-1393

Orsini 550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST.

877-231-9362

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

Rosslyn Hotel Studio 280 sqft.

Full Bathroom Apartment $600 mo. to mo. $580 on 6 mo. Lease No Application Fee! - Sec. Dep. $175 Free Utilities, 24 hr. laundry, Around the Clock Courtesy Patrol

112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.908.9006 ask for Courtney • Rosslyn@SROhousing.com

Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator.

Full bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

Monthly from $595 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

Medici the loft expert! group

725 SOUTH BIXEL ST.

TM

877-239-8256

WWW.THEMEDICI.COM

PRE-OWNED

Downtown L.A. AUTO GROUP Porsche Volkswagen Audi Mercedes-Benz Nissan chevrolet cadillac

2007 NISSAN 350Z TOURING Certified, Carfax, 1 owner, multi-disc CD, leather, premium wheels, Black NI3822 / M552797 $20,499 call 888-838-5089 2007 NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5 Certified,3.5L V6, Only 27k Miles, Auto, ABS and much more!!

N111041-1/7C823560 $20,499 call 888-838-5089 2008 AUDI TT 2.0L, 4-Cyl Turbo, Only 21K Miles, 31 mpg highway, Gray/Blue ZA/9954 / 1044026 $27,993 Call 888-583-0981

2008 PORSCHE BOXSTER CONV. Certified, 2.7L V6, Meteor Gray/Black, Only 25k Miles, Alloys, spoiler ZP1347/8U711448 $39,785 Call 888-685-5426.

2009 VW PASSAT KOMFORT 2.0L, 4-Cyl Turbo, Only 21K Miles, 31 mpg highway, Gray/ Blue V111147-1 / P001654 $19,890 Call 888-781-8102.

For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com Autos Wanted DONATE YOUR Car, truck or boat to Heritage for the Blind.

Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-9026851. (Cal-SCAN) Continued on next page

Elegant World Class Resort Apartment Homes

Piero 616 ST. PAUL AVE.

877-235-6012

WWW.THEPIERO.COM

Visconti 1221 WEST THIRD ST.

866-690-2888

WWW.THEVISCONTI.COM

FREE Rent Specials On Select Floor Plans

Downtown since 2002

Voted Best Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent Call us today!

Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.

AUTOS

2008 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S Carfax, 1 owner, only 48K miles, Auto, CD, White N120068-1 / C155663 call 888-838-5089

Best Downtown Locations!

ALLIED HEALTH Career training - Attend college 100% online. Job placement assistance.

Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified.

Call 800-481-9409. www.CenturaOnline.com (Cal-SCAN)

Psychic

DON’T BE AFRAID of the Internet. We’ll help you connect with more customers online! 213 268 2651

2008 CHEVY TAHOE 4 DOOR 5.3L, V8, Low Miles, Dual Zone AC, Rear Split Bench #UC782/ R160804 $26,995 Call 888-8799608

Be Inspired...

(213) 489-3179

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

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

Website

2007 MERCEDES ML350 3.5L, V6, Low miles, Rear Seat Ent., Navigation, Black/Black #5358C / A432886 $35,991 Call 888319-8762.

The Downtown Renaissance Collection

Misc. Services

SWEETWATER seeks Field Shop Technicians: Compile equipment loads & perform inventory. Must lift/push/pull 50lbs & possess organization & communication skills. Van Nuys area. santhony@nepinc.com.

COSMETIC SURGERY Looking to have a cosmetic surgery or dental service in a low price? For a free consultation email us to: oliviamedicals@aol.com

Monthly from $550 utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

• Free Resident/Guest Parking in Gated Garage • Private Library, Business Center & Conference Rooms • Free Wi-Fi & DSL Computer Use • Resident Karaoke Lounge • Directors Screening Room • Lavish Fountains & Sculptures • On-Site Private Resident Park with Sand Volleyball, BBQ’s and Jogging Track • Night Light Tennis Courts • Indoor Basketball

Version 1

• Brunswick Four-Lane Virtual Bowling • Full Swing Virtual Golf • 3100 Square Foot Cybex Fitness Facility • Free Tanning Rooms • Massage Room, Sauna & Steam Room • Rooftop Pools with Dressing Rooms • Concierge Service • 24-Hour Doorman • 24/7 On-Site Management • Magnificent City Views *Amenities vary among communities

?

fter the .

f

s

26 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews Continued from previous page

PETS/ANIMALS

Autos WAnted

Do you have something to sell?

AdDONATE Copy: _________________________________________ YOUR Car: Children’s

Ad Prices

________________________________________________ ADOPT (OR FOSTER) your

(Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY) • Items under $300 • Items $301 to $500 • Items $501 to $1200 • Items $1201 to $2000 • Items $2001+…

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

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

FREE! $11.50 $14.00 $16.50 $19.00

All ads run for 2 weeks.

Ads may be renewed after two weeks for 50% off the original price of the ad.

With a circulation of

47,000

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

Adopt A pet

forever friend from Bark Avenue Foundation. Beautiful, healthy puppies, dogs, cats and kittens available at Downtown’s largest private adoption facility. Call Dawn at 213-840-0153 or email Dawn@BarkAveLA.com or visit www.Bark Avenue Foundation. org.

________________________________________________ DONATE YOUR Vehicle! Re________________________________________________ ceive Free Vacation Voucher.

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

our classifieds get results!

Misc. iteMs

________________________________________________ ITEMS FOR SALE ________________________________________________

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Ad Copy: _________________________________________

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Auction

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

•Daily, $30.00 •Weekly, $109.00 •Monthly, $310.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.

THREE CHIHUAHUAS 8 weeks old tiger print adorable $200 call 213-884-3166 TRIPLEHEAD BULK candy stands, used vending, good condition, original owner $50/each.

Gary 323-708-6944

LEGAL puBlic notice

ADVERTISE YOUR Auction in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $550. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)2886019. (Cal-SCAN)

________________________________________________

OMAHA STEAKS - Everyday 2011. 100% Guaranteed OmaState Zip ha Steaks - Save 64% on the Family Value Collection. Now Only $49.99 Plus 3 Free Gifts Credit Card $ Check $ Furniture & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler, Order Today.

MURPHY FOLD DOwN wall 1-888-461-3486 and mention bed, may deliver $200 OBO call code 45069KZH or www.Oma323-254-2530 haSteaks.com/value38 (CalRestrictions: Offer good on private party ads only. Ads must be pre-paid by cash, check or credit card. Certain classifications excluded. Deadline: Thursday atSCAN) noon for next issue.

,

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR NOTiCE OF DiviDED PUbLiCATiON NOTiCE OF DiviDED PUbLiCATiON OF THE PROPERTY TAX DEFAULT(DELiNQUENT) LiST

notices VONAGE UNLIMITED Calls in U.S. & 60 Countries! No annual contract! $14.99 For 3 Months!

Then Only $25.99/mo. Plus Free Activation. Call 888-860-6724 (Cal-SCAN)

Volunteer opportunities Helping kids heal. Free Arts for Abused Children is looking for volunteers to integrate the healing power of the arts into the lives of abused and at-risk children and their families. Today is the day to get involved! Contact Annie at volunteers@freearts. org or 310-313-4278 for more information.

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 Ange-les County, State of Califor-nia, has been divided and distributed to various news-papers 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

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.) Starting Jan. 1, 2011

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

d. Certain classifications excluded.

Deadline: at by noon issue.

Restrictions: Offer good on private party ads only. AdsThursday must be pre-paid cash, for checknext or credit card. Certain classifications excluded. Deadline: Thursday at noon for next issue.

Children’s Performing Group

Sunshine Generation

MR. CABINET FREE Estimate Specialize in

Singing, dancing, performing and fun!

For boys & girls ages 3 and up!

Kitchen Cabinet Entertainment Center Vanities Closet Bar

SunshineGenerationLA.com • 909-861-4433

Ask for Mario (909) 657-7671

Crown Molding & Baseboard Granite Top All Wood Jobs Custom Make Work

Residential and Commercial

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

August 22, 2011

Downtown News 27

DowntownNews.com

12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2009, 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 2008-09 tax year that were a lien on the listed real property. Property upon which a nuisance abatement lien has been recorded and non-residential commercial property shall be subject to sale if the taxes remain unpaid after three years. If the 2008-2009 taxes remain unpaid after June 30, 2012, the property will be subject to sale at public auction in 2013.

All other property that remains unpaid after June 30, 2014, will be subject to sale at public auction in 2015. The name of the assessee and the total tax, which was due on June 30, 2009, for the 2008-09 tax years, 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.

names listed for the reason that a change in ownership has not been reflected on the assessment roll.

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 8, 2011.

AMOUNT OF DELINQUENCY AS OF THIS PUBLICATION IS LISTED BELOW.

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, 2008, may find their

ASSESSOR’S IDENTIFICATION NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION The Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN), 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, 2009, for the taxes, assessments, and other charges for the fiscal year 2008-09: LISTED BELOW ARE PROPERTIES THAT DEFAULTED IN 2009 FOR TAXES, ASSESSMENTS AND 0THER CHARGES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009.

BADAWY,BADAWY AND NADIA ISSA,GEORGE SITUS 1033 N HELIOTROPE DR LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2607 5538-019-003 $14,239.46 BRISENO,EFREN SITUS 751 N VIRGIL AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-3646 5539-017-015 $32,788.47 CAMPOS,MICHELLE T SITUS 5400 LEXINGTON AVE 3 LOS ANGELES CA 90038 5537-006009 $6,228.43 CHAMLIAN,VAHAN SITUS 5355 MONROE ST LOS ANGELES CA 90038-4039 5535-010011/S2007-010 $2,592.23

EDGEMONT ST LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2534 5538-019013 $6,689.56 DHANAPHATANA,NAYADA SITUS 1042 N NORMANDIE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2404 5538-001-008 $183.37 DOMINGUEZ,MARIA AND CARLOS,ACELA SITUS 1062 N KINGSLEY DR LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1208 5537-019032 $2,780.67

SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII SITUS 964 N VIRGIL AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2943 5539-006-011 $6,325.31 THE FOUNTAIN THEA-TRE SITUS 5064 FOUNTAIN AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1422 5540-001-002 $474.24 SITUS 5058 FOUNTAIN AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1422 5540-001-022 $6,814.95

GODINEZ,MERCEDES SITUS 5400 LEXINGTON AV 1 LOS ANGELES CA 90038 5537-006007 $4,829.83

THERPRIAN,SAWAI SITUS 5436 ROMAINE ST LOS ANGELES CA 90038-3209 5535-006-019 $17,044.46

MACKENZIE,KENNETH SITUS 5433 LA MIRADA AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1010 5537-002-021 $16,706.41

WI FAMILY LLC SITUS 605 N JUANITA AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90004-2215 5539-022-011 $141,610.69

MONTANO,ALAJANDRA SITUS 709 N KINGSLEY DR LOS ANGELES CA 900293317 5535-035-013/S2007-010 $1,331.65

SITUS 600 N VERMONT AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90004-2117 5539-022-012 $95,966.76

SMILEY,OSCAR SITUS 1118 N EDGEMONT ST LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2612 5540-026005 $8,228.00

4300 MELROSE AS-SOCIATES LTD SITUS 4300 MELROSE AVE LOS ANGE-LES CA 90029-3511 5538-030-010 $58,360.91 Pub. 8/15, 8/22/11

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2010 Chevy Cobalt ...........................................................

$13,595 $14,995 Auto, AC, 30 mpg, Low miles, ABS, CD and more. #UC828R / F140363 2011 Chevy HHR LT .......................................................... $16,995 Mint, 16V-MPFI, 32 mpg, ABS, CD, Traction Control. #UC843R / S529063 Auto, AC, 37 mpg, Silver/Gray, Low Miles, CD. #UC818R / A7107509

2009 Chevy Malibu LT .....................................................

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2008 VW JETTA S

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Black/Gray, 2.5L I5 20V, MPFI-DOHC, Only 34k miles.

ZV1290 / 8M136982

$16,283 2009 VW Jetta SE ............................................................. $17,993 Certified, Black, Black, 5cyl, PZEV, Only 17k miles, Tiptronic. #ZV1341 / 9M015155 2008 VW EOS Komfort .................................................... $22,994 Hard Top Conv., Only 13k miles, Leather, Alloys, Blue/Blk. #ZV1364 / V055056

2008 VW Jetta SE .............................................................

Certified, Black/Black, 5cyl, PZEV, Only 19k miles, ABS. #ZV1288 / 9M067655

2007 NISSAN 350Z TOURING NI3822 / M552797

$20,499 888-838-5089

Certified, Carfax, 1 owner, multi-disc CD, leather, premium wheels, Black

$10,999 2007 Nissan Xterra .......................................................... $17,999 Certified, Silver, Alloys, CD, Full Power, Low Miles and much more. N111297-1/7C522629 2008 Infiniti QX56 4 Door .............................................. $31,999 2WD, 5.6L, V8, Bose, Navigation, Leather, Sunroof, DVD. N110327-1 / 8N912222 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5S .................................................

Automatic, Air Cond, Full Power, Low Miles, Great Condititon. N111365-1 / 6N351545

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2008 AUDI A4 2.0T ZA10001 / 8A165919

Certified, Turbo, Gray/Black, Only 29k miles, 31mpg

$26,889 $29,995 Certified, Blk/Blk, 3.2L-24V, Tiptronic, Low miles, 27mpg. #ZA10044 / 8N133721 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet .................................................. $34,648 Certified, Turbo, Only 12k miles, White/Black, 17” Alloys. #ZA10047 / 9K009642 2008 Audi A4 Sedan .......................................................

Certified, Turbo, Silver/Black, Only 18k miles, Leather, alloys. #ZA10016 / 8A165428

2008 Audi A6 Sedan .......................................................

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2007 Mercedes CLK350 Cabriolet .................................

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$31,991 2008 Mercedes ML350 .................................................... $35,991 3.5L, V6, Low miles, Rear Seat Ent., Navigation, Black/Black. 5358C/A432886 2008 Mercedes S550V ..................................................... $54,991 5.5L, V8, AMG Sport Package, Parktronic, Grey/Black. 5066C/A156099 3.5L, V6, Heated Front Seats, Ipod Integration, Navigation, Silver/Black. 5160/F223491

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2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE

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2010 Porsche Cayman .....................................................

$49,998 Certified, White/Black, Park Assist, 3.8L H6 24V GDI-DOHC, 19” wheels. P11502D-1 /S722056 $72,898 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo ........................................ $74,898 Certified, Twin Turbo, Blk/Blk, Only 17k miles, 32V-V8. #ZP1370 / A82999 Certified, Only 3000 miles, Like New, White/Black. #ZP1385 / U760197

2009 Porsche Carrera S Coupe ......................................

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28 Downtown News

August 22, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

We Got Games Parker Plays and the Dodgers Continue to Slide Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., (213) 224-1400 or dodgers.mlb.com.

Aug. 26, 7:10 p.m.; Aug. 27-28, 1:10 p.m.: The Dodgers head into St. Louis to try and dodge heavy hitting Albert Pujols and the Cardinals (Aug. 22-24) on the last leg of a nasty 13-day road trip. After a one-day break, the Blue Crew returns to Chavez Ravine where it will woo fans with promises of a future Hello Kitty plush toy (See Around Town on page 2). Then again, fans haven’t really been flocking to the stadium. Recent reports show that attendance is at about 50% of capacity. Maybe Matt Kemp should wear a bright red patent leather backpack, a short schoolgirl skirt and knee socks so he can be down with the Hello crowd? (Note to the Dodgers front office: That was a joke. Do not ask Mr. Kemp to do this).

Nevertheless, the Blue Kitty Crew hosts the Colorado Rockies over the weekend.

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

Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m.: She’s baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.

Candace Parker returned to the Sparks last week, her gimpy knee finally recovered. While she notched a 1510 double-double, the Sparks lost. Give Parker time.

Although she is perhaps the best player in the WNBA, it’s still a team sport, and there’s no “Candace” in T-EA-M. But who will be her Scottie Pippen? DeLisha Milton-Jones? Tina Thompson? Coach Jellybean Bryant has the ingredients for a winner now — he just needs to refine his recipe. The Sparks start the week in Washington, D.C. (Aug. 23), then come home to host the woeful Tulsa Shock. On Sunday (Aug. 28), the Sparks go up to Washington state to battle the Seattle Storm.

—Ryan Vaillancourt

photo by Gary Leonard

Candace Parker is back in the line-up, but the Sparks can’t win a game with her alone. Who else will step up?

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777

Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants

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museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies

On Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / Beauty Salon

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

www.TowersApartmentsLA.com

MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM