10-26-09

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS

16

2

A big housing ruling, Vespas scoot in, and other happenings Around Town.

5

The readers speak out on Art Walk and the Building and Safety department.

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

October 26, 2009

Volume 38, Number 43

INSIDE

Movie Theaters Open!

Going for Broke Making Sense of Downtown’s Eight Bankrupt Residential Projects

by AnnA Scott

Will SCI-Arc leave Downtown?

3

Party like it’s 1989 at Kapsoul.

6

Play 4th and Long Football and win prizes.

7

StAff writer

I

n the past decade, Downtown Los Angeles has seen a variety of new housing projects that span the architectural and stylistic spectrum: soaring condominium towers; sprawling, low-rise apartment complexes; and adaptive reuse efforts that transformed turn-ofthe-century jewels into hip, modern lofts.

Now, some of the developers of those buildings are hitting hard times, and at least eight Downtown residential projects are in bankruptcy. In additional instances the

economic downturn has caused developers to otherwise lose control of their properties, and the Downtown Marriott hotel is also in bankruptcy.

Experts say the rash of bankruptcies will propel a major construction slowdown in Downtown, along with many other parts of the country. Examined separately, however, these projects reflect the messy and complex face of bankruptcy.

Projects that have filed for bankruptcy include Sonny Astani’s partially finished Concerto condominium complex near Staples Center.

Although it includes a sold-out, see Bankruptcy, page 10

More Than Just a Game

Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter

The Skid Row Basketball League Turns Out to Be a Pretty Open Place, Even for ‘White Lightning’

Halloween Comes to City Hall

by ryAn vAillAncourt

A special Healthcare section.

12

Meet Rosa Mexicano’s top chef.

15

Celebrate Halloween in Downtown.

17

19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS

photos by Gary Leonard

(l to r) The Brockman Building, the Roosevelt and the Concerto are three of the Downtown housing complexes that have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

With at least eight bankrupt projects in the community, developers do not expect new residential construction for years.

StAff writer

Third in a Three-Part Series n the year that I’ve spent with the Skid Row 3-on3 Streetball League, I’ve been a called a lot of names.

For the most part, they’re things that never should have been said to me.

People have called me Larry Bird, referencing the Boston Celtics legend.

Comparing my game to his is blasphemy. I’ve been called Steve Nash, whose elegant court ballet makes me look more like a square dancer.

In fact, as one of the few non African-American players in the 3-year-old league, I’ve been referred to as just about any white NBA player that pops to someone’s mind.

One time I was even called photo by Gary Leonard Hedo Tukoglu — who’s The competition is heated in the Skid Row from Turkey. I resemble him basketball league. Games take place every about as much as the crum- Saturday. bling Sixth Street Bridge looks like the Golden Gate. man tragedies of Skid Row are real, Though off-base, these compari- I found in the basketball league a sons always made me feel welcome. vibrant community of men and They were among a host of simple women working hard to regain gestures that stood in contrast to command of their lives and defy the at-first intimidating nature of the stereotypes and expectations Skid Row. of failure held by much of society.

As much as the vices and husee Basketball, page 8

I

by Jon regArdie executive editor

S

ome think of it as the place where lost souls end up.

Others refer to it as the village of the damned. The rest of us call it City Hall.

ThE rEgarDiE rEpOrT

Whatever the label, the building at 200 N. Spring St. will be a downright spooky place on Oct. 31. Negotiating its hallways will be trickier than the Byzantine mazes that spring up seasonally at Knotts Berry Farm, and virtually any closet you open will have 19 skeletons inside. There may even be a few bodies buried within, though good luck getting any of the denizens to detail the whereabouts.

Here is a guide to the imaginary haunted house that will be up at City Hall this week.

Then again, this week is no different than any other — it’s always this scary.

Candygram From Carmen: You eagerly show up at the offices of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.

You’re excited, because during the election he

The Voice of Downtown Los Angeles

promised that anyone who knocked on his door on Halloween would get a pumpkin stuffed with candy signed by him and new Controller Wendy Greuel, as well as a great big hug. The door opens and you reach for the sweets, but as your fingers extend across the doorway, you feel a chill and Trutanich morphs into a two-faced demon.

“Bwahahahahahaha!” he bellows in a San Pedro accent. “You cansee City Hall, page 11

photo by Gary Leonard

There will be frights aplenty at City Hall on Oct. 31.

Then again, that’s no different than any other day of the year.

2 Downtown News

AROUNDTOWN Court Refuses to Review Housing Ruling

T

he California Supreme Court last week denied the city’s request to review a lawsuit in which Downtown developer Geoff Palmer successfully challenged an affordable housing requirement for City West. The decision, handed down on Thursday, Oct. 22, could hamper Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s plan to create a citywide low-income housing mandate. Palmer, one of Downtown’s biggest developers, two years ago sued the city to avoid having to set aside units for low-income tenants in his proposed Piero II apartment complex in City West. He won the case in December 2007, and the city appealed the ruling — a risky move, experts said, because while the original decision applied only to Palmer’s case, an appellate court ruling would set a precedent not just in Los Angeles, but throughout the state. Palmer prevailed in the state Court of Appeal in July, and the city subsequently filed a petition asking the California Supreme Court to review the case. The denial of that request renders the appellate court decision final. A city consultant warned several months ago that a ruling in Palmer’s favor could prevent the city from applying the measure to rental housing. “It’s disappointing that the State Supreme Court chose not to review the Palmer case,� said a statement from Villaraigosa’s office. “With families struggling to make ends meet, the City must ensure the production of affordable homes. We will work within the legal parameters and pursue all available options to make sure affordable homes are built for Angelenos who need them.� After the verdict, Palmer’s attorney, Jeffrey Lee Costell of Costell & Cornelius Law Corporation, said,

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com

“I’m not surprised. I think the decision is correct on its face, and obviously so.�

Vespas Scooting Into Downtown

G

etting through Downtown gridlock may become a little easier next month.

That is when a new scooter dealership will open in Little Tokyo. Vespa of Los Angeles is scheduled to debut in November at 301 S. Central Ave., said Roger Miyakawa, general manager of the dealership. The 3,000-square-foot building will have a boutique-like showroom with a full line of Vespa scooters, which are made by the Italian company Piaggio. The dealership will also carry other Piaggio scooter models, along with clothing and helmets. “We feel the demographics Downtown are great and pair nicely with scooters and the scooter lifestyle,� Miyakawa said. “It’s an environmentally sound mode of transportation.�

Miyakawa said plans currently call for sales (starting at $3,200) and service only. He said rentals may follow in the future.

Market Lofts Tries Auction Route

F

ollowing in the footsteps of The Rowan condominiums in the Historic Core and the Concerto complex in South Park, the Market Lofts will hold an auction for unsold units next month. Developer Lee Homes, in partnership with CIM Group, is planning a Nov. 14 event to unload 55 condominiums in the 267-unit complex that opened in 2007 at

645 W. Ninth St. The project holds a Ralphs supermarket. The auction includes one- and two-bedroom units and bidding prices will start at $140,000-$295,000. According to the Market Lofts website, one-bedroom condos in the project are normally priced at $300,000, while two-bedroom residences go for $400,000.

The auction will begin at 1 p.m. at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, at 404 S. Figueroa St. An informational seminar for potential buyers will take place on Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. at the Market Lofts. Those who have tried the auction strategy in Downtown have reported strong results.

At the seven-story Concerto annex, developer Sonny Astani sold all 77 units up for grabs during a one-day event on Aug. 29, raising $31 million. The Rowan has held two auctions; the latest, also on Aug. 29, resulted in eight sales. Nineteen residences had been listed.

Registration for the Market Lofts event is at (213) 553-9375 or marketloftsauction.com.

Little Tokyo on the Bus

I

mages of Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza will be making their way around the city as part of the Metro Neighborhood posters series. The poster, which portrays the outdoor mall between First and Second streets, will be on display on buses and rail cars from Nov. 9-Dec. 31. Commissioned

by Metro Creative Services and created by Shizu Saldamando, it depicts the red decorative fire tower on the First Street entrance to the plaza, and the mall’s blue-tiled roofs.

Saldamando said the work represents the colorful and diverse history of the neighborhood. The poster is the 19th in a series of works commissioned by Metro, with the purpose of showing the character of neighborhoods serviced by the transit agency.

Others neighborhoods that have been featured include Chinatown, Echo Park and East Los Angeles.

photo by Gary Leonard

Bandleader Paul Shaffer appeared at the intimate Grammy Museum Sound Stage on Wednesday, Oct. 21. He was promoting a new book.

Poll Finds Appetite for Public Transit Downtown

L

os Angeles may be a car town, but in Downtown, people like to get on the bus or the subway. A recent poll on ladowntownnews.com that asked readers how often they use public transportation found that 32% of respondents said they use it five or more times a week. Another 19% said they ride public transit 3-4 times a week; 5% said 1-2 times a week; and 22% said 1-2 times a month. Only 22% said they never use public transportation in Downtown. This week, Los Angeles Downtown News asks: Which professional sports team are you most likely to pay to see this season? The choices are the Lakers, Clippers, or Kings. To vote, go to ladowntownnews.com, scroll down and look on the left side of the page.

Starting at $1,400

University of Southern California

Basquiat, Oh, the Horror!

Usher inMusical Halloween early with a the double feature of indie horror flicks.

Snatch a sneak peek of Pop Skullthe and Prodigy, new The House of rock musical. the Devil

Wednesday, October 28, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, George SCA 112 May 28Lucas andBuilding, 29, 8 p.m.

Admission: Free, online reservations required Ramo Recital Hall http://cinema.usc.edu/events Admission: $20 (213) 740-2330 (213) 740-2167

ALSO AT uSc: A L S O AT U S C :

Diana of Dobson’s Thursday –Construction Sunday, October 29 to November 1 Under Tuesday, Maysomething 26, through Saturday, May 30.

Want to see even scarier?

A revival Performed in repertory.

Curtain 1908 timesproto-femvary. of playwright Cicely Hamilton’s

MOnday-friday 9:00am-6:00pm SaTUrday & SUnday By appt.

-JNJUFE UJNF PĂľFS $BMM GPS EFUBJMT

Call to Schedule a Tour Today

LA Downtown News

For Formore moreinformation informationvisit visitwww.usc.edu www.usc.edu

NOW LEASING 213-955-5700

2 months free

USC USC your yourcultural culturalconnection connection

IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES •.0/%": 46/%": ". 50 1.

High Ceilings & light airy interiors • Stunning views • Choice of concrete or bamboo floors • Stainless steel appliances • Central air and heat • Washer/Dryer available in select lofts • On-site laundry • Extensive range of floor plans • On-site concierge • Security Service On Site • High speed internet and digital cable ready • Parking included • Pets welcome

1 bedroom Lofts, Studios & 2 bedrooms:

inistSchool satire, of Diana of Dobson’s, reminds usthree how The Theatre showcases work by wickedly society once treated working-class up-and-coming playwrights – this year’s graduwomen. When the title character, a feisty shopates MFA in dramatic writing program. girl inofathe London drapery emporium, comes into Choose from About Harvest, describing a forbida small inheritance, she decides to blow it all on a Swiss holiday.

Posing as a wealthy widow, den love between an American farm girl and a she attracts attentions of a penniless German POWthe working her family’s fields in exthe guardsman. Hamilton, who went on to write 1940s; Daughters of Lot, a retelling of the biblical a fierce anti-marriage tract, compromises her story of thewith fierythe flight fromromantic Sodom; ending, and Tether, principles play’s but which the strange tale ofthe twin sisters of she is relates unsparingly frank about iniquities the “living-in� which female Lach and Lam system, – one black, thereduced other white. shop workers to commercial slaves.

McClintock Building Scene DockFree Theatre Admission: Admission: $10, general admission (213) 740-2167 (213) 740-2167

GET READY FOR A GRISLY good time as Enter graffiti-splashed, hip-previews USC’s the School of Cinematic Arts a pair of hair-raising screened in the hopped-up world offilms, the impossibly state-of-the-art new George Jean-Michel Lucas Buildgifted 1980s phenomenon ing, and followed by cozy chats the Basquiat. From homeless drugwith addict filmmakers.

First up, a lovelorn drug addict to pampered darling of the New York contends with murderous spirits inhabiting cultural elite, the Haitian-American his home – or is it his head? – in director iconoclast lived a fast and furious exisAdam Wingard’s award-winning Pop Skull. tence, drawing orbit the likes Writer E. L. Katzinto andhis producer Peter Katz of Andy Warhol and Madonna before answer questions after the screening. Next, his star supernovaed a “speeda babysitting job turnsin hellish when the hapless sitter finds at herself theDon’t centerpiece balling� accident age 28. of a Satanic rite in The House of the Devil. miss this professional staged reading Writer/director Ti West fields questions of what may be next year’s Broadway afterward. Both are part sensation, with screenings book and lyrics byof the cinema school’s Outside the Box Office USC Thornton Opera director Ken program, a weekly series spotlighting new Cazan and a rap-Latin-alternative releases in world cinema, documentary rock score by composer and independent film. Billy Pace.

On 14mth lease + Gold’s Gym membership. “Specials subject to change. Lock in your special today!�

7JTJU VT BU XXX HBTDPNQBOZMPGUT DPN PS 'MPXFS 4U CFUXFFO UI UI %PXOUPXO -" "O VSCBO JOWFTUNFOU CZ $*. (SPVQ 4065) *4 5)& /&8 $&/5&3

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 3

DowntownNews.com

SCI-Arc’s Downtown Future Uncertain With Its Lease Up in a Year, Arts District School Is Exploring Its Options

by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

T

he Southern California Institute of Architecture, which catalyzed the commercial and residential revitalization of the Arts District when it moved to the neighborhood in 2000, is considering ditching its current campus. The search for a home that it owns, rather than rents, could potentially take the school outside of Downtown, according to officials familiar with the proceedings.

SCI-Arc’s lease expires in November 2010. Although the school has three three-year options to extend its lease, it has been exploring alternatives for at least the past year, said broker Mark Tarczynski, senior vice president of CB Richard Ellis, who is working with the school to evaluate site prospects.

“They have expanded their target geography to include Downtown Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood areas, and actually the Wilshire corridor out to the beach cities,” Tarczynski said.

The school was wooed by city officials, who offered $1.5 million in grants and incentives to move from Marina Del Rey to a Los Angeles River-adjacent campus at 960 E. Second St. The unconventional space is inside a 102-year-old, quarter-mile long former rail depot.

photo by Gary Leonard

The Southern California Institute of Architecture has leased a 102-year-old former train depot in the Arts District for almost 10 years. With its lease up in 2010, the school is considering moving.

The school has long sought to buy the property, and first tried to acquire it from owner Dynamic Builders. Instead, Dynamic sold it to Meruelo Maddux Properties in 2004. SCIArc tried, unsuccessfully, to block the sale in court.

Meruelo Maddux leases the building and a collection of three parcels that are adjacent to the campus to the school.

The developer has explored creating housing or a mixed-use complex on the sites. One plan, which would have featured two 40-story towers in a Miami Beach-inspired design, drew fierce opposition and never moved forward.

Meruelo Maddux has a reputation for holding on tightly to its core assets, and SCI-Arc is the company’s second largest revenue-generating tenant, behind American Apparel.

But Meruelo Maddux’s current financial situation may jeopardize its ability to keep the land: The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March and, in June, an outside investor bought the debt attached to 10 Meruelo Maddux properties, including the SCI-Arc plot and three adjacent sites.

In Court Pasadena-based Legendary Investors, which has a development arm called Legendary Development, bought all the Meruelo Maddux notes previously owned by East West Bank, and is now looking to foreclose, said Surjit Soni, a managing partner in the company.

Legendary Investors must get approval from the judge handling the Meruelo Maddux bankruptcy case to proceed with any foreclosures. The judge is currently evaluating a specific request to foreclose on the SCI-Arc property, Soni said.

“At this stage we’re perfectly happy with either scenario,” Soni said. “Either Meruelo honors his obligation by servicing the debt, or for some of the loans that have matured, paying the entire outstanding balance. Or give up the properties and let us foreclose so we have our security.”

While Legendary’s plan for the SCI-Arc land and the three adjacent properties is predicated on whether Meruelo Maddux is able to hold on to them, Soni said his company has considered a few options if it is able to foreclose.

“SCI-Arc, I understand, had an interest in purchasing some of the land,” Soni said. “We’d be open to a discussion with them as we would with any other purchaser, but we have the capacity to develop those properties and we will do so unless someone makes us an offer we can’t refuse.”

The company is currently developing three multi-family residential projects, totaling about 125,000 square feet, in Hollywood and Pasadena, Soni said.

In order to keep the properties, Meruelo Maddux will likely have to demonstrate in court a financial plan to satisfy its debt obligations. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

Desire to Develop As a tenant, and not a property owner, SCI-Arc has been unable to fulfill a desire to play a role in shaping and developing the community, said Jamie Bennett, the school’s chief operating officer.

“If we don’t own the building we can’t really do that,” Bennett said. “Right now we’re leasing four parcels of land and it’s very hard to plan the future in that context.”

Bennett said the school has not yet decided whether to exercise its option to extend its lease for three years come November 2010. see SCI-Arc, page 9

4 Downtown News

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com

EDITORIALS Flyswatters, Sledgehammers and the City Attorney

C

armen Trutanich is still new to the position of Los Angeles City Attorney. He has arrived with a clear agenda, and is intent on boosting morale in the department and convincing those who would sue the city that such cases will not be won easily.

Those are worthy aims, and neither will be accomplished without serious effort. The latter will require an aggressive approach, especially in the courtroom. But since taking office in July, Trutanich has sometimes misdirected that aggression. In instances when respectful negotiations might lead to a resolution, he has chosen other tactics. Even in instances when a figurative flyswatter might be appropriate, he has displayed a disturbing tendency to pull out a sledgehammer.

This has happened a few times, with the most recent and most troubling occurring over the Anschutz Entertainment Group’s effort to erect long-planned and mostly approved signage on the exterior of the new movie theater complex

in Downtown Los Angeles. At least one exchange went over the top, with Trutanich threatening to have multiple people arrested, including City Councilwoman Jan Perry and AEG executives, if they pursued the signage matter.

Opposition is one thing, but dangling an arrest, and by implication jail time, for pursuing this issue is ridiculous.

The threat to Perry is particularly troublesome — she has a long and credible history of working in the city’s interest, and Trutanich treating her as he might a street thug is irresponsible and disrespectful. It is inappropriate for someone occupying the second-highest elected post in Los Angeles.

This is all the more important because of the issue involved. We’re glad Trutanich is showing courage in regard to the supergraphics and digital advertising sprouting seemingly everywhere — too many city officials have been wishy-washy for too long. Had they shown real backbone against the outdoor advertising companies, there would be no need for the

current fracas.

Trutanich obviously has a different view than Perry and AEG officials over whether new signage is allowed at L.A. Live. This dispute is serious and needs to be resolved. But when Trutanich approaches it by threatening to arrest various figures, he is not moving the agenda forward. In fact, he is pulling attention away from the issue he is so focused on.

We want Trutanich to do well, and we want the employees of the City Attorney’s office to feel they have a solid, respected leader, one who will fight for them and the city. And we certainly want a reasonable billboard policy in place, one that will withstand the challenges the deep-pocketed outdoor advertising industry will mount.

But he needs to make better decisions in determining which battles will help and which will hinder his best intentions. He needs to get a grip. We hope this energetic newcomer realizes that sometimes he can put the sledgehammer away.

In 2006, Bratton and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa worked with officials from the City Council and the City Attorney’s office, among others, to launch the Safer City Initiative. This deployed 50 additional officers to Skid Row and initiated a crackdown on “quality of life” crimes. In the process, the LAPD stopped tolerating transgressions there that would never be allowed in other parts of Los Angeles. Much work remains to be done, but Skid Row is a safer and more humane place than it was before Bratton and the SCI arrived.

As Bratton leaves, many of the faces in the department are different. While there is a lot to learn from officers who have clocked decades with the LAPD, in some instances department veterans exhibited resistance to the change that needed to happen. Additionally, the approximately 10,000-officer department today more closely resembles the ethnic makeup of the city than it did before Bratton arrived.

Then there is the consent decree. One of Bratton’s legacy efforts is pushing the department — and sometimes pushing hard — to meet the requirements that were necessary to get it out from under federal oversight. That is an important step both for the morale of officers and for the perception people (in and beyond Los Angeles) have of the LAPD. Lifting the decree positions the department for continued advances into the future.

This is not to say that Bratton has been perfect. The LAPD’s crackdown on the 2005 MacArthur Park protests occurred

under his command (though his response was swift and appropriate). Additionally, his relatively sudden departure, with three years remaining in his second term as chief, is distressing. With the department about to endure serious financial pressures, including an apparent end to the aggressive hiring program that had been in place, the city would have benefited by having Bratton around. His loss may be keenly felt if future moves are made to roll back hiring. In short, he’s departing at a time that is good for him, but particularly difficult for the city. We would prefer he finish the term he signed on for.

That said, the accomplishments made during the seven years of Bratton far outweigh the negatives. Los Angeles now has a police department that people increasingly believe in and trust. In general, they feel safe. Those changes are a credit to the department as a whole, and they all come from a topdown system, one that started with William Bratton.

Well Done, Chief

T

his week, William Bratton finishes his time as chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Over the past couple months, since announcing his Oct. 31 resignation to take a position in the private sector, he has essentially enjoyed a long victory lap. It is well deserved because, when it comes to public safety, Los Angeles is much better off today than it was seven years ago when he arrived.

Given this city’s history and often troubled relationship with law enforcement, it’s nice to be able to celebrate the state of the police department — even if serious questions about its future and whether it can maintain the gains realized are on the front burner.

The changes that have taken place since 2002, when thenMayor Jim Hahn elected to go outside the LAPD to hire Bratton, have been profound. The city has enjoyed a steadily falling crime rate. While crime persists and gang activity in certain neighborhoods remains harrowing, Los Angeles as a whole feels safer now than it has in a long time.

Though Los Angeles’ crime drop mirrors decreases in other cities in the United States, Bratton has taken extra steps, including installing a computerized citywide crime tracking system. This both pointed out places where crime was spiking, and demanded that captains and other command staff respond. “Accountability” was always a big buzzword in Bratton’s regime, and it has paid off.

One place where that is evident is Downtown Los Angeles.

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

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

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

One copy per person.

October 26, 2009

LETTERS

The Readers Speak Out

Art Walk Crowds Are a Good Thing Dear Editor, o some the Downtown Art Walk has become a problem, a big, disorderly party with too many youngsters and too many non-art enthusiasts (“Art Walk or Party Walk,”

by Richard Guzman, Sept. 7, and the editorial “Art Walk at a Crossroads,” Oct. 5). I disagree wholeheartedly. Our building, the Spring Arts Tower, houses four galleries including one that is more than 9,000 square feet. We have shown hundreds of mostly emerging artists and mostly Angelenos in our history, which began before Gallery Row was established. The Gallery Row Organization’s first offices were, in fact, in our building.

Ten thousand people visiting and patronizing a neighborhood is always a good thing.

I see the current complaints as challenges, mostly of crowd control. It’s amazing to have that problem. When I came Downtown in 2001, the neighborhood was completely dead after 6 p.m. and pretty darn frightening. The theme of the evening every second Thursday of the month always was and remains the visual arts. The conversation is the art. Those who attend leave knowing a little more about the artists of Los Angeles. They leave with perhaps a favorite gallery that they’ll visit again or a list of favorite artists whose careers they might follow and whose work they may purchase. All night long I see people taking photos

T

Downtown News 5

Opinion

Website Comments on a City Vacancy and Park Problems

of artwork with their cell phones.

A portion of the crowd does come Downtown strictly to party and “hook up,” but in my estimation that is a small part of the whole. They come late, and then they patronize the growing number of local nightclubs and restaurants — a good thing for the Downtown economy.

Those dissuading attendance of the Art Walk by closing their doors early mystify me. The other major challenge for the gallery owners is to bring in enthusiasts and buyers on other days of the month. The solution is certainly not to shut down when the largest number of potential patrons are sure to visit.

—Kevin Taylor, manager, Spring Arts Tower Los Angeles Downtown News encourages letters. They become the property of Los Angeles Downtown News and may be edited. All letters should be typewritten and include an address and telephone number for verification.

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

L

os Angeles Downtown News posts comments to stories on our website. Here are some of the most recent responses.

Additional comments appear on downtownnews.com (comments follow individual articles).

Further responses are welcome.

Regarding the Oct. 19 editorial “Find the Right Leader for Building and Safety” efore Mayor Riordan was elected, the Department of Building and Safety was a bureaucratic mess. The permitting and inspection process was impossible. Plan check was a constantly changing maze that was difficult and costly to navigate, even for the most experienced developer. City building inspectors would require builders to make multi-million dollar changes to their projects according to the inspector’s whims — regardless of what the approved building plans said. Riordan changed all that when he appointed Andrew Adelman to head the DBS. Adelman streamlined the permitting process, reining in whimsical building inspectors. Downtown News is right in recognizing that Adelman’s replacement is a key appointment for Villaraigosa. If the department regresses back to the pre-Adelman days, economic development in our fair city will be stunted at exactly the wrong time.

—posted by City Rat, Oct. 19, 8:29 a.m.

B

T

he mayor needs to take quick action to fill the LADBS position. The staff needs a fresh vision and support for the hard work they do.

—posted by Doug, Oct. 21, 9:03 a.m.

Regarding the Oct. 19 story “More Than Just a Game,” the second of a three-part series on a Skid Row basketball league, by Ryan Vaillancourt read the first part of this series last week and found it not only interesting, but also very insightful. I normally think of Skid Row — or truthfully, probably none of us really think of Skid Row, unless there’s a story, usually a negative one, on TV or in the paper. This story puts a human face on the people of Skid Row. It shows that everyone needs to feel a part of and contribute to something, whether it be family, friends, religion or peers.

—posted by JB, Oct. 19, 1:31 p.m.

I

Regarding the Oct. 5 story “Little Progress in Parks Program,” by Anna Scott have an issue with Rec and Parks on several levels. There is money sitting in an account somewhere to build green space. Building by definition takes people and work, in other words, employment. But we are still planning the plan. We now have nearly 40,000 residents and a large percentage of them are pet owners; a growing percentage of them are parents with small children. None of us have a park to walk in, relax in. We throw balls in parking lots, walk our children on concrete and asphalt. But we still have to plan the plan.

I suggest we take Pershing Square, the lot on Spring Street, the lot at Ninth and Hill streets.

Expose the dirt, open it up for residents to plan and beautify. We’ll have parks in time for a holiday morning walk with our dogs and children.

Meanwhile, they can continue to plan the plan.

—posted by Lovin Downtown, Oct. 5, 9:54 a.m.

I

LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN NEWS__10-26-09 / Size: 5x7.625 / BW 9UBC7454RTL_SmBusPriority_LADN

metro.net

Metro Briefs Medical, Dental, Metro Pass

Get your company to buy Metro passes for all its employees as an employee benefit. It’s a win-win situation: you get a tax-free bene>t of riding Metro and your company enjoys tax savings, increased productivity, reduced parking demands and improved employee morale. Find out more at 213.922.2811.

Breaking Metro News Online At “The Source” Now you can get instant updates on the issues and actions that keep LA County moving.

Just go to “The Source,” a real-time online news and feature service that is updated throughout the day on developments that a=ect Metro’s projects and services. Look for it today at metro.net.

With Priority Banking, you’ll enjoy the rewards of your achievements.

‘Tis The Season To Go Metro Celebrate the start of the holidays with more than 80 years of tradition. The Hollywood Christmas Parade once again marches down Hollywood Boulevard on Sunday, November 29. Metro Rail’s Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine stations are located on the parade route. Make Santa’s “Nice List” by making your trip on Metro.

You deserve to be rewarded for your success, which is why we created Priority Banking .

With Priority Banking you’ll experience the one-to-one attention of your own personal banker. A dedicated professional who will work with you to understand your personal and business goals.

You’ll also enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits and complimentary banking services. ®1

Metro Plans for $300 Billion Over 30 Years It covers everything from new transit projects to freeway improvements to freight movement. Metro’s ambitious 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan for LA County outlines $300 billion worth of mobility improvements through the year 2040. Find out more at metro.net.

Call today to set up an appointment with your personal banker.

California Mart: Michelle Kellner, 900 South Main St., 213-312-4567 Little Tokyo: Paul K. Abe, 120 South San Pedro St., 213-972-5526 Los Angeles Main: Yuji Kanazawa, 445 South Figueroa St., 213-236-7770

Guard Against Flu – Metro Is! To help reduce exposure to ?u viruses on its system, Metro has increased its sanitizing procedures in buses, trains and stations. Metro also has launched various e=orts under its Flu Prevention Action Plan to provide information to riders and others on how to avoid catching the ?u.

If you’d like to know more, please call us at 1.800.464.2111, or visit metro.net.

GEN-FE-10-005 ©2009 LACMTA

Visit unionbank.com/priority (1) The Priority Banking program offers a range of Union Bank products and services to individuals and businesses that maintain combined balances of $100,000 or more in qualifying accounts. Terms and conditions are subject to change.

See our All About Personal, or All About Business, Accounts & Services Disclosure and Agreement for details. ©2009 Union Bank, N.A.

47367_LADN_BW.indd 1

10/16/09 11:04:47 AM

6 Downtown News

DowntownNews.com

October 26, 2009

WHAT’S IN STORE

Kapsoul

Historic Core Shop Parties Like It’s 1989

by Richard Guzmán city editor

T

here are not many places in Downtown Los Angeles where you’ll find clothes or mementos related to “Alf” and Vanilla Ice. But those offerings are just the start of what’s for sale at Kapsoul, which warmly embraces the fashion, music and cultural high and lowlights of the 1980s and early ’90s.

The 500-square-foot space at 548 S. Spring St. was opened in September by Takashi Masuda. The 34-year-old for-

mer DJ stocks his shelves with clothing, hats, dolls, novelty items (think calculator watches) and music from the era of Masuda’s youth.

Masuda, an avid flea market shopper who goes by the nickname Kap, won’t say where he finds most of his treasures, which he began selling online before renting a space inside an existing store on Melrose. Seeing the popularity of Downtown, he decided to move east. He said he plans to hold a grand opening celebration this month.

As part of a series highlighting local retail, Los Angeles

photo by Gary Leonard

Takashi Masuda, owner of Kapsoul, stocks everything from vintage shades to records to MC Hammer action figures.

Downtown News takes a look at what’s in his store.

Cool Shades: Kapsoul’s standout may be its collection of oldschool hip-hop glasses, aviator shades and vintage florescentframed sunglasses. There are two categories: the Dead Stock, vintage glasses that are no longer made, that sell for $24-$52; and the ’80s Remake, new glasses made in the old styles, which go for $12-$22. The former category holds the popular Rainbow shades, which are more like visors than sunglasses.

Also popular are the B-Boy style shades, which go for about $34. They are usually colorful and outrageous, like a red pair with a dark, thin, single lens that looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi film.

Spin Me Round: Kapsoul keeps the music going with a collection of hundreds of records, cassette tapes and mixed CDs. The offerings range from hip-hop to soundtracks from Bruce Lee films to new wave. Prices are $3-$20 and include Heavy D and the Boys, Tom Tom Club, the Sugar Hill Gang and even Chubby Checker. “My older sister used to buy records and I would listen to them all the time. I’ve always liked them and they are very popular still,” Masuda said. But beware: Masuda’s personal collection is mixed in with the for-sale records, so if you find one you really like, and Masuda likes it too, chances are he’ll keep it. If you really want a flashback experience, Kapsoul sells customized boom boxes painted with graffiti images for $220.

Private Arcade: Modern kids would probably die laughing if they saw the types of video games people played 20 years ago, so they better be careful around Kapsoul’s collection of hand-held arcade games. There’s a decidedly low-tech Pac Man for $34, as well as hand-held Donkey Kong Jr. and Space Invaders games. Forget about NBA 2K; Kapsoul has Mattel’s Electronic Basketball for $15. “These are popular. A lot of people remember them from childhood,” Masuda said.

There are other vintage electronics too, such as the Casio calculator watch for $80. If you want to mix and match, there’s a Nintendo video game watch that plays Starfox and comes with earplugs for $54.

Play Time: It wouldn’t be a trip down memory lane without some toys. But don’t expect “regular” toys at Kapsoul.

Instead, the store offers a 12-inch Jordan Knight doll from New Kids on the Block for $80. The same price buys a 12inch MC Hammer action figure, complete with gold sequined pants. There are more expensive finds too, including a $190 action figure of Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock from the A-Team, in its original box, and an action figure of waifish blonde model Twiggy for $180. “These are very rare,” he said.

Keep on Styling: Trucker hats were all the rage a few years ago, but before that trend, there were neon hats. Kapsoul offers a neon Looney Tunes Daffy Duck hat and a Tasmanian Devil cap for $32. There are also trucker hats, but instead of sporting a tragically trendy motto or logo scrawled on the front, Kapsoul sells a purple Prince mesh hat for $18.

Kapsoul is at 548 S. Spring St., #110, (213) 693-4180 or kapsoulstore.com.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 7

DowntownNews.com

Le Monsieur

LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN NEWS PRESENTS 2009-2010 SEASON

Full Service Menswear Boutique

4TH&LONG

Enjoy a unique level of customer service.

FOOTBALL

Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services for purchases.

Downtown delivery available.

Comfortable atmosphere with flat screen TV & beverage bar.

$5 Appetizer speciAls

$2 Draft Beer & Wine $5 Well Drinks

CONTEST

Call to make an appointment.

First

Second Third

CASH

GIFT CERTIFICATES

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTbAll SPECIAlS!

FREE GATED PARKING!

$100 $50 $25

Egyptian Cotton Shirts

HALF PRICE Expires 11/23/09

www.shoplemonsieur.com | 323-222-4100 112 West 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90015

213.617.2491

Ground floor of LA Apparel Mart

410 Boyd St., Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90013

HAcupuncture ealthy Life Center

Sports & Entertainment Pkg. Includes: Wii console, 2 controllers, Wii sports disc, Wii Fit Board w/ games.

PLUS $150 Gift Certificate for ESPN Zone.

Philippe, The Original

Voted Best French Dip

—Downtown News Readers. 2009

WEEK 5 WINNERS

Full body massage $25

+ 1 week Free weight loss New clients only, OR existing clients with new referral

Acupuncture (Chronic & Acute Pain) $60 $40 Weight Loss, Fibromyalgia, Headaches $60 $40 Insomnia, Sprained Ankle, Carpal Tunnel $60 $40 Full Body Massage & Spa $60/hr $45/hr Foot Massage (Neck, Back, Shoulder) $60/hr $25/hr Oxygen & Microdermabrasion Facial $100 $50 And much more!

X Short St. E. Olympic Bl.

S. Soto St.

S. Boyle Ave.

E. 8th St.

First

Second

Third

John Jackson

Michelle Brown

Eric Geller

To Play Go to: www.DowntownNews.com

Click on the link for 4th & Long Football Contest.

Choose the winner of the games below & guess total points for the tie breaker.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 12 PM THURSDAY EACH WEEK.

Most PPO Insurance Accepted Mon-Wed-Fri: 8am-6pm • Sat: 8am-3pm

323-264-3288 1241 S. Soto St. #110 | Los Angeles, CA

WE KNOW FOOTBALL

A TASTE OF ESPN L.A. LIV E

ESPN ZoNE @ L.A. LIVE IS thE uLtImAtE PLAcE to fEEd your footbALL huNgEr! tm

To book a group event, please e-mail events@espnzonelalive.com DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES AT L.A. LIVE 213.765.7070 • ESPNZONE.COM

WEEK 08 (Nov. 1, 2)

opeN 6 A.m. to 10 p.m. dAily

* Thursday Game **Monday Game Byes: Cincinnati, Kansas City, New England, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington Contest Rules: All entries are due by 12 pm Thursday prior to the weekend games. Los Angeles Downtown News is not responsible for lost or misplaced submissions in any way, shape or form. The Judge(s) will tabulate the entries and announce the winner on the 4th & Long Contest page each week. All decisions of the Judge(s) are final and binding. Any resident of United States age eighteen or over can play, except employees, of Los Angeles Downtown News or any member of their immediate family. One submission per person or e-mail address per week.

Subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and where prohibited. The Prize is not transferable. No substitutions for Prizes offered. All entries become the property of The Los Angeles Downtown News and will not be acknowledged or returned. Except where prohibited: acceptance of the Prize constitutes consent to use winner’s name, likeness for editorial, advertising, and publicity purposes, without further compensation. This contest is in no way affiliated with the professional league in which the stated football teams play. In the event of a tie winners will be determined by a lottery. This contest is for entertainment purposes only.

N LY

L TA TO E

UD

Gentlemen’s Club

FREE ADMISSION 132 St.

91 FWY

710 FWY

N

110 FWY

310-523-3266

105 FWY

Figueroa St.

Washington Blvd.

13124 S. Figueroa LoS angeLeS

with this ad.

El Segundo Blvd

405 FWY

lobby of westin bonaventure hotel, l.a., ca 90071 valet parking: $7.00 for up to 5 hours with validation.

213-747-3701

N

Alameda Blvd.

www.suedebarla.com

404 s. figueroa st., suite 102

SOUTH BAY

10 FWY Hooper Ave.

213-489-3590

1501 e. WaShington LoS angeLeS

Central Ave.

small plates, cigars, smoking patio

Available for private parties, bottle service, location shoots

Friday & Saturday 1/2 off after 5 pm

DOWNTOWN

d Come in an me! ga watCh the www.philippeS.com

Seattle Seahawks @ ................................ Dallas Cowboys Houston Texans @ ................................... Buffalo Bills New York Giants @ ................................... Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers @ ............................. Indianapolis Colts Cleveland Browns @ ................................ Chicago Bears Miami Dolphins @ ................................... New York Jets St. Louis Rams @ ..................................... Detroit Lions Denver Broncos @ .................................... Baltimore Ravens Jacksonville Jaguars @ ............................ Tennessee Titans Oakland Raiders @ .................................. San Diego Chargers Minnesota Vikings @ ............................... Green Bay Packers Carolina Panthers @ ................................ Arizona Cardinals **Atlanta Falcons @ ................................ New Orleans Saints TIEBREAKER (total pts.): San Diego Chargers vs Oakland Raiders

HAPPY HOur A $4ALL Day & Night FOOTBIAL on Food & Well Drinks SPEC

Live JaZZ Trio Wednesdays 6-8pm • Live dJs Wed-Sat 9pm-2am

ic & Im

✔Domest

1001 N. AlAmedA St. • (213) 628-3781

HT AY NIG MOND LL

Join us for our Stress Free Happy Hour • Tues-Fri 4pm-8pm $4 Well Drinks, House Wines, Beers & Appetizers

TV ✔50 Inch orted Beer p

18 and over • Open Everyday 11-2am, Open Late Fri. & Sat. till 4am • www.riogc.net

8 Downtown News

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Basketball Continued from page 1 For some, the challenge is to stay sober. For others, it’s to find housing and a job — to learn the ropes of life within the law. They take different roads to get there. Some use basketball.

Sideline Scene The path to the league’s home at Gladys Park is an ominous one — rats scurry in broad daylight, human urine and feces cook into the sidewalk, plastic food containers clog the gutter and drug dealers and prostitutes mingle on the corners, doing a bad job at looking innocent.

But on any Saturday, the park at Sixth Street and Gladys Avenue is somewhat of a neighborhood oasis. Inside its gates, past the missionaries setting up food giveaways outside, giddy kids zip around on scooters and skateboards, playing an improvised game of tag on wheels. A spirited game of pickup basketball animates the mint green court that is the park’s centerpiece. There’s laughter everywhere.

Pickup basketball happens every Saturday until August, when the league season begins. During games, friends and family members pack the metal bleachers next to the court and howl their support for the men playing. Some snack on bags of fried chicken, prepared every weekend by a park mainstay known as Chicken Man. The league was founded in 2007 by Manuel Benito Compito. Now 60, he is more commonly known as OG Man, the letters standing for “Original Gangster,” a common, respectful term for older men in the community. Although he has a deep criminal past, OG has been on the straight and narrow for years. He arrived on Skid Row in 1996 and launched the league as a way to

give young men in the neighborhood something to participate in, to be proud of. At least once an hour every Saturday he spouts the league’s motto: “It’s More Than Just a Game.”

With help from other Skid Row activists like “General Jeff” Page, OG has cultivated a thriving league: Nike chipped in for a new court; the City Attorney’s office paid for uniforms. The league is now up to eight teams, with about 40 players total.

Trying to Impress I arrive for the first time in July 2008. After observing from the sidelines for a few months, I start playing in February. I half expect to end up that guy who the elite players avoid eye contact with when they’re assembling a pickup squad. Instead, some of the league’s best players enlist me to play with them. Most don’t know I’m a reporter. They don’t seem to care who I am at all.

Despite that, on a hot July morning a year later, I’m still not on a team for the upcoming season, which begins in August. I’m trying, and mostly failing, to keep up with players I have little business sharing a basketball court with. At this point, I wouldn’t pick me.

As usual, Ron Crockett is on the sideline, narrating the play-by-play into a tinny sound system.

Even though it’s just pickup, his animated presence makes for a sort of spectacle that lends an edge-of-your-seat excitement to the game, no matter the score. For the players and those just here to watch, Crockett’s an entertainer.

He calls everybody by nicknames or first names, except for those he doesn’t know. He calls them, quite literally, “Unknown.” For a while, Unknown was my name too. But today, Crockett has a new name for me.

After hoisting an air ball, I steal it back from an opponent, fake right, dribble left and hit a jump shot. Then, after another opponent misses a shot, my teammate, an explosive 6-foot-2 player named

photo by Gary Leonard

After spending six months playing pickup basketball in Skid Row, the reporter (right) was invited to join a team. The league’s play-by-play man soon gave him the nickname White Lightning.

Live

in the scene

Work 2 LOFTS AVAILABLE

without being seen

One Block to L.A. Live • Celeb Entrance • 24 Hr. Front Desk • All Inclusive Amenity Package Resident/Guest Parking • Maintenance Services • Pooch & Kitty Welcome 1,045 & 1,273 Square Feet • Premium Finishes • 24-Month Lease Available

888-847-5116

metlofts.com

1050 S. Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Our shuttle launches daily.

Gastropub & restaurant

$29 Oil Change** • TOYOTA Genuine Parts

a prom niGht for the CLass of 666 the dead Can danCe!" 10/31/09 t "

Drop your vehicle off for service and board our convenient Courtesy Shuttle to work*. It’s a complex world out there, but this is service made simple.

invites you this haLLoW een to...

•

did aLL you GhouLs, GobLins, dead & undead miss your prom???

• Free car wash • Open Monday-Saturday, 6am-6pm

Spiked punches, free prom photos, a haunted hall, cheesy 80’s spinning DJ, scary surprises and of course all the gruesome couples will have a chance to be voted as prom king and queen. (Locals will have long time bragging rights we’re sure) The dead must get hungry so we will be offering a spooky special pairing menu at a scary low price.

Service made simple.

TOYOTA CenTrAl 213 748 8301 www.toyotacentral.com 1600 S. Figueroa Los Angeles 90015

enCo ura Ged dea d pr om t to dres a s he LL C Ley's ostu me but in the n puGs L m o rea d a s n e L C a s k of LLy er W eL speCia ... no kin be t so Come. d pump ria! e G h n s a a s m o sm o u d o C h. vo bLaCk

party starts W he n you Get here...

(Across the street from the Convention Center) *Shuttle service limited to 5-mile radius from dealer location until 5:30 PM. **Plus tax and hazardous disposal fees.

517_4175 Downtown LA News Smith + Jones, Inc. 09/01/09 gG

118 W. 5th st. (5th & sprinG) Los anGeLes, Ca 90013 213.627.1162 W W W.themustbar.Com

October 26, 2009

Gerrie “CruShow” Herring, grabs a long rebound and the two of us race down the court.

CruShow is a flashy, trickster ballhandler who can, at least in stretches, be unstoppable. He’s a former drug dealer who quit that life to pursue an artist’s path: He now lives in the Historic Core and sells custom-painted sneakers and handmade jewelry in a Melrose boutique and does murals on commission. But he hasn’t cut all ties with his old stomping grounds. He comes back to get in games and take his nearly 4-year-old son, Arteist, to play in the park.

The 32-year-old St. Louis native appeared in the Spike TV show “Slam Ball,” a hybrid sport that mixes football, basketball and trampolines. Slam Ball requires players with almost freakish athletic abilities, and CruShow is no exception. He’s one of the best players at Gladys Park.

As we sprint down the court, only one defender angles to stop us. I flash my hands, showing CruShow I’m ready for a pass. I secretly hope he keeps it. He can score on his own — I’m liable to screw it up.

“CruShow’s got it,” Crockett announces. “And here he comes with Unknown!”

The defender steps toward CruShow, who bullets a no-look pass my way. I collect it, dribble once and go in for the lay-up.

“White Lightning takes it to the basket for an easy one, baby,” Crockett yells, referring to me for the first but not the last time by a new nickname. “White Lightning is heeeeeatingggg up!”

In a park where men go by monikers like Solo, Bulldog or Sniper, getting a nickname, for me, is like getting a formal welcome into the league. Never mind that White Lightning is really only half accurate.

Common Ground Come early August, I’m still not on a team. In fact, basketball isn’t on my mind on a Thursday night, two days before the league is set to commence its season, as I’m wandering around the monthly Downtown Art Walk. Though just a mile west of Gladys Park, it’s a world away. The streets are filled with young, fashionable gallery goers who dip in and out of exhibitions and bars.

But in the midst of Art Walk, I bump into CruShow. He greets me with one of those handshakes where the two palms meet with a snare drum clap. Then he hits me with a proposal I’m not expecting.

“Hey man. You want to play on my team?”

“Hell yes I do.”

Our squad, the West Coast Recyclers Ballers — named after a Skid Row recycling operation whose late founder was a basketball junkie and a mentor to some of the guys on the team — is pretty good too. A month into the season we’ve got a 3-1 record.

One day in September, I’m greeted with an ear-to-ear grin

by OG Man. I’ve spent a lot of time with him in the past year,

SCI-Arc Continued from page 3 “I think we need to wait for these things to play out,” he said. “We will be operating in our own self interest. We haven’t been unhappy down here in the Arts District. We’ve got flexibility in terms of our future and we have optimism about our future, but our future will include owning where we are.”

SCI-Arc currently has about 500 students split between its undergraduate and graduate programs. Many area stakeholders credit the school with energizing the community and spurring residential and retail development.

“When SCI-Arc was going to move in there, it was very exciting, the potential of having a neighbor like that — a high-end design and academic institution,” said Qathryn Brehm, an artist and Arts District resident since 1985.

The school infused another layer of creative vitality to the neighborhood, with student projects engaging the area, a lecture series bringing the public inside its campus, and artists living around the school finding teaching jobs there, Brehm said.

SCI-Arc has also been a driving force in attracting more investment in the area, said Cecilia Estolano, CEO of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

“We’ve talked to other arts and cultural institutions who have wanted to co-locate near them, so they’re a draw,” Estolano said. “It would be a major disappointment if SCI-Arc left the Arts District and the Downtown area. They are an anchor for the artistic and cultural capital that is the driving force for economic development in that area.”

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

Downtown News 9

DowntownNews.com sometimes with a tape recorder, sometimes without. He knows my stories about the league will be published soon.

He seems both surprised and pleased that I’ve made myself a regular at the park.

“You’re part of the Skid Row community now,” he says.

It’s an innocent line, but it hits me. Hard. I wasn’t expecting it.

It’s not something I can fully agree with. My circumstances — an upper middle-class upbringing, private college, a job with health insurance — distance me from the struggles that bring most of the players in the league to this part of the city.

At the end of the day, I leave the neighborhood and head to the spacious eighth-floor loft I share with my girlfriend.

Unlike many players in the league, I’ve never been to prison, and won’t likely end up there. I don’t know what it’s like to sleep on the street or in a mission.

But in Gladys Park, all my teammates care about is whether I hustle for that rebound, make the extra pass or sink that

C

l

o

open jump shot. We whine and gesticulate about bad calls, make fun of guys when they overreact, and sometimes overreact ourselves.

Despite my streaky shot and mediocre ballhandling skills, strangers on the sideline praise my defense and effort. After games I get fist bumps and the “good game” comments from teammates and opponents, just like any other player.

The misplaced nickname has even stopped. Now, after I make a shot or rip down a rebound, they just call me Ryan.

Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

About This Series: For “More Than Just a Game,” Los Angeles Downtown News staff writer Ryan Vaillancourt spent more than a year chronicling the Skid Row 3-on-3 Streetball League. He conducted more than 50 interviews, and also became part of the league, joining a team in its third season.

s

e

o

u

t

AUCTION S at u r d ay, N o v e m b e r 1 4

th

55 Ch ic Dow ntow n lofts

Starting Bids from $140,000 Lofts Previously Priced Up to $885,761

Closeout Auction! over 200 lofts Already sold!

• 1-2 Bedrooms and 1-2 Baths With Up to 1,588 Sq. Ft. • Social Room with Gourmet Kitchen and Big Screen TV, 20-Seat Theatre, Pool, Fitness Center and More • Ideally Located In Sought After South Park Within Walking Distance to STAPLES Center and L.A. Live • Above Ralphs® Fresh Fare, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and Cold Stone Creamery®

Auction Information Office Open Daily 10-5 645 W. 9th Street, #219 Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Entrance on Hope Street)

Excellent Financing Brokers Welcome

Auction Conducted By

All bids subject to Seller’s Reserve. CA Real Estate Broker, License #00867471.

For Brochure # 7620

I

(800) 522-6664

MARKETLOFTSAUCTION.COM

10 Downtown News

A Roundup of Downtown’s Bankruptcies

Bankruptcy Continued from page 1 six-story annex, it currently sits empty. At the opposite end of the spectrum is MKT Community Development Corp.’s City West apartment complex The Flat — even a nearly fully leased building could not protect its developer.

The fate of the individual properties could vary greatly, said Jack Kyser, senior vice president and chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp. He noted that a bankruptcy filing does not necessarily mean a project will languish.

“We’ll wait and see how the lenders handle the properties,” he said. “Are they going to try to sell them as quickly as possible? What is the market going to be like?”

This One Goes to 11 The vast majority of new housing projects in Downtown have not run into bankruptcy issues, and some developers made significant profits on their original investments. Instead, troubles are more often affecting buildings that have recently been completed or are now finishing construction.

Of the new batch of troubled projects, seven of the eight have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which temporarily stops any collection or foreclosure efforts (one other has moved toward liquidation).

“Everywhere you look Downtown, there’s a foreclosure going on with these condo projects and there’s a developer in bankruptcy trying to protect themselves,” said Ed Rosenthal, a broker with real estate firm Grubb & Ellis.

“Typically, they don’t pay on their note to the bank and then, when the bank starts a process of foreclosure, the borrowers go into bankruptcy to protect themselves.”

Some of the developments appear to be moving forward as they reorganize and create plans to pay off their debts.

Developer Milbank Real Estate’s 222-unit Roosevelt, originally planned as condominiums, is now temporarily being leased as apartments. So far about 28 units in the project at 727 W. Seventh St. have been rented, said the project’s sales director, Randelle Green.

Another high-profile project that is in bankruptcy, 705 W. Ninth, is slated to open to tenants Nov. 1, said a spokesman for developer Meruelo Maddux Properties. The company is working on a reorganization plan for the project, which was partly financed by a high-interest, $84 million loan. Leasing is proceeding despite the bankruptcy, said the spokesman.

Even open buildings are not immune. The Title Guarantee Building, which debuted two years ago, went into bankruptcy in February,

PROJECT

ADDRESS

UNITS

FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY

STATUS

The Brockman Building

530 W. Seventh St.

80

Chapter 7 in March

Bank of America expected to foreclose in 2010

The Flat

750 S. Garland Ave.

206

Chapter 11 in May

Sold out of foreclosure this month by Chinatrust Bank to SA Properties for $20 million

Blossom Plaza

900 N. Broadway

262 (proposed)

Chapter 11 in March

Original equity partner Morgan Stanley is seeking new investors after developer the Bond Cos. dropped out.

Santee Village

Bounded by Los Angeles, Maple, Seventh and Eighth streets

Approximately 280 in four buildings

Chapter 11 in April

Under control of lender the Patriot Group since last October.

Title Guarantee Building

411 W. Fifth St.

74

Chapter 11 in February

Currently leasing

The Roosevelt

727 W. Seventh St.

222

Chapter 11 in April

Currently leasing

705 W. Ninth

705 W. Ninth St.

214

Chapter 11 in March

Currently leasing

Concerto

Figueroa and Ninth streets

77 (phase one)

Chapter 11 this month

Upcoming court hearings will determine whether units in sold-out phase one can close escrow.

though leasing continues. Developer Daniel Swartz would not discuss any aspect of the bankruptcy or its impacts.

In the current economic climate, lenders may be more likely to cooperate with borrowers on a reorganization or alternate payment plan than they have been in the past, said Robert Rasmussen, a bankruptcy expert and dean of USC’s Gould School of Law. “If the bank does foreclose, it has to find a new buyer,” he said, and “the bank isn’t structured to finish the development itself, so it would much prefer a consensual agreement if it can reach one.”

Still, filing Chapter 11 does not guarantee that a project will be able to reorganize and avoid foreclosure.

The Flat, a 90% occupied, 206-unit rental building at 750 S. Garland Ave., which houses Blue Velvet restaurant, filed for Chapter 11 in the spring after defaulting on a $23 million loan from Chinatrust Bank. But the bank took the developer to court and ultimately won the right to foreclose anyway.

“To reorganize, there has to be equity in the property,” meaning the property’s value must exceed its debt, said attorney Helen Frazer of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, who represents The Flat developer Bret Mosher. “The judge found the property was under water by a significant number.”

The Phoenix, Ariz.-based private equity fund SA Properties bought The Flat from Chinatrust earlier this month for $20 million in cash.

In Limbo The future is murky for some of Downtown’s bankrupt projects.

Developer West Millennium put the 12-story Brockman Building (which houses the popular Bottega Louie restaurant on the ground floor) in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a first step toward liquidation, in April, after defaulting on a $35 million loan from Bank of America.

“That’s like throwing in the towel,” Rasmussen said of filing Chapter 7. “When

A

FULL COLOR

BUSINESS CARDS 1,000 on 14pt. stock. offer expires 11-30-09

$33

you file a Chapter 11, the developer remains in control of the project… when you file a 7, you’re giving over control of the property.

They may be out of money, they may understand that there’s no way the lender will work with them, or they may want to move on to another project.”

The building’s court-appointed trustee, Amy Goldman of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, said that lender Bank of America indicated in recently filed court papers that it plans to foreclose. However, it is unlikely to finish the process or find a buyer until 2010, she said. Until then, the building’s 80 lofts will remain empty.

One of the seven buildings at Santee Village also sits empty.

Developer Santee Village Partners, originally headed by Mark Weinstein, sold the rental portion of the project, made up of three buildings, to a “major state pension fund” about four years ago, said Will Fulton of the Dallas-based asset manager L&B Realty, which handled the deal. They operate independently from the original project, under the name Santee Court Lofts.

Santee Village Partners handed the four remaining condo buildings over to Connecticut-based lender The Patriot Group last year and filed for bankruptcy in April. Currently, one of the condo buildings is sold out, two are about 30% occupied and the fourth never opened, said Andrew Ruiz, the local manager for Santee Court Lofts. Dan Harrington of the Patriot Group’s Real Estate Finance division did not return phone calls.

Two unfinished projects are also in limbo.

Astani filed a Chapter 11 petition for the Concerto complex last month after his lender, Corus Bank, was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Bankruptcy protection, Astani said, is necessary to close escrow on the 77 units in the finished six-story tower, which were sold in a recent auction. The proceeds were to fund

Scared

n!

Free desigery!

Free deliv

of missing sales opportunities?

700 Wilshire Blvd.

05000637B850

B

afraid

EVERYONE IS INVITED EVERYONE BELONGS

213-493-4329

20% F OyF i th ng

• Online ordering

Corner of 8th St. & Bonnie Brae, 2 Blocks East of Alvarado, 2 Blocks South of Wilshire

PET cARE inc 1901 W. 8th St., Los Angeles

An

store* in theis ad • exp 11/9/0an9y

*with th not valid with er other off

1-888-711-9622 • www.PetCareInc.net Convenient Parking • Easy In & Out • 3 locations to serve you • 25 Years Experience

SolutionS to your pet care needS

Collective Color • (323) 423-4088 • sales@collectivecolor.com

CHURCHLA

• Graphic design

ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 piparco@sbcglobal.net

Professional Print Quality for:

Brochures • Books • Postcards • Labels • Envelopes Grand Format Banners • Window Graphics • Posters Letterhead • Newsletters • Catalogs • Business-Cards Folders • Calendars • Greeting-Cards • Menus & Much More

the project’s next phase, a 30-story tower with 281 residences.

Though a consortium of investors led by Starwood Capital Group has since purchased Corus’ portfolio, the FDIC last week asked the court not to approve the 77 sales because it believes the prices were too low, Astani said. A hearing on the sales was scheduled in bankruptcy court on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The stalled Blossom Plaza project, meanwhile, might not move forward for years. The mixed-use project intended to replace the former site of Little Joe’s Restaurant and connect the heart of Chinatown with the Gold Line light rail station was conceived as a joint effort between the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency and a private developer.

Developer Chinatown Blossom Plaza LLC, headed by Larry Bond of the Bond Companies, filed for Chapter 11 in March but never followed through with a reorganization plan, said CRA Project Manager Lillian Burkenheim. The project is now in the hands of original equity partner Morgan Stanley. Larry Bond, head of the Bond Cos., did not return phone calls.

“They filed, but I don’t know that they ever completed the action,” said Burkenheim.

“The equity partner is now in control of the land.”

Morgan Stanley has essentially started from scratch and is looking for a new partner, Burkenheim said.

But that, experts say, could take a while — not just for Blossom Plaza, but for many other area developments.

“We had a tremendous amount of supply, both for-sale and rental, come on the market at once and it sort of overwhelmed the demand, which was already sliding because of the great recession we’re in,” said Kyser.

“We’ve bitten off more than we can chew and now we have indigestion, and that indigestion is going to last for a couple of years.”

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

We’ve got the solution. Juggling too many projects, deadlines and vendors? Let BUY • SELL • TRADE WHOLESALE PIP manage the creation and re-ordering of all of your •business communiHours: Mon.-Sat. Sundays 9am-5pm cations. In one location, your PIPStore consultants bring9am-7pm together all the resources you need, including: VAccinATiOn cLinic • Printing • Signs, posters and banners Saturday Call Store• Digital for Location and Time •Every Copying printing

Commercial Printing Services GRaphic desi desiGneR will come to you!

LIVE

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com

H

SPOTLIGHT ON

your customers won’t notice you?

EALTHCARE

RESTAURANTS

We’ve got the solution. Whether going after just one customer or appealing to a mass market, we’ll help you capture those sales opportunities. In one )HMXSVMEP JSV EHZIVXMWIVW MW location, your PIP consultants bring together all the resources you need, EZEMPEFPI MR XLMW WTIGMEP WIGXMSR including:

“There’s a new place in town and everyone is invited” AT L.A. LIVE

www.livechurchla.com Sundays at 10 am

700 Wilshire Blvd.

• Printing • Copying • Graphic design

• Signs, posters and banners

• Digital printing 'EPP

• Online ordering

ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 1264 W. 1st St., LA, CA 90026 (213) 481-1448 • FAX (213) 250-4617 piparco@sbcglobal.net

LADowntownNews.com

FIND OUT WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE TO EAT @

LADOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

October 26, 2009

City Hall Continued from page 1 not have this!” You ask why and he cackles maniacally. “I can’t give away candy. I may want to do it, but only the City Council can actually decide to do it. And! They! Said! No!” You start to complain but he utters something about attorney-client privilege and shuts the door in your face.

The Dead Plan Zone: What’s that sound? You prick up your ears and can swear someone, or something, is moaning. You head toward the sound and realize wait, it’s a lot of someones, or somethings. As you approach Council Chambers the plaintive wails grow louder. You reach the door, but the sounds are coming from under the floor. You spy a secret door, open it and duck into a cramped space between the second and third floors of the building that only people in the Chief Legislative Analyst’s office know exist. You turn on your flashlight and gasp. Is it bodies? Worse! On every wall are reports and studies that have been commissioned by the city then sent away to die. There are planning documents, EIRs, RFPs, RFQs, master plans, Controller recommendations, Olvera Street rent

You peer down but realize the ship is rudderless. You look in the captain’s chair but it’s empty. A massive wave that you swear is worth somewhere between $405 million and $530 million smashes against the ship. Uh oh, serious storm approaching! studies, etc., and each is stamped with its cost: some $100,000, some $500,000, some more than that. “Use us for good,” they wail, but you know there is nothing you can do.

Reap What You Sow: You escape and are in another hallway. The lights flicker. In the shadows you see a dark-cloaked figure carrying a scythe. He approaches! The creature looks like the Grim Reaper and sounds like the head of the union representing DWP employees. He raises the scythe, its blade glinting in the light. Oh no! He thinks that you voted against Measure B, the failed solar panel ballot effort. “We got Nahai!” he screams as you dart around a corner, water and power shooting from his fingertips. “We’ll get you too!”

Supergraphic, Thanks for Asking: Hoping to gather your thoughts, you stop by a window. You look out at the moonlight over the Downtown Los Angeles skyline. You breathe deeply and temporarily relax. You see a huge billboard on a building and mutter, softly, “That’s kind of nice.” Wrong move! The moment the words escape your lips, Trutanich appears and rushes down the hall toward you! “Arrest that person!” he screams. “They like a supergraphic!” How did he know you were here? You have no idea but you aren’t waiting around to find out. “No supergraphics! Arrest! Arrest!

Arrest!” he yells. You escape around the corner.

Tunnel of Love: You head toward the mayoral suite and notice a room you had never seen before. You enter and can’t believe your eyes. And ears! Barry White is playing and there is red velvet everywhere. And champagne on ice. A small piece of paper is affixed to the wall and the names and call letters of every local TV station are below, with boxes next to each. Curiously, there are check marks in the boxes of Telemundo and KTLA. This is creepy. You pass out.

Stormy Seas: You wake to a rocking motion and hear waves crashing. Curious, you look outside and see that the building has turned into a ship and is drifting aimlessly in a huge sea.

You peer down but realize the ship is rudderless. You look in the captain’s chair but it’s empty. A massive wave that you swear is worth somewhere between $405 million and $530 million smashes against the ship. Uh oh, serious storm approaching! You hear a splash and look overboard and think you see a high-ranking mayoral staffer in the water. Did she jump or was she pushed? Another splash and it looks like the former general manager of the housing department has jumped overboard. Splash! The fire chief has left. Splash!

There goes the police chief! Is there a reason everyone is jumping as the storm worsens? You look back toward the captain’s chair. It’s still empty.

DowntownNews.com Arrest Redux: You jump too, but somehow land back in a hallway. “Arrest! Arrest!” you hear. Dangit, it’s Trutanich again, still on that kick. “Arrest! Arrest! Arrest!” You run.

Chambers Music: You enter the Council Chambers and hear some of that freakazoid carnival music. In the center of the room 14 devils are fighting and poking at each other with pitchforks. You move closer and see it’s actually the City Council, and that they have begun battling each other over who gets to be mayor in 2013 (or maybe even sooner!). Some cut each other with the pitchforks while others cut deals. “Why the heck did Garcetti get to be president again?” moans one. Meanwhile, 666 gadflies stand at the speaker’s podium, trying to make their voices heard. You leave, vowing never to return.

Third Time’s a Pain: “Arrest! Arrest!” comes through the hallway. Good gravy, Trutanich is still at it. “Arrest! Arrest!

Arrest! No supergraphics!” You run.

Downtown News 11

That Sinking Feeling: Finally you see a comfortable seat.

You approach and note that it’s a throne. Three letters on one side say DWP. Three on the other side say RIP. You sit and relax. Then a rumbling. Uh oh! This throne used to belong to ex-DWP boss David Nahai, and suddenly the bottom of it falls out and you’re tumbling through the air. You hear the Reaper laughing and somewhere, AnVil is muttering, “Sorry about that, Los Angeles.”

You keep falling, fearing the worst, but after what seems an interminable drop, even longer than a regular Council meeting, you land on something soft. Hey, you’re OK. You look down to see what broke your fall and, holy lobbyist, it’s a huge pile of money! A little note says, “Thanks for playing our game. Enjoy your lovely parting gift.” You get up and dust yourself off. It’s sunny outside. You realize that sometimes, if you’re the right person, you can escape City Hall.

Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

12 Downtown News

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com

HEALTHCARE

Straight Talk on Breast Cancer viSit the higheSt gym in america

California Hospital Breast Surgeon Answers Questions About the Disease

D the educogym difference great motivation Personalized programs, supervised training and a dynamic atmosphere for success.

more reSuLtS 7 1/2 lbs of Fat loss and 3lbs of muscle gain can be achieved within the first 2 weeks!

LeSS time Continue with only 20 minutes of exercise a day, 3 times a week

r. Rebecca Alleyne, a board certified surgeon with a fellowship in breast surgery, shares her expertise about this prevalent disease. She received her training at the USC School of Medicine and FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

trained at the USC Norris Cancer Center.

She is currently practicing at the Donald P. Loker Cancer Center at California Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles.

Question: Who is at risk for breast cancer?

Answer: In women, the presence of high levels of unopposed estrogen in the body is a contributory factor for the risk for cancer.

Those at highest risk are women who have a family history of breast cancer. When doing genetic screening for this disease, it’s also important to take into consideration your father’s side of the equation. The gene that

carries breast cancer is a dominant gene and may be passed on from a mother to her son (your grandmother to your father to you) and then on to his offspring.

This is not to say, however, that just because cancer “does not run in your family”, that you are off the hook. Studies by the American Cancer Society also show that 93% of cancer patients do not have a family history of cancer.

Q: So really, no one is completely safe?

A: That’s why understanding risk factors are so important. Women who have had children later in life (34 years old and up) or older women who have no children, have higher exposure to unopposed estrogen throughout their lifetime.

This increases risk. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and eating habits increase risk.

Obese women (with a body mass index over Continued on next page

VOUCHER ENTITLES YOU TO:

$50 one WeeK triaL experience one WeeK With a maSter trainer at a fraction of the coSt Includes 1 Full Body Analysis, 3 Personal Training Sessions & Personalized Fitness Goal *limited to one trial per person

Offer Expires November 31, 2009

633 W 5th St. Suite 5750 Los Angeles, CA 90071 office 213.617.8229 downtownla@educogym.com www.educogym.com

• Authentic DJ Short Clones • Grow Your Own Cultivation Class Now Available!

GOOD LEAF COLLECTIVE IS A NON-PROFIT TAXPAYING CORPORATION #08-0389900, LICENSE 2428920-0001-1 MEDICINE IS DISTRIBUTED ONLY IN A ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Sec. 11362.5(B)(1)(A) & 11362.7(H)

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 13

Healthcare

Fitness Focus Educogym Founder Wayne Dunne on Why Traditional Gyms Don’t Work

I

n March 2008, Wayne Dunne, a qualified actuary, was managing director of a successful property investment company in Dublin. He had the incredible foresight to cash in for a seven digit sum just before the market crashed. Now he has set his FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Continued from previous page 25) increase their risk for breast cancer as well. Excessive drinking, while not directly related to breast cancer, causes liver damage, which in turn makes it difficult to clear estrogen from the system.

Q: What is unopposed estrogen?

A: Unopposed estrogen is the amount of estrogen to which your body is exposed without the balancing factor of progesterone (a hormone present during pregnancy). The length of uninterrupted time the body is exposed to unopposed estrogen, which begins in puberty and accumulates in the body without decrease or balance, heightens a woman’s risk for breast cancer. So the younger you are when you start your period, increases your risk; as does late menopause (after age 52).

Q: What can I do to improve the odds?

A: Taking charge of your body and your health is the first step to ensuring that you can remain cancer-free.  Do a breast self-exam at least once a month.  If something feels abnormal, no matter how small or insignificant, have it checked.  Eating less animal fat, drinking in moderation, not smoking, and regular exercise are good ways to improve your odds.  Starting at age 40, get a mammogram and a breast exam.

For more information about Cancer Care at California Hospital, call (213) 742 5634.

sights on the next wave, and he believes this one will be a tsunami.

The numbers man talks about his calculated decision to move into his current role as manager of Educogym and the future of the fitness industry.

Question: How is the fitness industry doing?

Answer: Financially very good. Results wise… terrible. Even though there are more people exercising than ever, with about 50% of people doing the required level of exercise, we are still getting fatter and more out of shape. After three months in a typical gym, 90% of people stop going regularly.

Q: So what do you think the problem is?

A: If you look at the science of how the body works, you’ll find that as we age, we lose. This causes our metabolism to slow down by up to 45%. But when people join gyms to do aerobics and go on low calorie diets, they can lose even more muscle lowering their metabolism further. It’s the opposite of what they need. Even if people lose some weight initially, 95% of them will end up even worse than when they started a year later, so it’s only a temporary drop on the scales. It’s a disaster.

Q: What is the solution?

A: Scientifically the solution is simple: maintain or increase muscle while burning fat. In practice you

need many elements in place to get these results.

That’s why I became so interested in Educogym. Here was a huge industry going in the wrong direction and one small company with the answer. As you can imagine, I became very excited about the potential.

The Educogym is not really like any other gym. It is a complete system of nutrition, exercise and focus.

This careful combination in the right environment causes a large amount of fat loss and more importantly increases your metabolism by activating or increasing your muscle. The educogym system is based on a study that showed an average loss of 7 1/2 pounds of fat and a 3 pound gain of muscle in less than two weeks. That is remarkable and I’ve never seen another see Educogym, page 14

14 Downtown News

October 26, 2009

Healthcare

One Meal at a Time, Portion by Portion Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating Helps Diabetics Transform Their Diet and Health

S

eattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating (SSHE), the premier healthy, freshly prepared meal replacement company since 1985, is in the business of helping people eat healthy. Many people, including type II diabetics, have been on the meal program over the years and report increased

hcare.* FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

health and a decrease in blood sugar levels and medications as a result of the balanced meal plan.

SSHE is ideal for anyone wanting or needing to lose weight, including diabetics, as well as those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiac diseases and new mothers. And, for

seniors and busy professionals with no time to shop, cook and prepare meals for themselves, SSHE presents a convenient, healthy option.

Seattle Sutton is a registered nurse who over 24 years has helped thousands of diabetics one meal at a time, portion by portion, to improve their health. SSHE meals are delicious and nutritious and do not repeat during a five-week menu rotation.

Thousands of people have transformed their lives, bodies and health because of Sutton’s meals. Here are a few stories from some diabetic clients: “After being on the Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating plan for three months, I have lost 25 pounds, reduced my blood pres-

Convenient Healthcare.* * Convenient Healthcare. * In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

hcare.

Convenient Healthcare.

In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

*

In The Heart of Downtown Los Angeles. sure and diabetes medications by a third.” —B.K. “I have lost 20 pounds in six weeks. I am a type II diabetic and my blood sugar levels have been between 75 and 95. My cholesterol before starting Seattle Sutton’s was at 360 and On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks ofitL.A. LIVE! after east six weeks has gone down to 150. My triglycerides went On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks from east900 of toL.A. LIVE! 123.” —P.T. “Thank you, Seattle Sutton. I’ve only been on your healthy On Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE! eating program three and a half weeks and have already lost 10 pounds. I’m an insulin dependent diabetic and my blood sugars are all almost in the normal range for the first time in * over 20 years.” —S.H. “Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating has helped me to lose * weight and control my type II diabetes.” —M.B. SSHE has thousands of success stories from satisfied customers. SSHE offers convenient, healthy and delicious meals, and people from all walks of life enjoy it for a variety of reasons.

Sutton’s dedication to healthy eating is her mission and Patient-Centered Medical Work,Close ClosetotoHome: Home: Patient-Centered MedicalCare Care Close Close to Work, continues today, since all the SSHE menus are analyzed on an Patient-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, Close to Home: ongoing basis and adhere to recommended dietary guidelines. � Diagnostic Imaging——MRI, MRI,CT, CT,Ultrasound, Ultrasound, Interventional Imaging InterventionalRadiology Radiology � Diagnostic � Diagnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating makes healthy eating simple and delivery is available to home or office. Call (800) 442-DIET State-of-the art Cancer Treatment � art Cancer Treatment � State-of-the � State-of-the art Cancer Treatment (3438) or visit seattlesutton.com to order today.

Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE!

doctors included.

*

greatdoctors doctorsincluded. included. great

great doctors included.

Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE!

ome: doctors included. iology onvenient Healthcare.* � Orthopedic Services — Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder)

— Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder)

— Spine disorders — Los JointAngeles.

Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder) e Heart of Downtown — Spine disorders — Hand, Foot and Ankle treatments — Spine disorders

iology r)

— Hand, Foot andCare Ankle treatments Pulmonary Medicine and Respiratory

�

Medicine and Respiratory � Pulmonary Ear, Nose and Throat Diagnostic and Treatment Services Care

�

We’re Here for You.

— Hand, Foot and Ankle treatments

FLOWER

Home:

�

Medicine and Respiratory Urology —Pulmonary Diagnostic, and Surgical Careand Care Ear, NoseTreatment and Throat Diagnostic Treatment Services � �

�

Nose and Throat Services � Ear, Cardiology Diagnostic TestingDiagnostic Services —and Diagnostic, Treatmentand andTreatment Surgical Care �—Urology

�

Women’s & Children’s Services — Level II NICU � Urology — Diagnostic, Treatment

�

24/7 Emergency Care and Level II Trauma Center

�

� �

and Services Surgical Care Cardiology — Diagnostic and Testing

& Children’s Services — Level II NICU � Women’s — Cardiology Diagnostic and Testing Services On and Grand and Pico. Just 2 blocks east of L.A. LIVE! Care Level Trauma Center � 24/7 Emergency Women’s & Children’s Services —IILevel II NICU

We’re forand You. Discover what theHere rightCare doctor can doII for youCenter ...

Emergency Level Trauma � 24/7

great doctors included.

FLOWER

er)

CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462) Discover what the * right doctor can do for you ...

Discover what1-888-742-CHMC the right doctor can(2462) do for you ...

CALL

CALL 1-888-742-CHMC (2462)

FLOWER

FLOWER

�

— HDR & IMRT — HDR & IMRT — HDR & IMRT Orthopedic�Services Orthopedic Services

FLOWER

— Medical,— Radiation & Surgical Treatment options Treatment — Medical, Radiation Surgical Treatment options Medical, Radiation &&Surgical options

Educogym Continued from page 13

gym achieve such a turnaround in that time.

We’re Here for You.

Do youfor thinkYou. the average person has what it takes to We’reQ:Here

be on this program?

A: Definitely, as it’s only 20 minutes of exercise a few times a week. The nutrition plan is designed to eliminate cravings and is not a low calorie starvation diet.

Here, your metabolism increases, so not only do you burn more body fat but your energy increases.

Q: So what do you think the future will be in this industry?

A: There’s no question change is coming. In America the economy is crippled because of poor health and obesity. The current model of warehouse gyms selling memberships based on features alone will not cut it anymore. Results are what people really want and need.

For a free week trial at Educogym, contact manager Wayne Dunne at (213) 617-8229 or wayne.dunne@ educogym.com.

t-Centered Medical Care Close to Work, Close to Home: We’re Here for You.

gnostic Imaging — MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology

Redeem this offer at your initial examination and cleaning appointment and recieve a FREE whitening kit

e-of-the art Cancer Treatment

— Medical, Radiation & Surgical Treatment options

— HDR & IMRT FLOWER

...

hopedic Services

Offer expires: 10/31/2009

— Joint Replacement / Reconstruction (Hip, Knee, Shoulder)

x |State ofequipment theGraduate art sterilization Silvia Kasparian, D.D.S. USC | A.D.A., C.D.A. Member with equipment tested weekly tocenter, with tested weekly to WE CARE! with equipment tested weekly to ensure your safety. ensure your safety.

601x W.State 5th St. , #1110 | (213) 892-8172 ensure your safety. of the art sterilization center,

Complimentary Teeth Whitening

— Spine disorders

— Hand, Foot and Ankle treatments

monary Medicine and Respiratory Care

• Digital x-rays • Oral Cancer and Periodontal screening • Flexible financial options

MAKING QUALITY DENTISTRY COMFORTABLE ANDAND GENTLE MAKING QUALITY DENTISTRY COMFORTABLE GENTLE MAKING QUALITY COMFORTABLE for over 18 years in Downtown LA LA AND GENTLE for DENTISTRY over 18 years in Downtown for over 18 years in Downtown LA Complimentary Whitening WEAND CARE! Complimentary Teeth Whitening WE GENTLE CARE! MAKING QUALITYTeeth DENTISTRY COMFORTABLE Complimentary Teeth Whitening WE CARE! for over 18 years in Downtown LA x State the of artthe sterilization center,center, x of State art sterilization x

We’re Here for You.

Digital x-raysx-rays for minimal expo- expox Digital for minimal

x equipment Digital x-rays for minimal MAKING QUALITY COMFORTABLE AND GENTLE withDENTISTRY tested weekly to exposure and feedback. sureimmediate and immediate feedback. sure and immediate feedback. LA ensure safety. x over Oral Cancer and Periodontal x your Oral Cancer andDowntown Periodontal for 18 years in x x-rays Oral Cancer Periodontal Digital for minimal exposcreening at each examination ap- apscreening atand each examination atfeedback. each sure pointment and screening immediate at no extra charge. pointment at no examination extra charge.appointment at time, no extra charge.

Oral Cancer Periodontal x We your and we seewe see x respect Weand respect your time, and x We respect yourpromptly. time, and screening at each examination ap- we see that you are treated that you are treated promptly. that are treated promptly. pointment at you no extra charge. x Flexible financial options, includ-includx Flexible financial options, x Flexible financial options, includx We respect your time, we see ing uping to 12 interest-free up months to 12 and months interest-free

x x

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 15

DowntownNews.com

RESTAURANTS When England Meets Mexico Rosa Mexicano’s Executive Chef Talks Food and a Final Meal Q: There are a lot of great Mexican restaurants in L.A. and in Downtown in particular. What makes Rosa Mexicano stand out?

A: I think it’s the modern techniques that we’re infusing with authentic Mexican food. I think what Rosa Mexicano is offering is a whole experience of authentic Mexican food with a modern twist. We’re bringing it up a notch.

When you walk in you see the vibrant colors that we have, the tableside guacamole, the elegant food; everything that goes into our dining experience, from the time you’re greeted to the time you leave, to me coming out to the table and making sure everything is fine.

50% OFF! f

*

at

We Do Catering!

RPORATE CATERING

OFFICE PARTIES & CO

TES! CALL FOR SPECIAL RA

Gourmet Fast Casual Restaurant Since 1973 FREE Parking | 7 Days-7am to 10pm 1657 W. 3rd St. [at Union Ave.] (213) 483-8885 * 2nd combo must be of equal or lesser value. Present ad at time of purchase, 1 coupon per customer, per visit.

I SUSeH T ers Original Revolving d S a E R ED B News

VOT.A. Downtown

by L

Sushi Counter in LA! Featuring

sashimi, yakitori, Tempura, different kinds of sushi open 7 days a week, 11 am - 10 pm 120 Japanese Village plaza (Little Tokyo)

(213) 680-0567

Validated Parking (Enter on Central Ave.) or use DASH Route A–Bus

a F F o r d a b l e !

ordiNary

prices

20% OFF Bill* total bill

Mexican food prepared with integrity and the highest quality ingredients. Build your own meal made to order with your choice of ingredients.

*with this ad pretax. 1 coupon per person. Can not be combined w/any other offer. Exp. 11/15/09.

Mexican Grill dowNtowN’s



Buy 1 Combo get a 2nd Combo

at

 Suim nner m i D ch and D n Lu

An Extensive Seafood Menu including Dim Sum at Moderate Prices Relaxed Dining in an Elegant Ambiance Live Lobster Tank

Free Parking Next to Restaurant

700 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Tel: 213.617.2323



Gill’s Indian Restaurant Free 7 Days Delivery Downtown!

a F F o r d a b l e !

Q: What do you bring to the Los Angeles version of Rosa Mexicano?

A: Just my vast knowledge of this company and the food. I’ve been with this company for five years and I bleed Rosa pink. I really believe in this restaurant and I believe wherever we go that we’re really going to bring people in with this amazing Mexican modern food.

Food

N at u r a l !

Q: If you were preparing your final dish and could only use three ingredients, what would you make?

A: Wow, only a choice of three? The last three for the rest of my life? Just give me a second.

What would I make? Well there would be a green chile; this is a hard one. I could put just about anything into that green chile, anything you could imagine under the sun. [Long pause] You stumped me for now. Let’s come back to this one later.

extraordiNary

Q: Now back to the your final dish. You have green chile. What else would you use?

A: I’ll have to use pork, because I’ve got to have a protein, and I’m going to have to have garlic and I’m going to make a green chile pork sauce. And then you’ve got to give me some masa so I can make tortillas so I can eat it with something. But in New Mexico we’ll just have a bowl of that with a hot cup of coffee on a really hot afternoon. So you’re sitting there sweating and dripping and you take a little sip of hot coffee and you calm that palate down so you can just keep on eating and it’s wonderful. And I wouldn’t mind putting a little bit of cheese on there, and some potatoes, and hopefully maybe just a little bit of salt. I’ll be pretty happy with that right there.

Rosa Mexicano is at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 746-0001 or rosamexicano.com.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

F r e s h !

Los Angeles Downtown News: When did you realize you wanted to be a chef?

John England: I think I realized that probably in my early 20s. I cooked in college and through high school; that’s how I made extra money on the weekends. I was working for a friend of mine in a small town in New Mexico. He had his own place and I was just having so much fun working in that kitchen that I realized this is something I want to do. By the time I was 25 I had made sous chef and had my first menu published. I knew then this was

Q: What was the first dish you made that you were really proud of as a chef?

A: I’m from New Mexico and I grew up with green chiles, and one of the best things I think I did was chile rellenos. I just love them and I love to make them.

N at u r a l !

N

ew Mexico native John England discovered early on what he really loves to do.

As a teenager and later in college he worked as a cook. It introduced him to a love of the kitchen, and taught him that he could turn his passion for chiles and Mexican and Southwestern cuisine into a career.

England, 40, is now executive chef of Rosa Mexicano, which opened at L.A. Live in August (the chain has eight other outposts, including ones in New York, Miami and Washington, D.C.). He spoke last week about the restaurant, his favorite dishes, and what he would choose for his final meal.

it. I love being part of having that dining experience and when people walk out and look at you and thank you for an awesome meal.



by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

F r e s h !

photo by Gary Leonard

John England helms the Rosa Mexicano kitchen. He’s a big fan of green chiles.

Q: What’s the must-have dish at Rosa Mexicano?

A: I can’t give you just one — you have to have at least two. One of them is our pato. It’s a seared duck breast over a sweet potato, and we serve it with a blackberry sauce. The other day I had a lady in here who just didn’t want duck and I told her she had to trust me and I made it for her and took it out. I came back out and she had this huge old smile. And then there’s our

tablones, braised short ribs. It’s got a mestiza sauce, roasted tomatoes, roasted tomatillo and a couple of really good peppers in there.

Newest

1359 S. Main St., Los Angeles (213) 748-3900 • cilantrola.com

FREE DELIVERY ($10 Minimum, Limited areas) mexicaN

grill

Why Cook?

10 PieCe sPeCiAL

Now Accepting Credit Cards

thighs & Legs

We Deliver

with Tortillas & Salsa

Party Paks Available

$9.99

With minimum order of $10.

Only when available.

Limited area & hours.

onLy

+ TAX

s e N s at i o N

2 Downtown Locations Corner of BroADWAy & 3rd 260 S. Broadway

L.A., CA 90012 (213) 626-7975 • (213) 626-8235

Tel/Fx:

(213) 626-4572

FAshion DistriCt 226 E. 9th St.

at corner 9th/Santee (213) 623-5091 • (213) 327-0645

Tel/Fx:

(213) 623-9405

RESTAURANTS

M

All You Can Eat Buffet $7.95 Lunch, $8.95 Dinner Tandori Chicken, Meat Curry, Two Vegetables Dal, Pullao Rice, Naan, Salad, Dessert, Fruits and much more!

Open Mon-Fri: Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm Dinner 5:30pm-10pm

gillsindianrestaurant.net • (213) 623-1050 • 838 S. Grand Ave.

FIND OUT WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE TO EAT

LADOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

@

SPOTLIGHT ON

LA

Re

16 Downtown News

DowntownNews.com

October 26, 2009

CALENDAR

Golden debut for the Silver ScreenS Fourteen-Theater Regal Cineplex Opens This Week With Michael Jackson Film The Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 movie complex opens at L.A. Live this week. All the theaters feature high-end technology such as digital projection and sound systems. Four are equipped for 3D presentations.

by AnnA Scott StAff writer

F

or decades, Downtowners wanting to take in a firstrun film in a state-of-the-art theater have had to go to Glendale, Hollywood or some other locale. That changes this week.

First Michael Jackson fans, and then general film aficionados are expected to throng to L.A. Live, where the new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 multiplex will open on Monday, Oct. 26. It is one of the most highly anticipated elements of the 27acre sports and entertainment complex.

Downtown has not seen a major first-run movie house in decades. The closest thing to one, the Laemmle Grande 4-Plex on Figueroa Street, was scheduled to close on Sunday in anticipation of the Regal’s arrival. The Downtown Independent on Main Street screens strictly independent and foreign films.

The L.A. Live multiplex is aimed at capturing not only local audiences, but also Hollywood studios that are hosting redcarpet premieres and their attendant after-parties, said Ted Tanner, vice president of real estate for L.A. Live developer the Anschutz Entertainment Group.

“I think we really are very unique in having the premiere capabilities and the state-of-the-art movie presentation,” he said.

“Like the Ralphs market, this is a huge boon for Downtown.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the complex will take place on Monday, Oct. 26. The following evening it will hold one of several simultaneous world premieres of the Michael Jackson documentary This Is It. Screenings of the film will take place the same night on all 14 screens.

Regular movie screenings will be phased in over the next several weeks, though the exact schedule will depend on ticket sales for This Is It, said Tanner.

Despite the recession, this is an opportune time to open the L.A. Live Regal, said Paul Dergarabedian of Media by Numbers, which tracks box office data. The domestic film industry expects to hit a record $10 billion in annual returns by the end of this year, he said. That reflects an 8% increase in revenue over last year and a 4% increase in attendance.

“I think the timing is right,” said Dergarabedian, “and the more that people like these theater companies put business in Downtown, the more it says to people, ‘We’ve invested a lot of money here. You should come here too.’”

Sights and Sounds The 14,000-square-foot Regal Cinemas sits on the north side of the L.A. Live campus, at 1000 W. Olympic Blvd.

The vast, circular main lobby is surrounded by windows, and two upper floors wrap around the building’s perimeter.

The developer has not revealed the theater’s construction cost, “but you would be hard pressed to find another movie theater in America that cost more to build,” said AEG spokesman Michael Roth.

Much of the budget, said Roth, went into equipping the complex with high-end technology such as digital projection and sound systems in every auditorium. Four theaters will have 3D capabilities.

Digital movie theater systems have only become the industry standard in the last couple of years, said Charlie Bell of the Laguna Beach-based Blair & Ballard Associates, which prepared the initial designs for the L.A. Live multiplex.

(Architecture firm Gensler, which has its Los Angeles headquarters in Santa Monica, completed the construction documents and oversaw the building phase.)

“This is one of the first theaters where digital has been fully integrated into the design,” said Bell.

On a recent afternoon, a preview for the upcoming film The Vampire’s Assistant played over and over in one of the complex’s upper-floor theaters. While the sounds and visuals were crisp and clear, the average viewer is not likely to notice the subtle advantages of digital projection, Bell said. Referring to This Is It, he added with a laugh, “That why it’s exciting that they’re rolling it out with an acoustically oriented movie, as opposed to some serious movie we would normally have this time of year.”

AEG officials say that they expect the technology to be a draw, particularly for movie studios seeking a place to debut their films.

“We wanted to create a landmark, premiere movie house

Full Computer Service Center Serving Downtown Los Angeles Since 1993

FREE

Authorized Sales & Service

ESTIMATES

ON REPAIRS PC, Laptop & Mac: Repair & Upgrades • Virus & Spam Removal • Data Recovery • Computer Networking • Printer Repair

www.californiacomputer.com 3930 Broadway Place, Los Angeles, CA 90037

323-233-5300

with the latest, state-of-the-art sound and visual technology,” said Tanner.

Red Carpet Ready The 14 theaters at the Regal multiplex range from approximately 140 seats to 800 seats in the “premiere house.”

The premiere house, located on the ground floor, was designed specifically to accommodate film debuts, AEG officials said. It features stadium seating, a balcony and a 75-by38-foot screen. It is accessible from a separate lobby adjacent to the main entrance and has a concession stand separate from the rest of the complex. It can be completely sectioned off for events while other auditoriums operate normally, said Roth during a recent tour of the facility.

Russ Nunley, vice president of marketing and communications for the Regal Entertainment Group, said that the one-stop-shopping quality of L.A. Live could also make it ideal for premieres.

“The location lends itself to that celebrity spotlight, with the neighboring clubs and amenities,” he said. “It really is a unique location that can host all of the activities related to a red-carpet event.”

L.A. Live venues such as the Conga Room and Club Nokia may be utilized by studios celebrating their latest releases. But the premiere house lobby is also just a few steps from L.A. Live’s conference center, scheduled to open Jan. 13. Although the chief draw there is the meeting spaces and ballrooms for the corporate crowd, it will also be used for premiere after-parties.

Dergarabedian agreed that the premiere house combined with the nearby party spaces could be a big selling point for studios.

“They have to be ready, because it is going to become one of the prime locations to mount a movie premiere,” he said. “If they have the facilities already set up for it, if you’re an event planner that makes your job that much easier. For the studios, it can become a very cool location to have a movie premiere.”

After This Is It, the next major premiere at L.A. Live’s Regal Cinemas will be the apocalyptic thriller 2012 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, said Tanner.

When it is not hosting special events, the premiere house will offer regular screenings of popular films.

Regular ticket prices will be $11 for adults, and parking in the L.A. Live lot closest to the theater will be $5 for four hours, with validation.

“I think the ability to come to L.A. Live, park once and have dinner is something that makes a lot of sense,” said Roth. “Without question, this is going to allow people to lengthen their stays.”

The Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 at L.A. Live is at 1000 W. Olympic Blvd. Information and show times at (877) 835-5734 or regmovies.com.

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

photos by Gary Leonard

The largest theater in the multiplex is designed to accommodate red-carpet premieres. It can hold 800, has its own entrance and can be sectioned off from the rest of the complex.

Indoor Play Ground And Party Space Opening October 9th!

Come in for Pumpkin Decorating Days!

Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30 (Fridays) FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO OUR WEBSITE www.littlebarn.org 130 S. Beaudry Ave. Downtown LA • 213.489.2276

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 17

DowntownNews.com

A Downtown Ghost Town Spooky Spirit Takes Over for Halloween

by RichaRd Ghoulman

vocal cords and get ready for your debut at the Music Center Plaza — just be prepared to join hundreds of others. The Friday Night Sing-Along Halloween event will be held at the plaza on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6:30-8 p.m. Lyric sheets will be provided and a live band will accompany “traditional” Halloween tunes such as “The Addams Family” theme song, “Bad Moon Rising,” “Somebody’s Watching Me,” “Purple People Eater” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Admission is free but tickets are required and will be distributed 45 minutes before the start of the event.

At Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-3660 or musiccenter.org.

city deaditoR

T

his Halloween, Downtown is going to feel like a ghost town — not for the lack of people on the streets, but rather for the many events taking place across the community.

While traditional trick or treating may not be possible in a neighborhood full of skyscrapers, kids can still have their fun with events planned for them. Older fans of Halloween can also have a good time with a singalong and an R-rated cult classic.

Adult costume parties and contests, along with a monster of a music festival, will round out the Downtown Halloween celebrations.

Here are the details on what to do and where to go to get your boo on.

Treat for the Kids: Let’s face it: Trick or treating in the urban environment is a bit of a bummer. You can’t go house to house, and running down apartment or condo complex hallways and getting on elevators to trick or treat doesn’t sound like a lot of fun. But kids can still go outdoors, get some candy and show off their costumes at Grand Hope Park in South Park at the second annual Halloween Party for Downtown L.A. Kids. The free event, organized by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, attracted about 250 kids last year, and with the number of Downtown families growing, many more kids are expected this year, said Hal Bastian, senior vice president

house. Costumes are required for kids and suggested for adults.

At Grand Hope Park, southeast corner of Hope and Ninth streets. RSVP to downtownla. com by Oct. 30.

A Massive Party: Take an arena full of ghosts, ghouls and people in naughty outfits, add electronic dance music, and you’ve got the 12th annual Monster Massive party in and around the Los Angeles Sports Arena on Oct. 31. More than 60,000 people are expected for what is billed as the one of the largest dance parties in the country. The rave starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 4 a.m. The bash always attracts some of the top names in electronic music, and this year’s lineup features appearances from Steve Lawler, Sasha, Pete Tong and Felix Da Housecat.

Tickets at Ticketmaster.com or at the Sports Arena box office at 3911 S. Figueroa St., (323) 960-5155.

Trick or Sing: If you want to pretend you’re a singer for Halloween, then warm up those

Do the Time Warp Again: Get dressed up see Halloween, page 18

photo by Gary Leonard

A Halloween highlight is a children’s party taking place at Grand Hope Park. More than 500 people have already RSVPed for the Oct. 31 event.

and director of economic development for the BID. He said so far 295 kids and 311 adults have RSVPed for the party. “We’re very delighted that families are continuing to come to Downtown Los Angeles,” he said. The 5-8 p.m. event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 31, and will also feature a carved pumpkin contest and a bounce

18 Downtown News

Halloween Continued from page 17 and get ready to yell at the screen, act out your favorite scene and do “The Time Warp” again. And don’t forget to bring some rice to throw during the wedding scene in Pershing Square’s screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The free movie begins at 8 p.m. on Oct. 30, but if it’s anything like most showings of the 1975 film that starred Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry, it will be filled with rabid fans in costume. Keep in mind, this is a public park, so it may be inappropriate to dress as Dr. Frank-N-Furter or Rocky.

At Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., (213) 473-5557 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

Classic Fear: One of the scariest movie monsters of all time will be resurrected for Halloween at the Downtown Independent theater. The movie house will screen Noise Feratu, its repackaging of the 1922 vampire classic Nosferatu. The Downtown theater’s Halloween event will feature a live score by KILLKILLKILL, jones.keush and WMX. The Oct. 30 show starts at 9:30 p.m. and costs $10. The film is an eerie variation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and stars Max Schreck as Count Orlok, one of the creepiest vampires ever on the big screen.

At 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.

Lucha Va-Boooo: The wrestling world’s most outrageous show is getting into the Halloween spirit with a few athletic creatures invading the ring. Lucha VaVoom returns to the Mayan Theatre WednesdayThursday, Oct. 28-29, for its annual Creature Feature card. Wrestlers include

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com Chupacabra, the mysterious Mexican monster that lurks the countryside by night and sucks up the blood of farm animals, and apparently wrestles in Downtown when not destroying livestock. Also on board is the Trilogy of Terror, three tiny Chupacabra offspring ready to wreck their opponents.

Another wrestler making an appearance, if you can spot him, is El Hombre Invisible.

Enjoy the burlesque performers and comedy acts as well. Tickets are $30-$65.

At the Mayan Theatre, 1038 S. Hill St., tickets at ticketweb.com.

Scary Puppets: The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is putting on the Holiday Spooktacular Halloween show through Oct. 31, Tuesday through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For the show, the puppeteers resurrect all of the most ghoulish puppets, including skeletons, ghosts and vampires — don’t worry, it’s for kids. On Oct. 29 and 30, retro-slide show performer Charles Phoenix will join the theater for a slide presentation and puppet show — expect that event to skew a little older.

At 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com.

The Howling: On Halloween, homely house pets can also dress up and pretend to be someone else, or some other animal, at South Park Doggie Day Care. The business opened a few months ago and is holding a Halloween costume party for dogs on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The party will include food and treats for dogs and owners as well as a costume contest for the pets.

At 1320 S. Grand Ave., (213) 747-3649 or southparkdoggie.com.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

Mourning glory Olvera Street Celebrates The Decidedly Upbeat Day of the Dead

by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

W

hile it coincides with Halloween and the many depictions of skeletons may make it seem like a celebration of the holiday, Day of the Dead is not about dressing up, trick or treating or conjuring up some scares.

“It’s different than Halloween. It’s about honoring the memories of those who have passed away and moved on,” said John Kopczynski, special events coordinator for El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, which is hosting a nine-day celebration of Day of the Dead. It started Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 2.

The celebration includes nightly processions, community altars and entertainment. All are intended to educate people about the traditional Mexican holiday, Kopczynski said.

“These are pre-Columbian traditions mixed with Catholicism that have nothing to do with Halloween,” he said. “It’s nothing scary. It’s a celebration of love.”

Day of the Dead dates back thousands of years, to the pre-Hispanic cultures in MesoAmerica.

It reunites the living with their deceased family members through various rituals, such as offerings presented to them on altars. It is common to see pictures of dead family members with items that they enjoyed in life placed in front of them, like mementos, sweet bread

or even a favorite drink.

There is little mourning during the holiday, since death is not seen as a tragic ending but rather as a natural part of life. Thus it is celebrated with lively images like brightly colored skulls, or depictions of skeletons playing the guitar or enjoying a drink.

At El Pueblo the celebration will take place on Olvera Street and the Plaza. Altars will be on display from Oct. 31-Nov. 2, and street theater performances, mariachi bands, Aztec dancers, a puppet show and face painting are scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 from noon-6 p.m.

One of the most popular events is the Novenario Processions, a nightly candlelit walk through the area that starts at 7:30 p.m. in honor of merchants and other community members who have passed away. At the end of each procession pan de muerto (dead bread) and champurrado (a Mexican hot drink) are served.

Mike Mariscal, a longtime Olvera Street merchant and one of the event organizers, said the celebration is more like Memorial Day than Halloween.

“It’s a cultural event, an honoring of your deceased family members,” he said. “It’s nothing sad at all, you’re remembering the good times, the good things.”

At 125 Paseo de la Plaza, (213) 625-7074 or elpueblo.lacity.org/.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 19

DowntownNews.com

LISTINGS he

’ s s i M T ’ n ‘Do List

SponSored LiStingS Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live Grand Opening 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., lalive.com/regal.

October 27, 9 p.m.: The new Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14 debuts with a premiere showing of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” for pre-existing ticket holders on Oct. 27, but after the 9 p.m. showing, all 14 screens will open to the public with the same film at midnight. The event kicks off a run of “This Is It” that is currently scheduled to run through Nov. 10. Then on Nov. 2, the venue hosts a free movie night, available to all on a first-come-first-served basis, with screenings of 500 Days of Summer (7:10 p.m.); District 9 (7:20 p.m.); Funny People (7 p.m.); G.I. Joe (7:50 p.m.); The Proposal (8 p.m.); Star Trek (7:30 p.m.); and Up (7:40 p.m.). The event features popcorn and sodas, for $1 each.

Halloween Hits the Stage, a Foodie Showdown, and a Big Museum Exhibit

Monday, october 26 Latinos, Faith and HIV Conference California Endowment, 1000 N. Alameda St., (323) 257-1056 or thewalllasmemorias.org.

8 a.m.-5 p.m.: The Wall Las Memorias Project hosts the third annual Latinos, Faith, Culture, HIV and Mental Health Conference. Among the topics to be discussed will be the influence that faith and religion play in HIV/AIDS and the Latino community.

one

by AnnA Scott, StAff writer

G

iant Robot started as a small, stapled-and-folded zine in 1994, devoted to up-and-coming Asian and Asian-American pop culture. It has since evolved into a glossy publication with an international following, and spawned shops and galleries in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. This week take in the exhibition Giant Robot Biennale 2: 15 Years at the Japanese American National Museum. The exhibit showcases artists who embody the Giant Robot aesthetic and includes installations, a collection of collaborative works that pay tribute to Godzilla, Gamera and other giant monsters and toys, and custom video games developed partly with Giant Robot artists. The show runs through Jan. 24 and hours are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursdays from noon-8 p.m. At 369 E. First St., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.

Aloud, the speaker/discussion forum at the Central Library, rarely disappoints. But this is an especially big week for the series. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Mr. young literary Brooklyn, Jonathon Lethem, reads from his buzzedabout new novel Chronic City, and will take questions from the audience. Expect plenty of queries about his 2003 tour de force The Fortress of Solitude. Then, on Thursday, Oct. 29, L.A. Weekly eating expert Jonathan Gold and ex-New York Times food critic William Grimes go head to head, or is that stomach to stomach, in the amusingly titled program “Bicoastal Binge.” Even better, the event will be moderated by chef/radio host Evan Kleiman. Both events are at 7 p.m. and both are full, though standby seats are often available for those who arrive early. At 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

TWO

tuesday, october 27 Town Hall Los Angeles National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 N. Central Ave., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org 8 a.m.: L.A. has a tradition of gangs, and many Angelenos accept gang life as part and parcel of living in Los Angeles, but many community and civic organizations are diligently working to break the gang cycle. A panel discussion brings together Brian Center, executive director of A Better LA; L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn; and Greg Ridgeway, from the RAND Corporation.

ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

7 p.m.: In his new novel, “Chronic City,” Jonathan Lethem portrays a Manhattan that is beautiful and tawdry, tragic and forgiving, devastating and utterly unique.

REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800, redcat.org.

8:30 p.m.: Peter Sellars leads a discussion with the Berlin-based artist Brigitte Maria Mayer, who traces a via dolorosa through the modern world in a new video based on Heiner Müller’s 1984 adaptation of “Titus Andronicus,” Shakespeare’s blood-soaked revenge drama.

Wednesday, october 28 SCI-Arc Lecture Series 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5328 or sciarc.edu. In the W. M. Keck Lecture Hall.

7 p.m.: Yung Ho Chang, one of China’s most accomplished contemporary architects and the founding head of the Graduate Center of Architecture at Peking University, gives a talk.

ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org.

7 p.m.: Irene Khan is the first woman, first Asian and first Muslim to serve as the Secretary General of Amnesty International. She sheds a light on the rights and powerlessness of the poor. thursday, october 29 Thursdays at Central Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., meeting room A, (213) 228-7241 or lapl.org.

12:15-1 p.m.: At this Craft Thursdays event, the focus is on knitting. Exchange tips and enjoy the company of fellow knitters.

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

2your EVENT INfo EASy WAyS To SuBMIT

4 WEB: www.DowntownNews.com 4 EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com

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

photo courtesy of Japanese American National Museum

T

EVENTS

photo by Theresa Chavez

3

4

3

Lisa See, the bestselling author of the novel Shanghai Girls, appears at the Chinese American Museum on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7-9 p.m. to take part in a discussion titled “Immigration and the Los Angeles Experience in Shanghai Girls.” The free event will address the city’s history and the lives of immigrants as portrayed in See’s novel, which follows two sisters through 1930s Shanghai, Angel Island and Chinatown in Downtown Los Angeles. A book signing will follow. At 425 N. Los Angeles St., (213) 202-2811 or facinghistory.org/allstate.

“Narrative ghosts” haunt Angelino Heights and Downtown L.A., the backdrops for hundreds of cinematic murders, at least according to About Productions. This week, those spirits come to life at Shakespeare Festival/ LA with the spooky premiere of Bleeding Through, a play adapted from Norman Klein’s novella of the same name.

The noir-inspired production, which incorporates live music, video and interactive elements, explores the city’s past through its history and cinematic influences. The show premieres Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. and continues Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 22.

There will be preview performances this Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. At 1238 W. First St., (800) 595-4849 or aboutpd.org.

T

ake in 500 years of history and 200 artifacts in one afternoon at the California Science Center this weekend. The 13,000-square-foot touring exhibition America I Am: The African American Imprint, which celebrates the contributions of African Americans across the nation, opens on Friday, Oct. 30.

The exhibit includes multimedia programs, films and personal artifacts charting the innovations of African American artists, activists and inventors. America I Am runs through April 10, 2010. At 700 Exposition Park Dr., (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

photo courtesy of Arts & Exhibitions International

Five

HIST

66

B A

1

8

P

12

HIST

66

CHAVEZ RAVINE

10 11

CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY T ARD S BERN

FW

M WAY

AM

NA PA

E ST

ST

N SIO MIS RD

A

FW

GE

NT

A

AN

SA

S RI VE

DOWNTOWN SLO

T

CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS

ST H 4T

ST TH 5

HARBOR FWY

FWY BOR

T

HAR

AS

GRAND

SAN JULIAN

WALL ST

SANTEE

ST

S ST NGELE LOS A

MAPLE AVE

T MAIN S

ST

HAR

AVE

FWY

ST

OA ST

BOR

FLOWER

9

ON VE TA

MEMORIAL COLISEUM

LA SPORTS ARENA

D

SAN PEDRO STATION

E

D LV

KB

ML

10 TON BLVD

V

E X P O S I T I O N PA R K

RM

17TH ST

HISTORY MUSEUM

O

PO

EX

UNIVERSITY EXPO PARK WEST

VD BL ON NATURAL

TI SI

H

15TH ST

AIR & SPACE MUSEUM AFRICAN ROSE AMERICAN GARDEN MUSEUM CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER

VE

C

FIGUER

MAPLE AVE

SANTEE ST

MAIN ST

BROADWAY

HILL ST

AVE

OLIVE ST

GRAND

HOPE ST

ST

OA ST

FLOWER

FIGUER

LOS ANGELES ST

14TH ST

FRIEDMAN OCCUPATIONAL CENTER

110

14TH ST

G WASHIN PATRIOTIC HALL

GALEN CENTER

VD SON BL

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 14TH PL

VENICE BLVD

SHRINE AUDITORIUM

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

18TH ST

B

8

FIGUEROA

HEBREW UNION COLLEGE

PICO BLVD

A FWY S A N TA M O N I C

110

ED

VE LA

ST SOUTH EXHIBIT HALL

10

AAA HQ

ANNENBERG CENTER FOR COMMUNICATION

JEFFER

CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

VD PICO BL

A

AM

AL

RA

AT&T CENTER 12TH ST

CONVENTION CENTER

10

NT

11TH ST

PICO STATION

PICO UNION

CE

CHERRY

110

BLVD

NORTH UNIVERSITY PARK

MAYAN THEATER

STAPLES CENTER ARENA

12TH ST

ADAMS

ST

SOUTH PARK

CT

WEST EXHIBIT HALL

WEST ADAMS

ER

OLYMPIC BLVD

FASHION DISTRICT

ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL

MOUNT ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

OV

NOKIA THEATRE H ICK CH

11TH ST

9

ORPHEUM THEATER

PRODUCE MARKETS

South Figueroa Corridor District

HO

WEST GARAGE

NOKIA PLAZA

ST

7 INNER CITY ARTS

Y SANTEE ALLE

REGAL CINEPLEX

ST

BLVD

SPRING ST

OLYMPIC

H

6T

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

CALIFORNIA MARKET CENTER

FIGUEROA HOTEL

HOLIDAY INN

M

L PA

FLOWER MARKET BROADWAY

8TH ST

RALPHS

L.A. LIVE

6

ST

GLADYS PARK

CENTRAL CITY EAST

GRAND HOPE FIDM PARK

MARRIOTT & RITZ CARLTON

ST

7TH ST

HILL ST

OLIVE ST

GRAND AVE

HOPE ST

FLOWER ST

FIGUEROA ST

D AVE

FRANCISCO ST

GARLAN

LOYOLA LAW SCHOOL

O

ET

PARA LOS NINOS

MACY'S PLAZA

777

OL

LAPD

6TH ST

JEWELRY DISTRICT

M

TO

MERCANTILE ARCADE

SHERATON HOTEL

7 + FIG

AVE

M

RO

LUCAS

JAMES

PED

HISTORIC CORE

5

IN

WHOLESALE SEAFOOD DISTRICT

SAN JULIAN PARK

6TH ST

LAAC

4TH ST

5TH ST

NEW LATC

9TH ST

8

4TH ST

OLD BANK DISTRICT & GALLERY ROW

5TH ST

PERSHING SQUARE

LITTLE TOKYO GALLERIA SHOPPING CENTER

SAN

BILTMORE HOTEL

LOS ANGELES ST

L L S PS

MAIN ST

GAS CO TOWER

TOY DISTRICT

ST

ART SHARE 4TH PL

ARATANI NOGUCHI THEATER PLAZA JACCC

7TH ST

725

LVD WOOD B

SPRING ST

I BUNKER H

US BANK TOWER

D

3R

TRACTION AVE

3RD ST

MUSEUM OF NEON ART

PERSHING SQUARE STATION

7TH ST / METRO CENTER STATION

WILSHIRE GRAND HOTEL

BRADBURY BLDG. RONALD REAGAN BIDDY STATE MASON BLDG. PARK

BROADWAY

MELLON BANK

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

WILSHIRE BLVD

WIL

GRAND CENTRAL MARKET

THE STANDARD

FIGUEROA AT WILSHIRE

VD SHIRE BL

7TH ST

HOPE ST

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL

WATER ANGELS COURT CALIFORNIA FLIGHT PLAZA

WELLS FARGO CENTER

MAGUIRE CITY GDNS NATIONAL PLAZA CALIF. CLUB

JONATHAN CLUB

3RD ST

4TH ST

WESTIN YMCA UNION BONAVENTURE HOTEL BANK CITIGROUP PLAZA CENTER

CITY WEST

7

FLOWER ST

BEAUDRY AVE

LOS ANGELES CENTER STUDIOS

6

MARRIOTT HOTEL

FIGUEROA ST

LAUSD HQ

OMNI HOTEL

3RD ST TUNNEL

LITTLE TOKYO LIBRARY

T

DS

2N

PLAZA

RC

MOCA

BA PLAZA

ST VIBIANA

ARTS DISTRICT

2ND ST

OLIVE ST

CROWN HILL 3RD ST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE T 4TH S

2ND ST

2ND STREET TUNNEL COLBURN SCHOOL OF PERF. ARTS

ST

I-A

T

LITTLE TOKYO

1ST

SC

BUNKER HILL

2ND S

KYOTO CALTRANS GRAND HQ HOTEL

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

FUTURE LITTLE TOKYO / ARTS DISTRICT STATION

VE EA

1ST ST

TIMES MIRROR SQUARE

MOCA AT GEFFEN

UNION CENTER FOR THE ARTS

LAPD PARKER CENTER

AF NT

SHAKESPEARE LA

CIVIC CENTER STATION

L. A. COUNTY COURTHOUSE

CENTRAL AVE ART PARK

LOS ANGELES CITY HALL

SA

5

1ST ST

L.A. DOWNTOWN NEWS

DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION

N

VISTA HERMOSA PARK

IO NS

EDWARD R. ROYBALL LEARNING CENTER

EOC-POC-LFD

E XT

CIVIC CENTER

DWP

EE

HALL OF CRIMINAL RECORDS COURTHOUSE

LIN

110

TEMPLE ST

HALL OF ADMINISTRATION

MARK TAPER FORUM

4

L

LD

AHMANSON THEATER

LD

GO

FEDERAL LOS BLDG ROYBAL ANGELES FEDERAL MALL BLDG

E INE

GO

TEMPLE BEAUDRY

N

SIO

EN

XT

R

4

FUTURE PICO / ALISO STATION

LE

MWD

AN

Y

S

FRA SERRA PARK

DE LA PLAZA

HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

BUSINESS MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL

UNION STATION

LO

EL

101

C. EDWIN PIPER TECHNICAL CENTER

ST

LE ST

OLVERA ST

TEMP

4-LEVEL INTERCHANGE

SAN BERNARDINO SPLIT

101

ST

101

HQ

CHINATOWN GATEWAY

EZ AVE CESAR E. CHAV

H O L LY W O O D F W Y

www.cartifact.com

AVE

ST

HIGH

CHINATOWN LIBRARY

OA ST

EVANS ADULT SCHOOL

Gas Stations

S NE VIG

ORD

FIGUER

66

Metro Red & Purple Lines

AVEZ

T

ALPINE HILL

HIST

Free Parking with validation

E. CH

R CESA

CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT HQ

ING SPR

ANGELINO HEIGHTS

Metro Blue Line

AS

CHINATOWN BL VD

Metro Rail Station Entrances

ED

ALPIN

Metro Gold Line

Map © 2009 Cartifact

AL

T

EGE S

COLL

DYNASTY CENTER

NEW

3

ET

WAY

NS

ST

SU

T

EGE S

COLL

D BROA

SA

DE

PACIFIC ALLIANCE MEDICAL CTR.

10

2

CHINATOWN STATION

HILL

KAISER MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

FIGUEROA TERRACE

CENTRAL PLAZA

G RD

14

G KIN

Y

13

Contact Cartifact for the full-color, every-building version of this map and others. Available as a poster and in print, web, and mobile media.

700 S. Flower St, Ste. 1940 Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.327.0200 maps�cartifact.com

BAMBOO PLAZA

STADIU

1

Los Angeles

N CHU

R PA

Downtown ST

CASA ITALIANA

RD

K

N

K

O

LOS ANGELES STATE HISTORIC PARK (CORNFIELD)

F

E

AIN

N F

IA

110

Y

C

ELYSIAN PARK

BROAD WAY

M

2

2

L

D

YS EL

W STADIUM

E

1

J

DODGER STADIUM

D

NORTH

3

C

ELYSIAN PARK

NOR TH M

B

NORT H SPR ING S T

A

F

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 21

DowntownNews.com

CLASSIFIED

place your ad online at www.ladowntownnews.com

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

“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.”

REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL lofts for sale

Buying, Leasing or Selling a Loft?

TheLoftGuys.net LA’s #1 Loft Site

Call 213-625-1313

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper

213.598.7555 Homes for Sale * NATIONWIDE ONLINE LAND Auction * 400+ Props. 168 Absolute. ALL Starting Bids: $100.

REDC. View Full Listings. www.

Auction.com/land. (Cal-SCAN)

20 BRAND NEW Homes For Sale 5000 S. Figueroa St. LA 90037 FHA available. All 3+2, garage $329,000-$339,000 Open Sat. & Sun. 12-4. Agent Melissa 310-663-8061 Out of State MONTANA STATE Land Sale Over 50 tracts: 20-1000 Acres Pine ridges, grassy meadows, mtn. views, huge elk & deer area. Great bird hunting. Federal lands accessible. 20 Acres w/ Utilities- $39,900 New Cabin on 20 Acres- $79,900 160-1000 Acres- $625/Acre. Great financing available. Call 888-361-3006 www.WesternSkiesLand.com.

(Cal-SCAN)

FOR RENT? FOR LEASE? FOR SALE? People are looking here, shouldn’t your ad should be here?

(213) 481-1448

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL

FOR RENT

office space lease/sale

DOWNTOWN L.A.

Apartments/Unfurnished

2 offices for rent, all hook-ups, partly furnished. 530 sqft. $900 month, flex lease.

Lg. 2 Bdrm.

OVIATT BUILDING

213.623.7008 or 213.280.5452

1 Bath, Hardwood floors Includes 1 parking space.

Ideal for roommates. $1,560 a month

ALA 99¢/Sq. Ft. High Rise Office Space

(213) 746-6300

Walking distance to Metro Station, Social Security Office, Immigration Office, and Jewelry District.

Close to 110 &101 Fwy. On site security guard.

Milano Lofts

213-892-0088

retail space lease/sale

Retail Store Front $1000 gross rent Downtown LA 1240 sq.ft., 20ft ceiling, water included, central AC w/private restroom.

Call Pierre or Terri at 818-212-8333 or 213-744-9911

We've got what you're searching for!

DowntownNews.com

Now Leasing!

• Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views 6th + Grand Ave. • 213.627.1900 milanoloftsla.com

Free ReNT 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.

LARGE STUDIO apartment in 1901 renovated apartment building near metro station. Hardwood floors and high ceilings. $720 per month including utilities. Parking not included. 2520 W.7th St. 213-389-0753

FREE RENT SPECIALS (O.A.C.) Brand New Resort Apartments. Granite kitchens, washer/dryers, pools, spas, saunas, fitness ctr, free tanning beds & much more! 866-690-2894.

FREE RENT SPECIALS (O.A.C.) New downtown luxury apartments with granite kitchens, marble baths, pool, spa, saunas & free parking. 888-736-7471.

FREE RENT SPECIALS Los Angeles Studio $1688/ month Luxury at it’s finest! Granite counters, W & D 888-262-9761.

FREE RENT SPECIALS Panoramic downtown views. 1 bed/1 bath starting at $1398. Washer dryer in unit, gated,Pool, spa and sauna. 888-265-1707.

Loft/Unfurnished

EMPLOYMENT General HELP WANTED, Movie Extras.

Earn up to $150/day. People needed for background in a major film production. Exp. not required. 888-366-0843 PETROLEUM SUPPLY: Keep Army National Guard’s Watercraft, Aircraft, Trucks & Tanks rolling! Expand skills through paid career training. Part-time work. Full-time benefits. www.

NationalGuard.com/careers or 1-800-GO-GUARD. (Cal-SCAN)

Drivers ANDRUS TRANSPORTATION Seeking Team Drivers for fast turning freight lanes! Also Hiring Solo OTR drivers - West states exp/hazmat end, great miles/ hometime. Stable Family owned 35 yrs+ 1-800-888-5838, 1-866806-5119 x1402. (Cal-SCAN) SLT - IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for CDLA teams, O/OPs welcome and paid percentage. $1,000 bonus. $1100 week average pay for company teams.

Hazmat & 2 yrs experience.

1-800-835-9471. (Cal-SCAN) Continued on next page

THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

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

REAL ARTIST LOFTS 13251650 Sq. Ft., $1600-$1950/mo.

High ceilings, hardwood floors, fireplace, pool/spa, gated parking, laundry, sorry no dogs, Open House Sundays 12-3pm @ 1250 Long Beach Ave. 213629-5539

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

22 Downtown News

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com

Continued from previous page

EMPLOYMENT

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

Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. (CalSCAN)

Computers/IT ATTN: COMPUTER WORK. Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/ mo. Full Time. Training provided. www.KTPGlobal.com or call 1-800-330-8446. (Cal-SCAN)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Retail/Sales

Business Opportunities

CUSTOMER SERVICE. Call on businesses. Includes training, start immediately, commissioned, bonus, and draw on account. Need Internet, good work ethic and serious people. patrick@skyadman.com 800477-2334. (Cal-SCAN)

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

MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405.

(Cal-SCAN)

Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices

SERVICES

Massage therapy

Advertising CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in 240 Cal-SCAN newspapers for the best reach, coverage, and price. 25-words $550. Reach 6 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SCAN.com.

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

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

(Cal-SCAN)

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

LA, CA, 90057 (Beverly Rampart)

Tel: 213-383-7676

TAX RELIEF! Do You Owe Over $15,000 in Back Taxes? Need to Settle State, Business, Payroll Tax Problems, Eliminate Penalties, Interest Charges, Wage Garnishments, Tax Liens! Call American Tax Relief 1-800-4969891. Free Confidential, No obligation, consultation. (CalSCAN) home improvement

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

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

Construction

$98

s.f.

Architectural Plans + Permit Included GC# 308729

Established 1975

details 323-960-5792

Financial Services GET OUT OF DEBT in Months!

Avoid Bankruptcy. Not a high priced consolidation company or a consumer credit counseling program. Free consultation Credit Card Relief 1-866-4755353. (Cal-SCAN)

崔Roof Michael Choi Roofing

Luxury Rooms in Downtown

Locations Nationwide

Monthly Rents Start at $780 1 & 2 Rooms Available

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

• Fully Furnished • 100% Utilities Paid • • Refrigerator, Microwave & TV In Each Room • • Wireless Access Throughout Bldg. • Gym • • Close to USC & Loyola Law School • • Presidential Suite with Kitchen • Parking Available Onsite

Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.

Special STUDENT RATE! $690 1 Person

50 Channels Direct TV

Mayfair Hotel

Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301

1256 West 7th Street

jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com

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

Low Move in Special

MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing!

• Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views

Unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath $695/mo.

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

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

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

6th+Grand Ave. • milanoloftsla.com • 213.627.1900

For Rent Multi-level 5 bdrms.

3 bath Townhome in LA Blocks from USC.

$3750/mo Plenty of on site pkg.

310-678-8710

Weekend: 310-678-4233

DISH NETWORK. $19.99/mo.

Why Pay More for TV? 100+ Channels - Free! 4-Room Install - Free! HD-DVR Plus $600 Signup BONUS. Call Now! 1-866747-9773. (Cal-SCAN) Music Lessons Children’s Performing Group! Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! See SunshineGenerationLA.com or call 909861-4433.

Real Estate CALCO Property Management **Commercial **Residential **HOA The quality of service you want, the management company you need. 213-9854128 / www.calcopm.net.

Since 1972 • Free Estimate Reroof, Repairs • Lic. #C-39-588045

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

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

Misc. Services

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

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

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

Sell Your Car!

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

Call 213-481-1448

FOR RENT? FOR LEASE? FOR SALE? People are looking here, shouldn’t your ad should be here?

(213) 481-1448

AUTOS & RECREATIONAL Autos Wanted DONATE YOUR CAR: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CalSCAN) DONATE YOUR VEHICLE! Receive Free Vacation Voucher. United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf. info Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted, 1-888468-5964. (Cal-SCAN)

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

LEGAL Civil Summons LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT Case No. BC391815 Plaintiff: WACHOVIA BANK Cross-complaint: ING BANK, FSB vs Cross-Defendants: EDVIN DANTA VERDIAN GONARAKI, an individual, et al Notice to Cross Defendants: all persons unknown, claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in that real property located in the City of Los Angeles, commonly described as 3751 Prestwick Drive, which claim would be adverse to cross-complainant’s title to or interest in said property, or any cloud on cross-complainant’s title to or interest in said property, named herein as ROES 1 to 50, inclusive.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the cross-complainant. A letter or

Van For Sale Only 6,573 miles Like-new for $22,000

Excellent Condition Still under warranty!

CHEVROLET 2008 EXPRESS 3500 Extd wb Passenger Van- 6,573 miles. 15-Passenger, excellent condition, all power. 5 year /100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with 24 hr roadside assistance.

4-Door, loaded with power steering, power windows, power locks, tinted windows, security alarm, tilt wheel, air conditioning. Remote keyless entry, loaded with an 6.0 Liter vortec v8 engine. Passkey III theft deterrent, am/fm stereo CD player w/mp3 format. $22,000.

(323) 721-3947 Virginia or (323) 314-4360 Fernando.

Do you have something to sell?

Ad Copy: _________________________________________

Ad Prices

________________________________________________

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

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

FREE! $11.50 $14.00 $16.50 $19.00

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

State Check $

Zip Credit Card $

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 49,000 , our classifieds get results!

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

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

October 26, 2009

Downtown News 23

DowntownNews.com

phone call will not protect you.

Your written response must be in proper legal form, if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away.

If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

The name and address of the court is: Los Angeles County Superior Court

Central District 111 N. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012-3014 Case Number: BC391815 Dated: August 7, 2009 John A. Clarke, Clerk Dawn Alexander, Deputy The name, address, telephone number, and fax number of cross-complainant Plaintiff’s attorney is: Shulman Bunn LLP Stephanie J. Shulman State Bar: 108556 20341 SW Birch Street, Suite 320 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Telephone: 949-679-1800 Fax: 949-679-1802 Pub. 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26/09 PETITION FOR CUSTODY & SUPPORT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ORANGE LAMOREAUX JUSTICE CENTER PETITION FOR CUSTODY AND SUPPORT NOTICE TO RESPONDENT(NAME): RAMON CRISTOBAL ARANDA AVISO AL DEMANDADO(NOMBRE): RAMON CRISTOBAL ARANDA

YOU ARE BEING SUED. A USTED LE ESTAN DEMANDANDO. PETITIONER’S NAME: DARLA JEAN SEBASTIANARANDA EL NOMBRE DEL DEMANDANTE ES: DARLA JEAN SEBASTIANARANDA NO. 09P000612 You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response to Petition to Establish Parental Relationship (form FL220) or Response to Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children (form FL-270) at the court and serve a copy on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you.

If you do not file Response on time, the court may make orders affecting custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. If you want legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately.

Usted tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIOS despues de recibir oficialmente esta citacion judicial y peticion, para completar y presentar su formulario de Respuesta (Response form FL220) ante la corte. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no le of-

receri proteccion.

Si usted no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede expedir ordenes que afecten la custadia de sus hijos ordenen que usted pague mantencion, honorarios de abogado y las costas. Si no puede pagar las costas por la presentacion de la demanda, pida al actuario de la corte que le de un formulario de exoneracion de las mismas (Waiver of Court Fees and Costs).

Si desea obtener consejo legal, comuniquese de inmediato con un abogado.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirreccion de la corte es): Orange 341 The City Drive Post Office Box 14170 Orange, CA 92863-1570 The name, address, and telephone number of petiioner’s attorney: (El nombre, la dirreccion y el numero del abogado del demandante): Joseph Robert Terrazas III 444 W. Tenth Street, Suite 200 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Tel: 714-543-1851 SBN#258404 Date (Fecha): May 11, 2009 Alan Carlson, Clerk of the Court (Actuario) By: Victoria L. Do, Deputy Pub. 10/19, 10/26, 11/2/09

Free Rent!

ELEGANT WORLD CLASS RESORT BRAND NEW APARTMENT HOMES

Orsini

IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY! studios from $1,685* • 1 bedroom from $1,818* • 2 bedroom from $2,212* *Availability and prices are subject to change at any time.

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

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

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

I c o n I c B e au t y S e e k S S t y l i S h M at e

On Spring St.

spring tower Lofts:

2000 sqft. • Open floor plan loft $2350/mo. • Live/Work space • 14 story bldg. • Rooftop garden terrace w/city view • Pet friendly

Orsini

premiere towers:

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

NOW lEASING

FROM $1,300’s/Mo. Free Parking ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE GRAND LOBBY • FITNESS CENTER • SPA MODERN KITCHEN w/CAESAR COUNTERTOPS HIGH SPEED INTERNET DESIGNER LIVING SPACES • PET FRIENDLY • DRAMATIC VIEWS WALKING DISTANCE TO RALPHS SUPERMARKET

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

City Lofts:

900 sqft, 13 ft ceilings, $1500/mo. • Granite marble top • Stainless steel appliances/ refrigerator etc. • Pet friendly

Available Immediately

We are located in a prime area in Downtown LA nice neighborhood w/ salon, market, café etc. Wired for high speed internet & cable, central heat & A/C

Top floor of 11 story (18,000 SF) historic building available now! Perfect for corporate hqtrs. Features separate executive suite(s). Stunning views of LA two blocks away from Staples Center and across the street from the new LA Live complex. We have approximately 7,800 square feet of space open with offices along the exterior.

Full kitchen with dishwasher, high exposed ceilings and stained floors. The building also has approx 4,000 sq ft of beautiful contiguous space and some small offices available. These spaces can be viewed by appointment.

Please call 213.627.6913 www.cityloftsquare.com

sly

Living Outrageously For Today!®

FOR LEASE FIlMING/RETAIl/ OFFICE/TElECOM

Spaces from 300 sf to 10,000 sf Build to suit, Wilshire Blvd, in heart downtown

DRE #01706351

2 months free rent with a 5 year lease • On site Parking • Secured Building

ING

m has

town’s ts!

TS

.com

$2 WIN!

RENTING • BUYING • LIVING

Since 2001, LoftLivingLA.com has been helping people live in Downtown’s best condos, lofts & apartments!

8 7 7 - 4 L A- LO F TS Visit us online at www.LoftLivingLA.com

Guess where Candy bought six Red Velvet Cupcakes for $5.

fictitiOus

Business

611 Wilshire and 700 Wilshire Blvd 213-622-7188 x210 Donna Ferrell Property Manager

The Alexandria at 501 S. Spring St.

name

is Now Leasing!

Only

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

statements:

$ 85.

fOr 4 insertiOns Call (213) 481-1448

(The Downtown News does not perform filing services)

$775/month OCT. MOvE IN SPECIAl: ½ Off 1st & 2nd Month’s Rent income & other restrictions apply.

Must move-in by Oct. 31

Call 213.626.1743 or stop by for a tour

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

Bunker Hill real estate Co, inC. For rent: ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath 5th Floor.

Move in now. $2200 Month. ❏ 1 Bed. 1 Bath. Lafayette Park Place.

Move In Now. $1200 Month. ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath

EStabliShEd 1984

Penthouse-Sophisticated, Spectacular One Of A Kind Condo.

Top Of The Line Upgrades & Décor. Gorgeous Furnishings Adorn This Pride Of Ownership Home. Corporate Lease Welcome.

Furnished $3500 Per Month.

Un-Furnished $3200 Per Month.

Bank foreclosure-Pasadena 2 Houses on the lot. Remodeled & ready to move-in.

One 2 bed w/1 bath. One three bedroom w/2 baths.

Easy care yard, gated & fenced. 2 Car garage.

Offered at $554,800

Call us for other condos for sale or lease Dwntwn & surrounding areas!!

Information available to qualified prospective tenants.

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

Mirza alli

(213) 680-1720

Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun!

For boys & girls ages 3 and up!

SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433

Downtown L.A.

Seniors & S-8 Welcome

all utilities paid n New Remodeled Rooms n 24-Hour Doorman n Cable/Internet Ready

n Wi-Fi Lobby Lounge n On-Site Laundry n Controlled Access

213.623.1464

www.haywardapts.com

DowntownNews.com ROSSlYN HOTEl

madison hotel

Children’s Performing Group

StudioS Full bath & kitchenette corner of 6th & Spring St.

leasing-Salesloans-Refinance

www.Bunkerhillrealestate.com

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

Hayward Manor apartMents $695-$795/mo.

Broker/Realtor

e-mail us: Info@bunkerhillrealestate.com

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

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

877-267-5911

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

the loft expert! group

*Limited time offer: when you sign a one year lease.

Downtown since 2002

Don't settle for anyone less experienced!

Call us today!

Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator.

Full bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

2 months*

FREE

TM

Monthly from $695 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

Unfurnished rooms starting at $450 a month Laundry on site. All utilities included.

112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.503.7449 • www.rosslynstudios.com

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.

Monthly from $595 utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

24 Downtown News

October 26, 2009

DowntownNews.com

We Got Games

playoff contender. At least on paper. With a seemingly motivated Baron Davis running the point and rookie Blake Griffin bringing youthful energy (and box office buzz), L.A.’s other team could be a force to reckon with. After opening the season with an “away” game against the Lakers (Oct. 27), they host the Phoenix Suns.

Then there’s a Halloween game against the Dallas Mavericks. Go ahead, dress up as Clipper Darrell.

It’s a Laker Town, But Watch Out for Those Clips Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers.

Oct. 27 and 30, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.: The Lakers begin their quest to repeat as NBA champions with a three-game homestand, starting with a contest against the Clippers. Repeating is one of the hardest things in the league, but unless the Ron Artest experiment goes horribly wrong, the Purple and Gold look even stronger than last year. After the Clippers, they host the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks.

Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/clippers.

Oct. 28 and 31, 7:30 p.m.: The Clippers look to be a legitimate

Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com.

Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m.: The Kings try to get above, and stay above, the .500 line this week as they host the Vancouver Canucks. They’ll look for a continued offensive spark from off-season acquisition Ryan Smyth, who as of press time led the team in goals.

USC Trojans Football L.A. Coliseum, 3911 S Figueroa St., (213) 747-7111 or usctrojans.com.

Oct. 24, 5 p.m.: The Trojans head up to the Beaver State to battle the Oregon Ducks. Hey, they like their freshwater aquatic animals up there.

—Ryan Vaillancourt

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

Now For Call n Specials Move-I

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

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