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November 2, 2009
Volume 38, Number 44
INSIDE
Party in the Office
The Comeback of Freshjive A Downtown-Based Clothing Line Tumbled off the Top of the Heap. Now Founder Rick Klotz Faces His Biggest Challenge Yet by AnnA Scott StAff writer
The L.A. Live theaters open.
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A drop in area homelessness.
3
New memorial rises at El Pueblo.
6
Play 4th and Long Football and win prizes.
7
Celebrating the Chinese in Hollywood.
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decade ago, the clothing company Freshjive seemed poised to explode. The Downtown Los Angeles-based streetwear line, which had made its name in T-shirts featuring arresting graphics like Black Panthers logos and bright parodies of corporate touchstones like the orange Tide detergent bulls-eye, raked in $10 million a year in sales. Freshjive products were sought by large retailers, and in 2000 owner-designer Rick Klotz was even profiled, along with his then-best friend, American Apparel CEO Dov Charney, in a 6,000-word New Yorker article by Malcolm Gladwell titled “The Young Garmentos.” Klotz, according to the article, planned to grow his company threefold in the coming years. A lot has changed since then. American Apparel has grown into one of the nation’s most well known clothing companies, with more than 275 stores, $500 million in annual sales and a seemingly never-ending stream of news stories, only a fraction of them for its products. Meanwhile Freshjive, Klotz said during a recent visit to his headquarters on Olive Street at Pico Boulevard, today sells less than half what it did in 2000. In the past six years Klotz has weathered shrinking sales, personal disillusionment — to the point that he actually quit the business he founded — and family tragedy. When he finally returned, Freshjive’s finances, he said, were like “a jumbo jet about to crash.” Freshjive is no longer on the brink of disaster, generating about $4 million in annual purchases, but the label lacks the sales punch, visibility and swagger that it once boasted. Now Klotz is working on what, if successful, may be his greatest accomplishment yet — the comeback of Freshjive. Ironically, the crux of the effort involves selling clothes that do not say “Freshjive” anywhere, even on the label. see Freshjive, page 8
The Life and Times of the Sports Arena The Exposition Park Building Quietly Turns 50, and Keeps Up an Active Schedule by JAy bermAn contributing writer
A secret garden blooms again.
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19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS
photo by Gary Leonard
Rick Klotz is embarking on an effort to turn around Freshjive, the Downtown-based clothing company he founded 20 years ago. The brand, which once recorded $14 million in annual sales, now does about $4 million a year.
I
t’s been a long while since the Rolling Stones, The Who or Pink Floyd played the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Exposition Park, but Bruce Springsteen had two sold-out concerts there early this year, and you can’t do much better than that. The space age-styled landmark at Figueroa Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard marks its 50th year in business in 2009, but, like a film star reluctant to disclose his or her age, is observing the anniversary in quiet fashion. When asked if anything special is on the agenda to commemorate the halfcentury that has passed since then-Vice
President Richard Nixon dedicated the building on July 4, 1959, Jonathan Lee, marketing director for the Sports Arena and the neighboring Coliseum, said, “Not really.” The only indicator of that ceremony is a painting of Nixon and a plaque in the structure’s south foyer. Not that there hasn’t been plenty of celebrating along the way. The Sports Arena was the site of the 1960 Democratic National Convention at which Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate. It also was home to the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1967 — long before Kobe Bryant was born. see Sports Arena, page 5
photo by Gary Leonard
The Sports Arena in Exposition Park turned 50 this year. The building’s highlights include being the site of the 1960 Democratic National Convention, where Sen. John F. Kennedy was nominated as a candidate for president. At various times it was also the home of the Lakers, Clippers and Kings.
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2 Downtown News
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November 2, 2009
AROUNDTOWN Icons Magazine Coming
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ext week, Los Angeles Downtown News will publish something that is old and new at the same time: On Nov. 9, the special publication known for 29 years as Landmarks will come out with a new name and form for its 30th edition: Icons of Downtown. The 28-page glossy magazine profiles many of the community’s historic and most beautiful structures, from office towers to residential buildings to public edifices. A total of 49,000 copies of Icons will be printed and wrapped around all issues of Downtown News. The magazine will also be available year round at downtownnews.com.
Sales Will Move Forward At Concerto
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bankruptcy court judge ruled last week that developer Sonny Astani can move forward with closing sales at his Concerto project on Figueroa and Ninth streets, Astani said. The developer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the unfinished condominium complex in September, after his lender, Corus Bank, was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The filing, Astani said, was necessary to close escrow on 77 units in a completed, six-story tower that is part of the project; those were sold in a recent auction. Though a consortium of investors led by Starwood Capital Group subsequently purchased Corus’ portfolio, the FDIC two weeks ago asked the bankruptcy court not to approve the 77 sales because the prices were too low. A judge ruled on Thursday, Oct. 29, however, to allow Astani to complete the sales and use the proceeds to fund the project’s next
phase, a 30-story tower with 281 residences, the developer said. However, he added, the new lender has said it will take a few weeks to approve the project’s budget.
Grammy Museum Expands Jackson Exhibit
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he Grammy Museum capitalized on This Is It fever last week, opening a new exhibit, Michael Jackson: A Musical Legacy. That followed the museum’s show Michael Jackson: HIStyle, which opened in February. “The overwhelming response to our earlier exhibits speaks to Jackson’s unparalleled place in music history and the public’s deep connection to his music,” said Robert Santelli, the museum’s executive director, in a statement. The exhibit includes Jackson’s trademark fedora and gloves, six elaborately embellished jackets, original lyrics, a Jackson 5 stage costume and more. Eight video monitors showcase footage of Jackson’s appearances on the Grammy Awards, as well as video of some of Jackson’s famous friends sharing their memories of him. The new show also includes an exhibit that allows visitors to dance on a floor of light-up tiles, mimicking Jackson’s moves in the “Billie Jean” music video. The show will remain on display through summer 2010. The Grammy Museum is at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A245. More information at grammymuseum.org.
No Smoking
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n ordinance that would ban smoking in the city’s outdoor areas will go through some revisions before the City Council’s Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee takes
University of Southern California
Agent 007 Has Entered the Building Basquiat, A weekend film festival served shaken, not stirred. the Musical
up the issue on Dec. 8. At an Oct. 27 meeting, the committee expressed support for the ordinance, which would ban smoking within a 10-foot radius of outdoor dining areas, but asked the office of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich to revise the ban so that restaurants with two patios could be exempt if they are more than 100 feet apart. Those restaurants could then designate one patio for smokers while keeping the other smokephoto by Gary Leonard free. Once the changes have The Regal cineplex at L.A. Live debuted with a showing of the been made, and if they are Michael Jackson film This Is It on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Attendees at the approved by the council premiere included the late pop star’s brother, Jermaine Jackson. committee, the ordinance will go before the full council for final approval. In 2002 the city banned detectives said he is the same man suspected smoking within 25 feet of playground equip- of conning his way into hotel rooms in two ment and fields as well as picnic areas, and in other instances. On Aug. 29, 30 salsa musi2004 extended the ban to beaches. In 2007, a cians were booked to play the Greek Theater. smoking ban took effect in all city parks, and A man with slicked-back hair convinced a state law bars smoking inside all restaurants. desk clerk at the Wilshire Grand Hotel that Nightclubs, bars and private event venues he was part of the group and needed room that serve people older than 18 would be ex- keys, said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon. He gave the clerk a CD in thanks for the help, then took empt from the new ordinance. more than $9,000 from several rooms. Police believe the same suspect engineered a similar theft on Sept. 22 at the Downtown Marriot, convincing a clerk to get keys for rooms rented by members of the Chivas soccer team. os Angeles police detectives have linked an More than $10,000 was later reported missing apparent con artist to the Oct. 20 locker from the players’ rooms, Vernon said. Anyone room theft of $26,000 in cash and jewelry with information is asked to call the LAPD from an Israeli basketball team in town for an Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 485exhibition against the Clippers. After looking 2524. Tipsters can also call the 24-hour, toll at surveillance footage from Staples Center, free number at 877-527-3247.
Police Looking for Scam Artist
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Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?
James Bond: Behind the Scenes Snatch a sneak peek of with the World’s Favorite Prodigy, the new Secret Agent rock musical. Friday, November 6 – Sunday, November 8 Thursday and Friday, (various times) May 28 and 29, 8 p.m.
Norris Sinatra Hall Ramo Cinema Recital Theatre/Frank Hall Admission: Admission:Free, $20 RSVP required online http://cinema.usc.edu/events (213) 740-2167 (213) 740-6786 also Enter the graffiti-splashed, hip- And A L S Oat ATusc: USC: His name is Bond. James Bond. for three days, he and his martini-swilling hopped-up world of the impossibly The Antenna Repairmen: Ghatam Under Construction swagger1980s will be the subject of the USC gifted phenomenon Jean-Michel Thursday, November 5, 7:30 p.m. May 30. Tuesday, May 26, through Saturday, School of Cinematic Arts’ latest Basquiat. From homeless drugfilm addict Performed repertory. Curtain vary. Don’t touchinthat dial. Leave it totimes The Antenna festival. The three-day affair marks the to pampered darling of the New York Repairmen, a Theatre percussion trio founded in The School of showcases work by1978 three centennial of Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli, at the California Institute of the Arts that blends cultural elite, the Haitian-American up-and-coming playwrights – this year’s graduthe legendary filmmaker who turned Ian music, art, performance and poetry. iconoclast lived aand fastshort and stories furiousinto exisates of the MFA in dramatic writing program. Fleming’s novels The group will perform Ghatam, a composed tence, drawing into his orbit likes Choose from About Harvest, a forbidone of the longest running filmthe franchises and improvised work nameddescribing after a South of Andy Warhol and Madonna before den love between an American farm girl and a Indian clay-pot drum. Custom-made ceramic in cinema history. The event will feature instruments sculptor his star supernovaed in films, a “speedPOWcreated workingby her family’sStephen fields in the screenings of nine Bond from Dr. No German Freedman figure in the piece, and ceramics to Casinoaccident Royale, and 1940s; Daughters of Lot, a retelling of the biblical balling” at conversations age 28. Don’twith professor Karen Koblitz of the USC Roski School the Broccoli family andstaged key figures from story of the fiery flight from Sodom; and Tether, miss this professional reading of Fine Arts was instrumental in organizing the thewhat Bondmay series: Saturday that will which the strange tale twin sisters of be one nextonyear’s Broadway event. relates The percussionists areofArthur Jarvinen, look at the life and work of Broccoli, and Lach and Lam – one black, the other white. Robert Fernandez and M. B. Gordy. sensation, with book and lyrics by the other on Sunday, examining 007 in USC Thornton Opera director Ken MFA Gallery,Building 3001 S. Flower Street McClintock the 21st century. Bond fans also can ogle Admission: Free Cazan and a rap-Latin-alternative Free gadgets and costumes from the films in an Admission: www.usc.edu/visionsandvoices rock score by composer Billy Pace. (213) 740-2167 (213) 740-6786 exhibition on display.
USC USC your yourcultural culturalconnection connection
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For Formore moreinformation informationvisit visitwww.usc.edu www.usc.edu
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Report Says Homelessness Down 38% New Plan to House People Emerges as Study Finds Fewer Sleeping on Streets by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
D
espite the ongoing recession and soaring unemployment, a new study says that homelessness in Los Angeles County has decreased by 38% since 2007. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority conducted the count over three days in January, enlisting about 3,000 people to walk census tracts throughout the county (Glendale, Long Beach and Pasadena did their own counts). The study found that the number of people homeless on any given night in the region has shrunk from 68,808 to 42,694. Mike Arnold, executive director of LAHSA, hesitated to credit the reduction to any particular program or trend, but said the drop comes as public agencies have focused more on getting people housed than offering other stop-gap services. “We have really a remarkable group of agencies who have transformed themselves from making homelessness more comfortable to actually focusing on outcomes,” Arnold said. The biennial count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which uses the statistics as a guideline for distributing federal funds to support homeless services. The report is not complete: LAHSA is still analyzing its data, looking into changes specific to certain demographics and geographic areas in the city, including Skid Row. Hidden Families While many in the homeless services sector cheered the findings released on Wednesday, Oct. 28, others were skeptical of the report, specifically its claim that the number of homeless families has dropped from 16,643 in 2007 to 4,885 in 2009. Rev. Andy Bales, CEO of the Union Rescue Mission in Skid Row, said his facility has seen a significant increase in homeless families coming through its doors in the past two years. The mission, he said, served 493 homeless families in January 2009, up from 248 in January 2007. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services has seen an increase in homeless families participating in its CalWorks program, from about 5,700 in January 2007 to 7,900 in January 2009. “Any reduction of homelessness among individuals has been outpaced by families,” Bales said. “There’s no question in my mind.” Most of LAHSA’s data on families was attained via its “hidden homeless” survey, which involved more than 4,000 telephone interviews with random households in the county. Those were used to extrapolate a regional estimate. The data includes the numbers of homeless families staying at missions and shelters, among them the Union Rescue Mission, during the count, Arnold said. The Midnight Mission has also seen an increase in families, though not as dramatic as the Union Rescue Mission recorded, said Larry Adamson, president of the Midnight Mission. Arnold suggested that any discrepancy between the LAHSA count and traffic at the missions may be tied to the fact that Skid Row, though home to the highest concentration of homelessness in the region, represents a small slice of the greater Los Angeles pie that was surveyed. More families that were homeless in 2007 may also have found relatives to share space with, Arnold said. Big Reduction The LAHSA report was unveiled the same day that Bales and a coalition of homeless services providers, along with city and county officials, gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to initiate a new effort to rally faith communities. They hope to help reduce homelessness in Skid Row by 90% in three years. Religious organizations have long been involved in efforts to reduce homelessness, but Imagine L.A., a 3-year-old group that is teaming up with the Union Rescue Mission, wants Los Angeles churches, temples and mosques to know that food and clothing donations aren’t cutting it. Imagine L.A. aims to connect various faith “communities” in the region with one homeless family. Participating churches and other religious groups essentially adopt a homeless family and lend support, helping them through the affordable housing process and developing the skills to keep them off the streets. Jill Govan Bauman, Imagine L.A. president and CEO, said the program is an effort to have organizations do more than provide material goods. “We’re providing a safe environment for faith community volunteers to get involved in solution charity, to really be involved in changing peoples’ lives, not just giving them a coat,” said Govan Bauman. Imagine L.A. has walked one church/family partnership through its two-year program, and 12 other families are in various stages of the program, Govan Bauman said. Another 88 faith communities have signed on to be connected with a
family, and Govan Bauman said she expects the number to increase via the partnership with Union Rescue Mission. The plan was one of 10 components of the larger effort detailed by Bales to reach the 90% reduction in homelessness by 2012. But the linkage with Imagine L.A. may have been the only immediately tangible piece of the plan: Also cited as components were getting away from a mindset that treats the homeless as statistics and urging the county to expand its Project 50 program, which has sought to house 50 of the area’s most vulnerable homeless individuals, to Project 500. “I don’t think its over optimistic,” Bales said. “To reduce it by 100% might be a little over optimistic.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
Andy Bales, CEO of the Union Rescue Mission, is spearheading a new project he hopes will reduce the homeless population of Skid Row by 90% in three years.
photo by Gary Leonard
November 2, 2009
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November 2, 2009
DowntownNews.com
EDITORIALS Work to Keep SCI-Arc in Downtown
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he news that the Southern California Institute of Architecture is looking at alternatives to its current home in the Arts District raises serious concerns for Downtown. The school has played an important role in the revitalization the community has enjoyed in the past decade, thanks to the creative base provided by its 500 students and the associated professors, administrators and other employees. Local business and political officials should come forward sooner rather than later to ensure that a solution can be found to keep SCI-Arc in its Downtown Los Angeles home. This is not to induce unnecessary alarm. School officials have not said that SCI-Arc, which relocated from Marina Del Rey to Downtown in 2000, will vacate the quarter-mile former freight depot when its lease expires in 2010. At this point, they have only said they are exploring options. Those include another home in Downtown, a school somewhere else in the region, or even triggering the first of the three 3-year options to extend the Arts District lease. In many similar instances, this would barely be worth noting. Businesses approaching the end of a lease often “threaten” to look elsewhere; it is a sometimes-effective deal-making ploy, and in a soft commercial real estate market like the current one, many tenants use a high vacancy rate to negotiate
better terms for themselves. Two things set this situation apart. The first is the stormy relationship that SCI-Arc has endured with its landlord, Meruelo Maddux Properties. Past disputes became contentious when the landlord fenced off a lot that SCI-Arc staff and students were using for parking and floated plans to build two 40-story towers near the school. Things have calmed down since then, but the past mistrust means that getting the parties to agree on terms may be more difficult than in other cases. The second complicating factor is that Meruelo Maddux has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and that the debt for SCI-Arc’s properties (and other plots) has been purchased by a Pasadena-based developer and investor. With foreclosure a possibility, another level of uncertainty is at play. If things were to deteriorate, and if SCI-Arc were to depart, the results for the Arts District would be significant. Although the area for decades has housed pioneering creative types (who, by the way, set up in lofts before the word became slang for almost any residence with exposed ducts), it took the combination of SCI-Arc’s arrival and the general Downtown residential upswing to usher in real change. Many housing
complexes, restaurants and retail establishments in the community can trace their arrival to the energy and economic boost provided, in part, by SCI-Arc. They rely on the school’s students and staff (among others) to pay their own bills. It is also difficult to imagine what other communityfriendly entity might deem the former freight depot on Santa Fe Avenue an appropriate home. The low-slung, century-old edifice provides a litany of challenges for potential developers. The best type of tenant might be the one already there — a school whose raison d’être is to work with and create solutions in the physical environment. The worst scenario would be to have the structure sit empty for an extended period. SCI-Arc officials have voiced a desire to own a home. Perhaps that is an option here, or maybe another long-term lease will be achieved. Whatever the case, it makes sense to begin working on it now, and it makes even more sense for those with an interest in seeing Downtown get even better to help out. The difficult past relationship could make a new deal long, difficult or potentially impossible. One cannot assume things will work themselves out, and it is better to nail it down now and help secure the neighborhood’s future than risk seeing a result that no one wants.
Entertainment Center, and a Business Boost Too
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here is no arguing that Anschutz Entertainment Group has improved Downtown Los Angeles. The company opened Staples Center in 1999 and the majority of the L.A. Live campus last year. Early in 2010, the $900 million Convention Center headquarters hotel will debut. Despite all this activity, some of the population — both within and beyond the community — rarely, if ever, visits that part of Downtown. Plenty of people don’t care about basketball, hockey or big-name music acts, and they may have avoided the restaurants and clubs of L.A. Live, preferring their usual haunts. The image of the traffic alone is daunting to some. But with Regal Cinemas, the newest addition to L.A. Live, Downtown boasts something it has lacked for decades. It may even lure some of those who currently stay away from the area. The new 14-screen multiplex theater is a fabulous addition to Downtown Los Angeles. It provides area workers, residents and visitors with something that is taken for granted in many
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
other neighborhoods. No longer will people have to drive out of Downtown to enjoy what is perhaps the country’s most common and most popular form of entertainment. AEG and Regal merit congratulations for taking the business risk and making the investment. This will allow Downtowners to do what so many people in other areas do without thinking twice: combine dinner and a movie, or movie and a coffee, without having to get in the car a second time. It is also good for businesses outside of L.A. Live in that it adds to momentum and creates mind share for Downtown. There is another benefit: AEG and Regal officials are making an aggressive push to host red-carpet premieres. These garner attention for the area (think the kind of buzz Downtown gets every time a Lakers game is broadcast from Staples Center) and generate additional business, especially when the films are followed by opening parties. While Downtown celebrates the debut of the new mov-
ie house, there is one downside: the end of the line for the now-closed Laemmle Grande 4-Plex in the Marriott hotel on Figueroa Street. Naturally, the aging theater would not have been able to compete with the glistening new facility. But with its screens dark, it is worth remembering that Laemmle was there long ago, giving Downtown a movie option, even when crowds were slim. The new complex is very much welcomed at the same time that Laemmle will be pleasantly remembered.
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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writErs: Anna Scott, Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jeff Favre, Michael X. Ferraro, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins ProductioN AssistANt / EvENt coordiNAtor: Claudia Hernandez PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Vandervort AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Robert Dutcher, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway, Tam Nguyen, Kelley Smith circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles. It is also distributed to the extended urban communities of Glendale, Hollywood, Wilshire Center, Los Feliz, Silver Lake & Larchmont Village.
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Sports Arena Continued from page 1 Hockey’s Los Angeles Kings played 14 games at the Sports Arena in their initial season in 1967, before joining the Lakers at the Forum, owner Jack Kent Cooke’s new arena in Inglewood. The NBA’s San Diego Clippers moved to Los Angeles in 1984 and played their first game at the Sports Arena on Dec. 1. They remained there until May 5, 1999, when they joined the Lakers and Kings at Staples Center. The tenant with the longest tenure was the basketball team from nearby USC, which played at the arena from 1959 until moving into its own facility, the Galen Center, in 2006. The Trojans’ rival, the UCLA Bruins, divided their time between the Sports Arena and an on-campus gym from 1959 until Pauley Pavilion was completed in 1965. Both schools’ women’s teams also played there. Good Sight Lines Like the rest of Exposition Park, the Sports Arena is owned and overseen by a partnership of the state, county and city. When it debuted, it was the largest arena in Los Angeles, eclipsing the Fairfax area’s Pan-Pacific Auditorium, which had a capacity of 6,000. The Sports Arena, in contrast, can seat 16,000 for basketball, a few hundred more for boxing. Aside from sports, the venue may be best known for its association with Springsteen — one 1984 concert in support of his Born in the U.S.A. album lasted four hours — and the British band, Pink Floyd, which had a five-night stand there in 1975. According to one source, the building, designed by Welton Becket and Associates, could have had a significantly different appearance. Greg Nelson, the retired head of the Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, was chief of staff to former Second District City Councilman Joel Wachs when Staples Center was proposed. “That got us looking back at how the Sports Arena was built,” Nelson said recently. “One early proposal called for it to be built entirely underground, with nothing but parking visible at ground level. I gather that idea didn’t go.” Nelson said he has heard rumblings about how the arena “is antiquated,” but notes, “There’s almost no real discussion about getting rid of it because it’s still a money maker. It’s not old enough or unique enough to be considered quaint and there are no luxury boxes, but it still works.” He believes other factors contributed to a desire to build what later became Staples Center. “These days, naming rights are vital,” Nelson said. “And you have this in places like Staples Center and the Nokia Theatre, plus there’s revenue sharing and greater exposure from being in a central location, something you can see from the [Harbor] freeway.” Margaret Farnum, the retired chief administrative officer of the Coliseum Commission, calls the arena “completely viable.” “It’s old,” she said, “and that’s the biggest thing against it. But it offers the best sight lines of any arena I know. A few years ago, I read about a drive to get Seattle a new sports arena. One city official asked, ‘Where is it guaranteed that a city will get a new arena every 30 years at the city’s cost?’ And I had to agree. It’s still comfortable. It was built to last this long and longer.” Arena Digest, a trade publication, featured the Sports Arena in a 2008 report, calling it “endangered,” along with about 25 other arenas. It said “there’s not a lot of passion either way” about the Exposition Park facility, and that many critics have regarded it as “bland.” Welcome Rockalifornia The Lakers, Clippers and Kings play home games three miles north on Figueroa. Pink Floyd has disbanded, and The Who and Rolling Stones exist only as nostalgia acts. But the Sports Arena, following a major seismic and cosmetic renovation seven years ago, survives with a mix of religious conventions, Latino cultural and sports events, reggae festivals, high school graduation ceremonies and prep basketball tournaments. Lee said the arena is booked “about 150 to 160 dates per year.” Movie studios have taken advantage of the arena, from the 1973 classic Soylent Green, Edward G. Robinson’s final film, to Will Ferrell’s 2007 skating satire Blades of Glory. Want something more exotic? It also was the site of the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament. It will be the location of “Monster Massive,” an Oct. 31 electronic music festival, and the Nov. 29 Rockalifornia Fest ’09, a Spanish-language heavy metal concert bringing together such bands as Hazel, Anabantha, Interpuesto and the impossible-to-pronounce Lvzbel. Lee agrees with Farnum that the arena remains viable because of its “great sight lines.” A lack of major concert bookings in the future has more to do, he said, with trends in the industry than any dissatisfaction with the venue: “They just don’t book months or years in advance any more.” One other example shows how the venerable arena has kept up with the times. It regularly hosts naturalization ceremonies for new citizens. Entry for the newest Americans and their families is free, but parking adjacent to the building costs $20.
photo by Gary Leonard
Then-Vice President Richard Nixon was on hand for the dedication of the 16,000-seat building on July 4, 1959. A painting and plaque in the arena’s south foyer commemorate the event.
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El Pueblo to Get New Monument Memorial to Pay Tribute to East L.A. Native and Other War Heroes by RichaRd Guzmán
been erected. Although work has begun, some have questioned whether the project has received the proper approvals. In a letter to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Jean Bruce Poole and Frank Damon, co-presidents of the El Pueblo Park Association, an organization formed in 1982 to promote El Pueblo, said the project apparently has not received a green light from the department’s Board of Commissioners. They also asked if an Environmental Impact Report was prepared and if the project meets conditions set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act. Ruiz said the current phase of construction is allowed, and that the future, larger memorial will require an EIR. “The final phase is a much bigger footprint,” she said. The Obregon Foundation has gone before the commission several times, and received approval for the project about eight years ago, she said. Officials with El Pueblo did not return calls for comment. David Louie, a member of the board of commissioners, would only say that the project has not received a final approval from the commission. Worth the Wait Lansford, who watched as the digging started last week, said building the monument has been a long and difficult task, but is well worth it to honor men who fought for their country. “We’ve been working on this for years… and are going to get this done because they need to be recognized for their sacrifices,” he said. “People should understand that Latinos have contributed substantially, including their lives and limbs, to the welfare of this country.” Huizar, whose 14th District includes El Pueblo, is a strong supporter of the monument. “It’s easy for us in our day-to-day lives to forget the sacrifices that brave men and women have made to protect our freedoms as Americans,” he said via email. “This memorial will be a physical reminder of those sacrifices and a tribute to true heroes of our society.” Even before the monument, Obregon’s achievements
city editoR
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ity crews last week began digging at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument to build a $1 million memorial that will pay tribute to soldiers whose feats of bravery earned them the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ultimately, it will bestow a special tribute on a man from East Los Angeles. On Monday, Oct. 26, earth movers began excavating a threefoot deep, 30-foot long trench at Father Serra Park, at the corner of Los Angeles and Alameda Streets, across the street from Olvera Street. The memorial, called the Wall of Honor, will contain the names of all Congressional Medal of Honor recipients since the award’s creation by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. About 3,000 names will be inscribed. The wall is part of the Eugene A. Obregon Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial Monument. In addition to recognizing Obregon, who saved a fellow soldier during the Korean War, it will also honor the 40 Latino recipients of the medal, said William Douglas Lansford, a WWII and Korean War veteran and founder of the Eugene A. Obregon CMH Memorial Foundation, the monument builders. The wall will be unveiled in December. Lansford said the final piece of the memorial will be a 20-foot tall structure. Bronze figures will depict Obregon and a fellow soldier, Bert M. Johnson. Question of Approvals Obregon was a 19-year-old Marine who, in a battle against a North Korean platoon, saved the life of Johnson before being shot and killed himself. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Lansford said he hopes the larger part of the memorial will open next ear. However, that timeline may be ambitious, said Cynthia Ruiz, president of the city’s Board of Public Works, who has worked with the nonprofit to facilitate the process. While the foundation has been working on the memorial for more than 10 years, it still needs to raise the bulk of the $1 million for the final phase of the project. Only about $60,000 has been secured, paying for the wall and some flags that have
photo by Richard Guzmán
Williams Lansford, founder of the Eugene A. Obregon CMH Memorial Foundation, is raising funds for a monument to honor Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
earned him several honors. He was the first Marine to have a ship in the Navy named after him; the SS Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon, which transports supplies for the military. Heroic Actions A July 2001 issue of Leatherneck Magazine of the Marines provides the details of Obregon’s heroic actions. While serving as an ammunition carrier for a machine gun squad, Obregon saw fellow Marine Johnson get shot. He ran to his aid and tried to pull him to safety while firing back at Korean troops with a pistol. As Korean troops approached, he picked up Johnson’s machine gun. As he positioned his body to shield Johnson’s, he began to fire again. When he ran out of bullets Obregon pulled a grenade and threw it at the enemy. At that point he was shot and killed. According to the article, before Obregon died, other Marines at the scene said they saw him say something to Johnson. After Johnson regained his health, he said that Obregon told him, “‘Bert, if we’re going down, we’ll go down fighting like Marines.’” Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
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Freshjive Continued from page 1 “This company’s definitely going to have growth in the next two, three years,” said Klotz, though he shrugs off questions about sales predictions. His plan to make over Freshjive, he said, is “definitely the biggest thing I’ve ever done. I don’t know how it’s going to turn out.” Building a Brand Klotz started Freshjive in 1989, when he was a 22-year-old graphic design and illustration major at Otis College of Art and Design (known then as Otis-Parsons). A San Fernando Valley native, his style was a meeting of “a white B-boy and a guy who’s into fashion.” “I wore the same pants I’m wearing now, oversized 501 Levis,” Klotz recalled. “I had short hair with sideburns, and I wore a snap back baseball cap sitting very high on my head, and a baggy T-shirt.” Klotz now sports a shaved head, seems to favor thin T-shirts over his jeans and sneakers and speaks in thoughtful, serious tones liberally peppered with obscenities. Upon first meeting, he comes across as supremely confident yet also reserved, almost standoffish. Until, that is, the subject turns to certain Freshjive projects — like an ad campaign featuring some intimate and bizarre snapshots of strangers, purchased at a flea market, or a series of T-shirts skewering pop-punk bands like Blink-182 and Sum 41. Once those topics comes into play Klotz gestures animatedly and warms up. He’ll eagerly describe a photo of a woman’s eaglethemed living room or laugh over his feud with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Klotz keeps a steady supply of produce on
his desk, which appears devoid of personal mementos. During separate interviews, a banana, a small container of blueberries, an apple and a cucumber were there at different times. He prefers light snacks throughout the day to sitting down for full meals. Klotz’s business philosophy today is not dissimilar from when he started the company two decades ago, though his goals have evolved. He originally conceived Freshjive as a sort of art project that would combine his interests in music, fashion and board sports, among other things. His first T-shirts were mostly bright, bold parodies like the Tide graphic, or one playing off of 7-Eleven’s Big Gulp. Other designs combined skateboarding and surf-inspired gear with hip-hop style, an aesthetic that came to define the casual clothing category known as streetwear. The brand stood out right away for its unique look, and retailers snatched it up. Bill Hebner was one of Freshjive’s early buyers. Hebner, who like Klotz is now 42, at the time managed the pioneering Newport Beach surf and skate shop Jack’s Surfboards. “I had, like, my own shop within the shop, because I lived at the beach but I didn’t like the surf lifestyle,” said Hebner, who has stylishly spiky hair and drops a casual “like” or two into most sentences. “I’d go to the beach wearing leather jackets and leopard-print trunks.” They became friends, and Hebner joined Freshjive as business manager the year it started. He used his retail connections to get the fledgling company’s designs into small skate and surf shops. Sales were so strong that Klotz dropped out of school to work on Freshjive full-time. Klotz and Hebner partnered with Klotz’s father, Jorge, who ran a small garment con-
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Designer Mark Wiesmayr, shown here with another Freshjive employee, joined the company this year, and is helping push Klotz away from the previous focus on streetwear.
tracting company out of the squat, unmarked, 10,000-square-foot building at 1317 S. Olive St. that now houses Freshjive. Jorge gave his son space to work in and helped manage the company’s finances. By 1993, Freshjive was entering its heyday. Shops devoted to streetwear were flourishing, Hebner said, and Freshjive was at the forefront of the trend, creating T-shirts, baggy pants, hooded sweatshirts, caps and shoes, among other gear. The clothes were transitioning by then into simpler, more streamlined designs, though Freshjive continued to put out eye-catching graphics, often featuring the company name in unusual lettering. The brand made it into big surf- and skate-wear chain stores such as Pacific Sunwear and The Buckle. At its height, Freshjive recorded close to $14 million in annual sales. Even at its apex, however, Freshjive’s staff was never much larger than the approximately 15 employees it has today. Despite its few big accounts and expansion into the international market, the label’s bread and butter remained mom and pop sports shops. Klotz also controlled every creative aspect of Freshjive and its various sub-labels. “Our goal was always to be in the coolest shops, no matter what other distribution maneuvers we made,” said Hebner. To that end, he said, at trade shows catering to retail buyers, where most clothing companies occupied booths, Klotz would conceal his wares inside a black box with a door. “If someone came to the booth and said, ‘Hey, do you know where Freshjive is,’ if we weren’t interested in them we would say no, we don’t know where it is,” said Hebner. “We were always conscious of not selling out.” Klotz admits that he might not have seen the big picture back then. “I just thought the good times would never
end,” he said. “I don’t think at times I had the savviest knowledge to do things at the appropriate time and would just do it my way. We were offered a lot of money for the company in the mid-90s and we didn’t take it.” Ups and Downs Klotz was born in Hollywood and grew up in Van Nuys and Northridge. While his father ran the clothing business, his mother took care of the family and the home. Klotz has a younger sister, Diane. He began to think of fashion as a form of rebellion in his first years of high school, when he was an avid skateboarder enraptured with the local punk scene. By his late teens, Klotz had hustled his way into work designing flyers and painting murals for L.A. nightclubs. His various obsessions, from skateboarding and surfing in the early days to punk rock, hip hop, vinyl records, photography, books and cultural rebels have always inspired Klotz’s designs more than a passion for clothing itself. Today, he lives alone in West Hollywood (though a cousin from Costa Rica is staying with him temporarily to study design). Outside of work, he said, “I don’t associate too much with other people in the clothing business. It’s boring.” Ask Klotz how he spends his spare time and he’ll describe an impromptu visit he took this year to the Devil’s Rope barbed wire museum in McLean, Texas. He went after becoming fascinated by a book on the subject, and plans to incorporate barbed wire-inspired designs into next season’s graphics. “I’m kind of a vagabond,” said Klotz. “I like to discover new things in the world and I’m always looking for something different. And if I can turn it into something work-related, I do.” That sense of the creative and the eclectic is evidenced in Klotz’s office, a cluttered ground-floor room with one large, opaque
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Downtown News 9
DowntownNews.com Klotz took a break from his travels to return to Los Angeles. While in town, his father suddenly seemed sick. “He wasn’t feeling well and I picked him up from his visit to the hospital and that was it,” Klotz said. “I dropped him off at my mom’s house, had dinner, left and got the call in the middle of the night.” Jorge had died of a heart attack. He was 67. It became a time of decision for Klotz. He had left the business with no plans to return. But he soon realized that, even if he wanted to, Freshjive was in no shape to sell off. “I couldn’t go bankrupt; that wasn’t a choice for me,” he said. “So I just had to put the work in.” He hired his sister, Diane, who had worked under their father for a few years, to take over the finances, and he buckled down. Almost immediately, Klotz generated a fresh wave of attention when he created T-shirts parodying the graffiti-style logo of streetwear giant Stussy and got sued for copyright infringement. The legal tangle was settled in 2005. Though he
photo by Gary Leonard
Freshjive business manager Bill Hebner was one of the first retailers to buy Freshjive products. He soon joined the company, and has been with it for 20 years.
window and a couch strewn with clothes and magazines. A skateboard leans in one corner; shelves hold a mix of records and literature, from The Vietnam Experience book series to a plastic-encased edition of the smutty but politically minded 1960s weekly magazine Screw. Klotz recently tracked down Screw founder Al Goldstein (“he’s kind of down and out,” Klotz said) and obtained permission to create a series of T-shirts based on the magazine’s illustrations. The shirts debuted this year. The Freshjive brand also spills into facets beyond clothes, reflecting Klotz’s scattered interests: The company website has a radio feature and a blog focused on social and political issues called The World’s Got Problems; there was a 2004 book, The Freshjive Propagandist, featuring a mishmash of writing and art. Klotz also owns Reserve, a 3-year-old store on Fairfax Avenue, which carries vintage books in addition to his clothes. “He’s not in it for the business,” said Sam Arellano, head of the brand strategy firm Graphite. Arellano has known Klotz for years and ran Freshjive’s now-defunct Santa Monica flagship store in the mid-90s. “He’s in it for the creative expression,” Arellano added. “A lot of people look at it from the outside and don’t necessarily understand it.” Still, Klotz has demonstrated an uncanny knack for marketing, and in its boom days Freshjive acquired an aura of rebellion that resulted in buzz and sales. In the mid-1990s, for example, Klotz created a stir by casting an adult film star in a small print ad. It came about, he said, after the magazine running the ad suggested he add a woman to the spread. “It had nothing to do with the clothes,” Klotz said, “but my God, it got so much response. So we said, let’s keep it going.” On the flipside, Klotz’s impulsiveness and refusal to follow trends has also been his occasional undoing. The company’s sales tumbled briefly in the late 1990s, when Klotz suddenly decided to blend his signature looks with a more stylish, fashion-forward approach. “After we got really popular, we got bored of the styling,” said Hebner. “Rick was like, OK, we’re going to make our line more fashionable. We had a leather pullover hoodie at the time. Most people didn’t buy it.” Traveling and Surfing After recovering from that blip, Freshjive was on an upswing. But by 2003, Klotz found himself questioning everything he had done professionally. “I was this kid at 22 who got a lot of fame fast because of the business,” he said. “That was cool, but I’m real analytical about life and your place in the world. I started thinking… “On the one hand, I like being creative and making stuff, but on the other, I’m contributing to this notion that you should wear our clothes if you really want to be somebody in the world. That really started getting to me, because that’s not right, and I’m not that way. I don’t buy clothes for the name brand or my status.” So six years ago, Klotz quit Freshjive. He put the company in the hands of his father and Hebner and spent his time traveling and surfing. He went to Costa Rica, Cuba and Mexico, among other locales. The change in Freshjive’s products was obvious immediately, said Dominick DeLuca, owner of the skateboard and streetwear shop Brooklyn Projects and a friend of Klotz’s. “He was the face of Freshjive,” said DeLuca. “Once he stopped doing it, it just became like every other brand. Freshjive used to come up with its own unique pieces and designs, but then it was just doing what was going on in the marketplace.” With Klotz away, Freshjive’s sales plummeted. In 2004,
lost, the fight seemed to invigorate Klotz and set the tone for the controversial, message-oriented graphics he has focused on in recent years, from an image of Jesus with one arm around a choirboy to a shirt picturing Palestinian child soldiers. “I had the best time defending myself, even though I lost $100,000,” he said of the Stussy affair. “Here they are suing me, and it was like, an obvious example of what I’m criticizing in this business: Everybody’s got their little different style and smoke and mirrors, but it’s basically saying to me that all those brands, it’s really all the same [stuff].” Four Lines Mark Wiesmayr, a gangly, affable Australian with thinning blond hair, pulled on a grayish blue, crushed nylon windbreaker-style jacket and snapped it shut. “I love it,” he said. “It’s going to be hilarious!” The jacket is a sample piece for Warriors of Radness, an upscale, surf-inspired clothing line. It is also part of the anticipated see Freshjive, page 10
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DowntownNews.com
Continued from page 9 comeback — Klotz is preparing four labels for spring 2010. Wiesmayr, 47, who has worked at Levi’s and headed the denim company Tsubi, joined Freshjive last month to help create next spring’s looks. He has known Klotz for 15 years and is the first outside designer to work at Freshjive since the early ’90s. On a recent afternoon inside his paper- and fabric-strewn workspace in the Olive Street building, Wiesmayr picked up a stack of faded GQ magazines from the 1970s and ’80s, tabbed with neon green Post-Its. A young Kurt Russell graced a cover near the top of the pile. “For Warriors, these are my bibles,” said Wiesmayr. He opened one and flipped through the pages, pausing to point out a large, partly mesh T-shirt. “Horrible!” he said gleefully, “but we’ll make it contemporary.” Wiesmayr and Klotz are also collaborating on Gonz, a “fun, ironic surf label,” Wiesmayr said, envisioned as a lowerpriced, more casual counterpart to Warriors. The line will be sold at Urban Outfitters (among other outlets), new territory for Klotz. The third label in the works, RMK, is a 1950s-influenced collection that includes bomber jackets, classically fitted jeans with visible seams and collared, button-down shirts with clean lines. All of the RMK denim pieces and T-shirts will be manufactured at the Freshjive factory, while most of the other clothes are made overseas in countries including China, said Hebner. The most significant project is a new incarnation of the Freshjive label itself. Klotz’s signature brand, he said, will look completely different come next spring. Wiesmayr has been key to the push to break Freshjive out of the streetwear box.
the
Freshjive
“I’m introducing him to a lot of new thinking,” Wiesmayr said. Gone will be streetwear hallmarks like square pockets and boxy, baggy shapes. Freshjive 2010 will be fused with more contemporary men’s fashion, morphing into fitted styles and refined fabrics. The evolution fits, Wiesmayr said, not only with Klotz’s personal preferences, but a larger shift in the marketplace: The kind of streetwear popular in the ’90s, he and other fashion insiders said, is dead. Freshjive Without Freshjive The biggest change consumers will see in Freshjive has nothing to do with fit. Along with the redesigned look, Freshjive items will no longer bear any logos or other markers identifying the brand. Not on the outside of the garments, not on the interior labels, and not even on the Freshjive website. The move is unprecedented for a label that pioneered streetwear, a genre built around branding. “The risk is losing everything; that people don’t care,” Hebner said. “But it’s time. Are we going to do a rehash of our old graphics, which is standard in the industry, try to relive what we started, or do the next?” Going label-free, while risky, could become its own form of marketing and push Freshjive back into the spotlight, some observers say. Arellano of Graphite, who consulted with Klotz on the nologo concept, pointed out that Absolut Vodka is currently testing label-free bottles. “It’s not something that necessarily hasn’t been done,” he said, “the subversive branding and pushback of labeling. I know there’s people in their early to mid-30s that don’t want branding anywhere on their clothes.” Freshjive has seen a rash of publicity since announcing the move. It has also garnered new interest from retailers, including at the large Agenda Trade Show in Huntington Beach in July.
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Klotz has learned a lot in his decades of running Freshjive. “I don’t think at times I had the savviest knowledge to do things at the appropriate time and would just do it my way. We were offered a lot of money for the company in the mid-90s and we didn’t take it,” he said.
“Talking to some stores, the brand they were talking about was Freshjive,” said DeLuca. “It made people look at Freshjive that wouldn’t have two, three seasons ago, and they bought it.” Klotz acknowledges the commercial possibilities of removing Freshjive’s logos. But like the 22-year-old college student who, almost accidentally, founded a booming streetwear company, he seems more excited by its creative potential. “It’s kind of an anti-marketing thing as a form of marketing, yes,” he said, pausing, a serious look on his face. “But I think not having a brand name on it anymore gives us almost a clean slate as far as where we can go with the direction of the company. Take the name off, and nobody knows where you came from.” Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
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Downtown News 11
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Metro Briefs Eight New Metro Rail Stations Open November 15
Come celebrate the return of rail to East LA with community festivities and free rides on the Edward R. Roybal Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension on Sunday, November 15. The six-mile extension serves the Little Tokyo/Arts District, Boyle Heights, East LA and links to the existing Gold Line to Pasadena. Find out more at metro.net.
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.
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12 Downtown News
November 2, 2009
Office Parties
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t’s almost never too late to plan a holiday party. Really. Others may have begun organizing events weeks or even months ago, but with a little help you still can pull together something your office mates will talk about next year. The later it is, however, the more flexibility you need. Los Angeles Downtown News spoke with four Downtown restaurant and party planning experts on the secrets to making a last-minute office party seem like one you’ve been putting your best effort into for months. We asked each of them the same 10 questions to get advice on everything from menus to alcohol. While their answers differed, they all agreed that, if you’re willing to be open, you can make it work.
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November 2, 2009
Downtown News 13
Office Parties
photo courtesy of Chaya Restaurants
Try-a Chaya Japanese-French Food Gives the Holiday Party a Unique Twist by Anna Scott staff writer
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haya Downtown, the newest addition to the 25-yearold Chaya chain, opened just seven months ago, but is already booking numerous office holiday parties, said general manager Jeff Haber. However, he added, it is not too late to take advantage of the restaurant’s Japanese-French menu.
Los Angeles Downtown News: The holiday party season starts this month. With little time left to book, how can you still pull off a successful event? Jeff Haber: I would say it’s an interesting season Downtown because there are a lot of options and excellent ones. But having said that, we’re booking out. The things that are going to make it easiest for the person stuck with the honor of coordinating the party for the office are to have a good sense of the budget and a couple of options date-wise. The more flexible you are, the less grief you’ll have. Q: If you’ve waited this long, what is the key to making it work? Do you have to lose some things you may have wanted? A: I think the more you can, approach with an open mind. For example, we have an interesting setting here with our patio and dining room. It’s a hybrid indoor-outdoor space, so I always ask my guests to come and stand in it with me to see what it’s like, because it’s different than a traditional indoor event. If you think very traditionally you’re probably going to miss out on some stuff that will be fun and give you more options. Q: With the economy still a mess and many business owners fearful about spending too much, what can you do to have a fun office party while still watching costs? A: A lot of people are thinking of doing just cocktails and appetizers. We kind of joke that heavy appetizers are the new entree. That’s sometimes a good way to go, as opposed to a sit-down dinner. Then maybe you’re going to think about not quite as many options, and for the bar service, you can do it on consumption so you just pay as you go; you don’t pay for what you don’t drink.
Chaya, a new arrival on the Downtown scene, has indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for holiday parties.
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Q: At this relatively late point, is a full party realistic, or should someone be aiming for a holiday luncheon? A: Today I got four lunch inquiries and two others — one cocktail and one dinner. I think lunch is certainly going to be more cost-effective. Lunch is a quicker hit, it’s less of a commitment for everyone. Q: What have you seen that people are doing differently this year? A: We’ve only been open seven months, so I don’t really have any benchmark. In some of my conversations with my guests I have heard some companies say we’re not doing a party this year, or we’re doing it in our office. Q: What kind of food comes off best? A: I think stuff that’s light, that’s flavorful, interesting, well presented, inspired. We’ve been serving chicken Dijon for 25 years. A recent menu we did had a nice selection of traypassed appetizers: seared big eye tuna tataki on a crispy wonton; sweet soy-glazed beef skewers; steamed chicken Vietnamese rolls; and Buratta cheese on crostini. Then we had an organic salad that went down with goat cheese.
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS Q: How should you prepare for vegetarians? A: We always have it in mind. We own the macrobiotic M Café, and my executive chef is a certified macrobiotic chef. Q: What suggestions do you have regarding alcohol service at an office party? A: To have it. It’s a good way to go when you pay as you go. Just work within your budget. There’s so much great stuff going on in wine now that’s reasonably priced. Q: Dress up or casual attire? A: For us, it’s come as you are. Come in your Armani or Versace or come in your Ed Hardy. If you’re in flip-flops, you’re just as welcome as the guy in the $300 shoes. Q: When should I have started to plan this? A: I think you’re not too late. There are some people who like to get way ahead of the pack, and I did talk to people six weeks ago or even longer for a couple of the big law firms. But there are a lot of options if you get on it now. I wouldn’t wait much longer. Chaya Downtown is at 525 S. Flower St., (213) 236-9577 or thechaya.com. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
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14 Downtown News
November 2, 2009
Office Parties
Rockin’ Out Casual Meets Sophisticated at a South Park Wine Bar by Ryan VaillancouRt
Staff WRiteR he South Park wine bar Bottlerock is one of those places where you could spend a fortune for a bottle of wine with a rare vintage and a label in French. Or you could drop about $15 for something that still pleases. When it comes to the food for an office party, chef Jared Levy suggests the focus be on tray-passed hors d’oeuvres. No matter what you want in a holiday party, Bottlerock director of events Felicia Trujillo has good news — it’s not too late to get started.
T
Los Angeles Downtown News: The holiday party season starts this month. With little time left to book, how can you still pull off a successful event? Felicia Trujillo: In general, there are a lot of venues that still have room available because people change arrangements or cancel or reschedule. Weeknights are always a great option because there’s more flexibility and availability. If you do Friday, Saturday or Sunday, there will be more limitations or you’ll end up needing a little more money. Q: If you’ve waited this long, what is the key to making it work? Do you have to give some flexibility, lose some things you may have wanted? A: I think the worst thing you could do is compromise for a venue you really didn’t want in the first place. I don’t think it’s always wise to make a compromise because of budget. Let’s say you have your heart set on doing it at Bottlerock and you want the best wine and the best food and it’s slightly away from the budget. Rather than compromising with the
venue and go somewhere else, you can adjust the kind of food or wine you want, get creative and allow your event coordinator to get creative or suggest menu alternatives. Also look into off-hours; if you do it between lunch and dinner you’re going to save money because people aren’t going to be particularly hungry. If you do earlier versus late, people tend not to drink as much. Q: With the economy still a mess and many business owners fearful about spending too much, what can you do to have a fun office party while still watching costs? Jared Levy: The first thing that always cuts down cost is to do tray-passed hors d’oeuvres rather than sit down. A lot of places you book are going to charge wedding-type prices and doing tray pass allows people to try a large variety without paying too much, and allows people to mingle and have a more party-like atmosphere. Q: At this relatively late point, is a full party realistic, or should someone be aiming for a holiday luncheon? F.T.: I think a full party is absolutely realistic. And something to consider is, because of the economy and the way it’s been, a lot of people are booking last minute because they weren’t entirely sure in the spring or summer what their budgets would be. Q: What have you seen that people are doing differently this year? F.T.: They’re being creative and trying to cut costs. They may cut back or limit decor, or as opposed to high-end liquor and wine they’re
photo by Gary Leonard
At Bottlerock in South Park, an office party could go black tie or jeans.
doing more well known, less expensive labels. From full sit-down dinners to cocktail parties and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, I think people are just getting more casual, more family style, more relaxed. Q: What kind of food comes off best? J.L.: We have a menu but often we can turn our menu into tray pass. We have a falafel salad, which is prepared in a fine-dining style, but we can make it into an hors d’oeuvre. Just as well as any of the proteins: Prepare them similarly but put them on skewer or on crostini. If you want to make your own menu anywhere, you’re going to have to pay for it. But if a place is willing to downsize stuff already on their menu, it’s going to cost less. Q: How should you prepare for vegetarians? J.L.: Any restaurant should always have stuff on hand even if it’s stuff that usually accompanies the protein, as long as you change up the presentation. Usually we’ll keep something like tofu and tempeh on hand. Q: What suggestions do you have regarding
alcohol service at an office party? J.L.: If you have open bar, people go crazy. If you do more wine and beer, that always seems to keep the prices down. With wine and beer there are so many good choices that are at a pretty good cost. Q: Dress up or casual attire? F.T.: Depends on the party and the location. At Bottlerock, it’s not going to be black tie, but we have a courtyard we share with the Met Lofts so you could do a black tie cocktail party there. Q: When should I have started to plan this? F.T.: I don’t think it’s too late at all. I think if we were having this conversation at the end of November, it would be a different story. But sometimes when you do last minute you can get special deals because as you’re getting closer and nobody’s booking that date, the venue may say, “Let’s get this booked. What can we do to get this checked off our calendar?” Bottle Rock is at 1050 S. Flower St., (213) 747-1100 or bottlerock.net. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
November 2, 2009
Office Parties
Downtown News 15
Parties Bloom at Magnolia South Park Restaurant Specializes in Large Crowds by Richard Guzmán city editor
I
n South Park, most of the attention this year is directed toward L.A. Live. But just up the street, Magnolia restaurant is serving a classic American menu in a stylish but casual setting. Chelsea Labriole, the restaurant’s general manager, has a team of experienced professionals who can make a party happen, even with very little notice.
Los Angeles Downtown News: The holiday party season starts this month. With little time left to book, how can you still pull off a successful event? Answer: Getting 35 different entrees out for us is easy and we take care of everything. So yes, there’s still time. If someone gives us a certain budget we can work within that, or if they tell us they want to have something casual, like standing room only with appetizer and drinks, we can accommodate the request. Q: If you’ve waited this long, what is the key to making it work? Do you have to give some flexibility, lose some things you may have wanted? A: As long as we have the space available it’s no problem. They wouldn’t have to limit themselves or give anything up. Q: With the economy still a mess and many business owners fearful about spending too much, what can you do to have a fun office party while still watching costs? A: The menus we initially offer for bigger parties start at $35 per person and are
three-course meals. If people are looking for something a little less expensive there are several options. We can nix one of the courses. The entrees that we offer are also premium entrees like top-quality steak and fresh fish. If they want to do something cheaper we have burgers that are less expensive. We can also do something that’s family style where instead of everybody having their own entree, we do a bunch of different entrees. Then everyone can sample a little bit of what we have. Q: At this relatively late point, is a full party realistic, or should someone be aiming for a holiday luncheon? A: There’s still time for both and both are actually great choices. We really only need a week in advance to make sure we are staffed appropriately. Q: What have you seen that people are doing differently this year? A: With the economy a lot of people are really cutting costs. Most of the time the big corporations don’t really have a very strict budget to work with, but I noticed now people are calling and saying we can only spend $40 per person, but we would like to include alcohol so what can you do for us? We’re getting more of those types of questions. Q: What kind of food comes off best? A: Food like pork chops or roasted chicken take a really long time. Steak and fish are really easy to get out quick, so people can have something delicious and not wait half an hour.
photo by Gary Leonard
Even on short notice, the Magnolia staff can pull together a holiday party with a classic American menu.
Q: How should you prepare for vegetarians? A: I’m a vegetarian and I wouldn’t work here unless there was something I could eat every day. If someone is a vegan we let the server know, and if there isn’t something on the menu they can pick, we can substitute it. We have a vegetable plate, a veggie burger and a lot of our appetizers are vegetarian as well. Q: What suggestions do you have regarding alcohol service at an office party? A: If they have a long evening ahead, I would recommend cocktails. But if they want to do something to cut costs a little bit or be a little bit more time efficient, we can also do wine.
Q: Dress up or casual attire? A: I prefer the casual parties, I think they’re a little more fun and people don’t feel uptight. But we’ve done super high end before and that can also be really fun. Q: When should I have started to plan this? A: I think two weeks in advance is the best time to start. That way it gives us enough time to make sure everything they want is taken care of. Magnolia is at 825 W. Ninth St., (213) 362-0880 or magnoliala.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
16 Downtown News
November 2, 2009
Office Parties
Party in the Kitchen Maria’s Puts an Italian Spin On a Last-Minute Celebration by Richard Guzmán
be flexible to accommodate the customer.
city editor
I
talian food is always a popular option for an office celebration. One Downtown restaurant knows the cuisine so well that it has the word in its name — Maria’s Italian Kitchen. Austin Corbet, manager of the Financial District establishment, can help pull together a classic Italian meal for any last-minute holiday party.
Q: With the economy still a mess and many business owners fearful about spending too much, what can you do to have a fun office party while still watching costs? A: First you can keep your bar cost in check. Don’t do a full open bar, or just do a specific type of alcohol, or only non-alcoholic beverages or make it a cash bar.
Los Angeles Downtown News: The holiday party season starts this month. With little time left to book, how can you still pull off a successful event? Austin Corbet: Look for places that are within your budget and also look for places that aren’t packed all the time. Look for places that are still going to be accommodating for your space and have pre-set menus. If you find something that’s already structured, it makes it easier on you and easier on us.
Q: At this relatively late point, is a full party realistic, or should someone be aiming for a holiday luncheon? A: A big party is still realistic. You just have to make sure that you’re calling around for availability. Some of the smaller places are usually available and even the bigger, betterknown places are sometimes able to slip you in different time slots.
Q: If you’ve waited this long, what is the key to making it work? Do you have to give some flexibility, lose some things you may have wanted? A: We can work in any way, shape or form with the customer so there isn’t anything you would have to give up. Every restaurant should
Q: What have you seen that people are doing differently this year? A: I’ve seen a lot of slashed budgets. Normally budgets are twice as big as they are this year. So far we’ve seen four or five parties that have already booked with us that are being very careful on where they are spending their money. They’re not spending as much on the bar and more on food, making sure everyone
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is fed rather than wasted. Q: What kind of food comes off best? A: I find that the best foods are those that can be served buffet style, or those that are very simple and quick. Usually food like pastas work well because you’re sharing a large dish with everyone; it doesn’t take that long to cook and to serve. Appetizer platters also work really well, rather than ordering a full appetizer per person. Q: How should you prepare for vegetarians? A: There are so many items in our menu that are vegetarian. We do vegetarian lasagna, we do a pasta primavera, a risotto primavera with fresh seasonal vegetables that’s allowed to cook down so you get a really good flavor. Q: What suggestions do you have regarding alcohol service at an office party? A: I think it’s a good idea to serve alcohol; you just have to make sure it’s limited. For
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instance, we have a party here that chose to pay for everyone’s alcohol, but just out of the well. So instead of going premium or top shelf they’re going with well drinks. They’re watching their budget but everyone is still getting a drink. Q: Dress up or casual attire? A: Upscale casual is the best choice. It creates a different atmosphere; it’s a different feel and different aspect. You’re going to have a lot of people in business attire and it creates a different vibe. Everyone feels classy. Q: When should I have started to plan this? A: At the beginning of October, and make sure you know what you’re getting no later than Halloween. As soon as you know where you want to have the party, lock it in. Maria’s Italian Kitchen is at 615 Flower St., (213) 623-4777 or mariasitaliankitchen.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
November 2, 2009
Downtown News 17
DowntownNews.com
CALENDAR
The U nknown H istory
Productions of Deep Focus photo courtesy
photo courtesy of Deep Focus Productions
Exhibit Explores the Role of Chinese Players in American Movies
(from top left) The Belgian poster for the 1940 film The Phantom of Chinatown; a poster for the 1936 movie I Cover Chinatown portrays Chinatown as a mysterious, dark place; a photograph from the set of the 1944 film She’s My Gal. All are among the items on display at the Chinese American Museum as part of the exhibit Hollywood Chinese: The Arthur Dong Collection.
by AnnA Scott StAff writer
T
photo courtesy of the Chinese American Museum
shed some light on this unknown history, but also make it fun.” The exhibit, which is on display through next May, was conceived a few years ago, when Academy Award-nominated, ChineseAmerican documentarian Arthur Dong was finishing his film Hollywood Chinese, which explored the largely unknown, century-long
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history of the Chinese in Hollywood. Dong had been in touch with museum staff periodically while researching the documentary, and in 2006 the museum hosted an early screening of the film. That “planted the seed” for a companion museum exhibition, Dong said. Each item in Hollywood Chinese was se-
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he illustrated vintage movie posters, glossy black and white photographs and faded press booklets appear to comprise an eclectic and almost random collection of Hollywood memorabilia. But the items on display at Downtown’s Chinese American Museum are all part of a sprawling narrative that traces one giant subject: the history of Chinese and Chinese-American contributions to American movies. The exhibition Hollywood Chinese: The Arthur Dong Collection, which opened at the Los Angeles Street museum on Oct. 24, features more than 200 items highlighting Chinese actors, behind-the-scenes players and significant films portraying China or Chinese characters. The pieces on display spotlight films ranging from the 1937 movie The Good Earth, which featured a non-Asian lead actress wearing yellow face, to Roman Polanski’s 1974 classic Chinatown, which painted a dark and mysterious portrait of its namesake neighborhood, to Taiwan-born director Ang Lee’s Academy Award-winning 2005 feature Brokeback Mountain. “We want this show to be educational,” said Chinese American Museum Executive Director Pauline Wong. “We’re trying to
lected from a collection of more than 1,000 pieces of memorabilia that Dong amassed during his 10-year research phase. Dong, who helped curate the exhibit, said he did not aim to create an encyclopedic history of Chinese contributions in Hollywood, but rather “an examination of the first century of Hollywood history as seen through the lens of a dozen or so Chinese and Chinese American film artists — as well as some nonAsians who played Chinese in yellow face.” Still, he added, combing through his archives to distill such an exhaustive subject was a difficult process. “It’s like, ‘who’s your favorite kid?” Dong said. “We had to lock in the exhibit a month ago, and since then I’ve found even more stuff.” History in Pictures Hollywood Chinese sprawls over the museum’s second and third floors and a portion of the first floor. Items are displayed alongside text that includes quotes from Dong. The oldest pieces of memorabilia date back almost a century. Inside a glass case on the second floor, visitors can view images from the set of the 1916 film The Curse of Quon Gwon, which is the earliest known feature film directed by an Asian American, Marion Wong. In one photo, lead actress Violet Wong (the director’s sister-in-law) stands off to the side of an interior set, her hair in braids. Two other actresses in layered clothes and slippers and an actor sit nearby, flanking what looks like a wooden cabinet with an elaborate, painted floral design. Dong had heard of the film while researching his documentary, but could not find any record of it until he tracked down Violet Wong’s daughters. “Lo and behold, they had two reels of the film,” he said. Other items include a black and white photo of then-actor Ronald Reagan pointing a gun at an off-camera interloper while child actor Danny Chang clings to his leg (a still from the 1952 film Hong Kong). There is a press kit and poster for the 1961 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song (featuring crossover star Nancy Kwan) and an Oscar statuette on loan from cinematographer James Wong Howe for the 1955 film The Rose Tattoo. Some items appear random, like the illustrated posters for the forgotten 1960s Westerns Walk Like a Dragon and Rider on a Dead Horse displayed outside the secondfloor elevators. The films, Dong said, were included because they feature Chinese characters and were ahead of their time in terms of “talking seriously about racial issues.” There are also sections devoted to individual performers such as Nancy Kwan, Bruce Lee, Fu Manchu and Charlie Chan. Programs including panel discussions, book singings and film screenings will be offered over the next several months as part of the exhibition, museum officials said. Hollywood Chinese runs through May 30, 2010, at the Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St., (213) 485-8484 or camla.org. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
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18 Downtown News
November 2, 2009
DowntownNews.com
The Secret Garden Returns Hard-to-Find Japanese Oasis Reopens After Major Renovation by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
A
t the eastern end of the garden, a waterfall rushes down a cascade of stones, splashing and misting the fading golden leaves of a mini maple tree. A small stream forms and runs west, past verdant shrubs in countless shades of green, accented by a few cream camellia blossoms and wine-colored azaleas. Hummingbirds dart and pause, and other birds flit about constantly in the needles of a sculpted pine tree. This mini-oasis in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles is the Japanese Garden at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. The 30-year-old garden was closed for two years so it could undergo a $300,000 renovation. Though open to the public, the garden has always been overlooked by much of the Downtown populace. That continued with the reopening — it actually took place in March. This weekend, however, the JACCC is putting the secret garden in the spotlight. On Sunday, Nov. 8, officials will host a public opening ceremony, complete with guided tours, live traditional music and Zen archery demonstrations. “With a garden, you have to wait until it grows in,� said Chris Aihara, the center’s executive director, explaining why they waited eight months for the ceremony. “It just looks so much better.� Created in 1980 by landscape architect Takeo Uesugi, the garden the next year received the National Landscape Award from
the American Association of Nurserymen, the highest honor for environmental improvement and community beautification. The garden was adored by those who knew about it, though it was difficult to find from the street. But over the years, with public funds for cultural projects increasingly difficult to come by, the garden lost a lot of its luster. Armed with new funding from the James Irvine Foundation and a grant from the state Department of Recreation and Parks, the JACCC launched its renovation in the summer of 2007. Uesugi, the original landscape architect, oversaw the revamp. Symbolic Stream In its original form, the garden featured a walking path that encircled the plot, using quaint wooden bridges to traverse the winding stream. In the center, the garden undulated with grassy domes that were pleasing to look at but inaccessible, Aihara said. With the renovation, the center of the garden is now accessible via a new footpath. The grading of the walking path was reduced to better accommodate wheelchairs, she said. But the basic footprint and main features of the garden — the waterfall and stream — remain. The trickling water features are also the heart of the garden’s symbolism: Meant to evoke the evolving generations of Japanese Americans, the waterfall signifies the Issei, or first generation, and all its tribulations and battles against prejudice. As the waterfall turns into a stream, it flows to a fork and splits around a center island, reflecting the Nissei, or second generation, and
photos by Gary Leonard
The revamped Japanese Garden at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is free and open to the public. It recently underwent a $300,000 renovation.
its cultural and political challenges felt during the World War II era, Aihara said. Finally, the divergent streams come together and rest in a calm pool, representing peace and hope for the Sansei (third), and future generations. Although the garden has not drawn a lot of attention, Ellie Viray, director of the JACCC’s facilities services, said some people are finding it.
“We see people who come and sit for a long time,� Viray said. “Lots of couples.� The opening celebration is at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. The garden is free and open to the public Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday by appointment. The JACCC is at 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-2725 or jaccc.org. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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November 2, 2009
LISTINGS
SponSored LiStingS Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live Grand Opening 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., lalive.com/regal. Nov. 2: The new Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14 continues its screenings of Michael Jackson’s This Is It through Nov. 10. And on Nov. 2, the venue hosts a free movie night, available to all on a first-come-first-serve 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.
History, Literature, Humorous Rock N’ Roll And Housing Talk
Wednesday, november 4 SCI-Arc Lecture Series 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5328 or sciarc.edu. In the W. M. Keck Lecture Hall. 7 p.m.: The school presents a talk by Toshiko Mori, the principal of Toshiko Mori Architect, which she established in 1981 in New York City. Mori has been recognized for her strong researchbased approach to design. She is currently preparing her next publication: Textile Tectonic in Architecture. ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Aloud curator Louise Steinman talks with acclaimed scholar, historian, and memoirist Eva Hoffman. From jet-lag to aging to cryogenic freezing, Hoffman offers an eye-opening look beyond the clock. REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800, redcat.org. 8:30 p.m.: Alpert Award-winning choreographers Stephan Koplowitz, Joanna Haigood and David Rousseve, discuss how site — a particular natural, architectural or cultural environment — inspires dance and how film can document the process and product of site-specific dance.
Friday, november 6 Farmlab Public Salons 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org. Noon: Considering the ways in which the relationship between finance, consumption and housing significantly shaped the Inland Empire, Juan de Lara and Aaron Chappell will present a brief history of land, housing, and boom/bust real estate cycles and discuss current organizing efforts to reshape the social, economic, and physical landscape in that area.
The hills (Bunker Hill, that is) are alive with the sound of music! The Los Angeles Philharmonic is busy this week with a series of performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall. First up, a program of chamber music, with two compositions by Beethoven and, after intermission, Brahms’ Second Piano Quartet. The performance is Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m. Then, from ThursdaySunday, it’s one of the highlights of the young season, with Gustavo Dudamel conducting the orchestra in Verdi’s “Requiem,” a musical setting of the Roman Catholic funeral mass complete with four singers. Performances are Nov. 5-7 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.
photo by Elena Seibert
Thursday, november 5 MOCA Grand Avenue 250 S. Grand Ave., visit moca.org. 7 p.m.: For the third installment of their threemonth Engagement Party residency at MOCA, artist collective Slanguage presents Brutalism: A Dance Performance featuring Dub City Tribe. The performance will examine the implications of Brutalism, a mid-20th-century architectural style characterized by massive or monolithic forms, usually of poured concrete and typically unrelieved by exterior decoration, within the context of Southern California’s urban landscape. ALOUD at the Central Library New Aratani/Japan America Theater, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 8 p.m.: Internationally acclaimed writer and scholar of religions Reza Aslan speaks with Orhan Pamuk. In announcing the 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy said of Orhan Pamuk: his “quest for the melancholic soul of his native city, Istanbul, led him to discover new symbols for the clash and interlacing of cultures.” Pamuk will read from his new novel, The Museum of Innocence.
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Composer-actor-playwright-producer Hershey Felder, known for combining acting with concert piano performances in works like George Gershwin Alone and Monsieur Chopin, has chosen the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall to debut his new one-man musical play, Nine Hours on Tenth. The play focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s last hours and will feature Felder as the storyteller, accompanied by the Colburn Orchestra. The score, composed and arranged by Felder, includes the melodies of American folk composers. Colburn faculty member and pianist Ory Shihor will open the program with the premiere of Felder’s “Aliyah Concerto,” which tells a musical story about the creation of the state of Israel. Performances are Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 and 7 p.m. At 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1050 or colburnschool.edu.
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If the name The Dan Band doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps you recall their appearances in films like Old School and The Hangover: Singer Dan Finnerty was the guy angrily belting out girl-power anthems during the wedding scenes. In case you missed their last Downtown performance in July, the all-male group will brings macho renditions of tunes like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Lady Marmalade” to L.A. Live’s Club Nokia on Friday, Nov. 6, at 9:30 p.m. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com.
image courtesy of the Colburn School
by AnnA Scott, StAff writer
photo courtesy of Los Angeles Philharmonic
EVENTS
Downtown News 19
DowntownNews.com
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he Inland Empire boasted flourishing, high-end housing and retail markets during the recent real estate boom. Much of the shopping that drove the local economy, however, was underwritten by the same financing schemes that ultimately led to the subsequent housing crash, at least according to folks involved with the Farmlab Public Salon. The forum will host a free lunchtime discussion on the topic, titled “Building the American Dream in the Inland Empire,” on Friday, Nov. 6, at noon. UCBerkeley PhD candidate Juan de Lara, who studies the Inland Empire’s political geography, and labor movement veteran Aaron Chappel will lead the conversation. At 1745 N. Spring St., (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.
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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
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213.623.7008 or 213.280.5452
Includes 1 parking space. Ideal for roommates. $1,560 a month
ALA 99¢/Sq. Ft. High Rise Office Space Walking distance to Metro Station, Social Security Office, Immigration Office, and Jewelry District. Close to 110 &101 Fwy. On site security guard.
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
1 Bath, Hardwood floors
(213) 746-6300
Milano Lofts 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 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. 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 (O.A.C.) Brand New Resort Apartments. Granite kitchens, washer/dryers, pools, spas, saunas, fitness ctr, free tanning beds & much more! 866-690-2894. 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 @ 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.
Loft/Unfurnished
EMPLOYMENT Drivers SLT - IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for CDLA teams, O/OPs welcome and paid percentage. $1,000 bonus. $1,100 week average pay for company teams. Hazmat & 2 yrs experience. 1-800-835-9471. (Cal-SCAN) TRUCK DRIVERS: CDL training. Part-time driving job. Full- time benefits. Get paid to train in the California Army National Guard. May qualify for bonus. www. NationalGuard.com/Truck or 1-800-GO-GUARD. (Cal-SCAN)
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 Retail/Sales 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) 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
November 2, 2009
DowntownNews.com
Continued from previous page
EMPLOYMENT
SERVICES
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Retail/Sales
EZ SHIATSU & MASSAGE
Advertising
30 min. (Reg. $30) $10 Off
Legal
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)
with this AD 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)
Business Opportunities ALL CASH VENDING! Be Your Own Boss! Your Own Local Vending Route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405. (Cal-SCAN)
Sell Your Car!
MAKE BIG MONEY Cleaning Foreclosed Homes. Banks Need You. Foreclosures are at Historic High. Act today before midnight & Get Free Report at: www. ForeclosureCleanUp4Cash. com. (Cal-SCAN)
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
DIVORCE $350 (plus court fees)
Robert Gomez, LDA Legal Document Assistant Registered/Bonded, LDA #418, LA Co.
(213) 399-7800 We are not Attorneys
Massage therapy
Star Holistic Spa Massage/Acupressure $40 (1 Hour) 2551 W. Beverly Blvd. LA, CA, 90057 (Beverly Rampart)
Tel: 213-383-7676
Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices
400 E. 2nd St., #205 LA CA 90012
(Honda Plaza Mall)
213-680-4970 attorneys
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)
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
NEWS RELEASE? Costefficient 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.
Music Lessons Children’s Performing Group! Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! See SunshineGenerationLA. com or call 909-861-4433.
For Rent Multi-level 5 bdrms. 3 bath Townhome in LA Blocks from USC.
Burbank • Brentwood Century City • Downtown L.A. Woodland Hills Locations Nationwide
$3750/mo
Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites
Plenty of on site pkg.
310-678-8710
Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More
Weekend: 310-678-4233
Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area.
Jenny Ahn (213) 996-8301 jahn@regentBC.com www.regentbc.com
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
MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing! • Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views
Santee Court Lofts from $1,295
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.
6th+Grand Ave. • milanoloftsla.com • 213.627.1900
(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)
Michael Choi Roofing
Since 1972 • Free Estimate Reroof, Repairs • Lic. #C-39-588045
323-229-3320 (C) 323-722-1646 (B)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Misc. Services 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) home improvement
Construction
$98
s.f.
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.
Architectural Plans + Permit Included GC# 308729
Established 1975
details 323-960-5792
Sell your items under $300… 12 words, 2 weeks it’s FREE!
NOTICE
716 Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
the loft expert! group
TM
At the above-stated time and place, any and all persons having any testimony regarding the proposed Five-Year Implementation Plan may appear before the Agency and be heard.
Downtown since 2002
Don't settle for anyone less experienced! Call us today! Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
is hereby given that The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, California will hold a public hearing for the above-referenced redevelopment project on Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., or soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at The Community Redevelopment Agency Offices, 354 South Spring Street, 6th Floor Board Room, Los Angeles, California 90013-1258. The public hearing is being conducted to hear testimony of all interested parties regarding the proposed Five-Year Implementation Plan for the Bunker Hill Redevelopment Project.
Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com
madison hotel
崔Roof
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ON THE FIVE-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE BUNKER HILL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT: (FY2010-FY2012)
Low Move in Special Unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath $695/mo.
CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.
Legal Notice
(213) 623-8101 • www.santeecourt.com
Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.
Cleaning
Monthly from $695 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
Copies of the proposed Five-Year Implementation Plan and other pertinent documents are on file and are available for public inspection during business hours at the following locations: CRA Main Office, Records Center 354 South Spring Street , 5th Floor Los Angeles , CA 90013-1258 Mondays through Fridays: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Angelus Plaza 255 South Hill Street , 1st Floor Los Angeles , CA 90012 Mondays through Fridays: 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/09 CNS-1724520#
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.
November 2, 2009
Downtown News 23
DowntownNews.com
ITEMS FOR SALE Clothing/Jewelry NEVER WORN Women’s black leather jean style pantsuit size 14/16. $200 OBO
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)
LEGAL
MINH HIEU RYAN PHAN PROPOSED NAME: RYAN MINH HIEU PHAN THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing, NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/09/09 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: F46 The address of the court is Chatsworth Courthouse, 9425 Penfield Avenue, Chatsworth CA 91311. Date: October 23, 2009 Hon. Ronald Schmit Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23/09
42-ON-SALE BEER AND WINEPUBLIC PREMISES Pub. 11/02/09 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-
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CHATSWORTH COURTHOUSE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. PS012120 PETITIONER (NAME OF EACH): QUYEN NGOC VU AND VU QUANG PHAN FILED A PETITION WITH THIS COURT FOR A DECREE CHANGING NAMES AS FOLLOWS: PRESENT NAME:
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DATE OF FILING APPLICATION: OCTOBER 28, 2009 To Whom it May Concern: The Name(s) of the Applicant(s) is/are: CASA VALDEZ, INC The applicants listed above are applying to the department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to sell alcoholic beverages at: 2905 E. 1ST STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 900333637 Type of license(s) applied for:
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 at-
torney: (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.
AlCohol permit
nAme ChAnge
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).
On Spring St.
Premiere towers:
2 bdrm/2 bath, $1550/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking
• 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
City Lofts:
900 sqft, 13 ft ceilings, $1500/mo. • Granite marble top • Stainless steel appliances/refrigerator etc. • Pet friendly
S e e k S S t y l i S h M at e
Please call 213.627.6913 www.cityloftsquare.com
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.
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
rosslyn hotel
2 months*
*Limited time offer: when you sign a one year lease.
Unfurnished rooms starting at $450 a month Laundry on site. All utilities included.
Call us for other condos for sale or lease Dwntwn & surrounding areas!!
Mirza alli
Broker/Realtor leasing-salesloans-refinance
(213) 680-1720
e-mail us: info@bunkerhillrealestate.com
www.Bunkerhillrealestate.com
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.
Monthly from $595 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348
EASY AS EASY AS
112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.503.7449 • www.rosslynstudios.com
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.
DowntownNews.com makesplacing a classified ad in the L.A. Downtown News is easier than ever. Your ad will appear online and in a our publication DowntownNews.com makesplacing classified ad in the in a couple of easy steps.
L.A. Downtown News is easier than ever. Your ad will appear online and in our publication • Print ads must be received before Thursday at noon PST in a couple of easy Monday's steps. edition. to be processed for the following
• Online ads will appear immediately after they are approved.
Deadlines subject to change for special issues and holidays.
• OnlineFor ads legal will appear immediately they are approved. notices please callafter 213-481-1448 • Print ads must be received before Thursday at noon PST to be processed for the following Monday's edition.
Available Immediately 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.
Information available to qualified prospective tenants. Email request to mdavis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300
Children’s Performing Group
Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up!
Deadlines subject to change for special issues and holidays.
For legal notices please call 213-481-1448
SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433
WWW.THEORSINI.COM
Living Outrageously For Today!®
For Today!®
Filming/retAil/ oFFiCe/teleCom
Spaces from 300 sf to 10,000 sf Build to suit, Wilshire Blvd, in heart downtown 2 months free rent with a 5 year lease • On site Parking • Secured Building
RENTING • BUYING • LIVING
RENTING • BUYING • LIVING
Since 2001, LoftLivingLA.com has been helping people live in Downtown’s best condos, lofts & apartments!
Since 2001, LoftLivingLA.com has been helping people live in Downtown’s best condos, lofts & apartments!
Guess where Drew prefers to eat Mexican food and WIN!
611 Wilshire and 700 Wilshire Blvd 8 7 7 - 4 L A- LO F TS Visit us online at www.LoftLivingLA.com 213-622-7188 x210 Guess where Nicole loves Donna Property Manager to eatFerrell sushi and WIN!
THAI MASSAGE SPECIALIST
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8 7 7 - 4 L A- LO F TS Visit us online at www.LoftLivingLA.com
VIP Room Available. The Best Way For Business Meetings & Entertainment
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Professional massage for men & women. Services include Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Swedish Oil Massage, Foot Massage, Sauna, Steam, and more. Lounge area.
Weekly $175 1-2 people daily $45 1-2 people
HealtH Dept. rank a for 7 ConseCutive Years
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Living Outrageously FOR LEASE
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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
877-267-5911
STUART HOTEL 718 S. Union Ave. (Union & 7th St.)
213.413.8100
DRE #01706351
Pricing subject to change without notice.
Bank foreclosure-Pasadena
Orsini
550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST. LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 OPEN DAILY
DRE #01706351
756 S. Broadway • Downtown Los Angeles 213-892-9100 • chapmanf lats.com
❏ 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.
3386766 0119
I c o n I c B e au t y
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
REN
Since 2 been be
87 Visit
Gue Ca
24 Downtown News
November 2, 2009
DowntownNews.com
We Got Games
a tough contest against the reigning champion Lakers and nearly pulled off a win against the Phoenix Suns before twotime MVP Steve Nash snuck in for a last-second circus shot. Think glass half-full as the Minnesota Timberwolves, and then the Memphis Grizzlies, come to Staples.
Glass Half Full for Clips, Overflowing for Lakers Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers. Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m.: No surprises yet for the Lakers, who opened the season with a victory over the Clippers behind Kobe Bryant’s hot hand. The Memphis Grizzlies come to town this week, followed by Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets. Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/clippers. Nov. 2 and 7, 7:30 p.m.: There are two ways to see the Clippers right now: Either they’re the same old pitiful bunch, cursed with injuries and destined to start the season on a losing streak. Or, they’re the team that nearly came back in
Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com. Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 7, 1 p.m.: The Kings have two tough contests this week, the first against the reigning NHL champs, the Sidney Crosby-led Pittsburgh Penguins. If only they actually waddled around the ice like penguins, that would make things much easier. Then the Kings will look to lord over the Nashville Predators. USC Trojans Football L.A. Coliseum, 3911 S Figueroa St., (213) 747-7111 or usctrojans.com. Nov. 7, 5 p.m.: The Trojans go back on the road, though not too far this time as they land in Arizona to play the Sun Devils, who can say one thing that USC can’t: They beat Washington this year. —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