11-17-08 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS Volume 37, Number 46

INSIDE

L.A. Auto Show drives into Downtown.

Thanksgiving in Downtown 10

Rise Comes Even as Violent Crime in Area Falls

Volunteering options in Downtown.

ssaults on Central Division police officers have more than tripled in the past two years. The rise, from 12 incidents in 2006 and 28 in 2007 to 39 so far this year, comes at the same time that violent crime in the neighborhood has dropped precipitously. The increase is perhaps an unexpected result of the Safer Cities Initiative, a high-profile policing effort that began in September

Holiday Shopping: Check out the boutiques.

Five events you don’t want to miss.

19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 21 CLASSIFIEDS

photo by Gary Leonard

Central Division Capt. Jodi Wakefield was involved in a 2005 Downtown incident in which a bank robbery suspect was killed by police after brandishing a sword. So far this year, 39 police officers on Skid Row have been attacked, and two suspects have been shot.

Chop Suey Café Chopped Down

Study Says Some Buildings Could Collapse in Major Earthquake

Landmark Little Tokyo Restaurant Closes Two Years After Celebrated Revival

staff writer

2006 and that has otherwise unfolded largely as the department planned. The move, championed by LAPD Chief William Bratton and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, deployed 50 additional officers to Skid Row and has resulted in a crackdown not only on violent crime, but on misdemeanor offenses such as jaywalking and littering. But Bratton said the 39 assaults on officers this year is not necessarily a surprise. “We have more police down there and, see Assaults, page 9

Hey Downtown, What’s Shakin’? by Ryan Vaillancourt

Stay healthy with The Body Shop.

Paltry candidate lineup makes this a bad time for democracy in Los Angeles.

Assaults on Skid Row Police Officers Triple In Two Years staff writer

Broadway financing, park plans, and other happenings Around Town.

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

November 17, 2008

by Ryan Vaillancourt

Urban Scrawl on the LAUSD.

he last time the San Andreas Fault uncorked a major earthquake south of the Bay Area, Los Angeles saw limited damage. But that’s because the year was 1857, and the city had fewer than 6,000 residents. A similar shakedown of the San Andreas today, however, could be disastrous for Los Angeles, where some buildings constructed in the 1960s or before could collapse, according to a recent study by the United States Geological Survey, an arm of the Department of the Interior. A team of USGS scientists spent nearly two years analyzing earthquake data and using a complex computer model to simulate a 7.8 magnitude earthquake — about the same magnitude as the 1857 event — and how the related ground motions would affect Downtown. According to the study, the city as a whole could expect 1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries and $200 billion in losses. The release of the study was timed to coincide with what the USGS called the largest earthquake awareness and preparedness initiative in the country’s history, the Great Southern California ShakeOut, which was launched last week. The campaign included events all over the region, including at L.A.

Live on Friday, where attendees were bombarded with earthquake safety literature. But the study is not just a publicity stunt. The science behind it, said Ken Hudnut, a USGS earthquake expert and one of the report’s authors, is real and comes from some of the world’s leading earthquake experts. As for the possibility of “the big one” hitting, there is little doubt that it will happen, he said. “I would venture to say there’s not a single earthquake researcher that would say the San Andreas can’t dish out a 7.8 [magnitude earthquake] or that would refute the idea that it’s not if, but when,” Hudnut said. “All of the data point to that.” High-Rise Movement The first phase of the exercise centered on where the San Andreas Fault, which stretches along most of the length of California with its southern end southeast of Palm Springs, would rupture. The fault has slipped three times since the 1857 Fort Tejon (in Central California) earthquake, though all three were in the Bay Area, including the 1907 San Francisco temblor. Most experts predict that the next San Andreas rupture will happen in Southern California, Hudnut said. In the USGS scenario, the rupture extends from Bombay Beach on the Salton Sea, 168 miles southeast of Downtown, to Lake Hughes, about see Earthquake, page 5

by Anna Scott staff writer

along with a ground-floor community computer center. The restaurant reopened as the Chop Suey Café and Lounge the following year. Despite an initial surge of nostalgic customers, the restaurant’s see Chop Suey, page 7

n 2006, Little Tokyo celebrated the reopening of the historic Far East Café. After sitting vacant for 12 years, the restaurant’s revival, complete with its giant neon sign, was celebrated as a comeback of sorts for the community. The fanfare has proved to be shortlived. The restaurant has closed again, a blow to some who thought it would help preserve the past in a quickly changing neighborhood. Located in the Far East Building at 347 E. First St., the restaurant and a 26-room hotel above it were closed after being damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Following a $3.8 million restoration, property owner the Little Tokyo Service Center rephoto by Gary Leonard opened the build- (l to r) Enrique Ramirez, Mike Gin and Don Tahara ing’s upper floors as outside the Far East Café before it reopened in 2006. 16 units of afford- Although the revival, part of a $3.8 million restoration, able housing in 2005, was widely celebrated, the historic restaurant has closed.

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November 17, 2008

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AROUNDTOWN Broadway Plan May Get New Financing

ourteenth District Councilman José Huizar announced last week that he is working on a plan to make up to $150 million a year available for property owners along Broadway to renovate and upgrade their buildings. The funds would come from the federal Section 108 Loan Program, which provides communities with money for land acquisition, construction and renovation costs for large projects. Managed by the city’s Community Development Department, the program has typically been used to fill funding gaps for big projects. Huizar, who launched the Bringing Back Broadway initiative in January, said he is working with the CDD on a plan to use the funds as primary loans for the street’s property owners. The funds would come with stipulations, including that borrowers would have to obtain permanent financing from a commercial lender once projects are complete. Projects utilizing the money would also have to meet public benefit requirements, such as creating new jobs. Huizar said he hopes to have the first loan approved in early 2009. “We need to get creative,” Huizar said in a statement. “We have more than 1 million square feet of vacant or underutilized commercial space along Broadway right now — that’s a million square feet providing no jobs and no revenue for the city. Access to capital is a lifeline for projects, which can change that.”

Help Design a Park

he California State Parks Department is hosting one of the final community meetings to discuss designs for the proposed

Safer Cities Initiative Gets Public Hearing

development of the 32-acre Los Angeles State Historic Park. Community members are invited to the Thursday, Nov. 20, meeting at the Los Angeles Conservation Corps headquarters at 1400 N. Spring St. from 6:30-8 p.m. The public will be able to see the current design work by San Francisco-based firm Hargreaves and Associates. Plans so far include creating a space for cultural events and an open meadow for recreation, as well as kiosks that would highlight the agricultural and cultural history of the city. Additionally, nine acres would be set aside for natural habitats and a nature preserve. Final technical drawings could be complete by 2010. The park, long known as the Cornfield, is the largest Downtown and sits next to the Los Angeles River and adjacent to the Chinatown station of the Metro Gold Line.

his week the Police Commission will hold a hearing on the 2-year-old Safer Cities Initiative. The high-profile program, launched in September 2006, sent 50 extra police officers and improvements such as more lighting and security cameras to Skid Row. While city leaders have touted the drop in crime that has accompanied the effort, critics have charged that the program criminalizes homelessness and focuses on policing over treatment and housing. The Tuesday, Nov. 18, meeting will include presentations from those on both sides of the issue; invited speakers include representatives from Skid Row missions, attorneys, low-income housing advocates and members of the development community. The hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Parker Center, 150 N. Los Angeles St.

Arts District Expansion Approved

County Building Hosts Photo Exhibit

he City Planning Commission last week approved an expansion of the Arts District. According to the plan, the Arts District’s southern boundary will move from Sixth Street to Violet Street, less than a quarter-mile south of Seventh Street. The proposal, initiated by 14th District Councilman José Huizar, aims to encourage redevelopment of the mostly industrial area between Sixth and Seventh streets west of the L.A. River. Specifically, the plan seeks to foster new live/ work development in the expansion area by making it easier for developers there to obtain zone changes to convert industrial properties. City Planning Director Gail Goldberg said in September that the new district could take up to nine months to formalize.

yearlong photo exhibit featuring scenic shots of Los Angeles County opened last week at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. The photographs by Stephen Coleman are the first in a planned series of exhibits featuring local works highlighting the county. The photos will be on display weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in the hallway on the third floor of the county government headquarters at 500 W. Temple St. The 22 photos include shots of the ocean, deserts, mountains and city scenes. “Stephen’s work is stunning and captures the beauty and diversity of our great county,” said County Supervisor Don Knabe, who spearheaded the effort to create a gallery in the building.

Taxi Week Approaching

he City Council’s Public Works Committee is expected to approve a plan Tuesday to remind locals and visitors to hail a cab whenever possible. Proposed by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, the plan calls for signs encouraging people to use cabs to be placed on street signs and lights within the boundaries of Temple, 12th and Main streets and the Harbor Freeway late this month. The signs would highlight Taxicab Appreciation Week, which will take place Dec. 8-14 (all Downtown cab drivers will be offered a free box lunch at the Nokia Plaza on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. as part of Taxicab Appreciation Week). The event will coincide with the opening of the $2.5 billion L.A. Live project and the City’s Hail-ATaxi pilot program, which allows pedestrians in Downtown and Hollywood to hail cabs for short trips. The signs are scheduled to remain up through December.

Juicy Couture Founders Honored at FIDM

he co-founders and creative designers of the Juicy Couture label were honored at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising on Wednesday, Nov. 12. A dedication wall paying tribute to Pamela Skaist-Levy, a FIDM graduate, and Gela Nash-Taylor was unveiled, and Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry presented a certificate of commendation to the pair who started Juicy, now a division of Liz Claiborne, in their basement in 1996. The dedication wall is open to the public Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the FIDM Museum Promenade, third floor, 919 S. Grand Ave.

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Where the Rubber Meets Downtown The L.A. Auto Show Is Back and Greener Than Ever by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer

he economy is in a tailspin and Detroit’s Big 3 automakers are in peril. If there’s good news for drivers, it’s that gas prices have plunged lately, but few expect that trend to stick. So it’s not exactly the financial climate that lends itself to consumer excitement about flashy new cars. Still, organizers of the L.A. Auto Show, which returns to Downtown for its 101st edition this week, aren’t letting the gloomy economy spoil the party. Instead, they’re featuring a growing selection of new cars that try to capitalize on price- and fuel economy-conscious consumers, said Brendan Flynn, the Auto Show’s director of communications. “I think more than any other year we’re seeing the environment and the economy really play a role in what we’re seeing on the show floor,” Flynn said. “If there’s a theme to the show this year, it’s that the auto industry is responding to the consumer wanting more choices.”

gas prices bouncing, drivers are looking to get more bang for their buck at the pump, Cogan said. “Very few people would step up and pay extra for a car that happened to be green, and relatively few people had environmental performance or fuel economy on their shopping list,” Cogan said. “That’s changed, with fuel prices being what they’ve been. That’s what’s driving interest.” One example of buyers and makers alike eyeing fuel economy is the emerging trend of “clean diesel” vehicles that burn a diesel fuel engineered to meet emission standards in all 50 states. Such cars have, on average, about 30% better fuel economy than traditional gasoline engines in similar sized

cars, Cogan said. No matter how much consumers are paying attention to fuel economy, the L.A. Auto Show wouldn’t be the same without a hefty dosage of horsepower, plenty of V8 engines and futuristic bells and whistles. Those who attend the show just to ogle will be able to feast their eyes on cars like the new Ferarri California, the famed Italian maker’s first retractable hard-topped convertible. Its price tag is estimated at a cool $200,000. “We always find it challenging to communicate that the auto show isn’t a place to go shop for your next car,” Flynn said. “It really is a fun thing to do whether you’re fantasizing about your ultimate dream car and you want to get up close to it, or just have fun with the family.” The L.A. Auto Show runs Nov. 21-30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. More information at laautoshow.com. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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The Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid vehicle made by General Motors, will make its North American debut at the L.A. Auto Show this week.

That means that visitors to the Los Angeles Convention Center Nov. 21-30 will find more cars with smaller and more efficient engines, more alternative fuel-powered vehicles, more hybrids and a sampling of cars that are just plain small. Take Nissan’s highly anticipated Cube. A favorite small car in Japan since the early 1990s, a new Cube will have its United States debut at a pre-event show on Thursday. The latest version in Japan measures about 12 feet 3 inches, or more than 18 inches shorter than a Volkswagen Rabbit. While Nissan has kept the 2009 Cube specs close to the vest, the new model is likely to stay true to character, said Darryll Harrisson, a Nissan spokesman. The Cube is one of more than 20 models making their North American debut at the Downtown Los Angeles showcase, and nearly 20 more vehicles will have their world premiere, Flynn said. Also making its North American debut is the Volt, a plugin hybrid from General Motors. The model’s unveiling may come with a cloud over its head, since GM’s financial condition is so grave that the company recently announced it only has enough cash to run its global operations until January. GM had planned to send its vice chairman, Bob Lutz, to unveil a new Buick model at the show, but canceled in a costcutting effort. But the Volt, hoped to be a game changer for a company whose bread and butter has been in the truck and SUV realm, will still be on hand, Flynn said. Eco-Friendly Evolution The streets of Downtown are no strangers to environmentally friendly vehicles. Hybrids have been cruising the city for about eight years, and since 2006, their drivers have been permitted to zip along freeway carpool lanes even when they’re not carrying a passenger. But the driving force behind demand for green cars is changing, said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and greencars.com, which will select a Green Car of the Year at the L.A. Auto Show. Whereas early demand for green cars stemmed primarily from environmentally conscious consumers looking to minimize their carbon footprint, today’s green car market includes a larger group of buyers thinking first and foremost with their pocketbooks, he said. Hybrid and electric vehicles, for example, tend to be more expensive than their all gasoline-powered cousins, but with

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EDITORIALS A Bad Week for Local Democracy

ith the presidential election over, the next round of campaigning is underway, this time for city offices in the March primary. Unfortunately, the voters will have very little choice. In most cases, when it comes to picking our leaders and forcing incumbents to run a race based on their record as opposed to connections and cash, the fix is in. That is, money is in place to run steamroller campaigns. The deadline to file paperwork for the 2009 election was Nov. 8, and with the first wave of candidates declared (not all of them will make the ballot), we now know that the race for mayor is effectively over and the next city attorney (the second most powerful elected position in Los Angeles) is probably already decided, unless the voters get distracted by the two “Weiss” names on the ballot or the sheer number of candidates. Of the eight City Council seats up for grabs, seven are slam dunks. The race for City Controller also has one candidate who will have to work hard to lose, though an interesting opponent has signed on. We hate to say it, but when it comes to elections, this is a bad time for democracy in Los Angeles. The rules of the system may state that every seat is open every four years, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at the current situation. You can figure out today exactly which candidates (barring some unforeseen scandal or event) will take the oath of office next year. This is not a call to throw da bums out. In certain instances,

we have smart, committed lawmakers who have served the public well and will probably continue to do so. Some of our leaders really care about the populace first, and put their careers second. The problem is, when there are no viable challengers, no candidates, even the effective leaders, have to do much to remind the public what they have achieved and reveal what they will focus on in their next term. With no real alternative, campaigning becomes a series of empty, grandstanding events and people begin to think that voting does not matter. That is partly why voter turnout has dropped over the years, and partly why turnout in the recent general election was so high — people felt their vote could make a difference. We were not surprised that mall developer Rick Caruso chose not to run for mayor of Los Angeles. Caruso, who had entertained the thought of taking on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, stated that an election would be too disruptive to his family. That may well be the reason, or it may be that Villaraigosa’s war chest, already well over $2.3 million, and his momentum indicated that a run would be costly and difficult. From a political standpoint, it is probably a smart move. If Caruso has his eyes on Spring Street, he’ll likely have a better shot when Villaraigosa is termed out (2013) or if he leaves for another job (perhaps 2010 in Sacramento. Or even 2009 in Washington, D.C., an idea suddenly not so crazy given his role on Barack Obama’s panel of economic advisors). With Caruso out, Villaraigosa has an unobstructed path

to re-election. Although 21 people filed papers to run against him, only one, Walter Moore, has shown the ability to raise some money. Yet with Moore below $200,000, he won’t have the resources to challenge Villaraigosa like Caruso could have. No one will have the weight to force Villaraigosa to answer questions about his future political plans and whether he intends to complete a second term. He’ll cruise to victory on a road of rah-rah campaign rallies and voters will probably never know if he intends to stick around. Money-raising trends indicate that other races are pretty much rubber-stamp elections. Jack Weiss, currently a councilman, has raised more than $1.2 million (through the latest filing period) and received some high-profile endorsements in his bid for City Attorney. Although Carmen Trutanich has generated nearly $500,000, Weiss is probably the shoe-in. Seven City Council races will barely be contested. Incumbents Ed Reyes, Dennis Zine, Richard Alarcon, Jan Perry, Bill Rosendahl, Eric Garcetti and Janice Hahn all face token opposition. The sole Council exception is the Fifth District post, which Weiss is leaving so he can be city attorney. The only race in which candidates may force each other to put on their best is the one for City Controller, where current councilwoman Wendy Greuel will take on longtime local player Nick Patsaouras. But the money and connections are already lining up behind Greuel. Again, this is not to say that there are problems with any particular incumbent — multiple people mentioned above have earned the right to continue to serve. However, those who should probably move on can instead rest assured that they face no challenge on the road to re-election. In the process, the public is the big loser.

A Caffeine and Economic Engine

hen is a cafe more than a place to grab a latte and a grilled (free-range) chicken sandwich? When it’s the Urth Caffe, and its opening delivers not just a hip spot in which to get a caffeine blast, but is also a potent economic engine. Urth Caffe has been drawing cool kids, celebs, paparazzi and plenty of regular folk to its three Westside locations for years. That clientele, combined with Urth’s concentration on organic ingredients, has given it heavy buzz (as have its appearances in the HBO show “Entourage”). Urth’s recent arrival in Downtown Los Angeles continues the community’s momentum as a place ripe for new retail and restaurant business. It is the latest example of an addition that years ago might have seemed farfetched, but today makes

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

a lot of sense — by setting up shop in the Barker Block, it has a ready clientele, and residents and workers in the rest of the Arts District, and in greater Downtown, will be a solid base upon which to build. Behind the scenes, Urth provides another bonus for Downtown. The 14,000-square-foot establishment also is the company’s new headquarters, and approximately 100 people now have jobs in the Arts District. This goes well beyond baristas, as bakers, cooks and others are preparing food that will be sent out to Urth’s Westside locations. Suddenly the area has a new working factory, though this one doesn’t belch smoke into the sky. Most people who visit the Arts District Urth will think of it as just a place to go for a cup of coffee or a snack. But those

who peer past the counter and through the display windows will realize that the area now has another strong business tenant, and the economic punch is not limited to the cafe customers. It is great that Downtown Los Angeles is home to the headquarters of Urth Caffe.

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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie Arts & ENtErtAiNMENt Editor: Julie Riggott 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, Andrew Haas-Roche, Sam Hall Kaplan, Howard Leff, Lisa Napoli, 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 sAlEs MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin AssistANt sAlEs MANAGEr: George Caston sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Vanessa Acuña, Robert Dutcher, Catherine Holloway, 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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SearchDowntownLA.com in 1994 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; have so far failed to gain approval. Property owner groups have opposed the proposal on grounds that it would prove too costly. Be Prepared While the USGS study might be disconcerting, its authors say it should not make people fearful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not trying to scare people,â&#x20AC;? Porter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we want people to do is to be aware of the fact that earthquakes happen in Southern California and there are certain types of buildings that are more vulnerable to damage. We want people to be aware of the risk and take appropriate precautions.â&#x20AC;?

Earthquake

FrIday & Saturday, Nov. 28 & 29 (thaNkSGIvING WeekeNd) 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30

photo by Don Becker for USGS

Ken Hudnut, a United States Geological Survey earthquake expert and one of the authors of a new report on how a magnitude 7.8 temblor would impact Downtown. The study warns that some structures built in the 1960s or before could collapse.

But since building codes are not retroactive, and because there is no requirement in Los Angeles that non-ductile concrete buildings be retrofitted, concrete structures built in the 1960s or earlier remain vulnerable to a major earthquake, said Keith Porter, an earthquake engineer at the University of Colorado at Boulder, who led the portion of the study focused on physical damage. Recent legislative efforts to inventory the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vulnerable buildings and mandate retrofitting â&#x20AC;&#x201D; led by City Councilman Greig Smith, whose district includes Northridge, epicenter of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake

the

Continued from page 1 60 miles north of the city. In the theoretical 7.8 magnitude earthquake, most people in Los Angeles would experience strong shaking for about 30 seconds, as the ground shifts three feet every three to six seconds, Hudnut said. But those in Downtown high rises would feel more severe shaking because the time it takes a structure to move side to side with the ground motion decreases with height, he said. The good news for high-rise tenants is that skyscrapers, especially new ones, are supposed to shake, said Gregg Brandow, president of Downtown-based structural engineering firm Brandow & Johnston. While those in a top-floor corner office might have the scariest earthquake experience, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re safer than anyone in an older, non-retrofitted mid-rise, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to kind of take it like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be at Disneyland,â&#x20AC;? Brandow said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to move around a lot, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meant to do that.â&#x20AC;? Brandow and other Downtown structural engineers, along with the authors of the USGS study, warned that many structures in Downtown Los Angeles have not been built to absorb major ground movement. The 1971 Sylmar earthquake, a 6.6 magnitude event that claimed 65 lives, sparked major changes in building codes that essentially prohibited non-ductile concrete buildings, or those unable to change form without breaking, Brandow said. Concrete buildings erected since then are reinforced with more rebar. The rebar is also spaced more closely together.

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The festival will be a walking only activity from November 25 through December 7. There will be no cars on the route for those evenings. Visitors for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;vehicle freeâ&#x20AC;? nights can enter from the LA Zoo entrance or the Los Feliz entrance. Parking will be available at the LA Zoo and there is limited parking on the south side of the festival route. Shuttles are available to transport guests to the walking festival entrance from the south side. You can check the LADWP web site at www.ladwp.com for driving and walking details.

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Chop Suey Continued from page 1 owners have struggled ever since to find a successful concept. About six months ago they closed the main dining room, except for private parties. “We just decided to close and start from scratch and cut our losses because we weren’t getting the numbers,” said Enrique Ramirez, who co-owns the restaurant with Don Tahara and Mike Gin. The Far East Building was restored using public and private funds, including a $365,800 loan from the Community Redevelopment Agency that requires the structure to contain viable commercial space. Although Little Tokyo officials hoped the property would increase street life and draw more people to Little Tokyo, CRA Project Manager Len Betz said, “As long as they keep the space operating, they meet the intent of the loan,” even if just for private events. Another organization that contributed to the property’s rehabilitation expressed disappointment with the turn of events. “They got their grant several years ago, and they fulfilled all their obligations,” said Bobbie Greene McCarthy, director of Save America’s Treasures, a federal program that helped secure $75,000 to restore the Far East Building. “I just hope they’ll get their act together and reopen.” Rich History The Far East Café originally opened in 1935, serving its own brand of Chinese cuisine. Over the following decades, it became a cultural center for Little Tokyo. Reportedly a hangout for author Raymond Chandler, the restaurant was popular among locals for wedding receptions, funeral gatherings and other special occasions. After

‘The word got out quickly that we could not duplicate the original recipes, so that core base of customers we were counting on, we lost right away.’

The new menu, Ramirez said, will consist largely of the sushi rolls and small pan-Asian plates currently served at the restaurant’s adjacent Far Bar, as well as quick salads and sandwiches for the lunchtime crowd. The owners hope to open for dinner within three months, and lunch after that. Still, challenges loom. While Ramirez and his partners plan to paint the restaurant’s white walls a darker shade and add a small bar to the dining room, the building’s National Historic Registry status limits changes — even the lighting fixtures must remain in place. The housing units upstairs also pose a challenge in terms of controlling nighttime noise levels. “I’m a little worried,” Ramirez admitted, “but I think the Far Bar is doing so well now, it can help offset any early losses. Everybody else around here does great for lunch, so there’s no reason we can’t do equally well, especially with the history of the place.” Changing Tastes For the time being, the Little Tokyo Service Center is taking

Downtown News 7

a wait-and-see approach to the Chop Suey Café. “We’re hoping they can hang on and find the right combination of food, price and clientele,” said Watanabe. “They are still looking at how they want to configure the restaurant, and we hope it can succeed.” The longtime customers who remain in Little Tokyo hope so too. Little Tokyo native Dave Nagano remembers visiting the Far East Café as a child, down to the salty plums and the cracked, taped-together glass counter. “There’s so many memories, you kind of want it to stay the same,” said Nagano. “But the memories of Japanese Americans and what they may want isn’t necessarily the economically viable thing for a restaurant like that. They have to serve the community as it is today, and in a way I think that’s sad.” Still, he said, he wants to see the restaurant preserved regardless of the menu. “It’s definitely a significant place.” Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

SIMPLY THE LARGEST...

—Enrique Ramirez, Chop Suey Café and Lounge

World War II, many Japanese Americans released from internment camps who returned to Little Tokyo took meals there on credit. “If you didn’t have money, the owners were pretty generous and flexible and would say, ‘Pay when you can,’” said LTSC Executive Director Bill Watanabe, whose two older brothers and father were among those who returned from the camps and relied on meals from the Far East. “They were very generous with the community, and the community didn’t forget that.” After the Far East Building was red-tagged following the Northridge earthquake, the Chinese-American family that owned the property at the time could not afford to fix it and the structure remained empty. The family donated the building to the LTSC in 2002. The nonprofit cobbled together the $3.8 million in restoration funds from approximately 15 sources, said Watanabe. The opening of Chop Suey Café and Lounge capped the process and was hailed as the return of a landmark. Yet troubles at the restaurant surfaced almost immediately. Plans called for duplicating the original menu, but Ramirez, Gin and Tahara could not nail down signature meals like hom yu, a steamed pork dish, and pressed almond duck. “Business went way down,” said Ramirez. “The word got out quickly that we could not duplicate the original recipes, so that core base of customers that we were counting on, we lost right away.” The owners tried shifting to a more modern, upscale Chinese menu, but could not bring customers back, said Ramirez. There were other behind-the-scenes problems, Ramirez said, including a constantly rotating cast of cooks and a lack of day-to-day management. In the spring, they closed the dining room to regroup. Now, Ramirez said, they have a new vision. “We want to make it more of a loungey, bar atmosphere at night, convert it into more of a nightspot,” he said. “We do also want to go back to opening for lunch.”

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Assaults Continued from page 1 two, they’re focused much more aggressively,” Bratton said. “The expectation is when you increase pressure on an area, there is that potential.” Violent crime in Skid Row fell by 24% in 2007 and has decreased by another 4% this year, according to LAPD statistics. But Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer in the Central Division, said that as violent crime has dropped, due in part to more repeat offenders being arrested and incarcerated, the criminals who remain in Skid Row are more aggressive and prone to resisting arrest. “As the demographics in Skid Row change and the criminal element finds it less advantageous to come down here because of enforcement, those that do come down here don’t know the rules, are unfamiliar with the level of enforcement or are just more apt to want to challenge the police,” Vernon said. “It’s concerning only because it reflects what officers face everyday.” Use of Force The rise in assaults on officers is viewed with skepticism from opponents of the Safer Cities Initiative. Homeless advocacy group the Los Angeles Community Action Network, or LA CAN, which has criticized the department for what they argue is an unnecessarily aggressive approach to policing mentally ill people on Skid Row, claims that an Oct. 27 officer-involved shooting typified the department’s excessive use of force. LAPD officials reject the assertion. In that incident, two officers approached Benny Allen, 50, at about 12:45 p.m. on Stanford Avenue south of Sixth Street after Allen appeared to take part in a drug transaction, Central Division Capt. Jodi Wakefield said. According to a department statement, Allen walked into the middle of the street after he noticed the officers. After ignoring orders to get out of the street, Allen allegedly charged the officers while waving a knife with a 6-inch blade. “One of the officers backed away as Allen continued to advance, so [Officer Nathaniel Anderson] fired at Allen, striking him in the torso,” the statement said. Allen was taken to a hospital, and it was later learned that he was a parolee with narcotics and burglary convictions. He was charged with assault against a police officer, which is punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a $2,000 fine. LA CAN Executive Director Becky Dennison declined to comment for this story, beyond saying that witnesses her organization interviewed described accounts of the incident that conflicted with the LAPD statement. But on a blog post by the organization, the group called the shooting “unprovoked.” “As poor and homeless residents of Skid Row continue to be profiled, harassed, ticketed and arrested at unprecedented rates and the community continues to see occupation-style numbers of officers, it is not surprising that police violence is escalating,” the post reads. Central Division officials refute allegations that they use force unnecessarily and say statistics bear out their claim. Through September, Central Division officers had used force 66 times in 11,105 arrests this year, or six times per 1,000 arrests, according to the LAPD. Citywide, the department ratio is slightly higher, at seven uses of force per 1,000 arrests. Hollywood, with 11,608 arrests, is the only LAPD division with more arrests than Central so far this year and has the same use-of-force ratio as the Downtown Los Angeles division. Among the 39 assaults on officers this year, 33 resulted in officer injuries, most of which were minor, although two officers suffered broken bones, Vernon said. He added that the attacks ranged from assault with a deadly weapon to spitting on officers — there were four such spitting incidents, which are considered battery. Four of the assault suspects were hospitalized. As with all officer-involved shootings, the Oct. 27 case is under department investigation and will also be reviewed by the district attorney, Vernon said. Under the Influence The Allen incident was the second officer-involved shooting in Central Division this year. On July 31, at about 10:20 p.m., two officers shot and killed Jesse Moore, 56, who police described as a narcotics suspect, after he allegedly lunged at an officer with a knife. The two officer-involved shootings this year come after two years without such an event in Skid Row, according to the LAPD. Most suspects charged with assaulting an officer tend to be under the influence or in possession of drugs and, as a result, may not be fully aware of the ramifications of attacking a cop, Wakefield said. She was one of the responding officers to a September 2005 incident in which a bank robbery suspect — wearing what turned out to be a fake pistol on his hip — was killed by police after drawing a sword from his pants. “I can still remember looking in this man’s eyes and no matter what I said, he didn’t hear me,” said Wakefield. “It still raises the hair on my arms. It’s something that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.”

Downtown News 9

SearchDowntownLA.com Officers said that many assault suspects also suffer from mental illness. In June, Jack Richter, the senior lead officer in Little Tokyo, the Arts District and a portion of Skid Row, was struck in the chest by a homeless, schizophrenic man after Richter ordered him to vacate a bus shelter he had “taken over.” Richter, who was not injured, said he ultimately subdued the suspect with pepper spray. “It came to that by his choosing, not mine,” Richter said. Officers who use force, or find themselves on the receiving end of an attack, receive specialized training after the incident, Richter said. For Richter, who had come to know the man who hit him, post-assault training reinforced the reality that it can be dangerous to get too close, figuratively and literally, he said. “But the reality is, when you proactively work an area, the chances of a confrontation rise significantly,” Richter said. “And that’s what the officers are doing.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

November 17, 2008

In June, Senior Lead Officer Jack Richter was hit in the chest by a schizophrenic man. Richter and others said the high level of mental illness among people on Skid Row can lead to attacks on officers.

10 Downtown News

November 17, 2008

DowntownNews.com

EntErtaining rtaining Thank sgiving & Holiday

The Gang of Five A Quintet of Downtown Chefs Offers Turkey and Other Thanksgiving Tips by Kristin Friedrich contributing writer

ome Downtown Los Angeles chefs are on the clock at their restaurants come Thanksgiving. Others close shop to cook for family and friends. Either way, they have strong ideas about the storied fall feast. They’re also willing to share their expertise, and you’ll find some common threads — pinot noir, jujube stuffing, pumpkin pie and a palpable hatred of canned cranberries. Here are menu tips and turkey pointers from a few of our kitchen favorites. Brian Kiepler, Nick & Stef’s: Kiepler jumped on board the Patina Restaurant Group train at the age of 19 and has been there ever since. He’s 32 now, and has worked so many Thanksgivings that his Southern California family now comes to wherever he is — of late, that’s steakhouse Nick & Stef’s, which is open on Turkey Day with a Thanksgiving menu and the restaurant’s regular fare as well.

The Birds and the Cows: “We start patting them down a few days before, extracting all the moisture we can from the skin. Then we’ll roast them whole over a mirepoix [an onion, carrot and celery mix], basting it with its juices and using a butter rub on the skin before it hits the oven. I cover them in cheesecloth too, so the skin is completely crispy and juicy. Nick & Stef’s steaks — we’ll have those too. Those are 100% black angus, corn fed in Nebraska.” The Sides: “There’s a choice of a cranberry quinoa stuffing or a sausage sage stuffing. We’ll also have haricot vert, poached in chicken stock and butter, candied yams, cranberry sauce. For those, you want to take whole cranberries and a little bit of vanilla, a touch of brandy, water and sugar, and let them macerate in a pot until everything falls apart. Then you serve that whole mix — it’s a nice, rustic, chunky dish.” The Booze: “Pinot noir is good, but so is a nice beer. There’s a brewing company in Quebec called Unibroue that makes a Belgian

style ale called Maudite. It’s bottle fermented, high alcohol content and amazing.” The Dessert: “We’re offering a pumpkin pie as well as our regular desserts, pumpkin Guinness bread pudding, a chocolate torte, various ice creams, fresh baked cookies and madelines.” Nick & Stef’s is at 330 S. Hope St., (213) 680-0330 or patinagroup.com. Monica May, the Nickel Diner: May conjured small plates and a scrappy catering business out of her tiny Banquette kitchen until this year, when she spread her wings at the Nickel. The retro diner, located a block south of Banquette, was immediately packed and is set to open for dinner soon. It’s closed for Thanksgiving, but May’s there the rest of the year — smoky voice, smoky eyeliner and total composure in the open kitchen. The Bird: “I like Heritage Organic Farms turkeys. Sharlene [Fong, the Nickel pastry chef] wants to deep fry, but I’m a traditional girl. I like to brine in a solution of salt, brown

photo by Gary Leonard

Monica May of the Nickel Diner spices up Thanksgiving dinner with a side of wild mushroom sausage. Of course, she finishes off the meal with pumpkin pie.

sugar, red onion and bay leaves and let it soak overnight. Sometimes, I’ll bone out the bird, except for the legs and thighs, and stuff the breast. I’ll use a butter rub with fresh sage and thyme, a little bit of garlic, salt and black pepper.” The Sides: “I make a lovely wild mushroom sausage, with Italian pork sausage. I like Brussels sprouts with pancetta and shallots, finished off with a little bit of malt wine vinegar and sour cream. I’d roast off root vegetables too — carrots, butternut squash, rutabagas, turnips even — and cauliflower continued on next page

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Downtown News 11

Thanksgiving & Holiday Entertaining

continued from previous page fired in the oven. I’d also do a mashed butternut squash, or bake little individual kobash squashes with sage, maple syrup and butter.” The Booze: “With turkey, I’d say a Spanish albarino or a really rocking pinot noir.” The Dessert: “A pumpkin pie, of course. I love to make tartan, caramelized apple tarts with apples from the farmers market. They’re grown in the high desert, really sweet and crisp.” Parting Words: “This is the fastest Thanksgiving I’ve ever cooked by phone.” The Nickel is at 524 S. Main St., (213) 6238301 or 5cdiner.com. Twain Schreiber, Checkers Restaurant: Born in England, raised in South Africa and steadily employed at kitchens all over this country, Schreiber last cooked at Liberty Grill and now heads up the kitchen at Checkers Restaurant. He embraces some traditional Thanksgiving dishes and happily rejects others — all of which will be out in the open come Nov. 27, when Checkers serves a limited holiday-themed menu. The Bird: “In my opinion, the turkey is such a big bird, no matter what you do, you’re going to have to get in there. I brine it for a day with fresh squeezed oranges and lemons, honey and boiling water. Then inside I put oranges, lemons, limes, salt and pepper. You cook them slow, because there’s that fat layer between the skin and meat, and if you cook them that way, you get that happy, crispy skin. It’s like a big chicken.” The Sides: “Stuffing a turkey doesn’t do it for me, so I make it on the stove. I’ll do two different stuffings: a vegetable one, with stock from all the birds, and sourdough crumbs that we’ve been drying out from the restaurant; and in the other one, I put chorizo sausage. No nuts or anything like that, too many people are allergic.”

The Lack of Booze: “I don’t drink alcohol, and I never had a drinking problem either.” The Dessert: “I like pecan and apple pie. Pumpkin’s a vegetable; it doesn’t belong in a pie. But that’s me not being American again.” Checkers is at 535 S. Grand Ave., (213) 6240000 or hiltoncheckers.com. Fred Eric, Tiara Café: Eric is the jester genius behind Vida, Fred 62 and, currently, the Fashion District’s Tiara Café. This year, he’s cooking for the family, and everybody’s coming Downtown to Tiara. A previous Chinesethemed Peking turkey and tofu feast didn’t go over so well with Grandpa Lou. “You don’t want to throw him any loopdiloops,” Eric says of the 94-year-old patriarch. The Bird: “We’ll roast the turkey. I brine it first with butter, vinegar, sugar and herbs like coriander and thyme. Then you wrap it in commercial grade plastic from Smart and Final. You roast it with the breast down, legs up, lying on top of an empty coffee can. You cut the plastic off at the end, cook it at a blazing heat for 15 minutes.” The Sides: “Get jujubes at farmers markets or Korean markets. They look like chestnuts. You chop those up and put them into a stuffing with breadcrumbs and innards, or no innards. But that’s really good. Popovers are essential — a cup of flour, an egg, a cup of milk. Some people say animal drippings, but that’s nasty. Make everything that you can in advance — prep, prep, prep. You want to just be heating things at the end. And don’t do anything fancy; it doesn’t make for a good Thanksgiving mentality.” The Booze: “The holiday’s got to start and end with alcohol. Nothing takes the edge off like wine or sprits. I’m going to drink Argentinean malbec, and I’d like a pinot blanc and some blanc de blanc, some nice champagne. Alcohol’s an excellent friend maker.”

photo by Gary Leonard

For stuffing on Thanksgiving, Fred Eric of Tiara Café recommends jujubes. When it comes to turkey, he brines the bird with butter, vinegar, sugar and herbs like coriander and thyme.

Grandpa Lou’s Contribution: “He brings nothing but pessimism. No, he brings the hope that I don’t make another weird turkey.” The Dessert: “Everyone loves their pumpkin pie. If you just make a cookie dough that incorporates graham crackers, serve it separate, like pots de crème with pumpkin purée. It’s all the good stuff about a pie, but not a pie.” Tiara Café is at 127 E. Ninth St., (213) 6233663 or tiara-café.com. Greg Bernhardt, Church & State: Like the recently opened Nickel, the Toy District’s new Church & State was immediately packed. Located in a high-ceilinged, strong soundtracked corner pocket of the Biscuit Company Lofts, chef Greg Bernhardt — who has worked at Grace, Vida and Le Dome — has built a brawny brasserie menu with the likes of charcuterie platters, steak frites and duck confit. He

says of those choices, and of any Thanksgiving menu, “I’m a man of the classics.” The Secret to Getting a Chef off the Couch: “I make it very clear to my friends and family, I don’t want to be cooking. But what ends up happening is, I’m watching somebody’s horrible knife skills and I’ll jump in. I don’t want to watch my mom cut her finger off.” The Bird: “I like deep frying a turkey. First and foremost, you’re locking in all the flavors. But you’re also turning what could be a fourto six-hour process into 45 minutes. There’s certainly a finesse to maintaining the temperature of super hot fat — it can be obscenely dangerous. But with a large enough pot and some space, you’re fine. I inject it with marinades — Paul Prudhomme has awesome marinades — and brine it overnight. Then I use a really neutral oil like canola or corn. Peanut is great, but it’s twice as expensive.” The Sides: “Fresh cranberries. I implore all Americans to get away from canned cranberries, a ridiculous and foul leftover from the Depression era. To the cranberries, I’ll add a sherry vinegar and water, equal parts, sugar to taste, then add fresh lemon zest, thyme and fresh peppercorn. It takes five minutes prep and an hour on the stove, and everything else pales in comparison. My other favorite is the jujubes from Korean markets. Chop them up, husk them off their seed, add bread crumbs and finish it with a dark chicken or turkey stock. I would take the neck off the turkey and use that stock to roast off vegetables, make the stock for the dressing and finish my gravy.” The Dessert: “Pumpkin always, and for that, I would use a can. That’s one of the few things a can works for. I’d take all those pies — apple, pumpkin, pecan, and all with Ciao Bella vanilla gelato, the greatest creation of all time.” Church & State is at 1855 Industrial St., (213) 405-1434.

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12 Downtown News

November 17, 2008

DowntownNews.com Thanksgiving & Holiday Entertaining

Turkey Time Forget the Cooking, Thanksgiving Spirit Abounds At Downtown Restaurants by Kathryn Maese contributing editor

ith Thanksgiving just a week away, the stress over what to serve or where to go for the holiday starts to creep in. This year, eliminate your worries by letting someone else do the work. The following is a guide to Downtown Los Angeles restaurants that offer buffets, cheap meals and elegant prix fixe menus or even let you pick up a complete dinner for 20 people. The choice is yours on Thursday, Nov. 27. This year the Daily Grill has partnered with Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union Rescue Mission to donate a portion of the proceeds from its turkey dinners. As part of the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu, diners who order the meal ($21.95) will get butternut squash soup or a mixed green salad, sliced turkey breast with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cranberry sauce. The meal ends with a warm harvest spice bread pudding. At 612 S. Flower St., (213) 622-4500 or dailygrill.com. If you like your turkey dinner with chopsticks, Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant is serving up a special holiday turkey sushi roll. Chef Kenny Yamada devised the item that features roasted turkey, rice seasoned with dill and chives, avocado, asparagus, cucumber and daikon sprouts all wrapped in soy paper. The roll is drizzled with gravy and served with a side of cranberry sauce, grilled vegetables and mashed

potatoes. A shot glass of pumpkin soup rounds out the non-traditional Thanksgiving offering, which is priced at $20. At 811 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 236-9600 or takamisushi.com. Buffets are always quite the production at Azalea. This restaurant in Little Tokyoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kyoto Grand Hotel has mastered the art of the eyepopping spread, with plenty of turkey and then some to keep the family happily stuffed throughout the day. From 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Azalea will serve up a feast that includes a raw bar (think clams, oysters and mixed seafood with various sauces). There will be nearly a dozen soups, salads and appetizers ranging from roasted parsnip soup with crispy pancetta to artisan cheese and charcuterie. Get your Thanksgiving fix at the carving table with slowroasted, organic honey-glazed turkey with giblet gravy, cranberry and orange compote. And everyone will appreciate the dessert table laden with pies, cheesecake, tarts, cake, truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries. Adults are $38, seniors $35, and children 12 and under $19. At 120 S. Los Angeles St., (213) 253-9235. Speaking of impressive spreads, the lovely Millennium Biltmore puts on quite the culinary show. The holiday festivities at the hotel begin in traditional elegance with Smeraldiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thanksgiving dinner, served from noon-8 p.m. The four-course feast includes a glass of champagne and a selection of seasonal choices such as butternut squash tortelli flavored with

sage and mushrooms, roasted herb-brined turkey with apple sausage stuffing in cranberry sauce made with roasted pears and port wine, porcini-crusted Alaskan halibut with sweet potato gnocchi, and a warm homemade cobbler for dessert. End the meal with a glass of spicy hot apple cider. Dinner is $48 per person (children $24). For reservations, call (213) 6121562. At 506 S. Grand Ave. The holidays naturally bring photo courtesy of Millennium Biltmore out our nostalgic side, which is Smeraldiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is one of many Downtown restaurants that will be open why a Thanksgiving meal at the on Thanksgiving. Pantry CafĂŠ is such a treat. This longtime Downtown favorite, which regularly berry sauce. A 12-14 pound turkey that feeds serves up to 3,000 people a day, will dish out a about 10 people is $82.95, a 20-pound bird for heaping portion of old-fashioned turkey good- up to 16 people is $115.95 and a 30-pounder ness for just under $20 a plate. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a gen- for 24 guests is $179.95. They also offer ham, erous helping of the bird with all the trimmings brisket and roast beef, and you can throw in â&#x20AC;&#x201D; stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes or macaroni and cheese etc. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; starting at 11 a.m. and ending when the for an additional cost. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to pick up turkey runs out. No reservations needed here. one of the delicious pumpkin pies from the Just pull up a seat at the counter or one of the in-house bakery. At 648 S. Broadway, (213) Formica tables. At 877 S. Figueroa St., (213) 627-1673 or cliftonscafeteria.com. 972-9279 or pantrycafe.com. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the In the same vein, Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafeteria kicks fine dining establishment Patina is preparing it old school with its popular T-Day meal an elegant experience for its holiday diners. (which, incidentally, is available throughout Located on the street level of the Walt Disney the year). If you stop in, a plate of turkey, Concert Hall, Patinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen is whipping cranberry and a choice of mashed potatoes or up a four-course menu that includes smoked stuffing will set you back a mere $6.89. Now striped bass, Pacific opaka fillet with polenta thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a recession-friendly meal. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather fries and, of course, a turkey with all the tasty take it to go and claim all the credit for your- accompaniments. The meal will be served self, Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is taking orders for whole turkey from noon-8 p.m. Adults are $55 and children dinners that include dressing, gravy and cran- are $30. At 141 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-3331.

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Downtown News 13

Thanksgiving & Holiday Entertaining

photo by Gary Leonard

Volunteers Welcomed Daily Helping on Thanksgiving Is Nice, but Many Downtown Charitable Organizations Are Open the Other 364 Days of the Year by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

t’s a familiar sight: Every year, hundreds of volunteers, led by celebrities such as Kirk Douglas and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, trek to Skid Row to serve thousands of meals to the area’s homeless population for Thanksgiving. With photographers and cameras jostling for space in front of the food line like paparazzi at The Ivy, the Los Angeles Mission’s annual Thanksgiving dinner is a high-profile event. It also draws far more offers to volunteer than it can handle for the day. As preparations continue for the event, which this year falls on Nov. 26, local nonprofit officials point out that highprofile happenings are not the only time when people can volunteer to help. “The big story is, we’re open 364 other days a year and we use volunteers every day,” said Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission. So if you’re ready to be of service and don’t want to be blinded by the flash of the paparazzi cameras, here are a few ideas on volunteering in Downtown. Los Angeles Mission: Like other well-known homeless service agencies in the area, such as the Union Rescue Mission and the Midnight Mission, the Los Angeles Mission can use help. “We always can use people in the kitchen, serving meals. We have people that come in and volunteer as mentors, tutoring, career development, art, just anything,” Smith said. The Mission is currently looking for people to wrap gifts for Christmas. Even if you don’t have a special skill, the Mission could use you too. “We even have people who just come to our lobby and hang out with our guests as greeters. It could be almost anything… and on any day,” he said. Los Angeles Mission is at 303 E. Fifth St., (213) 629-1227 or losangelesmission.org; Union Rescue Mission is at 545 S. San Pedro Ave., (213) 347-6300 or urm.org; Midnight Mission is at

601 S. San Pedro St., (213) 624-9258 or midnightmission.org. Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children: With a recently opened facility in City West and a growing number of women and children to house, the center has an increasing need for volunteers, especially during the holiday season, said Development Director Barbara Shepherd. “We have several holidays festivities and we need volunteers,” she said. The center runs five shelters in Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. In total, the organization houses about 100 women and close to 50 children and serves about 900 people yearly through its programs. Approximately 70% of the women who go through the Good Shepherd program find jobs and eventually their own homes. The center currently needs volunteers to box up food after the annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 27 so that their clients can take leftovers home, she said. On Dec. 11, the center is holding its “A Better Christmas” program, which is sponsored by the Secret Service. The Service puts on a party with food provided by Ralphs, though there is a need for more muscle than even the feds can provide. “The food comes on these big pallets, so we need some strong people who could lift pallets of food and carry them into the kitchen,” she said. Then there’s a unique volunteering opportunity — the center needs entertainment for a Dec. 19 holiday party. “If anybody has a band or sings, does karaoke or even magic tricks, any kind of entertainment would be very nice,” she said At 1650 Rockwood St., (213) 482-1834 or gschomeless.org. St. Vincent Meals on Wheels: Drivers and runners are always being sought to deliver meals for the Downtown-based organization, said Patricia Barrett, a spokeswoman for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. The charity delivers 4,300 meals to 2,500 homebound seniors, disabled or ill adults daily.

A volunteer at Bark Avenue Foundation plays with one of the dogs waiting for adoption. The organization is one of many that can use help from Downtowners throughout the year.

“We always need volunteers, but the most pressing need right now is for Christmas, from Dec. 24-Jan. 1,” Barrett said. Drivers and runners, who take food to the clients, are needed from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, she said. There are also volunteer openings in the kitchen, preparing and packaging food from 8:30 a.m.-noon daily. At 2131 W. Third St., (213) 484-7775 or stvincentmow.org Bark Avenue Foundation: People aren’t the only ones who could benefit from the kindness of volunteers. Dogs and cats can use some help at the Bark Avenue Foundation, a Downtown-based nonprofit dog and cat rescue and adoption organization. “We’re looking for anybody that likes to take dogs for walks, socialize with our kittens and our cats, just stay with them and play with them,” said Dawn Vargas, rescue director for Bark Avenue. Volunteers can also bathe dogs, help at adoption events, create and mail flyers to help dogs get adopted and become a foster parent to a dog or cat while a permanent home is found. “We depend on our volunteers. We definitely welcome more volunteers,” she said. At 3016 S. Hill St., (323) 788-8448 or barkavenuefoundation.org. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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not run in your family, that you are off the hook. Studies by the American Cancer Society also show that 93% of cancer patients do not have a family history of cancer. Q: So really, no one is completely safe? A: That’s why understanding risk factors is so important. Women who have had children later in life (34 years old and up) or older women who have no children have higher exposure to unopposed estrogen throughout their lifetime. This increases risk. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and eating habits increase risk. Obese women (with a body mass index over 25) increase their risk for breast cancer as well. Excessive drinking, while not directly related to breast cancer, causes liver damage, which in turn makes it difficult to clear estrogen from the system. Although no one can accurately predict which women will develop cancer, one thing is clear: The presence of unopposed estrogen is greater in women who tested positive for breast cancer. Finally, men can have breast cancer too, although it is rare. Q: What is unopposed estrogen? A: Unopposed estrogen is the amount of estrogen to

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November 16 Downtown 17, 2008 News

Downtown November News 17, 2008 16

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING photo by Gary Leonard

Outside the (Gift) Box Eight Downtown Boutiques Offer Unique Style by AnnA Scott StAff writer

here are some benefits to having indiscernible seasons. One is that when the holidays roll around, Angelenos hoping to outfit their loved ones are not confined to shopping for unflattering, bulky jackets, mittens or other typical winter gear. Bring on the T-shirts! This year, whether you are searching for the perfect shirt, bracelet or Hello Kitty backpack, Downtown Los Angeles offers a whole host of unique boutiques for those who like to dress outside the box.

1) House of Scarves: Designer Candice Held is known for creating one-of-a-kind dresses from stitched-together vintage scarves. But if you don’t know dress sizes, her tiny, 1-yearold Fashion District shop has plenty of other gift-appropriate pieces for the fashion-forward. Vintage scarves by themselves (one size fits all!) go for as little as $5. Limited edition silk print scarves designed by Held range from $48 to about $70. For those who like to dress their walls, prints by artists who have been part of the store’s rotating mini-gallery range from $12-$30. At 838 S. Spring St., (213) 612-0114.

2) Meow Mix: The official “home of Hello Kitty,” the Japanese chain store Sanrio carries everything one could ever want imprinted with the image of the mouthless cat. Items

Kimski Makes is on the ground floor of the Hikari Apartment complex.

include backpacks, blankets, clothing, stationery and more, all featuring Hello Kitty or other characters like Keroppi the frog. For adults, Sanrio offers kitschy pieces like a Hello Kitty coffee maker. At 335 E. Second St., in Japanese Village Plaza, (213) 620-0830.

photo by Gary Leonard

Candice Held specializes in dresses made from vintage scarves.

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3) Urban Style: On the ground floor of Little Tokyo’s Hikari apartment complex, Kimski Makes pedals new and vintage looks, from faded cowboy boots to exclusive T-shirts designed by local artists. For gift shoppers, the store also carries charm bracelets, necklaces shaped like household items (i.e., a clothespin) and other quirky jewelry, high-end sunglasses and vintage purses from the 1950s and ’60s. At 369 E. Second St., (213) 626-0340.

7) Not Just for Boys: Get it while you can. Edgy avant-garde fashion label Commes des Garcons’ temporary “guerilla” store in the Old Bank District is slated to close Feb. 16 of next year. This season only, pick up one of three limited edition, $90 T-shirts touting the L.A. store. Also check out the wallets, jewelry and, for those who want to smell like the latest thing, the upcoming debut fragrance by milliner Stephen Jones, which supposedly smells like a meteorite crashing into a violet. At 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 106, (213) 626-6606.

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4) Addictive Style: Crack Gallery and Boutique is so new it doesn’t even have a phone number yet. The store, on the ground floor of the Hayward Hotel in the Historic Core, debuted its blend of sexy, attentiongetting men’s and women’s clothes, shoes and accessories last month. It also carries affordable pop art pieces. At 204 W. Sixth St., crackgallerydtz@yahoo.com.

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6) Cool Kicks: Located in Chinatown’s Central Plaza, the aptly named Choose Chinatown carries a carefully curated selection of street wear, sneakers and accessories. Printed T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and limited-edition sneakers are strictly for the too-cool-for-school crowd. At 441 Gin Ling Way, (213) 613-9200.

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8) Attention Fashion Followers: If you’re shopping for a woman who knows all the latest handbag designers by name, but you don’t have a clue, Shop Ashiya is the place to go. Located in Little Tokyo’s Weller Court, this boutique specializes in the absolute latest trends at affordable prices. Popular items include bracelets and necklaces from the trendy Disney Couture jewelry line, featuring familiar cartoon characters, and a printed sweatshirt recently seen photographed on multiple celebrities. At 140 Onizuka St., (213) 928-0929. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

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5) Apartment in a Loft: Tucked away on the ground floor of the Arts District’s Toy Factory Lofts, the low-key shop Apartment 3 focuses on independent designers and hand-selected vintage duds. The perfect place to shop for your casual hipster loved one, the store carries T-shirts for men and women by more than 20 designers, more than 30 brands of jewelry and La Mer Collections wallets and watches. At 1855 Industrial St., Loft 103, (310) 924-9554.

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Downtown News 17

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CALENDAR

The California Science Center goes in an unlikely direction with the show Target America. The traveling exhibit, created by the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum in Arlington, Va., includes a smashed car as a warning against driving while on drugs.

photo by Gary Leonard

November 17, 2008

This Is an Exhibit On Drugs The DEA Museum Brings ‘Target America’ to the California Science Center by Julie Riggott aRts & enteRtainment editoR

ombine those high school assemblies where police officers tell horror stories about the devastating effects of narcotics with those classic public service announcements such as the “This is your brain on drugs” commercial with an egg frying in a pan, and you’ll get a feel for the traveling exhibit that opened last month at the California Science Center. It takes a few minutes to adjust to the commotion inside Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause. Right at the beginning, three TV screens run different images and sound within 10 feet of each other. (Ironically, it’s an unfortunate example of why Ritalin — an abused prescription drug for ADD mentioned in the exhibit — was invented.) Before getting to them, though, you have to walk around a huge display with the mangled front half of a Ford Thunderbird surrounded by toys, chemical bottles and framed photographs of people. The 43-yearold driver of the car, a placard says, was high on marijuana, cocaine, benzodiazepines and opiates when he killed a 30-year-old mother of three and is now serving a 10-year sentence for vehicular homicide. No, this isn’t your typical Science Center show about how the human body works or how space travel is possible. Target America was developed by the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum (yes, there is one, and it’s in Arlington, Va.) in response to 9/11. It opened in September 2002 and focused on the connection between global drug trafficking and terrorism (targeting “narco-terrorists” like Osama bin Laden

RESTAURANTS

and Al Qaida). Expanded in 2004 (and with a Southern California component added for this location), the exhibit also addresses the history, use, manufacture and trafficking of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine; money laundering; drug abuse and addiction and recovery options; and costs to Americans in terms of health care, crime and even the environment. Given the nature of the organization behind the exhibit, it’s perhaps no surprise that emotions run high in the show, sometimes at the expense of science. There are also many sides to the story left untold. Marijuana is given equal status with heroin, cocaine and meth, without mentioning that the Food and Drug Administration had supported its use for medical purposes based on 1999 findings of the Institute of Medicine (part of the National Academy of Sciences) until reversing its position in 2006. Also, legal psychoactive drugs like alcohol and nicotine and prescription drugs warrant little mention despite the staggering costs in illness, death, lost wages and healthcare they pose to Americans. Target America runs through May 3, 2009. Following is a brief tour of some of the highlights. Rated PG-10: The exhibit is not recommended for those under 10, but on a recent weekday, plenty of children of all ages were roaming through it. Perhaps the age limit should be enforced, because a simulated meth lab in a motel room has placards stating that “clandestine meth labs are easy to set up almost anywhere” and that the chemicals needed can be found in “local hardware and auto supply stores.” During a recent visit, a recreated Afghan

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heroin factory was a draw for a group of pre-teen boys who were most excited about the automatic weapons hanging on the wall and the photo of a man sitting on top of an actual factory in Afghanistan — the leading producer of opium for illegal drug trafficking — with a large aerial gun. The exhibit also holds opium pipes, crack vials, a (simulated) kilo brick of cocaine and condoms filled with drugs. A teenage girl looking at the latter, which are swallowed to get drugs on airplanes and across borders, remarked, “Ew, that’s dirty.” War on Drugs on TV: Television may be the biggest weapon in the war on drugs considering all the 30-second segments running in the exhibit. There are commercials about a suburban accountant who is also a drug addict and a guy stoned on marijuana who bought 15 “surfing monkey” coin banks from a home shopping program. An “immersive theater experience” courtesy of three huge screens at the back of the exhibit space takes viewers on a simulated drug bust. A young woman sat on the floor with six boys (maybe 8 years old tops) watching the show and giving a play-by-play. “See how they thought they could get away and how the police work together,” she said when a helicopter was dispatched to pursue a vehicle when suspects fled the scene of a drug deal. Emotional Overload: Ironically, there are photos of people shooting up heroin, but none showing the physically deteriorating effects of certain kinds of chronic drug use. However, there are plenty of other disturbing images meant to tug the heartstrings, like the ones of kids (more than 3,000 each year in the United States) rescued from meth labs. A section of the exhibit is devoted to children as victims of drug use, manufacture and trafficking. Tour guide information provided by the DEA to give teachers talking points about the exhibit provides this one for a simulated crack den with a bed, a cradle,

guns, crack vials, syringes and a baby bottle: “The message here is that cocaine use leads to a dangerous and violent lifestyle that children often get swept up in.” The “Lost Talent Memorial,” with photos of people who have died of overdoses or drug-related illnesses and officers killed in the line of duty, plays like a game of “Where’s the Celebrity?” A group of young women picked out Chris Farley, Billie Holiday and Andy Gibb, among others, mixed in with Californians like a 14-year-old girl who died after taking ecstasy. Only in L.A.: In the Southern California portion of the exhibit, visitors can turn a dial that changes graphics and written information and read about illegal drugs between 1900 and 2008. Visitors can learn that heroin was used in cough suppressants until Congress banned it in 1924 and what the various street names and methods of use for each drug are. Other additions, obviously inspired by Hollywood, include the Wheel of Misfortune that visitors can spin; it lands on a number of consequences of drug use, from “social disconnectedness” to “STDs and AIDS.” A 30-something man landed on “lose your home” and walked on pretty much unfazed. The Wheel of Recovery is only slightly less daunting, since in 2006, 23.6 million people needed treatment for drug dependence and only 4 million got it. Another part of the exhibit shows brain scans from researchers at UCLA indicating that the brains of a meth addict and an Alzheimer’s patient show similar damage. The additions of research from UCLA and USC on the neuroscience of addiction (some of which can be viewed while lying in a simulated MRI machine) seem to be the few examples of science in the show. California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org. Contact Julie Riggott at julie@downtownnews.com.

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November 17, 2008

The Dark Night Marlowe, Shakespeare and Murder at the Taper by Jeff Favre contributing writer

he reason a character description is included in the program for Peter Whelan’s Elizabethan-era mystery The School of Night is that most of the names will be unfamiliar to Americans. Perhaps it’s for that same reason this critically successful work by a well-known English playwright took 16 years to receive its American premiere. It’s fortunate that Center Theatre Group recognized that this witty, intelligent play is worth a bit of audience confusion. For visitors to the Mark Taper Forum in Downtown Los Angeles will take in a vibrant, memorable work, even if Whelan’s suppositions are possibly miles from accurate. A Shakespeare-knowledgeable cast and director inject powerful physicality into Whelan’s intellectually stimulating tale, making practically all of the two-and-a-half hours riveting, even when the outcome is already known. The historical facts are these: Young, gifted playwright Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (Gregory Wooddell) was arrested for spreading atheist messages, a treasonous act because it opposed the Church of England. A few days later, while out on bail, he was in a room with Robyn Poley (Mark H. Dold), Nicholas Skeres (Rob Nagle) and Ingram Frizer (Ian Bedford), when Frizer stabbed him fatally in the eye. In other words, The School of Night, which runs through Dec. 17, isn’t a whodunit, but a whydunit. Whelan makes a strong argument that Marlowe’s beliefs — and his knowledge of who belonged to the School of Night, a group

comprised of scientists, artists and professed atheists — made him a target. Marlowe had his fans, in particular patron Thomas Walsingham (Adrian LaTourelle), who allows the writer to stay at his home, despite clear objections from his wife Audry (Alicia Roper), a Queen Elizabeth devotee, who abhors Marlowe’s godless humor. Other admirers are Italian actress Rosalinda Benotti (Tymberlee Chanel) and young actor Tom Stone (John Sloan), who turns out to be upand-coming playwright William Shakespeare. The other characters of note are fellow playwright Thomas Kidd (Michael Bakkensen), who is forced to name Marlowe as a heretic, and soldier Sir Walter Ralegh (Henri Lubatti), a onetime favorite of the queen who has fallen out of favor. Whelan doesn’t oversimplify dialogue. This makes some of the scenes difficult to comprehend for anyone unfamiliar with the paranoia that was blanketing society at the time, which left everyone afraid to be named as an atheist or a Catholic. Still, Whelan’s story echoes modern events — the McCarthy-era hearings, for example — so the emotions and motivations are easy to recognize, even if some subtleties are lost. When Marlowe heralds the fight for a free exchange of ideas, his call can be heard across the centuries. Whelan also adds a healthy dose of easily digestible humor, in particular through a faithful re-creation of a commedia dell-arte skit, performed in Italian. No translator is necessary to comprehend the well-executed and funny physical comedy. The Shakespeare-trained cast is headed by

photo by Craig Schwartz

(l to r) Alicia Roper, Adrian LaTourelle and Gregory Woodell appear in The School of Night at the Mark Taper Forum. Woodell plays playwright Christopher Marlowe.

Wooddell, who is riveting as Marlowe and serves as a sturdy anchor in practically every scene. He balances the ego of a genius with a self-awareness of his fears, making Marlowe equally pompous and sympathetic. Marlowe’s rebellious nature is balanced by Sloan’s quiet portrayal of Shakespeare. Sloan provides a soft, yet confident air to the world’s most famous playwright, whom Whelan suggests inspired Marlowe while also learning from him. Also notable is Lubatti, whose charismatic turn as Ralegh makes it easy to see the explorer as easily earning the queen’s respect. Director Bill Alexander, who has handled several of Whelan’s plays, has an artist’s eye when it comes to blocking, always carefully positioning each actor and balancing the stage. The variations in pace and tone keep the action from becoming monotonous. Technically, the production is nearly flaw-

less. Simon Higlett’s set, dominated by an aged wood plank floor and a 20-foot pair of retractable walls, echoes the classic set design and theaters of the era. Russell H. Champa’s lighting covers a variety of moods, and several scenes are performed mostly in ominous shadows without losing the ability to discern the actors’ reactions. As one expects with a period piece, the costumes, designed by Robert Perdziola, are impeccable re-creations of opulent gowns and English gentlemen’s attire. The School of Night probably won’t connect on the same visceral level with American audiences as it does for the British. But the Taper delivers a thought-provoking production, which likely would please Marlowe immensely. The School of Night runs through Dec. 17 at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

November 17, 2008

Downtown News 19

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LISTINGS The

EVENTS Monday, nov. 17 Sci-Arc Exhibition Discussion 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5328 or sciarc.edu. 7 p.m.: Dwayne Oyler and Jenny Wu of the Oyler Wu Collective discuss Live Wire, their ongoing installation at Sci-Arc. They’ll be joined by Sci-Arc director Eric Owens Moss.

‘Don't Don't Miss Don' Miss’ or Those W eek f tes and G ho Lov W e ood Ca A ks, Pira us Boo

photo courtesy of REDCAT/CalArts

Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison is in big demand since her latest novel just came out, but the Central Library’s Aloud speaker series was able to book her at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m., she’ll discuss A Mercy,, about a mother who gives up her daughter during the infancy of the slave trade in order to save her life. Like other Morrison novels such as Beloved, A Mercy is both historical and poetic. Aloud readings are usually free, but this event at the 900-capacity Little Tokyo location is a fundraiser for the library’s cultural programs (tickets are $10 for library associates, $20 for general admission). 244 S. San Pedro St. Tickets are available at the Library Store or the theater’s box office, (213) 680-3700. For information, (213) 2287025 or aloudla.org.

The Caribbean Pirates video installation at REDCAT this week is a wild and sometimes obscene look at invasion, debauchery and other themes inspired by the pirate in American pop culture. In other words, it’s nothing like the Disneyland ride that triggered the idea for Paul and Damon McCarthy. Their show that premiered in Munich in 2005, complete with videos, a full-scale pirate ship and assorted sculptures, will be presented purely as a multi-screen video presentation for the U.S. premiere. The father and son L.A. artists — the influential Paul had a solo exhibit at MOCA in 2000, and his son Damon graduated from CalArts — have collaborated on a series of projects and will appear at REDCAT at the ThursdaySaturday, Nov. 20-22, shows at 8:30 p.m. 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

2 photo courtesy of Art Knows No Borders

With the election over, there’s no telling whether Sarah Palin jokes will surface during Sandra Bernhard’s show at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. One of them got the sneering comedian in some hot water recently. Political figures and celebrities have never been off-limits in Bernhard’s stand-up, but her one-night show at the historic Broadway theater is a 20th-anniversary performance of Without You I’m Nothing, which just had a threeweek run in Washington, D.C. Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, (213) 622-1939 or laorpheum.com.

Sam Lanni of Safari Sam’s fame has donated the club’s new performance space at the old Regent Theatre on Main Street to Art Knows No Borders for an event on Tuesday, Nov. 18. More than 120 artists, including musicians, photographers, painters, poets and dancers, have volunteered their talents and works of art in the effort to raise $20,000 for Doctors Without Borders. A silent auction and live music begin at 7 p.m., readings and a brief program at 8:30 p.m., followed by a musical lineup including L.A. bands Pic Vicious (shown here) and Killsonic and Iranian metal band Tarantist. Writer Crystal Allene Cook started Art Knows No Borders after doing research in the Caucasus with a Fulbright and hopes to bring awareness to ethnic conflicts, in particular the struggle between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, where Doctors Without Borders provides humanitarian aid. Suggested donation is $20. 448 S. Main St., artknowsnoborders.com.

photo by Amy Rogers/courtesy of Nancy Shear Arts Services

Wednesday, nov. 19 An Intimate History of L.A. Sewers Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or angelcitypress.com. Noon: Anna Sklar, author of “Brown Acres: An Intimate History of the Los Angeles Sewers,” is guest speaker for the fall luncheon of the library’s Business, Economics, Science, Technology and Patents departments. RSVP to johnshe23@ca.rr. com by Nov. 17. SCI-Arc Lecture Series 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5328 or sciarc.edu. 7 p.m.: Jennifer Siegal, founder of Office of Mobile Design in Venice, will discuss her work in creating prefab homes of the 21st century in a talk titled “Generation Mobile: the Death of Distance.” ALOUD series Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 680-2700 or aloudla.org. 7:30 p.m.: Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison in a rare Los Angeles appearance, discussing her latest novel, “A Mercy.”

photo by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders/courtesy of Aloud

by Julie Riggott Rts & enteR nteRtAinment nte RtA Rt tAinment Ainment edito ditoR R ARts

Tuesday, nov. 18 In Conversation With Ted Turner USC, Bovard Auditorium, 3551 Trousdale Parkway, (213) 740-2167 or annenburg.usc.edu. 5 p.m.: Media mogul Ted Turner will discuss his new book “Call Me Ted,” in conversation with University Professor Geoffrey Cowan. Doctors Without Borders Fundraiser Safari Sam’s, 448 S. Main St., (213) 327-2220 or artknowsnoborders.com. 7 p.m.: Art Knows No Borders is an all-volunteer benefit for Doctors Without Borders with art, dance, music, readings and a live auction. The first 500 attendees get an art house copy of the novel “Bombardirkova,” turned into works of art and signed by Los Angeles artists. Zocalo at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or zocalola.org. 7:30 p.m.: Author Edward Alden wonders “Is Post9/11 Border Security Dumbing Down America?”

Thursday, nov. 20 ALOUD Business Forum 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudbizforum.org. 7:30 a.m.: Philanthropist Eli Broad and Mathew Bishop, business editor of The Economist, discuss “philanthrocapitalism” in the Library Foundation’s second ALOUD Business Forum. Tickets are $20. Breakfast is included. Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. Noon-10 p.m.: Once again, Pershing Square will turn into an outdoor ice skating rink, open everyday through Jan. 19. The rink will be open Monday through Thursday from noon-10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is $6; skate rentals are $2. Today, the VIP Band plays Top 40 tunes from noon-2 p.m. Thursdays at Central 630 W. Fifth St., meeting room A, (213) 228-7241 or lapl.org. 12:15-1 p.m.: Etiquette consultant Lanie Denslow offers tips for hosts and guests on “Holiday Etiquette.” Park Design Forum Los Angeles Conservation Corps headquarters, 1400 N. Spring St., parks.ca.gov. 6:30-8 p.m.: The California State Parks Department is hosting one of the final community meetings to discuss designs for the development of the 32-acre Los Angeles State Historic Park. The public will be able to see the current phase of design work by San Franciscobased design firm Hargreaves and Associates. MOCA Grand Avenue MOCA, Ahmanson Auditorium, 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1745or moca.org. 6:30 p.m.: In conjunction with the exhibition Louise Bourgeois, MOCA Director and Bourgeois scholar Jeremy Strick discusses the artist’s work. ALOUD at Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Author Amitav Ghosh discusses his latest book “Sea of Poppies” in conversation with Michael Silverblatt, host of Bookworm on KCRW. Set in Continued on page 20

List

Last week, pianos took over the classical scene. This week, it’s organs. On Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m., Namhee Han, organist at the Westwood Presbyterian Church, will perform works by Bach, Franck, Rachmaninoff and others at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Then Juilliard grad and Fulbright Fellow Chelsea Chen (shown here) makes her debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in a recital featuring music by Hindemith, Bach, Dupré and more. Both venues have impressive instruments: The Cathedral organ has 6,019 pipes, and its polished tin façade is the largest of its kind in the United States. Disney Hall’s has 6,134, and its wooden-pipe façade, designed by Manuel Rosales in collaboration with concert hall architect Frank Gehry, looks as gorgeous as it sounds. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., (213) 680-5205 or olacathedral.org. Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.org.

20 Downtown News

November 17, 2008

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But Wait, There’s More!

Additional Event Information on the Web

Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Kids can enjoy entertainment from the Squeegees and Franklin Haynes from 1-2 p.m. at the ice rink. Weekend Recess for Grown-Ups Tolberman Recreation Center, 1725 Tolberman St., (213) 610-3233 or extremebootcamp.com. 10 a.m.-noon: Remember how much fun you had at recess in elementary school? Regain that feeling at this weekend adult recess in bouts of dodgeball, kickball, freeze-tag and handball. Hosted by Extreme Boot Camp, Downtown LA. Every Saturday, except holiday weekends. All About Marketing Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 488-3599 or downtownlaretail.com. 1-3 p.m.: Learn how to develop a solid, working and realistic marketing plan with the Valley Economic Development Corp. and the Historic Downtown Retail Project. It’s free, but RSVP. Performing Books for Kids Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7480 or lapl.org/kidspath. 2 and 3 p.m.: The Performing Books series is designed to introduce children ages 4-10 to the performing arts through books. This week, Chuck Koontz, Alan Steinberger and Peter Kors tell the story of Tubby the Tuba, who is tired of playing oompah, oompah… until he meets Frog. Ribbet, anyone?

Listings Continued from page 19 Calcutta in 1838, the book weaves stories of poverty and riches through the British-run opium trade between India and China. Poetry Reading at Pharmaka Pharmaka, 101 W. Fifth St., (213) 689-7799 or pharmaka-art.org. 8-10 p.m.: Poets Marjorie Becker, Martha Serpas, Sandra Alcosser and Jane Hirshfield read at the gallery’s monthly poetry reading. Friday, Nov. 21 Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.: DMH Footloose plays dance music from 8-10 p.m. at the ice rink. LA Auto Show Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., laautoshow.com. Opens 11 a.m.: The LA Auto Show is back. As always, you can ogle at fantasy rides like the new Ferrari California or see the newest in green technology on wheels. Through Nov. 30. Farmlab Public Salons 1745 N. Spring St. #4, (323) 226-1158 or farmlab.org. Noon: The folks at Farmlab discuss “Native American Cards and Identity” at this week’s salon.

10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Salsa Caliente performs from 2-4 p.m. at the ice rink.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ 2nd Street Jazz 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047, 2ndstjazz.com or myspace.com/2ndstreetlivejazz. Music usually starts at 9 or 10 p.m. Tuesdays: Jazz jam session. 626 Reserve 626 S. Spring St., (213) 627-9800 or 626reserve.com. Tuesdays, 6 p.m.: Live music with Goh Kurosawa. Thursdays, 6 p.m.: More live sounds, this time with Jessie Torrez. Bar 107 107 W. Fourth St., (213) 625-7382 or myspace.com/ bar107. Tuesdays: A classic island mix of reggae with attitude. Jah! Wednesdays: The world famous (or at least in L.A.) Bar 107 Karaoke Gong Show. Come join the fun and help the judges vote for the best act of the evening. Sundays: DJ’s choice with 107’s Matt Dwyer, the comic-actor genius who plays music while serving the meanest drinks (in the nicest way) Downtown. Blue Velvet 750 S. Garland Ave., (213) 239-0061. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 p.m.: Live music and DJs. Casey’s Irish Bar and Grill 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. Fridays: Live Irish music.

SuNday, Nov. 23 Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Listings for additional concerts, exhibits and more in Downtown Los Angeles can be found on our website. Go to downtownnews.com/listings for full information, including time and location, for all the happenings in Downtown.

Chop Suey Café 347 E. First St., (213) 617-9990 or chopsueycafe.com. Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Live jazz on the patio of the restored landmark. Cicada Cicada Restaurant, 617 S. Olive St., (213) 488-9488 or cicadarestaurant.com. Thursdays, 8-11 p.m.: The velvet-voiced Max Vontaine recreates the sounds and styles of rat packers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His smoking jackets and tunes are vintage; his bawdy repartee is less so. Keep a close eye on the unlit cigarette. Sundays, 6-11 p.m.: The restaurant is transformed into a vintage, old Hollywood-style dance club every Sunday. Come out to appreciate the big band, swank costumes, dinner and cocktails. Visit cicadaclub.com.

Please email Your event info To submit events for this section, please email a brief description, street address and a public phone number to calendar@downtownnews.com. Web addresses are welcome. Listings are due 10 days before publication date. Because of time constraints, submissions without full information cannot be considered for publication. Inclusion in the listings is at the discretion of the L.A. Downtown News. Sorry, we cannot accept follow-up calls about event listings.

Free WI-FI 20% Off Everything Great Coffee & Atmosphere!

Get to the

POINT! Best coffee in town

Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive 5 Star resort 4 Days – $185.00

5 Day Cruise

Come enjoy and kick back!

$ 49.99

Hot Pressed Paninis, Soup du Jour, Pastries, Italian Gelato, Smoothies & More!

(Includes all food & drink)

Happy Hour at tHe promenade, Fri. nov. 21, 5-7 p.m.

213-229-0030 714 W. 1st. St., Los Angeles, CA. 90012

First Drink and Appetizers are on the house!

(At 1St & Hope NeAr WALt DiSNey HALL)

FREE Cruise Giveaway at Each Lunch! Promenade ristorante, every Friday 11:45 a.m. 710 W. 1st St., L.A., CA 90012 (Corner of 1st & Hope St.) rsVP michael Blain-rozgay: 323-401-6179

Buffet Style Menu Across the street from the Music Center and the Walt Disney Concert Hall

110 E. 9th St. Unit A-2 (213)485-9465

One hour free parking with validation. Ph.: 213.437.4937 | Fax: 213.437.4940 | 710 W. 1st. Street L.A., CA 90012

See our full Service Lunch and Dinner Menu @ promenaderestaurant.com

Master Chef

Location: File Name: Rep: Date: Creator: Changes:

n o s a e S y This Holida

ROP G 2008 Gigi’s 11-10 ch 11-5 yk 3

AUTHENTIC CHINEsE FOOD

LUNCH AND LATE NIGHT SPECIAL $4.95 & Up

For your gatherings & parties, enjoy a Latin flavor like no other. We offer a variety of cakes, Cuban sandwiches, meat pies, potato balls, ham croquettes and much more.

Bring Mexico a little closer to Donwtown LA

Discover how to get 5 Star Travel at a 2 Star Price, While enjoying lunch on us at Promenade Ristorante.

PROMENADE Ristorante Us & Book Your Holiday Now! CallFixed Holiday Menu • Regular Sit Down Menu

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LUNCH SPECIALS START M-F 11AM-5PM • LATE NIGHT DAILY SPECIALS START 9:30PM-1AM

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Mexico

aurant t s e R a d a n e Ens

937 N. Hill St. • (213) 687-3638 • MasterChefLA.com Open Daily 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. (7 Days a week)

Validated Pkg. at Bamboo Plaza Parking and King’s Valet • Dine-In, Take-Out and Catering!

Regent China Inn Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Chinatown

catering specials available! Lobster Special

12.95

Lunch Special

4.95 Saturday & Sunday 11-3

Weekdays 11-5

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517 S. Spring St., LA, 90013 • 213.489.2950 • Find us on “SearchDowntownLA.com”

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F r e e P a r k i n g

KABOB/GYRO BUFFET

PAPA CRISTOS GREEK GRILL phone: 323-737-2970 fax: 323-737-8416 www.papacristos.com

SearchDowntownLA.com

November 17, 2008

Downtown News 21

CLASSIFIED

place your ad online at www.ladowntownnews.com

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

Across street from disney hall 2 bd 2 bath 1300 sq. ft. New granite counters - stainless steel appliances. Laminate floor. Pool, jacuzzi & fitness center. Parking for 2 cars. $2600/mo. (310) 451-0118

DOUGLAS BUILDING LOFT This one bedroom is a steal at $2,295. Corner unit, 1,140 sqft., exposed brick, wood floors, 1 parking. Call 323-351-5741 or email aca4125@lausd.net.

FLOWER ST. LOFT in Southpark. 3 bed, 2 bath, approx, 1450 SF in Live/Work Zone. Previously occupied by entertainment executive w/hi-tech custom furnishings like motorized 2-way blinds w/remote, designed illumination, custom buildouts for maximum storage, private, secure access, in-house alarm and way more! $3,400 with rebate. 310-5256005 by appt. OLD TOWN PASADENA Upscale condo. Walk to Goldline. 2bd/1ba, granite, stainless appliances, pool, sauna, $1700. rentalforme222@yahoo.com.

FIGUEROA TERRACE/ Downtown LA. 3 br, 1.5 ba home. Newly painted, great view, balcony, backyard, garage. $2,900. Call 818-484-6193.

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

STOP RENTING! Own A Home. 100% Financing. Zero Down. No Closing Costs. Federally Insured. 1st Time Buyer OK. Call 866-903-8051. Green Planet Mtg. DOC LIC#4130948. (CalSCAN)

The Medici 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 for Specials!

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

Up to 2 months free! (O.A.C.) New downtown luxury apartments with granite kitchens, marble baths, pool, spa, saunas & free parking. 888-736-7471

real estate for sale

real estate 2 bd Skyline end unit North facing with great skyline view Upper floor; cove molding $599,000 Rob Nesbitt, Broker Wilshire Metro Realty, Inc. 213.629.2530 (office) 213.617.8225 (direct)

AMERICA’S BEST BUY! Own 20 acres, 30 minutes from Booming El Paso. #1 Growth State. Only $15,900. $200/down, $159/ month. Roads Surveyed. Beautiful Views. Owner Financing. Free Maps/Pictures. 1-800-343-9444. (10%/225 mths). (Cal-SCAN)

OFFICE SPACE

Downtown since 2002 Don’t settle for anyone less experienced!

Call us today!

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

TheLoftExpertGroup.com

FOR SALE BY OWNER! 1BD/1BA. Bunker Hill. Highly upgraded. High floor. Downtown view. Marble floors. Jacuzzi. Sauna. $499,000. 213-210-9943

Old Bank District

Lofts from $1,100. High ceilings. A/C. Parking available. High speed internet/T1 & direct T.V. Pets no charge. Call 213-253-4777 LAloft.com

THE LOFT EXCHANGE 1200 S. Santee St., Suite1107 Los Angeles CA 90015

For Sales & Leasing contact Michael Ferguson, Broker 213-718-3019

TheLoftExchange.com

real estate CONSULTANT

Prime Office Spaces As Low As 99¢/sqf.

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High-Rise Building on Olive St.

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Under New Management

Residential Real Estate Downtown LA

OFFICE LOFTS

1,250 Sq. ft Loft For Rent. High ceilings, wooden floor, kitchen, shower, big window. Free utilities. $1,275.00/Mo. 213-327-0105.

lease 2+2 TOWNHOUSE $1,750. Walk to Gold Line, Rose Parade. New kitchen, bath, hardwood floors. E-mail BuyBargainHomes@ gmail.com.

TheLoftGuys.net LA’s #1 Loft Site

Call 213-625-1313

BUILD YOUR DREAM RANCH: Why buy “Out of State” land you will never use! 90 min. from Downtown L.A. gorgeous 40 ac. Ranch sites from $265K Terms. Deer, quail, some snow, 1 mi from golf, 9 mi from ski lodge. 310-505-0352. edpeters01@abcglobal.net COLORADO FORECLOSURE 40 acres $29,900. Outstanding Views. Access to 6,000 acres BLM Rec Land. 300 days of sunshine. Call 1-866-696-5263. (Cal-SCAN) Continued on next page

THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

call us now:

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We've got what you're searching for! DowntownNews.com

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

22 Downtown News

November 17, 2008

DowntownNews.com

Continued from previous page

LAND/ACREAGE MONTANA LAND BARGAINS (A Safe Haven) 20 Acres w/ Road & Utilities- $29,900. 40 Acres w/ New Cabin- $89,900. 160 Acres at $99,900. Financing available. Fully guaranteed. 1-888-361-3006 www.WesternSkiesLand.com. (Cal-SCAN) NEW MEXICO SACRIFICE! 140 acres was $149,900, Now Only $69,900. Amazing 6000 ft. elevation. Incredible mountain views. Mature tree cover. Power & year round roads. Excellent financing. Priced for quick sale. Call NML&R, Inc. 1-888-2049760. (Cal-SCAN) BULK LAND SALE 80 acres $39,900. Take advantage of the buyers market and own beautiful mountain property. Price reduced on large acreage in Eastern Arizona. Won’t last! Good access & views. Wildlife abounds at Eureka Springs Ranch by AZLR. Financing available. ADWR report. 1-888-854-7403. (Cal-SCAN)

NEW TO MARKET. New Mexico Ranch Dispersal 140 acres $89,900. River Access. Northern New Mexico. Cool 6,000’ elevation with stunning views. Great tree cover including Ponderosa, rolling grassland and rock outcroppings. Abundant wildlife, great hunting. EZ terms. Call NML&R, Inc. 1-866-360-5263. (Cal-SCAN) LAKEFRONT OPPORTUNITY. Nevada’s 3rd Largest Lake. Approx. 2 hrs. South of Carson City. Lake Front - $89,900. Lake View - $29,900. 38,000 acre Walker Lake, very rare home sites on paved road with city water. Magnificent views, very limited supply. New to market. www.NVLR. com Call 1-877-542-6628. (CalSCAN) PRICED TO SELL! Newly Released Colorado Mountain Ranch. 35 acres- $39,900. Majestic lake & Mountain views, adjacent to national forest for camping or hiking, close to conveniences. EZ terms. 1-866-3534807. (Cal-SCAN)

CommERCiAL REAL EstAtE

hELp WANtED

DOWNTOWN L.A. Commercial building. Office, showroom, warehouse. 200/4600 sq. ft. Parking. $.95 per sq. ft. 213/7410121.

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213.627.1900

Ask About Our Move-In Specials! 1-bedroom apartments starting at $1900 2-bedroom apartments starting at $2685

• Elegant Courtyards Pool/spa Putting greens Zen Garden

plus great benefits. Solo drivers also needed for Western Regional

Werner enterprises

1 (800) 346-2818 x123

REAL EstAtE ApARtmENts

BRAND NEW 3 Miles from downtown ImmedIate move -Ins!

Teams earn Top dollar

• Clubhouse Lounge Pool Table Large Flat Screen TV Snacks

Telemarketing Position for Maintenance Co. Min. 2 yrs exp. $9/hr + comm + residual + benefits. FT. Hollywood area.

Call 323-957-7712 Ask for Nancy DRIVER - CDL Training: $0 down, financing by Central Refrigerated. Company Drivers earn average of $40k/year. Owner Operators average $60k/ Year. 1-800-587-0029 x4779. www.CentralDrivingJobs.net. (Cal-SCAN) DRIVER- $5K SIGN-ON Bonus for Experienced Teams with HazMat. Dry Van & Temp Control available. O/Os welcome. Call Covenant 1-866-684-2519 EOE. (Cal-SCAN) DRIVERS - Ask about qualifying for 5 raises in a year! No experience? CDL Training available. Tuition reimbursement. 1-877232-2386 www.SwiftTruckingJobs.com. (Cal-SCAN) DRIVERS: CALL TODAY! SignOn Bonus. 35-41 cpm. Earn over $1000 weekly. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A and 3 months recent OTR. 1-877-258-8782. www.MeltonTruck.com. (CalSCAN)

OVER 18? AVAILABLE TO Travel? Earn Above Average $$$ with Fun Successful Business Group! No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. (Cal-SCAN) PROCUREMENT Director for grocery store chain. BS in Bus. Admin. required. Fax resume to Koamex General Wholesale 626-854-9812 City of Industry TRUCK DRIVERS: CDL training. Up to $20,000 bonus. Accelerate your career as a soldier. Drive out terrorism by keeping the Army National Guard supplied. 1-800-GO-GUARD.com/ truck. (Cal-SCAN)

busiNEss sERviCEs A BEST-KEPT CLASSIFIED advertising secret! A 25-word ad costs $550, is placed in 240 community newspapers and reaches over 6 million Californians. Call for more information (916) 2886010; (916) 288-6019 www.CalSCAN.com. (Cal-SCAN) ADVERTISE EFFECTIVELY! Reach over 3 million Californians in 140 community newspapers. Cost $1,550 for a 3.75”x2” display ad. Super value! Call (916) 288-6010; (916) 288-6019. www. Cal-SDAN.com. (Cal-SCAN) LOOKING FOR A COST efficient way to get out a news release? The California Press Release Service is the only service with 500 current daily, weekly and college newspaper contacts in California. Questions call (916) 288-6010. www. CaliforniaPressReleaseService. com. (Cal-SCAN)

PREGNANT? considering adoption? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families nationwide. Living Expenses Paid. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 1-866-459-3369. (Cal-SCAN)

busiNEss oppoRtuNitY ABSOLUTELY RECESSION proof! Do You Earn $800 in a Day? Your Own Local Vending Route Includes 30 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405. (CalSCAN)

LAuNDRY sERviCEs Let us do the dirty work!

Beverly's Laundromat Drop Off

25% OFF

Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices

FrEE Pick-up & Delivery with minimum 35lb

610 S. Rampart Blvd. @ 6th St (213)804-0069 Open Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. • Free Parking

Jobs WANtED ELDER -HELP. Cooking/driving, etc. Part-time. Downtown area. Judith 213-620-5725.

Get your GREEN CARD or CitiZENship

918 South Oxford Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006

• Luxurious Lobby 24-hour Attendant

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

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™

Jenny Ahn Every day, over 4,000 drivers switch their car insurance to State Farm® for average annual savings of $369.* Next! Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

CALL MY OFFICE FOr A quOtE 24/7. Ramon Pantoja, Agent Insurance Lic. #: 0F70474 712 W 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Bus: 213-225-0655 *Average annual household savings based on national 2007 survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. Daily average based on 1.5 million drivers switching to State Farm in 2007. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

MOVE-IN SPECIAL REAL Lofts REAL ARtist foR LEAsE foR LEAsE

Open Open House House Sunday Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm 12:00pm-3:00pm 1250 Ave. L.A. L.A. 1250 Long Long Beach Beach Ave. (Friendly (Friendly Fun Fun Community) Community)

Wood fireplace, Wood floors, floors, New kitchen, fireplace, high room, pool. pool. high ceilings, ceilings, jacuzzi, jacuzzi, laundry room, Gated Downtown. Gated Parking. Parking. View of Downtown.

Sorry Sorry No Dogs 1100 $1750–$2500 1100Sq Sq Ft Ft –– 2000 2000 Sq Sq Ft. Prices from $1750–$2500 Includes Includes 1 Pkg space. Call Emily Emily (866) 425-7259 Call

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. 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

ARTIST LOFTS FOR LEASE Live/Work in Downtown Fashion District 700 to 1500 Sq. Ft. Lofts. High ceilings, skylights, cable, kitchen, bath+shower, laundry room, elevator, controlled access, sub. parking. Sorry no dogs. Call George: 818-634-7916 or 310-275-9831 x24

www.regentbc.com

tHAi MAssAGe speCiAList VIP Room Available. The Best Way For Business Meetings & Entertainment

Tel: 213-383-7676

ComputERs FRUSTRATED BY computers? For services or solutions for home or business, call 213-4586873.

85 TOYOTA Corolla. Excellent condition, A/C, standard transmission. Registered until January 2009. $600 OBO 323-256-1648.

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, NonRunners Accepted, 1-888-4685964. (Cal-SCAN)

Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710

FoR sALE

STUCK WITH Merchandise??? www.SurplusLiquidator.net. 323465-5749 call Christine.

FOUR GERMAN LANGUAGE books on German artists. $50 for all. 213-627-1344

Special STUDeNT RaTe! $740 1 person

Parking Available Onsite Restaurant Available

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

sAKuRA hEALth GYm & sAuNA, iNC.

MASSAGEH

2551 W. Beverly Blvd. LA, CA, 90057 (Beverly Rampart)

1256 West 7th street

HealtH Dept. rank a for 7 ConseCutive Years

HBODY

Massage

(2 hr.) $60.00

Mayfair Hotel

Professional massage for men & women. Services include Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Swedish Oil Massage, Foot Massage, Sauna, Steam, and more. Lounge area.

First Professionally Licensed Massage Shop in L.A. County.

Star Holistic Spa

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

(213) 996-8301

111 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste #231-233 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 458-1919 [Corner of Garvey Ave.]

mAssAGE

Monthly Rents Start at $880 1 & 2 Bedrooms Available

Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.

jahn@regentBC.com

CRYSTAL MATRIX Center. Vibrational medicine services. Classes, crystals, jewelry and readings. Call 323-644-7625 or visit our website www.thecrystalmatrix.com

Luxury Rooms in Downtown

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

3386766 0119

save?

ABOGADO De iMMiGrACiOn! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs! Familiar o Amigo Arrestado? Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español

213 . 381. 50 0 0

• Exclusive fitness center State of the art LIFE FITNESS equipment

BUILDING MAINTENANCE Electrical, phone line, HVAC, plumbing, general maintenance. I’m available part/full time. 323493-7634 Ricardo.

AutomobiLEs

1st time customers only. Minimum 25lb

sERviCEs

• Exclusive Business Center fax and copy machines, computers, and private conference rooms

P080090 05/08

ANNouNCEmENts

Environmentally Concious

GREEN INTERIORS FREE Estimates

Partial or Complete Remodeling for: • Office TI • Residential • Work/Live Lofts

LEED Certification Available Member US Green Building Council

renovate@ecocentricrenovations.com www.ecocentricrenovations.com 213-316-0153

Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

Monthly from $695 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151

November 17, 2008

JOHN & CINDY McCain July 2005 Architectural Digest $12. 323-660-1376.

Kids performing schools CHIlDreN’s PerfOrmINg Group! Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! See SunshineGenerationLA.com or call 909861-4433.

miscellAneoUs sAWmIlls frOm ONlY $2,990 - Convert your Logs To Valuable Lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.NorwoodSawMills. com/300N -FREE Information: 1-800-578-1363 - x300-N. (CalSCAN)

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

Downtown News 23

SearchDowntownLA.com legAls COmmUNITY reDeVelOPmeNT AgeNCY Of THe CITY Of lOs ANgeles, CAlIfOrNIA NOTICE THAT THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA WILL CONSIDER THE CERTIFICATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND AMENDING AND RESTATING THE DESIGN FOR DEVELOPMENT TO INCREASE THE FLOOR AREA RATIO FROM 5:1 TO 6:1 IN THE BUNKER HILL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA, IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Notice is hereby given that on Thursday, November 20, 2008, beginning at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter, the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, California (“CRA/LA”) will conduct a meeting at the CRA/ LA Board Room located at 354 S. Spring Street, Sixth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90013, to consider the proposed amendment to the Bunker Hill Project Area Design for Development in accordance with Section 814 of the Bunker Hill Redevelopment Plan. The CRA/LA will also con-

sider the adoption of an Environmental Impact Report for the proposed amendment to the Design for Development. The meeting may be continued from time to time until completed. The proposed Amended and Restated Design for Development will provide an increase to the available floor area ratio from 5:1 to 6:1 as allowed by the Bunker Hill Redevelopment Plan. Any and all persons having any objections to the proposed amendment to the Design for Development, who deny the regularity of this proceeding or wish to speak on any issue raised by the amendment, may appear at the meeting and will be afforded an opportunity to state their comments or objections. If any person desires to challenge in court the proposed amendment of the Design for Development or any proceedings in connection therewith, they may be limited to raising only those issues that they or someone else raised at the meeting described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the CRA/LA at, or prior to, the meeting. Written correspondence on this matter may be addressed to the CRA/LA, c/o of the CRA/LA, Downtown Region, 354 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, California 90013. 11/10, 11/17/08 CNS-1460645#

NOTICe Of APPlICATION fOr POlICe PermIT Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Board of Police Commissioners for a permit to conduct a MASSAGE BUSINESS NAME OF APPLICANT: SHANAI CUI DOING BUSINESS AS: ANNA ACUPUNCTURE & MASSAGE (Oil Less Massage) LOCATED AT: 4433 S. Alameda St. - #E9 Los Angeles, CA 90058 Any person desiring to protest the issuance of this permit shall make a written protest before December 8, 2008 to the: LOS ANGELES POLICE COMMISSION 150 North Los Angeles Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Upon receipt of written protests, protesting persons will be notified of date, time and place for hearing. BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

LOFT LIVING

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

City Lofts

626 S. Spring St. • 880 sqft Loft - $1650/mo. • prime area in Downtown LA • 13 ft. ceilings/ Granite counter top • Stainless steel appliances/refrigerator etc. • wired for hi-speed internet/ cable • open floor plan, central heat and air • Pet friendly

Please call 213.627.6913

NOW YOU CAN USE THE WORDS

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Rent

Move-in Special 1/2 Month Free Single rooms starting from $550/mo.

Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site, street parking, 1 yr lease. 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown L.A.

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

operAtions reseArch AnAlYst: Assist to research operations & mgmt methods; formulate & apply simulation to solve operation problems; research on logistics systems. Req. Master in Business Admin, Business Economics or Mgmt Science.

NOW YOU CAN USE THE WORDS

TO DESCRIBE YOUR NEW PLACE Now you can lease a brand new flat with historic Angeleno character. The Chapman is one of the most beautiful new residences in downtown - and one of the most popular, with more than eighty-percent leased in just five months. The Chapman features brand new designer living spaces, an exquisite rooftop retreat, and an energetic downtown location at 8th & Broadway. It’s a home like no other at a price like no other. So discover downtown’s fastest-renting loft today.

Now you can lease a brand new flat with historic NOW LEASING Angeleno character. The Chapman is one of the most beautiful new $1600 residences in downtown - and one of theMOVE-IN most popular, FROM / MONTH with PARKING : $99 SPECIAL with more than: 756 eighty-percent leased: in just five months. 213-892-9100 S. BROADWAY CHAPMANFLATS.COM The Chapman features brand new designer living spaces, Developer/seller reserves the right to change amenities anddowntown pricing without notice. an exquisite rooftop retreat, andfeatures, an energetic location at 8th & Broadway. It’s a home like no other at a price like no other. So discover downtown’s fastest-renting loft today.

Mail resumes: Mr. Maury’s Shoes, 39 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105.

fictitiOus

• Polished concrete floors • Glass tiled bathrooms • Spacious Walk-in closets • WiFi/High Speed • Rooftop garden / Spa

• Fitness room • Billiard room • Controlled access • Large historic windows • Magnificent City views

2 Bdrm, Bi-Level Penthouses Luxury Living in the heart of Downtown 810 South Spring Street • 213-623-3777 • www.nctlofts.com

FROM $1600 / MONTH with PARKING : $99 MOVE-IN SPECIAL 213-892-9100 : 756 S. BROADWAY : CHAPMANFLATS.COM

stAteMents:

Only $85. fOr 4 insertiOns

Amenities: • Gourmet kitchen / gas • “Quartz Stone” counters • European cabinets • Stainless appliances

National City Tower Lofts Starting from $1,395 • Studio, 1 Bdrm, NOW LEASING

Business nAMe

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ICONIC BEAUTY

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Developer/seller reserves the right to change features, amenities and pricing without notice.

(213) 481-1448

(Note: The Downtown News does not perform filing services)

Bunker Hill real estate Co, inC. For rent: EstablishEd 1984 ❏ Promenade West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 5th Floor. $2,200 Month ❏ Bunker Hill Tower-2 Bed. 2 Bath. City View. $2,200 Month ❏ Westchester-2 Bed.2 Bath Condo. Vu. Wood Floor. $2,000 Month ForeCLosures-Los AngeLes ❏ 4 Bed, 2 Bath. Pasadena. Semi Circular Driveway. Price $424,900. ❏ 3 Bed, 2 Bath. Pasadena. Great For Growing Family. $419,900 ❏ 3 Bed. 2 Bath. Pasadena. Upgrades. 3 Car Gar. Big Lot. $624,900 ❏ 3 Bed. 3. Bath. Lawndale. Tri-Level Townhouse. Large $354,900

Promenade West Condo

2 Story Townhouse. West Facing With Downtown City View. Upgrades. Large Patio. Very Elegant. Asking $599,900

Mirza alli

Broker/Realtor leasing-salesloans-refinance

(213) 680-1720 e-mail us: info@bunkerhillrealestate.com

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

www.Bunkerhillrealestate.com

Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $25.00 •Weekly, $99.00 •Monthly, $295.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.

Monthly from $595 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348

downtownnews.com

the keys to your new home.

Find them here in classiFied!

24 Downtown News

November 17, 2008

DowntownNews.com

We Got Games The Kings Try to Put Their Early Season Woes Behind Them Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/lakers. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m.: The Lakers are still Kobe’s team, but they’re more of a team than ever. Every player is contributing to the purple and gold’s early season dominance. Even veteran point guard Derek Fisher, who got off to a slow start, has found his groove from three-point land. They’ll fend off challenges this week from Chicago, Denver and Sacramento. In between there’s a quick jaunt to Phoenix (Nov. 20).

(213) 742-7340 or nba.com/clippers. Monday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.: The Clippers got their first win of the season against the tough Dallas Mavericks, then faltered with a follow-up loss to Sacramento. This week the perennially powerful San Antonio Spurs come to town, though the Spurs have had a tough start too with star point guard Tony Parker injured — it should be easy going for Baron Davis. After Monday’s game, the Clippers travel to Oklahoma City (Nov. 19), Philadelphia (Nov. 21) and New Jersey (Nov. 22). Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or kings.nhl.com. Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday,

Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St.,

Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.: After a tough start, the Kings rattled off four consecutive wins, and are back above the .500 level thanks in part to the leadership of hard-hitting captain Dustin Brown. On Thursday, they throw down with the visiting Washington Capitals. On Saturday, it’s the Colorado Avalanche. USC Trojans Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3939 S. Figueroa St., (213) 740-4672 or usctrojans.cstv.com. It’s an off week for the Trojans. Hopefully they’ll use the time to get ready for their final home game of the regular season, against Notre Dame (Nov. 29). —Ryan Vaillancourt

photo by Gary Leonard

The Los Angeles Kings got off to a slow start, but are now finding their groove. Captain Dustin Brown will try to help them maintain momentum.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

G r a n d To w e r 255 South Grand Avenue

Promenade To w e r s 123 South Figueroa Street LEASING INFORMATION

LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N

M u s e u m To w e r 225 South Olive Street

(213) 229-9777

LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N

(213) 617-3777

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