12-06-10 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS Volume 39, Number 49

INSIDE

Rocking With Rockettes 16

Football stadium talk, a big lease, and other happenings Around Town.

Judge approves first part of the Skid Row drug dealer injunction.

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

December 6, 2010

A Bigger and Better Cornfield Park State Parks Department to Unveil $18 Million Plan for 32-Acre Attraction

Smells like holiday spirit.

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California State Parks Superintendent Sean Woods with two rangers at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. This week, the department will unveil plans for an $18 million project that will create numerous new facilities and attractions. by Richard Guzmán city editor

alifornia State Parks Superintendent Sean Woods could hardly contain his excitement last week as he drove around the Los Angeles State Historic Park in his green, golf cart-like vehicle.

Good happenings at Good Samaritan.

Downtown Women’s Center’s $26 Million Facility Opens This Week staff writer

19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 21 MAP 22 CLASSIFIEDS

be a place where we can have vendors pull in for a farmer’s market. “We’re also creating a citrus promenade grove; it’s going to pay homage to the agricultural past prior to rail activity. You can imagine walking through a citrus promenade during the blooming see Park, page 10

For Homeless Women, a New Home by Ryan Vaillancourt

Reviewing L.A. Opera’s Rigoletto.

With one hand extended outward and the other on the steering wheel, he eagerly envisioned the future of the site. “We’ll have the welcome pavilion here. We’ll have people on hand to hand out maps and lead historic tours of the park,” he enthused. “We’re creating a pavilion here, a promenade which will

uring her years on the streets of Skid Row, Fannie Mayfield saw it all. One night Mayfield saw a man set on fire just steps from where she had set up her tent. She watched as people were literally dumped on the sidewalk, recently discharged from a hospital or somewhere else. Mayfield, 57, was addicted to drugs and alcohol. The addiction sunk her into desperation, leading her to occasionally eat out of trashcans to survive. Through it all, Mayfield had one respite. During the day, she would

amble into the Downtown Women’s Center, a facility that feeds, aids and houses homeless women. Last week, Mayfield walked into the Downtown Women’s Center again, but this time she stepped into the organization’s new home at 434 S. San Pedro St. The 33-year-old industrial structure has been converted into a facility with 71 permanent supportive housing units and several offices and rooms to support the center’s suite of social services. The $26 million project is more than twice the size of the DWC’s longtime Los Angeles Street location. When it opens on Friday, Dec. 10, see DWC, page 7

photo by Gary Leonard

Fannie Mayfield in one of the 71 apartments in the Downtown Women’s Center, which celebrates its grand opening on Dec. 10. Mayfield commutes daily from her home in South L.A. to receive DWC services.

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AROUNDTOWN Leiweke to Talk Football at CCA

Pershing Square’s Winter Weekend

im Lewieke, the president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, has been generating buzz in the past few months with his plans for a $1 billion Downtown football stadium. This week, that murmur could rise to deafening levels, when Lewieke speaks at a Central City Association luncheon. On Wednesday, Dec. 8, Lewieke will appear with CCA President and CEO Carol Schatz at a program titled “How to Make L.A. the Event Capital of the World.” Recently, Leiweke has garnered attention for a proposal that would involve razing the Convention Center’s West Hall and building a stadium with a retractable roof that could also be used for large conventions. AEG’s rival in the stadium game is Ed Roski, who with AEG developed Staples Center. Roski is pushing a stadium proposal in the City of Industry. The CCA event is at noon at the J.W. Marriott Hotel at L.A. Live. Information and registration are at ccala.org.

Business Sector Homelessness Plan Gains Funding

ocal civic and business leaders last week unveiled the next steps in a plan to eradicate homelessness in Los Angeles within five years. At a press conference at the California Science Center on Wednesday, Dec. 1, officials with Home for Good, an initiative created by a joint task force of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, announced that more than 50 public and private sector individuals have signed on to support the farreaching effort. During the event Steve Hilton, president and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, announced that his organization will contribute $13 million to the effort. “We know this plan works,” said Jerold Neuman, a partner at the law firm Sheppard Mullin and co-chair of the task force. “That’s what makes it different than any other that has come before.” As part of the effort, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said the county is partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs of Greater Los Angeles to immediately house 60 homeless veterans.

lot of strange things have been seen at Pershing Square over the years, but one of the most unlikely will appear this weekend: snow. On Dec. 11-12, the park in the heart of the Financial District reprises its free Winter Holiday Festival. From noon-6 p.m. both days, there will be a snow zone, a holiday ornament grove, live music, a train, puppet shows, food trucks and the Downtown on Ice skating rink (which has an admission fee). Pershing Square is at 532 S. Olive St. More information at (213) 847-4970 or laparks. org/pershingsquare.

Gershon to Stay at Master Chorale

ast month, Los Angeles Opera Music Director James Conlon garnered attention when he extended his tenure at the Downtown-based company. Now Grant Gershon, music director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, has followed his lead. The LAMC board last week announced that Gershon’s contract to helm the choir that performs at Walt Disney Concert Hall has been extended through the 2014-15 season. “Grant’s visionary artistic leadership over the past decade has literally transformed the L.A. Master Chorale into one of the world’s leading choral ensembles,” said LAMC chairman Mark Foster in a statement. Gershon, who was appointed music director in 2001, has led the group in more than 75 Disney Hall performances. In September, he conducted L.A. Opera’s world premiere of Il Postino.

AP Inks Lease Extension

he power of the Press will continue to be felt in Downtown Los Angeles. The Charles Dunn Company announced last week that it has negotiated a $5.5 million, 10-year lease renewal for the Associated Press. Chris Runyen of Charles Dunn represented the landlord, U.S. Bank, in the renewal of the AP’s 15,444-square-foot space at Figueroa Courtyard at 221 S. Figueroa St. Runyen said the AP has occupied the location for 20 years. Brian Feist, formerly of Colliers International in New York, and Nathan Pellow of Colliers in Los Angeles

photo by Gary Leonard

On Wednesday, Dec. 1, city leaders and Chabad of California representatives celebrated the first night of Hanukkah by lighting a menorah at City Hall.

represented the AP. Figueroa Courtyard consists of five office buildings on approximately 4.5 acres and is currently 80% occupied.

Real Estate Forecast Coming

f you want to peek into the future of the industrial and office market, the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate presents its ninth annual Casden Southern California Industrial and Office Forecast on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the Marriott Los Angeles hotel at 333 S. Figueroa St. The 4 p.m. program, which bears the title “Shaking Your Thinking About Commercial Real Estate,” will touch on topics such as how technology is changing the market, where capital is going and new lease accounting rules. On hand for the discussion will be Richard Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, Burland East, CEO of American Assets Investment Management, and Terri Riker, senior vice president of Grub & Ellis Management Services. Registration and information are at (213) 740-5000 or usc.edu/schools/sppd/ lusk/. Admission is $80.

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EDITORIALS Mixed Reactions on the $190 Jaywalking Ticket

he recent warning by the Los Angeles Police Department that officers will ticket people in Downtown for jaywalking prompts mixed reactions. From a strict safety standpoint, it’s something to be applauded, even if it’s schoolmarmish. At the same time, the $190 citation is outrageous, the equivalent of using a sledgehammer to kill a fly when the swatter would do just fine, thank you. While a significant chunk of the money actually comes from fees levied by the state, the practice feels queasily like price gouging. Many people feel any citation for jaywalking is unnecessary. This mindset is, if not correct, then understandable, as a sizeable chunk of those who live and work in urban centers have become habituated to crossing the street when and where they please. They reason that they are being safe, that they’re not darting into the road when cars are speeding past. Using a crosswalk when the signal has just shifted to Don’t Walk and autos are a block away poses no danger, they believe. The thought process extends to crossing in the middle of the block when gridlock means vehicles cannot move. In most instances, there are no repercussions, no accidents, not even a close call.

The problem is, in a very rare number of cases there are serious accidents, and they impact both walker and driver. When they come from jaywalking, the cases are entirely preventable. In the period last year between Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, two people Downtown were hit by cars in incidents that the LAPD determined were the walker’s fault. A third pedestrian died in a case where the driver was found to be at fault. These numbers don’t include close calls, the times someone narrowly averted being hit or a driver slammed on the brakes to stop short of smacking into a pedestrian. That’s partly why the LAPD stance makes sense. It is also worth remembering that while pedestrians usually have a clear view of the cars when they wander into the street, drivers may not be able to see the person on foot. Those behind the wheel are conditioned to pay attention primarily to other vehicles. While we support the idea of a citation to bolster safety, a couple things about the current practice don’t feel right. The LAPD’s announcement that this is an attempt to cut down on holiday season shoplifting and pickpockets seems manufactured. While we can accept that thieves may dart across the street to escape the scene of the crime, as it were, this

no-tolerance approach to jaywalking reads more like a thinly veiled attempt to increase revenue. That’s augmented by the hefty tickets. Certainly an LAPD goal is to deter people from jaywalking in the first place. Getting news of the crackdown into the public mindset is a way to do this, and after the $190 ticket was first reported by Los Angeles Downtown News, the practice garnered national attention. So mission accomplished. Still, $190 is too much. The point could be made with a $50 ticket, or maybe even a $25 citation. Getting word out that crossing the street against a light could lighten your wallet by the lesser amount would still stop most people from taking the risk. Instead, $190 resonates as an attempt to fill depleted public coffers at the expense of pedestrians. Even if most of the money goes to the beleaguered state, those hit will care mostly about the officer who wrote the ticket. They’ll blame the LAPD and the city. All that said, are we really so busy we can’t take the extra couple of minutes and walk to the corner or wait for the next light? Invest a couple of minutes now and save pain, grief and money later.

Council Missteps and Ballot Confusion

ext March, Los Angeles voters will have the opportunity to decide if they want to increase funding for the Los Angeles Public Library system. They’ll get to say yea or nay on whether marijuana collectives in the city should have a new tax. They’ll have a similar chance to approve or deny an excise tax for oil producers in city limits. That’s just the start. Exercising their civic duty will require them to vote on three measures regarding the Department of Water and Power. They’ll place their stamp on changing the pension plan for new hires in the fire, police and harbor departments. After voting on these seven measures, citizens still won’t be done. Not even close. They’ll be asked to consider removing three “unconstitutional provisions” from the City Charter that deal with contribution limits and self-financed candidates. They’ll look

at amending city employment provisions, then consider a measure related to the city’s battered reserve fund and the budget stabilization fund (whatever that is) in the city treasury. They’ll also be charged with voting responsibly on the issue of restricting campaign contributions and fundraising. That’s 11 ballot measures, and those will be in addition to any votes people cast for City Council, School Board or other races. All this raises several questions: What the heck was the City Council thinking last month when it decided to put so many complicated measures in front of voters? Do the 15 council members — several of whom we know to be very intelligent — not get that people feel overwhelmed by going to the polls so frequently and having to choose sides on so many matters? Perhaps most importantly, do they under-

stand that, in our current society, people don’t have the time or energy to make informed decisions on so many matters of public importance? This is a representative democracy, and we expect our representatives to hunker down and figure out the intelligent thing to do. We’re not saying this is voting gone wild, but clearly it is not the best use of the ballot process. This raises other questions: Do the council members care about people making informed decisions, or are they more concerned with getting their personal favorites approved, voter fatigue be damned? Or are they abdicating responsibility because they don’t want the media coverage of their positions on divisive issues? There is an argument that some, and perhaps even all of the measures, are unimportant. There may be reasons that Angelenos should have a say on each of them.

The problem comes in putting all of them before voters at once. It is difficult enough when one complicated matter appears on the ballot and a voter is asked to read the information pamphlets sent out (at significant expense) before the election. But expecting people to read deeply on 11 issues, rather than be swayed by mailers funded by special interests? Come on. The City Council is doing a great disservice to Angelenos by going this route. The better choice would have been picking, say, five or at most seven measures and putting them before the populace. Or, as we say, hashing out the smart thing to do, which is their job. In fact, all this might backfire. When voters are overwhelmed, sometimes they just go down the ballot and say no to everything. Could happen here, and we wouldn’t blame the voters one bit.

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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: David Friedman, Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Pamela Albanese, Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Michael X. Ferraro, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin sAlEs AssistANt: Annette Cruz clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Billy Wright, Lon Wahlberg 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.

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The Mall Gets a Makeover Brookfield Properties Outlines $40 Million Renovation of 7+Fig by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

bout a month after officially announcing that Target is coming to Downtown Los Angeles, the owner of the 7+Fig mall last week detailed other elements of a $40 million renovation for the outdoor shopping center. Bert Dezzutti, senior vice president of mall owner Brookfield Office Properties’ Southern California region, said the renovation of the 330,000-square-foot attraction is set to start in the first quarter of 2011. He said it will be completed by fall 2012, when Target is scheduled to open. Although plans for a renovation were long in the works, the specifics of the upgrade were tied to the anchor tenant. Now that the deal has been signed by the Minneapolisbased retailer, Dezzutti said the renovation will transform the mall into a clean, modern and open space. The dated look of mall will be upgraded by replacing the current circular layout of stairways, zigzagging escalators and side elevators with a grand stairway that leads shoppers directly into the center from Figueroa Street. The stairway will descend to the middle floor of the three-level complex, where the entrance to Target will be located. A large metal frame that currently hovers above the center will be replaced by a glass canopy, while the twin columns in front of the

mall will be increased in height and sheathed in glass. The columns and the canopy will be enhanced with lighting, Dezzutti said. “It’s a much more modern looking and inviting retail center,” Dezzuti said. The project is being designed by Gensler Los Angeles, the architecture firm behind the Convention Center hotel, Club Nokia at L.A. Live and numerous other projects. James Kelly, the project architect, said the goal is to give the mall a contemporary look. Kelly said the grand stairway will be the most significant architectural feature of the project and will improve pedestrian circulation throughout the shopping center. “You won’t have to circle into the center anymore and move all around to find your way down,” he said. “It’ll take you down to the middle level where Target is located and from there you’ll have a very clear route to continue into the lower level.” The canopy will be the visual signature of the renovated mall, he said. He added that designs call for Target to be the prominent center of the space. “It’s going to have really great visibility from Figueroa. So as you come down that grand stair you’ll look across and the Target entrance will be right there,” he said. Kelly said a lot of pedestrian traffic is expected from the Downtown population, so major changes are not planned for the 7+Fig see 7+FIG, page 11

rendering courtesy of Brookfield Office Properties

The $40 million renovation of the 7+Fig shopping center will replace the metal frame over the center of the development with a glass canopy. Work will begin in early 2011.

rendering courtesy of Brookfield Office Properties

A grand staircase will lead shoppers directly to Target as part of the upgrades.

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DWC Continued from page 1 with a Mardi-Gras inspired celebration, it will mark the culmination of a five-year process of planning, fundraising and construction. The new building is poised to grow the center’s community significantly, adding 21 apartments and doubling its food service capacity. During a visit last week, Mayfield smiled big as she marveled at the little things — the ice machine and walk-in freezer in the new commercial kitchen, the modern light fixtures in the ceiling. Then her emotions switched, and tears streamed down her cheeks. “When you walk in these doors, it feels like somebody just grabs you, just embraces you,” Mayfield, 57, said. “When you think nobody cares, there’s a lot of people who care.” The DWC has been at 325 S. Los Angeles St. since 1978. The site has 50 apartments, all of them occupied, where women stay for an average of 12 years. Some stay longer and

photo by Gary Leonard

DWC Executive Director Lisa Watson oversaw the five-year effort to plan, fund and build the new structure at 434 S. San Pedro St.

some transition to another apartment after a few years. But the home is theirs forever if they want it, and many do, said Lisa Watson, the center’s executive director. The city originally arranged to move the center to its new site to accommodate the Medallion, a $125 million housing and retail project planned for the entire block. When the recession hit, the Medallion plans were scaled back. That allowed the DWC to have both the new and old buildings. Next year, the organization will began a $3 million campaign to upgrade the Los Angeles Street site and eventually re-open the 50 apartments for new residents. Perhaps more critical to the center than the housing it provides are the onsite social services it offers to residents and any woman who walks through the doors: mental health and medical care, including female-specific procedures like mammograms. There is job training and a variety of programs geared toward nurturing stability and independence. “The goal is to give them whatever support they need to stay housed,” Watson said, describing the permanent supportive housing model that DWC founder Jill Halverson pioneered in 1978, which only recently has been picking up steam with elected officials and others. Project Home The new Downtown Women’s Center is in a former shoe factory once known as the Renaissance Building. The exterior of the six-story, Gothic Revival edifice has been restored to its original standards. Originally designed by William Douglas Lee, the building was abandoned before the city purchased it, then sold it to the DWC for $1. The center tapped a variety of public and private sources to pay for the renovation, including $8 million from the California Dept. of Community Development, $5 million from the Annenberg Foundation, $3.5 million from the city Community Redevelopment Agency and $1 million apiece from the Ahmanson and Kresge foundations. Doubling the size of the building also means doubling operating costs, Watson said. That’s why the group set out to raise $35 million in the run-up to the opening; $26 million for the renovation and the rest to fund a $5 million endowment and provide several years in start-up funds. The upgrade was done with environmental sustainability in mind, largely to keep utility bills low, but it allowed the DWC to notch some marketing cache by attaining LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Decorative, plantlike green iron gates by David Shelton

mark the entrance to the day center, which opens into a cafeteria where Watson expects to serve 200 lunches per day, up from the 100 it provides now. The apartments measure about 285 square feet and include private bathrooms, kitchenette, furnishings and walls painted in warm colors like avocado green and auburn. The ground floor includes an expanded medical office that will serve residents and drop-ins. A back, windowless room will become a resting area with several day beds. There will also be a ground-floor store and cafe where clients and residents of the center will have a chance to work. The employment opportunity is important — access to jobs was the number one desire women expressed in a survey, Watson said. She noted that the DWC is also partnering with Downtown artists to design, and to help the women make, candles, jewelry and other items to sell in the store. Watson hopes other Downtown residents, “the loft dwellers,” will patronize the shop. She also hopes they will also

Downtown News 7

volunteer and get to know their neighbors, like Sharon Kipfer has done. Kipfer, who lives in the Old Bank District, started volunteering at the DWC five years ago when she moved Downtown from suburban San Diego. “Knowing what they’re coping with and their ability to go on and express that and to still have a positive attitude, I find it very inspiring,” said Kipfer, an interior designer who volunteered her services in arranging layouts at the new site. Mayfield, the day center client, has been sober for six years. She now has her own apartment. Though it is in South Los Angeles, she still comes Downtown to the center every day to participate in a job training program, and to be among the women she now considers family. Her apartment, she said, is just the place where she sleeps. “This is home,” she said. “You can never forget where you come from.” Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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Skid Row Injunction Moves Forward Judge Orders LAPD to Enforce Drug Dealer Crackdown by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

n April, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich took an unprecedented step when he announced his office would seek an injunction to ban known Skid Row drug dealers from stepping foot in the neighborhood. Nearly seven months later, the proposal is law. On Tuesday, Nov. 30, Superior Court Judge Theresa Sanchez-Gordon issued an order to enforce the injunction on 23 defendants, all of whom have multiple convictions for drug crimes that took place in Skid Row. The injunction names 80 individuals, but also covers anyone with a proven affiliation with the Grape Street Crips. The policy allows the city attorney’s office to add up to 300 additional defendants if more people meet the multiple conviction criteria. Sanchez-Gordon has opted to roll out the policy in waves, targeting the first 23 named defendants now, instead of all at once. The order effectively makes Trutanich’s April 7 civil complaint a criminal suit, but it doesn’t immediately take effect. First, the LAPD must serve the 23 defendants with the order.

Once that happens, there is a 45-day period before the injunction can be enforced. After that, they will be banned from the so-called Central City Recovery Zone. Bounded by Broadway, Central Avenue, Third and Ninth streets, the zone encompasses all of Skid Row, expanding slightly on the area that Central Division police often refer to as “the box.” The area stretches into the Historic Core and Little Tokyo. The 45-day grace period gives the defendants a chance to apply for a hardship exemption that would allow them to be in the area if they live, work or are receiving social services there. The injunction stems from Trutanich’s finding that most Skid Row drug dealers don’t live in the area. Instead, police say, they come in at night from other parts of the city, mostly South L.A. Among the 80 named defendants, 50 are believed to be gang members. A city attorney spokesman said that 13 are affiliates of the Watts-based Grape Street Crips, which led prosecutors to target the whole group. So far, no defendant or legal group working on the defendants’ behalf has filed any kind of formal opposition to the

Grand OpeninG

injunction, though several defendants have written letters or reached out informally to city attorney officials to dispute being named, said Anne Tremblay, the city attorney’s gang unit supervisor. Tremblay said officials have worked with those defendants, but none have been removed from the list. Early skeptics of the injunction worried that it would lead to an assault on the Fourth Amendment rights of Skid Row residents, who risk being hassled by police who mistake them for someone named in the injunction. The order gives officers probable cause to arrest individuals they believe to be on the list if a suspect declines to provide identification, a city attorney official said earlier this year. Police officials say that only specially trained officers will enforce the law, and they will always have information packets on hand that include photos of the defendants. Trutanich’s office is treating the drug trade as a business operation, if illegitimate: The legal lynchpin of the injunction is section 17200 of the California Business and Professions Code, the Unfair Business Practices Act. The law, which regulates an array of fraudulent business activities including misleading advertising, is considered a broad, flexible and powerful tool for prosecutors. At a future court date, Sanchez-Gordon will consider a second order to enforce the injunction against the next wave of named individuals. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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Downtown News 9

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WHAT’S IN STORE

Heads Up Historic Core Store Helps Downtown Flip Its Lid by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

ou may have the right shoes, the coolest shirt and the trendiest accessories. But how are you going to top off the look? That’s a question Hats On hopes to answer. The chain, which has more than 30 locations in Korea, opened its first U.S. outpost in Downtown in mid-November. The 600-square-foot store at 349 S. Los Angeles St. in the Medallion housing and retail complex sells everything from baseball caps to beanies to classic fedoras for him and her. Prices range from about $6-$80. The store carries around 500 hats, though the inventory is set to double within three months, said general manager Andre Cattone. He recently walked Los Angeles Downtown News through the offerings and showed off the wares by New Era, Bailey, Kangol, True Religion, Grace and other brands. It’s not all about covering up the head, Cattone said. The hat you pick says a lot about who you are.

photos by Gary Leonard

Machelle Choi, manager at Hats On, in a piece made by the Japanese company Grace.

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Cool Deal: One of the better-known hat brands is Kangol, which makes everything from fedoras to army hats to berets. The offerings at Hats On range from $25-$60 and are a good mix of quality and design. These are for people interested in casual, comfortable style without blowing a wad of cash. Classic Lid: When it comes to looking like a gentleman, go with Bailey’s classic black fedora. The company has been around for almost 100 years and is for customers who prefer high-end fashion with name-brand recognition. “These say you like to look good, no matter what it costs,” Cattone said. The hats go for $40-$65.

Play Ball: You can get a baseball cap just about anywhere, but the New Era offerings in Hats On stand out. “They are the onfield official cap of Major League Baseball,” Cattone said. While there are hats from all MLB teams, some sport a graphic or color twist. For instance, there’s a red New York Yankees cap and a black Dodgers hat. The caps run about $34-$39. Those who go this route are generally younger and care as much about fashion as sports, said Cattone. A common practice is to match the hat color with your outfit, even if the team you pick is not the one you cheer for, Cattone said. Denim Heads: Denim company True Religion is also in the hat game, and Hats On carries some of their headwear, which runs from about $50-$80. The goods have a “tattered jeans look” Cattone said. There is a lot of color, stitching and graphics like a Buddha playing a guitar, as well as strategic cuts and tears on these hats. They are for people into high-end fashion who like to

pay for things that look old and beaten up right out of the box.

True Fans: Soccer may be a second-class spectator sport in the United States, but it gets top-shelf billing at Hats On, which offers beanies aimed at fans of the world’s most popular sport. They are colorful and resemble flags more than they do hats, with teams like Manchester United and Chivas represented at the store. There is no hidden message with this purchase. “It basically says you’re a soccer fan,” Cattone said. They sell for $8.

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Hey Ladies: Fashion conscious women may opt for hats from the Japanese company Grace, whose wares are a colorful mix of wool and knit hats. They come in wild designs, from fluffy fedoras with flowers on the side to a light blue beret to tattered gypsylooking beanies. Although Grace gear will set you back about $25, it will move you forward in the fashion world. Hats On is at 349 S. Los Angeles St., (213) 625-1561. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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Park Continued from page 1 season and having that fragrant smell of orange blossom.â&#x20AC;? The plans arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Woodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pipe dream or a pitch to get funding for a proposed project. Instead, after years of budget cuts and frozen funds, state park officials are finally moving forward with an $18 million effort to fully activate the 32-acre site on the edge of Chinatown. While it is a scaled-down version of the original $55 million plan for the whale-shaped site, it is a go project. The money comes from voter-approved Prop. 84 funds, and construction is set to begin in 2013 with completion approximately 18 months later. The public can get a peek at the new designs at a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Los Angeles Conservation Corps Clean and Green headquarters at 1400 N. Spring St. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you how excited we are,â&#x20AC;? Wood said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With all the bad news of the economy and budget cuts, now we feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel.â&#x20AC;? In addition to the welcome station and the promenade Woods described, there will be an archeological display that highlights the former railroad roundhouse on the site. There will also be an amphitheatre, some wetland areas and infrastructure improvements such as permanent restrooms to re-

place the portable units now at the park. Parking will increase from 45 to about 150 spaces. Reclaiming Space The park was the site of the original 1875 operation of Southern Pacificâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Railroad River Station. Seed that fell off trains and sprouted led to the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longtime nickname of the Cornfield. For much of the second half of the 20th century, it was empty land. That changed in 2005, when artist Lauren Bon, with the help of a $2 million grant from the Annenberg Foundation, transformed the land into the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not A Cornfieldâ&#x20AC;? art project. It reclaimed the plot for a complete agricultural cycle and also hosted weekly cultural events such as film screenings and drum circles. After that project ended, Bon donated infrastructure such as lights and irrigation equipment. California State Parks took control of the land and hired San Francisco-based Hargreaves Associates to design a $55 million permanent layout for the full park. Those plans called for 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, along with nine acres for natural habitats and a nature preserve. While trying to secure funding for the full project, California State Parks developed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;temporaryâ&#x20AC;? 13-acre portion of the park that now lures Downtown residents, of-

photo by Gary Leonard

Woods shows off the 32-acre site on the edge of Chinatown. Future plans include building a welcome pavilion, an amphitheatre and a citrus promenade grove.

fice workers and visitors. The undeveloped 19 acres of the site have occasionally been used as a sort of fairgrounds for special events like Cirque Bezerk and various concerts. The larger development plans were called off this year due to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal crisis. While the economic situation is still dire, the Prop. 84 money, approved by voters in 2006, comes from a separate pot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think everyone is aware that with the current economy we have to have a more modest approach to construction,

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Downtown News 11

DowntownNews.com place the rail line, and then re-cover it. Rail officials could make a decision on that route by the end of 2011. Woods said the parks department is moving forward with its plans as if the railway won’t affect the park. “There’s always the possibility of that, but we can’t sit on our hands and think about the what ifs?” Woods said. “We have to proceed and deliver on our promise.” City Councilman Ed Reyes, whose First District includes the park, supports the decision to move forward with park renovation plans while the high speed rail route is up in the air, said Reyes spokeswoman Monica Valencia. Robert Garcia, whose Downtown-based nonprofit The City Project works to secure green space and recreation opportunities for the urban poor, also agreed that the parks department should move forward. “We will also work with state park officials and others to stop the high speed rail from digging there,” he said.

Some Downtown residents jogging through the park’s onemile track on a recent chilly afternoon said they like the idea of open space that could be used for recreation and education. “I would love for this place to become a little bit of nature in the middle of Downtown,” said Arts District resident Haylee Clark. “I already see groundhogs here and lots of exotic birds, and it would be an ideal place for a farmer’s market.” Woods envisions the number of park users doubling with the improvements. Currently, he said, about 100 people a day visit the park. “There’s been so much community support for the park, so even in the darkest moments we were always optimistic we would be moving forward and would build this park,” he said. Plans for the park will be on view on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 7-8 p.m. at the Los Angeles Conservation Corps Clean and Green headquarters, 1400 N. Spring St. More information at parks.ca.gov/lashp. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

Park visitors can currently use 13 acres of the site. The new project, set to begin construction in 2013 and take about 18 months, will activate the other 19 acres.

but the good news is we are actually going to construct,” Woods said. Woods said the plans provide a launching point to seek funding for future efforts such as a bridge that would connect the park to Broadway to bring pedestrians from Chinatown, along with a children’s play area featuring educational components. “Now you have a canvas from which to fundraise,” he said. “You have a park that’s fully activated and then you can go out and start a campaign to look at the more high-ticket items.” Hole in the Plan Despite the enthusiasm, there could be a hole in the park plans, and in the park itself. Officials with the California High Speed Rail Authority are looking at a route that could cut through the park on its approach, from the north, to Union Station. Although completion is not expected until 2020 at the earliest, the $40 billion plan could utilize a “cut and cover” method. That would close the park for several years so workers could dig a trench,

7+FIG Continued from page 5 parking structure, which also serves two adjoining office towers. Dezzutti, however, added that some parking spaces will be added for shoppers. New Mix The mall is currently 70% vacant. In preparation for the renovation, most of the remaining tenants have received notice to vacate by Jan. 2. The only tenants that will remain at the mall will be California Pizza Kitchen, Starbucks, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Adoro Mexican Grille, Gold’s Gym and Yolanda Aguilar Spa, a subtenant of the gym. They will stay open during construction and join a number of new retail outlets and restaurants that will occupy the up-to 175,000 square feet of space that will be available after the renovation, although Dezzutti would not confirm which businesses are coming. “Our vision is to transform the current retail mix at 7+Fig into a much more contemporary mix of stores and visionary iconic restaurants that are more designed for the urban need Downtown,” he said. Project renderings hint at possible dream tenants for a redefined space. Designs show an “Up-N-Down Burger” storefront, a “Meimen Marcus” and “Northstem.” Dezzutti maintains that those are just an artist’s depiction of what it might look like, and he would not say if there are plans to bring in an In-N-Out burger, Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom. Yolanda Aguilar, who has run her spa at the mall for seven years and has been in Downtown for 45 years, said she is happy with the renovation plans. “It’s going to open this place up to new people. It’ll be more accessible,” she said. Aguilar admits that staying open during construction may be a challenge, but it will be worth the struggle. “I feel very confident about this place,” she said. “We may go through a bit of tough times, but this is progress and it’s a good change.” Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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December 6, 2010

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HEALTH

A Good Run for Good Samaritan

City West Hospital Marks 125th Anniversary by Katie Schaufelberger

he exhibit in the main lobby of Good Samaritan Hospital holds a number of medical tools that doctors at the City West institution have used over its 125 years. There is a bottle labeled “glycerine,” a breathing machine called a pneumothorax apparatus and doctor’s glasses with blocky magnifying lenses added on the front. The hospital is just as concerned with technological advances and moving forward these days — plans are underway for an up to $80 million expansion — but there is no way the Episcopalian nun who opened the nine-bed infirmary in 1885 could have had any inkling

of what would follow. That is, in part, because so much has changed in the health field, not only since the time of the hospital’s founding, but even in just the past few years. Along with the medical advancements, notes Andrew Leeka, the president and CEO of Good Samaritan, there are capacity and insurance issues. “Health insurance reform is a fundamental game changer,” Leeka said during a recent visit to the hospital at 1225 Wilshire Blvd. “We’re at capacity now, but I need to be able to recruit more doctors to cover more patients.” The plan for that is underway. Hospital

photo by Gary Leonard

Andrew Leeka, president and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital, in an exhibit chronicling the City West institution’s 125th anniversary. It was founded in 1885 as a nine-bed infirmary.

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officials are trying to get the approvals for a 190,000-square-foot structure that would rise at Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street. The project, which would take about two years to build, would hold five levels of physicians’ offices, as well as eight operating room suites that will be large enough to accommodate future robotics-assisted surgeries. An electronically wired system could allow a ground-floor pharmacy to have prescriptions ready before patients step out of their doctor’s office. Of course, that is all in the future. Right now, hospital brass are happy to mark the landmark anniversary. Humble Beginnings Good Samaritan Hospital grew out of a nine-bed infirmary, opened in 1885 by Sister Mary Wood. It operated in a small cottage on Olive Street. “That spot is right under the four-level interchange now,” said Dr. Lowell Irwin, the hospital’s chief archivist. Irwin is also responsible for an exhibit in Good Samaritan’s main lobby chronicling the 125-year history. It is based on his work with historian David Clark, which resulted in the new book The History of Good Samaritan Hospital: A Tradition of Caring. Irwin himself has extensive ties to Good

Samaritan. He worked as an oncologist there from 1972-1995. It is also where in 1978 he met his now wife, a student at the hospital’s nursing school (which no longer exists). After his retirement, Irwin turned his attention to the hospital’s history. He pored through decades of documents and photos during his research. “It wasn’t easy,” Irwin said. “But I have always had an interest in history, and I have a connection to this hospital.” Through his research, Irwin learned that Wood moved from San Francisco to undertake the infirmary project at the behest of Bishop William Kip. There were just two other small hospitals in the area then, and the city’s population was growing rapidly. A year after its opening, there were two name changes. First, the infirmary grew into the Los Angeles Hospital and Home for Invalids, as a group of women from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church took over. Then, with $4,000 donated by a “good samaritan,” the group was able to move the hospital to larger quarters. It was renamed Good Samaritan in 1886. In 1911, Good Samaritan moved to its current location, on a hill at Wilshire and Witmer. The exhibit features photos of the mansions that, before the hospital’s ar-

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December 6, 2010

Downtown News 13

Health

photo by Gary Leonard

The exhibit traces the hospital’s growth and chronicles some of its medical advances.

rival, enjoyed views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The 408-bed medical center that most Downtowners and patients know opened in 1976, and other medical office buildings and an outpatient surgical center were added later. The nursing school closed in the 1980s, though before it was shuttered, it graduated about 1,500 nurses. “For the first 100 years, the hospital was run by strong-willed, able nurses,” Irwin said. Irwin said his most interesting historical research concerned the contributions to medical research that the hospital’s doctors have made. He noted that engineers created the Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing machine in a Good Samaritan cardio-respiratory lab around 1960. The machine was used to alleviate respiratory diseases.

The hospital’s team of cardiac surgeons also performed one of the first open-heart surgeries there in the 1960s. In 1986, Good Samaritan’s Institute for Reproductive Research made history with the world’s first live birth from a frozen embryo. The hospital has made a name for itself in recent years with its thriving obstetrics unit (Madonna is among the celebrities who have given birth there). The hospital is also known for its cardiology unit and advances. “We have a whole cadre of heart doctors looking at disorders of the heart’s electrical control,” Irwin said. “We’re seeing more patients related to this than any other hospital in California.” Breaking New Ground The hospital is also known to those who have never stepped inside it. For the

pares seaweed soup traditionally given to new mothers in Korea. “We’re always thinking about how to make our patients feel more comfortable in a hospital,” Leeka said. “You don’t need to go to the Westside when you’ve got the best right here.” The lobby exhibit shows a history of attention to patients’ comfort. A 1921 photo depicts some nurses on Christmas morning, singing to their patients. “I just hope we continue doing what we’ve been doing,” Irwin said. “We treat a lot of patients who couldn’t afford it otherwise, and we do a lot of good.” Good Samaritan is at 1225 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 977-2121 or goodsam.org.

HEALTH FACTS

past four years, Good Samaritan has been named one of America’s 50 best hospitals by HealthGrades, Inc. The institution also earns considerable attention, especially in Downtown Los Angeles, for its annual Blessing of the Bicycles, an event in which religious leaders of various faiths (Catholic priests, Jewish rabbis, Muslim imams, etc.) all show up to encourage bicycle safety. Then there is the community changing around the hospital. While the new building will allow Good Samaritan to serve more patients, officials have noted that the hospital delivers about 425 babies each month, and about one-third of them involve Korean families. Leeka said each day, one of the nurses pre-

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serving fast, quality food. As a bonus, nothing on the menu is more than $6.99. The place just south of the Los Angeles Times building has the feel of a classic mom and pop joint (minus the uninviting graffiti on the front glass doors). There are some colorful tables, a couple of booths and a few chairs along the wall counter, as well as some outdoor seating.

city EditoR ood food is seldom fast, and fast food is often not very good. Still, there are ways to bring the two as close together as possible. One of them is The Blue Cube at 206 S. Spring St. The hole-in-the-wall restaurant does a pretty good job of

Mo-Chica Coming Downtown Peruvian Establishment Moving to Seventh Street by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

elebrated Peruvian restaurant Mo-Chica, currently located in a nondescript food stand inside Mercado La Paloma near USC, will take over the recently vacated Sandella’s Flatbread Café space at 514 W. Seventh St. It is slated to open in March. Derrick Moore, vice president of brokerage services at real estate firm CB Richard Ellis, said chef/owner Ricardo Zarate signed an eight-year lease on Nov. 24 to open an 1,800-square-foot restaurant on the ground floor of the Coulter and Mandel Building. Moore said the current Mo-Chica location will close. Named after the language of the Moche, a Pre-Incan civilization from the northern coast of Peru, Mo-Chica serves

The menu is a little more international than the first glance would lead you to believe. It offers a mix of classic American dishes — think burgers, hot dogs and barbecue — with Asian choices such as udon, curry rice and even sushi. You order at the counter and the food arrives within minutes. The breakfast items are by far the best choices. The steak and rice is an odd combination that is representative of the mix of foods at Blue Cube. It may require a little extra effort to eat rice for breakfast, but at $4.95 (including two eggs) you can ease your way into the meal. The French toast ($4.95) is a more familiar choice and comes with two eggs, bacon and a choice of ham or sausage. Or for easy ordering, just say “three” three times. The 3-3-3 combo ($4.95) delivers three pancakes, three eggs and three pieces of either bacon, ham or sausage. I recommend the breakfast burrito ($2.75). It’s a classic L.A. dish and comes with two eggs, cheese and bacon and a choice of ham or sausage, all rolled into one fat tortilla. It won’t blow your mind, but it will fill your tummy.

traditional and modern Peruvian dishes such as Peruvian paella, braised oxtail and lamb chunks in a cilantro beer stew. Despite the small venue and the outof-the-way location, Zarate’s restaurant has earned high praise from food lovers. Los Angeles magazine declared it one of the region’s best new restaurants of 2009, and L.A. Weekly food critic Jonathan Gold hailed its ceviche as some of the best outside of Lima. Mo-Chica will join nearly a dozen other restaurants that line the corridor. Along with the cavernous Bottega Louie, the street claims sushi purveyor Sugarfish, and in December Mas Malo, an offshoot of the popular Malo Mexican restaurant in Silver Lake, is slated to open. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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If you want to step it up, go for the Big Breakfast Burrito ($3.55), which has everything in the regular burrito plus hash browns, although that can leave you stuffed. For lunch, I recommend the teriyaki chicken bowl ($4.55). It’s a great deal for a good mix of chicken, rice and vegetables that taste fresh and blend well together. Or go for one of the $4.95 burgers like the Western bacon cheeseburger, the avocado bacon cheeseburger or, if fish is your wish, the salmon burger. I get the $3.75 double cheeseburger. It’s a thick patty that tastes more like a backyard burger than a fast food burger. They also have some sushi specials, among them the $6.45 rainbow roll and spicy tuna roll. I’m not sold on the idea of sushi at a mom and pop hole-in-thewall just yet, so I haven’t given it a try. But at least it’s a reason to return. At 206 S. Spring St., (213) 628-2868. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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CALENDAR

Just Kicking It

A Lesson From the Radio City Rockettes, And a Dance-Off With the Mayor

photos by Gary Leonard

When the Rockettes came to Downtown to drum up interest for this week’s appearance at the Nokia Theatre, they agreed to kick with a few locals. First up was Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (left). Then came reporter Richard Guzmán. by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

here are countless little girls who dream about growing up and becoming one of the famed Radio City Rockettes. After all, with their grace, choreographed moves, classic beauty and striking costumes, they are part ballerina, part princess and part Christmas joy all rolled into one. They get to dance for a living and are adored by the masses. The only thing missing in the fairytale-like dance world is a witch or an ugly old ogre to come into the story. That’s where I come in. That’s where the mayor comes in too, but more on that later. As part of the Downtown Challenge, where I take on different jobs and activities in the community, my editor thought it would be just hilarious if I tried dancing with the Rockettes as they prepared to wow Downtown with a holiday show at L.A. Live. The event is the 2010 Radio City Christmas Spectacular National Tour. It comes to the Nokia Theatre Dec. 9-12. The show has a 78-year history and has turned the Rockettes into a holiday tradition. They are known for the high-precision kicks that show off their stamina, rhythm and, of course, those famous legs. The idea of a picture of me, at about five-feet five-inches tall and more pounds than I like to write about in public, dancing in the middle of a handful of statuesque beauties, was just too much for my editor to resist (ed. note: guilty as charged). But, with the economy being the way it is and the scarcity of journalism jobs out there, taking a stand was not a wise move. So I knew it was time to kick my stubby little legs, even if I would end up looking like Shrek in a chorus line of princesses. Dance Off To drum up interest in the Nokia show, a few of this version of New York’s finest visited Downtown last month. They were there to help open the Pershing Square ice rink, and agreed to give me a few pointers and let me dance with them. Yay. It was obvious from seeing the Rockettes sitting by the ice rink that I would probably look horrible standing next

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to them, not to mention attempting to dance with them. Dressed in their Santa outfits, they looked classy, graceful, beautiful — all adjectives that have never been used to describe me (ed. note: I beg to differ; he’s very classy). Then inspiration hit me. It wasn’t the sudden emergence of a hidden desire to dance or the spirit of Christmas filling my Grinch heart with enough joy to fling my legs over my bald head. No, the mayor did it for me. When the Rockettes announced that they would be teaching Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was on his way to the rink opening ceremony, some of the same kicks they would be teaching me, my ears pricked up. Unbeknownst to him I’m sure, I’ve had a bone to pick with Villaraigosa ever since he confused me for a homeless guy. I swear this is a true story. It happened a couple of years ago while I was covering a Thanksgiving event to feed the needy in Skid Row. As cameras followed Villaraigosa for a live interview, I approached the mayor to ask a few questions for the paper I was with at the time. But since I was dressed in jeans and a short sleeve shirt that showed off my tattoos, he must have assumed I was one of the homeless people who wanted to thank him. So as cameras rolled and he did a live interview, he put his arm around my shoulder and started talking about the importance of helping the needy. Since we were on air I had no choice but to stand there, smile and let him use me as a homeless prop. I’ve never forgotten. Now, it was time to settle the score with a dance off. Don’t Touch Amanda Suchy, who has been a Rockette for 10 years, was my instructor. Both the mayor and I would be doing a strut kick, and not the more difficult eye-high kick, since that requires a jump, obviously a high kick, and a lot more training than she could impart in an afternoon. “We rehearse for the Christmas special six days a week for eight hours a day a month and a half before the show opens,” Suchy said. “You have to have balance, rhythm, and you’re not actually touching the woman next to you, you’re just feel-

ing the fabric.” I knew I could do at least one of those things, since it wasn’t the first time a woman had told me not to touch her. But the balance and rhythm would be more difficult. “Just feel the fabric, stand up nice and tall, we’ll help you along, we’ll hold you up,” Amanda said. She also mentioned something about step right, kick left and then kick right. It confused me so I figured I would just follow the other legs. But first, it was Villaraigosa’s turn. After he said his welcoming remarks for the ice rink, the Rockettes flanked the mayor while cameras and the crowd watched. They informed him he was going to be doing a few kicks with them. He seemed a little surprised and happy. He had the smile and he had a few good kicks. But his balance was questionable at best and I don’t think he was feeling the fabric right. Although the crowd quickly dispersed after the mayor’s dance, it was now my turn to kick my little legs with the Rockettes. I was ready, willing and hopefully able. I stood in the middle as the beauties towered around me. I felt the fabric but didn’t touch the ladies. Then off we went. I’m not sure if I stepped right and kicked left or vice versa, but pretty soon I was semi-high kicking it with the Rockettes. I followed their legs, tried not to step on their pretty toes or, worse, lose my balance and bring the whole line down. Before I knew it I was really, really tired. Not only do I not have the looks or legs to be a Rockette, but the stamina might be a problem too, although I had the no touching thing down. Judging by the half smiles and pained expressions on the faces of the few people watching, I must have looked as awkward as I felt. But it was worth it, because even though I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, the Rockettes said I did better than the mayor, so score one for Guzmán. And thanks Rockettes, for being graceful, classy, beautiful and, even if it meant stretching the truth a bit, for telling me what I wanted to hear. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com. The 2010 Radio City Christmas Spectacular is Dec. 9-12 at the Nokia Theatre, (800) 745-3000 or clubnokia.com.

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They Got Next The Pulitzer Winning Musical About Mental Illness Bounces Through the Ahmanson by Jeff Favre contributing editer

rock musical set on industrial metal scaffolding broaches a touchy subject and walks off with the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. That highly specific category, which previously had a membership of one — Rent, which received the award in 1996 — added a second when Next to Normal claimed the prize this year. The only difference this time is that mental illness has replaced AIDS as the central theme. Next to Normal, which recently opened at the Ahmanson Theatre as part of its national tour, is like its central figure Diana: It is angry, manic and difficult to like. Also like Diana (impressively played by Tony-winner Alice Ripley), it’s frustrating for most of its two-and-a-half hours, because there are moments, particularly in the second act, when creators Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics) reveal the show’s soul, only to have it disappear again in screaming songs, painfully obvious rhymes and a plot that never veers from its clearly marked path. So why has Next to Normal connected so strongly with audiences? It’s a good question, and the best guess is, like Rent’s foray into the disease that so radically shook the world, no mainstream musical has ever dealt with this subject in such a realistic manner. But an honest reflection of the plot — a mother’s struggle with bipolar disorder, and how that disease affects her family — comes straight from the Lifetime movie canon. That doesn’t necessarily spell doom, as the quietly powerful drama about family tragedy, Rabbit Hole, proves. Of course, the music obliterates the Lifetime approach. Kitt and Yorkey hit the audience in the first half so relentlessly, foregoing any comic relief and vulnerability, that it is difficult to conjure much emotion unless the characters’ issues speak to a viewer personally. The show, which continues through Jan. 2, doesn’t descend into despair; things are a disaster as soon as the lights go up on the three-story metal grid of cubes, which the cast and sixpiece band inhabit. Diana displays classic manic-depressive tendencies, which her husband Dan (Asa Somers), daughter Natalie (Emma Hunton) and son Gabe (Curt Hansen) take for granted, as she was diagnosed as bipolar some 16 years earlier. Diana’s latest psychopharmacologist, Dr. Fine (Jeremy Kushnier, who later plays a second theoretically healing figure, Dr. Madden, and using “fine” and “mad” shows you where the show’s creators are on the symbolism scale), is trying to find the right combination of pills for her to take to avoid side effects, other than feeling nothing. Dan steadfastly remains faithful to his wife, hoping that she will become the woman he knew when they were young. Natalie, fearing that she will become like her mother, already is following a similar path by falling for her high school classmate Henry (Preston Sadleir), who hopes to take care of her the way Dan does for Diana. The other key relationship is between mother and son, which is at the crux of Diana’s illness, and provides one of the two less-than-stunning plot twists. Not present among the failings of Next to Normal are the performances, all of which are mirror reflections of textbook psychoses. Ripley, in particular, displays a physical tidal wave of anger that leaps from the stage. Hunton is a vocal powerhouse, able to go note for note with the veteran Ripley. Performances aside, endless rage accentuated by an abundance of angst-filled songs with too-similar rhythms and overly pedestrian rhymes becomes monotonous. What little dialogue there is — most of it is spoken by Natalie and Gabe — is littered with clichéd quips about how bad things are going. It is not until the second act, when director Michael Greif’s pace slows and there’s more fluctuation in the score’s tone, that the audience experiences true sadness. The emotion is palpable, even if an ending that feels tacked on quashes it. Only a few of the nearly three dozen songs are distinguishable from the rants backed by simple guitar riffs, led by Diana’s first-act ballad “I Miss the Mountains” and the soaring finale “Light.” Apart from Ripley and Hunton, the production’s most memorable aspect is Mark Wendland’s set, which is effective in its simplicity. With only minimal props and pieces of furniture, his metal structure allows for several scenes to take place simultaneously, while also reflecting the family’s fractured and multi-leveled home.

Next to Normal will long be recalled as groundbreaking and its supporters will continue to applaud the creators’ honest attempt to deal with mental illness within the musical genre. Neither of those attributes, however, is enough to overcome its litany of missteps. Next to Normal runs through Jan. 2, 2011, at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

photo by Craig Schwartz

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The Grim Jester Sings Again Rigoletto Features Superb Singing Amid an Uneven Production by Marc Porter Zasada contributing writer

iuseppi Verdi’s masterwork, Rigoletto, is a comic opera gone grim. All the elements of traditional farce populate the stage: a licentious duke, an overprotective father, his daughter yearning for love, a ladder pushed up to her window by night. The focus of all this would-be frivolity, however, is not the happy royal or the winsome peasant girl — but the obsessive father, Rigoletto, a hunchbacked jester with a twisted soul. It’s the dark tale of a bit player who insists his drama take center stage, and is willing to kill for the privilege. Despite the miraculous score, which includes arias such as “La Donna è Mobile” and “Caro Nome,” the correct emotional balance is difficult to achieve. Should we hate or pity the hunchback? Is the Duke charming or despicable? This uncertainty can lead to great art or cheap melodrama, and the farfetched devices of an unfunny farce can work against the potent music. The Rigoletto which opened last week at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (it continues through Dec. 18) features a strong, often thrilling cast of singers, and achieves many exquisite musical moments. However, it doesn’t get the emotional balance quite right, and it slips out of the emotional noose that Verdi worked so hard to set for audiences, way back in 1851. If the opening night crowd was merely pleased with the results, it may have been because the production designers and director seem to have slightly misunderstood the opera. In the story, Rigoletto works for the handsome Duke of Mantua — known for disgracing large numbers of local women. It’s Rigoletto’s job to mock the other courtiers and feed the Duke’s ego. An outraged father, Monterone, arrives to protest the disgracing of his daughter, and when Rigoletto mocks him, Monterone delivers a curse (superbly sung by Daniel Sumegi) on the jester. The curse leads to revenge by the courtiers, to the disgracing of Rigoletto’s own daughter, Gilda, and to the jester’s sad and self-destructive revenge. The key to the mayhem is Rigoletto’s status as a damaged

outsider — the smart fool in the court of the rich. But in the usual way that production designers now ignore the actual needs of stories, costume designer Constance Hoffman clothes all the courtiers as jesters, and director Mark Lamos makes all of them evil, undercutting both Rigoletto’s darkness and the force of his curse. Additionally, Michael Yeargan’s sets are bland abstractions. They set a slightly menacing tone, but fail, for example, to distinguish between the lavish palace and the mean dwelling of the assassin hired by Rigoletto to snuff out the Duke. Particularly annoying is the modern feel of Gilda’s apartment. It has 20th century metal railings, while all the characters are dressed for a 17th century Italian carnivale. As Rigoletto, baritone George Gagnidze offers a large voice and solid, often brilliant command of Verdi’s nonstop legato and demanding range, especially in the superb and intimate duets with Sarah Coburn in the part of his daughter Gilda. But there is an emotional and musical sameness about his performance that contributes little to the drama. He is depressed at the beginning and depressed at the end. Coburn is a forthright, likeable Gilda — not as frail as some, and perhaps for that reason, not as tragic. Hers is a coloratura part, which means that the soprano “plays” with the notes, especially at the top of the range. Coburn offered skillful, if not commanding coloratura work in “Caro Nome.” Her real strength, however, came in the duets and other ensembles that set Rigoletto apart in the operatic canon. The Duke is a showcase part. Enrico Caruso was known for multiple encores on “La Donna è Mobile,” which completely interrupted the drama of Act Three. Here, Gianlucca Terranova offers a strong voice, solid throughout the range, and an appropriate leer, but little of the charm which would captivate someone as smart as Coburn’s Gilda. Again, excellent music, but the balance is just a little off. Exceptionally strong performances by Andrea Silvestrelli as the murderous Sparafucile and Kendall Gladen as his nearly as-murderous sister, Maddalena, brought tremendous life to Act Three. Silvestrelli clearly relished the half-comic role

photo by Robert Millard

Baritone George Gagnidze is the hunchbacked title character and Sarah Coburn is his daughter Gilda in Rigoletto, Verdi’s comic opera gone grim.

and fired off his huge bass like artillery. Conductor James Conlon, usually a man of admirable restraint and subtlety, seemed strangely possessed by Verdi bombast in the first half, when he set a furious pace. He settled in by the end of Act Two, and one hopes that as the run continues, he will help re-establish the delicate balance which will make the work more engaging and comprehensible. One of the great moments of Rigoletto — indeed, one of the greatest moments in all of opera — is the quartet in Act Three, as the jester sings of revenge, Gilda sings of her despair, the Duke attempts to seduce Maddalena, and Maddalena laughingly resists. It is a perfect balance of contrary emotions, and here the ensemble rose passionately to the moment. Verdi would have been proud. Rigoletto plays through Dec. 18 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.com.

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LISTINGS EVENTS

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Thursday, dec. 9 Government Reform Forum Series Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., 3rd Fl., (213) 473-7014. 8-10 a.m.: Councilman José Huizar moderates the panel discussion “Jobs and Economic Development.” Guess what it’s about and win a boat. Downtown L.A. Art Walk Info and map at downtownartwalk.com. Noon-10 p.m.: The Downtown Art Walk is a selfguided tour that showcases the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles — art galleries, museums and nonprofit art venues — as well as

Continued on next page

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The Central Library will shed its spectacles and let its hair down for the inaugural This Is Your Library event on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. And yowza, this really ain’t what you’re expecting from a book-lending emporium. In a late-night talk show format, the event features Latin Grammynominated singer Ceci Bastida (shown here), food critic Jonathan Gold, City Librarian Martín Gómez, author Christian Lander (Stuff White People Like) and Keith Morris, lead singer of the Circle Jerks. In addition to the one-on-ones, there’ll be live music from The Holloys, DJs, a full bar in the courtyard and food trucks at the curb. This is my library. At 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or thisisyourlibrary.org.

photos courtesy of Granta

Two

Calling all literati and literati groupies. The Crocker Club is the site of a launch party for Granta magazine’s release of its new issue, The Best of Young Spanish-language Novelists. On Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m., David Kipen of Libros Schmibros (fyi, a free lending library and used bookstore in Boyle Heights) will host a discussion and reading with novelists Carlos Labbe, a Chilean pop musician, screenwriter and hypertextual novelist, and Carlos Yushimito, a Peruvian short story writer. Then, those who want to flex their storytelling muscles can join teams that’ll get cut-up versions of the authors’ stories to reconstruct for prizes, such as the Best Internal Monologue or the Most Bizarre. The event is free and open to the public and at the end you’ll be smarter than you were before you arrived. At 453 S. Spring St., granta.com/events.

photo by Bill Ellison

Early economic birds, rise and shine on Thursday, Dec. 9. Eat your Cheerios, then head to City Hall, where 14th District Councilman José Huizar presents the concluding program in the 2010 Government Reform Forum Series. Thus far, Huizar has brought knowledgeable folks together to discuss charter reform, campaign finance reform and election reform. From 8-10 a.m. on Thursday, the topic is “Jobs & Economic Development in Los Angeles.” The discussion takes place in Council Chambers (on the third floor) and features some of the region’s top economic experts and business industry leaders. It’s free, open to the public and refreshments will be served. At 200 N. Spring St., (213) 473-7014.

photo by Gary Leonard

“To be or not to be?” That is the question and the Los Angeles Theatre Center is the place with the answer when the UCLA Department of Theater leaves Westwood to perform Hamlet in repertory with another query-full production, Is There Life After High School? The melancholy Dane waxes poetic and plots revenge in Shakespeare’s classic on Dec. 9 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. (shown here), while high school reunion revelers sing their way through nostalgia and reconnections in an update of the 1982 Broadway musical on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. At 514 S. Spring St., (866) 811-4111 or thelatc.org.

OUR

Q: Who are The Dandy Warhols? Q 2: Why will a crowd flock to see them on Friday, Dec. 10, at 9 p.m. at Club Nokia? A: Because they offer an intriguing and, when they get right, brilliant blend of post-Cobain garage rock and psychedelic-tinged power pop. The band formed in Portland in 1993 and has been led, sometimes ably, sometimes less so, by frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor. They’ve had hits (well, alternative rock hits) with ironic odes like “Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth,” “Bohemian Like You” and “We Used to Be Friends.” They also gained a modicum of fame from the documentary DiG!, which focused on their relationship/rivalry with the band The Brian Jonestown Massacre. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., clubnokia.com.

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

photo by Kaitlyn Pietras

Wednesday, dec. 8 SCI-Arc Lecture Series W. M. Keck Lecture Hall, 960 E. Third St., (213) 3565328 or sciarc.edu. 7 p.m.: Hilary Sample of MOS Architects discusses recent work.

MISS ’

by Lauren CampedeLLi, Listings editor

Monday, dec. 6 Zócalo Public Square MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., zocalopublicsquare.org. 7:30 p.m.: Are doctors ready for the future? That’s the question a panel of experts will take on. They’ll discuss how new technologies will change the way we manage, receive and conceptualize healthcare. Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. 8 p.m.: Five musicians who have recorded and performed with some of the most famous artists of our time share road stories and more in a free event. Tuesday, dec. 7 Jazz for the Holidays 7+FIG at Ernst & Young Plaza, 725 Figueroa St., ArtsBrookfield.com. Noon: Brookfield Properties presents the Helen Sung Trio and the Gary Fukushima Trio in a free lunchtime jazz concert on the plaza. ALOUD at the Central Library 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or aloudla.org. 7 p.m.: Mystic and writer Andrew Harvey discusses Sacred Activism: Putting Spiritual Knowledge into Action with Rev. Ed Bacon. Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. 8 p.m.: Producer, manager and musician Peter Asher presents a multimedia experience that taps into the heart of 1960s pop culture.

‘DON’T

Reinvent the LibRaRy, PaRty With the WRiteRs, and Get dandy photo by Salvador Ochoa

SPONSORED LISTINGS Zucca Ristorante Hall Wine Dinner 801 S. Figueroa St., (213) 614-7800 or patinagroup.com/zuccaristorante. Dec. 8, 7 p.m.: Celebrate the start of the holidays with this festive evening of great food, conversation and wine from Napa Valley’s Hall Winery and Vineyards. Executive Chef Lucio Bedon will present a four-course tasting menu as wine expert Rick McDaniel pours the wine. Price is $75 (includes four-course dinner & wine). Tax and gratuity additional. RSVP at (213) 614-7800. Jazz for the Holidays 7+Fig, 725 S. Figueroa St., artsbrookfield.com. Tuesdays at noon. Dec. 7: Helen Sung Trio and the Gary Fukushima Trio. Dec. 14: Alfredo Rodriguez, Thelonious Monk Institute/LACHSA Ensemble. Portraits by Robert Zuckerman Ultimate Life Living, 548 S. Spring St., (213) 626-5433 or ultimatelifeliving.com. Dec. 19, noon-6 p.m.: Jeff Goldblum and Michael Chiklis host an opening reception for an exhibition by Hollywood photographer Robert G. Zuckerman. His portraits including David Bowie, Kate Winslet, Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino and others. A portion of the sales will benefit the nonprofit Chrysalis. RSVP at web. me.com/alimandri/INVITERZ/HOME.html. Target Saturdays at JANM Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., janm.org or (213) 625-0414. Jan. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: The museum presents its Oshogatsu Family Festival, in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. Ring in the new year with arts and crafts, cooking workshops and performances.

20 Downtown News

December 6, 2010

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Listings Continued from previous page plenty of musical entertainment and food trucks. Town Hall Los Angeles Sheraton Los Angeles, 711 S. Hope St., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org. Noon: The president of Northrop Grumman, Gary Ervin, speaks on new space systems and cuttingedge programs during a luncheon program. Note: Do not ask him about the Star Wars Death Star. Thursdays at Central Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Meeting Room A, (213) 228-7000 or lapl.org. 12:15-1 p.m.: Author and physician Laura Trice discusses her book The Wholesome Junk Food Cookbook: More Than 100 Healthy Recipes for Everyday Snacking. Rumor has it there will be samples. Radio City Christmas Spectacular Nokia Theatre. LA Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (800) 745-3000 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. 4 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 10, 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11, 12:30, 3:30 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 12, 12 and 3 p.m.: The Rockettes celebrate the holiday with dance numbers, dazzling costumes and plenty of high kicks.

THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

Readings at Metropolis Books 440 S. Main St., 213-612-0174 or MetropolisBooksLA.com. 7-9 p.m.: USC Band director Dr. Arthur Bartner will sign and discuss his book The Man in the Ladder. Members of the USC Band will be on hand to play a few numbers. This Is Your Library… Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7025 or thisisyourlibrary.org. 7:30 p.m.: This is the coolest event to come to the library in a while: Host Justin Veach interviews singer Ceci Bastida, food critic Jonathan Gold, librarian Martín Gómez, blogger/author Christian Lander and Keith Morris of the Circle Jerks. With musical guests The Holloys and featuring Dublab DJs. Saturday, Dec. 11 The Culinary Historians of Southern California Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (323) 663-5407 or chscsite.org. 10:30 a.m.-noon: Using the James Bond books and movies, and other writings of Bond creator Ian Fleming, food historian Linda Civitello showcases the food that follows the famous “shaken, not stirred” martini. OK, it’s strange, but we’ll bite. FIDM Museum and Galleries 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1200 or fidm.edu. 11 a.m.: The Re-Designing History speakers series presents a talk titled “Embellishment: More than Decoration.” It explores the shifts in the apparel decorations and how it reflects changes in taste and technology. The Polar Express: Children’s Storytime Millennium Biltmore, 506 S. Grand Ave., (213) 6121662 or millenniumhotels.com. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Chris Van Allsburg’s tale about a young boy’s journey by magical train to the North Pole is given a live reading in the hotel’s Rendezvous Court. Afterward, kids will have a chance to make their own sleigh bell ornament. Gingerbread cookies, milk and hot apple cider will be provided. Free, but reservations required. Sunday, Dec. 12 Japanese American Cultural & Community Center JACCC Plaza or Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-3700 or jaccc.org. 1-3 p.m.: “On the Veranda: Approach and

Observation” presents Hirokazu Kosaka. He made something called the “Frolicking Monkeys and Frogs” exhibition. Charles Phoenix’s Retro Holiday Slide Show Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., (213) 6171033 or downtownindependent.com. 3 p.m.: The king of kitsch celebrates how we decorated, dressed up, dined and drank during the holidays in the ’50s and ’60s.

FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. Dec. 7, 7 p.m.: In the farcical All American Orgy, three couples casually decide to get together for an evening of, well, you know. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: The comedy short Me & Al Jolson kicks off the final Art Walk Rooftop party of the year. Flagship Theatres University Village 3323 S. Hoover St., (213) 748-6321 or f lagshipmovies.com. Please visit website for current schedule. IMAX Theater California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 7442019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Through Jan. 27: Featuring nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater, The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D will immerse audiences in the story of an ocean wave and the lives it impacts and transforms. Hubble 3D takes movie-goers on a journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. Regal Cinema L.A. Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. Through Dec. 9: The Warrior’s Way (12:10, 2:30, 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m.); Burlesque (12, 1:30, 2:40, 4:20, 5:20, 7:10, 8, 10 and 10:50 p.m.); Faster (12:30, 2:50, 5:30, 8 and 10:40 p.m.); Love and Other Drugs (1:40, 4:40, 7:40 and 10:20 p.m.); Tangled (1:40, 4:20, 7 and 9:30 p.m.); Tangled 3D (12, 2:30, 5:10, 7:50 and 10:30 p.m.); Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (12:20, 1, 3:30, 4:10, 6:40, 7:20, 9:50 and 10:30 p.m.); The Next Three Days (12:40, 3:40, 6:40 and 9:40 p.m.); Skyline (1:30, 4:30, 7:10 and 9:40 p.m.); Unstoppable

(12:20, 2:40, 5, 7:40 and 10:10 p.m.); Due Date (1:20, 4:10, 6:50 and 9:20 p.m.); Megamind 3D (1:50, 4:30, 6:50 and 9:20 p.m.). Dec. 10: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3D (1, 4, 7 and 9:50 p.m.); The Tourist (11:40 a.m. and 2:10, 4:40, 7:10 and 9:40 p.m.).

ROCK, POP & JAZZ Café Metropol 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com. Dec. 12, 6:30-10 p.m.: Spotlight Cabaret shines on Sunday night. Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., clubnokia.com. Dec. 10, 9 p.m.: The very catchy and sometimes weird Dandy Warhols take the stage. Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. Dec. 6, 10 p.m.: Blast off with Phil Alvin and Friends. Dec. 7, 10 p.m.: Dirty Ed/Bob Cantu(esdays) with Black Beverly Heels.

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

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FOR RENT

L.A. Downtown News Classifieds

Call: 213-481-1448

“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.”

HOLIDAY DEADLINE SCHEDULE

Issue Date Space Reservation Deadline 12/13/2010.........12/9 at noon 12/20/2010.........12/15 at noon 12/27/2010.........12/17 at noon 1/3/2011.............12/22 at noon

REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

Condos/townhouses

Rob Nesbitt

lofts for sale

rjn Heritage Realty, Inc. Specializing in Downtown condominiums since 1987 213.617.8225 Rob@RobDowntownLA.com RobDowntownLA.com

Buying, Leasing or Selling a Loft?

TheLoftGuys.net LA’s #1 Loft Site

Real Estate Services

Call 213-625-1313

Buy Sell Lease

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper

Out of State OWNER MOTIVATED to sell all inventory in Arizona. 36 acres $19,900; 78 acres - $29,900; house + 15 acres - $179,900. Many locations. Something for everyone. Call for details. Make offer. Offered by AZLR. 1-866571-5687. Timeshare/Resorts

BestLARealEstate.com

213.598.7555

CONSIDERING FORECLOSURE? Are you late in payments? A short sale may be your solution. Call Lady Rodriguez, Realtor 310-600-7534. Represent both buyers and sellers.

323.298.0100

SELL/RENT Your Timeshare For Cash!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for Cash! Over $78 Million Dollars offered in 2009! www.SellaTimeshare. com (877) 554-2098

FOR RENT

the loft expert! group

Apartments/Unfurnished Downtown since 2002

Voted Best Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent Call us today! Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com

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

HOTEL BRISTOL

NOW OPEN • 8th @ Olive

All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Milano Lofts Now Leasing!

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

FREE RENT SPECIALS Up to $3500 off select apartment homes! Additional Look + Lease specials may apply. Free parking, free tanning, free wi-fi + biz center avail. Cardio Salon, pool, Spa, steamroom, sauna. Call us today. 866-742-0992. LITTLE TOKYO Big 1br/1bath, 840 sq. ft. 2 parking 213-8044153 $1485/mo. MOVE IN Special. Spacious 1 bdrm. + 1 bath. Covered parking. New decor. 131 South Caronelet. $775/mo. 310-922-5437.

from $1,100 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com

REAL ARTIST LOFTS High ceilings, hardwood/concrete floors, kitchen, fireplace, pool/spa, gated parking, laundry, sorry no dogs. Open House Sundays 12-3pm. Leasing office @1250 Long Beach Ave. & 14th St. 213629-5539 CONDOMINIUMS/UNFURNISHED PROMENADE LUXURY CONDO across from Music Center, Disney Hall: 2BR 2BA, 2 balconies, 2 parking; microwave, dishwasher, fully equipped gym, pool, spa, 24/7 security, heat, air, paid cable, AVAILABLE NOW. 818-728-2250

Drivers

ORSINI III - Now open for immediate Occupancy. Never Lived in, Brand New Luxury Apartment Homes, Free Parking, Karaoke Room, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor Basketball, Uncomparable Amenity Package. Call today to schedule a tour - 866-479-1764.

REGIONAL CDL Drivers Needed! Gordon Trucking, Inc. Sign on bonus in some areas! Current Openings on our NCA Fleet. Home weekly available! Consistent Miles & Time off! Full Benefits, 401k. We have lots of Freight! www.TeamGTI.com 1-888-832-6484 EOE.

CENTRALLY LOCATED

213-228-3000 $662/MONTH

Call now 213-746-6300 x1455

ALL UTILITIES PAID

Old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts

MOVE IN Special. Totally remodeled. Spacious 2 bdrms + 1 bath. 5451 Blackwelder St. Gated parking. $950 per month. 310-922-5437.

• Secured prime development site • Ideal for office or retail • 3,420 sq. ft. office building with ample parking • 1 blk from USC and Harbor Freeway • Immediate access to use 3111 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles

S-8 VOUCHER'S WELCOME

Loft/Unfurnished

EMPLOYMENT

COMPANY DRIVERS (Solos & Hazmat Teams) * GREAT PAY * Great Miles * CDL-A Required. We also have dedicated & regional positions available. Call 866-789-8947. Swift. COMPANY DRIVERS (Solos & Hazmat Teams) *Great Pay *Great Miles *CDL-A Required. We also have dedicated & regional positions available. Call: 866-448-1055 SWIFT. DRIVER - NEW PAY Plan with Quarterly Bonus Incentive! Lots of freight. Daily or Weekly Pay. Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A, 6 months recent experience. 1-800-414-9569. www.DriveKnight.com DRIVERS - 100% Tuition paid CDL Training. Start your New Career. No Credit Check. No Experience required! Call: 888417-7564. Crst Expedited www. JoinCRST.com DRIVERS Earn up to 49c/ mile! 1 year minimum OTR experience qualifies you to be a trainer for our fleet. Call: 888417-7564. Crst Expedited www. JoinCRST.com DRIVERS FOR Western US! Solos & Teams! National PayRegional Work! Out 7-10 days max. HazMat and 1-year OTR Required! 1-888-905-9879 or www.AndrusTrans.com DRIVERS/CDL Training - Career Central. We Train and Employ You. Company Drivers up to 40K First Year. New Team Pay! Up to 48c/mile Class A CDL Training Regional Locations! 1-877-3697091 www.CentralDrivingJobs. net REGIONAL WEST Coast - Up to $0.36 Per Mile - Company Drivers! Consistent freight. Benefits. Respect. Class A CDL. 1 year OTR required. Apply 1.888.619.6845 or www.NationalCarriers.com

MILANO LOFTS Now Leasing! • Gorgeous Layouts • 10-15’ Ceilings • Fitness Center • Wi-Fi Rooftop Lounge • Amazing Views

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

Ad Prices

________________________________________________

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

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HELP WANTED Movie Extras. Earn up to $150/day. People needed for background in a major film production. Exp. not required. 888-366-0843 Industrial SUPERVISES WORK; plans sequence of operation; inspects workplace $56,202/yr 9am-6pm MF GEMINI MFG 1020 E Vernon Anaheim 92805 888-2423180 Office/Clerical JOBS NATIONWIDE! Admin., HR, Clerical, Accounting, Mgmt., Tech., etc. - www.Jobs444.com and www.JobsBloom.com. Sales AVAILABLE TO Travel? Earn Above Average $$$ Selling with Fun Successful Business Group. No Experience Necessary. Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. ROCKSTAR JOB! Now Hiring Sharp Enthusiastic Motivated Guys and Gals Free to Travel USA Representing 150+ Leading Publications. $500 2 Weeks Paid Training, Transportation Provided. Return Trip Guaranteed. Call (800)6426147 Jim x2, Alan x4.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Business Opportunities ALL CASH VENDING Route! Be Your Own Boss! 25 Machines + Candy All for $9995. Vend3 877915-8222. All major credit cards accepted! Help Wanted ABLE TO TRAVEL. Hiring 8 people. No experience necessary. Transportation & lodging furnished. Paid training. Work and travel entire USA. Start today. www.ProtekChemical. com 1-208-598-1879.

security

Ad Copy: _________________________________________

All ads run for 2 weeks. Ads may be renewed after two weeks for 50% off the original price of the ad.

General

SERVICES

Do you have something to sell? (Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY)

ASAP! NEW PAY Increase! 34-40 cpm. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A & 3 months recent OTR. 1-877-258-8782. www. MeltonTruck.com

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

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

SWITCH NOW! OLD Alarm Clunkers API SECURITY SERVICE www.apisecurityservices.com 310-492-5457.

Available Immediately Top floor of 11 story historical building available now! We have approximately 2,868 square feet of contiguous exterior space facing Olympic Blvd. Stunning views of L.A. Two blocks away from the Staples Center and adjacent to the new L.A. Live Complex. The building also has other beautiful contiguous space & some small offices available. This space can be viewed by appointment. Information available to qualified prospective tenants. Email request to ghollis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300 x1455

December 6 , 2010

SERVICES Attorneys t

Downtown News 23

DowntownNews.com

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION! Family, Criminal, P.I. for more than 20 yrs! Child Support / Custody Necesita Permiso de trabajo? Tagalog / Español / Korean

get your green cArd or citiZensHiP Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710

Business Attorney All Litigation Matters Transactions & Contracts 20 Years Experience Ivy League Background

Paul Bloom, Esq. (805) 984-8375 ATTORNEY JOHN BENSON Your Local Downtown Attorney Wills Trusts Estates Bankruptcy and Divorce best rates in town www.attorneyjohnrbenson.com (213) 905-9364 HeAltH & Fitness HIP REPLACEMENT Surgery: If you had hip replacement surgery between 2003 -present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. educAtion ATTEND COLLEGE Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-210-5162 www.Centura.us.com HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure. Call Now! 1-866-5623650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com FinAnciAl services DO YOU RECEIVE Payments On A Note? Need Cash Now? Full & Partial Buy-Outs. Call Safeway Capital Toll-Free 866241-9922.

CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

AUTOS

For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com

Pre-oWned

doWntoWn l.A. Auto grouP HeAltH NOT FEELING any joy? Overwhelmed by stress and emotional overload? Professional counseling helps! www.drannewarman. vpweb.com, Downtown Wilshire Office, reasonable rates, insurance accepted, 310-281-9797.

Business services

Start Your Own Business just

(323) 829-2434 Aromaticbliss.Scentsy.us ADVERTISE YOUR Home, property or business for sale in 240 California newspapers. Reach over 6 million readers for ONLY $550! Call this newspaper or visit: www.CAL-SCAN.com ADVERTISE YOUR Job Opening in 240 California newspapers. Reach over 6 million readers for only $550! Call this newspaper or visit: www.Cal-SCAN.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING in 140 Cal-SDAN newspapers statewide for $1,550! Reach over 3 million Californians! Free email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SDAN.com

Porsche Volkswagen audi Mercedes-Benz nissan cheVrolet cadillac

2005 BMW 330CIC Convertible, Low Mileage, White/Black stk # uc459-1/PL52952 $19,887 Call 888-879-9608. 2007 AUDI A6 Low miles. Loaded! Manager special. # 151076 vin ZA9770 $28,830 Call 888583-0981 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230 Stock CU0298P vin 926270 Extra clean! $20,883 call 888-2032967. 2007 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 Pewter/Black, 3.5 Liter, leather, $28,999 4JGBB86E77A260898 Call 888-319-8762. 2007 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Certified low miles. One owner. Manager special Stk # ZV952 vin # 512012 $13,983 call 888781-8102. 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S Certified, air with power pkg # NI3609 / 9N487053 $14,999, call 888-838-5089. 2009 CAYENNE GTS Black / Black, Tipronic, Only 9k miles, Well-equipped, Certified vin A66157 $73,988 Call 888-6855426.

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. 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.

ITEMS FOR SALE

LEGAL

lAWn & gArden/FArm equiP

Fictitious Business nAme

NEW NORWOOD SawmillsLumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cyclesawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills. com/300N 1-800-661-7746 ext. 300N.

Fictitious Business name statement File no. 20101677916 The following person is doing business as: SAVIOR WINES, 600 W. Ninth Street, Suite #1102, Los Angeles CA 90015, are hereby registered by the following registrant: STEPHANIE BADEN, 600 W. Ninth Street, Suite #1102, Los Angeles CA 90015. This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed

Sell your items under $300… 12 words, 2 weeks it’s FREE!

herein on November 15, 2010. This statement was filed with DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on November 19, 2010. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27/10

The Downtown Renaissance Collection

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

Be Inspired... Best Downtown Locations!

cHurcHes THE BRIDGE / Little Tokyo: Contemporary worship, 4:00pm Sundays, 401 E Third St. www. thebridgewired.org.

cleAning CAL CLEANING SERVICES Cleaning Office & Apartment/Loft buildings. Single apartments/ Lofts. Monthly/Weekly/Daily services. Painting & light repairs as well. (323) 708-1189

Elegant World Class Resort Apartment Homes

Orsini 550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST.

877-231-9362

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants. Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.

Medici 725 SOUTH BIXEL ST.

877-239-8256

WWW.THEMEDICI.COM

Piero 616 ST. PAUL AVE.

877-235-6012

WWW.THEPIERO.COM

Visconti 1221 WEST THIRD ST.

866-690-2888

WWW.THEVISCONTI.COM

FREE Rent Specials On Select Floor Plans On Spring St.

Premiere Towers:

2 bdrm/2 bath, $1600/mo • Rooftop garden terrace/ GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • Free (1) parking

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

City Lofts:

1000 sqft, 16ft ceilings, $1950/mo. w/2nd level bedroom • Stainless steel appliances/refrigerator etc. • Pet friendly We are located in a prime area in Downtown LA nice neighborhood w/ salon, market, café etc. Wired for high speed internet & cable, central heat & A/C

Please call 213.627.6913

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

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

www.cityloftsquare.com

Version Casaloma3 L.A. Apartments Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. Client: with private bath at $695/mo.

noW leAsing

$1,400’s/mo. Free Parking ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE GRAND LOBBY • FITNESS CENTER • SPA MODERN KITCHEN w/CAESAR COUNTERTOPS HIGH SPEED INTERNET DESIGNER LIVING SPACES • PET FRIENDLY • DRAMATIC VIEWS WALKING DISTANCE TO RALPHS SUPERMARKET

Downtown Los Angeles Brentwood y Century City Woodland Hills Downtown Los Angeles Brentwood y Century City Woodland Hills

Pricing subject to change without notice.

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

Monthly from $550 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348 Monthly from $595 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151

G.H. Palmer Associates

sec. deposit special @$100

756 S. Broadway • Downtown Los Angeles 213-892-9100 • chapmanf lats.com

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

is your teen experiencing:

• School problems? • Conflict at home or with friends?

Beautiful Fully Furnished Offices Starting at $500 y Flexible Terms y Corporate ID Programs Beautiful Fully FurnishedAvailable Offices Starting at $500 y Flexible Terms y Corporate ID Programs Available Services Include:

Reception y Mail y Fiber Optic Internet y TelephoneServices & Voice Include: Mail y West Law y Reception y& Mail Optic Internet y Photocopy FaxyyFiber Video Conferencing Telephone & Voice Mail y West Law y Photocopy & Fax y Video Conferencing

Additional Features: Kitchen Additional Facilities, Mail/Copy Features: Room, Conference Rooms, Mail/Copy Spectacular Views, Kitchen Facilities, Room, Fully Trained Staff Views, Conference Rooms, Spectacular Fully Trained Staff

JENNY AHN JENNY AHN (213) 996-8301

(213) 996-8301

laleads@regentbc.com

www.regentbc.com

support Publication:Adolescent LADT News Includes utilities, basic cable group now forming channels, laundry room Size/Color: on site. 4.3125” x 8” Ages 13-17 Gated building in a good area. low fee 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA

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

Children’s Performing Group

Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up!

SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433

call marney stofflet, lcsW

by: apluscreative@yahoo.com (323) 662-9797 Ph: 323.474.4668 4344 Fountain Ave. (at sunset), suite A los Angeles, cA 90029

Real Estate Specialist of San Gabriel Valley Proudly serving the communities of San Gabriel, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Montebello and El Monte.

Cal Best Realty

madison hotel 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.

Emi Terauchi

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

Lic.No.00810238 English/Japanes/Chinese speaking

downtownnews.com

Realtor / Notary

emiterauchi@yahoo.com (626) 786-9086

24 Downtown News

December 6, 2010

Twitter/DowntownNews

We Got Games Eric Gordon and the Clippers Have Four at Home Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers. Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.: The Lakers start the week by hosting rookie phenom John Wall (assuming he’s no longer injured) and the Washington Wizards, then embark on one of the season’s two sevengame road trips. For the first game, they don’t have far to go, as they play the Clippers in Staples Center. Then it’s off to face the Chicago Bulls (Dec. 10) and the lowly New Jersey Nets (Dec. 12). It may be time for a change of scenery: The team recently managed to lose four in a row (by press time), which in Laker nation is kind of like the apocalypse.

Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/clippers. Dec. 6 and 8, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11, 12:30 p.m.; Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.: Eric Gordon and the Clippers settle into Staples Center for a full week of home games. But they won’t be comfortable. After hosting the beatable Sacramento Kings, the Clippers play the Lakers. But they shouldn’t expect a home crowd for that one. Then the Memphis Grizzlies come to town, followed by Eastern Conference powerhouse the Orlando Magic. The Clippers will need some magic of their own to steal a few of these games, but with Gordon’s electric play

and the rise of Blake Griffin, anything is possible. Hey, they knocked off the Spurs last week. Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., 1 (888) KINGS-LA or kings.nhl.com. Dec. 2 and 4, 7:30 p.m.: Remember that whole hullabaloo about the Kings being atop the Western Conference? Yeah, well, they dropped seven of eight games as of press time. Every team is entitled to a skid now and again, and the Kings are certainly familiar with losing streaks. Fans, of course, are hoping this one ends quickly. —Ryan Vaillancourt

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777

Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777

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

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

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

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

Now For Call n Specials Move-I

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500

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

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

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

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

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

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

www.TowersApartmentsLA.com

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