12-22-08 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN

NEWS Volume 37, Number 51

INSIDE

Urban Scrawl on the Times’ holiday.

December 22, 2008

All the latest Health news.

ven in the best of times, opening a restaurant can be a challenge. In a tough economy, when people are pinching their pennies and bank loans are rarer than steak tartare, it can seem like an impossible dream. Yet since the middle of November, despite the roughest recession in decades, 15 restaurants have opened in

Make your New Year’s plans now.

Downtown Los Angeles. They range from a high-end Italian spot powered by a celebrity chef to a funky sausage and beer joint in an artsy neighborhood to a collection of eateries in a mega-billion development (for a full list, see p. 7). More are on the way. While the food they serve runs the culinary gamut, they all have two things in common: confident see Restaurants, page 6

hen the company that manufactured Mother’s Cookies filed for bankruptcy in October and closed without notice, news of its failure set off a mini-frenzy of eBay speculation. Dozens of people bought assortments of the 94-year-old Northern California firm’s products and put them up on the auction site, hoping to squeeze $20 or more for a bag of iced animal cookies that had cost less than $4 at grocery stores. There was no eBay back in 1930 when Bishop & Co., a Downtown Los Angeles candy and chocolate manufacturer for nearly a half century, met a similar fate, six months into the Great Depression. Bishop, which had been one of the largest food manufacturers in the country, merited only a sixparagraph story on Page 14 of the Los

Angeles Times of May 16, 1930, under the headline “New Biscuit Deal Made.” A company that had operated since 1887 and had sold its products throughout the world couldn’t even get its name into the headline on a story about its demise. Officially, the deal was a merger, but the reality was something else. William T. Bishop, a founder of the firm who remained with it until the end, said his company would continue as a subsidiary of Nabisco — which was also known as the National Biscuit Co. Nabisco acquired all assets of Bishop in the agreement. At the time of the acquisition, Bishop had 850 employees between its Los Angeles and San Diego factories. It had been started by Bishop and his uncle, Roland P. Bishop, in 1887 in a single room at Second and Spring streets. see Bishop & Co., page 8

Five great entertainment options.

17 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS

photo by Gary Leonard

Gabriel Morales and Jill Bigelow at Provecho, a 5,000-square-foot Mexican restaurant they opened at 800 Wilshire Blvd. on Dec. 1. It faces competition from more than a dozen other new Downtown arrivals.

‘National’ Treasure Former Bank Building Goes Residential, With 93 Apartments

Downtown’s Bishop & Co. Thrived for 43 Years, but Then the Cookie Crumbled ReseaRch by sésaR caRReño

AEG officials look at yet another hotel on the L.A. Live site.

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

The Rise and Fall of A Candy Empire by Jay beRman

A huge free show on Christmas Eve.

Arts District action, a fashion delay, and other happenings Around Town.

Amid the Rough Economy, Downtown Sees 15 New Restaurants In Less Than Two Months by RichaRd Guzmán

Recession Not on the Menu

city editoR

Sometimes you need flex in the city.

Becca Is Back

photo courtesy of Mark Macrae collection

An invoice from Bishop & Co., complete with a picture of its factory at Seventh and Alameda streets. At its height, the business had nearly 1,000 employees.

photo by Gary Leonard

Brothers and development team Shariar and Shahram Afshani spent $22.5 million to convert the National City Tower at Eighth and Spring streets into 93 apartments.

by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

hen brothers and development partners Shariar and Shahram Afshani bought a dilapidated former bank headquarters at Eighth and Spring streets in 2003, they were planting a seed that they hope will grow into sturdy roots in the Downtown real estate market. The 150,000-square-foot National City Bank tower was their second investment in Downtown Los Angeles, following the 1998 purchase of the old May Company building, a 1 million-square-foot edifice that now houses garment producers.

One day they plan to convert the massive May building to residential use, but first they focused on the smaller bank building, spending $22.5 million — $6.5 million for the property, $16 million on construction — to transform it into 93 high-end apartments. The units, which opened on Oct. 24, will mark the first returns on what the Afshani brothers view as a long-term investment in the community. “One of the reasons that we started out with the idea of having this building as apartments, as opposed to condos, is our strong belief in the future of Downtown,” Shariar Afshani said. see Apartments, page 9

Since 1972, an independent, locally owned and edited newspaper, go figure.

2 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

DowntownNews.com

AROUNDTOWN Grand Avenue Project Passes Milestone, Still No Loan

he developer of the $3 billion Grand Avenue project has met a key Dec. 15 deadline and has completed and submitted 80% of the project’s construction documents to the city-county agency overseeing the development. The Grand Avenue Authority voted this summer to grant developer the Related Cos. a six-month groundbreaking extension for the multi-phase, mixed-use project, moving the official construction start date from June 13 to Feb. 15, 2009. As part of the deal, Related agreed to meet certain deadlines along the way, including finishing 80% of its construction documents (which include detailed design guidelines) by last Monday. Related of California President Bill Witte said last week that the developer has already handed the documents over to the Grand Avenue Authority. The documents, which help determine building costs, are a key step in obtaining the estimated $700 million construction loan needed to get the project off the ground. So far the developer has not been able to secure a loan, and Witte said Related will likely have to delay groundbreaking beyond Feb. 15 while the company continues to search for financing. The developer’s agreement with the Grand Avenue Authority specifies that Related will pay a $250,000 penalty every month after February that the project does not break ground, for up to two years. The project, titled The Grand, was originally slated to begin construction in October 2007 but has been delayed several times.

Arts District Expanded

Fashion Event Delayed

photo by Gary Leonard

From Hizzoner to Your Honor: On Dec. 5, former Mayor Jim Hahn (right) was sworn in as a Superior Court judge. He was mayor of Los Angeles from 2001-2005.

eveal Los Angeles, a fashion extravaganza slated to take place Downtown in March 2009, has been postponed until October due to the economy, according to a representative for the project. “Overall, in this economy the whole of the fashion industry has been severely affected, so it’s just been a lousy year for everybody,” said event spokeswoman Margaret Schell. “We’re looking forward to putting it to bed and starting anew in October.” Reveal, produced by IDG World Expo, will consist of exhibitions and shows at the California Market Center. It is currently scheduled for Oct. 16-20, 2009, and will also include three nights of runway shows at L.A. Live, which have not yet been scheduled.

Council Passes Nuisance Abatement Law

he City Council this month voted to adopt an ordinance aimed at streamlining the city’s process for dealing with nuisance properties. Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry, who spearheaded the effort, said the new law could make it easer to curb the effects of noisy nightspots and other potential disruptions in Downtown. “This all kind of grew out of a bar in South L.A.,” said Perry. “In that case, we had a lot of

Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?

prostitution, harassment of people passing by, excessive noise. In some cases we may have that down here and we may apply the elements of this to anything that takes place.” The ordinance consolidates existing codes and creates new procedures to give the city greater authority in responding to and closing nuisance properties, a process that in the past could take up to five years. For example, under the new ordinance the Department of Building and Safety and the LAPD may forcibly shut problem buildings or businesses once their permits are revoked. Nuisance property owners will also be required to pay relocation fees to displaced tenants in residential buildings and reimburse the city for any costs related to the process. The ordinance must be signed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and is expected to take effect in early January.

Correction

Dec. 15 Around Town item incorrectly stated that the City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 9 to begin work on the Mixed-Income Housing Ordinance. In fact, the Council referred the matter back to its Housing, Community and Economic Development and the Planning and Land Use Management committees for further review.

metro.net

Metro Briefs Tra;c Solutions In Your Future Everyone talks about the tra;c; Metro is doing something about it. More carpool lanes. Freeway improvements. Ambitious bus service expansion. Rail lines to more places. Over the next 30 years, Metro is expecting to spend some $40 billion in tra;c congestion relief projects bringing real solutions to improving your daily travel.

Go Metro Gold Line To Rose Parade Enjoy Pasadena’s Annual Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day on the Metro Gold Line and skip the tra;c and parking hassles. Or ride the Gold Line and special shuttle to view the parade ﬂoats at Victory Park following the parade. Find out more at metro.net.

Find out at the landmark location near Downtown. Home of the original Chili-burger. Quality and value since 1946:

Chili Hamburger .............. $2.00 Chili Cheeseburger ........... $2.40

Train Tests Begin On Gold Line Eastside Extension The trains are coming. Train testing is scheduled to begin mid-January on the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension. The six-mile extension linking downtown LA with Little Tokyo/Arts District, Boyle Heights and East LA opens in mid 2009.

Go Metro To L.A. LIVE tax included

Metro o=ers convenient bus and rail connections to L.A. LIVE, the new destination for sports, music, dining, and living in LA. The 4 million square-foot sports, residential and entertainment district is adjacent to STAPLES Center and the LA Convention Center. Find connections at metro.net.

TAP Ready For Reduced Fare Customers Metro riders with Senior, College/Vocational or Student K–12 discount passes need to submit an application for a new reusable TAP card. You can get applications at Metro Customer Centers or online. Check metro.net/reducedfares for details or call 213.680.0054.

Many Imitate, But None Compare!

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

he City Council last Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to expand the boundaries of the Arts District, nine months after initially supporting a motion to do so. The new boundaries will add 15 blocks to the neighborhood. The expanded area includes Violet Street to the south, Sixth Street to the north, Mill and Wilson streets to the west and the Los Angeles River to the east, encompassing residential projects such as the Biscuit Company and Toy Factory lofts. Fourteenth District Councilman José Huizar spearheaded the expansion, partly in response to a controversial

directive by the City Planning Department and Community Redevelopment Agency to preserve most of Downtown’s industrial land. By expanding the Arts District into the largely industrial-zoned neighborhood, Huizar said, the city hopes to encourage more live-work development. “Overall, we should protect our rapidly declining industrial-zoned land,” said Huizar. “However, in some very few cases we should allow the community to prosper. This area seemed to be the logical place to do it. Already you had these islands of residential units and you had a demand.”

December 22, 2008

Downtown News 3

SearchDowntownLA.com

L.A. Live Developer Plans Second Hotel Experts Say Financing Is Big Issue for Complement to 54-Story Tower by AnnA Scott StAff writer

he developer of the $2.5 billion L.A. Live project plans to build a second Convention Center hotel in South Park. An official with Anschutz Entertainment Group last week said the new building would complement AEG’s under-construction, $900 million tower. The new hotel would rise on a current L.A. Live parking lot at Olympic Boulevard and Francisco Street, north of the under-construction hotel, L.A. Live spokesman Michael Roth said. The land is already fully entitled for a hotel, said Roth, and AEG is negotiating with several potential partners. Roth would not reveal any other details about the proposed project, including its size, budget or what hotel brands AEG is considering. In June 2007 AEG broke ground on the Convention Center hotel, long considered the linchpin of L.A. Live. The 54-story building will include 878 JW Marriott hotel rooms, 123 RitzCarlton hotel rooms and 224 condominiums dubbed the Ritz-Carlton Residences.

with, Anaheim and San Diego and San Francisco, the number of rooms that are within the convention center or downtown market are significantly greater,” he said. “Certainly, the market is going to need to absorb the Ritz and the Marriott. But after that there’s capacity for hotel expansion.” Lugosi said either a chain or independent brand could succeed, so long as it offers full-service amenities. Kyser also said the possibilities are numerous, noting that the coming JW Marriott is a four-star hotel and the Ritz will be a five-star establishment. “You could go to another type of fourstar hotel,” said Kyser. “I’ve heard the W mentioned. You also

don’t have a Hyatt Downtown, which is very interesting.” Regardless of the operator, Lugosi has a positive forecast for Downtown’s hotel market in the coming years, despite a slight dip in occupancy citywide during the past year. “There are not a lot of hotel rooms planned for the Downtown market and with the recovery, starting maybe in late 2009 or early 2010… I think that there is room for other lodging properties,” he said. “I think there is the ability to over-build if you build too much in a market where demand is not growing. However, I don’t think that is the case Downtown.” Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

THIS WEEK AT L.A. LIVE Music. Dining. Sports. Living. Monday, December 22, 2008

Clippers vs. Toronto – STAPLES Center – 7:30PM Light of the Angels w/Playing for Change – Nokia Plaza – Nightly on the Hour

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Light of the Angels w/Playing for Change – Nokia Plaza – Nightly on the Hour

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Light of the Angels w/Playing for Change – Nokia Plaza – Nightly on the Hour

Thursday, December 25, 2008 photo by Gary Leonard

A current L.A. Live parking lot is slated to hold a second Convention Center hotel.

LAKERS vs. Boston – STAPLES Center – 2PM Light of the Angels w/Playing for Change – Nokia Plaza – Nightly on the Hour

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Light of the Angels w/Playing for Change – Nokia Plaza – Nightly on the Hour BB King – Club Nokia – 7PM Dancing with the Stars – STAPLES Center – 7:30PM George Lopez – Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE – 8PM

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Clippers vs. Dallas – STAPLES Center – 12:30PM Lakers vs. Golden State – STAPLES Center – 6:30PM Light of the Angels w/Playing for Change – Nokia Plaza – Nightly on the Hour BB King – Club Nokia – 7PM George Lopez – Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE – 8PM * FREE

Friday, December 26, 2008 The new project’s timeline will likely be determined by AEG’s ability to secure a loan, an uncertainty in the current economy. “The key is financing; can they find the money?” asked Jack Kyser, senior vice president and chief economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. With the momentum of L.A. Live, AEG could fare better than most, he said. “They have a track record. It’s not like it’s a brand new project and nothing else is going on,” said Kyser. He added, “Now is a good time to start building, because a lot of construction materials are cheaper right now and, when you open your doors, the economy will be recovered again.” AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke mentioned the possibility of a second hotel during a Dec. 9 event celebrating the end of vertical construction on the Convention Center hotel, though he did not refer to specific plans. “This district needs a second hotel… we need more rooms down here,” he said. Industry observers agree. “It’s a perfect place to have additional lodging demands,” said Jeff Lugosi, senior vice president of PKF Consulting, which tracks the hotel industry. PKF acted as a consultant on the Convention Center hotel, but is not involved in the proposed new one. “There’s a demand for a variety of types of hotels,” Lugosi said. “The question is going to be, what’s financially feasible?” The More the Merrier? The Convention Center headquarters hotel will cap off the $2.5 billion, 27-acre L.A. Live entertainment district. Yet long before it opens, it is already having an impact. Since the structure broke ground, tourism officials have booked 53 conventions and seen an 800% increase in room nights over 2005, an official at L.A. Inc., the city’s convention and tourism bureau, told Los Angeles Downtown News earlier this month. Lugosi predicts those numbers would continue to grow with the addition of a second hotel. “If you look at analogous markets that the L.A. Convention Center competes

Kings vs. Phoenix – STAPLES Center – 7:30PM George Lopez – Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE – 8PM Light of the Angels w/Playing for Change – Nokia Plaza – Nightly on the Hour

L.A. LIVE is owned and operated by

Across from STAPLES Center between Olympic and Figueroa – lalive.com

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4 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

DowntownNews.com

EDITORIALS Holiday Presents Arrived Early

ith Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa all taking place this week, many people are looking forward to unwrapping their presents. For Downtown Los Angeles, the gifts came earlier in the year. They also arrived frequently and were dispensed all across the community. This is easy to overlook given the sorry state of the national economy and all the gloom and doom predictions of how long a recession may last and how tough it will be. The bad news seems to be everywhere, and it’s local, too — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and others are warning that the city’s finances are in the doldrums and that there may be layoffs and a cutback in municipal services. Despite the woes, it is important to recognize how much Downtown boomed in 2008. The community welcomed dozens of projects, among them housing complexes, restaurants and retail outlets. We’re talking about developments worth billions of dollars. Probably no other neighborhood in Southern California had as much happening in 2008 as Downtown. Right now real estate observers are quick to note the slowdown in housing construction, but during the past 12 months, Downtown saw an array of residential proj-

ects open, from Canvas L.A. and the Belmont Station Apartments in City West to the Evo condominiums in South Park to a Seventh Street revival powered by the debut of the Mandel Lofts, the Brockman Building and the Roosevelt Lofts. Altogether Downtown welcomed nearly 20 housing developments in 2008, including lowincome residences such as Yale Terrace in Chinatown, which serves families. Although some buildings that were planned as condos instead switched to rentals due to the market turndown, the key is that they came online, and thus provide the base for thousands of additional people to live in the community. Even if they take several months or longer to fill up, they present the opportunity for more stakeholders to patronize area businesses and enliven the streets. On the cultural front, the community also boomed, with the return of the Mark Taper Forum after a year-long, $30 million renovation, and the state-of-the-art Club Nokia in South Park, part of L.A. Live. The summer saw the inaugural Downtown Film Festival. There were dozens of gifts to those who routinely hit Downtown restaurants and bars. Along with the new eateries at L.A. Live (eventually there will be about a dozen),

The Taxi Push

ecently, Downtown had an unusual event: A group of business and political leaders got together to try to jump-start a program that began five months ago. The effort to get the Hail-A-Taxi program rolling by its very nature spoke to a problem — it is taking longer than many hoped to change Downtown Los Angeles’ cab culture. Over the decades, people have gotten used to only being able to grab a cab at a taxi stand or a hotel, and cabbies have resisted short rides around the community. Traditionally they could make a lot more money by trying to snag a fare to the airport. It’s a culture that, for the sake of the city, needs to change, and the local leaders were right to stage a media-friendly event. The Hail-A-Taxi program is a good idea, and when the

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

six-month pilot program comes up for review in January, it should be extended or made permanent, even if the results are not yet where advocates hope. After all, if New York, London and other urban centers can have decent taxi service, then so can we. Downtown’s taxi issues have been years in the making, and despite good intentions, the situation will not change overnight or even within a couple months. As officials have noted, it’s a Catch-22: Cabbies won’t get out of lines at hotels and taxi stands if people aren’t out on the curb with their hands in the air. Meanwhile, if empty cabs aren’t patrolling the main thoroughfares of Downtown, then those who live and work in the community will instead climb into their cars for short trips for lunch, business meetings and evening bar hopping.

foodies swarmed Drago Centro in the Financial District, Church & State in the Arts District and The Nickel Diner in the Historic Core. The Arts District welcomed the Urth Caffe, Chinatown saw the arrival of Master Chef, and Tranquility Base and the chic Doheny landed in South Park. The list goes on. There are many more Downtown additions and improvements that could be mentioned, but two others stand out: Long decrepit Main Street continued its rebound, as portions of the corridor that were once controlled by drug dealers, notably the corner of Fifth and Main, can now be considered safe for everyone to walk down. The street holds a mix of new businesses (including two pet supply stores), loft residents and homeless services entities such as Chrysalis. It is going in the right direction. The other amenity that must be noted is in City West: In July, a longtime dead plot opened as the Vista Hermosa Natural Park. Laughed at for a decade as the failed money pit of the Belmont Learning Complex, it now holds 10 acres of greenery, including walking trails, a soccer field and other resources. Its completion fulfilled a promise to the community that many thought would never be realized. All in all, it’s been a pretty good year in the Central City. Yeah, the economy is worrisome and things may get worse before they get better, but in 2008, Downtown took many small steps forward. The gifts the community received this year will pay off well into the future. The Taxicab Appreciation Week sponsored by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District was a smart, two-pronged approach: It affixed about 600 signs to area light poles and signposts, reminding pedestrians they can hail cabs, and it tried to reach the cabbies via their stomachs, as officials handed out 400 free lunches, pairing each one with the request to cruise the streets. Downtown is not there yet in terms of taxicabs, but given time, things will improve. Officials need to keep the attention and reminders going both to drivers and pedestrians. Changing the city’s cab culture is a marathon effort, not a sprint.

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

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December 22, 2008

Downtown News 5

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Flex in the City Arts District Developments Target Creative Businesses for New Work Spaces by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR

long a quiet strip of nondescript, two- and three-story industrial properties in the Warehouse District, 915 Mateo Street is a head-turner. The concrete and steel bones of the threestory building are similar to many nearby properties, but the angular, steel lattice sculpture that seems to crawl up and over its faĂ§ade makes the building stand out. Interspersed among its roll-up metal doors and loading docks are orange- and greentinted windows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted shapes and creativity that we could all afford and we put the color in just to make it a little sexy,â&#x20AC;? said developer Seth Polen, who with partners Brent Held and Greg Celeya spent nearly $7.5 million to acquire and refurbish the 1920s building into what he calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;creative flexâ&#x20AC;? space. It opened in September. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supposed to inspire people,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted people to drive by and sort of say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What theâ&#x20AC;Ś?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? The property has the feel of live/work loft buildings like Linear Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Toy Factory and Biscuit Company lofts, a few blocks north at Industrial and Mateo streets. But 915 Mateo is simply for work and â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if the creative businesses that rent there want to throw fashion shows, concerts or host art openings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a little play, too. It is also part of something that, while not yet a trend, may be an indicator of a coming movement in the neighborhood, especially

with the slowing residential market. A nearby building owned by Linear City is also being pitched to creative businesses. Filling a Void The 55,350-square foot 915 Mateo has 39 units ranging from about 800 to 1,600 square feet, and 10 of them are leased. It is Polenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second investment in creative, rental workspace. Polen, a commercial real estate broker who sits on the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, also owns 16 flex units in Lincoln Heights. After watching the Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s price drop consistently over the course of about three years, Polen and his partners bought 915 Mateo for $4.5 million in 2005. They spent another roughly $3 million on architectural upgrades, new plumbing and electrical systems and building out each unit. The project arrived around the same time as Linear Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40,000-square-foot, 40unit Industrial Street Art Studios at 1820 S. Industrial St. Linear City started leasing the units after the company realized that the slumping economy would not support a 17-story, 122-unit condominium project it intended to build on the property. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The area has, for a long time, seen a light industrial/creative use and people started to live in those spaces, and this is a continuation of that use in this Arts District area,â&#x20AC;? said Paul Solomon, a partner in Linear City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new, perhaps, is more of the kind of office use.â&#x20AC;? With its central location and freeway access, Downtown has always been a logical

photo by Gary Leonard

Seth Polen (above) and two partners spent about $7.5 million to buy and refurbish the light industrial building at 915 Mateo St. It now holds 39 office spaces geared toward creative professionals.

place for businesses to set up shop, but not all businesses want to be in traditional, corporate-style office space, Solomon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re providing a sort of more interesting, less polished corporate space and more of a creative space within a creative community,â&#x20AC;? he said. So far, 1820 Industrial St. has leased about one-third of its units, becoming home to a variety of fashion-industry tenants, painters seeking studio space, an art gallery that relocated from Bergamot Station in Santa Monica and a computer services company, Solomon said. The brick and concrete building, which has spaces ranging from 180-8,000 square feet, rents for 80 cents to $1.80 per square foot. While the market dictated Linear Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption of the flex space model as an alternative to condos, Polen insists that even in

Starting at $1,400

2005, when the housing market was peaking, he never hoped to build residential units at 915 Mateo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We walked in here and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even think about live/work,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was looking at the neighborhood and what people around here need, which I think is reasonably priced space to run their business, where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s security and parking.â&#x20AC;? Creative Commons The 915 Mateo units, which are minimally built out with unpolished concrete floors (tenants can opt to polish them themselves) and exposed pipes near the ceiling, range from $1-$2 per square foot, Polen said. Ricky Takizawa, who lives in the Biscuit Company Lofts and needed a place to house business operations for his Little Tokyo apparel company Pop Killer, found that there see Flex Space, page 7

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6 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

DowntownNews.com

Restaurants Continued from page 1 and optimistic owners willing to take a chance; and a huge financial risk, as each banks on finding an audience. “Some say they think we’re crazy, we’re totally crazy,” said Sean Krajewski, when asked how people respond when he tells them he is opening Casa, a $2 million establishment in California Plaza. The restaurant, which includes co-owner Mario del Pero of Bunker Hill sandwich joint Mendocino Farms and chef Kris Morningstar, who opened the acclaimed Blue Velvet, focuses on authentic, modern Mexican small plates. The 5,000-square-foot, 200-seat spot was slated to debut Dec. 18 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press). Prices will be about $7-$15 per plate, Krajewski said. Casa is far from alone. Provecho, a long-anticipated 5,000-square-foot Mexican restaurant, opened Dec. 1 at 800 Wilshire Blvd., and Drago Centro, a $7 million Italian establishment, debuted Nov. 29 at 525 S. Flower St. Wurstküche, a sausage and beer spot in the Arts District, opened Nov. 18, followed a few weeks later by the reopening of Cole’s restaurant in the Historic Core. The biggest concentration of new establishments is at L.A. Live. The high-end eatery Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar opened Dec. 10 and the mid-priced chain the Yard House, with a whopping 500 seats, debuted this past weekend. Five more L.A. Live restaurants, including Trader Vic’s, will arrive next year. Filling a Niche Like much of the competition, Krajewski said filling a niche and building a loyal clientele are the keys to success, even in a recession. “We thought there was a huge gap in Bunker Hill. We eat Mexican food the most, but we didn’t have a favorite Mexican restaurant,” he said. Experts agree that focus can help new restaurants make it. Although within the industry it is commonly believed that

about 90% of restaurants fail, according to an April 2007 report in Business Week, about 60% of establishments either close or change hands within the first year of operation. “The failure rate is pretty high in this industry,” said Daniel Conway, spokesman for the California Restaurant Association. “It’s a very challenging moment to be starting a restaurant.” When a restaurant fails, more than the owners are affected. According to the National Restaurant Association, sales in California restaurants in 2008 are projected to be $56.4 billion. But even in a tough economy, people still like to go out to eat. “There’s always going to be demand out there, particularly if you can find the right niche,” Conway said. “They may be a little more economical with their money, but people are still going out to eat because they want that experience.” In the Red Conway noted that factors beyond the recession are at play. Food costs are higher than in years past, he said, and in California in particular, electricity costs are high for restaurants. He said that like many businesses, restaurants can expect to operate in the red for a couple of months after they open. But new restaurants now may see a deficit for longer than usual. “Typically you expect to run in the red for two months. These days, I would suggest you give yourself four to six months,” he said. Conway said new restaurants need to be flexible with marketing ideas that will bring in customers, like longer happy hours, reduced prices and specials. For Jill Bigelow, who co-owns Provecho with her husband and executive chef Gabriel Morales, it’s about knowing her audience and banking on experience. “The economy’s definitely a concern,” she said. “But we have a couple of things that make us feel confident: One is that between the two of us we have 20 years experience in hospitality. And we feel that our concept, even in bad economic times, is strong because our price point is affordable for a lot of people.” Provecho offers what Bigelow describes as “upscale dining” at prices between $8 and $22 per plate. She said they anticipate doing promotions, expanding the happy hour and building a healthy catering and party arm.

Although Bigelow has investors and was able to secure funding through her bank before an official recession was declared, she said some people are still surprised she opened a business during a recession. “There are always people that think it’s the most dangerous business to be in, especially now,” she said. “But it’s like anything: If you run a strong operation and you run it like a big business, you’re going to do well because you’re watching your expenses, promoting yourself.” L.A. Live Advantage Much of the Downtown dining attention is focused on L.A. Live, the $2.5 billion development by Anschutz Entertainment Group. Lisa Herzlich, managing director of the project, said the new restaurants at the campus have a distinct advantage over others in the area. “Staples Center is a major destination with 250 events per year that bring in 4 million people to Downtown. The restaurants are right across the street from Staples Center and they’re there as an option before and after an event,” she said. Jennifer Adams, operating partner at Fleming’s, an upscale steakhouse that opened Dec. 10, said business is already booming. The 7,200-square-foot, 300-seat restaurant is known for its selection of steaks and its 200-bottle wine list. “The dining room has been filled to capacity every night,” Adams said. “It’s just been wonderful, and what’s also been surprising is the number of local residents that have come in and how excited they are to have places that are close to home.” Other new restaurants at L.A. Live are also banking on a proven concept and name recognition. They include the Yard House, which on Dec. 21 was slated to open a 13,000-squarefoot, $5 million locale. “We find the Yard House model and format to be pretty conducive for today’s time,” said Steele Platt, founder and CEO of the restaurant chain. “We feel that with our concept, with our large bar and varied menu, we really have the formula to get people in and they can spend what they want.” Slow Build One of the most expensive restaurants to open in Downtown recently was the 9,500-square-foot, $7 million

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The 15 Restaurants That Arrived Downtown in the Past Two Months

Drago Centro opened Nov. 29. The $7 million contemporary Italian restaurant from chef

Provecho opened Dec. 1. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant seats 160 people and serves upscale Mexican food. At 800 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 4891406 or provechorestaurant.com.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar opened Dec. 10. It is well known among meat lovers and for its 100 wines by the glass. At (213) 745-9911 or flemingssteakhouse.com.

Cole’s, the famed L.A. eatery that claims invention of the French dip sandwich, reopened Dec. 4 after a $1.6 million renovation that took more than a year. The 1908 landmark was brought back to its original state. At 118 E. Sixth St., (213) 622-4090 or colesfrenchdip.com.

Lawry’s Carvery opened Dec. 15. The deli specializes in quick meals. Orders can be placed over the phone and picked up. At (213) 222-2212 or lawrysonline.com.

Casa was set to open Dec. 18. The 5,000-squarefoot California Plaza Watercourt restaurant is open until midnight and offers seating for 200. It serves modern Mexican fare. At California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave.

Yard House opened Dec. 21. It is known for its extensive selection of beer and contemporary American cuisine like burgers, sandwiches and salads. At (213) 745-9273 or yardhouse.com. The Farm of Beverly Hills opens Dec. 22 and showcases farm-fresh products. It features an indoor/outdoor fireplace, a bar, patio and a private dining room. At (213) 747-4555 or thefarmofbeverlyhills.com. —Richard Guzmán

At L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge opened Nov. 22. It mixes 18 lanes of bowling with a cool lounge atmosphere and contemporary food. At

Drago Centro, by famed chef Celestino Drago in City National Plaza. The 250-seat Financial District restaurant opened Nov. 29. Matteo Fernandi, Drago’s partner in the project and the general manager of the restaurant, said business has been slow, but that is according to plan. “You don’t want to open the door and do 200 people because you won’t be able to deliver,” he said. “Our main concern is starting on the right track, being able to produce the food up to our expectations and continue to increase day by day.” The restaurant is serving about 130 people at lunch and is booking about 70 people nightly, he said.

“It’s about what we expected,” he said. “Sales have been increasing every day and we’re doing well. We were very conscious of the economic times we stepped into and we did our homework and we are ready to do what we do and business will come.” Conway said that despite the risks of opening in a recession, new businesses, and restaurants in particular, will help revive the economy. “I think that’s really what our economy needs. Restaurants provide flexible jobs to students, a lot of part-time folk, and those are some of the folks that are hurt first when the economy turns,” he said. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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Continued from page 5 was no shortage of inexpensive space Downtown. Takizawa said he looked at about 10 spaces in the Arts, Warehouse and Fashion districts. The average was about 75 cents per square foot, but for good reason: The buildings were often dilapidated, with no security and suspect utilities, he said. That’s what led Takizawa to 915 Mateo, which has parking and new, if basic, amenities like bathrooms in every unit. “There are many cheap places, but they’re dirty,” he said. “This building is really new, clean and there are good people in there.” Although only one-quarter of the units are occupied, it’s the prospect of a creative community that helped lure Takizawa and some of the building’s other early tenants. “You can see that management is not doing business just for business,” said Fabiola Jaque, who leased a space to house her structural engineering analysis company. “You can see that they have a bigger idea, a project, and I appreciate that.” For Polen, that bigger idea is to house an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs in fashion, visual and performing arts, and any other creative industry that needs support in Downtown Los Angeles. “I wanted to create space that’s going to be usable and, to me, the highest and best use was a place for artists down to entrepreneurs,” Polen said. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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Spitz opened in Little Tokyo Nov. 25. It specializes in döner kebabs. At 371 E. Second St., (213) 613-0101 or eatatspitz.com.

Boca, inside the Conga Room, opened Dec. 10. The 90-seat restaurant features pan-Latin food. At (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com.

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Wurstküche, a sausage and beer spot in the Arts District, opened Nov. 18. It offers exotic sausages such as alligator, along with classics like bratwurst, and dozens of beers on tap. At 800 E. Third St., (213) 687-4444 or wurstkucherestaurant.com.

Celestino Drago is on the ground floor of City National Plaza. The 9,500-square-foot establishment serves high-end Italian food. At 525 S. Flower St., (213) 228-8998 or dragocentro.com.

uer

McKay’s restaurant and lounge opened on Nov. 17 with a focus on casual, contemporary American fare and its namesake, legendary USC football coach John McKay. The restaurant is operated by USC Hospitality and includes a bar and lounge with five flat-screen TVs. At 3540 S. Figueroa St., (213) 743-4111.

ESPN Zone, a sports fan’s haven, opened Nov. 28. The two-floor restaurant features all things sports, with giants screens tuned to various games. At (213) 765-7070 or espnzone.com.

Fig

Urth Caffé, the organically hip coffee house and restaurant, opened Nov. 16 at the Barker Block in the Arts District. The $6 million, 14,000-squarefoot project is a coffee shop and restaurant as well as a working factory. At 513 S. Hewitt St., (213) 797-4534 or urthcaffe.com.

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8 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

DowntownNews.com

progress, but local interest in historical preservation was already growing. To that end, The Los Angeles Herald, in a lengthy article on Sept. 2, 1906, wrote, in Continued from page 1 It moved the following year to nearby Aliso the flowery prose of that era: Street, then in 1891 to First and Los Angeles “Down in the flats, just east of streets, and in 1893 to Seventh and Alameda Central Avenue, has remained streets. the old Leahy homestead, an The company expanded five times in two adobe dwelling with an old-time decades. It had begun as a maker of crackers ranch house... and a wealth of but soon was turning out candy, jellies, jams, trees and flowers.” crystallized fruits, ketchup, soups and beans. The article described how the A 1902 Bishop advertisement for plum Leahy children had been born pudding claimed that the firm was “manu- and raised there, and concluded facturers of the largest line of food products “...and now they are to leave it, made by any one firm in the United States.” A like the children of God, driven year later, a similar newspaper ad promoting from the garden of Eden. They baked beans told readers, “A package contain- are to be sent out in the world... ing enough for six people sells at your grocer’s and a great corporation is to for ten cents.” sweep in and take possession.” A key date in the company’s history was The Leahys weren’t driven Aug. 31, 1906. That’s when the firm closed from the garden without comon a deal that more than doubled its space. It pensation. The family received bought six and one-half acres at the northeast $110,000, worth $2.6 million corner of Eighth and Alameda streets from today. Caroline Leahy, widow of Thomas Leahy. By May 1907, the first buildLeahy had purchased the land, which in- ing was nearly complete. Bishop cluded an adobe home built in the 1830s, in appears to have been a forwardphoto courtesy of Mark Macrae collection 1862. Bishop was only the third owner since it thinking company in hiring and Activity on the floor of Bishop & Co., which for 43 years made candy, jellies, ketchup, soups and more in Downtown. In was surveyed. advancement practices. Half the 1930 the company was acquired by Nabisco. Grand Vision workforce consisted of womBishop planned to construct a candy fac- en, and the advertising manager was “Miss explains that Bishop had just been awarded a ogy curve, Bishop designed and built a truck tory, a fruit processing building, a cracker Frances Holmes,” according to a 1908 news grand prize for “jellies, jams, preserves and with ice chambers for the delivery of chococrystallized fruits” at the 1904 World’s Fair in late during the summer. On July 1, 1923, the processing building, a warehouse, a dining account of a dinner held at the new office. area for 200 and a stable. In all, Bishop said, it truck began carrying chocolate bars, canBishop also appears to have been ahead St. Louis. By 1908, the company was active in mu- dies and chocolate-covered cookies from would be the largest cracker and candy man- of the game in promoting its products. An ufacturing facility in the United States. Con- Oct. 27, 1904, photo in the Times shows nicipal affairs, including Factory Visiting Day, Downtown Los Angeles to the San Fernando struction was expected to cost $1 million and three women behind a counter. They occupy organized by the Los Angeles Chamber of Valley, Santa Ana and San Bernardino. take five years. Throughout the firm’s 43 years, William a booth about 20 feet high that looks to be Commerce. An estimated 60 manufacturers To the company, the plan represented framed in Craftsman-style beams. The caption took part in the Nov. 19 event. About 5,000 Bishop did most of the communicating with people toured plants around Downtown Los the media and the public. Roland Bishop, his Angeles. uncle, was seldom quoted. It’s easy to see his Many of the companies that participated reticence in a fawning profile written by a that day — Hauser Packing Co., Llewellyn Times reporter in 1923. Iron Works, Western Gas Engine Works, “Mr. Bishop is the last person whom you Barkley’s Coffee Mills, Los Angeles Farming could imagine in the candy and cracker and Milling Co. — like Bishop, no longer business,” the reporter wrote. “If I had been exist. But on that afternoon, according to a asked to character analyze him, I’d have put Times account, 75 employees of Pacific Electric him in the chair as a president of a small colRailway saw dough turned into crackers “and lege, or as ambassador, or something digniother eatables.” fied like that. But in the candy business? 1,000 Employees Nay, nay...” The company expanded south to Eighth Most experts date the start of the Great Street and west across Alameda, signing a Depression to the Wall Street collapse of Oct. lease in 1916 for 175,000 square feet at the 29, 1929. It took a while before its effects were new Wholesale Terminal at Seventh Street fully felt on the West Coast. Thus the mood TAHARI • KASPER • JonES n.Y. • nIPon • 9 WEST and Central Avenue, which was due for com- seemed optimistic when the sixth annual pletion the following year. Food and Household Show, sponsored by the S IZES 2p-22w The move, William Bishop said, would al- Southern California Retail Grocers’ Associa(213) 627-6861 low the firm to expand its workforce to 750 tion, opened on May 12, 1930, at the Ambaspeople. “Already we cover the United States sador Hotel. 8th Street p to L.A. Co ➩ with our goods,” Bishop told the Times. “We Bishop & Co. was there with an ornate dis9th Street sell some of our products even in Australia play that resembled something Busby Berkeand on the China coast.” The increased ca- ley might have designed. 840 S. Los Angeles St. Garment District pacity, he said, would allow for even more And then it was gone. A week later, possiOpen Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:00 Between 8th & 9th St. growth. bly before the trade show’s fleur-de-lis display For a few years, it appeared Bishop would be had been taken down, came the announceright. By 1922, the company had nearly 1,000 ment of Bishop’s acquisition by Nabisco. employees and was making 15,000 pounds William Bishop died in his Bel Air home of chocolate products daily. It occupied sev- in 1936 of a heart attack. He was 73. Roland en floors of the building, by then called the Bishop lived another 14 years, dying at 94 in Union Terminal. It had opened a cracker and his bungalow on the grounds of the Beverly candy plant in San Diego and had offices in Hills Hotel on Sept. 26, 1950, having sold his New York, Seattle and San Francisco. It im- home to producer Louis B. Mayer. ported cocoa beans from Ecuador and sold its By the time of Roland Bishop’s death, all products in 24 countries. the buildings his firm had built or leased had A year later, still ahead of the technol- been demolished.

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December 22, 2008

Apartments Continued from page 1 That the National City Tower was always intended as apartments distinguishes the property, and its developers, from two nearby competitors: the Chapman Flats and the Union Lofts. All Pacific Financial’s Chapman Flats and Meruelo Maddux Properties’ Union Lofts were built as condos, but debuted as rentals to bypass a for-sale market that has slowed amid the ongoing credit crisis. The developers of both projects, which are also conversions of old office towers, intend to sell the units once the market recovers. The Afshanis, however, have a different approach. They built the units to condominium specifications, outfitting each with high-end finishes such as glass tiles and stainless steel appliances, with hopes that amenity-keen renters would flock to their property and keep tenant turnover low, Afshani said. The choice to do rentals as opposed to condos was an obvious one, he said. “We believe the value in Downtown can be much higher five years from now than it is today, and even furthermore, 10 years from now, so we believe that Downtown is on its way up,” he said. “We’re not in it for a quick buck. We’re committed to Downtown and, with a million square feet, we better be.” Healthy Competition With the Chapman and Union Lofts both only blocks away on Eighth Street, Shariar and Shahram Afshani know they will have plenty of competition for potential tenants. But more than anything, they see the nearby buildings as complements to their project, and believe all three properties will ultimately benefit the neighborhood. Mark Farzan, a partner in the Chapman Lofts development team, which spent $30 million on the adaptive reuse of the 168-unit building, agrees. “It is becoming a strong residential neighborhood and there’s a synergy there,” Farzan said. “I don’t see it as competition because I see plenty of demand from new residents coming Downtown and secondly, I see with every new project that comes online, it makes people feel comfortable that this is the

SearchDowntownLA.com real thing and this is a real neighborhood.” Perhaps the best news for the National City Tower is that the Chapman, which most closely resembles the Afshanis’ project in terms of unit size and pricing, is more than 75% leased since opening in June, Farzan said. The Chapman apartments range from 600-1,100 square feet and lease for $1,500-$2,200. At National City Tower, units are 650-1,884 square feet and rent for $1,395-$2,295. The Afshanis also expect the building’s horseshoe shape, which allows an unusually large number of corner units, to entice tenants. The National City Tower apartments are designed so that there is a short distance between the entrance and the building façade and a longer stretch from side to side, which allows for extra windows and substantial light. The 92-unit Union Lofts, where apartments range from 637-1,816 square feet and rent for $1,321-$6,947, are filling up at a slower pace. After opening in February, the $40 million building is 45% leased, Meruelo Maddux spokesman Michael Bustamante said. Retail Anchor No matter which property they choose to reside in, residents close to Eighth and Spring streets will all eventually benefit from the National City Tower’s 7,000 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. Built in 1924, the 12-story building is where Main, Spring and Eighth streets join to make a triangle. The shape means that the National City Tower has frontage on three main streets, which could maximize visibility for retail or restaurant tenants on the ground level, Afshani said. After being open for one month, the building has leased 24 units. In the effort to woo more people, the developer is offering two months of free rent for tenants who sign 14-month leases, said building manager Caesar Morera. Currently, the commercial space — the bank’s former grand lobby — has an open floor plan. But the developers envision dividing it to accommodate several tenants, including a restaurant and high-end fashion retailers. Infusion Café, a coffee and pastry shop, is the only tenant to sign a lease so far and expects to open on Spring Street within a month, Afshani said. Downstairs, in the bank’s old vault, there are another 6,000 square feet of space that the Afshanis hope to turn into a lounge-type venue with entertainment. While the developers are not yet sure what mix of ten-

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The 1924 building has a horseshoe shape, allowing a large number of corner units. Many apartments feature a long wall of windows.

ants would work best, their end goal is to bring in an array of commercial uses that will mimic the intersection of Fourth and Main streets, one of the busiest residential corners of Downtown. “As for the retail area, we intend to be the other bookend to Fourth and Main,” Afshani said. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

DowntownNews.com

10 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

HEALTH How to Eat Healthy Food in Your Own Kitchen by Caroline Dipping

our pampered week of mud wraps, massages and meticulously prepared, perfectly portioned meals is over. You’re back home now and you’re on your own. How do you keep the glow and momentum of your week at the spa alive? Do you revert back to type and eat Rice-a-Roni in bed, or do you vow to make some of those light and lovely recipes you had at the spa? Executive chef Steve Pernetti of Cal-a-Vie Spa in Vista, Calif., says it does take a little effort to plan menus and get your home pantry and kitchen into spa shape by weeding out the salt and fat, but then it’s just a matter of sticking to it. And keeping your face out of the trough.

“That’s the big thing. People don’t realize how much they overeat,” said Pernetti from his Cal-a-Vie kitchen, where he has been at the helm for the past 15 years. “Especially around the dinner table when all of a sudden, you are picking at a little bit of this from the platter, a bite of that. Before you know it, you’ve added another 300 calories.” Pernetti teaches two low-fat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol classes a week to spa guests. He talks of the importance of using freerange meats and organic produce whenever possible. And, again, the planning. “A lot of what we do here at the spa is very doable in a home kitchen,” Pernetti said. “It just takes a little more shopping and prep work. I always tell people to try new dishes and make them a few times to get comfort-

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able with them.” Chef Michel Stroot, who worked at the Golden Door in San Marcos, Calif., for 25 years before retiring and now works occasionally at Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, sings a similar refrain. “Spa cuisine is not such a mystery. It’s really about going back to basics,” Stroot said. “And small portions.” His formula: No more than four ounces of lean protein, lots of greens, and whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice. Stay away from fried foods and anything heavy on the flour and salt. Above all, Stroot says, for a truly appreciative mealtime experience, look at your plate before diving in. “Visually divide your plate in fourths,” Stroot said. “Half the plate should be covered in greens, your protein should be the size of a small handful, and one-third of your plate should be complex carbohydrates such as the CNS photo by Eduardo Contreras lentils or yams or even a small potato Herb-crusted salmon and saffron risotto can bring the if you want. Then look at your plate spa experience home. and be satisfied.” Among the dishes that can satisfy and keep grees. Combine the basil, parsley, tarragon you healthy is a herb-crusted salmon with and dill weed in a food processor and process port reductions. for 30 seconds. Add the panko, olive oil, salt The ingredients: one (750 milliliter) and black pepper and mix well. bottle of inexpensive port; one cup fresh Rinse the salmon and season on both basil leaves; one cup fresh Italian pars- sides with salt and white pepper. Spray a ley; 1/4 cup fresh tarragon; 1/4 cup fresh nonstick, ovenproof saute pan with nondill weed; one cup panko (Japanese bread stick cooking spray and heat until smoking. crumbs); one tablespoon extra-virgin olive Add the salmon and sear for 45 seconds on oil; salt and black pepper to taste; six (four- each side or until golden brown. Remove to ounce) center-cut salmon fillets, skinned a work surface and coat both sides lightly and deboned; white pepper to taste; two with the Dijon mustard. Coat with the hertablespoons Dijon mustard. bed crumb mixture. It yields six servings. Return the salmon to the saute pan. Place Instructions: Bring port to a boil in a in the oven and bake for about eight minutes medium saucepan over high heat; the mix- or until medium. Place on six serving plates ture will ignite when it gets very hot, but the and drizzle with the port reduction. flames will die down as it continues to cook. Nutritional analysis per serving: 350 calCook for about 20 minutes or until thick- ories, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 26 grams of ened. Keep warm to serve with the salmon or protein, 11 grams of fat, 1 gram of fiber, 62 store in the refrigerator for up to one month mg cholesterol, 343 mg sodium. to serve later. Preheat the oven to 450 deArticle by Copley Health Service.

Hoofing It For Health Obesity is the nation’s fastest rising public health problem, especially in children. Getting outside and walking is an easy way to help burn calories. Source: STTP Transportation Action Network

Cuisine That’s Lean

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With a readership of 150,000 and a 74% market share, Los Angeles Downtown News is your best choice for reaching the working professionals who want to make intelligent decisions about their healthcare alternatives. Editorial for advertisers available in this special section.*

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December 22, 2008

Downtown News 11

Health

AIDS and Oral Health USC School of Dentistry Publications Examine Oral Impact of HIV, And Its Treatment, On Women by Beth Dunham

n the 27 years since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, what was once an unavoidable death sentence has largely become a chronic condition when properly managed with medication. However, both the manifestation of the virus as AIDS as well as the retroviral therapy used to keep HIV in check can take a heavy toll on a patient, including one’s oral health and quality of life. Two recently published USC School of Dentistry studies examine data from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), a cohort made up of hundreds of HIV-positive and at-risk women at six sites throughout the U.S., to discern how the disease and its management affects American women. While AIDS itself can increase the chance of mouth lesions, infections, dry mouth and other oral maladies, a common treatment method can itself have negative oral side effects, according to data collected from the cohort. Protease inhibitorbased, highly active antiretroviral therapy (also known as HAART), a treatment used to suppress HIV replication and preserve patient immunity, is a significant risk factor for decreased salivary gland function, explains School of Dentistry Diagnostic Sciences Division Chair Mahvash Navazesh in

‘The study identifies many specific factors where dental professionals can intervene and help both HIV-positive and at-risk patients have better oral health-related quality of life.’

of life,” Mulligan said. Simply having access to more follow-up care can help greatly, Seirawan added. “It seems that follow-up visits, when women came for their semiannual check-up, were significant in reducing the difference in oral health-related quality of life between the two groups of women,” he said. The study appeared in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology on Sept 8, 2008. Article courtesy of the USC School of Dentistry.

photos by Philip Channing

School of Dentistry Diagnostic Sciences Division Chair Mahvash Navazesh (left) and Associate Dean of Community Health Programs Roseann Mulligan helmed studies that examined oral health care and HIV and AIDS.

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the study “Effect of HAART on salivary gland function in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study.” The study was published on Nov. 11, 2008, in Oral Diseases. The impact of low salivary flow is much more than just the discomfort of a dry mouth, Navazesh said. With less saliva to wash away cariogenic food and moisten soft tissues, dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay and make irritated tissue more susceptible to infection. “Saliva plays an important role in maintaining the health of the oral cavity,” she said. Previously, Navazesh and her team reported that HIV infection is a risk factor for low saliva flow rate. The current study demonstrated that the management of the disease with HAART is yet another risk factor for low saliva flow, she said. In “Oral health-related quality of life among HIV-infected and at-risk women,” principal investigator and School of Dentistry Associate Dean of Community Health Programs Roseann Mulligan and her team evaluated not just the oral health of hundreds of WIHS cohort participants, but also the psychosocial and emotional impact that the disease’s effects on oral health can have. “Women participating in this study are minorities, poor, less educated and either HIV-infected or at risk of infection; they are vulnerable women in our society,” said Hazem Seirawan, the study’s second author and research assistant professor with the School of Dentistry. Participants were evaluated physically and asked questions on several subjects including functional limitation, discomfort and pain as well as psychological and social discomfort and disability related to their oral health. On average, HIVinfected women had 10% lower oral health-related quality of life compared to non-infected women, Mulligan said. However, after adjusting for significant clinical and behavioral oral health factors, including drug use, the difference in quality of life was much less prominent. “The study identifies many specific factors where dental professionals can intervene and help both HIV-positive and at-risk patients have better oral health-related quality

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December 22, 2008

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Get Your Vaccines

Everything You Need to Know About Flu Shots, Shingles and HPV

ith so much attention and misinformation regarding vaccines, you may be confused whether to get vaccinated. In this special section, we will cover three comFROM OUR ADVeRtISeRS

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Thought provoking news deserves thoughts. Give us yours. DowntownNews.com Now with reader comments.

mon vaccines that our pharmacists currently administer at Uptown Drug. The Flu Vaccine You are probably familiar with the flu vaccine, but did you ever wonder what it actually is? Formally called the influenza vaccine, it is prepared from the fluids of chick embryos injected with a special type of dead or inactivated flu virus. The flu vaccine fools your body into thinking it got the flu without actually getting sick. If you are exposed to the flu later on, your immune system will be able to recognize it and fight off the illness. Since there are many strains of the

flu that vary from year to year, the flu vaccine is reformulated every year. Manufacturers create each year’s flu vaccine based on their best educated guess of what the three most common strains will be. The flu virus can cause serious illness, even death, for people with chronic health conditions. There are several common myths about the flu vaccine. Myth: You have never had the flu, so you do not need to get the vaccine. Fact: No one is immune from influenza viruses. Most people can get sick with influenza several times over the course of his or her life. Myth: The flu vaccine can give you the flu. Fact: The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. The flu vaccine contains dead influenza viruses that cannot cause infection. Myth: The flu vaccine causes severe

reactions or side effects. Fact: The flu vaccine is very safe. Most people experience no symptoms after getting the flu vaccine other than redness or soreness where the needle was injected. Some people, especially those getting the vaccine for the first time, experience some mild flu-like symptoms. The Shingles Vaccine You may have heard about the shingles vaccine, also known as Zostavax. But what causes shingles? Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus “sleeps” in the body permanently. Approximately 30% of all people who have been infected with chickenpox will later develop shingles. Shingles usually starts as a painful rash that turns into blisters and scabs three to five days later. The rash and

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Downtown News 13

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for Better HealtH pain usually occur in a band on one side of the body or clustered on one side of the face. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. Shingles most commonly occurs in people age 50 years and older, with incidence increasing with age. Very rarely, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, scarring, brain inflammation, postherpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain) or death. It is estimated that 1 million cases of shingles occur annually. So get vaccinated. Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, helps prevent re-activation of the virus that causes shingles. It is different from the flu vaccine because it is a live vaccine. This means it is a weakened form of the virus that rarely causes serious disease. The HPV Vaccine You may have seen the latest commercial for Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. This is one of the newest vaccines to hit the market. But there is often confusion as to what it is used for and who should get it. Genital HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that is passed

on through genital contact, most often during sex. Most sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives, though most will never even know it. HPV can infect the genital areas of men and women. Most HPV types cause no symptoms and go away on their own. But some types can cause cervical cancer in women and other less common genital cancers. Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against four types of human papillomavirus: two types that cause 70% of cervical cancer, and two types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. Gardasil does not treat cervical cancer or genital warts. It is a series of three injections given over six months. Ideally, females should get the vaccine before they become sexually active because that is when they may be exposed to HPV. Research suggests that HPV vaccine protection will last a long time. More research is being done to find out if women will need a booster vaccine after getting vaccinated to boost protection. The HPV vaccine does not protect

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against all types of HPV, so it will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer. It is important for women to continue getting screened for cervical cancer with regular pap tests. The vaccine does not prevent other sexually transmitted diseases. Studies have found no serious side effects. The most common side effect is soreness in the arm where the shot was given. While some insurance companies may cover the vaccine, others may not. Most large insurance plans usually cover the costs of recommended vaccines. As we approach flu season, we hope this special section helped to clear up any questions you may have about the common vaccines we provide at Uptown Drug. Our pharmacists have special training and experience in administering these vaccines. Flu shots will start this month and are usually available on a walk-in basis. Please call to make an appointment for the shingles or HPV vaccines. Uptown Drug is at 444 S. Flower St., #100, (213) 612-4300 or uptowndrugs. com.

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DowntownNews.com

CALENDAR

photos by Gary Leonard

14 Downtown News

The artist Becca Midwood with some of her recent creations, commonly called beccas, at the Alameda Street gallery Edgar Varela Fine Arts. A decade ago Midwood made her name by affixing her artwork to boarded-up buildings across Los Angeles. (below) Midwood’s subjects are frequently women and children.

The Return of Becca Midwood An Ahead-of-the-Curve Street Artist Comes Back to Downtown

by Jon RegaRdie executive editoR

ne morning in the mid-1990s, an image of a sleeping woman appeared on a fence blocking off construction of the Japanese American National Museum on First Street. The word “becca,” the signature used by artist Becca Midwood, was printed across the bottom of it in a girlish hand. A construction manager, displeased with the imposition, ordered the work painted over. The bit of innocence amid the urban grit lasted all of a few hours. So did its “solution.” During the night, Midwood returned, and the next morning, another restful woman, eyes closed, appeared in the same place. The biggest difference was the legend above her: “Let me sleep” it commanded. The crew chief then took what he thought was a permanent step — he posted a large, square sign over the woman. Touché? Not exactly. That night, Midwood and an accomplice returned. They didn’t paint over the sign — instead, they stole it. Around this time, word of the tiff had filtered across the community, and I caught wind of it. I wrote an article about it for Los Angeles Downtown News, detailing the curious clash between a buzz-gathering 20-something artist and the construction crew working on a multi-million dollar project. The construction manager said he didn’t object to urban art, just that he didn’t want it put up on the wall. He went on to say that if Midwood wanted a place to show her work, he’d give her one. Whether he meant it or whether it was a way to shine her off remains unknown, but Midwood took him at his word. “I was there the next day,” she said last week, remembering the she-posted he-covered scenario. The construction manager lived up to his promise and gave her a 12-foot-by-eightfoot portion of a back wall. Midwood took advantage, placing a group of figures on it. It created a splash, and more attention followed, some of it in the art world, some of it in the media. Then, as her reputation

grew, there was an ironic twist: As Midwood posted new works — usually women or children, sometimes bloodied — on public spaces across the city, they would often disappear, stolen by fans. A few years later, however, the appearance of beccas, as they are commonly called, slowed. Then they stopped altogether. Many wondered what had happened. ‘An Ideal Canvas’ Last week, during a sort of homecoming, Midwood filled in some of the details. On a rainy Monday morning, two days after the successful opening of a show in the Alameda Street gallery Edgar Varela Fine Arts — interestingly, her first-ever Downtown Los Angeles gallery exhibit — she detailed where she’s been. Shortly after 9/11, Midwood moved back to Richmond, Virginia, where she attended college at Virginia Commonwealth University. She taught and worked in a restaurant, then moved to Texas to help her mom with some medical issues. Today they have a large piece of property in Austin that they share with three dogs (Pookie the poodle, Sophie the Yorkie and a mini-dachshund named Jackson Brown) and two cats (Henry and Harry). They have a large red Craftsman riding mower, a corral and a swimming pool. Midwood makes art, including some commissions, in a garage that doubles as a studio. Despite her time away, she retains a following in Los Angeles. When Varela was contemplating showing her work, he quickly learned that she was widely known and respected. “She was pretty much talked about with high regard from all the other artists,” said Varela, who paired Midwood’s work with that of one of her college friends, Collette Miller, in an exhibit titled Look Out. “I went to a lot of people’s homes and a lot of people had a becca piece in their collection.” Midwood, who speaks in a high voice and has a sweet, slightly shy disposition, earned her master’s from the San Francisco Art Institute. She initially arrived in Los Angeles partly because her brother was already here. In the years following the 1992 riots, she

found that the vacant buildings and the city’s auto-dominated nature provided an opportunity to showcase her art. “Everyone’s in their car, and after the riots all the buildings were boarded up, so it was like an ideal canvas for me, just for me to go hit all the good corners,” she said. She lived for a time in the Arts District and placed her work not just in Downtown, but in Los Feliz, Beverly Hills and Hollywood (for years she would “rotate” pieces on a boarded-up building at La Brea Avenue and Third Street), among other locations. “A lot of the graffiti for me personally, as an artist, was a form of practice,” she said. “Also I could kill two birds with one stone: self-promotion and practice. I think once I started perfecting my painting abilities it was less easy for me to throw up everything outside. And then I started having less and less work available to put up outside because I was so busy.” Before Banksy In a way, Midwood was ahead of an artworld curve. Her women (she refers to them as “ladies”) and children began appearing on Los Angeles streets years before the British artist Banksy gained fame for barnstorming stencils across the walls of London. She recalls that early in her career she had a friendly rivalry with the now-famous local street artist Shepard Fairey (known for his Andre the Giant “Obey” line and the Barack Obama “Hope” poster) and that they would block out each other’s work with new pieces. Naturally, there have been changes in Midwood’s work. Her creations are rarely bloodied, as they frequently were a decade ago. She also occasionally places Buddhas in her paintings, an influence from her Buddhist father. “It’s a trinket of mine. I sometimes chant. It’s all part of my life,” she said. The opening night reception at Varela’s gallery brought out several hundred people, and by the time it ended, a handful of fans and collectors had made appointments to check out her work at a quieter time. It’s potentially a significant step for someone who admits that she has a much better grasp of the art than the

commerce side of the art business. Despite being away for so long, when Midwood flew in from Texas for the show, she felt an instant connection again with Downtown. “It’s great to come back and especially it seems like so many people were glad to see me, and it made it feel like it wasn’t all in my imagination that I had this whole community here. It was great to come back and feel welcome again, just like I hadn’t left,” she said. Then comes the aspect of where the show was hung. More than a decade after she used the entirety of Downtown as a gallery, and following exhibits in Hollywood and Santa Monica, she had her first formal opening in the community she once called home. “It almost seems perfect that I ended up here,” she said with a smile. “Maybe it was for the best.” Look Out continues at Edgar Varela Fine Arts, 542 S. Alameda St., through Jan. 11. The exhibit is open by appointment, (213) 494-7608 or edgarvarelafinearts.com. More information on Midwood is at beccamidwood.com. Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

December 22, 2008

photo courtesy of Antics Performances

Recipe for Cultural Success Six-Hour Song and Dance Extravaganza Takes Over the Music Center by AnnA Scott StAff writer

hat recipe is guaranteed to produce a happy holiday season? The answer is one with seven chefs, 1,200 performers, thousands of spectators and free attendance, all blended together in Downtown’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. On Wednesday, Dec. 24, the 49th annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, titled Recipe for a Happy Holiday, unfolds at the Music Center. The Christmas Eve extravaganza, sponsored by the County Board of Supervisors, features music and dance performances from 3-9 p.m. Seven L.A.based celebrity chefs, including the Border Grill’s Susan Feniger, Akasha Richmond of Culver City’s Akasha and Food Network personality Chef Jeff Henderson will host the event. Nearly 10,000 people are expected to attend. “The last two years, we had about 9,500 people come. Last year was the highest attendance we ever had,” said Adam Davis, managing director of the L.A. County Arts Commission, which is producing the event. “The whole show is about reflecting the flavor, so to speak, of the artistic community.” Forty-seven dance companies, musical groups and choirs from all over Los Angeles County are scheduled to participate in the show. The performances include everything from Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs by acts like the Los Angeles Master Chorale to Yiddish soul ensemble Klezmer Juice to a hip-hop version of The Nutcracker.

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The latter, created by the Rampart areabased troupe Antics Performances, is one of three unconventional versions of The Nutcracker commissioned for the event. “We started rewriting it as if it was a music video, a story that could be told in five minutes or less,” said Antics Performances Artistic Director Amy Campion. “We distilled it down to the most essential characters. We chose a street dance style for each one. Clara is a B-girl. The Mouse King is a B-boy.” Other takes on the ballet will be performed by the modern dance company Backhausdance and the Bollywood-inspired blue 13 group. The South Bay Ballet will also offer a traditional version of The Nutcracker. Downtown acts include the 26-member, Olvera Street-based Harmonies Girls Choir, performing an Aztec song in the language Nahuatl; the Los Angeles Master Chorale, which will perform a diverse selection of holiday music; and the Colburn Children’s Choir, which will take on two songs. “We’re going to be singing an arrangement of an African song,” said Colburn Choir Director Mikhail Shtangrud. “It translates to ‘We March in the Light of God.’ Also, a very popular song by Leroy Anderson called ‘Sleigh Ride.’ It’s a wonderful experience for the kids just to be at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and to be part of this roster of performers. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be part of the Los Angeles arts community.” Those hoping to catch the early acts might want to show up when doors open at 2:30 p.m. (or earlier) to get a seat in the 3,200-ca-

Rampart area-based Antics Performances will stage a hiphop version of The Nutcracker during the Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The free event is Wednesday, Dec. 24.

pacity Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. For those stuck waiting outside, the show will be broadcast live on a JumboTron in the Music Center Plaza. Attendance and parking at the Music Center event are free, and attendees may arrive or leave at any point during the festivities. The only thing organizers ask of audience members is that they bring along canned and packaged goods to support the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, a partner in the project. “The need is so great right now with the economy the way it is,” said Davis. “I hope people will be encouraged to come down and bring a can. If they each bring five cans,

imagine what we can do.” For those who prefer to avoid the crowds altogether, the entire celebration will be broadcast live on KCET Channel 28. Though the televised show might lack the intensity of seeing it in person, it does come with its own perks. “If people turn it on while preparing their holiday meals, they can get some free tips from the chefs,” Davis said. “There will be cooking tips every hour.” The Music Center is at 135 N. Grand Ave. More information at (213) 972-3099 or holidaycelebration.org. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

16 Downtown News

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HappyNew Year!

December 22, 2008

Get Ready to Celebrate Fifteen Ways to Break in The New Year in Downtown by Richard Guzmán city editor

ith celebrations ranging from rock concerts to pictures with Santa, there is something for everyone in Downtown Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. The only problem may be choosing one thing to do. Los Angeles Downtown News has made it even harder to decide by coming up with 15 entertainment and dining choices for New Year’s Eve. Now, there’s no reason to spend Dec. 31 at home watching Ryan Seacrest get crazy in Times Square. 1) Giant Celebration: The third annual Giant Maximus party is expected to bring about 10,000 revelers to Downtown. Moby will headline the groovetastic event that goes from 7 p.m.-4 a.m. An added bonus: carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel. Tickets are $65. At 835 Francisco St., (323) 464-7373 or giantclub.com.

2) New Year’s Steaks: Steaks make any night even better, especially a party night, so say goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009 with a good meal at Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse. The Bunker Hill restaurant will offer a three-course dinner for $59 or five courses for $85 from 5-11 p.m. At 330 S. Hope St., (213) 680-0330 or patinagroup. com/nickStef/. 3) Gipsy Night: The recently opened Conga Room at L.A. Live will be jumping with the beats of the Gipsy Kings for the club’s first New Year’s bash. Tickets start at $150 for the 11 p.m. show, which will feature the popflamenco sounds of the internationally acclaimed band. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com. 4) Yes Way for Noé: Noé Restaurant offers three dining options to close out the year: The 5-6:30 p.m. dinner will cost $80-$100 per person; the 7-8:30 p.m. seating is $100-

photo by Sherri Diteman

The 14-member group Pink Martini has two Dec. 31 shows at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

$130 per person; and the 10:30 p.m. dinner runs $125-$155 per person and includes a champagne toast. At 251 S. Olive St. in the Omni Los Angeles Hotel, (213) 356-4100 or noerestaurant.com. 5) Get Together: The Together as One New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Sports Arena in Exposition Park brings together musical acts including Junior Sanchez, DJ Reza, Pendulum, Ed Rush & Optical and Markus Intalex. The show is from 7 p.m.-4 a.m. Tickets are currently $60 for general admission and $100 for VIPs, and prices will increase as the event draws closer. At newyearsevela.com or goventures.com. 6) Dinner Party: Seven Restaurant Bar will offer a four-course dinner and party with seatings at 7:30 and 11:30 p.m. The meal, $150 per person, will include a choice of entrees such as beef tenderloin, baked branzino and chicken breast topped with asparagus, and each couple will get a bottle of champagne. At 555 W. Seventh St., (213) 223-0777 or sevenrestaurantbar.com. 7) Party With the Pilots: The recently reunited alt-rockers Stone Temple Pilots will perform at Club Nokia. Tickets for the allages show start at $78.50 for the 8:30 p.m. concert. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 4803232 or ticketmaster.com.

The Conga Room at L.A. Live celebrates its first New Year’s Eve with a performance by the Gipsy Kings.

Beautiful Delicious Delivered

8) Slam Dunk: On Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Philadelphia 76ers (the game marks the year’s lone return to Clipperdom of former team star Elton Brand). Tickets start at $12, so it’s likely one of the least expensive things you can do on New Year’s Eve. Plus, it ends early, so you can catch the game and then grab a drink, or several, elsewhere. At 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/clippers. 9) Snow Party: J Lounge will have manmade snow in the outdoor patio as five DJs spin records on two floors. The celebration includes fire dancers (yes, fire dancers) and a

$75 prix-fixe dinner from Chef Oz. At 1119 S. Olive St., (213) 746-7746 or jloungela.com. 10) Think Pink: The always entertaining Pink Martini is performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for two shows on New Year’s Eve. The 14-piece group takes the stage at 7 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $65. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil. com. 11) Santa in Town: The man himself will be at Grand Central Market from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec 31. Okay, so it’s a few hours too early to break in 2009, but kids will get a free picture with St. Nick and those under 13 will receive gift bags. At 317 S. Broadway, (213) 624-2378 or grandcentralsquare.com. 12) Funny Man: Comedian George Lopez will make sure you welcome the new year with a laugh at Nokia Theatre. His Dec. 31 show starts at 8 p.m. and ticket prices range from $55.50-$89.50. At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6020 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. 13) Open Bar: Yes, you read that right; Vertigos Bar and Grill is having an all-night open-bar New Year’s Eve celebration. Tickets are $40 per person and pre-sale is required. As of early last week there were only about 130 tickets left, so hurry. At 801 W. Temple St., (213) 977-0888 or vetigos.com. 14) Do Something Taboo: Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas will host and perform on New Year’s Eve at Tatou Supper Club in City West. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $30. At 333 S. Boylston St., (213) 4822000 or tatoullc.com. 15) Ice Ice Baby: The Pershing Square Downtown on Ice skating rink will be open on New Year’s Eve for Downtowners who want to slide into the new year. Skate sessions are $6 and skate rental is $2. At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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LISTINGS The ‘Don’t Miss’ List

EVENTS SponSored LiSting Christmas Party at Bar 107 107 W. Fourth St., (213) 625-7382 or myspace. com/bar107. Dec. 25: OK. It’s the holidays and the family’s getting on your nerves. Uncle Gerald drooled on the Christmas ham. Your sister’s boyfriend Spike just showed up in his high school varsity football jacket. Get out of there and head to Bar 107 for the venue’s fourth annual Christmas party. They’ll be serving Peking duck and all the trimmings. Doors open at 3 p.m., food service starting at 5 p.m.

Trains, Tunes and Japanese Wish Dolls by AnnA Scott, StAff writer

Often called the last of America’s great railway stations, Union Station’s arched entrance and clock tower are part of an unmistakable Downtown landmark. This weekend, architecture and history buffs with no train to catch have a perfect excuse to ogle the station’s ornate waiting room, enclosed garden patios and other features. On Saturday, Dec. 27, the Los Angeles Conservancy leads a 45-minute walking tour of Union Station’s exterior, ticket concourse, waiting room, patios and train platforms. The tour, which begins at 11 a.m., is designed for kids and families, and explores the station through its shapes, colors and close connection with trains. Union Station is at 800 N. Alameda St. For information contact the Conservancy at (213) 623-2489 or laconservancy.org.

Monday, dec. 22 Light of the Angels L.A. Live, Nokia Plaza, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-5483 or lalive.com. 7-10 p.m.: This specially commissioned production combines more than 1 million lights, holiday music, 11 giant video screens, live performances and special guests. The show is free with four nightly performances taking place on the hour beginning at 7 p.m. Through Dec. 31. Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. Noon-2 p.m.: Tin Drum plays pop while you skate ’til you drop.

Friday, dec. 26 Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. Noon-2 p.m.: California Jammin plays “radio rock.” Why not just listen to the radio? You’ve got to hear ’em to find out. 8-10 p.m.: HU2 plays U2 favorites all night. What? Couldn’t book Bono? Fine. We’re going to skate with or without you. saTurday, dec. 27 Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org. 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.: Dinosaur Encounters gets you closer to a dinosaur than you ever thought possible, thanks to the life-size juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops prowling the museum. These creatures, which rely on high-tech puppetry, help viewers understand dinosaur behavior, anatomy and survival tactics. Dinosaur Encounter presentations last one hour. Also on Sunday, Dec. 28. Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. 1-3 p.m.: It’s an afternoon program for youth with Paul Wei and String Planet. A Window to the World Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7000 or lapl.org. Continued on page 18

photo courtesy of California Jammin’

Tuesday, dec. 23 Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. Noon-2 p.m.: Jelsa Palao plays afternoon jazz for the ice-skating masses, because baby, it’s cold outside. Live Figure Drawing Downtown Art Gallery, 1611 S. Hope St., (213) 2552067 or downtownag.com. 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Downtown Art Gallery hosts a live figure drawing session for $12 every Tuesday. Contact gallery prior to attending and bring your own materials. Preschool Storytime Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7250 or lapl.org. 11-11:30 a.m.: Stories and more for ages 3-5. Reservations required for groups of five or more. Call 213-228-7250. Los Posadas on Olvera Street El Pueblo Historical Monument, 200 N. Main St., (213) 625-7074 or elpueblo.lacity.org. 5:30 p.m.: The Olvera Street Merchants continue their annual Las Posadas festivities, which commemorate the Biblical journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and their search for shelter. Each night, festivities start at 5:30 p.m. and end with the traditional candlelight procession starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Avila Adobe. The nightly procession winds through Olvera Street with merchants leading the group in traditional hymns and holiday songs in English and Spanish. Free champurrado and pan dulce are served each night following the procession. There will also be a nightly piñata breaking for children.

photo by Gary Leonard

“Downtown on Ice” might not have quite the same ring to it as, say, “High School Musical on Ice,” but it has at least as many songs. The temporary skating rink at Pershing Square continues to offer locals cheap fun, with $6 admission for skating and free daytime concerts. This week’s musical offerings include the four-member pop band Tin Drum, featuring Burleigh Drummond, also a member of 1970s hit-maker Ambrosia, on Monday, Dec. 22; the jazz sounds of L.A.-based singer Jelsa Palao on Tuesday, Dec. 23; and the diverse talents of California Jammin (shown here), known for covering everything from Hannah Montana to Bon Jovi to Etta James — seriously — on Dec. 26. All shows are 12-2 p.m. Pershing Square is at 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

four

3 If you’ve waited “Ten Long Years” to hear the King of Blues play live, your “Bad Luck” may come to an end this week. On Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28, 76-year-old legend B.B. King performs at the recently opened Club Nokia on the L.A. Live campus. It’s a safe to bet that the audience will greet the guitarist and songwriter with a “Whole Lotta Love.” Both shows start at 7 p.m. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 480-3232 or clubnokia.com.

Those who have procrastinated with holiday shopping and are scrounging for unique, last-minute gifts ideas should not miss the exhibit/sale Dreams to Dreams at the Japanese American National Museum. Carrying the dubioussounding distinction of being the only museum show in recent memory to feature custom vinyl toys, Dreams to Dreams features dozens of artists’ takes on a futuristic, vinyl version of the Japanese wish doll known as a daruma (or dharma) doll. Far out! The artwork is on display and on sale at the museum until Jan. 4, and on sale through the JANM website until the end of this r teu month. 369 E. First St., (213) S der an 625-0414 or janm.org. v ary

yG photo b

If you have ever gone whale watching, scuba diving or even surreptitiously hummed The Little Mermaid tune “Under the Sea,” and you have children, then the Natural History Museum has just the thing for you on Saturday, Dec. 27. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Exposition Park museum will offer sessions for budding marine biologists and their wannabe marine biologist parents, titled Under the Waves. Designed for 6- to 9-year-olds and their families, the program in the museum’s Discover Center will explore the fascinating world beneath the ocean’s waves. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3230 or nhm.org. Contact Anna Scott at anna@downtownnews.com.

18 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

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But Wait, There’s More!

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

Additional Event Information on the Web

Continued from page 17 2-3 p.m.: Michael D. McCarty, leader of this Central Library Kids Calendar event, shares stories from around the world that will spark your imagination. Sunday, dec. 28 Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., laparks.org. 2-4 p.m.: Bandios De Amore provide a soundtrack of classical guitar music.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ 2nd Street Jazz 366 E. Second St., (213) 680-0047, 2ndstjazz.com or myspace.com/2ndstreetlivejazz. Music usually starts at 9 or 10 p.m. Tuesdays: Jazz jam session. 626 Reserve 626 S. Spring St., (213) 627-9800 or 626reserve.com. Tuesdays, 6 p.m.: Live music with Goh Kurosawa. Thursdays, 6 p.m.: More live sounds, this time with Jessie Torrez. Bar 107 107 W. Fourth St., (213) 625-7382 or myspace.com/ bar107. Tuesdays: A classic island mix of reggae with attitude. Downtown says “Jah!” Wednesdays: Tap the spirit of Chuck Barris with the Bar 107 Karaoke Gong Show. The audience gets to help the judges vote for the best act of the evening. Sundays: DJ’s choice with 107’s Matt Dwyer, the comic-actor genius who plays music while serving the meanest drinks (in the nicest way) Downtown. Blue Velvet 750 S. Garland Ave., (213) 239-0061. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 p.m.: Live music and DJs. Casey’s Irish Bar and Grill 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. Fridays: Live Irish music. It’ll be like Dublin your pleasure. Chop Suey Café 347 E. First St., (213) 617-9990 or chopsueycafe.com. Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Live jazz on the patio

with Listing Ship. Dec. 28, Noon: Brunch Americana with Amber Foxx, Karling Abbeygate and the Memphis Kings. Rerax Fridays at Señor Fish 422 E. First St., (213) 625-0566 or senorfishla.com. Fridays, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.: Music, art, VJ performances, silk screening and photos. Royale 2619 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 388-8488 or royaleonwilshire.com. Mondays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: A live musical showcase with bands, a DJ and an Eastside vibe. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: An acoustic live set in the historic Royale lounge. A DJ spins between sets. Wednesday (second of every month), 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: A fusion of spoken word and acoustic musical melodies. Sundays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Rat pack protégé Max Vontaine. Standard 550 S. Flower St., (213) 892-8080 or standardhotels.com. Nightly DJs at both the lobby bar and rooftop lounge. Wednesdays, 8-11 p.m.: DJs spin in a swank, but still comfy, lobby. And yes, there’s a bar right there. Saturdays, noon-8 p.m.: Local DJs unleash indie, rock and electronica at “Diss.” Suede Bar and Lounge 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 489-3590 or suedebarla.com. Nightly DJs and pop music in this upscale lounge at the Westin Bonaventure. Tranquility Base Restaurant and Lounge 801 S. Grand Ave., (213) 404-0588 or tranquilityla.com. Every other Saturday, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.: There’s a new gay lounge night called The Hideout, with house and dance music, drink specials and an awesome outdoor lounge with cabanas and a fire pit.

THEATER, OPERA & DANCE 99Cent Only Calendar Girl Competition Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 bootlegtheater.com. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m.: For the sixth year in a row, the theater presents a production with all the sets and other materials purchased from 99 cent stores. In this year’s edition, 12 bold beauties compete

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Mondays, 9 p.m.: Mustache Mondays is a gay/ mixed theme night with the best in electro, dance and live performances. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Cheap Souls, featuring DJs spinning funk, soul, old school and electro dance. First and third Wednesdays, 9 p.m.: Mucho Wednesdays are dance nights with Latin music. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 9 p.m.: Full Frontal features big-time DJs from LA and beyond. $5 cover. Thursdays, 9 p.m.: Dance Right, voted Downtown’s best dance night. Free if you RSVP, $5 otherwise. So duh, RSVP. Fridays, 9 p.m.: Punky Reggae Party. That’s right: punk plus reggae equals party. Free before 11 p.m. After that, it’s $5, Saturdays, 6 p.m.: Hacienda Nights features live tejano, norteno and cumbia music. Cover $10. Sundays, noon-10 p.m.: Hacienda Nights again, $8. Mountain Bar 475 Gin Ling Way, (213) 625-7500 or themountainbar.com. Every Tuesday “Broken Dreams” is DJ’ed by China Art Objects’ Steve Hanson and the Red Krayolas’ Tom Watson. Nokia Plaza L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., lalive.com. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. Dec. 26-28, 8 p.m.: Comedian George Lopez begins a weeklong stint at the Nokia Theatre. BTW, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa once appeared on his ABC sitcom. Orpheum Theatre 842 S. Broadway, (213) 622-1939 or laorpheum.com. Pete’s Café and Bar 400 N. Main St., (213) 618-1759. Tuesdays, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.: Pablo Calogero and Fabiano Nacimento play Brazilian jazz. Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. Dec. 22, 10 p.m.: Jake LaBotz, praised by Tatoo Magazine for his “sadder than hell balladry, razor sharp testifying, storied takes on loneliness, beatnikon-the-Mexican-border music, coffeehouse chic.” Dec. 26, 10 p.m.: Lucky Otis, “the Grandson of Rhythm and Blues,” and Friends. Dec. 27, 10 p.m.: Mike Watt and The Secondmen

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Listings

of the restored landmark. Cicada Cicada Restaurant, 617 S. Olive St., (213) 488-9488 or cicadarestaurant.com. Thursdays, 8-11 p.m.: The velvet-voiced Max Vontaine recreates the sounds and styles of rat packers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His smoking jackets and tunes are vintage; his bawdy repartee is less so. Keep a close eye on the unlit cigarette. Sundays, 6-11 p.m.: The restaurant is transformed into a vintage, old Hollywood-style dance club every Sunday. Come out to appreciate the big band, swank costumes, dinner and cocktails. Visit cicadaclub.com. Club Nokia Corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa St., clubnokia.com. Dec. 27, 28: B.B. King and his guitar, Lucille. Conga Room L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic, (213) 749-0445 or congaroom.com. Thursdays: “Azucar” features tropical rhythms from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays: “The Beat Down” features global beats and dance groove starting at 9 p.m. Saturdays: “Plata” brings an upscale Latin flavor from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. e3rd Steakhouse and Lounge 734 E Third St., (213) 680-3003 or www.myspace. com/therhythmsectionla. Second Saturdays: The Rhythm Section brings in DJs and live acts to this Arts District restaurant, playing eclectic selections in nujazz, soul, rare groove, soul and hip-hop. Echoplex 1154 Glendale Blvd., attheecho.com Dec. 25: Not craving that Christmas ham? Head over to the Echo to catch Good for the Jews, a comedic duo playing hits like “Hot Jewish Chicks” and “(It’s Good to Be) A Jew at Christmas.” For more info, visit goodforthejews.net. J Restaurant and Lounge 1119 S. Olive St., (213) 746-7746 or jloungela.com. Tuesdays: Live acoustic performances in the lounge. Wednesdays: Salsa in the City features complimentary salsa lessons at 8 p.m. At 9 p.m., a batch of live musicians takes over for a jam session. Fridays: Live bands on select dates. La Cita 336 S. Hill St., (213) 687-7111 or myspace.com/ lacitabar.

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for the audience’s favor in Ken Roht’s “99 Cent Only Calendar Girl Competition.” The show is an interactive R&B beauty pageant with the audience crowning a new winner every night. Through Dec. 21. Bob Baker’s Marionette Nutcracker Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com. Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.; Saturday, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.: Using more than 100 marionettes, Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker” is unlike any you’ve ever seen. Through Jan. 25. Lovelace: A Rock Opera The Hayworth Theatre, 2509 Wilshire Blvd., (323) 960-4442, thehayworth.com or lovelacerockopera.com. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m.: “Lovelace, the Rock Opera,” written by Charlotte Caffey of ’80s pop band the Go Gos, is the story of “Deep Throat” star Linda Lovelace. Through Feb. 1.

ART SPACES OngOing 01 Gallery 530 S. Hewitt St., Suite 141, (213) 689-0101 or 01gallery.com. 2nd Street Cigars and Gallery 124 W. Second St., (213) 452-4416 or laplatacigars.com. 410 Boyd 410 Boyd St., (213) 617-2491. Through Jan. 9: 410 Boyd will host an opening reception for painter Matt Aston’s new exhibition called “Yeah it’s all about me.” You guessed it: it’s a show of self-portraits. 626 Gallery and 626 Gallery at Studio B 626 S. Spring St., (213) 614-8872 or 626artgallery.com. Through Dec. 31: “A Collector’s Paradise” features work from Jaami Abdul-Samad, Donna Angers, Archerone, Sharon Louise Barnes, Nadine Baurin, Marlaya Charleston, Rin Colabucci, Walter Eubanks, d.goth and many more. 7+Fig Art Space 735 S. Figueroa St., Suite 217, (213) 955-7150. Through Dec. 24: “Cheryl Walker: Immersion” is a site-specific installation of an underwater world created with large strips of colored vinyl, as well as paintings and drawings.

Acuna-Hansen Gallery 427 Bernard St., (323) 441-1624 or ahgallery.com. Andlab 600 Moulton Ave. #303, (323) 222-2225 or andlab.com. Through Dec. 28: The group show “Mixed Signals” features work from Clane Graves (paintings and drawings), Byoung (drawings) and Simon Johnston (various media, including paintings, sculpture and photography). Art Slave 216 S. Spring St., (213) 598-3155 or artslavegallery.com. Automat 936 Chung King Road, (213) 617-0422. Bailey Gallery Located inside Pussy & Pooch, 564 S Main St., (213) 438-0900 or pussyandpooch.com/bailey. Bank 125 W. Fourth St. #103, (213) 621-4055 or bank-art.com. Bert Green Fine Art 102 W. Fifth St., (213) 624-6212 or bgfa.us. Through Dec. 20: Joe Noval’s “Colors” consists of 350 small panels, all paintings exemplifying Novak’s use of abstraction. Through Dec. 31: Megan Geckler’s installation fills the Project Windows. Bonelli Contemporary 943 N. Hill St., (213) 617-8180 or bonellicontemporary.com. Box Gallery 977 Chung King Road, (213) 625-1747 or theboxla.com. BOXeight Gallery 1446 E. Washington Blvd., (213) 631-0560 or boxeight.com. Café Metropol 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com. Charlie James Gallery 975 Chung King Road, (213) 687-0488 or cjamesgallery.com. Through Jan. 3: This new gallery debuts with a group show called “The Western Front,” featuring post-pop and conceptual work by a trio of Bay Area artists. China Art Objects 933 Chung King Road, (213) 613-0384 or chinaartobjects.com.

Chinese Historical Society of Southern California 415 Bernard St., (323) 222-0856 or chssc.org. Ongoing: An exhibition about the history of immigration from China to the United States. Chung King Project 945 Chung King Road, (213) 625-1802 or chungkingproject.com. Cirrus Gallery 542 S. Alameda St., (213) 680-3474 or cirrusgallery.com. Coldsprings Fine Art 215 W. Third St., (213) 617-8508 or coldspringsfineart.com. Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu. Ongoing: Work from three artists whose oeuvres are influenced by music: photographer Jenny Okun, sculptor and author Sarah Perry and photographer Barbara Strasen. It is installed throughout the lobby and hallway areas of the school. The Company 946 Yale St., (213) 221-7082 or thecompanyart.com. Winter 2008: New gallery the Company debuts with “Human Resources,” a group show that pits itself against corporate office culture. Cottage Home 410 Cottage Home Road, cottagehomela.com. Crewest 110 Winston St., (213) 627-8272 or crewest.com. Through Dec. 28: Crewest and Two Rabbits Studios presents Printed: An Exhibition about Hand Printed Art,” featuring an exclusive mix of limited hand-printed urban art by some of LA’s most influential up-and-coming artists. In this digital age where duplication and reproduction are commonplace, Crewest will showcase old school hand-printed artwork with limited edition prints for sale and on display for the rest of the month of December. Opening reception includes live printing by Two Rabbits and music from DJ Phyz Ed. Dalessio Gallery 838 S. Spring St., (213) 471-2977 or dalessiogallery.com. David Kordansky Gallery 510 Bernard St., (323) 222-1482 or davidkordanskygallery.com. Through December: The gallery hosts 34°04 02 N, 118°14 16 W, a project by Copenhagen based artist Joshua Mittleman. Mittleman examines the politics

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of surveillance and government power through the lens of minimalism. David Salow Gallery 977 S. Hill St., (213) 620-0240 or davidsalowgallery.com. De Soto Higgins Building, 108 W. Second St., Suite 104, (323) 253-2255 or gallerydesoto.com. Fall: Work from gallery artist Jeffrey Wells. Doheny Memorial Library USC, 3550 Trousdale Parkway, (213) 740-2070 or usc.edu/libraries. Downtown Art Center Gallery 828 S. Main St., dacgallery.com. Through Dec. 18: Open group show. Downtown Art Gallery 1611 S. Hope St., (213) 255-2067 or downtownag.com. Tuesdays, 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Figure drawing classes are $12; bring your own materials. Ongoing: Large format drawings and different pieces by gallery artists. Edgar Varela Fine Arts 542 S. Alameda St., second floor, (213) 494-7608 or edgarvarelafinearts.com. Through Jan. 11: “Look Out” is a show of new works by Becca Midwood, who made her name as a street artist exhibiting under bridges in Downtown LA, and painter Colette Miller, whose creative career includes past stints with bands like Gwar. That’s quite the mix.

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

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December 22, 2008

Downtown News 21

CLASSIFIED

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22 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

DowntownNews.com

Continued from previous page

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In golf, its you versus the course. Learn to manage the entire game, not just the mechanics of your swing. Learn course management and improve your game.

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818.618.2099

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Do you have something to sell? All ads run for 2 weeks. Ads may be renewed ds get results! after two weeks for 50% off the original With a circulation of 49,000, our classifie price of the ad.

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FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION! Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside & More. 1000+ Homes Must Be Sold! Free Brochure: 1-800-269-0782. www.USHomeAuction.com REDC. (CalSCAN)

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.

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

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

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kids PerfOrMing scHOOls CHILDREN’S PERFORMING Group! Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! See SunshineGenerationLA.com or call 909-861-4433.

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Spring Tower Lofts:

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 20082181808 The following persons doing business as: (1)MANNY SOPRANO, (2) MANNY SOPRANO WEB GROUP, (3) LOS ANGELES LATINA, (4) LOS ANGELES LATINA TV, 256 S. Robertson Blvd., Suite #7061, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, are hereby registered by the following registrant: MANUEL ESPINOZA, 256 S. Robertson Blvd., #766, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. This business is conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 11, 2008. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 11, 2008. 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. 12/15, 12/22, 12/29, 1/02/2009

Offices • Offices • Offices • Offices

Premiere Towers:

2 bdrms/2 bath, $1750/mo. • 3 bdrms/2 bath, $2100/mo. • Rooftop garden terrace/GYM w/city view • 24 hr. doorman • free (1) parking

city Lofts:

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

880 sqft, 13 ft ceilings, $1650 • Granite marble top • 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

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Luxury Rooms in Downtown Monthly Rents Start at $880 1 & 2 Bedrooms Available • Fully Furnished • 100% Utilities Paid • • Refrigerator, Microwave & TV In Each Room • • Wireless Access Throughout Bldg. • Gym • • Close to USC & Loyola Law School • • Presidential Suite with Kitchen • Parking Available Onsite

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FOR RENT: EstablishEd 1984 ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 7th Floor. Elegant Upgrades. Green House. Pride of Ownership. $3,200 Furn. $3,000 Unfurn. ❏ Prom. West-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 5th Floor. $2,200 Month ❏ Bunker Hill Tower-2 Bed. 2 Bath. N/W View. $2,200 Month ❏ LA Fayette PK. PL.-2 Bed. 2 Bath. 3rd Floor. $1,750 Month FOREcLOSuRES-LOS ANGELES ❏ 4 Bed, 2 Bath. Pasadena. Semi Circular Driveway. Price $411,900. ❏ 3 Bed, 2 Bath. Pasadena. Great For Growing Family. $409,900 ❏ 3 Bed. 2 Bath. Pasadena. Upgrades. 3 Car Gar. Big Lot. $594,900 ❏ 3 Bed. 3. Bath. Lawndale. Tri-Level Townhouse. Large $329,900 ❏ 2 Bed. 2. Bath. Altadena. 18,500 sq.ft. Lot Needs Some TLC. $412,000

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Children’s Performing Group

Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up! SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433

Locations Nationwide Beautiful Offices For As Little As $400 Fully Furnished/Corporate ID Programs Flexible Terms/All New Suites Services Include: • Reception • Mail • T-1 • State-of-the-Art Voice Mail & Telephone • Westlaw • Fax • Photocopy • More Additional Features: Kitchen Facilities, All Support Services, Great Views, Free Conference Room Hours, Fully Trained Staff, Cost Effective.

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MOVe-In SPeCIAL REAL ARtist Lofts foR LEAsE

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

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

Sorry No Dogs 1100 Sq Ft – 2000 Sq Ft. Prices from $1600-$2300 Includes 1 Pkg space. Call Emily (866) 425-7259

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

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

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

December 22, 2008

Downtown News 23

SearchDowntownLA.com H E L P WA N T E D

For Sale

Wine Bar/Restaurant



Award-Winning

626 reserve

Dozens of customers book the bar for private parties, corporate events and film shoots. For more information, please contact: Tom Pratt

(415) 262-0077 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.

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

Join Us! llEnt PAy We Are Growing Everyday! ExcE nEfits!! & BE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR

BUS DRIVERS FOR Downtown DASH • Have superb customer relations skills • Exercise sound judgment in stressful situations • Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions • Quickly and accurately count money at a glance • Fluent in English

Our complete benefits package includes: Health Insurance and Paid Vacations

Minimum Requirements • Minimum age: 21 years old • Class C driver’s license • No more than 2 pts. in the last 36 months on DMV record (H6 form)

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

Visconti

05002822B850

in the Heart of Downtown l.a.’s Historic Core

2012 Laura Street, Huntington Park, CA 90255 Job line 323-582-1875

ONE MONTH FREE! 2 Bedroom/2 Bath, Starting at $2113 Walk to Downtown! Must M/I by 12/31 (877) 644-2623

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

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

TWO MONTHS FREE!

Available Immediately Top floor of 11 story (18,000 SF) historic building available now! Perfect for corporate hqtrs. Features separate executive suite(s). Stunning views of LA two blocks away from Staples Center and across the street from the new LA Live complex. The building also has approx 4,000 sq ft of beautiful contiguous space and some small offices available. These spaces can be viewed by appointment. Information available to qualified prospective tenants. Email request to mdavis@shammasgroup.com or call (213) 746-6300

Los Angeles Downtown News is offering a once-a-year opportunity to reach more than 180,000 potential customers with its 2009 Los Angeles Restaurant Guide. 25,000 copies of this attractive magazine will be “outserted” around Los Angeles Downtown News. We also print 55,000 extra copies that are requested throughout the year by visitors, concierges, meeting planners and hotel and convention organizers. Don’t miss out. Your review-style ad includes an inviting, upbeat story and a color photograph of your restaurant. The Restaurant Guide will be online throughout 2009 at DowntownLADining.com.

Last years guide was a hit... Don’t miss out! The 2009 Los Angeles Restaurant Guide Publishes March 30, 2009. Deadline is February 2, 2009. Reserve your space today. Call (213) 481-1448.

24 Downtown News

December 22, 2008

DowntownNews.com

We Got Games It’s an NBA Finals Rematch Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/lakers. Thursday, Dec. 25, 2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 28, 6:30 p.m.: All Lakers fans want for Christmas is a victory over the visiting Boston Celtics. The afternoon match-up is the most anticipated regular season NBA game this year, as it represents a rematch of the 2008 NBA finals, which the Lakers lost in six games. The purple and gold have since bulked up with young center Andrew Bynum and they’ve started to play tough defense, which they were said to lack last year. The Lakers and Celtics are the league’s best two teams through December. Earlier in the week, the Lakers have warm-up matches against Memphis (Dec. 22) and New Orleans (Dec. 23), then host Golden State on Sunday.

Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or nba.com/clippers. Monday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 28, 12:30 p.m.: The Clippers might just be starting to heat up. They’ll look to add some wins against the Toronto Raptors, who have been cold, and the always formidable Dallas Mavericks, who the Clippers already beat once this season. Los Angeles Kings Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7340 or kings.nhl.com. Friday, Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.: The Kings continue to improve, stringing wins together and keeping things close when they’ve been outmatched by powerhouses like San Jose (who needed a shootout to beat the Kings). This week, they host the Phoenix Coyotes, who are one place in front of the Kings in the division standings. After playing at Staples Center, they’ll swap rinks and battle in Phoenix (Dec. 27). Earlier in the week, the Kings travel to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (Dec. 23). —Ryan Vaillancourt

photo by Gary Leonard

Andrew Bynum was injured for the disappointing 2008 NBA Finals. Many fans are hoping he’ll be the force to put the Lakers on top of Kevin Garnett and the hated Celtics. They play on Christmas day.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

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

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

LEASING I N F O R M AT I O N

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(213) 229-9777

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(213) 617-3777

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sauna and recreation room with kitchen.

Far below are a host of businesses ready to

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