12-26-11

LOS ANGELES

NEWS Goodbye 2011!

DOWNTOWN Volume 40, Number 52

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

December 26, 2011

INSIDE

The 50 Biggest Stories of the Year

Fine designs from Urban Scrawl.

Football Fever

4

The Occupation of City Hall

Leonard y Gary photo b

Running Down the News, Development and Business Happenings That Powered Downtown, Plus 14 Top Shows, Concerts and Events

The big news and politics.

5

photo by Gary Leonar d

Restaurant gains and losses. tz raig Schwar photo by C

10

God of Carnage Brings Serious Star Power

Highs and lows on the sports scene.

Leonard photo by Gary

11

A Big Year for Bakeries

Plenty to do on New Year’s Eve.

The Broad Breaks Ground

17

19 CALENDAR LISTINGS 20 MAP 21 CLASSIFIEDS

photo by Gary Leonard

Arts and entertainment highlights.

fidio + Renfro image by Diller Sco

13

Scenes from the biggest stories of the year included (clockwise from upper left): a February pep rally for Farmers Field; one of the 292 protesters arrested at City Hall on Nov. 1; the Pie Hole was one of Downtown’s new sweet shops; the cyclists took over at CicLAvia; designs were revealed for Eli Broad’s art museum; God of Carnage set records at the Ahmanson.

The Voice of Downtown Los Angeles

Pedal Power

2 Downtown News

AROUNDTOWN

M

ore than four years after beginning work to widen and restore the First Street Bridge, the city has completed the project. On Tuesday, Dec. 20, officials reopened the 1927 span connecting Downtown and Boyle Heights. The $46 million project marks the first bridge widening undertaken by the city, and more importantly for commuters, the end of a four-year detour. The widening was needed to accommodate both traffic and the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension, which took over the bridge’s original two westbound traffic lanes. Crews widened the bridge by 26 feet, creating two westbound lanes while preserving the structure’s original aesthetic. “It kept the historic importance of the bridge, but at the same time, it’s allowing the modern transportation to come over it,” said 14th District Councilman José Huizar, who spoke at the Tuesday ceremony. The project was delayed several times as it ran into construction and engineering challenges, said Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry. “I’m thrilled to be here today to return this bridge to its rightful owners, the people of Los Angeles,” Perry said.

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Three Skid Row Stabbings in Four Days

A

50-year-old man was arrested on Dec. 17 and an accomplice is being sought for a stabbing that occurred that day during an altercation near Seventh and Gladys streets in Skid Row. Two men, both described by police as transients, were fighting. One fled and the other, 50-year-old David Cedillo, chased after him. Cedillo allegedly stabbed the victim, whose name has not been released. He was later arrested, and police are still looking for a man who allegedly helped restrain the victim. It marked the third Skid Row stabbing in four days. Police say the incidents are unrelated.

On Dec. 14, a 53-year-old man was stabbed and killed near Seventh and Ceres streets after being attacked by five men. No suspect is in custody. The following day, a man was stabbed near San Pedro and Agatha streets over a dispute regarding recyclables, said Central Division Lt. Jim Gavin. One suspect is in custody and the victim was in critical but stable condition. Violent crime in Central Division is up 4% year-to-date compared to 2010.

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Spring Street Park Moves to Bidding Phase

T

he Spring Street park project is making steady progress with demolition, soil grading and site preparation, and city officials say the first phase of the effort on Spring between Fourth and Fifth streets should be complete in early 2012.

On Dec. 14, the city Recreation and Parks

December 15, 2011

Commission approved a plan to issue a request for bids from contractors to execute the park construction in phase two. Bids will be due by Feb. 7. Once they are received, it will take up to two months for the city to review proposals and select a contractor, said Paul Tseng, project manager for the Bureau of Engineering. The construction is estimated to cost $1.2 million. The entire park is slated to open in April 2013.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY

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First Street Bridge Reopens

December 26, 2011

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from the CRA/LA Art Program and our Downtown friends and partners u moca u grand performances u fidm u grammy museum u colburn school u u janm u jaccc u la stage alliance u civic resources group u u chinese american museum u community arts resources u gallery row u

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December 26, 2011

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4 Downtown News

December 26, 2011

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A Year of Urban Scrawl In 2011, Our Editorial Cartoonist Was Never at a Loss for Ideas

T

he activity never stopped in Downtown Los Angeles in 2011. That was good for the community, and also for editorial cartoonist Doug Davis. In his Urban Scrawl cartoons, he found inspiration in everything from José Huizar’s purported power lists to the McCourts’ war to the numerous high-level changes in the mayor’s office to the troubling allegations at the Men’s Central Jail. Here are six of the year’s standout cartoons.

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

January 31

April 4

July 18

September 12

September 19

October 17

December 26, 2011

Downtown News 5

DowntownNews.com

Football, Protests and Politics, Oh Wow Downtown in 2011 Was Dominated by Big Issues and a Few Unexpected Stories

by RichaRd Guzmán, Jon ReGaRdie and Ryan VaillancouRt

I

t’s a cliché to say that in any set time period there was never a dull moment. Despite that, in Downtown Los Angeles in 2011, there really wasn’t any lack of drama.

From January through December, the Central City jumped and bristled. People raved about a proposed Downtown football stadium, argued over the future of the quickly morphing Art Walk and watched as a City Council race turned brutal.

Here are 10 of the best news stories from a very busy year.

Down, Set, Blitz!: Anschutz Entertainment Group President and CEO Tim Leiweke spent the year quarterbacking the audacious $1.4 billion effort to build a Downtown football stadium and expand the Convention Center. With Gensler as the architect, Leiweke met with community groups to drum up support for the project. A February pep rally doubled as the official announcement that the stadium would be called Farmers Field, and in August, the City Council OKed a deal even though no team has yet to sign on. The next month, Leiweke got the state to back legislation limiting lawsuits against the proposed 72,000-seat development. Still, it’s no sure thing: Leiweke wants to open Farmers Field in 2016, but the NFL has yet to join the huddle.

Walk On: Nothing came easy for the Downtown Art Walk in 2011. Joe Moller took over as the event’s first paid head and set about trying to make the monthly happening economically self-sufficient. Then, during the July Art Walk, a car jumped the curb and drove onto a crowded sidewalk, killing a 7-week-old boy. A city task force was formed to implement new safety rules, and one of the first steps was shifting the popular food trucks from the core of the event to perimeter parking lots. Street vendors and performers were taken off the sidewalks and Art Walk for the first time was required to pay for all city-related costs, including police and other street services. That has led to a conflict with some of the vendors over who should pay how much. What happens next is uncertain.

photo by Gary Leonard

Anschutz Entertainment Group President and CEO Tim Leiweke spent the year trying to convince everyone that Downtown is the perfect place for a 72,000-seat football stadium.

Power of the People: On Oct. 1, local protestors inspired by Occupy Wall Street converged on the lawn of City Hall, demanding changes in the financial system and less coddling of corporations by government. The city rolled out the welcome mat: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa got ponchos for the group when it rained, and the City Council passed a resolution in favor of the protests. It was all good until it became clear that the protesters weren’t leaving. The lawn died, homeless people joined the camp, signs proliferated and tensions increased between the occupiers and the city brass. Early on Nov. 30, the LAPD cleared the park. Although 292 people were arrested, the proceedings were largely nonviolent.

One Testy Tangle: The early part of the year produced a vicious battle between 14th District Councilman José Huizar and challenger Rudy Martinez. By early January Huizar

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The Occupy LA protesters arrived in early October. On Nov. 30, the police cleared the camp, making 292 arrests.

had a $200,000 lead in cash, and it never got closer. Still, the two traded blows. In January the L.A. Times reported that Huizar’s office had been rating constituents on “power lists,” and the next month Huizar had to apologize after a campaign staffer sent an email threatening to “put a political bullet in between Martinez’s forehead.” A dispute over how Martinez acquired the badge of a fallen police officer flared, and the mailers and phone banking were never ending. Martinez even collapsed from stress and exhaustion after one debate.

When the votes were counted, it was a landslide: Huizar was reelected on March 8 with 64%.

Cultura y Controversy: The $27 million LA Plaza de Cultura Y Artes hit trouble even before its April opening — in January, the remains of Native Americans were discovered in the project’s courtyard. Work on the museum/Mexican see News, page 12

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6 Downtown News

December 26, 2011

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If Not a Groundbreaking Year, Then a Year for Groundbreakings Downtown Saw Projects Start, Projects Announced, And Even a Couple of Openings

by RichaRd Guzmán, Jon ReGaRdie and Ryan VaillancouRt

I

t’s safe to say that 2011 was an interesting year for development in Downtown Los Angeles. This is not a situation where “interesting” is code for terrible.

With the nation still mired in an economic slowdown, Downtown didn’t see the seemingly monthly announcements of new mega-projects that came a few years back. However, several major developments broke ground, including a highprofile art museum and a big Chinatown project. Other deals were announced, and there were even a few openings.

Here are the highlights of the Downtown development scene in 2011.

Broad Breaks Ground: In January, philanthropist Eli Broad unveiled the design for The Broad, a $100 million museum that will host his private collection. The Diller Scofidio + Renfro designed structure on Grand Avenue will feature a porous, honeycomb-like exterior shell. Crews broke ground in April on a 370-car garage that will serve as the base of the museum. The garage is slated for completion in January, after which construction of the museum will begin. The 93,000-square-foot facility will house Broad’s 2,000 contemporary works, with rotating pieces on display in the third floor gallery. A spring 2013 opening is planned.

Grand Plan Goes Less Grand: With the Frank Gehry-designed phase one of the multi-billion dollar Grand Avenue project on hold indefinitely, developer Related Cos. moved forward with a scaled down, 19-story apartment tower on a separate plot. The Arquitectonica-designed tower (renderings were presented in September) would rise on a parcel south of the Broad museum.

Originally, the plot was approved for two 35-story towers. The

photo by Gary Leonard

After years of delays, work began this year on a $231 million renovation of the Hall of Justice. It will reopen in 2014.

The project won the support of many local politicos, thanks in part to a project labor agreement that promises jobs in the new hotel to current employees. The 59-year-old hotel closed Dec. 23, and demolition is slated to happen by next August.

Construction would take up to three years. The proposed hotel’s bevy of electronic signage and lighting drew many skeptics but was ultimately approved. image by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

In January, Eli Broad unveiled the honeycomb-like design of The Broad, the $100 million art museum now underway on Grand Avenue.

new project lacks financing, but Related needs to act soon. Its agreement with the joint powers Grand Avenue Authority calls for a groundbreaking by October 2012.

Ain’t Wilshire Grand: In March, the City Council signed off on a $1 billion plan to tear down the aged Wilshire Grand hotel, and replace it with a new 45-story, 560-room hotel and condominium building and, in a later phase, an office tower.

Justice Prevails: An upgrade of the Hall of Justice had been delayed for years, but in July, the County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to launch the $231 million upgrade. The project was given to Clark Construction and architecture firm AC Martin Partners, who had begun working on a previous renovation that was halted when costs soared.

The 1925 building was closed after it was severely damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Prep work began in September, and will include seismic improvements, the creation of an underground parking garage and a high-pressure wash of the dirty granite exterior. The building will house the sheriff’s Department, District Attorney and other county agencies when it reopens in 2014.

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Taking It to the Streetcar: It was a decidedly mixed year for the proposed Los Angeles Streetcar. Debate about where it should go swarmed, and in November, Metro presented the seven final route options, which extend as far north as Union Station and as far south as Pico Boulevard, with costs ranging from $106 million to $137 million. A decision will be made in February. The project spearheaded by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar also had financial tangles. Officials looked at what it will take to make area landowners pay for approximately half the project, and in December, the streetcar missed out on a $37 million federal grant.

The More Marriotts, the Merrier: There was heightened interest at the April 20 announcement of a South Park project: It wasn’t just any hotel, it was a project from Homer Williams, the visionary who powered the district’s residential resurgence with his Elleven, Luma and Evo high-rises. The new 22-story project would include a 180-room Courtyard

by Marriott hotel and a 197-room Residence Inn (also a Marriott brand, just like the nearby Ritz-Carlton and J.W. Marriott) in a single edifice. The $120 million effort, with money from Seattle investment entity American Life, is slated to break ground in early 2012 and open in 2014.

Cleantech Stop-Start: It was a year of false starts for the would-be anchor of the “Cleantech Corridor” along the Los Angeles River. After the city repeatedly failed to lease out the 20-acre Cleantech Manufacturing Center, the CRA in March reached agreement to sell the land to Genton Property Group. In July Genton backed out of the deal because of contamination issues. In November, the CRA finally sold the site to Trammell Crow for $15.4 million, the same amount as the agency’s soon-to-be-due loan on the land. In order to negotiate a deal, the redevelopment authority stripped many of its previous requirements that future tenants engage in clean technology operations.

Blossom Blooms: Chinatown stakeholders have been eagerly anticipating Blossom Plaza for seven years, ever since developer Bond Companies began planning the development with 200 housing units, a public plaza and connections with the Chinatown Gold Line station. The project stalled in the economic downturn, but in November, the City Council approved the opening of negotiations with experienced de-

haul the city’s infamously labyrinthine development entitlement process. While many feared the initiative would amount to just another pricey report, some of KH-Woolpert’s recommendations were put into effect this year. In July, the city opened a cross-departmental case management office charged with facilitating complex developments that, historically, have been tangled in a web of conflicting codes and guidelines. The plan calls for several long-term initiatives, including a new web-based platform to track cases. Developers are hoping that this time things are different.

photo by Gary Leonard

Portland developer Homer Williams returned to Downtown in April, announcing plans to create a building with two Marriott hotels across from the Convention Center hotel.

veloper Forest City Residential West. The company, whose Downtown efforts include The Met in South Park and the Historic Core’s Metro 417, is looking at kick-starting the development previously estimated at $165 million.

Raising the Gateway: In April, developer Equity Residential began construction on the six-story Chinatown Gateway.

The project, one of many announced before and stalled by the recession, will include 280 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, 18,000 square feet of retail space, a plaza and a 588-car subterranean garage. By the end of the year excavation had been completed and the first vestiges of the project at 639-643 Cesar Chavez Ave. were apparent. The development on the southern edge of Chinatown is being designed

by Thomas P. Cox Architects. It is slated to open in 2013.

A Matter of Reform: In 2010, the Department of Building and Safety hired the consulting team KH-Woolpert to over-

Huntington 180: In 2005, the crime-ridden slum known as the Huntington Hotel was shackled in a city program that allowed tenants to pay discounted rents into an escrow account that the property owner couldn’t touch. Now, after new owner Rod Goldberg’s $3 million renovation, a slew of code violations have been fixed, and the building at 752 S. Main St. has been transformed into a market-rate apartment complex.

The change marks a major turnaround for a problem property that was long blamed for crime near Seventh, Eighth and Main streets. Goldberg said a fitness club will fill one of the long vacant retail spaces.

Bristol Is Back: It wasn’t the biggest, most expensive or even the most eye-catching residential project in Downtown this year, but the Bristol Hotel was significant simply because it happened. The seven-story edifice at 423 W. Eighth St. had sat empty for seven years, and due to some quirky city covenants it could have remained a blight spot until 2015. Instead, developer Izek Shomof surprised Downtown by buying, updating and, in January, opening the 107-unit building. He also put a brightly lit D-Town Burger Bar on the ground floor. It may be a low-income project rather than the market-rate units some would prefer, but suddenly, a dead spot lives again.

Transit Union: In April, Metro spent $75 million to purchase the 72-year-old Union Station and, just as importantly, 38 surrounding acres. The agency is now trying to figure out what to do with the transit landmark and its nearly 6 million square feet of entitlements. Metro is expected to choose a company to create a new master plan for Union Station by March, and the plan itself should be presented by August.

The 2011 acquisition could resonate for decades to come.

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8 Downtown News

December 26, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

All Good in the ’Hood Downtown Saw Some Community Improvements in 2011

by RichaRd Guzman and Ryan VaillancouRt

he Downtown residential influx that began in 2001 continued in 2011, and so did the related elements that help turn a physical area into an actual peopleserving community. City officials approved a long-desired Historic Core park, while amenities for bike riders and avid readers both expanded exponentially. There were even plans that will help Downtown far into the future.

city streets took place in April and October, and the latter event lured more than 100,000 people. CicLAvia has made Downtown the centerpiece of a route that starts in Boyle Heights and snakes to East Hollywood, funneling thousands of riders and walkers (plus street performers, dogs and basically anything that moves or provides entertainment that is not a car) to Little Tokyo, the Historic Core, Chinatown and the Fashion District. The event returns on April 15, 2012.

Cycle City: Few civic events have inspired such widespread adoration in Los Angeles, in such short order, as CicLAvia.

The cycle, skate and walk fest that closes some 10 miles of

Rather Bookish: A bookstore is an integral part of every community, and in Downtown in 2011, there were gains and losses. Metropolis, which had opened in the Old Bank

T

photo by Gary Leonard

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Downtown saw a major literary gain when the Last Bookstore expanded to a massive spot at Fifth and Main streets in June.

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At 10,000 square feet, the shop, which added a record outlet and occasional music and open-mic events, was an immediate boon to the bookish. It debuted in June, and crowds have come for the tomes that are often $5 or less.

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Green Street: With more cyclists cruising Downtown streets, it was only natural to create a new bike lane. The riders of two wheelers rejoiced in November when the city installed a 1.5-mile green-painted bike lane on Spring Street. However, it wasn’t easy being green: The lane, installed during a rainy weekend, required a repainting two weeks later. Then another storm rubbed off some of the electric green coloring. The lane is the first of at least four bike lanes slated to be added in Downtown by next year.

Park Life: Historic Core residents applauded in October when work crews broke ground on a nearly one-acre park on Spring Street between the El Dorado and Rowan lofts. The $3 million project (land acquisition was another $5 million) is set to deliver walking paths, a plaza, benches, a fountain and dozens of trees when it opens in April 2013. Perhaps the only downside was a divide among park backers: A plan to have community members run the park and pay for operations fell apart in part because of a fight over the name of the facility.

Connector the Dots: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority this year continued planning the $1.44 billion Regional Connector, a two-mile Downtown light rail link that is slated to add three underground stations by 2019.

There were bumps, however: In the fall, Eli Broad and the Colburn School urged Metro to change the location of a planned station at Second and Hope streets to Second Street and Grand Avenue. The agency balked, citing cost and timing, saying the proposal came after years of study and public outreach. The final environmental report is expected in January, with board approval the next month.

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December 26, 2011

Downtown News 9

DowntownNews.com

Business Never Sleeps Big Crowds, Zombies and Electric Cars

by RichaRd Guzmán, Jon ReGaRdie and Ryan VaillancouRt

D

owntown for decades has been a business hub. So it’s no surprise that the trend continued in 2011.

The community saw record convention crowds and the opening of a new headquarters. On the downside, a once high-flying developer crashed, and some of those fancy office towers turned into functional zombies. Here are some of the biggest business stories of the year.

Fall of the House of Meruelo: Meruelo Maddux Properties, once the biggest private landowner in Downtown, met its end in 2011. In July, firm heads Richard Meruelo and John Maddux were ousted as part of a court-approved reorganization. After two years of bitterly contested Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Judge Victoria Kaufman handed the keys of the Downtown business to Charlestown Capital Advisors and Hartland Asset Management. The firms plan to infuse the struggling real estate entity with $23.6 million in equity. Martin Caverly, who most recently ran the acquisitions department at the L.A.-based real estate investment firm Hackman Capital, was appointed CEO. Golden Pains: For the bevy of bling specialists in Downtown’s Jewelry District, 2011 bared few gifts. The price of gold soared to nearly $2,000 per ounce, an unthinkable rate just two years ago, when $1,000 was considered jaw dropping. Dealers struggled to pass the increases on to customers, many of whom refused to pay more than twice what they would have dropped a couple years prior for the same necklace. Throughout the district, landlords continued lowering rents to keep tenants.

Meanwhile, the trend begat another trend: Numerous cashfor-gold operations opened, with proprietors seeking to cater to a desperate consumer class that needs cash fast.

Dreaming Big: The opening of the North American headquarters of Chinese automaker BYD (for Build Your Dreams) took about six months longer than anticipated, but when the

defunct building at 1800 S. Figueroa St. opened on Oct. 24, a huge crowd turned out. The mayor of L.A. was joined by the mayor of Shenzen, China, an indicator that officials on both sides of the Pacific see this as a potential first swell in a wave of Chinese companies coming to Los Angeles. The facility will house BYD’s research and development arms that will create versions of their cars for the U.S. market, and also serve as their solar and LED business headquarters. Ultimately 150 jobs will be created.

They Came, They Saw, They Spent: Downtown had a massive visitor year, thanks to a slew of major events. The February NBA All-Star game generated approximately $85 million in local spending, while October’s easy-to-overlook Water Environment Federation had an estimated $29 million economic impact. The annual E3 video game convention was a hit once again, racking up an estimated 25,000 room nights. In July, meanwhile, the Convention Center had its biggest business gathering ever: The Microsoft 2011 World Partner Conference came to Downtown and brought with it 50,000 room nights in hotels across the region. It also generated about $48 million in attendee spending.

Rise of the Zombies: In the world of commercial real estate, 2011 may be remembered as the year of the zombie buildings, for structures with values far lower than their mountains of debt. As many as six Class A office towers in Downtown fit the zombie bill. Financed by complex securities that were divvied up among thousands of investors, buildings such as Two California Plaza and Figueroa Tower were considered “financially dead,” but still operating. Some experts say the zombies, while problematic for owners, held the keys for recovery: As the mortgage-backed securities that financed them comes due, new owners will likely swoop in and buy them, resetting office rates and generating tenant demand. Yes, the dead will rise again.

photo by Gary Leonard

Richard Meruelo was once the biggest landowner in Downtown Los Angeles, but in 2011, he and John Maddux were ousted from their Meruelo Maddux Properties.

photo by Gary Leonard

The opening of the North American headquarters of Chinese automaker BYD only generated a few dozen immediate jobs, but it hinted at a wave of business to come from China. It debuted at 1800 S. Figueroa St. on Oct. 24.

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December 26, 2011

The Main Course The Restaurant Revolution Brought New Joints and a Bakery Twist

by Richard Guzmán city editor

T

he hungry didn’t have far to go in Downtown in 2011: It seemed as if a new restaurant opened every week.

The meals ran the gamut, from a Little Tokyo space offering Southeast Asian fare to a Fashion District hole in the wall that served pop-up dinners from a celebrity chef. These entrees were followed by desserts: Downtown in 2011 saw the opening of four bakeries.

The Spice Is Nice: Bryant Ng, the former chef-de-cuisine of Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood, expanded Downtown’s palate when he opened The Spice Table at 114 S. Central Ave. in March. He combined dishes from his native Singapore and his wife’s Vietnamese homeland, creating options such as a cold cut banh mi, lamb belly and beef rendang, essentially a dried beef curry highlighted by anchovies. Downtown has never seen anything like Spice Table.

The Ludo Show: French chef Ludovic Lefebvre returned to the 40-seat Gram & Papa’s in the Fashion District in August and September, and the crowds again swarmed for the LudoBites pop-up. That wasn’t the only Central City Ludo news, however: Late in the year, Lefebvre’s wife and business partner Krissy confirmed that the chef is looking to open a permanent restaurant and is focusing on locations in Downtown. No timeframe has been announced.

Open House: The Historic Core got a massive new addition in December, when developer Alex Moradi opened Artisan House on the ground floor of his Pacific Electric Lofts at 600 S. Main St. The 5,900-square-foot spot combines a restaurant with an American-Mediterranean menu, a bar, a deli and a market. The comparisons to Bottega Louie were inevitable, but they rankled the Artisan House brass. Said executive chef Jason Ryczek, “We’re a restaurant. They’re a cafeteria.”

Homeboys in City Hall: Homeboy Industries, which helps former gang members turn their lives around by providing job training and other services, went somewhere new in June: City Hall. Thanks to a $400,000 grant, they opened Homeboy Diner, serving sandwiches, salads, desserts and more to the politicians and the lobbyists who come through the building.

Bakery Blow-Up: Downtowners with a sweet tooth had plenty of choices when it came to satisfying their urge for fresh-baked pastries and breads. Four new bakeries opened within two months, including the Pie Hole in the Arts District, Semi Sweet in the Historic Core and MF Gourmet at Grand Central Market. Those baking the bread and creating the sweets credited Downtown’s rise as a restaurant destination for the increase in bakeries. They called it the next logical step in the Downtown dining revolution.

photo by Gary Leonard

Sean Brennan at the Art District’s Pie Hole, one of a slew of bakeries to open Downtown in 2011.

Peruvian Tease: Chimu was a hit from the moment it opened in May, with restaurateur Jason Michaud and chef Mario Alberto Orellana offering Peruvian comfort food out of a small window at Grand Central Market. Well, maybe “hit” is too strong a word, because it abruptly closed in October. Michaud said the restaurant should have been a sitdown eatery and was out of place in the more casual market.

Two weeks after closing Chimu, Michaud opened Belgian fries establishment Flanders Frites in the same spot.

Bäco Beckons: Ever since Josef Centeno opened Lazy Ox Canteen in Little Tokyo in 2009, people have been raving.

So the anticipation was high when the chef opened another spot in the Historic Core in November. Bäco Mercat, next to Pete’s Café in the Old Bank District, focuses on Centeno’s signature dish, the bäco. It’s a hybrid of culinary culture, and has been described as a taco mixed with a gyro and a pizza. The only downside is the size: those with healthy appetites need at least two to be full.

photo by Gary Leonard

The Artisan House opened in December. The space on the ground floor of the Pacific Electric Lofts is a combination of a restaurant, bar and market.

December 26, 2011

Downtown News 11

DowntownNews.com

A Lot of Ball, and Also Chris Paul In a Down Year for Downtown’s Teams, the Clippers Stole the Spotlight

by Jon RegaRdie and Ryan VaillancouRt

T

here were no victory parades for any of the resident Downtown Los Angeles teams in 2011. Not even close.

That doesn’t mean there weren’t headlines. The city’s legendary franchises, the Dodgers and Lakers, both stumbled repeatedly, while the Clippers shocked everyone by becoming relevant. The NBA lockout hurt local business, though the community soared with a summer extreme sports extravaganza.

Blue Gone Bad: The Dodgers’ problems exploded on opening day, when Giants fan Bryan Stow was beaten in the parking lot after the game. The feeling of danger, combined with the team’s poor play, kept fans away, and for the first time since 1992 (not counting a strike season) attendance dropped below 3 million. The lone bright spots, Clayton Kershaw’s Cy Young-winning performance and Matt Kemp’s all-around brilliance, were overshadowed by Frank McCourt’s battles.

His divorce from Jamie put the team in financial hell, and in July, the Dodgers shocked and saddened everyone by filing for bankruptcy. Finally, in November, McCourt announced he would sell the team. It was a year to forget.

Purple and Mold: Coach Phil Jackson’s quest for a final threepeat was body slammed in May when the Lakers were swept

by Dallas in the second round of the playoffs. Jackson retired, fan favorite Brian Shaw was passed over for coach in favor of Mike Brown, and after a long lockout… everything really got bad. In the short pre-season, a stupendous trade for star guard Chris Paul was quashed by the NBA, and after throwing a temper tantrum, sixth man of the year Lamar Odom was traded to, egads Dallas. Making matters more complicated, Kobe’s divorce was announced in December. Not a banner year, in every sense of the phrase, for the purple and gold.

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

photo by Gary Leonard

Dodger lovers rejoiced in November when Frank McCourt finally announced he would sell the team.

photo by Gary Leonard

The Clippers had the most entertaining player in the NBA in 2011 in dunk machine Blake Griffin.

Blake, Baby!: The Clippers missed the playoffs again in 2011, but with Blake Griffin thrilling Downtown crowds with his enormous dunks, few cried. During All-Star weekend at Staples Center in February, Griffin blew minds by dunking over a car.

The Clippers’ highlight, however, came in December: First they signed forward Caron Butler and picked up veteran guard Chauncey Billups. Then, they stole the Lakers’ thunder by trading for phenom Chris Paul. With Griffin and re-signed center DeAndre Jordon, Clipper Nation quickly transformed into Lob City. Season ticket packages instantly sold out, and suddenly expectations are through the roof.

Locked Out Registers: The NBA lockout, which cost every

team 16 games, was bad enough for the Kobe devotees and the Clipper bandwagon riders. The hoops kibosh, however, was most painful for local businesses that cater to fans on their way to Staples Center for a game, or who like to watch on TV at a bar. The start of the regular season was delayed from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25, and bars and restaurants cut staff and saw profits plummet on nights that would ordinarily host a game. Some got by, smartly by refocusing on events such as conventions and private parties.

X Marked the Spot: The X Games, formerly a traveling circus of extreme sports, is now a decidedly Downtown Los Angeles institution. The annual skate, bike, motorcycle and racecar extravaganza doubled down on Downtown in July, eliminating its satellite location in Carson. Every event took place in or around L.A. Live. The party also added a new competition, rallycross, which had souped-up cars zipping around a halfmile loop on Figueroa Street. Perfect for L.A. The games will return in 2012. So will the huge crowds which patronize area restaurants, bars and hotels.

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ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada

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December 26, 2011

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Law and Order and Disorder Downtown in 2011 Saw Crime, Punishment and Justice

by Ryan VaillancouRt

Staff WRiteR ife never really slows down in Downtown for the LAPD. It certainly didn’t in 2011. Although a new jail opened, the neighborhood had to contend with some scary Jewelry District crimes and an increase in homelessness.

Downtown’s Central Division also had its own internal tangles.

L

Harassment Suits Roil Central: The LAPD’s Central Division was caught in a tangle of lawsuits this year that alleged a culture of racial and sexual harassment that was tolerated by command staff. Four officers and two sergeants ensnared in the allegations were transferred out of the Downtown police station and downgraded in rank. The city is fighting three lawsuits from officers who worked in the office that holds the division’s senior lead officers. Area Captain Todd Chamberlain, who headed the station since January 2010, was transferred in October. The LAPD said the transfer was unrelated to the lawsuits.

Smash, Grab, Repeat: As if Jewelry District retailers weren’t facing enough trouble with skyrocketing gold prices and the recession, 2011 brought a rash of “smash and grab” robberies.

Shops were hit with almost the same M.O.: Groups of two to four people raced in, broke displays cases with hammers, pepper sprayed merchants and sped away in getaway cars with hands full of jewels. It happened eight times this year on Broadway (one other incident was in Chinatown). The LAPD made five arrests in connection with the crimes in July. After a lull in smash and grabs, robbers struck twice more.

Brian Alexik Walks: In 2010, Brian Alexik, the Reserve Lofts

News Continued from page 5 American cultural center continued over some objections. Then in August, venue President and CEO Miguel Angel Corzo was suddenly ousted after the LA Plaza board discovered what they termed “financial mismanagement.” The El Pueblo facility has seen its staff of 24 cut in half, and LA Plaza has been sued for $5.2 million by a contractor alleging non-payment for work performed. The board appointed an interim COO and new leadership is being sought.

A Bitter BID Battle: The normally low-key Historic Downtown Los Angeles Business Improvement District wound up in the center of a fall fracas. In September, the organization that taxes local property owners to pay for security and street cleaning suddenly fired longtime director Russell Brown, replacing him with Roberto Saldaña, whose former employer was a Huizar foe. This sparked allegations of Brown Act violations and the ire of Huizar, whose staffers clearly expressed their displeasure. The pressure was intense, and Saldaña’s hiring was rescinded.

He was still technically a contender for the job, but he didn’t make the list of finalists.

In November, the board hired Blair Besten, who steered the group through its first test in getting a small expansion approved.

resident turned fugitive, went to jail a purported criminal mastermind. Facing up to 18 years in prison for drug, gun and forgery charges, Alexik represented himself in court. In September, after fighting his case for 470 days, he agreed to a plea deal that carried a suspended sentence and probation.

He pled guilty to five felony charges — forgery, for faking U.S. currency, and four drug counts. Charges for possession for sale of heroin, crack and marijuana were dropped. So were two gun charges. His court-appointed private investigator hired him when he was released. photo by Gary Leonard

Skid Row Backslides: The year saw a rise in homelessness and crime in Skid Row, with many neighborhood stakeholders blaming a recent increase in the parolee and early release prison population. Additionally, cops and the city were hamstrung by a June judicial ruling that prevents them from immediately removing apparently abandoned items from the streets. All this came when Skid Row’s parolee population was already on the rise. The number of people sleeping on the streets, which had decreased from about 1,900 people in 2006 to less than 500 in 2009, climbed back to about 1,600 in the fall.

One Handcuffed Jail: February brought the opening of the LAPD’s spiffy new Downtown jail, the Metropolitan Detention Center, a state-of-the-art facility to replace the infamously aged Parker Center jail. The MDC was mostly complete in June 2009, but its opening was delayed due to LAPD staffing constraints. The jail’s larger size requires a higher ratio of staff to inmates than the old building. Problem was, and remains, the department is handcuffed by a hiring freeze.

The LAPD resolved the issue by pulling 88 officers out of the field to staff the jail, a Band-Aid solution that remains.

Let the Race Begin: The 2013 mayor’s race started with a bang, with City Controller Wendy Greuel filing papers to raise money the first day possible, and Downtown Councilwoman Jan Perry and radio host Kevin James doing the same a week later.

Businessman and former shadow mayor Austin Beutner joined in the next month, and Council President Eric Garcetti made the jump in September. The fundraising was fast and furious, with the pols hitting up their friends and constituents. Specifics have been limited, with most candidates offering a variation of they’re the one to make L.A. work again. The best speech was Rick Caruso’s May broadside against the political establishment, though the mall master still hasn’t said whether he’s running.

Nor has Zev Yaroslavsky. The election is in March 2013.

El Pueblo Rent Ruckus: After decades of conflict, the city and merchants at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument finally came to terms on rent increases. But it wasn’t easy. The sides battled right up until the moment in June when more than 40 members of the Olvera Street Merchants Association signed concession agreements that will keep them at El Pueblo for up to 40 years. The rents start below market rate, but are slated to increase to fair market value in five years. In the end, almost no one was completely happy, but if nothing else, the deal was signed.

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The Reserve Lofts resident-turned-fugitive Brian Alexik went free in September, nearly 18 months after he evaded police who broke down his door.

photo by Gary Leonard

The Metropolitan Detention Center opened in February, though the LAPD had to shift officers off the streets to the new building to activate the Civic Center structure.

photos by Gary Leonard

Fourteenth District City Councilman José Huizar found himself in a bitter race against Rudy Martinez. Although it was ugly, Huizar won in a landslide.

Angels in Railway Hell: Angels Flight reopened in March 2010 after a nine-year closure sparked by an accident that killed an 83year old man and injured seven others. The orange cars traveled up the steep incline between the Historic Core and Bunker Hill, but in June, the funicular was suddenly closed when state officials found what they called “excessive wear” on the steel wheels. They warned that the situation could have led to a derailment. They also said the problem should have been caught sooner by Angels Flight brass. The wheels were repaired and the ride resumed operations in July.

Principal Shuffle: Life and leadership haven’t been easy at the $231 million Ramon C. Cortines High School for the Visual and Performing Arts on Grand Avenue. In its first two years, the district disposed of its first two principals. During the summer, two prominent East Coast arts administrators accepted the top job, then backed out at the last minute. In October, a month after the school year had begun, the district finally settled on the experienced Norman Isaacs. He accepted and didn’t back out — he started the job in November.

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Downtown News 13

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New Year’s Eve

The Party Breakdown New Year’s Eve Is Approaching and There Is Plenty to Do in Downtown

by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

T

he last days of the year are quickly approaching and people are hurriedly making plans for New Year’s Eve. Those who want to mark the end of 2011 and the start of 2012 without leaving Downtown Los Angeles have plenty of choices.

It’s not just choices in terms of where to have that glass of champagne as midnight arrives. Downtown has options where entertainment is the driver, as well as places where food is the focus. Those who want to dance the night away have their pick.

And yes, there are plenty of drinking spots as well.

EAT IT

Three Shades of Patina Patina, the destination restaurant in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, has not one, not two, but three separate seatings for New Year’s Eve. Those who have plans later in the night, or who just want to make sure they go beddy-bye by 8 p.m., can make the 4:30 p.m. meal, when a three-course menu is $105 and a four-course version is $130. A 7 p.m. seating offers a ridiculous seven courses and runs $180. There’s also a 10 p.m. seating with an á la carte menu. Dishes that night will include roast duck, caviar and oysters. The La Perle cocktail is an additional $19.

At 141 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-3331 or patinagroup.com.

photo courtesy of the Edison

The Edison recalls the end of the 1920s with a Prohibition themed party.

will offer a $109 dinner for two that includes filet mignon and shrimp alexander. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight, and top hats and tiaras to make things even more festive. Because what’s New Year’s Eve without head-ware?

At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 553-4566 or mortons.com.

Say Yes to Noé

Here’s the Beef Take a meaty bite out of the new year at Morton’s The Steakhouse. The restaurant, one of the few businesses open while the 7+Fig shopping center gets its $40 million renovation (2012 will bring Downtown that long-awaited Target),

An elegant option on Dec. 31 is Noé Restaurant and Bar. The venue in the Omni Los Angeles Hotel on Bunker Hill will deliver a five-course dinner and a jazz trio. Those who care more about the food than the music can forget the jazz and take in the 5-8 p.m. seating. The cool cats enjoy their

food while three wise, or at least skilled men play from 8:3010 p.m. The dinner is $99.

At 251 S. Olive St., (213) 356-4100 or noerestaurant.com.

Taste the Drago The Italian eatery Drago Centro recently finalized its details for a New Year’s dinner, and the establishment founded by Celestino Drago is certain to please. The restaurant has a four-course tasting menu available from 5-11 p.m. The $65 meal delivers dishes such as Maine lobster salad, wild mushroom spaghetti, filet mignon and pistachio mousse.

At 525 S. Flower St., (213) 228-8998 or dragocentro.com.

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December 26, 2011

Downtown News 15

New Year’s Eve them from having fun. The Bootlegger’s Ball starts early, with the doors of the venue in the basement of the Higgins Buildings opening at 7 p.m. The night will be headlined

by Lyndsay and the All Nighters, a sultry, jazzy cabaret act complete with dancers, that covers songs from the likes of Etta James and Tina Turner. There will also be a midnight toast.

At 108 W. Second St., (213) 613-0000 or edisondowntown.com.

Insomniac Party Don’t even bother bringing pajamas, because no one is getting any shut-eye at La Desvelada, the New Year’s Eve party at the Conga Room. Meaning “the sleepless night,” the fiesta at the venue at L.A. Live will include three rooms with DJs and VIP tables for the big spenders. The night will be hosted

photo by Gary Leonard

The Pattern Bar is planning a 1920s themed black-tie event to celebrate the coming of 2012.

CATCH A SHOW

Sip the Musical Martini On New Year’s Eve, Gustavo Dudamel and his L.A. Phil cohorts give way to a double dose of the sonic stylings of Oregon’s Pink Martini. Mixing influences from all over the globe, among them Brazilian samba, Cuban dance, jazz and old-fashioned pop, the 13-member group will perform at 7 and 10:30 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall. It’s a return Dec. 31 visit for the quirky yet profoundly appealing act. There’s a reason they’ve been asked back.

At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.

Rock Mama Few have rocked it like Wanda Jackson. The 74-year-old Oklahoma native, who once dated Elvis, will show whippersnappers decades younger how it’s done when she performs at Club Nokia. Expect songs like “Let’s Have a Party,” which became a hit in 1958, and “Fujiyama Mama.”

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com.

Dance On

Moonshine Madness No, The Edison isn’t really going to be serving homemade booze. But the folks behind the bar will be paying homage to those who didn’t let a little thing like Prohibition stop

by Sandra Pena of Latino 96.3 FM. Headlining the turntables will be DJ Lurox and DJ Santa Rosa. If those names are unfamiliar, don’t fret: It’s just dance music.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-0162 or congaroom.com.

Dead Man’s Party According to the Mayans, the world will end in 2012. Since we’re all practically dead already, party like a cadaver at the Mayan Theatre. The Hill Street club’s Dec. 31 bash spreads far and wide, with a salsa room, a hip-hop room and pop tunes coming from three DJs in the three-floor club. Or, enjoy that last New Year’s Eve meal in the dessert and appetizer lounge. There’s a champagne toast at midnight.

At 1038 S. Hill St., (213) 746-4674 or clubmayan.com. see New Year’s, page 16

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photo by Gary Leonard

Casey’s Irish Pub will feature a performance by the all-girl band Kissing Cousins.

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16 Downtown News

December 26, 2011

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New Year’s Continued from page 15

Raise the Roof A New Year’s Eve brain twister: Can one raise the roof at a rooftop party? We have no idea, but the people at ICON Ultra Lounge, who are throwing the Downtown Countdown Rooftop Party, are sure to find out. The soiree in the fairly new venue near Staples Center will actually be under a heated tent. If the roof itself isn’t raised, hands will be, thanks to the six DJs. Midnight brings a champagne toast and a balloon drop. What says 2012 more than balloons?

At 1245 S. Figueroa St., (626) 817-3507 or countdownla.com.

Last CaLL

Party Shots The tequila and mescal will win you over at Las Perlas’ New Year’s Eve party. The sounds of the 1980s will fill the Historic Core venue with DJ Darren Revel, host of the Indie1031. com show “Big Sonic Heaven.” Expect tunes ranging from new wave to post punk. If the sounds of Duran Duran, the Pretenders and Modern English don’t get you in the mood (feel free to hum “I Melt With You”), the mescal and tequila bar has plenty of Mexico’s finest drink on hand. Either way, you win.

At 107 E. Sixth St., 213nightlife.com.

Kissing the Irish Yes, Irish car bombs will be served, and yes, the New Year’s Eve party at Casey’s Irish Pub will be da bomb (even if “da bomb” went out of style in 1998). Part of that is because of the performance by Kissing Cousins. If you’re not familiar with the all-girl band, you’re not alone, so just expect heavy guitars and loud drums. The New Year’s Eve show also in-

photo by Gary Leonard

The chichi Drago Centro delivers a four-course tasting menu from 5-11 p.m. on the last day of 2011. photo by John Ales

cludes indie rockers The Past Haunts and Rainbow Jackson.

The bar, meanwhile, features virtually every kind of alcohol you can think of, and plenty of it.

At 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or 213nightlife.com.

Last Bash The Arts District’s Villains’ Tavern is taking the Mayan prediction seriously enough to go out with a party. The bar is holding The Beginning of the End of the World New Year’s party with live (for now at least) bands such as Steamhead at 10 p.m. There are drink specials and, at midnight, the bar will hand out champagne. Start prepping your “Auld Lang Syne.”

Maybe for the last time.

At 1356 Palmetto St., (213) 613-0766 or villainstavern.com.

Villains’ Tavern is welcoming the new year with its The Beginning of the End of the World New Year’s Eve party.

Black Tie You better spruce up and look good for the Pattern Bar. The fashion-themed watering hole is putting together a Roaring ’20s black-tie night for New Year’s Eve. Expect a lot of pretty people since it’s in the Fashion District. Also expect a lot of good music. You may want to catch up on your designers, because the cocktails have names like The Chanel, The Jacobs and The Dior. So the question of the night may not be who are you wearing, but who are you drinking?

At 100 W. Ninth St., (213) 627-7774 or patternbar.com.

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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CALENDAR A Year of Music, Museums, Concerts and Dogs In 2011, Downtowners Had Plenty to See and Do

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Center Theatre Group sold a record-setting $7.8 million worth of tickets when (l to r) Hope Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels and James Gandolfini reprised their Broadway roles and appeared at the Ahmanson Theatre in God of Carnage.

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Dog Day Afternoon on July 26 drew more than 2,000 living creatures: 748 canines and 1,282 humans showed up to the event at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

by RichaRd Guzman, Jon ReGaRdie and with serious star power. The festival scene NHM’s $125 million renovation. The display The Turk and a Temptress: Like most Ryan VaillancouRt surged, and a venerable arts provider hit a has more than 300 fossils and 20 full body arts organizations, L.A. Opera has recently Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com he Downtown Los Angeles arts and milestone. If no single event dominated, then specimens, including a trio of Tyrannosaurus battled budget woes. The 2010/2011 season entertainment lineup doesn’t gener- many contributed to a stellar year. Here are rexes (a baby, juvenile and adult), as well as was shortened to six shows, but the quantity ate as much attention as a few oth- some of the highlights of the past 12 months. a long-necked Mamenchisaurus and the im- didn’t limit the quality of the performances er evening options: People throng the area posing Triceratops. Dinosaur Hall more than at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Highlights for the ever-widening range of bars, and the Rise of the Dinosaurs: They may have gone doubles the NHM’s dinosaur display space. It from the past 12 months include Gioacchino more time passes, the more inventive chefs extinct millions of years ago, but the pre- was an instant hit.

Rossini’s Il Turco en Italia, the rarely peropen restaurants in Downtown. historic beasts were the stars of the Natural formed comedy that introduced Los Angeles That doesn’t mean the Central City en- History Museum in 2011. Dinosaur Hall, Seeing God: Center Theatre Group head to spellbinding soprano Nino Machaidze. tertainment slate lagged in 2011. There werenNewas 14,000-square-foot permanent exhib- Michael Ritchie scored a coup when he Then there was Mozart’s comedy Cosi Fan w .Dowanto record-breaking museum shows play it, opened in July, the latest element in the convinced Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Tutte, a battle of the sexes that won delightom/L.Aand Facebook.c Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden to re- ed reviews. Once again, the work of James prise their Broadway roles in Yasmina Reza’s Conlon in the pit was often as enticing as the Starts 16 the show voices onstage.

God of Carnage.

It paidDec. off, and about two couples who go to war over a tiff between their kids rocked the Ahmanson The Dogs Get Their Day: Dog Day AfterTheatre in April and May. The laughs were noon has been growing steadily since it was the reviews effusive, and CTG set launched by the Downtown Center Business Check Our Website forintense, Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com records for a play, with the show selling $7.8 Improvement District in 2007, but no one million worth of tickets in its eight-week run could have predicted how popular the event (the old mark was $3.7 million for a 2002 would become: The happening on July 26 Lily Tomlin show). Not bad for a play about lured an insane 748 canines and 1,282 hupeople behaving very badly. mans. These 2,000 living creatures filled the plaza of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the From the Streets to the Museum: The Angels. There was no program. Instead, it Museum of Contemporary m or Starts Dec.Art 19 and boss was just community building, with people ownNews.co Jeffrey Deitch were hoping that a street art talking while their pups played. There were er at Downt rn co nd ha t r right /forms/maillis l in the uppe show would draw big crowds.

The exhibit that even a few cats up for adoption. nnews.com ow E-NEWS Look for this symbo nt w do www.la SIGN UP ran from April 17-Aug. 8 sure as heck did. The graffiti fest set a record with 201,352 visitors, Funny Town: One asterisk to Downtown’s eclipsing the previous MOCA high of 195,000 growth has been the increase in nightlife, set by the 2002 Andy Warhol retrospective. In and now one asterisk to the increase in its closing week, Art in the Streets drew more nightlife is a proliferation of comedy nights. than 32,000 visitors to see work by Banksy, The neighborhood this year saw the jokes Fairey and dozens of others. The abound, with half a dozen comedy options Check Our Website forShepard Full also Movie LADowntownNews.com show drewListings controversy, as some Little during the summer. They ranged from the hoto by Gary Leonard Tokyo stakeholders reported a surge in graffiti Downtown Comedy Club, which stages The Downtown stand-up scene exploded in 2012, with performers such as Brian Ross cracking jokes at see A&E, page 18 in the area during the opening weeks. the Downtown Comedy Club and other venues.

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Continued from page 17 shows twice a week, to alternative lineups that take place monthly. Laughs can also be found in events such as the Hamclown comedy show at the Alexandria Hotel. One thing is for sure: Downtown is funnier now than it has been in years.

Aloud and Clear: There are two types of people in Downtown Los Angeles: Those who know about and patronize the free events Aloud programs as many as three times a week at the Central Library, and those who instead plop in front of the TV and watch things like “Two Broke Girls.” This year, the Aloud lovers enjoyed the likes of Maxine Hong Kingston, Shepard Fairey, Joyce Carol Oates, Gary Shteyngart, Colson Whitehead, the rapper Common, a panel on L.A. crime writers and much, much more. The program curated by Louise Steinman continues to be one of the best cultural options anywhere in Los Angeles.

Grand Plans: Death. Taxes. And for the past 25 years, eclectic world music under the stars at Cal Plaza on warm summer nights, for

Bringing Sexy Circus Back: Cirque Berzerk, the dark, sexy circus born in underground theater events at the Brewery Arts Complex, graduated to a real big top at L.A. State Historic Park in 2008. This year, it moved under the brighter lights of L.A. Live at Club Nokia. The macabre cabaret took over the South Park venue for almost all of January, giving a gothic feel to the shiny happy complex. Where will the Berzerk brigade set up in 2012? No shows have yet been scheduled.

Double the Festivals: Downtown was the place for both lovers of film and lovers of theater during June. The L.A. Film Festival, centered at L.A. Live, brought about 90,000 people to the area to see 200 features, documentaries, shorts and videos during its 11day run. The same week, Downtown hosted the inaugural Radar L.A., a six-day festival

photo by Robert Millard

The L.A. Opera season only had six shows, but it scored several hits, including a staging of Mozart’s comedy Cosi Fan Tutte.

specializing in avant-garde theatrical work.

Venues such as REDCAT, the Los Angeles Theatre Center and even a parking structure just east of Walt Disney Concert Hall held the live events. Performers came from literally around the world.

Music and the Message: The Grammy Museum kept hitting high notes in 2011. In February the museum kicked it old school with Hip-Hop: A Cultural Odyssey, looking at the 40-year history of rap music and its precursors. Reggae legend Bob Marley was celebrated in May with Bob Marley, Messenger.

The quiet Beatle also got his due with George Harrison: Living in the Material World. The exhibit opened in October and displayed dozens of items from his estate, including outfits, guitars and handwritten lyrics.

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Million Dollar Films: In October, the UCLA Film & Television Archives teamed up with the Million Dollar Theatre to launch a 20-film festival. The three-month series was significant because it further activated a classic Broadway movie house.

The Wednesday night events, most of them double features, began with a Dan AkroydJohn Belushi pairing of The Blues Brothers and Neighbors. It closed Dec. 21 with the rock operas Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar.

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Rabbits With Swords: In 2011, the Japanese American National Museum shed light on the jumpiest, fluffiest, most carrot-chomping hero of comic books: Yojimbo. The samurai rabbit created by Stan Sakai got his own exhibition at the Little Tokyo institution from July through October. It included Yojimbo renditions by other comic cartoonists, including Spider-Man creator Stan Lee. Year of the Rabbit: Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo was a tribute to its creator, and to the katana wielding character himself.

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Ball Brawl: Baseball’s most notorious fight happened in 1965, when Dodger Johnny Roseboro was clubbed in the head with a bat swung by Giants pitcher Juan Marichal. The memories of that day led Roger Guenveur Smith to create the one-man show Juan and John. It earned raves when it played at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in October and November. It wasn’t only about baseball, however: L.A.’s preeminent practitioner of the solo show weaved in themes of forgiveness and politics. It was a personal, bristling, thought-provoking work.

the expansion of the Last Bookstore. The local literary scene was highlighted by the L.A. Times Festival of Books, which after 15 years at UCLA came Downtown. The city’s most cherished book fest took over the USC campus April 30-May 1, convening some 400 authors and exhibitors, including Mona Simpson, T.C. Boyle and Michael Connelly.

The fest will come back to USC for at least the next two years.

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free. Grand Performances, the curator of the Cal Plaza Watercourt stage, turned a quartercentury this year and did so in style, filling its amphitheater for shows such as Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, Diavalo Dance Theater and David Ornette Cherry. The organization run

by Michael Alexander and Leigh Ann Hahn also offered some holiday shows this year, including “A Charlie Brown Christmas” concert on Dec. 9.

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Downtown News 19

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LISTINGS

EVENTS SPONSORED LISTINGS New Year’s Eve Bash at Patina Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Grand View Room, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7565 patinagroup.com/nye.

Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.: Ring in the New Year at Patina Catering’s pop-up. Take in panoramic views of L.A. and savor a decadent buffet including prime rib, carved ham and desserts. There will be a photo booth and a DJ. The “Twilight Party” goes from 5-8:30 p.m.; “Countdown Party” from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The cost is $59 per person, all-inclusive (buffet, party favors and non-alcoholic beverages.) Full cash bar, specialty cocktails and champagne bar.

Downtown On Ice Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., (213) 8474970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

Nov. 17-Jan. 16: Downtown on Ice returns, positing a patch of frozen water in an unlikely, but very welcome spot—Pershing Square.

The seasonal facility has skates for rental for $2, with skate sessions costing $6. There will be an array of special events and programming at the rink for the next two months, including regular lunchtime concerts starting Dec. 19.

Free Downtown Audio Walking Tours Various Locations, crala.org/art.

Free audio walking tours and maps are available for download at crala.org/art. Explore Downtown’s Bunker Hill, Financial District, Historic Core and Little Tokyo neighborhoods by discovering public art and places developed through the CRA/LA Art Program.

by Dan Johnson, listings eDitor | calendar@downtownnews.com

ieve nt is offering an outlet to rel de en ep Ind n tow wn Do e Th ing olve New Year’s binge drink holiday stress that doesn’t inv d, tea Ins ll. wa ainst a cinderblock or slamming your head ag t ou ab film a , Non Compos Mentis it’s a dose of dark comedy. a ike str uld d memory loss sho insanity, forced violence an gover. hristmas family-fun-time han nice chord with your post-C eens scr g by director Mike Cuenca into The second full length offerin e leftover fruit cake, jam the tre the d car Dis . p.m 7 at 27, c. to your Tuesday, De theater where you can drink the to wn do ad he and te 617the trash chu ghs. At 251 S. Main St., (213) lau t en ver irre few a t ge heart’s content and ent.com.

1033 or downtownindepend There’s a bonanza of big-bu dget films at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live this we ek. Steven Spielberg’s epic World War I tale Wa r Horse reminds audiences that war is terrible and horses are people too.

The family crowd will love Sp ielberg’s other offering, the comic book animated ad aptation Tintin. tin. Follow the French kid with the funny hair as he searches for the Unicorn. Fo r action lovers and misanthropes, the American adaptation of Stieg Larson’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo features director David Finch er and composer Trent Rezn or helming the feel bad mo vie of Christmas. There are 14 screens, meaning plenty of options for everyone. At 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or regmovies.com.

FILM

photo by Gary Leonard

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

Dec. 23-Dec. 29, Showtimes vary: Kinyarwanda interweaves six tales that form a complex depiction of human resilience and life during the Rwandan genocide.

Dec. 27, 7 p.m.: Non Compos Mentis: or Jerry Powell & The Delusions of Grandeur is a crime comedy. See the Don’t Miss List.

IMAX Theater California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 7442019 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Through Jan. 14: Soar over primordial earth in Flying Monsters 3D. 220 million years ago dinosaurs were beginning their domination of Earth.

But another group of reptiles was about to make an extraordinary leap: pterosaurs were taking control of the skies. The story of how and why these mysterious creatures took to the air is more fantastical than any fiction.

Monterrey, Mexico’s finest five piece is coming to the Conga Room. The act performing on Friday, Dec. 30, is called Kinky, but don’t expect any of that kind of risqué stuff. Instead, these intrepid road warriors are a band of rhythmically inclined musical experimenters. Double bass and folk influences meet electronic drums and looping samples in the wild and vibrant landscape of Kinky’s music. Live, these guys are a tour de force of bilingual, multi-genre magic. A few years back they had the Cal Plaza Watercourt literally shaking with so many people in the audience dancing. Ring in the new year a day early with some kinky fun. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 7450162 or congaroom.com.

Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

Through Feb. 12: Andrea Bocelli: Story of a Voice features the iconic singer’s Pinkerton costume from Madama Butterfly, his silver flute and original recordings that influenced the man.

Through Feb. 12: George Harrison gets a Martin Scorcese documentary and an exhibit at the Grammy Museum? Holy smokes. The most underrated Beatle finally gets his day in the sun.

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

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

photo courtesy of 1001 Inventions

MUSEUMS

Schools are o ut and for on ce the Califo Science Cen rnia ter isn’t thro nged with fi trips. Thus, it’s eld the perfect w eek to take in 1,001 Inventio ns: Discover th e Golden Age of Muslim Civ ilization, an e xhibit that was just extended to March 201 clocks, early 2. Innovative visual techno phy and revo logy, cartogra lutionary nau tical enginee highlight a m ri n g illennium of Is lam genuity. Focu sing on a span ic inof time and space that st thousand year retches across one s and the vast distance between Moo rish Spain an d dynastic China, the ex rative that ch hibit weaves a narallenges pop ula torical notion s and illuminat r hises some downright sc ientific geniu s.

At 700 Exposition P ark Drive, (2 13) 7442019 or califo rniasciencece nter.org.

Lunchtime becomes groove time as Pershing Square hosts a slew of live music each day this week. Don your favorite platform shoes and make sure your bell-bottoms don’t get caught in the escalator — on Monday the Disco Fever Band takes over.

Tuesday and Wednesday feature hard rock covers from Undercover Girls and Alternachicks. Cody Crump, who is in fact a folk singer and not a spastic hip-hop dancer, performs on Thursday. Cap off the week with M-80 and a set list full of ’80s cover songs. Shows are free each day from 12-2 p.m. At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

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

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

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

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December 26, 2011

Downtown News 21

DowntownNews.com

CLASSIFIED

place your ad online at www.ladowntownnews.com

FOR RENT

l.a. downtown news classifieds call: 213-481-1448

condominiUms/UnfUrnisHed PROMENADE lUXURY CONDO View. 1 br, 1000 sf. Paid cable, gym pkg. @ Music Center $1650/mo. 2 bdrm. 2 bath, 1200 sq. ft. 2 balconies, 2 parking $2100/mo. 818-522-7838.

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

Shop around for rates.”

Classified Display & Line ad Deadlines: thursday 12 pm

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

BUnGaloW

FOR RENT

lofts for sale

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

loft/UnfUrnisHed

213.598.7555

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

ADVERTISE YOUR Vacation Property in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $550. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN)

driVers A BETTER CAREER With Melton. Great Equipment & Benefits. 2 Months CDL Class A Driving Experience. 1-877-2588782. www.MeltonTruck.com (Cal-SCAN)

Homes/UnfUrnisHed

Vacation Homes apartments/UnfUrnisHed CAll FOR SPECIAlS @ the Medici. Penthouse 1 & 2 bdrm apts. Granite kitchens, washer/ dryers, business center, 2 pools, spa! Visit TheMedici.com for a full list of amenities. Call 888886-3731.

COME HOME to Monterey Hills.

Close to Downtown lA. Above South Pasadena and this side of Heaven. 2Bd/1Ba, A/C, Pool/ Spa & Private Patio. $1600/mo.

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Orsini 550 NORTH FIGUEROA ST.

877-231-9362

WWW.THEORSINI.COM

Est 1912

Medici

Historic beauty.

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$1,400’s/mo.

ROOFTOP GARDEN RETREAT WITH BBQ AND LOUNGE GRAND LOBBY • FITNESS CENTER • SPA MODERN KITCHEN w/CAESAR COUNTERTOPS PET FRIENDLY • DRAMATIC VIEWS MARKET, KELLY’S COFFEE, DRY CLEANING, MAC AND CHEEZA and LA BREWERY on Ground Floor

Studio 280 sqft.

Full Bathroom Apartment 756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 213-892-9100 | chapmanf lats.com

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown lA. Weekly rate $275 inc.

Monthly from $550 utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator.

Full bathroom.

Excellent location.

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Monthly from $595 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

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

Pricing subject to change without notice.

Free Utilities, 24 hr. laundry, Around the Clock Courtesy Patrol

112 W 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 213.624.3311 • Rosslyn@SROhousing.com

Elegant World Class Resort Apartment Homes

Piero 616 ST. PAUL AVE.

877-235-6012

WWW.THEPIERO.COM

Visconti 1221 WEST THIRD ST.

866-690-2888

WWW.THEVISCONTI.COM

FREE Rent Specials On Select Floor Plans noW leasinG

No Application Fee! - Sec. Dep. $175

Best Downtown Locations!

Continued on next page

D

$600 mo. to mo. $580 on 6 mo. Lease

Be Inspired...

DRIVER - DRY and Refrigerated. Single source dispatch. No Tractor older than 3 years. Daily Pay! Various hometime options!

CDl-A, 3 months current OTR experience.

1-800-414-9569. www.DriveKnight.com (CalSCAN)

Beautiful

rosslyn Hotel

The Downtown Renaissance Collection

EMPLOYMENT

CAll FOR SPECIAlS @ The Visconti. Free parking, free tanning, free wi-fi + biz center avail.

Cardio Salon, pool, Spa, steamroom, sauna. Call us today. 866742-0992.

old BanK District The original Live/Work Lofts

Bill Cooper

ECHO PARK bungalow 1 bdrm.

1 bath. Refrigerator stove and A/C. Starting at $850 a month.

213-250-4810 leave message.

BRAND NEW luxury Apartments Homes. Orsini III. Now open for immediate Occupancy.

Call for Specials. Never lived in, Free Parking, Karaoke Room, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor Basketball, Uncomparable Amenity Package. Call today to schedule a tour - 866-479-1764.

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

Version 1

the loft expert! group

TM

Client: Publication: Size/Color:

Downtown since 2002

Voted Best Downtown Residential Real estate Agent Call us today!

G.H. AssociatesStyle 35Palmer Boutique LADT News “Live/Work” Residences 4.3125” x 8” 4C

starting at $1,450 Studio Lofts 600-1800 sq. ft.

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Bill Cooper • 213.598.7555 • TheLoftExpertGroup.com You’ve always known you had potential?

You’veitalways known Isn’t time you You’ve always known you had potential? you had potential? unleashed it?

Isn’t it time you

FOR SALE

SWING STAGE WINDOW ACCESS EQU HORIZONTAL TROLLEY SYSTEM IN Isn’t it time you unleashed it?

EXCELLANT SHAPE USED BEFORE unleashed it?

BUY & READ CONSTRUCTION STARTED. EASY BUY & READ BUY & READ TO ASSEMBLE. MUST HAVE A PARAPET AT LEAST 3 FEET TALL premiere towers THE MODERN SCIENCE OF MODERN SCIENCE OF OF FOR INSTALLATION. FLEXIBAL UNIT MODERN SCIENCE 7000 sqft. Basement Space ✦ set up for Gallery/Office space THETHE MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH HEALTH WILL GO ON ANY HIGH RISE. HAVE MENTAL CALL For PrICE

by L. Ron Hubbard

by L. Ron Hubbard PICTURES. EVERYTHING ON SKIDS • w/Gallery Lights • Wide Private (Spring St.) Entrance • Ideal for Art Gallery,

by Price: L. Ron Hubbard $20.00 + tax Price: $20.00 + tax SPA, Office Space • Wired for internet service/telephone outlets • Prime READY TO MOVE. Church of Scientology of Scientology Location in Downtown (Gallery row, residential area, wine bar, café, market) 4810 Church Sunset Blvd, LA CA 90027 (714) 550-0005 • 949-412-6771 Price: $20.00 + tax 4810 Sunset Blvd, LA CA 90027 323-953-3206 • www.Scientology-LA.org 213.627.6913 | cityloftsquare.com (714) 719-4614 323-953-3206 www.Scientology-LA.org Church• of Scientology

DIANETICS DIANETICS DIANETICS

4810 Sunset Blvd, LA CA 90027 323-953-3206 • www.Scientology-LA.org

Ph: 323.474.4668

Help Wanted information systems project manager- Design & implementation of Oracle Property Manager and Oracle Financials, namely Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets & General Ledger. This would include business requirements gathering, business process mapping & reengineering, conversion strategy & custom report development, testing, transition management & end-user training and support. Masters in Information Systems, or related field and 2 years experience required. Please send resumes to: LA United Investment Company, LLC. 650 S. Hill St., Ste 1010, CA 90014.

Casaloma L.A. Apartments Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath at $695/mo. sec. deposit special @$100 Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site.

Gated building in a good area.

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

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

THAI MASSAGE SPECIALIST VIP Room Available. The Best Way For Business Meetings & Entertainment

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

HealtH Dept. rank a for 7 ConseCutive Years

saKUra HealtH Gym & saUna, inc.

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

HBODY

MASSAGEH

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

3386766 0119

REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

22 Downtown News

December 26, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

Continued from previous page

EMPLOYMENT

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION!

Drivers DRIVER - NEW Career For The New Year! No Experience Needed! No credit check! Top industry pay & quality training.

100% Paid CDL Training. 1-800326-2778. www.JoinCRST.com (Cal-SCAN) DRIVERS/CDL Training - Career Central. No Money Down. CDL Training. Work for us or let us work for you! Unbeatable Career Opportunities. *Trainee *Company Driver *Lease Operator Earn up to $51k *Lease Trainers Earn up to $80k 1-877-3697091. www.CentralDrivingJobs. net (Cal-SCAN) Professional MARKET RESEARCH Analyst: Fax resume: Alligator Vending 323-260-7210 Los Angeles CA 323-260-7210.

attorneys

HelP WanteD UtiliQuest IS hiring Utility line locators in your area. GED/HS, drug, MVR, background screen required. Outdoor job. www.

UtiliQuest.com, UtiliQuest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

(Cal-SCAN)

SERVICES Home imProvement AWNINGS & Canvas repair. Ph 310-632-5770. Free estimates.

License # 736713

Sell Your Car!

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

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

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

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

Business services ADVERTISE A display Business card sized ad in 140 California newspapers for one low cost of $1,550. Your display 3.75x2” ad reaches over 3 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN)

We've got what you're searching for!

DowntownNews.com

ADVERTISE YOUR Truck Driver jobs in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $550. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)288-6019. (CalSCAN)

eDucation HIGH SCHOOL Diploma! Graduate in 4 weeks! Free Brochure.

Call Now! 1-866-562-3650 ext.

60 www.SouthEasternHS.com (Cal-SCAN)

REACH CALIFORNIANS With a classified in almost every county! Experience the power of classifieds! Combo~California Daily and Weekly Networks. One order. One payment. Free Brochures. elizabeth@cnpa.com or (916)288-6019. (Cal-SCAN)

HealtH & fitness

cleaning

legal

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

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

AUTO ACCIDENT Attorney. Injured in an auto accident? Call Jacoby & Meyers for a free case evaluation. Never a cost to you.

Don`t wait, call now, 888-6855721. (Cal-SCAN)

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills 4 Free for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.70/ pill. Buy the Blue Pill Now! 1-888904-6658. (Cal-SCAN)

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. You Win or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your Free Book & Consultation.

877-490-6596.

(Cal-SCAN) misc. services ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a Free Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at No Cost, plus Free home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking!

Call 888-781-9376. (Cal-SCAN) ATTENTION SLEEP Apnea Sufferers with Medicare. Get Free CPAP Replacement Supplies at No Cost, plus Free home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-699-7660.

(Cal-SCAN)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Call 213-481-1448

madison hotel

THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

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

•Daily, $30.00 •Weekly, $109.00 •Monthly, $310.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.

(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)

FictitiOus Business name statements:

Only $85.

FOr 4 insertiOns

Call (213) 481-1448 for details.

Starting Jan. 1, 2011

auction ADVERTISE YOUR Auction in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $550. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Elizabeth (916)2886019. (Cal-SCAN)

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

myNails Professional Nail Care Specialist - Facial - Waxing

323.662.2718 • 4335 W. Sunset Blvd.

Walk-in Welcome • GIft Certificate Available M.-F. 9:30am - 7:30pm Sat. 9am - 7:30pm • Sun. 10am - 6pm

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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

AUTOS Pre-oWneD

DoWntoWn l.a. auto grouP POrSchE VOLKSWAgEn AUdi MErcEdES-BEnZ niSSAn chEVrOLET cAdiLLAc

2007 MERCEDES ML350 3.5L, V6, Low miles, Rear Seat Ent., Navigation, Black/Black #5358C / A432886 $35,991 Call 888319-8762.

2007 NISSAN 350Z TOURING Certified, Carfax, 1 owner, multi-disc CD, leather, premium wheels, Black NI3822 / M552797 $20,499 call 888-838-5089

December 26, 2011

Downtown News 23

DowntownNews.com

2007 NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5 Certified,3.5L V6, Only 27k Miles, Auto, ABS and much more!!

N111041-1/7C823560 $20,499 call 888-838-5089 2008 AUDI TT 2.0L, 4-Cyl Turbo, Only 21K Miles, 31 mpg highway, Gray/Blue ZA/9954 / 1044026 $27,993 Call 888-583-0981 2008 CHEVY TAHOE 4 DOOR 5.3L, V8, Low Miles, Dual Zone AC, Rear Split Bench #UC782/ R160804 $26,995 Call 888-8799608 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S Carfax, 1 owner, only 48K miles, Auto, CD, White N120068-1 / C155663 call 888-838-5089 2008 PORSCHE BOXSTER CONV. Certified, 2.7L V6, Meteor Gray/Black, Only 25k Miles, Alloys, spoiler ZP1347/8U711448 $39,785 Call 888-685-5426.

2009 VW PASSAT KOMFORT 2.0L, 4-Cyl Turbo, Only 21K Miles, 31 mpg highway, Gray/ Blue V111147-1 / P001654 $19,890 Call 888-781-8102.

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

LEGAL

Autos WAnted DONATE YOUR car, truck or boat to Heritage for the Blind.

Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-9026851. (Cal-SCAN)

PETS/ANIMALS Adopt A pet ADOPT (OR FOSTER) your forever friend from Bark Avenue Foundation. Beautiful, healthy puppies, dogs, cats and kittens available at Downtown’s largest private adoption facility. Call Dawn at 213-840-0153 or email Dawn@BarkAveLA.com or visit www.Bark Avenue Foundation. org.

ITEMS FOR SALE Misc. iteMs SAVE UP TO 50 percent off your next heating bill. Advanced Portable Infrared iHeater® Heat 1000 sq. ft. for about 5 cents an hour! Free Shipping! Call 1-888807-5741. (Cal-SCAN)

civil suMMons LA SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA BEVERLY HILLS COURTHOUSE NO. 11C01247 PLAINTIFF: MOJGAN GAD, AN INDIVIDUAL VS. DEFENDANT: MOJGAN SEDGHI, AN INDIVIDUAL; AND DOES 1 THROUGH 10 NOTICE! You have been sued, The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you.

Your written response must be in proper legal form, if you want the court to hear your case.

There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse

888-838-5089 635 W. Washington Blvd. • downtownnissan.com

$9,499

N120553/ N129626

19700 Fairchild, Suite 300 Irvine, CA 92612 Telephone: 949-334-3600 Fax: 949-334-3604 Notice to the Person Served: You are served as an individual defendant.

Pub. 12/12/11, 12/19/11, 12/26/11, 1/02/12

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2011146496 The following person is doing business as: 1) DUGGINK STUDIO, 2) DELOREAN TEES, at 925 Sanborn Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90029, are hereby registered by the following registrant: DOUGLAS LARA, 925 Sanborn Ave., Los Angeles CA 90029. This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein.

This statement was filed with DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on December 9, 2011. 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

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2007 Nissan Quest 3.5S ....................................

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$27,991 $39,991 Certified, White/Cashmere, 3.5 Liter, 20k miles. 110405-1/A535101 2010 Mercedes E350W ...................................... $44,991 White/Almond, 3.5 Liter, Certified, 25k Miles. 112121-1/A074924 2010 Mercedes ML 350 W2 ...............................

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2008 VW Jetta SE ...............................................

888-319-8762 • 1801 S. Figueroa St. • mbzla.com

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2008 Mercedes CLK350C ..................................

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2001 CHEVY TAHOE 4X4 UC923

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LA SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES NORTHWEST DISTRICT ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. LS021948 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner (names): Raffi Gureghian and Deseree Almenara, 13335 Erwin St., Van Nuys, CA 91401, on behalf of SAMANTHA GAYANE ALMENARA, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: SAMANTHA GAYANE ALMENARA Proposed name: SAMANTHA GAYANE GUREGHIAN THE COURT ORDERS that

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2009 Audi A3 PREM ...........................................

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2007 Pontiac G6 Coupe ....................................

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all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: January 4, 2012 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept.: NW-C Room: 310 The address of the court is 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in LA Downtown News, 1264 West First Street, LA CA 90026, of general circulation.

Date filed: Nov. 23, 2011 Richard H. Kirschner, Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 12/05, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/11

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888-583-0981 1900 S. Figueroa St. • audidtla.com

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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. 12/19/11, 12/26/11, 1/02/12, 1/09/12

Fictitious Business nAMe

DOWNTOWN

NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

2007 NISSAN FRONTIER

nearest you. . If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

The name and address of the court is: LA Superior Court - Beverly Hills Courthouse 9355 Burton Way Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Case No. 11C01247 Dated: April 19, 2011 John A Clarke, Clerk The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney is: Robert Abiri, Esq. (State bar No. 238681)

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2007 Nissan Versa Silver .............

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PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

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2010 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4S COUPE AS720756

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Black/Black,Only 5K,CPO, Nav, Bose, Sport, Chrono, Plus, Like New.

$42,795 2009 Porsche Cayenne ..................................... $45,898 Certified, Grey/Blk, Nav, 18” Whl, XM, Light Pkg. 9LA03817 2005 Chevy Tahoe .................... $14,995 2011 Panamera Turbo ...................................

Certified, Tan, 79k miles.

CU0509P/J177261 Blk/Blk, 20” Spyder Whls, Cam, Nav, Sprt Chrono pkg. P12022-1/BL090124 $129,898 2009 Honda Fit ..........................

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2008 Porsche Cayman S ..................................

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Adolescent support group now forming Ages 13-17 low fee call Marney stofflet, lcsW

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24 Downtown News

December 26, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

We Got Games The Holiday Gifts Come in Droves for Clippers Fans Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers.

Dec. 27 and 29, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m.: The Lakers head into the shortened season with all kinds of baggage. A disgruntled Lamar Odom ditched the team after they tried to trade him. He got exiled to Dallas. Shannon Brown is gone too. But don’t worry, Lakers faithful. Kobe’s new teammates include Jason Kapono, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy. Excited now? Clipper Darrell is! The Purple and Gold host the Jazz, the Carmelo- and Amare-powered Knicks and the Nuggets.

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

Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 1, 6:30 p.m.: Speaking of Clipper Darrell, it’s like Santa Claus was thinking only about him this

year. On Christmas day, Clipper Nation, which Blake Griffin may have re-dubbed Lob City, gets its first look at lob-master Chris Paul. All-Star forward Caron Butler is a Clipper now too, and so is Chauncey Billups. This week, they host Derrick Rose and the Bulls, followed by the Trailblazers. The Clips head into the season easily the most exciting basketball team in Los Angeles. Then again, if any team can screw this up…

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

Dec. 26 and 31, 7 p.m.: The Kings have faltered as of late, and as a consequence, they’ve fallen to second-to-last in the division. Then again, things change quickly in NHL standings. This is a good week to get back on track, with two home games. The first is against the Coyotes, and then the stillbitter-about-last-year Canucks come to town.

—Ryan Vaillancourt

photo by Gary Leonard

This may be the last time you see this husband of a Kardashian in this uniform. Lamar Odom has been exiled to Dallas.

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777

Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777

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

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

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

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

Now For Call n Specials Move-I

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500

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

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

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

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

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

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

www.TowersApartmentsLA.com

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