mid-city press
.com
Vol 1. No. 7
October 2010
Distributed monthly to 25,000 homes in Mid-City, Olympic Park, Country Club Park, Layfayette Square, Victoria Park, Arlington Heights, Angelus Vista, Harvard Heights, Oxford Square, West Adams, South Carthay, PicFair Village and the areas of Carthay Square, Wilshire Vista, Western Heights, Wellington Square and Jefferson Park
Sisters Mourn “Little Rock Nine” Member’s Death By Karen Jordan Mid-City Press Contributing Writer
By Jessica Pauline Ogilvie Mid-City Press Contributing Writer
Jefferson Thomas, a member of the “Little Rock Nine” who in 1957 helped integrate Central High School in Arkansas, died Sept. 5th of pancreatic cancer in Columbus, Ohio. He was 67. Ruth T. Jones-Sawyer, an Angelus Heights resident and one of his seven siblings, said she is still in shock as was the youngest in the family. “You know your baby brother,” said Jones-Sawyer. “We figured out of the eight of us, he’d be the last one to go, but I guess the good Lord had other plans.” see THOMAS page 5
Students Well Into Middle School Life At New Los Angeles Charter School By Shirley Hawkins, Mid-City Press Contributing Writer
Photo: Julia Meltzer Sixth graders enjoy the first day of school at the New Los Angeles Charter School.
WASHINGTON BLVD—After months of re-envisioning a once abandoned warehouse here at Burnside Avenue, the school year has begun for The New Los Angeles Charter School. Inside the building’s brick walls, is a sunny yellow interior now bustling with 300 middle-school aged children. The joy of learning is evident when visits to several classrooms reveal students
City Files Suit vs. Ralphs for Overcharging
paired off in small groups, chatting excitedly about schoolwork or upcoming projects. “We value what students bring to their peers and teachers,” said Matt Albert, the school’s founder. “We encourage the students to focus on all kinds of ideas.” Already, just a month into the new school year, students have worked on such proj-
Out and About: Billy Childs Crenshaw at Nate Holden Center, 2 Correspondent, 3
ects as helping to save ocean wildlife by partnering with the non-profit organization Heal the Bay and participating in protesting human rights abuses by writing letters under the guidance of Jewish World Watch. And with other public schools cutting art and physical education programs across the country, students at The New Los Angeles School are learning yoga and participating in performing arts and play production. Classes in the visual arts are offered as well. The school—which emphasizes student centered learning, social justice and life skills—is the brainchild of Albert, a former history teacher who holds a Ph.D in Education. The only middle school in the immediate area, the school already has amassed a long wait list of students eager to attend.
Ray Charles Memorial Library Opens, 4
Photo: Daire Wolf IN CHARMETTE’S HONOR— Charmette Bonpua Safe Park Plaza opened on September 16th at the Rancho Cienega Sports Complex on Rodeo Road. Mrs. Victoria Bonpua cries after the unveiling of the plaque made in honor of her daughter Charmette Bonpua, who died Feb. 14th from complications related to a brain aneurysm. Bonpua was 44 years old and had been Los Angeles City Councilmember Herb Wesson’s (Council District 10) Chief of Staff. Consoling Ms. Bonpua is councilmemer Wesson. Also present were Charmette Bonpua’s nieces, Isasbelle and Gabriella; John Mukri, General Manager of the Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation and Parks and Nigel Binns, artist of the plaque.
Restaurant Review: Soot Bull Jeep, 5
MID-CITY—Following an extensive remodel, the Ralphs grocery store located at Pico, San Vicente and Venice boulevards, was heralded in a press release as the “first of its kind Ralphs Signature store.” Yet amidst celebration over the long-awaited renovation, the grocery chain is facing a multi-count criminal case which claims that it overcharged customers. The city attorney brought the case against Ralphs and its parent company, Kroger, in May of this year. In the suit, 14 Ralphs stores are listed, with locations ranging from the San Fernando Valley to Los Angeles. Charges include 14 counts of false and misleading advertising, 18 violations of unlawful computation of value, nine violations of selling prepackaged commodities in less quantity than represented and 18 violations of false labeling. The problem was discovered by the Los Angeles City Dept. of Weights and Measures in 2008. Between that year and 2009, Ralphs stores were issued 48 citations. “The inspectors were checking for things that are sold by weight, like fish, bulk coffee, deli items, and they kept finding the same violations over and over again,” said Don Cocek, deputy city attorney who filed the case. Specific violations found by city inspectors include not defrosting fish properly so customers paid for the weight of ice, incorrectly marking the weight on packages of chicken sold by the ounce, and charging customers for bulk coffee without subtracting the weight see RALPHS page 3
Real Estate Sales, 6
mid-city press [letter from the publisher] It’s hard to be a journalist and not make mention of the unbelievable work of a handful of Los Angeles Times reporters who uncovered the Bell scandal. Most city servants and
volunteers serve with good intention. But even here in Mid-City, we’ve had our own mini-scandal with one neighborhood council boardmember misusing taxpayer funds— to the tune of $27,000. As always, as residents and taxpayers, we should stay active, involved and attend meetings whenever possible.
It’s our money, after all, that is being spent. This month, we welcome Chalon Washington as our West Adams Correspondent. Also, this month, we had more than could fit in our print edition, so please check out midcitypress.com for more stories.
Pick up the Mid-City Press at these locations: Atomic Café 5001 W. Washington Blvd.
Pasquale’s Café and Pizza 5616 San Vicente Blvd.
Chulada Grill 5607 San Vicente Blvd.
Sky’s Tacos 5408 W. Pico Blvd.
EsoWon Books 4331 Degnan Blvd.
Splendid Cleaners 1226 S. Cochran Ave.
[ OUT AND ABOUT: OCTOBER 2010 ] By Oliver Gettell BOOKS Book Club This book group, which meets the first Friday of the month, will discuss Olive Kitteridge, the 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning short-story collection by Elizabeth Strout. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library. Memorial Branch Library, Fri., Oct. 1st, 1 p.m. 4625 W. Olympic Blvd., Mid-Wilshire. Information: (323) 938-2732. www.lapl.org. Nicole Roberts Jones Eso Won welcomes Nicole Roberts Jones, the founder and CEO of Imani Corporation, a faith-based nonprofit. Jones will sign and discuss her book Define Your Own Way: Life Lessons for Young Women. Eso Won Bookstore, Fri., Oct. 15th, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 4331 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park. Information: (323) 290-1048. www. esowonbookstore.com.
CULTURE Is the U.S. Ready for Asia’s Rise? This installment of Zócalo Public Square’s roaming cultural discussions explores the shifting geopolitical focus of the 21st
century to the Indian Ocean region. Robert Kaplan, a national correspondent for The Atlantic, will lead the discussion. The event is free, but reservations are recommended. Parking is $8 with validation. Petersen Automotive Museum, Wed., Oct. 27th, 7:30 p.m. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire. Information: www.zocalopublicsquare.org.
FARMERS MARKETS L.A. Adams/Vermont Farmers Market This neighborhood farmers market features a seasonal selection of fruits, vegetables, local specialties and organic food. St. Agnes Catholic Church, Wed., Oct. 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 1432 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles. Information: (323) 777-1755; www. farmernet.com. Wellington Square Farmers Market Opened in March, this new farmers market drew an estimated 300400 attendees on its first Sunday. In keeping with Seventh-day Adventist practices, the market’s offerings are all vegetarian. They include produce, baked goods, prepared food and flowers. Smyrna Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sun., Oct. 3rd, 10th, 17th,
24th, 31st, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 4394 W. Washington Blvd., West Adams. Info: (323) 373-0961; www. wellingtonsquarefarmersmarket. com.
MUSIC Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble Grammy-winning pianist and composer Billy Childs will perform with his Jazz Chamber Ensemble, which combines the free-flowing nature of jazz and the complexity of classical music. Joining them will be the Eclipse Quartet. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Ebony Repertory Theatre/Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, Sat., Oct. 16th, 8 p.m. 4718 W. Washington Blvd., Mid-City. Information: (323) 964-9766; www.ebonyrep.org. Sleigh Bells Treats, the debut album of Brooklyn noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells, will surely end up on plenty of critics’ best-of lists at the end of the year. Hear what all the fuss is about when they come to the El Rey. Pictureplane will open. Tickets are $17. El Rey Theatre, Wed., Oct. 20th, 8 p.m. 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile. Information: (323) 936-6400; www.theelrey.com.
Jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs will perform at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center.
RECREATION CicLAvia Los Angeles’ first ciclovía — a citywide series of street closures designed to promote walking, skating, playing and bike riding — invites Angelenos to enjoy seven and a half miles of car-free streets. The concept originated in the congested streets of Bogotá, Colombia, more than 30 years ago. A map of the designated area is available online. Sun., Oct. 10th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along New Hampshire Ave., Fourth
St., Virgil Ave., Sixth St., and beyond. Information: www.ciclavia.org.
THEATER Back on the Boards The L’art Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping disadvantaged youths through arts education, presents Back on the Boards, a stage play and musical by Lamar Hoke Jr. Tickets are $25-$100. Wilshire Ebell Theatre, Mon., Oct. 11th, 8 p.m. 4401 W. 8th St., Mid-Wilshire. Information: (323) 939-1128; www.lartfoundation.org.
Halloween Happenings Around Mid-City By Oliver Gettell Normandie Rec Center Halloween Carnival This weekend-long carnival will delight kids with rides, games, activities and giveaways. Proceeds will benefit the rec center. Normandie Recreation Center, Fri., Oct. 29th, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat., Oct. 30th, and Sun. Oct. 31st, noon to 10 p.m. 1550 S. Normandie Ave., Pico-Union. Information: (323) 737-1181. Queen Anne Halloween Carnival This family-friendly Halloween event features face painting, games, snacks, a costume parade and prizes, all in a fun carnival atmosphere. Queen Anne Recreation Center, Sat., Oct. 30th, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 1240 West Blvd., Mid-Wilshire. Information: (323) 857-1180. Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch Whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin or fun Halloween activities, this country-style patch
has you covered. The fun includes ponies, a petting zoo, a ball house and more. Sat., Oct. 9th, to Sun., Oct. 31st, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 5750 Mesmer Ave., Culver City. Information: (310) 390-7800; www.shawnspumpkinpatch.com Washington Irving Library Halloween Party Children and teens are encouraged to get dressed up in the scariest costumes for this spooktacular party featuring games, a costume contest and treats. Washington Irving Branch Library, Thurs., Oct. 28th, 6 p.m. 4117 W. Washington Blvd., Arlington Heights. Information: (323) 734-6303; www.lapl.org.
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October 2010
mid-city press [Crenshaw correspondent]
Saving Gangsters One Car At A Time By Shirley Hawkins, Mid-City Contributing Writer If you happen to drive by the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue in Los Angeles on a Sunday, you’ll notice a man waving a huge white sign emblazoned with the words “Jesus Saves Gangsters, Too.” Pastor Worthy (he asked to have his first name withheld) is a familiar fixture on this corner in Leimert Park, where for the past 10 years the determined
they showed a great interest. “The program requires that you look at yourself,” said Worthy, who once ran the streets as the leader of a gang. “I let these guys know that there’s another alternative to drug dealing, getting shot and going to jail. They blame their predicament on outside forces, but I tell them they have to look at what’s going on inside.” Worthy, who has also
were living the gangster lifestyle, I would take my homies to church so that they could hear the Word. Then one day in 1988, I visited a church and God touched my heart. I gave my life over to the Jesus Christ.” Worthy became an ordained minister in 1988. He said since starting the non-profit, he has counseled hundreds of youths. He said it is not unusual for gang members to pull up in their cars on the corner to talk. “Some of them are drinking and smoking blunts. A few of them say that they were going to rob and kill somebody,” recalls Worthy. “I do my best to try and persuade them out of it.” Gangsters Anonymous can be reached by calling (323) 791-9969 or at gangsterministry@aol.com.
RALPHS from page 1
of the bag. When taken together, said Cocek, these seemingly small violations amount to a lot: “At 10.99 a pound [for coffee], the bag costs 34 cents, so every customer would pay for the bag. It all adds up after a while.” Representatives from Kroger did not respond to repeated attempts by the MidCity Press to reach the company for comment. While the newly renovated Mid-City location is not listed in the criminal case, some locals report being overcharged there. When confronted, residents report that store management offered their money back or free product. “They were willing to give
me my money back on the spot,” said Laura Rudison, of the Olympic Park Neighborhood Council (OPNC), who states that she was overcharged for canned green beans. “What about the hundreds of thousands of people who are not looking at their receipts?” she said. In response to the repeated citations against the company, the Department of Weights and Measures conducted an investigation into the company from January to March of this year, and found 27 more violations of overcharging. Ralphs and Kroger now face 62 counts of misdemeanor. If charged, Kroger and Ralphs could each face fines and penalty assessments of up to $256,000.
CoMiNg sooN • Triplex 4+2,1+1, and 1+1 Mid City $639,000 Nick Mercado Your Mid-City specialist and neighborhood expert. Live, Work and Play in Mid City. Call me for a free market evaluation of your home. 323.896.9955 mobile 323.300.1098 office 4NickMercado@gmail.com Pastor Worthy at the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue. Worthy preaches from the corner on Sundays.
minister has offered counseling for troubled young men caught up in an at-risk lifestyle. With approximately 70 gangs operating in the county of Los Angeles, Southern Californians seem to support Worthy’s efforts: from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the pastor is greeted by honks of approval and shouts of encouragement from drivers whizzing by. “People stop and give me water and financial support,” said Worthy, whose phone number is prominently displayed on the sign. “Young men stroll up to chat or call the number to discuss their problems.” Worthy is the founder of the faith based Gangsters Anonymous, based on a similar premise as Alcoholics Anonymous. Like AA, Gangsters Anonymous focuses on accountability and self-examination. Worthy, a former inmate, developed the program while serving a five-year stint in state prison. “I started corresponding with people from Alcoholics Anonymous who basically told me how to set up my program,” he said. “When I told the other inmates about the program,
ministered on Skid Row, numerous juvenile facilities and for the Los Angeles Police Dept.’s “Jeopardy” program that targets at-risk youth, said he was immersed in the gang lifestyle for years. “I was a gang founder and a gang leader, and I did it all— shoot outs with police, high speed pursuits,” he said. Worthy said his volatile gang lifestyle eventually caught up with him. “I was shot three times,” he said, adding that the bullets are still lodged in his body. “The bullets are too close to my heart to remove. I couldn’t raise my left arm for seven years.” Worthy said he was raised by a religious mother who constantly read the Bible. Curious about his mother’s fervor for the bible, Worthy said he started reading it while he was incarcerated. “I wanted to find out why my mother so obsessed with this book,” he recalled. After being released, Worthy said that despite his best efforts, he once again became immersed in the gang lifestyle. “But God was working on me,” he said. “Even though we
October 2010
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mid-city press [herb wesson councilmember]
[West Adams Correspondent]
“L.A. Shares:” A Simple Idea Ray Charles Memorial Library to Open That Works By Los Angeles City Councilmember Herb Wesson
By Chalon Washington, Mid-City Press Columnist
I want to tell you about a great organization called L.A. Shares that is helping the community in a really creative way. L.A. Shares is a nonprofit program that takes tax-deductible donations of reusable goods and materials—both new and used—from the local busi-
WEST ADAMS—The area honored the 80th birthday of iconic American entertainer Ray Charles with the g r a n d opening of the Ray Charles Memorial Library, Sept. 23rd—his birthday. The library is located at 2107 W. Washington Blvd., right outside the northern edge of the district and will be the newest addition to “Ray Charles Square.” The Ray Charles Square currently houses RPM Recording Studio built in the winter of 1964 as well as his former business headquarters. Here he recorded classics like, “Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma” and “America the Beautiful.” As history proves itself, Charles faced his own adversities growing up, such as going blind by age 7 or being orphaned at 15. Still, the musical genius learned to read and write music. As a songwriter, he penned nearly 200 songs. Even more impressively his music crossed over to an impossible market at the time—he was trying to sell records to those who wouldn’t drink from the same water fountain as him. Although his trade being the Hammond B-3 organ and the piano was in itself a conquest, Charles landed at the top of Billboard’s R&B, pop,
will accept donations from individuals. However, their focus is on obtaining items that are needed by nonprofit organizations and schools. These would include office furniture such as desks and file cabinets; and office equipment, such as computers, fax machines, printers and printing cartridges. There is also a need for office supplies, such as calculators, paper, pens, staplers, file folders, scissors and light-bulbs. They do not accept items such as clothes
Established in 1991, L.A. Shares has redistributed over $180 million worth of goods to approximately 2,500 organizations and schools. Last year alone they gave away more than $11.3 million worth of goods and material. ness community. They then redistribute these items free of charge to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout Los Angeles. It was my pleasure to join L.A. Shares at their recent “shopping day” at their warehouse near Griffith Park where organizations and schools brought their shopping lists of things they needed. I had an opportunity to see first hand how important having this resource was in addressing the needs of our community during this difficult economic period. Established in 1991, L.A. Shares has redistributed over $180 million worth of goods to approximately 2,500 organizations and schools. Last year alone they gave away more than $11.3 million worth of goods and material. They have become the largest single donor of such items to the Los Angeles Unified School District. Although they receive donations primarily from the business community, they also
or bedding. In addition to office supplies, our schools are in need of items such as musical instruments, art supplies and gym equipment. An added incentive for donors, apart from the tax deduction, is what is saved in terms of the disposal, reducing landfill waste. Last year L.A. Shares diverted over 1,000 tons of material that would have gone to landfills. The concept is simple, but it works, and it’s free of charge. This is a resource that we all can support, either as a donor or a recipient organization. Learn more about L.A. Shares and how you can get involved at their website: www.lashares.org
country, dance and jazz charts and spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. When asked to assess his role in the music industry he humbly stated, “I just do what I do.” However despite the modest sentiments on his achievements, his legacy has shaped today’s music creatively and as an industry. Since 1964, RPM Studios has been a signature establishment in which numerous award-winning, world-renowned artists and albums have been recorded. In 2004, RPM International was officially designated “A cultural and historic landmark” by the city of Los Angeles. At the ceremony, Charles was quoted “I love this place, It’s the only home I’ve truly had for most of my professional career and I thank the city of Los Angeles for their efforts to make the studios a special part of Los Angeles history.” Long time manager Joe Adams and Ray designed, RPM International and its creators remained loyal to the neighborhood, formerly known as Sugar Hill and now known as Harvard Heights.
The centerpiece of the Ray Charles Memorial Library is a self-guided interactive exhibit. The experience includes a 15-minute introductory film, touch screen portals, photographic panels and participatory activities— such as mixing a song and hearing the resulting performance by Charles or singing along on a stage as a background “Raelett.” Charles’ piano, recording equipment, stage wardrobe and legendary sunglasses are among the hundreds of artifacts on display. The Library will also house the extensive archives of recordings, photographs, documents, awards, gifts and other objects of historical importance. With plans to extend access to the general public in 201, the library will now be open exclusively to school groups by invitation only. “We want [students] to walk away from this place with changed perspectives about themselves, inspired by the possibilities. At a time when music and arts curriculum in the schools has declined, we also hope the library will be a catalyst to encourage young people to study music and learn about the business side of the industry as well,” said Valerie Ervin, president of the Ray Charles Foundation.
Vee’s Café Hosts Halloween Spooky Art Exhibit ADAMS BOULEVARD—Vee’s Café will host a group art exhibit to celebrate Halloween, Oct. 15th through Nov. 19th, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. each evening. The free event will feature art, live painting and music. 5418 W. Adams Blvd. (323) 931-8337. Veescafe.net Page 4
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October 2010
mid-city press [restaurant review]
Soot Bull Jeep Review By Anna Eriksson
W. 8th STREET—Hankering for real barbecue with real charcoal? You must head to Soot Bull Jeep. If you’re not a confidant cook, no worries, the staff appears silently and helps you cook your “kalbi” (protein of choice). They even magically administer ice and water to your grill in the event of a flame up. Meals arrive with rice, a refreshing marinade for dipping and Panchan: the vegetable offerings of Kim Chee (seasoned cabbage), two types of daikon radish one sweetly pickled, one spicy, steamed sesame spinach salad and my favorite, a Tenja bean paste with zesty garlic. Don’t forget the gug “goog” soup, a refreshing palate cleanser that is a gentle broth with fresh scallions for brightness. Korean food is generally light on your waist, yet packs tons of complex flavor in each
bite. The best part of this regional fare is that you get to select your flavors so you’re in complete control. The waiters help you place everything directly onto your personal grill, from fresh squid to beef tongue and pork ribs— it’s all budget-friendly and pretty guilt free. I personally like to play with my food, so I get down with my tongs and chopsticks and pretend I’m a grill master. If you order your food to go, one of the waiters will simply take your food to a table as if you were dining in, and prepare your food just as you would, then they pop it all into packages to take home. Their parking lot can get bizarrely hectic, so I go for street parking. Soot Bull Jeep 3136 W 8th St. (213) 387-3865
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THOMAS from page 1
Jones-Sawyer still remembers how determined Thomas was to succeed when he entered the now famous Central High School as a 15-year-old sophomore. “He was only going to get an education at the time,” she
nior high school. Still, he had a sense of humor. “He loved to crack jokes,” Jones-Sawyer said. “It got him through. Until the day he died, he had that dry humor.” Some of Thomas’s fellow members of the “Little Rock Nine” were in attendance at a funeral held for him Sept. 18th
As a result of Thomas’s role in the “Little Rock Nine” their father was fired from his job as a salesman and Thomas was subject to constant mistreatment. said. “Central High was the best place to get an education.” However, the family had no idea what was in store. As a result of Thomas’s role in the “Little Rock Nine” their father was fired from his job as a salesman and Thomas was subject to constant mistreatment. “They picked on him more because he was the smallest,” said Jones-Sawyer. “So he got the most beatings and harassment from the kids.” Sister Jessie Agee, who also lives in Angelus Heights, still remembers the day her brother came home from school after being kicked until he was unconscious. “My mother was really put out about it,” Agee said. “She didn’t want him to go back.” Despite this, Thomas returned to school with one advantage: he was a fast runner. It often helped him outrun the bullies, Jones-Sawyer said. Ironically, Thomas was not allowed to run track at the school although he won trophies for the sport at his ju-
at Holman United Methodist Church on W. Adams Blvd. Others attended another service held for him in Columbus. After Thomas graduated from Central High in 1960, his family relocated to Los Angeles. Thomas served in Vietnam, worked as a financial analyst with the Dept. of Defense in Ohio and traveled the
country for speaking engagements upon retirement. All eight siblings have remained close in recent years, most talking by phone everyday. Jones-Sawyer was elected earlier this year to the governing board of the United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council (UNNC). She said her brother was especially proud of her accomplishment. “Jeff was happy,” she recalled. “He said, ‘I knew you were going to win.’” Jones-Sawyer said there is comfort in knowing her brother loved the life he lived and valued the lessons he learned in Little Rock. “He had no regrets,” she said. “I think it made him stronger. He was more tolerant of people… He said he fought three battles: the battle in Little Rock, the battle in the army on the front line, and the battle of cancer that he lost.”
City Working to Eliminate Landfills By Caitlin M. Foyt, Mid-City Press Contributing Writer Los Angeles will always have trash, but it won’t always have a place to put all of it. By 2040, Los Angeles will have run out of landfill space, said Bruce Durbin, head of the Mid City Neighborhood Council’s (MINC) Planning & Land Use Committee, during last month’s monthly board meeting. “The city of L.A., in 30 years’ time, is not going to have a landfill at its disposal unless it ships (garbage) by train out to Imperial Valley, which all of you will pay for,” he said, as he pointed at people sitting around the room. “That’s why the city is coming up with a new plan where 90 percent of trash will eventually be converted into energy.” This new waste plan, known as the “Solid Waste Integrated Resources Plan (SWIRP),” according to MINC’s Durbin, will include
building waste processing facilities in every district of the city. Ninety percent of everything that is thrown away within city limits will either be recycled, composted or converted into energy. It’s an action plan that should completely eliminate landfills, he said. “You and I think of landfills as trash,” Durbin told the group. “Your children and your grandchildren
October 2010
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will think of trash as energy conversion. That’s how the culture will change and Los Angeles is at the forefront of this.” The City of Los Angeles Dept. of Public Works’ Bureau of Sanitation did not return phone calls as of press time regarding details about when these facilities will be built or when they can start being used by the city.
Look for these stories online at midcitypress.com • “Artifacts” from times past found at Mid-City Midtown Crossing construction site. • Loretta Devine feels the love in her one woman show “Pieces of Me,” at Stage 52, on W. Washington Blvd. • Family Matters: Columnist Anita Saunders provides ideas on making connections in this day and age when we tend to isolate more.
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mid-city press [real estate]
Home Inspections–Know What You’re Buying By Nick Mercado, Mid-City Press Real Estate Columnist Let’s discuss an important aspect of the home buying process… the home inspection. You’ve probably spent quite a bit of time defining the criteria that is important to you when you began searching for a home. Now that you’ve found the home that’s right for you, it is quite valuable for you to know exactly what it is you’re buying. Oftentimes, your lender will require an inspection prior to funding your loan. When choosing a home
inspector, make sure inspection services are all that are offered. Some inspection companies also perform repair services. By selecting an inspector who only provides a physical inspection, you are assured of having an impartial, unbiased neutral third party who will give you an honest assessment. Keep in mind the inspector’s job is to make an evaluation of the home’s mechanical systems, including electrical and plumbing, how structurally sound it is, and to alert you of anything that may need to be addressed—if not immediately—then in the near future. In short, the inspection allows you, the buyer, the opportuni-
ty to identify any issues prior to you taking possession of it. It is most ideal for you as the buyer to personally attend the inspection or at least walk through the house with the inspector after the inspection is completed. This gives the inspector the opportunity to point out to you anything that they’ve found. Expect this process to take three to four hours. It will include the foundation, plumbing, kitchen appliances, heating and cooling systems, roof, attic and the home’s exterior. Generally, you will receive a full report in writing of the inspector’s finding within a day or two. If you are considering sell-
ing your home, you may also want to consider having a home inspection to make sure there are no material defects of your home before you begin negotiating with a buyer. This can save substantial headache in the long run. Your best resource in
finding a reputable home inspector is through your real estate agent. Your agent has probably worked with inspectors that have provided good service and have proven to be reliable. Above all, be wise and make sure your investment is sound.
[ SELECT HOME SALES OCTOBER 2010 ] 90006 Condominimums 1036 S SERRANO AVE 403 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $430,000 1043 S KENMORE AVE 505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380,000 900
S HOBART BLVD 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360,000
90018 Single Family Homes 1718 W 35TH PL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,000 1720 W 25TH ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360,000 2906 HALLDALE AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275,000 3520 8TH AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227,000
90019 Single Family Homes 1523 S CURSON AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $635,000
Health Insurance High?
1857 S REDONDO BLVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600,000 1244 S WINDSOR BLVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520,000 1762 CRENSHAW BLVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000
90034 Single Family Homes 2112 GUTHRIE DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500,000 2932 S BEVERLY DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830,000
Make a 5 minute call to lower your premiums 323-655-8183
3026 S BEVERLY DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710,000
90035 Condominimums 1318 ROXBURY DR 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $950,000 1027 S BEDFORD ST 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545,000 8651 W OLYMPIC BLVD 310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460,000 1434 S POINT VIEW ST 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400,000
90035 Single Family Homes 9326 OAKMORE RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,190,000 9730 KIRKSIDE RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,100,000
Auto - Home - Life CA Lic #0577031
Local Agent - JK Mueller 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
1521 S DURANGO AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,057,000 8826 HORNER ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 785,000
90039 Single Family Homes 3731 GRIFFITH VIEW DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $707,500 2446 MCCREADY AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703,000
NEW WATERING DAYS
NOW IN EFFECT
4037 CHEVY CHASE DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392,000 3037 ATWATER AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285,000 Sales are from the previous month. Source: Great American Real Estate Solutions
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If you have an odd-numbered address, your watering days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
If you have an even-numbered address, your watering days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Sprinkler use is allowed before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. only, for up to 8 minutes per station per day. Customers with water-conserving nozzles (rotors and multi-stream rotary heads) are allowed two 15-minute cycles each watering day. For more information and the complete list of the prohibited uses of water, visit www.ladwp.com or call 1-800-DIAL DWP.
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TRIED, TESTED & PROVEN FOR YEARS IN YOUR COMMUNITY Coldwell Banker Hancock Park South Office since 1997 Licensed California Realtor since 1985 University of Southern California (USC) Alumni Honesty, Integrity, Experience, Discretion, Professionalism...why would you take a chance with anybody else? Coldwell Banker Hancock Park South Office 119 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004
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www.midcitypress.com
October 2010
mid-city press [religion and spirituality]
Cell 323-251-3763
What Reformation Day?
Advertise in the
By Katherine Spiers Mid-City Press Religion and Spirituality Writer There is a Protesta nt holiday that was once a very important affair— and in many parts of the world still is—but in Los Angeles, most MidCity churches aren’t paying any attention to it. Reformation Day falls on October 31st every year, celebrating the commonly accepted day in 1517 that Martin Luther posted his “95 Theses” to a church door in Germany and kick-started the Protestant Reformation in earnest. Two of the main points that separate Protestantism from Catholicism are justification by faith and the priesthood of all believers. The former states that people cannot “earn” God’s love—through indulgences, for example; the latter, that every person has their own relationship with
God: going through a priest or other church leader is unnecessary. Reformation Day has traditionally been a time to reflect on those two tenets. It is a civic holiday in Slovenia, some German states and in Chile, were it wasn’t officially recognized until 2008. But here in the United States, the holiday appears to have fallen by the wayside. Local Mid-City churches such as Oasis Church and St. Paul’s have no plans for the holiday; other churches such as Trinity Baptist are holding Halloween-related festivities (though they’re more likely to be called a Harvest Festival). In face, it is probably due to the cultural importance of Halloween in the United States that Reformation Day is not given much thought. Collecting candy is more of a draw than quiet contemplation, after all. C
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edward Banner
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E.B. PLUMBING SERVICES Repiping, Service & Repair, Remodeling Drain Cleaning
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October 2010
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