area newsletter OCTOBER 2017 • SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
20 17
Community News Disney funding musical theater project in local los angeles schools
The Walt Disney Co. recently announced a donation of $100,000 to the Center Theatre Group to fund musical theater projects in local elementary schools. The project is part of their Disney Musicals in School initiative, which works with professional theater companies around the country to bring performing arts education to elementary schools that serve lowincome communities. As part of the project, Center Theatre Group will select five local schools in each of the next two years, and will send teaching artists to the schools to lead students in a production of a Disney KIDS musical. In addition to providing free performance rights, Disney will also provide scripts, accompaniment CD’s, a choreography DVD, and other cross-curricular activities. At the conclusion of the student production, the schools will be invited to perform a selection at a special event at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles.generous donations to the school.
Section of 134 freeway named after Obama
A section of the 134 freeway has officially been renamed in honor of former President Barak Obama. The stretch between the 2 and 210 freeways traverses Eagle Rock, the home of Occidental College, where Obama studied between 1979 and 1981. Obama transferred to Columbia University in New York City to finish his undergraduate degree, and later attended Harvard Law School. Though the measure was approved by the California legislature, privately-raised funds will be used to install new signs. This marks the 3rd commemorative action taken in the area to honor Obama, with the City of Los Angeles naming part of Rodeo Road in South LA after the 44th president, and the City of Pasadena installing a plaque at the apartment building that Obama occupied while attending Occidental.
Community News Van Nuys development to break ground
shop. The project will include 165 apartments, as well as approximately 14,000 square feet of commercial space. The owners will be setting aside several apartments for low-come tenants, taking advantage of a zoning ordinance that allows developers to exceed size limits when doing so. The development is located just a block north of Van Owen, close to two other apartment buildings, containing 205 and 254 units, are in development.
Bill would eliminate many jaywalking tickets Developers are building a new mixed-use structure at 7111 N Sepulveda Blvd., in Van Nuys, with plans to break ground in early 2018. The project calls for a six-story building containing 180 residential units, as well as 4,750 square feet of retail space and 2 levels of subterranean parking. Units will come in studio, one, two, and three bedroom layouts. Renderings of the building depict a contemporary style façade with orange and black features. The development will replace a former Ranch Farmers Market, which has been closed for about 3 years.
Apartments to replace KFC in Reseda
Developers are planning to build a five-story residential building at 6938 North Reseda Blvd., the current home to a KFC restaurant and an auto body
A bill pending in Sacramento would clarify the law regarding crossing signals, eliminating citations for pedestrians who cross after a countdown signal has begun. Under current law, police officers can cite citizens for jaywalking even when countdown signals indicate there is still plenty of time to cross the street, creating a “gotcha” situations for citizens who believe they are acting responsibly. The current law governing crossing signals was written in 1981, when signals only indicated “Walk” and “Don’t Walk,” and was not updated when signals became more advanced. With jaywalking tickets coming with a $197 fine, critics have accused police departments of enforcing the law only to raise revenues while also discouraging pedestrian culture. According to KPCC, the LAPD issued 20,000 such tickets in downtown LA, between 2011-2015, a potential payout of over $3.9 million. The new law, which would allow citizens to cross when it is safe to do so, has passed both chambers of the legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.
Restaurant
Spotlight
Kobee Factory
Bill’s Burgers
Boneyard Bistro
14110 Oxnard Street Van Nuys
14742 Oxnard Street Van Nuys
13539 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks
This Syrian restaurant in Van Nuys has become popular for its meat patty dish that comes in fried and grilled varieties. Their juicy patties are mixed with beef and bulgar that are filled with ground beef, pine nuts, and spices and grilled. If you prefer some kick, ask them to add minced jalapeños! Also, their shish taouk is a great deal, which includes two meals worth of tender chicken over rice with hummus and a salad on the side. The tiny restaurant is located between an auto repair shop and a liquor market, with a few tables and a counter. Kobee Factory is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
If you’re in the Valley, do yourself a favor and visit this gem! Bill’s Burgers in San Fernando Valley is a simple roadside stand with a short menu of sandwiches and burgers. No fries, just chips. Bill himself will cook your burger, just make sure you bring cash to pay. Here you can get a double cheeseburger under $6. Don’t forget to customize it and add bacon, a fried egg, pastrami, etc. You may have to wait a bit for your order only because fans show up to this spot on weekdays. Unfortunately Bill’s Burgers isn’t open on the weekend, so make sure you stop by Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aside from being a barbecue destination, Boneyard Bistro has also become one of the Valley’s best craft beer and cocktail spots. Here you can find pistachio-crusted baked Brie, whiskey-brined pork chops and pumpkin seed-crusted salmon. The restaurant is also known for their burgers., which are all made with 100 percent Snake River Farms American “Kobe Style” Wagyu beef. You can build your own and add bacon, avocado, cheese or grilled onions. “The O.M.G.” has onion rings, cheddar cheese, house-made bacon, onions, pickles, and more. For those who like a kick, try their spicy burger, which includes poblano and jalapeño peppers and is smothered in a habanero aioli. Boneyard Bistro is open seven days a week.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS in LOS ANGELES
J. Paul Getty Museum
LACMA
1200 Getty Center Drive Los Angeles, CA 90049
5905 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036
CURRENT EXHIBITION:
CURRENT EXHIBITION:
Happy Birthday, Mr. Hockney July 18 - November 26, 2017
Chagall: Fantasies for the Stage July 31, 2017 - January 7, 2018
In honor of David Hockney’s 80th birthday, the Getty is exhibiting a two-part retrospective of his career, focusing on self-portrait paintings than span 65 years of his life, as well as photographs and Polaroid photocollages from the 1980’s.
This exhibition focuses on the work Marc Chagall created for the stage, as well as iconic paintings depicting musicians and lyrical scenes. Of particular note are Chagall’s set and costume designs that haven’t been exhibited since they were originally seen on stage. The exhibition also includes the screening of documentary footage of the original performances.
Annenberg Space for Photography 2000 Avenue of the Stars #10, Los Angeles, CA 90067 CURRENT EXHIBITION: Cuba Is September 9, 2017 – March 4, 2018 Cuba has long held the fascination of many Americans, and even as travel restrictions have decreased in recent years, few have seen what life is actually like on the island. This exhibit features over 120 photos depicting a wide range of Cuban subjects, as well as an original film documenting how the photographers captured the images.
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