area newsletter JANUARY 2018 • WESTSIDE
20 18
Community News Gladstone’s avoids closure… for now
Gladstone’s, the iconic Malibu seafood restaurant, has won a reprieve in its ongoing battle to stay open. After the County of Los Angeles indicated in August 2016 that Gladstone’s was unlikely to secure a new, long-term lease for its seaside location, the restaurant continued operating through the next year, picking up a new 2-5 year lease while the County sorts out what to do with the property. Gladstone’s, which has been a popular destination since 1972, has struggled with decreased revenues and pressing maintenance needs in recent years. The County agreed to lower the annual rent from $1.7 million to $900,000 but also indicated that as Gladstone’s reached the end of their lease in October 2017, they would be looking for a financial secure tenant to sign a 40 year lease for the prime location. The County is reportedly reviewing submitted proposals for the property, which is expected to include demolition of the existing structure. In the meantime, Gladstone’s remains open for business.
Culver City considering plan to expand oil drilling and fracking The city council of Culver City is considering a proposal to add 30 new oil wells and allow fracking
and other forms of exaction within city limits. Culver City is home to approximately 10% of the Inglewood Oil Fields, which, at 1,000 acres, is one of the largest urban oil fields in the United States. Residents have protested expansion of oil production, citing links between oil fields and health problems and concerns that fracking could lead to increased seismic activity. Proponents of the plan claim that refusing to expand drilling would open up the city to lawsuits from deep-pocketed oil companies. Officials have agreed to extend the public comment period for the Environmental Impact Report, which will delay the final vote on the project until after City Council elections in April 2018.
Initiative would speed up Metro projects
On the heels of Los Angeles being selected as the host for the 2028 Summer Olympics, the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority has announced a proposal to ramp up construction of several projects throughout the city. Dubbed “ Twenty- Eight by ’28,” the initiative would speed up the timelines for projects, such as expansion of Metro lines and redevelopment of the Washington/ Flower junction, to help prepare the city for hosting thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world.
Community News Sawtelle development moving forward
of California. The change in regulations follows allegations that the October fires in wine country, which killed 44 people, were caused by powerlines toppled by high winds. Over the years, several other fires have been attributed to the negligence of utility companies, leading to millions in civil fines and verdicts.
Brentwood shopping center due for renovation
Developers have begun construction on a mixedused project at 11421 W. Olympic Blvd. Called “On Butler,” the project will consist of a six-story building containing 77 apartments and approximately 6,500 square feet of ground floor retail space. The north side of the building will step down several feet in order to be blend better with the lower-profile residences in the area. The project has been in development for several years, with the projects architect Farhad Ashofteh working with local residents to adapt the building’s design.
State passes new rules to prevent wildfires With wildfires still raging in various parts of the state, California’s Public Utilities Commission recently adopted regulations requiring utility companies to do a better job in reducing fire hazards near power lines. The new rules would require utilities to maintain clearances between power lines and vegetation in highrisk areas, which accounts for approximately 44%
The shopping center at 11819 Wilshire Blvd., near Granville Ave. in Brentwood, is expected to be renovated, converting it into a more pedestrianfriendly retail destination. The owners plan to
replace the central parking lot with an outdoor plaza, as well as adding a pedestrian bridge across the property. CorePower Yoga, a current tenant at the mall is expected to remain in the new plaza and represent the type of businesses that the owners hope to attract going forward. The project isn’t the only pending construction in the area as a 34-story residential tower is planned for 11750 Wilshire, about half a block away.
Restaurant
Spotlight
La Cabaña
Tar & Roses
Fork-In Aussie Pies
738 Rose Avenue Venice
620 Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica
2510 Main Street Santa Monica
La Cabaña in Venice has been serving excellent Mexican food since 1963. The restaurant has a colorful patio where you can enjoy chips, salsa and more than 18 different margaritas. The Venice institution makes their tortillas in-house on a brick-layered fireplace, has a live mariachi band, and guacamole tableside. La Cabaña is open Monday – Sunday from 11 – 3 a.m.
Andrew Kirschner is known for developing the popular Tar & Roses in Santa Monica, which has been a huge success. The award winning chef has created a menu with only the highest quality ingredients and fresh, local products. The moodly lit, buzzy spot has seasonal American small & large plates, plus an ample wine and beer list. Here you can enjoy braised lamb belly, venison loin, king trumpet mushrooms, and much more! Tar & Roses is open typically open Monday – Saturday from 5:30 – 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
This establishment is run by “Chopped” Champion, Joe Youhkan (The Tasting Spoon), who is the culinary director behind the Aussie Pies and has teamed up with owners Nick Bishop and Geri Chua. The menu features various types of pies ranging from Steak and Shiraz, Thai Curry Chicken, Lamb & Rosemary, to name a few. Patrons can also choose from different sides like roasted garlic mash, sausage stuffing, roasted yams, and plenty other options! Fork-In Aussie Pies open Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS in LOS ANGELES
Natural History Museum
LACMA
Annenberg Space for Photography
900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007
5905 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036
CURRENT EXHIBITION:
CURRENT EXHIBITION:
Tattoo November 19, 2017 – April 15, 2018
Painted in Mexico, 1700–1790: Pinxit Mexici November 19, 2017–March 18, 2018
Cuba Is September 9, 2017 – March 4, 2018
This exhibition focuses on Mexican paintings of the 18th century, a time that featured major stylistic advances as Mexican artists often sought to distinguish themselves from the European counterparts. LACMA has gathered over 100 works to display, including paintings that were previously unpublished, or were restored for the exhibition.
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.
Demonstrating 5,000 years of history, the Natural History Museum’s exhibition displays the cross-cultural impact of body art through the years and around the world. Featuring historic samples of tattoo art and the equipment used to create it, the museum also brings the experience into the present with a series of tattoo artists offering their services on-site during the exhibition.
2000 Avenue of the Stars #10, Los Angeles, CA 90067 CURRENT EXHIBITION:
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