Los Feliz Ledger [people in my neighborhood]
All in the Name of Pablo
Local Produces CD to Benefit Childrens Hospital By Colleen Paeff, Ledger Contributing Writer is hoping that will change. “Diseases are getting trickier and trickier and treatment just keeps getting better,” Castelaz said. “How that happens isn’t magic. It happens because of places like Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).” C a s te l a z Jeff and Pablo Castelaz, Grady Gallagher, Jo Ann Thrailkill with knows a thing Santa Claus or two about tricky diseases. Last May, his SILVER LAKE—Silver Laker 5-year-old son, Pablo, was diJeff Castelaz wants you to agnosed with bilateral Wilms’ know there’s a gem of a hospiTumor, a rare form of children’s tal just down the street. Many cancer that affects the kidneys. of you probably drive past it His family is in the final months every day, he says, without givof a nine-month chemotherapy ing it much thought. Castelaz [echo park correspondent]
“Stories” Opens in Echo Park By Hayley Fox, Ledger Columnist ECHO PARK—“Stories” bookstore in Echo Park is cozy, unique, and community conscious. Lacking any hints of pretentiousness, this newest addition to the changing face of Echo Park does so with a unique balance of simplicity and eclecticism that makes all feel welcome. “We knew we wanted to have a focus on Los Angeles and California history, pop culture, cookbooks, kids books, and fiction; subjects we like,” said Liz Garo, who owns the shop with partner Claudia Colodro. “Stories” is bright and airy, encouraging you to sit and enjoy with spacious seating areas near the store’s front windows; a large umbrella dotted back patio; and even padded bench seats in between the aisles of books. A cafe of coffee and baked good basics is elevated to new heights, with creations from baker Barbara Monderine,
famed creator of Auntie Em’s. A snack menu includes baguette with salami and a pita plate of hummus and feta cheese. Sandwiches, soups, and possibly breakfast frittatas are planned for the future. A great place to discover classic vintage literary novels, sneakily read your newest favorite graphic novel, or read about the great California wilderness, “Stories” keeps its selection dynamic and potent. Hosting book signings like that of Dope Menace: The Sensational World of Drug Paperbacks, as well as a twice a month kids’ “Storytime @ Stories” this bookstore extends open arms to all. Garo said she hopes to make “coffee and dessert, and a poet or an author, an alternative to going to a club, ” as the shop ads weekly Friday night events or readings. Stories, 1716 Sunset Blvd., (213) 413-3733
2516 to 2518 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 1,560 sq. ft. of Retail 1,560 sq. ft. of Warehouse with High Ceilings 300 sq. ft. Storage Room Parking at the Rear of Property $749,000
(323) 497-6655 regimen that has effectively made CHLA their home away from home. And Castelaz is brimming with praise for the place. “It treats anyone that walks through its doors,” he said. “Most hospitals don’t do that.” In 2007, CHLA spent $90 million on charitable care and community benefits. “There’s research being done there,” he said, “that isn’t being done anywhere else in the world.” The Saban Research Institute at CHLA is widely considered to be one of the best research facilities in pediatric medicine. So when Alan Sartirana, of Filter Magazine, suggested Castelaz start a foundation to benefit CHLA, it was a nobrainer. And since Castelaz
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is the co-founder, with Peter Walker, of Dangerbird Records, it was natural that the Pablove Foundation’s, first money-raising effort would involve music. “We got together with Alan,” Castelaz said “and put together what I’d say is a really great double CD.” The CD is the fifth installment of the “Give.Listen.Help.” compilation series, curated yearly by Urban Outfitters and Filter Magazine. It features previously unreleased tracks and exclusive remixes from some of the most recognizable names in indie and alternative music (Radiohead, Oasis, and Jack Johnson to name a few) and is available exclusively through Urban Outfitters until Jan. 31st. The proceeds will go to CHLA, for playrooms, cancer research and
toward the new hospital set to open in 2010. “The thing about the music project is that it’s allowed us to reach a much larger group of people,” Castelaz said. “Obviously many of them don’t know us but if they choose to read the liner notes some of them might get involved at a higher level. Whether that means getting involved with their local children’s hospital or just calling an old friend to see how they’re doing, it’s about more than just us now. That’s a really gratifying thing.” To learn more about the Pablove Foundation, to buy a CD, or for news on Pablo’s treatment and recovery visit www.pablove.org. For info on becoming a CHLA volunteer call (323) 361-2371.
Come... what are you waiting for? • Beautiful Indoor/Outdoor café • Sumptuous Organic baked goods • Savory salads & sandwiches • Exceptional coffee & tea • Free WI-FI
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LYRIC CAFE at the Hyperion Theatre 2106 Hyperion Avenue in Silver Lake (323) 906-8904 Page 10 LIFESTYLES
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2009