January 2012 by Los Feliz Ledger

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Los Feliz Ledger

Vol 7. No. 7

Read by 100,000+ Residents and Business Owners in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park & Hollywood Hills

Manly, Yes, But Girls Like Them Too

Crawford’s Biggest Role Yet—Running for City Council

By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer SILVER LAKE—“Beards, there’s beards as far as the eye can see,” said a red hair-red woman to her toddler daughter, as she set her down on a plastic folding table and stuck a fake mustache to her face. Meanwhile a bearded cover band called “Dick N Jane” played pop hits in the background and dozens of facial-haired men—as well as few costumed women and kids—sat stoically about the children’s section of the Silver Lake Library one recent evening, sizing each other up. Or, rather, sizing each other’s facial hair up: some there to compete, others to simply spectate. Some who’d been growing a beard for years, others for just a couple months. For the library’s First Ansee BEARDS page 6

Lassen’s Sales Down As Protests Continue By Norma Zager Ledger Contributing Writer HILLHURST AVENUE—Sales are down at Lassen’s health food store, according to store manager Joycelyn Porcel, since Lassen’s took over Nature Mart in November and the community discovered the new owners had contributed almost $30,000 to fund Proposition 8, the proposition banning gay marriage in California. Since then, an online petition drive was started which currently has 1,665 signatures against Lassen’s as well as a Facebook page and regular see LASSEN’S page 9

Beards, Beards & More Beards, Front page

January 2012

By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer

ROSE BOWL BOUND—Marshall High School senior and Varsity Football Quarterback Anthony Benitez was surprised in December by a gift of two Rose Bowl Tickets from California State Assemblymember Mike Gatto. Benitez—who set an all-time school passing record this year with 2,867 yards and 1,252 yards running—said he had never been inside the Rose Bowl. “I’m pretty excited,” he said. Gatto chose Benitez to receive the tickets for his strong showing on his state standardized test scores where he scored as “Gifted: High Achievement.” Benitez, who entered school as a limited English speaker, will be the first of his family to graduate from high school. He also led the Marshall Barristers to an undefeated season in league play, but lost 51-34 in the City Section Division II Football Championship Game, Dec. 9th. Benitez, like Marshall principal Daniel Harrison (also pictured here) will be rooting January 2nd for the Ducks. Photo Credit: Allison Ferraro

Trading Tasks by Banking Time By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer ECHO PARK—Marya Villarin knows where to get a onehour acupuncture session for $1, but she doesn’t use cash or credit. She earns her dollar by walking her neighbor’s dog, helping build gardens at elementary schools or designing a logo. Villarin is part of the Echo Park Time Bank. Members earn one “time dollar” by volunteering an hour of their day helping another member. The volunteer can cash their “time dollar” in for one hour of another participant’s time in the form of whatever task they need performed. Members can trade manual labor for specialized skills like web design for instance. The national branch, Time Banks USA, was found-

Barnsdall Sign Dedication, Page 3

ed in 1995. Autumn Rooney co-founded the Echo Park branch in 2008, which the group claims was the first in Southern California. Rooney had thought about starting a Time Bank before, but thought it wouldn’t work because of a lack of trust amongst Angelenos. “It’s a currency based on trust,” she said. “I didn’t think there was much trust in Los Angeles.” After a late-night conversation amongst friends, Rooney paid $50 for a startup kit and started the group. She assumed the Time Bank would consist of her and few friends, but never much more. Now the Echo Park Time Bank boasts some 260 members, offers services from Tai

People in My Neighborhood Darlene Galvin, page 10

Chi classes to accounting. Rooney said the group is becoming a non-profit to better organize the group and for fundraising purposes. Potential members apply by listing the services they’re interested in providing and receiving; they are required to list two references and pay an annual membership fee between $10 and $40. (The website, however, says applicants won’t be turned away due to lack of funds.) Members live within the Time Bank’s general vicinity because the group emphasizes face-to-face meetups to build community, said Rooney. A Time Bank steering committee reviews applicants at the beginning of each month. Acsee TIME BANK page 9

Real Estate: Home Sales, page 13

HOLLYWOOD—On the limegreen wall of Scott Crawford’s cluttered office in the back of the Hollywood Rent-A-Car business on Hollywood Boulevard is a white message board with notes to remind Crawford, a 2012 candidate for Eric Garcetti’s city council seat, of his message to potential voters. Scrawled in red ink, circled on that board reads: jobs, infrastructure, and public safety, health and education. And in the center, underlined, the note read, “City that Works.” Crawford believes the key to Los Angeles’ success is creativity, both in its leaders’ problem-solving methods and its citizens’ entrepreneurship. To help repair the city’s see CRAWFORD page 26

Lowest Voter Turnout for BID Election in 5 Years By Norma Zager Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—The recent Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District (LFVBID) election for new board members received a ballot return rate of 4.5%, the lowest of any election since 2008. Out of 350 ballots sent to all businesses in the Los Feliz area—which are automatically members of the LFVBID and assessed a tax each year—16 ballots were returned. New candidates joining the board are: Nicholas Cacarnakis, Prudential California Realty; Chris Diamond see ELECTION page 5

Online: LFIA’s Margret Lohfield Retires, losfelizledger.com

Los Feliz Ledger [letter from the publisher]

Los Feliz Village BID–Room for Improvement When the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement Association’s (LFVBID) recent election for new boardmembers draws a 4.5% return rate of ballots (down from 24% in 2008), something is wrong. Little promotion was done this year, or in year’s past, about elections. (The board did not even take me up a couple of years ago when I offered a free ad to them in the Ledger.) Simply mailing out ballots with a quick deadline is not the answer. The Ledger agrees that the LFVBID should consider online balloting and in-person

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voting booths, as the LFVBID board has discussed but not implemented. Little was known about this years candidates, but for the brief profiles listed on the LFVBID’s website. But the problem runs much deeper. The Los Feliz Village community is disconnected from the LFVBID. Communication is spotty; the last board meeting minutes posted on the LFVBID’s website were from Sept. 9, 2009; the website does not list the LFVBID’s meeting time and location; and there is nothing posted on its website under “newsletters.” If the website is the only

key way the LFVBID communicates with its over 300 taxed membership base, at least boardmembers should see that the website is updated. We also report in a story on page 10 that the LFVBID is considering creating a yearly calendar, so that the business community can know about upcoming mixers, elections and events (like the annual Street Festival) in advance. Not sure why it’s taken so long for someone to figure this out, but what a great idea. I realize LFVBID boardmembers are volunteers but the assessments businesses pay each year to this organization are not.

Story ideas, submissions, advertising rates & inquiries contact: Allison Cohen Ferraro 4459 Avocado St. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Phone: 323-667-9897 Fax: 323-667-1816 acohen@losfelizledger.com www. losfelizledger.com

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January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger

AVNC Ponders 2012 Election With No City Funding By Tony Cella Ledger Contributing Writer

Police Ask for Help In Double Stabbing By Tony Cella Ledger Contributing Writer

Barnsdall Art Park Foundation Dedicates New Sign By Michael Locke, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—Friends and neighbors gathered at the gateway to Barnsdall Art Park Dec. 8th for the much-anticipated new entrance sign dedication. City Council President Eric Garcetti and City Councilmember Tom LaBonge led a host of dignitaries at the ceremony. The sign complements the art deco styling of the iconic Hollyhock House, originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright between 1919 and 1921 and the centerpiece of January 2012

the park. The sign “lets residence know they have a major cultural landmark in their midst,” said Marshall Levy, co-president of the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation. The landmark sign was designed by one of Los Angeles premiere design firms, Sussman-Prejza, with approval from the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. The departments of Recreation and Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation worked www.losfelizledger.com

together, launching the project in September 2005 with the support of city councilors Garcetti and LaBonge. Major funding was accomplished through the efforts of the foundation, with additional support from the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles. The Hollywood Arts Council, a key partner in the project from the beginning, secured additional funding from AT&T, Edison International and Occidental Petroleum.

Jose Villa, 22, died from stab wounds November 18th in what the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are calling a gang-related double stabbing on the 400 block of Coronado Terrace, south of Silver Lake, and the 400 block of Temple Street near downtown Los Angeles. According to police, officers responded to two separate radio calls that evening around 8 p.m. where they found two victims suffering from stab wounds. The other unidentified male was also taken to the hospital where he stabilized. Suspects, according to police, are Hispanic males between 25 and 28 years old. The incident, according to police, appears to be gang related. The LAPD asks that anyone with information related to the case call Rampart Homicide Detective John Motto at (213) 484-3641. Advertise in the

ATWATER VILLAGE—Without funding from the Los Angeles City Clerk’s office for 2012 neighborhood council elections, the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) motioned, Dec. 8th, to start an elections committee, the first step for them to organize elections on their own. “It’s doable, but it’s not something two or three people can pull off,” said AVNC Religious Representative Bruce Fleenor. Solutions floated during the meeting included petitioning other city departments for funding, soliciting donations for paid polling and outreach staff and organizing volunteers to run the election. Another option, foregoing elections in 2012 altogether and appointing bodies to replace outgoing members, was also discussed. AVNC co-chair Robert Smith warned that the council risked losing quorum, meaning enough members to vote, if members that have lost interest in sitting on the council leave without finding adequate replacements. The council must maintain a membership of at least nine councilmembers to vote on business, said Smith, or it faces dissolution by the City Attorney. Smith backed extending current board members terms and appointing replacements for any members that don’t want to continue serving. An “election mixer” will occur soon, according to the board, where potential candidates will meet with current council members to learn about the process. The budget for the election and voter outreach isn’t known. Treasurer Lara Pranger did not return calls for comment.

FOUNDED 20 05 Delievered the last Thursday of each month to 34,500 homes and businesses in the Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park and Hollywood Hills communities.

PUBLISHER /EDITOR Allison Cohen Ferraro

ADVERTISING SALES Betsy Hall

GR APHIC DESIGN & L AYOUT Brigid LaBonge Tiffany Sims

OFFICE A SSISTANT Griffin O. Cohen

Los Feliz Ledger

L abeler , Stamper and Tearsheet Manager

(323) 667-9897

Charles “Chunny” Cohen

COMMUNITY NEWS

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POLITICS

I Want You to Take A Hike! By City Councilmember Tom LaBonge Now that we’re into the New Year— with all its resolutions— I’d like to talk about my healthiest habit: Hiking. For more than 25 years, I’ve been hiking nearly every morning in Griffith Park. There’s nothing like starting before dawn and reaching the 1600-foot peak of Mount Hollywood as the sun begins to rise over the city. Not only do I get a great workout, I get to greet the other early morning regulars with a shout and a smile. No matter what happens to me during the course of a busy day as your councilman, I know that I’ve started the day on a positive note. This is why I’m so committed to spreading my love of hiking to a new generation. My office sponsors an annual “Hike for Health,” where we invite several elementary schools from the 4th District to join us for a Griffith Park hike. For some kids, it’s their first exposure to the rugged beauty of Griffith Park and the positive benefits of physical activity. Hiking! It’s free… it’s easy… it’s a great way to connect with people and nature and get in shape while you’re at it. For updates community projects or information on the annual “Hike for Health,” visit www.tomlabonge.com

[eric garcetti]

[mike gatto]

Looking Back At My Council Presidency

Supporting Local Artisanal Foodmakers

By City Council President Eric Garcetti

By Assemblymember Mike Gatto

For the past six years, I have represented the 13th Los Angeles city council district and served as council president. When sessions resume in January, I will pass the gavel to Councilmember Herb Wesson, whom I nominated as my successor. I am sure my great grandparents, who came to Boyle Heights in the first part of the last century, never dreamed their great-grandson would be elected as council president in the second largest city in America. They believed in Los Angeles as a place where opportunity was limitless. Serving as council president afforded me the opportunity to lead the way in tackling important citywide challenges like the economic downturn and its impact. I am proud of what we accomplished. We have created practical solutions to stabilize our economy. We put politics aside worked out tough negotiations to achieve real pension reform to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers now and later. We also prioritized responsible and balanced budgeting to protect basic city services. And we invested in our neighborhoods to make them stronger, safer, and more attractive—whether by keeping our police force strong or by cutting through the red tape that strangles the dreams of small business people.  Still, I will remain as your councilmember, and my priority continues to be helping our city during this urgent historical time.

People understand the value of buying locally grown produce and artisanal food p r o d u c t s . Both tend to be organic, fresher and tastier. Such purchases support the local economy, and the products require less fossil fuel to ship. In this burgeoning niche market, local artisans strive to fill our cravings with things like homemade Persian yoghurt and handbaked, small-batch specialty breads. Except when they get shut down by the County. California’s outdated food laws are a constant source of frustration for local producers. I know of one local baker who could not sell his product even though he uses the same oven that a bread wholesaler uses. I know an artisanal yoghurt producer who was told she had to stop the very practice that makes her yoghurt unique. Neither of these was for health reasons. In many cases, the crackdowns are a misapplication of a confusing law put on the books during a different era by a special-interest group trying to protect its members. I have consulted with these local artisanal businesspersons and with officials at the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture so that we can develop sensible strategies and laws and regulations. This is another example where the state can work with, not against, our creative small businesspeople and entrepreneurs. Mike Gatto is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly.

www.losfelizledger.com

LF Input Needed Regarding Redistricting By Norma Zager Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—A redistricting outreach meeting has been set for Jan. 4th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Friendship Auditorium, 3201 Riverside Dr. According to Paulina Velasco, Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission Outreach Specialist, the new census report showed a reduction in population in the San Fernando Valley and an increase in the Watts and San Pedro areas. As a result, Velasco said this affects the district of Los Feliz that may ultimately see a shift in its borders to accommodate these changes. Any changes will affect the Los Feliz area, but an influx of resident input can affect the end result. The Los Feliz area Redistricting Commissioner is Los Feliz resident Grover McKean, who along with 21 others will make final redistricting decisions. According to Velasco, redistricting can be vital to a community’s interests and aside from the political ramifications of shifting boundaries. Velasco requested the support at a recent Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council board meeting. Board member Nelson Bae reiterated the importance of community participation. “I’m confident that the residents of Los Feliz will make their voices be heard loud and clear,” he said.

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January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger ELECTION from page 1

and Wayne Elias, Vermont Restaurant; and Brett and Jessica Peart of Collective Management. Current board members who will retain their seats are Laura Springer of Springer Chiropractic and Chris Serrano of Coldwell Banker. Melissa Tornay of Primrose Salon said all the candidates were elected with at least one vote. Recent discussions by the board regarding improving voter turnout have led to proposals of online voting and setting up voting booths where BID members could participate in person. Neither tactic was taken this year. Board terms are for two years. Currently the board consists of 11 members. However, Board President Chris Serrano said she would like to see the board grow to 13 members so that meeting a quorum would be easier. Current members that will remain on the board are: Vice President and special events committee chair Ermanno Neiviller, Il Capriccio; Treasurer Rosa Palencia, Citibank; Dustin Lancaster,

January 2012

Bar Covell; Melissa Tornay, Primrose Organics; and Claudia Hipolito, Coldwell Banker. According to board member Tornay, the lack of participation in the current election wouldn’t deter the board’s ability to be effective. “There isn’t anything we can do. We will be fine, it’s just harder on the few of us that are on the board and volunteer. It means more work and less of a chance of getting any real work or changes done if people don’t want to volunteer,” she said. “As a business owner with no choice but to pay the city fees for the board I wanted to be part of how my money is spent and make it a worthwhile expenditure, which is why I chose to be part of the board. I wasn’t going to sit back and complain that enough isn’t being done when I wouldn’t volunteer myself.” Last year, the election saw a 10% rate with 25 ballots returned. In 2010, the LFVBID’s election ballot return was 14.5%. In 2009, the return rate was 11.7%. In the 2008 election, returned ballots were 24%.

www.losfelizledger.com

Echo Park NC Buys Back Racks Without Knowing Cost to Install Them By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer ECHO PARK—When the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council had excess funds towards the close its fiscal year last May, it had to use the money or else it would revert back to the city. Board members approved purchasing $1,100 on 10 bicycle racks. But what the council did not realize was installing the racks would cost them

nearly $1,800 each. Council president Jose Sigala said with the racks just sitting, he called around to figure out how to install the racks and learned doing so on public sidewalks could cost more than 16 times the cost of the racks themselves in fees for engineering permits required by the city. “If we were to pay,” he started saying, before stopping

himself, “that’s ridiculous. We’re part of the city family and we would hope that if the neighborhood council would get these bike racks to put in our neighborhood that the city would be helpful rather than bureaucratic.” In its planning, other than the permits’ costs, the neighborhood council had failed see BIKE RACKS page 21

[a dog’s life]

Curb that Dog’s Enthusiasm Or Face a Fine By Jennifer Clark, Ledger Columnist In November, the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance that would fine dog owners $250 for a first offense for excessive barking, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for a third. According to the Dept. of Animal Services 10 minutes of consistent barking or 30 minutes of barking within a threehour period is too much. So what can dog owners do to curb their barking dogs?

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons: to warn their owners, to communicate with other dogs, anxiety, they want to play, or because they’re bored. Try and decipher why your dog is barking to solve the problem. Once you’ve established the reason for the barking, work on solutions. Make sure your dog is getting exercise. Avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods of time. Practice com-

mands like “sit” and “stay” to shift the dog’s focus away from compulsive barking. You can also work on a “quiet” command. When the dog is barking, say “quiet.” If the dog stops barking, with a treat. In time, you’ll be able to use this command to quiet your dog. And if your dog is outside barking all day, please bring it inside; find a dog sitter or doggie daycare. Your neighbors will thank you. And now, so will your pocketbook.

POLITICS

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Los Feliz Ledger BEARDS from page 1

nual Beard and Mustache Competition on Dec. 20th, contestants traveled from around town and the broader region to show off their whiskers and maybe win some prizes. The brain-child of Jonathan Pitre, a bald, 32-year-old librarian with a full red beard, the event’s inspiration was twotime world beard champion Jack Passion and his book, The Facial Hair Handbook. Pitre reached out about holding a book signing at the library and Passion told him he’d soon be moving to Silver Lake, sparking the idea of a competition for this growing sport. “We’re just trying to get different people to come to the library who never would have come to the library before, visit the branch and see what we have to offer,” said Pitre, adding he’d like to see the library be “a focal point in the community.” On the judges’ panel were Time magazine columnist Joel Stein, local photographer and “facial hair enthusiast” Calethina DeCanto, and two librarians from other branches, who were last minute replacements for Sweeney Todd of Sweeney Todd’s Barber Shop on Hollywood Blvd. and the City Librarian Martin Gomez. For about an hour, contestants—competing in the categories “Santa Claus,” “Most Scholarly,” “Most Outrageous,” “Go Big or Go Home,” and “Best Fake” (for women and children)—marched past the judges to mug and then before the audience seated on several rows of folding chairs. Pitre emceed the show. “I’m a young Santa sent from the future back in time to save Christmas from itself!” announced one contestant named Michael in the “Santa

Claus” category, prancing by the judges with a curled mustache, pink scarf and little green glass ball ornaments for earrings. “`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves, Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe,” later cried another man in the “Most Scholarly” category, parading around, to the audience’s laughter and applause, reciting Lewis Carrol’s entire nonsense verse poem, “Jabberwocky,” from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. “I too have something to say,” announced the next, a younger man, in the same category, reading from a book quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, “This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” He then paused, nodded and walked away. “How old is your mustache?” Pitre asked a couple contestants in the mustache category. One said six months, the next said seven. “Newborns,” scoffed a man in the audience with a curly ponytail and a massive brown beard. There were full-out costumes in the “Most Outrageous” category, such as Dos Equis’ Most Interesting Man in the World; Tom Hanks from “Survivor,” and one mustached man dressed in a big red suit with a fez on his head and a mustached stuffed squirrel in his hands that he would throw at people to their shock before it would slingshot back by the bungee cord’s good-graces with which it was attached. The women and children’s fake facial hair was made from felt, yarn, yellow gaffer tape, and face paint. While the judges delib-

erated over the winners, the book author Passion spoke to the audience, while several video cameras filmed him for the television show “Whisker Wars.” “I’m an advocator for wearing facial hair. It’s made my life incredible,” Passion said, his full brown beard hanging nearly down to his waist. “Every man grows different facial hair,” he continued. “In a way, it’s the unique marking for the human man.” “How do you deal with

corn on the cob?” asked one of the “Most Scholarly” contestants. “I don’t,” Passion retorted. “I also don’t deal with cornbread or soup. It’s been eight years.” Eventually the judges returned with their verdict, awarding first, second and third place prizes of donated goods from Trader Joe’s, Silver Lake Wine, Martlet Tattoo Parlor and other local businesses. First-timer Tom Hewes,

28, won the “Most Scholarly Beard” award, which had about 20 contestants, the most of any category. “I never expected it would grow this long or I’d even let it grow this long,” he said. He had been the first to sign up for the competition when it was announced and drove nearly 100 miles from Victorville with his family to compete. “There’s not much going on there beard-wise,” he added.

Read these stories only at

Los Feliz Ledger.com • • • • • • • • •

2011 Stories Update: O’Grady and Box, Sunset Junction Bankruptcy, Marshall High School Overcrowding and more Police Blotter January 2012 Calendar Shhh! Ozzie Dot’s $1 Sale. It’s a Secret! LFIA’s Margret Lohfield Retires Eastside Eye: The L.A. Municipal Gallery Exemplifies Civic Virtue LaBonge and LA City Council Bring Chinese Tour Guide to LA LADWP Proposes Rate Hike to Fund $230 Headworks Project Attempted Murder and Suicide in Echo Park

Results from last month’s poll: We asked readers if they would still shop at Lassen’s health food store, given that the owner had contributed to Proposition 8

New Year’s Online Special! Unlimited group classes only $199 per month • small group equipment classes • purchase & schedule classes online • build a leaner, longer, firmer, stronger physique

79% of respondents said they would no longer shop there. 21% said they would continue shopping there. This month’s poll: Regarding the publisher’s editorial regarding the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District: • •

I feel the LFVBID is doing a great job. I feel changes need to be made within the LFVBID to be more effective for me and my business.

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323.906.0088

www.pilatesmetro.com 3178 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039 www.losfelizledger.com

January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger

AVNC Co-Chair Blocks Long Time Activist from Board By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer his experience in the community would be valuable. Lopez called Smith’s ultimatum “disappointing,” “embarrassing” and “offensive. . .I’m very taken aback,” he said. Lopez and Smith clashed during his previous tenure on the neighborhood council when Smith suggested the group work with a Community Re-Development Agency, which would require the Atwater Village be deemed “blighted.” Smith told the pensive board there were three ways to end the impasse: vote in favor in Lopez and accept his resignation; table the matter and take time to consider other options or reject the former board member’s application and keep Smith as a co-chair, which would require Lopez withdraw his petition to join the board. Lopez refused to pull his candidacy for appointment and urged the board to move forward with the vote. “I won’t be bullied by Robert,” he said. The motion to appoint Lo-

Corrections & Amplifications In our December holiday shopping guide, we wrote Sunset Beer Companies beer making starter kit was $50. The price is actually $45. Also in our December edition, we had a number of incorrect information in our story, “GGPNC Reacts to Possible Delay of NC Elections.” We incorrectly wrote that the Los Angeles City Clerk is “floating a proposal” for the postponement of the 2012 elections. In fact, the Los Angeles City Council voted to pull the funding from the City Clerk to conduct the 2012 elections. Also we identified the Los Angeles Neigh-

borhood Councils (LANC) as an “overseeing” organization. There is LAANC (Los Angeles Alliance of Neighborhood Councils) and LANCC (Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition—both loose alliances of councils seeking to draw consensus amongst its members on neighborhood council related. Also, we misquoted GGPNC boardmember Mark Mauceri as saying the city clerk “got itself into a pickle.” Mr. Mauceri’s quote was instead, that the “City council had gotten itself into a pickle” by yanking the neighborhood election funding. We regret these errors.

pez failed with two board members in favor, three against and six members abstaining. AVNC Parks and Recreation Representative Amy Honey recommended the board find a way to vet candidates before meetings to avoid such awkward situations. Smith responded the current process was the only acceptable one. “There’s nothing we can do outside of meetings,” he said. Honey offered to look into the possibilities nonetheless. Aram Adjemian, an Administrative Analyst with the City of Glendale, joined the council as one of two Business Representatives. “He works for Glendale which encourages a relationship with our neighbor to the east,” Smith said. Also, Lilly Campos, a real estate agent, joined the board as a Community/Non-Profit Representative.

the proper information, selling a home isn’t easy. Perhaps you’ve had your home on the market for several months with no offers from qualified buyers. This can be a very frustrating time, and many homeowners have given up their dreams of selling their homes themselves. But don’t give up until you’ve read a new report entitled “Sell Your Own Home” which has been prepared especially for homesellers like you. You’ll find that selling your home by yourself is entirely possible once you understand the process. Inside this report, you’ll

Project Update

RKS O W E H T IN

GGPNC Sponsors Bike Workshop In an effort to promote more alternative modes of transportation the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council (GGPNC) “Green Committee” has partnered with Sustainable Streets to sponsor a commuter bicycle workshop Sat., Jan. 13th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Citibank Bank, 2nd floor on Hillhurst Avenue. The workshop is free and will cover essentials such as bike selection and fit, helmet fit, night riding, weather preparedness and route planning, plus practical advice to make your ride more enjoyable. More workshops in 2012 are planned, according to the GGPNC.

How to Sell Your Los Feliz House Without an Agent LOS FELIZ–If you’ve tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the “For Sale by Owner” sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren’t from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing. Like other “For Sale by Owners”, you’ll be subjected to a hundred sales pitches from agents who will tell you how great they are and how you can’t possibly sell your home by yourself. After all, without

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se 2 expo pha

Voter-approved Measure R is funding new transportation projects and programs and accelerating those already in the pipeline. Here are updates on a few of the projects: I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project > The approaches to the Sunset Bridge over the I-405 Freeway are being reconstructed for the next year as part of the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project between the I-10 and U.S. 101 freeways. > The project will add a 10-mile HOV lane, realign 27 on and o= ramps, widen 13 existing underpasses and structures and construct 18 miles of retaining and sound walls. For more information visit: metro.net/405.

Exposition Transit Corridor Phase 2 > Exposition Transit Corridor Phase 2 has broken ground on extending the Expo Line west to Santa Monica from the Culver City Station now under construction. > Train testing is currently underway on Phase 1 of the line running between Downtown LA and Culver City opening in 2012. For more information visit: buildxpo.org.

Regional Connector Transit Corridor > The Metro Board of Directors will soon be considering approval of the >nal environmental report for two-mile underground route of the Regional Connector light rail line. > The route connects with the Metro Blue and Expo lines at 7th Street/Metro Center Station and with the Metro Gold Line at Alameda Street. For more information visit: metro.net/regionalconnector.

For more information, visit metro.net.

ATWATER VILLAGE—Cochair Robert Smith threatened to resign if the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) Board of Governors voted to appoint Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce Secretary and veteran local activist Luis Lopez to the board at their meeting on Dec. 8th. The motion ultimately failed with six of the 11 present board members abstaining. Smith described Lopez, who sat on the first neighborhood’s first council and owns a local car repair shop, a “bad influence” on the board. AVNC religious representative Bruce Fleenor said Lopez’s earlier time on the board had been “rocky… but that doesn’t prevent him from being a qualified candidate,” he said. Lopez said he petitioned to re-join the board because of reported vacancies and difficulty reaching quorum. He acknowledged during his petition that he stuck by his opinions and had disagreed with members in the past, but felt

This report is courtesy of Brock Real Estate DRE#01511068. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

January 2012

www.losfelizledger.com

POLITICS

Page 7

Los Feliz Ledger

LaBonge Queries Firm For Amphitheater Design for Griffith Park’s Old Zoo Area By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer GRIFFITH PARK—Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge queried an architecture firm recently for preliminary designs for a Griffith Park Amphitheater for the Old Zoo Picnic area. LaBonge said he wants to build stage equipment to facilitate the theatrical productions and concerts that already take place in the Old Zoo for the Independent Theater Company and Symphony in the Glen, that he said, have grown in popularity in recent years. Adding permanent staging to the area will reduce

the costs of the performances because groups will no longer need to build a stage each time for each of their shows, LaBonge said. CWArchitects estimated their design would cost $1.58 million including construction and permitting fees. The plan calls for a 50-foot wide and 42-foot long stage with handicap accessible seating, stage lights and a new electrical room. At a public meeting, Arthur B. Rubinstein, Music Director of Symphony in the Glen, called the Old Zoo area “beautiful, peaceful spot” that

“cries out for music, art and Shakespeare.” “It’s a space that’s been crumbling for years with disgusting picnic tables serving no one but the ants,” he said. LaBonge said the stage would be available for use by other groups as well through the Dept. of Recreation and Parks. Some residents expressed concern that the potential construction would detract from the tranquility of the

area. They asked LaBonge to ensure additions to the park would match the existing style of architecture of the current zoo. A spokesperson from the Dept. of Recreation and Parks said there are no hard and fast restrictions against construction in the Old Zoo area, and any limitations are decided on a case-by-case basis. “We would only look into it based on the project,” said spokesperson Andrea Epstein.

On a recent day, sitting at one of the picnic tables with a radio playing 1970s rock music, Raul Meca said he didn’t welcome the idea of new staging in the Old Zoo. He said adding a stage will turn the green space into an attraction, which will make it harder to find solitude. “It will be like Santa Monica,” he said. “If I want a theater, I’ll go somewhere where there is already one. We come here for the natural,” Meca said.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

www.losfelizledger.com

January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger LASSEN’S from page 1

Saturday protests. Porcel, a former Nature Mart employee for 11 years, said that although numbers are down since Lassen’s took over, the reason could also be also be attributed to the store’s current renovations, like painting and turning the bulk bin into a juice bar and deli. According to Porcel, the renovations will continue for at least another month. Boycott demonstrations have become a regular fixture in Lassen’s parking lot on Saturdays and although the numbers may dwindle, the signs are large enough to draw attention. “The attitude of Lassen’s is that it is the right to protest and we allow access to our parking lot,” Porcel said. According to Porcel, as a gay woman who once boycotted against Target for their contribution to an anti-gay politician, she understands the anger. “I ultimately returned to shop at Target, but I realize some may come back here and some may not. I understand the protester’s desire to notify the community about their concerns and that is definitely their right to do so, but I don’t think this is a black and white issue. There is a lot of gray area here too.” Porcel said that although there may be a slowdown at times, it is not enough to cause her concern about her job. “Although I respect the right to protest, this also hurts

TIME BANK from page 1

cepted applicants then attend a training seminar. The group has also partnered with non-profits like Enrich L.A., which builds gardens at local schools. Villarin, a graphic designer, has painted signs for the gardens. She said time banking has kept her productive in between jobs. Additionally, Villarin said she has used her credits for classes at the Armory Art Center. “I use time dollars instead of real dollars,” she said. Bruce Chan, another member of the group, said he appreciates the social aspect of the group the most. He attends the group’s potlucks and recreational events. When it comes to services, Chan said he prefers, “meeting someone face-to-face as opposed to going to Walmart.” Chan, who studied architecture, said he traded time spent assessing people’s houses for a bike tune-up. The bike mainly needed to be cleaned up, according to Chan, but January 2012

me and other workers who like working here and need our jobs,” she said. “I am a gay woman and I am sensitive to the issue, but Lassen’s contribution was three years ago. People learn from their mistakes and Lassen’s has a very family-oriented and professional working environment.” Catherine Davie of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center said it is important the community be aware of the issues. “At the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, we always work to get the word out to our community and allies so they can make an informed decision when it comes to supporting a business or organization. . . We are always disappointed when we hear about businesses that support discrimination and are opposed to marriage equality, especially when those businesses come to a community that is known to be very LGBT-friendly. We’re continuing to inform our supporters about the protests through our social media channels.” Store manager Porcel said the community should look at the big picture and understand that as a single mom, if the store closes she must start over. “These protests are mainly affecting the workers, the owners will be fine,” she said. “I know [protesters] want to inform people and it is their right, but at some point you must respect the customers who make the choice to shop here and the employees who need jobs.”

the volunteer taught him how to maintain the bike and now he rides the bike more often, he said. Chan said he isn’t sure if the economy has led to the growth of time banks, or if the idea has taken hold, but he has noticed more members at the social gatherings. “What I have seen is there are some people who have more time on their hands because they are either unemployed or underemployed,” he said. Vice Chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Charles Herman-Wurmfield said he appreciates the Time Bank because it strengthens community bonds and acts as “an insurance plan” in poor economic times. “I have made educating neighbors about the time bank—and its unique ability to serve in the event of a currency collapse or other economic mayhem—an essential part of my personal strategy for preparing neighbors for the ‘worst’,” he wrote in an email. www.losfelizledger.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Page 9

Los Feliz Ledger

Local Crime Down 10% in 2011 By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer Overall reported major crimes are down by 10% this year to date compared to this time last year, according to data from the Los Angeles Police Depts.’ Northeast Station. There have been 22 alleged rapes, when last year by this time 30 had been reported. Robberies and personal thefts saw similar declines of more than 25%, with aggravated assaults and burglaries experiencing modest drops.

Homicides increased by a quarter and the number of shooting victims went up by nearly 30%. Car thefts increased by 4% as well. Northeast Patrol Captain Brian Pratt said homicides increased because two children died as a result of abuse. Pratt attributed the overall drop in crime to better community relations and public education programs by the Los Angeles Police Dept.

BID Brainstorms On Self Improvement By Norma Zager, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—Budgetary constraints were at the forefront at the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District’s (LFVBID) board meeting Dec.14th. A lack of participation in the recent election led members to suggest new ways to initiate membership in more untraditional ways. LFVBID Board President Chris Serrano suggested furnishing Los Feliz businesses with alternative membership options. Serrano said the assessments are down and she has received more hardship requests from businesses in the area than in the past. “Before we allow members to waive fees we might ask them to volunteer at an event and participate in helping with tasks. It should be a give and take and some businesses never have a relationship with BID yet reap the benefits,” Serrano said. Board Vice-President Ermanno Neiviller of Il Capriccio Restaurant on Vermont Avenue said many businesses outside the boundaries might be willing to become limited members to be included on the LFVBID’s website and Facebook pages. They would receive limited benefits. “This is great advertising for them,” Neiviller said. “Too many businesses get the trees trimmed and other services, but give nothing back.” Serrano and other members agreed this might be a successful way to build their numbers. Serrano told board members that although they

had already submitted the budget annual report for 2012 in October, part of the problem is the city moves so slow in reimbursing the funds. According to Serrano the city’s recent lack of staff and budget cuts have made receiving funds to pay vendors slow. As a result, LFVBID board members often pay bills with their own funds and then submit receipts to the city for reimbursement. Assessment is based on employee numbers and can range from $100 a year for a small business with one or two people to the larger stores like banks and grocers paying up to $550. Ways were discussed to speed up the process of planning and organizing events and activities. Melissa Tornay of Primrose Salon suggested a master calendar be created at the January meeting to ensure deadlines are created and enforced. She suggested lengthening the January meeting by an hour to plan the calendar. “If we have a long-term plan we can be more organized. We will not only know when and what the events are, but also when planning should begin for each stage,” Tornay added. She also suggested members be required to attend at least one meeting a year. Neiviller told the Board he would like to hold one or more evening meetings a year. “This would make it easier for businesses to attend and would help,” he said.

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To combat persistent vehicle theft and the nabbing of items from cars, he said officers have started leaving notes on unlocked cars and vehicles with visible items. Electronics are commonly stolen because of their lightweight and high re-sale value, he said. Detective Jeana Franco attributed the increase in motor vehicle thefts to the high price of scrap metal. The detective recommended reporting tow trucks without proper signage, and recommends car owners keep their paperwork in their wallet instead of the glovebox. She said older cars are more susceptible to theft because their ignition devices lack electronic identifiers that, in effect, mate them with a key. Pratt said most car thefts lead to joy riding and the cars are recovered. To save the owner time and expense, he recommends locking the car and buying a “club” anti-theft device sold at the police station for $11. “That’s how much we buy them for,” he said. The Juan Vasquez homicide case will hold its preliminary trial on Jan. 17th. There are no further updates on the case.

[people in my neighborhood]

“Take One, Share One” By Colleen Paeff, Ledger Columnist ECHO PARK—Free lending libraries have been popping up in restaurants and cafes here thanks to Los Angeles native Darlene Galvin. Galvin created the lending program, called “Take One, Share One,” in response to an assignment for a class in the master’s program she’s attending online through the University of North Texas. Not surprisingly, she’s studying library and information science. Galvin’s mission was simple— take on some kind of leadership activity in the community and report back on the progress. Galvin based her idea on a restaurant she had visited in Duarte, CA called Joe’s Place. They had a bookshelf where customers could both leave and borrow books. “The way people live here [in Echo Park],” she said, “it just seemed like the idea would work.” Galvin solicited donations of books from friends and classmates and then hit the streets looking for local restaurant owners who would be willing to create space for a few books.

“Some restaurants said no,” Galvin said, “some said maybe, and others said yes right away.” She created a flyer to leave with the books that would explain their presence, but worries that people are unsure about whether or not they can take a book. To be clear: they can, she said. So, if you happen to be dining at Brite Spot, Sage Organic Vegan Bistro, Two Boots, or savoring a vegan ice cream at Kind Kreme, be sure to take a peek at the books on display and if you see one you like, take it home. Next time you visit, bring the book back or replace it with one of your own to share. With a little luck and support from the community, Galvin’s report back to her professor will detail the glowing success of the “Take One, Share One” program in Echo Park. And after that, who knows? Maybe an expansion to Silver Lake and Los Feliz will be in order. Contact Galvin at Take1share1@gmail.com if you have books you’d like to donate.

7 Deadly Mistakes That Will Cost You $1000s When You Sell Your Home LOS FELIZ–A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast—and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully 3/4 of homesellers don’t get what

they want for their homes and become disillusioned and— worse—financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market. As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled, “The 9 Step System to Get Your

Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar”. To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.LosFelizHomeSellingMistakes.com, or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report, call toll-free (800) 284-3701 and enter 1000. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home. ADV

Alden.Truby@gmail.com 310.850.1903 This report is courtesy of Brock Real Estate DRE#01511068. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

Page 10 COMMUNITY NEWS

www.losfelizledger.com

January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger

LaBonge Wants Reclaimed Water for Griffith Park By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer GRIFFITH PARK—Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge wants to divert reclaimed water to the Roosevelt Golf Course and Griffith Park’s Western Canyon and Bird Sanctuary among other park areas. LaBonge said he is working with Dept. of Recreation and Parks and the Dept. of Water and Power on such plans. Budgetary constraints, he

said, are the only factor holding the plans back. But University of Southern California biology professor David Ward Ginsburg said diverting the water could be problematic. Studies would be needed and the ecosystem would need to not be disrupted. According to Ginsburg, projects’ success would rest on the strategic placement of pipes.

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Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 11

Los Feliz Ledger [city sleuth]

Local Real Estate 2010 Results and 2012 Forecast

he mood of local real estate in 2011 was the most unpredictable in memory. Activity rose and fell almost daily in response to headline news, much of it unfavorable. Frustration dogged many sellers with overpriced listings and buyers overwhelmed by too much online input. Using comparative Multiple Listing Service data from sales in prime Los Feliz, usually a local bellwether, here is how 2011 stacked up as of mid-December: • There were 134 sales overall, which represents a drop of 44% from the top (2003) and a drop of 35% from 2000. • The overall sales’ median price of $1,095,000 represents a drop of 19% from the top (2005) but a rise of 71% from 2000. • There were 9 sales over $3million, representing no change from the top (2005 and 2009) and a rise of 450% from 2000. • The median price of sales over $3million was $3,850,000, which represents a drop of 13% from the top (2004) and a rise of 10% from 2000.

oday, there seem to be three local sub-markets: under$1million, which remains active provided the property is in move-in condition and well-priced, the move-up market from $1million to $2million, which is highly selective and price-sensitive and the luxury market over $2million, which has come alive this year, as the “1%” doubled-down to invest their cash in trophy estates. Many of the latter buyers paid astonishing prices--even for fixer properties.

hat’s ahead in 2012? Unfortunately, until lenders divest themselves of distressed properties (which could take another three years) and the unemployment rate drops, we will continue to “bounce along the bottom” of a moody market. As interest rates drop even more, the refinance market will appeal to those with equity left in their properties and good credit and income. Distress sales, predicted to flood the market for years, will be held at bay by lenders. As the federal election nears, the market is likely to adopt a “waitand-see” attitude, ergo, if you plan to sell, don’t wait until Fall. Sellers will do well by pricing their properties undermarket, doing a week’s worth of effective marketing and garnering offers from as many buyers as possible. Buyer competition will drive sale prices to true market values. If you’re a buyer, be prepared for keen competition from others like you, as well as from flippers--they’re back! Please contact me anytime for further details...

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©2011 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and operated by NRT LLC. All rights reserved. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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How Los Feliz Boulevard Got its Deodars By Diane Kanner, Ledger Columnist

Trees receive recognition as official landmarks in our city nearly as often as buildings. Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments include avocado, olive, camphor, coral, oak, Moreton bay fig, palm, pepper and sycamore trees. Historic avocado trees grow on Avocado Street and towering Moreton bay fig trees on Vermont Avenue, but the landmark trees that define the region line Los Feliz Boulevard. It was a sad state of affairs then when two boulevard deodar cedars fell to their demise in the late November and December windstorms. Conditions were not as catastrophic as in the San Gabriel Valley, but the loss of 75 to 80 foottall deodars, and damage to others, left residents in shock. Some have wondered how the deodars came to exist. Answers have come to light in records of the Cultural Heritage Commission and the Los Feliz Improvement Association (LFIA). It appears that the defunct Los Feliz Women’s Club also made a significant contribution. Improving Los Feliz Boulevard became a civic priority in 1928 when the nearly threemile long throughway between Hollywood and Glendale was widened, paved and lighted. Zoning and land use were up in the air, locally and throughout Los Angeles. The LFIA fought commercial zoning in one hearing after another. The encroachment of billboards on lots that begged for long-term development was a concern. In 1929, with hopes of uniting a patchwork of properties, landscape architect and LFIA board member Theodore Payne presented the orga-

One of the downed Deodar Trees after the strong winds in 2011. Photo: Allison Ferraro

nization with proposals for enhancing the parkways. Payne pioneered water conservation and native plant advocacy from his nursery on the other side of the Los Angeles River. His suggestions varied from a ‘conventional treatment’ favoring green vegetation to a ‘naturalistic treatment’ using the darker and more drought tolerant natives like live oak. But each called for an investment and the LFIA did not proceed. The newly established Los Feliz Women’s Club was in a better position to raise money for a boulevard sprucing. Members met regularly to either take tea, ride horseback or welcome speakers. With luncheons and drama presentations on its calendar, the convivial group grew to include hundreds of Los Feliz and Silver Lake women. In 1933 their Garden Committee planted deodars on either side of Los Feliz Boulevard, extending from Vermont Avenue east to Riverside Drive. According to a 1934 women’s club brochure, the women hoped for a future Los Feliz version of Altadena’s

Christmas Tree Lane—notable for its colored lights and a breathtaking canopy of tree limbs meeting mid street. That dream has not materialized, and property owners decorate their property at will. By 1970, after the two organizations had completed the deodar canopy by planting trees west from Vermont Avenue to Western Avenue, the LFIA successfully advocated for historic status before the Cultural Heritage Commission. The hope then and now was that protecting the trees would inhibit efforts to widen Los Feliz Boulevard. Two varieties, Cedrus Atlantica and Cedrus Deodar, of the dozens of trees were granted significance. The LFIA continues to plant pine and deodar varieties. Under the watchful eye of LFIA activist Margret Lohfeld, 45 trees have been planted over 22 years. A c cording to LFIA president Donald Seligman, funds have been allocated for several new trees and “sorely needed tree trimming. It will be a Beautification Committee decision,” he said, and will cost $1,000 a tree.

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www.losfelizledger.com

January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger [ SELECT HOME SALES JANUARY 2012 ] 90027 Single Family Homes 1420 1530 1701 1347 1525 1030 854 1841

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Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897

WESTERLY TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $840,000 SILVERWOOD TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 771,500 MCCOLLUM ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750,000 MCCOLLUM ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726,000 DUANE ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 725,000 W EDGEWARE RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565,000 KODAK DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 494,500 MALTMAN AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425,000

90027 Condominiums 4411 LOS FELIZ BLVD 1101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550,000 4321 LOS FELIZ BLVD 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320,000

90027 Single Family Homes 2074 2151 2624 4345 3920 2502 3434 3931

DE MILLE DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,745,000 TALMADGE ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,189,000 N COMMONWEALTH AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,079,000 CEDARHURST CIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 930,000 PROSPECT AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 859,000 ST GEORGE ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839,000 BEN LOMOND PL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825,000 PROSPECT AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805,000

90039 Condominiums 2393 SILVER LAKE BLVD 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $340,000 4119 PERLITA AVE A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241,000

90039 Single Family Homes 2291 2458 2424 2147 1925 4052 2456 3306 2983

MORENO DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,405,000 LANTERMAN TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 980,000 W SILVER LAKE DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825,000 W SILVER LAKE DR R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 785,000 WALCOTT WAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 691,000 EDENHURST AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 675,000 ARMSTRONG AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 650,000 GARDEN AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585,500 INGLEDALE TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507,500

90068 Condominiums 1945 N BEACHWOOD DR 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $420,000 6400 PRIMROSE AVE 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260,000

90068 Single Family Homes 2111 3491 3955 3055 3280

N CAHUENGA BLVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500,000 N KNOLL DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,349,000 FREDONIA DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,050,000 N BEACHWOOD DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 961,000 BENNETT DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 790,000

Sales are from the previous month. Source: Great American Real Estate Solutions

January 2012

www.losfelizledger.com

Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 13

Los Feliz Ledger [keen to be green]

My “R-Word” for the New Year By Meher McArthur, Ledger Columnist During the holidays and especially at the New Year, our heads are often full of “Rwords”—reflection, renewal, rebirth, re-evaluation, and the big one - Resolution. With each New Year, a new cycle begins on our calendars and in our minds as we resolve to do better this year. In 2012, as with the last few years, I am resolving to live a more sustainable life, so I have plenty more R-words to work with—reduce, re-use, re-purpose and recycle. I have tried hard to reduce my trash by re-using plastic containers, re-purposing jars and cans, recycling paper, cardboard and bottles. But every week, we still produce so much waste. It is becoming clear to me that these R-words aren’t enough. I have to try something

harder this year—to refuse. This means more than just refusing paper and plastic bags at the supermarket or toy stores but also refusing to buy over-packaged fruit, vegetables and toys. It also means calling up every non-profit that sends me mail and asking for emails instead. Finally—the hardest of all—it means resisting the temptation to buy things we don’t really need: more shoes, more toys, more DVDs and more gadgets. If we need something, we can borrow it from the library, video stores and friends. Refusing doesn’t mean doing without. It means saying no to clutter and waste and yes to more space in our living rooms and in our trash cans— something to rejoice and revel about indeed.

tracy do Prudential C alifornia Realty www.tracydo.com • (323) 842-4001 • dre # 01350025

You expect and deserve a high level of service. That’s what I provide.

FOR SALE

Luxury Living in prime Silver Lake. Contact me for details.

2662 Lake View Avenue Handsome vintage 1951 Ranch style home in Silver Lake.

1361 Micheltorena Street Charming Spanish style house in Silver Lake near Sunset Junction.

5229 Lockhaven Avenue California Bunglow, North of Colorado in Eagle Rock. Page 14 Su Casa REAL ESTATE

www.losfelizledger.com

January 2012

Thank You Los Feliz for a Great 2011

Va h a n S a r oi a n s #1 Commercial Real Estate Broker #1 Residential Real Estate Broker at Coldwell Banker Los Feliz

I greatly appreciate your referrals Commercial Properties Sold i n 2 0 1 1

10920 Moorpark Street

2341 Mira Vista Avenue

2349 Glendale Blvd.

2812 Clearwater Street

4411 Santa Monica Blvd.

Residential Properties Sold i n 2 0 1 1

2149 E. Live Oak Drive

819 Inverness Drive

24708 Cordillera Drive

12259 Hesby Street

11340 Hendley Drive

3720 Berry Drive

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11731 Avenida Del Sol

3448 Ashwood Avenue

19926 Lisa Lane

19610 Eagle Ridge Lane

5807 Goodland Avenue

18325 Erwin Street

(323) 497-6655

Saroians@aol.com

Los Feliz Ledger

BRIAN ADES TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS YOU NEED GOOD INFORMATION www.brianades.com | email: brian@brianades.com | cell: (310) 503-8080 [interior motives]

Lightening Up After the New Year By Susann Thomason Tunick, Ledger Colummnist Happy New Year! While January provides us with the opportunity to refresh/ restart/reboot our lives with resolutions, the darker days of winter settle in upon us as things slow down after the holiday festivities. Since the lack of sunlight can affect some negatively, here are a few ideas to bring some light into your life in the wintertime. Lighten up your space. Try automating your lights so that the lights go on when you enter a room. If you don’t wish to go through that expense, place some lights on timers so that your rooms aren’t dark upon entering. Open up your window coverings to let the daylight in. Try arranging your furniture to take advantage of the natural light. Add some mood lighting with soft light lamps, spotlights or rope

January 2012

lights in key areas to create a warm glow. Place clusters of candles on a shiny tray to add comforting, ambient light. Remember balanced lighting comes from the ceiling (chandeliers and recessed), midrange (lamps and sconces) and up lighting from the floor. Chandeliers are not just for dining rooms. Call in the electrician and add a junction box in the center of your seating area in your living room, family room, library, and other public rooms. Make sure you add a dimmer so you can adjust the light as needed or considering flanking your fireplace with sconces for beautiful mid-range light. There is controversy about the benefits of full spectrum bulbs all of the time, as they are meant for during the day, but have proven to be beneficial when used for limited periods. Maybe give them a try

www.losfelizledger.com

if your mood is low. Use your sparkling crystal and china and set a glorious table, with candles and polished silver. It will bring light and en-

ergy to your dining experience. Resist using dark bedding and lighten up your sleeping space with crisp white sheets, white blankets and duvets. Try lightening up your life with brightly colored clothing and wear white when you can. The ”no white” after Labor Day” dress rule doesn’t ap-

ply to Southern California! And add some sparkle to your wardrobe with freshly polished jewelry. Don’t curl up on your sofa and hibernate. Get out and enjoy a walk or run in our glorious neighborhood. Sometimes exercise is the best remedy of all.

HAVE A QUESTION? “ASK AN ADVISOR FRIDAYS” Mustard Seed Cafe on Hillhurst Ave. Fridays in January, 3-5pm Can’t make it during that time... 866-562-9362

323-522-6941 • robert.menz@natplan.com

Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 17

Local Experts Worldwide

SELECTED PROPERTIES

2047 EAST LIVE OAK DRIVE Prime Los Feliz Oaks Mid Century with breathtaking city views. Thoughtful renovations fuse original architectural elements with elegant designer finishes. Light filled spaces flow seamlessly for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Features include: 3bedrooms/2bathrooms, approx. 2,200sq/ft of living space, original Youngstown kitchen cabinets & classic 50’s bathroom suite, outdoor spa & fire pit, generous master-suite & numerous system updates. www.2047liveoak.com $1,285,000 WEB:0284439 Juan Longfellow & Louise Leach 323.671.2302 IN ESCROW

4715 LOS FELIZ BLVD. Los Feliz Stunning grandscale 2 story Mediterranean Villa w/6bd & 7ba offering stately 10,000 sq.ft. w/private salt water-pool. $2,495,000 WEB: 0284389

4853 GLENCAIRN ROAD Los Feliz LEGENDARY ESTATE ‘36 Milton J. Black, architect. 5bd/4.5ba. Separate 2 Bedroom guest house. Privacy, Amazing Views. Priv. Pool. Create a legacy. $3,395,000 WEB: 0284427

C.1952 IMMAC MID-CENT Los Feliz On 1/2+ acre in prime Los Feliz, stunning Mid-Century Modern with city views & uniq. architect’l detailing. Gated entry+pvt drive. $2,499,000 WEB:0284362 Andrew Morrison 323.270.2277

Manvel Tabakian & Nadia de Winter 323.376.2222

1929 N SERRANO AVE Los Feliz Gated 1 story Mediterranean Villa w/tropical yard, LR w/fpl, large family rm, observation deck, extra studio rm w/ba $1,545,000 WEB: 0284381

3115 ETTRICK ST Los Feliz Incomparable modern new dream home. 4bd/3ba. Huge open plan, chef’s kitch, yard and views. Ivanhoe school. www.ettrickmodern.com $1,499,000 WEB: 0284303

740 E KENSINGTON ROAD Echo Park Generous rooms w/ soaring ceilings. Chef’s kitchen. Finished attic. Private yard w/lg pool and outdoor kitchen. $779,000 WEB:0284357

SECLUDED ECHO PARK SANCTUARY 5bd/4.5ba Woodsy Hillside home with sweeping canyon and city lights views. Over half acre of lush gardens. www.2341fellowship.com $699,000 WEB:0284418

1351 N CORONADO TERRACE Silver Lake www.1351coronadoterrace.com c.1922 Character bungalow 2bd/1ba in the hills with yard and views! Updated with vintage flair. $649,000 WEB:0284172

ECHO PARK MODERN 3bd/2.5ba. Hillside Modern Revisited. 3 bed, 2.5 bath+den, vus. Complete remodel, all new systems. www.1352Allesandrostreet.com $579,000 WEB:0284319

SHAPE YOUR DREAM HOME: Silver Lake. Out with the old, in with the new! Great potential to modernize this spacious traditional home w/ studio in the heart of Silverlake $535,000 WEB: 0284396

MOD, MINIMALIST BUNGALOW Los Feliz Delightful Transformation. 20’s bungalow paired with clean lines & numerous modern amenities. www.3310Tyburn.com $349,000 WEB:0284425

5620 TUXEDO TERR: Los Feliz One of the last great lots in the Los Feliz Oaks. Spectacular 180 degree city & canyon views. Unique architectural opportunity. $279,000 WEB: 0284219

Patricia Ruben & Jacqueline Tager 323.671.2310

Manvel Tabakian & Nadia de Winter 323.376.2222

Carol Stewart 323.255.3800

Joseph Lightfoot 323.665.1108

Rick Yohon 323.270.1725

Peter Tomlinson 323.671.2309

Carol Stewart 323.255.3800

Mahealani Dominguez 323.671.2332

Rick Yohon 323.270.1725

Sotheby’s International Realty - Los Feliz is proud to establish Sotheby’s International Realty for Schools. Our mission is to help support our local public schools and our local youth realize their full potential. Our organization and agents are currently supporting various initiatives at our local learning institutions on an ongoing For SchoolS donation program from closed transactions. To date we have raised over $3000 for Micheltorena Elementary School and $1,500 for Thomas Starr King Middle School. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BROKERAGES I SOTHEBYSHOMES.COM/SOCAL I LOS FELIZ 1801 NORTH HILLHURST AVENUE T 323.665.1700

USE THE WEB NUMBERS PROVIDED TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON A PROPERTY THROUGH OUR WEBSITE

Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. The Yellow House used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources.

Los Feliz Ledger [senior moments]

Financing for the Long Term –Our Choices

Silver Lake Chamber New Members

By Stephanie Vendig, Ledger Columnist Whether you are pondering the issue of long term care for yourself or for your parents or for your friend, you are headed for decision-making that takes a bit of thought. You may not know exactly what you will need, but you can at least learn about what is out there. Long Term Care refers to a variety of services that include medical and nonmedical care to meet health or personal needs. In 2008, 21

for treatment (skilled care). But the service called “custodial” care (non-skilled care) to help with “activities of daily living (ADL)” in order to manage your daily life usually is not covered. Medicare will pay for these services only when you are receiving medical and rehabilitative care and for a set period of time. Therefore you have to consider other ways of financing long-term care. Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) can provide long term care for those whose in-

Services such as caregiving in the home can cost $150 or more a day or $25 an hour. An assisted living facility may cost an average of $88.48 a day depending upon their size, location and amenities, and skilled nursing facilities in California can range from $130 to $200 a day. million people had a condition that caused them to need help with their health and personal care. Half of them were more than 65 years old. Services such as caregiving in the home can cost $150 or more a day or $25 an hour. An assisted living facility may cost an average of $88.48 a day depending upon their size, location and amenities, and skilled nursing facilities in California can range from $130 to $200 a day. With Medicare and regular health insurance plans, coverage basically includes services that are medically necessary

come and personal resources are limited. You may be eligible for custodial care in your home or in a group setting. Eligibility and covered services vary from state to state because the states share the funding and administration of the program with the Federal government. You may start by using your own assets to fund

Advertise in the

Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897

Los Angeles Breakfast Club Join us Wednesdays at 7 – 9 am Upcoming speakers and programs... January 4: Don Berkus, Author & B-24 Pilot “Another Soldier’s Story” January 11: Jacobs & Lipson - The Golden Age of American Popular Music - “Irving Berlin”

your long-term care. At some point, you “spend down” to where Medi-Cal will cover the remaining cost. This is known as having a “share of cost.” Other prominent public programs that include long term care services are provided by the Veteran’s Administration (800) 827-1000 and local senior programs supported by the Older Americans Act. Call Hollywood Multipurpose Center to speak to a case manager who will assist with finding appropriate services (323) 957-3700 x106 in our community. Regarding private financing, there is long-term care insurance but it is most beneficial for those who buy the policies when they are in their 50’s and 60’s when the premiums would be lower. Insurance companies also consider various preexisting conditions when determining eligibility. You may be able to use your life insurance policy or other insurance policies for services. “Reverse mortgages,” annuities and trusts are other ways of assisting with longterm care. All of these choices have limitations and benefits. A source of information to help with decision-making is the national Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information from the Dept. of Health and Human Services (www.longtermcare.gov). Also visit www. aging.ca.gov or call (800) 5102020 for California info.

Atwater Village Farms 3224 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 Joseph and Joanne Lightfoot—Sotheby’s Realty 1801 Hillhurst Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Realtor/Real Estate Pazzo Gelato 3287 Sunset Blvd. 1910 Sunset Blvd. Food/Retail

Sunset Hall - Curriculum and Advocacy

Programs for free-thinking seniors (323) 660-5277

Conversational Spanish at GPACC on Wednesdays

Griffith Park Adult Community Club Calendar

General Meeting, Lunch & Installation of Officers Wed., Jan. 18, 12:00-3:00 • Friendship Aud. Sign up at GPACC for lunch the week before Free Computer Classes for ALL AGES* 9:30-11:30 Class instruction 11:30-1:30 Individual Help 1:30 – 4:00 GPACC coaches available Begin a new passion: Oil/Acrylic Class Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4:30, $25/month 3203 Riverside Drive, just north of Los Feliz Bl. * Call for info and reservations (323) 644-5579 Lunch Program: Mon.-Fri., GPACC, 11:30 AM sign in, Noon lunch, Donation under 60 $4, 60+ $2 Club Info and Newsletter: Stephanie Vendig, (323) 667-3043 or vendig@sbcglobal.net. Join GPACC: Only $15/year for trips and news. For information on trips, call Doris Slater, (323) 667-1879

“We choose Belmont Village.” • Licensed nurse on-site around the clock • Chef-prepared, restaurant-style dining • Free scheduled transportation daily • Fitness and social activities • Medication management • Housekeeping and laundry • Assistance with daily living • Award-winning Circle of Friends® memory program • Short-term stays available • Specialized Alzheimer’s care

January 18: Rick Davis - Attorney at Law “My Service on the Grand Jury” January 25: Paul & Denise Fejtek - “Steps to the Summit” - Reaching the Top in Business & Life, StepstotheSummit.com

Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711 Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977

Friendship Auditorium 3201 Riverside Drive

Westwood (310) 475-7501

(1/4 mi. so. of Los Feliz Bl.)

For upcoming programs, see... www.LABreakfastClub.com

The Community Built for Life ®

or call (323) 662-1191 January 2012

www.belmontvillage.com

www.losfelizledger.com

LozFeliz_9_30_BV.indd 1

9/22/11 6:25 PM SENIOR MOMENTS Page 19

Los Feliz Ledger [theater review]

SPICED PUMPKIN BAKED APPLE SEA SALT CARAMEL WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BRANDIED PEAR

Bring a pint or quart...be the life of the party! TWO LOCATIONS SILVERLAKE: 3287 SUNSET BOULEVARD 9 AM–11PM SUN.–THUR. TIL MIDNIGHT FRI.–SAT. TEL: 213 353-9263

ECHO PARK: 1910 SUNSET BOULEVARD NOW OPEN!

TEL: 323 662-1410 / WWW.PAZZOGELATO.NET

Page 20 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

[the good life]

“Askance” – A Look at Aging, Secrets and Complications

Warm Up with Mulled Wine

by Marilyn Tower Oliver, Ledger Theater Critic

By Tara de Lis Ledger Columnist

A serious play may be the right antidote to counteract the effect of too many sugar plums and too much holiday frivolity. As the holidays pass into memory, a serious look at the problems of aging as seen through the premiere of a new play, “Askance,” may be just the ticket to provide a balance. Playwright Kerr Seth Lordygan said he created the play to explore his fears about aging. Set presently, the play revolves around three elderly residents of an assisted living retirement home that is suddenly being closed, forcing them to move. Millie and Irving are a long-married couple who squabble although they also express affection. Another resident, Rose, suffers from dementia and tortured memories. She babbles about her son Mikey who never comes to visit her. Through flashbacks the audience begins to understand their complicated relationships, as ugly secrets—hidden for decades—begin to bubble to the surface. The action moves back and forth from the present in the retirement home to the early 1950s when Millie and Irving were young. We see their optimism and love begin unravel. There is a feeling that the couple is linked in a mysterious way with Rose. Although Millie and Irving have a surface relationship of understanding, there is an undercurrent of suspicion that taints their marriage, hence the title “Askance.” If this seems a tad heavy, there is a touch of humor in the behavior of the two nurses who attend the elderly residents.

Kenlyn Kanouse and Joseph Cardinale in “Askance.” Photo: David Nott.

Portraying flashback scenes is a challenge in a small theater, but director Sabrina Lloyd accomplishes this through a set designed by Marco De Leon. The retirement home is at the back of the stage and set off by a frame resembling a picture frame. Scenes set in the 1950s are performed in the front with the actors portraying young Millie and Irving. Credible performances are given by Joseph Cardinale as Irving and Kenlyn Kanouse as Millie. Ivy Jones is particularly effective as the mildly crazy Sylvia. R.J Farrington provides comic relief as the acerbic nurse Adele Greene. “Askance” through Feb. 12th at the Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Thursdays: Jan. 5th, 19th and Feb. 9th at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 6 p.m. Tickets $25; Seniors and students with I.D., $20 Pay what you can on Jan. 5th,15th, 19th and 29th. Information: (818) 5083003 or www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org.

www.losfelizledger.com

A wintertime tradition for hundreds of years in Europe, mulled wine is a curiosity in Los Angeles likely because of our atypically warm weather. But for those chilly January nights when the cold does creep in, it’s a fantastic way to unwind. Atwater Village’s 55 Degrees is experimenting with several mulled wines this year, marking the first time it has served the beverage. The pilot program kicked off Dec. 14th and will continue on Wednesday nights into January, depending on demand. According to “nocturnal wine pourer” Wendy Storch, “We are doing a different recipe each week to celebrate a few of the cultures that drink it traditionally.” Selections will include French vin chaud, Italian vin brulé, a British recipe by “Naked Chef” Jamie Oliver and a Scandinavian-style glogg. Reservoir in Silver Lake is featuring chef/owner Gloria Felix’s unique concoction, which involves a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, molasses, vanilla bean, Irish whiskey, and lemon and orange zest. The result is a brilliantly complex cocktail-like red wine served at just the right temperature. Big Bar at the Alcove in Los Feliz is also doing its own spin on it, with pieces of red wine-soaked apples, lemons and oranges mixed in for good measure. Longtime neighborhood favorite the Red Lion Tavern serves an imported red Glühwein from Nuremberg, which has a long history of producing traditional German mulled wines. Tara de Lis is a freelance writer who lives in Hollywood.

January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger [Focus on the Advertiser]

Massage Envy of Glendale By Kimberly Gomez, Ledger Contributing Writer GLENDALE— A true believer in the power of massage, Helen McDonagh, of Echo Park, would regularly turn to massage to relieve pain in her neck and shoulders that she experienced from years of frequent business travel and stress. Husband and wife, Andrew Garsten and Helen and Massage Envy of Glendale contribAfter work- McDonagh, ute to the well-being of the local community. ing a combined 37 as much a priority as the gym, years in the comor chiropractor. Most clients puter high tech industry, she do have a massage once a and her husband, Andrew month; some even come once Garsten, were due to use their a week. professional and personal exThe business employs perience to build something of 54 employees including spetheir own—a Massage Envy cially trained estheticians and franchise. massage therapists. And Mc“At that time massage Donagh and Garsten believe was still a luxury that only in staying very active in the the wealthy could afford,” local communities of Glendale said McDonagh. “I thought, and Echo Park where they live if I had [a Massage Envy franwith their two children. chise] around here, I would “It’s a very giving comjoin.” munity and people are very Massage Envy memberinvolved,” said McDonagh. ships of $59 a month are good “Since everybody loves masfor one massage and additionsage we get creative when it al visits are $49. come to fundraisers and have Not only did owning a helped to raise a lot of money.” franchise give them an opporNationwide, Massage tunity to own a business, the Envy provides over a million couple felt the concept of ofmassages a month at various fering quality massage more franchises. affordably was a great fit for Their unique memberthe community. ship helps clients establish a By 2005, they opened long-term connection with the 3,000 square foot facility their massage therapists they with 12 treatment rooms on couldn’t get at the more exNorth Brand Avenue in Glenpensive spas. dale. McDonagh and Garsten “[We] know everything said they picked the location about that client to help them because it was convenient for get on regular maintenance for potential customers. Their a customized experience,” said success has proved that for the McDonagh. local client, regular massage is

BIKE RACKS from page 5

to realize that the city already has a free bicycle rack installation service in place. The Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation Bicycle Program has been placing racks in the public right-of-way for 17 years, primarily at locations in business districts at the request of business owners and citizens. But to city Senior Bike Coordinator Michelle Mowery’s

admittance, many are widely unaware of its services. Still, Sigala has found little help working with the city for a solution, largely because the bike racks the neighborhood council purchased are larger, M-shaped, and not the inverted U-shaped racks the Dept. of Transportation uses. Now, Sigala said he is hoping to work with local businesses such as Vons, Mohawk Bend,

FIX Coffee and Wallgreens to install the racks on their private property, circumventing the city almost entirely. “We just have to work a little bit harder to make this thing happen,” said Sigala. “My goal is by the summer [the bicycle racks] will be out there. It’s just a matter of how to get them there. And we’re hoping to take the road that’s less bureaucratic and more cooperative.”

L.A. are

worksofArt

Brazilian Blowout Certified Moroccanoil and Pureology Salon

January 2012

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LIFESTYLES Page 21

Los Feliz Ledger [Ivanhoe elementary]

[our mother of good counsel school]

Lecture Focuses on LF Architectural Designs Jan. 19th

The Spirit of the Holidays

An Invitation to Tour Our School

By Stella RosenbergMarkland

By Catherine Holden, 8th grade

Over the holiday season, Ivanhoe f undra ises, c ont r i but e s and celebrates in many ways. Kicking off the spirit of giving on Dec. 7th, our school partnered with Ascensia, a non-profit organization that helps the homeless in Glendale. Ivanhoe families brought extra lunches to school. These “Lunches4Bunches” were taken to the homeless in the streets by volunteers from Ascensia. Throughout the rest of the month, the 2nd grade Ivanhoe Brownie Troop sponsored our Annual Holiday Food Drive. Students donated non-perishable foods. According to Louise Tang, mother of Sophie Tang who is in the 2nd grade Brownie Troop, these donations will be given out to 10 to 15 families in our community. “This really helps people who don’t have enough money to buy food and celebrate the holidays,” said Sophie Tang. On December 15th, the 4th graders ran the Holiday Boutique for our Winter Performance. This is a class business project that helps raise money for an important historical field trip to Sacramento. In the spirit of the holidays, Ivanhoe really makes an effort to celebrate in a giving way! We hope you have a Happy New Year!

Last year, as Student Government Historian, I was responsible for taking pictures and recording special events. I liked being a part of Student Government because it made me feel closer to my classmates and involved in school activities. This year, I decided to take on the responsibility of the Student Government President. My responsibilities include running meetings, coming up with ideas and delegating tasks. Part of my responsibility is to make sure that students are involved and visitors feel welcome. Every year, we have our annual Open House in January for prospective students and their families. This event is a great way to strengthen our community bond with our fellow students, teachers and parishioners. It is also a great way to meet new people and to make them feel welcome as if it is a second home. As a member of Student Government, I am looking forward to giving guided tours showing off our classrooms, iPads, computer lab, gym and I’m most excited about sharing our Dolphin Pride! I look forward to seeing and meeting new faces and hopefully future fellow alumni. Our Open House is Sun., Jan. 29th at 10:00 a.m. 4622 Ambrose Ave. www.omgcschool.org

HILLHURST AVENUE—Local history expert Richard Stanley will give a presentation on Los Feliz housing styles at the Architecture & Beyond Lecture Series Thus., Jan. 19th, 6:45-7:45 p.m. at the Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Avenue. The title of his talk will be

Happy New Year!

“Why Does Our Neighborhood Look the Way It Does? How to Identify and Appreciate Our Local Housing Styles.” Stanley is also a realtor who specializes in architectural and historic properties. Skylights Books will be on hand to sell architecture-

related books. The free lecture series, now in its 8th year, is supported by the Friends of the Los Feliz Library and the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District. For information, call (323) 913-4710.

Pasadena Waldorf School Open Houses High School Open House Adults and prospective 9th graders Saturday, January 21, 2012 • 1–4 p.m. Elementary School Open House Saturday, January 21, 2012 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Parent-Child Open House Saturday, March 17, 2012 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

High School On the campus of William Carey International University 1539 East Howard Street • Pasadena, CA 91104 Elementary School • Preschool • Parent Child Program 209 East Mariposa Street • Altadena, CA 91001 Phone: 626-794-9564

www.pasadenawaldorf.org Page 22 SCHOOL NEWS

www.losfelizledger.com

January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger [pilgrim school]

Giving, Gives Back By Lily Kachikis, 6th grade Ever since my school started making sandwiches for an organization called PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), we have known that each week we deliver our lunches to 70 or so people, our efforts would bring some cheer or comfort to the lives of the homeless people we serve. But the thing that we didn’t count on was how this service project would bring a greater sense of community to our school. Each Sunday this school year, kids and their parents gather at one house to make and wrap sandwiches, color paper bags with positive designs and pictures, make a tasty dessert, and fill the decorated bags with chips, apple-

sauce, and juice. For Thanksgiving, we even made special roast turkey sandwiches with salads and a little pumpkin desserts. As we work together each person gets to know a friend better or work with someone that they don’t usually talk to. You get to find your own strengths in helping your community, whether it’s baking a dessert or preparing a delightful sandwich. So far we have delivered over 900 lunches to people who have recently found themselves without a job or home and we are well on our way to our initial goal of bringing 1,000 sandwiches to people who are actively trying to get off the street. The giving gives back!!

Silver Lake Library Book Sale, Jan. 28 SILVER LAKE—The Friends of Silver Lake Library (FoSLL) will hold their quarterly book sale Sun., Jan. 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help set up the tables and books the day before, Friday,

January 2012

Jan. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. as well assisting the day of the sale. Call (323) 913-7451 or visit www.fosll.org for details. The Silver Lake Library accepts book donations every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

www.losfelizledger.com

[franklin avenue elementary]

Franklin Puts the “Fun” in Fundraising By Noah Kennedy, 3rd grade At Franklin, we have to raise money to help our school to pay for music, art, dance, school equipment and many other things. The parents who help organize the fundraisers like to make things fun for everybody. In October, we had a Fall Festival, which had a pinewood derby, a haunted disco and more. We raised $8,500. Next, we had a fund drive. If your class had 100% participation, the class would receive a pajama party. Also, if you gave a certain amount of money, you could enter a raffle to win an IPod Touch. You could even look at a chart in the front hall to see how your class was doing, which made it very exciting. This event raised $60,000! In February, we will have a talent show where students, teachers, and parents perform acts. Last year’s performers were great! We raised $4,300 and this year we are going to try to beat that record.

Art Education Suppliers Directory The Los Angeles County residencies and workshops Arts Commission is inviting that meet the California state arts education providers to apstandards. Users can search ply to be included in “Arts for for arts education programs All’s Programs for Students by discipline, subject area, Directory” on www.lacountygrade level, program type artsforall.org. and cultural origin. The directory is an online Guidelines and an appliresource for educators lookcation are available at www. walaby.LFL.ad.4_Layout 1 12/6/11 3:56laartsed.org/application. PM Page 1 ing for quality arts education The field trips, performances, deadline to apply is Jan. 25th.

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SCHOOL NEWS Page 23

Los Feliz Ledger

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[immaculate heart high school]

IH Celebrates Spirit of Service By Emma Davidson ’14 and Georgia Peppe ‘14

DISCOVERY PROGRAM

PARENTS AND PRE-PRESCHOOLERS PRESCHOOL TRANSITION PRODRAM 18-36 MONTHS MON/WED OR TUE/THUR 3:30-5PM SPACES FILL UP QUICKLY CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOURS VISIT CAMELOTKIDS.ORG FOR MORE INFO

[temple Israel of Hollywood]

Team Sports Comes to TIOH By Maddie Borman and Ruthie Reichman Temple Israel of Hollywood Day School is beginning to offer team sports to its 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Our incredible Physical Education teacher, Penny, will coach TIOH’s first competitive basketball team in our history! This team will include all students interested in basketball, including those who are just learning how to play this fun sport. The team has around 15-20 enthusiastic boys and girls. They will have their first real practice on Thursday, December 14th. Penny’s hopes for the children who have joined the team are that they will increase their sportsmanship skills, and gain skills in learning to pass the ball and not keep it to themPage 24 SCHOOL NEWS

selves. Also, the teams we will be playing against are Pressman Academy, Hillel, and other Jewish Day Schools in the L.A. area. Ari Elkins, a 6th grader who has joined the team, says “I am excited for this amazing experience and to become closer with the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders who have also joined the team!” This basketball team is thrilled for their first game and we can’t wait to come watch the game and cheer on all of our friends!

Im maculate Heart st udent s celebrated December with a flurry of holiday activities, capped by the school’s special Christmas program, a winter formal dance, and concerts. However, in the spirit of the season, students also sought out meaningful ways to reach out and help the less fortunate in our community. As classes ended for Christmas break, students gathered with faculty and staff for the school’s annual Christmas program, which featured performances by the IH chorus and modern dance students, along with the Genesians’ rousing presentation of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” That evening, many students attended the school’s winter formal at the Omni Hotel, which was transformed into a magical wonderland of glistening lights and decorations. While IH students may have fun on the dance floor, they also enjoy serving others. IH students distributed Christmas toys and gifts for teenagers in Panorama City

Send the

Los Feliz Ledger your School News to: allisonferraro@losfelizledger.com

through the Casa Esperanza Center. Some students knitted more than 100 scarves for Operation Gratitude’s support for military personnel. Still others created warm blankets for children at Shriner’s Hospital. In our remaining days before break, students also collected 600 pairs of new socks to be distributed among the homeless by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Students also made dozens of Christmas cards that will be presented to children with life-threatening

diseases through the Make a Child Smile organization. Following a busy month and a break from classes, students now return to campus and will prepare for semester finals in January. The good news is that we will have several days off following these exams! Meanwhile, prospective high school students are encouraged to submit their applications and take Immaculate Heart’s entrance exam for admission and merit scholarships on Sat., Jan. 21st at 8:30 a.m. Please visit Immaculate Heart’s website for more admissions information.

[marshall high school]

Switching from Private to Public School By Allia Parsons, 9th Grade This is my first year at Marshall High School. I had never attended public schools so my family had many reservations about sending me to one. The school is massive. Moving from a school with 400 students to one with 2,500 is a big change. But, I am learning it means more classes, more options, and broader horizons. Marshall has five different learning communities. www.losfelizledger.com

After looking into the college prep programs at Marshall known as the Gifted Magnet and the School for Advanced Studies (SAS), I realized that there wasn’t a huge difference between those programs and private schools in terms of college admissions. I was nervous but excited. I decided to give it a shot. So far, I’m really glad I did. With many families considering switching to their local school system due to the economy, I felt as though this is a story worth sharing. January 2012

Los Feliz Ledger [sark on sports]

Marshall Loses in Playoffs By Sarkis Adajian, Ledger Sports Writer After the Marshall football Barristers went undefeated in league play, their magical run in the CIF Los Angeles City Section Playoffs came up one game short. “I knew we had a really good team. Our expectations were to compete for the league title and to make it past the

Hills to reach the finals. “We were real confident. We knew we would get the passed the first round this season,” said Moran. The finals, however, were a different story. “South East had an explosive offense. We made some mistakes on both sides that made the game get out of reach,” said Moran. The Bar-

The Barristers had one of the best regular seasons in school history and earned a two seed going into the playoffs. first round of the city playoffs, we’ve lost in the first round for four or five years,” said head coach Andy Moran. The Barristers had one of the best regular seasons in school history and earned a two seed going into the playoffs. They were able to breeze their way through the first two rounds (37-6 vs. Santee and 49-10 vs. Lincoln) and pull out a 37-34 victory over Granada

risters had a 14-13 lead going into halftime, but lost 51-34 to South East high school. “I think this the greatest team in Marshall history,” said Moran. “[The team] had the best record in school history and the incredible thing is, they did it collectively, no stand out player. They had to overcome a lot of differences. They did that as a team. I am incredibly proud of my guys.”

It took some digging to find organizations that will take kids and teens as volunBy Kristen Taylor teers, but if you’d like to use this holiday season, school Earlier this tack. What they really need is break, and New Year to get month I atto put some hours in on the your own kids out there helptended the live ground to see how, and more ing others, the following webceremony and taping of CNN importantly, why, it’s done. sites can help match them Heroes, an annual event that My own track record as with opportunities: ivolunteer. honors everyday people who a volunteer is spotty at best, org, volunteermatch.org, and make extraordinary contriand a little selfish at worst. bigsunday.org. butions to people in need For instance, donating time The following are orgathrough nonnizations that profit organizaAs if I didn’t already have the idea of have programs tions around the in place for chilgetting [my kids] out volunteering, there world. dren and teens The comare also community service requirements at to help. Please mitment, drive, contact each one school that need filling, so I looked for and tenacity of for their miniopportunities online and by asking friends. the honorees mum age, trainwas inspiraing, and comtional, but I was also struck by and money at the kids’ schools mitment requirements. their ability to see a need and and community activities in then act on it in ways that no the end serves… them. Much California Hospital Medical one had before. That sort of like they’re served breakfast, Center unselfish creativity—one that lunch, dinner, and clean launmakes an elegant connection dry every day. I was more of Heal the Bay’s monthly beach between a need and a way to a crackerjack volunteer in high cleanups fill it—is a rare quality, and school and college. As an adult Los Angeles Mission certainly deserving of recogniI’ve let that slide, maybe beNatural History Museum tion and reward. cause as a parent, 80% of my North Hollywood Interfaith Because I’m a mom, I life feels like service work. immediately started to think As if I didn’t already have Food Pantry about ways to foster that same the idea of getting them out volPAWS/LA perspective in my kids. While unteering, there are also comSchools on Wheels, Inc. I was tempted to drive home munity service requirements Tree People and just start yelling at them at school that need filling, so I Vista Del Mar’s Vista Inspire to do more for others, I quicklooked for opportunities online Program ly realized that wasn’t the best and by asking friends. [family matters]

Volunteer Jobs for Teens

weStridge School’S 21st annual

open house

save the dates

Learn about Westridge and experience the community at Open House!

1 t o 4 p . m . • S at u r d ay

January 7, 2012

Join families and students from Pasadena and surrounding communities in search of summer activities for every budget! Over 100 local, national, and international camps, programs, and activities for students between the ages of 5 and 18 will be represented. admission is Free!

Tour the new Platinum LEED-certified Science and Math Building, a learning environment that provokes involvement, imagination, and inventiveness where girls have the opportunity to do science, not just study it. To RSVP or for questions about Open House, please contact the Admissions Office, 626.799.1053, ext. 256, admissions@westridge.org or visit www.westridge.org.

Summer Opportunities Fair 2012

art • outdoor adventure • sports • theater • travel • tutoring Enjoy the fair’s festive food, activities, and family fun!

Westridge school

Since 1913 An independent day school for college-bound girls grades 4 through 12

For more information, visit www.westridge.org/sof or email sof@westridge.org. Like us on Facebook and keep up with event updates! www.facebook.com/westridgesof

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Saturday

February 4, 2012

324 Madeline Drive • Pasadena, California 91105 January 2012

www.losfelizledger.com

SCHOOL NEWS Page 25

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CRAWFORD from page 1

dilapidated infrastructure and encourage growth in its tourism industry Crawford said he hopes to find alternative sources of funding from statewide, federal and international sources. He’s done it before and he thinks he can do it again. As the former president of the Friends of Hollyhock Assoc. not long ago, Crawford approached City Hall looking for money for a restoration project the Hollyhock House needed—but they had none to give. He tried the county, state and federal governments as well: nothing there either. But he persisted. “He went to the United Nations and came back with the money,” said Stephen Box, who shares Crawford’s office space and is heading up Crawford’s campaign. Because of Crawford’s persistence, the Hollyhock house in 2014 will be a UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] world heritage site. “To maintain a house like the Hollyhock House costs lots of money so we needed more sources. Plus, it’s going to be up there with the Taj Mahal and the pyramids in Egypt. . . This is one of our gems here and if I’m pushing tourism it’s got to be beautiful like all the other Frank Lloyd Wright houses are.” According to Crawford, there’s similar funding available for infrastructure around the city, specifically the 13th District, like state and federal funds to develop safe routes to schools. Crawford believes with such funding Los Angeles can become, again, the world-class city it once was. “With that money, imagine fixing up Sunset Boulevard,” said Crawford, “Construction jobs, electrical jobs…,” and more, he said. With his deep-set eyes, massive smile and heavy jowls, Crawford, a gay 62-year-old bachelor who lives in Silver Lake with two Russian wolfhounds touts a passion for world traveling. A ballroom dancer, Crawford said his health is great aside from the allergies he was suffering. An avid pedestrian, he walks to his office daily. Crawford has been an actor since the age of seven. He

grew up in Chicago, and attended the specialty school for thespians called the “Jack and Jill Players.” Later he moved to New York and appeared in many Broadway, Off-Broadway, and “Off-Off-Broadway” productions. Later he would find roles in Annie Hall and Raging Bull; reoccurring roles in soaps As the World Turns and All My Children and spots on sitcoms Roseanne, Married with Children and Night Court. A small business owner, he owns three apartment buildings in Silver Lake and is the artistic director of the Dillon Street Players, a theater company he has run primarily out of his living room since 1990. And he has owned his own production company based in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he once lived. Since the 1990’s he’s also worked as an activist for AIDS awareness and prevention and the rights of the LGBT community. He’s fought for historic preservation, on land use and environmental issues, and for education and cultural affairs, among others. And he’s been a board member of neighborhood councils for both Greater Griffith Park and currently on Silver Lake’s. “[Activism] was never a thought but seeing the way the world works and having my toes stepped on, I started to fight back. An actor’s life is one of ‘I need, I’m poor, give me, help me,’ and I realized that I had to turn that around and start coming from abundance rather than starvation,” he said. Council District 13 runs from Hollywood to Echo Park, including part or all of East Hollywood, Thai Town, Little Armenia, Los Feliz, Virgil Village, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Temple-Beverly, Koreatown, Historic Filipinotown, Westlake, Wilshire Center, Melrose Hill, Elysian Valley, Atwater Village and Glassell Park. It’s the city’s most densely populated district with more than 100 languages spoken. Its demographics range from the Atwater Equestrian Village to the dense Rampart District, “and it’s creative artist central,” said Crawford. “So who else but me should be representing it?” Crawford has just one opponent so far: Mitch O’Farrell, senior advisor to District 13’s

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www.losfelizledger.com

current councilmember, Garcetti, who is vacating the seat to run for mayor. But in regards to his competition, Crawford’s not looking to muckrake. “For me it’s about getting my vision out to the people,” he said. “As a gay man, I grew up in being bullied. I grew up being teased, being hurt, those things are over. . . [Now] it’s about vision, it’s about getting the city on path and creating a wonderful and vibrant community.” Crawford first met Box during the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s first election. They’ve been friends since have and when Crawford decided to run for the City Council District 13 seat, it was Box, who ran unsuccessfully last year for city councilmember Tom LaBonge’s 4th District seat, who pushed him to do so. For the last year Crawford said people have been urging him to run for Garcetti’s seat. When he saw Box one night at a film screening and told him of the prodding, Crawford recalled Box’s certitude. “He said, ‘You should be running for Garcetti’s seat. You’d be great.’ And all of a sudden it was like, What am I doing. . . this is something I’m passionate about, that I’ve been passionate about for the last 15 years and to be blessed with him as my partner on my side. It’s better than I could imagine.” Crawford said he believes the key to Los Angeles’ success to becoming the “greatest city of the 22nd Century” is encouraging tourism and helping entrepreneurs, which will in turn increase tax revenues and support infrastructure. “We’re the birthplace for 20th century architecture,” he said. “We’re the cultural capital of the United States at this point.” He cited the growth in Los Angeles’ theatrical, restaurant and artistic culture. “We’re the contemporary art leader in the world,” he said. “We don’t get that credit and we’ve got to take the mantel and start running with it.” Like many, he’s concerned about how the city bureaucracy treats small entrepreneurs. “[We need to] walk them through the permitting process, maybe even help with advertising. . . to send them in the right direction.” Most of all Crawford wants to serve. “I, as a city councilor am your servant, and I’m serving you rather than me being the lord almighty and you groveling to me. Service is the most important thing, so that’s what we’re onto,” he said. For a longer version of this story, visit losfelizledger.com. January 2012

2150 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

323.668.7600 georgeandeileen.com

Happy New Year! Wishing You Health, Happiness & Prosperity In 2012

George and Eileen Just Listed

1901 N. Oxford Street

Coming Soon

Los Feliz

$895,000

Circa 1924 2-Stry 4 bedroom , 3.5 bath Mediterranean behind gates with classic details thruout. 3100 sq ft home offers a flexible floor plan + two large additional rms for possible master & family room. Patio enjoys lovely view of the Observatory. Updated systems.Five fountains.

For Sale

972 North Los Robles

Pasadena

$1,395,000

For Sale

Call For Price 3607 Amesbury Road

1917 Oxford Street

Franklin Hills

$675,000

Los Feliz

$949,000

Lovely 3+3 1922 Spanish close to Griffith Park. Stunning LR with high barrel ceiling & Batchelder fireplace. Gorgeous formal DR w/built-ins. Possible 4th bd/office. Beautiful hrdwd flrs. A/C. French doors leads to patio & large yard w/hot tub. Garage being used for great studio.

Listed & Sold In 1o Days!

Los Feliz Hills

2270 Silver Lake Boulevard

$2,075,000

Silver Lake

$3,000

Wonderful 2+2 Mid Century Post & Beam residence on a picturesque setting. Fabulous open floor plan with lovely views from most rooms. Spacious LR with fireplace, hardwood floors, great outdoor area for entertaining and relaxing. Lovingly updated. 1766 sq ft. Very Special!

2018 Griffith Park Blvd #314

$775,000

2216 Commonwealth Avenue

Los Feliz

$895,000

Lovely 3+2 Spanish home north of Los Feliz Blvd w/fabulous guest unit. Gorgeous LR, formal DR, hrdwd flrs updated kitchen, den near kitchen leads to yard w/rm for pool. Central AC. Guest unit with living area, kitchen, bedroom and additional 3/4 bath. 2 car garage. Large Yard.

In Escrow Short Sale

Sold

Stunning 4+5.5 Architectural w/spectacular city views + a full separate guest apt. Gorgeous LR leads to deck w/downtown views. Great master suite. Cook’s kitchen, DR, breakfast rm, family rm, home office, media rm. Three fireplaces. Sauna. 3 car garage. Solar panels. Rose garden. Incredible entertainer’s home!

Los Feliz Hills

Lovingly maintained 3+2.5 Traditional w/Mid-Century feel. Large living room, wet bar, hrdwd floors & original casement windows. Charming kitchen, dining area. Fam rm & din area open out to a nice patio. Master suite w/private bath. Nice views from many rooms. Appx 2451 sq ft + large bonus rm or home office.

For Sale

For Lease

A great value in this 2+2.5 Franklin Hills residence with great views of the Silver Lake and Franklin Hills. Spanish pavers in LR & dining rm. Spacious wood decks to enjoy outdoor living and entertaining. Central air & heat & E/Q retrofitted. Bonus rm could be 3rd bedroom.

2616 Glendower Avenue

Silver Lake Hills

Dramatic 3 + 2.5 Contemporary home with newly refinished hrdwood flrs, new stainless appliances, new counter tops and fresh interior paint. Spacious LR w/high ceilings, fireplace & built-ins. Great open floor plan. Dining area leads to lovely terraced yard. Master with fireplace, private bath and walk-in closet.

For Sale

Impressive, gated & beautifully restored 4+ 5 1911 Colonial Revival Estate with Craftsman touches on a 16,736 lot. Stunning LR w/Batchelder fireplace. Large gourmet kitchen w/custom cabinets & top quality blt-in appl w/views of the incredible expansive grounds. 4151 square feet + basement & attic. Incredible.

3840 Clayton Avenue

1742 Redcliff Street

New Price

2428 Meadow Valley Terrace Silver Lake Hills $695,000 Lovely 2+1.5 Traditional residence. LR w/fireplace & views of the Observatory & hills. Formal dining rm w/built-ins. A charming deco kitchen. Cozy den with 2nd fireplace. Huge bonus room with bar. Needs some TLC, but with work could be home sweet hm Ivanhoe. Short sale.

Sold Short Sale

Silver Lake

$370,000

Great 2 + 2 top floor unit just completely renovated. Enjoy a new kitchen with gorgeous Shaker style cabinets, new appliances, new counter tops and newly renovated bathrooms. Spacious living room with high ceilings,balcony, fireplace & new wood floors. Wonderful pool and spa.

Client Testimonials November 2011

October 2011

My husband and I had a wonderful experience with George and Eileen Moreno. They recently handled the short sale of our condo in Atwater. They know the area so well, that they were able generate several offers rather quickly. They were always very responsive, courteous and cool-headed. I highly recommend their entire team!

George and Eileen helped us sell our home this past summer. We live 3,000 miles away and had to rely on them for many duties outside of the ‘norm’. They were a joy to work with, listened to our needs, and handled the whole process like absolute professionals. Without a doubt, we would easily refer them to anyone requiring realty assistance in selling a home.

Emili Veslind and Jeremy Castillo 4230 Brunswick Avenue, Atwater

Matthew and Amy Dichter 1900 Monon Avenue, Los Feliz

4119 Perlita Avenue #A

Atwater

$241,000

Charming 2+1 condo in a lovely 1940’s Traditional complex surrounded by lush landscaping. Clean spacious unit. Hardwood floors, subway tile in bath, formal dining room, crown molding. Two parking spaces. Walk to many great restaurants & shops. Close to public transportation & 5 freeway. Short sale.