Los Feliz Ledger Vol 8. No. 2
Street Fair Vendors Drop 30%, Still Organizers Pleased
Read by 100,000+ Residents and Business Owners in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park & Hollywood Hills
Judge Rules “All is Not Well” for LA Zoo Elephants But Stops Short of Closing Exhibit By Colin Stutz & Allison Ferraro Ledger Contributing Writers
By Norma Zager Ledger Contributing Writer
surface. So as an alternative to the LADWP’s original plan— tunneling under and installing a bypass along West Silver Lake Drive and Redesdale Avenue along the west bank of the Silver Lake Reservoir—the agency is now examining an alternative that would drain the reservoir to construct 5,000 feet of 66-inch-diameter pipeline inside its bed. Once the reservoir is refilled, that pipe would sit underwater, coated in protective concrete. Glenn Singley, director of water engineering and technical services at the LADWP, discussed this new option at the July 11th Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s (SLNC) governing board meeting. Since the excavated soil
wouldn’t have to be removed from the site, it would save 60 percent of truck trips, he said, cutting down on dust and traffic congestion. About 12 months of work time would be saved, too, as well as about $20 million of ratepayer money, he said. “Both alternatives are viable and our preference right now is to try this new route and go through the reservoir bottom,” Singley said. If approved and after plans have received California environmental and public health approvals, a construction company contracted and materials purchased, the project would likely start early in 2014. Some residents had previously voiced concerns the reservoir’s draining could deval-
LOS ANGELES—In strong language, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge John L. Segal has ruled that “all is not well” at the Los Angeles Zoo’s “Elephants of Asia” exhibit and for an injunction prohibiting the zoo from using bull hooks and electric shock against its elephants, and that it rototill the exhibit regularly and exercise the pachyderms for at least two hours daily weather permitting. “All is not well at the ‘Elephants of Asia’ exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo,” Segal wrote in his ruling. “Contrary to what the zoo’s representatives may have told the Los Angeles City Council in order to get construction of the $42 million exhibit approved and funded, the elephants are not healthy, happy, and thriving.” Segal, in his ruling, called high-ranking zoo employees “delusional” if they felt otherwise. The verdict, in a 56-page ruling strongly excoriating zoo staff, is the response to a lawsuit filed that alleged the zoo’s “Elephants of Asia” exhibit is inhumane, a waste of tax payer dollars and should be shut down. Plaintiff Aaron Leider had hoped the judge would rule to close the exhibit and send its three elephants, Billy, Tina and Jewel, to elephant sanctuaries. But the court ruled the legal standard to shut down the exhibit was too high. “…[T]he zoo’s conduct is not abusive, does not amount to causing suffering and is not cruel beyond the ‘ordinary’ circumstance of captivity,” Se-
see RESERVOIR page 6
see ZOO page 4
Religion & Spirituality: Problems Persist at St. Mary’s of the Angels, losfelizledger.com
Calendar: Wildcat Wildcat, perform at the Echo this month, losfelizledger.com
LOS FELIZ—The Los Angeles Annual Los Feliz Village Business District Annual Street Fair was held July 22nd and drew crowds despite late planning. Marie-Alise Recasner de Marco, who stepped in to help the BID plan and execute the event, said there were approximately 140 vendors including food, down from last year’s 200—a 30% decline. BID President Chris Serrano attributed a late start to the lower vendor numbers. “Live and learn and we’ll see STREET FAIR page 10
West Nile Found Locally in Two Mosquitos By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer In the past month, two mosquito samples taken along the Los Angeles River have tested positive for West Nile Virus, meaning the area within a mile radius of the 3700 block of Legion Lane in Atwater Village is likely infected. That would include portions of Silver Lake, Los Feliz and Griffith Park as well. The positive samples were taken June 14th and 28th according to Truc Dever of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLCVC), which conducts the West Nile Virus surveys. But that doesn’t mean the commusee WEST NILE page 10
Community News: Coffee Table Up for Sale Again, page 3
August 2012
Photo: Allison Ferraro
LADWP’s New Plan: Drain the Reservoir By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer SILVER LAKE—A new option for the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power’s (LADWP) ongoing bypass pipeline project could empty the Silver Lake Reservoir for 18 months, and many neighborhood advocates are hoping that’s the case. The federally mandated $60-million, 4,900-foot project that reroutes water from the L.A. aqueduct to two underground reservoirs north of Griffith Park has plagued north Silver Lake for most of this past year. Residents have complained of poor mitigation practices from the LADWP and its contractors. Matters of respiratory issues, noise violations, property damage, loss of business and grueling traffic congestion have all come to
Su Casa Real Estate: Home Sales, page 11
Open Mike: The Zoo’s Response on Judge’s Decision, and more, page 22
Los Feliz Ledger [letter from the publisher] At a glance, the Los Feliz Village Street Fair was a success. The day was beautiful; people were out having fun; kids were jumping, rolling around in huge plastic balls in the water and getting their faces painted. But if you look closer, this year’s street festival could have been held most anywhere: Montrose, Santa Monica, Whittier. What was missing were the local Los Feliz businesses. Out of 140 vendors (down from 200 last year) only 31 were from Los Feliz. I strolled the festival many times. I met vendors from San Luis Obispo and from Long
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Beach. Why didn’t our local schools have booths? Where were the Sierra Club, The Griffith Observatory, Dragonfly Du Lou, Little Dom’s, the Los Angeles Zoo and Lassen’s (who could use some good publicity). Instead, there seemed to be a lot of nice booths—selling stuff—but nothing that would tell a visitor from outside the area, what Los Feliz is or what makes it special. (The Soap Plant/Wacko booth is the exception.) And things that make Los Feliz special are our unique shops, our many prominent destinations and our wonderful restaurants. Where else can you go to House of Pies or sing with Marty and Elaine? Only in Los Feliz.
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August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
NC Election Officials Looking for More Candidates and Voters By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer
Coffee Table Lot For Sale Again By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer SILVER LAKE—When developer 15 Group demolished The Coffee Table restaurant on Rowena Avenue in February to build 45 townhouses, the Miami-based agency said it would begin construction shortly thereafter. Now, six months later, there has been no construction and recently the 1.25-acre property was listed for sale. An asking price has not been set for the property, but last year 15 Group paid about $8.2 million for it. Land Advi-
sors, the brokerage firm handling the sale, said offers are due Aug 15th. A spokesman for the 15 Group could not be reached for comment. The eviction and demolition of The Coffee Table had many community members outraged at the loss of a neighborhood staple, which had been there since 1997. Brett Schoenhals, the restaurant’s owner who still runs one location in Eagle Rock, said he attempted to keep his
business on the site until construction began but Group 15 told him they were going to start building immediately. He said his business was thrown away “like trash.” According to Schoenhals, 26 Coffee Table lost their jobs said some are now on welfare. “They ruined my life,” Schoenhals said. “My business partner has sold everything he owns. He’s now jobless and almost homeless and it’s all because of this.” Elizabeth Bougart-Sharkov, chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s Urban Design & Preservation
Candidates for the upcoming local neighborhood council elections can file their intent from Aug. 6th–Sept. 6th. Locally, Region 7’s election, which includes Greater Griffith Park, Atwater Village, Silver Lake, Elysian Valley Riverside, Greater Echo Park Elysian and Rampart Village is Oct. 6th. During the filing period, neighborhood councils will hold informational meetings, have booths at farmers markets and make various other marketing efforts for recruiting. “It’s about getting the word out there, letting people know neighborhood councils exist,” said Jay Handal, independent elections administrator for Region 7. Plus, efforts are underway for stronger voter turnouts. According to Handal, due to previous low turnouts, often city officials question a neighborhood council’s influence. By increasing voter turnout, he said, neighborhood councils would have more power. To vote, a “stakeholder” must live, work or own property in a neighborhood. The Silver Lake Neighborhood Council (SLNC) is looking for three candidates for each of its 21 seats, 63 candidates in all. The council hopes to increase voter turnout to match that of its two city councilmen in their previous city council elections, said SLNC member Charles Herman-Wurmfeld. “If we can match that number then the council can, as a team, look at our councilman in the eye and say, ‘We represent as many people as you do and we need you to hear us an take our lead.’” Stakeholders may file for candidacy online at www.EmpowerLA.com.
Committee, said she is concerned that another developer may buy the property with the entitlements Group 15 was granted but will not be beholden to them. “If they want to build something identical, they can build it without saying anything to the neighborhood council,” said BougartSharkov. The same would go if the new buyer does not “deviate from the entitlements, units, height and other basic things,” promised by Group 15, Bougart-Sharkov said. “[This] was a big surprise because this developer was quite shady… there was always something in the background of my mind that [they weren’t] very sincere.”
Taste of Larchmont – August 20th LARCHMONT BOULEVARD— The 20th annual Taste of Larchmont will take place on Monday, Aug. 20th on Larchmont Boulevard between Beverly Boulevard and 1st Street. The annual end of summer event provides an opportunity to taste the cuisine from over 20 local Larchmont eateries and enjoy a summer evening with the community. The August 2012
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event includes a raffle and silent auction. The event benefits HopeNet whose 14 food pantries include one at Mt. Hollywood Church and Silverlake Community Church. Hope-Net pantries served over 350,000 persons last year. To purchase tickets, call Hope-Net at (213) 389-9949 or visit www.hopenetla.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
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Los Feliz Ledger ZOO from page 1
gal wrote, but that “the court agrees with [the plaintiff] that the evidence at trial shows the elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo are not receiving ‘proper care and attention.’” “We are pleased that the court did not agree with the plaintiff’s request to close the elephant exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo,” said zoo spokesman Jason Jacobs in a released statement. “This case, which began before the new habitat was initiated, focused largely on outdated information and animal care practices and does not reflect the animal care decisions that have been made in recent years to improve the elephant habitat at the Los Angles Zoo… The L.A. Zoo does not use bull hooks and has no plans to utilize them in the daily management of our elephants. This was stated repeatedly during the trial.” According to Leider’s attorney David Casselman, he and his client will study the decision, assess their options and consider whether or not to file an appeal. “We’re very pleased that the court recognized the substandard and horrific conditions at the Los Angeles Zoo elephant exhibit,” Casselman said in an interview. “The legal questions that remain, regarding how to respond to these problems, will continue. But the public should now be well aware that the decades-long representations of excellent care and superior knowledge are extremely unfounded and the city should take a serious look at closing this ex-
hibit with or without a further disputed that the elephant her almost 40 years of observcourt order.” keepers in the Los Angeles ing and studying elephants, she Leider had claimed, Zoo do not rototill the surface has never seen an elephant bob among other things, the zoo’s of the exhibit, and never have. its head or rock back and forth exhibit is too small to house Not once.” in place as much as Billy, Tina, three elephants. Segal wrote numerous and Jewel do,” Segal wrote. The judge, however, said times in his order that zoo Instead, according to the that claim could not be proven. employees had limited knowlruling, Poole testified that “The evidence is inconedge or expertise of the very she believes this behavior is clusive on the issue of how animals they were caring for. “evidence that Billy is stressed, much space an elephant needs Regarding the issue of rofrustrated, unanimated, and (or three elephants need), and totilling, “it is this kind of tesunhappy, and that the zoo is whether the space for the eltimony,” Segal wrote, “…that not meeting his needs.” ephants is ‘inAccordsu f f icient ly ing to Poole’s “The public should now be well aware large,’” Segal t e s t i m o n y, that the decades-long representations wrote. the behavior Dr. Philof Billy, Jewel of excellent care and superior knowledge lip Ensley, a and Tina, are extremely unfounded and the city board certified and that of elshould take a serious look at closing this veterina ria n ephants in the who worked at wild is “night exhibit with or without a further court order.” the San Diego and day.” – Plantiff’s attorney David Casselman Zoo and the S e g a l San Diego Satook many fari Park, testified during the makes me wonder whether the jabs at the elephant keeper at 6 day trial earlier this summer keepers and the medical staff the zoo for the last 16 years, that how much space a captive are working at the same zoo.” Victoria Guarnett, who testielephant needs “is a difficult Also, Segal threw out fied the head-bobbing, in her standard to set.” some zoo employee’s claims view, was a sign of happiness However, Segal wrote in that all three elephants’ headand comfort “like a dog waghis ruling that the plaintiff bobbing, is not in response ging his tail.” had proven “by a preponderto being pleased to see their Segal wrote in his ruling ance of the evidence” that the keepers or being fed. Guarnett’s belief appears to ground of the “Elephants of According to the ruling, “be part of her anthropomorAsia” exhibit is too hard and Dr. Joyce Poole, an expert in phic fantasy that elephants are offers “risk of injury to the elthe study of elephant behavior happy to see her and live their ephants’ joints, feet and nails.” with over 100,000 hours in lives in captivity.” According to the ruling, the wild observing them, “In Zoo veterinarian, Eng, veterinarian Ensley said the ground of the exhibit was “as hard as concrete.” The remedy, Segal ruled is to rototill the ground, which the zoo’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Curtis Eng testified zookeepers have told him that they regularly do. “…[I]n fact,” Segal wrote, “the opposite is true. It is un-
similarly testified during the trial he equated the head-bobbing of the elephants to “a dog wagging its tail when his or her master arrives home.” According to additional testimony from Dr. Cathleen Cox, the zoo’s research director, she said she has observed Billy’s head bobbing as much as 50% a day in 2003 and 45% currently. “Thus, Billy is essentially head-bobbing and swaying and rocking in place nearly half of his observable life,” Segal wrote. “No wonder, as [zoo director John Lewis] admitted,” Segal wrote, “zoo employees hear zoo patrons ask what is so wrong with the zoo’s elephants.” Segal also wrote that zoo keepers have not taken measures to adequately gage the elephants’ stress levels; that Billy has high sexual frustration and limited space to deal with it; the exhibit’s trees and plants, of which the elephants are attracted, are surrounded by electrical wires; and that the zoo is not exercising its elephants even the necessary minimum amount of one to two hours. According to court testimony, the elephants receive no more than 40 minutes see ZOO page 5
Summer Nights on the Boulevard Friday, August 17 6 PM to 10 PM
GLENDALE BLVD.
Free Movie Nights, Los Feliz Golf Course AtwaterVillage.org Page 4
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Fridays at Dusk: Aug 24 and Sept 28 www.losfelizledger.com
August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
2nd “Summer Nights on the Blvd.” Set for Aug. 17th By Dena Betancourt, Ledger Contributing Writer ATWATER VILLAGE— business environment in Atat the information table and This year’s “Summer Nights water Village, was approached making sure all activities in on the Boulevard”—July to co-sponsor the event but the event ran smoothly. 20th and August 17th —was chose not to because “Summer Martinez said he expected helped made possible, at the Nights on the Boulevard” has more people for the first night, last minute, as the Atwater always been an Atwater neighJuly 20th, but felt that with Village Neighborthe short advertishood (AVNC) aping done the turn proved $1,500 for out was OK. advertisement and “Everyone who “Everyone who is moving other expenses for is moving here here wants to see Atwater the event. wants to see AtwaThe fundter stay open much stay open much later. ing for the event later, said Martihad been debated “They want to They want to see more action nez. on the council for see more action on about two months. Glendale Bouleon Glendale Boulevard.” AVNC councilvard.” – Reuben Martinez member Reuben Martinez said Martinez took one of the event’s charge of the Admain purposes was Hoc Committee to to show businesses push the event forward. borhood council event. they should stay open later Funding for the event, AVCC secretary Luis Lothan their current business now in its fourth year, was not pez said the lack of decision hours typically until 6 p.m. overwhelmingly desired by the about the event only added Martinez said it is criticouncil due to the amount of to the confusion. “It was up cal to keep the event going on planning, advertisement, legin the air for the AVNC,” he every year so business could work, and support from the said. thrive in the neighborhood. businesses. Other villagers such as “It would be even cool to The Atwater Village board members from AVNC have a block party,” he said. Chamber of Commerce and members from Friends of The next “Summer Nights (AVCC), who’s mission is to Atwater Village (FAV) assisted on the Boulevard” will be Aug create a positive and successful in the event by helping out 17th.
ZOO from page 4
of daily exercise. Further, Segal expressed concern regarding zoo director Lewis’s apparent reversal on the use of bull hooks for training and punishing the elephants. Initially, according to Segal’s ruling, Lewis would not answer questions regarding whether the zoo planned to keep the option open of bull hook use. However, on the last day of the trial, Lewis testified he was prepared to commit to the cessation of the practice while he was zoo director. According to Segal’s ruling, the plaintiff claimed that the zoo “did not stop (or commit to stop) using bull hooks” until the plaintiff filed his lawsuit in 2007. “[The zoo] discontinued use of the bull hooks during the pendency of this lawsuit,” Segal wrote, “making it questionable whether their intention to discontinue using such tools of abuse is in good faith.” Further, Segal wrote “the Los Angeles Zoo has a history of elephant abuse and of missing zoo records… The Los Angeles Zoo’s history of not keeping complete and accurate records also calls into question the defendant’s ability to keep their word.” More pointedly, the judge
wrote explicitly about the level of knowledge and skill of the zoo’s current keepers. “The testimony of the [zoo’s] witnesses, including zoo employees and other treating veterinarians… also raises concerns about the level of care that the elephants are receiving at the Los Angeles Zoo,” Segal wrote. “We respectfully disagree with the court’s opinion regarding the competency and validity of our elephant program,” wrote the zoo’s spokesman Jacobs, in a prepared statement. “As the people who provide the day-today care for these animals we are competent in what we do and dedicated to the well-being of our elephants.” In his concluding remarks, Segal wrote: “The evidence at trial shows that the three elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo are emotionally and socially deprived.” For now, plaintiff Leider appeared pleased with Segal’s ruling. “I’m really glad that the truth is out there and that their claim to the state-of theart elephant exhibit has been proven false,” said Leider. “The public is now made aware of the truth of the animal abuse and the suffering of the elephants at the L.A. Zoo.”
AUGUST 10, 2012 – JANUARY 6, 2013 A Museum of California Design Exhibition at the Autry
California’s Designing Women, 1896–1986 honors more than forty of the women who have contributed to California’s extraordinary role in the history of American design. This unprecedented exhibition features more than 200 examples of textiles, ceramics, furniture, lighting, jewelry, clothing, and graphics that incorporated the newest design styles, materials, and technologies of their time. These functional and decorative objects——from Arts and Crafts to Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern and beyond—— exemplify California’s national and international reputation for unrestrained creativity.
MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA DESIGN CALIFORNIA’S DESIGNING WOMEN, 1896–1986 IS ORGANIZED BY THE MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA DESIGN. BILL STERN, GUEST CURATOR.
SPONSORED BY: WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO JANE NAKAGAWA / INTERTREND
4700 Western Heritage Way . Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462 . 323.667.2000, ext. 336 . TheAutry.org MARILYN KAY AUSTIN FOR ARCHITECTURAL POTTERY, FLOOR VASE, CIRCA 1962. EARTHENWARE. PHOTO BY SUSAN EINSTEIN. DESIGN © 2012 AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER
August 2012
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Los Feliz Ledger
$25K Reward Garnishes No Leads in Echo Park Stabbings By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer ECHO PARK—Despite a $25,000 reward, the police investigation has been fruitless in an alleged hate crime case where two young men were stabbed near the intersection at Echo Park and Montana avenues just past midnight May 24th. According to Detective Jeana Franco of the Los Angeles Police Dept.’s (LAPD) Northeast Division, there are currently no further leads to follow. About a month after the incident, the LAPD issued the reward and released two surveillance videos with hopes of furthering their investigation. The video shows the two men walking past a group of
two men and a woman. There is an initial confrontation, words are exchanged and then the parties separate. Next, the attacker runs back to the two victims, reportedly used an anti-gay slur, stabbed one of them in the abdomen, and ran off. The second victim chased the attacker south on Echo Park Avenue and, upon confrontation, the attacker stabbed him in his midsection, striking the hipbone, and continued running. From the videos only blurred images of the attacker could be formed. “We don’t normally ever issue rewards for this type of crime,” said Franco. “Most of our rewards are for homicides. A stabbing reward is unusual
but we weren’t getting any leads. It’s a tactic for us to get leads.” Since 2009, 211 police rewards have been issued in Los Angeles, according to the City Clerk’s Office. Of those, 18 have been paid out, totaling $890,000. Typically, a reward begins when a city councilmember or the investigating police district will make a request as an attempt to further an investigation. The request is then put to a city council motion and is announced to the public if it passes. The funds are administered once the LAPD makes a recommendation for a recipient who has given information leading directly to an arrest. That recommendation goes through the police department and then to the city council who make an allocation from the city’s reserve fund to the LAPD’s “Special Reward Trust Fund.” From that fund, a check is written to the recipient. Administrative code dictates the amount a city council can offer for rewards with aggregate sums capped at $50,000 for a single victim, $75,000 for multiple victims, $75,000 for criminal justice personnel or a witness to a crime, and $100,000 for a public safety personnel of the city.
reservoir from page 1
ue home prices for properties with reservoir views. But at the July SLNC meeting, about a dozen residents praised the new plan, calling it a “no-brainer.” “We are not concerned with the property values, we are concerned with maintaining the beauty of this treasure,” said Mitch Kreindel. Others agreed. “My neighbors and I support this plan to put the pipe in the ditch that’s already dug,
“I just want to get it done,” said Lawrence Faljean. “I moved to this neighborhood five years ago and all I’ve lived in is construction.” Faljean has been so affected by the ongoing construction that he was moved to join the SLNC’s governing board. In draining the 800-gallon well, which is about $1 million-worth of water, Singley said the LADWP is looking at an option to pump the water into the adjacent Ivanhoe Reservoir, chlorinate it
“My neighbors and I support this plan to put the pipe in the ditch that’s already dug, and that would be the reservoir,” said Caryn Singer, who said she had only heard of the original plan after finding trees marked with Xs for clearance at the reservoir’s “Grassy Knoll” park area. and that would be the reservoir,” said Caryn Singer, who said she had only heard of the original plan after finding trees marked with Xs for clearance at the reservoir’s “Grassy Knoll” park area. Singer brought with her to the meeting more than 70 signatures from her neighbors in support of the new option.
and drink it down. “There will be impacts, certainly” said Singly. “There is dust generated. But we have learned a lot in the current construction… We have hired an outside environmental firm to come and monitor the noise and the dust and… I think we would continue that as we come through here.”
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August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
Two More Enter CD13 Race City’s Most Contested Council Seat By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer Two more men have entered and one has left the race to represent the Los Angeles City Council’s 13th District in the 2013 municipal elections. The district includes all or parts of neighborhoods such as Echo Park, Silver Lake, Historic Filipinotown and Hollywood. The new contenders are Matt Szabo—Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s former deputy chief of staff—and Dr. Octavio Pescador, a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) professor and elected member of the Los Angeles Community College District’s Board of Trustees. The two join a pool of 13 candidates in a race for what’s currently the city’s most contested council seat. Meanwhile, BongHwan Kim, the former general manager of the city’s Dept. of Neighborhood Empowerment who announced his candidacy in May, has declared he will be moving to San Diego to take a position as vice president and executive director for civic engagement at the San Diego
August 2012
Foundation. Meanwhile, Eric Garcetti, who will be termed out as the CD13 councilmember next year, has announced he has raised $2.207 million in his campaign for mayor of Los Angeles. $1.145 million of that total was collected over the last fundraising period: Jan. 1st to June 30th. Szabo, 36, a Hollywood resident, announced his candidacy in a resignation letter to Villaraigosa, who is being termed out of office next year as well. When he started his career in politics more than a decade ago, Szabo was a registered Republican working for Republican mayor Richard Riordan. Since, he has re-registered as a Democrat and has advised Villaraigosa heavily as an advocate for the city’s labor unions. As a key adviser, Szabo also assisted Villaraigosa on the city’s budget, the multibillion-dollar renovation of the Los Angeles International Airport, and the once-a-decade process of the city council’s redistricting. “Serving your admin-
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istration with the charge to take on and solve some of the most difficult challenges has made me realize how much I love this city, and how deeply I care about the people we serve,” said Szabo in his fourpage resignation letter to the mayor. “The experience I’ve gained working on your behalf has given me a particular skill set and knowledge base— I know how the city works, I know how it doesn’t work, and I know how to make it work… I’d like to put that to work
directly for the people of this city and particularly for those who remain in the shadows with little or no voice in City Hall.” An advocate for equal rights and education, Pescador said his students first pushed him into politics while he was teaching a course called “Politics of Education.” He said the students asked, “’Professor, you’re so liberal, an advocate of transformation versus complacency, why don’t you do anything to effect change?’”
He said, “If I’m an advocate, if I want people to make a difference, why am I not making a difference?” So, with his students he submitted his candidacy for the Los Angeles Community College District’s Board of Trustees and won. A native of Mexico City with a Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, in speaking of his campaign Pescador said he would work to address and correct the city’s inequalities towards minorisee CD13 page 9
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
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
find 10 inside tips to selling your home by yourself which will help you sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time. You’ll find out what real estate agents don’t want you to know. To order a FRee special Report, visit www.sellYourHomeNoCommission.com, or to hear a brief, recorded message about how to order your FRee copy of this report, call (800) 284-3701 and enter iD# 1017. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NoW to learn how you really can sell your home yourself.
This report is courtesy of Brock Real Estate DRE#01511068. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
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Los Feliz Ledger [greetings from Tom]
High Temps Bring Fire Danger By Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge Summer here, and fun comes recent fire Hills, ably
police. Only together can we Volunteer Association (PAVA) is keep our hillside safe. to host weekly cleanups of the with the sun and It was only five years ago Fern Dell entrance to Griffith danger as well. A that a fire burned through 800 Park. These cleanups are open in the Hollywood acres of Griffith Park. While to volunteers. You can join the extinguished group on Saturday by our local fire mornings at 7:30 Cleanups are open to volunteers. crews, reminds a.m. at the corner us that we must of Fern Dell and You can join the group on Saturday keep fire safety Black Oak. Bring in mind as the mornings at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of a pair of gloves, thermometer and together we Fern Dell and Black Oak. Bring a pair rises. will make a differI recently of gloves, and together we will make a ence in our comsent out staff munity. from Council If you would difference in our community. District 4 to like us to coordiclear brush in nate a volunteer our hilly areas. I also convened some amount of fire is natueffort for your own communia series of meetings with city ral, we do not want a repeat ty group or perhaps you have and community leaders to deof that disaster. Still, the park a student who needs some velop a coordinated response has made an amazing comeservice hours, feel free to conas we move forward. back. It is the power of nature tact David Ahern, our Chief One key issue is cigarette that has allowed Griffith Park of Field Operations, at david. smoking—lighting up in the to bounce back and has kept it ahern@lacity.org. It is more hillside presents a tremendous beautiful. than just Fern Dell that could safety issue. If you see people But we can also do our use some cleanup. If we all put smoking, remind them that it part. I am announcing a partin some time, Griffith Park is banned in our hillside areas nership between Council Diswill look better than ever, and and do not be afraid to call the trict 4 and the Pacific American that’s the way it should be.
[eric garcetti]
City Services: Just a Click Away By Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Councilmember W h e n it was established a decade ago, the City of Los Angeles’s 3-1-1 non-emergency service number provided 24 hour-a-day, seven day-a-week live operator assistance to constituents calling for everything ranging from a missed trash pick-up to requests for graffiti removal. Today, those phones are only answered from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tough economic times have resulting in reduced operating hours for local government agencies and longer wait times for constituents needing
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POLITICS
services in cities around the country and Los Angeles is no different. In order to maintain a high level of service to Angelenos, we must become more innovative about delivering services while reducing costs. In 2010, I was proud to launch “Garcetti 3-1-1,” a free app for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry that allows users to snap photos of and submit service requests for potholes, graffiti and other problems in my council district. Now, I am pleased to offer a new Garcetti 3-1-1 webpage that allows users to request services in my council district 24-7 from any computer. Us-
www.losfelizledger.com
ers can also check the status of their requests and see requests reported by other constituents. It is a great supplement to the Garcetti 3-1-1 mobile app and a great way for Angelenos to be engaged with improving their neighborhood. The Garcetti 3-1-1 webpage is powered by a widget developed by the locally-based company CitySourced, which also developed the Garcetti 3-1-1 application for the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry. The Garcetti 3-1-1 webpage is available at: http:// cd13.com/get-help/garcetti-3-1-1
August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [mike gatto]
Recycled Water for Carwashes is Common Sense By Assemblyman Mike Gatto Carwashes are among the biggest retail users of water. And unlike restaurants or schools or homes, the water used in carwashes is meant to get dirty. So does it make sense to wash a dirtencrusted Jeep with drinking water? That’s the premise behind my Assembly Bill 2230. It would require that 60% of the water in new carwashes come from recycled sources. I’m not saying AB 2230 is utopian, but it does start from a question, of how we would design our water laws in 2012 (as opposed to 1912), given the current state of affairs. We live in a time where everyone has changed habits so as to conserve our state’s precious resources. And water-recycling technology has advanced to such a point that there is little difference between the water it produces and the water that comes from a tap. Carwashes, by their very nature, can play an important role too. They can use the same water again and again. Filtration technology can remove the dirt and detergents and turn it into water that is just fine for rinsing or washing a car. The idea for this bill came from my father, Joe Gatto, a Silver Lake resident, who was on the forefront of things like organic farming and conservation, years before the modern
environmental movement. He taught me to never take more than I needed, and to do everything possible to conserve resources for everyone. But at his core, my father is a pragmatist, who likes commonsense solutions that appeal to even the most skeptical. I believe the inarguable logic and pragmatism behind this bill is why it has received such strong, bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate. Assuming the bill continues to proceed and is signed by the Governor, it will save enough water in its first year to meet the needs of all of tens of thousands of households. Think of that: by this simple step, we can conserve water equivalent to what Los Feliz and Silver Lake use in an entire year. And that water coming out of the tap will continue to be available for drinking or growing vegetables, especially when carwashes can easily and cheaply use the recycled variety. Mike Gatto is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys. His website is asm.ca.gov/gatto. Email Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.
CD13 from page 7
in early July his campaign has raised $110,000 in contributions. He filed his intent to run less than a month earlier. Two other candidates, Alex De Ocampo and Josh Post, have each raised at least $50,000, according to notices filed with the Ethics Commission. Kim’s now defunct campaign raised a total of $51,800 which he said would be returned to donors. “It’s been a great honor and privilege to have served as the General Manager for Neighborhood Empowerment in the greatest and most diverse city in the country,” said Kim of his resignation. “I believe the future of neighborhood empowerment will grow stronger over the years and eventually transform how government works with communities. It is with bittersweet feelings that I leave Los Angeles, my home of 25 years.”
ties with a three-pronged platform based on “tolerance, sustainability and opportunity.” “In life, if you see something that is not right—and in order to see it you first have to gain consciousness and what is not right and what life ought to be—that consciousness pushes you to action,” said Pescador, 41. “If you have consciousness about the problem, you have to act to correct the problem.” “This race needs someone who can cut across all communities,” he continued. “And it’s a very clear choice: We can choose to go and look for power, or we can go and choose to look for public good.” As more candidates have rolled into the packed race, so has money. John Choi, a former member of the Board of Public Works, and at 32 the race’s youngest candidate, announced August 2012
www.losfelizledger.com
[Representative Adam Schiff]
Tourism Key to Future Economic Health By U.S. Representative Adam Schiff The travel and tourism industry is essential to the economic health of our country, and this is particularly true in Los Angeles—the fourth most popular travel destination in America. Visitors from other countries spend billions annually on transportation, dining, lodging and entertainment. From large hotel chains that employ thousands, to the mom-and-pop souvenir store on the corner, the travel and tourism industry supports literally millions of jobs. The tourism industry took a hit following the terrorist attacks of September 11th and took an even bigger hit in 2007 as our country sank into a deep and prolonged recession. Between 2007 and today, almost one million tourismrelated jobs have been lost, while America’s share of global spending on travel fell by onethird, from 17.2% to 11.6% over the last decade. International travelers looking to visit the U.S. are often discouraged by the arduous visa application process.
Visa applicants not only have to endure long wait times for an initial interview but also often have to travel great distances for the in-person interview at the U.S. embassy in their home country. Unfortunately, it can be far easier for leisure travelers and businesses exploring conferences to choose an alternate destination altogether. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing the State Department, I have encouraged the Administration to accelerate the visa process by adding more examiners to do background checks thoroughly, but expeditiously. Each examiner pays for themselves many times over, by the added revenue spent by the additional visitors they make possible. Happily, the Administration is responding. Along with a newly launched tourism promotion campaign, President Obama announced earlier this year that his administration would implement changes to make it easier for foreigners to travel to the U.S.
Since the President’s announcement in January, the State Department has reallocated resources and significantly increased staffing to process visas at some of the busiest embassies. For example, these changes have shortened the interview wait times for Brazil from over 30 days to, in some cases, one day. Chinese visitors are now able to schedule interviews in as little as two days. As a result, we are seeing an increase in the number of travelers from Brazil and China. While we must protect our country from those who want to cause us harm, we must also remove unnecessary barriers that stifle our economy and leave us more isolated in our ever more globalized world. Foreign visitors spend money here and take key impressions home with them. We should do everything in our power to encourage their visits, their expenditures, and the important jobs they sustain. Representative Adam Schiff serves in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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POLITICS
Page 9
Los Feliz Ledger
Los Feliz Ledger Online
Vahan Saroians #1 Commercial Real Estate Broker #1 Residential Real Estate Broker
Read these additional stories only at losfelizledger.com • •
RELIGION: St. Mary’s of the Angels Problems Persist. Read here for the latest. CALENDAR: Check out what is happening around the neighborhood this month.
Last month’s poll: We have the most votes ever regarding the question we asked readers last month about the “Asia of Elephants” exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo. We asked: Do you think the Los Angeles Zoo’s “Elephants of Asia” exhibit is adequate for its three current inhabitants, or do you think the exhibit should be shut down? • 76% of respondents said they thought the exhibit is not acceptable for the elephants and that it should be shut down. • 24% of respondents said the exhibit is acceptable and would like the exhibit to remain at the zoo. This month’s poll: If you attended the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement’s Street Fair in July, what did you think of it? • •
at Coldwell Banker Los Feliz
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12478 Longacre Ave. Granada Hills, CA $1,100,000 Stunning 6,300 sq. ft. home in prime Granada Hills
4613-4619 Maubert Ave. Los Angeles, CA $707,000 Fourplex in Los Feliz with over 3,400 sq. ft. close to great stores and parks
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street fair from page 1
3439 W. Cahuenga Blvd. Los Angeles, CA $995,000 Across the street from Universal Studios with over 4,800 sq. ft. of retail/office/studio space
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WEST NILE from page 1
LOOKING PRETTY, DESPITE. . . Sarah Stidham, of Santa Monica, celebrated her 20th birthday at the Los Feliz Village Street Fair and got a birthday hug from a snake at Coldwell Banker Los Feliz’s booth. Photo: Allison Ferraro
attendance weren’t available when the Ledger went to press, organizers were optimistic. “[The festival] was slow to fill, as the weather was hot, but later in the day it got full and by evening as it cooled, people were surrounding the two stages,” Recasner de Marco said.
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(323) 497-6655
Page 10 COMMUNITY NEWS
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yours in every
I thought the event was well done and the vendors were great. I thought the festival was lacking in local vendors.
know more next year,” Serrano said. Recasner de Marco said although the number of vendors was down, she believed it worked to their advantage. “Personally, I found 200 to be too crowded,” Recasner de Marco said. “I would love to have [the festival’s vendors] around 100-120. It is more open with the trees along the south of the street visible, where people can rest on the curb.” “We wanted arts & crafts vendors whose booths make you stop in your tracks because of their displays and we had that,” Recasner de Marco said. “The shortness of time had a dramatic effect on the event,” Marie said. “We worked 18 and 20 hour days to make it happen. Our goal was to make you believe it took a year to do, what took us 10 weeks. I know we were very successful.” Recasner de Marco said if they learned anything this year it is that hiring top-notch people is always worth the money. “G&C Event Production is top notch,” Recasner de Marco said. “Everyone kept cool heads during the long stressful days, it is indeed possible to be ‘humane’ to your fellow man even when it seems the task before you is impossible The most successful part was the reaction of everyone who stopped to say ‘WOW, this looks great!’” Although the numbers for
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Recasner de Marco said future goals for the festival include going as “green” as possible, eventually having no-waste and having more Los Feliz businesses than outside vendors. This year there were 31 Los Feliz businesses represented out of approximately 140 vendors.
nity needs to be alarmed, just cautious. “We’re not trying to raise any alarms because it is not out of the ordinary that we’re finding West Nile Virus mosquito samples this time of year,” said Dever. “There’s an ebb and flow to this virus within the ecosystem. . . The recent findings that we had are kind of par for the course. We find them every year.” Dever said West Niles Virus is endemic to Los Angeles County and will always be at a low lying level due to the region’s environmental and ecological conditions such as high temperatures and large bird population. And as these factors rise—as they do in the summer—so does the mosquito population and rate of West Nile Virus. “Don’t become complacent,” Dever said. “Dump and drain standing water and take precautions when you go outside.” She recommended using insect repellant, fixing broken screen doors, and said to avoid keeping standing water in swimming pools and not to hoard containers outside that collect water, such as buckets, pots, trash cans and recyclables. Only one in five people infected with West Nile Virus will actually show symptoms, she said, which are flulike such as a fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, swollen lymph glands and occasionally a skin rash. www.losfelizledger.com
“A lot of people who are bit may never know they had it,” she said. More severe cases of West Nile Virus, typically amongst the elderly, can result in paralysis, memory loss and death. There has been just one human case of West Nile Virus reported in Los Angeles County this year, and seven statewide. In surveying the county, the GLCVC uses a grid of mosquito traps from Long Beach to Santa Clarita it sets weekly. The traps sometimes contain carbon dioxide to mimic an animal’s breathing and draw live in mosquitoes. The traps are set at night and collected in the morning, typically collecting between one and 50 mosquitoes, which are sorted by species, identified and counted, and then sent to the University of California Davis for testing. The GLCVC relies heavily on residents calling for service requests, Dever said, where the agency will help treat mosquito-infected regions by delivering free mosquito fish or chemicals for pools with standing water. Residents experiencing a high volume of mosquitoes, but do not know where they are breeding, may also request a vector control specialist to canvas the neighborhood and look for the cause. Advertise in the
Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897
August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
[ SELECT HOME SALES AUGUST 2012 ] 90026 Condominiums 1701 CLINTON ST 315 . . . . $340,000 1701 CLINTON ST 326 . . . . . 320,000
90026 Single Family Homes 1718 WEBSTER AVE . . . . $1,300,000 1838 WESTERLY TER . . . . . . 950,000 1504 ANGELUS AVE . . . . . . . 787,500 1469 WESTERLY TER . . . . . . 635,000 1616 CERRO GORDO ST . . . 605,000 1431 PORTIA ST . . . . . . . . . . . 590,000 2149 BELLEVUE AVE . . . . . . 497,000 840 LAVETA TER . . . . . . . . . . 453,000 1540 W COURT ST . . . . . . . . . 340,000 262 N WESTLAKE AVE . . . . 300,000 3448 PLATA ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275,000
Construction Site Continues to Rattle Nerves By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer SILVER LAKE—A small group of residents in north Silver Lake are learning construction is a dirty business. With days that start early with the sound of heavy machinery kicking up dust into the air, many tenants of the 2743 Waverly Dr. apartment complex are complaining of respiratory issues and say their homes are now inhabitable due to the 63unit housing development being erected next-door. With views of Griffith Park and the Los Angeles
River, blocks away from the reputable Ivanhoe public elementary school, to say the new townhomes—called Waverly Terrace—will be a nice place to live seems an understatement. But ever since its construction began in May, it has been the bane of the neighborhood. According to Ashkan Tabrizi, who lives at the 2743 Waverly Dr. complex facing the construction site, noise and poor dust control, often six days a week, make it impossible to keep his windows open, he
said, but keeping the windows closed without air conditioning brings the temperature to nearly 100 degrees inside. And like many other tenants there, Tabrizi works from home. At least, he said, he would like the developers to compensate his landlord for the inconvenience. Last year the land sold for $11 million. Since construction began, four tenants in two units have left the Waverly Drive apartments in frustration.
Susan Shigaki, who’s company Alpha Management owns the 9-unit 2743 Waverly Dr. apartment complex, said she is having difficulty renting these now vacant units, despite some of the lowest prices in the current market—about $1,300 for a two-bedroom. “It’s going to be difficult because it’s going to take a certain type of person who doesn’t mind that construction noise.” According to Shigaki, construction is supposed to last somewhere between one and three years. For a longer version of this story see: losfelizledger.com.
3626 CRESTMONT AVE . . . . 150,000
tracy do real estate
90027 Condominiums 4301 LOS FELIZ BLVD 8 . . . $480,000 1559 WINONA BLVD D-1 . . . 242,000
John Aaroe Group
90027 Single Family Homes
tracy@tracydo.com I (323) 842-4001 I dre#01350025
2448 GLENDOWER AVE $2,450,000 4133 HOLLY KNOLL DR . . 1,075,000 4753 AMBROSE AVE . . . . . . . 985,000 3807 SUNSET DR . . . . . . . . . . 890,000 3839 FRANKLIN AVE . . . . . . 760,000 1929 N OXFORD AVE . . . . . . 622,000
90039 Single Family Homes 2634 LAKE VIEW TER E . $1,450,000 2634 LAKE VIEW TER E . . 1,450,000 2373 SILVER RIDGE AVE . 1,227,000 2509 SILVER RIDGE AVE . . . 948,000 2221 SILVER RIDGE AVE . . . 740,000 4231 BRUNSWICK AVE . . . . 700,000 2112 DUANE ST . . . . . . . . . . . 675,000 3824 EDENHURST AVE . . . . 664,000 4414 BRUNSWICK AVE . . . . 567,500 3318 LA CLEDE AVE . . . . . . . 559,000 3918 GLENFELIZ BLVD . . . . 542,000 2341 FELLOWSHIP PK WY . 532,500 3390 LA CLEDE AVE . . . . . . . 516,500 3660 EDENHURST AVE . . . . 510,000
90068 Condominiums 2203 N BEACHWOOD DR . $533,500 1942 GRACE AVE 122 . . . . . . 278,000 1940 N HIGHLAND AVE 39 . 275,000
90068 Single Family Homes 3333 WONDER VIEW . . $1,812,500 3373 DERONDA DR . . . . . . 1,190,000 1947 CANYON DR . . . . . . . 1,100,000
For Sale - 2290 Silver Ridge Avenue - www.silverridgeave.com
6310 IVARENE AVE . . . . . . . . 918,000
Be sure to check out my new blog, 3beds2baths, where I share thoughts and insights on what’s happening in our local housing market. Whether you’re buying a home or selling one, the more you know - the better.
2427 RINCONIA DR . . . . . . . . 860,000 2741 RINCONIA DR . . . . . . . . 815,000 3319 OAK GLEN DR . . . . . . . 800,000 3468 TROY DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750,000 2527 VERBENA DR . . . . . . . . 700,000 6856 SUNNY CV . . . . . . . . . . . 687,000 2805 RINCONIA DR . . . . . . . . 606,000 2960 BELDEN DR . . . . . . . . . . 585,000 3200 DERONDA DR . . . . . . . 490,000 Sales are from the previous month.
www.threebedstwobaths.com
Source: Great American Real Estate Solutions
August 2012
www.losfelizledger.com
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 11
Los Feliz Ledger [keen to be green]
New Inspiration from the Old Country
Karen Lower COLDWELL BANKER Beverly Hills - NortH
www.karenlower.net
Living & Working in Your Neighborhood
FOR SALE Los FeLiz $1,249,000
www.1939Hobart.com
By Meher McArthur, Ledger Columnist I just returned from a family trip to my home country—the United Kingdom. I had forgotten how green the country is, both literally (from all the rain), and also culturally. Few of the cafés and teashops we visited used disposable cups; the goods we bought had less packaging; and recycling bins were widely available. I was also stunned to learn that McDonald’s restaurants, using free-range eggs and organic milk, are greener in the U.K. Also, the fast-food franchise has almost no plastic packaging and paper wrappers are mostly made from recycled paper. Cooking oil is recycled into bio-diesel for their trucks, and although their chicken is
still apparently shipped from South American industrial farms, they support British and Irish farms and source their beef locally and sustainably. All of these efforts have won the support of the country’s most famous chef and real food advocate Jamie Oliver, and McDonald’s sales are higher than ever. One might wonder why the U.K. is doing a better job with their food and waste. Particularly since the Mad Cow disease outbreak of the late 1980s and 1990s, the British have been wary about where their food comes from, and their environmental activists have pressured companies like McDonald’s into reforming their practices.
4 bedrooms/2.5 baths
Beautifully maintained 1920’s Southern Colonial located on a story-book tree-lined street. A perfect floor plan offers a generous formal living room with Bachelder fireplace, formal dining room with built-in cabinets, multiple sets of French doors lead to the breakfast room and den. A fair-size kitchen offers many possibilities. The second floor offers 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. The ample lot offers a generous pool-size yard. Many original details include beautiful crown moldings, pocket doors, hardwood floors and so much more to enjoy.
Coming in August:
The Shapoory House Amir Farr, architect, 1972.
A
mir Farr, colleague of Oscar Niemeyer, architect of Brasilia, selected a 0.6-acre terrace abutting Griffith Park to connect the idea of the ancient temple with Modernism. The architect incised a grand arch at the entry facade, and turned the corner with a bold, recessed arcade that overlooks the city and ocean. 5 bedrooms; 5 baths; 4,220 square feet per public records; pool.
$4,095,000
SOLD Los FeLiz $1,466,000
www.Observatory.com
Richard Stanley
Tucked behind the porte cochère is a touch of Mediterranean Romance and space to live, work, and play. The main house is a Classic Spanish 3bd/2ba Bungalow w/1,749 sqft, beautifully updated. A separate one-bedroom Guest House offers 634 sqft w/living, dining, kitchen, and full bath. Lush grounds, exceptional indoor/outdoor flow, perfect pool, plus 217sqft Cabana w/dressing room, gym/office and 1/2 bath. 2600sqft total permitted.
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Beautiful designer finished 2bedroom/2.5bath home located on the quiet north side of the Excelsior at Americana at Brand. For more details visit www.AmericanaatBrand.com and click on Residences.
Page 12 Su Casa REAL ESTATE
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hank you California for making Coldwell Banker your #1 choice for buying and selling homes! To enter for your chance to win the $20,000 Client Appreciation Summer Cash Giveaway, login to http://www.coldwellbankergiveaway.com/richardstanley ©2012 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.
www.losfelizledger.com
August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [city sleuth ]
Historic Lights Meet Today’s Technology By Diane Kanner, Ledger Columnist Within the frosty globes of several of the neighborhood’s oldest streetlights west of Commonwealth Avenue, a modern day experiment illuminates the dark. The goal is to direct as much light onto Cromwell Avenue as possible, and not waste electricity by dispersing light into the atmosphere above the globes. “We are trying to force light down to tone down the harshness of LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs,” said Jeff Ziliotto of the Bureau of Street Lighting. “Eventually many streets in Los Feliz, as Gainsborough and Vermont Avenues already do, will convert to the LED and induction systems. LED street lights save approximately 40% to 60% of energy from existing fixtures which provide the same amount of illumination.” Ziliotto works from the Bureau’s Maintenance Division at 4550 Santa Monica Blvd., between Virgil and Monroe Streets in a two block square 4 1/2 acre storage yard. Since 1958, the bureau’s maintenance yard has served much of the city, with personnel caring for 150,000 lights in the field then and 220,000 today. Initially lighting repair crews were housed in a trolley-car barn, left behind from the days when the RTD used the site. The 1971 Sylmar quake rendered the building unusable. A new facility was built in in the early 1970s, and now houses some 120 employees, including Ziliotto, who off the top of his head can tell you how many lights there are on any particular street in Los Feliz. Ziliotto is considered the historian of the department, having followed his father into the field. His father worked at a yard located in Lincoln Heights at Barranca Street and Avenue 21. “The systems were much simpler in the old days,” Zilotto sighs. Those were the days of incandescent lights that gobbled up 5,000 volts of energy. Todays induction system, which can be installed within historic light poles, significantly increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the city’s lighting system, Ziliotto said. A timer for the lighting system of North Edgemont Street continues working effectively from within an 80-year-old switchbox. On North Vermont Avenue and lower Glendower Avenue, light posts which are even older than the switchbox serve August 2012
an area which sees frequent Griffith Park traffic. “There were 39 Union Metal poles,” said Ziliotto of light-
seum. While it is seldom open to the public, it can be seen online in a 17-minute segment that follows a crew as it con-
A new facility was built in in the early 1970s, and now houses some 120 employees, including [Jeff] Ziliotto, who off the top of his head can tell you how many lights there are on any particular street in Los Feliz. ing in the original tract of land subdivided north of Los Feliz Boulevard, “but three of them were knocked down by cars.” The Santa Monica Boulevard facility includes a mu-
verts a lighting system to the LED induction system. Visit the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting site. To contact the department, email bsl.streetlighting@lacity.org.
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Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 13
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1970 CUMMINGS DRIVE: Located on a cul-de-sac inside of Prestigious Laughlin Park, an exclusive gated community with amazing views, unlimited potential. $1,450,000 Jeffrey Young 213.819.9630 SOLD
2145MICHELTORENA.COM: Silver Lake. New England style artistically restored w/defined simplicity, hdwd flrs,fpl, 3+2, media room, flat yard, superb views. $1,350,000 Rosemary Low 323.660.5885
1718 WEBSTER AVENUE: The Greenhood house, Circa 1954 Lee B. Kline AIA, original post and beam Contemporary. 3bd/2ba, views, pool, studio/pool house. $1,235,000 Jeffrey Young 213.819.9630
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2373 SILVER RIDGE AVENUE: Circa 1935 Montecitostyle traditional. 5Bed/3Ba, balconies, on the top of the hill, amazing lake and city light views. $1,185,000 Jeffrey Young 213.819.9630
4133 HOLLY KNOLL DR: Los Feliz. Spanish home with modern touches on terrific street in the Los Feliz hills w/ sweeping unobstructed views and a large private yard. $1,090,000 Manvel Tabakian | Nadia de Winter 323.376.2222 NEW LISTING
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1611 WESTERLY TERRACE: Silver Lake. Fabulous Stephen Hill Design, 2Bd/2.5Ba, hi ceilings, 2 fpl, bamboo floors,terraces, spa, spect. master,Downtown Views. Approx. 2218 sq.ft. $868,000 Rosemary Low 323.363.0381
1270 CRESTHAVEN DRIVE: Pasadena. MidCentury elements compliment this finished 4Bd/2Ba Contemporary.Vaulted ceilings, flat open pad, location & views galore. $879,000 Michelle StClair 213.304.4943
NEW LISTING
2280PANORAMATERR.COM: Silver Lake. “Villa Roselyn” 1927 stunning Spanish Revival 3+2, 2 fpl (LR, outdr), hdwd flrs, lush gardens, terrace, patio, historic detailing. $1,068,000 Rosemary Low 323.660.5885 NEW LISTING
1829 NORTH KENMORE AVENUE: Los Feliz. Grand Craftsman in need of restoration, OR a nearly 11,000 sq.ft. lot ready to be developed. A fabulous opportunity to own a 6Bd + 2Ba. $849,000 Boni Bryant | Joe Reichling 323.854.1780 IN ESCROW
3047 SILVER LEA TERRACE: Traditional with 2bd/1.5ba, den, newer kitchen, formal dining room, fireplace in living room, private yard, terraces, canyon views. $819,000 Jeffrey Young 213.819.9630
1441 NORTH BENTON WAY: Silver Lake. Timeless appeal, indoor/outdoor living + great location. Beautiful & spacious Character Spanish w/ spectacular views. $699,900 Joseph Lightfoot 213.700.4438 IN ESCROW
SOLD
1929 N OXFORD AVE: Los Feliz. Traditional 3bd/1ba, large studio in the back can be used as an office with pretty setting, detached 2 car garage. Perfect fixer. $649,000 Manvel Tabakian | Nadia de Winter 323.376.2222
For Schools
4711 AMBROSE AVENUE, UNIT 101: Los Feliz. Luxury Residential Condo, approx. 1420 Sq Ft, 2BD+2BA corner unit. High ceilings, hardwood flrs, amazing views. $575,000. Jeffrey Young 213.819.9630
1327 CORONADO TERRACE: Silver Lake. Relax in this updated 2bd/2ba craftsman home in the heart of Silver Lake. Enjoy the sunset views off the spacious deck & entertain at the pool. $669,000 Matthew Morgus 323.301.3041 NEW LISTING
1474 &1478 N. OCCIDENTAL BLVD: Silver Lake. Street to street view lots. Include permitted plans for 2 houses by Fung & Blatt, approved geological & survey. Build tomorrow. $275,000 each Diane Evans 323.401.3987
We are proudly supporting our local schools. Our organization and agents are currently supporting various initiatives at our local learning institutions on an ongoing donation program from closed transactions. To date we have raised over $7,000 for Micheltorena Elementary School and Thomas Starr King Middle School.
LOS FELIZ BROKERAGE I 1801 NORTH HILLHURST AVENUE T 323.665.1700 I SOTHEBYSHOMES.COM/LOSANGELES
Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.Summer in Devon 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.*TheYellow House used with permission
Los Feliz Ledger
Serrano Named Manager of Prudential Los Feliz Chris Serrano, formerly of Coldwell Banker Los Feliz, has been named manager of the Los Feliz office of Prudential California Realty. “With a background in real estate that spans nearly 25 years, and many years of experience as a residential sales associate in Los Feliz and the surrounding communities, Chris is an excellent addition to our management team,” said John Closson, Sotheby’s regional manager of the Westside of Los Angeles. Serrano is also the current president of the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District and a native of Los Feliz and Silver Lake.
[interior motives]
The Art of Hanging Art By Susann Thomason Tunick, Ledger Columnist Hanging art is never as easy as it seems. Just when you think you have it exactly where you want it, you step back to survey your handiwork and realize the picture is too high or too low. Rarely is it “just right.” If you are only hanging one piece of art, eyeballing and hammering can be effective. But if you want to hang more than one piece you need the right supplies and a plan. Besides the art, you will need small nails, picture hangers, hammer, tape measure, level, blue tape, ladder and a pencil. Tear off several pieces of blue tape and affix some-
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where convenient (like on the front of your pants so you can grab the tape easily). Art should be hung at average human eye level which is approximately 57” on center. This means that the middle of the picture is 57”… not the hook. Measure 57” from the floor and mark it with blue tape. Then, measure the top of your picture to the tightened wire. Subtract this last amount to determine how far above 57” your hook should go. If you’re hanging a group of pictures, think of the group as one picture. I like to place them on the floor first and play around with the arrangement. Make sure the same distance is between all of the pieces. Then start with the center picture and hang them at 57” from floor. Surround with the rest of your pieces using the pre-determined distance between each piece. If the art is centered on a wall, find the center, measure up 57” and get hammering. Sometimes the center is not just the wall, but the distance between a bookshelf, door or anything that throws the center off a bit. You should eyeball this to see what looks best Experiment with the “rules.” Hanging a large piece of art on a small wall creates drama. Small pictures also draw a viewer in for scrutiny, so hang an art grouping of small pieces on a larger wall. Art can be clustered vertically, pin wheeled, or hung horizontally. A large group looks great hung close together to cover the entire wall but make sure the frames are of the same color. Susann can be reached at Susann@thomasontunick.com.
How to avoid costly housing mistakes after a Divorce
4140 Parva Ave, Los Feliz $2,695,000
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5BD/4.5BA; 4,986 sq ft. (per appraiser) Los Feliz Hills Contemporary. Cooks kitchen. Views. Lush yard. www.4140parva.com
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1751 Silverwood Terr, Silver Lake $4,500/mo.
SOLD IN 1 WEEK, OVER ASKING. 4BD/2BA Eng. cottage. 9,019 sq ft. (per assr) flat lot. 2010 remodel. Cook’s kitch. www.2813putnam.com
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Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 15
Los Feliz Ledger “Any type of music that is high quality is what High Fidelity is about. We have a stage because the highest quality is live,” said Hobson. Los Feliz and adjacent Silver Lake, Echo Park and Atwater already have a strong connection to High Fidelity’s core ideals. “This is a nostalgic neighborhood,” said Hobson. “It’s hip, cool, retro and in some ways the people that walk in look straight out of the 50s and 60s with their shirts, fedoras and Chuck Taylors.”
[focus on the advertiser]
High Fidelity: A New Spin
HILLHURST AVENUE—Michael Hobson has a deep relationship with music. His personal collection of over 50,000 albums speaks volumes. Over the past two decades he has owned companies from reissue giant “Classic Records” to a downtown Los Angeles record pressing plant. HIs appreciation continues to spin off in multiple directions with his latest venture: Los Feliz’s High Fidelity. “[Buying records should] be about people,” said Hobson. “There’s something about just flipping through for some-
High Fidelity’s knowledgeable staff is always ready to talk music and demo any of the 10,000 records in stock (another 20,000+ constantly being processed) or equipment from the rack of vintage gear that you’d swear came right out of your parent’s living room. They carry mostly used albums, but you’ll find indie labels that also release music download cards along with a vinyl LP giving avid fans the best of both worlds. And if you listen via computer or
i(Device) you can try out and purchase High Resolution Technologies (HRT) Music Streamers – another of Hobson’s companies created to improve sound quality. Overall, High Fidelity is about a shared music experience. In addition to regular dance parties and live performances, look for themed listening parties catering to families coming this fall. “Instead of Facebooking,” said Hobson, “come and see people face-to-face and have a conversation and who knows?” 3143 Waverly Dr. Los Feliz $574,000 Short Sale
thing and finding it.” While his company, TheMusic.com, continues to provide hard-to-find albums to collectors online, High Fidelity on Hillhurst Avenue restores music buying to the predigital download revolution. The store is a sleek, clean and inviting hangout to buy albums and enjoy music, live or recorded. At its center is a comfy red sofa reminiscent of a classic era. A raised stage is set deep in the store with wheeled record bins ready to make way for parties and local band showcases.
SOLD Esau Tenorio Real Estate Solutions since 1995
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Loc a lly o wned a nd o per a ted sinc e 1976. Page 16 Su Casa REAL ESTATE
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August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [senior moments]
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Is the Healthcare Reform Act That Bad?
Los Feliz Ledger
By Stephanie Vendig, Ledger Columnist Republicans are vowing to repeal the recently Supreme Court ruled new so-called “ObamaCare” if the presumptive candidate, Mitt Romney, is elected. Is the law really bad for us, or is the resistance to the Health Care Reform Act just another political strategy to defeat the president in the election? The law is complicated. In contrast to a single-payer system, it is based on an existing model namely an employerprovided health plan developed in the 1940s. Insurance plans were only successful if the people buying the insurance were generally healthy. If unhealthy people were to dominate the pool, the
insurance company would go bankrupt, unless the premiums were high enough. As a result, rejecting pre-existing conditions became a way for insurance companies to maintain affordable rates. Employers began to commonly adopt group health plans in the 1940s to attract needed workers when wages were capped during the war. Employers even bore the costs of preexisting conditions, deductible to them as a business expense. But having a group plan through your employer is fine, unless you lose your job, meaning you also lose your health plan. According to census data, 65% of workers had employerbacked plans in 2000, but by 2010, only 55% received such
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benefits. And as these group plans become less viable, the alternatives for people to purchase private plans are also becoming difficult due to higher premiums. With the new healthcare law, insurance “exchanges” will be established where insurance companies offer plans without pre-existing conditions, a financial penalty for not purchasing the insurance, and subsidies for low-income families. With time and more bipartisan collaboration our health care system could evolve in a framework that has competition, quality, and costs in check.
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Los Feliz Ledger Plan now for our upcoming annual Back To School Edition in October. Ad space reservation deadline: September 14th! Call 323-667-9897 for information.
Our✚Mission✚statement:✚ “To provide with the highest integrity and quality, compassionate and effective health care services in the communities in which we serve.” ✚✚ 24✚Hour✚RN✚coverage ✚✚ 6✚days✚a✚week✚therapy✚✚ PT,✚OT,✚ST ✚✚ Wound✚care
Enjoy table games, the library, folk-singing, Mindful Meditation, and/or discussions with Socrates Café, Current Events and much more.
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Case✚management✚services Nutritional✚services Respiratory✚care✚services Respite✚care✚services
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3002 Rowena Avenue, Silver Lake CountryVillaHealth.com Call for info and tour: (323) 666-1544
Register to vote/vote by mail by Oct. 22 for Nov. 6. Info & forms at GPACC. Monthly General Meetings resume in Sept.
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.
Los Angeles Breakfast Club Join us Wednesdays at 7 – 9 am
Upcoming speakers and programs...
Aug 1: Convalescing Patients and Their Families Aug 8: Employment for People with Disabilities Aug 15: Midnight Mission - Supper Club charity SUNDAY AUG 19 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “Supper Club” SONGS & STORIES OF THE SINGING STARS sing-along · learn · laugh · reminisce · enjoy breakfasty supper & show, for $20 suggested donation RSVP (323) 304-8749 or betsy@betsy-hall.com
Aug 22: Second half of Aug 19 performance Aug 29: Assistance League of Pasadena “Caring and Commitment in Action” Friendship Auditorium 3201 Riverside Drive (1/4 mi. so. of Los Feliz Bl.)
“We choose Belmont Village.” • Licensed nurse on-site around the clock • Chef-prepared, restaurant-style dining • Free scheduled transportation daily • Fitness and social activities • On-site therapy services • Medication management • Housekeeping and laundry • Assistance with daily living • Award-winning Circle of Friends® memory program • Short-term stays available • Specialized Alzheimer’s care
Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711 Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977 Westwood (310) 475-7501 Thousand Oaks (805) 496-9301 RCFE License 197603515, 197603848, 197605090, 198204246, 197608291, 565801746 © 2012 Belmont Village, L.P.
The Community Built for Life ®
For upcoming programs, see... www.LABreakfastClub.com or call (323) 662-1191 August 2012
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SENIOR MOMENTS Page 17
Los Feliz Ledger [restaurant review]
Gastronomico Los Feliz By Pat Saperstein, Ledger Restaurant Critic The casual Los Feliz cafe Gastronomico is at first a bit hard to grasp, but stick with it and you’ll be glad you did. Tucked in the corner of the mini mall anchored by notorious watering hole the Drawing Room, the restaurant that sprang out of a gourmet food bus takes the transit theme a touch too far. Road signs, chrome walls, black and yellow paint—what might have been fun on a bus doesn’t quite work in a pace that serves some of the neighborhood’s freshest and most flavorful updated comfort food. Step up to the counter and choose from main dishes like hangar steak ($14) or roasted organic chicken, sometimes pork chop or a fish special—all with their own sides like lentils with chimichurri or pattypan squash with Romesco sauce. Fried chicken and spinach salad might not be the healthiest salad ever, but the supercrispy chicken made it well worth the indulgence ($9). The juicy turkey burger and reasonably priced Ecuadorian pulled pork sandwich ($7.50) are almost always on the menu, but investigate the day’s special sandwiches, like a very French and delicate smoked salmon, pork belly or bbq shrimp. Side dishes are no afterthought here. Crispy Yukon gold potatoes are a must, smashed and fried with garlic aioli and dill into some kind of heavenly marriage of a French fry and a
Page 18 LIFESTYLES
roasted potato. Since it’s on the near-Eastside, garlicky kale will be usually available, or maybe a Brussels sprout/ bok choy combo, roasted beets or heirloom tomato and corn. Former Wolfgang Puckaffiliated chef Antonio Medina uses lots of farmer’s market vegetables, and cooks everything simply but creatively with plenty of punch. Desserts are also strong. Ricotta donut holes with Meyer lemon curd have achieved some local renown, but the moist, nottoo-sweet banana and chocolate upside down cake and fruity specials like a fig and almond tart or apricot parfait are also rustically appealing. Corn flapjacks with farmer’s cheese are a favorite for late brunchers (they open at 11 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, or noon on Sunday). Bread for the sandwiches is baked fresh at the restaurant, and loaves are also available to take home. Fresh fruit drinks include citrus ginger and berry mint. In any other location, Gastronomic would rival Forage for the attention of locals seeking unpretentious, wellprepared downhome dishes, so here’s hoping Gastronomico thrives long enough to fund a move to a spot with relaxed decor and outdoor seating. Gastronomico, 1802 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, (323) 660-8800.
Autry Appoints Tisdale to New Position
GRIFFITH PARK—The Autry National Center has appointed anthropologist and scholar, Dr. Shelby J. Tisdale, to the newly created Vice President of Curatorial and Exhibitions position. Ms. Tisdale will guide the center’s curatorial process and help shape the future direction of exhibitions and acquisitions. “We are delighted to have Dr. Tisdale join the Autry team. Her combined experience in the museum and academic fields across the country will serve to enhance the Autry’s public programs and exhibitions and provide a holistic view of the American West,” said Marshall McKay, Autry Chairman. Tisdale will oversee the curatorial staffs of the Autry and Southwest Museum Collections, oversee the Autry’s exhibition schedule, create and implement scholarly exhibitions, expand scholarship and public learning, collaborate with outside scholars, and manage and expand the Autry’s collections and acquisitions. “It is an honor to be part of the leadership team that will be creating a new vision for this world-class museum,” said Tisdale. Most recently, Tisdale was the Director of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/ Laboratory of Anthropology in Santa Fe, NM.
[the good life]
Grab a Pint at Your Local Microbrewery By Tara de Lis, Ledger Columnist Located on the Glendale-L.A. border, near Atwater Village, the Pub at Golden Road Brewing opened in January 2012. It’s the brainchild of Tony Yanow, who also owns Mohawk Bend in Echo Park and Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank. Located in an industrial area adjacent to the San Fernando Road train tracks, the three warehouse-style buildings are colored in eye-
100 people, but that figure is expected to eventually double in size. Like Yanow’s other eateries, the food is approachable, value-conscious and beerfriendly. Hearty highlights include the vegan mushroom risotto fritters with pimento “cheese,” and the meaty burger, which blends ground rib eye and bacon. A lighter option is the fresh and nicely dressed vegetarian Waldorf salad.
The TVs broadcast games, but don’t overwhelm the ambiance. That’s the job of the trains that roar past every 15 minutes or so. catching, primary colors—the brewery’s blue being the most visible from the freeway. This is where tours will begin in the near future, but for now, the focal point is the bright-yellow pub. It primarily attracts beer lovers, but it’s also a restaurant, so even kids are welcome. And for tag-along types over 21, there’s a very small but respectable wine list. The TVs broadcast games, but don’t overwhelm the ambiance. That’s the job of the trains that roar past every 15 minutes or so. The pub is pet-friendly, too, with a dedicated “doggie deck.” The communal seating is a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces; all orders are placed at the bar and then delivered by servers. There’s room for about
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But the real star of the show here is the beer. The two biggest sellers are still the original Point the Way IPA and the Hefeweizen, but specialty brews like the mild Schwartz stout and the beguiling Either Side of the Hill strong ale— imagine a hoppy IPA mating with barleywine—are converting those stuck in their comfort zones. Ditto on the “occasional” beers that are only sometimes rotated into the lineup. These include a hefeweizen aged in tequila barrels and the saison-style Valentin with blood oranges. 5410 W. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA. 90039. (213) 373-HOPS Tara de Lis is a freelance writer who lives in Hollywood.
August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [theater review]
Shakespeare Takes Up Residence in Griffith Park By Marilyn Tower Oliver, Ledger Theater Critic This August the Independent Shakespeare Co. will present “The Comedy of Errors” and “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” at the grassy glen near the Old Zoo in Griffith Park. I was surprised at the huge crowd sprawling across the lawn in front of the stage. The audience included Eastside
alesce which could cause some problems for those who are not in sync with Shakespearean theater, so it helps to check out a synopsis. To span the gap between the real and the fantastical, director and the company’s co-founder—Melissa Chalsma—and costume designer Gary Lennon, have chosen to clothe the fairies
The play, one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting, was quite accessible. The actors’ take was very broad, and the diction was so perfect that one could understand every word. hipsters, families with children, people with small dogs, and reportedly, even a horse in the rear. The crowd was orderly and seemed enthralled by the theater experience. The play, one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting, was quite accessible. The actors’ take was very broad, and the diction was so perfect that one could understand every word. The play is a fantasy involving three separate storylines spanning two different worlds, one human and the other the magical world of fairies. Two star-crossed Athenian couples escape to the forest to work out their problems. We discover that in the fantastic world of the forest the fairies also have problems. Interwoven in these two themes is a group of actors who are working on a play to perform before Theseus, the duke of Athens. The plots merge and co-
August 2012
[eastside eye]
Architectones at Neutra’s VDL House By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Columnist French artist Xavier Veilhan’s sculptures will be exhibited at Neutra’s VDL Research House on Silver Lake Boulevard from Aug. 9th to Sept. 16th. Veilhan intends to trace Neutra’s life and times via abstract and figural sculptures. During the exhibition, water will be returned to the house for the first time in ages as both the front reflecting pool and rooftop pool will be refilled. Find Veilhan’s detailed notes on his monochromatic
sculptures inspired by the house and Neutra’s professional and personal life at veilhan. net. Look for his mobiles and sculptures in this installation conceived as a dialogue between art and architecture displayed in “the most important modern architectural private residence in America,” per Veilhan.
mentary, from first-time director Alison Klayman, profiles the charismatic Chinese artist and dissident Ai Weiwei (lauded internationally for his work on the Bird’s Nest Olympics Stadium) as he grapples with freedom of expression in tightly controlled China. A must see for anyone interested in art and personal liberty; opens July 27th. www. aiweiweineversorry.com
Eastside Eye pick for August: Advertise in the Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry directed by Alison Klayman. Rarely does one person take on an entire system. The docu-
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in Renaissance attire and the human characters in contemporary dress, a decision that to me seemed a tad contrived. The audience, however, was not at all bothered and took it all in with rapt attention. The large cast is made up of veteran actors and a number of young, enthusiastic players. “A Comedy of Errors” opens Aug. 2 and plays in repertory with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Schedule available at www.iscla.org or call (818) 710-6306 Reservations not needed. Bring a blanket to sit on, something warm in case the weather turns nippy, and perhaps something to eat and drink. To get to the Old Zoo area, take Crystal Springs off Los Feliz Boulevard. Follow the signs to the parking areas. To be near the stage arrive early. Curtain is 7 p.m.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 19
Los Feliz Ledger
By Jennifer Clark
Metro Fitness: Setting a High Standard for LA’s Eastside Gyms
If you’re a dog owner, you’ve u n d ou bt e d l y experienced the palpable terror your beloved ones feel when you unveil the pet carrier or enter the doors of your local veterinarian. The nervous energy in the waiting room is contagious and that smell—you know the one—that mixture of urine and bleach, doesn’t help. The most important safety issue when bringing your dog to the vet is to keep it restrained—either by leash or in a carrier. If you are seeing a vet for the first time, bring any previous records as well as your pet insurance information. Bringing food and feeding information, along with your dog’s type of physical activity, is also important. While vets usually keep up-to-date records of vaccines, I like to keep my own copy, just as I do for my children. They come in handy at the doggie daycare when their system tells me Reba, my nineyear-old Jack Russell mix, is overdue for a shot. If you’ve noticed a change in your dog’s behavior, write it down so that you can answer the vet’s specific questions. The more clues they can gather about your dog, the easier and more accurate a diagnosis will be. A vet visit can seem to whiz by, so be sure to bring a list of questions to have addressed. And a treat or some extra cuddles post vet visit may be just what the doctor ordered.
As a charter member of both Body Builder’s Gym (Silver Lake) and Gold’s Gym (Hollywood), I know a thing or two about where to get a good workout in the greater Griffith Park area. With afternoon traffic and the price of gas making the drive to Gold’s Gym Hollywood time consuming and inconvenient, I recently renewed my membership at Body Builder’s Gym in Silver Lake, where I was one of the original members starting in 1978. The gym still has a lot of faithful regulars using much of the original equipment still in use. But shortly after rejoining, I began hearing buzz about a new gym—Metro Fitness— that had recently opened in Atwater Village. While not giving it much thought, I passed Metro a week or two ago and decided to give it a look. The gym is a real step forward. The 11,000 square-foot facility, which opened its doors in July 2011, holds state-ofthe-art equipment including a cardio area with over 50 machines, free weights, and offers child care, personal training, kickboxing, yoga, pilates and spinning classes and free parking with over 40 spots. Owner Manny Kaye explained why he opened a gym in Atwater Village. “As a former owner of five Worlds Gym Fitness Centers and working as an executive in the industry since 1991, I have seen it all. When profits and numbers outweigh customer service—then it’s time to reexamine priorities. In opening the Atwater gym, our focus
[a dog’s life]
Vet Visit: 101
By Michael Locke, Ledger Contributing Writer is to create a positive workout experience for our members; if we do it right, the money will come,” he said. According to Kaye, the Atwater location seemed ideal after visiting other gyms in the area. “We found that the few that were around weren’t offering the equipment and conveniences that gym patrons have come to expect,” he said. “Above and beyond the amenities we offer, our staff is dedicated to serving our most important resource, namely our members, from the moment they walk through our front door. When our members come foremost in our thinking, it won’t take long for people to recognize that we’re the best gym in town.” Metro Gym is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. until 12 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Located at 3610 Valleybrink Rd. (corner of Glendale Avenue) in Atwater Village. For information, call (323) 660-0050 or email LAmetrofitness@gmail.com
[stargazing]
August 2012 By Anthony Cook, Griffith Observatory A trio of bright objects, the planets Mars and Saturn, and Virgo the Maiden’s bright star, Spica, make a tight grouping low in the southwest as darkness falls. The moon will pose close to this group on the evening of Aug. 21st. Mars will be the site of high drama Sun., Aug. 5th at 10:17 p.m. when the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s (JPL) car sized rover Curiosity, is due to set down within Gale crater on the red planet. First it must pass through the planet’s tenuous atmosphere, slowing violently from 18,000 miles per hour to zero within seven minutes. The complex and risky landing will involve a meteoric entry into the atmosphere within an automatically guided capsule, a giant supersonic parachute, and a rocket “skycrane” that will lower Curiosity to the surface on a cable. Because Mars will be 148 million miles away at the time of the landing, the signal of its success or failure of the attempt will not reach earth until 10:31 p.m. Live coverage of the land-
ing will be provided over the Internet on NASA TV. The Perseid meteor shower, a summertime favorite, will reach its peak between Sat. night, Aug. 11th, through dawn Sun., Aug. 12th. A trip far from city lights, should reveal more than one meteor per minute streaming from the constellation Perseus, hero of the Andromeda legend, in the north-northeast sky. In June, we saw the planet Venus pass in front of the sun. This month, we can see the moon pass in front of Venus. From Southern California, this will happen during the afternoon of Mon., Aug. 13th, with the crescent moon low in the western sky. Using binoculars or a telescope to watch, you will see the sunlit edge of the moon’s large crescent pass over the tiny crescent of Venus at 1:38 p.m. taking nearly a minute to hide the planet. The moon will remain in front of Venus until 2:47 p.m., when the planet will start to reappear from behind the center of the unlit edge of the moon. It will fully reappear 30 seconds later.
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Page 20 LIFESTYLES
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August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [family matters]
Sense of Place Doesn’t Always Come from Home By Kristen Taylor, Ledger Columnist This month my husband’s family will say goodbye to their home in Northern California. The ranch in the redwood-covered hills of Mendocino County has been theirs for 25 years, which is just about as long as I’ve known my husband. If you could see the place, you
ranch house. Back then, she was a flower girl in my bridal party, and it was a lovely bit of kismet to have her wedding as a bookend to the decades of family celebrations and reunions and vacations we’ve held there. Even though my kids have lived in Los Angeles for most of their childhoods, and we went
will, like learning how to ride a horse, swimming in fresh water where it’s warm on the top and cold down below, weathering the smoke from summer forest fires and lighting purposeful fires on frosty winter mornings. If it weren’t for the ranch, they wouldn’t know that the night sky is actually an inverted, bottomless bowl of uncountable stars. Nor would they know that the original
cathedrals, aped by our urban architects, were stands of ancient trees. The ranch as place—or landscape, or story setting, or ecology—will stick with my kids because it was a novelty that was experienced with continuity. For them, Los Angeles is the every day, the trail that an ant takes again and again to and from the nest: the grocery store parking lots;
the sirens; the billboards; the September heat waves; the neighborhood dog-walking paths. Will those resonate as strongly when they’re adults, even though they represent thousands more hours logged? Probably not. We tend to stop seeing that which is always in front of us. When they are adults, will it be the sound of a gas powered leaf blower that brings them back to their childhoods, or will it be the whinnying of a horse? I’m betting on the horse.
If it weren’t for the ranch, they wouldn’t know that the night sky is actually an inverted, bottomless bowl of uncountable stars. Nor would they know that the original cathedrals, aped by our urban architects, were stands of ancient trees. would understand why I’ve stuck around that long. We were married there, the first wedding on the property. In July, the eldest cousin held her wedding ceremony at the same spring-fed lake, and we toasted the couple on the lawn outside the same yellow
August 2012
north only once or twice a year, I think that the ranch will probably give them their strongest sense of place when they are adults. Some of what happened there they won’t remember like being baptized in the river; or Christmas morning with nine other children; and most they
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LIFESTYLES Page 21
Los Feliz Ledger [open mike]
Zoo Responds Re: “Elephants of Asia” Exhibit
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Regarding the July 2012 of Los Angeles who supported studied by the Zoo’s Research “Letter from the Publisher,” the Prop A-2 and Prop CC Bond Division and is related to his feeling of “beauty and awe” that issues. The other half of “Elanticipation of being fed or beyou felt viewing wild elephants ephants of Asia” was funded ing within the company of his is how many of our guests feel by donations from private inkeepers. Tina and Jewel—the when they visit “Elephants of dividuals and corporations to Zoo’s two female elephants— Asia” at the L.A. Zoo. the Greater Los Angeles Zoo were placed in our care from Sadly, the vast majorAssociation. These donors also the San Diego Zoo Global in ity of the zoo’s 1.6 million represent the greater Los An2010. All three elephants reannual visitors will never geles community. ceive excellent care from an have the good fortune of be“Elephants of Asia” does excellent, dedicated team of ing able to travel to Kenya to far more than just exhibit animal care professionals and view Elephant’s in Amboseli elephants. The habitat tells are managed via protected National Park. Furthermore, the story of Asian elephants contact, whereby, zoo staff while viewing African never enters the elephants in the wild same space as the is relatively easy, viewelephants and utiing their wild cousins The latest lawsuit is another attempt lize positive reinthroughout Asia can forcement to care by a fringe extremist group to be difficult. Asian elfor the animals. ephants are being chalThe L.A. Zoo discredit the zoo utilizing baseless lenged by habitat loss was challenged to and conflicts with hu- claims, speculation and in many cases, build the best elmans in virtually every ephant habitat we distortion of the facts. country they occur. could to compleThere have been ment our program discussions about [the] and we believe “Elephants of Asia” we have met this [exhibit] for the past decade. and the challenges they face goal. Our 1.6 million visiThe latest lawsuit is another in their homeland countries. tors, along with the donors attempt by a fringe extremist Educators interpret the mesand taxpayers who supported group to discredit the zoo utisages and interactive graphics this habitat, share our comlizing baseless claims, speculaempower our visitors to make mitment to our elephant tion and in many cases, distora direct contribution to benefit program and our mission tion of the facts. wild elephants. of wildlife conservation and The facts are that the habi“Elephants of Asia” feaeducation. tat was vetted and supported by tures varied topography, the Los Angeles’ City Council. enrichment opportunities Jason Jacobs Half of the project’s [funding] and water features for the elLos Angeles Zoo and was voted on by taxpayers ephants. Billy’s head bobbing Botanical Gardens within the city and County behavior has been thoroughly Spokesman
[editorial]
The “Industry,” The Alcove, Los Feliz Dogs and Women: A Newbie’s Take on Los Feliz By Sam Hayes I can feel the Hollywood goggles latching onto my MidWestern face and I have to write this before everything feels normal. I moved to Los Feliz a month ago and I’m trying to jump into “The Industry.” It’s already feeling normal that one industry should claim for itself a word that applies to all other industries. But it’s a good catchall word and I like that. “You look upset?” “The industry.” “Knew it.” I bought an Arizona Ice Tea in Malibu for $2.50. They had scratched out the $0.99 label on the can with a Sharpie. I think that’s illegal but I don’t have as many lawyers as everyone else and I was thirsty in an industry kind of way. But I’m not complaining about the prices. And I’m not complaining about the traffic, though I once did at midnight—what? Yes. People complain about traffic here because they can’t
complain about the weather. I town. There are 19 massage I couldn’t handle it. I don’t think they’d complain about places within a mile of me, have the goggles on yet. My the weather too if it were as bad which is good but not enough, mid-western eyes have never as the traffic. But then no one and I like Thai food but not seen so much gorgeous gathwould live here, and there would industrially, so I hang out on ered naturally in one place. be no traffic. So we ought to be Vermont and Hillhurst. They are as tall and skinny as grateful, because bad traffic is Yes, I’ve been to The Althe palm trees and you wonbetter than bad weather. cove. I’ve been, and it was der how they stay up. And But it’s disthey all have cute tracting here in dogs. The smaller ...I still don’t know how to say Los Feliz. Hollywood, for the dog, the hotmore reasons than ter the woman. If you say it with a true Spanish accent good weather. I That’s just a rule people will correct you. But if you go say Hollywood beof thumb but it’s cause I still don’t a damn good one. all-American people will... correct you. know how to say Some of the dogs It’s not “las” like Los Angeles. Los Feliz. If you are even cuter It’s not “feliz” like that song, “Feliz say it with a true than their women, Spanish accent except for hipster Navidad.” When I say “Los” like a people will correct dogs. When a hipMexican and “Feliz” like an American you. But if you ster has a dog, that it’s a real crowd pleaser. go all-American dog is ugly as hell. people will... corBut there are rect you. It’s not even more dogs “las” like Los Angeles. It’s not painful. Painful in a beautithan beautiful women. This “feliz” like that song, “Feliz ful sort of way. Not the food. leads me to believe some of Navidad.” When I say “Los” I’m talking about my eyes these dogs have dogs of their like a Mexican and “Feliz” like hurting and the real reason own. It makes sense with the an American it’s a real crowd people go to The Alcove—the diapers. What type of a perpleaser. women. They were too beautison would make a dog wear I say I live in Los Feliz and ful, and they congregate there a diaper? But what good dog I do, but I also live in Thai like gazelles at a watering hole. mother wouldn’t provide a di-
Page 22 EDITORIAL / OPEN MIKE
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aper for her doggy baby? They told me lots of celebrities live in Los Feliz. Ever since, I have been noticing a surprising amount of non-celebrities. I saw an extremely attractive couple step out of a sexy car with a tiny dog—somehow they weren’t even famous. This isn’t the Midwest and that wasn’t “Brangelina.” There are so many distractions. Write. Just write. That’s what I came here to do. Write. That’s what I’m doing now. I’m sitting at a cafe and I’m writing and I’m interrupted by myself: “It’s 90 degrees dude,” I think. I see the guy walking on the sidewalk. He is so disgustingly hip I spit out my $9 eco-friendly vegan kosher drink. “It’s 90 degrees and you’re wearing a beanie. It’s 90 and sunny. Beanie. If being a writer means I have to wear a black beanie at the beach I’m out.” Sam has recently transplanted himself from Chicago to Los Feliz. August 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
Echo Park Rising Fills Sunset Junction Void By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer ECHO PARK—Last year when the city shut down the Sunset Junction Street Festival less than a week before it was supposed to start, some bands were suddenly stuck without any place play. Liz Garo, senior talent buyer for Spaceland Productions, recalls her office phones ringing off the hook as soon as the news of the cancellation was announced. Frantic agents, she said, were desperate to book clients’ shows at her venues, the Echo and Echoplex. It was a music business crisis. With other community members Garo quickly pieced together a solution and called it “Echo Park Rising,” wrangling non-traditional venues such as Stories Books & Cafe and Two Boots pizzeria to host bands and turn the neighborhood into an open festival for the neighborhood. “It was the equivalent of, ‘Hey kids, lets put on a show,’” she said. “I reached out to businesses, like, ‘Let’s pick up the slack.’ And Echo Park sloppily pieced what we could together.” This year, with a little more advance planning, Echo Park Rising is back again thanks to Garo and Origami Vinyl owner Neil Schield. Set for Sat., Aug 25th, from noon to 2 a.m., Schield said the free and open event will mimic the Austin, TX, music conference “South by Southwest” with 65 partnering businesses in about a halfsquare-mile space from Mohawk Bend to Little Joy on Sunset Boulevard and Echo County Outpost to Rewind Audio on Glendale Boulevard and Alvarado Street. The Echo, Origami Vinyl, Stories, Bedrock Studios, Fix Cafe and other businesses will host live music. Lot 1 Cafe will have children’s programming and a large outdoor stage will be erected in the Taix Lounge parking lot. Deejays will play
music at bars and galleries such as The Short Stop and iam8bit, and other shops and restaurants will offer special discounts. Bands playing are mostly local including Fool’s Gold, No, Lavender Diamond, Gothic Tropic, Dante Vs Zombies, Black Apples, Noah Lit & the Megafauna and Foxygen, among others. The Echoplex will also host a record and book fair with art installations and an on-site silk screening from the Los Angeles company “Hit and Run.” And vintage Godzilla movies will also be screened on the rooftop of Echo Park’s Citi Bank building. The ethos behind Echo Park Rising is very grassroots, said Garo, and we’re figuring it out as we go along. Since the event is free, the production budget is small, so the venues and musicians are mostly donating their space and performances and a few brands including Negro Modello, Whole Foods, and ONE Coconut Water are picking up the slack with sponsorship funding. “I kind of feel like this is a work in progress,” she said. Where else but Echo Park would this happen? “Echo Park, as a whole, is a unique community within Los Angeles,” said Schield. “It’s a very supportive place amongst different businesses, it’s very symbiotic amongst its artists and the residents that live here. I think what we saw with the negativity towards Sunset Junction, being fenced off—Echo Park is the opposite of that. And we just wanted to do something that really celebrated our community and celebrated the different businesses that are here and the artists that are here, and have something more laid back that’s not about fences to tickets or money, it’s about the community… Hopefully we can keep it going [and] turn it into something regular.”
Dion Neutra Run/Walk – Oct. 7th Sun. Oct. 7nd will mark the “4K-8K Run/Walk for Health,” to honor Dion Neutra’s 86th birthday. The start and end location of the event will be the Silver Lake Meadow across from the Richard and Dion Neutra VDL Research House, 2300 Silver Lake Blvd. A pre-race gathering and last minute registration will began at the VDL house that morning at 7a.m, followed August 2012
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by an “opening ceremony” at 7:40 a.m. in the meadow. Various events—such as individual run, children’s walk and bike run—have staggered start times beginning at 8 a.m. Prices range from $25 to $40 per person depending on event. Other celebrations that day include a self guided tour of the VDL house; a wine reception and a catered dinner. Information and to register: neutral.org www.losfelizledger.com
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1542 Columbus Avenue Northwest Glendale $1,095,000 Gorgeous 4+4 Two-story Spanish Residence w/a pool on a lovely street in the Kenneth Road area of NW Glendale. Spacious LR w/a fireplace. Nicely remodeled kitchen w/stainless appl and center island. Formal DR. Most baths remodeled w/beautiful tile work. Fabulous yard, patio & pool. 3/4 bath by pool. A special home.
In Escrow Over Asking!
2441 Kenilworth Avenue Silver Lake Hills $795,000 Beautifully updated 2+1.5 in Moreno Highlands. Spacious LR with peek-a-boo reservoir views. Fabulous Cook’s kitchen w/Shaker style cabinets, stainless appl, breakfast bar. Formal dining room. Gorgeous baths. Newly landscaped yard. Central AC. Kitch leads to lovely patio. Walk to reservoir. Ivanhoe. Home sweet home.
Sold For $84,500 Over Asking!
2034 North Berendo Street Los Feliz $979,500 Stunning 3+2 1920’s Spanish home with lovely spacious yard in Franklin Square. Living room with Batchelder style fireplace, great moldings & refinished hardwood flrs thru out. Formal DR. Spacious kitchen, 6 burner Viking stove. Large master suite. Luxurious spa like European bath w/open shower, tub, copper sinks. Rm for pool.
For Lease
2530 Park Oak Court Los Feliz Oaks $12,500 Impressive gated 4+3.5 estate like home on gorgeous cul-de-sac in the Oaks. Beautiful private picturesque grounds with large pool, cabana & outdoor bath. Spacious LR w/fireplace, wonderful library and master overlook the spectacularly landscaped grounds. Formal dining rm. Refinished hardwd flrs. Views of Hollywood Sign & hills.
In Escrow Over Asking!
1192 Myra Avenue Silver Lake $335,000 Charming 1915 Craftsman Duplex in Los Feliz area that needs work but has loads of potential. Each unit has 1 bedroom + 1 bath. Lots of original character. Approx 1,185 square foot interior & 4093 corner lot. Good location close the great shops & restaurants in Los Feliz and Silver Lake neighborhoods. Minutes to downtown.
Sold
3352 Scarboro Street Mt. Washington $570,000 Fabulous & newly renovated 3+2 hillside contemporary home with spectacular city and hillside views. Living room with fireplace opens to nice deck with views. Gorgeous all new kitchen & baths. Master suite opens to deck. Bath with marble counters and floors. All new wood flooring. Appx 1500 sq feet. Represented the buyer.
In Escrow Over Asking!
1913 New Hampshire Avenue Los Feliz $879,000 Fabulous 3+2.5 Spanish in Franklin Square. Completely remodeled from top to bottom. Living room w/fireplace, crown moldings and hardwood floors leads to dining rm, kitchen & family room. Great kitchen. Master suite with fireplace, 2 closets & large bath. Apprx 2046 sf house & 6499 lot. All new systems. Beautiful yard & deck.
Sold For Over Asking!
4133 Cumberland Avenue Los Feliz $1,110,750 Excellent opportunity to invest in great Los Feliz area. Classic 7 unit bldg built in 1962. Spacious units w/dining areas and some with lovely views. 3 - 2 bed 1.75 baths, 1 - 2 bed 1 bath & 3 - 1 bed 1 bath units. Appox 5,853 sq ft building and 6,621 lot. Annual Inc $87K . Great for owner user or investor. Walk to Hillhurst & Sunset restaurants, shops. Close to dwntwn.
Sold
Atwater $495,000 4130 Perlita Avenue Gorgeous 1930’s 2+1 Traditional w/detached studio and bath. Great new kitchen - ceasarstone counters, beautiful wood cabinets and new windows & breakfast bar. Hardwoood floors. Dining room leads to large patio and lovely outdoor entertaining areas that has been beautifully landscaped. Central AC & heat. Represented the buyers.