December 2010 by Los Feliz Ledger

H oli da ys ! H ap py

Los Feliz Ledger

Vol 6. No. 6

Serving the Greater Los Feliz, Silver Lake & Hollywood Hills Area | Distribution 34,500

Bass Hears “Economy, Economy, Economy” In “Listening Tour” By Erik Derr Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—Before former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass was elected to Congress last month, she visited four neighborhoods in the 33rd Congressional District—Culver City, Los Feliz/Silver Lake, Koreatown and Mid-City—during what she called her “Listening Tour.” A primary goal of the stops was in fact to rally supporters and spread the word about Bass’ campaign. But the stories people shared with her along the way impressed Bass—a former physician’s assistant and mother—how much Los Angeles has changed over the last several years. She was surprised how many people complained to her about the economy and how none addressed racial issues—a notable change, she said, from when she first ran for the state house in 2005. “The main point is, people are desperately in need of work,” said Bass, citing the case of one audience member in the Mid-City meeting— held at the Little Ethiopia Community Center—who stood up and complained she hadn’t been able to find work see BASS page 4

State and Local Officials Conduct “Raid” On Used Car Sales Along Boulevard Cars Impounded; Citations and Arrests Made By Allison C. Ferraro LOS FELIZ—Seven cars were impounded, six misdemeanor citations were written and two arrests were made Saturday, Nov. 6th, during a Dept. of Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit “raid” on illegal car sales along Los Feliz Boulevard. California State Assemblymember Mike Gatto and Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge initiated the action. In a joint press release, Gatto and LaBonge said it is believed that most people selling cars along the busy street belong to “car-flipping” rings, where a car will be purchased from a lawful owner but never re-registered until it is sold, sometimes for the purpose of conducting illegally activities. “…Investigators from the DMV, headed by Deputy Chief Vito Scattaglia, conducted a raid to identify unlicensed dealers and to send a clear message that their actions will not be tolerated,” the statement said. For years, unlicensed dealers who “flip” automobiles have taken advantage of the great exposure along busy Los Feliz Boulevard by parking their vehicles for sale there. In recent months, however, the statement said, Los Feliz Boulevard has seen a sharp increase in parked for-sale vehicles, giving the residential street an “odd” commercial look, and preventing those

December 2010

AVNC Opposes “Blight” Status Coming With Future Redevelopment By Caitlin M. Foyt Ledger Contributing Writer

TIS’ THE SEASON—LA Downtown On Ice, at Pershing Square, is open every day for skating fun now through Jan. 17, 2011. Admission is $6 and skate rentals are $2. The rink, now in its 13th season, is made possible by the City of Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation and Parks and Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry. Show your Metro transit receipt or pass and receive a $1 skating session discount. Extended holiday hours: through Jan 9th, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Thanksgiving Day: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Christmas Day, 12 noon to 10 p.m. For information, www.laparks.org and click on Pershing Square or call (213) 847-4970. 532 South Olive. Photo Courtesy: Lisa Carey Public Relations

who live along the boulevard from parking there. “This is extremely burdensome for residents and their visitors,” said Assemblyman Gatto in the same statement. “Allowing Los Feliz Boulevard to become a usedcar lot would perpetuate an eyesore, and is unfair to residents and their visitors who

need on-street parking.” The Nov. 6th raid was preempted by an Oct. 15th motion introduced by LaBonge aimed at restricting car sales on city streets. A former ordinance prohibiting curbside car sales was earlier struck down in court under the First Amendment.

see USED CARS page 30

ATWATER VILLAGE—Saying some members fear the possible declaration of Atwater Village as a “blighted area,” the Atwater Neighborhood Council (AVNC) voted in November to send a letter to Los Angeles City Councilmembers Tom LaBonge and Eric Garcetti opposing any plans the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has for redeveloping the area. In order for the CRA to go forward with any potential plans, the agency—which is overseen by a Mayoral appointed board and confirmed by the City Council—would have to declare Atwater Village a “blighted area.” The letter requests the two council members—whom represent the area—have Atwater Village removed from the “Northeast Los Angeles Study Area,” a proposed redevelopment zone including portions of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley and Glassell Park. Affected areas of Atwater Village would include all of Atwater’s northern industrial area—including the residential area between Chevy Chase Drive and Goodwin Avenue— and residential and commercial properties between Fletchsee CRA page 30

[Los Angeles Council District 4 Election Profile]

[ What’s Inside ] Popular Dresden Waiter Dies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Politics: GGPNC Has New Committee Rules. . . . . . . . . . . 5 Good Life: Sparkling Champagnes for the Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Shopping: Our Special Holiday Guide. . . . . . . . . . 6 and 7 People in My Neighborhood: Locals Provide Fresh Water for Africans. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Theater Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Real Estate: Selling During the Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Real Estate: Home Sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Focus: The Rental Girl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Family Matters: Dreaded Violent Video Games. . . . . . 31 Editorial: Surviving the Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Phil Jennerjahn By Allison C. Ferraro LOS FELIZ—Phil Jennerjahn is the only man sitting in Little Dom’s—or anywhere within five miles of the popular eatery, is my guess—in a full suit and tie. Jennerjahn looks every much the squeaky clean politico. Though, as a self-described “entertainer,” “political consultant,” and having worked in the “travel industry” and writer for the blog Mayor Sam, I am not exactly sure what he does. All I know, is he has nev-

er held office. But that’s not to say he hasn’t tried. A f t e r failing in the Los Angeles mayoral election in 2009 and losing in 2010 for a seat in the U.S. Congress (33rd District), the 43-yearold is now running for incumbent Tom LaBonge’s seat on

the Los Angeles City Council. In a nutshell, Jennerjahn’s message is, thus far, slim—but see JENNERJAHN page 30

Los Feliz Ledger [letter from the publisher] Ve t e r a n’s Day, 2010, has long passed. But I wanted to tell you about a brief encounter I had with a young vet in November. I was near Sunset Boulevard to have a meeting with one of the Ledger’s clients, Howard Lorey of Nourmand and Associates. I had parked my car and was walking on an adjacent street to get to my meeting. Suddenly, a man darted from across the small side street and was walking in lockstep, very close to me. For a moment, as a woman walking in Hollywood,

Page 2

I felt concerned. He was just too close. I looked over my shoulder at him. And he said, in a slight southern drawl, “Oh, Ma’am, I’m not trying to scare you. I’m sorry. I am just late getting to a job interview.” The man, actually upon further review, was only a young man, maybe in his early 20s. He had hair, once cropped short that was now growing out, and was wearing a shirt and tie with black pants, topped off with colored tennis shoes. “Oh,” I said. “Are you nervous for your interview?” “I am Ma’am,” he replied. “I just got home from duty. I’ve been in Iraq and Afghani-

stan. It’s been a while since I held a job.” He went on to say he was applying for a waiter’s position at a nearby restaurant. “You’re going to do just fine,” I said, as I reached Nourmand’s front door. “You’re going to do just fine.” I watched him walk on to his destination and wished him luck. The encounter reminded me of the Vets that are coming home from duty and for those that did not come home or for those that came home with themselves and their lives changed. Please remember these Vets when they apply for jobs or need a hand. –Allison

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

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December 2010

Los Feliz Ledger

LAPD Holding Toy Drive For Needy Families By Caitlin M. Foyt Ledger Contributing Writer

“Mul-Holiday Sing-Along,” Dec. 12 The “Mul-Holiday SingAlong” at the Mulholland Fountain will take place Sunday, Dec. 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mulholland Fountain, the corner of Los Feliz Blvd. and Riverside Dr. The community event, for the whole family, is free.

On hand will be mulled cider and hot cocoa. Song sheets will be provided. Event organizers: Mary Frances Reynolds, Mary Rodriguez and Brigid LaBonge, as participants to dress warmly and to bring a flashlight and “your jingle bells.”

[obituary]

Luis Perez, Popular Dresden Waiter LOS FELIZ—Luis Perez—believed to have been 62 and a long-time and popular waiter at the Dresden Restaurant on Vermont Avenue—died Nov. 18th after suffering a brain aneurism the night before, according to Jim Ferraro, owner of the restaurant. “He had a great following of customers,” said Ferraro. “He kept a phonebook of customers names and he would call them or visit them,” as friends. According to Ferraro, Perez worked his usual shift, Wed. Nov. 17th and went home to the Mid-City area

around 11 p.m. Shortly after, while walking his dog, Ferraro said, Perez fell and became unconscious. He was taken to a nearby hospital and then to Cedars Sinai the next day, where he died. Perez was a popular waiter at the Dresden serving meals and drinks with a quick wit and smile. According to Ferraro, many patrons of the Dresden would make reservations requesting Luis’s table only. Perez worked at the Dresden for 20 years. “It’s a tremendous loss to his family and also a big loss to the Dresden,” Ferraro said.

Police Blotter will return next month.

December 2010

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Pollworkers Needed For Upcoming Elections LOS ANGELES—The City of Los Angeles is seeking 6,476 pollworkers to staff polls for the 2011 Municipal Elections. Pollworkers will work in 1,554 polling places throughout the election jurisdiction for the March 8, 2011 Primary Nominating Election and the May 17, 2011 General Municipal Election. Workers earn stipends of up to $125 for each Election Day they work. To volunteer, you must be

Friends of Library to Host Book Sale The Friends of the Silver Lake Library (FoSLL) will host a book sale Jan. 29, 2011. FoSLL is a non-profit support group, that also raised $2,000 in October to support the library and donated $20,000 for the facility’s grand opening November, 2009. The Silver Lake Library accepts book donations every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. FoSLL sells the unwanted or unneeded donations to raise funds to purchase additional materials for the library. www.fosll.org

a U.S. citizen and registered voter, at least 18 years old on Election Day. The Election Division seeks pollworkers who are able to speak, read and write in English. Bilingual pollworkers who speak English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog or Vietnamese are also sought. Information and to sign up: (866) 899-VOTE (8683) or (213) 978-0363.

FOUNDED 20 05 Delievered the last Thursday of each month to 34,500 homes and businesses in the Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Hollywood Hills communities. PUBLISHER /EDITOR Allison B. Cohen Ferraro ADVERTISING SALES Olga Measures, Betsy Hall GR APHIC DESIGN & L AYOUT Tiffany Sims OFFICE A SSISTANT Griffin O. Cohen L abeler , Stamper and Tearsheet Manager Charles “Chunny” Cohen

The Los Angeles Police Dept. Northeast division is now accepting donations for their annual holiday toy drive. Toys are now being collected for toy distribution, Dec. 12th at 10 a.m. at the LAPD Northeast Community Police Station, 3353 N. San Fernando Rd. The toys will be given to local needy families. Toy donations are now being accepted, through Dec. 10th, at the police station. Event organizer Sgt. Danny J. Roman recommends donations of toys that don’t require batteries. “Some of these families are really needy and they don’t have batteries or the money to buy batteries—and some of these toys require up to six batteries and that can be $3 to $4,” he said. Shoppers can also look for the cadets who will be taking monetary and toy donations outside of Toys ‘R Us in Atwater Village, the next couple of weeks. Families wishing for the toy donations should register beforehand by calling the Northeast Community Relations Unit at (213) 485-2548.

Best Buy Now In Atwater? By Caitlin M. Foyt Ledger Contributing Writer ATWATER VILLAGE—The Best Buy located at 2909 Los Feliz Blvd., which refers to itself as being located in Glendale, has recently changed is paperwork and promotional flyers to reflect it is indeed in Atwater Village. Best Buy sales manager Travis Bordelon said the store’s location was finally modified for the sake of consistency. Customers calling still get a recorded greeting that they have reached the Glendale location, but, Bordelon said that may be updated shortly.

Atwater Holiday Sale at Library The Friends of the Atwater Village Library will host a holiday gift sale, Sat. Dec. 4th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library, 3379 Glendale Blvd. On hand will be “wonderful gifts” at “wonderful prices,” according to information released on the event. COMMUNITY NEWS

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Los Feliz Ledger BASS from page 1

for two years, even though she was a schoolteacher with a master’s degree. Such pain, Bass said, shows her “we are in this recession and we haven’t come out of it yet.” Concerns over the economy were strikingly similar in Mid-City, historically populated by newer immigrants

state assembly, Bass said, the economy has seen “one good year,” 2006, “that’s when the economy had an uptick. And then it’s been downhill ever since.” Then again, she said, “We’ve stabilized some. We’re at least not going broke. . . I didn’t come in to office thinking the economy would be the number one issue for my entire six

Karen Bass, the former state assembly speaker who ran and was elected the Congress in November, invited people from the community to tell her what was on their minds during a pre-election “Listening Tour.”

and lower income families and Los Feliz, home to many of those in California’s arts and entertainment community. But whereas finding jobs and work-related education dominated the Mid-City meeting, participants were focused on protecting their work during the Los Feliz gathering, held at the home of neighborhood councilmember Tomas O’Grady, who himself is running for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council. “What came up in Los Feliz was the artist community,” said Bass. Before the dialogue, she admitted, she hadn’t realized that many artists are indeed small business owners or that “when the economy is in a recession, arts are the first things that are cut.” Since being elected to the

years, but it [has been] …Officially, economists have declared the recession over and they declared that many months ago. But the job numbers have not caught up,” she said. Analysts with whom Bass consults with, she said, have told her recovery will likely take another one to two years. But, “until the job numbers catch up, I don’t think the average person cares whether or not the recession has been declared over.” Bass said the “listening tour” left her with a firm belief that those in her new district can bounce back from the recession, as long as they don’t give up. “We are in tough economic times and all of us are feeling it one way or the other,” she said, “but we cannot fall into a period of demoralization where we stop participating.”

Ballots Due for Los Feliz BID Election, by Dec. 10th LOS FELIZ—Approximately half the seats on the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District (LFVBID) are up for election, according to the most recent edition of the Los Feliz Village Voice, the newsletter published by the LFVBID. Candidates for the seats are: Rosa Palencia of Citibank; Dustin Lancaster of Bar Covell; Melissa Tornay of Primrose Organics Salon & Boutique; Bruce Jay of Bruce Jay Associates and Jason Chi of Chi Dynasty. Also Heather Arndt of Happy, Susan and Mark Cianciulli of Solutions Denim and Ermanno Neiviller of il Capriccio are all up for re-election. Current board members Page 4

COMMUNITY NEWS

not seeking another term are: Nelia Cacic of Chase Bank; Robert & Arzu Benavides of Distant; Nina Fayad of Alberto Salon;, Rob Valerio of Happy; Jonathan Sample of Fresh Pressed and Dora Herrera of Yuca’s restaurants. The deadline for candidate submissions was Nov. 15th. According to the Los Feliz Village Voice, ballots will be sent to all LFVBID members, of which there are approximately 250, around December 1st. Returned ballots must be received by Dec. 10th to be included in the vote. The new board will be announced at the LFVBID’s regular Jan. 2011 meeting.

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December 2010

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GGPNC Committees & Vendors Face New Sets of Rules By Erik Derr, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—As part of an ongoing effort to ensure greater accountability, the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council (GGPNC) has approved a new set of guidelines for its 13 committees. Council President Ron Ostrow explained during the council’s Nov. 16th meeting that committees—which consider issues ranging like “green living,” schools and education; transportation and public safety—have been allowed to develop with little direction since the council’s inception in 2002. Beginning Jan. 1, 2011 the chairs of each committee will be required to observe

and comply with all current neighborhood council bylaws, standing rules, policies and procedures. At least once each fiscal quarter, every committee chair will be required to convene and hold a committee meeting, report on committee activities to the governing board and report to the budget and finance committee. Meanwhile, about $20,000 in payments for various services performed for the neighborhood council have been stalled because of incomplete documentation. Ostrow said the city’s Department of Neighborhood

Empowerment (DONE), which oversees the city’s 89 neighborhood councils, has stepped up efforts to track spending. As a result, neighborhood councils are now requiring vendors to fill out new business and tax ID forms. Not all of the GGPNC’s vendors have come through with the necessary paperwork, so their payments are being held until they do. The neighborhood council is allotted $43,000 in funding yearly, with any unused portion thereof added to the base in the next funding cycle. With rollover from the last cycle, the GGPNC currently has about $60,000 in its bank account.

[the good life]

Celebrate the Holidays with Sparkling Wine By Tara de Lis, Ledger Wine and Spirits Columnist With the holiday season upon us, everyone is in a more festive mood. And nothing says festive more than sparkling wine. It’s the perfect accompaniment to holiday party hors d’oeuvres, a great hostess gift for sit-down dinners and, of course, ideal for a midnight toast on New Year’s Eve. Many people still consider French Champagne their goto bubbly. But Champagne is merely one type of sparking wine (and it should be noted that only those produced in the Champagne region of France can carry the legendary designation—even French wines from other areas are also simply “sparkling”). Most sparking wines on the market today are nonvintage, meaning they are not from a particular year, which makes them easier to under-

stand than wine and also decreases variance. Household name Champagne classics include Dom Pérignon and Louis Roeder’s Cristal. Such are examples of very glamorous, high-end products, but more affordable varieties are available as well. One presently trending is the copper-encaged Beau Joie Brut Champagne, which is comprised of grapes sourced in Epernay, France. Free of many commonly added sugars, it’s quite food-friendly. Moving outside France, neighboring countries Spain and Italy both have their own versions of sparking wines. In the former, it’s known as cava. A great representation of this is the Segura Viuadas Reserva Heredad, which was once reserved only for family and friends. It’s still very limited in production and utilizes Macabeo and Parellada grapes,

which are grown in the celebrated Penedes region. Italians are known for Prosecco, which can be lower in alcohol than other sparklings, and is generally less expensive as well. Straw-yellow in color, Garbel is a nicely balanced mix of crispness and fruit. Napa and Sonoma have been producing very respectable American wines for years, but perhaps one of the most surprising finds comes from New Mexico’s Gruet Winery, the nation’s third largest producer of bubbly. A standout is their rendition of a blanc de noirs, a creamy mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

LaBonge Honored as UCLA’s Local Legislator of the Year

Tom LaBonge pictured here with UCLA Assistant Vice Chancellor Keith Parker.

LOS ANGELES— Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge was honored by UCLA as the “Local Legislator of the Year,” in October. “My goal has always been to bring City Hall to the people of Los Angeles and I will continue to work for the good of the community,” Councilmember LaBonge said. “I’m deeply humbled by this award and I recognize that this award belongs to the neighborhoods of Council District 4. From UCLA’s community volunteers who helped clean up Griffith Park to the neighbors who are planting trees in Hancock Park, we’re all doing our best for Los Angeles.” Councilmember LaBonge was chosen as this year’s honoree for his long-term dedica-

REVISED

tion to his district, the leadership he has provided for the entire City, and his continued commitment to UCLA as a friend and supporter, according to a press release issued by his office. The event was held in John Ferraro Council Chambers, Room 340 at City Hall. Preceding the award ceremony was a reception for the annual UCLA Day with Local Government. UCLA Day with Local Government is an event organized by the University’s Government and Community Relations Dept. The purpose of UCLA Day with Local Government is to strengthen engagement of community members and leaders to the UCLA student and staff community.

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December 2010

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Page 5

Los Feliz Ledger

SPECIAL SECTION

2010 Holiday Neighborhood Gift Guide Compiled By Kathy A. McDonald Ledger Contributing Writer Shop locally for one-of-a-kind items. Support neighborhood businesses and share in the holiday spirit. Atwater Village

Holiday brews at 55 Degree Wine

55 Degree Wine Let 55 Degree Wine create a unique gift basket: the store has more than 600 beers available and 800 kinds of Italian, Spanish and Portuguese wine. Holiday ales and Xmas beers are now in stock.

3111 Glendale Blvd., (323) 662-5556. Grain Specializing in midcentury furniture and décor, grain reflects the creative tastes and astute eye of owner Christian Kastner, a film Sweeten Fido’s breath with mint treats at Woof set decorator. A musthave for the 3158 Los Feliz Blvd., design conscious: a (323) 665-3801. pair of 1948 Eames molded plywood Salon Mix chairs ($3,300/pair). Share the joy of beauty at 3135 Glendale Blvd., this neighborhood salon: (323) 664-3110. bring a friend and receive Pot-Ted Pot-Ted has living arrangements of succulents and cactus, priced from under $20. Fuzzy ornaments, children’s books by Charley Harper, indoor/outdoor home décor and gardening books are among the store’s varied offerings. Last minute shoppers: there’s a cookie and cider reception on Christmas Eve until 2 p.m.

20% off cut-and-color; with this special available throughout December, customers receive a free sample of Paul Mitchell haircare products. 3174 Glendale Blvd., (323) 665-4770. Woof Dog Boutique From dog stockings to baked treats to canine-sized Santa hats and reindeer antlers, Woof has everything for the pet on your holiday list. Need

a stocking stuffer? Obeetuff’s mint-flavored rubber toy ($12.99) freshens doggie breath. 3172 Glendale Blvd., (323) 661-7722.

Los Feliz Saturday night December 4th from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. enjoy shopping at the Los Feliz Holiday Festival made festive by carolers and an open-air trolley. Being in LA During December two-forone gift certificates (buy one, get a second treatment free) are available at this day spa/salon for signature body treatments like the wellbeing massage that includes a combination of Swedish and deep tissue techniques ($100/60 minutes). The non-surgical face-lift facial ($125/60 minutes), which tightens, lifts and brightens skin for a younger look, is also a popular gift. 2016 Hillhurst Ave., (323) 663-9355. Pop Killer Dept. For the teenager on your list, Pop Killer has inexpensive but stylish sunglasses (from $5-$16) and cute stocking stuffers like key-chains and wallets (Godzilla wallet $13). A number of hard-to-find One-stop Polaroid instant cameras ($34) are also on

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sale. 1856 N. Vermont Ave., (323) 522-6254. Skylight Books Annex The always-helpful staff at Skylight Books is happy to make gift suggestions. At Skylight Books Annex, art tomes, graphic novels and limited edition e-zines fill the shelves. On the hot list: Ann Summa’s photo collection of L.A. punk rockers The Beautiful and the Damned ($39.95) and the best selling graphic novel X’ed Out ($19.95). 1814 N. Vermont Ave., (323) 660-1175.

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Y-Que Trading Post The headquarters for ironic commentary on pop culture via t-shirts ($16/each), Y-Que’s t-shirt graphics range from media stars (Free Snooki) to neighborhood logos (Silver Lake) and come in kid sizes ($12) too. An instore collection of collectible lunch boxes (various prices) is a trip down elementary school memory lane. 1770 N. Vermont Ave., (323) 664-0021.

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Los Feliz Ledger

2010 Holiday Neighborhood Gift Guide Silver Lake Sponsored by the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce, all stores in Silver Lake are encouraged to stay open until 9 p.m. the first three Friday nights in December for Silver Lake Holiday Nights Out. Many businesses will have open houses with refreshments and entertainment.

Bar Keeper cocktail making kit

Bar Keeper The go-to shop for all things cocktail, Bar Keeper has two categories of gift boxes available this season to help make cocktails at home. Top Los Angeles bartenders include their recipes for cocktails-of-the moment; the customized gift box includes

all necessary ingredients, tools and glassware. For those that want to make the perfect classic cocktail like a Manhattan or Sazerac, there’s the classic cocktail making box (priced from $75-$150). 3910 W. Sunset Blvd., (323) 669-1675. Clover In addition to the stylish Hanging terrarium at Clover. women and opened Food + Lab, Sumi men’s clothing is an artful boutique that and accessories offers jewelry, hand-thrown at Clover, the pottery, rugs and original store also offers art. Unique to the store fashionable are handbags, messenger jewelry, body bags ($108) and clutches care products from Finland’s Carita Viola and thoughtfully Designs. selected home 3204 Sunset Blvd., decorative items. (323) 660-0869. Hanging glass

Tomboy Kids Clothing A children’s boutique with as cute-ascan-be clothing and accessories, owner Cleobelle Pollock recommends handmade moccasin boots (botines by Beatrice Valenzuela) available in baby sizes (starting at $45) to kids. Also on her must-have list: local author Dallas Clayton’s An Awesome Book of Thanks children’s book. 2945 Rowena Ave., (323) 644-1475. The Living Room Known for its custom-made and vintage mid-century furniture, neighborhood

favorite The Living Room also has gift items from small decorative pieces to affordable original art such as artist Lisa Moneypenny’s Twisted Kids’ series of limited edition prints ($95). 3531 Sunset Blvd., (323) 665-5070.

Carita Viola designed purses at Sumi

terrariums range from $28-$62. Locally made in Pasadena, Further body care products such as the body wash ($17), body lotion ($17) and candle ($30) are made from depleted vegetable oil. 2756 Rowena Ave., (323) 661-4142. Sumi On Sunset Blvd., close to Dusty’s and the newly

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Los Feliz Ledger [greetings from Tom]

[eric garcetti]

Illegal Curbside Car Sales And Curtailed Library Hours

Measure to Keep Libraries Opened 6-Days a Week To Go Before Voters

By Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge I’m happy to report that we’ve made signif ic a nt progress on two issues of particular importance to Los Feliz residents: curbside car sales and curtailed library hours. The weekend sale of used cars along Los Feliz Boulevard has been an issue ever since the city’s ordinance banning these sales was overturned in court. I’m proud to say that we’re making good progress to crack down on these sales. Success

ing two men, issuing six citations and impounding seven vehicles. As a member of the City Council’s Transportation Committee, I invite Los Feliz residents to testify at the committee’s next hearing on Wed., Dec. 8th at 2 p.m. on the 10th Floor of City Hall to support a new city ordinance banning the curbside car lots. I also proposed a no-tax solution to save our libraries. Last month, the City Council voted unanimously to place that solution on the ballot for voters to decide. The City Charter sets aside .0175

Just a .0125 percent increase to .0300 will make a world of difference to the city’s 73 libraries, including the Los Feliz Branch Library. requires collaboration and this is no exception. I worked closely with Assemblymember Mike Gatto, the Los Angeles Police Dept. Senior Lead Officers, the Los Angeles City Attorney and the Investigations Unit of the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to curb these roadside car sales. Sellers had set up shop along this beautiful corridor to take advantage of the number of people who use Los Feliz Boulevard as a connecting point. The sales created additional traffic, a dangerous situation for prospective buyers and problems for residents and their guests who wanted to park nearby. Sellers often fail to register the cars, which draws a criminal element to the area. The beauty of Los Feliz is also marred by the proliferation of “for sale” signs. In the beginning of November, after months of investigation, officers from the DMV raided the area, arrest-

percent of the general fund dollars to the library department. That percentage was determined in 1925, when there were a total of 30 libraries operated by the City of Los Angeles. It’s time we increase that portion. Just a .0125 percent increase to .0300 will make a world of difference to the city’s 73 libraries, including the Los Feliz Branch Library. In real dollars, that would increase the library department’s budget by about $58 million, allowing it to keep the doors open seven days a week—the same schedule they had in the 2009/2010 fiscal year. Only the will of the people can change the City Charter, so I’m asking for your vote on March 8, 2011. Vote “yes” on the library proposition to save our libraries! Happy Holidays to all of you! Let’s look forward to 2011 and continue to enjoy and love Los Angeles!

By City Councilmember Eric Garcetti The renowned historian out any additional cost to the are where we can bridge the Barbara Tuchman once said, taxpayers. technological divide that still “Nothing sickens me more The measure would redenies too many Angelenos than the closed door of a liquire the city to allocate a ceraccess to home computers and brary.” tain percentage of the budget high-speed Internet. Unfortunately, this closedevery year to our libraries. This These funds will also door malaise is widespread in requirement would be enacted support the acquisition of Los Angeles this year as budthrough a Charter Amendnew books and library proget cuts have forced the city’s ment, which can only be grams for kids, parents and neighborhood libraries to stay changed by the voters, ensuring grandparents. The enrichopen only five days a week, as libraries’ fair share is protected. ment of libraries goes beyond opposed to the six day-a-week Los Angeles will have a chance the books on the shelves schedule they had been on. to vote on this amendment on and includes lectures, teen The entire nation, of March 8, 2011, and I will work programs including SAT course, is facing economic hard to ensure they do. and college preparation, art times worse than we have seen Neighborhood libraries exhibitions, financial litsince the Great eracy and, of Depression, with course, “story The result is a measure approved by unemployment in time” and the city council Nov. 17th that would Los Angeles highother activier than in the nathat inguarantee funding for six-day libraries ties tion’s other major still in kids a in good times or bad, without any cities and exceedlifelong love ing the national and respect additional cost to the taxpayers. average, resulting for reading in a city budget and learning. deficit of $405 million. are a proven and cost-effective Support for our neighDrastic measures were way to improve our economy borhood libraries is a wise taken, including reducing the and keep our youth on the choice, both in terms of ecocity’s workforce to levels last right track. Neighborhood nomics and education. To seen at the end of the Bradlibraries offer a safe place for support your neighborhood ley Administration, when Los kids to go after school; are library before the March Angeles had 1 million fewer where entrepreneurs go for election, please visit www. residents. Public safety, street market research; where young lapl.org, and for more inforservices and libraries alike students and people changing mation on this or any other were impacted. careers go to learn the skills city issue, please visit www. I said when the budget they need to get ahead; and cd13.org. was passed this year that I would work to make sure our SilverLake neighborhood library system was a top priority when the Changing Lives budget picture was brighter. Through Fitness The outlook, however, remains Lance Callahan dim, and so we on the CounACSM Certified Personal Trainer cil, led by Councilmembers Bernard Parks and Tom Lastudio: (323) 284-8861 Bonge, looked for a solution cell/text: (310) 804-2154 lance@silverlaketrainer.com that would address our library www.silverlaketrainer.com crisis despite tough times. The result is a measure approved by the city council Nov. 17th that would guarantee funding for six-day libraries in good times or bad, with-

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POLITICS

www.losfelizledger.com

December 2010

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Los Feliz Ledger [people in my neighborhood]

“A Drop In the Bucket” Locals Help Bring Clean Water to Africa By Colleen Paeff, Ledger Contributing Writer

John and Stacey Travis with Booker T. Jones.

LOS FELIZ—Four years ago, Los Feliz residents John and Stacey Travis made a decision that changed their lives. “We’d been thinking for a while that we needed to

give back,” John said, “just do something positive for the world.” So, Stacey contacted a group of doctors from her hometown outside of Mem-

phis, TN, who delivered medical aid to African countries. She wanted to know about the best and the worst parts of aid work in Africa. Working with children, she was told, was the most rewarding. Returning months later to find people sick again, however, was the worst. Unsafe drinking water, the doctors told Stacey, was the culprit. After exhaustive research and numerous discussions with experts, the couple decided they would build a well— just one—with a water filtration system that would ensure a convenient supply of healthy drinking water to a rural village. John and Stacey rented a credit card machine and invited their friends to a fundraising party. By the end of the party they had enough money for two wells, instead of one,

and Drop in the Bucket was born. Early on, John and Stacey were fortunate to find Australian Bill McKay, an experienced advisor who had lived and built wells in Africa for 25 years. McKay helped them form an aid organization that cultivates local participation: everyone is involved—from the community leaders to the local laborers who assist the well builders. “Ultimately, for us it’s not about holding people’s hands,” John said. “It’s about community empowerment.” John and Stacey Travis never expected to be directing a charitable organization. John is a music producer and Stacey is a television producer. But nowadays, they spend much of their time working to solve drinking and sanitation problems in Africa. And they’re making a lot of progress.

“It’s much bigger than we ever anticipated,” John said. To date, John, Stacey and the other volunteers who make up Drop in the Bucket, have built 92 wells in six countries in Africa. They have expanded to include sanitation systems and have even designed their own filtration system to combat the dangerously high levels of fluoride in the water at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. But they’re not stopping there. “We’re looking to fund and build eight more wells by the end of the year,” John said. At $5,500 per well, they’ll need to raise $44,000 this month alone. But, John Travis is confident. “The universe has a way of pulling you forward,” he said. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.dropinthebucket.org.

[Obituary]

Father E. Beau Davis, SSC

Father Beau Davis, SSC, died peacefully Nov. 8th after a long illness. Born Nov. 16th, 1937, in Seattle, WA, he served in Army intelligence, then pioneered a career as a physician’s assistant—a discipline he later taught. Davis worked with AIDS patients in Los Angeles during the epidemic’s peak. A part of St. Mary of the Angels Anglican Church since age 15, he was ordained Deacon and Priest late in life. A Solemn Requiem will be offered Sat., Dec. 11th, at 3 p.m. 4510 Finley Ave., in Los Feliz.

Happy Holidays from the

Los Feliz Ledger!

Page 10 COMMUNITY NEWS

Jill's Paint 3534 Larga Avenue Atwater Village 323-664-9067

www.losfelizledger.com

December 2010

RIVER SUPPLY CONDUIT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT LOWER REACH – UNIT 3

LADWP is constructing a new water line that will run through Griffith Park. It will replace the existing Lower Reach of the River Supply Conduit, built in the 1940’s. The new pipeline will allow for greater operational flexibility of the LADWP water distribution system and is required for compliance with new federally-mandated water quality regulations.

CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION • Approximately 11,200 feet of 96-inch diameter welded steel pipe will be installed. • Most of the project will require open trench excavation, while some sections will utilize a trenchless method of construction to reduce traffic impacts. • Construction work is not expected to affect water service. • Mitigation efforts will be taken to minimize noise and dust during construction.

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SEE INSET MAP l Spring

Line 96 will be rerouted to I-5 freeway between Los Feliz Blvd and Zoo Dr. Bus stops within Griffith Park will be eliminated. Bus stops at L.A. Zoo and Autry National Museum & Center will remain in place. Please see bus detour route shown in map.

134

Metro Line 96

GRIFFITH PARK

Crysta

• Closed to through-traffic between Griffith Park Dr and Western Heritage Way. • Northbound traffic detoured onto Griffith Park Dr to Zoo Dr. • Southbound traffic detoured onto Zoo Dr to Griffith Park Dr. • Street restoration expected in January 2012.

Crystal Springs Drive

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MARCH 2011 - JANUARY 2012

NEW TRUNK LINE FUTURE CONSTRUCTION (MARCH 2011 - JANUARY 2012) Temporary Line Segment Temporary Line Segment Closure on W. Silverlake Dr. and Closure on W. Silverlake Dr. and LINE 96 96Ave. between Glendale LINE Rowena Ave. between Glendale Rowena LOS FELIZ BLVD Bl. MINOR IN GRIFFITH PARK and Silverlake Bl. due to LADWPREROUTE andIN Silverlake duePARK to LADWP MINOR REROUTE GRIFFITH construction for up to 6 months. construction for up to 6 months. ERS

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• Closed to through-traffic between Los Feliz Blvd and Griffith Park Dr. • Northbound and southbound traffic detoured onto Griffith Park Dr. • Street restoration expected in March 2011.

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Los Feliz Ledger [eastside eye]

Michael Maltzan Architecture’s Inner-City Arts at NY’s Museum of Modern Art By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Columnist at New Modern hibition Change:

York’s Museum of Art’s (MOMA) exSmall Scale, Big New Architectures

of Social Engagement. Running now through Jan. 3rd, the show presents 11 architectural projects from around the world that bring welldesigned buildings to underserved, often impoverished communities. Although limited in scale and budget, the projects highlighted have had positive wide-reaching effect in terms of social, political and economic transformation. The Inner-City Arts project began in 1993; Maltzan was commissioned to remake a former auto body shop on Skid Row into a new home for an after school arts program. He incorporated the body shop’s roll-up doors, making an aesthetically pleasing space that allows seamless movement between inside and outside. For the children who come to the center, the space’s openness is in direct contrast to the more institutional type buildings they typically occupy throughout the day. The building is

L I A R E R O M Both the Regional Connector and Westside Subway Extension projects are entering the >nal environmental review and preliminary engineering stage.

www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2010/ smallscalebigchange/ [Pick for December]

Big Blue M Mosaic dedication at John Marshall High School. Artist Yuriko Etue has worked for months on the 8’ by 30’ fractured tile mosaic that marks the perimeter of John Marshall High School’s new athletic field. Students helped in placing the pieces, too. Dec. 16th, 10 a.m., corner of Griffith Park Blvd. and St. George Street. www.yurikoart.com/

metro.net/works

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The Metro Board of Directors approved a two-mile, fully underground light rail line for the route of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor connecting the Metro Gold Line, Metro Blue Line, and future Expo Line through Downtown LA.

The Metro Board of Directors approved an extension of The Metro Purple Line running between the Wilshire/ Western Station and Westwood/VA Hospital, a distance of approximately nine miles, for the route of the Westside Subway Extension.

>> The>route>would>connect>with>the>Metro>Blue>and>Expo> lines>at>7th>Street/Metro>Center>Station>and>with>the> Metro>Gold>Line>at>Alameda>Street.

>> The>$4.2>billion>project>will>extend>the>subway>to>Beverly> Hills,>Century>City>and>Westwood.

>> The>Regional>Connector>will>save>approximately>20> minutes>of>travel>time>by>eliminating>transfers> through>Downtown. >> It>is>estimated>to>serve>90,000>passengers>daily,>including> 17,000>new>transit>riders>by>2035.> >> Under>the>30/10>Initiative>leveraging>Measure>R>funding> with>federal>dollars,>construction>could>begin>in>2014>and> be>completed>by>2019.

>> A>one-way>trip>between>Union>Station>in>Downtown>LA> and>Westwood>will>take>approximately>25>minutes.> >> By>2035,>it>is>estimated>to>attract>nearly>53,000>riders> boarding>at>the>new>stations>along>the>extension. >> Under>the>30/10>Initiative>leveraging>Measure>R>funding> with>federal>dollars,>construction>could>begin>in>2013,>with> completion>of>the>subway>to>the>Westwood>area>by>2022. For more information, visit metro.net/westside.

For more information, visit metro.net/regionalconnector.

Page 12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

also received acclaim for two other socially conscious projects built for Los Angeles’ Skid Row Housing Trust, and the firm is now in the final stage of drawings for a third mixed-use effort for the Trust, the Star Apartments. For those that may miss the exhibition in New York, a comprehensive view is available on the museum’s website.

www.losfelizledger.com

Silver Lake-based architect Michael Maltzan’s project for downtown’s InnerCity Arts is front-and-center

purposefully all white and meant to enforce a sense of optimism and possibility for the future. Over time, the now oneacre complex (a micro-city of creativity) has evolved from its modest beginnings. At MOMA, the exhibit maps the project’s evolution and includes a full-size model of the current building, design elevations and a wall-sized architectural photograph that shows Inner-City Arts in context, just east of downtown—an unlikely location for ambitious architecture of this caliber. “It’s in an area of the city, which is anonymous for most people,” said the architect. One of the tenets of modern architecture is the idea that architecture can advocate and partner in social change. Maltzan believes that while architecture should aspire to be progressive, the question of change is more complex. “Change at times is good and is at times bad but it is always inevitable. It takes ambition, focus and hard work to make society in a more progressive way; architecture can be an agent in that way,” he said. Maltzan and his firm have

December 2010

Los Feliz Ledger [theater review]

The Aftermath of Apartheid Explored at Fountain Theater By Marilyn Tower Oliver, Ledger Theatre Critic The grim aftermath of South Africa’s apartheid is explored in the U.S. premiere of Athol Fugard’s “The Train Driver,” this month at the Fountain Theater. The play’s inspiration was a newspaper article about a black mother who committed suicide with her children by stepping in front of an onrushing train. Fugard became fascinated by the unnamed driver of the train and the angst he must have felt. “The Train Driver” deals with his story. Playgoers are immediately in the play’s setting as they pick their way across a set strewn with dirt and rusty auto parts and other detritus. We discover that this is the cemetery. A white man, Roelf Visagie , beautifully portrayed by Morlan Higgins, arrives seeking the burial site of a black mother and child. He refers to her as the woman wearing the red doek (scarf) as he does not know her name. Complaining about the disreputable appearance of the cemetery he begins to clean it up, creating crosses with scraps of wood. The black gravedigger, Simon Hanabe, deftly interpreted by Adolphus Ward, explains villagers will take the wood for firewood and he warns that it is unsafe for a white man to be seen in this cemetery, as a gang of vil-

Morlan Higgins and Adolphus Ward. Photo by: Ed Krieger

lage boys will attack strangers. Roelf, however, refuses to leave until he can find the grave of the nameless woman and child. A dialog ensues between the two men, and Roelf divulges that he was the driver of the train that killed the woman and child and has become obsessed and haunted by the tragic accident. As the play develops Roelf begins to understand the tragedy that comes from hopelessness and poverty. Simon, the gravedigger, provides a foil to Roelf’s despair and chillingly mentions that black men and white men are all the same to worms after death. As the

play climaxes, Roelf has begun to understand the divide that separates blacks and whites in his country. The fine interpretation of the actors, skillfully directed by Stephen Sachs, is fascinating. Jeff McLaughlin’s grim set instantly creates the mood of a graveyard. “The Train Driver,” through January 30, 2011, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $25 to $30. Special rates for seniors and students. 5060 Fountain Avenue. Parking: $5. Information: (323) 6631525 or www.FountainTheatre.com.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 13

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Los Feliz Ledger [restaurant review]

Lazy Ox Energizes Little Tokyo By Pat Saperstein, Ledger Restaurant Critic Josef Centeno has cooked in Echo Park, in Koreatown, on Melrose, but rarely has he cooked as comfortably and deliciously as at Lazy Ox Canteen in Little Tokyo. Centeno spent several years getting creative at Meson G and Opus, adding Moroccan or Latin American touches to creative dishes that were sometimes a bit precious or fussy. At Lazy Ox, a handy spot just a few blocks from the Gold Line train, there’s no more pretense, just some effort towards the current vogue for nose-to-tail eating. So those not fearful of offal can dive into rabbit livers, ox heart and locally-renowned crispy pig ears. But if those

don’t sound tempting, no problem—the versatile canteen is the perfect place for a burger and fries with terrific aioli and housemade mustard, a Belgian ale on tap, or comfort food staples like a giant veal chop or fried chicken. Located on the ground floor of a brand new loft building, Lazy Ox Canteen couldn’t take advantage of historic patina that warms up some Downtown spots. But rough-hewn plank walls, oxen-themed art and a bustling bar help liven up the compact, and noisy, room. Even better, the wide San Pedro Street sidewalk has room for a large patio where it’s much easier to chat on a temperate evening. At first glance the menu

seems small, but the specials board are where it’s all happening. Nearly 50 specials are listed each night, and it’s hard to find one that doesn’t work, though certain spices and flavors tend to reappear frequently. On arrival diners get a small dish of addictive corn kernels with Spanish smoked paprika. It’s a flavor combo Centeno returns to repeatedly—most dishes play off smoky, salty, spicy and acidic in satisfying ways. Caramelized cauliflower wins over even reluctant cauliflower eaters with pine nuts, chili and mint and served in a cute cast iron pan. Fish dishes are light years beyond the tired tuna tartare seen everywhere else, with unusual preparations like grilled razor clams, escabeche of branzino, charred octopus

with lima beans and a refreshing preparation of marinated raw yellow tail paired with a crispy potato cake. Other standouts include a salad of deeply flavored brick roasted tomatoes with luscious burrata and the unexpected addition of Japanese pickled plums and carefully-crisped fried dishes from soft shell crab to battered bone marrow. A few dishes familiar from Centeno’s previous stops are featured: there’s usually a hand torn pasta with egg and cavatelli with rich sauce of oxtails or beef and pork ragu and sometimes his terrific bacos—flatbread tacos topped with crispy pork belly and the like—make a command appearance. Most of the dishes are small plates, good for sharing, but with several larger plates each night, from a whole

branzino to a hefty veal chop. The beer and wine list is ambitious enough to ensure return visits, with obscure Japanese beers and a solid sake and shochu list in a nod to the neighborhood and a rumored Japanese restaurant to come next door. Just as good as the food is the versatility of the restaurant—as a spot for lunch, happy hour snacks and drinks, a full dinner spot that’s open fairly late, or for brunch on weekends. With this many small plates to try, vegetarians and pescatarians can also find plenty of choices, and vegetables receive equal consideration with cooking just as assured as the meats. The Lazy Ox, 241 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles

[star gazing]

December 2010 By Anthony Cook, Griffith Observatory The Geminid meteor shower will peak during the night of Monday Dec. 13th to the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 14th. Viewing is best after 12:29 a.m. and continues until dawn. Geminids appear to stream from the constellation Gemini the Twins and come from the east-northeast in the early evening, overhead at about 2:00 a.m., and from the northwest at dawn. Many meteors are bright, and unlike most meteor showers, can be enjoyed from suburban skies. They are associated with the asteroid (likely an extinct or dormant comet) 3200 Phaeth-

on and can be detected between Dec. 7th to Dec. 17th. Also, there will be a total eclipse of the moon Monday, Dec. 20th and the early morning hours of the 21st, the first anywhere since February, 2008. This eclipse happens as the full moon crosses through the Earth’s shadow about half a day before the start of winter. Because this happens close to midnight, Pacific Time, as seen from Los Angeles, the totally eclipsed moon will appear only 10½ degrees from overhead at 11:50 p.m. on the 20th–the highest that any totally eclipsed has appeared from here since A.D. 419 and see STAR GAZING page 29

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Page 14 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CENSORSHIP DEFIED September 24, 2010–January 9, 2011 at the Autry in Griffith Park

TheAutry.org América Tropical (central figure), 1932. Courtesy of Glenna and Jessie Avila

www.losfelizledger.com

December 2010

Los Feliz Ledger [ DECEMBER 2010 events calendar ] Compiled by Oliver Gettell

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Information: (818) 7903663; www.descansogardens.org.

BOOKS Book Gossip & Book Club Book lovers have two opportunities to discuss good reads this month. Librarian suggestions will be given out at Book Gossip on Dec. 8th, and Book Club on the 11th will discuss Ian McEwan’s award-winning novel Saturday. Los Feliz Branch Library, Wed., Dec. 8th, 1 p.m., Sun., Dec. 11th, 11 a.m. 1874 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. Information: (323) 913-4710; www.lapl.org.

COMMUNITY Echo Park Community Parade Echo Park’s annual street parade returns to Sunset Boulevard. Sat., Dec. 11th, noon to 3 p.m. Sunset Blvd. from Elysian Park Ave. to Park Ave., Echo Park. Information: www. echoparkcommunityparade.com. Holiday Gift Sale The Friends of the Atwater Library host a holiday gift sale to benefit the library. Attendees are encouraged to bring gift donations. Atwater Branch Library, Sat., Dec. 4th, 10 a.m. to 4p.m. 3379 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village. Information: www.atwatervillage.org.

FAMILY Family Playhouse: Wishing Tree Children can learn about the Chinese tradition of the wishing tree, in which people would write wishes on paper, tie them to oranges and toss them into a tree. If the paper stuck, the wish was supposed to come true. Autry visitors can hang their own wishes for the new year on a Chinese wishing tree. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, $3 for kids 3-12, and free for children under 3. Autry Museum of the American West, Sun., Dec. 26th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. Information: (323) 667-2000; www.theautry.org. Sunday Art Workshops Kids and families can enjoy free art workshops on the JAC patio.

MUSIC

Kids and parents can enjoy free art workshops at Barnsdall Art Park on Sundays. Projects this month include mixedmedia symbol banners celebrating world cultures and Chinese floral plates. Materials will be provided. Junior Arts Center, Barnsdall Art Park, Sun., Dec. 5th, 12th, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 4800 Hollywood Blvd., East Hollywood. Information: (323) 644-6269; www.barnsdall.org.

The Chances Musician Michael Runion and his new band, the Chances, will make their debut at the Silverlake Lounge’s free Monday night residency this month. Supporting acts include Kissing Cousins, Summer Twins, the Stamps and others. Silverlake Lounge, Mon. Dec. 6th, 13th, 20th, 9 p.m. 2906 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake. Information: (323) 666-2407; www. foldsilverlake.com. Sweaters Local indie quartet Sweaters, who dropped a 7-inch single on Slow Death Records and performed at Sunset Junction earlier this year, will hold down Spaceland’s December residency. They’ll get

some support from such bands as Big Search, Dead Trees, and Wet & Reckless. Admission is free. Spaceland, Mon., Dec. 6th, 13th, 20th, 8:30 p.m. 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake. Information: (323) 661-4380; www.clubspaceland.com.

THEATER The Nutcracker Master puppeteer Bob Baker presents his fun, funny version of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Tickets are $20 (free for children under 2). Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Mon.-Fri., 10:30 a.m., Sat.-Sun., 2:30 p.m., through Jan. 15th. 1345 W. 1st St., Echo Park. Information: (213) 250-9995; www.bobbakermarionettes.com.

“2006’s Best Hair Salon” LA Weekly

HOLIDAY L.A. County Holiday Celebration This year marks the 51st annual Holiday Celebration, showcasing 23 music and dance groups from all over Los Angeles County. Featured performances include a hip-hop version of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” the chamber-pop duo Loch & Key, a number of local choral groups, traditional dance from Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy, Colombian folk music by Mr. Vallenato, and more. Admission and on-site parking are free. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center, Fri., Dec. 24th, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown. Information: (213) 972-3099; www.holidaycelebration.org. Santa’s Brunch Saint Nick himself will be in attendance for this festive holiday brunch prepared by Patina Catering. Santa will be available for photos, and children can decorate cookies and take home goodie bags. Adults $50, children 4-12 $19, children under 3 free. Reservations required. Descanso Gardens, Sat., Dec. 11th, Sun., Dec. 12th, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Local rock band Sweaters play Spaceland this month.

L.A. are

worksofArt

Works of Art Hair Studio, named “The Best Salon in Los Angeles” by LA Weekly, has a talented internationally trained team that can perform edgy, contemporary fashion-influenced and completely wearable hairstyles.

The second floor salon is a cozy, comfortable New York style loft complete with antique vanities and hardwood floors.

Brazilian Blowout Certified Salon call for an appointment. Art Cardiel Voted the best hair stylist by L.A. Magazine

4655 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard., Los Feliz | 9 0 0 2 7 free parking available

For more information go to yelp.com

Daily $3 Sushi Special! Daily $4 Happy Hour noon to 7PM December 2010

www.losfelizledger.com

323.667.0072

HOURS: 7 days a week 12pm-11pm (323) 663-1048 3719 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026

CALENDAR Page 15

NOURMAND & ASSOCIATES REALTORS Locally owned and operated since 1976

Hollywood Office 6525 Sunset Blvd. 8th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90028

Howard Lorey Brokerage Manager direct: 323-462-6262 email: HLorey@Nour mand.com

We’ve brought the boutique back…but this time it has a global reach, the ability to maneuver and adjust to a constantly evolving local market and the finesse to cultivate long-term client relationships. Nourmand’s newest office—located in the heart of Hollywood—was established in March of 2008. Situated in the historic Hollywood Athletic Club, its reach and market presence can be felt in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Hollywood Hills, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park and Hollywood. Nourmand & Associates is currently the only full-service brokerage located in Hollywood. We’re actively engaged in leveraging the recent revitalization and boom of one of Los Angeles’ most famous and historic neighborhoods. In just over two short years, Branch Manager Howard Lorey has cultivated a culture that caters to clients who have the desire to conduct their business transactions within an upscale, privately owned and locally operated business model. With over 30 active agents, the Hollywood office has quickly built a reputation for being an extremely tech-savvy agency active in representing clients in all price points of the entertainment and business communities. This newest branch continues to thrive and become one of the city’s most productive offices, even in today’s challenging marketplace.

Three Offices. One Respected Name. www.nourmand.com

Los Feliz Ledger

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

Homes for Sale

Fresh ideas and maximum exposure for your property.

3801 Aloha Ave.

2409 Edgewater Terrace

3225 + 3229 Descanso Dr.

2304 Lake View Ave.

For a complimentary estimate of your property value, text me. I’m in the neighborhood. Tracy Do 323-842-4001

4940 W. Melrose Hill

1716 Griffith Park Blvd.

7135 Hollywood Blvd. Unit 103

3718 Glendon Ave. Unit A

Coming Soon Gorgeous bungalow in Garvanza/ Highland Park with views and swimming pool.

December 2010

www.losfelizledger.com

Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 17

Los Feliz Ledger [real estate]

Selling Now? Lose the Christmas Tree, Agents Say By Erik Derr, Ledger Contributing Writer When Rudy Johns decided earlier this year to move closer to his mother in Oregon, he looked forward to showing his Silver Lake house over the holidays. “Nothing gets people thinking about home, thinking about being home with their families, more than the yuletide season,” he figured. However, the graphicartist-turned-family-photographer ended up feeling more than a little dejected when he asked a couple of real estate agents how he should decorate his home for the assumed parade of prospective buyers and both of the agents he asked— unequivocally—told him to forget the Christmas tree, holly garlands and icicle lights. The agents told Johns he’d be opening his home to the general public and the point is for them to see themselves in the house, not me and my dog and cat,” Johns said. ‘’So I took it to mean there’s really no place in the sales equation for me to share the holiday spirit.” Well, yes and no, said Dan Ortega, assistant manager for Keller Williams Realty Los Feliz. If the house is empty, a seller should seriously consider staging the house for the season. But, “not over-the-top,” he said, but to “take a vision and run with it.” That same tempered approach applies to homes that are still lived in.

“I want the buyers to see themselves in that environment,” said Ortega, which is why it’s typically not advised to set up the ole Christmas tree—one of the most personal decorations in a home. Otherwise, the season’s shorter days and cooler nights offer sellers added opportunity to make their houses welcoming places of warmth, said Ortega. The oft dramatic Southern California autumn sunsets and—thanks to the area’s geography—evocative city light views make sunset and twilight showings particularly compelling, he said. When preparing to sell over the holidays, sellers should think “Ikea showroom,” said Manila Chansmouth, an agent for Coldwell Banker Los Feliz. “People really don’t want to see Grandma sitting in the middle of the living room,” she said. Noting last year’s holiday season was a banner time for his business, Ortega believes the holidays attract those who are much more serious about buying and selling. “Things are generally colder this time of the year and there’s less light. Everything slows down, agents typically tend to slow down,” he said. So, it’s a good assumption that those taking the time to house shop have specific reasons and aren’t simply browsing.

[ SELECT HOME SALES DECEMBER 2010 ] 90026 Single Family Homes 2133 3123 1451 1447 1471 2519

PARK DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $900,000 BERKELEY AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 599,000 MCDUFF ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380,000 PORTIA ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355,000 WALLACE AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335,000 PLATA ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330,000

90027 Single Family Homes 2545 5240 2267 3635 4075

N VERMONT AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,300,000 LOS GRANDES WAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,750,000 WINONA BLVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,740,000 SHANNON RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,700,000 LOS NIETOS DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,379,000

90039 Single Family Homes 2485 1940 2115 2059 3414 3769

LANTERMAN TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $950,000 CEDAR LODGE TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 930,000 PANORAMA TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900,000 BALMER DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 889,000 FERNWOOD AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 790,000 VALLEYBRINK RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597,000

90068 Condominimums 6702 HILLPARK DR 306 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $335,000 2260 N CAHUENGA BLVD 103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289,000

90036 Single Family Homes 3605 2225 2716 5720 7223 2236 2117 6170

WONDER VIEW DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,685,000 MARAVILLA DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,600,000 CRESTON DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,030,000 SPRING OAK TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 932,500 SYCAMORE TRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900,000 N BEACHWOOD DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 875,000 ROCKLEDGE RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 860,000 ROCKCLIFF DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830,000

3154 BARBARA CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750,000 Sales are from the previous month. Source: Great American Real Estate Solutions

Page 18 Su Casa REAL ESTATE

www.losfelizledger.com

December 2010

Los Feliz Ledger [keen to be green]

Green Giving By Meher McArthur, Ledger Columnist The holidays are a great time to show family and friends how much we love them, but do we really have to do this with stuff? Many of us have more stuff than we need, and the production of stuff seriously strains our environment (see www.storyofstuff.

endangered species or provide chickens, pigs or cows to needy families worldwide. But for our loved ones who prefer to receive, gift-cards for on-line music or downloadable books are waste and clutter-free. For crafty kids, Arterro (www.artterro.com) sells en-

recipients of these 100% recycled cards get an online code to track the sapling’s planting date, location and view images of its nursery or forest. Finally, one more way to save trees this Holiday Season.

vironmentally friendly bookmaking and other kits and for fashionable girlfriends, local jewelry designer Liza Shtromberg sells eco-friendly necklaces (www.lizashtromberg.com, 2120 Hillhurst Ave, Los Feliz). But what about the all the trees we consume to make stuff? I recently found a greetings card company Treenex (www.treenex.com) that plants a spruce tree for every holiday card purchased and

Los Feliz Office

Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897

I have a Euro Buyer to purchase your residential or commercial property... at above market value... Euro-Dollar $1.36*

Sustainable Saturdays at Silver Lake Library “Recycled” Children’s Book Sale: Saturday, December 4th, 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Contact www.sustainablesilverlake.org or call (323) 913-7453.

Surely, sharing quality time together— playing games, singing songs, enjoying a meal—is more special? Maybe, but tradition calls for gifts. And tradition (and advertising) is powerful. com). Surely, sharing quality time together—playing games, singing songs, enjoying a meal—is more special? Maybe, but tradition calls for gifts. And tradition (and advertising) is powerful. Luckily, green options abound. For some friends, a heart-warming gift can be a donation in their name to the World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org) or Heifer (www.heifer.org) to support

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2640 Nottingham Ave, Los Feliz $2,795,000 Thomas Inatomi 323.671.1200 Magnificent 5 bedroom, 4½ bath Los Feliz estate. Renovated kitchen and family room, jetliner views, state-of-the-art technology, 3 fireplaces, office/den, wood floors, French doors, and high ceilings. www.2640Nottingham.com

Architectural on Aberdeen, Los Feliz $1,998,000 Kirk Gerou 323.671.1200 3 bedroom, 2½ bath Mid-Century Architectural on premier Los Feliz street. 2003 remodel by designer owner. Open floor plan. Indoor/outdoor flow. Lush private yard. Pool, den, and office. Close to Village and Griffith Park. www.2517Aberdeen.com

3225 Descanso Dr, Silver Lake $899,000 Tracy Do 323.671.1200 Sleek, three-level, Silver Lake Architectural combines organic warmth with stark minimal beauty. Featuring walls of glass, walnut floors, Carrera marble countertops and much more. Newer 2005 construction includes 3 bedrooms, 3 baths.

3240 Hillock Dr, Hollywood Hills $749,000 Cashion/Inatomi 323.671.1200 Spacious hilltop contemporary. 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths. Open floor plan, views, indooroutdoor flow, updated kitchen, huge living room, formal dining room, office/den, master suite, and dual-paned windows. www.3240Hillock.com

2840 Lambert Dr, Hollywood Hills $698,000 Anne Fitzgibbon 323.671.1200 1952 mid-century post and beam with city and canyon views. 3 bedrooms, 2¾ baths. Open floor plan; beamed ceiling; wood floors; French doors; and fireplace in the living room. Upper and lower decks. Located on a cul-de-sac.

3730 Edenhurst Ave, Los Feliz $688,000 Lane Aronson 323.671.1200 Absolutely charming circa 1927 Atwater Village Spanish. 3 wonderful sized bedrooms, 2 baths, and a large, very formal dining room with gorgeous French doors that lead to the light and bright, barrel ceiling living room.

2409 Edgewater Terr, Silver Lake $649,000 Tracy Do 323.671.1200 Classic Silver Lake Spanish beauty in the Ivanhoe School District. The 2 bedroom, 1 bath house luxuriates in a lovely garden setting with privacy. It offers a large living room, formal dining room and is close to the reservoir.

Charming Traditional Home, Silver Lake $589,000 Phil Missig 323.671.1200 Charming Traditional home hidden in tranquil area of Silver Lake. This property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac on a street-to-street lot offering 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and large outdoor deck. True California living.

4555 Franklin Ave #11, Los Feliz $439,000 Tess & Gary 323.671.1200 Bright and spacious top floor unit with stunning city views. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath + den features large balconies, gleaming bamboo floors, fireplace, air conditioning, in-unit laundry, two parking spaces and more! Near the Los Feliz village.

A member of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

www.prudentialcal.com

An independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Af filiates, Inc. Prudential California Realty does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of proper ty provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

December 2010

www.losfelizledger.com

Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 19

Local Experts Worldwide

SeleCted propertieS

1963DEMILLE.COM: los Feliz. laughlin Park Exquisite home w/ 180˚ views & open flr plan, 4bd/4.5ba, 2 FPls, pl, spa, firepit, lush bkyd. lease/$10,500/mo $2,745,000 Web: 0283991 Rosemary Low 323.660.5885

GRAND NEWER MEDITERRANEAN: hollywood hills. Grand newer medit.villa offers luxurious amenities situated on a quiet street in the hollywood hills w/pool. $1,549,000 Web: 0284089 Manvel & Nadia 323.376.2222

2014 BALMER.COM: silver lake. art Deco spanish by Kesling 1929, 1st time on mkt in 20yrs, 4bd/2ba, FDr, 2 fpl, grt detailing, lake views, decks, lrg yd. $1,499,000 Web: 0284093 Rosemary Low 323.660.5885 solD over asKING PrIce

2423 LANTERMAN TERR.COM: silver lake. stunning mid-century architectural, 3bd/3ba+ den, library, LR, FDR. Open flrplan w/ exposed steel & walls of glass, decks, views. $1,499,000 Web: 0284087 Rosemary Low 323.660.5885

2171 W. SILVER LAKE DR: silver lake.character view home transformed into entertaining showplace. Idyllic writer’s studio overlooking water. Ivanhoe. $1,149,000 Web: 0284002 Andrew Morrison 323.270.2277

1940 CEDAR LODGE TER: silver lake.Warm wd finishes w/modern accents in kitchen & baths. 3BR on one level, grassy yard, patio, updates. Ivanhoe school. $925,000 Web: 0284072 Joseph Lightfoot 323.665.1108 IN escroW

575 N. BRONSON AVE: larchmont village. serene spanish charmer. Wonderfully comfortable, efficient & bright home. Updates enhance warm sophisticated style. $849,000 Web: 0284092 Andrew Morrison 323.270.2277

2626 CORRALITAS DR: silver lake.log cabin duplex with two 2 beds/2ba units. Great views, parking & delivered vacant. Remodeled & tastefully done. $799,000 Web: 0306640 Brian Ades 310.503.8080

713 ROBINSON ST: silver lake.high-end modern finishes, sleek, open cook’s kitchen. hdwd flrs. stunning master suite. close to everything. $799,000 Web: 0284003 Joseph Lightfoot 323.665.1108

IN escroW

1621 MCCOLLUM PL: silver lake.loft-like master w/deck, terrace garden, Downtown views. hdwd flrs, stainless appliances, 3rd br perfect for studio/office. $798,000 Web: 0284052 Joseph Lightfoot 323.665.1108

1338 N. CORONADO ST: silver lake. cook’s kitchen with viking range/sub-Zero frig. Period details, hdwd flrs. bonus studio in detached garage. $759,000 Web: 0284064 Joseph Lightfoot 323.665.1108

2739 GRIFFITH PARK BLVD: silver lake. best buy. remod 1920 4bd/2.5ba w/ fpl, a front grassy yd & LG terraced bkyd. Close to restaurants. Ivanhoe school.$699,000 Web: 0282379 Rosemary Low 323.660.5885

R.M. SCHINDLER REMODEL: hollywood hills West. Schindler & Gregory Ain have each remodeled ½ of this duplex. a singular opportunity in la’s architectural history. $699,000 Web: 0283974 John Johnston 323.428.9655

1443 N. CORONADO TER: silver lake.classic ca bungalow, hdwd flrs, built-ins, period details. Kitchen opens to patio & yard. Close to shops & restaurants $695,000 Web: 0284075 Joseph Lightfoot 323.665.1108

IN escroW

2423 BERKELEY AVE: silver lake. spacious contemporary with mediterranean character! hdwd floors, cook’s kitchen w/granite counters.views, privacy. $699,000 Web: 0283835 Joseph Lightfoot 323.665.1108

Southern California BrokerageS I sothebyshomes.com/socal I loS feliz 1801 North hIllhurst aveNue t 323.665.1700

uSe the WeB numBerS provided to find out more information on a property through our WeBSite

operated by sotheby’s International realty, Inc.. sotheby’s International realty® is a registered trademark. the yellow house used with permission. sotheby’s International realty does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources.

Los Feliz Ledger [pilgrim school]

[ivanhoe elementary school]

Activities and Elections By Diego Chiat Iva n hoe E l e m e nt a r y School began the year with a blast. The 5th grade introduced a new school song called “Ivanhoe” to the community. Sophia Dreyfuss’s dad, Randy, wrote the song and taught us how to sing it well.

ing their speeches in front of the entire student body. The speeches were good, and the election was fair, but only five could win. Lux Frisina is our new president; Audrey Harrison is vice-president; Lili Gabbro won for secretary; Mariano Rocha is treasurer, and I, Diego Chiat, am the new reporter. Next for Ivanhoe is the

The winter program takes place Dec. 10th [where] will there be a great program with musical accompaniment by some of our talented parents. In October, we had the “IvanHoeDown.” This year, the IvanHoeDown lasted almost all weekend. On Friday night, we had scary movies, food trucks, a haunted house and lots of dancing. Saturday brought games, the Xylovan, more haunted house, a cake-walk, the flash mob dance and lots more. Last week, we had student council elections. There were 33 candidates running for the five offices. All the candidates showed courage by giv-

winter program. Every grade level from kindergarten to 5th grade sings two songs. This year’s theme is Mother Earth. The winter program takes place Dec. 10th. Not only will there be a great program with musical accompaniment by some of our talented parents, but the 4th grade will have their Dreams to Jobs businesses where they make businesses to sell food and other items. I will not miss that, and neither should you.

1st Congregational Church Interfaith Conversation   By Lily Kachikis, Grade 5

On Nov. 14th, students and parents from Pilgrim School were invited to a very special Sunday service at First Congregational Church. Dr. R. Scott Colglazier brought together Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater and Imam Jihad Turk to participate in an interfaith conversation about the similarities and differences in the Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions.  The service began with an Islamic call to prayer by Mr. Gregorio Taniguchi, a member of the First Church choir. I thought this was really cool to listen to because it is not something you hear every day in Los Angeles. That was followed by a Jewish meditation anthem sung by Mr. Simon Barrad, another member of the church choir.  The conversation among the religious leaders was interesting. They first discussed the common misunderstandings about their faiths. I learned that each of these leaders allows for diversity and the ex-

istence of other faiths. They all wished to have the religions of the world get along. I also learned from Imam

Turk that his first name, Jihad, means ‘inner strength’ and the ‘will to do the right thing.‘ Jihad does not mean, ‘a call to war.’  I learned a lot about these three religions at the interfaith conversation. As the Imam said, “You need to know your neighbor, to love your neighbor.”

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weStridge School’S 20th annual

open house

save the dates

Learn about Westridge and experience the community at Open House!

1 t o 4 p . m . • S at u r d ay

January 8, 2011

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

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

Summer Opportunities Fair 2011

Westridge school

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

art • outdoor adventure • sports • theater • travel • tutoring Enjoy the fair’s festive food, activities, and family fun! sof@westridge.org 626.799.1053, ext. 297 www.westridge.org/sof

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Saturday

February 5, 2011

324 Madeline Drive • Pasadena, California 91105 December 2010

www.losfelizledger.com

SCHOOL NEWS Page 21

Los Feliz Ledger Look for our January 2011 edition of the

Los Feliz Ledger

on Thursday, December 30th!

Contest Announced: Reward 35% Tuition The Entitle Direct College Tips Scholarship Contest is a national contest running through December 7th. One winner of the contest will be awarded a reduction of 35% off toward a semester’s tuition (excluding room, board, ancillary expenses and up to a maximum of $7,000). The company is encouraging college students and high-school seniors (students must be at least 17 years old) to submit their best tip—up to 100 words—for navigating the college admissions process. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges evaluating the submissions based on selected criteria including originality and effectiveness. One sample tip is below: Before applying, take time to be sure the school is right for you. Don’t get bogged down agonizing over what the school wants from you. Take a step back, research the school and ask yourself how attending that school will help you meet your academic and personal goals. For contest rules and to enter, visit www.entitledirect.com/CollegeTips by December 7th.

[LILA]

[holy trinity school]

Bienvenue au Canada! By Théo Grison, 7th grade This is what greeted us when a team of twenty LILA 6th-8th graders and three coaches flew to Montréal, Canada, to participate in the 3rd Annual French-American School Games / Les Jeux Olympiques Franco-Américains. We were among 300 athletes from 12 schools in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, who competed. After the opening ceremony, we battled on the basketball court. Our boys’ team won the gold, while our girls’ team took silver. Then we cheered for our team members who were taking part in the Acrosport competition. The next day, we won two silver medals in soccer and track and field. One day, we took a break to visit the city of Montréal. It was great to spend the day to together and also to re-charge for the rest of the Games. We faced four different events later: handball, table tennis, badminton and swimming. One of our team members won a gold medal in swimming. On the last day, we played hockey and tennis, and ended up with an unexpected bronze medal in Ultimate Frisbee.

Things I Definitely Look Forward to! Rita Blikian, 8th Grade Our annual Thanksgiving drive just passed. Each class collected canned food and items to donate to the needy. I am very happy that this school does this for others because we are really helping the less fortunate and we are giving them a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving along with everyone We also sent to Bell-Jeff on Nov. 19th. Many 8th graders from other Catholic schools are going also. Bell-Jeff takes us on tours around the school. We can participate in classes and they provide admission information. I am now considering high schools, so it will be good to see how everything is. Recently we had High School Night and that was a really good thing too because it gave the middle school students an idea of all the Catholic High Schools available.

Los Feliz Ledger Send us your School News to: acohen@ losfelizledger.com

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Page 22 SCHOOL NEWS

Get to know the faculty, students, and coaches and explore the campus. The HEADMASTER WILL SPEAK and answer questions in Norris Auditorium at 1:15 PM AND 2:15 PM. Reservations are not required.

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains of La Canada, Flintridge Prep has an average class size of 15 and offers one of the most intimate academic settings in Southern California. The school is committed to providing an environment that values ethical and emotional development as equally important to intellectual development.

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December 2010 11/11/10 1:04 PM

Los Feliz Ledger [glenfeliz elementary]

Blast Off at Glenfeliz! By Bella Cordero and Alexis Guzman Have you seen the beautiful works of art in Mrs. Curtis’s 5th grade? Ms. Nelson, our art teacher, demonstrated how to make CD covers. Some students are true artists. Jacky Canlas, Daniel Zuniga and Katerina Sobevska have great talent. Ms. Nelson said that artists express their individual feelings, so all the designs are one of a kind. We also created names of songs for our CDs! 5th grade’s language arts theme is “Back to the Stars.” The theme is very

good because it teaches us the importance of technology for learning about space. Powerful telescopes are used to see constellations and planets. A school-wide activity has a space theme, too. FOG, Friends of Glenfeliz, is raising funds for a 25 laptop computer rolling cart. “Technology Blast Off!” has raised more than $1,500! More donations are welcome. We both think that this year has been a blast! It has been both fun and interesting in 5th grade.

Pacific Hills Students Named AP Scholars Six seniors at Pacific Hills School have earned AP Scholar Awards for their achievement on the AP exams. One student earned the AP Scholar Award with Honors. The scholars are: Kevin Brennan, Jay Fuentes, James

December 2010

Hildebrand, Michael Mulay, Francesca Ricagni and Zachary Topkis. James Hildebrand also qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken.

www.losfelizledger.com

SCHOOL NEWS Page 23

Los Feliz Ledger [focus on the advertiser]

Matchmaker, Matchmaker: The Rental Girl By Kimberly Gomez, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—With more people looking to downsize their housing in a tight economy, many are finding that competition to rent the best properties can be fierce. Enter The Rental Girl—a community-based rental agency pro- The Rental Girls are Ellie Balderrama, Los Feliz agent; McDonald, owner; and Patricia Ratsiu Echo Park viding free apart- Liz agent. ment and home to prospective tenants. rental listings. The Rental Girl According to McDonwas established in 2002 by Los ald, rental trends have shiftFeliz resident and real estate ed focus to amenities such agent Liz McDonald, when as parking, a private yard, she was asked to help out a laundry, and proximity to client who had been unsucshopping, and eateries which cessful in finding a renter for makes Los Feliz, Echo Park, a vacant apartment. Silver Lake and east Holly“I rented it for her in 24 wood some of the most desirhours,” said McDonald. “I able places to live. was my mid-20s, knew how to “I love introducing people write a good ad, and related to to my neighborhood,” said Parenters’ experiences which is tricia Ratsiu, who works with what makes us good at what McDonald and represents we do.” Echo Park and Downtown True to its business modL.A. “Here, people are lookel, all of the Rental Girl’s ing for something that is difagents work and live in the ferent—they want duplexes areas they represent giving and mid-century modern and them the added connection Spanish revival apartments.

We also deal with the lot of houses that are architecturally significant.” The service and easy-touse therentalgirl.com website is absolutely free to prospective tenants unlike other rental companies that charge a membership fee. Their business is based on return and referred landlords and often, owners of some of the best properties in

the area. Today’s consumers are more conscious of time and value and people who have used The Rental Girl service say they appreciate their inventory. And clients on either side of the “for lease” signs have been very happy with their instant response via text and email. And once prospective ten-

ants go into the Rental Girl system they get an email when a property that matches their criteria is listed—free of charge. “We’re matchmakers,” said Rental Girl Los Feliz agent, Ellie Balderrama. “We are hired by the landlord to find someone who is a good fit who has a good vibe and will be a peaceful match with the building.”

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Page 24 SCHOOL NEWS

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December 2010

Los Feliz Ledger [IHHS]

The Spirit of Giving By Olivia Origel ’13 and Maura Turcotte ’13 The Christmas holidays are coming, but the spirit of giving has already arrived at Immaculate Heart! For several weeks in November, students joined faculty and staff in a drive for food items, blankets and money donations to help the Casa Esperanza center on Blythe Street in Panorama City. It was a very rewarding experience for a group of Immaculate Heart students to travel to Casa Esperanza and help disburse the much- appreciated food. Our contributions helped bring Thanksgiving dinners to more than 200 needy families. Immaculate Heart plans to continue to support Casa Esperanza in December with a special toy and book drive in time for Christmas gift-giving. Also in December, Immaculate Heart will open its

doors to prospective students and their parents who wish to learn more about our academic program and to tour our campus. The high school open house will be held on Sun., Dec. 5th, beginning at 1 p.m. A week later, the middle school will offer its open house on Sun., Dec. 12th, starting at 1 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy a pleasant afternoon at Immaculate Heart and meet our teachers and administrators. Students are anticipating their holiday break, but first we will enjoy are Dec.15th Christmas Concert, featuring students in choir and Modern Dance, and our always festive Christmas program on Dec. 17th with songs and skits. Capping that evening will be our Winter Formal. Happy holidays – we will be writing to you again in the New Year!

Hollywood Christmas Parade set for Nov. 28th HOLLYWOOD—The Hollywood Christmas Parade will be held Sunday, Nov. 28th at 6 p.m. The official charity of the event is Marine Toys for Tots. The parade will also be broadcast Friday, Dec. 10th on the Hallmark Channel. The parade’s grand marshal will be veteran television host Larry King. Actor Erik Estrada and television Host Laura McKenzie will serve as parade broadcast hosts. The parade features celebrities, award-winning bands, equestrians, floats and specialty characters. As always, the grand finale of the parade features an appearance by Santa Claus.

“We’re delighted to have legendary broadcaster Larry King serve as our Grand Marshal,” said producer and president of Associated Television International David McKenzie. “We’re also proud to welcome Marine Toys for Tots as part of this year’s celebration. The exceptional work they do in bringing the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children is a cause that has been embraced by communities throughout the nation.” Donations of new unwrapped toys or a cash contribution for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation are requested. For information, HallmarkChannelPress.com.

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Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897

Look for these stories only at Los Feliz Ledger Online Look for these stories at losfelizledger.com • Out of Town: Our own “In My Neighborhood” Rona Edwards steps out of our neighborhood in a really

67.3% of respondents said “Yes, I feel safe in my community.” 32.6% of respondents said, “No, I don’t feel safe in my community.”

big way, writing to us from Singapore. • Holiday Sing-A-Long: Information about the “MulHoliday” Sing-A-Long at the Mulholland Fountain, Sun. Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Coordinated by Mary Frances Reynolds, Mary Rodriguez and Brigid LaBonge. • Schools: John Marshall High School’s Horticulture Class featured, part of the campus’ School for Environmental Studies • Kids: The Silver Lake Football Club is Undefeated!

Results from Last Months’ Poll: We asked: In our October edition, we reported on a man being attacked near Franklin Hills with a baseball bat. Do you feel safe in your community?

This month’s poll: We report on possible redevelopment plans by CRA for Atwater Village, provided areas of Atwater are designated “blighted.” Do you think areas of Atwater Village should receive the designation of “blighted” in order to be redeveloped? Yes. I think some areas of Atwater Village are “blighted” and I think some redevelopment is a good idea. No. I don’t think Atwater Village has “blighted areas” and I am opposed to new development. Thank you for voting! Your voice counts!

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SCHOOL NEWS Page 25

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11/17/10 2:19 PM

Los Feliz Ledger [senior moments]

Do We Have to Move? By Stephanie Vendig, Ledger Columist R e c e n t l y, Sandy Banks wrote a column in the Los Angeles Times about a couple who moved into an assisted living setting after they both faced a series of health problems. But the wife found her new surroundings strange, in spite

of all the amenities. She was among people who reminded her of “her own aging” which made it harder for her to transition to a new lifestyle. Many of us could relate to that feeling of loss of a former lifestyle that can’t be maintained.

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Care over 40 years of service

Country Villa Los Feliz 3002 Rowena Avenue (by The Coffee Table) (323) 666-1544 www.CountryVillaHealth.com Ask for Catherine or Tracey for info or tour

Los Angeles Breakfast Club Where can you find... • full, hot breakfast for only $6 • professionals and active retirees • interesting programs • musical entertainment • friends bettering the world ...Friendship Auditorium 3201 Riverside Drive (1/4 mi. so. of Los Feliz Bl.) Wednesday mornings, 7:00 a.m. Dec 8 Suzanne Costarelli - Reading Is Fundamental “Continual Growth at RIF - SoCal”

for future programs, see... www.LABreakfastClub.com

We have stayed in the same house for many years and have derived great pleasure from these surroundings. We became part of a neighborhood. It is hard to imagine leaving, and sepa-

transportation or transportation for seniors is limited, you may not be able to take advantage of what a center could offer you. Transportation or easy physical access to activities and socialization is one reason people consider moving to group settings, such as retirement communities. Another reason may be being closer to family, but still maintaining an independent lifestyle. Safety and protection are other important reasons. Retirement communities or senior living vary in the amenities that are offered. You choose places that match your needs, interests and finances. One source of information is from the free referral and information service, Accent on Seniors. It is licensed to provide advice to find appropriate group settings for seniors. You can contact them at www.accentonseniors.com or (888) 406-2580. Staying or moving takes serious thought and even a bit of research to reap the benefits of either decision.

dementia. One support for “Aging in Place” is adult community centers like the Griffith Park Adult Community Center (GPACC), where adults can pursue recreational activities,

“Aging in Place” in which we can stay in our current homes or our community to the end of our days is considered ideal. The concept, however, implies that perhaps your family and the community (private and public) in which you live provide supports and resources for you as your life changes. rating from things belonging to the environment that were attached to our long lives. It may be hard to see or predict benefits, especially when we view the move as being forced upon us. “Aging in Place” in which we can stay in our current homes or our community to the end of our days is considered ideal. The concept, however, implies that perhaps your family and the community (private and public) in which you live provide supports and resources for you as your life changes. We are also told that the most important factor of our well being in old age is our opportunity to engage with others. Isolation is dangerous to one’s health regardless of our health conditions, including

and be connected to resources in the community. But most of all, it provides the opportunity to engage with others in a variety of activities, depending upon need and interest. But GPACC, like many other senior centers, depends upon people getting there on their own. If the car is no longer available, and public

Los Feliz Ledger electronic newsletter in between our regular publication dates. To start receiving yours, please register at www.losfelizledger.com or email us at: newsletter@losfelizledger.com

or call (323) 662-1191

“We choose Belmont Village”

Where can you leave... ...happier than when you came?

Happy Holidays! Sunset Hall expanding services to Seniors! Fabulous curriculum & advocacy programs to be offered at new location! Watch for more news in January! Don’t forget, stimulating Conversational Spanish at GPACC on Wed! Call Wendy Caputo at 323-660-5277. Sunset Hall sponsors programs for freethinking elders and this ad.

Griffith Park Adult Community Club Calendar

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

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Tues., Dec. 7, 1:00 – 4:00 Avatar, the movie Thurs., Dec. 9, 2:30 - 4:00 Behind the Scenes James M.Tanenbaum, sound mixer, reveals secrets of Avatar Special Effects, donation $5 Wed., Dec. 15, noon - 3:00 Gourmet Potluck

At Bea Gold’s home: 2206 Micheltorena St. Bring a ready-to-serve dish. Call GPACC for directions or a ride. Join GPACC: Only $15 for trips and news thru 2011. For information on trips, call Doris Slater, (323) 667-1879

Classes and Events: Call GPACC at (323) 644-5579 or stop by at 3203 Riverside Dr., in the parking lot of Friendship Auditorium, south of Los Feliz Blvd. for a schedule. Silver Lake Rec. Ctr., 1850 W. Silver Lake Dr. (323) 644-3946 also has classes. Lunch Program: Mon.-Fri., GPACC, 11:30 AM sign in, Noon lunch, $1.75 donation, age over 60. Club Info and Newsletter: Stephanie Vendig, (323) 667-3043 or vendig@sbcglobal.net. December 2010

www.losfelizledger.com

Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711 Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977 Westwood (310) 475-7501 RCFE Lic 197603515, 197603848, 197605090, 198204246, 197607761 © 2010 Belmont Village, L.P.

The Community Built for Life ® www.belmontvillage.com

LozFeliz_11_26_BV.indd 1

11/19/10 7:46 PM SENIOR MOMENTS Page 27

Los Feliz Ledger [religion and spirituality]

St. Mary’s To Host Discussion of the Anglican Ordinariate By Katherine Spiers, Ledger Religion Columnist LOS FELIZ— St. Mary of the Angels church has been making history since its inception in 1918, when Father Neal Dodd decided to minister to the movie industry. Industry types were more of less considered reprobates, but Father Dodd had faith in actors, and they in him: he helped found the Motion Picture Relief Fund of America with Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin. He even dabbled in acting himself. In 1974, the current church was designated a Cultural Historic Landmark, a testament to

in—many Catholic traditions. It has been argued in the past that the Church of England was founded by King Henry VIII for no deeper reason than his desire to divorce his first wife, which the Pope would not allow. Whatever the impetus for the break from Rome, Anglicanism has a number of key differences from Catholicism, such as allowing the clergy to marry. But the spiritual similarities are such that some Anglican leaders have been searching for a way to come into closer communion with the Catholic Church. On Dec. 4th, St. Mary’s will host a daylong discussion

It has been argued in the past that the Church of England was founded by King Henry VIII for no deeper reason than his desire to divorce his first wife, which the Pope would not allow. St. Mary’s role in early Hollywood. Now, the church finds itself involved in another important historical moment, this one more theological in nature. St. Mary’s is an Anglican church that calls itself Anglo-Catholic. To a layperson, that means they are affiliated officially with Anglicanism (which is the exported branch of the Church of England), and they follow—and believe

of the Anglican Ordinariate, which allows Anglicans to enter the Catholic fold. The Ordinariate is still a work in progress, being hashed out by leaders of the two faiths. Christopher Phillips of the Anglican Use Society will discuss his journey from Episcopal to Catholic, reconciling faiths, and the practicality of combining two traditions. Visit stmaryoftheangels. org for more information.

STAR GAZING from page 14

will be for at least another thousand years to come. The moon enters Earth’s fuzzy outer shadow, the penumbra, at 9:27 p.m., P.S.T., but since the eclipse has started, a subtle shading on the moon’s left side, may not be apparent for another half hour. The moon reaches the umbra at 10:32 p.m., and totality–when it

appears dim and coppery or red–starts at 11:40 p.m. Mid eclipse occurs at 12:17 a.m., and totality ends at 12:53 a.m. The moon leaves the umbra at 2:01 a.m. Penumbral shading may be visible on the moon’s right hand side until about 2:30 a.m., and the moon leaves the penumbra at 3:06 a.m. The Griffith Observatory will be open special hours for

public eclipse viewing. The winter solstice occurs at 3:38 p.m., P.S.T. on Dec. 21st when winter begins in the Earth’s northern hemisphere and summer, in the southern hemisphere. Winter ends with the vernal equinox on March 20th, 2011. Jupiter, in Aquarius the Water Carrier, is bright in the

new

see STAR GAZING page 32

same name same values

second campus Brawerman east

elementary school of wilshire Boulevard temple

Kindergarten opening fall 2011 Schedule your tour now: Dec 8 • Jan 6

new location opening at our historic temple Campus 3663 wilshire Boulevard • Los angeles • www.brawerman.org Hannah Bennett • (213) 388-2401 x159 • hbennett@brawerman.org

Wednesday Evenings in Advent Worship 7:00pm, Wylie Chapel CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 5pm . . . . . . . . . . Family (with petting zoo); 8pm . . . . . . . . . Celebration 11pm . . . . . . . . . Lessons and Carols (candlelight) SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30am . . . . . . . . . Contemplative, Wylie Chapel 9:30am . . . . . . . . . . . . Traditional, Sanctuary 11:00am . . . . . . . . . . Contemporary, Sanctuary CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sunday, December 12th at 2pm Featuring our Cathedral Choir with Fountainview Music School Orchestra 1760 N. Gower Street (at the 101) (323)463-7161 • www.fpch.org

December 2010

www.losfelizledger.com

RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY Page 29

Los Feliz Ledger CRA from page 1

er Drive and Carillon Street, including industrial and some residential property along the Seneca Avenue - Casitas Avenue corridor. “...Please exercise [your] power to stop the CRA from any involvement in Atwater Village and show you have the ability to carry out the wishes of your constituency,” read Alex Ventura, chairman of the AVNC’s Environmental & Land Use committee, from a portion of the letter. After more than an hour used cars from page 1

The Councilmember’s motion directs the City Attorney to draft an ordinance for consideration by the City Council preventing these illegal car sales while maintaining free speech laws. “This curbside car lot is a visual blight for this beautiful neighborhood,” LaBonge said in the statement. “Along with the parking issues these cars pose, many of them aren’t registered, attracting a criminal element into this community.” According to the DMV’s Scattaglia, the issue is not just JENNERJAHN from page 1

it’s all about less government interference in people’s lives. “I am pro business,” he said on a recent morning over an Arnold-Palmer at the Italian restaurant. “I don’t like government meddling. I don’t think the government should decide who will succeed and who will not.” On his hit list are things that have made him—and he believes, the people—unhappy, like the tripling of parking meter rates; the raising of Dept. of Water and Power rates and what he calls “government waste,” by Mayor Villaraigosa. He’s also tired of career politicians. “There are professional politicians,” he said, “that dance around, sing songs, hug and give out certificates to try and make people feel good. The problem with this is when you try to make everyone happy, you make no one happy.” Another key concern of Jennerjahn’s, who lives on Lexington Avenue at Wilcox, is “extra government spending that does not have a point.” He thinks Council District 4 candidate Stephen Box’s idea for bike lanes in the city is wasteful, when the city, in his words “is on life support.” Regarding another opposing candidate, Tomas O’Grady he said: “O’Grady, I am not interested in your “Eco-Warrier” views.” O’Grady is not the only Page 30

of debate by the board and two full table discussions including the public, six board members voted in favor of sending the letter; one voted in opposition while the six remaining board members abstained. CRA has alluded to green roadways and development of the Los Angeles River as part of the project, but the organization has not yet shared with the community its specific plans for the area, which one AVNC board member said she was curious to see. “One of the things I feel

about parked cars on Los Feliz Boulevard. “There are circumstances that make this issue a big deal,” he said in the same statement. “Many times these vehicles are sold to individuals, who have no desire to properly register the vehicle because of the fact that they are not licensed, or their licensed is suspended, or the vehicle will be used to conduct illegal activity.” The arrests the day of the action were a result of “interference” with a peace officer. According to the DMV, the “raids” will continue.

one Jennerjahn has a nickname for. He calls city councilmember Jan Perry (9th District) the “Hamburgler” as she has banned, he said, fast food restaurants within her district; and “Cat Whisperer” for Paul Koretz, a nickname he gave the city councilmember (District 5) after he sought a resolution outlawing the declawing of cats in the city of Los Angeles; and Lord Voldemort for city councilmember Paul Krekorian (District 2), because Jennerjahn said, “He just the epitome of evil.” LaBonge, by relative standards, got of easy regarding Jennerjahn’s monikers. He calls LaBonge, part of the “entrenched, protected political class of this city.” “It’s going to be tough,” he said, “to make sure Tom does not win outright in March. I want a run-off.” Regarding issues close to home, like development of Griffith Park—which LaBonge came under fire for after a Master Plan was released in 2005 proposing some development in the park—and commercial and residential development in Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Atwater Village, all Jennerjahn can say is this: “I don’t agree with NIMBY [not in my backyard] behavior.” Jennerjahn must now get enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. The election is March 8, 2011.

and I have said is that I have a lot of trust in my councilman, Eric Garcetti, and I have a lot of respect for [senior advisor for special projects for Council District 13) Mitch O’Farrell,” said ANVC co-chair Leonora Gershman-Pitts. “Mitch is really excited about this for Atwater Village and my feeling is, I don’t think that Mitch would want something for Atwater Village that wasn’t going to be good for Atwater Village. So my feeling is, we shouldn’t opt out before we see the plan.” Ventura said he is worried that by the time the CRA’s plans are made public, it will be too late to stop them from becoming a reality. “There’s a big cake that’s being baked here and we don’t know the ingredients, the shape or the outcome, and when it gets down to actually taking that cake out of the oven, we had no input. They do development kind of as they go, as they get partners and sponsors. So there is no stopping it,” he said. Depending upon how many buildings are in need of repair and how many homes and businesses are vacant, the CRA can declare an area blighted, Ventura explained. “I personally do not see any real blight in Atwater Village—there are blighted areas in other areas of the city, but not here, Atwater Village,” he said. “[By declaring an area blighted], this gives [the CRA] full license to do whatever they want and they also have the powers to really eminent domain us.” Eminent domain is the law by which the government can appropriate private property. However, Alison Becker, an associate planner with CRA who is coordinating the Northeast Los Angeles River Study Area said the group cannot exercise eminent domain. “We can’t and we won’t,” she said. “If you live in one of those neighborhoods, but have a house that is in that industrial zone, the city, through the redevelopment agency cannot take that land, either. We have written materials that describe that but somehow this is an issue still keeps bubbling up.” Additionally, Becker said she is confused as to why the AVNC has voted on their official stance so early in the game. “There are a lot of occasions for people in the planning process to express their views and it seems unusual that they [The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council] would make a statement even before the process has started,” she said. For information visit the CRA/LA website at: http:// www.crala.org/nela

[OBITUARY]

Robert Goldstein, 1920-2010

Robert Goldstein with Chin Chin, in a photo by Gary Leonard from 1984.

Robert Goldstein of Silver Lake passed away last month at the age of 90. He had lived in the same house in Silver Lake for 52 years until this past January. Bob moved to Los Angeles from Illinois in 1958 and

worked as a civil engineer. In recent years, he was especially proud of his large collection of exotic cacti and succulents. A lifelong bachelor, he is survived by his brother, Richard, of Palm Desert.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, PATRONESS OF THE AMERICAS All are invited to come and celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday, December 12th. There will be a procession at 11:30 a.m., from inside the parish auditorium to the church, followed by a bilingual liturgy. Come celebrate unity created by diversity. On Thursday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m., the Filipino and Hispanic communities will be combining two cultural traditions to create one unified event. We will be celebrating the traditional folkloric procession of Las Posadas and Simbang Gabi, the traditional Filipino Advent Mass. Join us for this special celebration of culture and tradition. Our Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Community 2060 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027 Tel: (323) 664-2111 Fax: (323) 664-0556

www.losfelizledger.com

December 2010

Los Feliz Ledger [family matters]

This Video Game Won’t Be Under Our Christmas Tree By Kristen Taylor Ledger Contributing Writer If you know a boy who’s in middle school or older, you probably already heard that the video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops” was released this month. The “first-person shooter” game was an instant

“One scene sees a man stabbed in the eye, another sees a man punched repeatedly after glass is put into his mouth, and as a whole, you’ll frequently see people shot, beaten, or burned to death, or caught in an ex-

Bodies can be dismembered by firearms or explosions, and you’ll see blood on a near-constant basis, as it sprays from attacked enemies and pools on the ground. sensation among the kids at our son’s school, who spoke of little else for weeks straight. And according to our son, he is the only 7th grade boy who won’t be playing it. Why won’t he be playing? It’s not because we don’t allow video games, or that he’s a saintly child with more benevolent and worldly interests. On the contrary: our son would give up bathing, eating and sleeping if he were given unlimited access to gaming. He won’t be playing “Black Ops” because the game is rated M (Mature, 17+). Here’s a description of what garnered it that rating from What They Play, the Family Guide to Video Games.

plosion. Bodies can be dismembered by firearms or explosions, and you’ll see blood on a near-constant basis, as it sprays from attacked enemies and pools on the ground. Blood is also spattered on the screen when you’re attacked, growing more intensely red as you get closer to death.”

I doubt that my kid is the only one whose parents aren’t letting him play this game, but I’m confused as to why so many parents are. I doubt that parents are so checked-out that they don’t notice or monitor what’s on the giant screens in front of their kids. If they know what’s in the game that must mean that they don’t find it objectionable. As one parent put it, ““I figure that since my 12-year-old shot up an airport when he was ten, torture scenes are tame.” I have heard the arguments that, “The kids know that it’s not real,” or, “It’s just a cartoon.” But we know that exposure to violent games desensitizes kids to real life violence, even if it doesn’t necessarily lead to real life increases in aggression—though the jury is still out on that. The time in a kid’s life when he is busy sorting out who he is and right from wrong strikes me as a bad time for interactive, first-person, violent games. I often think of parenting as a series of decisions. This one seems like an easy call.

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FAMILY & HEALTH Page 31

Los Feliz Ledger

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been looking for. The camera clips to their collar and records snapshots of their day (I see a gallery exhibit in some dog owner’s future). Set the camera to take a shot every 1, 5, or 15 minutes, then download the photos to your computer (the whole thing works like a thumbnail drive). Who knows what mutt mischief you’ll be able to capture on film! Finally, there’s Nina Ottosson’s Dog Smart Games ($30-$50), a beautiful collection of wooden puzzles that require the dog to complete various skill sets in order to win a treat. Dog Turbo, the most challenging game, has pegs that must be pushed outward in order to win. Dog Brick requires the dog to slide wooden blocks in order to win treats. Ottosson based these games on her own dogs’ natural movements and instincts. Sounds like this one could be for your toddler and your dog. Whatever you fancy, be it comfort or brain boosting, happy holidays to you and your animal brood!

[a dog’s life]

Holiday Gifts for Your 4-Legged Friend By Jennifer Clark, Ledger Columnist This year’s gifts focus on the practical and intellectual. “Intellectual gifts for dogs?” you may ask? Read on. In the practical department, Hi-Brite Dog Leash ($33) offers a new take on an

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December 2010

Los Feliz Ledger [city sleuth]

History on a Sales Tag: “Handle With Care” Estate Sales By Diane Kanner, Ledger Columnist Emile Jacobson of Silver Lake finds one common thread wherever she oversees an estate sale: “People want to know the history of the house and who lived there, and fortunately every home has a story,” she said. The discerning clientele for her business, Handle With Care, experienced a very his-

toric sale last month when three generations worth of artifacts went out the door of a home situated along the 12th hole of Wilshire Country Club, located in Hancock Park. The estate of Betty Jane (BJ) and William Blakely included inventions unique to the 19th century—a stereo

optical viewer and a sew“There is a wide ing machine—lots of sildiscrepancy bever and crystal from many tween doing this as eras, and a large 1927 oil a real business and a portrait of a jazz age maglorified garage sale tron. where prices have While William Blakebeen slapped on.” ly’s presence was felt in the “A n y t h i n g home office overflowing connected to the with gadgets and books, movies will draw BJ’s family presence was crowds.” omnipresent. BJ was born “We don’t neinto the Lissner family, gotiate until the fiprominent Los Angeles nal day. We don’t Jews whose influence in say it is antique medicine and the law enunless it is one huntered the history books afdred years old.” ter great uncle Meyer was One of her a ringleader in the estabregular patrons, lishment of the progressive George Wallach, Lincoln-Roosevelt League. debated purchasing According to Los Ana century-old bageles: A to Z by Leonard rometer as he sang and Dale Pitt, the league her praises. “catapulted Hiram John- Emile Jacobson of Silver Lake writes the known history of “No one is as pieces sold. son into the governor’s accomplished as she who has antiques,” she said, chair in 1910 and broke and her staff. Pric“except the Lissners.” the political monopoly of the es are always fair. Whatever With her knowledge of Southern Pacific Railroad.” Emile knows about an object antiques and valuables, Emile BJ was herself an active she writes on the sales tag atis perfectly capable of doing citizen, serving on boards, and tached to it,” Wallach said. appraisals, and frequently is once, as a photo in a cabana Emile has the energy and asked to do so, although the by a swim pool at the Blakely figure of a woman just getting Blakely belongings had alhouse revealed, accompanied started in the business. ready been appraised when former president Eisenhower “This is what keeps my inthe Handle With Care staff to the UCLA campus. terest,” she said as she moved arrived. What she’s unfamil“BJ played golf until into the kitchen and gestures iar with she assigns to one of the last years of her life,” a towards a folk art object disthe staff, including her partWilshire Country Club friend, played above the sink. “This ner Mark Talgo, an interior Eric Avazian, remembers. Mexican artifact represents designer who teaches at the The historic Lissner boats the Spanish used when Fashion Institute of Design connection was a satisfying they took the natives to sea to and Merchandising. one for the estate sale vetconvert them to Christianity. I Among Emile’s insights: eran Emile Jacobson. When have never seen one elsewhere.” “People will pay more in she started the business, her In other words, she concertain areas, including Old mother had doubts of its tinues the quest in order to Pasadena, Brentwood and chances for success. find one more interesting obHancock Park.” “We don’t know anyone ject and its elucidating story.

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LIFESTYLES Page 33

Los Feliz Ledger [editorial]

Breaking Holiday Rules: A Survival Guide By Laura Carpini The time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day seems to arrive sooner each year. Holiday items are already hitting department store shelves. If the prospect of being bombarded by oodles of gadgets and sparkly items you don’t need leaves you with shivers of joyous expectation, then kudos to you; your time has come. If, however, you feel an uncomfortable pit in your stomach at the thought of sipping a gingerbread, peppermint stick latte while rushing about gathering items to bring to the annual get-together at your mother-in-law’s house— if per chance you can’t bake pies out of mince meat or Granny Smith apples, or you stink at projects involving a needle and thread—then read on. Here are some seditious tips for keeping your sanity. 1. Rethink the Concept of Presents – Spending a boatload of cash on “stuff” you don’t want is insulting enough to your psyche. Doing it for

other folks, particularly those you love, is deluded. Consider exchanging “presence” with your Beloved Ones instead of “presents.” They’ll be happier spending quality time with you than opening packaged items of fluff ordered via Pay Pal, anyway. 2. Beware Excessive Amounts of Coffee and Alcohol – Yes, coffee houses and restaurants all over America devise a slew of creative beverages this time of year—drinks with names like Mocha, Candy Cane Espresso Blast Off or Cherry Red, Mudslide, Curacao Martini with a Lime Twist. Consumption of these delights usually results in indigestion, new and undesired skin eruptions, and migraine headaches. All true holiday rebels know to avoid them. 3. Eschew Events with People You Can’t Stand – Family and friends aside, you’ll receive invitations this month to “parties” from everyone from the local boutique sell-

Page 34 EDITORIAL / OPEN MIKE

ing Brighton holiday bracelets at a mark-up, to co-workers with French onion dip infused breath, carrying sprigs of mistletoe to dangle over your unsuspecting head. Pssst—you aren’t required to attend every event to which you’re invited. Some down time curled up with a book and a cup of hot cocoa, and your cat snoozing on your lap, can make you feel more festive. 4. Limit Time Spent with Family Members – Of course, you love and cherish your family. The problem is the inevitable dynamic of judgment and comparison between siblings that results from lengthy conversations about the past, usually from parents, as they discuss your foibles as a kid that have absolutely no relevance to who you are today. Some manners guru, probably Emily Post, suggests three days is the limit of time one should spend with beloved, extended family. Consider following her sage guidance, and

scheduling short, fun visits as opposed to lengthier ones rift with hidden land mines. If that’s impossible, find a place of sanctuary during long visits. Even a nook in your local video store where you can peruse the titles of non-saccharine films can provide a much needed respite from your own less sugary situation at home. After all, you’re all there to carve the roast in the center of the table, not each other’s self esteem. When you break bread with family, insist that it be in a spirit of joy and mutual understanding, which can only hold up for so long. Keep family visits short. 5. Respect Your Own Children – If you have offspring refrain, from expecting them to put on a show, be it singing, dancing, or performing mindboggling feats of long division in front of company. Don’t force them too often into itchy, uncomfortable clothing they despise for church services or other events. And find something for them to do over their long holiday break. Look for day camps—art, theatre, sports, whatever they enjoy—to enroll them in and keep them busy.

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6. Limit Your Commitments – Refrain from volunteering to sew costumes for school pageants at the same time as you prepare your famous marshmallow, pineapple yams for the annual gathering of the extended cousins club. Don’t offer to make the Frosty finger puppets for the holiday boutique unless you really enjoy that activity. 7. Avoid Places with Large Crowds, Excessive Noise, and Loud Music – Skip that extra trip to the mall in favor of going somewhere to soothe your nervous system, like a trip to a spa or an extra yoga class. Ultimately, there are no “shoulds” when it comes to the holiday season. You aren’t obligated to create traditions if you don’t already have them. Let this be the year you allow yourself the freedom to relax and honor your inner promptings about what you want to do, even if it’s only for a day, an hour, or a few minutes. Laura Carpini is the author of Bear Speaks: The Story of 7 Sacred Lessons Learned from a Montana Grizzly.

December 2010

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