Los Feliz Ledger Vol 6. No. 7
Alternatives Considered for Los Feliz Post Office By Allison C. Ferraro VERMONT AVENUE—The U.S. Postal Service is studying the possibility of selling the land where the Los Feliz Post Office now sits, 1825 N. Vermont Ave. According to Richard Maher, a postal service spokesman, the site is currently being studied for possible sale with discussions with potential developers planned. “It’s a valuable piece of property,” said Maher. “We are taking a look at the feasibility [of selling it] down the road.” According to Maher, there are a number of contingencies for selling the property, namely that retail postal service at
Serving the Greater Los Feliz, Silver Lake & Hollywood Hills Area | Distribution 34,500
2010 Stories In Review By Jessica Pauline Ogilvie, Ledger Contributing Writer Raid on Los Feliz Blvd. of Used Car Sales City Councilmember Tom LaBonge and state Assembly member Mike Gatto are taking further action to curtail the sale of used cars on Los Feliz Boulevard, after conducting a “raid” on the boulevard in November. According to a representative from LaBonge’s office, the city attorney is drafting an ordinance that would ban the sale of used cars between Vermont Avenue and the Los
Angeles River. During the raid by the Los Angeles Police Dept. and a special unit of the DWP seven cars were impounded; six citations were given and two arrests were made. Gatto, who helped to orchestrate the raid, believes that it was “fruitful,” he said, but that more work still needs to be done. “It’s going to take a few more of these [raids] to completely alleviate the problem,” he said.
AVNC Opposes “Blight” status Despite opposition from the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC), the city will move forward with plans to assess the neighborhood for potential redevelopment opportunities. The assessment, which will also include surrounding areas Glassell Park, Cypress Park and Elysian Valley, could mean that city funds are funneled into the neighborhood. The AVNC wrote a let-
[LFIA]
see LFIA page 22
Theater Review: “Bullshot Crummond and the Invisible Bride of Death,” Page 8
CD 4 City Council Race In next year’s election of the city’s district four council seat, incumbent Councilmember Tom LaBonge will face two challengers: Tomas O’Grady and Stephen Box. see REVIEW page 23
By Eric Derr Ledger Contributing Writer
2010: The Los Feliz Improvement Association Celebrates a Bevy of Successes
Led by its hardworking volunteer Board of Directors, the association realized a number of objectives in 2010. “These achievements, however, have not come about in a vacuum,” reports Past-President Marilyn Bush. “Without a collaborative effort with our City representatives and agencies as well as with other local associations, the tangible recent improvements to our neighborhood would
ter to councilmembers Tom LaBonge and Eric Garcetti requesting Atwater Village opt out of the plans, in part because they could result in the area being declared blighted. “It’s an ugly term,” said AVNC co-chair Leonora Gersham-Pitts. “Nobody wants to live in a place that’s been called blighted.”
GGPNC Gives Community $10,000+ in Funds & Creates A New Sports and Rec Committee
see POST OFFICE page 19
By Donald Seligman President
January 2011
BILLY’S GOT TWO NEW FRIENDS—The highly anticipated “Elephants of Asia” exhibit opened at the Los Angeles Zoo, Dec. 16th. The $42 million renovation—nearly half of which was raised by the Zoo’s fundraising arm known as the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assoc.—is now a full six-acre site which includes a natural habitat, varied topography, bathing pools and a 16,600 square foot “hi tech” barn, large enough to hold 11 adult elephants. Pictured here are “Tina” and “Jewel” who arrived at the Zoo in November from the San Diego Zoo. The two have joined “Billy,” in their new living space. “Tina” is estimated to weigh 7,051 lbs. and “Jewel” weighs in at 6,926 lbs. Photo: Tad Motoyama
[Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce]
Looking Forward to an Active and More Prosperous 2011 By Andy Hasroun Chamber President The year will start off with a new Atwater Village Chamber board; elections will be held in early February. The election of new board
People In My Neighborhood: Musician Patrick Joseph, Page 12
members and officers always rejuvenates our 63-year-old organization, injecting fresh ideas and new energy. As an all-volunteer non-profit organization we depend on the active involvement of our members and the local business community. We hope to see many new faces as well as some familiar ones on the
Su Casa Real Estate: 2010 Real Estate Review and Home Sales, Pages 14-16
board for 2011. On the business front, the Chamber will seek to expand our ongoing “Shop Atwater Village First” campaign. This is a campaign dedicated in promoting our members to Atwater Village consumers and encouraging them to patronize local businesses.
Several community groups in the Greater Griffith Park area are receiving over $10,000 in new funding, thanks to unused money once earmarked for Griffith Park Fire recovery efforts. During its regular meeting Dec. 21ST, the Griffith Park Neighborhood Council (GGPNC) unanimously decided to reallocate $10,800 previously authorized for the Fire Recovery Sign Program. The panel voted to direct $2,250 to the King Middle School Garden Project; $4,500 see GGPNC page 5 We regret to not have year-end updates from The Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce or the Los Feliz Village BID. Both were invited to submit information, but did not do so.
see AVCC page 24
Schools: Assisi Drill Team Wins Again, Page 25
Editorial: Luis Lopez Writes about Atwater and the CRA, Page 30
Los Feliz Ledger [letter from the publisher] I found a stray dog Dec. 17th running, wet and cold through my neighborhood. There is much confusion that happens when you find a stray dog— do I keep it? If I can’t where do I take it? Although I wanted to keep the year-old black mix, my cat, Ennis Beley (whom I found in my bushes 15 years ago) thought otherwise. My dog, Taco (also a rescue), didn’t seem to care. A few hours and a couple of bowls of dog food later, I decided to take “Sally” to the local animal shelter. (I had named her that after my friend Sally Menke who died
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in Griffith Park in September. I found the little dog on what would have been Sally’s 57th birthday, so the name was fitting as my friend Sally was known for taking in many strays herself.) I had found my dog Taco some years earlier when he got lost at the animal shelter and I believed taking Sally to the shelter would be the best course to try and reunite her with her owner, as had been my experience with Taco. I worried about my decision as we drove Sally to the shelter. At least I had gotten her out of the December rains, I thought. That at least was a good thing. For days, I checked on Sally through the Animal Shelter’s website. Today, I
learned that Sally was adopted Dec. 21st, just in time for Christmas. Even though some friends chided me for taking Sally to the shelter, I still believe in these services. The shelters are run by loving and caring individuals and are immaculately clean. They are not what you envision. So, all is well—my cat Ennis Beley has recovered from Sally’s momentary inclusion; Taco seems to have missed the whole episode altogether and Sally has a new home. With that in mind, a woman recently vistited the Los Feliz Ledger offices looking for her stray cat “Velvet.” The cat was lost on Dec. 1st and is a 3-year-old female about 9 pounds. If anyone knows the whereabouts of “Velvet” please call 888-466-3242.
Story ideas, submissions, advertising rates & inquiries contact: Allison Cohen Ferraro 4459 Avocado St. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Phone: 323-667-9897 Fax: 323-667-1816 acohen@losfelizledger.com www. losfelizledger.com
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January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger
$12.5 Million Raised: City Keeps Cahuenga Peak
LA Map Expert To Speak at Los Feliz Library Jan. 20
Look for these stories only at Los Feliz Ledger Online Visit www.losfelizledger.com and vote in our January 2011 poll:
What do you think was the biggest story we covered in 2010? 1) “Los Feliz Forward” sweeps Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council election?
LOS FELIZ—Cartographer Glen Creason will be the featured speaker at the Architecture & Beyond Lecture Series Thurs., Jan. 20th, 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave. Creason, who has been the map librarian at the LA Public Library for the past 20 years, will discuss his new book, Los Angeles in Maps, a cartographic history of the City of Angels. Skylights Books will have copies of the book for purchase and signing. The free lecture series, now in its 7th year, is supported by the Friends of the Los Feliz Library and the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District (LFVBID). For information: (323) 913-4710.
2) The death of Silver Lake’s “Walking Man?” 3) The “raid” on used cars parked on Los Feliz Boulevard? 4) That Tom LaBonge has two challengers in the upcoming March 2011 election for his city council seat (Tomas O’Grady and Stephen Box)? 5) How budget cuts affected our area? 6) The proliferation and closure of marijuana dispensaries locally?
January 2011
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CAHUENGA PEAK—A $12.5 million fundraising campaign has put Cahuenga Peak, famous for housing the Hollywood sign, back into the hands of the city of Los Angeles. The 138-parcel had been sold to investors, who unsuccessfully put the land on the market for $22 million in 2008. “This gives Angelenos the opportunity to enjoy this majestic mountain peak in the heart of one of the nation’s largest cities,” said LaBonge. Donors included The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Aileen Getty, Playboy founder Hugh M. Hefner, even the fundraising program “Pennies for the Peak” by families of Cheremoya Avenue school. “To protect 138 acres of untouched land in one of the most urban cities in the country is nothing short of miraculous,” said Jay Dean, with the Trust for Public Land. The land was first purchased by Howard Hughes in 1940 to build a home for actress Ginger Rogers. But their relationship ended and after Hughes died, his estate sold the property in 2002 to a group of Chicago investors. They put the property on the market two years ago. It was zoned to build four luxury homes. The recent acquisition also includes an additional 130 new acres of land now deemed as Griffith Park. “This is a peak moment for the City of Los Angeles as we celebrate with the Trust for Public Land and the angels who helped us expand Griffith Park by acquiring Cahuenga Peak,” said LaBonge. “The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Aileen Getty and Hugh M. Hefner as well as the people of Los Angeles and California join us in this great celebration. They’re all angels in the City of Angels.”
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
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Los Feliz Ledger GGPNC from page 1 reation Committee dedicated L.A. City Historical Society to the promotion and develto the Independent Shakespeare opment of organized athletics Company; $750 to Green Honors Four Angelinos LaBonge_Ad_Ledger_January2011
By Michael Locke Ledger Contributing Writer On Dec. 14th, a standingroom-only crowd enjoyed a buffet dinner and dessert and remarks from journalist Suzanne Muchnic, reminiscing on her 31 years covering the arts beat for the Los Angeles Times. Honors were bestowed upon Playboy Publisher Hugh Heffner; Christy McAvoy, CoFounder of Hollywood Heritage; and authors Kevin Roderick and J. Eric Lynxweiler. Heffner was cited for his timely contribution of $900,000 that helped save the Hollywood Sign earlier this year. Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge praised Heffner, thanking him for helping “preserve the ‘naked’ mountain.” Christy McAvoy was rec-
ognized for her efforts in safeguarding the history of Hollywood and for her preservation work as principal of the Historic Resources Group. LA Observed editor Kevin Roderick and Los Angeles Historian J. Eric Lynxweiler were honored for their recent work, “Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles.” A host of Los Angeles “movers and shakers” attended the event; perhaps no one was more enthusiastically-received than author and historian Catherine Mulholland. Raising a symbolic glass of water, LaBonge led a toast to Mulholland and her grandfather, William Mulholland, the engineer and former head of the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power who designed the California Aqueduct.
Committee outreach materials; $600 for Neighborhood Watch Signs; $1,500 for the Miss Aimee After School Program and $1,200 to the L.A. Animal Services Reserve Animal Control Officer Program. Also, the council (voted 9-3 to create a Sports and Rec-
in the Los Feliz and Greater Griffith Park area. The motion was brought by District E Representative, Mark F. Mauceri, citing his belief the neighborhood has seen a large influx of families with children over the past decade and is direly lack-
ing in athletic programs and facilities compared to other Los Angeles neighborhoods. The GGPNC will begin outreach to find a chairperson for the committee and encourages stakeholders to come forward to actively participate as organizers and voting members of the new committee. Interested parties can email info@ ggpnc.org or (213) 973-9758.
VOTE MARCH 8 Paid for by Tom LaBonge for City Council 2011 ID #1328433
Event Chair Diane Kanner is pictured with Los Angeles Councilmember Tom LaBonge.
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Los Feliz Ledger [greetings from tom]
A “Peak” Moment For Los Angeles By Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge It’s a new year, and a fresh opportunity for all Angelenos to get out and enjoy the great City of Los Angeles. As you may have heard, Griffith Park has grown by 138 acres, with the acquisition of Cahuenga Peak, just north and west of the iconic Hollywood Sign. With the help of the Trust for Public Land, we raised 12.5-million dollars to purchase the land from a Chicago developer, who had plans to build luxury homes
“Elephants of Asia” isn’t just about keeping elephants. It’s about educating people about how endangered pachyderms across Asia are struggling for survival. These magnificent animals are on the brink of extinction. There are only about 35,000 Asian elephants left in the wild. The “Elephants of Asia” exhibit puts the Los Angeles Zoo on the forefront of elephant exhibit design and among the world’s great zoos. You just have to see it! You’ll be happy to know the City of Los Angeles is moving ever closer to enacting
The “Elephants of Asia” exhibit puts the Los Angeles Zoo on the forefront of elephant exhibit design and among the world’s great zoos.
on the majestic peak. Thanks to donors large and small, we made our goal and saved the peak, preserving the view and the land for hiking and recreational uses for future generations of Angelenos. I consider this a peak moment for the City of Los Angeles. And, to paraphrase the legendary William Mulholland, “There it is er_121610 … hike it.” Make it a point to checkout the new elephant exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo. It’s called “Elephants of Asia,” and is a state-of-the-art, nearly 6-acre habitat that includes a waterfall and wading pools and various features that make it a veritable Pachyderm Paradise. There’s also a nearly 17,000 square-foot Elephant Barn that has room for as many as 11 elephants. But
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POLITICS
an ordinance to ban the sale of used-vehicles along Los Feliz Boulevard, between Vermont Avenue and the Los Angeles River. As of this writing, the Transportation Committee has recommended—and the City Council consented to— instructing the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to ban curbside car-sales, not only on Los Feliz; but on Franklin Avenue as well, between Western and Normandie avenues. Several community members turned-out at the Dec. 8th Transportation Committee meeting to testify about the curbside used-car-lot problem in the area, and made a direct impact on the process. We thank them for their participation. The target date for the City Attorney’s draft ordinance on banning curbside
car sales in the Los Feliz area is Jan. 26th. Finally, let’s make it a safe 2011 by being prepared for an emergency. Take some time to make sure you are personally prepared for an earthquake or fire or other unforeseen disaster. When it comes to the “Big One,” seismologists say it’s not a matter of if, but when a major, catastrophic quake is generated on the southern portion of the San Andreas fault. Get your supplies in order. Have a plan to reunite with your loved ones. Know how to safely deal with your utilities to avoid a post-quake fire. A little preparedness could save your property—or your life. Prepare now and continue to enjoy and love Los Angeles! [eric garcetti]
Bike Path Expansion Connects Our Neighborhoods By Eric Garcetti Los Angeles City Council President Atwater Village residents and other Angelenos can now enjoy a new stretch of pedestrian/bike path along the Los Angeles River. The Elysian Valley path expansion opened with great community fanfare in December and adds nearly three additional miles between Fletcher and Barclay
to the existing paved path. More than 100 community members and cyclists joined in cutting the ribbon on the new path—and they had good reason to celebrate. For years, people of all ages have enjoyed walking along this path and efforts to revitalize the L.A. River have made it an increasingly popular place for walkers and runners. Now, cyclists can also enjoy cruising down the path. The Elysian Valley phase of the pedestrian/bike path was long-anticipated with the planning and design beginning in 2003, and construction beginning last summer. The dips and rough patches have been replaced with a new, smooth surface. Energyefficient LED lights adorn the path to provide greater safety and visibility after the sun sets. It’s no secret that these are tough budget times for the City of Los Angeles and we have had to prioritize neighborhood projects. This pedestrian/bike path extension represents our deep commitment to revitalizing the Los Angeles River and is helping to connect neighborhoods that have been historically separated by structural and even cultural barriers. I urge all Angelenos who have not recently visited the L.A. River to come see the progress we are making at transforming it into a recreation place for all families to enjoy. It’s a great demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together to improve our neighborhoods.
www.losfelizledger.com
Three Candidates Qualify for CD 4 March 2011 Election Three candidates have qualified, by receiving the minimum number of signatures, to appear on the March 8, 2011 Primary Nomination Election ballot, for Los Angeles City Council District 4. The candidates are (listed as they will appear on the ballot): Tomas O’Grady, a small businessperson and environmentalist; incumbent Tom LaBonge and Stephen Box, a producer, writer and businessman. Additionally, the city of Los Angeles, office of the clerk has announced a need for poll workers for the election. On election day, poll workers will work from approximately 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Inspectors, in charge of a polling place, will receive a $100 stipend. Clerks will receive $80. Additionally, poll workers will receive an additional $25 for attending a mandatory training class. Requirements are: candidates must be 18 years old, a United States citizen, a registered voter and the ability to speak, read and write English or be bilingual. Those who additionally speak Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog or Vietnamese are especially encouraged to apply. Call (213) 978-0363 for information or apply online at: http://cityclerk.lacity.org/election
January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger [mike gatto]
Initiative Reform By Mike Gatto California Assembly District 43 California’s unique initiative process was created when California was much smaller so that small groups of concerned citizens could circulate petitions to place needed reforms on the ballot if the special interests would not allow the government to take action. State population has grown 15 fold, making the signature threshold impossible for regular citizens. We now have a process dominated, ironically, by monied special interests who hire paid signature gatherers. Furthermore, an initiative that passes with just 50.01% of the vote can rewrite the California Constitution and render the people’s representatives powerless to change the law, no matter how outdated or detrimental it may become. (For example, if a 1910 initiative used tax dollars to stimulate the buggy-whip industry, the tax funds apportioned for that program are forever spoken for, even if it no longer makes sense to stimulate that industry, even during years where schools are struggling to make ends meet.) The same 50.01% of the electorate can even go so far as to take away rights from certain people, as we have seen in recent years with some of the more hateful ballot propositions. The initiative process clearly needs some updating and improvement. I am considering several proposals to change the initiative process, including: Allowing the Legislature
some flexibility to amend certain initiatives after a certain period has expired. That way, future Legislatures will be better able to apportion funds during crises. California is the only state that does not allow the Legislature some ability to do this. Requiring every initiative to clearly identify a funding source, and if the initiative does not, make that initiative subject to a higher vote threshold. Changing initiatives that do not garner two-thirds vote of the people to mere statutes. It should require a 2/3 vote of the people to lock something into the Constitution. Restoring to the Legislature a grace period during which it can hold hearings and act before something can appear on the ballot. This would save lots of money, and would save us from those annoying campaign commercials where we’re told the world will end unless we pass a ballot initiative. Which one (or others) do you favor? Send me an e-mail. Assemblyman Gatto represents all or part of Silver Lake, Franklin Hills, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, Glendale, Burbank, North Hollywood, Valley Village, and Van Nuys in the California State Assembly. His office is currently accepting applications for internships from qualified highschool or college students. Email assemblymember.gatto@ assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.
REVIEW from page 1
O’Grady has been a member of the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council since 2008, serving as treasurer and later as chair of the green committee. He has been active in efforts to “green” Los Feliz, founding local environmental group Farm Feliz in 2008 and working to bring a communal garden to Thomas Starr King Middle School as well as having influence over the development of a new “eco” magnet for the school. A longtime activist for alternative transportation, Box formerly served as an election administrator for the city’s Dept. of Neighborhood Empowerment and was recently deemed the most tech-savvy of the CD4 candidates by LA Weekly, due to his campaign’s notable presence on sites like Twitter and Facebook. Box is running on a platform of connectivity within the city as well as city planning and civic engagement. Incumbent Tom LaBonge has served as the representative for CD4 since 2001. During that time, he has worked on issues including public transportation and the preservation of parks and open space, although, at times, he has been criticized by some for the release of the so-called Griffith Park Master Plan in 2005, that included some development of the park. BID Issues The Los Feliz Business Improvement District (LFV-
BID) made changes in some of its primary operations, including the scaling back of the popular Los Feliz Street Fair, and the reduction of fees for small businesses. The reduction in fees will be re-evaluated on an annual basis, according to Chris Serrano, LFVBID president. She added that plans for next year’s street fair will be made next year. “Decisions regarding the street fair will be discussed and voted on once the new 2011 board is in place,” she said in an e-mail. In May of this year, the Ledger reported that 13% of assessments were delinquent in from 2009. It’s unclear, Serrano said, whether the group will face the same dilemma in 2010. GGPNC The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council (GGPNC) underwent significant personnel changes this year, including the resignation of longtime board member Bernadette Soter and the election of all members of Los Feliz Forward, a coalition of
ten candidates united in their desire to change the way the board functions. The changes also included the seating of new officers, during which Ron Ostrow was elected president. Ostrow said he believes the new make-up of the board has led to positive differences in the way GGPNC business is conducted. “The board is operating a lot more smoothly then it did before,” he said, alluding to ongoing tension among previous board members that often led to bitter arguments during their monthly meetings. “There is a lot less rancor. We’ve had a couple of meetings that had very ambitious agendas and we’ve worked through them very nicely,” he said. City Cuts How They Affected the Area Several local landmarks were affected by this year’s cuts to the city budget, including Barnsdall Park, the Los Feliz Library and the Los Angeles Zoo. Barnsdall Park, an 11-acre area in East Hollywood that is city-funded and run, saw staff see REVIEW page 23
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“Defending People Not Criminals” Convictions from years ago can be obstacles to reaching goals today. Contrary to many beliefs, there is no such thing as clearing or expunging your record. Although there is no way to make a past conviction disappear, there is a process for getting a Criminal Record Modification, called a 1203.4 Dismissal, placing the word “Dismissed” after the conviction on your California Department of Justice Criminal Record. Why Get a Criminal Record Modification? It puts the incident in a better light when having to explain it to: • Potential Employers • State Licensing Boards • Immigration • Customs/Border Patrol You May Qualify if You: • Were convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor • Successfully completed probation • Are not in county jail or state prison, on probation, parole or being charged with a crime For a no charge consultation on this or any criminal law issue call (323) 304-4778. Law Office of Damian Leone 4242 Sunset Blvd., #3, Silver Lake, 90029 (323) 304-4778
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LIFESTYLES
The action moves from London to Scotland to the Middle East with the use of multiple By Marilyn Tower Oliver, Ledger Theatre Critic changes of costume and some rather homemade looking props. To start the new year, I One has to admire the ventured a little out of our boundless energy of the seaarea over the hill to the NoHo soned actors in the productheatre district in North Holtion. British actor Oliver lywood. Actually, I discovered Muirhead—who portrays it is only about 7 miles from Crummond and a second my Silver Lake home, a shorter character, the Moroccan terdistance than some of the therorist Al Shaitan—is most ater districts of Hollywood recently seen in the movie and environs. “The Social Network.” Rodger The NoHo district has a Bumpass who portrays at least large number of small theaters five characters is best known as and one larger theater, El Porthe voice of Squyidward Tental, which offer a variety of tacles on the cartoon “Spongeproductions. Because of the bob Squarepants.” Anastasia recent holidays, only a few Bullshot Crummond and the Invisible Bride of Death with clockwise from left: Roussel who portrays CrumRodger Bumpass, Oliver Muirhead, Christian Rummel, Katie Boeck and plays were running into JanuAnastasia Roussel. Photo: Ty Donaldson. mond’s bride Rosemary has ary. One was a new play, by been in many TV and stage Ron House, a seasoned playproductions. The other two comedy hit play “Bullshot States. This new work involves wright and film producer. actors, Katie Boeck and ChrisCrummond” which was also many of the same characters as “Bulldog Crummond and tian Rummel, are also experimade into a movie by George the original. the Invisible Bride of Death” enced pros. Harrison’s company HandWhile farce is not my fais a total farce parodying the You have to like farcical Made Films. That play ran for vorite form of theater, I can British pulp hero Bulldog comedies and slapstick to realfive years in San Francisco and appreciate the high level of Drummond, a popular charly enjoy this play as on a whole one year in Los Angeles. This energy demanded from the acter in 1930s films. it is pretty silly. However, year alone, there have been 60 actors who are called upon to This new play is a sequel productions of it in the United portray multiple characters. in view of some of the grim to House’s 1972 international events we read about daily, it Actually, the program notes is a rather welcome chance to state that the play has a cast of enjoy the absurd. thousands here portrayed by While the first act drags a five actors. bit, the action picks up in Act The convoluted plot reII. In general, the play is suitvolves around Crummond’s able for all ages. search to discover the secret of invisibility which is in the “Bulshot Crummond hands of the evil Otto Von and the Invisible Bride Bruno and his wife Lenya who of Death” runs weekends also plan to steal the Crown (NAMED ONE OF THE TOP GELATO SHOPS IN THE NATION BY BON APPETIT! ) through Jan. 16th at the Jews of Britain in order to gain Whitmore-Lindley Theatre, FARMERS' MARKET PRODUCE control of the world. Bullshot 11006 Magnolia Blvd. near VEGAN OPTIONS Crummond, the champion of Vineland. Street parkall that is good and brave, is LET US CATER YOUR NEXT PARTY OR EVENT, ing. Tickets are $25. ReserPORTABLE DISPLAY CASE AVAILABLE determined to thwart their efvations (800) 595-4849 or forts. In this endeavor he is asFULL ESPRESSO BAR and FREE Wi-Fi online at bullshotisback.com. sisted by his bride Rosemary.
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[a dog’s life]
New PETA Ad Blocked by Local Station By Jennifer Clark, Ledger Columnist In an effort to promote the adoption of rescue animals, PETA recently issued a new advertisement known as the “Everyday Dogs” commercial. The segment features people interacting with their pets in everyday activities such as playing fetch, leash walking and driving with the windows rolled down. The catch is that these dogs are all in body bags. The tagline asks, “If you buy a dog, what will you do with the shelter dog you kill?” Local station KCBS-TV recently reversed their decision to air the commercial citing the ad as “distasteful.” But perhaps this was the point, PETA senior vice president, Lisa Lange says, “there is absolutely nothing ‘tasteful’ about the euthanasia of milwww.losfelizledger.com
lion of dogs in animal shelters every year simply because people who could have opened their homes to a shelter dog purchased a dog from a breeder or pet store instead.” According to the ASPCA 50 percent of the dogs that are killed are from shelters. Many people overlook shelter dogs because they are interested in a specific breed. It’s important that these breed seekers are aware of the many breed specific rescue organizations out there. Pet owners are also reminded to spay and neuter their animals in order to avoid this vicious cycle of stray animals. The ad may be viewed on YouTube under the title “Everyday Dogs” presented by PETA. January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger [restaurant news]
Openings and Closings By Pat Saperstein Ledger Contributing Writer Los Feliz is in flux as Mako, as neighborhood staple for 26 years next to the Los Feliz Theater, has closed up shop. Where else could you eat a three course Japanese dinner for $3.50? A more recent addition, the Los Feliz Pinkberry, has also closed. Difficult parking was undoubtedly a factor. But plenty of frozen treats are still available over on Hillhurst Avenue, including self-serve frozen yogurt at Froyo Life or gelato in flavors like lavender or milk chocolate cherry at Gelato Bar. For those who prefer cocktails, Big Bar at Alcove offers handcrafted cocktails made with fresh fruit juices, including a weekday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a lengthy bar menu.
In Echo Park, Jason Michaud, owner of Silver Lake’s Local, has taken over a restaurant spot on Echo Park Avenue near Montana. He’s presumably planning another spot featuring his spin on comfort food made with unique touches and organic ingredients. In Atwater Village, the former Rolling Pin Bakery on Glendale Boulevard is now Proof, featuring Cognoscenti Coffee and indulgent pastries like Valrhona chocolate croissants, caramel apple cake with mascarpone frosting and ginger molasses cookies. A bright new cafe with a European flair, Food + Lab, is now open on Sunset Boulevard near Dusty’s. It’s the third Los Angeles outpost for this cafe with full breakfasts, coffee, salads and sandwiches, with great takeout potential. Food + Lab is also open for dinner.
Corrections & Amplifications In our “AVNC Opposes ‘Blight’ Status Coming with Future Redevelopment” in our (December 2010) we incorrectly reported the vote of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC).
We wrote, regarding a letter in discussion of whether to be sent or not to City Councilmembers Tom LaBonge and Eric Garcetti that six board members voted in favor of sending the letter; one voted
Look for the February edition of the
in opposition while the six remaining board members abstained. The actual vote was six boardmembers voted yes to send the letter; three abstained and one voted against it. We regret the error.
Los Feliz Ledger on January 27th
[the good life]
Organic Vodka By Tara de Lis, Ledger Contributing Writer For a long time, vodka dominated the Los Angeles drinking scene. Being such a neutral spirit, it mixes easily with everything from citrus and vermouth to milk and coffee, not to mention energy drinks, which have made it a staple among young clubbers for the past decade. Then, suddenly, there was a return to pre-Prohibition Era beverages, which favor long under-appreciated bases like gin and rye. However, with the intro-
Explains its master distiller, Gerry Webb, “From farm to bottle, Moon Mountain is made using all organic ingredients. The spirit is made from organically grown corn, which is sourced from farms across Minnesota and Indiana. Each step of the careful, small-batch distillation process ensures an artisanal, USDA Certified organic [product].” Another corn-based organic vodka is Rain, which is produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky. Not surprising that the kernel of
While no alcohol can ever be touted as healthy, per se, the use of organic ingredients in liquor certainly meshes with the importance people place on the same qualities in produce and proteins. duction and increasing popularity of organic vodkas, suddenly the spirit is making a comeback. While no alcohol can ever be touted as healthy, per se, the use of organic ingredients in liquor certainly meshes with the importance people place on the same qualities in produce and proteins. Numerous brands have adopted the organic philosophy. For instance, Moon Mountain vodka is copper pot-distilled and produced in a very artisanal fashion corn. January 2011
choice here is white corn— Buffalo Trace is primarily known for bourbon, which by law must be at least 51-percent corn. They also offer flavored vodkas like lavender lemonade and red grape hibiscus. Voli is European utilizing French wheat; its organic according to EU standards. It is considered “light” vodka and makes various flavors like raspberry cocoa and pear vanilla—which are comparatively low-calorie—not to mention electrolyte-enhanced. www.losfelizledger.com
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Los Feliz Ledger
Last Minute Ways to Celebrate the End of 2010 and to Ring in 2011
Beautiful Delicious Delivered
Cleopatra’s New Year’s Eve Ball
Together As One at LA Sports Arena
The courtyard will be tented and available for this Egyptian themed party. There will be deejays with hip-hop music as well as a giant light show. There will even be a balloon drop and a confetti blast. Friday, Dec. 31st 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. $25 and up
Open to all ages, this event features music in multiple dance areas. Artists and deejays at the event include: Major Lazer (Feat. Diplo & Switch!), Diplo, Jack Beats, DJ Reza, Nero, Laidback Luke, Markus Schulz, Wolfgang Gartner, Kill The Noise and more. Friday, Dec. 31st, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa. $60 and up
New Year’s Eve at Universal City Walk
Cakes | Pies | Tarts | More
With tons of restaurants and great stores, City Walk will be having a New Year’s Eve Countdown Bash, which is free. The event features deejays and live music beginning at 9 p.m. Fireworks at midnight. Friday, Dec. 31st, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Universal City Walk. Free
3337 W. Sunset Blvd. 323.667.2968 larkcakeshop.com Bring in this ad for one free cupcake.
Giant New Year’s at Hollywood Palladium An all night party featuring beats by ATB and Gabriel & Dresden, this party will also include a champagne lounge, which will have music by
deejays Basic, Architects of Sound, and Storm, as well as the open ballroom. Friday, Dec. 31st, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 West Sunset Blvd. $75 and up
Kristin Chenoweth at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Emmy and Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth will perform live, featuring hits from her albums as well as famous Broadway and pop tunes. Friday, Dec. 31st, 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave. $60 and up.
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Jennifer Kwon Dobbs will be reading from her poetry at Pacific Hills School on Sunday, January 9, 2011. A poet, librettist, teacher, and critic, Professor Kwon Dobbs was born in Won Ju Si, South Korea. Paper Pavilion (White Pine Press 2007) is her debut poetry collection. Her poems have appeared widely in anthologies, film, journals and on radio. A professor of creative writing at St. Olaf College in Minneapolis, and a former Angelino, Kwon founded a community outreach program for low income students in Los Angeles that continues to make a positive difference in many lives.
IMMIGRATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Following the poetry reading, Professor Kwon Dobbs, along with PHS Head of School Peter Temes and PHS faculty member Ivan Barahona, will lead a panel discussion on Immigration and Student Success, exploring the ways that parents new to the U.S. can support their children’s success in competitive schools.
Jennifer Kwon Dobbs Sun., Jan. 9th 4:30 pm reading Kwon Dobbs, Barahona, Temes 6:00 pm panel Uri Cohen Noha Radwan Peter Temes Wed., Feb. 2nd 6:30 pm
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Columbia University professor and Pacific Hills faculty fellow Uri Cohen will be joined by UC Davis professor Noha Radwan and Pacific Hills Head of School Peter Temes On Wednesday, February 2, 2011, to discuss the ways that politics, religion and citizenship shape -- and are shaped by -- our identities as Israelis, Arabs, and Americans.
A light dinner will be served. RSVP to attend these free events at (310) 276-3068, ext. 113, or awagner@phschool.org.
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 8th, 1:00 pm
We welcome prospective students entering grades 6-12 and their families to join us. Please call Lynne Bradshaw at (310) 276-3068 to hold a spot, or to arrange a private tour. Pacific Hills School 8628 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 276-3068 www.phschool.org
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Page 10 LIFESTYLES
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January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger [ JANUARY 2011 events calendar ] BOOKS
DANCE
Book Clubs Two book clubs meet on the third Saturday of the month. The Silver Favorites Book Club meets in the morning to discuss Joan Didion’s classic Hollywood novel, Play It as It Lays. The LGBT Book Club will meet in the afternoon to discuss bisexual literature and the book Henry and June, by Anais Nin. Both books are available to check out at the library. Silver Lake Branch Library, Sat., Jan. 15th, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 2411 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake. Information: (323) 913-7451, www.lapl.org.
DanceSpot Studio A Dance’s monthly dance concerts give local companies a chance to show their work in an intimate space. After the performance, attendees can meet performers, choreographers and visual artist Elliott Griffin in the Le Barre Lounge. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Studio A Dance, Sat., Jan. 29th, 8 p.m. 2306 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. Information: (323) 661-8311; www.studioadance.com.
Maile Meloy The Autry Book Club opens the new year with local author Maile Meloy, who has received a California Book Awards silver medal for fiction and the Aga Khan Prize for Fiction. Meloy will discuss Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It , a collection of short stories. A book signing and light reception will follow. Admission is $15. Autry National Center of the American West, Sun., Jan. 23rd, 2p.m. to 4 p.m. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. Information: (323) 667-2000; www.theautry.org.
‘Tumbling Tumbleweeds’ & ‘The Last Round-Up’ The Autry revives the old tradition of Saturday matinee double features with this screening of two films starring the Singing Cowboy himself, Gene Autry. Tumbling Tumbleweeds (1935) and The Last Round-Up (1947) offer an afternoon of Western thrills, songs and comedy. Museum admission is free on New Year’s Day. Autry National Center of the American West, Sat., Jan. 1st, noon to 2 p.m. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. Information: (323) 667-2000; www.theautry.org.
Used Book Sale The Atwater Village library holds its monthly book sale. Come early for the best bargains. Atwater Village Branch Library, Sat., Jan. 15th, 10 a.m. 3379 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village. Information: www.atwatervillage.org.
COMEDY Crash Test Comedians Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer, of the sketch-comedy group Human Giant, return with their experimental semimonthly show. The format changes every time, and could include improv, standup, screenings and special guests. Admission is $5. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Mon., Jan. 3rd, 11 p.m. 5919 Franklin Ave., Franklin Village. Information: (323) 908-8702; www. ucbtheatre.com.
FILM
Sat., Jan. 22nd, 10 a.m. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Information: (818) 790-3663; www.descansogardens.org.
MUSIC Ann Magnuson Does David Bowie Actress and performer Ann Magnuson performs her glamrock tribute to David Bowie on the evening of his birthday (and, by popular demand, the night after). Magnuson’s backing band features Krtian Hoffman on keys, Jonathan Lea on guitar, Joe Berardi on drums and Miiko Watanabe on bass. Admission is $20. Steve Allen Theater, Sat., Jan. 8th, Sun., Jan. 9th, 8 p.m. 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz. Information: (323) 666-4268; www. steveallentheater.com. The Fling & the Belle Brigade The final Spaceland Monday night residency as we know it features two talented local folk-rock bands: Long Beach’s the Fling and L.A.’s the Belle Brigade. Admission is free. Ages 21 and over. Spaceland, Mon., Jan. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, 8:30 p.m. 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake Information: (323) 661-4380; www.clubspaceland.com.
NATURE & SCIENCE HOME & GARDEN GPIA Tree Giveaway The Glassell Park Improvement Association will be giving away free fruit trees and mulch. TreePeople will provide the apple, apricot, nectarine, peach and plum trees. Volunteers are also welcomed. Glassell Recreation Center, Sat., Jan. 15th, 1 p.m. 3650 Verdugo Road, Glassell Park. Information: (213) 503-7838; acalceves@yahoo.com. Intro to Gardening The first session of this two-part gardening class for beginners will cover the basics about soil, planting, choosing plants, watering, picking containers and more. Horticulturalist Rachel Young will teach the class. (The second session is planned for March 5 and priced separately.) Admission is $20. Descanso Gardens,
Elephants of Asia The L.A. Zoo’s new exhibit is also the largest in its history, with more than 6 acres of land showcasing and educating about elephants and the challenges they face in the wild. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park. Information: (323) 644-4200; www.lazoo.org. Public Star Party Each month, the Griffith
Musical guitars are part of the fantastical show Magic Strings, opening this month at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Observatory, the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers host these astronomy events for the whole family. Attendees can try out a variety of telescopes; talk to astronomers about the sky and their equipment; and view the sun, moon, planets and other celestial objects. Admission is free. Griffith Observatory, Sat., Jan., 15th, 2 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park. Information: (213) 473-0800; www.griffithobservatory.org.
THEATER Free Neo Ensemble Theatre presents the Los Angeles premiere of Barbara Lindsay’s Free, which tells the story of a man with a unique relationship with gravity. Wendy Worthington directs. Tickets are $20 general admission, $12 for students and seniors. Ford Amphitheatre, Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Jan. 22nd to Feb. 27th. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood Hills.
Information: (323) 461-3673; www. fordamphitheater.org. Magic Strings The Bob Baker Marionette Theater enters its 51st season with the perennial favorite Magic Strings, which features more than 100 marionettes in an hourlong variety revue. After the performance, guests are invited to enjoy refreshments. Tickets are $15. Reservations are required. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m., Sat.-Sun., 2:30 p.m. Opens Jan. 22nd. 1345 W. 1st St., Echo Park. Information: (213) 2509995; www.bobbakermarionettes.com. The Screwtape Letters The Fellowship for Performing Arts presents this adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, which reveals the correspondence of a high-ranking demon. Max McLean stars in the title role. Tickets are $38-$89. Alex Theatre, Sat., Jan. 15th, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Information: (818) 243-2539; www.alextheatre.org.
William Acheff, Fall’s Pick, oil on linen, 16 x 20 in.
of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale Saturday, February 5—Sunday, March 20, 2011 The Autry National Center’s Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale is considered the country’s most important Western art show. Each year, more than 75 nationally recognized, contemporary Western artists challenge themselves to create and exhibit their very best work. Stylistically and thematically diverse, their works represent the extraordinary range of subject matter that contemporary, historic, and mythic Western experiences inspire.
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 • 323.667.2000 • TheAutry.org
January 2011
www.losfelizledger.com
CALENDAR Page 11
Los Feliz Ledger [people in my neighborhood]
Patrick Joseph By Colleen Paeff, Ledger Columnist
Los Feliz’s Patrick Joseph will play Jan. 7th at Room 5 Lounge in Hollywood.
metro.net/works
L I A R E R KS MO THE WOR IN
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Both the Westside Subway Extension and Regional Connector projects are entering the final environmental review and preliminary engineering stages.
Patrick Joseph is a musician. But, to limit him to one title is to short change the 25-year-old Los Feliz resident. He’s also a composer, arranger, songwriter, performer, producer and recording engineer. And, since the release of his debut album, Antiques, last November, he’s been his own PR agent. He plays hockey, too. Joseph grew up in the Shady Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh. He studied piano from ages 6 to 15, and learned to play the drums in middle school. But, in his early teens, when his dad introduced him to Stevie Ray Vaughn’s album Live Alive, Joseph got serious about playing the guitar. “For a couple years of my life,” Joseph said, “all I wanted to do was play blues guitar.”
And he did. He still played the drums in several bands, but whenever Joseph got the chance, he’d hitch a ride with his band-mate’s older brother to
“I just fell in love with Bob Dylan,” Joseph said. “I started with his first record and listened to everything… that’s when I started singing by myself and playing gigs.” He developed a following, first as a solo performer playing coffee houses and small venues, then with a backup band at larger clubs. Joseph had amassed a following of 10,000 fans on Myspace when he relocated to Los Angeles in 2008. Unfamiliar with the city, Joseph borrowed a car and spent two discouraging days driving through L.A. looking for a neighborhood he and his girlfriend, Rachel Lorraine, could call home. Finally, he turned onto Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz. “It was late at night and there were lots of people out,” Joseph said. “Figaro Café was all lit up. It looked like something from Paris in the 1940s.
“Figaro Café was all lit up. It looked like something from Paris in the 1940s. We just knew right away.” the open-mic nights at Pittsburgh’s blues clubs. “Being that young and being able to play those kinds of places and have that independence was a fun experience,” Joseph said. At 16, Joseph discovered the Beatles and started writing his own music. Then he got turned on to Bob Dylan.
We just knew right away.” The couple have been living in Los Feliz and loving it ever since. With his debut CD selling at Amoeba, Amazon, and iTunes, and his first gig of 2011 booked for Jan. 7th at Room 5 Lounge in Hollywood, Patrick Joseph is looking forward to a busy year.
Westside Subway Extension
> A subway extension running between the Wilshire/Western Metro Purple Line Station and the Westwood/VA Hospital has been approved as the route of the Westside Subway Extension. > The $4.2 billion project will extend the subway a distance of approximately nine miles to Beverly Hills, Century City and Westwood. > Under the 30/10 Initiative, construction could begin in 2013, with completion of the subway to the Westwood area by 2022.
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> Work continues on an additional station at Farmdale Avenue adjacent to Dorsey High School on the Exposition light rail line. > The Expo Line is the newest extension of the 70-station Metro Rail system, running between downtown LA and Culver City. > Nine other stations are located along the route, spanning approximately 8.6 miles in length and paralleling the I-10 Freeway.
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Page 12 LIFESTYLES
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January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger
Local Experts Worldwide
SeleCted propertieS
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
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
GRAND NEWER MEDITERRANEAN: hollywood hills. Grand newer medit.villa offers luxurious amenities situated on a quiet street in the hollywood hills w/pool. $1,357,800 Web: 0284089 Manvel & Nadia 323.376.2222
CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY: los Feliz. custom blt contemporary 4bd/3ba, multi-level w/ FDr,Flr,Fr, hi ceilings, open flpln terraces, culdesac, w/ tree-lined street.$1,195,000 Web: 0281918 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. $1,025,000 Web: 0284084 Andrew Morrison 323.270.2277
CHARMING SPAN DUPLEX: silver lake. charm span. Duplex w/ views of city. hdwd flrs. lg bkyd. bonus studio or office space. crwn mold & orig builtins. $899,000 Web: 0284116 St.Clair/Rick Wixo 213.304.4943
We are proud to support Conservation International (conservation.org) in their mission to protect all life on Earth. As we work to increase the understanding and use of sound conservation practices in our offices and our business, our organization and agents have already helped to protect more than 16,000 rainforest acres through an ongoing donation program.
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
AWATER GEM W/ GUEST: atwater. clean, sleek 1995 medit 4bd/3ba move-in ready home w/ open flr plan. huge master suite. converted 600sqft garage guest. $730,000 Web: 0284107 Delaina Gallardo 323.854.8330 receNtly leaseD
HAPPY NEW YEAR: echo Park. remodeled 3bd/2ba traditional with bonus room w/ own bath. 2 car garage, new elec/plumb, heat/air, alarm, on cul-de-sac. $399,000 Web: 0281948 Luisa Ferrante 323.671.2314
OFFICE LEASE SECURED: beverly center. represented tenant, publically-traded international tour operator, in 5-yr, ±5,746sqft lease in full service building. call for price.Web: 0288060 Delaina Gallardo 323.854.8330
2739 GRIFFITH PARK BLVD: silver lake. Great buy. remod 1920 4bd/2.5ba w/ fpl, a front grassy yd & large terraced bkyd. close to restaurants. Ivanhoe school. $699,000 Web: 0284111 Rosemary Low 323.660.5885 receNtly leaseD
2000 HYPERION AVE: silver lake. represented tenant - established daycare provider – to secure 5-yr lease of 6,000 sq ft campus for a new pre-school. call for price. Web: 0282000 Delaina Gallardo 323.854.8330
Southern California BrokerageS I sothebyshomes.com/socal I uSe the WeB numBerS provided to find out more information on a property through our WeBSite loS feliz 1801 North hIllhurst aveNue t 323.665.1700 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.
January 2011
www.losfelizledger.com
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 13
Los Feliz Ledger [real estate]
Market Will Grow in 2011, Say Experts “Like a Tortoise, Not a Hare” By Erik Derr, Ledger Real Estate Reporter Even though the Los Feliz/ Holly wood Hills/Silver Lake/Echo Park neighborhoods avoided the high numbers of foreclosures and short sales seen in other areas, 2010 was nonetheless a time for maturing in the local housing market, say local real estate professionals. “I think the biggest thing is that we’ve had a lot of people sitting on the sidelines,” said Matthew Matti, owner of TriCity Realty in Los Feliz. Meanwhile, the housing market has seen “an amazing” stretch in which home prices have been low and so have interest rates. Typically, prices are down while rates are up or vice versa. “We saw a lot of economic ups and downs that influenced a lot of buyers and sellers in deciding what to do,” said Henry Plascencia of Prudential California Realty in Los Feliz. The last 12 months, he added, “was a year filled with great difficulty and uncertainty… everything felt like a struggle and a fight to try and get every deal closed. Some deals did not work out due to mortgage issues that included low appraisals [and] tighter guidelines.” Plascencia said home sales appeared to plateau for the first portion of the year, though the market “greatly improved” when the home buyer tax credit kicked in, along with “the perception that it was okay to buy again.” The atmosphere adjust-
ment led to “lots of activity on both the buyer and seller sides of my business,” he said. “Personally, this has been an incredible year for me with a major turn in the right direction.” According to real estate website Trulia.com, which analyzes data from local brokers and agents and the Socal region’s Multiple Listing Service, the median sales price for homes in Los Feliz for the two-month period ending in November was $696,000, a decline of 8.2 percent from the previous quarter and a decrease of 7.8 percent for the year. The total number of sales heading into December was down 17.4 percent from the same time in 2009—though month-tomonth sales had bumped up and down through the year, staying within a 15-20 percentage point margin. The average listing price for a Los Feliz home on Trulia was $1,269,425 for the week ending Dec. 15th, an increase of 2 percent compared to the prior week and a 2.6 percent bump over the week ending Nov. 24th. Average price per square foot for homes in Los Feliz was $387, an estimated 60.67 percent lower than the average price per square foot for homes in Los Angeles, which experience a sudden price surge to over $1,020 per square foot in October and November before dropping back down to about $1,000 in December. Median sales price for homes in Silver Lake from September to November 2010 was $600,000, a jump of 12.7 see REAL ESTATE page 15
Looking for a new home? Staring in 2011 See all the upcoming weekend’s open houses In Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village and the Hollywood Hills Check our website each Friday morning for that weekend’s listings
Los Feliz Ledger.com
Page 14 Su Casa REAL ESTATE
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January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger REAL ESTATE from page 14
last year, the median price accept the real estate indusdropped 5.3 percent, while the try’s new norms of protracted percent, or $67,500, as comnumber of sales decreased 10.9 growth and stiffer borrowing pared to the prior quarter and percent. practices. Although she also an increase of 26.3 percent The average price per predicts greater sales numbers from the prior year. square foot for a Hollywood in the near future, it will likely The average listing price Hills home was $455, which amount to an annual market for homes in Silver Lake was was 9.2 percent below last up tick of about 2 to 3 per$703,518 for the week ending year’s price. The average listing cent, she said. “I think we’ll be Dec. 15th, a slight increase of price for homes in Hollywood a tortoise, not a hare.” 0.3 percent over the prior week Hills was $2,185,581 for the Matti contends more buyand 0.8 percent compared to week ending Dec. 15th. ers should have jumped into the week ending Nov. 24th. According to Claudia the market in 2010—but Average price per square didn’t because foot for homes they were waiting in Silver Lake for a more obviwas $349 in Although Claudia Hipolito also ous turn-around; the most recent predicts greater sales numbers in the the end to the quarter. The me- near future, it will likely amount to an ongoing slump, though, will likely dian sales price annual market up tick of about 2 to 3 be a gradual rise for homes in rather than a defiEcho Park from percent, she said. “I think we’ll be a nite spike, accordSeptember to tortoise, not a hare.” ing to experts. November was Me a nwh i le, $390,000 based interest rates are on 47 sales. Hipolito, assistant manager expected to rise again soon, Compared to a year ago, the and agent with Coldwell hurting the borrowing power median sales price increased Banker/Los Feliz the local of consumers when they do. 5.4 percent while the number market, she said, did not crash So, if the amount of availof sales decreased 11.3 percent. at all, although there was a able inventory improves in The average price per price correction. When it 2011, but interest rates go up, square foot for a home in Echo starts sinking in that the mar“I see a small adjustment, anPark was $313, an increase ket’s recovery will be steady other dip in prices,” Tri-City of 16.4 percent compared to and not dramatic, consumers Realty’s Matti said. If, on the the same period in 2009. The will indeed enter the market other hand, interest rates and median sales price for homes in healthy numbers again, she prices both manage to remain in Hollywood Hills from said. low, “we are going to see a September to November was Hipolito also said it took growing number of people $800,000 based on 139 sales. a few years for consumers to getting back in the market.” Compared to the same period
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2055 Grace Ave, Hollywood Hills $1,198,000 Holly Purcell 323.671.1267 Three bedroom, two bathroom home with panoramic views of downtown, Hollywood and the ocean! 1920s Hollywood Hills home with period details: Batchelder fireplace, French windows, coved ceilings, sun room and more. Pool.
2244 Talmadge St, Los Feliz $999,000 Michael Tunick 323.671.1200 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths. Light and bright Los Feliz hills Contemporary with bonus studio. Walled and gated entry. Open floor plan overlooks deck and panoramic mountain views. Amazing, park-like yard. Close to Village and Griffith Park. 2244Talmadge.com
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.
2467 Corralitas Dr, Silver Lake $669,000 Henry Plascencia 323.671.1275 3 bedroom, 2½ bath light-filled modern home. Beautiful open living spaces, spacious outdoor patios, gourmet kitchen with Fisher Paykel appliances, custom polished concrete counters and so much more. www.SilverLakeModernHomes.com
4192 Palmero Dr, Mount Washington $598,000 Henry Plascencia 323.671.1275 Impressive three bedroom, two bath Mid-Century located high up in the hills with impressive city and mountain views from most rooms. Updated kitchen and baths with granite countertops. www.MtWashingtonMidCentury.com
3216 Madera Ave, Atwater Village $519,000 Henry Plascencia 323.671.1200 Upgraded and remodeled three bedroom, two bath home in the heart of Atwater Village. Huge kitchen and dining area ideal for entertaining. Spacious guest bedrooms. Wonderful master suite and bath. Updated plumbing and electrical.
SOLD
4411 Los Feliz Bl #408, Los Feliz $499,000 Thomas Inatomi 323.671.1249 Coming soon! Meticulously renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bath Los Feliz Towers condo. Open floor plan, birch wood floors, walls of glass and views. Gourmand kitchen with walnut cabinets and Carrera marble counters. www.LosFelizTowers408.com
1928 Spanish in Glendale $395,000 Greg Bender 323.671.1200 1928 Spanish in Glendale with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths. Legal 3-unit structure with loads of potential and original details that include a living room with barrel ceiling and decorative fireplace, large kitchen and an attached guest studio apartment.
A member of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.
7135 Hollywood Bl #304, Hollywood $349,000 Xavier L. Carrica 323.671.1200 Rare opportunity to live like a true Hollywood legend. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit boasts views of Hollywood landmarks and the hills. Updated and spacious, with a modern kitchen full of natural light. 24 hour valet and security.
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.
January 2011
www.losfelizledger.com
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 15
Los Feliz Ledger Visit www.41pounds.org and have them stop all the junk mail, direct mailings and catalogs (an average of 41 lbs of paper per household per year). Sustainable Saturdays at Silver Lake Library Get Organized for the New Year with Green Organizer Julie Naylon
[keen to be green]
A Clutter-Free New Year By Meher McArthur, Ledger Columnist I battle to keep our home free of clutter—toys, books, DVDs, mail, stacks of paper. I dream of a bigger house with more closet space, but then I realize we’d probably end up filling that house too! Better to reduce the clutter—and start this on New Year’s Day. I recently met Julie Nay-
lon, who runs a green home organizing business (www. nowirehangersbiz.com) that helps de-clutter homes without filling up landfills with unwanted stuff. Closets too full? Donate your clothes to a thrift store. Too many CDs or DVDs? Why not download music and movies and save plastic and space? Too much junk mail?
Saturday, Jan. 8th, 11 a.m. Free. Contact www. sustainablesilverlake.org or call (323) 913-7453.
[ SELECT HOME SALES JANUARY 2011 ] 90026 Single Family Residences 713 1338 2314 2126 713
ROBINSON ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $765,000 N CORONADO ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 748,000 VISTA GORDO DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 649,000 PRINCETON AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645,000 N LA FAYETTE PARK PL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499,000
4411 4455 5125 4343 4411
LOS FELIZ BLVD 1401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $681,000 LOS FELIZ BLVD 908 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 535,000 HAROLD WAY 207 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395,000 FINLEY AVE 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375,000 LOS FELIZ BLVD 408 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299,000
4953 3552 3476 4330 1954 4107 4442
AMBROSE AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,225,000 LOWRY RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,205,000 BEN LOMOND PL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,128,500 PARVA AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,100,000 TALMADGE ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720,000 CAMERO AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370,000 CLAYTON AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370,000
2651 2292 2634 2357 2335 3025 2376
IVANHOE DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,346,000 MORENO DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921,000 ARMSTRONG AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 820,000 KENILWORTH AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815,000 MEADOW VALLEY TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750,000 GLENMANOR PL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 655,000 EDGEWATER TER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560,000
90027 Condominimums
90027 Single Family Homes
90039 Single Family Homes
90068 Condominimums 2700 CAHUENGA BLVD E 2213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $345,000
6728 HILLPARK DR 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288,000 1940 N HIGHLAND AVE 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268,000 2700 CAHUENGA BLVD E 2112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196,000
90068 Single Family Homes 3568 MULTIVIEW DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,150,000 5885 5867 3415 2736 1936
LOCKSLEY PL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CANYON CV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IONE DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOLLYRIDGE DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N BRONSON AVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
800,000 790,000 760,000 675,000 675,000
Sales are from the previous month. Source: Great American Real Estate Solutions
NOURMAND & ASSOCIATES
Howard Lorey Brokerage Manager
6525 Sunset Boulevard, 8th floor Los Angeles, Califor nia 90028 tel: 323.462.6262 www.Nourmand.com Locally owned and operated since 1976.
direct: 323-462-6262 email: HLorey@Nour mand.com
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
32504 Pacific Coast Hwy - $9,499,000
2006 Preston
Malibu. Organic Architectural compound reminiscent of famed Post Ranch Inn. Open flr pln w/soaring ceiling, walls of glass & ocean views.
Elysian Heights. Quiet location. Outdoor gardens w/deck & views. Original charm, modest updtng & potential to convert lrg basement into lvng space.
Sherri Rogers Anthony Stellini
Steven Maher
323.810.1473 310.963.4205
-
$422,000
310.433.5192
FOR SALE
FOR SALE $3,149,000
525 N. Sycamore Ave. #427 - $299,000
Los Feliz. Mid-Century modern w/open flr pln renovated by Stephen Moore. 4500 sf., 5BR, 4.5BA. Indoor/outdoor living area and pool. Large master.
Hancock Park. Renovated top flr unit in an FHA approved bldg. Bamboo flrs, granite counters, crown molding, custom draperies and lots more!
Judy Feder
Jason Callaway
2661 Aberdeen Ave.
-
310.890.0033
FOR SALE 2311 Richland Ave.
-
310.880.5020
COMING SOON $549,000
3416 Madera
-
Call for price
Los Feliz. 1923 Mediterranean fixer, one can only imagine the glamorous parties & events that once graced this showplace. This home needs restoring.
Atwater Village. Restored Spanish on a huge, flat lot. 2BR/1BA, chic kitchen, Spa style bath, detached office/ studio, “Green” style improvements.
Sherri Rogers Anthony Stellini
Courtney Smith Kurt Wisner
323.810.1473 310.963.4205
FOR SALE 2121 Aaron St.
-
323.899.8509 323.841.3839
PENDING $489,900
114 S. Sycamore Ave.
-
$1,579,000
Echo Park. Renovated duplex, 2 separate houses. Total of 6BR’s, private garage, refinished flrs, kitchens, bedrooms, and baths. Great investment.
Hancock Park. Spanish style 4-plex. 2BR, 1BA units with spacious living and formal dining rooms. Wonderful investment opportunity.
Mica Rabineau
Michael Nourmand Adam Sires
323.816.5868
310.888.3364 310.888.3314
We M a r k e t Yo u r H o m e To T h e Wo r l d Page 16 Su Casa REAL ESTATE
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2011
Thank You Los Feliz for a Great 2010
Va h a n S a r o i a n s #1 Commercial Real Estate Broker #1 Residential Real Estate Broker at Coldwell Banker Los Feliz
Cell 323-497-6655 Direct 323-906-2469 Fax 323-665-0406 Saroians@aol.com Commer cial Pr operties Sold in 2 0 1 0
2807-2811 Clearwater
1535 N. Kenmore Avenue
1843-1849 N. Normandie Ave
1835 N. Normandie Avenue
Residential Pr operties Sold in 2 0 1 0
225 Barlock Avenue
19912 Mariposa Creek Way
11340 Hendley Drive
1530 Oakdale Street
2324 Caracas Street
470 Prospect Terrace
2048 Watson Street
22450 Hatteras Street
Prudential C alifornia Realty
tracy do
www.tracydo.com tracy@tracydo.com (323) 842-4001 dre # 01350025
2409 Edgewater Terrace 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
6225 Saylin Lane 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, art studio and pool
4940 W. Melrose Hill 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
943 Chung King Road Retail and Residential
7135 Hollywood Blvd, Unit 103 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
3801 Aloha Street SALE PENDING
For a complimentary estimate of your property value, text me. I’m in the neighborhood. Tracy Do 323-842-4001
3225 Descanso Drive SALE PENDING
3718 Glendon Avenue, Unit A 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
2846 Lambert Place Buyer Representation, SALE PENDING
Los Feliz Ledger [eastside eye]
L.A. Walks via Urban Hikes and Secret Staircases By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Columnist Thanks to the path around the Silver Lake Reservoir, it is so much easier to “walk the lake.” The opening of the meadow will soon add a scenic loop that will open up views of Silver Lake’s hills. When some outof-town visitors recently asked for a Silver Lake walking tour, I gave them the fifty-cent tour—an easy amble along the west Silver Lake Boulevard side of the reservoir path and a detour to Neutra Place, with a
quick look at the Cove Avenue stairs, and a short break and cup of chai at LA Mill. Silver Lake resident and writer Charles Fleming has formalized those kinds of tours, adding much historic information via his recently published book Secret Staircases: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles. A detailed guide to 42 walks from Pasadena to Santa Monica, more than half the guidebook looks at stairs and points of interest in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Hollywood and Echo Park.
POST OFFICE from page 1
have played a major role in today’s drop in mail volume and monetary losses by the U.S. Postal Service. But according to Maher, a 2006 law, passed by the U.S. Congress requiring the U.S. Postal Service to “pre-fund” multiple billions of dollars a year in future retiree benefits, is the main factor for the nation’s postal service economic troubles. Maher said that each year, the postal service pays current retiree benefits and is required by law to put away $5.5 billion in future benefits. “This is a good idea for a rainy day,” Maher said, “But this does not make sense. No other government agency is saddled with a situation like this.” Legislation has been introduced, however, by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Delaware) in Sept. 2010 to override the 2006 law. Maher could not elaborate on the timing of the Vermont Avenue location study or when a decision would be made.
the site be maintained and the finding of an alternate site for the post office be found. While Maher would not speculate on visions being considered for the site, one such possibility he mentioned would be a post office retail site on the ground floor—for the purchase of stamps, postal rental boxes and other postal products— with an unrelated development above it. “We want to reassure the community that we will maintain retail service at the site,” he said. “It is our full intent to maintain service to the community.” The Los Feliz site is not the only post office location in Los Angeles that is being considered for change. Two facilities the postal services leases, Maher said—in Malibu and Westwood—are also being considered for consolidation or relocation. The growth of electronic mail delivery and the recession
Most of these public staircases were built in the late 1920s to connect residents in hillside neighborhoods to streetcar lines. Fleming also leads hikes once a month. (Sign up for an email alert at his website: www.secretstairs-la.com). “People who come on the walks are doing a lot of things,” Fleming said. “They are into exercise, they want to explore their city and are fascinated by architecture and history,” he said. Each of his tours starts at a café or restaurant and is typically an hour-and-a-half loop; the number of staircases involved determines the hike’s difficulty. “People are touched to
find out about these public pathways that harken back to another time,” Fleming said. The Los Angeles Conservancy conducts eight guided walking tours each month principally of downtown’s historic core and one in nearby Angelino Heights. Open to the public, reservations are suggested. I have my own downtown historic walk I give visitors beginning with breakfast at the Nickel Diner, then traversing the Old Bank District to the Bradbury Building, a
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walk-thru the Grand Central Market then a ride on Angel’s Flight railway up to the California Plaza with a look at MOCA and the Walt Disney Hall. Also worth exploring: the Atwater side of the Los Angeles River where a paved path extends both north and south of Los Feliz Boulevard. Close to Los Feliz Boulevard, plaques suggest yoga poses to try while stopped in one of several pocket parks planted with native sycamores. And for those needing more inspiration, writer Eric Hiss has put together dozens of urban hikes in his book: City Walks Los Angeles: 50 Adventures on Foot. For information on the LA Conservancy’s walking tours: http://www.laconservancy. org/tours/tours_main.php4
Breakfast served all day We deliver - 7 days a week Corner of Franklin Ave. by Gelson’s 1917 Bronson Ave. (323) 464-0276 www.VictorsSquare.com
[Eastside Eye picks for January 2011] Resnick Pavilion at LACMA: Two of the inaugural exhibitions at newly opened, Renzo Piano-designed building will close in January: Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico and Eye for the Sensual: Selections from the Resnick Collection. www.lacma.org
OPEN HOURS Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm Sun 12pm-6pm
January 2011
www.losfelizledger.com
708 N. Heliotrope Dr Los Angeles, CA 90029 next to SCOOPS
ph / 323-664-3939 fx / 323-664-3938
Felice Beato: A Photographer on the Eastern Road now at the Getty Center through April 24th. A pioneering photographer of the 19th century, Beato was one of the first Westerners to capture images of East Asia in the mid-to late1800s with a focus on China, Japan and Burma. www.getty.edu
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 19
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11/17/10 2:19 PM
Los Feliz Ledger [senior moments]
More Dilemmas for Social Security By Stephanie Vendig, Ledger Columnist Previously, I prominent as eligible recipipockets, hopefully to be used reported that ents are increasing in larger for spending. The $120 billion Congress was going to pass numbers. Currently, 58 milmade available by this tempolegislation that would provide lion retirees, disabled people, rary tax reduction might genSocial Security recipients $250 and surviving family members erate new jobs and additional to make up for the lack of a receive Social Security or Supworkers. This in turn could cost-of-living increase for next plemental Security Income bring in new tax revenue that year. checks. Social Security came would go back to the general Well, that idea went out up again in a tax package that fund and subsequently be rethe window. Whereas Demoincluded, among other items, turned to the Social Security crats advocated for the paythe continuation of the Bushtrust fund. However, the rement to compensate for the era income tax cuts at all levels covery may be slow. In fact, two years freeze of the increase, for two-years, and a 13-month if the projection doesn’t yield Republicans argued that we extension of benefits for longthe desired results in 2012, the couldn’t afford the estimated $14 billion cost of the As Congress wrestles with decisions that impact one-time payour economy, it is very difficult to discern the ment, so the legislation failed. wisdom of many of the ideas coming from both As Congress ends of the political spectrum. wrestles with decisions that impact our economy, it is very difficult to discern the term unemployed. Although deficit could be bigger. Conwisdom of many of the ideas a compromise, it is not clear gress may decide not to replencoming from both ends of the whether both parties and the ish the Trust Fund to avoid expolitical spectrum. Does the American people benefit in the panding the deficit. However, decision help the economy imlong run. if the funds are not returned mediately and then add trouIn 2011, the payroll tax to the trust fund, they add to ble down the road, or could supporting Social Security is Social Security’s inability to the decision really help out in being reduced to 4.2 percent continue to support retirees at the long run? down from the current 6.2 persome point down the road. Social Security looms cent, adding funds in worker’s Continuing this scenario,
in 2012—an election year—if the economy hasn’t recovered enough to generate confidence, restoring the payroll tax to 6.2 percent is not so easy. How can those current legislators suddenly advocate raising taxes in an election year? In reality, it is not a raise, but restoration of a previous tax rate, but in our politics, that ratio-
nale might fall by the wayside. For some, this risk could create even more political pressure to downsize or convert Social Security from a universal insurance program to a welfare program (AARP Bulletin, www. aarp.org “What the Payroll Tax Cut Means for Social Security), and that, in my view, would really be short sighted.
Sunset Hall has expanded services to Seniors! Sunset Hall offers curriculum & advocacy programs for freethinking elders at two locations! The popular Conversational Spanish, GPACC on Wed. For other programs, call Wendy Caputo at 323-660-5277.
Griffith Park Adult Community Club Calendar General Meeting and Lunch Wed., Jan. 19, Noon – 3:00 • Friendship Aud. Sign up at GPACC for lunch the week before GPACC, Life Learning Lectures Wed., Jan. 5, 12, and 26, 2:00 – 4:00 Harold Goldwhite, Prof Emeritus, Chem, Cal State Univ, LA examines contexts in which Aristotle, Bacon and Darwin developed their ideas, and impacts on their successors 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.
‘‘We choose peace of mind.” “We worried about our father living by himself. Getting enough to eat ... keeping up with his medications ... and what if he fell? So when Dad moved into Belmont Village, it was a huge relief ... a licensed nurse on-site around the clock. Now we don’t worry anymore. And Dad? He just wishes he had moved sooner.”
2010 Diabetes Center of Excellence
‘‘We Choose Belmont Village.’’ • Chef-prepared, restaurant-style dining • Free scheduled transportation daily • Fitness and social activities • Licensed nurse on-site around the clock • Medication management • Housekeeping and laundry • Assistance with daily living • Circle of Friends® memory program • Short-term stays available • Specialized Alzheimer’s care
Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711 Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977 Westwood (310) 475-7501
RCFE Lic 197603515, 197603848, 197605090, 198204246, 197607761 © 2010 Belmont Village, L.P.
The Community Built for Life ® www.belmontvillage.com
LozFeliz_12_30_PC.indd January 2011
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www.losfelizledger.com
11/19/10 5:25 PM SENIOR MOMENTS Page 21
Los Feliz Ledger [city sleuth]
Vermont Avenue Before the Post Office By Diane Kanner, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ BLVD—Before the spring of 1975, when the Los Feliz Investment Company sold 2.85 acres to the U.S. Postal Service and the quasi government agency erected a 15,000 square foot facility and parking area on the 124,147-square-foot site, Vermont Avenue’s business district was composed primarily of family owned businesses and thrived as it does today. According to Bob Zuckerman, a pharmacist who remains in the area at 1803 Hillhurst Ave., patrons kept the street lively until nearly midnight. “Saturday night was a big night,” he recalls. “When I bought Sun Drugs in 1961,
we would remain open until 11 p.m.” Sun Drugs was located at 1831 Vermont Ave. with Kay’s Superburger, Carpeteria, Phil’s Typewriter, Nelson’s Shoe Service, Norman’s Upholstery, and Los Feliz Mart to the south. Jean’s Boutique was north at 1833 Vermont Ave., along with Olympic Freight Outlet at 1853 Vermont Ave. The entire nine retail establishments were replaced by the Postal Service. Where the Original House of Pies is located today at Vermont and Franklin avenues, Jack Back Fulton’s Pharmacy at 1879 Vermont Ave. had been well respected for years.
LFIA from page 1
“The LFIA will have to diligently monitor appropriate uses for Griffith Park, particularly as city financial pressures result in more proposals for large scale parties and events to be held there,” said Chris Laib, Chair of the LFIA Parks Committee. The Beautification Committee regularly schedules cleanups by Board members, neighbors and friends, cleaning trash from problem areas; removing illegal signs and painting out graffiti. The LFIA will also plant two more Deodar cedar trees on Los Feliz Blvd., an annual project since the 1930s. The LFIA Transportation Committee will continue to support a citywide solution to the problem of cars for sale, locally an issue on Los Feliz Boulevard and its side streets. LFIA’s School and Library Committee will honor the continuing rise in academic achievement at all Los Feliz public schools through financial support and advocacy for specialized programs and supplies. Los Feliz residents will remain informed through the Observer newsletter, the LFIA’s timely net-based Neighborhood News, and the LFIA website and Facebook page. Most important, LFIA will continue its historic obligation to represent the interests of Los Feliz residents to city agencies and elected officials. The Los Feliz Improvement Association (LFIA) has been a potent influence in Los Feliz for 95 years. In the past, it successfully shaped the beauty of Los Feliz Boulevard by planting the Deodar cedar trees, eliminating the once ubiquitous billboards, and restricting commercial development. Founded only twenty years after the gifting of Griffith Park to the City in
never have been realized.” Among the most important recently realized goals were those that enhanced the safety of local residents, like the expansion of Neighborhood Watch efforts to include previously underserved neighborhoods; the prioritizing of streets for repairs and resurfacing; and the installation of the new traffic light at Hillhurst and Finley avenues. Historic preservation was also furthered in 2010. “The LFIA has amassed one of the most extensive local history collections in all of Los Angeles,” according to Lynne T. Jewell, co-Chair of LFIA’s History Committee. Highlights of the last year include the growth of the LFIA Historic Photo Archive to over 1,300 vintage photographs of the Los Feliz community; additional recorded testimony to the LFIA oral history collection by longtime residents; the expansion of the LFIA Historic Property Survey to include Los Feliz’s oldest housing stock south of Franklin Avenue; the launch of the new Los Feliz Landmark all-color note cards; and the continuing sale of LFIA’s popular history book, Los Feliz: An Illustrated Early History. In 2011, the History Committee will continue the expansion of historic research about the Los Feliz neighborhood. LFIA’s traditional services to the neighborhood also continued. As it has done for decades, the association hosted three general neighborhood forums for Los Feliz residents including the first introductions of the new police and fire chiefs to the community. The organization’s work to maintain and preserve the beauty of Los Feliz and Griffith Park will continue in 2011. Page 22
“Jack was a friendly competitor,” Zuckerman said. “When House of Pies went in, Jack sold me his business files and came to work at Sun Drugs.” Like today, back then, Vermont Avenue had its share of eating establishments, such as Nemer’s Cafe where Fred 62 is located today, and grocers like A&P and Hollymont Market on the west side of the street. A number of owners, like Jack Back and Rudy Kessman, participated in a weekly card game. Zuckerman was at home in Encino one evening when alerted by his burglar alarm company that Sun Drugs was being robbed. The pharmacist contacted his fellow pharmacist, Jack Back, who lived nearby, for help. “Jack and the poker game in progress raced over and saw two thieves in the process of
robbing the store. When the burglars saw the men on the sidewalk, they grabbed the rope they used to enter from the roof, but the police were on the way, and nabbed them,” said Zuckerman. Quinn’s Nutrition Center, north of Kessman’s popular lock and key business on the east side of Vermont, was a pioneer in natural foods. “Today,” Kessman laughs, “everything is made with pommegrates, but Quinn’s sold them 30 years ago, even though few people knew what to do with them.” Kessman purchased Los Feliz Key & Fix-It at 1856½ Vermont Ave. in 1965. Previous owner Hymie Schlossberg had a key machine but, according to Kessman, was unfamiliar with how it worked. Kessman was a skilled craftsman, and soon was manufacturing locksmith
tools for sale to repossessors. He subcontracted to the Automobile Club, and business continued growing. Kessman owns the property where Fred 62 and Popkiller Dept. are located today, and in 2008, Los Feliz Lock and Key moved around the corner to 4647 Russell Ave. Prior to the move, Kessman could observe the Postal Service building from his business and it was a sore point with him, especially the layout of parking lots on the south and north end of the main building. Zuckerman has the same level of enthusiasm for the Post Service location. His business had been thriving at 1831, when his landlords sought his cooperation in ending the relationship. “‘We are going to build a shopping center,’ they told me. The next thing everyone knew, the Postal Service was the property owner.”
1896, it has long shepherded the park’s development that most recently resulted in its being granted Historic-Cultural Monument status. The preservation of the residential area’s urban forest beauty is the result of the LFIA’s early vision and persistent guidance. Remaining one of the largest and most influential neigh-
borhood organizations in Los Angeles, the LFIA welcomes all residents of Los Feliz to become members. The minimal $35 annual dues per household supplies a major portion of the funds required by the numerous projects undertaken by LFIA’s 12 active committees. Its annual membership drive will begin in January
2011. Being a member allows the LFIA to preserve, protect and improve Los Feliz so that it remains one of the city’s most beautiful and pleasant residential communities. For more information about the LFIA, including ordering its books or note cards or joining one of its committees, please visit lfia.org.
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January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger
The New Year should be a major one for NASA’s exploration of the solar system. On Valentine’s Day, NASA’s NExT comet probe is due to fly by the nucleus of comet Tempel-1 to examine the crater made on it by the DeepImpact probe in 2005. On March 17th, Messenger is scheduled to become the first spacecraft to orbit the innermost planet, Mercury. In July, Dawn is expected to start orbiting the large asteroid Vesta. Nasa will is also slated to launch orbiter Juno to Jupiter in August, the gravity probe
Grail to the moon in September, and its large Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity in November or December. The Space Shuttle should make its final flights this year, and SpaceX should make its first automated flights to the International Space Station under contract with NASA. In the sky, the biggest spectacle from Los Angeles was the total eclipse of the moon just before dawn on Dec. 10th. Unfortunately, the major meteor showers (the Perseids of August, the Orionids of October, and the Geminids of December) will all be ham-
pered by bright moonlight. A grouping of the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter in May is the finest of any since 1941 and until 2040. The month, earth is at the closest point of its orbit to the sun (91,407,278 miles) at 10:32 a.m. Jan. 2nd, some 3,104,649 miles closer than we will be on July 4th. The moon is new on Jan. 4th; at first quarter phase on the 12th; full on the 19th; and last quarter on the 26th. Jupiter is the bright evening planet briefly in the southwest after darkness falls. Ringed planet Saturn, in Virgo the Maiden, rises before midnight and is highest in the south at 5:17 a.m. at midmonth. Venus, blazes in the southeast after it rises at 3:30 a.m. Happy New Year!
REVIEW from page 7
and books. The Los Angeles Zoo, which also saw a reduction in staff and funding, has been considering going private since the budget cuts were announced. The issue is still being studied, and no changes have been made to the zoo’s governance as of yet.
ing valves. The project has caused the closure or detour of several streets in and around Griffith Park, including Crystal Springs Drive and Griffith Park Drive. According to estimates by the city, all streets will be reopened completely by January of 2012.
River Supply Conduit Improvement Project Due to the installation of a new water line in Griffith Park, the annual Holiday Light Festival was cancelled in 2010. According to Stephanie Interiano, with the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power, workers are currently laying pipe in the ground and install-
King Gets a New “Green” Magnet Program A new magnet program was approved by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school board to launch at Thomas Starr King Middle School beginning Sept. 2011. The program will introduce students to “green” living
[star gazing]
[religion and spirituality]
Religious Freedom Day
Star Gazing for January
By Katherine Spiers, Ledger Columnist
By Anthony Cook, Griffith Observatory
Thomas Jefferson was a man of many accomplishments, but there were only three that he requested memorialized on his tombstone: author of the Declaration of Independence; founder of the University of Virginia; and author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. That third item, which Jefferson found more important than his Presidency, became Virginia state law in 1786. It became the basis of the U.S. Bill of Rights and, 200 years later, the foundation of Religious Freedom Day. The first President Bush celebrated the inaugural, national Religious Freedom Day on January 16th, 1993 (the anniversary of the Virginia enactment). The presidents after him have followed suit every year, issuing a statement and making the day one to “observe
through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship.” It is used mostly as an academic exercise in schools, and those of us not currently in school can also use it to reflect upon the Constitution’s First Amendment. When Jefferson began writing the statute in 1779, he called it “an act for establishing religious freedom.” Though it’s full of florid language, two of its most affecting passages are the simplest: “almighty god hath created the mind free,” and “our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions any more than our opinions in physics or geometry.” Seven years later, the Virginia General Assembly passed this simultaneously faith-based and progressive statement, pushing the U.S. toward the free country it is now. Los Feliz wouldn’t be the same neighborhood without it!
NOW IN ATWATER VILLAGE:
Quality food for a week, for less
reduced. Additionally, there has been concern that several programs within the park would be considered for privatization. Recently, though, the city identified funds totaling approximately $96,000 enabling the park to be publicly operated at least until February. Although library hours were cut this year system wide due to the city’s budget crisis, fundraising efforts and donations from the group “Friends of the Los Feliz Library,” allowed the Los Feliz branch to purchase a new computer, refurbish furniture and contract for landscaping. The nonprofit group’s board of directors also donated $13,000 for supplies
see REVIEW page 29
10 Delicious, Ready to Heat Meals or 7 lbs. of Salmon, Sole & Hoki or 3 other Treasure Boxes of up to 25 lbs of food each for only $32.00 per box/in person, $33.35/online Christ Church in the City at Griffith Park
(323) 663-4363 ccgponline.org, see Treasure Box story Order by: Jan. 16, Pick Up: Jan 29
Sunday Worship
Contemplative Service, 8:30 am, Wylie Chapel Classic Service, 9:30 am, Sanctuary Worship at 11, 11:00 am, Sanctuary 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood, CA 90028 (323) 463-7161 www.fpch.org January 2011
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RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY Page 23
Los Feliz Ledger AVCC from page 1
As for the civic front, the Chamber will continue be an advocate on wide range of issues on behalf of the Atwater Village business community. Issues we expect to tackle this new year include Glendale Boulevard Parking Credit Ordinance; City Council Redistricting and the proposed NELA River Re-
development Project Area. We will also be conducting nonpartisan voter registration and “getout-the-vote” drives to increase Atwater’s voting profile for the upcoming 2011 and 2012 elections. For more information visit us at atwaterchamber.org or on Facebook facebook.com/ AVChamber.
S I N C E 19 6 5
323.854.0909 JONMEASURES.COM
Page 24
Hollywood Soccer Academy, an Eastside Alternative League By Kimberly Gomez, Ledger Contributing Writer GRIFFITH PARK—Eastside parents who love soccer for their kids but shy away from the full commitment of club ball are getting behind the Hollywood Soccer Academy (HSA). Offered by Coach Patrice Filin as an alternative to the highly competitive leagues HSA aims to nurture a love for the sport that will last a lifetime. “I think you can be competitive but I don’t want it to be so much pressure until it feels like other things get pushed out,” said one father, Vince Ventresca. “I think this is perfect for this community.” Growing up in France where soccer is a way of life, Filin, 33, played everyday as a youth and battled a sidelining back injury to come back and play reserves for a professional team. Soccer brought him to Virginia where he played and earned an economics degree before coming to Los Angeles to coach soccer at the Lycee International of Los Angeles (LILA school in Los Feliz) and
subsequently founding the Hollywood Soccer Academy. “I was seeing that people love soccer here but weren’t playing much. Here we have a promise [to play] three times a week from 4 years up. Players are encouraged to bring friends along to play anytime, said Filin. “For me this was the best format for those who really love the game and want to improve by playing more. I wanted to create a place for the community to develop skills and have some fun learning the game,“ he said. HSA has had promising results. Last year, Filin took his youth team, “FC Barcelona-Los Angeles,” to the finals before a disappointing loss. Some team members left, wanting a more competitive style of play. However, despite HSA’s progressive approach, most families stuck around because of the long-term benefits of Filin’s coaching style. “Here, you’ve got a group of like-minded people not focused on winning. . . and I believe [that’s] better for my kid,“
www.losfelizledger.com
Coach Patrice Filin
said father Misha Rasovich. As an AYSO coach he’s seen the effects a competitive league can have on players. “A lot of kids drop out because they don’t want to deal with the pressure when there’s a lot of yelling and stress and crazy parents on the sideline,” said Rasovich. Filin said even though his players faced tough matches during a rebuilding season, his team came to practice more committed and motivated and are looking forward to fielding both a 9 and 10 year old and 11 and 12 year old teams this spring. “It’s about confidence, building character and creating leadership and sportsmanship,” said Filin.
January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger [glenfeliz boulevard elementary] by Adrian Navidad and Daniel Solorzano, 3rd Grade The holidays were fun because 3rd g r a d e students from our school performed at the Atwater Village tree lighting ceremony. We played our recorders and sang “Alleluia.” Though a bit shy, we were proud and excited. All the 3rd graders love Ms. Khachikian’s weekly recorder lessons. For presents, we made acrostic poems for our families. The spirit of the holidays is about caring and families. The 3rd grade reading theme is “Wildlife in the City.” We are observing wildlife in our neighborhood. We’ve seen pigeons, parrots, noisy crows, raccoons, opossums, and even a mallard duck waddling
on our school playground! Can you imagine observing crayfish in your classroom? Mrs. Marks and Mrs. Sahagun showed us how to safely pick up crayfish. Some kids were nervous, but they did it. We learned about form and function. Crayfish put up their pincers to defend themselves and catch prey, and female crayfish carry their eggs under their tail. The crayfish shell is called an exoskeleton. The crayfish activities were outstanding! And no one got pinched by the pincers. Mrs. Villalobos’ class really liked the crayfish also. Friends of Glenfeliz (FOG) is beginning its next set of fun after school enrichment classes. Please stop for an application for the classes in the Glenfeliz office or room 14.
dents at the Academy can send it to the Prep and the other way around! By Rita Blikian Earlier in December, we all got our report cards and the We are now sold Candy Grams. Candy trimester ended greatly. We on ChristGrams are sold to raise money are looking toward another mas break! I for our school. They are for great trimester full of fun and am missing you to have a chance to send excitement! school and someone of your choice, a nice At Holy Trinity, you reWe are looking toward another great ally can’t get friends but I know, trimester full of fun and excitement! bored because I want a break At Holy Trinity, you really can’t get bored there is somefrom all the work! because there is something going on thing going on Before the all the time, break, we had Seall the time, literally! literally! But it’s cret Santas. We something that you wouldn’t also had Christmas parties little holiday gift. It is someexactly want to miss. So when with food, games and music. thing that a lot of the students you get a chance, come visit It was a lot of fun. at school participate in. It gets us! We would love to have you! Our Student Council also even more fun because the stu[holy trinity school]
Something’s Always Going On
Saint Francis of Assisi School Drill Team does it Again
The St. Francis of Assisi Drill Team took first place in the mascot pom-dance division at the Dec. 4th Sharp International competition at West Covina High. The team also won “The Most Spirited Award.” The team is represented by grades K-4. In addition to this members were allowed to compete for individual medals.
Local Student Takes 1st Place in Courtroom Journalism Awards Jamie Sophia Helberg a 7th grader at Immaculate Heart Middle School and a local Silver Lake resident, won first place in the Junior Division Courtroom Journalism Awards.
January 2011
www.losfelizledger.com
This is the second year in a row that Jamie participated as a courtroom journalist and it is the second year she won first place. The award is given at the
Annual Los Angeles County Mock Trial Award Ceremony. Jamie says she would like to attend Stanford Law School and ultimately become a judge.
SCHOOL NEWS Page 25
Los Feliz Ledger [oakwood school] By Emmett Mathison, 7th Grade On Dec. 3, the 7th graders of Oa k wood School gathered in the Choral Studio in the Arts and PE building, where they went to see the 7th grade talent
show. All of the students were encouraged to perform. It could be whatever they wanted, whether it was singing, playing an instrument, or dancing. One 7th grader, Nick P., performed a fast clap. Over
the course of the show, there were some great performances. Three students did a cover of Kimya Dawson’s “Tire Swing” from the movie Juno. Two other 7th graders sang “Happy Birthday” to a friend. Halfway through, someone else in the audience joined them, followed by another person. By the end of the song, everyone was on stage singing happy birthday. This followed by Jack G. and Rayce S., who performed “I’m So Tired” by the Beatles. Guitarist Keenan Walters played “Flight of The Bumblebee” (at the original fast tempo). The rest of the show continued the following week due to shortage of time. The first act was a performance of the song “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead. The vocals were by Eli C.L., the drums by Nate B., the guitar by Andy W., violin by Seena V., and I was on keyboards. The show was concluded by one 7th grader (who shall remain nameless) who went up and played the right hand, four bar piano part of “Ode to Joy.” After the final performance, secret Santa presents were exchanged, and it seemed that everyone returned to class with smiles on their faces.
[pilgrim school]
Visiting Writers and Artists Series Announced for Pilgrim School Pilgrim School has announced their “Visiting Writers and Artists Series” for the winter and spring 2011, including: Cecilia Woloch author of five collections of poems, most recently Carpathia, published in 2009; painter Mary-Austin Klein; Michael Massenburg, a painter and mixed media and collage artist specializing in African American imagery; Jamie Kim, a well-known puppet maker and performance artist in Los Angeles; Lawrence Matsuda author of, A Cold Wind from Idaho (2010), in which he explores his family’s experience and that of other Japanese Americans in the internment camps; Sonia Romero, a full time artist with a studio in Northeast Los Angeles. Joy Preble, author of the young adult novel Dreaming Anastasia. Its sequel, Haunted, will be published in February. Brian Tracy a poet and musician, accompanied by
bassist Dave Batti and guitarist Marty Rifkin, composer and songwriter Andy Hill and vocalist Renee Safier. Richard DeSiato, author, illustrator and composer of “The Invisible Sock Monster;” B.H. Fairchild, a poet who has won major awards including the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, the PEN Center USA West Poetry Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award; Stephen Kuusisto, a professor who has been blind since birth and the author of Eavesdropping: A Memoir of Blindness and Listening and the memoir Planet of the Blind, a New York Times “Notable Book of the Year;” James Griffith an oil painter of modern botanicals; Holly Boruck teacher of graphite and various drawing skills; Jaimie Sweetman an accomplished fine artist noted for her human anatomy drawings in the classical style and ceramicist Kathleen Klein Wakefield.
Send the
Los Feliz Ledger your School News to: acohen@losfelizledger.com
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 Page 26 SCHOOL NEWS
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger [immaculate heart high school]
New Year Rings in Finals!
Advertise in the Los
Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897
new
By Olivia Origel ’13 and Maura Turcotte ’13 Immaculate Heart students gained wonderful memories over our recent holiday break. Some of us visited with relatives from out of town, while others shared hot cocoa with friends. Still others sought out opportunities to help those in need.
semester classes begin January 20th, and a number of activities are already planned this month on the school calendar. For example, a group of juniors will be attending the Close Up program in Washington, D.C., and touring the capitol’s many monuments and memorials.
Shortly before Christmas, a group of IH students and teachers returned to the impoverished neighborhood of Blythe Street in Panorama City to distribute gifts among “tweens”—young teenagers— through the Casa Esperanza Center. Shortly before Christmas, a group of IH students and teachers returned to the impoverished neighborhood of Blythe Street in Panorama City to distribute gifts among “tweens”—young teenagers— through the Casa Esperanza Center. It was heart-warming for those of us involved in this community outreach. We now head back to classes rested, relaxed and ready to study because semester exams take place very soon! We all look forward to surviving these tests with success, so we can be rewarded with a semester break. Our second
January 2011
Spirit Week will also offer students daily events to show off school spirit and each class will vie for spirit points. Prospective high school students should also mark their calendars: Immaculate Heart’s entrance exam for admission and merit scholarships will take place on Sat., Jan. 22nd, starting at 8:30 a.m. Those interested should contact the school admissions office. For now, we look forward to sharing the remainder of our school year with Los Feliz readers. Happy New Year— and all the best to you in 2011!
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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
SCHOOL NEWS Page 27
Los Feliz Ledger [family matters]
Life on Toddler Time By Kristen Taylor, Ledger Columnist I call toddlers “babies with leverage,” due to their nascent language and locomotive skills. In a period of development that is remarkably similar to adolescence, nature gives toddlers lots of physical skills, an inflated sense of self, and not much in the way of common sense. But you can’t fight nature; toddlers are what they are, so it’s up to the grown-ups to adjust our behavior to keep everyone safe and happy. Most of the tricky points in a toddler’s day have to do with transitions. Be it leav-
ing the house, sitting down for dinner, or going to bed, if there’s one thing toddlers don’t want to do, it’s the thing you’ve told them they’ve got to do right now. There are two contributing factors to this balkiness. One is that a toddler’s sense of time is still developing. The concept of time as something that is measured is still foreign to them, so saying that you’ll do something in, “five minutes,” is meaningless. Toddlers have all the time in the world, and concepts like, “late,” or, “on time,” also hold no water. What they do understand, however, are se-
quences, and the ideas of “before,” and “after.” One way to ease transitions is by telling your toddler the order of activities, and discussing what just happened, and what’s going to happen next. The other developmentally appropriate peculiarity of toddlers that puts all kinds of kinks in transitions is separation anxiety. Young toddlers in partic-
ular have strong attachment to their caregivers, coupled with a lack of object permanence. This combo can make leaving you extremely hard on them. It helps to consider that a resistance to bedtime has a lot to do with the anxiety of leaving you, the same as happens when you leave for work, or drop him off at preschool. I find a routine of saying
goodnight, leaving the room and then returning quickly (before she cries or gets out of bed) to say just a reassuring word or two, and then gradually increasing the length of time that you’re out of the room, will teach a toddler over the course of several days that separations, even at night, are not endless and can happen without strife.
[pilgrim school]
Christmas Concert By Lily Kachikis I am really excited about finally getting out of school for winter break. I had three tests in my last week (whew!) and also had to practice for a Christmas concert that we had in the main sanctuary. My 5th grade class started the concert with a dance and rhythm routine choreographed by 6th grader Melia Rigney. Melia gave up a lot of her lunches in December to help us practice and we had a great time learning from her. Our music program at Pilgrim is really growing and sev-
eral of the students were able to play their instruments in a quartet and even solo. Later in the concert the 5th grade band gave a recital of three songs and we sounded great, thanks to our music teacher, Steven Turro. Each grade, kindergarten to 5th, came up and performed several songs. After each performance, the parents cheered loudly and ran up to photograph their talented children. After the concert, each class had a party and celebrated the beginning of the holiday break. I am really looking forward to sharing a new year with friends and teachers.
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Page 28 FAMILY & HEALTH
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January 2011
Los Feliz Ledger REVIEW from page 23
as well as careers in fields devoted to sustainability. The deadline for applications was Dec. 17th, however principal Kristin Murphy anticipates that the program will accept applications past that date. “Because it is a new school and it didn’t appear in the original LAUSD magnet brochure we expect to be able to take applications after the deadline,” she said. Passings Several local community members passed away this year. Sara Ferraro, co-owner and operator of the popular Dresden Restaurant, died at the age of 93, on Oct. 15th. Real estate agent Michael Slater passed away on August 28th at 50 following a long battle with cancer. Slater was reportedly responsible for selling up to 20% of the homes in Los Feliz. Horace Sheldon, a longtime activist for the automobile industry and Ford specifically, died at age 88 on Aug. 28th. Margaret Goldsmith, former president of Friends of Franklin Elementary School and board member of the Los Feliz Improvement Association, lost her battle with ovarian cancer on Aug. 11th. She was 55. And Marc Abrams, more commonly known as Silver Lake’s “Walking Man,” died July 21st in what has been ruled a suicide. Abrams was under investigation for prescribing painkillers to a young man who later died of an overdose. Atwater Struggling as Businesses Close Atwater Village saw business remain slow this year, a trend that has caused shops to close down and merchants to take their business elsewhere. “The past two years I’ve noticed a difference,” said Evita Corby, the owner of Velvet Threads on Glendale Blvd. “Up until then it was really busy, but for the past two years it was about half the amount of business.” During that time, a number of boutiques opened and then closed shortly thereafter, relocating to other parts of the city or not re-opening at all. Corby isn’t the only one to notice the difficulties. “When I first started working here, there were a number of art galleries,” said I.D. Ivankovich, the weekend manager at Kalbi coffee shop, which has been open in Atwater Village since 2002, “but most have closed down and I haven’t seen any open in their place.” January 2011
Marijuana Dispensaries In June, the city ordered that over 400 marijuana dispensaries be shut down throughout Los Angeles. In the Los Feliz and Silver Lake area, only 10 were allowed to remain open following the ordinance. Nearly 30 in Los Feliz, Silver Lake and the surrounding areas were told by the city that they had to close down. Autry President Retires, New President Named In March, lpresident of the Autry Museum John L. Gray announced his retirement. Gray served in the position for 11 years, overseeing the merger of the Autry with the Southwest Museum, as well as a major capital campaign that resulted in $140 million for, in part, a new building. Gray is succeeded by Daniel M. Finley, who was appointed in September.. Marshall High School Decathletes take 2nd in State Competition In the California Academic Decathalon this year, students at Marshall High School took 2nd place. In the subsequent national competition, in which the students competed online, they won1st place. For the Marshall High team, said principal Dan Harrison, the 2nd place victory was bittersweet. “The team that ended up being the national champions [was a team] we beat at the city competition,” he said. “We won all but the most critical competition.” This year, he said, decathletes are already putting in up to 50 hours a week of work and hope to take home 1st. The competition will likely begin in January.
At
Your Heart Is in
t a e Gr
Good Hands
eart Visit H / m t.co s i t n e Adv e a e l a d n Gle to tak FREE ey. surv h t l a e heart h
Los Angeles Zoo On December 16th, the new exhibit of Asian elephants opened at the Los Angeles Zoo. The newest additions to the zoo, elephants Tina and Jewel, arrived in November from San Diego accompanied by their veterinarians and caretakers. Upon their arrival, Tina and Jewel joined 25-year-old Asian elephant Billy, who lives at the zoo already. Griffith Park Master Plan Community members of the group that has worked on the Griffith Park Master Plan since 2005 met with city planners at the end of the year to discuss the city’s revisions to the document, which will serve as a foundation for future plans for the park. At the meeting, city planners requested that the worksee REVIEW page 30
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Los Feliz Ledger [editorial]
Atwater Village “Blighted?” Not By a Long Shot By Luis Lopez
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The community of Atwater Village is not “blighted”—nor are the other Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) communities targeted by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA/ LA) for redevelopment. However, this inconvenient truth has not prevented CRA/LA from including Atwater Village in its NELA River Redevelopment Project Study. The CRA’s modus operandi is to declare our homes, our businesses and our Village legally “blighted” so that it can come in solely for the purpose of selling those properties to one or more developers who will then build something CRA/the developers want, not what the community wants or needs. Their tools to accomplish their goals are to declare areas blighted and utilize the eminent domain final blow— and we would not be able to do anything about it. The CRA/LA would like us to believe that they know best and only have the best of intentions for our village. At community meetings, they tell us that being declared a “blighted” community is not such a bad thing and that eminent domain is something that only happens in “other” redevelopment areas. They also tell us that in exchange for some incremental property taxes they will fix our streets, give us more parks (when in fact, CRA/LA will do none of this UNLESS it is part of a development project by an outside developer) and that they will never-ever increase our residential density with “low-income” housing.
The CRA/LA must think that Atwater Village is comprised of dim-witted rubes foolish enough to believe that load of garbage. They are grossly mistaken. We here in Atwater Village know that our community is not “blighted” nor has it fallen into disrepair or decay, as CRA/LA would want us to believe. Our community is very much alive and vibrant in every aspect. Today, we continue to attract new homeowners or renters while keeping residents that have lived here for generations. We are one of the most ethnically and economically diverse community in Los Angeles County; our village is a place where artists, young professionals and working class folk live side by side. Our property values remain relatively high with a low vacancy rate for both commercial and residential properties and our crime rate is one of the lowest in the area. Atwater Village is also a self-sustained community. We enjoy the use of our own post office, library, first-rate public and private schools, numerous religious institutions and even an equestrian district—unique in the City of Los Angeles. We have a robust and diverse business community that serves the community, providing a wide range of goods, services and jobs. These are definitely not signs of a distressed or “blighted” community in need of redevelopment… not by a long shot. More importantly, Atwater Village boasts an active civic life with a virtual army of community advocates. We
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have groups dedicated to preserving and improving almost every aspect of village life. We have our own Chamber of Commerce, Residents’ association, Neighborhood Council, Neighborhood Watch, support groups for our Public Library and schools as well as religious and general welfare groups. All these groups work in partnership with local government and private supporters to preserve the uniqueness of our village and improve those areas that need improvement, but certainly not redevelopment. Atwater Village is not “blighted.” Needing street repairs does not constitute “blight.” Needing trees trimmed does not constitute “blight.” Needing up-to-date underground sewer, water and gas pipes does not constitute “blight.” These are normal needs of any community and these services are provided by the City of Los Angeles. CRA/LA will not provide these infrastructures. The CRA/LA, and by extension our elected representatives, should not mistake our desire to improve our community with a wiliness to make a deal with the devil. The CRA/ LA and their redevelopment plan is an unwelcome and unneeded element in our community. Luis Lopez is an Atwater Village small business owner and community advocate.
REVIEW from page 29
ing group vote on adopting the document with the city’s changes—some of which, says city planning associate Melinda Gejer—boil down to semantics. If the Master Plan working group does not adopt the document at this time, it’s unlikely that the city will have the resources available to continue working on it for the time being. “If we don’t come to an agreement, it’s going to be shelved,” said Gejer. She added that while the group put in a great deal of effort in creating the document, they will likely need to accept some of the city’s changes if the project is to move forward, most of which have to do with the city’s ability to execute the plan. City representatives plan to meet with the working group again at the beginning of 2011, and to hopefully bring the plan to a vote. January 2011
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In Escrow
3636 Cadman Drive Los Feliz Hills $1,495,000 Gated Mediterranean beauty on a cul-de-sac in the hills. 4 bed/bath suites plus an addt’l guest bath, elevator, home office and game room with built-in bar. Stunning dramatic entry w/cathedral ceilings and grand staircase. Spacious living room with fireplace opens to front balcony w/views. Large patio with built-in barbeque area. Fabulous kitchen w/professional size Thermador range, & Sub Zero. Formal dining room with fireplace, built-in china cabinet and view balcony. Central A/C & heat. Two car garage plus additional parking. Alarm system with security camera system.
In Escrow
2640 Locksley Place Silver Lake $599,000 Warm and inviting 1920’s 2 bedroom 1 bathroom Spanish home on a nice corner lot. Living room with gas fireplace & large windows. Refinished hardwood floors. Sunny kitchen with new stainless stove & refrigerator. Nice pantry area, new flooring, & cozy built-in breakfast area . Formal dining room. Renovated full bath. 2nd bedroom leads to lovely view balcony. Garage has currently been used for a great home office. Central Air and Heating System. Terraced yard plus separate laundry room and storage area. Great price in the Ivanhoe School District! This charmer could be your home sweet home!
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5611 Park Oak Place Los Feliz Oaks $1,100,000 Incredible potential in this two bedroom two bathroom Mid-Century residence. Set up a long drive for privacy with spectacular city and hillside views. This home is appx 2151 sq ft and is situated on a rare 18,890 lot with room for a pool and for creating outdoor entertaining areas. Spacious living room with fabulous views to Century City. On a clear day you can see the ocean. Large family room with fireplace. Hardwood floors. Central A/C and heat. 2 car garage plus additional parking. In the same family since 1948 and waiting to be restored or reinvented by its next owner.
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1933 Monon Street Los Feliz $3,200 Month Very lovely 1950’s home with a Spanish feel in a nice Los Feliz neighborhood on a cul-del-sac. Spacious living room with fireplace and nice dining area over looking the charming patio. Nice light and bright kitchen with cozy breakfast area. Large master bedroom and very nice second bedroom with second fireplace. Patio with Mexican pavers plus additional good sized yard for play. Beautiful hardwood floors with parquet wood floors in living room. Two car garage. Central air conditioning and heat system. Stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer, and portable dishwasher are included.