Los Feliz Ledger Vol 9. No. 7
Read by 100,000+ Residents and Business Owners in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park & Hollywood Hills
A Look Back at 2013
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger [letter from the publisher] W h i l e driving to an early morning meeting on Nov. 14th listening to news radio, as is my custom, I first learned that Joseph Gatto had been found murdered in his Silver Lake home the night before. I wondered initially if I had heard the radio report correctly of the killing of our California Assemblymember, Mike Gatto’s, father. Soon, reports were everywhere and reporters were camped out near the elder Gatto’s home on Bright Lane with helicopters buzzing everywhere. By far, that event was the most chilling, disturbing and important we covered in 2013. The fact that the Los Ange-
les Police Dept. has no new leads and the suspect has not been apprehended assures we will continue to work on this story in 2014. We at the Ledger and the entire community continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Gatto family. Other important stories we covered in 2013 are updated in this edition starting on page 5. Certainly our update on the hit-and-run incident in Griffith Park in February 2013 that left bicyclist Damien Kevitt hospitalized for four months and with an amputated leg can be an inspiration for us all in 2014. Due to space issues, some of Kevitt’s quotes needed to be edited out from the year-in review story. But his quotes are
so important I want to place them here. “Life has been an adventure, to say the least, since the accident,” said Kevitt, 37. “Relatively speaking, I’m doing great. I’m doing amazingly well… It’s definitely been a whole gamut of emotions as I walked my way back from the brink of extinction… You hear so much news about people being hit and killed in the news, it’s every week. And while I want to raise awareness of that as a situation that needs to be tackled, the most important thing is I want to raise awareness of what you need to flourish and prosper. When something like this happens, you don’t just die. You don’t just curl up into a little ball. You get back up and you enjoy life.”
Los Feliz Ledger Online
Available at these locations:
LOS FELIZ Citibank 1965 Hillhurst Avenue Dresden Restaurant 1760 N. Vermont Avenue House of Pies 1869 N. Vermont Louise’s Trattoria 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. Los Feliz Public Library 1874 Hillhurst Avenue Los Feliz 3 Theaters 1822 N. Vermont Newsstand Vermont and Melbourne Palermo 1858 N. Vermont Skylight Books 1818 N. Vermont
FOUNDED 20 05 Delivered the last Thursday of each month to 34,500 homes and businesses in the Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park and Hollywood Hills communities.
PUBLISHER /EDITOR Allison Cohen Ferraro
ADVERTISING SALES Libby Butler-Gluck 323-644-5536 libby@losfelizledger.com
GR APHIC DESIGN & L AYOUT Brigid LaBonge Tiffany Sims
SILVER LAKE Casita del Campo 1920 Hyperion Ave Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce 1724 W. Silver Lake Drive
Read these stories only and check for updates at losfelizledger.com •
Restaurant Review: Speranza: A Favorite Neighborhood Secret
•
Theater Review: “God’s Gypsy” Tell the Life of St. Teresa of Avila
•
People in My Neighborhood: Silver Lake Yoga’s Jonathan Emerson profiled
Last month’s poll when we asked due to the murder of Joseph Gatto do you feel safe in your neighborhood? 67% of respondents said they feel safe in their neighborhood 33% of respondents said they are concerned about rising crime in their neighborhood This month’s poll: In our 2013 roundup, we write about the possible construction of a permanent stageamphitheater in Griffith Park’s Old Zoo area for Symphony in the Glen and the Independent Shakespeare Co.’s use. Do you think the amphitheater should be built? Yes or No?
Page 2
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger [buy local]
Storefront News: Expanded Hours, a New Shop and a Local Favorite Moves By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Columnist Broome Street Registry & Atelier Stepping into the Broome Street Registry & Atelier is like entering an impeccably furnished, antique and cherished collectibles-filled apartment. At the northeast corner of Avenel St. and Rowena Ave., the newly opened design and home décor shop is an offshoot of the popular Broome Street General Store almost directly across Rowena. Owner Sophie Esteban Graham was inspired by Paris boutiques: most of the antique fixtures and furniture are from France or Belgium. The former Tomboy space—that was Edna Hart for many years prior to that—is now organized into several chicly decorated rooms, each with a theme. There’s a kitchen area, displaying housewares, such as sturdy Emile Henry cookware and Bread smoothly handcrafted wood cutlery, and a small living room dotted with furniture available in custom fabrics. In addition to art books, housewares and decorative items there are clothes, jewelry, toys, men and
women’s clothing and much inspiration for an artful kitchen and household. According to Graham, the idea behind the store was to have a place to shop, “when you are sharing your home with someone else: for those times when you have a new addition such as spouse or baby.” Open 12 noon to 6 p.m. Wed. –Sun. and by appointment only on Mon. and Tues. 2941 Rowena Ave., (Silver Lake), (323) 570-0405, www.broomestgeneral.com/
cal and California-made craft brews. Although the dinner and lunch menus are the same, lunch prices are $2 less per entrée. 3216 Glendale Blvd., (323) 644-0605, www.atwatervillagetavern.com/, closed Mondays.
Hard Times Pizza moves to Echo Park After decades on Silver Lake’s Hyperion Ave.—and several owners—family-run Hard Times Pizza has moved to a new location on Glendale Blvd. in the strip of shops close
to the Sunset Blvd. overpass. Now steps from the Echoplex, pizzas—available by the slice too—pastas and salads are still on the menu and delivery is available. 1311 Glendale Blvd., (323) 661-5656, www.hardtimespizzalosangeles.com/
Atwater Village Tavern Expands Hours Opened in the July, the bricklined storefront Atwater Village Tavern—next to the Racquet Doctor—added lunch recently to its daily offerings. The menu by chef Marcel Farrohkhi (who also operates the Stop, Guac n Roll food truck) is crowd-pleasing pub fare that emphasizes a blend of cuisines, which he describes as “Mexican smokehouse.” Tacos come with a choice of pulled pork, slow-cooked BBQ brisket or chicken. There’s a full bar and a rotating 12 beer tap list of lo-
[editorial]
Same Old Folks vs Ballfields at Griffith Park’s Crystal Springs Oppose Music and Theater in Griffith Park, Too
1866 N. VERMONT AVENUE
By Arthur B. Rubinstein It is my fervent hope that one day, once it is up and running, a few of the folk who presently oppose a permanent arts festival stage at Griffith Park’s Old Zoo, will attend either an Independent Shakespeare Co. performance or a Symphony In The Glen concert and afterwards come up to me with a smile and say: “Maestro, we get it.” Then, I would like them to continue thus: “We were wrong about so many issues. Neither Malvolio nor Mozart seemed to create any danger for deer, bobcats or squirrels. We witnessed no visual or audio stress for equestrians and hikers. If there were anywhere near the Old Zoo, we certainly didn’t see them. We have no idea if daytime picnickers were displaced because we didn’t actually visit the site during the day, but were informed that all six of them were perfectly comfortable and said they might January 2014
even stick around for the performance in the evening. We know there are many other places in Los Angeles to see theater and hear music, but we agree there is a benefit for families with children to not have to fork up $200 to $300 for the experience. It may even prove a benefit to the children—and grandchildren—as they transition into full citizenship. And considering the pitted pathways, rusting fences, deteriorating restrooms and decrepit picnic tables that have been replaced and upgraded, one would have to say it’s a much more pleasant place to stroll and picnic and pee. Oh yes, there was also adequate parking space.” I will respond: “Glad you’ve joined us. Have some brie.” Arthur B. Rubinstein is the founder and music director of Symphony In The Glen www.losfelizledger.com
CORNER OF FRANKLIN & VERMONT
FREE PARKING AND WI-FI FOR BRU CUSTOMERS www.brucoffeebar.com
FREE coffee cupping, every Friday at noon
•
LEARN home bru-ing classes
•
SEE local artwork
•
WATCH local short films every month STARTING OFF THE YEAR WITH
EMPIRE ESTATES A short film by Michael Bond starring Los Feliz locals Lara Lihiya & John Anderson Wednesday, January 22nd, 7pm for 8pm picture start Free Screening and Refreshments
COMMUNITY NEWS
Page 3
Los Feliz Ledger
NCs “Blitz” on Repairing Potholes And Other Street Nuisances By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council (LFNC) has identified local broken street and sidewalk infrastructure in need of repair for the city’s Bureau of Street Services as part of their “Neighborhood Council Blitz” initiative. As a result, last month, the bureau sent out a truck of asphalt to repair damaged sidewalks, potholes and curbs that wreak havoc on neighborhood drivers and pedestrians. LFNC President Linda Demmers, in consultation with two stakeholders and the council’s board, identified approximately 12 locations warranting repair. The targets include a pothole on Franklin Avenue near Hillhurst Avenue near the Los Feliz branch of the Los Angeles Public Library; a sinkhole near 2362 Lyric Ave., several large potholes near the Griffith Park welcome sign and a series of holes—that often fill with water during rainstorms—near Albertson’s grocery store at Ambrose and Hillhurst avenues. Demmers prioritized hazards in proximity to high traffic areas and popular neighborhood features. The city has also repaired five damaged sidewalks, potholes and curbs identified by the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) on December 5th. Repairs were made to: a pothole on Montana Street near its intersection with Lemoyne Street; the south side sidewalk of Montana Street west of Lemoyne; the cross-
walk along the north side of Montana at Lemoyne; the sidewalk at 1800 Montana Street and the curb and sidewalk on the 2100 block of Duane Street near Allesandro Street. The GEPENC asked residents, about 80 of whom responded, to email in pictures of the neighborhood’s worst potholes as part of the city’s first “Neighborhood Council Blizt.” Council President Ari Bessendorf said the entries for “Echo Park’s Worst Pothole” were not limited to asphalt sinkholes: neighborhood residents messaged the local governing board photos of cracked sidewalks, missing crosswalks and alleged gang initials carved into fresh cement. After identifying 32 problems deserving repair, the council president said, the council prioritized them based on the severity of the damage, the number of complaints and the amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area. Top billing went to infrastructure issues near major thoroughfares like Glendale Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard and Alvarado Street. A pothole on Montana St., for example, was chosen because of its proximity to Glendale and a neighborhood school, according to Bessendorf. Another city “blitz” to local neighborhood councils to identify more problematic streets and sidewalks is expected in the spring.
Cash Strapped Rec and Parks Looking for Ways to Raise Funds By Bruce Haring, Ledger Contributing Writer GRIFFITH PARK—The city’s Dept. of Recreation and Parks needs money. So they’re turning to the community for ideas on potential ways to raise it. A meeting for Council District 4 took place on Dec. 9th at the Griffith Park Visitor’s Center on Crystal Springs Drive. Before a healthy turnout of local residents and parks and recreation officials, the plea went out for revenue ideas, although the Parks officials offered none of their own for public consumption. Vicky Israel, assistant general manager of the department, which oversees 13 golf courses, 375 playgrounds and 60 municipal swimming pools, claimed Recreation and Parks staffing and budget was now
on an “emergency basis,” suffering massive cuts during the recession years. A taped message from Barry Sanders, the president of the Board of Commissioners, made similar claims. Thus, the department is organizing meetings in each of the city’s districts, designed to get input on restoring the annual budget for operations and maintenance and hopefully building momentum to get a larger share of the revenue pie. A citywide survey is available online at www.laparks.org that asks the community for input on their use of parks and recreation facilities and ideas for input. The survey will pop up when you access the web site and is available in English and Spanish.
Noted Architect Myron Hunt Subject of Talk at Los Feliz Library Jan. 16th LOS FELIZ—Architect and Architectural historian Jan Furey Muntz will speak on architect Myron Hunt at the Architecture and Beyond Lecture Series Thursday, Jan. 16, 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave. Muntz will discuss how Hunt, known for such noted Southern California landmarks as the Rose Bowl and
the Pasadena Library, influenced science and technology. Skylights Books will be on hand to sell architecturerelated books. The free lecture series, now in its 8th year, is supported by the Friends of the Los Feliz Library and merchants of the Los Feliz Business Improvement District. For information, call the Los Feliz Branch Library at (323) 913-4710.
Recreational Space On Glendale Blvd. Under Consideration By Tony Cella Ledger Contributing Writer ATWATER VILLAGE—The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) will host a town hall meeting on creating a public recreation space—by removing some parking spaces on Glendale Boulevard—Jan. 23rd at Christ’s Church at Griffith Park. Architects involved are considering a plaza for the project or a much smaller “parklet” which is an expansion of the sidewalk into one or more street parking spaces`. The area around the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Brunswick Avenue, is being considered for the conversion. The project would be in conjunction with “People Street,” a program created by Mayor Eric Garcetti to convert redundant and underused roads into recreation areas.
Advertise in the
Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897
Garcetti Appointed by Obama For Climate Change Task Force President Barack Obama has appointed Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to a task force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. The 26-person task force includes state, leaders across the country, including California Governor Jerry Brown, and will advise the White House on how the federal government can help cities and states prepare for the effects of climate change. The announcement came Nov. 1st, following a trip Garcetti made to Washington D.C. to discuss the Los Angeles River Revitalization Project with government officials among other things. “I’m honored to have been Page 4
COMMUNITY NEWS
appointed to President Obama’s task force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience,” said Garcetti. “I look forward to working with the White House to better protect Los Angeles and other cities from the realities of climate change while continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through smart investments in renewable energy, efficiency and transit.” The Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience is part of the Climate Action Plan the President launched in June of 2013 to help curb carbon pollution, prepare communities for the impacts of climate change and lead international efforts to address the global challenge. www.losfelizledger.com
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger
A Look Back at 2013 On our front cover this month, are reminders of the year past, placed in monthly order (top to bottom, left to right): Our Mother of Good Counsel’s prayer service for the Sandy Hook shooting victims; Franklin Avenue Elementary’s victorious win over Ivanhoe Elementary in the schools’ 2nd annual “Silver Lake Soccer Showdown;” Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ program where children and family deal with illness by engaging in art; A homeless man’s donation to Our Mother of Good Counsel Church of $250 (all in $1 bills); Woodie Wade of Woodie’s Kitchen preparing his signature brownies” as neighborhood block parties continue to flourish in the community; Former Los Angeles City Council Councilmember Eric Garcetti is elected Mayor; Mayor Eric Garcetti talks up his “Great Streets” program like the successful revitalization of Atwater Village’s Glendale Boulevard; Los Angeles City Council pushes the Millennium Project Forward; the Griffith Park “Vision Plan” is released after 7 years; Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge honors Thomas Starr King Middle School students for colleting uneaten food from the campus cafeteria and donating it to those who don’t have enough to eat; Franklin Avenue’s always exciting “Pinewood Derby” and the murder of California State Assemblymember Mike Gatto’s father, Joseph, in Silver Lake.
An Update on the Stories We Covered in 2013 Murder of Joseph Gatto The Los Angeles Police Dept. (LAPD) has released no new information about its investigation into the death of Joseph Gatto who was found dead from a gunshot wound to his abdomen in his Silver Lake home in November. An LAPD spokesperson could not provide any details into the ongoing investigation. Gatto’s body was discovered November 13th. The father of Assemblyman Mike Gatto, the elder Gatto was a former arts teacher for more than 45 years, and after retirement pursued the craft of jewelry making. On November 19th the LAPD released a sketch and description of a suspect sought in connection with a Silver Lake assault that officials said then “may be connected” to Gatto’s slaying. A LAPD spokesperson could not say whether this search had yielded any results. Hit and Run Accident of Bicyclist Damian Kevitt Damian Kevitt is back on his bicycle and training for the 2015 LA Marathon following a hit and run incident in Griffith Park in February, 2013, during which he was
January 2014
dragged for 600 feet under a minivan up the on-ramp to the Interstate-5 Freeway at full speed. Throughout nearly all of it, he says he was conscious. Kevitt spent the following four months in the hospital where he had 11 surgeries, his right leg was amputated, his left leg was nearly lost too, he broke 20 bones and his shattered shoulder was reassembled with nine titanium screws, a cadaver bone and glue. “Life has been an adventure, to say the least, since the accident,” said Kevitt, 37. “Relatively speaking, I’m doing great. I’m doing amazingly well… It’s definitely been a whole gamut of emotions as I walked my way back from the brink of extinction.” Despite a $25,000 reward offered for details leading to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run motorist, the case has gone cold and authorities have had no success in tracking a suspect. Kevitt is planning a bike commemorative ride called “Finish the Ride” with Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s office, whose 4th District includes Griffith Park. He could not state details but said it would be soon.
www.losfelizledger.com
Race to Replace Tom LaBonge Real estate broker and East Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President John N. Perron, Jr. is the latest to enter the now six-person candidate pool to represent Los Angeles City Council District 4 in the 2015 election. A former employee for 21 years in the aerospace industry—with a focus on solar power research and development— Perron Jr., who goes by “J.P.” is still involved in a whistle-blower lawsuit against Hughes Aircraft Co. wherein he is alleging years of fraudulent billing against his former employer. Since 2004, Perron, Jr. has worked as a commercial appraiser and real estate broker throughout Los Angeles. He lives in Toluca Lake with his wife and three children. Perron, Jr. joins candidates Steve Veres, Carolyn Ramsay, Teddy Davis, Tara Bannister and Joan Pelico who submitted paperwork earlier in 2013 to begin fundraising.
“I want to make sure certain issues are put out there at the forefront,” he said. “So at least they get highlighted, whether the constituency feels they are the most important or not. I feel that there is an extremely high quality of candidates that are running, whoever wins the people will be well served,” he said. Millennium Hollywood Developers of the Millennium Hollywood project have halted seismic studies on the building site at Vine and Yuca streets at Hollywood Boulevard until two lawsuits against them have been resolved. Additionally, Millennium Partners, the developers behind the two tower multiuse project, paid the law firm Shepard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton $572,000 to lobby on their behalf during the May 21st, general city election. The developers also paid Marathon Communications, a public relations firm, $76,000 during the same voting period.
The spending has drawn skepticism from groups opposed to the project. “Our concern is that the developer’s hugely expensive lobbying campaign swayed the city council and Mayor Garcetti to improperly approve this project and defy, not only community objections, but also objections raised by two state agencies, Caltrans and the state geologist,” wrote John Schwada, the spokesman for a coaltion of community groups against the project, in an email to the Ledger. Activists additionally have claimed the towers are built on top of an active seismic fault. If proven, the project would violate state law. Youth Baseball Fields at Crystal Springs in Griffith Park The public comment period has ended for the Griffith Park Crystal Springs youth baseball fields project draft environmental impact report (EIR), see 2013 page 6
A LOOK BACK AT 2013
Page 5
Los Feliz Ledger 2013 from page 5
during which the community expressed its support and criticisms of the proposed placement of two ballfields at the location on the park’s east side. In addition to the 43 speakers who commented at a public Nov. 20th meeting held at the Los Angeles Zoo’s Witherbee’s Auditorium, a spokesperson for the city’s Dept. of Public Works—whom is overseeing the project—said they had received approximately 485 e-mails and letters during the public comment period that ran from Oct. 31st to Dec. 17. The spokesperson would not state how many were in support or against the project. Once the Dept. of Public Works staff finalizes the EIR, that completed document will be submitted to the five member Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners who have the authority to certify either approve or deny the project. It is expected that final EIR will be submitted in January. The Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners’ review of the project will be open to the public with additional time for comments. Amphitheater at Old Zoo Plans to build an amphitheater at the Old Zoo site in Griffith Park are currently under consideration by the Los Angeles Cultural Historical Commission. The commission has not stated any date when it might come to a decision of whether the plan to erect a permanent stage where a stage has formerly been rebuilt each year for summer productions such as Symphony in the Glen and Shakespeare in the Park. A spokesperson for Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s office said their office has received several dozens of emails in support, with only a small minority speaking out against the project. Once the Historical Commission makes a decision about the historical status of the particular part of the Old Zoo, it’s likely a motion will be presented to the Los Angeles City Council. “The idea of doing a season of free concerts on the new stage in the historic Old Zoo is so exciting,” said Barbara Ferris, managing director for Symphony in the Glen. “It’s been a long time coming and we’re enthused by the all positive public support for the project.” In addition to a stage and lighting truss, the $4 million project will also include improved paths, lighting and handicap access. Glendale-Hyperion Bridge The city of Los Angeles has created an advisory board to Page 6
discuss the design of the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge and address the contentious issues of bicycle and pedestrian access. The board’s first meeting in December focused on whether to retain plans for a sidewalk on the south side of the bridge and, if so, how to make the walkway ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The advisory board is composed of city workers and citizens appointed by neighborhood councils. The next meeting is on Jan. 23rd, but is not open to the public. The 1,200-foot long Glendale-Hyperion Bridge’s $50 million upgrading is necessary in order to comply with earthquake safety standards. Designers have promised to restore the bridge’s historic features in the process. Recently, bicycle activists have pointed out the city promised to install bike lanes on the bridge in 2010. That, along with other concerns by some— about speeding on the bridge— has inflamed debate over the project’s overall safety for pedestrians, cyclists and cars. Financial Issues A Continual Problem For The Los Feliz Village BID The Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District (LFVBID) still owes more than it has and cannot pay for recent services of their webmaster or Clean Streets, a sidewalk and street sweeping service. “No one [will be paid],” said LFVBID treasurer Jessica Peart. “There’s no money.” The LFVBID blames local businesses for not paying their 2013 assessment fees for their financial difficulties. According to documents obtained through a public records request in November, local businesses in Los Feliz haven’t paid $14,380 of the organization’s $76,500 annual budget.
secretary, Chris Diamond, to rectify the situation. Legal advisors from the First Amendment Coalition in 2013 said the LFVBID may have violated the Brown Act by posting vague agendas, only posting the agendas online and by passing notes and holding side conversations during a meeting in 2013. Serrano denied violating the Brown Act, which regulates government meetings as well as that notes were passed between members at a 2013 board meeting. Griffith Park “Vision Plan” Following the submission of a voluntary group’s drafting of the Griffith Park Draft “Vision Plan” in August 2013, the Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation and Parks received public comments regarding the nearly 70-
W
page document and its accompanying four appendixes. According to Vicki Israel, an assistant general manager with the department, the most common comment from the public was the request for the creation of a staff ecologist specific to Griffith Park for at least five years if the plan were adopted. However, she said, that request would not be financially feasible. From here, the draft vision plan is expected to go to the Historic-Cultural Monuments and the Cultural Heritage Commission for review this month. Development of Los Feliz Post Office The commercial real estate developer behind The Grove and Americana at Brand is no longer eying the Los Feliz Post
Office site on Vermont Avenue for a new development. According to a source, Caruso Affiliated is no longer interested in pursuing a project there that had once included plans for 50,000-square-feet of retail and restaurant space. That original plan received heavy attention, support and scrutiny, when it was proposed originally in 2012. Mega Church The so-called “mega church” proposed for the lot behind Costco on Los Feliz Blvd. in Atwater Village was approved by the Los Angeles Dept. of City Planning in 2013. The 42-foot tall, two story New Life Vision Church will have an 1,130-seat worship room, multiple chapels, athletic grounds, a kitchen and a see 2013 page 8
E DELIVER
L I Q U O R Largest Selection Of Liquor • Fine Wine • Champagne • Cold Beer 5063 Sunset Blvd. @ Normandie (Next to Zankou Chicken) Open Daily 323-665-2602 www.TandJLiquor.com VOLUME DISCOUNTS
Mention this ad to receive a free gift while supplies last
LFVBID Elections LFVBID President Chris Serrano said ballots for the organization’s board elections went out on Dec. 4th. The LFVBID had hoped to announce results of the election at its regular board meeting Dec. 11th but has decided to wait until after the ballots were counted. Ballots were sent to the 300 or so Los Feliz businesses that are automatically members of the LFVBID. Serrano was not available for comment on how many ballots were returned. LFVBID Organization Issues The LFVBID has not uploaded meeting minutes since June 2013. LFVBID President Chris Serrano said she was working with the board’s
A LOOK BACK AT 2013
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2014
_10750
ull page 11x17 4c
Start the year with financial confidence
Schedule a complimentary financial review with a Wells Fargo banker for January and receive a free Wells Fargo calendar today.
No purchase necessary. Offer valid while supplies last. © 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (1166411_10750)
1166411_10750 11x17 4c.indd 1
12/11/13 12:39 PM
Los Feliz Ledger 2013 from page 6
“fellowship hall,” according to a planning department documents. The city has authorized that only church operated buses and vans can unload worshippers on church property and not on adjoining streets. Additionally, the city has stated the building may not be rented out or leased for nonchurch related activities. The use of megaphones, public address systems or external amplification systems outside of the building are also banned as well the church from using streets—other than Los Feliz Boulevard—as entrances and exits with the exception of Verdant Avenue, which can be used as an emergency exit only. The 85,000 square foot church, drew loud concerns from residents in 2013 over its size. Although the plans call for 1,100 parking spaces, church leaders claim only 500 congregants, at most, will attend services at one time. During 2013, some stakeholders at Atwater Village Neighborhood Council meetings said they were concerned the church’s 5:30 a.m. services would disturb neighbors. The proposed athletic grounds also drew concern the church could possibly expand by forming a school that some residents said would draw more traffic into the area. Leaf Blowers A program started by the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council (SLNC) to curb use of gas-powered leaf blowers has been moving along with positive results. SLNC Boardmember Anne-Marie Johnson and a group behind her have been conducting outreach and education in the community since June 2013 to address the often over looked municipal code that prohibits the blowers’ use. Johnson said her own street is close to being free of gas leaf blowers with just one “hold out” remaining. “It takes time and patience but it is worth it,” she said. Enforcement and education are the board’s primary tactics. Johnson said street ser-
Page 8
vice inspectors are available to pursue noncompliance. Even though it is not a priority or the Los Angeles Police Dept’s Northeast Division, Johnson said the SLNC program has received its complete support. “They were very receptive to having a partner in what is considered a minor nuisance violation but a violation nonetheless,” Johnson said. “It’s a question of quality of life, which may seem irrelevant to some. But for others, especially those with health issues, this is a problem.” Los Feliz Valet Service The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council conducted an extensive traffic study in 2013, but boardmembers have indicated a possible “valet service” for the neighborhood is currently “stalled.” The Elysabeth Peters Group, a consulting firm, which organized the study and proposed the “valet service,” did not return requests for comment. Airbnb Rentals There has been little development regarding the legality of short-term rental services such as Airbnb in Los Angeles since the subject became a hot button issue in Silver Lake this past summer. In August, when the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s (SLNC) Urban Design & Preservation Advisory Committee discussed making a recommendation that the Los Angeles City Council prohibit these vacation rentals in Silver Lake and address the issue citywide, the suggestion elicited strong resistance. The SLNC responded by hosting a large community meeting with representatives from the city there to respond to stakeholders’ thoughts and concerns. Ultimately, the issue was left to city employees to manage. According to a spokesperson for the City Planning Dept., the office is still researching the issue and working on clarifying the issue. The spokesperson said some sort of guidelines on
A LOOK BACK AT 2013
the issue should be ready this month. Advertising Banners at Marshall High School Ambiguity still plagues the matter of schoolyard banners as fundraising tools, more than four months after a local parent and fundraising advocate met with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) boardmember Bennett Kayser’s office for their use at John Marshall High School. Other local schools such as Ivanhoe and Micheltorena elementary schools and Thomas Starr King Middle School, have implemented banner programs sponsored by local businesses to help with fundraising efforts for those schools. But, according to local realtor Bruce Jay—who grew up in Los Feliz, attended Marshall and has a son enrolled there now—despite his and other community members’ petitioning, there has been no change in the Marshall administration’s stance against such banners. “The principal and his staff are firm in their position regarding the school district’s rule that prohibits banners without the express permission from the LAUSD superintendent, even though all the other schools are taking advantage of gaining income through a banner program, ignoring this same district rule,” said Jay. Both Marshall’s principal, Daniel Harrison and LAUSD’s Kayser could not be reached for comment. Since meeting with Kayser, along with a LAUSD attorney last August, Jay said he has not heard back from Kayser. He said in that meeting the LAUSD attorney stated that schools that have hung such banners are in violation of district policy. Over the past several years, Marshall has seen regular cuts to arts courses and has been in need of upgrades to the school auditorium, among others areas. Los Angeles City
Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s office recently stepped in to help fund the auditorium upgrades. Lack of Rainfall and Griffith Park Griffith Park has been at extreme fire danger in 2013 due to a lack of precipitation and other factors. Through November 2013, the cumulative year to date rainfall for 2013 was 5.31 inches compared to an average cumulative (again through November) of 12.6 inches. The park’s native plant habitat is susceptible to brush fires, according to Senior Park Ranger Albert Torres, “because of their make-up to ignite due to natural oils within the plants themselves. “ Torres said despite recent light rain, “fuel moisture is still at a low” and wind is a factor as well. Torres said this dryness is unusual, and in his 40 years working at the park — 30 as a ranger — winter rainfall typically signals the season change or at least that there will be no brush fires for some time. “However, [the] lack of rainfall has affected us year around for the past six years,” he said. Helicopter Noise United States Congressmember Adam Schiff’s efforts to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to regulate flight paths and altitudes for helicopters in Los Angeles County will continue into 2014. “Much work remains to be done,” he said. Following community meetings with the FAA in 2013 regarding the quality of life issues caused by helicopter’s low altitude flights and prolonged hovering, the government agency committed to taking a number of actions to address complaints. But while the FAA has moved forward to address these issues and has imple-
www.losfelizledger.com
mented some changes already in response, it has not yet set a date for when additional new policies will be put into effect. Recently Schiff, with Reps. Brad Sherman, Henry Waxman, Tony Cardenas and Alan Lowenthal wrote to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Transportation Housing and Urban Development Appropriations (THUD) Subcommittee urging them to include a provision on helicopter noise. This would direct the Secretary of the Dept. of Transportation and FAA to address helicopter noise issues in Los Angeles County skies. With Schiff’s efforts to include this provision in the THUD appropriations, he said he would keep the pressure on the FAA to follow through in the new year. Metrolink Health Assessment at Taylor Yard Metrolink is moving forward with a health risk assessment of its Taylor Yard maintenance facility in Cypress Park that has raised accusations of poisoning the neighborhood with idling trains’ emissions. According to spokesperson Scott Johnson, in September 2013, Metrolink submitted health risk assessment information to the offices of Councilmembers Mitch O’Farrell and Gil Cedillo, whose respective 13th and 4th districts include portions of the affected area. The councilmembers assigned the city’s Bureau of Engineering (BOE) as the lead agency to review the information provided by Metrolink. A spokesperson from O’Farrell’s office said there will be a community meeting in January on this issue but could not yet state a date or location. Neighbors in the surrounding areas have for years suspected diesel particulate matter from trains at Taylor Yard has had adverse effects on their health.
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger [assemblymember mike gatto]
[representative adam schiff]
Now Accepting Applications for the 2014 Small Business Advisory Commission
House Should Pass Employment Non-Discrimination Act
By California Assemblymember Mike Gatto
By Adam Schiff, U.S. House of Representatives When the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) – legislation that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity—it was a moment many supporters of the bill never thought they’d see. For years, ENDA had languished and failed to receive enough Republican backing to make it to the Senate Floor. But on Nov. 7th, seven Republicans unexpectedly changed course and joined with Democratic colleagues to pass ENDA, 64-32. Now, the pressure is on the House of Representatives and Speaker Boehner to act by bringing this legislation up for a vote. Since ENDA was first introduced, I have fought to give LGBT Americans the same assurances that every other citizen in the workforce has— that they will not be fired for simply being who they are. In a recent letter from a constituent, the law’s justification was made poignantly clear: “When you discriminate against any group of people, including gays and lesbians, you are turning away talented individuals, and you are hurting this country.” Unfortunately, Speaker Boehner does not understand, suggesting through a spokesman that somehow ENDA is anti-business. While the House leader-
ship drags its feet, there is no need for the administration to delay. President Obama can issue an Executive Order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity by all federal contractors, which include many of our nation’s largest corporations and almost all large multinational corporations. I have written to the President urging him to take this important step. ENDA is not only good economics, but it is a moral imperative. When President Johnson issued Executive Order 11246 in 1965, he banned discrimination on the basis of skin color, sex, and religion among federal contractors. Now it’s President Obama’s opportunity to continue that legacy and break down another barrier to equality. Our nation, since its founding, has moved slowly, but inexorably towards a more just, more inclusive society, and we should not deny the protections of the law to LGBT Americans that we have extended to others. Opponents of ENDA are on the wrong side of history, just as opponents of the civil rights movement were in 1960s. Congressman Adam Schiff serves in the U.S. House of Representatives and represents Los Feliz, Silver Lake and many of the surrounding communities.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, California is home to more than 3.5 million small businesses, which employ more than 37% of all workers in the state. These hard-working and dedicated individuals are the backbone of our local economy, and they face the brunt of challenges that affect the economic development of our community. That’s why last January I organized my first Small Business Advisory Commission. I had the privilege of sitting down in a room with eight dedicated business owners from my district to discuss the challenges facing small businesses right here in our community. The result was momentous. After hearing from Brett Schoenhals, a local coffeeshop owner, the Commission voted unanimously to ask me to introduce AB 227, a bill that would reform Proposition 65 to protect small businesses from meritless lawsuits. To the relief of business owners here in our commu-
nity and statewide, Governor Brown signed AB 227 into law earlier this year, becoming only the second substantive amendment to Prop. 65 in its nearly 30-year history. Such determination and success during the first year of the Commission has inspired me, which is why I’m seeking applications from local business owners to serve on the 2014 Small Business Advisory Commission. The Commission will meet several times in the months ahead, with the goal of formulating one or more legislative proposals that I will introduce in the upcoming legislative session. Listening to those who have been shortchanged by the law first-hand is an imperative and sacred duty of lawmakers. Most business owners work hard to protect customers so that the customers return. This is especially true with small-business owners whose customers are neighbors, friends and relatives. I am proud of the his-
toric achievement of last year’s Commission and look forward to working with the 2014 Commission. Those interested in participating on the Commission should e-mail me at Assemblymember.Gatto@assembly. ca.gov with the subject line ‘Business Commission.’ Finally, I’d like to remind you that one of the most important and direct ways to engage in the community, and voice your opinion, is by voting. If you or someone you know is not registered to vote, you can find the new online registration system at http:// registertovote.ca.gov/. Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly. He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake. www.asm. ca.gov/gatto
[greetings from tom]
Public Safety and Park Plans #1 in 2014 By Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge I hope you had a happy, healthy holiday season and New Year. Public safety is the most important priority of pub-
Citi Personal Wealth Management welcomes Financial Advisor Scott Hofman to the firm. Stop by to say hello to our newest member. Scott Hofman Vice President—Wealth Management Financial Advisor 1965 N. Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027 310-528-3989 scott.j.hofman@citi.com www.citi.com
lic service. As this month marks the 20th anniversary of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, it is an appropriate time to reflect on how to prepare ourselves and our families in case of an emergency. One thing is for certain—we will have another earthquake. Recently, I have been working to increase efforts in earthquake preparedness in
the City of Los Angeles. In this New Year, I encourage you to become CERT-certified and provide disaster preparedness training for your community or business. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a 17½-hour disaster preparedsee LABONGE page 10
Los Angeles Breakfast Club Join us Wednesdays at 7 – 9 am Upcoming speakers and programs... Jan. 1: L.A. Breakfast Club Closed - Happy New Year Jan. 8: Lt. Jessica Sneed, Glendale Salvation Army “Glendale Salvation Army, 2014 - Programs & Social Services” Jan. 15: Paul R. Wineman & Associates - “Middle East Update” Jan. 22: Saul Jacobs & Bob Lipson, USC Emeriti College “Our Heritage of Golden Folk Songs: Stephen Foster & More” Jan. 29: Tomas O’Grady, “Enrich L.A. - An Edible Garden in Every School”
Friendship Auditorium
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED · NOT A BANK DEPOSIT · NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY · NO BANK GUARANTEE · MAY LOSE VALUE © 2013 Citigroup Inc. Citi Personal Wealth Management is a business of Citigroup Inc., which offers investment products through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), member SIPC. Insurance products are offered through Citigroup Life Agency LLC (“CLA”). In California, CLA does business as Citigroup Life Insurance Agency, LLC (license number 0G56746). CGMI, CLA and Citibank, N.A. are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates. 1164367 12/13
January 2014
www.losfelizledger.com
3201 Riverside Dr. (1/4 mi. so. of Los Feliz Bl.) For upcoming programs, see www.LABreakfastClub.com or call (323) 662-1191
POLITICS
Page 9
Los Feliz Ledger
LFNC Sends A Searing Critique To the City Regarding Youth Ballpark EIR By Allison B. Cohen and Tony Cella LOS FELIZ—The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council (LFNC) voted to issue a highly critical letter at its December meeting to city of Los Angeles officials regarding its overall management of the Griffith Park youth baseball fields project and the recent release of the projects draft environmental impact report or D-EIR. “We’ve been very accommodating to a rather incompetent bunch and it’s time we called them on it,” said LFNC board member Mark Mauceri, chair of the council’s Sports & Recreation Committee, referring to what he described as, “a D-EIR riddled with glaring errors and a botched public comment hearing where the city literally talked more than it listened.” In the letter, of which the Ledger received a copy, dated Dec. 17th and addressed to the Interim City Engineer, Deborah Weintraub, and the city’s Dept. of Recreation and Parks Interim General Manager, Michael Shull, the LFNC outlined what it termed, “convoluted and questionable procedures” regarding various decisions project managers have thus far made regarding the project including a lack of formal responses to project related questions—initially from members of the advisory committee formed at the project’s inception—regarding adequate field sizing and installation of field lighting for the proposed baseball fields and why potential site alternatives were brought forth outside of normal procedures, including one alternative, the ‘Reservoir Headworks’ where the city had previously identified the soil as contaminated with the known carcinogen Chromium 6. The initial committee cited was the project’s Local Volunteer Neighborhood Over-
against the city for failing to be delayed, deconstructed or sight Committee (LVNOC), perform an environmental derailed by specters from Mr. a 7-member group appointed impact report—on Drucker’s Drucker’s professional past.” by Councilmember Tom Laadvisement—for the planned The letter asks for a meetBonge tasked with providing construction of the Children’s ing of LFNC’s Demmers with input on how public works Museum in Griffith Park at its addressees to discuss the projects for recreational faciliRiverside Drive and Los Feliz numerous problematic issues ties are ultimately implementBoulevard. the council cited in the letter. ed. LVNOC committees are The city ultimately The LFNC also forwardmandatory for any Proposition scrapped the location and seted its board approved 9-page K (Prop. K) funded project to tled the lawsuit. commentary to the project’s ensure the city receives local The LFNC spoke to environmental report citing advisory insight before design Drucker’s successful experimultiple errors, factual inacand construction begins. curacies and “ C i t y misleading “We’ve been very accommodating to a rather employees don’t generincompetent bunch and it’s time we called them statements in the 326ally overrule on it,” said LFNC board member Mark Mauceri, page docuthe decisions ment that chair of the council’s Sports & Recreation of appointed includes oversight comCommittee, referring to what he described as, a citation missioners “a D-EIR riddled with glaring errors and a from the or commitbotched public comment hearing where the unapproved tees,” the let“ 2 0 1 3 ter, signed by city literally talked more than it listened.” Griffith LFNC presiences on other city projects, Park Vision Plan” asserting dent Linda Demmers stated but indicated the Children’s “millions” of people picnic anregarding the Bureau of EnMuseum as problematic. nually in the park, a figure the gineering’s (BOE) decision to “Mr. Drucker has referred LFNC says is “a guess” and suddenly reintroduce North to the Children’s Museum mathematically impossible Atwater Park as a project alterproject as a source of dread he based solely on the available native without LVNOC conassociates with Griffith Park number picnic tables, even if sultation. and our Los Feliz Neighborthey were used to capacity 365 Additionally, the contamhood,” the letter states, and days a year. inated “Headworks” site, acconcludes, “We believe this The LFNC’s Demmers cording to the letter, was first project is too important to and Mauceri walked the counchosen as a potential alternative after a recommendation from a “Griffith Park centric ing 2007 fire in Griffith Park, LABONGE from page 9 club,” the ‘Friends of Griffith it is vital that we continue our ness course that is the fedPark’—a non-profit group veenergy and efforts for the beteral standard for community hemently opposed to the Crysterment of Griffith Park. My response team training. For tal Springs project site—was office will continue our aggresinformation on how to enreceived and accepted three sive support of improvements roll, contact the LA Fire Dept. weeks after BOE’s comment to Griffith Park, including: Disaster Preparedness Unit, deadline had passed. • Youth baseball fields in at lafdcert@lafd.lacity.org and The letter also questioned Crystal Springs mention the “CERT Program” whether the city’s Prop. K Pro• Additional picnic areas in your correspondence. gram Manager, the Bureau of • Permanent stage at the As we move through Engineering’s Neil Drucker, is Old Zoo 2014, I look forward to concapable of successfully manag• Left-turn signal for Easttinuing our work in Griffith ing the project. bound Los Feliz BoulePark. This month, the Griffith “We believe in handling vard at Fern Dell Drive Park Vision Plan goes before this particular project, Neil’s the Recreation & Parks Comprofessional judgment is commission, and I thank the compromised,” the letter states, remunity for its contributions in ferring to a 1999 lawsuit sucthis effort. cessfully filed by the Los Feliz As I recall the devastatImprovement Assoc. (LFIA)
cil through its D-EIR comments noting how the draft report has varying numerical counts within two pages of one another and describes an “abandoned building” that is in actuality a closed bathroom facility at Crystal Springs’ southern end. Later Mauceri said, “How can they completely miss bathrooms with the words “Men” and “Women” stenciled on the front of it, in a report with a quarter million dollar price tag? Mayor Garcetti wants the city to get back to basics, BOE can start with checking its work before they hand it in.” Other LFNC boardmembers critiqued the Bureau as well as Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge and his staff for not intervening to extend the Nov. 20th D-EIR Public hearing when BOE abruptly ended it before many attendees got to speak. Board Vice President Barbara Ferris who attended the meeting said, “CD4 should have went down and had a sidebar to say hey, wait a minute, you can’t just cut people off like this.” • Expansion of Griffith Park with the acquisition of land by Lake Hollywood From my morning hikes in the Park until the sun sets in the distance, my devotion to Griffith Park remains as resolute as ever. My staff and I remain honored and privileged to serve you. Our sleeves are rolled up, our track shoes are on and our hearts beat strong for Council District 4.
New Year’s Online Special! Unlimited group classes only $199 per month • small group equipment classes • purchase & schedule classes online • build a leaner, longer, firmer, stronger physique
323.906.0088
www.pilatesmetro.com 3178 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Page 10 LIFESTYLES
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger
[residential real estate]
Let It Go, Jake. It’s the Holidays By Bruce Haring, Ledger Real Estate Reporter With apologies to “Chinatown” screenwriter Robert Towne, that seems to be the general mood in the residential real estate market for December, as everyone takes a breath after a year of frenzied activity. While there’s still activity in the market and homes for sale, things have slowed considerably since earlier in the year. “It went into holiday mode around Labor Day,” according to realtor Richard Stanley. “After the summer, there was a
lot on the table that concerned people like government shutdowns and threats of default. [People] are in the market, but there’s not as much enthusiasm as there was in the summer and into the spring.” That lethargy is reflected in trends reported by DataQuick, a La Jolla, California-based market monitor. It reports that statewide, California new and resale houses and condo sales were down 8.3% in November from October’s results, and down 10.8% year-over-year from November 2012.
In Southern California, sales volume in November also fell well below what was seen a year earlier. But the median price of homes sold was up a solid 21.30% year-over-year. DataQuick reports 5,884 new and resale houses and condos sold in Los Angeles County in November. Overall, sales in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange counties last month were down 14.2% from October, and down 10.4% from November 2012.
[commercial real estate]
5500 Hollywood Boulevard On the Comeback By Bruce Haring, Ledger Real Estate Reporter
HOLLYWOOD BLVD—On the day that the building at 5500 Hollywood Boulevard was dedicated in December of 1928, actress Norma Shearer used a golden key to open the front door for a wealthy show business crowd. Some 85 years later, the next generation of show business is slowly making its way back into the building. The return of creatives to the space marks a classic Hollywood tale, featuring a rise, a fall from grace and now, hopefully, a return to glory. Known as the Louis Mayer Building, 5500 Hollywood Boulevard is positioning itself as one of the first big creative office spaces on the East Side of Hollywood. Originally commissioned by movie moguls Mayer and Irving Thalberg, the building once housed offices for them and a host of top show business services. January 2014
Prominent tenants included screenwriter Ben Hecht, the first to receive an Academy Award for an original screenplay and the author of a string of Hollywood classics, including “His Girl Friday” and “Scarface.” The building was also home to Central Casting, the go-to service for aspiring stars and starlets in Hollywood’s Golden Age; the Motion Picture Associaton of America; and the Hays Office, which was at one time in charge of supervising a moral code for films. Together, they made the building one of the world’s greatest show business office spaces. But the 5500 building hit some hard times in the last part of the 20th Century, mirroring the general Hollywood decline. Show business was now big business, and www.losfelizledger.com
the small companies that once ran Hollywood merged or were acquired by multinational corporations, which needed larger spaces. By the 1970s, the 5500 building was being used to produce pornography, later expanding into a music rehearsal studio used by Guns N’ Roses and White Zombie. When that venture ended, the building sat abandoned for a time, a faded part of forgotten Hollywood. THE COMEBACK But, that’s not where the story ends. Today, 5500 Hollywood Blvd. has been lavishly restored, complete with an art gallery on the ground floor and a basement performance space, and has begun leasing to a variety of entertainment production and technology companies. Samir Srivastava is behind the renaissance. A guitarist who attended the local Musician’s Institute, he became attuned to Hollywood’s faded glory while walking the streets from his Wilcox Avenue neighborhood to the school, noticing the many boarded-up buildings in the world-famous capital of show business. Later, he became a suc-
Don’t panic. DQ also reports that Southern California sales have declined 7.6% between October and November for the last 25 years, when the company began compiling the statistics. DataQuick did not release November results for local zip codes. However, realtor Rob Kallick of Sotheby’s International said the local market is “still very strong,” adding that things have cooled off a bit and many people are sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the beginning of the new year.
Tightened lending is one factor in the lull, Kallick added. “The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limit was lowered,” he said. “People’s buying power will be lessened. That will keep the market at a moderate pace rather than the frenzy of last year.” Locals shouldn’t be too discouraged, though. “Silver Lake and Los Feliz is its own animal,” Kallick said. “The demand is so high for these neighborhoods regardless of where all that lending goes.”
SOLID GROWTH FOR U.S. LIKELY IN 2014* “After six years of a gloomy recession and shaky recovery, the U.S. economy looks poised to regain its glow next year with stronger job growth, bigger income gains for more people, and a resurgence of homeowners moving up into new digs.” “The coming year could also mark a new stage in the housing market’s recovery: “2013 was the year of the investor,” said Jed Kolko, chief economist at the real estate website Trulia, “but 2014 will be the year of the repeat buyer.” “That would signal a return to a healthier housing market, fueled in significant part by existing owners who have gained enough home equity to seek bigger, better quarters.” “Rising prices and a reduction in negative equity are bringing willing sellers back to the market,” said Paul Diggle, an analyst at Capital Economics.” *The above are excerpts from a 12/16/13 Los Angeles Times article.
IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT MAKING 2014 YOUR YEAR TO BUY OR SELL A HOME, LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW I CAN HELP YOU MAKE THAT HAPPEN…….
M I C H A E L
T U N I C K REAL ESTATE. REAL SERVICE. REAL RESULTS.
• 37 years sales + marketing experience • 22-year Los Feliz resident • Former boardmember Los Feliz Improvement Assoc.
323.646.3893 www.michaeltunick.com © 2013 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. CalBRE 01321406.
see COMEBACK page 15
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 11
Los Feliz Ledger [city sleuth]
You Don’t have to be Jewish to Enjoy the Autry’s “Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic” Exhibit By Diane Kanner, Ledger Columnist GRIFFITH PARK—So you artist Hugo Ballin designed The other artifact is a think the 25-year-old Autry Namurals for Griffith Observacrystal bowl given to Dorothy tional Center in Griffith Park tory. A photo of Ballin at work Chandler by the oldest Jewis strictly a cowboy and native on the vast murals of Wilshire ish fraternal organization in American museum? Oy, vai, Boulevard Temple is exhibthe region, B’nai B’rith. After you could not be more wrong. ited near a case full of Billy Chandler and husband NorAn exhibit there which is Wilder’s Academy Awards man were married, they lived about to conclude takes a look and Mickey Katz’s 1950s long in an apartment on Vermont at men and women of the Jewplaying record “Tico Tico.” Avenue before building a home ish faith who shaped instituKatz and his “Kosher Jamat 2520 Nottingham Avenue. tions like Hollywood’s Cedars mers” played for local wedThe 1965 award recognized of Lebanon Hospital on Foundings and bar mitzpahs at a her “extraordinary” efforts in tain Avenue, hardly a frontier time when the Hollywood Los fundraising and bridging the hangout. Some whose faith Feliz Jewish Community Cengulf between Jewish and non was little known, like Austrian ter on Bates Avenue thrived Jewish Angelenos. The exhibit immigrant architect Richand Cedars of Lebanon Hosexplanation reads, “Chanard Neutra, rose dler began her While “Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic” to the heights of long campaign to their professions. build a performlooks at the larger history of Jews in the While “Jews ing arts center in the Los Ange- entire city, many of the subjects spent their downtown with nascent years in Los Feliz and Silver Lake. les Mosaic” looks a benefit concert at the larger hisfeaturing many tory of Jews in the entire city, pital was the sole metropolitan Jewish entertainers. She evenmany of the subjects spent Jewish hospital. At that time, tually reached out beyond their nascent years in Los Feliz Cedars Sinai coexisted with Hollywood to secure financial and Silver Lake. the more rural City of Hope support from ‘Westside Jews’, For instance, the exhibit’s in Duarte. Both owed their real estate developers, bankfinancial sponsors include the origins to the health concerns ers and other business leaders. family of Carmen and Louis of people drawn to southern The Los Angeles County MuWarschaw. Longtime residents California for the clean air and sic Center was a civic monuof 2324 N. Vermont Ave., the mild climate where their “conment that marked a new era in Warschaws advised Demosumption,” meaning tubercuthe cultural maturation of the cratic Party candidates like losis, might be contained. region and a renewed visibility Jesse Unruh and Pat Brown on Two exhibit artifacts for Jewish philanthropists in Jewish and other issues. depict a man and a woman shaping the social and physiThe current neighborwhose names are part of the cal landscape.” hood representative on the local lexicon. Richard Neutra’s This fine exhibit concludes Los Angeles County Board of portrait appears on the cover Jan. 5th. Autry National CenSupervisors, Zev Yaroslavsky, of Time magazine in 1949 over ter, 4700 Heritage Way, Griffis recognized for agitating the the headline “What will the th Park. For further informaJewish establishment into acneighbors think?” Living on tion, visit www.theautry.org. tivism to force change in SoSilver Lake Boulevard, Neutra viet policy. While a student designed revolutionary modat UCLA in the 1960s, Yaroern residential architecture. slavsky worked to secure emiHis influence skyrocketed afgration rights for Jews living ter the Dundee Drive home he in the Soviet Union. designed for the Philip Lovell Further up Vermont Avfamily was the focus of anothenue, silent filmmaker and er exhibit in 1932.
[keen to be green]
Turning Old Into New By Meher McArthur, Ledger Columnist We all have items we don’t use but can’t bring ourselves to get rid of for sentimental or other reasons. With a little thought and some crafty skills, I’ve been discovering, it is often possible to repurpose them into something useful. For example, I had a pair of gold earrings that I never wore but didn’t want to sell or give away, so I converted them into two pendants, one I now wear regularly; the other I gave to a friend who had admired mine. I needed a new kneelength dress, so I dug out a long—and long-neglected— dress from my closet and cut a few inches off. It looks so much better! I needed a new ankle bracelet, so instead of buying one, I shortened a necklace I’d inherited but never worn, and now I wear it all the time.
With some basic sewing, cutting and gluing skills, we can repurpose a lot of our stuff. The website Pinterest had some great upcycling and repurposing ideas (http:// www.pinterest.com/savvyb/ upcycle-and-repurpose-ideas/) my favorites of which include a pet’s bed made from a vintage suitcase and wall art made of fabric-wrapped Styrofoam— at last a use for those silks and scarves I’ve been holding onto for years! Children’s old t-shirts can be hard to throw away, so why not make them into tote bags? (www.instructables.com/id/ FA S T E S T- R E C YC L E D T-SHIRT-TOTE-BAG/ or this one for those who don’t sew: http://www.leethal.net/ zine/?p=1344.) Of all the “re-“ words, repurposing has the highest “win-win” quotient—old into new with no trash and no cash!
Do you own your income property or does it OWN YOU? Clint Can Help! • Rent collections • 24/7 maintenance • 24/7 on-call for emergencies • Monthly detailed reports • Accountability and stress reliever!
Property Management January 2014
1621 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 668-7500 clukens@clintlukensrealty.com www.ClintLukensRealty.com DRE Lic #01367014
www.losfelizledger.com
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 13
HAPPY NEW YEAR
JUST LISTED
COMING SOON
421 MUSEUM
4153 CROMWELL
JUST SOLD
3611 CADMAN
1923 CEDAR LODGE
3918 DELONGPRE
RICHARD WILKINSON, REALTOR BRE 01812487 POWERED BY KELLER WILLIAMS LOS FEIZ
T 323 445 2426
E Richard@RLWilkinson.com
W Wilkinson-Properties.com
Los Feliz Ledger
Rowena’s “Road Diet” Giving Some Indigestion
things down on Rowena. Still, traffic is still speedBy Bruce Haring, Ledger Real Estate Reporter ing along on the side streets, he said, hoping to avoid the ROWENA AVENUE—Signs would be forced to slow down Griffith Park Boulevard, says congestion that often clogs along the street have sprouted in the narrower corridor of the she walks her two daughters to Rowena. He said “nothing has in the Rowena neighborhood reconstituted Rowena. The school and watches “multiple been done to date,” about that between Griffith Park Bouleneed was particularly acute at people blow through” stop problem. vard and Hyperion Avenue, that time following the tragic signs and that motorists “don’t Los Angeles City Counreminding motorists to “Slow death of a young woman killed take time to look to see who’s cilmember Tom LaBonge, Down + Watch the who held a commuRoad - This is a Neighnity meeting in June borhood.” It’s yet anThe results of the “road diet” have been mixed to date. last year to get input other attempt by conJennifer Giancola, who lives in the section of Rowena between on the Rowena “diet” cerned locals to make and later met with Hyperion Avenue and Griffith Park Boulevard, says she walks the key thoroughfare Waverly Drive citiless dangerous. her two daughters to school and watches “multiple people zens, said that some Last spring, the blow through” stop signs and that motorists “don’t take time residents of Rowena southern part of Rohad voiced concerns, wena Avenue was reto look to see who’s crossing.” but “many, many duced from four lanes have voiced support. to one in each direcI think [it] has slowed traffic tion by restriping the street, crossing the road after leaving crossing.” down on Rowena,” he said. with bike lanes added on eia restaurant. But Jerome Courshon, a According to LaBonge ther side. The project was parThe results of the “road Waverly Drive resident who there were no plans to add tially done to accommodate a diet” have been mixed to date. has been active in protestspeed bumps to Rowena AvLos Angeles Dept. of Water Jennifer Giancola, who ing speeders and traffic sign enue as a further method of and Power water pipeline projlives in the section of Rowena disregard in his area, said the slowing traffic. ect. But the hope was that cars between Hyperion Avenue and “road diet” has worked to slow
COMEBACK from page 11
cessful real estate developer, and began to capitalize on his earlier observations. The boarded-up 5500 Hollywood Blvd., which had been heavily damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, was particularly intriguing. Although the elderly sisters who owned the building had attempted some restoration work, it was still far from its past glory. Despite the seedy nature of the building’s location at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Western Avenue, which was known then as the highest crime area of Hollywood, he saw what was possible. “I took that as an opportunity,” Srivastava said. He started working on the building in 2004, taking care to preserve the historic details, including its elaborate carvings in the façade, some of them quite risqué, a private dig at censorship by Mayer during the restrictive eras of an earlier
time. Srivastava’s first tenant in the restored building? Eric Garcetti, then a Los Angeles councilman, now the city’s mayor. The Dept. of Motor Vehicles and the Census Bureau later became tenants, but Srivastava’s artistic roots led him to seek another direction for tenants. “I was primarily trying to save the space to put the entrepreneurs in who are making the coffee shops of Hollywood do well,” he said. The concept was to get those disparate folks together in one building, providing the amenities that would enable a creative collaboration. The vision is reflected in the building’s overall concept, dubbed the Kollaborative, which features a groundfloor gallery and a basement performance space that once housed Hollywood Billiards. The gallery has been hosting community events for the last 10 years, while the basement
space is now renovated and envisioned as a venue for music and other arts. Srivastava said he hopes to add a coffee and juice bar to the mix at some point, keeping the building’s creatives focused and in its confines. While Hollywood has begun to take notice of the many creative and technology companies in the area, dubbing it the “Silicon Strip,” its attention has mostly been focused on the west side. Now, with spaces there saturated, “they are turning their attention east,” Srivastava said. An application has been made to the National Parks Service to designate the building for national landmark status, according to Srivastava, a process that is about 80% completed. For now, he’s focused on bringing creative tenants to the Kollaborative offices, and hopes to duplicate the concept in San Francisco and New York.
I
Los Feliz Ledger Staff
wish our advertisers and loyal readers a Happy New Year! Allison B. Cohen, Publisher/Editor Libby Butler-Gluck, Advertising Sales Tiffany Sims, Graphic Design Colin Stutz, Contributing Writer Tony Cella, Contributing Writer Bruce Haring, Real Estate Reporter And our Columnists: Kat Bouza Jennifer Clark Charles Cohen Anthony Cook Tara de Lis Mike Gatto Kimberly Gomez Diane Kanner Tom LaBonge Michael Locke Meher McArthur Mitch O’Farrell Marilyn Tower Oliver Colleen Paeff Pat Saperstein Adam Schiff Stephanie Vendig
2014 Local Real Estate Forecast n 2013, Los Feliz and Silver Lake / Echo Park sale volumes and sale prices recovered their pre-Great Recession peaks of 2006-’07.
What’s Ahead in 2014? ● Low inventory will continue to dog the market, as discretionary sellers continue to sit out the market until the economy’s overall recovery is palpable. In 2014, the reasons sellers sell in any market will continue to hold sway: death; divorce; relocation; urgent family need and urgent financial need. ● Distress sales will continue to have no effect on the local market. ● Buyer activity will remain steady as the Fed’s interest rates remain low in response to 1% inflation and a sluggish recovery nationwide. Buyers’ pent-up demand has yet to be slaked. ● Don’t expect to see the likes of early-2013 interest rates again soon--maybe ever. ● Predictive analytics, e.g., predictions based upon information culled from online consumer activity, will become more influential during the loan underwriting process. ● Investors will be fewer in 2014, as they become more attracted to investment opportunities other than real estate-especially to the current stock market bubble. People have short economic memories. Historically, investors jump into equities when prices are up and are slow to leave when the market turns bearish. ● There will be fewer, and lower, competitive offers on the table for sellers. Buyers are becoming more particular as they look for real value. The market is tipping toward buyers again. ● Cash offers will be fewer but will remain factors in deal negotiations. Cash buyers will be more likely to expect price discounts than to be trumping asking prices. ● Market times will lengthen. Asking prices may need more adjustment if sellers do not price their properties enticingly at the outset. ● In commercial real estate, expect more owner-user buyers to chase our relatively small-scale industrial and retail properties, which are ideal for their independent creative and entrepreneurial needs. The days of 40 years at the switch of a large company, a pension and a gold watch are long past. More people work for themselves now than have since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. ● Apartment construction will continue to increase. When construction is ongoing everywhere, you’ll know a correction is due. There’s a chance you may see this sign in 2014. ● Overall, prices will climb at least 5% in 2014.
Richard Stanley Estates Director Architectural and Historic Properties Specialist rstanley@coldwellbanker.com 213 300-4567 cell / voice mail
©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and operated by NRT LLC. All rights reserved. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. CalBRE#: 00971211
January 2014
www.losfelizledger.com
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 15
Los Feliz Ledger [eastside eye]
Architecture for the Times: Moshe Safdie at the Skirball Cultural Center By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Columnist Inside the 9,000 square foot Guerin Pavilion is where Safdie’s vision and ability to incorporate the natural setting really takes form. Lined with panels of Douglas fir— similar to the Walt Disney
Along Hyperion Avenue, colorful banners announce the Skirball Cultural Center’s current exhibition—now through March 2nd, 2014—Global Citizen: The Architecture of Moshe Safdie. The ongoing show, which occupies all of the Skirball Center’s museum galleries, is a comprehensive survey of the contemporary architect’s almost 50-year career. Safdie designed the Skirball’s hillside campus, a 30year process, culminating this year in the opening of the new Guerin Pavilion. Many local children have visited the center via field trips to the engag-
a citizen of three countries and works all over the world. “In many ways the buildings are global citizens: they are active participants in the civic, social, religious and cultural lives in the cities, countries and regions in which they are built,” said Albrecht on a preview tour. In addition to his efforts in the Sepulveda Pass, Safdie designed the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas as well as major commissions in Jerusalem including the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum and Ben Gurion International Airport.
Concert Hall—the recently completed event space has more than 100 skylights and a complex sunshade system. Mid-day, light patterns form an abstract pattern in the foyer dappling the walls.
How do you feel? Don’t answer that. Let’s keep it positive. How about this? Much of what passes for aging is actually disuse and reversed by moving your body. You know, moving? Swaying, walking, bending, lifting and stretching? I admit, I don’t know what it is like to be 60, 70 or 90. However I do know the journey from 20 year old athlete to 41 year old working stiff. I can speak intelligently on topics like “Nap Time” and “Injuring Your Back while Getting Out of Bed“, to “Gravity’s Apparent Increase” and “Where in the ____ did I put my keys?!” Or even better, “Where did I put my car?” Importantly though, for 12 years I’ve worked as a Fitness Trainer. While there are plenty of Trainers out there helping Johnny Hollywood flex new muscles for the camera, I get a kick out of helping the rest of us enjoy vitality and a reversal of the effects of inactivity and time. Working with you is important to both of us. Safe, effective exercise isn’t easy. Neither is persistence. So call me your guide and dependable anti-excuse. But call me! Let’s meet and talk about you, me and expectations. I’m experienced, knowledgeable and I want to make a difference. Give me a try!
Matthew Vinci The Fitness Man 323-251-8554
Organized in five chronological chapters illuminating the flow of his work and key themes, the exhibition’s title has two meanings, per Donald Albrecht curator. Safdie is a citizen of three countries and works all over the world.
ing interactive Noah’s Ark exhibit while numerous cultural and social events attract a varied adult audience. Safdie came into international prominence in 1967 via Expo 1967’s Habitat—a then revolutionary concept of modular housing. A section of the apartment’s prefabricated fiberglass bathroom is on display as are 200 other objects, including photographs, scale models and drawings that chronicle 30 of the architect’s major projects. Organized in five chronological chapters illuminating the flow of his work and key themes, the exhibition’s title has two meanings, per Donald Albrecht curator. Safdie is
ASK GAIL Ask me now how I’m different from the rest
Via the Skirball’s design, Safdie’s major themes are visible: his use of geometry, natural light and the merging of architecture and landscape. The site itself was once a landfill and beset by mudslides. Graded and stabilized, an outdoor path above the buildings now connects them and is the best vantage point for viewing the concrete, steel, stone and glass structures. “The roofs are stainless steel and reflect the sky while structural giving capacity for clerestory windows and skylights,” he said. Even after 20 years, the architect was pleased with the “freshness” of the buildings and lush landscaping.
Page 16 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
With its easy access to the outdoors and soaring curved ceiling, the Guerin is Los Angeles’ most refined architectural social space. For more information: www.skirball.org/
Gail Crosby Sotheby’s International Realty 1801 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 323/428-2864 GailCrosby@aol.com BRE: 01377453
Happy New Year! www.losfelizledger.com
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger [senior moments]
Sign up for the
Is Our Community Prepared?
Los Feliz Ledger
By Stephanie Vendig, Ledger Columnist Like many older adults, I am alert to any signs of inevitable decline—loss of memory, driving problems, hearing and vision deterioration or balance problems. I think of ways of postponing those problems, or rather, ponder what I would do if these limitations confront me. Except for something really serious, I will not be going to bed. I have to make the most of my life. Aging today is becoming a longer process for a variety of reasons. When Social Security was established in 1935, the life span was considered around 65 years. Now, the fastest-growing age group in the country is the 100-plus population and the second-fastest is those over 85. Living to 90 or 100 is becoming common. The implications are huge, both for the individual and society, in that we can’t look at this increase in time as just one long downhill slope, placing more of a burden on those close to us or on the community. We have to consider this period of life as opportunities
for a vital lifestyle as well as managing the challenges of financial security, health maintenance and caregiving issues. But, it is not just we older people who have to figure out what to do during this period of life. It is also our communities that must prepare for a larger population of older adults. According to a survey of communities across America done by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, one in every five Americans will be over the age of 65 by 2030. With this survey, the organization identified 10 ways that communities can improve the quality of life that would benefit older adults. The list includes: preventive health care such as education, health screenings and in-home services to help adults stay in their home; nutrition education and programs; easily accessible fitness programs and recreation facilities; safe driving assistance and transportation options; special training for public safety personnel and other first responders; home modification programs and accessible affordable housing
near medical, commercial and other desired services; tax assistance and property-tax relief and programs to protect older adults against scams and elder abuse; job training, re-training and lifelong learning opportunities plus flexible employment options; volunteer opportunities; and a single point of access to all aging information and services in the community. These practices are present in Los Angeles but to what extent is the question. Accessibility is a big problem in this spread-out city. For example, if you can make it to one of the multipurpose centers—there’s one in each Los Angeles city council district—operated by the Dept. of Aging, you may get information and assistance with needed resources. If you go to one of the 30 senior centers operated by the city’s recreation and parks division, help with resources will largely be absent. From my point of view, the city can prepare for this growing demographic by looking at all its operations for the community and factoring in the impact on the older population in terms of access.
electronic newsletter in between our regular publication dates. To start receiving yours, please register at www.losfelizledger.com or email us at: newsletter@losfelizledger.com
Sunset Hall - Curriculum and Advocacy Thanks to our ad sponsor Sunset Hall. They offer...
Programs for free-thinking seniors (323) 660-5277
Conversational Spanish at GPACC on Wednesdays
Griffith Park Adult Community Center Calendar
Weds., January 15th, 2014 12-2:30pm General Meeting at Friendship Auditorium, Installation of GPAC Club Officers Join our LAUSD Life Story Writing Class on Mondays from 12:15 – 3:30 starting January 13, 2014 for the new semester ($30/semester). Pick up new ideas for your own memoir in a supportive environment. 3203 Riverside Drive, just south of Los Feliz Bl. * Call for info and reservations (323) 644-5579 Lunch Program: Mon.-Fri., GPACC, 11:30 AM sign in, Noon lunch, Donation under 60 $4, 60+ $2 Club Info and Newsletter: Stephanie Vendig, (323) 667-3043 or vendig@sbcglobal.net. Join GPACC Club: Only $15/year for trips and news. For information on trips, call Doris Slater, (323) 667-1879
It begins with the right setting. Comfortable surroundings that please the eye and senses. A responsive staff for resident support needs, with a licensed nurse on-site 24/7. Professionally guided fitness and therapy for an active lifestyle. Delicious, chef-prepared cuisine. Enriching activities for mind, body and spirit. Concierge and transportation services. What happens next is up to you. After all, it’s your story.
Distinctive Residential Settings Chef-prepared Dining and Bistro Award-Winning Memory Care Premier Programs for Health and Wellness Therapy and Rehabilitation by Paxxon Healthcare Services
Let us help make this chapter one of your best.
belmontvillage.com Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711 Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977 Westwood (310) 475-7501 Thousand Oaks (805) 496-9301
Happy Holidays from Belmont Village! Winner of the George Mason University Healthcare Award for the Circle of Friends© memory program for Mild Cognitive Impairment. Provider to the NFL Player Care Plan.
RCFE Lic 197608468, 197608466, 197608467, 198601646, 197608291, 565801746 © 2013 Belmont Village, L.P. LozFeliz_12_1_chapter.indd January 2014
1
www.losfelizledger.com
11/22/13 4:03 PM SENIOR MOMENTS Page 17
Los Feliz Ledger [a dog’s life]
[the good life]
Hard Cider is an Easy Choice By Tara de Lis, Ledger Columnist Cider has yet to really catch on again in this country, despite its early popularity during colonial times. And by cider, I mean the “hard” variety with alcohol, unlike unfermented fruit juice or sparkling Martinelli’s. Hard ciders also shouldn’t be confused with hard liquor; alcoholic ciders are more similar to beer than booze—both in taste and proof. These socalled “hard” drinks are fairly feminine: the typical ABV is only 5% to 7%. Most are gluten-free, too. The Angry Orchard label is owned by Boston Beer Co.—aka Sam Adams—and it’s one of the fastest growing products in its portfolio. Produce is sourced in Europe, the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast. Try the tart apple-ginger offering, which is amber-colored and one of the most approachable around. Woodchuck’s apple cider operation was born out of Vermont apple winery, and
though the Granny Smith variety wasn’t among the first sold, it’s become one of the most popular. Intended to appeal to lovers of crisp white wines, it’s very dry, with a notable crossover for fans of beers with bite—a la IPAs. Fox Barrel Pacific Pear is produced from 100 percent pear juice—as opposed to concentrate or a flavored apple cider. The result is a fruit-forward, instantly likable drink that smells sweeter than it tastes, but in this case, what the fox says is “yum.” For something really different, consider Julian’s Black & Blue Cider. The deep, dark garnet color is reminiscent of grape juice, but the taste befits the boxing gloves on the label—the fresh-pressed apple juice infused with blackberries and blueberries provides quite a punch at almost seven percent ABV. Tara de Lis is a freelance writer who lives in Hollywood.
Pet Obesity is on the Rise By Jennifer Clark, Ledger Columnist Does the new year have you contemplating joining a gym or starting a new diet program? Perhaps your pet’s weight loss goals should be evaluated as well. According to a recent survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital, close to one in four dogs and cats in the U.S. is overweight or obese. That’s a 37% increase in canine obesity up from five years ago. This is not a problem we as pet owners can ignore. As little as a five pound weight increase in dogs has been linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, respiratory and heart disease and various types of cancer. “This is a war veterinarians, pet owners and parents must win. Obesity is the number one preventable medical condition seen in veterinary hospitals today and is the fastest growing health threat of our nation’s children,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. “Our goal is
to help pets and people live longer, healthier, and painfree lives by maintaining a healthy weight, proper nutrition, and physical activity. The most important decision a pet owner makes each day is what they choose to feed their pet. Choose wisely. Your pet’s life depends on it.”
of a 108 pound female. There are various ways in which to help your pet shed excess weight. Fewer calories in leads to weight loss. Try decreasing the amount of food your pet receives and eliminate table scraps. Engage in more exercise for weight loss with your pet, which means vigorous walking and less time stopping and smelling the roses. You can move your dog’s favorite bed to the far end of
According to a recent survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital, close to one in four dogs and cats in the U.S. is overweight or obese. Shedding those pesky pounds off of your pooch can be a challenge. But the Association for Pet Obesity has an abundance of online tools to help. One of my favorites that puts things in perspective is the Weight Loss Translator, which gives human equivalents to your pet’s weight by breed. For example, my 10-year-old Jack Russell mix weighs in at 24 pounds. While they don’t offer a comparison with her specific breed, I chose a close second, the cocker spaniel and decoded that Reba would be the equivalent
your home or better yet, upstairs so the dog has to work a little harder for its reward. Toys that promote running like Frisbees and balls also work to get your dog’s heartbeat up. If you share a home with multiple dogs, be sure and feed them separately so one doesn’t eat the other’s leftovers. Before starting any new diet or exercise routine with your dog, check with your veterinarian first. For more info on pet obesity prevention, visit www.petobesityprevention. com
shine through
Page 18 LIFESTYLES
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger [st. francis of assisi]
Things Are Happening By Andrea Contreras and Isabela Lacscina, 7th Graders Student Council Members
Through change you are able to grow. This year St. Francis is experiencing some exciting changes. Our school is going through a wonderful rebuilding process that includes learning in a multi-age environment. It is definitely making us want to strive harder and go further. One particularly thrilling activity will be our participation, for the first time ever, in the Junior High Academic Decathlon. In fact, when our new principal and teacher asked who would like to join the team, they didn’t realize half the junior high would join! That shows just how excited we are to be given a new challenge. We are a small school and are trying our best to persevere even when it may seem difficult. One of our mottos this year is “Even when you don’t know how! Believe that you will!” We also know that our participation in the decathlon would not be possible if not for our sponsors. Study supplies and field trips are expensive, but we are committed to find any way to do something new and inspiring for SFA. Our goal at the decathlon is to be gracious winners and humble losers. We really can’t stress how grateful we are for all these changes!
[lycee international de los angeles]
Shakespeare Bridge Garden’s Tenth Anniversary By Thibeaux Hirsh, 5th grade Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the Shakespeare Bridge? Neighbors, local officials and a group of our students found out on November 17th when they participated in the Shakespeare Bridge Garden’s 10th Anniversary celebration. Under the bridge, Monon Street ends in a small garden designed and created by the Hollywood Beautification Team and the Franklin Hills Residents Association (FHRA). The Garden was created to respond to issues like graffiti, loitering, fires, homeless camps, poor lighting, dead trees, invasive plants and flooding. Today, after much hard work, it is a beautiful, peaceful site with plantings such as plumbago, bougainvillea, rosemary and white roses. According to one local resident, “Some of the plantings were intended to reflect Shakespeare and be related to his times.” Students and other attendees, including current Garden Chair/FHR A Vice President Shirley Mims and Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, enjoyed the Renaissance music and the apple cider under the bridge at the event. And, when various 5th graders read Shakespearean sonnets while standing in front of white rose bushes, the spirit of the Bard could be felt by all.
[star gazing]
January 2014 By Anthony Cook, Griffith Observatory The New Year will bring a number of exciting sky events including two total lunar eclipses in April and October, and a partial solar eclipse in October. Earth’s passage through the path of a faint comet may create a meteor shower, or possibly a meteor storm (of 1,000 or more meteors per hour) close to midnight on the night of May 23rd and 24th. Mars will make one of its roughly 26 month passages by us in April, allowing telescope users to observe its regional features. Mars will have its own close encounter with a comet on October 8, perhaps allowing interesting observations to be made by the rover Curiosity and a number of orbiting spacecraft. This month Jupiter is visible all night long. Against
[temple Israel day school]
Multi-Cultural Learning By Zeke Borman, Sophie Dorf-Kamienny and Brayden Stark
In December, 6th graders visited the Alexandria House, a transitional home, community development center, and homeless advocacy center. We learned firsthand about the impact one person with a vision and a commitment can make to solve a problem that exists in the world and in our community. The Alexandria House provides food, clothing, and toys, all from donations, and also provides shelter and daycare, so that the moms can go to school or to work.
Early Childhood Elementary Grades
High School
Open House (all grades)—Saturday Jan. 11, 2014 Parent Child, Preschool, Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 • 9:00 a.m. • 209 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena High School • 1:00 p.m. • 1539 E. Howard Street, Pasadena
Experience the Waldorf difference. pasadenawaldorf.org 626-794-9564 January 2014
www.losfelizledger.com
the backdrop of Gemini the Twins, the brilliant yellow Jupiter is visible in the eastnortheast during evening twilight, and sets in the west northwest at dawn, but not before passing nearly overhead around midnight. Through a telescope, all of Jupiter’s turbulent clouds can be observed thanks to its long stay above the horizon and the planet’s rapid rotation of just under ten hours. The giant planet’s four largest moons can be seen through binoculars. Mars, in Virgo the Maiden, and Saturn, in Libra the Scales, are in the southern sky before dawn. Saturn’s rings are tilted 22 degrees in our direction, while Mars is still relatively distant. Venus, the brightest planet, moves into the morning sky early in the month, and can be seen low in the east during
The 6th graders were given a tour by the head of fundraising, after donating canned food collected at our school. We will be going again to the Alexandria House to cook and eat dinners with the residents. It was meaningful to learn about ways we can help make a difference in the world. Also going on: each grade has been presenting “performing art shares,” focusing on a different country as part of a school-wide multicultural unit of study. We’ve had a great tour around the world so far, from
dawn. Steadily held binoculars are sufficient to make out the planet’s slender crescent phase. The moon is new on New Year’s Day and reaches first quarter phase on the 7th. The full moon on the 15th is called the “Full Wolf” moon. This month it occurs on the same day that the moon’s elliptical orbit carries the center of the moon to its farthest point from the center of the earth (the moon’s apogee), 252,608 miles away. Can you see any difference between this full moon and the so-called “Supermoon” when the moon is 30,000 miles closer to us? Earth’s elliptical orbit around the sun brings it to perihelion, its closest point to the sun, on the 4th at 3:59 a.m. The center of our world is then 91,406,673 miles from the sun’s center, about 1,550,000 miles closer than average, and 3,099,787 miles closer than we will be at our farthest point from the sun (aphelion) on July 3rd.
kindergarten, representing Israel, retelling the “Tale of the Five Balloons” through rhythm and percussion; to the 4th grade performing a Brazilian Capoeira dance. Our 6th grade class is eager to perform our Egyptian dance that, with the help of our performing arts teacher, we choreographed ourselves! On our “Multicultural Day,” our school will transform into a museum, and all students will go from class to class learning about each country that has been studied. This is the first time we’ve culminated our multicultural studies in this way, but we’re looking forward to the new experience.
[loyola high school]
Cubs on the Court By Alex Flores, 11th Grade With an illustrious 80 record to start the season and the prestigious ranking of number 3 in the nation according to MaxPreps.com, Loyola basketball may be on track to have one of its best seasons in school history. Since its first win against Locke High School on Dec. 2nd, Loyola has not looked back, accumulating 7 wins and 2 tournament championships and an average margin of victory of 24 points. Loyola’s success this season is chiefly due to its star-studded cast of players, most notably: Parker JacksonCartwright, the four year starter and Univ. of Arizona commit; Thomas Welsh, the 7-foot center and UCLA commit; Khalil Bedart
Ghani, the high flying guard and Yale commit; as well as, rising star and captain, Max Hazzard. These dynamic players bring a superb mixture of size, speed, finesse, and power to the team, and the concoction of weapons head coach, Jamal Adams has in his arsenal has resulted in an average of 74 points scored per game. Most recently, the Cubs had their first “close call” of the year when they defeated the Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary Cardinals, who are ranked 32nd in the nation by MaxPreps.com, by 3 points after losing a 21 point lead going into the 4th quarter. Nonetheless, the extraordinary Cubs came out of the game victorious. SCHOOL NEWS Page 19
Los Feliz Ledger [immaculate heart high school]
Service & Studies Ward Off Winter’s Chill By Katrina Webb ’16 and Louisa Melcher ’16
As winter’s chill settles over Los Angeles, Immaculate Heart students return from Christmas break bracing not for cold weather, but for finals! The New Year launches a flurry of test preparation and review of course material before semester exams begin. Once students survive their finals, all will enjoy a few more days of leisure before a new set of classes begins later in the month. Meanwhile, our community service efforts continue along with our studies. Last month, IH students with both the Campus Ministry Liturgy Team and the Community Service Team initiated a new service project in
Page 20 SCHOOL NEWS
support of Covenant House, the Hollywood center that helps homeless youth. Students turned fleece fabric into 20 warm blankets and produced 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Covenant House volunteers to distribute to young people living on Los Angeles streets. Highlighting other activities in January, juniors will attend the annual “Close Up” trip to Washington, D.C. Upon their return, members of the Class of 2015 will participate in the Ring Ceremony and receive their school rings bearing Immaculate Heart’s distinctive heart logo. Prospective students of the Class of 2018 will also embark on their first steps toward becoming official IH Pandas by taking Immaculate Heart’s entrance exam for admission and merit scholarships at 8:30 a.m. on Sat., January 25th.
Silver Lake Library Book Sale Set for Jan. 25th SILVER LAKE—The Friends of Silver Lake Library will holding their quarterly book sale Sat., January 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are always needed to help set up the tables and books the day before, Fri., Jan. 24th from 12 noon to 4 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering, please call or Cheryl Revkin (323-662-3987 or cheryl@cherylrevkin.com). Volunteers are also needed Jan. 26th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – to 3:30 p.m. to set up and after the sale to re-box the books. The Silver Lake Library accepts book donations every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the bookstore is open every Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. 100% of all proceeds go to the library for books and supplies.
MOMS CLUB OF
los fELIZ MOMS OFFERING MOMS SUPPORT FOR MORE INFO CHECK US OUT AT LOSFELIZMOMSCLUB.ORG
Send the
Los Feliz Ledger your School News to: allisonferraro @losfelizledger.com
www.losfelizledger.com
January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger [franklin avenue elementary]
Franklin’s All Singing, All Dancing Holiday Glee By Lucca, Amalia and Ryder Mauceri, 2nd graders — As told to their dad, Mark Mauceri
Amalia starts. “We sing and do Cor… Corey…” “Choreography!” Ryder blurts out. Amalia glares. She hates when he does that. “And the teachers and parents make costumes,” Lucca chimes in. Each year, the student body at Franklin stages a holiday concert, aka the “Sing and Dance.” It’s elaborate, like Glee without the budget—as evidenced by the 2nd grade
parents painting prop parasols. “The 5th graders do the most stuff, but the 4th graders had cooler songs I think,” said Lucca. “No, the 1st graders!” says Amalia, “Mary Poppins’ songs.” Led by Ms. Aimee and Ms. Ally, each grade performs a song or a set that’s part of the show’s overall theme; this year it was “International (Sing and Dance),” or around the world in 18 tunes. The 4th graders belted out American pop standards like “Proud Mary” while the 3rd graders toured Africa. “It’s not our theme song! It’s song of the year,”
Ryder says, describing ‘What Does The Fox Say?’ a catchy number apparently born on YouTube. “The 5th graders did that. They had fox hats.” The school’s mascot is the Frankin Fox, so this reporter
stands corrected. Each grade’s songs and dance steps get a little more complex every year as the students progress, with the 5th graders going all out with singing, dancing and a light show. “The kindergarteners sung about rainbows and…” says Lucca before being interrupted.
“. . .You can’t make a rainbow without water,” Amalia finishes. Lucca glares. He hates when she does that. “We sung about water,” Ryder says. “It was ‘The Wheel and The Water’ by Tom Chapin,” Lucca declares, confidently. “Harry’s brother,” I say. Blank stares. “Never mind.”
A CLOSER LOOK Prospective Family Information Night
Tuesday, January 14 & Tuesday, February 11, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m. RSVP encouraged (626) 817-4021 or d_middlebrook@mhs-hs.org
MARANATHA HIGH SCHOOL A COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 169 South Saint John Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105 www.maranatha-hs.org
January 2014
www.losfelizledger.com
SCHOOL NEWS Page 21
Los Feliz Ledger [almost famous]
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter Beyoncé By Charles Cohen, Ledger Music Critic 2013 has been a year full of big-name album releases and some of the most creative advertising campaigns to accompany them. From Daft Punk’s Saturday Night Live commercial and Coachella Music Festival video; to Jay-Z’s epic NBA finals commercial; and finally Eminem’s halftime commercial during the Michigan versus Notre Dame football game, we’ve seen it all. We’ve seen it all this year. That makes Beyoncé’s promotional campaign of her latest release so amazing because—there was none. When people logged onto
The music itself is some of Beyoncé’s finest featuring the heart-warming “Blue,” complete with a vocal sample of her daughter Blue Ivy. Other features include husband Jay-Z, rapper Drake and Odd Future R&B singer Frank Ocean. “Mine (feat. Drake)” shows some of Beyoncé’s paranoia of anticipated motherhood. The combination of Drake’s soft-core rapping with Beyoncé’s beautiful voice works well and creates one of the most fluid collaborations of the year. Frank Ocean contributes on “Superpower” a modern take on the music of “Motown” music with Beyoncé providing the lead
No build-up, no announcement, no advertisement—just a release. This quiet shock-and-awe technique worked perfectly even leaving avid Beyoncé fans, including one Los Angeles teenager, Yasmin Rogers, crying and shouting out, “this can’t be real life” at first sight and listen.
iTunes at midnight on Dec. 13th they were surprised at the sight of the self-titled Beyoncé album. No build-up, no announcement, no advertisement—just a release. This quiet shock-and-awe technique worked perfectly even leaving avid Beyoncé fans, including one Los Angeles teenager, Yasmin Rogers, crying and shouting out, “this can’t be real life” at first sight and listen. To make the album even more intriguing, it is clear that this wasn’t a spur-of-themoment release. Much work went into the album over a long period of time and a feeling of success should be felt by everyone who managed to not spoil the surprise, especially in a year where seemingly every album from Kanye’s Yeezus to Pusha-T’s My Name is My Name has leaked early. Beyoncé features a special iTunes’ exclusive visual version of an album with a video to accompany every song. That puts the total release at 14 songs and 18 videos. Page 22 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
www.losfelizledger.com
vocals. Once again the collaboration of the two creates a beautiful mesh of two of the best voices in the music industry. Finally, there is “Drunk In Love (feat. Jay-Z).” The name is clearly a follow-up to the 2003 song “Crazy In Love,” but now, 10 years later, hiphop’s favorite family are married and with a child. With the chorus: “We woke up in a kitchen saying how the hell did this sh*t happen,” Jay-Z and Beyoncé have come a long way. Most importantly, Beyoncé has created a strong image of a successful female, whom has done it “the right way.” She has, for years now, been a role model for young women by singing of strength, independence and equal rights. Overall, Beyoncé’s shocking surprise release provides a more than entertaining listen and should lock her up for best R&B album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. www.stereogum. com/1601501/beyonce-justreleased-a-surprise-album/ mp3s/ January 2014
Los Feliz Ledger
Come and Visit
Tours held every Tuesday at 10am Call or email to reserve your spot
Lycée International de Los Angeles Preschool - 12th grade French immersion school
A bilingual education gives your child more than two languages. Children exposed to different languages... • tend to become more aware of other people, different cultures and other points of view • tend to be better at multitasking and focusing attention • are often more precocious readers and find it easier to learn other languages
RSVP: 626-695-5159 I admissions@lilaschool.com
Los Feliz Campus 4155 Russell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 LILA-LFLedger-quarterPageAd01.indd 1
January 2014
Advertise in the Los www.losfelizledger.com
Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897
12/12/13 2:54:36 PM
Page 23
Happy New Year! Wishing You Health, Happiness & Prosperity In 2014
George and Eileen 2150 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Los Feliz • Silver Lake • Franklin Hills • Franklin Square • Atwater Village • Echo Park • Beachwood Canyon
323.668.7600
georgeandeileen.com
For Sale
For Sale
2019 North Berendo Street
Los Feliz
$1,149,000 3678 Holboro Drive
Lovely 4+3 2-story English style home with a pool that’s located in the much sought after Franklin Square neighborhood. Spacious living room with fireplace. Nice dining area. Bonus room is perfect for game room. Great outdoor space with pool and patio. Separate outdoor bonus room is perfect for home office. Central AC & heat. Approximately 2018 sq ft and 6502 lot size. Blocks away from the great shopping and dining of Vermont and Hillhurst Avenue’s!
Sold
For Lease
Los Feliz Hills
$1,095,000 1901 North Oxford Street
Very special 1960’s 3+3 home w/family room, home office, pool & lovely views! Spacious LR w/fireplace, hardwood floors w/walls of glass to enjoy the great city & mountain views. Kitchen & living room lead to view deck. Master suite w/spa tub, double sinks & 2 closets. Large family rm w/3/4 bath leads out to to a large heated pool, patio, deck & small fenced yard. Approx 2927 sq ft. Parking for 4 cars. Tucked away in the hills for a nice sense of privacy.
Los Feliz Hills
$1,405,000 1238 Dorothy Drive
Character 1936 4+3.5 Traditional home that’s been in the same family since 1955. Spacious living room with fireplace, beautiful moldings and gorgeous refinished oak floors. Newly renovated kitchen w/white Shaker cabinets & black Caesar stone tops and new stainless appliances. Charming breakfast and formal dining rm. Wonderful original oak paneled library w/fireplace. 2815 SF. Central AC & heat. Copper plumbing. A gracious home in the hills.
Glendale
$625,000 2350 Silver Lake Boulevard
This 1920’s 4+3 Spanish is a contractors delight! Spacious living room with a fireplace. Formal dining room. Solarium with a large skylight to allow in the natural light. Charming kitchen and breakfast room. Lots of original character. Hardwood floors. Central heating system. Laundry room. Enjoy the extra deep lot with room for pool and more. Approx 2101 square feet and a 9832 lot. Detached garage and basement. Loads of potential!
Are You Considering Leasing Your Home In 2014?
Our Leasing Services Whether leasing or selling a home, we provide the same great care for our clients. We’ll prepare a website of your home which connects to numerous search engines to find many prospective tenants. Once we have located a tenant we’ll obtain the credit information to help you select the most qualified tenant and then prepare the lease. Call us if you are considering leasing your home and we will show you how our approach has been so successful to finding the best tenants for our clients.
$4,800
Leased
Sold
3634 Shannon Road
Los Feliz
Spacious 4+3.5, 2 Two-Story Mediterranean residence set behind gates for privacy many original details through out. Enter through classic ornate gate into this beautiful property. Charming living room with decorative faux fireplace, crown molding & hardwood floors. Spacious formal DR. 3100 sq ft. Famiy rm opens to deck w/view of the Observatory plus charming den. 2 car garage. Nice patio and small grassy yard. Laundry room. A stunning home!
A Few Homes Leased By Us In Your Neighborhood 4835 Glencairn Road 2666 Dundee Place 1901 North Oxford St 2350 Silver Lake Blvd 2236 Ronda Vista Drive 2454 Lindsay Lane 1933 Monon Street 3715 Tracy Street 2270 Silver Lake Blvd 2600 Griffith Park Blvd 2012 Sanborn Avenue
Silver Lake
$3,000
Stunning streamline 2+1 1950’s modern bungalow across from Silver Lake Meadow with incredible views of the reservoir and hills beyond from rooftop deck. Spacious living room with a fireplace and built-in bookcases. Large bonus room is perfect as a family room. Wonderfully renovated with refinished dark hardwood floors, charming Retro kitchen, new counter tops, stainless range. Nice open dining area. Central AC. Great Silver Lake location.