Los Feliz Ledger Vol 9. No. 1
Read by 100,000+ Residents and Business Owners in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park & Hollywood Hills
July 2013
Garcetti Taking CD13 Lessons Learned To Bigger Stage By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer
Millennium Developers Agree to Reduce Project Heights
real friendship. Others during the memorial described George as a “raconteur” (a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way), “giving,” “pragmatic,” “opinionated” (about politics) and “stubborn, generous, compassionate and loving.” George was born Oct. 4, 1927 in Yerevan, Armenia
Coffee shops, clothing stores, restaurants, libraries and bars, there’s something about witnessing and leading the change that’s come to Los Angeles City Council District 13 (CD13) over the past 12 years that’s made Eric Garcetti into quite the neighborhood kind of guy. And, in speaking with Los Angeles’ mayor-elect, he said there has hardly been a single lesson learned as CD13 councilmember that won’t apply to the city. “I’m not going to be doing anything new,” he said. “I’m just going to be doing it on a new scale.” Garcetti will be sworn in as mayor July 1st, bringing with him three terms’ experience representing the diverse population that spans from Hollywood to Echo Park. Looking back, he called those years the “greatest privilege of my life.” He said he’s learned the importance of a neighborhood and a community’s street-level health as a precursor to bringing revitalization. “We did so many small things collectively they led to some of the biggest neighborhood change we’ve seen anywhere in a lifetime,” he said. “And so, I think I was always able to stay close to the community—something I want to continue to do as mayor—and also learn how to lead by listening first, and then acting after.” During Garcetti’s tenure he tripled the number of parks in his district, giving nearly every citizen green space within walking distance of their homes. That’s a crusade he hopes to continue citywide. And, meanwhile, main thoroughfares such as Sunset,
see ABRAHAMIAN page 5
see GARCETTI page 13
City Council to Vote On Plans July 24th By Tony Cella Ledger Contributing Writer LOS ANGELES—Millennium Hollywood developers agreed June 17th to cap the height of its proposed west tower to 35 stories and 39 stories for the eastern residential complex, at a city Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) meeting June 17th. The Los Angeles City Council will vote on the plans July 24th. Lawyers, union representatives and residents crowded the council chambers for the afternoon meeting. Prior to public comment, a lawyer for “Communities for Reasonable Development,” which opposes the project, pointed out alleged flaws in the developer’s geological assessments. The lawyer, Robert Silverstein, accused the firm of reporting the building site 800 feet north of its actual location because, he said, the Hollywood fault runs through the property. Seismologists, including the California Geological Survey, backed up Silverstein’s findings. Silverstein also claims the fault is active, based on the definition that a fault is active if it has experienced any seismic activity with it in the past millennia. “You don’t want to approve a 50 story tomb on top of a fault line,” he said. Silverstein believed the errors in the developer’s report “cannot be attributed to negligence or incompetence,” he see MILLENNIUM page 10
New CD13 Councilmember’s First Column, page 6
“GREAT STREETS”—Eric Garcetti will take the lessons learned as councilmember in City Council District 13 with him as Los Angeles’ Mayor-Elect, like the successful revitalization of Atwater Village’s Glendale Boulevard which he plans on using as a template to pinpoint similar potential in other neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles. Photo: Courtesy of Garcetti for Mayor 2013.
[an appreciation]
George Abrahamian (1927-2013) I first met George Abrahamian when I rented office space above his restaurant La Belle Epoque. I would see him when I visited the restaurant—now replaced by Little Dom’s—for a sandwich. He was always cheerful and engaging, but I knew very little about him. At a joyful memorial service June 15th, I learned about my landlord and his extraordinary love of languages (he knew seven) and that he had received “Top Secret” clearance in the Army during the Cold War. He also loved and tended to his backyard garden, could build most anything with his hands, loved music—especially Jazz—and as a gourmet
cook whenever someone visited him at home, he always had something simmering (described as half soup/half chemistry experiment) on the stove. A number of family members spoke at the service, held at Forest Lawn’s Church of the Hills, calling George a man of “integrity” and a “man who always kept his word.” His son Greg Abrahamian spoke of the “La Belle Epoque years” when Ida, George’s wife of nearly 50 years, would leave at the end of the day shift and George and son Greg would tend the restaurant together closing. “They were things about him I learned during those years,” Greg said, “that I did not know.” Greg described those years with his father as a time when they developed a
Metrolink Agrees to Taylor Yards Pollution Assessment, page 11
Out and About: Postal Service Plays The Greek, July 23rd and 24th, page 12
By Allison Cohen Ferraro
Award Winning Culinary Program Cut at Marshall High School, page 14
Legal Issues Continue for St. Mary’s of the Angels, page 17
Los Feliz Ledger [editorial] Publisher’s Note: I usually use this space for a letter to readers. This month, instead we have a teenager’s reconnection and view of the newly renovated Echo Park Lake. Spoiler alert: the writer loves the lake as is, as was, and as will always be.
Echo Park Lake Is Always Beautiful, No Matter What By Lorenzo Rosas I have spent most of my life in Echo Park, often at the lake, and recently visited it for the first time since it reopened. The park stunned me with every step I took, from new pathways to beautiful lotus plants and a remarkable cleanliness in the water quality. Before, Echo Park lake’s water was dirty and grimy. Astonishingly, the lake now has signs prohibiting swimming. Through my personal
tour of the new park, I sat at a bench next to an older woman, who lived only a couple streets away from the park and we started to talk. “The park is beautiful always. I love coming here. The park is close to home,” she said. I could not agree more. The lake before was dirtier in some aspects, but it showed the true spirit of Echo Park just as it does today, cleaned
Los Feliz Ledger Online Read more stories and updates throughout the month at losfelizledger.com In June, we asked if readers thought the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council’s name change to Los Feliz Village Neighborhood Council was a good thing. • 71% of readers said they thought the name change was positive. • 29% of readers said they thought the name change was a bad idea. For this month’s poll: Over the years, there has been much discussion on the Los Feliz Business Improvement District’s board about the size and scope of the Los Feliz Street Fair. To date, only one local vendor, Skylight Books, as we report on page 5, has expressed an interest in having a booth at this year’s fair scheduled for September. Last year there were approximately 170 booths. What do you think about the scope and size of the Street Fair? • I think the Los Feliz Village Street Fair no longer “feels” like “Los Feliz” with so many outside vendors. • I think the Street Fair is great with as many vendors as possible, even if they come from outside our local area.
up. Echo Park is a neighborhood where cultures do not clash and all are accepted. Progressive thinkers flock to the down-to-Earth atmosphere of its restaurants and coffee shops. In this way, I think about the Echo Park lake before, which even in need of repair, still had cultures coming together there with the true Echo Park spirit. So, even though the lake’s renovations make the park an even bigger attraction, because of its newly founded cleanliness and features, the Echo Park spirit is always resilient, always head of the curve and always reflective in the lake. Echo Park is Echo Park no matter what.
Pick up a copy at these locations: Citibank 1965 N. Hillhurst Ave. The Dresden 1760 N. Vermont Ave. News Stand at Vermont and Melbourne Skylight Books 1818 N. Vermont Ave. Atwater Public Library 3379 N. Glendale Blvd.
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 libby@losfelizledger.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN & L AYOUT Brigid LaBonge Tiffany Sims
Story ideas, submissions, advertising rates & inquiries contact: Allison Cohen Ferraro 4459 Avocado St. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Phone: 323-667-9897 Fax: 323-667-1816 acohen@losfelizledger.com www. losfelizledger.com
OFFICE A SSISTANT Griffin O. Cohen
Lorenzo is a resident of Echo Park and a rising junior at Loyola High School.
Corrections & Amplifications Regarding a photo accompanying “Los Feliz Gardens Featured in Garden Conservancy’s ‘Open Days,’” (June 2013) we neglected to provide a photo credit. The photographer is Kathryn Louyse.
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July 2013
Los Feliz Ledger [Buy Local]
Airbnb.com Spotlights “Elegantly Disheveled” Los Feliz By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Contributing Writer One thriving area business is spread out throughout the neighborhood but not visible. Close to 500 Airbnb.com listings are available in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Atwater. The site allows homeowners (and renters) to rent out rooms, guesthouses
both visitors and hosts. Street photographers were sent out to capture the glamour, grit and authentic local character of each locale. Owners list their places for free while those who book pay a transaction fee to Airbnb.com as well as the cost of
Out-of-town visitors seek out Airbnb listings for an authentic experience that gives them a real sense of a neighborhood and city. The Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park area have proven quite popular, so much so that each place has garnered an individual neighborhood profile that has been translated into six languages.
and empty apartments—an instant sublet—to registered members of the Airbnb.com site. Users preview the listings and learn house rules for each short-term rental; afterwards guests can review the host and post user reviews similar to those on Tripadvisor.com or Yelp.com. Because there are few hotel choices locally, Airbnb. com is a reliable and relatively new option for hosting guests. Out-of-town visitors seek out Airbnb listings for an authentic experience that gives them a real sense of a neighborhood and city. The Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park area have proven quite popular, so much so that each place has garnered an individual neighborhood profile that has been translated into six languages. “Los Angeles is one of our biggest cities,” said Ann Montgomery of Airbnb.com when reached at the site’s San Francisco headquarters. “It’s an exciting way to travel and users were requesting more information on neighborhoods.” Information on each area was crowd-sourced from
the overnight stay and cleaning fee. Here’s a link to the “elegantly disheveled” Los Feliz’s profile: www.airbnb.com/ locations/los-angeles/los-feliz New to the neighborhood: On the eastern edge of the pedestrian-only, polka-dot plaza on Sunset Boulevard (home of the twice-weekly Silver Lake Farmers Market), Yummy. com is a grocery store, green market and sandwich counter. Opened in May, the neighborhood market has a large parking lot, friendly staff and wide range of products from fresh veggies to beer and wine selections plus toiletries and other household goods. The store also delivers. Yummy.com, 3607 Sunset Blvd., 323-9129188. Dinner service added: Modern Eats on Glendale Boulevard (open since August 2012) added dinner service recently. The local eatery is best known for its breakfast choices, coffee drinks and lunch fare. Beer and wine are also served. Modern Eats, 2590 Glendale Blvd. at Fletcher Drive, 323-655-1008, www. moderneats.com.
Advertise in the Los July 2013
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Los Feliz Ledger
SLNC To Remind Residents Gas Powered Leaf Blowers are Illegal
Dr. Sang with add arthrosc Dr. Park with the
By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer
SILVER LAKE—The often Los Angeles Police Dept. blowers are in violation of the overlooked city of Los Angeles Northeast Division Senior ordinance,” she said. “We need municipal code against the use Lead Officer Lenny Davis to figure out how to convince of gas-powered leaf blowers said in seven years experience, these people to not use these will be getting more attention he’s only once dealt with a filthy machines.” locally after a motion passed call about a gas-powered leaf Johnson and the flyers will by the Silver Lake Neighborblower. In policing the ordiinclude pertinent information For people with hood Council in both English • General (SLNC) in June and Spanish, as orthopaedic conditions, and arthritis Offenders— both the property owner that will allot $500 well as appropri• Shoulder • ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA • ACL The Friends of Silver Lake revkin.com. the choice is clear. to a begin a pro- and any hired landscaper—are given ate agency phone • Elbow - fr • FRACTURES • LIGAMENT INJURIES Library will hold their QuarVolunteers are also needed If you need a physician who provides the highest gram reminding numbers and• SPRAINS the • Knees - fra • LABRAL / ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES of care people with orthopaedic terly book sale on Sat., July Sat. April 26th from 9 a.m. ligament inj such antoinfraction, the neighborhood $100 citations forstandard ordinance’s direct • MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN • MENISCUS / CARTILAGE INJURIES injuries and illnesses, search no further. 27th from 10 •a.m. to 2 p.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 TENDONITIS / TENDON RUPTURE of the law. The mo- but enforcement and awareness has language. She• INSTABILITY said Volunteers are always p.m. tion also stated the the flyers will• ARTHRITIS also been relatively lax. needed to help set up the taThe Silver Lake Library SLNC may also, if suggest alternables and books the day before, accepts book donations every warranted, begin tives to using gasFri., July 26th from noon to 4 Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 identifying culprits to the ponance there are several issues powered leaf blowers and offer p.m. as well assisting the day p.m. and the bookstore is open lice. to overcome, he said, namely, mediation between neighbors of the sale. every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. In 1998 the city passed an it is a low priority call and by and offenders. SLNC board If interested, call Cheryl to 4:00 p.m. One hundred ordinance banning the use of the time police typically arrive members will be given flyers to Revkin (323) 662-3987 or percent of proceeds go to the gas-powered leaf blowers withthe gardener is gone. distribute around the commuemail her atcheryl@cheryllibrary for books and supplies. in 500 feet of a residency due Following the SLNC’s vote nity with particular attention to their extreme noise and air to approve the motion which to Rowena Avenue and Silver pollution. The machines have will fund the creation of flyers Lake Boulevard. also been proven to generate on the issue to distribute in the “The police department dust and particulate matter SLNC’s boundaries, boardis so overwhelmed, overburespecially dangerous to chilmember Anne-Marie Johnson, dened and under staffed, this dren and the elderly. Offendwhom initiated the motion said is the last thing they need on ers— both the property owner the main problems they’re factheir plate,” said Johnson. DR. SANGDO PARK IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON SangDo education Park is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and any hired landscaper—are ing areDr.outreach, and “It’s time to just stop goofing WITH ADDITIONAL FELLOWSHIP TRAINING IN SPORTS MEDICINE. with additional fellowship training in sports medicine. given $100 citations for such enforcement. around with this and it’s time an infraction, but enforcement “The first line of defense to take it seriously and it’s time • M.D. degree, Columbia University and awareness has been relais to educate the community to take some responsibility • Residency, University of Pennsylvania tively lax. that these gas-powered leaf and educate people.” • Fellowship in Sports Medicine and
GetLake back Library into action and Silver Book Sale Set start enjoying your life again for July 27th
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LFNC Notebook Stolen from LF Library By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—Treasurer Nelson Bae of the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council (LFNC) announced recently that a notebook containing the board’s past agendas, voting records and meeting notes was stolen from the Los Feliz branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. Los Feliz Senior Librarian Pearl Yonezawa said the theft was discovered May 22nd the night before the council voted to change its name from the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council to the Los
Feliz Neighborhood Council. The library created the notebook when the neighborhood council was first formed in 2002 because there wasn’t enough room for meeting notifications on the bulletin board. “We don’t know who stole the book from the library, but in order to comply with the Brown Act, hard copies of meeting materials must be placed there about the time they are distributed to boardmembers. [The] book missing could equal ‘illegal meeting,’
thus nullifying any decision rendered,” at the May 23rd meeting, said boardmember Mark Mauceri. “If [the] GGPNC’s decision was nullified we would have to wait a year before we could try to re-submit any bylaw changes, including a name change.” Council treasurer Bae asked whomever stole the notebook to “please” return it, but he said he has doubts that will happen. “We’re never going to see that again,” he said.
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July 2013
Los Feliz Ledger
Residential Units Proposed for Hollywood and Hillhurst LOS FELIZ—A representative from Los Angeles City Council District 4 announced at the June meeting of the Los Feliz Business Improvement District board meeting that a developer has proposed a mixed-use project for the vacated Ford dealership lot at Hollywood Boulevard and Hillhurst Avenue.
The proposed development would bring 200 to 250 residential units and a national drug store to the site, CD4’s Renee Weitzer told the board. Although the development is in the very early stages, Weitzer reported the building could up to four stories in height.
LFVBID Announces Alcohol Sponsorships For Sept. 7th Street Fair LOS FELIZ—The Los Feliz Business Improvement District (LFVBID) has announced the annual street fair, set for Sept. 7th, has received $5,000 in sponsorship from Budweiser and $1,500 from a rum company. Boardmembers also stated the BID plans on reaching out to Atwater Vil-
lage’s Golden Road Brewery. LFVBID President Chris Serrano said 44 businesses had expressed interest to date in renting booth space at the festival, only one of which is local: Vermont Avenue’s Skylight Books. According to Serrano last year’s festival had approximately 170 booths.
Los Feliz Ledger See our poll about the Los Feliz Street Fair on page 2.
July 2013
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AVNC—The Trouble With Mailers By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer ATWATER VILLAGE—The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) debated a resolution at their June board meeting attempting to curb the number of future political mailings citing environmental issues. A vote on the motion, however, was ultimately postponed, as boardmembers had concerns on enforceability, among other issues. According to research by Mar Vista’s neighborhood council, over 3,000 trees were felled in the creation of the political messages during the 2012-2013 Los Angeles election cycle. The motion, if approved, would have been a resolution asking the Los Angeles City Council to impose on residents an option for mailers, similar to the already implemented “Do Not Call Registry” where consumers can opt out of political and commercial advertisements on their telephones. The resolution did not indicate whether the ban would be only for mailings during election seasonz, board members noted, or if would be for all print outreach efforts of advocacy groups and others who send messages year-round.
AVNC Board member Alex Ventura said banning mailers would “disenfranchise” candidates without resources to reach possible constituents going door-to-door or without the technological aptitude to carry out digital campaigns. “As much as we dislike mailers, they do work or they wouldn’t do them,” said Ventura. Boardmembers additionally pointed out First Amendment issues regarding free speech and that the United States post office controlled mail delivery, not any city council. AVNC Co-chair Torin Dunnavant, whose committee brought the resolution to the board, continued to urge the passing of the resolution, while acknowledging its pitfalls. “It’s important to send a message to our politicians that we don’t like the waste of resources,” he said. Dunnavant and other boardmembers, however, acknowledged such passage by the City Council would be a long shot. “We’re [trying to impose] something we know won’t go through,” said AVNC Secre-
tary Mario Cardenas. However, each boardmember confirmed their opposition to the mailings, employing phrases like “completely out of hand” and “really excessive.” “I wish it would be extended to all unsolicited mail,” said AVNC treasurer Lara Pranger. ABRAHAMIAN from page 1
and first came to Los Angeles in 1952, finally settling here in 1961. He worked as a sales manager of a furniture manufacturing company until opening La Belle Epoque in 1990. He sold the restaurant in 2007. He died May 28, 2013 of heart failure after a cold turned into pneumonia. George is survived by his wife Ida; two sons, Stephen and Greg; one niece, two nephews and five grandchildren. He served as a long time community activist on the board of the Los Feliz Improvement Association as well as the Los Feliz Business Improvement District. Memorials can be made in George’s honor to the Armenian EyeCare Project, P.O. Box 5630, Newport Beach, CA 92662 or eyecareproject.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Page 5
Los Feliz Ledger [greetings from tom]
Hit and Run Driver Still At Large By Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge It is a familiar sight on a weekend afternoon: traffic backed up on the Golden State Freeway as visitors to the Los Angeles Zoo get caught in congestion at Zoo Drive. Congestion on our roads can be an incredibly frustrating experience. It is a waste of gas and, more importantly, our precious time. A few months ago, that congestion became tragedy
Sale” sign in the rear window. While we search for the person who injured Damian, I have continued to work on the issue of Zoo Drive, holding meetings with Caltrans and the Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation. I recently authorized discretionary funding to pay for improvements to Zoo Drive. For now, engineers think that improvements can be made without inserting
I have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person responsible for the hit-and-run accident involving cyclist Damian Kevitt on Sunday, Feb. 17th at 11:35 a.m. when the driver of an automobile struck Damian Kevitt, a cyclist on Zoo Drive. Instead of stopping, the driver continued onward, dragging Damian 600 feet onto the Golden State Freeway before driving away. Damian lost one of his legs in the accident. A car should not be a weapon, and this incredible act of violence must not be tolerated. The search continues for the hit-and-run driver who injured Damian. I have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person responsible for the hit-and-run accident involving cyclist Damian Kevitt on Sunday, Feb. 17th at 11:35 a.m. Anyone with any information can give a tip anonymously at wetip.com or by calling (800) 782-7463. The Altadena CHP is searching, in particular, for a soccer player who, prior to Feb. 17th, was driving in a light-colored mini-van with a large “For
a stoplight. I know this is important for the surrounding community. Meanwhile, Michelle Kevitt Kirkland, Damian’s mother, recently wrote to me to share about Damian’s progress. I want to share her update with you: “My son Damian was transferred to Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey for intense physical therapy. He’s been there a few weeks and doing well. He sat up on his own last week after being prone for more than 11 weeks. We are cheering! He continues to make rapid progress and is looking forward to getting back into action.” While Damian is improving, we need to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again. Please be vigilant as you drive. Congestion is frustrating, but it is no excuse for violence. Please think of Damian the next time you visit and enjoy Griffith Park.
A Different Kind of Dash For Echo Park
[mitch o’farrell]
Beginning the Conversation By Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, Council District 13 During the election to represent the 13th District, I knocked on doors in every neighborhood and spoke to thousands of people. Some I already knew from working together over the last decade on district issues, and some of you have become new friends. Whether you voted for me or not, know this; my door is always open to everyone in the district. If there is one thing I’ve learned over my decade in public service alongside Los Angeles’ new Mayor Eric Garcetti, it is government can only work for the people if it works with the people. That means that while I am committed to being your advocate and partner in City Hall, I also ask that you work with me so that we can move our community forward together. Quality of life issues will be the focus of my first-term in office, with crime reduction and public safety as a primary component. Over the past
12 years under then Council President Garcetti’s leadership, the 13th District has seen an impressive 60% reduction in crime, but we cannot become complacent. Working with the Los Angeles Police Dept., gang intervention specialists, neighborhood-watch associations and public/private partnerships, we can fight crime not just when it happens, but also help remedy the factors that create an environment for crime in the first place. We must enact real reform at City Hall to help our small businesses open, expand and thrive. On a very tangible level, this means streamlining the regulation and business licensing process so that it does not become an obstacle to economic growth. Whether it is the chef who longs to open her first restaurant, or a studio owner trying to keep production here in Los Angeles, I am going to work to make sure that CD13 is the destination to realize business goals.
[star gazing]
July 2013 By Anthony Cook, Griffith Observatory The brightest planet, Venus, continues to gain prominence in the west after sunset, and will be eye catching during evening twilight. The crescent moon will pass to the lower left of Venus on the 10th, and Leo the Lion’s bright star, Regulus, appears very close to Venus on the 21st. The ringed planet, Saturn, looks like a bright golden star to the unaided eye. Its position changes from south to southwest during evening twi-
light during the course of the month. A telescope is needed to see the planet’s spectacular system of rings. The gibbous moon is near Saturn on the 16th and 17th. Planets Jupiter and Mars can be seen low in the east before sunrise, and are joined by the innermost planet, Mercury in the last week of July. Earth is at aphelion, at the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around the sun, on July 5th. At 7:44 a.m., P.D.T., the centers of the earth and sun will be 94,508,960 miles from
The river looms large in the 13th District. Just a few weeks ago, I was proud to help Councilmember Reyes re-open the L.A. River Recreation Zone in Elysian Valley. While on Garcetti’s staff I worked on numerous River initiatives and will continue to do so in my new role. In fact, we recently unveiled the restoration of Echo Park Lake to the public—a project that I have worked on since its inception—and as councilmember I will bring a café, a new paddleboat, and canoe rentals to the newly renovated boathouse. Lastly, we must join the ranks of great cities by creating an affordable housing plan in Los Angeles. There is an impending housing shortage and we must work with all stakeholders to enact an affordable housing plan that addresses workforce housing, permanent supportive housing for the homeless and our veterans as well as senior housing. This will require leadership and collaboration with my colleagues on the City Council as well as with our neighbors, and I embrace that challenge. Now let’s work together and make it happen. each other; 1,553,152 miles farther than the annual average distance, and 3,106,352 miles farther than it was on Jan. 1st, at its minimum. The moon passes Jupiter on the 6th and Mars on the 7th. The south delta Aquarid meteor shower reaches its peak on the night and pre-dawn hours of July 29th and 30th, starting at 9:47 p.m., P.D.T. Moonrise at 11:44 p.m. will hamper seeing faint meteors, keeping rates to about 9 per hour. The moon is new on July 8th, and is full on the 22nd. The traditional name for the full moon of July is the “Full Thunder Moon.”
Foundation Repair? We do it ALL!
By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer ECHO PARK—During a recent Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council meeting two local activists, Luiza Padilla-Mavropoulos and Patricia Mendoza, aired complaints about a traffic signal on Sunset Boulevard near Alvarado Street. Each said the walking signals didn’t give pedestrians enough time to cross and cars, they said, also frequently run red lights and turn in front of pedestrians in crosswalks. Page 6
POLITICS
In a subsequent interview, Los Angeles Police Dept. Officer Lawrence Henderson said the intersection didn’t receive an “outrageous” number of complaints, four during the first couple weeks of June— which, he said, he considered average. However, Henderson said he wasn’t surprised by reports of inconsiderate motorist behavior. “That happens not only at that location, but around see TRAFFIC page 15
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1638 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041 www.alphastructural.com www.losfelizledger.com
July 2013
Los Feliz Ledger [theater review]
[restaurant review]
L&E Oyster: Selling Sips and Shells in Silver Lake
“Heart Song” at the Fountain Theater Combines Drama and Flamenco
By Pat Saperstein, Ledger Restaurant Critic
By Marilyn Tower Oliver, Ledger Theater Critic
Lox and eels? Lake and Eastside? Who knows what L&E Oyster Bar stands for, but in just over a year the little Silver Lake Boulevard spot has become known for the freshest of seafood and the buzziest of scenes. On warmer nights the patio is bursting with diners braving the no-reservations policy for a glass of wine and a tray of oysters; and on colder evenings the patio is enclosed so the fun can continue. And now, if just oysters and drinks are on the agenda, you can proceed straight upstairs to the quieter bar area, where a smattering of other appetizers are also available. (The balcony overlooking the street is a choice spot for an intimate evening.) It’s awfully pleasant to chat with the bartender about the flavor profiles of various bivalves and which wines would best accompany them—dry whites like a Picpoul or Gruner Veltliner are perfect. But delve farther into the menu and it turns out the cooked dishes are even more compelling. Like at the Hungry Cat, non seafood-lovers must content themselves with just one meat dish—a steak sandwich—and a few salads. But it would be a shame to not love sea creatures at L&E, because chef Spencer Bezaire (formerly of Cafe Stella) has a light but very flavorful touch with just about everything on the compact menu. An early review of L&E called the clam chowder “floury.” Clearly this has been remedied and then some: the thin broth is intensely flavored with must be a 50/50 ratio of
clam broth and heavy cream, studded with a few meaty whole clams, then doused with a salty shower of Nueske bacon bits. Try not to give in to licking the bowl, lest the fashionable diners be offended. Often the trendier the restaurant, the less apparent is the bread, but here the chowder comes with two thick pieces of Village Bakery’s sourdough served with a crock of gently-flavored garlic butter. The chef riffs on a hearty choucroute with the seafood boudin noir, in which lobster and shrimp are combined with cuttlefish ink to create a black sausage, served on sweet and sour braised cabbage. Even for those who started the evening slurping up half a dozen raw oysters, the knife ‘n fork fried oyster roll still appeals. The oysters become dense and meaty when coated in cornmeal and paired with pickled onion, and the generous pile of well-browned fries on the side is enough for the whole table to share. Rounding out the menu are a whole roasted fish, shrimp ‘n grits, fried or grilled oysters and smoked mussels. Since L&E is an offshoot of super-popular Los Feliz wine bar Covell, it’s not surprising that both the beer and wine lists feature a number of interesting selections leaning towards France. The beer list isn’t long, but Apicius French cider, Brouwerij west Quadrupel and of course Flying Dog oyster stout, brewed with oysters, are on the menu.
“ H e a r t of other students, Rochelle ity. He has created a play that Song,” at the Fountain Thetries to flee, but is held back resonates with the Fountain’s atre, combines comedy and by Tina and Dolores (Juanita key constituencies—those drama with the energy of flaJennings) an African-Amerwho enjoy theater and those menco to create a touching ican cancer survivor. Their who come for the periodic flaplay in which diverse characteacher, the stunning Katerina menco productions presented ters strive to resolve their inner (Maria Bermudez), tells her there. Although the second act struggles. that Flamenco, the fusion of could become a bit maudlin, The action begins when Romani (gypsy) and Andathrough gentle comedy Sachs a flamenco dancer, keeps the action on Katerina portrayed track. by renowned flaThe cast dimenco dancer As the drama unfolds, we learn that rected by Shirley Jo Maria Bermudez, the three women have been scarred Finney is outstanddramatically ening. Pamela Dunby external events related to their ters the darkened lap, an actress with stage and begins many credits in ethnicity—the Holocaust, the to dance, explainfilm, stage and teleJapanese relocation during World vision, smoothly ing the meaning of flamenco. She tells creates the pudgy, War II and slavery. As the action the audience that insecure character progresses, the women begin to flamenco can help of Rachelle with one find their inner grace. Supportcome to terms with their angst. voice and is also a ing actresses Tohealing influence of mita and Jennings inner struggles. are equally effecThe play revolves around lusian suffering will heal her tive. Maria Bermudez, the Rochelle (Pamela Dunlap), a soul and psyche. fiery flamenco artist is excitmiddle-aged overweight JewAs the drama unfolds, we ing. The simple set by Tom ish woman dreading the tradilearn that the three women Buderwitz and costumes by tional Jewish rite of unveiling have been scarred by external Dana Rebecca Woods are also her mother’s tomb one year afevents related to their ethniceffective. ter her death. The impending ity—the Holocaust, the Japaevent has brought forth her nese relocation during World “Heart Song” Thursdays, concerns about her troubled War II and slavery. As the Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m. and relationship with her mother. action progresses, the women Sundays, 2 p.m through July To help Rochelle resolve her begin to come to terms with 14th. Ticket $34; Seniors and problems, Tina, her Japanesetheir angst. students with ID (Thursdays American masseuse, played by The playwright, Stephen and Fridays only) $25. Onsite Tamlyn Tomita, takes her to Sachs, co-founder of the Founparking $5. Fountain Theatre, flamenco class to bring her out tain Theatre, said the play al5060 Fountain Ave., Los Anof her depression. Fearful of lowed him to explore serious geles. (323) 663-1525 or www. embarrassing herself in front issues about faith and mortalFountainTheatre.com
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LIFESTYLES
Page 7
Los Feliz Ledger [a dog’s life]
Peaceful Pit Bulls and Their Owners Rally Downtown By Jennifer Clark, Ledger Columnist Downtown Los Angeles was the site of a recent rally aimed at reversing discrimination against Pit Bull owners and their dogs as well as educating the public about this high profile breed. The rally was in response to the recent death of a 63-yearold female jogger in Palmdale who was mauled by four Pit Bulls roaming loose and without collars. The owner of the dogs has since been arrested. Rally participants showed up to peacefully protest breed specific legislation which, if put into place, would effect Pit Bulls owners. After the incident in Palmdale, Tony Bell, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Supervisor said, “Pit Bulls are a different breed of animal. They’re capable of incredible damage to humans, to other dogs, to horses.” Protestors were concerned that his words could lead to a push for breed specific legislation. Such legislation exists in places such as Denver, Colorado where it is illegal to own a Pit Bull. Protestors arrived downtown, many of them with their
pet Pit Bulls on leashes, to remind the public that irresponsible dog owners are to blame for such attacks, not an entire breed of dog. Roaming dogs like the ones involved in the Palmdale attack, often have no collars and are not altered by their owners. Instead of breed specific legislation, these pet owners are looking for tougher laws on pet owners. Such laws exist in certain parts of the country. For example, in Illinois, “Ryan Armstrong’s Law” allows for up to three years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine for dog aggression incidents. The downtown rally was organized by The Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bill Owners (LARBO), which was formed in February 2011 with the goal of bringing together responsible Pit Bull owners in the greater Los Angeles Area. Their mission is “to join together in group activities, events, Pit Bull advocacy, education and training classes and community outreach in order to promote a positive image of all ‘bully breeds.’” For more info on LARBO, visit: www.meetup.com/
[people in my neighborhood]
Maid In the USA’s Mark Newman-Kuzel By Colleen Paeff, Ledger Columnist
[eastside eye]
Los Angeles is what’s and vines along the sidewalk, In some ways the new garknown as a bio-diverse hot there’s “an urban wilderness dens turn the museum inside spot—teeming with animal that teems with native plants out. Rather than just viewing and bird life and plants found and the 1913 garden prothe preserved specimens innowhere else. While that’s not vides a smorgasbord of polside, visitors can see and obalways so evident, a visit to the linating and colorful bloomserve native plants, birds, innewly opened outdoor Nasects and some very happy ture Gardens at the Natusquirrels on their way into ral History Museum of Los the 100 year old instituAngeles County in Exposition, now book-ended by a tion Park, puts L.A.’s oft1913 brick-and-terra cotta obscured eco-system in tile stepped entrance and view right off Exposition the glass-sided, six-story Boulevard. Replacing asOtis Booth pavilion. At phalt parking lots and motdusk, a light show plays ley turf, there’s now a thrivbehind a suspended 63ing natural habitat that has foot fin whale skeleton—a already attracted 100 kinds striking marriage of conHere, Los Feliz architect Mia Lehrer introduces the of animals and even more temporary architecture and gardens’ water feature. Los Angeles is the “birdiest” insects. natural science. county in the U.S. with 511 native species. It was Los Feliz-based The museum’s new landscape architect Mia Lehrer ing plants,” Lehrer said last entrance faces the Expo Line, and her team at Mia Lehrer + month at a preview of the and the large flat parking lot is Associates, who designed and environment. “The perforgone. The expanse was graded installed the gardens. In colmative landscape serves and planted a year ago: a steel laboration with museum scienmultiple purposes attracting bridge floats over the vibrant tists, Lehrer sought to establish wildlife as well as telling the gardens, water features, granthe best habitat possible, with story of Los Angles horticulite pathways and trees. themed gardens in the space ture and backyard gardens.” Surprisingly, Los Angebetween the Exposition Park A bountiful garden of edles is the “birdiest” county in rose gardens outside the 1913 ible plants demonstrates the the U.S., containing 511 naBeaux Arts building and the variety of plants that can be tive species. Plan on walking museum’s new five-story Otis grown locally including tasty the grounds soon for an aweBooth Pavilion entrance. blueberries, greens, herbs and inspiring visit. In addition to hedges stone fruit. http://www.nhm.org
ATWATER VILLAGE—When resident Mark Newman-Kuzel lost his job at an ad agency in 1992, just as the recession hit, finding permanent employment in advertising turned out to be tough. To supplement his sporadic income NewmanKuzel started cleaning houses. “My parents kept a very clean house,” he said, “so it’s in my blood.” As time went by, NewmanKuzel built up a client base via recommendations from satisfied customers. Then, a chance meeting at a cocktail party led to a job cleaning windows, and eventually the entire store, at the Gap (now Urban Outfitter’s) on Melrose Avenue. It didn’t take long for Newman-Kuzel’s supplemental income to become the full-time, boutique cleaning business, “Maid in the USA.” “I didn’t go into it with a game plan or a written business plan,” Newman-Kuzel said. “It just kind of evolved.” Twenty-two years later, Newman-Kuzel has hundreds of clients and a staff of 12 who clean commercial, retail and residential spaces throughout Los Angeles. And though Newman-Kuzel sticks to managing his business rather than cleaning these days, you can find him online at eHow.com where he has pro-
Page 8
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Los Feliz’s Own Mia Lehrer Transforms The Natural History Museum’s Front Yard By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Columnist
LIFESTYLES
duced over 100 videos as a cleaning expert, offering tips on everything from how to clean grout to how to remove melted wax from a carpet. Even though NewmanKuzel didn’t set out to become a business owner, he says he can’t imagine not owning his own business now. “I’m in control of my own destiny,” he said. That control allows him time to devote time to his work as a community activist. He is an active member of Defenders of Wildlife and the Humane Society among other organizations. “Animal causes are near and dear to my heart,” Newman-Kuzel said. In fact, among his Atwater Village neighbors he’s more likely to be known as a dog owner than a business owner—or more specifically, “Bradford’s” owner. Bradford is Newman-Kuzel’s chocolate lab and the two can be seen daily going on walks or enjoying a drink at the local Starbucks. Whether Newman-Kuzel set out to own a cleaning business or not, it’s clear that he’s found the recipe for success. “It’s all about the golden rule,” he said. “It has to be win-win.” July 2013
Los Feliz Ledger
[real estate]
Southland May Home Sales Highest in 7 Years Median Price Hits 5-Year High Homes Locally All See Strong Gains By Allison Cohen Ferraro Southern California home sales held at a seven-year high in May thanks to a stronger economy, pent-up demand, low mortgage rates and the widening perception that a home is a good investment, according to DataQuick, a real estate reporting firm out of San Diego. A total of 23,034 new and resale houses and condos sold
in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange counties last month. That was up 7.6% from 21,415 sales in April, and up 3.8% from 22,192 sales in May 2012, according to DataQuick. Last month’s sales were the highest for the month of May since 30,303 Southland homes sold in May 2006, according to DataQuick.
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The median price paid for all new and resale houses and condos sold in the six-county Southland was $368,000 last month, up 3.1% from $357,000 in April and up 24.7% from $295,000 in May 2012. Last month’s median was the highest for any month since May 2008, when it was $370,000, accord-
of pent-up demand, said John Walsh, DataQuick president. There was more evidence in May that credit conditions have improved. Jumbo loans, mortgages above the old conforming limit of $417,000, accounted for 27.7% of last month’s Southland purchase lending—the
compared to May of 2012 with 21 homes closing escrow. Only two condos were sold in May in Los Feliz but still at a 16% median sales price in May compared to a year ago. The median price paid for a condo in Los Feliz in May was $343,000. Echo Park (zip code
Locally, the median price for single-family homes and condos were up as well with the exception of condos in the Silver Lake area. ing to DataQuick. In a sign of widespread market confidence, DataQuick reported, “Southern California home-buyers are putting a record amount of their own skin in the real estate game.” In May buyers paid a total of $4.65 billion out of their own pockets in the form of down payments or cash purchases, an all-time high. That was up from $4.57 billion in April, and up from $3.89 billion a year ago. “We’re deep into uncharted territory: Amazingly low mortgage rates, a razor-thin inventory of homes for sale, and the release of years’ worth
highest since August 2007, when jumbos made up 36.7% of the market. Locally, the median price for single-family homes and condos were up as well with the exception of condos in the Silver Lake area. While the median price of a single family home in the 90039 zip code was up 43% to $772,000, the median sales price for condos dropped 39% to $340,000 compared to last year. This decrease, was, in part, due to only one condominium being sold in Silver Lake during May. Los Feliz (zip code 90027) saw its median price increase in May 14% to $880,000
90026) saw strong activity in May with 21 single- family homes recorded at a median price increase of nearly 48% over last year to $709,000. Data for condo sales in Echo Park were not available. Of the four reporting neighborhoods in the Los Feliz Ledger coverage area, Hollywood (zip code) was the most active in May with 32 single-family homes sold. The median price increase in May, compared to last year, was up 28% to $910,000. Five condos were sold in the Hollywood Hills during May 2013 with a median price increase of 7% over last year, to $350,000.
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Los Feliz Ledger MILLENNIUM from page 1
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NEW LISTING & PENDING LOS FELIZ $ 1,199,000 Sold in Multiple Offers 1930’s Traditional offers a perfect blend of historic charm and detail and current style and design. A formal entry leads to a gorgeous living room with 10’ ceilings, original casement windows and dramatic floor to ceiling stone fireplace. The new kitchen features stone counters, custom cabinetry and pure white appliances.
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said. Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitchell Englander said the city had never done a survey of the Hollywood fault line and wasn’t convinced a fault line ran underneath the property. The councilmember countered the earthquake risks facing the project were dangers facing the entire city, a retort Silverstein called “moronic.” Also, Benjamin Reznik, a lawyer representing the W Hotel and its residents, took exception to the lack of building specifics presented by the developers. He described the proposal as a “carte blanche.”
The developers called their project “the most overregulated and over-studied” project in the city. Individuals in favor and opposed were each given one minute to speak, with 20 minutes in total for each side. Parties in favor of the proposal—including residents, unions and developers—supported the project because of its innovative design, commitment to using public transportation and additions of green space to the Hollywood community. Some claimed the project would also bring jobs to the area and define the Hollywood of the future.
Parties in favor of the proposal— including residents, unions and developers—supported the project because of its innovative design, commitment to using public transportation and additions of green space to the Hollywood community. Some claimed the project would also bring jobs to the area and define the Hollywood of the future. “It could have 900 residential units or zero,” he said. Reznik also said he wasn’t satisfied with the commitment to 35 to 39 stories because the developers could make the buildings wider. He predicted if the council approved the project, more proposals like it would follow. “It’s asking the community to take a leap of faith,” he said. The developers responded by saying the proposal allowed for flexibility and said there were specifics for what the building would include depending on its height.
“If you can’t build something exciting in Hollywood, where can you build it?” one supporter said. Opponents pointed to the famous Hollywood sign as the only landmark the community needed. They cited concerns about congestion, a lack of infrastructure to support the mass transit needs of the community and the project’s scope, which they called out of character for the community. “Manhattan has 22 subways feeding it. We have one,” said a resident opposing the project.
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Metrolink Responds to Schiff and Community Regarding Pollution at Taylor Yards By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer CYPRESS PARK—Less than a month after Congressman Adam Schiff publicly demanded Metrolink initiate a health risk assessment on the idling trains’ emissions at its Taylor Yards Central Maintenance Facility, his request has been answered. On May 30th, flanked by District 13 Councilmemberelect Mitch O’Farrell and several concerned residents of the Elysian Heights and Cypress Parks neighborhoods, Schiff stood along the Los Angeles River with the commuter rail service depot to his back and made a call for action. It is “critical to securing the peace of mind of the residents but also to determine if Metrolink needs to work with the community to mitigate the effects of over 20 years of pollution,” Schiff said. “Only when the study is complete can we make a determination if anything else needs to be done so the community gets the answers it deserves.” At the announcement, Cecilia Domingez spoke of her husband Ray, who would bicycle around the river every day until developing Pulmonary Fibrosis they suspect was caused by diesel particulate matter [DPM] from the Metrolink maintenance facility. For Domingez’s husband, this disease ultimately proved fatal. Blaire Lennane, president of the non-profit “Partners of Dorris,” whose 6-year-old daughter attends the nearby Dorris Elementary School, counted eight schools with 3,847 children in the area potentially affected, as well as five parks and one recreation area. After the work she and her colleagues have done in “fervent advocacy for our children,” she said, it was “only to find out that the air they are breathing might be poisoned… One question resonates in our minds: Are you kidding me?” she asked. Grove Pashley of the Elysian Valley Riverside Neighborhood Council said over several years the community has been calling on Metrolink to run this study. But, he said, promises have been made but unfulfilled. “It is not acceptable that the riverside communities of Glassell Park, Cypress Park and Elysian Valley bear the disproportionate burden of the pollution for this regional July 2013
transportation system,” he line,” he said in a statement. positive step forward.” said. Schiff said later, “I think Schiff said he hopes that In June, Metrolink’s Chief it’s very positive news. I’m glad Metrolink will work with resiExecutive Officer Michael P. that Metrolink heard the voicdents to find an independent DePallo diconsu lt ing rected staff firm for the to immediassessment to Grove Pashley of the Elysian Valley ately begin ensure credRiverside Neighborhood Council said over ible results preparing a health risk several years the community has been calling “that will enassessment of joy the confion Metrolink to run this study. But, he said, the 1555 N. dence of the San Fernanpromises have been made but unfulfilled. community.” do Road site. A c “This is a cording to significant step to quantify the es of the community and has Schiff, there are a number emissions emanating from the agreed to do the Health Risk of potential mitigation meafacility and to solidify a baseAssessment. I think it’s a very sures, some of which are al-
ready being implemented but could be done with greater discipline. Among those are reducing idling times, using electrical plug-ins so engines aren’t running as long, as well as technologies that could be put in place such as exhaust filtration hoods that will remove some of the particulate matter pumped into the air. The primary long-term solution is to phase out the older locomotives, for which Metrolink has already allocated $129.4 million for new purchases.
ASK GAIL of Sotheby’s International Realty
Should You Get a Home Inspection Before Selling Your House? Dear Gail, I am planning on selling my house. It’s quite old. I’ve lived in it for a long time, and I haven’t been able to keep it up. My neighbor told me not to spend money on getting an inspection because she said the new buyers would. What do you think? A: Yes, the prospective buyers will have an inspection. However in your case it’s a smart idea to have your own inspection. It can save time, money and you will be able to disclose the report to the new buyers before or when they make an offer. Sometimes first time buyers make an offer, get cold feet after having their own inspection and then walk away. Or they may ask for credit to do it themselves which could cost you more money in the end. Having your own inspection could avoid this, give assurance to the buyers and it can also help in determining a realistic list price that covers repairs. By showing the prospective buyers your inspection report you can negotiate with them that the current condition of the house is reflected in the asking price. Inspections generally cost from $250-$600 depending on the size of the house. Seek reputable inspectors who have a contracter’s license. The inspector will perform a visual inspection. Here are some of the items that the inspector will examine: 1. Plumbing - The inspector will check the water pressure by turning on multiple faucets & flushing toilets simultaneously. They may run the dishwasher. They will look for signs of plumbing upgrades. 2. Electrical - They will check to see if the electrical panel & circuit breaker are adequate to the needs of the house and mostly importantly for safety. They will check the ground fault circuit interrupters in bathrooms & kitchen to make sure that they click off during an overload or short circuit. 3. Heating/cooling Systems - Check on efficiency. 4. Roof - Check on any breakage. 5. Foundation and structure - Whether or not it needs further examination. 6. Health & safety issues
Gail Crosby is a local real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty. Contact Gail with your home and real estate questions at 323.428-2864 or GailCrosby@aol.com DRE: 175513781 ADV
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Los Feliz Ledger [city sleuth]
Los Angeles’ premier Real Estate Resource for Seniors & their Families
The Chandler Estate’s Long Time Neighbor: Ed Stephan By Diane Kanner Ledger Columnist Residents have come and gone from the subdivision of the Harry Chandler estate on upper Hillhurst Avenue, a fiveacre property parceled out in the mid 1950s after the deaths of Los Angeles Times publisher Chandler and his wife. But the developer who oversaw the hillside subdivision, Edmond Stephan, still lives with his wife Joan in an adjacent home built for their growing family in 1959. Stephan came to love Los Feliz, pitching in when the homeowners’ association fought City Hall over construction of high-rise apartments on Los Feliz Boulevard. “I am the only four-term president of the Los Feliz Improvement Association,” he said of his terms in the 1970s and 1980s, “and that gives me great pride.” A dozen parcels wrap around the towering Chandler mansion and the five-bed, five-bath Stephan home. The subdivision extends from the intersection of Vermont and Hillhurst to the intersection of Inverness and Cromwell avenues. Landlocked at the knoll of the hill, thanks to the subdivision and a lengthy driveway, the Stephan property is not visible from any street. Inside, in an office with broad views of the city, Stephan sits amid plaques and commendations, visual clues to the accomplishments of a busy lifetime. Of Lebanese American heritage, Stephan attended mid-Los Angeles public schools before acceptance to USC under the “National Youth Administration,” a New Deal agency, providing work based on financial need for youth between the ages of 16 and 25, implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the mid 1930s to 1940s. “I earned 35 cents an hour driving the [USC] president, Rufus von Kleinsmid, around town. When I ran into him 30 years later, he knew my name,” Stephan said. Transferring to the accounting program at UCLA, Stephan had a bachelor’s degree at the age of 19, financing his education through long hours at Ralph’s markets as cashier, bagger and butcher. “I was desirous of improving myself,” he said. Serving as a naval officer during World War II, Stephan arrived in Japan “the day before the war ended. We were giving our ship to the Japa-
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nese,” a fact which still irritates him. Returning to civilian life, he met Joan, six years his junior, whose family was in the same field as the Stephan’s— women’s clothing manufacturing. They married and
Page 12 Su Casa REAL ESTATE
moved to New York City for three years, where Stephan worked for his in-laws. No doubt the gregarious Stephan would have excelled in sales, but he decided to enter Southern California land
• • • • • • • • • •
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[OUT AND ABOUT]
July 2013 Events Calendar Edited by Oliver Gettell ART & CULTURE Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl This annual festival celebrating the contribution of cowpokes to American culture and history features trick ropers, gunslingers, square dancing, horseshoe pitching, children’s activities and an outdoor barbecue. The new ongoing exhibition Western Frontiers will also open. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Western wear, though neither guns or replicas will be allowed. Autry admission is $10 ($6 for students and seniors, $4 for children 3-12, and free for children under 3). The Autry, Sat., July 27th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. Information: (323) 667-2000; www.theautry.org Jasmine Worth, Mel Weiner, Derek Harrison & Click Mort Four artists will show their work at La Luz de Jesus this month: Worth in Cultus Sanguine, Weiner in Esther Milkfat and Other Characters, Harrison in L.A. Woman, and Mort in Mutatis Mutandis. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 5th, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Fri., July 5th-Sun., July 28th 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz. Info: (323) 666-7667; www.laluzdejesus.com
BOOKS Chuck Klosterman The bestselling author and cultural critic will read from and discuss his new book, I Wear the Black Hat, a collection of essays exploring the concept of villainy in society and pop culture. Also at Skylight
this month are Gabriel Roth (Tue., July 16th, 7:30 p.m.), Rebecca Solnit (Wed., July 24th, 7:30 p.m.) and Alexander Masik (Wed., July 31st, 7:30 p.m.). Skylight Books, Wed., July 17th, 7:30 p.m. 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Info: (323) 660-1175; www.skylightbooks.com
COMMUNITY Los Angeles Breakfast Club For more than 85 years, this club has gathered folks from all walks of life to enjoy a meal and each other’s company. Check the website for information on guest speakers. Breakfast is $7 per person and free for first-time visitors. Annual club membership is $100. Friendship Auditorium, Wed., July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, 7 a.m. 3201 Riverside Drive, Los Feliz. Info: (213) 665-1154; www.labreakfastclub.com
HOLIDAY Americafest The Rose Bowl’s 87th annual Fourth of July celebration offers a full day of music, food, and live entertainment. A show featuring motorcycle stunts and a performance by Mariachi Divas and Kenny G. will go on at 7 p.m., and fireworks commence at 9 p.m. Tickets are $13 and free for children 7. Rose Bowl, Thu., July 4th, 2 p.m. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Info: (626) 577-3101; www.rosebowlstadium.com July 4th Fireworks Spectacular Singer-songwriter Josh Groban headlines this
Fourth of July featuring patriotic songs and the Los Angeles Philharmonic (conducted by Sarah Hicks). A fireworks show will cap the show. Tickets are $12-$243. Hollywood Bowl, Tue., July 2nd-Thu., July 4th, 7:30 p.m. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Information: 323-850-2000; www.hollywoodbowl.com
MOVIES Atwater Movie Night Under the Stars This free summertime screening series returns with a new location across the street from its previous digs at the Los Feliz Golf Course. This month’s film is Pixar’s The Incredibles. The series continues through Sept. 13th. On the lawn next to A Runner’s Circle, Fri., July 19th, 7 p.m. 3216 Los Feliz Blvd., Atwater Village. Info: www.atwatervillage.org Cinespia The granddaddy of alfresco movie screenings continues with Point Break and Roman Holiday. Check the website for an up-to-date schedule. Tickets are $12. Hollywood Forever, Wed., July 3rd, and Sat., July 6th, 7:30 p.m. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Information: www.cinespia.org Silver Lake Picture Show Back for its second season, the Silver Lake Picture Show features classic and contemporary films, shown every two weeks. This month’s selections are The Sandlot and Zoot Suit. Each feature is also preceded by a short from a local filmmaker. The series runs into September. Admission is free. Sunset Triangle Plaza, Thu.,
Postal Service Plays The Greek, July 23rd and 24th
July 11th and 25th, 8 p.m. Sunset Boulevard between Edgecliffe Drive and Griffith Park Boulevard, Silver Lake. Info: (213) 308-3039; www.silverlakepictureshow.com
MUSIC The Postal Service Reuniting after 10 years, Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello, aka the Postal Service, will perform two shows at the Greek. Big Freedia will open the first night, and Divine Fits will open the second. Tickets are $39.50-$50. Also at the Greek this month are LL Cool J (Sat., July 6th, 8 p.m.) and Amy Grand (Sun., July 28th, 7:30 p.m.). Greek Theatre, Tue., July 23rd-Wed., July 24th, 7 p.m. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Info: (323) 665-5857; www.greektheatrela.com
SCIENCE & NATURE Public Star Party At this family-friendly event, attendees can try out a variety of telescopes; view the sun, moon, planets and other celestial objects; and talk to astrono-
www.losfelizledger.com
mers. Free. Also this month are All Space Considered (Fri., July 5th, 7:30 p.m.) and a FOTO Comic Musings lecture (Mon., July 22nd, 7:30 p.m.). Griffith Observatory, Sat., July 13th, 2 p.m.-9:45 p.m. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park. Info: (213) 473-0800; www. griffithobservatory.org
THEATER Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival The Bard returns to Griffith Park thanks to the Independent Shakespeare company, who will perform Macbeth and She Stoops to Conquer (by Oliver Goldsmith) this month. The festival continues through Sept. 1. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low-backed lawn chairs, and to dress warmly. Concessions will be sold. Admission is free. Dogs are not allowed. Griffith Park Old Zoo, Thu.-Sun., July 5th-28th, 7 p.m. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Griffith Park. Info: (818) 710-6306; www.independentshakespeare.com
July 2013
Los Feliz Ledger
Schiff Pressuring FAA to Stop Helicopter Buzz By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer The blaring buzz of low flying helicopters are commonplace to many Los Angelenos; an inescapable consequence of living in the city. But after hearing complaints for years, Congressman Adam Schiff is looking to minimize these choppers’ strain on the region’s residents and is pressuring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce noise and safety risks of helicopters flying over Los Angeles County. Schiff is co-sponsoring legislation that would require the FAA to regulate flight paths and altitudes for helicopters in the county. This comes following community meetings with the FAA last year regarding quality of life issues caused by low flying helicopters and prolonged hovering, the FAA agreed to analyze helicopter flight patterns in Los Angeles and make recommendations for mitigation measures. In the report the FAA filed, its recommendation was voluntary measures over mandates, and an agreement to work with Schiff’s office on the issue. Should these voluntary measures fail, Schiff said, he will push his legislation for mandatory requirements to Congress. “I’m skeptical that the voluntary measures will be successful since we’ve tried voluntary steps in the past,” said Schiff, who’s 28th District runs from West Holly-
wood to Pasadena and north into Angeles National Forest. “We’re prepared to move forward with our legislation should the process languish or the voluntary measures prove insufficient.” In addition to establishing flight paths and minimum altitudes, Schiff said he believes there is also need for a method of tracking helicopter flights in order to finger “problem parties.” Mostly the “bad-actors,” he said, are media helicopters covering traffic or crime, or paparazzi and tour operators flying over celebrity homes in the Hollywood Hills. There are currently flight routes established over freeways to minimize impacts on neighborhoods, but they are strictly voluntary and often ignored by pilots, he said. According to David Suomi, acting director of the FAA’s Western-Pacific Region, the agency is currently evaluating helicopter routes in the Los Angeles Basin to see where there’s potential for relief. That includes analyzing the potential for higher altitudes in specific areas, promoting best practices for hovering, outreach methods to pilots encouraging them to fly quietly through hotbed areas and to explore a more comprehensive noise complaint system. In response to Schiff’s and others’ call for more restrictive flight mandates, Suomi said he’s not sure such a “one-sizefits-all” governing approach to-
STEPHAN from page 12
wena Avenue, as well as two projects he developed on Occidental Boulevard, Stephan oversaw construction of his own home, complete with the best kitchen and bath appointments. “Joan designed the house to extend at a 45 degree angle around a swimming pool,” he said. The house faces south, away from the Chandler house, but even so, Joan has said to Ed over the years, “Why did you leave that monster there?” Today Stephan takes pride in a grandson studying for the priesthood. He makes regular visits to Albertson’s and Costco and he keeps up on local real estate residential sales. “I’m 90 now, and that’s a long spell,” he said. “I am told ‘you are too abrupt,’ but I am not dependent upon anyone else, so I can say what I want.” But he is seldom controversial, preferring wisdom that is supportive. “God never gives you more than you can handle,” remains Stephan’s favorite advice.
development, and attended contractor school. Supervising construction of 250 homes in a Santa Ana tract, and then 35 houses in Ontario, Stephan was contacted by Ernest Malouf to oversee the Chandler estate subdivision. “Mr. Malouf was consumed with land development in Burbank,” Stephan recalled. “He financed a broker named Jim McMasters, who had an office at Hillhurst [Avenue] and Avocado Street, to create the new Los Feliz tract, and I assisted even though I didn’t have the money to buy a house of my own!” Initially the plan was to demolish the Chandler home which had been constructed of brick in 1915, but after an estimate of $6,000 to tear it down was beyond the budget, it was sold for $40,000 to Jack Haley, the actor who played The Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” With earnings from the Malouf project, a new nineunit apartment at 3116 RoJuly 2013
www.losfelizledger.com
wards regulation would be the best solution or even possible. “This is some of the most complex and congested air space in the world,” he said. “We think that there’s more potential to provide relief in those areas that we know are hot spots by getting operators,” to work with the FAA voluntarily. “That would be much quicker than going through what ends up being a very complicated analysis and safety case and rule-making process for regulations,” he said. Suomi said there are currently hundreds of voluntary noise abatement processes for airplanes at airports across the country that are operating successfully. Following a recent FAA study that highlighted the region’s helicopter issues, he said his department is working on a “pretty short fuse” to start implementing some of these next steps. “We want to think what we have learned from those noise abatement procedures at traditional airports with fixed wing aircrafts and leverage that into a similar type of program for helicopter activity in the L.A. Basin area,” he said. Schiff remains unconvinced. “For some years I’ve heard from the constituents about the problem of helicopter noise,” he said. “Particularly residents who live in the hillside areas where sound reverberates through the canyons—just a natural amphitheater and amplifier,” Schiff said. “But the problem has gotten worse and worse over the years. There have been meetings with residents and home owner associations on this subject where literally the conversation had to stop because helicopters were buzzing overhead and we couldn’t hear each other.”
GARCETTI from page 1
Hollywood, Silver Lake and Glendale boulevards have all become stable economic centers to the region. According to Garcetti, these successes will be used as the templates in his “Great Streets” program to pinpoint similar potential in other neighborhoods. “In turn, that will help transform the entire neighborhood and reduce traffic, to where people can shop and eat where they live,” he said. According to Garcetti, almost three-quarters of car trips are spent going someplace other than work. With this in mind, through building stronger communities that encourage and attract businesses, he expects to reduce traffic congestion citywide. Building additional roads and rail lines is a slow and expensive investment that isn’t guaranteed to work, he said, “but keeping somebody out of the car with something in their neighborhood, with buses that circulate in the neighborhood, with main streets that are vibrant—that’s not only a good bang for your buck, but that’ll also have a bigger impact than anything you can build to try to get yourself out of the problem.” Again, Garcetti recalls the revitalization of Atwater Village. “When Atwater Village remodeled Glendale Boulevard, we were able to keep people in the neighborhood,” he said, “maybe driving, maybe biking, maybe just walking a couple of blocks to go out to eat, to go shopping or meet with friends… I want to create conditions for economic prosperity and the conditions for solid neighborhoods. There’s a limit to what government can do directly, but what we can do by inspiring people and catalyzing people to do is unlimited.” Garcetti grew up in the San Fernando Valley but after living in New York and London, he and his now-wife
Amy Wakeland settled into the 13th District. First it was a rental in Echo Park, and now they live with their 18-monthold daughter in a Silver Lake hillside home they bought in 2011 with a fully productive garden that’s been featured in the pages of Dwell magazine. He said he’s not sure yet if their family will move to the official mayor’s residence— The Getty House—in Windsor Square, adjacent to Hancock Park. Doing so would mean leaving behind the daily reminders of so much of what he has helped create. “The first thing I wanted to do when I won the election was not go on vacation or have a day with friends, but to take my little daughter Maya to the park a few blocks from my house. A park that I helped to get built at Silver Lake Reservoir,” he said. For Garcetti a strong community translates to a strong economy. “When I think about two blocks where I live, the intersection at Glendale and Silverlake boulevards, it used to be full of empty lots and an auto repair place. A couple blocks away where the Silver Lake Reservoir [is] people jogged around on the street. And today, you’ve got a park on the water, you’ve got a jogging path, you’ve got a library that’s beautiful and evokes the architecture of Silver Lake, you’ve got a great neighborhood wine store and a Vietnamese restaurant across the street. And suddenly it is a model, not just of a great community that I can enjoy as a resident but a strong economy where people are now working greater than they worked before. His lesson learned? “That is L.A. And L.A. in the future will prosper, and we’ll take care of the small things—those forgotten corners, those empty storefronts, those hidden away open spaces—and let Angelenos do their magic to the rest.”
COMMUNITY NEWS Page 13
Los Feliz Ledger
Award Winning Culinary Arts Class Eliminated at Marshall By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer FRANKLIN HILLS—The recent cuts of some of John Marshall High School’s most popular elective classes have a community feeling bewildered and left in the dark. Of the six elective credits scrapped by the school’s administration for next year, the highly successful culinary arts program and its five daily cooking classes make up the meat of the loss. Widely heralded as the most popular elective offered, under teacher Andi Philips over the past 12 years the class has helped students earn about $500,000 in scholarships. A beginning dance class was cut as well that was partially funded by The Flourish Foundation and had a direct link to UCLA that often resulted in scholarships to the university and a summer dance program there. Additionally, a musical theater class was nearly cut, but thanks to outside funding looks to remain. Principal Daniel Harrison said these cuts were necessary due to a decrease in Marshall’s enrollment, which directly affects the school’s funding and number of classes it can provide. Considering the state’s general education course requirements, electives wind up on the chopping block, he said. Such is the downside to a decreased student body population, Harrison said. But on the upside, he said, as the number of students has fallen from 4,400 to 2,684 over the
past five years, the school’s Average Performance Index (API) has risen by nearly 100 points and the school is no longer on a yearlong calendar. As for the choice to cut the culinary arts program over another vocational elective such as woodworking or auto shop, according to Harrison, it came down to the seniority of the teachers teaching the class. This fall there will be 17 high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) that offer culinary arts classes linked with the nonprofit Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (CCAP), which provides students with scholarships, education and career opportunities. This number has been decreasing steadily for the past several years from what was once nearly double. Regularly, Marshall has been at the top of pack. For the last two years, its students won C-CAP’s the “Meatless Mondays Recipe Contest” over thousands of contestants in the Los Angeles area. Last year’s winner, Nicole Caceres, won a $5,000 scholarship—and $55,000 in scholarships overall—and had her recipe for “Black Bean Mole Stew” placed on menus at the restaurant chain Boarder Grill across the Southwest. Given the class’ historic success, some argue the school’s flat objectivity as to choose to cut it solely based on teacher seniority betrays the importance of the program.
According to some, there is also a sense that the administration did not openly pursue alternatives and explore potential ways of keeping the program, suggesting an underlying attitude of obstinacy and lack of strong leadership. “My under- Pictured is Marshall’s Nicole Caceres in 2012 with standing is when it Mary Sue Milliken from Border Grill and C-CAP LA Program Director Mitzie Cutler. comes to vocational education, they do have some that Marshall is no longer prochoices,” said culinary teacher viding classes that appeal to its Philips. “[Harrison] just went students’ creative interests but with the [teacher] seniority rather solely to the government thing, not taking into considrequirements. eration my scholarship pro“Electives are really good grams and my career path and for students because they let the popularity of the class.” them get on a career path Through Philips’ classes and they put them in charge and her link to C-CAP, she of their education,” said resaid students have earned full cent Marshall graduate Diallo four-year scholarships and Smith. “Because, otherwise, one female student recently you’re just going through was accepted to the highly classes [because] you have to. prestigious New England CuWhen you’re put in charge of linary Institute. She said she your education, you’re more worked closely with specialinvested in it.” education students as well, Smith said he looked for helping them develop practioutside options to satisfy his cal skills and earn internships interest in animation—which that would place them into Marshall does not offer—but the workforce. that most students might not Beyond the culinary arts be as driven or have the opprogram, as other popular elecportunity to seek out such tives such as sewing and phocourses. tography have been previously “[The budget] is not a made cut from the school’s curricuup issue, but do you do that in lum, there is a concern amongst lieu of giving kids any sort of vastudents, teachers, alumni and riety in their day?” said Jill Diathe surrounding community mond, an English teacher who
taught the dance class elective. “This is a Title I school—65% of the students live at poverty level and below. These are not the students that are able to look for outside options.” Diamond said the transparency in the school administration’s choice to cut the classes was lacking and unpublicized. Compelled to raise awareness, at the end of her class’ final performance, she spoke up onstage to say that if the audience liked the show they should be aware that class and others were being cut. “Teachers came up to me and said, ‘I didn’t know,’” she said. “There’s a lack of communication. There’s a lack of teacher input. We need more choice. We need a little more power in choosing how this school runs. They can’t be topdown decisions… These topdown decisions are just not working.” Speaking about leaving Marshall and its students, Phillips started to choke up. She didn’t want to go, but had no problem finding a new job. As soon as she heard her classes were being cut, there was an immediate offer she took at the highly regarded Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) public magnet school in West Los Angeles. Many believe LACES to be the best high school in LAUSD. “The problem is I had some juniors who wanted to compete for scholarships and now they most likely will not be able to,” she said. “I’m going to be fine. It’s the kids that lose.”
[keen to be green]
Consumers Are Changing the Markets By Meher McArthur, Ledger Columnist Most people who shop for groceries at Farmers’ Markets or Whole Foods probably wouldn’t consider buying their food from Target. However, I recently noticed that as well as stocking organic milk and organic fair trade coffee, the bigbox retailer sells frozen wildcaught Alaskan salmon. Since salmon farms often damage fragile coastal areas, pollute waterways and feed their fish with contaminated fish meal, the Minnesota-based company chose to consult with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to ensure its own brands of salmon are all sourced sustainably and naturally. Alongside its existing brand Archer Farms, which is more natural than most national name brands, Target just launched Simply BalPage 14 COMMUNITY NEWS
anced, a new brand that will include more than 250 organic products by the end of this year. Admirably, Target plans to eliminate genetically modified ingredients from this line by the end of 2014. Why is the Target doing this? In 2012 its grocery and pet food sales accounted for 20% of all sales, so its directors are paying attention to what people want to buy. And we should tell them loudly and clearly. If more people demand natural, organic and sustainable foods, Target and its competitors will have to sell it to us—and at a reasonable price. When all the big stores choose not to sell foods containing chemicals, preservatives and GMOs, they will help us to live more sustainably and will finally deserve the title of “super-markets.” www.losfelizledger.com
July 2013
Los Feliz Ledger
Los Angeles Breakfast Club
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Upcoming speakers and programs... July 3: Melody Merians, Chief Development Officer, Covenant House California - “Reaching Out To At-Risk Homeless Youth Living On The Street” July 10: Saul Jacobs and Bob Lipson, USC Emeriti College - Golden Age of American Popular Music Series - “Movie Themes are Many Splendored Things” July 17: Bernadette Soter,V.P. Outreach, Friends of Griffith Park - “Secrets of Fern Dell” July 24: Cathy Kort, Director of Development, Hollygrove - “Celebrating 100 Years in Hollywood Helping Children” July 31: Steve Smith, Assistant Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America “Helping Youth of America”
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Wells Fargo Brings Small Town Banking to Los Feliz By Kimberly Gomez, Ledger Contributing Writer
HILLHURST AVENUE— Since Wells Fargo opened its Los Feliz branch last fall, the village has warmly embraced its community banking charms. And what’s not to love? The parking’s great— conveniently located at 2035 Hillhurst Ave.— in the Albertson’s shopping center. The branch is actually tucked into Albertson’s so you can shop and bank in one stop. Maybe it’s the extended hours—Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.— that has loyal customers referring friends and neighbors. “It’s very personable—we pretty much know everyone,” said Wells Fargo’s Helen Bagdasaryan, who grew up in Los Feliz, “and that is better for us to help you with your needs.” However customers discover this tiny Wells Fargo Branch, the neighborhood is truly wowed by the broad July 2013
range of expertise the branch offers well beyond its compact stature. In a vastly impersonal world, the tight-knit Los Feliz community holds high standards, and Wells Fargo, one of the world’s largest companies but also top in diversity and responsiveness, is genuinely dedicated to this community. “Service first,” says branch manager, Ghazal Bajesteh, and she means it. Her diverse team is called upon daily for their multilingualism (they have native speakers in Spanish, Armenian, Farsi and Russian) and knowhow. After 16 years with Wells Fargo it was Los Feliz’ village atmosphere that led to Bajesteh’s decision to come here. “It is a smaller bank feel but we offer the same kind of attention, care, and loyalty,” she said. “Sometimes the volume of a huge branch can be very hectic.” And Barjesteh, with Wells Fargo’s vast resources, is leadwww.losfelizledger.com
ing her team to be an integral part of Los Feliz going forward. Through Wells Fargo’s “Hands on Banking” program, Barjesteh said she is looking to educate the community—from school children to seniors—with basic money tools, skills, and information to grow sound financial goals. She’s happy to come out to talk to schools and groups. Check with her at the Well’s Fargo Branch for upcoming workshops. “We want to know of opportunities to come out and support,” said Barjesteh. Her team is eager to get out into the community to work nonprofit events. Last year, Wells Fargo team members volunteered 1.5 million hours supporting arts, culture and civic projects, on a local level. “Customer service is our absolute number one priority and we are happy that we are here,” she said.
For upcoming programs, see... www.LABreakfastClub.com
or call (323) 662-1191
TRAFFIC from page 6
the city. Motorists aren’t looking for pedestrians,” he said. “They’re just trying to get from point A to point B.” According to Los Angeles City Dept. of Transportation spokesman Jonathan Hui there have been no complaints along Sunset Boulevard at that location since last July. The length of pedestrian walk times, he said, are different for each intersection, because of the disparity in distance between streets. The signal timing, however, also varies between rush hours and less congested times. Hui said the department boosts the time if a large percentage of senior citizens live in the area. All the times are based off of the California Manual on Transportation Control Devices, he said. Hui called maintenance
of traffic signals a high priority and said the department dispatched repair personnel “immediately” after any complaint. Los Angeles City Councilmember elect Mitch O’Farrell, who marked development in Echo Park as a goal during his recent campaign, said residents with having difficulties crossing in the area should contact him and he would send a request to the city’s Dept. of Transportation. But some blame development on the problem. Natasha Tomich said the intersection of Sunset and Alvarado is difficult to cross, especially since traffic had worsened since she moved to the area two years ago. She blamed an increase in development near Alvarado Street for the trouble. “Sometimes you have to make a made dash,” she said. COMMUNITY NEWS Page 15
Los Feliz Ledger Community supports for the over 60 population is becoming more vital since 10,000 Americans a day are reaching 65 years old, according to statistics. In addition, the numbers of older people are increasing because of a longer life span. At the time the Ledger went to press, the committee
[senior moments]
The Older Americans Act Has Expired By Stephanie Vendig, Ledger Columnist Monday through Friday, older Americans across the country, in every state and in most of our communities make their way to a senior center, a church, or even a restaurant for the “Nutrition Program.” For some it may be the only meal of the day because aging has made it hard to shop or cook, or there isn’t enough money to maintain food at home to provide nourishing meals. On the other hand, a meal in a group setting provides opportunities for conversation with others, perhaps not possible at home. But for those who can’t make it to a center, a meal can be delivered to you. This service plus others was made possible when Congress enacted the Older American Act of 1965. In general, the funds authorized by the Act are given to the states that in turn distribute them to the counties. Finally, individual communities receive the funds from the counties to set-up nutrition programs and social services at their senior centers.
This process supports the idea of “aging in place.” In other words, if needed resources are available in your neighborhood, you can continue to live there. Los Angeles is different because of its size. Funds come directly from the state to the
You can contact them at (323) 957-3900 or go to the Administration of Aging website www.aoa.gov for more information. This act is special in that it requires Congress to update and improve the law’s vital programs and services
work on the reauthorization of the act was to have been in mid-June. The bill has 14 cosponsors including Senator Barbara Boxer, but no Republicans. Previous OAA reauthorizations have always had bipartisan support. No timetable was given for full committee consideration. We will be watching.
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Programs for free-thinking seniors (323) 660-5277
This act is special in that it requires Congress to update and improve the law’s vital programs and services every four years. However, the last reauthorization expired in 2011, and Congress has yet to act on this requirement.
Conversational Spanish at GPACC on Wednesdays
Griffith Park Adult Community Club Calendar
Starting July 9th and 11th, how about learning to play the ukulele? Group Lessons taught by Kate Sullivan, $50 for 6 sessions, Tuesdays &Thursdays, 2:00-3:15 pm or 3:15-4:30 pm
Los Angeles Dept. of Aging. They fund 16 Multipurpose Centers (one in each council district) through contracts with nonprofit agencies to provide the services identified in the Older Americans Act. Our community is served by Hollywood Senior Center operated by St. Barnabas Social Services at 1370 North St. Andrews Place in Hollywood.
Bring your own ukulele, or rent ($10 monthly) or purchase ($45)
every four years. However, the last reauthorization expired in 2011, and Congress has yet to act on this requirement. The latest attempts have been initiated by Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont who has introduced the Older Americans Act (OAA) Amendments for 2013 (Senate Bill 1028) reauthorizing the programs through 2018.
Griffith Park Adult Community Center 3203 Riverside Drive, just north of Los Feliz Bl. * Call for info and reservations (323) 644-5579 Lunch Program: Mon.-Fri., GPACC, 11:30 AM sign in, Noon lunch, Donation under 60 $4, 60+ $2 Club Info and Newsletter: Stephanie Vendig, (323) 667-3043 or vendig@sbcglobal.net. Join GPACC: Only $15/year for trips and news. For information on trips, call Doris Slater, (323) 667-1879
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6/18/13 12:01 PM
Los Feliz Ledger [thomas starr king environmental studies magnet]
My Big Project By Timur Bootzin, 7th Grade I want to share my experience of making an awesome project for my E.S.M. 7th grade math class with Ms. Altounian. When learning about proportions, my goal was to look for an ordinary object such as a pencil, iPad or Kleenex box and then turn it into a much larger version of the object. I chose a Trader Joe’s scone mix box for my object. To make my scone box bigger, I had to take exact measurements to see how much bigger it would have to be. After I made my calculations, I had to find a box that was perfect in height for my larger version of the scone mix. Luckily, I found the perfect-sized box for my project. After building the box, I recruited my dad to help me paint it.
July 2013
I found it challenging to mix paints to find the exact color we needed to perfectly match the box’s colors. The most timeconsuming and difficult part was drawing and painting everything to be exact; the details were hard to match because there were lots of different details on the original scone mix box. Overall, I had a lot of fun creating this project.
www.losfelizledger.com
St. Mary Still Embroiled In Legal Disputes By Tony Cella, Ledger Contributing Writer FINLEY AVENUE—The saga of St. Mary of the Angels Church continues, with trial dates scheduled in the late summer and early fall. One trial will focus on former Anglican clergyman Christopher Kelley’s alleged mishandling of church funds. Kelley was stripped of his ministerial authority by the “Anglican Church of American (ACA) Diocese of the West” April 2nd, 2012 according to court documents, due to of issues with the Internal Revenue Service, alleged misuse of funds and allegedly forcing the resignations of church board members. Senior Warden and Vestry member—the Vestry is the governing body of the parish—Marilyn Bush, of Los Feliz, said the upcoming case is a chance for the church to reclaim what she calls “stolen funds.” A Los Angeles Superior Court judge earlier ruled that issues regarding St. Mary’s were religious in nature and separation of church and state prevented the court from ruling on the matter. Kelly’s lawyer, Russell
Glazer, is appealing. According to Glazer the ACA ignored St. Mary’s bylaws and severed ties with the church and assumed control of its parish. Glazer said the issue isn’t religious, but a matter of whether corporate rules were followed. The trouble began when in January 2012 the parish voted to leave the Episcopal Church and align with the Roman Catholic Church in response that same month to Pope Benedict XVI’s creation of the Personal Ordinariate for Anglicans in the United States desiring to leave the church due to the Anglican order ordaining gay priests. Ultimately, the parish did not convert to a Catholic Church. In a press release, the Ordinariate wrote that St. Mary’s was barred from joining the Catholic Church because of issues with the clergy, management and corporate structure. The Ordinariate did not return phone calls seeking comment. St. Mary’s continues to operate with dwindling parishioners and minimal services.
According to Vestry member Bush the church once had about 60 attendees at Sunday mass during Kelley’s tenure. The number of regular parishioners today, she said, has shrunk by about 2/3rds. Currently, a priest who is the head of the Anglican Diocese of the West—based out of Arizona—holds services on the first Sunday of every month, according to Bush. Other clergy conduct Sunday mass the rest of the month, but weekday evening services have halted. Former parish Senior Warden, Allan Trimpi, said in a voice mail left after deadline that the Kelley continues to hold services at a home in Los Feliz. He could not be reached for further comment. On Nov. 16th St. Mary’s will hold a ceremony rededicating the grounds to the Anglican Church. Advertise in the
Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897
SCHOOL NEWS Page 17
Los Feliz Ledger [almost famous]
[family matters]
Kayne West’s Yeezus: Ahead of Its Time
You Know You’re An Eastside Parent When.. . .
By Charles H. Cohen, Ledger Music Critic
I’m sad to write that this will be my last Family Matters column. My family and I are moving out of state soon, and as much as I like to think that parenting issues are universal, a local neighborhood paper deserves a local writer. There are issues that are important to only the Eastside, and cultural aspects of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park, and Hollywood that exist only here. So, just what makes raising kids on the Eastside of Los Angeles different from, say, raising kids in the Midwest? Well, you know you’re an Eastside parent when…
True to Kayne West’s past releases Yeezus features a strong core of collaborators, including rapper Chief Keef, Odd Future’s Frank Ocean, Cleveland rapper Kid Cudi, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, and production genius from French house music legends Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk. Yeezus begins with four songs produced by Daft Punk. Their beats provide the darkest electronic music we’ve ever heard from Daft Punk and set the dark, electronic tone of Yeezus to follow. The genius of Yeezus begins with “Black Skinheads.” With pounding drums, heavy breathing, wailing, and humming, the track is the first that catches the listener’s attention: dark and explicit, but that’s what we’ve come to expect from Kayne. Every song can hold its’ own, some, more than others. “Black Skinheads,” “New Slaves (feat. Frank Ocean),” “Blood on the Leaves,” and “Bound 2” (feat. Charlie Wilson) are most notable. “New Slaves” deals with
racism: My momma was raised in the era when clean water was only served to the fairer skin. And goes further with today’s displaced stereotypes that African-Americans can’t read and all they all want are expensive cars, clothes and jewelry. Despite its heavy introduction, there is a sudden shift in tone, near the track’s conclusion, as a drum rolls ushering in symphonic sound. This ending to is what sets Kayne apart from other rappers. There’s a similar shift in tone on “Blood On The Leaves.” This album is 10 years ahead of its time. With Yeezus, Kanye West has created more than a string of songs: this is a revolution of the entire Rap industry with its powerful but accessible beats, honest lyrics and changes in emotional tone that take Rap to a new level. You may not instantly connect with Yeezus: it feels foreign and scary, but it is the future and an instant classic.
Charles Cohen is an avid music lover and junior at Loyola High School of Los Angeles.
By Theo Marsh, Ivanhoe Elementary School, age 7 and Lucca Salazar, Holy Trinity Academy, age 8
Page 18 SCHOOL NEWS
• Your child is the last one in
his class to get a chicken • Three of the parents working on your child’s school play have Oscars • It’s a big day when your child graduates from the slow ponies to the fast ones in Griffith Park • Your kid can read upside down because of all the shooting location signs • The meerkats at the Los Angeles Zoo recognize you • Everything you own is covered in Trader Joe’s stickers • Your child learns to count to 20 by spotting jacaranda trees • When you meet other parents for the first time, you don’t ask them what they do, but where their kids go
4612 Welch Place in Los Feliz
to school • Your kid is more likely to get an agent before they get a car • Your baby sleeps through coyotes, helicopters and weed whackers, but wakes up if it rains • Your carpool gets really messed up every pilot season • Your 10-year-old hums the NPR theme songs to himself and knows the DJ lineup on KCRW by heart My kids lived in this neighborhood for 12 very formative years, and I am grateful that we were in a community filled with diverse, creative, smart, and kind people. We will miss you all.
For more info (323) 666-6154
Celebrating 30 Years!
A longer review of Yeezus can be read at losfelizledger.com
The Art of the Brick Exhibition We went to Forest Lawn Memorial Park to see the exhibition The Art of the Brick. We went inside and we saw a picture of the artist who made the Lego sculptures. His name is Nathan Sawaya. The picture was all made of Lego—even the frame—and it was funny because it looked like he was being zapped by lightning. If you stand far away, it looks real and you don’t see the dots. We found a model of Mount Rushmore. It looks hard to climb if you were a Lego mini-figure. There was a sculpture of a fist coming out of the Planet Earth, and the
By Kristen Taylor, Ledger Columnist
preschool OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, July 24 • 5-6pm Now Enrolling Summer and Fall Sessions! www.allchildrengreatandsmall.com
middle of the Pacific Ocean was breaking in half. We really liked the main yellow sculpture of a man ripping his chest open and Legos pouring out. There was a peace sign called “Peace by Pieces.” We liked that it’s different colors and there are Lego pieces around it and sticking out of it. It was at a graveyard, but we think people should go and see this exhibition because it is awesome! The exhibition The Art of the Brick is at Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale until July 21st, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.forestlawn.com
www.losfelizledger.com
July 2013
Our ne we st branch is ope n in theneighborhood
Wehaveopened a new branch in thecommunity, bringing you theconvenience, support and personal attention you deservealong with a widearray of products and services. Stop by and meet the de dicate d banke rs who can he lp you reach your goals for financial succe ss. Hillhurst Avenue/Tyler Griggs 2035 Hillhurst Avenue/Store Manager • 323-644-4370
wellsfargo.com © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. 122273 12/12
2150 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Los Feliz Hills • Los Feliz Oaks • Silver Lake • Franklin Hills Franklin Square • Echo Park • Atwater Village
323.668.7600 georgeandeileen.com
Just Listed
2309 Commonwealth Avenue
Just Listed
Los Feliz Hills
$1,379,000
Lovely 3+3.5 N. of the Blvd 1923 built home with dramatic 2-story living room, fireplace & hardwood floors. Gorgeous dining rm with bay window. Master with nice built-ins. Updated kitchen opens to family room and out to a wonderful veranda with a pergola, great yard and a deck surrounding prolific avocado tree. Perfect home for entertaining. Walking distance to Hillhurst restaurants & shops.
In Escrow
4947 Ambrose Avenue
Silver Lake Hills
$1,125,000 2694 Glendower Avenue
Stunning 3+2.5 2008 built 2-story Mediterranean residence with views of Hollywood Sign & Griffith Park Observatory. Living room with gas fireplace, built-in book shelves. Balcony to enjoy the glorious views. Fabulous kitchen, large DR w/blt-in cabinet, high ceilings. Wonderful master suite with view balcony & great bath. Large patio with BBQ area and small yard. Central AC. Ivanhoe!
In Escrow
Los Feliz
$1,449,000
Gorgeous & newly renovated 4+3.5 New England style residence on a lovely street. Living room with new fireplace. Sunny updated kitchen with white Shaker style cabinets & stainless appliances. Formal dining room. Spacious family room leads out to the large yard with room for a pool. Master has great bath w/double sinks, wonderful shower and view deck. New A/C and heat. Gorgeous!
In Escrow
7808 Waring Avenue
1950 Lucile Avenue
In Escrow
2485 Lanterman Terrace
West Hollywood
$745,000
Silver Lake Hills
$1,295,000
Stylish & newly renovated 3+3 Contemporary home with views. Fabulous spacious kitchen w/all stainless appliances, Caesarstone tops. Adjoining family room with gas fireplace. Kitchen & living rm opens to large view deck. Great master suite with spa like bath. Home office area. 2 decks and yard. 2 car garage. New AC & heat, copper plumbing, tankless water heater. Apprx 2640 sq ft. Ivanhoe.
4230 Newdale Drive
$1,875,000
In Escrow
Los Feliz
3751 Tracy Street
Los Feliz
$849,000
Featured on HGTV, this stylish 2+2 Monterey Colonial offers a wonderful indoor outdoor feel. LR with open beamed ceiling, fireplace, hrdwd floors & leads thru French doors to the patio and yard. Spacious Cook’s kitchen w/center isle & stainless appliances. Sexy master suite and bath. Central Air & Heat. Separate office. Patios hot tub, F/P and great outdoor dining.
Listed & Sold Over Asking!
Listed & Sold Over Asking!
Absolutely charming 2 + 1 Country English Cottage in a fabulous Melrose Avenue neighborhood! Gorgeous living room with vaulted beamed ceilings, skylight and stone mantel fireplace. Formal dining room leads to lovely brick patio & garden. Redone kitchen with Mexican Pavers. Updated bathroom with tile shower and floors. A/C. Close to Melrose, Farmers Market, and the Grove.
Los Feliz Hills
Breathtaking views of the city & the Griffith Park hills are enjoyed from this warm and inviting 3+3.5 New England style residence. Gorgeous LR leads you to a fabulous deck surrounded by lush greenery with spectacular views of the mountains and Griffith Observatory. Sumptuous master with knock out city views, high ceilings, spacious bath & walk-in closet. Great library. 3 fireplaces.
$747,000
Charming 1920’s 2-story Traditional 2+2 home with Spanish interior details. Beautiful living rm w/coved ceiling, archways and den. Newly refinished hardwood floors. Spacious formal dining room and a charming kitchen with stainless appliances. Large bonus space is ideal for home office. Lovely yard. New sewer line, tankless water heater. Franklin Elementary school.
452 Caruso Avenue
Glendale
$593,444
Wonderful 2+2 condo at the fabulous Excelsior Americana. Lovely living room with views over looking stunning pool. A spacious cook’s kitchen with Ceasar-stone counters, GE Monogram stainless appliances, and breakfast bar. A resort quality pool, spa and terrace. Prestigious Americana life style, shopping, movie theater, restaurants, and concierge.
“Thank You George & Eileen...” Dear George and Eileen.
Listed & Sold Over Asking!
Jeff and I wanted to thank you for everything that you did to make our purchase of our new home and the sale of our existing home so smooth. You were incredibly patient during our long search for the perfect home. I think you showed us more than 50 houses, always pointing out the pros and cons, never pressuring us to make a less than ideal decision. Once we FINALLY found our dream house, you worked so hard to make sure our offer was accepted. Your negotiating skills are bar none! You walked us through every aspect ofthe loan and inspection process, too. We never would have been able to manage all the details without your advice.
5041 Ambrose Avenue
Los Feliz
$1,200,000
Great curb appearl in this 3+2 Country English surrounded by lush lanscaping on a wonderful cul-de-sac. Spacious living room w/a batchelder tiled fireplace and hardwood floors. Formal dining room. Home office area. Spacious eat-in kitchen opens out to lovely patio & grassy yard. Central air & heat. Garage perfect for home off w/loft. Close to Hillhurst & Vermont shops & restaurants.
When it was time to sell our house, you advised us on the preparations and improvements that were needed, even helping to find the best contractors.. And when our house hit the market, the response was overwhelming, selling in a couple days for well over asking. You took care of almost every detail and talked us through what could have otherwise been an overwhelming experience. We are so grateful to you both for your patience, expertise, and great advise. Thank you for everything! With all our best, Jeff and Beth Sosnow