Los Feliz Ledger Vol 8. No. 5
Read by 100,000+ Residents and Business Owners in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Echo Park & Hollywood Hills
King to Shift to All-Magnet Campus
Candidacy Filing Nears As Two More Enter CD13 Race
By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer SILVER LAKE—Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) Thomas Starr King Middle School will start the 2013 school year as an allmagnet campus, transforming its “home school” to a cinematic arts-focused magnet, while maintaining its current gifted and environmental studies magnet programs. For Tomas O’Grady, founder of the non-profit “Friends of King” this transition is an accomplishment of fairness and equality. O’Grady, who has two daughters enrolled in the school’s current magnet programs, said he noticed a division around the magnet schools and the feeling that kids who attended the magsee KING page 12
NC Elections Not Perfect By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer The local East Region neighborhood council elections, held Oct. 6th, were close in many cases, but also riddled with mistakes, some claim, created by the city’s overseeing agency EmpowerLA, that possibly changed the outcome of at least two elections. Additionally, questionable candidate tactics—including offering medical marijuana and, in another case, the promise of food and clothing, in exchange for a vote—were used by two candidates to lure voters to the polls, all legal, under each neighborhood council’s bylaws. In Eagle Rock, the cansee ELECTIONS page 5
Community News: How did Silver Lake Get its Name?, page 4
November 2012
By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer
GOOD OLD FASHIONED FUN—Parents and kids gather for the championship round at the 2012 Franklin Avenue Elementary Pinewood Derby. Over the last decade, the Derby has become a signature event at the school and is the centerpiece of Franklin’s annual Fall Festival fundraiser. About 250 cars were entered in this year’s Derby more than any previous year. Photo: David Carlson.
Money continues to roll into the city’s elections and with a crowded candidate pool, as a filing deadline approaches, Los Angeles will soon get a clearer picture of its true candidates in 2013’s municipal election. Currently, 12 candidates are contending for the city’s mayorship, a number that has held steady for months. Meanwhile, the number of candidates filing intents to fundraise for the City Council’s 13th District (CD13) has grown to 20 with the recent additions of longtime political junky and real estate millionaire Michael Schaefer and Chris Ashe, a small business owner from Silver Lake. With candidates facing see CD13 page 6
Catherine Davis Remembered By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—It was national news when Catherine Davis, 81, of Los Feliz was killed Sept. 26th at the hands of the young actor Johnny Kendrick Lewis. The story, clouded with mystery and the allure of celebrity gossip, filled Lowry Road with police and journalists around the house called “The Writers’ Villa” where Davis lived and rented rooms to like-minded creative types visiting or moving to town. In the wake of the incident—wherein Lewis murdered Davis and her cat before falling to his own death off one of the house’s balconies—Davis’ friends and family denied repeated interview requests from reporters, while her neighbors were overwhelmed
Politics: Two more enter CD13 race, page 6
Much to Consider On Nov. 6th Ballot By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer
with police press conferences and on-location TV news stand ups shot up and down the street. The case details are still unclear. Some have reported designer drugs were to blame for Lewis’ actions. Others said
People In My Neighborhood: Observatory’s Laura Danly, page 7
Lewis had developed mental illness. Lewis, a 27-year-old who starred in the first two season of the FX motorcycle gang drama ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ had been in and out of jail over the past year. Toxicology see DAVIS page 11
Su Casa Real Estate: Real estate and local home sales, page 17
On Oct. 18th, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board Member Bennett Kayser hosted an “urgent” meeting to discuss the education issues on the November ballot at Thomas Starr King Middle School in Silver Lake, specifically Propositions 30 and 38. “Both are essentially attempting to reach the same objective and a lot of people are wondering, ‘Should I vote for Proposition 30, or should I vote for Proposition 38?’” he said. The task of choosing between the two propositions— see BALLOT page 16
Calendar: Susan Straight and others share work at Skylight Books, www.losfelizledger.com
Los Feliz Ledger [publisher’s letter]
Neighborhood Council Election Reform is in Order
Available at these locations:
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.
LOS FELIZ I truly entitles me to vote in that comto oversee the elections insupport munities’ neighborhood councluding generating more inthe work of all of Los Angecil election is ridiculous. The terest in voters to vote. Elecles’ neighborhood councils, same is true in Griffith Park, tion days have been split into but when you learn of miswhere if you have visited the regions therefore, presumably takes made by the city orgapark—even just once—that providing the opportunity for nization coordinating and recreational outing deems you such regions to better promote managing the elections—Ema “stakeholder” in the Greater and advertise these elections. powerLA—and some of the Griffith Park Neighborhood None of that appears to have unscrupu lous happened. campaigning In the case methods—like of the Silver The notion that if I were to buy a latte offering a $40 Neighin a community and therefore, by showing Lake discount on borhood medical mari- my receipt for such, entitles me to vote in Council, for juana or food that communities’ neighborhood council example, one and clothing seat was deelection is ridiculous. to anyone that cided with votes—there’s a the drawing problem. How of straws. offering incentives to voters Council election. These isEach of the candidates had can be legal under the individsues all point to the potential received only 9 votes each. ual by-laws of neighborhood of voter fraud and need to be Those that run for seats councils means those respecrevisited. on neighborhood councils tive neighborhood councils It’s also disturbing to do so as volunteers and give need to take a closer look at note—with the exception up hours upon hours of their their bylaws. of the Greater Griffith Park time and energy for the good Also, the notion that if I Neighborhood Council—the of their respective commuwere to buy a latte in a comextremely low voter turnout nities. They take their work munity and therefore, by these elections garner. Emseriously and so should the showing my receipt for such, powerLA was given the task city by undertaking a more serious approach to these elections.
From the
Los Feliz Ledger
Page 2
Citibank 1965 Hillhurst Avenue Dresden Restaurant 1760 N. Vermont Avenue House of Pies 1869 N. Vermont Louise’s Trattoria 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. Los Feliz Public Library 1874 Hillhurst Avenue Los Feliz 3 Theaters 1822 N. Vermont Newsstand Vermont and Melbourne Palermo 1858 N. Vermont Skylight Books 1818 N. Vermont
PUBLISHER /EDITOR Allison Cohen Ferraro
ADVERTISING SALES Libby Butler-Gluck
GR APHIC DESIGN & L AYOUT Brigid LaBonge Tiffany Sims
OFFICE A SSISTANT Griffin O. Cohen
SILVER LAKE Casita del Campo 1920 Hyperion Ave Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce Casita del Campo_Nov12.pdf
1724 W. Silver Lake Drive
1
10/22/12
8:36 PM
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
www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
Clothing Co. Donates $970K for LA River Study
Appeals Filed in Zoo’s “Elephants of Asia” Case By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer GRIFFITH PARK—The city of Los Angeles together with the Los Angeles Zoo filed an appeal in October against a California Superior Court ruling that said its “Elephants of Asia” exhibit is inhumane and a waste of taxpayer dollars. In response, a week later, the plaintiffs in the case— fighting still to have the exhibit shut down—filed their own appeal. According to the City Attorney spokeswoman Sandy Cooney, a court date has not been set. The City Attorney’s Office would not specify the ground for the appeals but, presumably, the city found issue with
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge John L. Segal’s strongly worded verdict last July, which asserted gaps in the zoo staff’s knowledge of animal husbandry, professionalism and integrity. “All is not well at the Elephants of Asia exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo,” Segal wrote in his ruling. “Contrary to what the zoo’s representatives may have told the Los Angeles City Council in order to get construction of the $42 million exhibit approved and funded, the elephants are not healthy, happy, and thriving.” David Casselman, lawyer for the plaintiff Aaron Leider, said their reason for appeal is
because they still want the elephant exhibit closed. “That’s literally the only thing that we want,” Casselman said. “We believe that the findings of the court factually more than justify the ultimate decision to close the exhibit. And we do not believe that the court applied the California law fully or completely to the facts that [Judge Segal] found. Once you apply all the facts that he found to the appropriate law it makes it clear that this exhibit should be closed.”
Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR), Miss Me, Inc. and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Oct. 9th, a donation of close to $1 million to the city of Los Angeles to complete funding of The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) multi-year LA River Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study. Prior to the Miss Me gift, given to FoLAR to donate to the city, the city had fulfilled its 50% cost-sharing commitment for the study totaling $4.8 million. While President Obama’s FY2013 budget requests additional funding for the Corps to continue the feasibility study, FoLAR and Miss Me’s $970,000 donation will enable the Corps to complete the study sooner. “With the generous donation from Miss Me we are one step closer to revitalizing the Los Angeles River,” said Mayor Villaraiagosa. Miss Me is a women and girls clothing manufacturer who launched its first collection in 2001.
Architecture Critic Alan Hess to Discuss Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture critic Alan Hess will speak on Frank Lloyd Wright’s green and organic architectural designs at the Architecture and Beyond Lecture Series Thurs., Nov. 15th from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave. Hess will discuss his recently published book, Frank Lloyd Wright: Natural Design, Organic Architecture: Lessons from Building Green from an American Original. The book’s photographs are by Alan Weintaub. Hess, a practicing archi-
tect, has authored 20 books on modern architecture in the west. His most recent book marks his 5th on Wright and his works. Skylights Books will have copies of books by Hess for purchase and signing. The free lecture series— now in its 9th year—is supported by the Friends of the Los Feliz Library and the merchants of the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District (LFVBID). For information, call the Los Feliz Branch Library at (323) 913-4710.
Community Yard Sale To Benefit Ivanhoe Elementary SILVER LAKE—A community wide yard sale is planned for Nov. 10th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 20% of proceeds benefiting Ivanhoe Elementary School. Organizer Diane Evans, also known as “School Savvy Realtor” is looking for local residents to participate. She hopes to get blocks of sales going at the same time. This is the second year EvNovember 2012
ans—who is a realtor at Sotheby’s in Los Feliz and has lived in the area for 20 years—has organized such a benefit. Last year, proceeds were donated to Thomas Starr King Middle School. A map of participating locations will be posted at SchoolSavvyRealtor.com. For info: realtordianeevans@ gmail.com www.losfelizledger.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Page 3
Los Feliz Ledger
Historical Society of Silver Lake Explored at Nov. 13th Meeting by Michael Locke, Ledger Contributing Writer One might Herman Silver’s fascieasily asnating life story is one that sume and with good reason every Silver Laker should that Silver Lake got its name know, along with dozens if from its shimmering waters, not hundreds of others that particularly if gazed upon at could be lost forever if we dawn’s early light. Not so. do nothing to preserve their memory. Although it makes a To that end, the Silver lot of sense, Silver Lake is Lake Branch of the Los Anthe namesake of one Hergeles Public Library is hostman Silver, a German Jewing an initial community ish immigrant who rose to meeting for the purpose of prominence in Los Angeles exploring the possibility of starting an historical society to become the President of for Silver Lake. the Los Angeles City CounAll Silver Lake should take cil and Acting Mayor in pride not only in who we are 1896, re-elected in 1898, and today, but the people and cirPresident of the Los Angeles cumstances that caused Forbes’ Water Commission in 1902 Magazine to name Silver Lake 138120_POC_LosFelizLedger_A.pdf 10/22/12 5:56 PM among other achievements. “the1 hippest neighborhood in
America.” The meeting will consist of a power point presentation followed by open discussion. Participants will be invited to fill out a questionnaire and participate in the organizing effort. The meeting, open to the public, will be held in the community room of the Silver Lake Library Tues., Nov. 13th, at 6 p.m. Reservations to Lisa Palombi, Silver Lake Library Librarian at lpalombi@lapl.org or Michael Locke at mjlocke@ pacbell.net or by calling (323) 644-3338 and leaving a message.
Legal Questions Require Competent Legal Answers! For over 25 years, Agemian & Fang, a Full Service Law Firm, has been your resource for the answers.
• • • • • •
Business Entities/Corporate Law Real Estate Family Law/Divorce/Separation Paternity/Domestic Partnerships Personal Injury Fluent in Armenian & Chinese Available for free consultations.
30 N. Raymond Ave., Ste. 205, Pasadena, CA 91103 626-356-1996; FAX 626-356-1945 www.agemianfanglaw4u.com email: aayf@sbcglobal.net
Zoo Privatization Talks Stalled By Colin Stutz Ledger Contributing Writer
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE.
A new career, a new direction. At Pacific Oaks, we can help you get there. Complete your bachelor’s degree, or earn a master’s degree or teaching credential. Whatever you choose, we will encourage and empower you to leverage what you’ve already done to achieve your potential.
PASADENA SALINAS SACRAMENTO SANTA CRUZ ONLINE
• Adult-focused education • Inclusive, nurturing environment • Credit for life experience opportunities • Financial aid for qualified students • Online, on-campus, and part-time options
COLLEGE 1. 8 7 7. 314 . 2 3 8 0 I PA C I F I C O A K S . E D U
Page 4
COMMUNITY NEWS
INSPIRING ADULT LEARNERS
www.losfelizledger.com
GRIFFITH PARK—The City of Los Angeles’ negotiations with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) to privatize the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens reportedly came to a halt in late September. GLAZA President Connie Morgan announced the group had withdrawn its bid to take over management at the zoo, citing resistance by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office that the proposed publicprivate partnership model—in which the city would retain ownership of the animals and property—was not legal. GLAZA is a nonprofit that for more than four decades has run fundraising for the zoo. Despite rumors that discussions had been picked up again since the announcement, GLAZA spokeswoman Laura Stegman said there has been no change. Around the same time, the zoo euthanized its last lion—a female named Cookie—due to deteriorating health. She was 23. A necropsy revealed that the lioness was suffering from cancer. Cookie came to the zoo in 1997 with a male lion named Lionel, who died in 2003, also at age 23. Jason Jacobs, the zoo’s director of public relations and marketing, said Cookie’s life was long compared to wild lions, which living into the teens is considered old. To finally put her down was a quality of life issue, he said. “She was a favorite of many of our guests,” said Jacobs. “We’re going to miss her.” November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger ELECTIONS from page 1
didate offering anyone a $40 credit to the medical marijuana shop he owns if they showed a voting receipt did not win, but that election saw the day’s highest voter turnout of 792. Meanwhile, in Echo Park, Perla Reyes’ election to the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) has been officially challenged by candidate James Salazar. Salazar alleges Reyes rented a mini bus to transport supporters from East Hollywood to vote for her “luring them with food and [a] T-shirt.” Anyone can vote in any neighborhood council race with a simple one-time receipt from a coffee shop or convenience store, for example. Called “Starbucks voters,” Jay Handal, independent election administrator for the East Region that includes the GGPNC, SLNC, GEPENC and the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC), said such voters were common in the recent elections but don’t necessarily break election rules. Mistakes and miscommunications by EmpowerLA may have also played a role in elec-
tion results, some say. Yousef Tannous who had been running for a seat on the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council (GGPNC) was surprised on Election Day his name was not on the ballot. According to Handal, Tannous had submitted his candidacy paperwork incomplete and could not be reached for clarification. As a result, Handal said, Tannous’ name was removed from the ballot. Tannous claims no one from EmpowerLA tried to reach him and that only a copy of his driver’s license was required to file for candidacy. Prior to Election Day, Tannous had been on the official EmpowerLA website list of candidates where voters were directed for candidate information. “Honest[ly], nobody called me,” said Tannous. “They did not even apologize. They took off my name,” on the ballot the morning of the election. T a n n o u s along with Bruce Carroll, treasurer of the Franklin Hills Residents Assoc., is challenging the GGPNC’s election results. Another GGPNC candidate, Christina Khanjian,
said she had difficulty getting her photo and candidate statement posted on the EmpowerLA website giving her opposition a presumed edge. And longtime political activist, Kerry Hunnewell’s name remained on the GGPNC ballot despite the GGPNC twice notifying the city of Hunnewell’s withdrawal. Hunnewell ultimately received 20 votes possibly swaying the results in the GGPNC’s District B. In fact, many races across the local region resulted in ties or victories by single-digit margins. In Echo Park, the race for presidency of the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) came down to just two votes, placing newcomer Ari Bessendorf over the board’s former vice president Francisco Torrero, 268 to 266. In Silver Lake, Maidel Luevano won a tiebreaker against incumbent Joe Malone by drawing straws to represent the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s (SLNC) Region 3 Seat 2. Both candidates had only nine votes total. Incumbent Anthony Crump won region 3’s Seat 1 by six votes over challenger Aaron Levitz.
And in Los Feliz, GGPNC incumbent Harpreet Malhi, lost the election to represent District C by a margin of eight votes behind Elizabeth McDonald and nine behind Kristopher Anderson. In District B, John Paul Rameriz lost by just six votes to Chris McKinley and 10 votes to incumbent Christina Khanjiam.
Advertise in the
Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897
NOW through JANUARY 6, 2013 A Museum of California Design Exhibition at the Autry
California’s Designing Women, 1896–1986 honors more than forty of the women who have contributed to California’s extraordinary role in the history of American design. This unprecedented exhibition features more than 200 examples of textiles, ceramics, furniture, lighting, jewelry, clothing, and graphics that incorporated the newest design styles, materials, and technologies of their time. These functional and decorative objects——from Arts and Crafts to Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern and beyond—— exemplify California’s national and international reputation for unrestrained creativity.
MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA DESIGN CALIFORNIA’S DESIGNING WOMEN, 1896–1986 IS ORGANIZED BY THE MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA DESIGN. BILL STERN, GUEST CURATOR.
SPONSORED BY: WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO JANE NAKAGAWA / INTERTREND
4700 Western Heritage Way . Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462 . 323.667.2000, ext. 336 . TheAutry.org MARILYN KAY AUSTIN FOR ARCHITECTURAL POTTERY, FLOOR VASE, CIRCA 1962. EARTHENWARE. PHOTO BY SUSAN EINSTEIN. DESIGN © 2012 AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER
November 2012
www.losfelizledger.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Page 5
Los Feliz Ledger [greetings from tom]
Reconstructing Historic John Marshall’s Tower By Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge There are certainly more famous addresses in Los Angeles, but is there anywhere more special than 3939 Tracy St? John Marshall High School is by now past its 80th year in the business of educating Los Angeles’s youth. It has enough graduates to fill a mediumsized city. In an era of glittering new campuses constructed by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), John Marshall High hails from a different era. Its Gothic architecture tells an old story, and tireless efforts from community activists have ensured that its 1930s architecture has withstood the test of time. It was hard to hear that some of John Marshall High School’s spectacular brick and stone masonry was deteriorating, but it is a pleasure to know that the LAUSD is providing the necessary funding to ensure its steady and swift repair. Within a year, Mar-
shall’s tower should be as good as new. This effort is more than a small building on a small campus—it sends a big message that we are working hard to preserve our history as Angelenos. Too often we have cast aside great old buildings with the goal of remaking this city time and time again. But if we listen hard enough, Los Angeles has a story to tell: founded by Spaniards, settled by Mexicans, and developed densely and intensely in the 20th century. Los Feliz and Silver Lake, with scores of buildings decades and decades old, tells this story with its walls and its foundations. When you next see John Marshall High’s historic tower, think of the tens of thousands of people who have passed through its doors. With the work currently being done to preserve it, the future will keep it just as busy.
BID Sets Date for 2013 Street Festival By Norma Zager, Ledger Contributing Writer LOS FELIZ—Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District (LFVBID) board members voted to stage a 2013 street festival and set the date as July 20th. The fair day was changed from its long-standing Sunday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. based on comments of attendees and planners. The LFVBID has submitted the date for city approval. The street fair will also move to Hillhurst Ave. in 2013, after being staged on Hollywood Boulevard the last two years. Until recently, the fair always alternated between Vermont and Hillhurst avenues. LFVBID member Ermanno Neviller argument for a two-day event was quickly dismissed. “It doesn’t make sense. The streets will be closed anyway. It’s the same amount of time. Why not have the fair the extra day?” Neviller said. He also suggested restricting vendor participation to Los Feliz businesses only. Neviller was frustrated in his attempts to persuade the board to “think out of the box,” and urged them to try new things. LFVBID President Chris Serrano was adamant it would be too much of a burden on a Page 6
POLITICS
board that could not handle the additional time and work commitments a two-day fair would entail. Board member Melissa Tornay said limiting the vendors to local restaurants would bring in less new people and local businesses are always urged to attend. “All the restaurants are asked to participate and they have to decide whether or not they choose to, but it’s up to them. This is a [public relations] thing for them and they don’t always make money, but it’s always a marketing opportunity,” Tornay said. Most board members agreed limiting the fair to local eateries would detract from the specialness of the day. Neviller also suggested increasing the price for sponsorships. “We could offer them the chance to sponsor on a larger scale,” Neviller said. Serrano said increasing sponsorship fees could be considered, but doing so would require hiring an outside fundraiser that, she said, the LFVBID could not currently afford. “It’s an art to get people to give up that kind of money and I don’t know who we could find to do it without hiring someone from the outside,” Serrano said.
CD13 from page 1
a Nov. 10th deadline to file declarations for candidacy, soon the serious candidates will make themselves known, while others resign to the competition. In October current District 13 Councilmember Eric Garcetti, who will be termed out of office and is running for mayor, announced his campaign leads in fundraising with a total of $2,873,927.93 raised and $2,355,534.85 in cash on hand through Sept. 30th. Garcetti leads in total number of contributions, number of donors and percentage of contributions under $250. He also recently announced endorsements by 60 Filipino-American community leaders and a new plan to create jobs in Los Angeles with a massive investment in computer-based education. By Sept. 30th, the CD13 race had raised a total of $770,188.99 amongst all candidates with eight having broken the $50,000 milestone. Since accounting reports were released at the end of July, former board of public works commissioner John Choi has retained a fundraising lead with a total of $144,543. Of that money, only $8,750—about 6%—comes from zip codes within CD13’s boundaries. Choi’s fundraising efforts are followed by Alexander Cruz De Ocampo—an employee of Saban Capital Group—with $102,235.39 and Los Angeles Fire Department Commander Emile Mack with $98,794.90. Mack has so far spent the most in this campaign, $37,224.02, mostly to campaign consultants. Of De Ocampo’s fundraising, $11,118—about 11%—is from within CD13. Of Mack’s money, just $4,600—less than 7%—is from within the district, excluding the $31,000 he has donated to his own campaign. In all, just $21,025—31%— of his campaign contributions is from within the city of Los Angeles. Former Garcetti aide, Mitch O’Farrell continued to lead the group with campaign contributions earned within the district, raising $27,018 of his total $55,263.68—nearly 49%—in zip codes that fall at least partially within CD13. With this year’s redistricting, O’Farrell’s Glassell Park home fell out of CD13 and into Ed Reyes’ Council District 1. In September, O’Farrell moved to an apartment within the district’s boundaries to meet residence requirements. “I decided early on, not to let the political shenanigans behind the redistricting fiasco get in the way of me running
for the seat when I am the person most suited for it,” he said. At an Oct. 21st campaign event District 4 Councilmember Tom LaBonge lent his support to O’Farrell with an introduction but has not yet officially endorsed any candidate in the CD13 race. “I’ve worked with Mitch and seen firsthand his commitment to the people of CD13. He has a great heart,” said LaBonge by e-mail. Newcomer Schaefer’s only disclosed fundraising is $25,500 he donated to his own campaign and another loan of $25,000 from the company Schaefer-Nevada Inc. of which he is president. This money, he said, was won playing a slot machine in Las Vegas in 2006. “I was so excited I went home and [the casino] called me and said, ‘You left $50 in the machine.’” At 74, CD13’s oldest candidate, the news media has previously referred to Schaefer as a “slumlord” who struck it rich in real estate. He has been praised for his work as a public interest attorney and criticized for his business practices. Others have been critical of his promoting of his candidacy in various elections on the coattails of other politicians. In 1986, he was the subject of an eight-page Los Angeles Times Magazine spread titled “Slumming It With Mike Schaefer: L.A.’s Notorious Landlord Goes East to Run for the Senate on Someone Else’s Good Name.” A resident of Atwater Village, since his start as a 27-year-old City Councilmember in San Diego, Schaefer has run in more than a half dozen legislative races, “some for real, some to test out some political theory,” he said. He has a criminal record that includes several arrests for fail-
ure to comply with a peace order, 2nd degree assault and false imprisonment, all of which, he asserted, are under false pretenses. In 2001 and 2003 in Nevada and California, respectively, Schaefer was disbarred on a “laundry list of complaints,” he said, including defrauding a judge, filing a suit without client permission, assault on an adverse party and communicating with an adverse party when ordered not to. In 1968, he won the Republican candidacy for California’s 37th congressional district but lost to the incumbent Democrat, Lionel Van Deerlin. More recently, he ran in the City Council District 4 election to fill John Ferraro’s seat that Tom LaBonge won in 2001. And in 2007 and 2010, respectively, he ran for mayor and sheriff of Baltimore, MD, where he has previously owned and managed low-income housing developments. Still, Schaefer touts his experience over his competition. “I’m the only one who’s been there, done that,” he said. “I’m the ringer; I’m the secret candidate who’s got it all figured out.” Schaefer supports Garcetti’s call to end the gross receipts tax, which taxes revenues over profits. He would like to end renters’ tax as well, stating these taxes are hurting the economy, frightening away businesses and killing jobs. He said he plans to return film production to Los Angeles and would like to propose a 50% discount in parking fines if paid by the 10th day, encouraging citizens to pay on time. He will appeal to retirees, Schaefer said, whom he called “the best voting block.” If he wins, Schaefer said see CD13 page 14
Los Angeles Breakfast Club Join us Wednesdays at 7 – 9 am
Upcoming speakers and programs...
Nov. 7: Anita Wright, Regional Director, Braille Institute - “Empowering Visually-Impaired People to Live Fulfilling Lives” Nov. 14: Saul Jacobs & Bob Lipson, USC Emeriti College - “Songs that Won the War - The Golden Age of American Popular Music” Nov. 21: To Be Scheduled Nov. 28: Janiene Langford, Taking the Reins “Empowering Girls through Horsepower”
Friendship Auditorium 3201 Riverside Drive (1/4 mi. so. of Los Feliz Bl.)
For upcoming programs, see... www.LABreakfastClub.com
or call (323) 662-1191 www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [people in my neighborhood]
The Observatory’s Dr. Laura Danly By Colleen Paeff, Ledger Columnist One consequence of loving her work so much is that Danly spends a lot of time at the Observatory. “I don’t get out much,” Danly said. When she does does—often to the symphony as she has
On a Friday in October of 2006, Astronomer Dr. Laura Danly spent her last day as the Senior Manager of Astrophysics Education at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. That Saturday she moved to Los Angeles. Sunday she attended the postrenovation Opening Gala at the Griffith Observatory. And on Monday, Danly went to work as the Observatory’s new curator. “It was really quite a whirlwind,” said Danly. “It was great.” As curator of an observatory with a relatively small staff, Danly does a little bit of everything—all of it with one goal in mind. “We understand and relish the idea that confronting one’s place in the universe is a profound and moving experience,” Danly said, “and we try to create opportunities for people to have that kind of experience when they come here.” One way Danly and her team accomplish this is creat-
November 2012
a weakness for the philharmonic—and if her job comes up, Danly said the reaction is often the same. “The first sentence is always, ‘Oh I love the observatory!’ and the second sentence is usually, “I haven’t been up there since I was a kid.” To which Danly enthusiastically replies, “Come on up!” The public is invited to
hear Danly and her colleagues discuss current events in astronomy the first Friday of every month at the free “All Space Considered” series, which runs from 7:30-9:00 PM. If you can’t make it to the Observatory, visit griffithobservatory. org and click the Griffith TV link to watch archives of the discussion and other observatory events online.
ing the immersive films projected at the Observatory’s Samuel Oschin Planetarium. “I’m an astronomer by training,” Danly said. “I worked for NASA. I’ve done research… but now my joke is that I moved to Hollywood and became a producer.” Danly, a native of Chicago, has produced, directed, and co-written four of the five programs shown in the Planetarium–something she wouldn’t have guessed she’d ever do back in her days as a physics student at Yale. But, she never planned out her career in terms of solid expectations–beyond being happy, that is. “I’ve been more focused on what I was doing in the moment and whether it had meaning to me,” said Danly. “I guess part of it is just staying fluid, which is fitting for me because I study the interstellar medium, which is all about fluids. . . I wanted to be happy and I wanted to be fulfilled. And I have been to such an enormous extent.”
www.losfelizledger.com
LIFESTYLES
Page 7
Los Feliz Ledger [focus on the Advertiser]
To design Bon Vivant’s kitchen and food, LaBelle turned to extreme chef, “Bloody Bill” Annesley, known for his knack of seasoning and cooking what he hunts. Annesley accepted the challenge. “I was moving out of my comfort zone. I’d never had to cater to a vegan and glutenfree audience,” said Annesley. “The palate has to be a different twist to things: infused oils and spices and getting creative—especially in this area.” In fact, Annesley enjoyed the community so much, he moved here. LaBelle said that same community has overwhelmed
A true bon vivant, that is, a person who enjoys fine food and drink and a good life, LaBelle has brought eastside foodies what she considers part Joan’s on Third and a little of New York’s Eataly.
ers part Joan’s on Third and a little of New York’s Eataly. The gourmet specialty food marketplace and restaurant is a concept she says fits the current local lifestyle. “Bon Vivant Market Café is something this side of town didn’t have,” said LaBelle. “Here, groups can come in, eye what they want and buy what they want and then sit together.” A sign reading: “Good Food... Good Friends... Good Times” greets customers as they enter Bon Vivant’s casual rustic interior. Inside, it delivers on its message from the dizzying array in the deli case packed with gourmet goodies, imported and domestic cheeses, pastries, and a charcuterie station, to the comforting aromas of freshly baked breads and locally roasted coffee. The cozy fireplace is a nice touch. Page 8
LIFESTYLES
her with support. Suggestions from customers have led them to serve a bigger breakfast menu, and more sandwiches, salads and soups daily. Locals responded in kind with hundreds of signatures in support of Bon Vivant’s application for a full liquor license. And the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) voted unanimously in favor of the application. Once approved, Bon Vivant will be open for dinner. “Anything that adds to the Atwater Village vibe is good for all the businesses,” said AVNC business representative, Jerry Hoffman. Look for Bon Vivant to be decked out for the coming holiday season with specialty foods and gifts. Information: bonvivantmarketcafe.com
Standard time returns Nov. 4. The moon is full the morning of the 28th and is the “beaver moon.” This moon is special in a couple of respects. The centers of the earth and moon will be at their greatest distance, 252,501 miles away, some 30,700 miles farther last May, when it was at its closest to earth when full. The lunar eclipse occurs two weeks after a total solar eclipse that will only be visible from Northern Australia and the Pacific Ocean, between 11:37 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., P.S.T. on the 13th, when it will likely be streamed live on the Internet. Otherwise, the solar
eclipse is not visible from Los Angeles or anywhere else in North America. Jupiter is the most noticeable planet this month after it rises in the east-
that change positions as the hours pass. Venus is even brighter than Jupiter, and is seen low in the east as dawn brightens. On the 27th and 28th
The lunar eclipse occurs two weeks after a total solar eclipse that will only be visible from Northern Australia and the Pacific Ocean... northeast during evening twilight. Around midnight, Jupiter is only slightly south of the overhead point. With binoculars you can see the planet’s disk, and four moons
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter(@54_Twenty) for details on our exciting upcoming multi-course prix fixe avant-gard dinner tastings.
Venus will appear only 1 degree from fainter, gold hued Saturn. Mercury, will appear to the lower left of Venus and Saturn during the last week of November.
Hollywood Guestaurant. You’re invited to dine with us in our kitchen. Executive Chef Kyle Schutte & the members of our 54TWENTY family will ser ve you breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a classic diner setting. Our values support locally grown, humanely raised & sustainable ingredients.
a
ATWATER VILLAGE—After a quiet opening in June, Bon Vivant Market Café has fast earned its place as Atwater Village’s “living room.” Bon Vivant is the vision of Tricia LaBelle who is best known for turning around the legendary Boardner’s in Hollywood. Living in Los Feliz and loving it, she waited four years for the prime location at 3155 Glendale Blvd. and the chance to transform a former cinderblock-faced adult day care center. A true bon vivant, that is, a person who enjoys fine food and drink and a good life, LaBelle has brought eastside foodies what she consid-
By Anthony Cook, Griffith Observatory
te
t da
l oc
By Kimberly Gomez, Ledger Columnist
November 2012
bring this ad for 10% off
Bon Vivant Market Café
[Star Gazing]
5420 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027 323 464 1570 metro stop Hollywood/Western
(Formerly Days Inn) Yes, we of fer free parking!
film@54TWENTY.com eat@54TWENTY.com sleep@dixiehollywood.com www.54TWENTY.com
Exper ience Chef Kyle Schutte's unique and exper imental cuisine in a casual and fun atmosphere just feet from where Kyle and his team execute your meal. In our uniquely intimate dining room have the chance to watch your dinner come to life in front of you and even join in the conver sation about the meals ingredients and techniques .
www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
SLNC Passes Motion for Stricter Guidelines on Liquor Licenses
Restaurant News
By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer
Vermont and Rockwell are revamping as Rockwell Table & Stage. The two-restaurant venue includes an indoor supper club and performance space in the former Vermont Restaurant on Vermont Avenue with a new seasonal dining menu. Now playing at the supper club is “For the Record: Scorsese,” featuring singers and dancers performing music from the director’s films such as “Goodfellas” and “The Aviator.” The patio restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m. Performances in the supper club are at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. Information at rockwell-la.com
SILVER LAKE—Business owners should soon find it more difficult to obtain a liquor license in Silver Lake. That’s due to a motion passed Oct. 3rd by the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council (SLNC) 15-0-3, a first step in implementing stricter guidelines when considering recommendations to the California Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Proposed by the SLNC’s Urban Design and Preservation (UP&D) advisory committee, the guidelines will be threefold: a review of census tract reports provided by the ABC to decide what areas of Silver Lake are deemed “oversaturated” with alcohol permits for on-site and off-site sale; review of documented history provided by police and members of the neighborhood regarding specific, problematic businesses; and in the case
motion at the October SLNC Governing Board Meeting was “priority number one” for Millar and herself. “Because there is no guarantee that we will be re-elected and who knows what the face of the board will be… who knows what the temperament will be? You always try to get things done that you believe is useful before you might not have that opportunity,” Johnson said. Both Johnson and Millar were re-elected to their positions Oct. 6th. Some on the board had argued denying local establishments’ liquor licenses would “prohibit their ability to thrive,” but Johnson said the motion was not anti-liquor, but “pro-responsibility.” “It’s a very touchy conversation,” she said. “It’s a moral conversation, it’s a philosophi-
By Pat Saperstein, Ledger Restaurant Critic Sqirl and G&B is a breakfast and lunch spot from Sqirl Jams founder Jessica Koslow and Charles Babinski and Kyle Granville, former barista champions from Intelligentsia Coffee. At 720 N. Virgil Ave., Sqirl is pioneering a facelift for the Virgil Village neighborhood, with a tiny cafe serving dishes bursting with the fruit flavors of Sqirl Jams and other carefully sourced ingredients. Information at Sqirlla.com. Now that Malo has been in Silver Lake for nine years, the festive Sunset Boulevard Mexican spot has introduced
an expanded menu featuring more creative interpretations of “Chicano cuisine.” Don’t worry, the ground beef and pickle hard tacos remain, but now there’s more choices for both vegetarians and omnivores. And for those who always missed the lack of rice and beans with the entrees, there’s a new option for dishes served “El Cholo” style. Until the end of December, Malo offers an array of tamales for eating in the restaurant or to go, with varieties like turkey mole, pork adobo or squash blossom and jack cheese. Information at Malorestaurant.com.
According to ABC census tract information that compares area’s populations to the number of liquor licenses, at a ratio of 1:2500, Silver Lake has more than twice the number of “allowed” permits for both on and off-site consumption. of renewal or expanded liquor licenses, a review of the restaurant, bar or store’s compliance with the SLNC’s previously established conditions such as sidewalk cleaning, bicycle racks and trash cans. For a new applicant, aside from the ABC figures, the committee would take input of the immediately impacted community into consideration, as well as the applicant’s existing reputation. The new guidelines will be reviewed again at the end of January by the SLNC. “It is a step in the right direction,” said SLNC governing board member Anne-Marie Johnson, who co-authored the motion with Rusty Millar and the UP&D. “It’s a topic that’s been discussed in and out of the board room and we decided, ‘Alright, enough of the anecdotal information, enough of the complaining.’” According to ABC census tract information that compares area’s populations to the number of liquor licenses, at a ratio of 1:2500, Silver Lake has more than twice the number of “allowed” permits for both on and off-site consumption. This has led to increased complaints by residents about alcohol-related disturbances, as well as parking problems throughout the neighborhood. Facing a neighborhood council election just a few days later, Johnson said passing this November 2012
cal conversation but also it’s a neighborhood responsibility conversation… We are oversaturated with onsite and off-site conditional use liquor licenses… It’s time to take a deep breath and decide, is this a community that we really want to create? A community that is over-saturated with alcohol sales?” Charles Herman-Wurmfeld was one of the board’s abstaining votes. He said he preferred license requests be handled on a case-by-case basis saying he’d rather chase new business to the area than shoo them away. “I [am also] concerned there might be sort of an antialcohol bias,” he said. Johnson, who said she abstains from drinking alcohol, said she understands this concern but also heard there are other neighborhood councils excited about the SLNC’s motion and wanted to discuss it further. “We have to live outside of ourselves and really think of our community,” she said. “It’s one thing to be named ‘The Hipster Community of Whatever.’ That’s nice. But with that involves some elements that makes it not so nice for those of us who pay rent and mortgages within Silver Lake… I just want the residents of Silver Lake to be as comfortable and safe on the streets of Silver Lake as they can.” www.losfelizledger.com
LIFESTYLES
Page 9
Los Feliz Ledger
Local State and Federal Seats Up for Grabs Nov. 6th By Colin Stutz, Ledger Contributing Writer On Election Day, Nov. 6th, state and federal representative seats are also up for grabs, impacting the region’s future on a state and national scale. Current six-term Rep. Adam Schiff of California’s 29th Congressional District is now running in a redrawn 28th District where earned 59% of the votes in June amidst a group of seven contenders. His closest competitor, the Tea Party Republican Phil Jennerjahn earned 17.4%. Now Schiff and Jennerjahn face off in the general election to represent the 28th District, which spans from Echo Park to West Hollywood, including Los Feliz and Griffith Park up to Sunland and into Angeles National Forest. Meanwhile, Mike Gatto is running for reelection as California’s 43rd District assemblymember, a position he’s had for two years. In June, Gatto received about 10% more votes than his only challenger, Republican Greg Krikorian, in the area that includes Burbank, Glendale and many parts of Los Angeles such as Los Feliz and Silver Lake. But despite his lead in July and considerable fundraising advantage, sources say there is concern voters could favorably mistake Krikorian on the ballot for the Los Angeles City Councilmember of District 2, Paul Krikorian, to whom Greg Krikorian is of no relation. This election year, polarized partisan politics are running at full throttle. At an Oct. 15th debate between Schiff and Jennerjahn, party lines were apparent. Even on instances where Jennerjahn admitted ignorance to an issue of which Schiff supports, Jennerjahn said: “I’d say that if Adam Schiff supports it I would probably be opposed to it.” During the debate, the men joked at times about their failures to agree over the nation’s biggest issues. They also underlined an issue that has led to accusations against the House of Representatives that in the past two years virtually nothing got done. When pressed on this—while Schiff touted a history introducing legislation authored or cosponsored by Republicans— Jennerjahn remained unflinching in his partisanship. “You can’t be cooperating or conspiring with people who are doing things wrong, that are immoral, that are against our laws, that violate our constitution,” he said. “You can’t cooperate with people like Page 10
this. These people belong in jail and not in Congress.” Blaming Super PACs and cable news networks for contributing to this ideological divide in the country and Congress, Schiff said days later, “We have a responsibility to govern and we have a necessity to get together and find common ground… and I think it has to be done both at the leadership level and at the level of the individual members.” Jennerjahn, a single
munity he wants to work to improve intelligence gathering to prevent attacks like the one recently on the Libya Consulate and Sept. 11th. Regarding the country’s economy, Schiff said, he wants to solve the fiscal issues at the end of the year. That means making decisions about the Bush-era tax cuts, raising the debt ceiling and avoiding sequestration. “I think it’s very important that we not slowly kick
Blaming Super PACs and cable news networks for contributing to this ideological divide in the country and Congress, Schiff said days later, “We have a responsibility to govern and we have a necessity to get together and find common ground… and I think it has to be done both at the leadership level and at the level of the individual members.” 45-year-old originally from Green Bay, WI, has in the past four years run for election three times, including for Los Angeles Mayor in 2009 and congress in 2010. If elected, he said he would work to dismantle the federal departments of energy, labor, agriculture, transportation, education, interior and commerce, reserving such matters for state governments. He said he would also like to end any social security, medicare, medicaid and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. What Jennerjahn proposes is a change of the tax policy to a consumption tax he calls “flat and fair,” referring to the President Obama’s current campaigning to have expire Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. “Exactly how much of someone else’s paycheck is your fair share?” Jennerjahn asked later in an interview, “What if you turned around and said the opposite? ‘I want to tax the poor at 60%.’ Would that be fair? Of course not. So why would you put it on anyone else?” Jennerjahn denies global warming exists and also opposes gay marriage, the Dream Act, and abortion, he said, without “exemptions or exceptions.” If reelected, Schiff said he will focus on building new jobs in the country and favorable legislation for small businesses, as well as pushing for a “Make It In America” agenda to encourage stateside manufacturing. And he said, as a member of the house intelligence com-
litical party that we represent or what’s behind our name, it’s about the person to do the job, the man or woman who’s going to do the job to lead California back. And it’s definitely not [Gatto].” By most accounts, Gatto has had a successful first term in the Assembly, most recently being appointed as chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee that oversees 80% of all California’s new legislation, and saw 10 of 11 pieces of legislation he proposed approved in September. Among those bills was an extenuation of tax credits for film production and an initiative to allow California bio gas producers to sell it to utilities in the state. Despite Krikorian’s talk of defying party lines, Gatto accused him of playing the
partisan politics game with several accusations he’s made against Gatto. Gatto said Kirkorian’s accusations were so unfounded that he couldn’t even respond. Those include passing a stack of “job-killer bills,” the influence of special interests and a record of almost always voting along party lines. “I’m not sure that Mr. Krikorian even knows what he’s talking about when he uses the term passing ‘job killer bill,’” said Gatto. “If someone would put forth a bill that regulated smoking, it would put a lot of grave diggers out of business and I’m sure Mr. Krikorian would call that a job killer too. He has no idea what he’s talking about… I feel really, really comfortable with my record on jobs.”
the can down the road. . . but rather that we solve these issues so that we give businesses and families the opportunity to know what the lay of the land will be in terms of taxation so they can plan and businesses can hire,” he said. Greg Krikorian is a socially liberal, fiscally conservative 11-year member of the Board of Education for the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) who accuses Assemblyman Gatto of being under the influence of special interests and failing to balance the state budget. In March, when Krikorian saw Gatto was running unopposed to represent California’s 43rd District, he said he was inspired to challenge him and not give the twoyear incumbent “a free ride to represent our people again. . . . I couldn’t sit back and look at Sacramento continuously cut and cut and waste money, knowing I could make a difference,” Krikorian said. Krikorian said he proposes zero-based budgeting across the state government, meaning overhauling the entire process so every line item must be approved, rather than only changes. “All of our programs and services in Sacramento need to prove their worth that they’re serving the people,” Krikorian said. “And if they’re not performing, then those programs will be cut.” A Republican since college, Krikorian said he believes the government shouldn’t be involved in citizens’ lives. “There are more important issues,” he said. “I don’t predicate and have no prejudice… It’s not about the powww.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger DAVIS from page 1
reports have not been released yet and motives are unclear. But this is not how Davis’ friends want her remembered, said author Marsha Scarbrough, a friend and former resident of the Writers’ Villa. “There is a real determination among the community to let her be remembered by and defined by her life, not her death,” said Scarbrough, 65. “We don’t want her to be remembered for that last 15 minutes. It was because her whole life before that was so amazing and the house was so infused with her love.” Scarbrough, who flew in from Sante Fe, NM, for Davis’ memorial said in the days passing Davis’ death what stood out is the community of creative and inspired people Davis had drawn together over the years. The Villa was like a salon, Scarbrough said, that attracted actors, comedians, writers, musicians, producers, designers, even software engineers to develop their crafts privately and communally in the shared kitchen and other areas of the three-story house. Over the years, celebrity guests included Parker Posey, Thomas Jane, Chris
November 2012
Parnell, Paula Poundstone, liked him. them. Val Kilmer and Taylor Ne“She was excited about “I think our lives, we’ll gron. George Clooney would him coming back,” Scarmeasure them like before attend parties there, while brough said. “He hadn’t been Cathy Davis and after Cathy countless other lesser-known there for a year, they didn’t Davis,” said Scarbrough. “She members of the entertainknow he’d had these problems was significant. We have sufment industry flocked there in the interim. So it’s not like fered a really tremendous loss, as a retreat. And at the cenhe was an invader or the booand it was so shocking. At first ter of it all was Davis, who gieman or something like that. I think we were just so conScarbrough said would ask We don’t know what happened fused about trying to get our anyone returning from an to him.” head around what happened audition or interview that On Oct. 14th, about 130 and why it happened and all day, “How well did you do?” members of Davis’ commuthat. Now, I just think we’ve “Cathy gone into was the ankind of a gel, the good quiet sadness She was bright, politically and socially of Hollyover it.” wood who A writer, engaged, liberal and very much into the embraced activist and arts and film. A writer and creative, she young artists, real estate encou ra ged broker, Davis wanted the Villa to lead to collaborations them and was born in gave them and stimulation between those who stayed Dallas, TX. refuge. . . An avid readthere, hosting regular parties and outings er since an the Villa was a sanctuary early age and for the community. and a salon,” a member said Scarof her high brough. “She school debate was very nonjudgmental about nity assembled at the Writers’ team, she arrived in Los Anpeople’s life styles. So you Villa to remember their friend. geles in 1950 to attend UCLA could be who you were and Pulitzer Prize winning and there became impassioned she would be supporting you author Jack Miles was among with feminist and civil rights. and encouraging you, knowthose who spoke about “Miss Through the years, Daing you could do it.” Cathy”—as she was often vis worked various positions And Lewis, too, was a called—in the house filled in the publishing industry part of this community, Scarwith flowers, candles and all until becoming a licensed rebrough said. He had stayed at Davis’ favorite foods: tamales, altor in the 1980s. She often the Villa twice before. People chocolate, apple pie with chedsold houses to the guests who knew him and Davis really dar cheese and sushi, among stayed at her villa, mentoring
www.losfelizledger.com
them in finances, real estate and homeownership. Despite her age, Davis was still very engaged in life, Scarbrough said, “scampering up and down the stairs.” And several times Davis said, as she was aging, that she wanted young people around her. Scarbrough described Davis as a “steel magnolia,” a tiny woman booming with southern charm. She was bright, politically and socially engaged, liberal and very much into the arts and film. A writer and creative, she wanted the Villa to lead to collaborations and stimulation between those who stayed there, hosting regular parties and outings for the community. “She made us better,” Scarbrough said, calling Davis her “good mother” and sisterly best friend. “She kind of just always pushed your limits. . . She managed to take on this positive mother role of being supportive, being encouraging, seeing the best of you. She would say, ‘Go, go, go! You get out there and do it.’” Davis is survived by her sister, Georgia Thompson of Houston, TX, and her daughter Margaret Leslie Davis, a noted author of historic biographies.
Page 11
Los Feliz Ledger king from page 1
nets were getting better educations and resources than the students enrolled at the home school. “[Magnet schools have] become centers for excellence,” said O’Grady, who helped establish King’s environmental studies magnet in 2009. “They’ve become the jewel in LAUSD’s crown. They’re considered to be the successful part of LAUSD. They’re the exception in LAUSD. So why should my daughter have a good education and someone else have a slightly less than good education?” Touting King’s improvement Academic Performance Index increase from 628 in 2007 to 805 this year, O’Grady said the move is another step of progress for the school. In entering the LAUSD magnet program, which makes the school open to students from across the entire district and not just the neighborhood, King’s principal Mark Naulls, who is new this year, said the school would benefits from “economies of scale.” By providing an attractive and competitive program, he said, the school should be able to keep a steadier enrollment that means more funding for teaching and support positions. Naulls said that estimated enrollment for the new allmagnet campus is between 1,500 and 1,600 students, roughly the same as it is now. While some magnet schools currently exist with an emphasis on film, Naulls said King’s will be the first to focus on all cinematic arts, including animation, digital graphics and imaging, documentaries, full-length features and shorts, as well as then entire arc cinema’s history, in addition to the required standard education subjects. “We’re right in the back yard of a full panoply of studios and industries that are geared towards entertainment,” he said. He said he hopes the new magnet can prepare a new generation of filmmakers that will, in turn, recapture some of the production industry that has been lost to other regions. “It seems early to start but if you’re 12 or 13 now, 10 ten years from now [these students will be] those persons entering that workforce. . . and I think that our kids are going to be very, very well positioned to be a part of trying to stabilize and re-grow the cinematic arts industry in Southern California.” Some King teachers and parents have expressed concerns that the change could mean students whom are not Page 12
local could edge out those from the neighborhood. Another concern, by some, is whether some students’ parents can or will fill out the required paper work to enter their children into the magnet system. Linda Guthrie, an 8th grade language arts teacher and King department chair said the new magnet program would be “a disruption of a neighborhood school that has been progressing.” But Naulls said this fear is unsubstantiated. According to Naulls, there will be “assurances that every child that lives in the immediate area will have a seat honored for them,” he said, and additional students from outside the neighborhood will fill the seats that remain. For those parents who may have difficulty with enrollment procedures, the school, he said, will offer parents assistance—even giving students classroom time to fill out preliminary paperwork so their parents will only have to sign off and approve it. If that fails, Naulls said, the school would have a “soft cap enrollment base” with a cushion that allows additional residents. According to Estelle Luckett, Director, Student Integration Services for LAUSD’s magnet program, neighborhood students will be given enrollment priority because the surrounding area fulfills LAUSD’s magnet diversity requirements for encouraging integrated schools. She added, creating a stronger, magnet school, could help keep King an integrated neighborhood public school. “We want those people in the neighborhood to continue to go to their neighborhood school,” she said. “We found that a lot opt out and we want to encourage them to go back in.” Some of the misunderstanding and misinformation should be attributed to a lack of parent meetings. “This was done pretty much in secret,” said Guthrie, the 8th grade teacher. “There weren’t meetings held for the parents, we weren’t told what the consequences were of this plan, and I don’t think the community was well served by this discussion.” Naulls said, rather than hold large, town hall-style meetings, he approached smaller stakeholder groups and was limited by time constraints. After conceptualizing the program with a management team and group of certified staff, he said, “there was a very short window to submit it,” to the LAUSD, or else wait another year.
If some teachers are wary of this transformation, it may also be because of a United Teachers Los Angeles rule that says in such instances, when a school becomes a magnet, a small percentage of teachers must reapply for their jobs. “Basically we’re unemployed at this point,” said Ann Holtzinger a 6th grade English, history and creative expression teacher at the King home school. “I don’t want to speak for any other teachers, but I’m looking at myself as unemployed at this point and we haven’t really been informed about the process of application to the new school, what the requirements are. So I’m just waiting to find out what happens next basically.” For worried teachers, O’Grady had a straightforward message. “If you’re a teacher, if you have a good reputation,” he said, “you’d better believe that you will get your job. However, if you are a bad teacher and you have not been pulling your weight and you have not been part of this King push towards excellence, there is a possibility you will get left out in the cold. But hey, these are our children and that’s the way it goes.”
Advertise in the
Los Feliz Ledger (323) 667-9897
3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SALE! Come celebrate and SAVE up to 70% on local LA’s based designers this
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday. Bring this ad in to save an extra 10% on any purchase.
2395 Glendale Blvd. @ Silver Lake Blvd. 323.522.6192 Open 7 days a week Mon to Sat 11a til 7p and Sun 11a til 6p therunwayoutlet.com
www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger CD13 from page 6
he’ll staff his Hollywood office with performers and already has an agreement with Felix Silla, the actor who played Cousin Itt from the “The Addams Family” TV series to work in constituent services.
“I’ll ask [the Screen Actors Guild], ‘Who are some of your best known, most needy performers?’ I’ll give them a job,” he said. “I’m enjoying life,” he continued. “And people say, ‘Why are you running for office?’ I
say, ‘Well, who’s going to run for office except the people or Walmart as a greeter?’ I’m far too talented for that.” Like Schaefer, Ashe too wants to lift the city’s gross receipts tax and return film production but, at 33, the similarities mostly stop there. He
said he’s approaching the campaign differently from much of his competition. A native of Fort Worth, TX, Ashe moved to Los Angeles in 1999 and started working in construction as a general contractor. Following the housing crash,
LatPro Job Fair, Nov. 8th
Handmade ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, vintage, and more in Silver Lake since 1997. arts and crafts
2308 Hyperion Ave. L.A., CA 90027 323-660-0262
www.enartscrafts.com Open: Tuesday to Sunday 12pm - 6pm
GRAND OPENING
PLEASANTRY JEWELers formerly Eugene’s Jewelers 1754 N. Vermont Ave. • Los Angeles, CA 90027 Tel: (323) 825-1754 Facebook.com/PleasantryJewelers
DESIGN. BUY. SELL. TRADE. REPAIR Located in Los Feliz Village
LatPro (www.LatPro. com), in partnership with the National Society for Hispanic Professionals (www. NSHP.org), will be in Los Angeles holding a job fair November 8th at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The job fair provides an opportunity for diversity-conscious employers to meet with
professional candidates who have developed language and multicultural skills. Jobseekers attending the event can network with fellow Hispanic professionals and local chapters of Latino organizations, in addition to meeting representatives from employers such as Verizon Wireless, Hair Club, New York Life and many more.
Los Feliz Ledger Online Look for updates on the Nov. 6th election and other news stories at losfelizledger.com Results from last month’s poll when we asked: What is your feeling about the city’s neighborhood council system? • 73% of respondents said they know what a neighborhood council does and would like the city of Los Angeles to more supportive of them. • 27% of respondents said they still don’t understand what a neighborhood council is and think they are wasting taxpayer dollars. Polls for November 2012 Do you think some neighborhood council bylaws should be rewritten to exclude candidates offering incentives to vote? In our regional Oct. 6th elections, two candidates offered a discount to voters for medical marijuana and clothing and food. • I do not think such enticements should be allowed and some neighborhood council bylaws should be rewritten to reflect that. • Neighborhood council elections need more voters so such offerings should be allowed in increase voter turnout. How do you feel about Thomas Starr King becoming a full magnet school in 2013? • I think it’s great. Magnet programs are challenging and provide a better education for students. • I am concerned local children might be pushed out of their neighborhood school and don not think King should become an all magnet school.
he began building furniture and about a year ago opened an urban agriculture supply store in Malibu called Grow. A resident of Silver Lake since 2008, Ashe said he decided to run for the open city council seat out of concern his neighborhood was not being properly represented by the competing candidates. “Everyone’s talking about jobs, jobs, jobs, get our economy going,” he said. “But it doesn’t seem to me that anyone is talking about the main issue that’s keeping our local economy stagnant and our city and state in trouble, which is [film] production leaving the city and leaving the state. . . .We don’t have anything to fill that hole. There’s not another single industry that can fill that slack with good paying jobs and the amount of work necessary to get our economy moving again.” Ashe said the most important matter with this issue is “to level the playing field” with the other states and countries that are attracting production jobs and has been working with economists to form a plan to do so. That includes creating a “Production Czar” position to deal with studios one-onone and generating grant and incentive plans that work for major and independent production budgets. He said he would also work to develop advancements in technology, manufacturing and construction businesses in Los Angeles. He supports an emphasis on the city’s neighborhood identities and empowerment as well. And Ashe promised to be a “stalwart supporter of responsible, safe access to marijuana by legitimate patients.” “Winning this election is a great next stop for anyone who wants a career in politics,” Ashe said. “I don’t want a career in politics. I just want to fix this city, or at least try.”
Thanksgiving Introductory Special ! 3 private sessions $165! Gift Certificates Available Online. Life Coaching For Teens/ Pre-Teens Could your child use extra support?
Group and individual sessions available 323.610.3441 I am an Ivanhoe, King, and Marshall alumni. Devon Rowland M.A. Psychology – B.A. Theater Arts
Page 14
323.906.0088
www.pilatesmetro.com 3178 Glendale Boulevard, L os Angeles, CA 90039 www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
RIVER SUPPLY CONDUIT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT LOWER REACH – UNIT 4 (RSC 4) NOVEMBER UPDATE
LADWP is installing approximately 10,400 feet of welded steel pipe, between 48 and 96 inches in diameter in the Silverlake area. The new pipeline will increase capacity and pressure, improve system reliability, and assist LADWP in complying with new federally mandated water quality regulations. Construction continues along Rowena Avenue from Glendale Boulevard to West Silver Lake Drive. Phase 2 is expected to continue until March 2013. Rowena Avenue is reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction. Detours are available along Glendale Boulevard and Hyperion Avenue. Access continues to be maintained for residents, businesses, and customers.
LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE OPEN DURING CONSTRUCTION 1.
The Art of You Holistic Center 2820 Glendale Blvd
14. Edendale Grill 2838 Rowena Ave
26. Vamco Self-Service Cleaners 2850 Hyperion Ave
2.
Silver Lake Yoga 2810 ½ Glendale Blvd
15. Monkeyhouse Toys 2874 Rowena Ave
27. 7-Eleven 2900 Hyperion Ave
3.
Allison Levinson King Acupuncture 16. Mens Shop – Brightwell 2876 Rowena Ave 2808 Glendale Blvd
4.
Amanda Hair Salon
5.
Flower Shop
6.
Michelangelo Ristorante 2742 Rowena Ave
7.
Clover Silverlake 2756 Rowena Ave
8.
Nicky Ds Pizza 2764 Rowena Ave
9.
Applied Scholastics Academy 2772 Rowena Ave
17.
E AV
BL VD
T RS
GL
DR
EN
LE
DA LE
DA LY
Ivanhoe Elementary School 2828 Herkimer St A SW
N
33. Silver Lake Auto Body & Paint 2849 Rowena Ave
22. Broome Street General Store 2912 Rowena Ave
34. Long Automotive 2801 Rowena Ave
23. Country Villa Los Feliz Health Care Center 3002 Rowena Ave
35. Silverlake Optometry 2771 Rowena Ave
RD
21. The Raven Spa/Yoga 2910 Rowena Ave
RD
36. Shag Hair Salon 2771 Rowena Ave FS Fire Station
24. Skyline Health Care Center 3032 Rowena Ave
13. MVP Sports 2818 Rowena Ave, #2
U H EN
OL
32.
EE
12. Vacant
31. Blair’s Restaurant 2903 Rowena Ave GR
20. Rowena Chiropractic 2904 Rowena Ave
Pat Sauzo Body Shop 2808A Rowena Ave
30. Atwater Masonic Temple 2927 Rowena Ave H
19. Pilates Bodyshop 2894 Rowena Ave
GL
29. Dental Office 2933 Rowena Ave
Camelot Kids Preschool 2880 Rowena Ave
18. The Establishment Salon 2894 Rowena Ave
10. Jomag Auto Repair 2808 Rowena Ave 11.
28. Silverlake Psychotherapy 2939 Rowena Ave
25. Nail Station 3038 Rowena Ave
School
ST
ST
NO PARKING ANYTIME DETOUR TWO WAY TRAFFIC
CAMELOT
ENA
17
16
N
EY
ST
33 AVE
34
35 36
15 14
13 12
11
1 2
9
8
7 LAKEWOOD AVE
GL
EN
5 4
ANGUS ST AR
M
ST For more information, please call 213-367-4417 or visit www.ladwp.com/RSC4 RO NG
AV E
WA VE
RL YD
R
FS
6
CROSSWALKS
IGLESIA EVANGELICA SHALOM
3 10
RS
ID
KE BY
ROW
VE
RO
18
ILVER L AKE DR
PASSENGER LOADING zONE
ST
20
RI
R
AL L
21
WEST S
PARKING ALLOWED AS MARKED
UR
32
19 BARRICADE
AU B
22
IVANHOE
D
31
23
LO CK SL EY
AV E
30
D
29
LY
24
BLV
28
25
R VE WA
26
N
LE
NE L
27
HE RK IM ER
HY P
NDA GLE
ER
IO
N
AV E
PHASE 2 MAP
DA L
EB
LV D
E
Los Feliz Ledger BALLOT from page 1
both of which support tax increases for education—has left many like Kayser uncertain of which way to vote. Proposition 30 supports a temporary tax increase to fund education on annual earnings over $250,000 for seven years, as well as an increase in the state sales tax by one-fourth of a cent for four years. The proposition is estimated to increase the state’s revenue by $6 billion annually for four years and less in the years following. Revenues collected would also be available to fund the programs in the state budget and prevent “trigger cuts” that Gov. Jerry Brown has set forth—mainly to education programs—from taking effect. Of that temporary tax revenue, 89% would go to kindergarten through12th grade schools and 11% to community colleges. Meanwhile, Proposition 38 is advertised as cutting out Sacramento to feed the money directly to local programs. The proposition details a 12-year increase in personal income tax earnings over $7,316 annually using a slid-
ing scale from .4% for the lowest individual earners to 2.2% for individuals earning more than $2.5 million. The proposition would increase the state education budget by about $10 billion per year after the first year. Of that about $6 billion would be used for schools, $1 billion for childcare and preschool, and $3 billion for state savings on debt payments. Because these propositions conflict by increasing the state personal income tax, state law dictates the one with the most votes will pass and the other will fail. David Goldberg of the California Teacher’s Association, which is pro-Proposition 30, said in the past five years the state budget per student has fallen about $500, translating to $1,500 with a cost of living adjustment. If Proposition 30 fails, he said, those “trigger cuts” will bring that figure down another $500 and cut the average school year by three weeks down to 160 days a year. He said he did not know of another school system, anywhere see BALLOT page 31
2613 CaRmaN CREST, HW HILLS
3473 ROWENa aVE, LOS FELIz
$1,125,000
$2,559,000
5955 TuxEDO TER, HOLLYWOOD HILLS
$1,395,000
Outpost Estates. 3BR/3BA, gourmet kitchen, saltwater pool & hot tub. Large open floor plan.
Contemp. celeb 3BR/2BA, recently restored, quiet st, vaulted ceilings in LR & FR, sky lights & 2car garage.
Louise Leach & Juan Longfellow
Vladan Stojanovic
1192 mYRa aVE, LOS FELIz
213.344.8090
$549,000
7133 HaWTHORN aVE, HOLLYWOOD
310.600.5044
$529,000
French Regency Estate w/ hrdwd flrs. House, GH, pool, spa, approx. 5100sf. Quiet neighborhood.
Sunset Junction duplex. Two 1Bd/1Ba units. Lovely kitchs, in unit ldry rms, prvt patios. 2-car gar.
Brand New moder n condos. 2 & 3 beds. Exquisitely finished. FHA appr. www.7133hawthor n.com
Judy Lorden
Courtney Smith
Gavin Fleminger
444 W. aVENuE 44, mT WaSHINGTON
310.345.5990
$459,000
4325 PENNSYLVaNIa aVE, La CRES.
323.899.8509
$399,000
205 E. GaGE aVE, LOS aNGELES
310.850.8053
$389,000
2story bungalow w/many upgrades & orig charm. Private outdoor spaces & prime location.
Renovated 2BR/1BA gem. Wonderful neighborhood, Blue Ribbon Schools, stylish kitchen & bath.
2 units, 2story, 3BD/2BA, wd flrs, f/p in dwnstrs BR, basement. Adtl 2BD/1BA unit rented but can vacate.
Maragaret Arana
Howard Lorey
Linda Leon
323.997.5339
323.251.4553
562.857.5962
HOLLYWOOD Tel: 323.462.6262 I BEVERLY HILLS Tel: 310.274.4000 I BRENTWOOD Tel: 310.300.3333 I For additional photos and properties, please visit us at: www.nourmand.com
Page 16
www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
[real estate]
Local Real Estate Bucking So. Cal. Rising Price Trend By Allison Ferraro The median price for a Southern California home rose again in September to a more-than-four-year high, the result of affordability-driven demand meeting a modest supply of homes for sale, and a change in market mix, according to DataQuick, a real estate reporting firm out of La Jolla, CA. The median price was $315,000 last month, up 1.9 % from $309,000 in August and up 12.5% from $280,000 the same time last year. Last month’s median price was the highest since the median was $330,000 in August 2008, according to Data-
[ SELECT HOME SALES ]
Quick. The rise in sale price, according to DataQuick was due to higher demand, triggered largely by low mortgage rates. Additionally, DataQuick reported there were far fewer discounted foreclosures, and many more homes that were sold were mid to high-end properties. Locally, the September Southern California trend held only for single family homes in Silver Lake.
During September, Silver Lake’s median home sale price rose 11.8% to $615,000 compared to the same time last year with 17 homes sold. In all other local areas, however, the median price for a home declined compared to last year. In Echo Park the price dropped 17% compared to last year to $500,000. During September, 21 homes in the 90026 were sold. In the Los Feliz area the
median price in September compared to last year fell 8.7% to $990,000. Los Feliz saw a total of 11 homes sold in September. Similarly in the 90068 zip code—Hollywood Hills— the median price for a single family home compared to the same time last year, declined 10.2%. During September, the area saw 24 single family homes sell. Regarding condominimums, Los Feliz was the only local area that saw year over year gains of 24.3% with median price, although only two condos were reported selling
in September. Median prices for condominimums fell in the 90026 zip code 30.8%, based on the sale of two condos at a median price of $290,000. The median price for a condominimum in Silver Lake during September was $657,000, with only one such property sold. DataQuick did not have data for zip code 90039 from last year. Finally, the 90068 Hollywood market saw seven condominimums sold in September, but at a 8.2% less median price of $275,000 compared to last year.
tracy do real estate John Aaroe Group tracy@tracydo.com I (323) 842-4001 I dre#01350025
90026 Condominiums 1017 Waterloo St 4d....... $513,000 1738 Silver Lake Blvd 202. 300,000
90026 Single Family Homes 1707 3438 1763 1327 2323
Redcliff St................ $781,500 Larissa Dr................... 775,000 Silverwood Ter......... 650,000 Coronado Ter............ 649,000 Valentine St............... 545,000
90027 Condominiums 4455 Los Feliz Blvd 906.... 419,000
90027 Single Family Homes 2338 1992 5160 1900 4528 3203
Chislehurst Dr.....$3,307,000 N Alexandria Ave. 1,550,000 Los Encantos Way. 1,400,000 N Serrano Ave........ 1,157,000 Cockerham Dr....... 1,100,000 Waverly Dr................. 833,500
90039 Condominimums 2344 Fletcher Dr 213...... $314,000
90039 Single Family Homes 2340 2147 2677 3047 2290 3439 4268 4260 3772
Edgewater Ter.....$2,659,090 W Silver Lake Dr R. 1,351,000 Locksley Pl................. 959,000 Silver Lea Ter............ 850,000 Silver Ridge Ave....... 849,000 Atwater Ave.............. 655,000 Perlita Ave.................. 620,000 Perlita Ave.................. 615,000 Glenfeliz Blvd........... 585,000
90068 Condominimums 3333 1920 1940 2700
Primera Ave B......... $458,000 Holly Dr 8.................... 341,000 N Highland Ave 74.. 295,000 Cahuenga E 2306..... 275,000
90068 Single Family Homes 5800 3574 3415 2653 2459 2615 3223 2507
Valley Oak Dr.......$2,950,000 Multiview Dr.......... 1,800,000 Wonder View Dr... 1,600,000 Hollyridge Dr......... 1,588,000 Canyon Oak Dr...... 1,370,000 Creston Dr.............. 1,200,000 Tareco Dr................. 1,125,000 Creston Dr.............. 1,010,000
Sales are from the previous month. Source: Great American Real Estate Solutions
November 2012
I’m honored that ABC asked me to talk with them recently on their prime-time national news broadcast. And the best part is that 7-plus million people got to see my latest listing. Helping my clients succeed is everything. Being a go-to voice in real estate, that’s simply my job.
www.losfelizledger.com
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 17
Los Feliz Ledger [keen to be green]
Finding a Green Lining
Karen Lower COLDWELL BANKER Beverly Hills - NortH
www.karenlower.net
Living & Working in Your Neighborhood
By Meher McArthur, Ledger Columnist I’d been wishing for ages that we didn’t have so much stuff in our home. Well, now we don’t. In October, a fire destroyed most of what we had stored in the garage and laundry room. Although the house itself wasn’t burnt, it will have to be rebuilt. Most of the contents can be cleaned, but sofas, mattresses and all the electrical appliances sustained too much smoke and heat damage to be salvaged, and my VW Beetle, which was in the garage during the fire, was ruined beyond repair. Friends keep reassuring me that we can buy new stuff, but I am reeling at all the waste caused by the fire. Thankfully, my fam-
ily and cat are all OK, and we have found a comfortable temporary home. To console myself about all our material losses, I’m trying to find the greenest ways to rebuild our lives. First, I’ll work with the insurance company to recycle as much of the debris as possible. I am talking with the contractor about rebuilding using green methods and materials. I loved my car, but now I have a chance to buy a vehicle that is at least twice as fuel-efficient. Lastly, though I’ve bought a few new items, I am borrowing as much as possible so I can avoid accumulating too much stuff again. I don’t want to ever have to wish away the clutter again.
3650 Eagle Rock Boulevard Glassell Park
Time to Buy Commercial Property?
W AVAILABLE los Feliz $1,079,000
www.1924Myra.com
A home with a view! Beautifully updated. Character details throughout offering a large formal living room, wood burning fireplace, formal dining room and large eat-in kitchen with built-in seating. Downstairs are three large bedrooms, lots of closets, full bath and large deck to enjoy the San Gabriel Mountains and Shakespeare Bridge views. The top floor also offers a 3/4 bath with new shower. A grassy yard below offers endless possibilities for sustainable gardening and kids and Fido to play!
SOLD
SOLD
www.2677Locksley.com
www.4421Finley.com
ith the economy on the comeback, small businesses and investors are looking to purchase prime commercial properties for future growth--at attractive prices. For example, consider this well-located one-story nearly-5,000 sq. ft. building with many possibilities: studio; production facilities; warehouse; light industrial/manufacturing--what do you need? Freeways-close; 2 grade-level entrances with rollups; reception area (air conditioned); lavatories; storage mezzanine; some parking; 1971 construction; state enterprise zone. Well-appointed offices with a designer touch. Here’s a great owner-user opportunity for the entrepreneur ready to expand and/or to say “good-bye” to the landlord.
$799,000 Richard Stanley www.423Caruso.com Live Like a Hollywood Star with World-Class Concierge Services!
AVAILABLE Glendale $619,000
Page 18 Su Casa REAL ESTATE
Beautiful designer finished 2bedroom/2.5bath home located on the quiet north side of the Excelsior at Americana at Brand. For more details visit www.AmericanaatBrand.com and click on Residences.
1917 Hillhurst Av. Los Angeles, CA 90027 #1 agent, Coldwell Banker Los Feliz, 1995-2009 DRE license #: 00971211 rstanley@coldwellbanker.com 213 300-4567 cell / voice mail ©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and operated by NRT LLC. All rights reserved. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.
www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [city sleuth]
Museum Illuminates Los Angeles Fire History By Diane Kanner, Ledger Columnist You probably won’t encounter Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, or Councilmember Tom LaBonge, or the Chair of the Fire Commission, as I did, when you visit the Hollywood Fire Museum. The dignitaries were all there Oct. 13th attending an annual memorial ceremony honoring firefighters lost the previous year in the line of duty. A giant American flag, mounted between crossed and extended fire truck ladders, hovered over the Museum’s adjacent Fallen Firefighter Memorial plaza at 1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd. “They run towards disasters that the rest of us run away from,” the crowd of 200
was told of their lost comrades. “Our firefighters are the best anywhere,” the mayor said. “We all fall to our knees when a firefighter dies.” Instead of an honor guard and fire department brass, what you will find at Old Fire Station 27 on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. is a corps of volunteers who keep the collection of vintage autos and hook and ladders in shining condition. I met a volunteer who trims the outdoor hedges, and another who serves snacks in the 1930-era firehouse kitchen to fellow fire museum helpers. The fascinating collection of fire industry memorabilia –hatchets, hats, photos, flags and miniatures—was assembled a dozen years ago
when the station was decommissioned. A new station was built on adjacent land using the same tan brick facade. Children are especially captivated by the shiny red engines and old-fashioned brass fire poles—and, of course, the possibility that there might be a call at the working station next door. On Dec. 11th, the Los Angeles City Historical Society will hold its annual holiday dinner in the memorial’s second floor community room. The space is available for rent for special occasions. To learn more about the City Historical Society’s event—tickets, for $50—visit the City Historical Society’s website or email info@lacityhistory.org.
Assemblymember Portantino Honored For Putting Political Career On Hold To Care For His Mother EAGLE ROCK—Solheim Lutheran Home selected Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Portantino as the recipient of its 2012 “Advocate for Aging Award.” Portantino, who decided last January to not seek a fourth term in office and suspend his political career to help take care of his elderly mother in New Jersey, was selected as this year’s recipient for his efforts on behalf of older Californians over the last six years as the Assemblyman of California’s 44th District. “Assemblyman Portantino’s decision to help his mother with age-related frailties demonstrates that his values and priorities are in the right place,” said James Graunke, Executive Director of Solheim Lutheran Home, a retirement
ASK GAIL KEEP MORE MULA IN YOUR POCKET– CUT ENERGY BILLS DEAR GAIL: What can I do to reduce my high winter energy bills? Last year my bills were so expensive! DEAR READER: Consider the following:
Pictured left to right Solheim Lutheran Home’s Executive Director Jim Graunke, Assembly Member Anthony Portantino and Board President, Audrey Bahr.
community. “I have a lot of time left to be a politician, but I only have this moment to help my moth-
er as a son,” said Portantino. Solheim Lutheran Home has provided retirement living since 1923.
1. Keep your fireplace damper shut when not in use. Older fireplaces can be energy losers because they pull heated air out of the house into the chimney. 2. Unplug that spare refrigerator. This could save you up to 25% on your bill 3. Set your water heater to “normal setting” or 120 degrees unless your dishwasher requires higher setting by manufacturer. 4. Wrap water heater with a“jacket insulation”. Make sure that the air intake vent is left uncovered. 5. Replace or clean furnace filters often. Dirty filters restrict the air flow. 6. Clean out exhaust vent tubes of the dryer. Make sure that you clean out the lines leading out of the back of the dryer. This cuts down on utility bills, helps maintain a longer dryer life & can decrease the risk of fire. 7. Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees when home. Turn it to 55 degrees at night or shut it off when leaving home. You’ll save around 5%. 8. Re-arrange furniture so that you aren’t sitting near older drafty windows and exterior walls. Put on your favorite comfy robe, slippers and sip on a delicious hot chocolate.
Gail Crosby is a local real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty. Contact Gail for all your real estate needs or home questions at GailCrosby@aol.com or simply call 323/428-2864. She’s always here to help you. DRE: 01377453 ADV
November 2012
www.losfelizledger.com
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 19
Local Experts Worldwide
Inviting. Discreet. Savvy. Refined. NEW PRICE
2552 NORTH VERMONT AVE: Los Feliz. Stunning gated Mediterranean estate, 5 bd/6ba w/ approx 5,600 sq.ft. of living space. Park like grounds, lushly landscaped, & pool. $3,499,000 Manvel Tabakian | Nadia deWinter 323.376.2222 SOLD
4635 GAINSBOROUGH AVE: Los Feliz. Stylish 3bd/3ba 1939 traditional. Carefully renovated & restored by current owners with high end finishes, done & move in ready. $1,499,000 Rob Kallick 323.775.6305 NEW LISTING
2623 CORRALITAS DRIVE: Silver Lake. Artistic Architectural. 3bd/2.5ba, 16ft ceilings, FPL in living room, formal din rm, media rm+2 large terr.,spectacular views. Approx 2,600 sq.ft. $989,000 Rosemary Low 323.363.0381 NEW LISTING
915 ROSEMONT AVE: Echo Park. Modern 4bd/2.5ba, energy-efficient Architectural, approx 2,100 sqft. w/ energy-monitoring system, a wood-pellet stove for heating. $799,000 Dan Ortega 323.839.3936
NEW LISTING
4705 LOS FELIZ BLVD: Los Feliz. Stunning gated grandscale 2 story spanish colonial villa with 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bath built in 2005 offering approx 9,633 sq.ft. $2,950,000 Manvel Tabakian | Nadia deWinter 323.376.2222 NEW LISTING
WWW.NEUTRATRIPLEX.COM: Neutra Modernist Triplex in the heart of Beachwood Canyon w/ units by Richard Neutra and Paul Hoag. 3 distinct units. Shown by appointment. $1,200,000 Patricia Ruben | Rob Kallick 323.671.2310 SOLD
2236 CANYON TER: Los Feliz. This recently renovated, 1bd/1ba home is an entertainer’s dream with 3 patios that climb the hillside affording canyon views. $858,000 Jeff Young 213.819.9630 IN ESCROW
2980 WAVERLY DR : Silver Lake. Storybook Tudor ext. w/ traditional int. Spacious 3 bd + Two 3/4bas home, ready to be updated. Right near everything & Ivanhoe Elem. $729,000 Joseph Lightfoot 213.700.4438 SOLD
1622 N BENTON WAY: Silver Lake. Re-Imagined Traditional in a great location. 2bd/2ba, bright, open kitchen and living room, huge patio deck. Lots of upgrades. $679,000 Joseph Lightfoot 213.700.4438
2146 EWING ST: Silver Lake. Charming 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath plus den remodeled home boasts huge outdoor space and stunning views. $579,000 Mahealani Dominguez 562.544.0341
NEW LISTING
2694 GLENDOWER AVE: Los Feliz. Stunning views of downtown, expansive views of Griffith Park hills to the ocean. 3 bd, 3.5 ba, den, 2 fpl 2 story home w/huge lofty master suite. On top of the world. $2,280,000 Rosemary Low 323.363.0381 IN ESCROW
3032 FERNWOOD AVE: Restored 30s 2-story Trad w/ views & charm to spare. 2bd/1.75ba, custom kitchen w/ Wolf, center island & nook. Sep dining and media rooms. $1,049,000 Mia Coveny 310.871.1607 SOLD
3047 SILVER LEA TER: Silver Lake. Traditional with 2bd/1.5ba, den, newer kitchen, formal dining room, fireplace in living room, private yard, terraces, canyon views. $819,000 Jeff Young 213.819.9630 NEW LISTING
4222 PALMERO DR: Glassell Park. Perfect mid-century with warmth, style & million-dollar views. Modern upgrades & an elegantly functional floor plan. Not to be missed. $699,000 Joseph Lightfoot 213.700.4438 NEW LISTING
1910 MICHELTORENA ST: Silver Lake. Colorful and tasteful single level behind gates. Amazing views from downtown to the San Gabriels. 3 bd/2 ba + great deck with wonderful views, available Nov.1 $4,800/month Jeff Young 213.819.9630
LOS FELIZ BROKERAGE I 1801 NORTH HILLHURST AVENUE T 323.665.1700 I SOTHEBYSHOMES.COM/LOSANGELES
Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.Summer in Devon used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage,lot size or other information concerning the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources.*TheYellow House used with permission
Los Feliz Ledger [interior motives]
In Neutral By Susann Thomason Tunick Ledger Columnist Neutral color schemes stand the test of time and are not compromised by the whims of changing fashion. I’m continually asked for a good neutral paint, so here are a few choices that are tried and true. They work with a variety of color accents and can be used for the walls or the trim, or both for a monochromatic look. My very favorite is no longer in production, but Dunn Edwards will mix it for you. It’s High Fashion DE1060 and it is the softest grey/white. It is fresh and works in light or dark rooms. Keep the trim white and it’s a home run. Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray, HC-173 is a medium neutral that reads a bit taupe. It’s the perfect trim for white walls or beautiful as a
wall color. Calm OC-22 also by Benjamin Moore is almost white, with a hint of grey, and lives up to its name. I like it mixed with chocolate brown trim. Try Dunn Edward’s Weathered Brown DEC 766. For a medium taupe, try November Rain OC-50 by Benjamin Moore. It’s a little moody, but is still crisp and works well with white. For a hint of color without the commitment, try Benjamin Moore’s Dreamy Cloud 2117-70 or Heaven 2118-70. Similar is Farrow and Ball’s Dimity 2008, String #8 or their Great White 2006. Each has a hint of lavender. Don’t overlook a dark color for a neutral, especially in a powder or dining room. The impact is remarkable and can become very neutral. Mu-
seums often paint the walls a dark color as a background for art. My current favorite is Benjamin Moore’s Black Jack 2133-20. Mix it with a soft white and keep the fabrics light. It’s very romantic and has just enough edge to make it interesting. Shadow, Benjamin Moore’s 2117-30, creates a dark gray background with purple accents. Rich Mocha, Dunn Edwards DEA 159, feels like you’re inside a chocolate bar and creates startling warmth. Farrow and Ball’s Brinjal #222 and Studio Green #93 are saturated colors that leave an open palette for the rest of the room. My favorite white is still Benjamin Moore’s White Dove OC-17. It’s fail proof on walls and trim. For a bright white, try All White 2005 by Farrow and Ball. Susann Tunick can be reached at Susann@thomasontunick. com or Facebook/Thomason Tunick.
Voters Decide Name Change For Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council To Los Feliz Neighborhood Council LOS FELIZ—Voters answering a survey at the Oct. 6th Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council election, voted to have
the distinction between the different organizations, about which organization supports which policy or action, as well
LFIA and others do not.” The e-mail further stated that there are other areas, such as Franklin Hills, Laughlin
IF YOU NEED 3-4 BEDROOMS, A POOL & A GOOD SCHOOL, BUT CAN’T AFFORD THE FRANKLIN & IVANHOE NEIGHBORHOODS…COME TO SHERMAN OAKS…
5429 SALOMA AVENUE
SHERMAN OAKS 91411
$699,000
Charming Magnolia Woods Mid-Century Ranch home steps from the coveted Kester El./Kester Magnet School (885 API vs. Franklin’s 899 & Ivanhoe’s 927): • • • • • •
4Bd/2.75Ba; 1,948 Sq Ft & 6,822 Sq Ft lot (per Assessor) Cozy den with vaulted beamed ceiling, brick wall & fireplace Hardwood floors in most rooms Open floorplan & great indoor/outdoor flow Solar-heated pool www.5429saloma.com
GREAT HOME. GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD. GREAT VALUE.
M I C H A E L
T U N I C K REAL ESTATE. REAL SERVICE. REAL RESULTS.
Proponents of the name change thought it necessary as Los Feliz, they said, is a recognizable area of Los Angeles whereas the moniker Greater Griffith Park is not and required explanation. the council’s name changed to Los Feliz Neighborhood Council by a vote of 327 to 170. Proponents of the name change thought it necessary as Los Feliz, they said, is a recognizable area of Los Angeles whereas the moniker Greater Griffith Park is not and required explanation. The name change is a defeat for the Los Feliz Improvement Assoc. (LFIA) who urged voters to vote against it in an email blast prior to the election. According to the e-mail, the LFIA— the city’s oldest homeowners’ association— felt that it did “not believe this name change is in our best interest of the community.” The LFIA wrote in their e-mail that the “’Los Feliz’ brand is already present in our name and in the names of other local neighborhood organizations. Adopting its use in the neighborhood council’s title will create even more confusion in the community about November 2012
as the political nature of many of the issues the neighborhood council considers which the
Park and Griffith Park, that would be unrepresented in the new name.
• 36 years sales + marketing experience • Top 2% of 54,000 Prudential agents nationwide • 21-year Los Feliz resident • Former boardmember Los Feliz Improvement Assoc.
323.646.3893 www.michaeltunick.com An independently owned and operated member of BRER Affiliates Inc. DRE #01321406.
Tired of Tenants & Toilets? Clint Lukens Realty Can Help! • Rent collections • 24/7 maintenance • 24/7 on-call for emergencies • Monthly detailed reports • Accountability and stress reliever! We specialize in salvaged antique home elements such as doors, windows, hardware, and lighting along with the world’s largest selection of antique tile and pottery.
2110 W Sunset Blvd • 11 - 5:30 Tue - Sat Corner of Alvarado and Sunset Please Remember and REUSE!
Wells 213) 413-0558 • Eric’s 213) 413-6800 www.losfelizledger.com
Property Management
1621 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 668-7500 clukens@clintlukensrealty.com www.ClintLukensRealty.com DRE Lic #01367014
Su Casa REAL ESTATE Page 21
Los Feliz Ledger [senior moments]
In Defense of a Safety Net By Stephanie Vendig, Ledger Columnist For this presidential election, is it about who is the best man to lead our country, or even who can create the most jobs? Do we debate America’s role in foreign conflicts or how much regulation or taxes are needed for the economy to thrive and be fair to all? No, there is something else going on
that is more worrisome for the long-term. It seems like there is a referendum on our social programs often referred to as “entitlements” or sometimes referred to as our “safety net.” The word “entitlement” is being used negatively as if those who receive benefits don’t deserve them or don’t take responsibility for their lives. It reminds me of when
we use the word “entitled” to accuse our teenagers of wanting something but not wanting to do anything to earn it. What is being expressed is that these entitlements are the main cause of our debt and no matter how much you raise taxes, it won’t close the gap. And there is the notion that cutting entitlements severely would do the trick. However, repealing the Obama Health Care plan, the rate of uninsured will continue to rise beyond the 48.6 million Americans reported
uninsured last month by the Census Bureau, and costs will still rise. Insurance companies will surely need to eliminate people with preexisting conditions since they won’t have a balanced pool of the healthy and sick. A voucher system for Medicare will shift the burden of premium costs to individuals only higher than it is cur-
rently since a voucher has a limit, and it won’t solve the problem of high cost of health care. Because block grants to the states for Medicaid (MediCal in California) are limited, the states may not be able to afford to serve all those who are in need even though they are eligible. see SENIORS page 23
Sunset Hall - Curriculum and Advocacy Thanks to our ad sponsor Sunset Hall. They offer...
Programs for free-thinking seniors (323) 660-5277
Conversational Spanish at GPACC on Wednesdays
Griffith Park Adult Community Club Calendar
General Meeting and Lunch “Notes on a Country Childhood, Words, Music, Dance” performed by Christine Jordan
Wednesday, November 14, 12:00-2:00 pm Friendship Auditorium * Election of Officers and Holiday Boutique of Handcrafted Items *
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
‘‘I choose to stay connected.” “When my son and his family moved out-of-state, I worried that we would lose touch. But thanks to Belmont’s Center for Learning, we’re more connected than ever. I even get e-mail from my grandchildren! Plus, I always have lots of pictures to show my friends. The Belmont Village Activity Programs Coordinator got me up to speed in no time, on computers designed especially for me. Now my grandkids can’t believe I’m surfing the web and I can’t believe how easy it is!”
‘‘I choose Belmont Village.’’
• Licensed nurse on-site around the clock • Chef-prepared, restaurant-style dining • Free scheduled transportation daily • Fitness and social activities • On-site therapy services • Medication management • Housekeeping and laundry • Assistance with daily living • Award-winning Circle of Friends® memory program • Short-term stays available • Specialized Alzheimer’s care
Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711 Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977 Westwood (310) 475-7501 Thousand Oaks (805) 496-9301
RCFE Lic 197603515, 197603848, 197605090, 198204246, 197608291, 565801746 © 2012 Belmont Village, L.P.
The Community Built for Life ® www.belmontvillage.com
Page 22 SENIOR 1MOMENTS LozFeliz_10_26_CFL.indd
www.losfelizledger.com
November 10/22/12 2012 1:15 PM
Los Feliz Ledger ment, such as age, income,
SENIORS from page 22
“Entitlements” by definition is really only a description of certain programs provided by the Federal Government. “Entitlements” have been established by law and are diverse in their details, but anyone who receives a benefit from such a program must meet an eligibility require-
The concept of looking
What is being expressed is that these entitlements are the main cause of our debt and no matter how much you raise taxes, it won’t close the gap. payroll taxes paid, or if they are unemployed.
selves. But more than that, it is a safety net for the economy and the country as a whole. If
these programs were not available, our economy would suffer much more.
Sign up for the
Los Feliz Ledger electronic newsletter in between our regular publication dates.
at these programs as a “safety net” has a more positive outlook. When there is a need, all individuals without shame can take advantage of programs that benefit the well being of their family and them-
To start receiving yours, please register at www.losfelizledger.com or email us at: newsletter@losfelizledger.com
Our✚Mission✚statement:✚ “To provide with the highest integrity and quality, compassionate and effective health care services in the communities in which we serve.” ✚✚ 24✚Hour✚RN✚coverage ✚✚ 6✚days✚a✚week✚therapy✚✚ PT,✚OT,✚ST ✚✚ Wound✚care
✚✚ ✚✚ ✚✚ ✚✚
Case✚management✚services Nutritional✚services Respiratory✚care✚services Respite✚care✚services
Country✚Villa✚Los✚Feliz
3002 Rowena Avenue, Silver Lake CountryVillaHealth.com Call for info and tour: (323) 666-1544
MedicAre Questions? Good sam’s expert is here to help.
Ask Alma s
he’s one of your greatest resources at Good Samaritan Hospital. In fact, Alma Romero is on a mission to take the confusion out of Medicare. She’s here to help you understand the Medicare process and to assist you in learning how to get the most from your benefits. If you have questions about Medicare, Good Samaritan Hospital, or Good Sam’s great doctors, Alma has the answers. Call her toll-free at 1-855-ASK-ALMA (1-855-275-2562) or visit our website for answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare: www.goodsam.org/medicare Here’s a list of the plans that cover you at Good Sam: • Blue Cross • Blue Shield • CareMore • Care 1st • Central Health Plan
• Easy Choice • HealthNet • Humana MD Care Healthplan • United Healthcare
Alma says, “Remember, when you choose a senior health plan, make sure it includes care at Good Samaritan Hospital.” 1-855-ASK-ALMA (1-855-275-2562) Call toll-free, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Where greAt doCtorS CAre For SeniorS.
1225 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90017 www.goodsam.org This is an advertisement. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this material. 12-GSH-015 AlmaAd_PLBN_LFL_4.3.indd November 2012
1
www.losfelizledger.com
10/15/12 1:22:58 PM SENIOR MOMENTS Page 23
Los Feliz Ledger [eastside eye]
MessHall’s New Design A “Campy” New look for a Landmark Local Building By Kathy A. McDonald, Ledger Columnist
It’s a building we all know at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Los Feliz Boulevard, home to the Derby nightclub formerly—now Chase Bank— and Louise’s Restaurant for the last 20 years. Now redone and re-opened as MessHall, the completely fresh design and menu represents a new day for the storied landmark corner. Built as Willard’s chicken stand in 1929 and then later remodeled into the Brown
Derby—operated by film impresario Cecil B. DeMille who partnered with Mr. Cobb of Cobb salad fame in the venture—many neighbors will also recall the site’s long run as Michael’s restaurant. The space’s new look harkens back to its earlier incarnations. Once again the jutting curvy Art Deco awning is highlighted outside—echoes of carhops and drive-in dining. The inspiration for the new design, a mix of indus-
trial chic and reclaimed historic details, came from the building itself. “We didn’t want it to be too theme-y,” says Mess Hall’s founder Robert Serritella. “We wanted it to be a comfortable place for groups of two to 20,” he said. To that end, seating is varied from cozy twotops to picnic table-style booths to communal tables both inside and out. Many are made from reclaimed wood, polished and honed. Booths recall a campers’ rustic mess hall; tables sit on metal frames while many of the vintage chairs come from a Swedish school. Although the vintage patterned brick wall seems an authentic element, it was actually added on—using reclaimed 1930smade bricks—to warm up the room further.
Most intriguing are the large double-hung windows that overlook the patio. “The windows were always there, we just opened them up, bringing the outside in,” Serritella said. The original wood rafters are now exposed and sandblasted clean. Look up to see the domed interior of the original Derby hat plus a few curious painted motifs. According to Serritella, the newly revealed dome has quickly become customers’ favorite part of the new look. Architect Greg Bleier of Studio Unltd helped reinvent the space, enhancing it with whimsical camp-themed décor. Mounted metal cafeteria trays, framed camp badges and hefty, logo coffee mugs all playfully contribute to the rustic cabin flavor. The comment card is even a faux letter home from camp. “We wanted Mess Hall to
be fun and original,” said Serritella. “They’ll never be another one.” Mess Hall, 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., (323) 660-6377. www.messhallkitchen.com Eastside Eye Pick for November: Danny Heller at George Billis Gallery. Silver Lake painter Danny Heller’s large oil canvases are inspired by mid-century architecture. Heller’s photorealistic works document architectural spaces found here and throughout Southern California. An exhibition of his paintings opens November 17th at the George Billis Gallery. George Billis Gallery, 2716 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, www.georgebillis.com, www.dannyhellerart.com
Happy Hour • Noon-7pm everyday $5 Sushi Nigiri & Rolls $4 Appetizers, Beer & Sake $10 Bento Box • Noon-3pm
1755 Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027 323-953-8900 StarfishSushi_Oct12.indd 1 Page 24 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Open Daily From 11am Take- Out
same owner as niko niko sushi 9/19/12 9:50 PM
Open Daily from Noon 3719 Sunset Blvd. Silver Lake 323-663-1048 Take-Out • Reservations kodasushi.com www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [theater review]
[the good life]
G()D()T At the Met Theater in Hollywood Explores New Depths to an Old Classic By Marilyn Tower Oliver, Ledger Theater Critic Years ago when my late husband and I went to certain parties there was always a small group of people discussing the inner meaning of the play “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett. The plot involves two derelict men, Estragon and Vladimir, who are awaiting the arrival of a man called Godot, who of course never comes. The new play, “G()D()T,” by Welsh playwright Steven
character named “Boy” enters to bring messages which shift the action. The resulting actions of Godot and Snook ultimately affect the fate of Estragon and Vladimir. This play continues the tradition of theater of the absurd set by “Waiting for Godot.” This type of play questions the lack of meaning of existence with the premise that while life may have some purpose, humans are doomed by the futility of day-to-day existence. In spite of the fine acting of the principals, Mackie and
This play continues the tradition of theater of the absurd set by “Waiting for Godot.” This type of play questions the lack of meaning of existence with the premise that while life may have some purpose, humans are doomed by the futility of day-to-day existence. Gough, attempts to answer the question of what Godot was doing while the two men, here referred to as E and V, were awaiting his arrival. As the play opens Godot, an older man portrayed by British actor Nicolaus Mackie, is reclining on a chaise while his younger administrative assistant, the long suffering Snook, portrayed by Tyson Turrou, types on an old typewriter. Godot is aristocratic, authoritarian, arrogant, and pompous and demands that the younger Snook always address him as “Sir.” Snook tries to appease him without buckling under his demands for more and more Schweppes sodas. Occasionally, a third
Turrou and the adroit writing of Steven Gough, “G() D()T” is not everyone’s cup of tea. One must have some familiarity with Becket’s play in order be fully involved with this new incarnation. The Met Theatre in Hollywood has a reputation for producing new works and starting the careers of well known actors such as Ed Harris, Holly Hunter and Carol Kane.
Thanksgiving Beers By Tara de Lis, Ledger Columnist After figuring out what to serve for Thanksgiving, the next biggest question is what to serve with it. For many years, folks have focused on wine as the traditional accompaniment to their annual fall feast, but as Los Angeles becomes more open to craft-brewed beer, Turkey Day menus might be getting a makeover, too. The first rule of beer pairings is that there are no rules. One person’s experience might be completely different than another, and a lot of what
works and what doesn’t comes down to individual taste. Below are just a few ideas for experimentation. Seasonal beers can be a fun place to start. For instance, the Lagunitas Brown Shugga is only brewed from October through December. As the name suggests, brown sugar is a key component in its production. It can work with savory courses, as well as pumpkin pie. Widmer Brothers Brrr seasonal red ale is suggested with fruit-based dishes, be it a cranberry sauce or an apple pie.
Shiner’s Wild Hare Pale Ale has just enough fruit and hops to make it diverse in possible pairings. Depending on the prep, stuffing could be a fun side for it, but play around with all of the trimmings. A collaborative effort between Dogfish Head, Stone and Victory brewers, Saison du BUFF has all the ingredients of a Simon & Garfunkel hit, made with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Try it with roasted squash or zucchini. Tara de Lis is a freelance writer who lives in Hollywood.
[a dog’s life]
DNA Testing Catches Pooper Scooper Violators By Jennifer Clark, Ledger Columnist Considering abandoning that doggie doo on the sidewalk? Think again. Los Angeles Country’s “pooper scooper” law states, “animal defecation on public property or upon private property other than the owner’s property is prohibited.” Fines for not range from $20 picking up after your pet to $1,000 and possible imprisonment for polluting stormwater. PooPrints, based out of Knoxville, Tennessee, cur-
rently works with property managers in 28 states to combat dog defecation and cash-in on negligent owners. Property managers can register with the company, swab their resident dogs and if any waste is left behind, they simply send a sample to the lab, where it is matched with the resident who receives a warning letter or a fine. According to PooPrints, doing so reduces pet waste 75% tob100% and the cost of registration and membership is rolled into residents’ pet fees. Testimonials from managers claim that dog waste is
also reduced simply by the threat of being caught. If breaking the law or being scrutinized is not enough to deter owners from picking up after their dogs, here are other reasons to scoop the poop: neglected waste spreads disease giardia and parvovirus. The waste can eventually end up in the ocean and is harmful for the environment. And if that’s not enough, it gives dogs and dog owners a bad name. For more information on PooPrints, visit: www. pooprints.com
“G()D()T,” through Sunday Nov. 18th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets $20; seniors and students $15 can be reserved at (800) 838-3006 or online at brownpapertickets.com/event 275533. 1089 N. Oxford Ave.
A Hollywood Landmark for Over 60 Years
DRESDEN Restaurant & Lounge
L.A.’s most beautiful and unique dining room
Traditional Roast Turkey Dinner, Select Menu Items and Pumpkin Pie.
Featured Exclusively
Serving THANKSGIVING DINNER For Over 60 Years! Reservations Recommended
(323)-665-4294
Mon - Sat 5 - 11pm Sun 5 - 10 pm Open at 3pm on Thanksgiving
4 stars on
1760 VERMONT AVE. IN LOS FELIZ VILLAGE (VALET PARKING) • WWW.THEDRESDEN.COM
November 2012
www.losfelizledger.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 25
Los Feliz Ledger [franklin avenue elementary]
Los Feliz’s Most Important Issue By Tomek Adler, age 8 I decided to do a survey with the most important question of the neighborhood: Do you like FroYo Life or Gelato Bar better? At FroYo Life (1924 Hillhurst Ave.) they have plenty of games. Personally, I like playing Brain Quest with my parents. Whenever I go there I always run into friends from Franklin Elementary. Another reason I like FroYo Life is because they always have good flavors. As I learned in my survey, Dulce de leche, Sinful Chocolate, and Cookies & Cream are the most popular. At Gelato Bar (1936 Hillhurst Ave.) I usually get Stracciatella mixed with Salted Caramel. Your gelato always comes with a cute little Pirouette. Last May at Franklin Elementary’s silent auction Gelato Bar served free gelato. Although by the time my parents and I got there, it had all magically disappeared and all we could see was a glimpse of their colorful little spoons. In my survey I asked 32 kids and 7 adults. Here are the results: 12 kids and 5 adults said they prefer gelato; 20 kids and 2 adults said they like FroYo. It seems that among kids FroYo is the most popular and among adults gelato is the winner.
[Ivanhoe elementary] By Charlotte Gilmore Ivanhoe has voted. The Student Council has been decided. You could run for president, vice president, secretary or corresponding secretary/treasurer. For president, 5th grader Sophia de Reeder is the one. Taking care of vice president is 5th grader Barker Thompson. Ivanhoe’s secretary is a new 4th grade student—Gracie Jones. And I am the Corresponding secretary/treasurer. Ivanhoe has some exciting news. Dotsie Bausch, a team pursuit cycler who was in the 2012 London Olympics, came to visit. The person who inspired her to start biking is our very own 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Safford. In London, Dotsie Bausch won a Silver medal, which we all got to see. We got to ask her questions and see her bike, pictures of the track, and of course, her Silver medal. Our principal, Ms. Sugahara, is leaving to become the principal of Glassell Park Elementary. Ms. Sugahara reminded us that, as Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” When Ms. Sugahara arrived, it was very different from now. Some of the more positive changes are: more parent volunteers, more students and an improved technology program. The thing Ms. Sugahara is going to miss most about Ivanhoe is the people—all of the teachers, students, volunteers and staff.
Locals Raise $2,400 For Cancer Patient HILLHURST AVE—A fundraiser for Los Feliz resident and mother of two Denise Franco, who has been diagnosed with cancer, was held Oct. 12th at Dragonfly DuLu. The event—which raised $2,400 to go towards Franco’s medical costs—included performers, story reading and music and was hosted by ac-
tress Christine Blackburn. Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge was on hand and presented Franco with a city proclamation. Labonge’s wife, Brigid, is a cancer survivor. For info on donating funds to Franco, contact christineblackburn1@gmail.com
Send the
Los Feliz Ledger your School News to: allisonferraro@losfelizledger.com
Page 26 SCHOOL NEWS
www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger [glenfeliz elementary]
[pilgrim school]
Monarchs in the Classroom
Getting Inspired
By Lucia Kornzweig, 3rd grade
By Nico Kachikis, 4th Grade
Nature is so fascinating! Mrs. Marks, our teacher, brought a milkweed plant to school. We watched the life cycle of a monarch butterfly. The small, white, pinhead-sized eggs hatched, and the baby caterpillars ate the egg case for their first food. Soon they were an inch long, then two inches. They devoured the plant. At about two inches each caterpillar started to develop a chrysalis. When the skin split open, we were astonished to see a bright green chrysalis with shiny gold spots. Ten days later a beautiful monarch emerged. First, it unfolded its wings to let them dry. We all got a turn to see the beautiful colors up close. Finally, we released the butterfly and waved it good-bye. Nature can sometimes take us by surprise. One
November 2012
chrysalis was dangling from a leaf and fell. Because of the damage the developing butterfly died. The chrysalis collapsed and leaked green fluid. Everyone felt sad about the unexpected news. We buried it in our class garden. Not everything survives in life. But we took great joy in the monarch’s life cycle that we saw up close in our classroom.
www.losfelizledger.com
One of the most exciting events at my school is the Visiting Authors Program. Throughout the school year, Pilgrim School hosts many authors who come and talk to us about the books they have written. This school year, our class has already met four authors. The first authors we met came together, read excerpts from each of their books and answered our questions. One of the authors, Margaret Peterson Haddix, told us that in one of her books we meet Albert Einstein’s secret daughter! She also talked to us about some of the ways she is inspired to write. For her, inspi-
HAPPY
Thanksgiving!
ration can occur at any time, in any place. She is always on the look out for a new idea. Another author, Lisa McMann, also came and talked about her latest book in her “Unwanted” series. This au-
thor was also inspired by a real life situation. She got the idea for her book series when she found out that art and music were being cut from her children’s school program. By sharing their books and stories, each of these authors has inspired me to read more. Someday, I may even write my own series of books.
Please call to be included in one of our PARENT VISITATION DAYS
2012: OCT 9TH, OCT 24TH, NOV 14TH, NOV 28, DEC 11TH 2013: JAN 8TH, FEB 27TH All visitations begin at 9:30 a.m.
Laurence offers round trip bus service from the Beverly Hills, Los Feliz, and Hancock Park areas. Comprehensive Academic Program for the “Total Child” Specialists in Science, Art, Spanish, Technology, Library Sciences, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Drama, Music, and Orchestra Environmental and Service Learning Programs Nationally Recognized Character Education Program Outstanding Credentialed Teachers with a Student/Teacher Ratio of 8 to 1 Cutting-Edge Computer Technology Curriculum and Resources Enriched Program for High Achievers 13639 Victory Boulevard (at Woodman) | Valley Glen, California 91401 | 818.782.4001 www.laurenceschool.com | Non-profit | Accredited by CAIS/WASC
SCHOOL NEWS Page 27
Los Feliz Ledger
Temple Israel of Hollywood Day School
[marshall high school]
The Importance of AP Courses
By Arleigh Haskal and Charlotte Slovin
By Allia Parsons
For 10 days during October, 6th graders hosted exchange students from the Tzahala School in Israel. All of the students had an amazing time. This is a journal entry written by one of the 6th grade students expressing how she felt after the exchange students departed: The bus’s engine suddenly roared and the cries of goodbye grew louder and louder for everyone knew this was it…I had not cried yet. Holding it in. Wouldn’t let her see me so sad. I would see her again. The bus jerked forwards and it rumbled down the street. Some of the students ran along
Advanced Placement classes at Marshall are important. Now that school is back in full swing I am enrolled in two of the AP classes offered. It is easy to see that there is a big difference in these classes rather than regular or honors classes. The rigor and elevated standards of the class are overwhelming, definitely mimicking that of a college course. Marshall is known to have a wide array of APs to choose from. However, with budget cuts, these classes are the first to go, since they aren’t “required” and not all students
with it. I was amongst them. I wanted to tell Shay I had the best time and that I would miss her but it was as if my mouth and brain were not connected for no words could escape my lips. The children in the bus kept waving. They were saying goodbye. The bus continued going and it would not stop or turn back. We watched until they were no longer in sight. The goodbye did not mean anything to me. Because I knew, because we knew, that we would see them again. Prospective parent tours: Oct. 25th, Nov. 8th, Dec. 6th or Jan. 10, 2013 at 8:30am. Call (323) 876–8330.
want to take them. Before entering these classes, I knew they were important, but I didn’t know to what extent. If you pass the Advanced Placement exam at the end of the year, you get
classes, students can go beyond their requirements and learn, in detail, about subjects they care about. It was expected that many more of these AP classes would get cut this year, which was not the case, however the future isn’t clear. The good news is that there are classes offered to Los Angeles Unified high
...with budget cuts, these classes are the first to go, since they aren’t “required” and not all students want to take them. college credit for that class, meaning you wont have to take it again in college. This not only helps students save money, by making it possible for them to graduate early, but it provides an opportunity for them to excel in a certain area of interest. By taking these
school students at city colleges that can count as AP courses. However, the bottom line is these courses, though not in the framework for all students, are very important in enriching the education of interested students, and shouldn’t be reduced in numbers.
Immaculate Heart High School A Private Catholic College Preparatory School for Young Women • Grades 9 –12
v Committed to excellence in education since 1906 v Accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the California Association of Independent Schools Academic Playday for Eighth Graders Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 9:00am Open House for Prospective Families Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 1:00pm Examination for Entrance and Merit Scholarships 8:30am–Noon • Saturday, January 26, 2013
Immaculate Heart Middle School for girls, Grades 6, 7 and 8 v Open House for Prospective Families • Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 1:00pm Entrance Examination for Grade 6 • Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 8:30am Grade 7 • Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 8:30am 5515 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028-5999 (323) 461-3651 • www.immaculateheart.org Page 28 SCHOOL NEWS
www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger
Immaculate Heart Falls into Action
[thomas starr king]
By Claire Danna ’15 and Celynne Hebron ’15 With the arrival of cold and their families close tohave fun whilst doing so. starting with our annual 10K weather and falling leaves gether for fun games, delicious This year, a record 250 IH Walk. Immaculate Heart stucomes a wealth of activity food, and many laughs. students and faculty members dents have been hard at work at Immaculate Heart High More recently, our Comparticipated in AIDS Walk raising money and gathering School. munity Service Fair was a LA to support awareness and donations for the school as Our first to raise funds part of this major fundraiser. Spirit Week for a cure. StuThe student-designed T-shirts, This year, a record 250 IH students of the year dents, faculty sweatshirts, and duffel bags went off with and staff conawarded to students are aland faculty members participated in a bang and tributed to this ready becoming a school-wide was filled effort, coming fashion statement. The Los AIDS Walk LA to support awareness and with colortogether with Feliz neighborhood will be to raise funds for a cure. ful attire and Panda Pride as able to easily spot our powerextremely a community to blue shirts as we culminate competitive make a differfive weeks of fundraising with games. Crazy Hat and Socks huge success. More than 30 ence in the lives of others. the 10K Walk through local Day, Twin Day, Jersey Day, organizations attracted plenty More memorable events streets. Be sure to wave as we Pajama Day, and Class Color of interested IH volunteers, are on tap in November, walk by! Day brought out the competiwho signed up to aid troubled FALL 2012 tive fire and deep sisterhood youth, the elderly, shelter aniThe Adventures of in all the students throughout mals and the environment, as the week. A fun-filled day at well as to restore hope for the the Father-Daughter Picnic at hungry and lonely. Many stuAlverno High School in Sierra dents were pleased that they Madre brought many students could serve Los Angeles and An exciting
P E T E R AN D W E N DY
CAROL WEISS
MUSICAL
Ticket Donation $12
Saturdays November 10, 17 December 1
Sundays October 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2
Reserve Early Space is Limited
2 pm All performances
BOX OFFICE (323) 469-1970 Assistance League® of Southern California
NINE O’CLOCK PLAYERS Theatre for Children
1367 North St. Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90028-8529
www.nineoclockplayers.com
King’s Environmental Studies Magnet Visits the Santa Monica Bay Aquarium by Lilit Davtyan Recently, we went to the Santa Monica Bay Aquarium, where we learned about the ocean and pollution and about how storm drains and plastics really affect the planet. Our instructor was Nick, and I think he was very funny and he explained things well. We got to see sharks and to touch them. I love sharks and I have no fear of them and I hate how people kill them for their fins to make soup. I wanted to kiss it but sadly didn’t raise my hand first. My classmate Jett got to kiss the shark, though! I love meeting new animals and I also love the ocean and I love seeing the beautiful sea creatures and bonding with them. I like to learn about the environment. I hope we go on more fieldtrips that have to do with animals and nature because I love to meet them and do activates with animals and to travel too.
ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Nov. 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
• • • • • •
32 AP and Honors Courses 44 Teams in 20 Sports Performing and Visual Arts 30 Student Clubs Student Ministries Community Service Organizations
maranatha high school A COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
169 S. Saint John Avenue, Pasadena (626) 817-4021
www.maranatha-hs.org
November 2012
www.losfelizledger.com
Inspired Education for Preschool through High School School tour information available at www.pasadenawaldorf.org
Elves’ F aire Saturda y, Nov. 17
High School On our campus at William Carey International University 1559 East Howard Street • Pasadena, CA 91104 • Phone: 626-204-0786
High School Open House November 3, 1–4 p.m. Elementary School • Preschool • Parent Child Program 209 East Mariposa Street • Altadena, CA 91001 • Phone: 626-794-9564
www.pasadenawaldorf.org SCHOOL NEWS Page 29
Los Feliz Ledger [loyola high school]
Fall at Loyola and Preparing for the Next Big Steps By Griffin Cohen, 12th Grade The upcoming presidential election has been the talk of the campus. For many seniors, this election is especially exciting as they will actually get to vote. In October, our Social Science department and our school newspaper The Loyalist hosted our own mock presidential debate. Our studentbody president moderated and a couple of students debated for each side. It was an exciting lunch period and great for the school community. Also around campus, we are currently in the midst of Spirit Week that provides an opportunity to get involved with lots of fun events. Last week was also Breast Cancer Awareness Week. It was awesome to see so many students and faculty wearing their pink shirts and wristbands. Our JCL (Junior Classical League) club hosted the SCRAM (Southern Califor-
nia Regional Amici Madness) event last Saturday. The JCL club serves to appreciate the culture of ancient Greece and Rome. It was an honor for Loyola to host the annual event, and our students worked very hard setting up and coordinating the day’s activities. And, for many seniors like myself, today is not only the transition to November but also the deadline for Early Applications for colleges. Many seniors have now pressed the submit button on their online applications and will hear back in midDecember for the schools they applied early to. This Saturday will also be one of the last chances for seniors to take the SAT. Overall, college applications have been stressful but the opportunities are so exciting and Loyola has prepared our seniors so well.
Head of Pacific Hills School To Discuss and Sign His New Book Author Peter Temes will be reading from The Future of the Jewish People in Five Photographs at Whimsic Alley, 5464 Wilshire Blvd., 6 p.m. Nov. 4th. Temes is head of Pacific Hills School in West Hollywood. A former faculty member at Harvard University, he
is the author of many books, including, most recently, The Power of Purpose: Living Well by Doing Good. Drawing on history, literature, and his upbringing in the Jewish communities of Brooklyn, Temes seeks a new understanding of what it
means to be Jewish and what the future holds for the Jewish people. Pacific Hills is an accredited 6th-12th grade independent, co-educational, college preparatory middle and high school in its 31st year. Located in West Hollywood. Registration for this free event can be made at (310) 276-3068, ext. 112 or lriggs@phschool.org.
[family matters]
Either/Or or Neither: Props 30 and 38 By Kristen Taylor, Ledger Columnist Let me help you avoid making the dumb mistake I just made. I recently mailed in my ballot for the November election. I didn’t get a sticker, but I did get to vote in my pajamas. After I “read” my Official Voter Information Guide, I was happy to vote for tax increases that will restore funds to California schools for Pre-K through University. “Happy” may be an overstatement. I don’t love paying higher taxes, but feel that we must address the funding crisis in the state’s education system wrought by the recession. Propositions 30 and 38 both raise taxes to raise revenue that will go directly to schools. But if both measures pass, only one will be enacted: whichever one gets the most votes. Therefore, it is important that voters make a choice about which, if either, measure they prefer. I whiffed and voted for both propositions, which means that my votes will cancel each other out. The ads for Propositions 30 and 38—backed by different groups—have muddled the messages so much that it takes a very close reading to figure out that this is an either/ or (or neither) situation. Here Page 30 SCHOOL NEWS
is what I’ve learned. I hope that it’s timely for you. Proposition 30: Backed by California Gov. Brown and would raise sales tax by 1/4 of one cent, and income tax on high earners (over $250K single filer) to raise about $6 billion a year. The sales tax increase is for four years. The income tax increase is for seven years. These taxes would fund the education budget already in place for 2012-2013. Schools would lose almost $6 billion in planned spending if the measure doesn’t pass and K-12 schools could cut three weeks from the school year. Proposition 38: Proposed by attorney Carol Munger, an income tax increase on a sliding scale, with everyone earning over $7,316 (single filer) affected. The majority of the 12-year increases are borne by high-income earners. Increases would start in 2013, and would raise about $10 billion a year. About one-third of revenue would go toward government debt relief. Passing this measure would not contribute anything toward the 2012-2013 education budget. Information: www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov www.losfelizledger.com
November 2012
Los Feliz Ledger BALLOT from page 16
in the world, that had such a short school year. All schools are operating this year assuming Proposition 30 will pass, he said. “It’s chilling to think about what this really means.” Those per-pupil spending figures, according to Kim Pattillo Brownson of Advancement Project—the public policy non profit behind Proposition 38—are $2,856 below the national average, arguing that $10 billion per year raised by Proposition 38 would help restore California’s public school system, rather than just stabilize it. In the first year, she said, Proposition 38 would raise $5.6 billion, almost completely making up for the governor’s trigger cuts. Looking at both propositions and speaking only for himself, Los Angeles County Board of Education board member Doug Boyd said in an interview later of the proposi-
and more.” Thomas Starr King middle school’s principal said, “We’re hoping that the voters will give consideration for all the measures on the ballot… But what schools really need are for baseline funding to continue. Cuts have been made that are so severe they’ve been almost cut to the bone. . . . Right now it’s a very bleak, very dire set of circumstances.” Elsewhere on the ballot, California’s death penalty is up for consideration with Proposition 34, and its “Three Strikes Law” is up for revision with Proposition 36 that would revise it to only impose life sentences for a third offense felony when it is serious or violent. Proposition 37 will effect food labeling across the state, mandating labeling on raw or processed food for sale if made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), while prohibiting such food to be la-
Thomas Starr King middle school’s principal said, “We’re hoping that the voters will give consideration for all the measures on the ballot… But what schools really need are for baseline funding to continue. tions, “I think they’re both in a death spiral right now.” Boyd accused the legislature of “threatening” the state with the triggers. He said Proposition 30 is “fundamentally wrong” and “bullying the taxpayers.” “Support 38 if you want to raise taxes a lot and actually have the money go to education, or at least the majority of it, vote for 38; 30 is completely dishonest,” he said. Boyd predicted that both propositions would fail and Sacramento would have to find another way to balance the state’s budget. “They can start by eliminating all funding for the bullet train. That’s a good start,” he said. Facing a decreasing education budget, year after year, Susanna Furfari, principal of Micheltorena Elementary School in Silver Lake said she’d be voting for 30 and maybe 38 too. “I think people are nearing the breaking point this year,” she said. “I can’t imagine what would happen after [Proposition] 30.” Furfari said with all the administrative cuts Micheltorena has faced, she’s doing the work of three people and the district keeps placing more mandates on schools. “We feel like we’re the only thing that are really holding this thing together,” she said. “I think parents are going to be asked to contribute more November 2012
beled as “natural.” This comes following a study in France that showed health defections in lab mice that ate genetically modified food. Critics state Proposition 37 would place a burden on the state for litigation resulting from violations. Others say it places a financial hardship on small shop owners in maintaining their food is properly labeled. But Tomas O’Grady, founder of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s nonprofit gardening Enrich LA, disagrees. “We force companies and suppliers to clearly adhere to a strict standard when it comes to what is organic and what is free-range,” O’Grady said. “Based on that, we the customer enjoy that knowledge that things are as the manufacturer is claiming. Why shouldn’t we have a system do the same when it comes to GMOs?” But Dr. Paul Fleiss, a pediatrician based in Los Feliz, said he wishes Proposition 37 would go even further. “I don’t think it should be a labeled, I think [GMOs] should be banned,” he said. “There are many countries now that have banned [GMOs] in Europe and Central and South America… So I think it’s time that Americans did something about it too.” Fleiss said he hadn’t personally noticed any changes, however, in his patients that he could link to GMOs. www.losfelizledger.com
Page 31
Dear George and Eileen, We have been impressed with your real estate marketing materials that we’ve received over the years and your overall active presence in our neigborhood. And we now know first hand why you are so successful. Thank you for all your hard work. It was great having you as our Realtor and we would highly recommend you to anyone looking to buy or sell and now know who to call the “first” time when we decide to sell in the future! Sincerely, Aaron and Nicole Craig 2248 Panorama Terrace, Silver Lake 2150 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Los Feliz • Silver Lake • Franklin Hills • Franklin Square • Atwater Village • Echo Park • Beachwood Canyon
323.668.7600
georgeandeileen.com
Just Listed
Just Listed
3689 Shannon Road
Los Feliz Hills
$1,595,000
Stunning 4 + 3.5 1927 character Spanish home in the hills with lovely mountain & city views. Gorgeous LR w/ high ceilings & fireplace. Fabulous Gourmet kitchen w/Shaker style cabinets, Viking oven, Sub Zero, honed marble counter tops and walnut butcher block for center island. Dining rm leads to view terrace. Great guest apt or 4th bdrm. Central AC & heat. Large patio area & possible room for a pool. 10945 lot. Garage w/direct access.
Silver Lake
Call For Price 3143 Waverly Drive
Charming 1907 built 2 + 1.5 Craftsman with wonderful private front yard and walking distance to the heart of Sunset Junction. Cozy living room & dining room w/decorative fireplace and built-in cabinet. Hardwood floors. Newly rebuilt foundation and updated electrical. Full bath w/clawfoot tub. Laundry rm. Patio & beautifully landscaped front & side yards. Original Craftsman details. Walk to many Silver Lake eateries and Farmer’s market.
In Escrow
1927 Redesdale Avenue
Silver Lake
$1,150,000 2236 Ronda Vista Drive
Brand new construction in this impressive 3 + 2.5 Architectural with wonderful downtown and hillside views. This 1-story story home offers an open living, dining & spacious kitchen is ideal for entertaining and open out to a expansive view deck. Master suite w/beautiful bathroom w/large shower & walk-in closet. Dark hardwood floors. 2 car garage w/direct access. The lot is 15153 & waiting to be discovered. The possibilities are endless.
New Price
Coming Soon
1016 Hyperion Avenue
1756 Micheltorena Avenue
Coming Soon
Silver Lake
$829,000
Los Feliz
$874,900 2530 Park Oak Court
Beautifully restored Spanish in Ivanhoe district w/a spacious LR w/great use of windows for wonderful natural lighting. An open kitchen w/Shaker style cabinets, breakfast bar, stainless oven, microwave & dishwasher. Dining rm overlooking the spectacular mountain views and leads to view patio. Tastefully updated baths w/new flooring, cabinets & tile work. Bonus rm perfect for home office. Great areas for outdoor entertaining. Move in ready.
2607 Rokeby Street
Call For Price
For Lease - New Price
In Escrow
Newly renovated 3 + 1.5 Mid-Centry home with separate guest apartment with 3/4 bath. Two open living spaces lead to front view patio. Updated kitchen and baths. New appliances. Newly refinished hardwood floors. Central air and heat, new roof, copper plumbing & update electrial. Beautiful tranquil setting in huge flat yard w/picturesque views. Two car garage. Laundry rm. Great location close to Silver Lake reservoir and dog park.
Franklin Hills
Views forever in this sexy 2 + 1.5 1960’s Post & Beam home that was completely remodeled just a few years ago. Open living, dining & kitchen is a perfect set-up for entertaining. Spectacular city & mountain views from almost every room. Kitchen with breakfast bar, dining area and walls of glass to enjoy the views. Newly refinished wood floors. New central air & heat, new roof, & exterior paint, new garage door with direct access. Fabulous!
Silver Lake
$799,000
Single story 2+2 1937 home with Moderne influences and a gorgeous huge flat yard. Spacious living room with a fireplace. The living rm leads out to the newly landscaped yard with deck and outdoor shower. Possible rm for a pool. Newly renovated kitchen and baths. Sunny remodeled eat-in kitchen w/stainless appliances. Dining room. Central AC. Refinished hardwood floors. Walking distance to the reservoir. In Ivanhoe district!
Los Feliz Oaks
$9,500
Impressive gated 4+3.5 estate like residence at the end of a gorgeous cul-de-sac in the Oaks. Beautiful picturesque grounds with large pool, cabana (could work for a home office) & addt’l outdoor bath. Spacious living rm w/fireplace, wonderful library or den & master suite overlooking spectacularly landscaped grounds. Charming and spacious kitchen. Formal dining room. Refinished hardwood floors. Views of Hollywood Sign and hills.