Y E AR RevIieNw
Century City/ Westwood December 27, 2019 – January 9, 2020
Top 8 Stories o f 2019
Pages 5-11
NEWS CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com
Anti-Semitic Graffiti Vandal Arrested Man who allegedly spraypainted anti-semitic messages at Westwood Charter Elementary, other schools, arrested By Sam Catanzaro Police have arrested a man suspected of spray-painting anti-semitic graffiti at Westwood Charter Elementary and other schools in Los Angeles. On Friday, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took into custody Israel Herrera Perez, 44, on suspicion of felony vandalism for allegedly vandalizing three schools in the Los Angeles area and spray painting over a dozen cars. Perez was held on $120,000 bail, according to the LAPD.
“Investigators were also able to connect Perez to similar acts of vandalism in the Calabasas Community in Los Angeles County,” the LAPD wrote in a press release. “The investigation is ongoing and no additional suspect(s) have been identified at this time.” Investigators have not determined a motive behind the vandalism spree. On Wednesday, the LAPD released a video of an individual believed to have sprayed graffiti throughout the Westside between Saturday and Monday. According to the LAPD, “numerous” vehicles were spray-painted with graffiti between 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday in the Beverlywood and Pico- Robertson areas. At Westwood Charter, located at 2050 Selby Avenue, on Tuesday staff discovered paint that was spilled appearing to form a swastika, as described in a message sent to parents and posted on Twitter. “Today we found graffiti on the playground
that included paint spilled in different places around campus, including one design that appeared to form a swastika,” reads the message from Westwood Charter Principal Kathy Flores. “This is an unfortunate act of vandalism as we have many multicultural events planned for our students this week.” According to Flores, Westwood Charter immediately called law enforcement who responded to the school and took a police report. The graffiti was removed before students were in the area. Also on Tuesday, anti-Semitic graffiti was found at the Bel Air campus of American Jewish University (AJU) and likely Milken Community High School. Phrases and images were tagged on AJU’s sign on Mulholland Drive and also across the street on a retaining wall on school property, according to Jeffrey Herbst, the AJU’s president. “Time to pay” was one phrase, according to Herbst, while something close to “Time to do
Photo: LAPD
Footage released by the LAPD showing the car of a man believed to have spray painted anti-semitic messages at local elementary schools.
the time” was the other phrase. While the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) did not confirm the third school to be tagged, they did say that two schools on the 1500 block of Mulholland Drive had been vandalized. Milken Community High School, a private Jewish high school and middle school, is less than a mile from AJU on Mulholland Drive.
Supreme Court Turns Down Homelessness Law Ruling ties hands for lawmakers grappling with encampments, celebrated by homeless advocates. By Sam Catanzaro The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal in a case surrounding a Boise, Idaho law that would have made it illegal to sleep in public places, a setback for many West Coast cities grappling with a growing homelessness crisis. The decision, issued by the court without comment Monday, leaves in place earlier rulings by the 9th Circuit appeals court, in the case Martin v. Boise, that homeless persons cannot be punished for sleeping outside on public property in the absence of adequate alternatives. The ruling is binding in the 9th Circuit, covering nine states including California, a state home to 1/4 of the nation’s homeless population. “No one should treat this as an endorsement or acceptance of sidewalk encampments. Everyone should treat this as a firm and indisputable mandate for more housing, more shelter, and more services,” said Councilmember Mike
Bonin following the decision. Lawyers representing Boise argued that the decision ultimately hurts the individuals the law claims to protect by hindering lawmakers within the 9th Circuit from managing homeless encampments that pose a public safety risk. “Public encampments, now protected by the Constitution under the Ninth Circuit’s decision, have spawned crime and violence, incubated disease, and created environmental hazards that threaten the lives and well-being both of those living on the streets and the public at large,”
said lawyers for Boise in court documents. Los Angeles County, where homelessness increased 16 percent the past year, and many other governing bodies backed Boise in its petition to the Supreme Court. “The Martin decision forbids municipalities from enforcing common sense ordinances that prohibit public camping unless those local governments can offer acceptable shelter to every unhoused person in the jurisdiction. In other words, the County could be powerless to address camping in public places by anyone until
it provides shelter for everyone,” the County wrote in September. LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl who represents Santa Monica and is a Santa Monica resident, however, voted against backing Boise’s petition in September. “We need to continue to provide more and more housing and shelter and services, not simply ticket and arrest,” Kuehl said. This was a view shared by lawyers representing homeless individuals and their advocates following the Supreme Court’s decision Monday. “We’re thrilled that the Court has let the 9th Circuit decision stand so that homeless people are not punished for sleeping on the streets when they have no other option,” said Maria Foscarinis, Executive Director at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. “But ultimately, our goal is to end homelessness through housing—which is effective and saves taxpayer dollars—so that no one has to sleep on the streets in the first place. We hope that the 9th Circuit decision will help communities find the political will to put that housing in place. Housing, not handcuffs, is what ends homelessness.” The case now returns to the 9th Circuit. The City of Boise says it is evaluating options for its next actions.
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DEC. 27, 2019 – JAN. 9, 2020
CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS
Two New Members of Local Mountain Lion Population P-78 and P-79 in the Santa Monica Mountains By Sam Catanzaro
REVERSE MORTGAGE PROS AND CONS By Ron Wynn A reverse mortgage could be a key component to your retirement planning, providing funds now and for the future — but it’s not the right choice for everyone. We want you to understand the advantages and disadvantages to help you determine if a reverse mortgage is right for you. This page is a good place to start. PROS OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE It’s a loan option that can help make it easier for homeowners and homebuyers age 62 and older to live a more comfortable retirement. You continue to live in your home and retain title to it. As with any mortgage, you must meet your loan obligations, keep current with property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any homeowners association fees. You can choose to take your funds as a lump sum; line of credit that you can tap as needed; a steady stream of monthly advances for a set period of time, or as long as you live in the home; or a combination of these options. Borrowers who elect a fixed rate loan will receive a single disbursement lump sum payment. Other payment options are available only for adjustable rate mortgages. The funds from your reverse mortgage loan can be used to pay off the existing mortgage on your home. While there will still be a lien on your home for the outstanding amount of the reverse mortgage, you are not required to make monthly principal and interest payments on the reverse mortgage, so you will be freed from the monthly mortgage payment expense. As with any mortage, you must meet your loan obligations, keep current with property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any homeowners association fees. No monthly mortgage payments are required for as long as you live in the home and continue to meet your obligations to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance and maintain the property. As with any mortgage, you must meet your loan obligations, keep current with property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any homeowners association fees. Closing costs and ongoing fees, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), can be financed with the reverse mortgage loan — so out-of-pocket expenses can be minimal. Loan proceeds are generally not considered taxable income. (Not tax advice; consult a tax professional.) Generally, a reverse mortgage loan will not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, you may wish to consult a financial professional to determine the potential financial implications of obtaining a reverse mortgage loan.
Two new mountain lions have been added to the National Parks Service’s (NPS) study of big cats in the Santa Monica Mountains. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the NPS’s Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area announced the addition of two young male mountain lions to the 17-year study of big cats in the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding region. P-78, a subadult male, was captured in the central portion of the Santa Monica Mountains on December 11. The next morning, the NPS met with local California Department of Fish & Wildlife officials in Simi Hills after they darted a
young male mountain lion spotted in the backyard of a home. This cat, P-79, was moved to nearby open space in the Santa Susana Mountains. Both animals were outfitted with GPS radio collars that provide location information at up to 8 points per day. “Did you know that the collars help us understand mountain lion behavior, movement and habitat connectivity? For instance, if it hadn’t been for the collars, we would not know that mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains are pretty much trapped on an island of habitat and that there is inbreeding. They also help us understand home range size, diet, survival rates, landscape use, frequency and location of road crossings, and causes of mortality,” said Ranger Ana Beatriz. Just last month another mountain lion, P-77, was added to the study after discovered in good health in the Simi Hills.
Hotel, Senior Housing, Coming to Pico Robertson Flurry of neighborhood development underway A reverse mortgage loan is a non-recourse loan. This means that neither your nor your heirs are personally liable for any amount of the mortgage that exceeds the value of your home when the loan is repaid. If your home increases in value in the future, you may consider refinancing your reverse mortgage to access even more loan proceeds. After the loan is repaid, any remaining equity belongs to you or your heirs. CONS OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE The loan balance increases over time as interest on the loan and fees accumulate. As home equity is used, fewer assets are available to leave to your heirs. You can still leave the home to your heirs, but they will have to repay the loan balance. Usually, the loan is paid off by selling the home. However, this can be done using other funds or by refinancing through a traditional mortgage. Fees may be higher than with a traditional mortgage. (Ask us about our lower-cost options.) Eligibility for needs-based government programs, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may be affected. Consult a benefits specialist. A reverse mortgage loan becomes due and must be repaid when a “maturity event” occurs, such as the last surviving borrower (or non-borrowing spouse meeting certain conditions) passes away, the home is no longer the borrower’s principal residence, or the borrower vacates the property for more than 12 months for medical reason or 6 months for non-medical reason.The loan will also become due if the homeowner fails to meet other loan obligations, which include paying their property taxes, insurance, homeowners association fees, and maintaining the property. For comment email ron@ronwynn.com
By Staff Writer Development continues in Pico-Robertson as a low-income senior housing complex nears completion and as plans for a 100-plus room hotel move through the Los Angeles planning process. This week, developers submitted revised plans to the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning for a 136-room hotel at 1434-1450 S. Robertson. Original plans submitted in 2016 called for a smaller, 122-room hotel taking up only one lot. The project now must be approved by City Planning before work can begin. Just blocks away from the proposed hotel, a 48-unit affordable housing complex for low-income seniors topped-out over the summer and
will likely open in 2020. The $28.7 million development located at 8862-8876 W. Pico Boulevard will include 68 parking spots and be comprised of studio and one-bedroom units. The rents at this project, for senior tenants making at or below 30 and 60 percent of the area median income, will range from $406-$976 per month, according to a staff report to the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. Mercy Housing of California will operate the complex. Nearby at the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard, a five-story, 67-unit mix-use development is underway at a former car wash. According to plans submitted to City Planning, the project will include seven affordable housing units and 16,500 square feet of groundfloor retail space. Two blocks to the east and west respectively of this project, two other housing developments are slated to bring a total of 54 units to the neighborhood.
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CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS
DEC. 27, 2019 – JAN. 9, 2020
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Google Moving Into Former Westside Pavillion Tech giant to occupy over 500,000 square feet of office space. By Sam Catanzaro Google is expanding its Westside presence as the tech giant will rent almost the entire former Westside Pavillion shopping center on Pico Boulevard. The property will be renamed to One Westside with Google set to occupy 584,000 square feet of office space, according to property owner Hudson Pacific Properties. The redevelopment will cost around $400 million, and Google has signed a 14-year lease that will begin in 2022 upon completion of construction and build-out tenant improvements. The former Westside Pavillion was once one of Los Angeles' premier shopping malls, but in recent years had fallen behind to competition as shopping centers like Westfield Century City and the Grove have gone through renovations and the Rick Caruso's Palisades Village has opened its doors. Given One Westside's prime location just steps from the Expo Line light rail’s Westwood/Rancho Park station, proximate to the I-405 and I-10 freeways and immedi-
Photo: Courtesy Hudson Pacific Properties.
A rendering of what One Westside will look once converted into office space for Google.
ately adjacent to the residential enclave of Cheviot Hills, developers are hoping Google's presence will bring the property back to its former glory. “Google’s selection of One Westside demonstrates the strength of the Los Angeles tech and media industries, and exemplifies the type of creative office space that is in demand from large tech and me-
dia tenants,” Victor Coleman, chairman and CEO of Hudson Pacific Properties, said in a statement. One Westside, with construction expected to commence later this year, will be a first-of-its-kind conversion from landmark shopping mall to Class A creative office space. Designed by architecture firm Gensler, the project repurposes high ceilings and
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a multi-level atrium and skylight, allowing for natural light-filled interiors. Up to 150,000-square-foot floorplates provide hyper-flexible open layouts, while 45,000 square feet of expansive exterior terraces and patios with 15-foot wide folding glass walls create a seamless indoor-outdoor environment. The property also features a rooftop amenity space with a garden deck and direct bridge access to the Landmark Theatre, Westside Tavern restaurant and inline retail shops. “Google’s been a proud member of the Los Angeles community since 2003. We’re excited to continue investing in the community as part of Hudson Pacific and Macerich’s adaptive reuse project at One Westside," said RG Kahoe, Google’s Real Estate Project Executive for the Southwest. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from local lawmakers, including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who tweeted that the development will lead to a thriving business scene on the Westside. "[Google] & [Hudson Pacific Properties] are making powerful investments in L.A. & the genius of our people by turning part of the Westside Pavilion into offices. When the jobs of tomorrow go near transit hubs, we create opportunities for every community to thrive & be part of defining the future," Garcetti wrote.
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ORIGINALLY PRINTED: February 25, 2019
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ORIGINALLY PRINTED: May 3, 2019
Keeping Parking Westwood Comes Together to Help the Homeless Money in Westwood Westwood Connect
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Pilot program gives portion of meter funds to neighborhoods. By Sam Catanzaro
While nobody enjoys paying for parking, for Westwood Village residents, the prospect of dishing out a few coins to feed into meters will soon be more appealing. Under a program recently approved by the City of Los Angeles, certain neighborhoods, including Pacific Palisades, will be given back a portion of funds collected from parking meters. "Our effort to improve how parking is managed in Los Angeles is moving forward, and the latest development will mean more money for transportation improvements," said Councilmember Mike Bonin. Los Angeles recently approved a pilot program that is designed to keep the money spent at parking meters in the neighborhood where the money is generated. Under the pilot program, 15 percent of the revenue from parking meters in the designated business improvement district (BIDs) areas will go to the BID. City lawmakers hope this will bolster local control by allowing residents to make decisions about how best to use money from meters to improve local transportation. "A minimum of $50,000 - and likely more will be available for the BID to spend on local
mobility improvements, like street and sidewalk repairs, wayfinding signage, or on streetscape and community beautification efforts," Bonin said. "The idea for this reform is one part of my parking reform effort, which also includes efforts to make it easier to find parking when you need it, and to keep fines fair." The other two neighborhoods included in this program are Pacific Palisades and Lincoln Heights. Under this program, expenditures BIDs are allowed to undertake include increasing multi-modal parking supply; construction and/or maintenance of street improvement projects and managing and optimizing existing parking supply. In addition, localities are permitted to use funds to reducing parking demand by the promotion of active transportation by installing electric vehicle charging stations, public transit, sidewalks curb ramps, and bicycle and pedestrian amenities. BIDs will not be allowed to construct new parking structures or special event parking with these funds. The Westwood Village BID, which is made up of local businesses, and tasked with a clean, friendly place to work, shop and do business, will be responsible for engaging local stakeholders to decide which local improvements are best for Westwood. For more information contact Councilmember Bonin's Transportation Director Eric Bruins at eric.bruins@lacity.org
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event provides muchneeded services. By Staff Writer
On April 24, Westwood came together to provide support to individuals in the community experiencing homelessnesses. Westwood Connect Day, took place at the Westwood Recreation Center, and included over 40 nonprofit organizations offering free services to homeless individuals in need. Resources available at the event, which was the first of its kind in Westwood, included food, haircuts, showers and clothing. Connect Days are community events that bring service providers, community partners, governmental agencies and dedicated volunteers together so that individuals experiencing homelessness can be connected to an array of services simultaneously The event, which connected 140 people, was co-sponsored by several local government groups and officials, including Mayor Eric Garcetti, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Councilman Mike Bonin, State Senator Ben Allen, Councilmember Paul Koretz, the North Westwood Council and the Westwood Village Improvement Association.
Birth certificates and library cards were also available to attendees, in addition to professional attire; things that are essential for individuals looking to enter or reenter the workforce. Organizations like Empowered Gifts, who look to empower women and girls through career assistance and handbags, and Operation Blankets of Love, who provide leasehs and pet supplies to homeless individuals, were in attendance at the event as well. The Westwood Neighborhood Council and the North Westwood Neighborhood Council jointly paired up to coordinate the event
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ORIGINALLY PRINTED: May 3, 2019
UCLA Turns 100 Years Old Year of centennial events begins in May. By Sam Catanzaro The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), an integral part of Westwood's identity will celebrate its 100th birthday this month, kicking off an entire year of centennial events. UCLA 100 festivities begin Saturday, May 18, with Alumni Day, featuring special speakers, campus tours and programs that mark UCLA’s first 100 years. On the same day, in UCLA's iconic Royce Hall, an all-star lineup of speakers will be featured for a special installment of the annual TedxUCLA. Immediately following the talks, the exterior of Royce Hall will become the backdrop for a dynamic light-and-sound show
highlighting the people, breakthroughs and moments that defined UCLA’s first century. The display will be free and open to the public. “UCLA has accomplished so much in its first century, fueled by a spirit of innovation and inclusion,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. “This institution has proudly challenged, con-
tributed and connected in ways that serve the world and particularly greater Los Angeles, the diverse and vibrant region that has helped define who we are. Yet our successes have not been the product of natural inevitability. They are the result of hard work, risk and vision. Our centennial, therefore, is a time for us not only to look back and celebrate, but also to look around and ahead to determine what still needs to be done to improve lives across our community and around the world, and how we can best achieve that.” The seeds of today’s UCLA were planted in the 1881 creation of the downtown Los Angeles State Normal School, which later moved to Vermont Avenue. In 1919, the University of California Southern Branch opened on the Vermont Avenue campus. The University of California at Los Angeles name was officially adopted in 1927, and in 1929, instruction began on the pres-
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ent-day Westwood campus. In a nod to the campus’s downtown roots, the centennial festivities will continue May 22 in front of Los Angeles City Hall, when the Los Angeles City Council will proclaim “UCLA Day,” on the eve of the anniversary of the university’s official 1919 founding. Throughout the year, UCLA will celebrate its connection to the city at a dozen major Los Angeles events. Among them are the LA Pride Parade on June 9, and the CicLAvia open streets event on October 6, where UCLA faculty, staff and students will host art-making activities, mobile health clinics, performances, research demonstrations and more. For more information and a full list of events, visit 100.ucla.edu
ORIGINALLY PRINTED: June 28, 2019
Purple Line Construction Interrupting Local Businesses? Some small businesses to receive compensation By Kai McNamee As construction on the LA Metro’s Purple Line extension continues, some local businesses in Westwood have faced losses in revenue. Interruptions to local businesses have been a concern for LA Metro since the beginning of Purple Line construction: LA Metro announced last month that the Business Interruption Fund (BIF) would be expanded to the Westside. Under the BIF program, small businesses located on Wilshire Boulevard would be able to apply for compensation from the $10,000,000 fund. But few small businesses in Westwood are located on Wilshire Boulevard, making very few Westside businesses eligible for compensation. This poses a problem for some businesses lo-
cated in Westwood. Margarita Barba, an employee of Ike’s Place Sandwiches, believes traffic due to Purple Line construction has caused a temporary slowdown in business. Barba described business as “really slow,” and is hopeful that sales will pick up again after the construction ends. Alfredo Basilas, an employee of D’Amore’s Pizza, similarly blames traffic for slow business in Westwood. But Basilas explained traffic has been a problem for Westwood businesses long before Purple Line construction began. Traffic between Wilshire, the 405 freeway and Sunset Boulevard — compounded with strict parking enforcement and a lack of parking space — creates a “scary” deadlock for potential costumers, Basilas said. To Basilas, the current traffic problem is 30 years in the making; Westwood’s growing population has resulted in an increase in the number of cars on the road, making the area difficult to access. For other businesses, however, the Purple Line construction has created no noticeable im-
pacts. Cassidy Blauvelt, an employee of TLT Food, said most of their customers come from the offices around Westwood and UCLA. According to Blauvelt, TLT Food’s “foot central” location has helped business despite the increase in motor traffic — Blauvelt also believes the rise of electric scooters like Bird and Lime have helped keep Westwood accessible. Similarly, Jared Oh, an employee of SenSai Fresh Japanese Grill, has not noticed any lost business due to Purple Line construction. Oh
explained that in the 12 years he has worked in Westwood, traffic has always been an issue, but Purple Line construction hasn’t changed anything. Oh also explained that most of the construction work happens at times of the day when traffic is lighter. Construction on the Westwood portion of the Purple Line is slated to be finished by 2026. The entire project, which ends with a terminal on the West LA VA campus, is estimated to be complete by 2027.
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ORIGINALLY PRINTED: June 28, 2019
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Century City Restaurants Make Micheline Guide
Three LA restaurants earn prestigious recommendations By Kerry Slater
The inaugural Michelin Guide California is officially out, blessing California residents with the first ever statewide ranking from the prestigious guide. 657 restaurants received recommendations, 90 of which were ranked with Michelin stars. Since the early 20th century, the Michelin guide has evolved into one of the most trusted sources for travelers and foodies both near and afar. Over time, the revered guide grew to reflect different trends in dining but continued to rely on the five criteria used by inspectors for its consistent rankings. Needless to say, it’s an exciting time for California foodies. According to Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, “Michelin is honored to reveal the 2019- star selection and to celebrate the talented California chefs and their teams included in the first statewide Guide in the U.S.” Poullennec added, “California’s trendsetting, laid-back and health-conscious culinary scene continues to boom, and as a result is an amazing showcase for the great local produce.” For the first time in nearly a decade, the City of Angels has made its grand return to the guide with 24 Michelin ranked restaurants. While no Century
Photos: Courtesy.
Spaghetti Vongole with Manila Clams at Nerano.
City or Westwood restaurant earned a star, several earned prestigious Michelin recommendations. Nerano 9960 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90212 http://www.neranobh.com/ Nerano, an Italian seafood-friendly restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard earned high praise from the Michelin critics for both their top-notch food and competent service. “Nerano is LA’s perfect spot for anyone craving honest, well-sourced and always-delicious food that strives to master the bounty of Campania,” reads the Michelin review, which highlighted the restaurant’s spaghetti alle vongole and torta della nonna.
Simplicity at its finest at Hinoki & the Bird.
Mouth-watering Sichuan offerings at Meizhou Dongpo
Hinoki & the Bird 10 W. Century Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90067 http://www.hinokiandthebird.com/ Most Angelenos may have never heard about Hinoki & the Bird, a modern Japanese restaurant tucked inside the Century Woods complex, but after reading the words of Michelin critics, this may change. “Highlights include a tranche of pristine white sea bass in a complex duck broth, surrounded by gently wilted greens. A wonderful rendition of black pepper-crab rice foregoes authenticity by adding tart pickled eggplant for a lovely balance of salty, sweet and spicy flavors,” said the reviewer of this restaurant anchored by a long cedar bar and open kitchen.
Meizhou Dongpo 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90001 When people think of fine-dining at Westfield Century City, Eataly may be the first thing to come to mind, not Meizhou Dongpo, a Sichuan restaurant ticked into the mall that earned a Michelin recommendation. “Each dish is described and prepared with professionalism and care. Some, like the whole pork hock lodged in a sea of red chili oil, may be humble pleasures but are served with refinement, as the server pulls the tender flesh from the bone tableside for the guests,” reads the review, which also highlighted Meizhou Dongpo’s dan dan noodles and fish filet.
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ORIGINALLY PRINTED: October 18, 2019
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Westwood Most Expensive Place to Rent in CA 90024 fourth most expensive ZIP code in the United States.
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Mirror Media Group Publisher: T.J. Montemer tj@smmirror.com 310.310.2637 ext. 107
By S am C atanzaro For the second year in a row, Westwood is the most expensive place to rent an apartment in California and the most expensive place to rent in the United States outside of New York City. According to a recent study from RentCafe, renters in Westwood’s 90024 ZIP code pay on average $,4944 a month, a 4.1 percent increase from last year. This makes Westwood the most fourth most expensive place to rent in the United States, behind three Manhattan ZIP codes. Boston is the only city outside of California and New York to make the top 50 list, with four ZIP Codes. The rent study used July data from Yardi Matrix to analyze the rent of around 15 million apartments of all sizes in over 130 U.S. markets. Other Westside neighborhoods to make
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Executive Editor: Sam Catanzaro editor@smmirror.com 310.310.2637 ext. 103 Production Manger: Amy Patton Editor-at-Large: Beverly Cohn Advertising VP of Sales: Judy Swartz judy@smmirror.com 310.310.2637, ext. 102 Business Manager: Max Montemer Distribution: distribution@mirrormediagroupla.com
UCLA’s Triangle Fraternity on Landfair Avenue in Westwood.
the top 50 include Culver City’s 90232 ZIP Code at $4,118, Marina del Rey’s 90292 ZIP Code at $3,804, Santa Monica’s 90401 ZIP Code at $3,787 and Playa Vista’s 90094
Photo: UCLA.
ZIP Code at $3,735. Read the full study here: https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/ americas-most-expensive-zip-codes-2019/
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CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS
DEC. 27, 2019 – JAN. 9, 2020
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ORIGINALLY PRINTED: November 29, 2019
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A16 is Closing After 57 Years in the Westside Liquidation sale to begin Nov. 29 By Chad Winthrop Adventure 16, perhaps best known by its outdoor active customers as A16, announced Friday that the 57-year-old company plans to close its remaining two stores in West Los Angeles and San Diego. A16, one of the oldest companies in the outdoor industry, was started in a garage in La Mesa, CA in 1962 by members of a Boy Scout Explorer Post who were passionate about high adventure. Some of the adult advisors were aerospace engineers working at local aircraft plants Rohr and Convair and were also avid
backpackers. Using state of the art aircraft-grade aluminum alloy tubing and other high-tech materials of the time, they invented and manufactured lightweight, high-quality backpacking equipment that helped revolutionize and vitalize the sport. Although the company started as a manufacturer, by the mid-2000s the employee-owned company operated seven stores, an online store, a wholesale distribution business, a guide service and its own non-profit, Donate-A-Pack Foundation. A16’s CEO, John D. Mead, who has been with the company since 1970 had this to say about the 57-year run. “We’re proud to be employee-owned and to have run a Foundation, that with the help of our customers, put tens of thousands of pieces of gear into the hands and
onto the backs of adventurous underserved youth throughout Southern California. So we’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, made a lot of friends, and hopefully we did some good along the trail. It’s certainly been an enjoyable and rewarding journey and a great run in the sun. But times change. It’s no secret that our style of retailing is under intense pressure. Big box and online shopping, including direct selling from manufacturers, is on a steady rise and continues to outpace traditional specialty stores like A16. We’ve fought the good fight and now it’s time for us to strike camp and move on.” The “Going Out of Business Sale” on Friday, November 29 marks the start of an approximate one-month liquidation that will include the extensive inventory of mid- to
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high-end outdoor equipment and clothing. Beginning a week later, on Saturday, December 7, the company will begin liquidating its rental gear and its store fixturing, including a large collection of vintage and antique props. Mead adds, “We’ll throw in the kitchen sink, if someone wants to buy it! We’re determined to make the best of a sad situation. So expect to see us working hard with our heads held high, serving our customers and still making new friends with smiles on our faces, right up until the end.” Both mountain shops will be closed Monday, November 25 through Thanksgiving Day to prepare for their Going Out of Business Sale beginning on Black Friday.
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CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS
DEC. 27, 2019 – JAN. 9, 2020
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