WWW.BEVERLYPRESS.COM INSIDE • Median maintenance Partly cloudy, completed. pg. 3 with temps • Have a Happy around 70º Hanukkah. pg. 4

Volume 20 No. 48 Serving the West Hollywood, Hancock Park and Wilshire Communities December 2, 2010 Local Schools Feel the Pain of Job Cuts Superheroes Allowed Back n 4,700 Support Staff Members are Laid Off on Hollywood Boulevard n Court Issues Injunction Permitting the BY EDWIN FOLVEN Costumed Characters to Return uesday was the last day on the job for approximately BY RAFAEL GUERRERO “Catwoman” Beithan and Paul T4,700 Los Angeles Unified “The Joker” Herrell are all listed as School District (LAUSD) t is now safe for superheroes to defendants in the lawsuit, which is employees who were laid off or walk the streets of Hollywood aimed at putting an end to the transferred in the latest round of Iagain. The Los Angeles arrests of street performers dressed district budget cuts. Superior Court issued a preliminary as superheroes on Hollywood Approximately 150 of the injunction in a lawsuit filed against Boulevard. workers and their supporters the City of Los Angeles by some of “The injunction] states the police demonstrated outside LAUSD the costumed characters. are not to enforce certain sections headquarters Tuesday evening to Matt “Wolverine” Balke, Terrell of the municipal code unless they protest the budget cuts and lay- “Batman” Tomey, Melissa See Characters page 22 offs, and demand that the district find other ways to retain employ- ees. The workers who lost their jobs were classified employees, including secretaries, plant man- agers, custodians and cafeteria workers. They are among 6,100 district employees, including teachers, who have either lost their jobs or been transferred since June. At Fairfax High School, the lay- offs included eight clerks, half of the current clerical staff. The loss means school officials will have to consolidate several offices. The effects of the changes will be sig- nificant to students, according to principal Ed Zubiate. “It is having a tremendous impact on our school,” Zubiate photo by Edwin Folven said. “It’s always a struggle to get Demonstrators called for an end to job cuts at a protest outside LAUSD See Demonstrators page 20 headquarters Tuesday. photo by Rafael Guerrero Some of the costumed characters on Hollywood Boulevard spoke with Fifth Arson Probed at La Brea Building police Tuesday about the new rules. n Fires Have Been Three Arrests Bring Crime Occurring Since October Sprees to an End n Incidents in WeHo Catarino A. Gomez, 41, was BY EDWIN FOLVEN arrested on Nov. 18 after he Involved Robberies and allegedly robbed a victim at gun- rson investigators with the Commercial Burglaries point who was sitting in a vehicle Los Angeles Fire in a carport in the 900 block of Department are looking into A BY EDWIN FOLVEN Phyllis Avenue around 12:30 a.m. the fifth blaze that has erupted in a Del Mese said the suspect fled the building in the 800 block of South La heriff’s deputies in West scene, but was found hiding in Brea Avenue, the latest of which Hollywood made three some bushes a short distance occurred Tuesday morning. Officials Sarrests recently that ended a away. believe the latest fire is connected series of street robberies and busi- “The victim didn’t have any with four previous incidents that ness burglaries that occurred in cash, so all the suspect took was a have occurred since Oct. 17. November. driver’s license and a cell phone,” LAFD detective Tim Crass said One suspect was arrested for Del Mese said. “A witness called the fires were arson, but could not two armed robberies, while two police and told us where he was provide many details because of the photo by Edwin Folven other suspects were taken into hiding, and we located the sus- ongoing investigation. The fire custody for unrelated business pect.” Tuesday caused heavy damage to Firefighters quickly extinguished a blaze that erupted Tuesday at 816 S. La Brea Ave. break-ins. All three of the sus- Del Mese said deputies found the southern portion of the four- pects are currently in custody the victim’s stolen property in unit, two-story building at 816 N. awaiting court proceedings, Gomez’s possession, as well as a La Brea Ave. Crass said the fire smashed a window and threw Humphrey said the incident on according to Lt. Lawrence Del pellet gun he allegedly used in the started inside a unit that was previ- something inside that started the Tuesday was reported around 7:50 Mese, with the West Hollywood robbery. Authorities also found ously occupied by L & A Printing, fire. A damage estimate was not a.m. by someone driving on La Sheriff’s Station. items stolen from a previous and was either caused by someone available. Brea Avenue. Humphrey said The suspect in the robberies, See Arrests page 21 who entered the building or LAFD spokesman Brian See Fires page 22 (&&43(("&2"  (&&43(("  #)2%!#  )10 333 $(&&43(("1(4(1 !(' 2 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

2 Holiday Fundraiser p.m. at 503 N. Croft Ave. aks Fifth Avenue and Miss Lilly’s Calendar Representatives from several magnet STrading Company, which pro- schools, charter and private schools, vides seniors with food for their pets and a representative from the LAUSD through a portion of its baked goods will be held at the NCJW/LA head- magnet office, will be available to proceeds, will host an evening of quarters parking lot, 543 N. Fairfax answer questions. For information, cocktails, entertainment and shopping Ave. For information, call (323)852- call (323)651-0166, or visit to benefit St. Vincent Meals on 8515, or visit www.ncjwla.org. www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Rosewood_EL. Wheels on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Ten percent of storewide sales Japanese Art 7 Medicare Seminar will be donated to St. Vincent Meals he Los Angeles County Museum lympia Medical Center presents on Wheels to help provide home- Tof Art presents the 23rd annual Oa seminar titled “Making Sense delivered meals to more than 3,000 “Michele Berton Memorial Lecture of Medicare” on Tuesday, Dec. 7 from homebound seniors. Saks Fifth on Japanese Art” on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 to 4 p.m. Participants will learn Avenue Beverly Hills is located at 3:30 p.m. The lecture is titled about the new benefits mandated by 9634 Wilshire Blvd. For information “Japanese Modern Art in the World: changes in Medicare, and the new and to RSVP, call (213)382-8474, or Global Modernism from a Local rules in the Health Care Reform Bill. email bebe@misslillystradingcompa- Perspective” and will explore key The seminar will be held in Olympia ny.com. periods in the Japanese modern art Medical Center’s Pavilion Conference movement. Alicia Volk, assistant pro- Center, 5900 W. Olympic Blvd. For Rock ‘n’ Roll Photos fessor of Japanese Art History at the information, contact Lorna Price at photo exhibit titled “Wilde University of Maryland, will focus on (323)932-5102. AImages: Rock & Egg Roll” will oil painter Yorozu Tetsugor. The free run from Thursday, Dec. 2 through lecture will be held in the Museum’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Jan. 2 at Palihouse West Hollywood, Brown Auditorium. Reservations required. For information, call Memoirs 8465 Holloway Dr. An opening recep- he Grammy Museum presents tion will be held on Dec. 2 from 7 to (323)857-6565, or visit www.lacma.org. T“Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir 10 p.m. For information, visit of the ‘60s and Beyond” on Tuesday, www.palihouse.com. Hanukkah Concert Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. Asher, a record pro- Hanukkah concert with music in ducer, artist manager and musician 3 Book Sale AHebrew, Russian and Yiddish who was part of the British musical he Friends of the John C. will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 duo of Peter & Gordon, will discuss TFremont Library is holding its p.m. at 824 N. Orange Dr. The perfor- some of the 1960’s biggest icons, holiday book sale on Friday, Dec. 3 mance will feature soloist Elen including Mick Jagger, John Lennon, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Avanes, and will include the tradition- Marianne Faithful, James Taylor and Dec. 4 from noon to 5 p.m. The sale al prayer and lighting of the Hanukkah more. The Grammy Museum is locat- will include a special section of holi- candles. Refreshments will be served; ed at L.A. LIVE, 800 W. Olympic day books, as well as cookbooks, chil- tickets are $30. For information and Blvd., Suite A245. Tickets are $15. photo courtesy of WAHA dren’s stories, comedy books and reservations, call (323)356-4830, or e- For information and tickets, call The West Adams Heritage Association (WAHA) presents its annual more. The John C. Fremont Library is mail to vovanswanlake@hot- (800)745-3000, or visit www.ticket- “Holiday Historic Homes Tour and Progressive Dinner” on Saturday and located at 6121 Melrose Ave. For mail.com. master.com. Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5. The event offers an opportunity to dine in some information, call (323)962-3521. of the finest homes in historic West Adams District. Seven of the grand Radio Theatre manors of Westmoreland and Hobart Boulevards, all decorated for the 6 Visit With Santa .A. Theatre Works will record 4 Music in holidays, will be open to visitors. The manors were built more than a cen- athedral Chapel School invites Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation tury ago in one of the cityʼs most exclusive neighborhoods, and were families with preschoolers to L Historic Sites C of “The Graduate” during five perfor- previously home to business leaders, real estate investors, descendants “Breakfast With Santa” on Monday, a Camera Society presents an mances running Wednesday, Dec. 8 of Californiaʼs pioneer families, and musical stars. A tour will take partic- Dec. 6 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. The Dinstallation of its “Music in through 12 at the Skirball Cultural ipants from house to house, and different courses of the meal will be event will allow parents to obtain Historic Sites” series with a perfor- Center, 2710 N. Sepulveda Blvd. served at each residence. The tour with dinner is $85, and there is also information about the school, located mance by the vocal ensemble, Kathleen Turner and Matthew Rhys a self-guided walking tour on Dec. 5 for $30. For information and reser- at 755 S. Cochran Ave. Parking will Tapestry, on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. will reprise the roles they created in vations, call (323)732-4223, or visit www.WestAdamsHeritage.org. be available in the school yard off 8th in St. Basil Catholic Church, 3611 the original production, and the cast Street. RSVP requested by Dec. 3 to Wilshire Blvd. Tapestry celebrates the will also feature Bruce Davison, John (323)938-9976, or visit www.cathe- holidays with a program of ancient tion, call (213)477-2929, or visit its annual free clothing giveaway on Getz and Tom Virtue. The show will dralchapelschool.org. and modern works, and the perfor- www.DaCamera.org. Sunday, Dec. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to be included on the L.A. Theatre mance includes “The Nine Orders of 12:30 p.m. Visitors can select from Works radio theater series, which airs the Angels” by Patricia Van Ness, and thousands of clothing items and books Middle School Fair on KPCC 89.3 every Saturday from the Southern California premiere of 5 Clothing Giveaway for men, women and children. The osewood Elementary School is 10 p.m. to midnight. For information, “The White Rooster” by Sheila Silver. he National Council of Jewish event will also include information Rholding its Middle School Fair call (310)827-0889, or visit Tickets are $35 to $43. For informa- TWomen/ Los Angeles is holding booths by local service providers, and on Monday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 8:30 www.latw.org. CChuck’shuck’s AutoAuto && DDreareamm MMaachichinenes,s, IInnc.c. Cathedral Chapel School Complete Automotive Service - We Do It All! 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• Classroom Internet Access “Welcome to the • Lube & Oil • Apple Mac Computer Lab • Air Conditioning w/ Internet Access 2010-2011 • Wheel Alignment • Honors Math Program school year!” • Spanish Program • Music Program Ms. Bravo • CV Boots • Departmentalized Junior High • Timing Belts • Extended Day Care • Water Pumps • CYO Sports • Lunch Service Classic Ford • Foreign & Domestic • Outreach Concern Counseling Program • All Years, Makes & Models • Fully Accredited by WASC and WCEA Mustangs 1965-1970 • Latest Computerized Diagnostic Services • Computerized Customer Service Files Call for information: Sales & Serving the (323)938-9976 Restoration 105 South Fairfax Ave. at 1st St. Fairfax District www.cathedralchapelschool.org (323)931-1481 • (323)936-6141 for 50 Years Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 3 December 2, 2010 Maintenance Moves Forward on Medians WeHo Honors Advisory n San Vicente Blvd. is foliage in the medians along San ago, however, the medians were Vicente Boulevard. “And I’m six- back to their clean-cut appearance, Boards and Commissions the Latest to Have foot-two, so my knees are relative- with San Vicente Boulevard being Work Completed ly high.” the latest to be trimmed. Overgrown grass and bushes on The changes came thanks to BY GREG WAGNER the medians running down actions by several local city coun- Highland Avenue, Burton Way and cilmembers, including Tom id City West Council Chair San Vicente Boulevards became a LaBonge, 4th District, Paul Koretz, MJeff Jacobberger is a tall man, problem last summer when the city 5th District, and Herb Wesson Jr., and that’s why he knew there was a cut back on maintenance in some 10th District. The councilmembers problem in the neighborhood. areas because of budget cuts. The pooled money from their individual “The grass was more than knee overgrown grass and shrubs had council accounts to pay for a land- deep,” Jacobberger said of the residents appalled. A few weeks scape crew to trim the affected medians. “The constituents were upset in all these districts and understand- ably so,” said Ed Johnson, assistant chief deputy for Wesson. “It needed to be done and there was no other money to do it, so that’s why they [pooled their funds].” The plants on the medians had grown so high because the city’s budget deficit eliminated funding photo courtesy of Richard Settle for their upkeep. The city of Los The City of West Hollywood held its 7th annual Congress of Angeles is divided into four quad- Commission and Advisory Boards on Nov. 29 as the culmination of rants under the Bureau of Street a year-long celebration of the cityʼs 25th anniversary. The West Services, which generally takes Hollywood City Council held the event to recognize the individuals care of the medians. Three of the who volunteer their time and effort to city advisory boards and com- quadrants receive city budget fund- missions. ing to pay for private maintenance contracts, while the fourth is to be kept up by city workers. That pub- licly supported quadrant rotates Napkin Program Warns Against each year and, this fiscal year, the area north of Santa Monica (10) Freeway was the outlier. Because Holiday Drunk Driving of the budget shortfall, city person- he City of West Hollywood is clubs and restaurants on the Sunset nel positions were eliminated, and Tholding its annual “Don’t Drink Strip and Santa Monica Boulevard workers who would have normally and Drive” cocktail napkin distribu- to distribute “Don’t Drink and trimmed the medians were no tion on Thursday, Dec. 9 to remind Drive” cocktail napkins. longer available. people about the dangers of drinking The program, which is in its 13th “So the grass kept growing,” and driving during the holidays. year, urges patrons to take a taxi or Jacobberger said. According to the Centers for use a designated driver if they have Some councilmembers — such Disease Control and Prevention, been out drinking. The napkins will as LaBonge — tackled the problem someone in the United States is also remind patrons that the before others. Once all the affected killed in an alcohol-related motor Sheriff’s Deputies are watching council districts combined their vehicle crash every 31 minutes. closely for drunk drivers. resources and completed a public Members of the West Hollywood Additionally, the group will be dis- bidding process, the company, City Council, West Hollywood tributing pledge cards that contain TruGreen, was selected and went to Sheriff’s Station Capt. Kelley information about the Auto Club’s work on the overgrown foliage. Fraser, and deputies from the station free “Tipsy Tow” program, where “In terms of a level of pride, it will come together at the House of intoxicated drivers can have their photo by Ian Lovett was so depressing to drive through Blues on the Sunset Strip at 7 p.m. vehicle towed to a residence from 6 The grassy median on Highland Avenue was one of the first to be a city where things look unkempt,” to launch the program. The group, p.m. on Dec. 31 through 11:59 p.m. trimmed after local city council representatives worked to find money for according to Carolyn Ramsey, a accompanied by volunteers, will on Jan. 1. Call (323)848-6414, or landscaping services. See Medians page 21 then walk to numerous bars, night- visit www.weho.org. Rep.-Elect Bass Attends Federal Leadership Conference ep.-elect Karen Bass (D-CA) Rrecently joined 27 other new members of Congress from states across the country at the Institute of Politics (IOP), located at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, for a bipartisan conference on leadership in Congress. “As new members of Congress, we have a responsibility to serve our communities to the best of our abil- ities,” Bass said. “Getting our econ- omy moving forward again and fighting on behalf of our working families will require a renewed sense of cooperation that is the responsibility of all new members of Congress from both parties. We have a duty to lead.” The 19th annual Bipartisan Program for Newly Elected Members of Congress will run through Dec. 3.Topics will include the economy and sessions on the federal budget, education, energy, foreign policy, communications and navigating the legislative process. 4 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Comedy Icon Remembered LAPD Chief Thousands Celebrate on Walk of Fame Beck Opposes Christmas in Hollywood Changes in Police Hiring

os Angeles Police Chief Charlie LBeck is opposing a plan by the Police Protective League to tem- porarily halt the hiring of new police officers, and allow the LAPD to use the $2 million in savings to hire civilian employees. Beck said significant declines in crime have occurred over the last nine years because of a steady increase in sworn officers. During the rest of this fiscal year, the LAPD will save the city $40 million dollars photo courtesy of Steve Moyer by not paying officers cash over- os Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, and his time, and $10 million on civilian fur- Lfamily were featured guests at the Hollywood Christmas Parade loughs. The additional $2 million held on Nov. 28. Approximately 55,000 people lined Hollywood the city would save by not hiring any Boulevard, Vine Street and Sunset Boulevard to watch the parade, more officers through the rest of the according to Capt. Beatrice Girmala, commanding officer for the fiscal year will not make enough of LAPD’s Hollywood Division. People who missed the parade can still a difference to outweigh the risk of view the event on the Hallmark Channel on Friday, Dec. 10 from 8 to discontinuing hiring of new officers, 10 a.m.; and on the Hallmark Movie Channel on Dec. 10 from 8 to 10 according to Beck. p.m.; and on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 8 to 10 p.m. KTLA-TV will It currently takes an average of also broadcast the parade on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 from 8 to 10 p.m. one year for an applicant to get For information, visit www.TheHollywoodChristmasParade.com. through the hiring process to be cer- tified to enter the LAPD Academy, and it takes another six months to complete the academy training. If hiring is stopped, it could take sever- al years to recruit a new pool of applicants to be able to hire a full- size academy class on a regular photo by Edwin Folven basis, Beck added. After police hir- lowers were placed Monday at the Hollywood Walk of Fame star ing was slowed during fiscal year Fof actor and comedian Leslie Nielsen, who died on Sunday at age 2003-2004, it took approximately 84 from complications of pneumonia. Nielsen was well known for nine months and $3 million dollars comedic roles in films such as the “Naked Gun” and “Airplane!”, but to recruit enough viable candidates enjoyed a long career in both serious and funny roles in film and tele- to hire full-size LAPD Academy vision. During the 1960 and ‘70s, he made guest appearances on classes every deployment period. numerous television shows, including “The Untouchables”, “Alfred “The LAPD has proven that if Hitchcock Presents”, “Columbo”, “The Fugitive” and “M.A.S.H.” allowed to replace officers who and “Kung Fu”. Prior to the “Naked Gun” series, Nielsen appeared leave or retire, we are a department as Det. Frank Drebin in a television show similar to the film titled that can reduce crime by policing “Police Squad”. Some of his later film appearances were in “Music fairly and effectively, while creating Within”, “Wrongfully Accused” and the “Superhero Movie”. His star public trust and cooperation,” Beck is located at 6541 Hollywood Blvd. said. Have a Happy Hanukkah School District at the Farmers Market Gets Grants to Boost Achievement

he Los Angeles Unified School TDistrict (LAUSD) will be receiving $3 million in grants for programs designed to boost student achievement. The LAUSD alloca- tion is part of $36 million in Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) competitive grants, being awarded through the California Department of Education. “These grants will help schools use data effectively to improve stu- dent achievement and close the achievement gap,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said. “With the state budget crisis continuing, our cash- strapped schools desperately need these funds as soon as possible so photo courtesy of the Original Farmers Market they can use education data and The Original Farmers Market, corner of 3rd and Fairfax, is holding a technology to better prepare stu- traditional Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 2:30 to 5 dents for college or careers.” p.m. The event will include a menorah lighting ceremony at 4:30 The grants are being provided p.m., arts and crafts, music, food and activities for children. The cer- through the federal American emony is being held in conjunction with the Chabad of the Miracle Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Mile. Children can participate in building a Lego menorah, and make The funds will be used by schools to pop-up Hanukkah cards. The Groovy David and Friendʼs Hanukkah acquire data to improve high school Show will also be included. The Original Farmers Market is located graduation rates and promote stu- at 6333 W. 3rd St. For information, call (323)933-9211, or visit dent readiness for college and www.farmersmarketla.com. careers. For information, visit www.cde.ca.gov.

6 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Witherspoon Gets Star New Parks to Be Built Using Prop. 84 Funding even new Los Angeles area these smaller, neighborhood- Wall Park, which will be devel- Sparks will be built with $29.1 scaled parks.” oped on a seven-acre former Treatment in Hollywood million in state funding being Additional parks include the industrial site in the Ascot Place awarded to the Community Midway Zocalo Park, which will neighborhood of South Los Redevelopment Agency of the expand Lafayette Park in Angeles; and the Vermont Median City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA). Westlake and will include a cen- Park, a 2.8-acre, 60-foot-wide One of the parks, which will be tral plaza, playground, play field, median park along Vermont known as the Wilshire picnic area and new landscaping. Avenue in South L.A. Center/Koreatown Central Park, Other facilities include the Nevin Work will begin on the park will be located at the site of a Avenue Elementary School Park, projects as soon as the CRA/LA vacant lot at 3670 Wilshire Blvd. which will be located in an indus- receives the state grant funding, The La Mirada Park will be creat- trial neighborhood just south of likely early next year. Each park ed on a .17-acre parcel at the downtown Los Angeles; the Ord project has its own construction northwest corner of LaMirada and & Yale Street Park, a .58-acre par- schedule, but the grant funding Serrano avenues in Hollywood. cel in Chinatown; the Slauson- must be used by 2017. Plans call for a decorative path, lawn, outdoor gathering space, play area, public art and native and seasonal learning garden. WeHo Hosts Benefit for The funding was made available from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Holiday Toy Program Grants and Local Services. CRA/LA’s share was the largest he City of West Hollywood dent craft designers from the awarded to any one agency Twill host its third annual local area, and includes jewelry, statewide. Proposition 84, a state “Craft Riot” on Saturday, Dec. 4 stationery, household items and bond act passed by California vot- from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fiesta other items. The event will also ers in 2006, provides funding for Hall at Plummer Park, 7377 include raffles, food, a booth new parks and other projects. Santa Monica Blvd. with items from members of the “The new parks will be located The event benefits the West Plummer Park Teen Center, in some of our most severely Hollywood Toy Drive, which and more. There will also be a under-invested and park-poor provides holiday gifts to West new collectibles area with toys, areas,” said CRA/LA CEO Hollywood area children who comics and cards. Admission is Christine Essel. “While are in need. The first 50 people $3. Angelenos appreciate our large in line will receive a bag of free For information, call parks like Griffith Park and items. Merchandise sold at the (323)848-6530, or visit Elysian Park, we desperately need event is handmade by indepen- www.weho.org.

photo by Tim Posada Actress Reese Witherspoon received the 2,425th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Dec. 1 at 6262 Hollywood Blvd. Witherspoon received the 2005 Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as June Carter Cash in the musical biopic, “Walk the Line”. She most recently starred as the giant, “Susan”, in the DreamWorks Animation film “Monsters vs. Aliens”. In 2008, she appeared with Vince Vaughn in “Four Christmases”, which she also produced. Other recent film credits include the “Rendition”, and Witherspoon can be seen in Columbia Picturesʼ “How Do You Know”, a comedy from director James L. Brooks that will be released on Dec. 17.  

        TASHMAN SCREENS & HARDWARE 7769 SANTA MONICA BL. • WEST HOLLYWOOD 323-656-7028 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 7 December 2, 2010 City Receives Local Seniors Group Competes Award for in Normandie Poker Tourney he Seniors Poker Group from Edwards, director of poker opera- Sunset Strip Tthe Claude Pepper Senior tions for the Normandie Casino. Center on La Cienega Boulevard Approximately 100 seniors were was recently hosted by the in attendance, and the event Beautification Normandie Casino in Gardena. included a seminar by poker The group included Michael Pak celebrity Richard Gary Burke, Project (left), Normandie Casino execu- columnist for Poker Player tive host; George Epstein, director Newspaper. The Normandie he City of West Hollywood has of the Seniors Poker Group; Jack Casino also arranged a surprise Tbeen chosen to receive a 2010 Collins, Seniors Poker Group birthday celebration for Detroit B.E.S.T. APWA Project of the Year coordinator and fifth-place win- Avenue resident George Epstein’s Award in Transportation from the ner in the Seniors Hold’em 84th birthday. For information on Southern California Chapter of the Tournament; Jesse Butler, sec- the Claude Pepper Seniors Poker American Public Works ond-place winner; Ross Howay, Group, e-mail to Association (APWA). The city first-place winner; and Tracy [email protected]. photo courtesy of Michael Pak received the award for its Sunset Strip Beautification Project, which recently transformed the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood with new landscaping and streetscape fea- tures. The Sunset Boulevard roadway had not been repaved since the County of Los Angeles replaced the original dirt road with concrete in the 1930s. Improvements included replacing the roadway surface with rubberized asphalt; upgrading traf- fic signals; repairing broken and damaged sidewalks and widening the public sidewalk at Sunset Plaza; and planting flowering trees at the west entrance to the city near Crescent Heights Boulevard. The project also involved creating sev- eral shade tree districts, and installing a new planted median at the west entrance to the city at Doheny Drive. The cost of the project was $5.4 million, and it was completed in August. The majority of the fund- ing — $4.3 million — came from the city’s capital improvement bud- get, and $1.1 million was funded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. APWA is the professional associa- tion of Public Works leaders throughout the U.S. and Canada. For information, call (323)848- 6457, or visit www.weho.org. WeHo Promotes Energy Saving Programs he City of West Hollywood is Tencouraging residents to partic- ipate in Energy Upgrade California, a statewide energy efficiency pro- gram that will begin in January. Energy Upgrade California will provide Los Angeles County home- owners with a single, uniform home retrofit program that includes state rebates, county rebates, poten- tial federal rebates, third-party incentives, workforce development programs, on-line application tools, local outreach activities, and financing alternatives. The Energy Upgrade California program in Los Angeles County will be the model for implementing the program throughout the rest of the state. The goal of program is to encour- age energy-efficiency retrofits of the existing buildings in Los Angeles County, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cre- ating construction jobs. Homeowners will have a choice of upgrade packages and options, from basic weatherization, insula- tion and sealing of their house, to installing energy efficient win- dows,and tankless water heaters. Call (877)78-LACEP, or visit www.lacountyenergyprogram.org. 8 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press ʻTangledʼ Braids Worthy Disney Princess Tale

ure, “Bolt” and “Meet the But hot on Flynn’s trail is a very SRobinsons” didn’t mark the committed horse, Maximus, who most stellar non-Pixar digital ani- wants nothing more than to see the mation flicks for Disney, but thief brought to justice – just imag- Mickey’s playhouse pulled off a ine a very dedicated dog but much solid effort with their first attempt larger and far more entertaining. at a digital princess story. Taking on What “Tangled” lacks in origi- the classic tale of Rapunzel, nality or engaging musical num- “Tangled” cap- bers, it makes up tures the Disney for with fantastic magic even if it all humor. The char- feels very, very acters who steal familiar. the show here Our almost-18 aren’t the humans blond with hair but Maximus and that can rival the Rapunzel’s pet photo courtesy of Disney Pictures length of any rock climbing rope, chameleon, neither of which have Cunning thief, Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), and Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) enjoy an evening together in Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been any voice actors attached to them. “Tangled”, Disney Pictureʼs reimagining of the classic tale. cooped up in her tower ever since Like “Wall-E”, the character is all she was kidnapped by Mother in movement over dialogue. The Gothel (Donna Murphy), who physicality of their roles feels just ber in a bar goes all out, borrowing could’ve been far richer characters, objects to aging gracefully, decid- like the mice in “Cinderella” or The characters the random humor that made “The settling for the same old clichés ing instead to keep the young Goofy and Pluto messing around who steal the Emperor’s New Groove” such a with only a touch of something woman hidden to harness a rare at the park. fantastic Disney film. However, new. power to take the wrinkles away Zachery Levi may be a newer show here while “Aladdin” took us on a magic I don’t mean to sound overly crit- (when Rapunzel sings, her hair face to film (I’m not counting the carpet ride and Belle and Beast ical, as I quite enjoyed the film, glows and whoever touches it is “Chipmunks” sequel), but he’s aren’t the danced around a great hall, there’s even some side-busting laughter at healed or made young). But isola- been a familiar and quite lovable only a few visually stunning times. I just don’t think it’s the best tion can’t keep the spirit of curiosi- television face as the lead on humans but moments here. Disney can do, nor does it even ty down as Rapunzel desires to see “Chuck”, the action comedy series Maximus and In one beautiful song, the char- come close to the caliber of other the outside world. about a nerd at an entertainment acters aren’t even shown singing animated features from this year. Cue Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), store who inadvertently becomes a Rapunzel’s pet until midway through. Each time a Still, it’s definitely better than last the kingdom’s most notorious thief, spy. It’s easy to hear his unique pro- song began, it felt like the storyline year’s “The Frog and the Princess”, who chooses the wrong (or perhaps nunciation as the voice of Flynn, chameleon. was placed on hold, turning each which did little more than remind very right) tower to hide in. When but it’s just too charming to criti- one into a narrative nuisance rather us how ill-equipped Disney is at our sheltered princess hides the cize. Plus, his role as film narrator than pivotal to the plot. addressing racial issues without stolen bounty, Flynn has no choice is a nice touch that provides a few With much to love here, If you were excited to see this succumbing to the trappings of car- but to give in to her demands and good laughs and some stylistic “Tangled” is still far from the one because of the teaser trailer icatures. guide her through the real world. finesse. Disney greats. The songs feel out of where Rapunzel attacks Flynn with “Tangled” is an adorable addi- place. Mandy Moore holds pitch her long locks, you’ll be rather dis- tion to the princess films in the well enough, but (much like her old appointed (as I was), since that Disney Vault. There’s enough albums) there’s not much going on scene didn’t make the final cut. The humor here to keep any child in here. The lyrics are just OK and the teaser portrayed our leading lady as awe and plenty of wit and adven- choreography leans towards regular more than just a damsel in distress, ture to make every adult a little camera movements. Only one num- but the story backtracks on what more childlike.

photo courtesy of Disney Pictures Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), helps Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) carry around her excessive hair in Disney Pictureʼs “Tangled”.

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LAUSD Leaders Recognized Blessed Sacrament School Holds Open House lessed Sacrament School in like all Jesuit-sponsored schools, increased its afterschool pro- at Educator Awards Dinner BHollywood is inviting neigh- is committed to academic excel- grams to engage students in a bors and parents to visit the his- lence.” wide range of activities, from a hree leaders in education in the administrator, and coordinator and toric campus during an open The pre-kindergarten through chess club to soccer. TLos Angeles Unified School director of professional develop- house on Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 10 8th grade school recently added a Blessed Sacrament School is District (LAUSD) were recently ment. The awards dinner was spon- am to noon. separate preschool for three to located at 6641 Sunset Blvd., adja- recognized for their leadership and sored by Friends of the Charter “We’re delighted to be able to five-year-old children. Blessed cent to the Blessed Sacrament service at the 21st annual College of Education, a group of show off our school and demon- Sacrament School maintains Church. Distinguished Educator Award alumni, educators and community strate how classes work at this small class sizes, which guaran- For information, call (323)467- Dinner on Nov. 19. members who support student special school,” principal Suzanne tee personal attention for every 4177 or visit www.schoolblessed The honorees included Michelle scholarships. Patterson-Jones said. “Our school, student. The school has also sacrament.org. King, chief of staff for the Los Angeles Unified School District; Linda Del Cueto, superintendent of Local District 1 for the LAUSD; and Lawrence H. Moore, a retired school administrator for the LAUSD and an adjunct professor at California State University, Northridge. “I want to congratulate these extraordinary leaders for the work that they do every day on behalf of our students, our parents and families, our district, and the communities we serve,” LAUSD superintendent Ramon C. Cortines said. “They are the unsung heroes who work tireless- ly to ensure our success as a dis- trict. I am pleased that they are getting the recognition that they rightfully deserve.” King serves as a top advisor for Cortines and helps implement dis- trict initiatives and policies. Prior to her current position, she has served in several leadership roles including interim chief instructional officer for secondary education, deputy chief instructional officer, and assistant superintendent of health and human services. Del Cueto has served as superin- tendent of Local District 1 since July, and has previously worked in several leadership positions, includ- ing as a school principal, district chief negotiator for collective bar- gaining, staff relations officer, and field director. She was also previ- ously superintendent of LAUSD Local District 8. Moore served in numerous capacities within the LAUSD before his retirement. In addition to his roles as an elementary teacher, special education teacher, adult education teacher, vice principal and principal, he worked as the director of instruction, a cluster Avenues of Art & Design Prepares for Holiday Celebration he Avenues of Art & Design, a TBusiness Improvement District in West Hollywood, is holding the third annual “Holiday Walk On The Avenues” on Friday, Dec. 10 beginning at 6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 11 beginning at noon. The events will include special discounts, hors d’ouevres, bever- ages and gifts at participating busi- nesses, as well as holiday decora- tions, lights, music, carolers, and Santa roaming the district. The Avenues of Art & Design is located along Melrose Avenue, Robertson Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard in the City of West Hollywood and features many fashion, interior design and art out- lets, as well as several restaurants. The Pacific Design Center is the district’s anchor. For information, visit www.avenuesartdesign.com.

Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 11 December 2, 2010 L.A. Zoo ADOPT Program Helps Endangered Species he Greater Los Angeles Zoo meerkats, snow leopards, hippos, TAssociation’s (GLAZA) is jaguars, Komodo dragons, and launching its annual holiday Animals California condors. Depend on People Too (ADOPT) “ADOPT is one of our most well- program, which raises money to sup- liked fund-raising programs,” said port endangered species and wildlife Connie Morgan, president of GLAZA. around the world. “This holiday season, ADOPT is Recipients can become an adop- expanding to offer a special gift oppor- tive parent to a different Los tunity for the holidays or any occasion Angeles Zoo animal for a month or in varying price ranges, with proceeds the entire year. The tax-deductible from the ADOPT program supporting gift package begins with a desk cal- endangered species programs at the endar featuring photos of the top 12 Los Angeles Zoo and throughout the adopted animals, and continues world.” throughout the year each month with GLAZA funds Los Angeles Zoo a personalized certificate and photo exhibits, conservation, capital pro- fact sheet for the different animals. jects, and education and community The top 12 most adopted L.A. Zoo outreach programs. For information, animals are elephants, koalas, tigers, call (323)644-6035, or visit giraffes, gorillas, orangutans, www.lazoo.org/support/adopt.

photo courtesy of KCCLA Photographs like the one picture, taken by Gachilbong Nanda, will appear in the “On the Line” exhibition Choraliers to Perform at Grace Lutheran on the Korean War. he Choraliers”, a 30-member of Santa Monica, 1220 2nd St. The “Tchoral group that was formed performance includes holiday in 1987, will perform holiday con- favorites, solos, a sing-a-long and certs on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. reception. Admission is free; donation KCCLA Reflects on Korean War with New Exhibit at the Grace Lutheran Church, 4427 accepted. For information, visit he Korean Cultural Center, the Korean War on June 25, 1950, monochrome to recent digital Overland Ave., and on Dec. 12 at 6 www.facebook.com/pages/The- TLos Angeles (KCCLA) and and explores the meaning of the composites, represent the artists’ p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Choraliers. the Ministry of National Defense present boundary between North own views of different time peri- of the Republic of Korea will host and South Korea, and its impact ods. The participating artists a commemoration of the 60th on the countries’ history, society include Seung Woo Back, anniversary of the Korean War and culture. Kwangho Choi, Myung Duck WCIL’s Annual ‘Literary Tea’ running Friday, Dec. 3 through Specifically, the exhibition Joo, Woon Gu Kang, Myung 23. explores the boundaries the war Keun Koh, Bohnchang Koo, Gap- Features Actor Robert Wagner The commemoration includes has caused between the past and chul Lee, Nanda, Hein-Kuhn Oh, an exhibition titled “On the present, pain and beauty, division and Seoung Won Won. Line”, featuring photographs by and unification, isolation and har- The Korean Cultural Center is 10 Korean photographers. “On mony, and the Korean peninsula located at 5505 Wilshire Blvd. The Line” marks the 60th and the world. The diverse styles For information, call (323)936- anniversary of the beginning of of photographs, from traditional 3014, or visit www.kccla.org.

Fairfax, Marshall Music Awards Deadline Extended he Music Center has next spring. Entrants compete Alums Graduate Textended the deadline for for a prize scholarship of applications in the Visual Arts $5,000 and a second prize from Armed categories for the 23rd Annual scholarship of Music Center Spotlight $4,000. Honorable mentions Awards. Visual Arts applica- receive $250 scholarships, and Forces Training tions must be received online semi-finalists receive $100 wo local residents recently or postmarked by no later than scholarships. Tgraduated from armed forces Wednesday, December 8. The Music Center Spotlight training programs, including Air There are two Visual Arts cate- Awards program is one of the Force Reserve Airman Luis A. gories in the Spotlight Awards, nation’s most acclaimed per- Brown, a 2008 graduate of John including photography forming and visual arts educa- Marshall High School; and Army (black/white, color and digital), tion programs for teens, offer- National Guard Pvt. Joseph E. Oh, a and two-dimensional art ing training in the arts and 2010 graduate of Fairfax High (works of art with height and awarding more than $100,000 width but no depth, using in scholarships annually to School. photo courtesy of Star Black drawing, painting, computer finalists, semi-finalists and Brown graduated from basic mil- The Westside Center for Independent Living Associates presents its itary training at Lackland Air Force generated or mixed media). other participants. The pro- All Spotlight Awards Visual gram is free and open to all stu- annual “Literary Tea” with guest speaker, actor Robert Wagner, on Base in San Antonio, Texas. The Thursday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at a private home in Beverly Hills. Wagner will airman completed an intensive, Arts participants will be invited dents attending high school in discuss and sign copies of his New York Times bestselling autobiogra- eight-week program that included to attend master classes and Los Angeles County. training in military discipline and museum tours. Work by semi- For information, e-mail to spot- phy, “Pieces of My Heart – A Life”. Tickets are $75, and benefit the studies and Air Force core values. finalists will be showcased in a [email protected], or visit Westside Center for Independent Living. For tickets and the location, call He is the son of Lilian Marquina of Southern California gallery musiccenter.org. Jenn Gunn Steip at (310)568-0107 ext. 25, or visit www.wcil.org. Camerford Avenue. Oh graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, in       Beverly Hills Carmel Retirement Hotel Columbus, Georgia. He underwent     Serving the Community for Over 30 Years nine weeks of training in a variety   " 3" (3"! of military skills. He is the son of (4 2 0&"01 0%"2 )12$01!  (3" 2#" "4112'! Enjoy Life with New Friends and Daily Activities Chang Oh of South Fuller Avenue.      For Independent and Assisted Living Needs (310) 278-9720 • (310) 278-8323 TAXI L.A. CHECKER CAB FAST & ON-TIME TO LAX Professional • Courteous • Reliable (800) 300-5007 8757 Burton Way & 24-hour radio 8750 Burton Way (800) 696-4919 dispatch service Los Angeles, CA 90048 1/2 Bl. E. of Robertson Bl.

14 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

glarized three residences in the 9000 block of Ashcroft and stole a Suspects Sought wallet, cash, laptop computers, cel- POLICE BLOTTER lular phones and an attaché case. The loss was estimated at approx- for Bank Burglaries imately $3,835. The following information was reported to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station between Nov. 18 and Nov. 24, 2010. If you are a victim of a crime, An unknown suspect burglarized a here are the telephone numbers of local law enforcement agencies; Los residence in the 9000 block of Angeles Police Department, Wilshire Division (323)485-4022 and Rosewood at 8 a.m. and stole a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department laptop computer, two Nintendo West Hollywood Station (310)855-8850. video game consoles, games and cash. The loss was estimated at approximately $2,700. West Hollywood had several other counterfeit bills Property Crimes in his possession. During the week, four suspects Three unknown African American were arrested for burglary or theft male suspects robbed a victim after being observed shoplifting at November 18 walking in the 1000 block of local retail businesses in West Hayworth at 7:15 p.m. and stole a Hollywood. At 12:30 p.m., an unknown wallet and cellular phone, valued Caucasian male suspect stole a at $300. During the week, a Hispanic wallet from the glove box of a vehi- female driver was arrested for dri- cle parked in a lot in the 9000 At 7:41 p.m., an unknown suspect ving under the influence of alcohol block of Beverly. The wallet, which stole a purse left unattended in a following a traffic collision in West was valued at $250, contained restaurant in the 8500 block of Hollywood. approximately $50 in cash, identi- Melrose. The purse was left hang- fication and credit cards. ing on the back of a chair in the During the week, an unknown thief patio area of the restaurant. The stole one vehicle. During the same A victim reported at 1:30 p.m. that purse contained a passport, identi- period, unknown thieves burglar- an unknown thief stole a watch fication and cash, all valued at ized 17 vehicles. The total estimate valued at $3,000 from the bath- approximately $5,400. of damage and loss was $15,395. room of an apartment in the 1000 block of Stanley. A male suspect was arrested for During the week, 14 vehicles were grand theft and possession of bur- impounded for 30 days after being At 10:45 p.m., three unknown glary tools after being stopped on driven by a person with suspended Hispanic male suspects robbed a bicycle in the 7500 block of or revoked license. three victims in the 700 block of Santa Monica at 8:26 p.m. The Robertson. The suspects stole suspect was determined to have wallets, cash and a watch, all val- been riding a stolen bicycle, val-   ued at approximately $270. ued at approximately $630, and November 19 had used bolt cutters to cut the   bike lock. At 11 a.m., an unknown suspect    photo courtesy of the LAPD burglarized an apartment in the Three unknown male African olice have release surveillance camera footage of two suspects 1000 block of Martel and stole two American suspects robbed a vic-     Pwanted in separate burglaries at banks in the Hollywood and West laptop computers, two DVD play- tim near the corner of Edinburgh      Valley Areas. ers and a DVD/VCR combination and Romaine at 11 p.m. The sus-      One of the burglaries occurred between Nov. 13 and Nov. 15 at the unit. The loss was estimated at pects stole approximately $400 in Bank of America located in the 18300 block of Ventura Blvd. Two approximately $1,300. cash and a cellular phone valued  *.(% ,*-+, +(&,"&+ suspects pried open the front door, entered and ransacked the bank, at $200 before fleeing on foot. November 20 * **,(+1%"."' ,*-+,2"+ taking property including money. The same burglary suspects struck /*",,'  *&', ,/' ,! again between Nov. 20 and Nov. 22 at the Bank of America located November 22 At 1:30 a.m., an unknown suspect )*+('*,"' ,!,*-+,',! in the 4900 block of Melrose Avenue. The suspects pried open a door, stole a purse left unattended on a entered the bank and stole undisclosed items. The suspects drove At 11 a.m., unknown suspects bur- )*+('*,"' ,!,*-+,',! couch at a nightclub in the 8400 glarized six businesses in the away from the bank in a white, four-door sedan. block of Sunset. The purse con- )*+(' '& ,( &'  ,! Both suspects are described as African American men, approxi- 8200, 8300 and 8400 blocks of tained a passport, credit cards, Santa Monica. The loss and dam- ++,+ (  ,! ,*-+, ,0)"%%0 mately 50 years old and approximately five-feet-six-inches to six- identification and approximately age to the locations was estimated 0(-*+%  -*"'  0(-* %" ,"& feet-tall and 160 to 175 pounds. $60 in cash. at approximately $3,950. Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Hollywood November 21 ! *.(% ,*-+, /"%% %+( Division detectives at (213)972-2967. During weekends and off- November 23 '&,!)*+('' (* "''"% hours, call the LAPD’s 24-hour toll-free hotline at (877)LAPD247. At 2:27 a.m., a Hispanic male sus- "'+,",-,"(' /!( /(-% !'% pect was arrested for defrauding At 7:30 a.m., an unknown suspect an innkeeper after not paying his 0(-*++,+"',!.',( 0(-* burglarized a business in the 8600 "+"%",0 ' ,!"* "+,*"-,"(' bill at a lounge in the 8800 block of block of Santa Monica and caused Band Members Face Charges Santa Monica. an estimated $500 in damage to a "',!.',( 0(-*,! glass door. A male suspect was arrested in *.(%,*-+,&0&' for Freeway Traffic Jam the 8500 block of Santa Monica at (**.($00(-,'0,"& 2:35 a.m. for passing a counterfeit November 24 $100 bill recently to a cab driver. -*"' 0(-*%" "+%(' +0(- hree members of an Orange Wright, 32; David Paul Hale, 30; At 7 a.m., unknown suspects bur- TCounty band called the and Keith R. Yackey, 32. The When arrested, the suspect also * (&),',  ! ,*&+ ( Imperial All Stars were charged on defendants have also been charged 0(-* ,*-+, (& "**.(% Nov. 30 with felony conspiracy for with one misdemeanor count each '(,+-#,,(!'  ,*0(-* being involved in a publicity stunt of public nuisance and false impris- South Korean National Returned ,!-+*.(%,*-+, that caused a massive traffic jam in onment, and two misdemeanor (',"'+)*(."+"('+/!"!"*, October on the Hollywood (101) counts of resisting, obstructing or Freeway. delaying Los Angeles police and to Face Fraud Charges ,!"+,*"-,"('( 0(-*++,+(' “This was not a matter involving California Highway Patrol officers. (* ,*0(-*,!",!,*-+,,+ free speech or lawful protest,” Los The traffic jam occurred shortly South Korean national want- authorities alerted ICE about the +1/"%%+-+,",-,2 Angeles County District Attorney after 10 a.m. on Oct. 12 after a large Aed in his native country in Interpol warrant and their suspi- Steve Cooley said. “This was a truck with an advertisement for the connection with a multi-million cions the fugitive might be in the ' +( ,"'  +  1/"%% +-+," well-orchestrat- band blocked all dollar embezzlement scheme was Los Angeles area. HSI agents ,-,2",!-+( *.(%,*-+, ed commercial but one south- turned over to representatives ultimately located Bae, whose '" "  "&)%&', )*()*%0" “I hope this filing bound lanes of stunt perpetrated from the Seoul Metropolitan U.S. visa had long since expired. %"&"', ,! ' (* ,! )*( by these defen- sends a strong the freeway at Police Department on Nov. 19. In October, Bae waived his right dants and their Sunset Chang Kul Bae, 48, was the to an immigration hearing and , (  0(-* ++,+ !% "' ,! accomplices message of Boulevard. The subject of an Interpol warrant for agreed to voluntarily return to '&( 0(-*,*-+,",!-+.(""' with no concern deterrence. This driver reported- allegedly stealing more than $37 South Korea under U.S. govern- ","('%% %')*(, + for the lives or type of ly fled with the million from Sungkwang NB ment escort. ')*!)+"-''++*0%0+ well-being of keys to the vehi- Tech Col. Ltd., a South Korean "' ,! &"'"+,*,"(' ' "+,*" thousands of dangerous cle while the business where he formerly innocent victims band began served as chief director. The theft -,"('( 0(-*+,, who were behavior will not playing a con- allegedly occurred on a single day caught up in the be tolerated.” cert atop the in January 2003, when Bae is sus-   prank. I hope truck. The three pected of stealing the $37 million  this filing sends band members in several withdrawals. A year ,)!'*&* a strong mes- -District Attorney Steve Cooley have each been later, according to the warrant, sage of deter- released on Bae fled to the United States.  "%+!"*%."-",+, rence This type $20,000 bail, Bae was taken into custody in (+' %+",, of dangerous behavior will not be and are expected to appear for an August on administrative immi-  +  4,, tolerated.” arraignment in December. An exact gration violations by special      The criminal complaint alleges date for the court proceeding has agents with the ICE Office of one felony count of conspiracy to not been set. The three men face up Homeland Security Investig-  commit a public nuisance against to three years in prison if convicted ations (HSI). HSI agents began  band members Christopher Roy on all charges. searching for Bae after Korean 

16 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Hammer Features ʻNew American Writingʼ Saban Gala Raises $1.2M he Hammer Museum presents a Treception for the exhibit “New American Writing: Ann Beattie & for Healthcare Support Thaisa Frank” on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Beattie has been included in four O. Henry Award Collections and in John Updike’s The Best American Short Stories of the Century. She is also a recipient of the PEN/Malamud Award for achieve- ment in the short story form, and the Rea Award for the Short Story. Her new collection is “Ann Beattie: The New Yorker Stories”. Thaisa Frank is author of the short story collections “A Brief History of Camouflage and Sleeping in Velvet”, and a recent novel, “Heidegger’s Glasses”. Recipient of two PEN awards, Frank is also co-author of a work of nonfiction, Finding Your Writers Voice: A Guide to Creative Fiction, which is used in MFA programs. The exhibit includes works of contemporary fiction and poetry readings, and is organized by Benjamin Weissman, author of two books of short fiction and professor of creative writing at Art Center College of Design and the Otis College of Art and Design. The Hammer Museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. For infor- photo courtesy of Sigrid Estrada mation, call (310)443-7000, or visit The writings of Ann Beattie, pictured, will be highlighted at a new Hammer www.hammer.ucla.edu. exhibit, “New American Writing: Ann Beattie & Thaisa Frank”. Toys For Tots Makes its Way to Garden Pavilion he Multicultural Motion Picture The event includes live enter- forward in their careers. The photo © ABImages TAssociation (MMPA) and the tainment, a silent auction, raffles MMPA provides thousands of Actor Jimmy Smitts and talk show host Chelsea Handler were American Society of Young and door prizes and more. ASYM dollars annually to young film- among the guests at the Saban Free Clinic 34th annual fundraising Musicians (ASYM), is holding its is a non-profit organization that makers. For information, call dinner held on Nov. 22 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The gala was Toys For Tots annual Holiday Toy assists young musicians move (310)497-4554. hosted by the Friends of the Saban Free Clinic, and is the largest Drive Extravaganza on Wednesday, Dec. 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the fundraiser of the year for the clinic, raising more than $1.2 million Garden Pavilion of Celebrity to provide affordable, quality health care and social services to Centre International, 5930 Franklin more than 21,000 uninsured Los Angeles residents. The event also Ave. included a performance by Grammy-winning musician, Melissa The evening will be hosted by Etheridge. radio personality, Sammy Phillips, who will be ushering in the holiday season. The campaign provides children and underprivileged fami- lies with gifts during the holidays through donations to social service Mayor’s Grandson Receives Polar agencies throughout Los Angeles County. Bear Cub from Scandinavian Airline

ʻImprovised Musicalʼ Celebrates 600th Show pening Night: The “OImprovised Musical!” will celebrate its 600th show at the iO West Theater on Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. In “Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!”, the five- member cast receives suggestions from the audience for the title of a musical, and the cast members and an accompanist play a multi- tude of characters and create the music, lyrics, laughs and dance moves. “When we started this show we knew we were booked for four shows,” said Shulie Cowen, direc- tor and co-founder of the program. The cover of the Nov. 27, 1958 issue of the Park Labrea News “I don’t think any of us thought it showed Norris Poulson Brandt, the grandson of former Los Angeles would still be going strong after 12 Mayor Norris Poulson, accepting a gift of a polar bear cub from the years. But 600 shows later, we’re Scandinavia Airline System to the City of Los Angeles. The young all still really happy to create with Poulson is pictured with Tore H. Nilhert, president of the each other every week.” Scandinavia Airlines System, and air hostess Elsa Beckman, who iO West is located at 6366 accompanied the bear on the trip to America. Poulson lived at the Hollywood Blvd. For information, time with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Brandt Jr., of Park La call (323)962-7560, or visit Breaʼs Burnside Ave. The 121-pound bear cub, named “Whitey”, Answers on page 22 www.ioimprov.com. was on his way to his new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 17 December 2, 2010

Park La Brea Student Art on Display L.A. Convention Center Awarded APLA Hosts for Gold Standard LEED Design Art Benefit he Los Angeles that goal by achieving LEED-EB TConvention Center (LACC) Re-Certification at the Gold level has achieved the prestigious gold defines the culture of excellence at level certification in Leadership in LACC,” said Pouria Abbassi, Energy and Environmental Design CEO and General Manager of for Existing Buildings (LEED- the Los Angeles Con- EB). The certification is awarded vention Center. by the U.S. Green Building The convention center is the Council (USGBC). largest center in the nation to “I am especially proud of achieve the certification. the Los Angeles Representatives of the convention Convention Center for their con- center are now working to enhance its eco-friendly commit- tinued commitment to investing in photo courtesy of APLA our green economy and environ- ment with new green programs IDS Project Los Angeles mental stewardship,” Mayor including thermal storage and cre- A(APLA) held a reception Antonio Villaraigosa said. “We ating green space for the sur- for post-pop artist Burton Morris are now one step closer to reach- rounding community. and artist and actor John Lloyd ing our vision of being the green- The convention center’s solar Young on Nov. 19 at Hamilton- est big city in the U.S.” panels are capable of meeting Selway Fine Art in West LEED is a green building certifi- electricity needs of an estimated Hollywood. Morris has created cation system providing third- 100 homes, and it also incorpo- iconic imagery for the Academy party verification that a building rates strict recycling, energy effi- Awards and the Olympic or community was designed and ciency and water conservation Games. Young, who earned a built using strategies to make programs. In addition, the conven- Tony Award for his portrayal of them environmentally friendly. tion center uses biodegradable Frankie Valli in Broadway’s “While our primary goal, albeit food service ware through its 11 “Jersey Boys”, has also created challenging, was to achieve the public food outlets. For informa- limited-edition original pieces, LEED-EB Silver level, surpassing tion, visit www.lacclink.com. like “Viture” (pictured).

photo courtesy of Leticia Botello Students at Park La Breaʼs Art Center are displaying their work beginning with a reception on Friday, Dec. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show will also be held on Saturday, Dec. 11, and will feature works including an oil painting by Leticia Botello. The show is part of the Park La Brea Art Centerʼs annual Holiday exhibit and sale, and will be held in the Basement 35 Gallery, 351 S. Fuller Ave. More than 50 art works will be on display. The students created the works under the direction of Sybil Gonzales. For information, call (323)549-5498. City Seeks CRT Volunteers olunteer opportunities are provide referrals. The incidents Vavailable for individuals living include homicides, suicides, traffic or working in the City of Los accidents, natural deaths and multi- Angeles to join the city’s Crisis casualty incidents. Response Team (CRT). Volunteers must be at least 21 The CRT is composed of commu- years old and in good physical con- nity volunteers that respond to trau- dition. CRT volunteers participate in matic incidents at the request of the 48 hours of intensive training over a Los Angeles Police and Los Angeles seven-week period designed to help Fire Departments. The volunteers them develop the skills, knowledge provide on-scene crisis intervention, and relationships necessary to func- attend to survival and comfort tion effectively in the field. needs, act as a liaison between vic- For information, call (213)978- tim and emergency personnel, and 0697, or e-mail to [email protected].

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DODGER NEWS Hicks Performs at Hollywood Dodgers Acquire Hawksworth and Uribe & Highland Tree Lighting n St. Louisʼ Blake Hawksworth Traded for Ryan Theriot he Los Angeles Dodgers have Tacquired right-handed pitcher Blake Hawksworth from the St. Louis Cardinals, in exchange for infielder Ryan Theriot. “Blake adds Major League experience to our staff and has the versatility to start or relieve,” Dodger general manager Ned Colletti said. “We will continue to try and add Major League caliber pitchers to our roster throughout the winter.” The 27-year-old Hawksworth has gone 8-8 with a 4.07 ERA in 75 games with the Cardinals over two seasons. Hawksworth made photo courtesy of Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers his Major League debut on June 6, n Former Giant Infielder Juan Uribe Signs with L.A. 2009 at Colorado and went 4-0 over 30 relief appearances in his The Los Angeles Dodgers signed infielder Juan Uribe, pictured, to a three- rookie season, leading National year, $21 million contract on Tuesday that will bring the former San League (NL) rookies with a 2.03 Francisco Giants player to Los Angeles. The Giants had reportedly matched ERA, and tying for third among the Dodgersʼ offer, but Uribe decided to sign with the team after negotiations NL rookies with a .209 opponents’ that involved Dodgers coach Manny Mota. Uribe toured Dodger Stadium batting average. He also ranked and the teamʼs clubhouse on Tuesday. Uribe primarily played shortstop for third among NL rookies with a the Giants last year, but also filled in at second and first base. .324 opponents’ slugging percent- age. In his only postseason game, more games last season. Each every time out.” he tossed a scoreless inning in member of the club’s starting rota- In addition, the Dodgers recently Game 1 of the NLDS at Los tion posted an ERA under 3.65, announced that outfielder Jay Angeles. pitched more than 190 innings and Gibbons has been signed to a one- The Los Angeles Dodgers also made 30 or more starts last season. year contract. The 33-year-old photo courtesy of Randall Michelson/rmpix.com recently signed right-handed “We’re very pleased to have Jon Gibbons was promoted to the Former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks was one of several artists pitcher Jon Garland to a one-year join this group and give us five very Dodgers on August 8 from Triple-A who performed at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony last week at contract, with an option for 2012. strong starters going into Spring Albuquerque, and batted .280 with the Hollywood & Highland Center. The ceremony also included Garland will join Chad Training,” Colletti added. “We saw five home runs and 17 RBI in 37 appearances by performers from Cirque du Soleil, as well as saxo- Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, what Jon was capable of down the games. He appeared in 19 games in phonist Dave Koz; Kimberly Locke, of American Idol; Kyle and Chris Hiroki Kuroda and Ted Lilly in stretch in 2009 and again last year 2010, including 13 starts in left Massey, of “Dancing with the Stars”; Mitchell Musso, of “Hannah the Dodgers’ 2011 starting rota- within our division. Year after year, field, and two starts at first base. Montana”; and the Los Angeles Gospel Choir. For information, visit tion, which will include five he takes the ball 30-plus times and For information, visit www.hollywoodandhighland.com. pitchers who each won 10 or gives his team a chance to win www.dodgers.com. ʻNutcrackerʼ Gets Bob Bakerʼs Puppet Treatment Young Democrats Elect New Execs he Los Angeles County Young politics,” said newly elected n honor of the Bob Baker TDemocrats (LACYD) elected LACYD president David IMarionette Theater’s 50th the organization’s 2011 Executive Graham-Caso. “I am incredibly anniversary, “Bob Baker’s Board at the annual LACYD excited about working with these Nutcracker!” will open Nov. 6 Holiday Party held on Nov. 21 at excellent leaders.” and play through Jan. 16 of next the W Hotel in Hollywood. Joining Graham-Caso on the year. The 13 officers will lead the board is Caroline Carr, vice presi- The marionette version of the largest organization in Southern dent of programming; Daniel ballet classic has been one of California dedicated to giving Taylor, vice president of adminis- Bob’s most requested holiday pro- young people a voice and vehicle tration; Jason Levin, vice presi- ductions since it was first present- for activism in local, state and dent of communications; and ed in 1965, and it marks the fifth federal political issues. Sean Gabe, treasurer. Eight at- production of the anniversary sea- “The group of capable young large board members were also son at the theater, following professionals selected by elected, including Courtney “Fiesta”, “It’s A Musical World”, LACYD members represents the Driver, Darryn Harris, Daniel “Something To Crow About!” and progressive generation that is Lopez, Mattie Munoz, April “Bob Baker’s Halloween Hoop- photo courtesy of the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre becoming increasingly influential Popescu, Alex Pugh, Clinton De-Do”, marking the largest line- The Bob Baker Theatre will feature a puppet rendition of “Nutcracker”. in Los Angeles and California Schaff and Alycia Witzling. up ever for the theater in one cal- endar year. "Bob Baker’s Nutcracker" fea- tures several styles of puppetry with the entire “Nutcracker” cast, from Sugarplum fairies to the Mouse King. After the performance guests are invited to visit with the Puppeteers and have refreshments in the the- ater’s Party Room. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, located in downtown Los Angeles, is the oldest of youth entertainment theatres in the coun- try, opening its doors in 1960. “Bob Baker’s Nutcracker” runs Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for chil- dren and adults and $15 for seniors. Children under the age of two are free. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is located at 1345 West First St. For informa- tion, visit www.bobbakermari- onettes.com. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 19 December 2, 2010 ‘It’s a Wonderful (Waxed) Life’ for Jimmy Stewart Madame Tussauds Hollywood unveiled a wax figure of actor Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in the holiday film “Itʼs A Wonderful Life” on Nov. 29. Actress Karolyn Grimes, 70, who played Stewartʼs baby daughter, “Zuzu” Bailey, in the film, also appeared at the unveiling ceremony. The wax fig- ure is part of a newly inaugurated homage to “Itʼs A Wonderful Life”, which was released in 1946 and was nominated for five Academy Awards. Madame Tussauds also announced that children 12 and under will be admitted free through Christmas Eve with the donation of a toy valued at $10 or more for a needy child. Madame Tussauds Hollywood is located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, right next to Graumanʼs Chinese Theatre. For information, visit www.madame- tussauds.com/hollywood. photo courtesy of Madame Tussauds Hollywood Guitar Center Lands Big Musicians for Weekend ʻSessionsʼ

photo courtesy of the Petersen Museum he Guitar Center in Hollywood and Usher, among many others. His Black Beauty, the Green Hornetʼs car in the feature film set to premiere in Tis holding its “Sessions” series impressive list of production cred- January greets the traffic passing the Petersen Museum on Fairfax Avenue. from Friday, Dec. 3 through its includes Jackson’s “Thriller”, Sunday, Dec. 5 with producer the top selling album of all time; Quincy Jones, rock guitarist Phil and 1990’s Album of the Year, Collen, of Def Leppard, and per- “Back on the Block”, which was Petersen Features ʻGreen cussion all-stars Sheila E, Karl credited as the first album to fuse Perazzo, Raul Rekow and Giovanni be-bop and hip-hop together. Jones Hidalgo. The artists will offer their will also share insights about his perspectives on making music in new album, “Soul Bossa Nostra”, Hornetʼ Black Beauty three intimate programs held at as well as his new book, “Q on he Petersen Automotive Saturday, Dec. 4, on the upper floors Guitar Center, 7425 W. Sunset Producing”. The free event will be TMuseum is featuring the iconic of the museum's parking structure. Blvd. hosted by KCRW host Nic car from the upcoming film, “The The Garage Sale will feature a car Collen will speak on Dec. 3rd at Harcourt. Green Hornet”, in its elevated out- sale corral, along with vendor areas 7 p.m., sharing tips and inspiration The percussionists will speak door display on Fairfax Avenue. The for attendees to sell vehicles as well. for rock guitarists. With more than and perform on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. car, known as “Black Beauty”, will Vendors must register before the two decades of recording and tour- Sheila E is best known for her work be displayed in conjunction with the event, and will receive one free ing with Def Leppard, Collen has with Prince; Karl Perazzo and Raul January 14 release of the 3-D action admission to the Petersen and com- helped define the sound of British Rekow are backing percussionists comedy, starring Seth Rogen, Jay plimentary parking. hard rock. for Santana, and Latin jazz percus- Chou and Cameron Diaz. The Petersen Automotive Jones will share experiences sionist Giovanni Hidalgo has “Black Beauty”, a highly cus- Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire from a half-century of success in worked with Paul Simon and Tito tomized Chrysler Imperial, features Blvd. For information, call the music industry on Dec. 4 at 3 Puente. They will offer unique photo courtesy of Guitar Center faux machine guns, rocket launch- (323)930-CARS, or visit p.m. Jones has 27 Grammy awards, insights into the world of profes- Rock guitarist Phil Collen (pic- ers, and every other weapon the www.petersen.org. and has worked with Frank Sinatra, sional percussionists. For informa- tured), of Def Leppard, will partici- Green Hornet needs to take on the Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson tion, visit www.guitarcenter.com. pate in “Sessions”. bad guys. It is only the third vehicle to be displayed on the 30-foot-high platform over Fairfax Avenue in the museum’s 16-year history. Black Beauty will be displayed through the end of February and will be part of the new “Green Hornet” exhibit, which will be located in the museum’s Hollywood Gallery. Visitors can view six “Black Beauties” created for the movie, from a polished stock Chrysler Imperial to process bodies, stunt cars, a “hero car”, movie props, and more. The rest of the exhibit will be dressed as Britt Reid’s (a.k.a. The Green Hornet) garage, featuring classic and exotic automobiles as seen in the movie. Also on display will be one of the two “Black Beauties” from the 1960s television series. In the 3D action-comedy, Reid (Seth Rogen) is the son of L.A.’s most prominent and respected media magnate, and is happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene until his father (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, leaving Reid his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friend- ship with one of his father’s employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful in fighting crime. To get close to the criminals, they come up with the perfect cover, posing as criminals themselves. The Petersen will also hosts its Garage Sale and Swap Meet on 20 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Demonstrators Protest School Layoffs From page 1 the school cleaned, to keep the Cortines said the cuts were neces- demonstrators and pledged to stand offices cleaned and to get the sary because of a $640 million bud- behind all school employees. phones answered, and with half the get deficit for the 2010-11 fiscal “It’s not just about having a staff, I don’t know what the impact year. Representatives of the unions teacher in front of the classroom, will be. In the last couple of years representing LAUSD employees, it’s about the fact that educating stu- I’ve lost maybe five to ten teachers, including United Teachers Los dents takes a village, educating a and it would have been much more Angeles (UTLA) and the California student takes an education commu- if we hadn’t made decisions to cut nity,” Duffy said. “If we don’t have somewhere else to keep other office workers to work with our teachers. When people are dis- “I am thankful kids, then our job is more difficult. placed, it affects the whole staff, to still have a If we don’t have plant managers to and morale is pretty low right now.” clean up the classrooms and clean Jorge Illingworth, a senior office job, and it pains up our schools, then our job is made technician at Fairfax High School me to see that a more difficult.” who is not one of the employees Marla Eby, a spokesperson for who is losing their job, participated lot of people are UTLA, said the unions hope to per- in the demonstration Tuesday to suade the LAUSD Board to find support his colleagues. Illingworth where I was other funding to prevent layoffs, said he has worked for the district fifteen years including shifting $100 million in for the past 15 years, but prior to federal stimulus funding the district that was unemployed for a long ago.” has received to prevent more job period and had an extremely diffi- cuts. She added that the cuts were cult time finding a job. -Jorge Illingworth, not based on seniority, and some of “I know what these people are senior office technician at the workers who lost their jobs dur- going through, and it’s very Fairfax High School ing the latest round of cuts had been depressing,” Illingworth said. “I am with the district for 30 to 40 years. thankful to still have a job, and it “The terrible thing is these peo- pains me to see that a lot of people State Employees Association Los ple are getting laid off at Christmas are where I was fifteen years ago. If Angeles 500, which represents clas- time,” Eby added. you don’t keep busy, you can fall sified workers, said they will con- Other LAUSD employees who into despair.” tinue to fight the layoffs. UTLA participated in the demonstration LAUSD superintendant Ramon president A.J. Duffy addressed the said the layoffs are being felt dis- trict-wide. Rusty Yates, an English teacher at the Orthopedic High Hospital Medical Magnet school southwest of downtown Los photo by Edwin Folven Angeles, said five office workers Some of the demonstrators, including teacher Rusty Yates (left), said the and a plant manager were dis- cuts are deeply impacting day-today-operations at the schools. missed Tuesday. “It’s going to really affect the stu- more personalized instruction. dents, and approximately 90 teach- dents, It’s very, very demoralizing Zubiate said the remaining clerks ers. He added that the school has for the staff and the students,” Yates for the small learning communities created a special community liaison added. “It’s going to prevent them will each have to oversee 1,000 stu- office to form partnerships with the from having a comfortable, clean, dent records. community to bring in private fund- safe and efficient learning environ- “They are responsible for the ing, which has helped curtail some ment.” accuracy and timeliness of keeping of the job cuts. He added, however, Zubiate said it has been very dif- these records, which are extremely that district officials are warning ficult to even face the employees important for each student,” about more cuts in the near future, because of the impending layoffs, Zubiate said. “To an outsider it may which is causing great concern. and added that the staff held a gath- not sound that important, but it is a “We’ve shifted things around to ering for them Monday that was big responsibility we have as a alleviate the impact of losing teach- very emotional. One program that school. When it comes to custodial, ers, but it’s not looking good,” has been affected by the cuts is the I don’t know what I am going to Zubiate said. “As more and more photo by Edwin Folven small learning communities, where do.” people lose their jobs, it is having a UTLA president A.J. Duffy said the layoffs of classified employees ulti- the student body is broken down Zubiate said Fairfax High cur- tremendous impact on day-to-day mately result in problems for teachers and students. into small groups, allowing for rently has approximately 2,500 stu- operations.” Cheech & Chong Join GuitarTown Exhibit

photo courtesy of the City of West Hollywood ctors Cheech Marin (above) and Tommy Chong recently signed Aa larger-than-life Gibson Guitar created to celebrate their career as part of the Gibson “GuitarTown Sunset Strip” public art project in West Hollywood. The painted guitar is one of 26 ten-foot replicas placed along The Sunset Strip. The guitar was designed by artist Margaret Garcia to celebrate the successful careers of the duo, who got their start per- forming in The Troubadour in West Hollywood, as well as The Comedy Store and The Roxy Theatre, which was featured in the film, “Up In Smoke”. Each side of the guitar is dedicated to a portrait of Marin and Chong, and the guitar also pays tribute to The Sunset Strip’s role in developing comedy as well as music. The guitar is located outside The Roxy Theatre at 9009 Sunset Blvd. For informa- tion, visit www.thesunsetstrip.com. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 21 December 2, 2010 Arrests Made in Local Crime Sprees From page 1 street robbery that occurred on added. Gomez was charged with The suspects, Henry Kennedy, Nov. 13 in the 900 block of Ogden two counts of armed robbery and 63, and David Henderson, 49, Ave. In that robbery, a victim was one count of receiving stolen prop- were arrested on Nov. 23 in the walking on the sidewalk around erty. 8200 block of Santa Monica 3:30 a.m. when she saw a brown “He had a previous criminal his- Boulevard after the owner of one Toyota drive past and turn out of tory and was on parole,” Del Mese of the businesses that was burglar- sight. A few minutes later, the vic- said. “His criminal history includ- ized — the Green Leaves tim heard the footsteps of someone ed drug transportation and thefts, Restaurant at 8351 Santa Monica approaching from behind, and was and apparently, he hadn’t Blvd. — recognized them from then physically accosted by the stopped.” surveillance footage and called alleged suspect, who was armed The series of commercial bur- police. Kennedy and Henderson, with a handgun. The suspect stole glaries occurred on Nov. 21 and 22 who Del Mese said were home- the victim’s purse and fled. Del at several locations on Santa less, were allegedly still hanging Mese said the that victim’s identi- Monica Boulevard. Del Mese said around the area when the business fication was also found in they involved suspects smashing a owner recognized them. Gomez’s possession when he was window and burglarizing the busi- “All of these burglaries occurred arrested. Gomez also gave addi- nesses. The property stolen includ- in a cluster in the same couple of tional information to investigators ed cash and small items of value blocks,” Del Mese said. “They during questioning that implicated that could easily be sold on the would smash windows and grab him in both robberies, Del Mese streets, Del Mese added. anything of value.” The other businesses that were burglarized included Elite Animals, Joey’s Café, West Hollywood Beauty Supply, The Flowering Tree and Half Off Clothing Store. Deputies recov- ered items from the suspects that were allegedly stolen in some of the burglaries, including merchan- dise stolen from the Green Leaves Café. Del Mese said the suspects used a metal utility valve cover to smash the windows. Kennedy and Henderson have both been charged with commercial burglary and remain in custody. Del Mese said “window smash” commercial burglaries are not photo by Edwin Folven common in West Hollywood, but Joeyʼs Cafe, at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Sweetzer do occur from time to time. He Avenue was one of the businesses that was burglarized in November. warned business owners not to photo by Edwin Folven leave valuables near windows, and “They were recognized on the said. “Those are the kinds of things The owner of Green Leaves Restaurant recognized one of the suspects added that surveillance cameras surveillance footage, which was businesses can do to protect them- from surveillance footage. are an important security feature. the break in the case,” Del Mese selves.” Caregivers Recognized for Medians Maintained by Shifting Resources From page 3

Helping Others spokesperson for LaBonge. “It was really important to keep the beauty of the public green space intact.” LaBonge started approaching the problem on his own last sum- mer after driving down Highland Avenue and noticing how poor the medians appeared. The council- man tapped into his individual council account and enlisted the help of workers with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. “They are part of the aesthetics for the surrounding area,” LaBonge said. “I couldn’t allow these medians, which thousands of residents and motorists enjoy each day, to become overgrown or fall into disrepair.” The 4th, 5th and 10th Districts were included in the seven dis- tricts that shared the expense of hiring a crew to trim the over- grown grass. The councilmembers all pulled funding from their coun- cil accounts that had been generat- ed through the Street Furniture Fund. Money collected from advertisements on bus benches and other city street fixtures is redistributed evenly among the council districts. Johnson said during the next fis- cal year, the Wilshire area and its surrounding neighborhoods will revert back one of the quadrants that receives general city funds for private maintenance. Jacobberger photo courtesy of Richard Settle said several of the members of the West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman recently honored Irene Mid City West Community Angela Clemente in recognition of National Family Caregivers Council were previously upset at Month in November. Clemente is a California State Representative the quality of the medians, but he photo by Ian Lovett for the Caregiver Community Action Network (CCAN) and the added that he was pleased that the The median on Highland Avenue became very overgrown last summer National Family Caregiver Associations (NFCA). city councilmembers found appro- before Councilmember Tom LaBonge, 4th District stepped in and pro- priate funds to fix the problem. vided money from his officeʼs discretionary fund to get the work done. 22 December 2, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Characters Allowed Back on the Boulevard From page 1 are witnessed by the officers,” ing with a shoplifter and once they Disneyland characters.” explained Larry Webster, supervis- were done with him they made a Chris Dennis, who has dressed ing attorney at the Hollywood beeline for us.” up as “Superman” for more than 19 branch of the Los Angeles City The arrests began in May as a years, agreed there are some char- Attorney’s Office. crackdown on the dozens of street acters who do not belong on the “It prohibits officers from arrest- performers who were present on boulevard because of their aggres- ing them for open solicitations and Hollywood Boulevard. It was sive behavior, but insists those are loitering,” said Carol Sobel, an aimed at performers who were the minority. attorney for the defendants. allegedly harassing tourists and “A few rotten seeds do not ruin The injunction, issued Nov. 17, strong-arming them for tips. the whole batch,” Dennis said. cites Berger vs. the City of Seattle, “The city has been dealing with Dennis added that there had a case that concluded street per- these people for five or six years,” never been a complaint filed against formers were protected by the First said Kerry Morrison, executive him during the time he has been Amendment. It also prohibits offi- director of the Hollywood Property dressing up. cers from arresting the superhero Owners Alliance. “This has been a “I do it for fun,” he said. “There characters for blocking the side- problem that has grown as the are most of us who just want to walk. resurgence of Hollywood has make it fun for everyone. That’s “It enshrines the rights of street grown.” what it’s about.” performers under freedom of Morrison said there have been The arrests last summer did have speech,” Balke said. reports of aggressive behavior such a significant effect on the number Balke, who is listed as the lead as groping, blocking the sidewalk of superhero characters plying their plaintiff, used to dress as and scaring children. Some who trade along the famous street. ‘Wolverine’ from the ‘X-Men’ were arrested had criminal records. Balke, a motorcycle messenger for movies before he was arrested on “One had a child molestation 13 years, dressed up on weekends June 4, along with Beithan and charge,” said Morrison, who added for fun, but after his arrest, he Herrell, for blocking the sidewalk. that others had been found guilty of shaved his signature “Wolverine” “We were just standing there,” vandalism and driving under the sideburns to make himself less rec- Balke said. “The police were deal- influence of alcohol. “These are not ognizable to police, and thus less of a target for arrest. Dennis recalled counting 89 performers on the street at one time, but added that he has seen that number dwindle to approximately 15 since the actions photo by Ian Lovett by the city. Costumed characters such as The Hulk and Darth Vader are common “It was a free-for-all at one on Hollywood Boulevard. The characters were blocked from plying their point,” Morrison said. trade for several months, but a judge has issued an injunction allowing Morrison blamed the amount of them to return. performers on the absence of a per- formance district to regulate the make fifty dollars for a whole day here.” estimated $1.8 million a year busi- of work.” The court injunction also makes ness of street performing on Requiring performers to get per- it unlikely that issuing permits to Hollywood Boulevard, a number mits would have been one solution performers will become a viable Morrison thinks may be modest. to the over-saturation of characters, option. “I have asked a few of these per- but neither Morrison nor Dennis “Berger vs. Seattle states that formers how much they make a could make any progress toward issuing permits is an infringement day,” Morrison said. “Some of that end. on our first amendment rights,” them boast they make as much as “The problem is the legitimate Balke said. $1,000 a day.” performers left,” Morrison said. Balke plans to dress up again Dennis said those estimates may Many performers moved to Santa next year after he takes a vacation be too high, considering the Monica, Venice and Las Vegas. to Europe. photo by Rafael Guerrero unsteady nature of the business. “I would be more than willing to “I may do another character next Matt Balke (left), who formerly appeared as “Wolverine”, was the lead “There are days you make good pay a licensing fee,” Dennis said. year or ‘Wolverine’ again if I get plaintiff in the lawsuit. Chris Dennis, who portrays “Superman”, said a money,” Dennis said. “But there are “But there are a few people out here fake chops,” he said. “Now that the majority of the characters on the boulevard obey the rules. also a lot of days where you could who do not have the mentality to be injunction is in place, I can.”

going on.” on fire again’,” Vacco said. “La Other business owners in the Brea is such a busy street with so Fires on La Brea Investigated local community have also many people around, but nobody From page 1 expressed concern, including sees anything. I don’t know what is Angelo Vacco, who owns the Little going on there.” approximately 40 firefighters extin- my staff comes in.” been vacant for several years. He Bar and Massimo’s Mud Spot at the Crass said the fires have all guished the fire in seven minutes, Sosa said he reopened the collec- would not divulge who owns the corner of 8th Street and La Brea occurred during the early morning and it was contained to the one unit. tive on Tuesday evening, and plans building. Avenue. hours. He added that anyone with No injuries were reported, to remain open. The dispensary is “These are all attacks on the “Part of it is scary, and part of it is information should contact LAFD Humphrey added. The fire closed legal under the city’s medical mari- building, and even though it didn’t ridiculous. It’s gotten to the point arson investigators at (213)485- northbound lanes of La Brea juana ordinance because it was cause any damage to my business, where we go, ‘hey, the building is 6095. Avenue for roughly 30 minutes dur- opened prior to the 2007 moratori- we all feel like we are the victims,” ing the busy morning rush hour. um on dispensaries. Sosa added that Sosa added. “I don’t know how the Crass said he did not know why the printing company next door fires are being started, but every the building was targeted, and offi- closed several months ago, and a time, I have to replace my doors City Program Promotes Shopping, cials are asking the public for any furniture company that was in because the fire department goes information that may lead to a sus- another unit left two to three months through them. I just hope the arson pect. Only one business – the La ago. The single upstairs unit has investigators figure out what is Offers Holiday Traffic Relief Brea Collective medical marijuana dispensary — is currently open for ayor Antonio Villaraigosa tion at and around the city’s most business in the building. Fires have Mand City Councilmember heavily congested intersections and erupted in all of the other units. Dennis Zine, 1st District, are shopping centers, including The Daniel Sosa, the owner of the La encouraging Los Angeles residents Grove and the Original Farmers Brea Collective, said none of the to join the “Shop L.A.” campaign, Market. For information, visit fires has caused any major damage a year-long effort to promote shop- www.shoplacity.com. to his business, but added that he is ping within Los Angeles that the scared. He said he has no idea why mayor said will generate much- the building is being targeted, and needed revenue for the city. Answers From Page 16 added that arson investigators “The start of the holiday shop- instructed him not to discuss the ping season is the perfect time to details of the case. remind local residents that for “It is very scary. Everybody in the every ten dollars in sales tax spent whole neighborhood is concerned,” within Los Angeles, the city Sosa said. “I have hired a security receives a dollar that goes towards guard to be here at night, and he has services such as public safety, been here from midnight to seven in libraries, park and recreation pro- the morning, but this one happened grams and animal shelters,” between seven and eight in the Villaraigosa said. morning, so I’m not sure what I can The mayor also announced that a do. I’m thinking about having him photo by Edwin Folven special team of holiday traffic con- stay here until eleven-thirty when The blaze Tuesday caused major damage inside the vacant printing trol officers will be deployed to shop on La Brea Avenue. relieve and control traffic conges-