New Quark Template24

WWW.BEVERLYPRESS.COM INSIDE • Waxman retires Temps in the pg. 3 60s, partly • Suspect cloudy sought, pg. 4

Volume 24 No. 6 Serving the West Hollywood, Hancock Park and Wilshire Communities February 6, 2014 Both sides satisfied with WeHo flag compromise n Council votes to use rainbow logo on new flag

By edwin folven The rainbow flag will soon fly again over West Hollywood City Hall and city government buildings, albeit in a different form. photo by Margot Wholey The West Hollywood City Wearing a specially made cast, Kate Hansen careens down the luge track at 70 mph during the Olympic trials. Council on Monday decided to fly a different version of the city’s official flag — one with a white background and the city’s official logo in rainbow colors — atop govern- L.A.’s own Sochi sweetheart ment buildings and facilities. photo courtesy of the city of West Hollywood Canyada Boulevard, she moved hours after Kate won the gold at The city council ruled last n Kate Hansen’s to a concrete racetrack in Long the World Cup in Latvia. I asked November to uphold a longstand- This logo will be printed on new Beach where she qualified for Kathie and John why Kate ulti- ing policy that only official govern- city of West Hollywood flags. journey from La Cañada development training in Lake mately turned in her catcher’s ment flags would be flown over to the Olympics Placid, NY. Within a year, this mitt for a sled. government buildings. A rainbow young girl from La Cañada was After posting some fast race flag provided to the city by West Paul Arevalo as to which flags will By KAren villAlpAndo training year-round, balancing times at the Lake Placid training Hollywood businessman Larry fly. Only the U.S. flag, the state of Imagine seeing a skinny 10- her school work and still manag- camp, Kate realized she had a Block began flying over city hall California flag and the city of West year-old girl racing down a steep ing to play other sports, like bas- knack for “sliding,” they said. last spring, at the request of Hollywood flag will be allowed at slope on her back on a long board ketball, volleyball and softball, While it was difficult traveling to Councilman Jeffrey Prang. It was government buildings. The city had – and that slope is a busy street in which is where we met Kate Park City, Utah, several times a taken down on Jan. 10 after the been receiving requests from dif- La Cañada, CA. – behind home plate. month to train, the Hansens council reaffirmed its policy, and ferent groups to also have their That’s how Olympic luger and She and our daughter Emily invested time and energy into gave the discretion to city manager See Council page 21 World Cup Champion Kate played softball together from the Kate’s luge journey. Hansen got her “feet wet” in the ages of 10 ‘til 15, and are still John elaborated on Kate’s sport in which she careens down great friends to this day. I caught emerging luge career, explaining an ice track at upwards of 80 up with her parents, John and that luge is a very intuitive sport, Students aren’t under the mph. Kathie Hansen (and Kate via learning to steer the sled, how to From cruising down Alta email) a few Saturdays ago, just weather at Pilgrim School See Hansen page 20 By AAron Blevins launch the instrument last week, LADOT meets community on People St but winds would have pushed it Pilgrim School students were into the Pacific Ocean. Though n Program to improve on cloud nine last Thursday, overcast, last Thursday provided city streets through when a month of STEM (Science, a fitting climate for the event. Technology, Engineering and “This one will not wind up in partnerships Math) lessons culminated in the the Pacific,” math and engineer- launch of a weather balloon on ing teacher Joe Concialdi said. By AAron Blevins the South Commonwealth “That’s the joys of mathematics Avenue campus. — that we can predict these Through a new program Organizers had hoped to approved by the Los Angeles City See Balloon page 22 Council in December, city officials are looking to communities to add pedestrian and cycling elements to spruce up thoroughfares. Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) staffers on Tuesday held an information seminar on the program, People St, in Hollywood, and invited community members to work with the photo by Jim Simmons for LADOT department to install pedestrian Parklets, such as the one shown here in Highland Park, are among the plazas, parklets and bicycle corrals ways LADOT is hoping to add pedestrian and cycling elements to city in their neighborhoods. streets. “These are truly public/private partnerships between community our era of shrinking budgets and all them.” photo by Aaron Blevins groups and the city of L.A.,” said of that, these types of projects are She said the program calls for Pilgrim School students watch as the weather balloon disappears Valerie Watson, an assistant pedes- really not going to have formal community groups to participate in trian coordinator for LADOT. “In into the sky during last week’s event. funding that is earmarked for See City page 19

$1)5,

"%"# $'2!$!'0#2!) #, #)*0 18!"##" :$%!1&$%#"&'$#"$#$"&!' $"#"'$' )*0 18 8 %$#$!&!$!1 #"'$#!4 97)2),02((( 89 3 98 9 : 4 ,!"2*1-#!"*2(/- .2+() #1 $#'#1!#!&!6$"!%"#!4 2 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

6 Free Film the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. iew a special film on African Works by Rachmaninoff, Medtner VAmerican History on Thursday, C a l e n d a r and Arensky will be performed, and Feb. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the Fairfax guests can enjoy a buffet with champagne following the concert. Tickets Branch Library. The film is being with a twist. West Hollywood City start at $39. 135 N. Grand Ave. shown in honor of African American Council Chambers, 625 N. San (310)498-0257, www.lesalonde- History Month and is part of the Vicente Blvd. For information, call musiques.com. library’s free film screenings on the (323) 848-6883, or visit first Thursday of each month at 2:30 www.weho.org. p.m. Free popcorn provided. 161 S. Big Sunday

Gardner St. (323)936-6191. ‘Coriolanus’ Valentine’s Dinner heatre lovers are invited to a oin people from all walks of life on 7 ‘To Catch a Thief’ Tbroadcast of Donmar JSunday, Feb. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at eniors are invited to a screening of Warehouse’s production of Big Sunday’s 2nd annual Valentine- SAlfred Hitchcock’s 1955 thriller Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus”, a tragedy Making, Bingo-Playing Community “To Catch a Thief” on Friday, Feb. 7 of political manipulation and revenge, Dinner. Guests can enjoy a communal at 1 p.m. in the Plummer Park Senior on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 4 and 8 p.m., gathering while making Valentine’s Center. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly and Sunday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. in Day cards to be distributed to seniors, star in the film about a reformed cat UCLA’s James Bridges Theater. The shut-ins and others. Participants can burglar who is trying to prove his production stars Tom Hiddleston in also play bingo and enjoy a commu- innocence when a series of burglaries the title role, and Mark Gatiss as nity dinner. 6111 Melrose Ave. RSVP occur in Monte Carlo. Suggested Menenius. Tickets start at $20. 235 requested to [email protected]. donation is $2. 7377 Santa Monica Charles E. Young Drive. (310)827- Blvd. (323)876-1717. 0889, www.latw.org. Poetry and Art ACK and friends present a Antique Book Fair Jprovocative evening of poems on 9 Volunteer Training love and relationships on Sunday, elebrate the 450th birthday of earn how to make a difference in Feb. 9 and Monday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 William Shakespeare during the the fight against human traffick- C L p.m. in the Park LaBrea Activities California International Antiquarian ing at a free volunteer training pro- Center Theatre. Visual art by Debora Book Fair running from Friday, Feb. 7 gram being held by the National Gillman will also be displayed. through Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Council of Jewish Women, Los Suggested donation is $10. 475 S. Pasadena Convention Center. Angeles (NCJW/LA) on Sunday, Feb. Curson Ave.; enter Park La Brea from Thousands of book lovers, rare book 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants the 6th or 3rd street entrances. RSVP dealers and scholars are expected to will learn how to be advocates and requested to (213)986-JACK, participate. Hours are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., educators from representatives of [email protected] Feb. 7; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 8; and NCJW/LA, the Coalition to Abolish 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 9. Tickets are Slavery and Trafficking, and survivors $25 on Feb. 7; $15 on Feb. 8 and 9. photo by Anthony Delgado of human trafficking. 543 N. Fairfax 12 West Hollywood 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. (800)454- The “Edwardian Ball” returns to the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood Ave. RSVP requested to (323)852- 6401, www.cabookfair.com. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. with elaborate costumes and pageantry. 8536, www.ncjwla.org. Senior Dance eniors and their guests are invited Founder Rosin Coven and co-host Vau de Vire Society bring the Edward Sto join in Valentine’s Day-themed ‘Going to St. Ives’ Gorey story, “The Curious Sofa” to life on stage with original music, the- Paul Robeson Book festivities on Wednesday, Feb. 12 ctors Co-op continues its 22nd atrical choreography and narration. Tickets start at $45. 6126 Hollywood elebrate the life of African from 3 to 5 p.m. in Fiesta Hall at Aanniversary season with Lee Blvd. (323)464-6269, www.edwardianball.com. CAmerican actor, singer and Plummer Park. Music will be provid- Blessing’s “Going to St. Ives” running activist Paul Robeson at a release party ed by the Great American Swing from Friday, Feb. 7 through March 16 for the new book, “Paul Robeson for Band and desserts, coffee and tea will in the Crossley Theatre in Hollywood. Curse of Tell es-Sultan” on Saturday, p.m. in Plummer Park. Directed by Beginners” on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. be served. Admission is $2. 1200 N. Directed by Broadway veteran Linda Feb. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Alex Wells, the play follows wealthy at Revolution Books in Hollywood. Vista St. (323)848-6403, Kerns, the two-person drama focuses Hollywood Regional Branch Library. Captain Jack Absolute, who pretends The book was written by author Paul [email protected]. on the mother of an African dictator The book is the beginning of an epic to be poor officer Ensign Beverley to von Blum, a senior lecturer emeritus in and the English ophthalmologist from saga about a British family’s quest win the heart of young Lydia in the African American studies and commu- whom she seeks help for her failing into the Holy Land in the early 20th 1775 comedy. 7377 Santa Monica nication studies at UCLA. Admission Japanese Film eyesight. Showtimes are at 8 p.m., Century. 1623 Ivar Ave. (323) 856- Blvd. (323)960-5691, classicalthe- is $10. 5726 Hollywood Blvd. udiences are invited to an Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m., 8260, www.lapl.org/branches/Holly- [email protected]. (323)463-3500, www.revolutionbook- Aevening of classic Japanese cine- Sunday. Tickets are $30. (323)462- wood. sla.blogspot.com. ma during a free screening of director 8460 ext. 300, www.actorscoop.org. Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood” WeHo Winter Sounds on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at ‘The Rivals’ he city of West Hollywood’s free Le Salon de Musiques the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles. 8 Book Signing embers of the public are invited T“2014 Winter Sounds” continues mbark on a trip on the Volga The film is Kurosawa’s visceral adap- oin Hollywood resident and author Mto a free staged reading of “The on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. with a ERiver during a Le Salon de tation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. JHugh Englehart for a signing and Rivals”, written by Richard Brinsley performance by Fiddle and Pine, Musiques performance on Sunday, 5700 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 100. discussion of his new book, “The Sheridan, on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 which plays indie-bluegrass music Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. on the fifth floor of www.jflalc.org. % ! $ ! #" ȑ & ! ! %% %ȑ$ ' !!ȑ #! " #! ȑ %$')#( ,+0957),;,72=67,88ȑ*53 " $&# !& &!%* $!#.+% &%. +)## ) (( 754),;,72=67,88ȑ*53 " *%!!(" /"!## )##*($) ҟ#!%! !! #.'(&& ) ! " % " ! / -& *($)'(!,! +%)%+&# %&!( ȑ##۷ /'(!% )&%(+%)( +% %&#'' $##$(%' ! $ " ! ! ! !""$! ) *) * (&- !% ) ### +!% "/, (71()7,(,<8(4+,;,72= 7,88(7, & #!) (! *!%.&+ (&-%".( <,,1 2= 4,<86(6,78 6:)2 08/,+ 54 "/:78+(=8ȑ (02 8:)8 *7069054 08 (44:(22= ,*7,,+ 4,<86(6, 78 5- ., 4, 7(2 *07*:2(9054Ǒ ,49092,+ 95 &*&--- -!#) !(-((!&() &$*&.*&)! %+'¯ $'$$(%*& '$%"$% #$%"' $# 6:)208/ 2,.(2 (+;, 790804. ,) )= !:6,70 575:797+,75 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 3 February 6, 2014 U.S. Rep. Waxman calls it a career Jack Harris honored in Hollywood n Legislator leaves a legacy after serving for four decades By AAron Blevins

After 40 years of representing Southern California in the U.S. House of Representatives, seasoned lawmaker Henry Waxman will retire from Congress at the end of his term in December. Waxman’s office made the announcement at 8 a.m. on Thursday, and a host of lawmakers issued statements to wish the congressman well and thank him for years of policy-making in the healthcare, environmental, consumer protection and telecommuni- cation arenas. “I’ve come to the conclusion that I was going to have a life after Congress, this is the time to do it,” photo by Aaron Blevins Waxman said, adding that he will be 75 years old by the end of the Congressman Henry Waxman (D-California) will retire at the end of the year. He said it is time to let some- year after serving 20 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. one else take over the job and bring a different and fresh perspective. “I am hoping that it will be a said, adding that Republicans are CEOs had testified that they felt Democrat. I expect a Democrat.” going through a “civil war” that cigarettes were safe and that nico- photo by Aaron Blevins The congressman has been quite could destroy the party if the right- tine was not addictive, among other When producer Jack H. Harris received the 2,517th star on the open about his frustrations with wing side wins. However, he said claims, he said. Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, fellow producer Larry Cohen “rightwing Tea Party extremists” in he believes traditional conserva- “Then the dam opened up where felt that it was important to give “The Blob” producer a “scream to the past, and said the stalemates in tives and the business community we were getting documents from remember this by.” So he asked the audience to scream heartily after Congress played a role in his deci- will bring the party back to a more inside the industry,” Waxman said, declaring, “Here comes the Blob!” In his 80 years in show business, sion to retire. moderate position. adding that the hearing and the Harris has distributed more than 1,000 films and worked in almost “I have to admit — certainly it The congressman said he is very investigation afterward made a every phase of the industry. His other productions include “4-D Man” was a factor,” Waxman said. proud of his achievements during huge difference in swaying public and “Dinosaurus”. Harris also owned and operated Jack H. Harris He said House Republicans seem his 40-year career. He referenced opinion on tobacco. Enterprises, which released “Paradisio”, “Schlock” and “Bone”, to be held captive by some Tea the Ryan White Care Act, legisla- He admitted to having “no idea” among others. His star is located at 6764 Hollywood Blvd., in front of Party representatives, “who believe tion to improve food safety, the The Guinness World Record Museum. compromise is a bad thing.” Even Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking See Waxman page 21 so, Waxman said he was able to get Water Act, the Affordable Care Act, some bipartisan bills passed, bills that improved coverage for including legislation that enabled low-income individuals and an incentive auction of the televi- seniors, and tobacco laws. sion spectrum for mobile broad- “The truth of the matter is there band devices, the proceeds of are so many bills that I authored which are to be used toward the that I care a great deal about. …It THR VE DECOR construction of an interoperable often took years of effort to put public safety broadband network. ideas into law,” Waxman added. He said he also passed a law that He said tobacco regulations were A Fabulous Mix of Modern & Antique gave the FDA more power to stop a particularly good example of the Fine Art & Home Furnishings contaminated drugs. time it takes to see progress. “Things can get done, but it’s so Waxman said he began combating much harder when you have people tobacco as the chairman of the who have threatened reasonable Health and Environment Republicans not to work with us or Subcommittee in 1979, but it was- face a primary challenge. I think n’t until 1994 that legislators had a that’s going to change,” Waxman breakthrough. Tobacco company

ٞ ! ȑ , # -#&" "+ - !!) ")!$#+ -ҟ "!&($"%%!$#+ $" ! )"$! %&"&!% '%ȑ ٞ! $' -!%#!' &" "%&% &++!ҟ -"$ҟ $&'%$#%&% -&&"! '&"$- ! '&$&"!%& " $($&+" #$"$ %"$ $!" &%ȑ -'%"$&" &%'# &" - !"$#$%"" $% -$& &&%$&*# "$&"! %%- '"$¯

Mention this ad for an additional 7427 Beverly Blvd. • Los Angeles, CA 90036 10% Off your next (323)462-4663 • (323)934-0509 purchase ThriveDecor.com thru 1/31/14 Open Sun-Mon 11-4; Tues 9:30-5:30 ))) $&!!!% " 4 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press LASD manhunt spreads to the hills Man struck by Red Line n Officers believe the Sheriff’s Transit Services Bureau, n rugged terrain stretching from said detectives are waiting until the Homicide suspect Runyon Canyon Park to the west, victim, who survived, victim recovers sufficiently to still on the loose after to the Greek Theatre, Griffith either jumped or fell interview him about what eight-hour search Observatory and hiking trail area to occurred. He said authorities do the east. Authorities also searched By edwin folven not suspect foul play, and do not By edwin folven hotels and homeless shelters in believe the victim was pushed. Hollywood. Detectives with the Los Angeles “He either jumped or fell. We Approximately 50 Los Angeles “He could be anywhere,” Los County Sheriff’s Department’s just don’t know,” Montenegro County Sheriff’s deputies on foot, Angeles County Sheriff’s Transit Services Bureau are trying said. “His condition is improving horseback and in off-road vehicles Department public information to determine how a 27-year-old in the hospital, and it is still under searched a large area of the officer Nicole Nishida said. “We man was struck by a subway train investigation. We need to talk with Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park did a thorough search in the hills, at the Metro Red Line’s him to complete that piece of the on Tuesday for a wanted murder and handed out flyers at business- Hollywood/Vine station on Jan. puzzle.” suspect. The crime occurred in es, hotels and shelters asking for 31. Ubaldo said the northbound South Los Angeles on Jan. 23. the public’s help in finding the sus- The incident occurred at approx- track was closed for approximately The search began at 6:30 a.m. pect.” imately 4:45 p.m. as a northbound one hour, and trains ran on a single and was called off at 3 p.m. after Bridges is suspected of stabbing train was pulling into the station. Oscar Bridges track while authorities conducted deputies could not locate the sus- a 21-year-old victim to death at The unidentified victim suffered the investigation. He described the pect, and were confident all areas approximately 10:40 a.m. on Jan. critical injuries to his back and delays to passengers as minimal. had been searched within the oper- 23 in a motel room in the 10400 is known to frequent motels in arms. Firefighters were able to More than a dozen fire trucks ation’s perimeter. Authorities are block of South Vermont Ave. The Hollywood and West Hollywood, extricate him from a small space blocked eastbound traffic on now continuing their investigation victim, identified as Robert and has ties to Arizona. between the train and the platform, Hollywood Boulevard, causing into the whereabouts of suspect Brewer, of Texas, was stabbed Authorities also said Bridges is a according to Metro spokesman significant traffic delays in front of Oscar Bridges, 54, who is multiple times and later pro- registered sex offender with a Jose Ubaldo. The victim was taken the W Hotel and Residences during described as a transient. nounced dead at the scene. lengthy criminal record. He is con- to Los Angeles County USC the Friday evening rush hour. Investigators had received tips that Authorities are not disclosing how sidered armed and dangerous. Medical Center, where he Anyone with information, or Bridges was seen in the Hollywood they identified Bridges as a sus- Anyone with information about remained hospitalized as of who may have witnessed the inci- area, and may have been staying in pect, or any additional details about the suspect is asked to contact Wednesday. dent, is asked to call investigators a homeless encampment in the the investigation. detectives with the Sheriff’s Ramon Montenegro, a public with Sheriff’s Transit services Hollywood Hills. Sheriff’s Bridges is described as African Homicide Bureau at (323)890- information officer for the Bureau at (323)563-5000. deputies, who were assisted by American, 6 feet 2 inches tall and 5500. Tips can also be made officers from the Los Angeles 180 pounds. He has black, dread- through Crimestoppers at Police Department, searched lock-style hair and brown eyes. He (800)222-TIPS. FBI looks to extradite fraud suspects n Local residents Mizrahi reportedly operated the wholesale electronics companies allegedly flee to Israel New Electronics Inc. and Tech to avoid prosecution Club Inc., as well as Star Club, a retail electronics store in Culver By edwin folven City. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said Mizrahi and Greenes, Two former residents of the who served as the companies’ chief Fairfax District have been charged financial officer, used falsified with allegedly defrauding three financial records over a four-year banks out of $33 million before period to obtain fraudulent loans fleeing to Israel to avoid prosecu- from three banks. The pair alleged- tion. ly obtained a $28 million line of Aviv Mizrahi, who also goes by credit from United Commercial the name Aviv Shoham Schwartz, Bank and a $3 million line of cred- 53, and Aryeh Greenes, 58, are it from TomatoBank. Mizrahi also Aryeh Greenes charged with bank fraud and mak- allegedly acted alone in obtaining a ing false statements in loan applica- $5 million line of credit from tions in a federal grand jury indict- Security Pacific Bank. ernment of more than $1 billion. ment returned on Jan. 30. Mizrahi United Commercial Bank and The money allegedly stolen by was also previously charged with Security Pacific Bank later failed Mizhari and Greenes has not been bank fraud in an indictment and were taken over by the Federal recovered. Eimiller said the men returned by a federal grand jury in Deposit Insurance Corporation, are believed to have fled to Israel photo by Edwin Folven May 2012. resulting in losses to the U.S. gov- See Fraud page 22 Firefighters respond to the incident on Friday. Chuck’s Auto & Dream Machines, Inc. Chuck’sComplete Auto Automotive & Dream Service -Machines, We Do It All! Inc.

•Tires •Brakes • Shocks & Struts • Lube & Oil • Air Conditioning • Wheel Alignment

• CV Boots • Timing Belts • Water Pumps Classic Ford • Foreign & Domestic Mustangs • All Years, Makes & Models 1965-1970 • Latest Computerized Diagnostic Services Sales & • Computerized Customer Service Files Serving the Restoration Fairfax District 105 South Fairfax Ave. at 1st St. for 50 Years (323)931-1481 • (323)936-6141 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 5 February 6, 2014 THINK

For Valentine’s Day

Some of Our Top Dogs • Pink’s Famous Chili Dog • Bacon Chili Cheese & Tomatoes • Giada de Laurentis Dog - Mozzarella Cheese & Veggies • Lord of the Rings Dog • Philly Cheesesteak Dog - Grilled Steak, Veggies & Cheese Pink’s is All About Love... Family, Community and Hot Dogs! Celebrate with your Sweetheart at Pink’s! 75 Years of Wonderful Memories Still Family Owned & Operated at the Same Location since 1939

L.A.’s Top Dog Since 1939 Corner of La Brea & Melrose www.pinkshollywood.com 6 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Former LaBonge staffer seeks CD4 seat Wally Knox aims to restore n also produces a literary confer- Sheila Irani hopes to ence, Women and Words, every improve transportation, year that benefits foster care agen- services, fix pension issues help homeless youth cies in Los Angeles County. The Lake Hollywood resident is n Former legislator looks to lead at city level By AAron Blevins running for office for the first time, aside from four terms as president By AAron Blevins Sheila Irani, a former field of her neighborhood association. She also sits on the education and deputy and director of special pro- Former Assemblyman Wally outreach committee for the jects for Councilman Tom Knox is vying for the soon-to-be- Hollywood United Neighborhood LaBonge, 4th District, is among a vacant Council District 4 seat, Council. group of individuals who are vying which covers the vast majority of Irani said she is running for the to succeed her former boss. the district he represented in the council seat for a “million rea- Irani said she left the council- Assembly from 1994 to 2000. sons” — one of which being that man’s office in July for family rea- After being termed out, he ran she believes she possesses a sons, but now the native Angeleno Sheila Irani for state Senate, eventually losing unique set of skills that will trans- is ready to give back to a city that in the primary to Sheila Kuehl. late well as a city leader. During has provided so much for her and Since then, Knox founded a con- her time in LaBonge’s office, she her parents, who emigrated from “The low-lying fruit has already sulting firm that works with said her private sector background Iran. been done,” she said, adding that unions on the implementation of enabled her to work more quickly “It’s not just home — it’s life for city leaders must look at other the Affordable Care Act and Wally Knox and efficiently. me,” she said. ways to use streets more efficient- received a master’s degree in The council candidate also has a Irani is currently the chair of the ly in order to reduce congestion econometric sociology at UCLA. background in transportation, as “That creates a real opportunity CHAMPION Fund, which sup- and promote transportation alter- Knox said he has never run for her advertising agency specializes for working on positive measures ports the Division of Adolescent natives. “We are definitely not Los Angeles City Council, but he in alternative modes of transit. that are going to restore services Medicine at Children’s Hospital building our way out of this feels that L.A. is at a crossroads Irani praised the Purple Line to neighborhoods and at the same Los Angeles, and she has run a thing.” — in that city leaders are in the Extension and the Bus Rapid time, working on matters of high small advertising agency, Irani also has an interest with process of restoring city services Transit plan, but said the city public policy to lay the ground- Pathways Strategic homeless and runaway youth, although a financial storm is on needs to make more progress on its work for the next half a century of Communications, since 1995. She given her experience with Women the horizon. bike master plan. See Irani page 19 See Knox page 21 Volunteers fill in gaps at LAPD’s Wilshire Division

By edwin folven the Wilshire Division’s volunteer program. Attendees were asked Santa Monica resident Jim to participate in an auction, with Frank had enjoyed a successful proceeds benefitting the pro- career as an attorney, judge and gram. One of the prizes was the businessman before going into ride-along with the captain, and semi-retirement in the late Frank ended up with the prize. 2000s. At the time, he never Frank now spends at least dreamed he would soon enter the three days a week at the police world of law enforcement. station, staffing the front desk, But all of that changed on a working at special events, or single afternoon in 2009, when helping the sworn LAPD person- he went on a ride-along with nel on projects. Frank said he Capt. Eric Davis, commanding works eight-hour shifts on aver- officer of the Los Angeles Police age. Volunteers are not paid, but Department’s Wilshire Division. he said the position is very The ride was supposed to last a rewarding, as it gives him a couple of hours, but Frank ended sense of fulfillment in helping up shadowing the captain all day. others. It was during that time that Frank “I feel like I am valued here. realized he had a knack for It’s really a family feeling,” police work, and he decided to Frank said. “I’ve done all kinds join the ranks of the Wilshire of things, and I really love it [at Division volunteers. the Wilshire Division]. When I “I have been so lucky through- sit at the front desk, it’s like out my life. I was an attorney for being in a squad car, but instead thirty-five years and also a judge of you going to an incident, they pro tem. I am a car guy and a come to you. You have to know racer, and a businessman,” Frank how to do everything, and you said. “After I retired, I wanted to have to be on your toes. You give something back to the com- never know who is going to walk munity. I stumbled into this, and through that door.” it seemed like a good fit.” The Wilshire Division has two At the request of a friend, he categories of volunteers: stan- attended a fundraiser in 2009 for See Volunteers page 21

photo by Edwin Folven Volunteer specialist Jim Frank is often the first person people encounter at LAPD’s Wilshire Division. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 7 February 6, 2014 8 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Bakery goes back to its roots Throwback Thursday to n Business is viewed Park Labrea News! as an icon in the local community

By edwin folven

La Brea Bakery celebrated its 25th anniversary on Jan. 30 with the grand opening of its flagship La Brea Bakery Café at 468 S. La Brea Ave. — located a short dis- tance away from the original bakery and restaurant founded by chef Nancy Silverton in 1989. Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, 10th District, and Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, joined Silverton and La Brea Bakery CEO John Yamin for a ribbon cutting ceremony, after which guests dined on fresh breads, artisanal pizzas, gourmet sandwiches and other treats. The 4,750-square-foot new bakery and café pays homage to La Brea Bakery’s original home, with casual table service, an express photo by Edwin Folven take-out counter and a glass dis- La Brea Bakery is back on La Brea Avenue. On Jan. 30, community play cabinet where customers can members and public officials celebrated its reopening. Pictured are coun- view the fresh pastries, sandwiches cil President Herb Wesson (left), owner and chef Nancy Silverton, and breads. Councilman Tom LaBonge and bakery CEO John Yamin. “Who would have thought that little storefront bakery would grow up to become this,” Silverton said Bakery has set a standard in culi- The new bakery cafe will be at the ceremony. “We are so proud nary excellence that others strive to open seven days a week from 9 to still be on La Brea; we wouldn’t emulate. a.m. to 4 p.m. for breakfast and be anywhere else. The heart and “Because of your work, it’s caus- lunch. Dinner service will be soul of this beautiful space is the ing other restaurants in the city to added soon, and the hours will be photo courtesy of Park Labrea News bread, and it always will be. Some step up their game, and we in the extended. For information, call The original newspaper offices were located at 626 1/2 S. La Brea things never change, including our city, appreciate that,” Wesson (323)939-6813, or visit Ave. until the publication moved in the 1980s to make way for a new passion for food.” added. www.labreabakery.com. bakery, La Brea Bakery, which was opened in 1989 by owner and The city officials in attendance The new café has a wood-fired baker Nancy Silverton. also praised Silverton and La Brea oven where the pizzas, focaccias Bakery as an icon in the communi- and breakfast frittatas are prepared ty. under the direction of chef Keith “There is heritage here, and the Silverton (no relation to Nancy & most important thing is the whole Silverton). Fresh breads are offered neighborhood, the whole commu- daily, and many of the original % &-,* +!!)#$" nity, supports it,” LaBonge said. “It café’s menu items — such as the % % ( (CA Ins. Lic #0G77708) takes a neighborhood in so many breakfast items, sandwiches, sal- ways.” ads, sides and espresso drinks — Wesson added that La Brea are still available.

!&" %&"%")!"'$ "()%" & %" ' Authorities make arrest in "($&&"#)&% +$,+"$*&$(!&%&'$ !%# "%"!" %$"'! !&!-% string of bank robberies +!!!($%$+"$$&+&$%*&$#$%%'$ &"!&#$&&"!&&-% By edwin folven said. “We had been looking for !!' !'$!! "$ him for a long time.” &%&'$" "( &% &$"&%$&$ A 44-year-old man from Studio Urmancheev is alleged to have $-%"!+"'-(#$" +!"&"!%$ City was arrested on Jan. 27 after begun the robbery spree on Sept. he allegedly robbed a bank in 25 at a Union Bank branch at 429 !%'$! West Los Angeles. Authorities Santa Monica Blvd., in Santa have linked the suspect to seven Monica. He allegedly struck a bank hold-ups that have occurred second time on Oct. 22 at a U.S. on the Westside since last Bank branch at 4700 Lincoln ")+"' +)"!$!)& !%'$!%&" September, as well as a robbery at Blvd., and again on Nov. 4 at the Chase Bank branch at 310 N. another U.S. Bank branch at 3302 ")& "(&' +&&)"$ "% + !! Fairfax Ave. in December. W. Pico Blvd. Police believe that "'&&+)"' +"''+ !%'$!'! %%+"' The suspect, identified as Alim Urmancheev next allegedly &$' + "(&#$%"!+"'"'&&"$! Shamil Urmancheev, was taken robbed a Chase Bank branch at ""+"')"!-&$"'!&"%"$*#$!& into custody outside a hotel in 1415 Lincoln Blvd. on Nov. 30, &!&%$" +"'$ !%'$!#'$% Venice after a bank robbery and struck again at a Chase Bank '+! !%'$!&!%&' & &&"!'$ occurred at a Chase Bank branch branch at 310 N. Fairfax Ave. on at 11700 National Blvd. Dec. 11. Additional robberies ! "(& &% "("!%!")&&+"'$%" ' Witnesses provided a description occurred on Jan. 7 at a U.S. Bank &&+"'-( # !%&"#$"("$&$) ! of the suspect, and police located branch at 1401 Wilshire Blvd., in (!&$+"'-$"! Urmancheev a short time later. Santa Monica, and on Jan. 27 on He has since been linked to a National Boulevard. +"'&!+"'! series of robberies committed by Eimiller said Urmancheev’s !%'$!"$ "$&!+"' a suspect who had been dubbed address is listed in Studio City, '$$!& +")!(%&))) ##!%"$& the “Westside gun and bag ban- but investigators believe he may )%&"&!"!#$"& "'!&"!& dit,” FBI spokeswoman Laura have been recently homeless and Eimiller said. The suspect was staying in his vehicle in the *# !%)"!% !%'$!!#$"(% approached tellers and threatened Venice area. The suspect has been &"" %&" #+"'&$ !") '!)& that he had a gun, and then charged with 10 counts of sec- !" !%'$! &$&"$+"' demanded money. He wore a ond-degree robbery, and is being baseball cap or cowboy hat dur- held in the Men’s Central Jail on ing the robberies, and placed the $500,000 bail. He is next sched- money in a bag before fleeing. uled to appear in court on Feb. 26 “He was someone we wanted in the Los Angeles Superior to get off the streets,” Eimiller Court’s Airport Division. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 9 February 6, 2014 WeHo hosts Day of Service Braille Institute opens doors for council president Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, 10th District, recently toured the Braille Institute’s headquarters to learn more about the 95-year-old organization’s mission and free services. Wesson was joined by incoming Braille Institute President Peter Mindnich and Los Angeles Executive Director Anita Wright. “We’re excited to have the support of a community leader such as Council President Wesson to help us expand awareness in the community about our free programs and services,” Mindnich said. “We photo courtesy of Friends of West Hollywood Elementary know there are many people across The city of West Hollywood joined hundreds of communities Los Angeles County, and beyond, photo courtesy of the Braille Institute who need support and training to across the United States in commemorating the 28th anniversary of Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson (center), 10th District, help adapt to life with less vision Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 18 by hosting a Day of Service met with the executive director Anita Wright and student Ward Whitney event to help beautify West Hollywood Elementary School. Dozens and we want to become their num- during his tour of the Braille Institute on Vermont Avenue. of community members joined to lend a helping hand, including par- ber one community resource.” ents, teens, and local volunteer groups. The volunteers did landscap- The institute provides free low ing, painting and tidying work during a six-hour shift to help freshen vision rehabilitation services. and one-on-one instruction that degeneration,” Wright said. “Our up the school. “One of the greatest things about the people of West Wesson toured the organization’s provides people living with low or students are people from all walks Hollywood is our willingness to extend a hand in service to others,” award-winning audio-book library, no vision the opportunity to learn of life who come to us to learn how Mayor Pro Tem John D’Amico said. “Our city is founded on respect which received the 2009 National everything from how to get around to maximize their remaining vision, for others and we live this core value by finding ways of coming Medal for Museum and Library town safely to how to stay connect- and learn tips and techniques to together in service to our community.” Service — the nation’s highest ed with the latest technology. help them live well with low or no honor for museums and libraries. Programs are tailored to meet the vision. We look forward to working He visited with Braille Institute stu- needs of each individual. with Council President Wesson to dents who shared their personal sto- “We serve everyone from tod- educate the community about the ries of success as a part of the insti- dlers to seniors. We serve people free resources we offer.” City begins valet enforcement tute’s Low Vision Wellness pro- who were born visually impaired, The Braille Institute is located at Restaurant and business owners tions of up to $2,500 per violation, gram. as well as people who lost partial 741 N. Vermont Ave. For informa- are being warned that as of Feb. 1, per day. Additionally, the institute offers vision later in life due to age-relat- tion, call (323)906-3176, or visit the Los Angeles Police Commission The city council enacted the valet numerous free classes, seminars ed eye conditions such as macular www.brailleinstitute.org. Investigation Division began ordinance on Nov. 14. enforcing the city’s valet ordinance. Business owners interested in The commission is warning that it applying for a valet permit may con- is imperative that all valet compa- tact the Police Commission Permit nies operating within the city of Los Processing Section at (213)996- Angeles obtain necessary police 1210. Members of the public can 7: <0- +=::-6< .1;+)4 A-): *=,/-<):A ,-8):<5-6<; 16 !7;6/-4-; ):- )=<07:1B-, <7 commission permits. Unpermitted report violations or complaints per- businesses may be subject to cita- taining to valet companies by call- 5)16<)16)+75*16-,?7:3.7:+-7. -5847A--; (0-6<0-*=,/-<?);),78<-,<07;- tion, arrest or criminal charges filed ing the valet hotline at (323)929- ,-8):<5-6<;?-:-/1>-6 *144176<7;8-6,.7:-5847A--;)4):1-; by the city attorney, and civil sanc- 2568. &),4A);1/61.1+)6<87:<1767.<0-576-A;8-6<.7:-5847A--;)4):1-;1;?);<-,C1<;?);< -,*A5)6)/-:;?0751;5)6)/-<0-1:57;<>)4=)*4-C)6,57;<-@8-6;1>-C:-;7=:+- Letters to the Editor '0-8:7*4-51;5)6)/-:;+76;1;<-6<4A=6,-: -;<15)<-<0-;<:-6/<0;-5847A--;*:16/<7<0- remain anonymous, that have been 27* '0-A-@8-+<4-;;.:75<0-1:-5847A--;<0)6<0--5847A--;):-?14416/<7/1>-<0-5 Great Hall/Long Hall are complaining that the Alcoholic 6 11+- <0- 51;5)6)/-5-6< 7. -5847A-- 8-:.7:5)6+- *-/16; ?1<0 <0- 01:16/ important historical Anonymous meeting was moved to 8:7+-;; 6;<-), 7. =;16/ <0- 8:7*)<176):A 8-:17, ); ) 27* ;8-+1.1+ 8-:.7:5)6+- *);-, the vast space of Fiesta Hall from ?7:316/<-;<5)6)/-:;:)<-8:7*)<176):A-5847A--;76);15841;<1+76- ;1B- .1<; )44<:)1< structures the more intimate and sharing 41;< [Re: “New Home for Great space of Great Hall. The intimacy Hall/Long Hall?”, Jan. 23 issue], it of the small room is much more was a bit surprising that no one conducive to the objective of these 6,:)<0-:<0)6:-9=1:16/8:7*)<176-:;<7,-576;<:)<-<0-1:.1<6-;;*A<0-)+<=)48-: took the false assertion by Rob meetings. Why can’t it be shared .7:5)6+-7.<0-1:,=<1-;)6,:-;876;1*141<1-;5)6)/-:;4-<>1:<=)44A)44)88716<--;8);; Bergstein of Restore Plummer Park for both uses, a daycare and off- hours meetings for AA? 8:7*)<176)+01->-+):--:;<)<=;)6,/)168:78-:)4=)<176;76<0)<;)5-;15841;<1+8:7+-;; 611+--5847A--;+744-+<;<)+3;7.5-)616/4-;;<:)1< *);-,:)<16/;*=<<0-A6->-:/-< remark go unchallenged is how West Hollywood residents using assertions become “fact.” These that open land. )88:)1;)4;<0)<)++=:)<-4A:-.4-+<?0)<<0-A,776<0-27* WPA Building are indeed worthy of There are so many more pressing our collective protection. The sug- issues in West Hollywood that '0-5)6)/-:;7.1-:-;1;<-,+1>14;-:>1+-:-.7:5.7:)>-:A476/<15- there is no need to hastily demolish gestion of moving these structures #-:;766-4-8):<5-6<8=*41+)<176'0-&=8-:>1;7:;=1,-<7#-:.7:5)6+-88:)1;)4?); is a nonsensical stopgap solution. these buildings, or the old growth Certainly not “Solomonesque.” trees. ;-6< <7 <0- 5)6)/-:; .7: <0-1: :->1-? '0)< ?); 16=/=;< !)<-: 5)6)/-:; ?-:- A stroll through Plummer Park, );3-,<7:->1-?);-+76,8:787;)4"7,-4#:7*)<176):A%)<16/#:7+-,=:- 7<08:787; David Reid pondering the problems the current )4;7=<416-,)');3;&<)6,):,;)88:7)+0<7<0-->)4=)<1767.-5847A--8-:.7:5)6+- =< Vista Street civic leaders claim are in need of a <7,)<-671-6<7.1-4, <-;<<07;-8:787)4; multi million-dollar remedy, is pos- itively head scratching. There is a Project to end call for a new day care center. It '0-$=-;<1761;(0A(0A,75)6/-:;+416/<701:16/)6,)88:)1;)48:7+-,=:-;<0)< % would be hard to argue the excuse homelessness is -@8-:<;)*07:)6,+7=:<;:-2-+<(0A,7<0-A,-.-6,8-:;766-48:)+<1+-;<0)<?);<-*7<0 that the portable building now used badly needed 0=5)6)6,.1;+)4:-;7=:+-;75)6)/-:;:-)44A<0163<0-8-784-7.!7;6/-4-;,76<+):- for that purpose should remain. 07?<0-1:<)@,744):;):-;8-6< What is baffling is why, in a review [Re: “A new home to combat and re-review of the discussion, no homelessness”, Jan. 30 issue], this one has suggested turning Great ")A*-1

Catch all the Olympic action here! Go USA! 12 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

course gourmet dinner, and of tea, how it is processed and cate- away. Currently available through VALENTINE’S DINING strolling Jazz guitarist to 10 p.m. gorized, in a presentation in Van de the month of February, Green Is By Jill Weinlein The menu includes a salad with Kamp Hall. Admission to Descanso The New Pink package includes a pink champagne gastrique, lobster Gardens is $9 general, $6 romantic breakfast in bed, couple ceviche with Tobiko caviar and seniors/students with I.D., $4 chil- yoga session at the beach or by the grilled Kobe flatiron with barrel dren 5 to 12; children 4 and pool, tandem bike rides, picnic for Parmesan, and mascarpone. 141 S. aged house steak sauce or Loup de younger free. 1418 Descanso two, and a $100 shopping spree at Chianina Grand Ave. (213)972-3331. Mer prepared Asian style. Share a Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, Bloomingdales. This package is chocolate fondue with exotic fruit (818)949-4200. available now until February 28 Steakhouse and housemade marshmallows starting at $629 a night. Sprinkles he Michael’s Restaurant Group Off Vine Valentine’s with petit fours. Another dining will be in the lobby from February Thas a new restaurant in Long alentine’s Dinner at Off Vine is option is the fine dining restaurant The Night Before 14 through February 17. 1515 Beach offering a four-course Va three course dinner for $55 The Belvedere at $145 per person. Ocean Ave. (800)599-1515 Valentine’s Day menu crafted and per person at three seatings: 5, 7:30 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd. Valentine’s Day urn up the heat with a four- prepared by Executive Chef David and 9:30 pm. The first course offers (310)551-2888. course candle-lit dinner for two Coleman. The 80-seat, boutique a choice of white & purple endive T Mr. Chow in Malibu at Got Kosher. Start with a salad Italian steakhouse and bar gets its salad, lobster bisque or the Off Vine reat your sweetheart to a roman- dressed with champagne vinai- name from the world-renowned mixed field greens. Choose from a Valentine’s Day tic evening with a three-course grette, followed by Maryland Krab T Chianina breed of cow. Its meat is selection of 11 entrées, including dinner and special romantic touches (not real crab) cakes with harissa more lean and tender than standard filet mignon, breast of free range at the Beach on February 14. The evening begins njoy a romantic Love Potion aioli or vegetarian brick aux fare. The night’s menu highlights chicken, pan fried sea scallops, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a tra- package at The Georgian Hotel Pommes de Terre with harissa grilled razor clams stuffed with fen- shrimp and lobster fettuccini, E ditional Red Lantern water in Santa Monica now through lemon sauce. Entrées include haris- nel and breadcrumbs. Next guests macadamia nut encrusted ahi tuna, dumpling or duck roll. Next choose March 2. Start with a one-night stay sa-crusted rib steak, spinach stuffed have a choice of winter root veg- lobster ravioli, Maple Leaf Farm lobster with butter sauce, chicken in a glamorous suite, a chef-select- salmon with harissa blood orange etable salad; Dungeness crab with duck breast, halibut, lamb chops with cantaloupe, prawns with garlic ed candle-lit dinner for two on the sauce or lemon saffron couscous avocado; pork belly with caramel and more. For dessert, choose from and green onions or beef with an Veranda, one night in a glamorous with harissa veggie croquettes and apple or squid ink spaghetti with uni Hearts of Belgian chocolate flour- oyster sauce. Finish with a dessert suite with a DVD of the classic are served with garlic and rosemary sauce. The next course is a choice of less torte with a raspberry vanilla selection for the third course. This romance movie, “No Man of Her potatoes or honey lavender carrots. 8 oz. prime filet mignon with potato sauce, macadamia nut tart with a Valentine’s meal is $85 per guest. Own”. Watch the movie while Finish with a molten chocolate lava gnocchi, forest mushrooms, and bor- chocolate sauce, peach cobbler with Drinks, tax and gratuity are addi- enjoying a special in room Love cake with raspberry coulis and mint delaise sauce. Fish lovers will like vanilla ice cream, or one of their tional. 3835 Cross Creek Road Potion Cocktail Kit, a delicious tea for $45 per person. Reservations the seared ahi tuna with a scallion famous soufflés: chocolate, raspber- #18A (310)456-7600. vodka concoction that guests can are for 7 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Bring purée, roasted artichokes, sun ry, grand-marnier. 6263 Leland assemble at just the right moment. your own Mevushal wine. There is chokes, and Taggiassca olives. Lamb Way, Hollywood. (323)962-1900. lovers will want to order the grilled The package starts at $399 nightly. no corkage fee. 8914 W. Pico Blvd. RockSugar Pan half rack of Colorado lamb with a Tax, gratuity and parking are extra. (310)858-1920. mint pesto, potatoes gratin, and 1415 Ocean Ave. (800)538-8147. Asian Kitchen Brussels sprouts. Finish with a salted Romantic Dining at caramel and chocolate tart with rasp- The Peninsula Sprinkles Cupcakes alentine’s Day at this romantic berry crème anglaise. This special ormally reserved only for hotel Descanso Gardens n Friday, February 14 from 2 Vspot is a four-course prix fixe dinner is $90 per person, excluding Nguests, the poolside cabanas Oto 6 p.m. in the lobby of Shore menu for $68 per guest. Choose a tax and gratuity. 5716 Second St. are available for Valentine’s Day. Camellia Fest Hotel, Sprinkles Cupcakes, the Southeast Asian appetizer sprinkled ome see the delicate camellia Long Beach (562)434-2333. Outfitted with iPod stations and native Los Angeles bakery will with subtle Asian spices while sip- flowers and enjoy traditional heaters, they offer wonderful views C offer an assortment of classic ping champagne included in the Japanese tea ceremonies at 11 a.m. of the sparkling city lights. Treat favorites including Red Velvet and menu. Next, order a meat or and 2 p.m. on Sunday, February. 9. your loved one to monogrammed Dark chocolate as well as seafood dish followed by a noodle, What’s New at It’s a natural for the Camellia Fest, napkins, a centerpiece of red roses, February’s feature flavor, Salty rice or vegetables dishes. Finish since tea is made from Camellia Petty Cash an exquisite four course meal, after caramel. Guests looking to extend with a pineapple tarte tatin, warm sinensis. $15. Advance ticket ow opening one hour early for dinner petit fours and a live music their sweet experience at the Shore chocolate cake or coconut panna required. Also, the experts at Chado Ndinner starting at 5 p.m. On by a strolling Jazz guitarist. Hotel are invited to take advantage cotta. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Tea of Pasadena will provide tea Sunday, February 9, the restaurant Reservations are from 5 to 10 p.m. of the Green Is The New Pink pack- (310)552-9988. tastings, offer information and sell will open for lunch at noon. The at $375 per couple. The Roof age, designed to help couples dis- select teas on February 8 and 9 at regular menu will be offered, as Garden restaurant is hosting a connect from their busy lives and 11:30am both days. Jordan Essey well as two lunch specials that Valentine’s dinner for $68 per per- reconnect with each other at the See more Valentine’s from Chado will discuss the origin include Chef’s Huevos Rancheros son that includes a red rose, three- eco-friendly, beachfront get- Restaurant News page 15 and Huevos con Chorizo. Margarita Mondays are $6 all night long. On Monday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. Tecata 16 oz. draft beer is $4. Cheesy churros, chicharrones, gua- camole and mini nachos are all under $6. 7360 Beverly Blvd. (323)933-5300. Patina Valentine’s Tasting Menu xecutive Chef Charles Olalia’s Eoffers a Valentine’s Day dining adventure at Patina. Partnering with iconic Parisian perfume house L’Artisan Perfumer, Olalia creates an exclusive menu, inspired by the natural fragrant ingredients of the Explosions d’Émotion collection. The three-course menu is $80 per person dishes offering alluring notes found in L’Artisan’s fra- grances to delight and romance all of your senses. Guests can also enjoy complimentary fragrance samples, along with a voucher towards a future L’Artisan Parfumer purchase. Some of the dishes include Nova Scotia salmon, Atlantic black cod and Omaha beef tenderloin with smoked potato mousseline and Bordelaise syrup. The passion fruit Crémeux with Valrhona chocolate and coconut sorbetisa play on the line’s Amour Nocturne, which features soothing notes of hot milk and caramel. There is also a six-course tasting menu for $160 per person. Menu highlights include oysters in seawa- ter with sea urchin, tapioca, and Kombu; layer cake of Big Eye tuna with soya onion, avocado, and ponzu vinaigrette; and black truffle risotto with acquerello rice, Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 13 February 6, 2014

chewy dough pillows dusted with Red Med at bacon, shishito and Thai basil. The chicken wings are a Red Formosa Cafe Medicine recipe rolled in flavorful crumbs, fish sauce, lime and Thai Bridging the old with the new chile, that spices the wings with aromatic flavors.

he legendary Formosa Café has been in Vincent Jung’s Billy Ray shared a story Tfamily for three generations. about The Duke, who Originally opening in 1925 in a red was unable to make it trolley car that once rolled down Santa Monica Blvd., it became the home one night. John Formosa Café when Jung’s grand- Wayne slept in the father, Lem Quom, partnered with the owner in 1945, and later took largest booth to the right full ownership in the 1970s. of the front door. Recently, Vincent collaborated By Jill Weinlein When they unlocked the with Adam Fleischman of Umami Burger and Red Medicine, and his Formosa the next morn- AdVantage Restaurant Partners - dish arrived in a bowl with layers of ing, Wayne was in the Executive Chef Jordan Kahn and avocado. As I dug down, I exposed kitchen preparing eggs. Noah Ellis to revamp the venue’s slippery, raw shrimp bathing in a dining menu and rename the iconic green aguachile with ginger. This spot Red Med at Formosa Café. dish had a punch of heat after the The crispy spring rolls are deep Inspired by Beverly Hill’s Red first bite and was served with fried and stuffed with a healthy Medicine’s Vietnamese-themed prawn rice crackers to scoop up the dose of crab and Asian herbs. menu and bar bites, Red Med at mixture of goodness. Everyone at the table enjoyed the Formosa Café features some of the When we spooned the marinated oyster mushrooms with crisp hari- most popular dishes, including eggplant on to our plates, it didn’t cot vert, and a French chili pepper dumplings, spring rolls, bahn-mi, look like much, yet had vivid fla- from Espelette mixed in with the brisket and whole fish to share. vors of garlic, sesame, and celery. oyster sauce. My eyes had to adjust quickly as I enjoyed the ethereal Shanghai Large parties may want to go I walked into the dark restaurant to rice cakes that tasted like little straight to The Group Effort col- photo by Jill Weinlein meet a group of foodies. We fre- The raw rock shrimp bathed in green aguachile and ginger is hidden quently used our iPhone flashlights under a bed of thinly sliced avodaco. to read the menu and snap photos. I was pleased to notice that all of umn on the menu for plates of ten- Formosa a landmark at its original the aesthetic elements of the der Wagyu Beef Brisket braised in a location. Bono has been coming to Formosa Café are the same. The secret plum sauce for 36 hours or a the Formosa for years, because he walls are still lined with over 250 deep fried whole black bass that enjoyed a waitress from Ireland black and white headshots of some arrives whole. The server filets it to named Cassie. She passed away a of the most famous actors in the reveal light colored and moist fish few years ago and bartenders con- world. There is still a display case with a crispy crust. These dishes tinue to make a specialty cocktail, showcasing a collection of Elvis easily feed three to four guests. “To Cassie With Love”, in her Presley decanters and statues above Before leaving, Billy Ray shared honor. his old booth. one more story. In the 1990s, the The Formosa Café is open for One of the head bartenders, Billy restaurant was threatened with dinner at 4 p.m. until the 2 a.m. Ray, arrived at our table with some demolition when its lease expired. “last call.” Parking is available in of the classic cocktails on the menu. Bono from U2, a frequent guest, the West Hollywood Gateway park- Bartender Matthew Boddie created was one of a group who spearhead ing garage. $$ 7156 Santa Monica a ginger daiquiri a la Central, pisco a preservationist effort to keep the Blvd. (323)850-9050. apricot Tropicale and the Singapore Sling for us to enjoy. Billy Ray shared with us that in its heyday, Hollywood romances were known to have blossomed in the low lighting and cozy booths over cocktails. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, and Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner were frequent guests at Formosa Cafe. Since the Pickford-Fairbanks Studio were next door, actors used photo by Jill Weinlein to saunter into the watering hole The chicken wings are a popular item at Red Medicine and now at the and stay until the wee hours, new Red Med at the Formosa Cafe. prompting Pickford to go to the city to help create the “last call by 2 a.m.” city ordinance for bars in Los Angeles. Gangster Mickey Cohen ruled the underground of liquor, women and cash at Formosa Café, he said. His safe was built into the flooring between the two front booths to the left of the front door. Billy Ray shared a story about The Duke, who was unable to make it home one night. John Wayne slept in the largest booth to the right of the front door. When Vincent’s dad unlocked the Formosa the next morning, Wayne was in the kitchen preparing eggs. The talented Chef Mark Tagnipez is now in charge of Red Med at Formosa Café’s kitchen. Tagnipez had a good run at XIV and Red Medicine. His new menu is the first of many planned celebra- tions to mark Formosa Café’s 75th anniversary. Some of Tagnipez dishes arrive with a lackluster presentation, yet once we took a fork to unwrap the À`>Þ] layers beneath; we discovered spec- tacular treasures of wonderful flavors hidden beneath. The entirely green rock shrimp

14 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

second is at 8:15 p.m. 1104 Wilshire Restaurant News Blvd. (310)395-0887. From page 12 Happy 22nd Birthday, Emily! Tres by Jose On the occasion of her 22nd birthday today, we would like to proudly share that our daughter, Emily Villalpando, has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Emily will Four Seasons Hotel Andres graduate in May with a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Strategic Communications from the num- hef Jose Andres has created a ber one ranked journalism school in the country. Below is the letter she received from the Associate Dean at Westlake Village Cmulti-course prix-fixe menu for the School of Journalism, Linda Kraxberger. Congratulations and way to go! ucked away in the heart of the couples to enjoy in the sanctuary of TSanta Monica Mountains Tres at $85 per person. Cozy up in escape reality by enjoying a roman- the restaurant’s romantic nooks and tic weekend getaway package that fireplace-side dining. 465 South La includes a couple’s treatment in the Cienega Blvd. (310)246-5551. 40,000 sq.-ft. spa, and variety of special dining options. To complete the romantic ambiance, the hotel The Bazaar will be turning their signature n addition to the regular menu, waterfall pink in celebration of the IJose Andres and Chef de Cuisine holiday. The Romance package Holly Jivin will offer Valentine’s includes luxurious, plush accom- Day a la carte tapas specials includ- modation with house-made choco- ing black truffle dishes and tableside late truffles and a bottle of wine caviar Kir royal cocktails. 465 South upon arrival. The package also La Cienega Blvd. (310)246-5555. includes a $150 dining credit per night, encouraging guests to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed, fireside Wolfgang Puck cocktails at the outdoor lounge, or indulge in a romantic dinner for two at Hotel Bel-Air aster Chef Wolfgang Puck in the Lobby Lounge or ONYX. and Executive Chef Hugo Rates start at $494 a night for M Bolanos have created the perfect Valentine’s Day weekend. On Valentine’s Day menu to be enjoyed Friday, February 14, Executive in the intimate, tucked away setting Chef Alexander La Motte will pre- of Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air. sent a three-course “His and Her” The three-course menu will start off sweetheart dinner at $95 per person with an amuse of Kumoamoto oys- with optional wine. 2 Dole Dr. ters, Japanese Hamachi sashimi; (818)575-3000. Maine lobster pot pie with winter root vegetables, and a passion fruit Comme Ca verrine with coconut mousse, he Sweethearts dinner is a lemon sponge cake and basil grani- Tthree-course prix-fixe menu ta. An optional black truffle supple- that captures the memories of Julia ment is also being offered. This Child and her love for husband three-course menu is $155 per per- Paul. Chef David Myers captures a son. On Thursday, Friday and new tradition this Valentine’s Day Saturday only, the bar will offer a as he recreates classics from the special Valentine’s Day cocktail, Julia’s kitchen—a postcard to the the Forbidden Kiss with Hendrick’s past, with dishes that include rolled Gin, raspberries, rose elixir and omelet with osetra caviar, crème fresh lemon for $18. 701 Stone fraiche and chives (this choice is an Canyon Rd. (310)472-1211. additional $15); lobster Thermidor with cognac cream and glazed English peas and carrots; and Sunset Marquis’ Gateaux Paris-Brest with toasted almond and praline crème or choco- SPA in WeHo late soufflé with vanilla raspberry ome enjoy a 60-minute aro- two $25 breakfast vouchers that anglaise. The regular menu is also Cmatherapy massage with cham- may be applied toward Sunday available. Reservations begin at pagne and chocolate covered straw- Brunch, and two free Sunset 5:30 p.m. 8479 Melrose Ave. berries for $150 per person. This Marquis signature drinks and com- (323)782-1104. can be enjoyed in a couples mas- plimentary valet parking for one sage or alone. They also are offer- vehicle starting at $850 per night. ing a luxurious one night accommo- The packages are available Five Course dinner dations in a Deluxe Villa for two February 10 through16 or a gift guests with an 80 minute couples card can be purchased for use at a at Hatfield’s later date. 1200 Alta Loma Rd. ulinary couples Karen and Quinn massage with champagne and (310)657-1333. CHatfield invite guests to celebrate chocolate covered strawberries, and Valentine’s Day at Hatfield’s with an intimate five-course prix-fixe menu, featuring some of their favorite dishes at $140 per person with wine pair- ings available at an additional fee. '-"$' Reservations are from 6 to 10:30 p.m. 6703 Melrose Ave., (323)935-2977. '%%# ) '%%#*) *" %# , ) $,' ! ) $ $ "%%%$&%%" Valentine’s #% Weekend at Melisse hef Josiah Citrin has created Coptions for diners to enjoy his Valentine’s Day menu on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. The eight- course menu includes dishes such as his famous egg caviar with a soft %""-,%% "+ poached egg with lemon crème %( ),%()%'-()-""%), ) fraiche and American caviar and his '%%# ) '%%# Perigord truffle risotto with mascar- *""- *'$ ( , ) *()%# $ pone and shaved black truffles. ( $'*'$ )*' Entrees include crispy Atlantic bass #% with Swiss chard, onions and sweet clover broth. On Valentine’s Day the eight-courses are $275 per person. First seating is from 5 to 6:30 p.m., second seating is at 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. On the night before Valentine’s Your Neighborhood Do-It-Yourself Center Day and the night after, Chef Citrin will offer two seatings for an eight- course menu for $150 per person. ẇẇ₢ ẇ₢ȑ ҟ Ɏẇ The first seating is at 5 p.m. and the Κ₢ &&&%$ !"$ #! 16 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

Crossword Puzzle Boat show sails into L.A. Seasoned sailors and land lovers Waxman takes a new direction alike are invited to the 2014 Progressive Insurance Los Angeles Boat Show running from today, Thursday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and at Pier 44 in Marina Del Rey. The four-day event showcases hundreds of vessels and the latest in boating accessories and gear. Educational seminars, on-the- water boating workshops and nau- tical fun for all-ages is provided. Guests can try activities such as stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and more, and there will be a shopping area for all boating needs. Venerable Congressman Henry Waxman, who announced on Jan. The Los Angeles Convention 30 that he is retiring after representing the area for the past 40 years, Center is located at 1201 S. was pictured in the Feb. 8, 1979 issue of the Park Labrea News. Figueroa St., downtown. The in- Waxman had been named as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health and the Environment at the time, one of many leadership posi- Across 5. Volcano output water location is at Pier 44, 4637 1. Marine tunicate 6. Literary alias Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey. tions he held during his tenure in the House of Representatives. The 6. Ruler until 1917 7. Traffic stopper Adult admission is $12; free for congressman said at the time that he planned to be a “consumer ori- 10. Sorcerer 8. Bone cavities youth 15 and younger accompa- ented chairman,” and led the committee until 1994. During that peri- 14. Cover 9. Kind of flour od, he championed the fight against tobacco usage, which led to 15. Intoxicating 10. 60’s dance nied by an adult. 16. Bonanza finds 11. Of a neighborhood For information, call (714)633- restrictions on tobacco advertising and the creation of labeling on 17. Indifference 12. Bas-relief medium 7581, or visit www.losangelesboat- tobacco packages describing potential health risks. For information on 20. Goes down 13. Krupp Works city show.com. Waxman’s retirement, see page 3. 21. Embarkation location 18. Old weapon 22. Pronouncement 19. Russian assembly 23. Middle Eastern tree 23. LP player 24. Large fruit 25. Yawp 25. Villain 26. Wings 29. Ballad 27. Small boat 30. Remote 28. DeLuise 31. Over ___ 29. Lixivium 34. Fill the bill? 31. Baby carrier? 37. Sitting out the game 32. Dug into 41. Grazing land, var. 33. “___ Cried” (1962 hit) 42. S-curve 34. Form of ether 43. Unrivaled 35. Unpopular spots 44. Back 36. Accordingly 46. Like some angels 38. “Hardly!” 47. Feminist Lucy 39. Jezebel’s idol 50. Sour 40. Wright wing 53. Geosphere 44. Defense against charges 54. Ruhr Valley city 45. Greek cheese 55. ___ up 46. Pastry dough, var. 59. Warmth givers 47. Pronunciation symbol 62. Modeled 48. March 63. “Tobermory” writer 49. Gonzo 64. Midsection 50. Apply butter 65. Copycat 51. Anorak 66. Duff 52. Round trip? 67. Emulate Demosthenes 55. Military award 56. Hipbones Down 57. Energy 1. Thecae 58. Punta del ___, Uruguay 2. ___ ferox 60. Medicinal amt. 3. Bounce 61. Wee hour 4. ___ the bill See Answers Page 22 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 17 February 6, 2014 ‘That Awkward Moment’ half seizes the day Watching “That Awkward wing-woman, Chelsea (Mackenzie Moment” feels like a mediocre Davis). All the pieces are set in the blind date: you can do better, but first predictable love story of 2014, it’s a little fun. Meet yet another so get ready for a ride you’ve prob- standardized “rom-com” that only ably taken at least three times a differs from its predecessors year in the past. through musical ambiance. This is Only in a romantic comedy The film reaches its high (which not how you want a film to live up would a dorky dude like Daniel is more a chest high than anything to its name. have a chance with someone like in the clouds) in bro scenes sprin- What’s there to tell? It’s all been Chelsea. But isn’t that the fun of kled with personal jabs, sexual said before. Jason (Zac Efron), these films. We’re less vain in exploits (or lack thereof) and how Daniel (Miles Teller) and Mikey movie form. But “That Awkward little these three “besties” want to (Michael B. Jordan) navigate the Moment” doesn’t pepper its grow up. pitfalls of love in the Big Apple. romantic insights with enough real- What “That Awkward Moment” With name-power like Efron, you ism. Things just happen without lacks in originality and memorabil- can guess who the film favors. And clear reasoning. And by the time ity, it partially redeems with a score why not? Who else looks this the big monologue arrives — Jason by David Torn and a slew of neo- photo courtesy of Focus Features dreamy? Jason has what he calls a revisiting their journey — his grand 1980s artists. With the advent of Miles Teller stars as Daniel, Michael B. Jordan appears as Mikey and “roster” — a list of women he con- gesture provides very little infor- electronic bands like Chvrches and Zac Efron portrays Jason in “That Awkward Moment”, a new “rom-com” tacts for hookups. But the shelf life mation of consequence. Mood M83, we can finally enjoy a sound- from writer and director Tom Gormican. of these casual encounters reaches music can only do so much. track for the hipster age (no, not their end when one of the two When one character spends most Silverlake hipster, something with outdated. Director and writer Tom engaging material next time. He (always women in his case) say, of the film demeaning women, his shorter beards). Gormican is at the beginning of his already proved his competency, “So…” That “S” word marks the final redemption feels disingenu- This is hardly utter trash, but it feature-film career (he did himself now it’s time for something people end of one “relationship” and our ous. Sure, other films might be might remind you of a dollar-store no favors by co-producing “Movie might desire re-watching. ladies man’s return to the market. absolved for such indiscretions, but postcard from last season: stale and 43”), so hopefully he’ll try for more Then, he meets Ellie (Imogen this one lacks other memorable Poots), who finally challenges his qualities. All that remains is subpar womanizing ways. She’s charis- chemistry. matic and matches his one-liners By themselves, Efron and Poots, with witty retorts. as Elle, are more like “The Annual awards ceremony spotlights family films Mikey, however, takes a different Tourist’s” Johnny Depp and Numerous animated and live Family Guide to Movies and the path, following the revelation that Angelina Jolie. They look the part action movies will be competing “Family movies Christian Film & Television his wife, Vera (Jessica Lucas), but shoddy writing leads down a for “Best Family Movie” of 2013 at Commission. Six of the movies cheated on him and wants a path all too familiar to Kate, Leo, the 22nd annual Faith & Values usually do best at made it into the Top 25 movies at divorce. In a moment of the highest Sally and Hugh Grant. They try to Awards Gala on Feb. 7 at the the box office.” the box office in both the United of camaraderies — “bro- brand this differently through ter- Universal Hilton Hotel. The cere- States and overseas. maraderie” — Jason and Daniel minology like the “roster” motif mony is affectionately called the -Dr. Ted Baehr, At the Faith & Values Awards, vow to stay single as well. But this and a bit about sneaking into a pri- “Teddy Bear” awards. founder of Movieguide Baehr will present highlights of is equally hard for Daniel, who vate park, so points for effort. Heading the list of nominees for Movieguide’s 2014 Report to the recently started sleeping with his Yawn. the Best Family Movie of 2013 are Entertainment Industry, which indi- films such as “Frozen”; for the “Ten Best 2013 Movies for cates what movies were most suc- “Despicable Me 2”; “Monsters Families” range from $367.7 mil- cessful at the domestic and interna- University”; “Oz, the Great and lion for “Despicable Me 2” and tional box office, as well as on Powerful” and “The Croods”. $360.6 million for “Frozen” to $2.4 home video in 2013. Additional Additional nominees are “Black for “Grace Unplugged”. awards will also be given to films to Nativity”; “Grace Unplugged”; “Family movies usually do best be announced. The Universal “Turbo”; “Linsanity” and “Cloudy at the box office,” said family and Hilton is located at 555 Universal with a Chance of Meatballs 2”. child advocate Dr. Ted Baehr, Hollywood Drive. For information, The domestic box office totals founder of Movieguide: The visit www.movieguideawards.com.

photo courtesy of Focus Features Jason (Zac Efron) and Ellie (Imogen Poots) get closer in “That Awkward Moment”. 18 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press KCCLA showcases works Museum debuts new exhibit with a kick The Los Angeles County by traveling Korean artist Museum of Art (LACMA) presents an exhibit titled “Fútbol: The Beautiful Game” running through July 20 in the Broad Contemporary art Museum, Level 3. The exhibition examines the sport of fútbol, or soccer as it is known in the United States. Approximately 50 works by nearly 30 artists on the subject of fútbol— often referred to as “the beautiful game”— will be displayed. The exhibition looks at issues of nation- alism, identity, globalism and mass spectacle, as well as the shared human experience between specta- tors from different cultures. In anticipation of the 2014 World Cup that takes place in Brazil in June, Photo courtesy of the Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, New Orleans LACMA’s exhibition considers the sport through video, photography, Generic Art Solutions’ “Pieta” (2008) is one of the pieces displayed at painting, sculpture and large-scale LACMA during its “Fútbol” exhibit. installation. “A globally beloved sport cele- the sport through art, according to Other works by artists Robin brated in the context of a museum, Govan. Two room-sized video Rhode, Kehinde Wiley, Petra what a great opportunity to explore installations anchor the exhibit. The Cortright, Andy Warhol, Mark the international scope of soccer first, “Zidane: A 21st Century Bradford, Mary Ellen Carroll, through the lens of art,” LACMA Portrait” by the artists Philippe Hassan Hajjaj and Andreas Gursky CEO and Wallis Annenberg director Parreno and Douglas Gordon, pro- provide a sense of the possibilities of Michael Govan said. “Fútbol should vides an intimate portrait of the sport as a universal conversation photo courtesy of KCCLA excite all, especially as it coincides Zinedine Zidane — one of the great- piece. Many of the artists are from The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA) presents an with the World Cup in Brazil in est soccer players in the history of countries such as Morocco, exhibit titled “Park Jae-Kon: The Journeys of His Life” running from summer 2014.” the sport. Stephen Dean’s “Volta”, Germany, Mexico and South Africa. Friday, Feb. 7 through Thursday, Feb. 20 in the center’s art gallery. Los Angeles is the only city to set to samba music, directs its gaze LACMA is located at 5905 Artist Park Jae-Kon (1937-1993) left Korea in 1972 and spent 20 boast two Major League Soccer at stadium crowds and draws atten- Wilshire Blvd. For information, call years living in foreign countries before returning home in 1992. He teams, and is the perfect place in tion to both the pandemonium and (323)857-6000, or visit left in search of underdeveloped countries, which led him to wander which to explore the dynamics of organized ritual of mass audiences. www.lacma.org. all over North America and South America. The artist and his family stayed in Canada, Mexico, Tahiti, Tobago, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. More than 30 works will be displayed, such as “Life and Roots” (pictured), an oil painting completed in 1992. KCCLA is located at 5505 Wilshire Blvd. For information, call (323)936-7141, or visit www.kccla.org. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 19 February 6, 2014 City launches People St From page 1

a cost- and responsibility-sharing would spend approximately format. $40,000 to $80,000 for parklets, “It’s really the direction we’re while the department would pay for heading on how to get projects signage. innovatively done quickly and cost Bicycle corrals, which have efficiently,” Watson said. “So it’s a enough space for about 10 bikes, very bottom-up and not a top-down occupy one parking space or can be program. Some other cities have placed in pedestrian plazas. taken different approaches.” LADOT would pay between The goal is to have the projects $5,000 to $10,000 for the custom- completed within one year of the made equipment and additional application being filed. To expedite money for signage. Community the projects, LADOT has created a partners would be responsible for pre-approved “kit of parts” of maintenance. design elements for applicants to “These are actually projects that use. repurpose the road space as public photo by Jim Simmons for LADOT “You don’t have to do any of that open space, space for people to The Sunset Triangle Plaza in Silver Lake is slated to become a permanent installation. stuff. We’ve really tried to stream- enjoy. This is something very new line the process so it’s easy to have for Los Angeles,” Watson said, the structure for a project. You don’t adding that all the work is below have to contact eight different the curb. “L.A. has a hunger for receive letters of support from the pilot programs that formed the our grandchildren,” he said. “That’s departments to get the permits you transforming our public realm and every entity involved, she said. development of this program,” she something we don’t think about need,” Watson said. “All the techni- really enhancing the conditions for The city currently has one plaza, said, adding that the department has because we think in the here and cal details have been worked out, people walking and bicycling.” four parklets and three bicycle cor- offered a range of options because now.” and everyone at the city and all Community partners would enter rals, Watson said. She said the city’s it recognizes that communities have Some attendees asked if business- these departments that you don’t a one-year, renewable memoran- only plaza, the Sunset Triangle different needs. es will be able to utilize the space. want to have to deal with have dum of understanding with the city, Plaza in Silver Lake, is will likely Several questions centered on the Watson said restaurants can’t use already signed off on this stuff. That but projects are intended to be tem- become a permanent installation loss of parking that would occur if a the spaces as an outdoor serving means no community partner needs porary. Watson said the hope is to thanks to a motion by Councilman project is completed. Watson said area. She stressed that the projects to recreate the wheel to do projects catalyze bigger conversations that Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District. the intent of the program is to are to remain public at all times. like you see out there.” could translate into permanent “It’s going to suddenly become a replace parking spaces with more The program is being paid for Pedestrian plazas close a portion infrastructure. park,” Watson said, adding that efficient uses of that “piece of the through Measure R funding. Watson of a street to vehicles, while offer- She said department staffers will officials will likely add trees and public realm.” said the department has the ability to ing furnishings, public programs conduct pre- and post-evaluations landscaping, among other things. “There’s plenty of parking,” she approve four plazas per cycle. and neighborhood outreach. of the projects to better understand She said summer movie nights are said. Watson added that some Parklets, however, are not as limit- Watson said the materials for the how they influence walkers and hosted at the site, and a farmer’s neighborhoods have a legitimate ed, and the number of parklet pro- plazas are in LADOT’s “wheel- cyclists, how they affect parking market hosts events there. “There’s concern about parking issues. jects approved will be related to house,” so the department will and how they help area businesses. a ton of other activities that have “Some of these things we hope will department staffing, she said. install and pay for most of it. Watson said applicants must have popped up organically.” really spawn some of those bigger Watson said bicycle corrals will not Community partners would be a strong community partner — such One participant said the plaza is conversations.” be available until 2016, as there is responsible for furnishings and as a business improvement district, becoming a homeless camp. LADOT communications officer already a waiting list — mostly due ongoing maintenance, while a chamber of commerce, an adja- Watson said it is important to place Bruce Gillman said the city is in the to the city currently installing a LADOT would spend $35,000 for a cent property owner or an area busi- the projects in areas with a decent midst of a transformation, as fewer number of bike lanes. typical 10,000-square-foot plaza. ness — that submits the application amount of foot traffic to prevent and fewer people are registering She said an introductory applica- Watson said parklets are essen- and signs the memorandum of such occurrences, and suggested their cars in Los Angeles. He said a tion window will begin March 3 and tially architectural construction pro- understanding. She said the depart- that participants choose movable time will come where Angelenos run through April 30. The regular jects. They are an expansion of the ment requires a letter of recommen- furnishings that could be brought won’t enjoy the freedom of move- application window will be from sidewalk into parking spaces that dation from the council member in inside at night if they fear that their ment that they currently have in October to November, and this year, create public, people-oriented the area, and the projects are subject project could become a homeless their vehicles. it will be from Oct. 1 to Nov. 28. places, according to LADOT’s to council approval. However, camp. “The shape of the city will change For information, visit www.peo- website. Community partners applicants are encouraged to “We learned a lot of lessons from tremendously for our children and plest.org.

Purple Line Extension projects Park or Windsor Square or figure out a good solution. will likely be priority No. 1. Irani Larchmont Village or the The former field deputy said she Irani seaks council seat said the projects are likely to bring Beachwood Canyon area railroad- would be “deeply honored” to rep- From page 6 “smart development.” ed by huge development and for it resent the district, as she loves “There’s a lot of good things to lose its favor,” Irani said. “It’s meeting people, discussing con- happening [in the Miracle Mile] all going to be about balance.” cerns and working toward solu- that are going to benefit the city,” Regarding the Millennium pro- tions. and Words. She said homeless she said, adding that a council she said. ject, she said the development is “I think I’ve got the ideas. I’ve youth live a “very invisible exis- member’s job is to serve as a liai- While development is much “most definitely” near an active got the ability, and I’ve got the tence” in Los Angeles. son between residents and city needed, officials should also prior- earthquake fault and is taller than desire,” Irani said, adding that she “They are near and dear to my hall. “Really, we are a middle man. itize the protection of neighbor- any other building in Hollywood. would be willing to cut $50,000 heart,” Irani said, adding that the We will find a common ground. It hoods, the Lake Hollywood resi- Irani said it would be “wiser” to do from her council salary and put it city does not have a lot of shelters may take a while.” dent said. She said the charm of some more homework before con- toward her office’s discretionary for that demographic. “I want to As for the Miracle Mile, Irani Los Angeles is its “quilt of neigh- tinuing to pursue construction. spending account. “That’s an promote their visibility, and I want said that facilitating the progress borhoods.” “It’s poor PR,” she said, adding investment I’m willing to make to solve the problems. They are of the Bus Rapid Transit and “I would hate to see a Hancock that she hopes the developers will into the district.” solvable. It’s going to take some- body with some focus.” As a small business owner, she would like to see the city promote an environment in which small businesses can thrive. Too often, officials pursue blanket approaches to solutions when they should be getting a better understanding of the businesses they will impact, Irani said. “There’s a lot of nuances that you need to integrate into your strategy,” she added. Irani also hopes to increase the job market and improve education in Los Angeles. Although the city council does not have jurisdiction over the city’s public school district, officials can enter partnerships to improve school campuses, she said. Irani mentioned her work in creating a community park at Vine Street Elementary School. “It’s a dialogue. …Too often … the various agencies don’t get into the same room with one another,” 20 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Hansen going for gold in Sochi Olympics From page 1

adjust your weight and move your screwed up the butcher paper peting against teammate Megan feet to maximize speed. Trainers plans.” Sweeney, someone Kate knew want kids to start before age 12 to Kate recalls the victory as her well. It came down to one final achieve the best results, he said. best luge memory. “When I race in Lillehammer, Norway, Kate capitalized on her intuitive- became the youngest ever to win where Megan beat Kate for the ness and earned an invitation to Jr. World Championship at age 15, remaining spot on the 2010 U.S. tour Europe with the Jr. National [that is my best luge memory]. I Olympic Luge Team. Team. A young Kate excitedly was competing against 19-year- Kate came home to La Cañada asked, “Can I go, can I go?” olds and I still had braces and feeling like she let everyone down, As only a wise mom would say, should not have even been racing – her parents said. It was the last day Kathie replied, “Under three con- I was too young. I [was] an awk- at La Cañada High School (LCHS) ditions. Keep your grades up, keep ward 15-year-old American who before winter break, and Kate your values and morals and com- loved to dance before my runs. returned to campus to hugs and plete your [Mormon] seminary Afterwards, people knew my name cheers from the students. I hap- certificate.” Kate wanted to attend and where I came from.” pened to be on campus that day for Brigham Young University (BYU) Her back and forth life between the Christmas assembly, and wit- after gradua- La Cañada and nessed the bittersweet scene for tion, and needed Lake Placid con- Kate. that certificate “I’m paving my tinued her junior John and Kathie recognized this to apply. And in own way as far as year in high foundation of support for Kate true Kate form, school, when years ago, and they don’t underes- she accom- being a California most of her timate the importance of her plished all girl in a winter friends were friends in keeping her spirits up. It three, Kathie sport, staying struggling with can be very lonely on the training said. AP courses, SAT circuit, Kate said. Some of the While touring enrolled [at BYU] testing and term toughest times for her were know- photo courtesy of the Hansen family in Europe, Kate as a traveling ath- papers. Kate’s ing she was missing out on the found herself struggles were of everyday things, like attending the Kate Hansen celebrates with fans after winning the Gold Medal in the either winning lete, and not living a different high school assemblies, and espe- World Cup on Jan. 22. or crashing, and at the Olympic nature. While in cially missing school dances. at Christmas Training Center Whistler, Can- Despite her long absences, Kate that year, John ada, she was and her friends picked back up like said it was time year round.” tapped to com- she had never left, she said. One of before earning a spot on the [at BYU] as a traveling athlete, and to re-evaluate pete with the Kate’s best memories was when Olympic team – in October, she not living at the Olympic Training her future. Kate Hansen senior team and she surprised everyone by showing broke her foot. Kate recalls the Center year round. I feel so alone “I laid out a Olympian she experienced up to her senior year homecoming moment as her lowest time in luge. in all this that there really is no one long piece of a serious crash, dance. She suddenly appeared in “I thought my career had ended who I can look to to keep going. So butcher paper cracking her hel- our backyard where the pre-dance right then and there. It took every yes, I guess it would be me,” Kate and plotted out the next ten years. met and was thought to have a pictures were being taken. All of ounce of my being to come back said. I asked Kate where she thought concussion. The team flew to the girls began screaming and cry- from that and I’m still so proud The Hansen family has traveled luge would take her. It doesn’t Innsbruck, Austria, and by the time ing as she walked down our drive- and surprised I did.” to Sochi for the trip – or slide – of offer college scholarships or many they arrived, Kate could barely way. She continued to race with a a lifetime. I’m sure Kate knows coaching opportunities. She said, walk and complained of excruciat- It seemed Kate’s luge career was splint on her foot – and won. When she has thousands of fans back ‘Yeah, there’s not a lot of future in ing back pain. The team physicians put on the back burner for the time she arrived in Lillehammer the home in La Cañada, BYU and all this. I want to finish the European took X-rays and determined Kate being. She attended BYU in the first week of January, she was still of the athletes with whom she’s tour, then I’m done.’” had a broken back. She flew home, fall of 2010 and initially tried to on crutches. She wasn’t allowed to competed over the years. As her She returned to Europe and just dejected, but happy to have the hide her “luging” from her new bring her crutches to the track, grandmother said, “Kate collects kept winning, John said. The love and support of her family and college buddies, wanting them to because officials said it made the friends.” coaches pulled her up to race in the friends. “like Kate for being Kate.” As sport look “too easy.” That didn’t Yes she does, and I expect, Kate Jr. World Championship and at 15 After a few months of rest and Kathie tells it, “One day, a friend stop Kate – she hobbled on one wouldn’t mind collecting a few years old, brought home the gold time to heal, Kate was ready to get said ‘You have to own this. [Being foot to the track to compete. medals as well, but that humble medal. She was only the fourth back on the track. The 2010 a luger] is who you are.’” From Then in December, she made the side of her comes out when asked American young woman to ever Olympic Trials were in Lake then on, Kate let her luge persona 2014 U.S. Olympic Women’s about her goals at the Olympics. win it, and the second from La Placid, a course she knew very out, and she once again immersed Luge Team – with a broken foot. “My number one goal is to not Cañada – the other being Mary well. Now 17, Kate continued to herself in luge and returned to That was a miracle – a dream make a fool out of myself. I would Ann Baribault, who went on to win, beating more seasoned ath- Lake Placid for winter training. come true for the 21 year old. And love to post a top ten finish, if the compete in the 1998 Olympics in letes along the way. From Lake John told Kate she wanted her to to cap off that feat came the World stars align I may be able to throw a Nagano, Japan. “That fact makes Placid, it was on to Whistler for the get more from her experience than Cup win on Jan. 22. top five finish, but I don’t want to La Cañada ‘luge capitol of the World Cup, where she won the “just speed.” He told her she need- “It was surprising to say the expect anything. I just want to US!’” John laughed. “Well, that first race. Kate found herself com- ed to learn something about herself least. The best finish I’ve ever had enjoy the ride,” she said. and be a good ambassador – a was a 4th place and never in my “I never grew up wanting to be a notion Kate fully embraced. He life did I think I would medal in a professional sledder. I’m a spoke of a time in Park City when World Cup. It felt really great, California girl who loves to surf a group of international lugers though, to lay down a track record and I would never have imagined gathered at a café. All of the ath- and to know that on that day, I was relocating my life to the snow. It letes walked in and shouted “Kate! the fastest in the world,” Kate said. was against all odds, but I accepted Kate!” John asked one of the Sounds just like Kate – upbeat the challenge and I’m grateful the Italian male lugers why they had and excited, yet modest. Or as stars aligned for me.” all gathered. “Kate invited us. John said, “She’s confident, but So a luger from sunny Southern Everyone knows Kate and every- humble.” California? Perhaps it’s not such a one likes to be with her because With all of the triumphs and far-flung notion. Let’s all rally she’s fun.” challenges Kate has faced over the around our own Sochi sweetheart, Yes, Kate is fun. She plays her years, I wondered who inspires her because that’s who she truly is. Ukulele to entertain the athletes to keep going. Without hesitation, Kate penned this prophetic mes- during down times, and has Kathie and John responded “her- sage when she was in fourth grade. become quite a prolific videogra- self.” K – Kinetic in soccer and foot- pher. Recently, she made a “Kate’s already accomplished ball. Christmas video of the athletes lip- and achieved more than we ever A – Absolutely going to be syncing to Mariah Carey’s “All I imagined,” John said. famous (maybe) Want for Christmas” and even got “We’ve always told her, she can T – Tackles my dog and people Geroge Hackl, Olympian and stop anytime. She can come home sometimes. World Champion luger, now the at anytime,” Kathie added. E – Eager to play all the time coach for Germany, to wink on I asked Kate if she agreed with “When I grow up I would want camera. (I think the aforemen- her parents. to be a couple of things like a skier, tioned assembly at LCHS could’ve “I have heroes that I look up to a soccer player, or rollerblader. been an inspiration for this produc- so much, but as far as who keeps But when you want to be someone, tion). me going? Yeah, I think they are you sometimes don’t get to be what Here’s a link to the video: right. Not because I think I’m awe- you want. https://vimeo.com/83646459 some, but because my situation is What I do in my spare time is Kate even learned German to so unique, and I don’t know of any- long-board or play outside. When I one who has gone before me on long-board I sometimes do skeleton photo courtesy of the Hansen family better communicate with the women on the German team and this same road. I’m paving my own on my driveway and time myself.” La Cañada’s Kate Hansen will represent the U.S. in the Sochi Olympics, got them to warm up to her. way as far as being a California girl Here’s to an awesome time, which begin Friday. She had one more setback in a winter sport, staying enrolled Kate. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 21 February 6, 2014 Waxman to retire at the end of 2014 From page 3

what he will do as a retired member statement. “Over the course of Howard Berman last year, of Congress, though he wants to forty years in Congress, their California and indeed the whole spend time in both Los Angeles grandson has fought to give every Congress, have lost two of the and Washington, D.C. Waxman American family that same chance. strongest pillars of policy-making said he will not be a lobbyist, but Thanks to Henry’s leadership, in the domestic and foreign policy practicing law is an option. He Americans breathe cleaner air, realms. I wish Henry every success “absolutely” wants to stay involved drink cleaner water, eat safer food, in the future, and while I am glad in politics. purchase safer products and, final- that he will be free to pursue his “I don’t have to decide that for ly, have access to quality, afford- other ambitions, he will leave eleven months,” the congressman able healthcare. Today, he contin- behind an unfillable void in the said. He doesn’t golf, but he will be ues to advocate tirelessly on behalf House.” spending more time with his grand- of Los Angeles and California as Assemblyman Richard Bloom children. he leads efforts to address a chang- (D-Santa Monica) agreed that Waxman’s term ends in ing climate and make sure every Congress lost one of most “deco- December, and he hopes to contin- American has the economic securi- rated and accomplished” leaders. ue work on climate change until his ty that comes with health insur- “Whether it was children’s photo by Aaron Blevins final day in office. ance. Henry will leave behind a health, Medicare and Medicaid U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) speaks to members of NCJW/LA in “Congress is not going to pass legacy as an extraordinary public expansion, universal healthcare, late April. anything in the year that’s left, but servant and one of the most accom- exposing the dangers of tobacco, I know the president is going to plished legislators of his or any era. food safety and labeling protec- move forward with regulation,” he Michelle and I wish him, his wife tions, funding for HIV and AIDS said. Janet, and his family all the best as treatment, or environmental pro- heart drove him to improve our city running for the vacant seat. Former Waxman’s impact on Southern they begin the next chapter of their tection and climate change, he has and our nation, and his work on mayoral candidate and city con- California was obvious, given the lives.” been front and center in these generic drugs, clean air and tobac- troller Wendy Greuel announced plethora of political leaders who Congressman Adam Schiff (D- debates and often years ahead of co — just to name a few — were on Jan. 30 that she will run for the offered kind words after his Calif.) said Waxman, who is his colleagues,” Bloom said. “He is profoundly impactful and have office, and state Sen. Ted Lieu (D- announcement on Thursday. “smart, strategically savvy, dogged a true trailblazer and one of the saved millions of lives,” Garcetti Torrance) declared on Jan. 31. “Early in the 20th Century, at oversight and a power to be reck- most progressive and inspirational said. “On behalf of the city of Los Author Marianne Williamson and Henry Waxman’s grandparents oned with,” will go down as “one political figures of our time.” Angeles, I want to thank producer/director Brent Roske had came to America, the land of of the giants” of Congress. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Congressman Waxman for his ser- already filed. opportunity, and found a place “His hand can be seen in almost referred to Waxman as a “leg- vice, and I hope he enjoys some Representatives of the Secretary where they could build a better life every domestic achievement of the endary lawmaker” and “one of the well-deserved time off.” of State’s Office said the official for themselves and their families,” last few decades,” Schiff said. finest champions” for L.A. His announcement spurred a candidate filing period opens President Barack Obama said in a “Along with the departure of “His incredibly compassionate handful of individuals to consider Monday and ends on March 7.

important the rainbow symbol is in people know how important that West Hollywood.” being inclusive is to our city,” Land Council opts for colorful compromise Currently, the rainbow logo is said. “We are a city that is definitely From page 1 most commonly seen on the sides of a city of everybody. But it’s very sheriff’s vehicles patrolling the city. important that the gay, lesbian, bi- It is comprised of a white back- sexual and transgender community flags flown over city hall. nently at other locations in the city, heritage, and it’s imbedded in our ground with several multi-colored knows that we are a city that is The council previously approved including at four locations along city’s flag,” Block said. “It’s a win- blocks that make up the geographic incredibly proud to have such a having a rainbow flag fly over city the Santa Monica Boulevard medi- win, and I’m thrilled.” outline of the city. The city’s blue community.” hall in June during Pride Month, ans on the city’s westside. Duran Prang said the council decided to official flag has been flying over Heilman added that the debate and a flag representing the trans- said he did not know until Prang fly the official flag with the rain- government buildings for more than over the flag demonstrates the pas- gender community in November in mentioned at the council meeting bow logo in response to concerns a decade. sion many people feel about the recognition of Transgender on Monday that the city had voiced by members of the commu- Duran said he also likes the idea rainbow as the symbol of the LGBT Awareness Month. The city manag- approved another official city flag nity, as opposed to public pressure. because it enables an official flag to community. er will consider whether to fly other years ago — the flag with the white Had the alternative flag not been fly, while also including the rain- “I think it was something that was groups’ flags on a case-by-case background and rainbow-colored approved years ago, the council bow symbol. The rainbow flag will a really good result,” Heilman said. basis. logo. would have been required to make also still return atop city hall in “Now, wherever the city is flying The removal of the rainbow flag The council decided unanimous- a different decision, he said. June. the city flag, it will incorporate the angered Block and many other ly to have that flag flown over city “I think in the end, we came up “I think the council came up with rainbow. It demonstrates the city’s members of the LGBT community, hall and other official government with an alternative that seems to sat- a very good compromise,” Duran commitment, and demonstrates the who view it as an important symbol buildings, as well as to add a rain- isfy everybody,” Prang said. added. “The city flag with the rain- importance of the LGBT communi- of tolerance and the struggle for gay bow flag and a transgender flag to “Approximately fourteen years ago, bow-colored blocks is an already ty to the city of West Hollywood.” rights. The push to have the rain- the Matthew Shepard Memorial at the city adopted the rainbow logo as recognized city–owned flag. We are D’Amico echoed the sentiment. bow flag taken down was spear- Santa Monica and Crescent Heights it’s official logo. The rainbow sym- just taking a symbol the city is “It seems like it completes the headed by Councilman John boulevards. City officials said it bol has been represented on some already accustomed to and placing thought about what should be done Duran, who argued that it is unfair may take a few days to have the city flags in some situations, and we it on an official flag.” with respect to displaying the rain- to have one group’s flag flown over new flags created, but they are determined we could use the white Mayor Abbe Land and bow flag in West Hollywood,” city hall and not the flag of other expected to again fly over city hall flag with the rainbow as our princi- Councilmen John Heilman and D’Amico added. “I think it is about groups. Duran said he was initially and other government buildings pal flag for display on city flagpoles John D’Amico also said it is appro- using this opportunity to remind surprised to learn that the removal within the next week or two. and city facilities. Of course it’s a priate to have the rainbow symbol people about the many things that generated controversy because the “[The rainbow symbol] is imbed- compromise. I think it is a superior included in the city’s flag. are important to residents and the rainbow flag is displayed promi- ded into the fabric of our LGBT solution when we recognize how “Flying that flag says a lot. It lets city council.”

issue on Sunset Boulevard that concerns about development proposed project site. was affecting children’s ability to impacting their areas are “absolute- “That needs to be moved for- Knox pursues council office walk to school. ly legitimate,” and yet, the city ward on a very rapid, rapid basis,” From page 6 “I take the neighborhood issues needs a “thriving” economy. he said. very seriously,” he added. “We all know that it’s very, very Knox said he would be pleased Knox said he has lived in the important to get out of this reces- to represent the district on the city governance in Los Angeles,” he can … we will stabilize the city’s district for many years, specifical- sion the best we can,” he said. council, especially considering that said. governance for half a century,” ly in the Los Feliz and Larchmont “What is needed is the kind of he has lived in the area for many Knox, who served on the Los Knox added. areas. He acknowledged the large leader that relishes working with years. Angeles Community College He also hopes to continue the amount of developments proposed people to solve those problems, as “I’m in love with the district. Board of Trustees for seven years, city’s progress in restoring ser- for the district, and said he would opposed to, and I’m not naming …This is where we raised our two said it’s no secret that the city faces vices after so many years of work to mitigate any issues created any names here, attempting to daughters,” he said. “Our whole pension issues, and it still has a decline. Knox said it is imperative from several projects coming to avoid those issues and somehow adult lives have been lived in the “long way to go” before solving that officials show the public that fruition at the same time. escape responsibility or blame. district. To represent it in city coun- the problem. they can do the basics and do them “Every neighborhood has a dif- …It’s really hard to do and that is cil and to help the district thrive “That’s been discussed for a well. ferent configuration, a different one of the reasons some political and prosper would be an absolute solid decade now,” he said, adding The former Assembly member street plan, and you can’t assume leaders just don’t lead. It’s hard to joy.” that the progress has been “incre- said he enjoyed working with that a cookie cutter approach … is do.” Thus far, a total of nine candi- mental at best.” neighborhood organizations to going to solve those kind of prob- One of the more controversial dates have begun campaigning for Along those lines, the city also improve the quality of life in those lems,” Knox said. “It is an enor- projects in the pipeline, the the seat that will be vacated when has healthcare costs that it must areas while serving in Sacramento. mous amount of time and effort.” Millennium Hollywood project, is LaBonge is termed out in 2015. address, Knox said. He said rising Instead of saying that neighbor- He said the new council member not in Council District 4, but could They are Tara Bannister, Teddy healthcare costs exacerbates the hood issues are not legislative will need to weigh the importance affect residents that the new coun- Davis, Sheila Irani, Knox, John city’s pending pension problems. problems, Knox said he made of economic development against cil member will represent. Knox Nelson Perron Jr., Joan Pelico, “Those are extremely tough “enormous” progress fixing local the need to protect neighborhoods. said he would like to see a thor- Carolyn Ramsay, Steve Veres and issues to grapple with, but if we dilemmas, such as a prostitution Knox said neighborhood groups’ ough seismic investigation of the Oscar Winslow. 22 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Balloon serves science lesson From page 1

things with pretty good accuracy.” nents, Jamie Sobieski said. Concialdi, along with parents “There aren’t a lot of open spaces Jamie and Anne-Elizabeth in L.A., so it has to do with land use Sobieski, orchestrated the event, and what we’re doing with civic which has been tied into the management and stuff like that, school’s engineering program, which I think is very fascinating,” fifth-grade weather lessons and he added. physics classes, which are learning When it was time for take-off, about Newtonian Motion. students sat in a circle around the Donated by the Sobieskis, the balloon in the school’s playground weather balloon is “very similar” to area. Some watched from a balcony instruments launched by the on an upper floor. All of them National Weather Service, helped with the 10-second count- Concialdi said. He said the device down. outputs data related to atmospheric After Concialdi let go of the pressure, temperature, altitude, lati- device, students watched the weath- tude and longitude, among other er balloon until it seemingly disap- things. peared into the sky. A group of stu- “It’s all the things the kids can dents —Max Gleiderman, Jacob use to crunch the numbers on how Hamilton, Michael Wong and Muj photo by Aaron Blevins it traveled and what the wind was Rahman — videotaped the event. Math and engineering teacher Joe Concialdi lets go of the weather balloon at Pilgrim School last week. The looking like,” Concialdi, a sixth- Hamilton flew a donated drone, balloon landed on a military base and is now property of the U.S. military. year teacher at Pilgrim, said. which was fitted with a GoPro The Sobieski family had Camera, to capture the launch for launched a weather balloon from what should be an interesting angle. day, were certainly enjoying the risk.” He praised the faculty for know- their South Pasadena home over the “We’ll get some really good experience. As it would turn out, the balloon ing how to handle “new tech” summer, and their children, Oliver, footage as it goes up,” he said. “The kids love it. The turnout landed on the wrong side of a fence equipment. a freshman, and James, a sopho- A GPS beacon was attached to was way better than I had anticipat- on a military base in Palm Springs. “I think we’re at a real interesting more, loved it. the weather balloon, so that the ed. The enthusiasm was just electric According to a school representa- era for science,” Jamie Sobieski “On the Internet, these balloon Sobieskis could find the instrument here,” Concialdi added. tive, the soldiers laughed when the said. “It’s new tech right now. What projects are not that expensive, and upon landing. Concialdi said orga- While Palm Springs was the Sobieskis asked if they could go are we going to do to solve the they’re really neat — to think about nizers also had a tool at their dis- predicated site of the landing, the retrieve the device, which is now problems of the world? You can’t land use and science and stratos- posal that predicted where the bal- math and engineering teacher said property of the U.S. military. As a fix cancer by just doing the same phere stuff,” Jamie Sobieski said. loon would land. It was slated to it’s possible that the balloon could school representative said, “There’s old, same old. You’ve got to think “It’s really informative.” head east and land near Palm land in a precarious position, such never a dull moment at Pilgrim.” new, you know? We’re going to He said there are a lot of ele- Springs. as on a freeway. “Pilgrim is such a neat school have population problems, or we’re ments to the balloon project that While the Sobieski family “That’s also some of the random- that they are open to this kind of going to have poverty problems or “are really neat.” While students tracked the device, the students ness,” he said. “We can’t predict project,” Jamie Sobieski said. “This we’re going to have global warm- think about exploring space and the would monitor its flight path at the that because it does descend and the is, to me, something that most ing [problems]. …We need fresh fact that Earth is a “small ball” in school, Concialdi said. He said the prediction tool doesn’t account for schools aren’t doing. It’s kind of out thinking. To me, it takes the vision the grand scheme of things, it also students, who would have their data freeways and all of that. So it is a of the box. It takes a lot of … big of a school like Pilgrim to sort of has local decision-making compo- prepared by the end of the school possibility, but it’s just part of the thinking to do this kind of project.” inspire that kind of stuff.” Volunteers make a difference at station Fraud suspects sought From page 6 From page 4

dard volunteers and specialist vol- “It’s a big plus,” Kirby added. “That’s why we started the neigh- within the last year. Mizhari is believed to have legally unteers. Frank is classified as a “They free up our officers to do the borhood watch, and a big part of “We have an attaché in Tel Aviv changed his name to Aviv Shoham specialist volunteer, and to attain things they need to do.” that is the police department. I who is working with Israeli author- Schwartz after arriving in Israel. the position, he was required to Frank said he has been involved offered to help them with their ini- ities and assisting in finding their If convicted, Mizhari faces a undergo an LAPD background in a variety of specialized assign- tiatives, and to give a more pol- specific locations,” Eimiller said. maximum statutory sentence of check and training in report writ- ments, such as staffing DUI check- ished, appealing look to the things “Every case is handled on a case- 1,020 years in federal prison. ing, computer searches, radio points, as well as undercover oper- they have going on.” by-case basis, and we will seek Greenes faces a maximum sentence usage and police procedure. ations. During a burglary and theft Kirby said the flyers Nichols extradition. We have had successful of 330 years in federal prison if Standard volunteers must under- from motor vehicle undercover produced for a fundraiser last fall extraditions from Israel, and will be convicted. go background checks but require operation, he played the part of a were so well received that repre- working with Israeli authorities to Anyone with information about much less training. They primarily “befuddled” elderly man who sentatives of other divisions began bring them back to the United the suspects’ whereabouts is asked staff the front desk, answer phones parked his car and walked away inquiring about how he could also States to face prosecution.” to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles and help with filing. The volun- with valuable items left in plain assist them. The sergeant added Both suspects are U.S. citizens. Office at (310)477-6565. teers are not issued a police badge sight. He couldn’t divulge any that the volunteer program sym- or allowed to carry a gun, and their details about the operation, but bolizes the true meaning of police- schedule is flexible because many said two suspects were arrested for community partnerships. of them also work full- or part- attempting to steal the property. “They help us out in a lot of time, and there is no minimum “I am very versatile,” Frank ways,” Kirby added. “The services Marcie Edwards to lead the DWP number of hours required. Frank added. they provide are invaluable.” Mayor Eric Garcetti has nominat- “Marcie Edwards has the tough- said the training is especially valu- Rachel Agajanian, a former Anyone interested in becoming ed Anaheim city manager Marcie ness and expertise necessary to take able if a volunteer later decides to Hancock Park resident who spends a volunteer at the Wilshire Edwards to be the next general on the status quo at the DWP and take the next step and applies to between 20 and 90 hours a month Division can contact officer manager of the Los Angeles deliver real, lasting change for become an LAPD reserve officer, as a standard volunteer, said it Jonathan Miller, with the Department of Water and Power DWP customers,” Garcetti said. which Frank said he is consider- gives her a sense of being involved Community Relations Unit, at (DWP). Prior to her appointment as “During the mayor’s race, L.A. vot- ing. in the community. (213)473-0200. Information is Anaheim’s city manger, Edwards ers gave me a mandate to reform the Sgt. A.J. Kirby, the officer in “It’s nice to be involved. It’s also available at www.lapdon- ran Anaheim Public Utilities for 13 DWP, and with Marcie Edwards, charge of the division’s very interesting,” Agajanian said. line.org/volunteers. years, delivering water and power we’re going to make sure the DWP Community Relations Unit and the Kirby said the volunteers pro- for California’s 10th largest city. is more efficient, tightly managed, volunteer program, said there are vide multiple roles at the station, Edwards previously worked for reliable and that costs are cut.” approximately 10 specialized vol- and many bring their different 24 years at the DWP, starting as a “I am honored by the opportunity unteers and 40 standard volunteers areas of expertise to the position. Answers From Page 16 clerk typist at the age of 19. She to join Mayor Garcetti’s administra- at the station. Department-wide, Peter Nichols, a Melrose District then became a steam plant assistant, tion and help drive the changes to the LAPD has approximately resident who is a co-founder of the a plant equipment operator, a steam this department that both he and the 3,000 volunteers. Kirby added that Melrose Action Neighborhood plant operator, a load dispatcher and ratepayers are seeking,” Edwards youths under 18 can volunteer Watch, also volunteers. Nichols is a senior load dispatcher. said. “In my discussions with with the station’s cadet program, a marketing consultant who has She steadily worked her way up Mayor Garcetti, he made the mis- which was formerly known as the enough free time in his schedule to the ladder to become DWP superin- sion at hand abundantly clear — to Explorers. Kirby said there are assist the division in designing and tendent of load dispatching, energy run this department like a business approximately 13 to 20 cadets cur- printing flyers, and other services control center manager, manager of and leave politics at the door — and rently in training, and approxi- that require technological exper- bulk power operations/mainte- that is a mission I will gladly mately 100 on the station’s roster. tise. nance, bulk power business unit accept.” They are primarily used to staff “I’m in a position in my life now director and finally assistant general Edwards’ nomination is subject to special events and functions. He where I can choose what I want to manager for the marketing and the confirmation by the Los Angeles said that the volunteers are invalu- do, and I wanted to give back to customer service business units. City Council. able to the department. my community,” Nichols said.

23 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Classified Advertising (323)933-5518 5150 Wilshire Blvd. #330 P.O. Box 36036, Los Angeles, CA 90036 BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY bATh Tu bS hARDW ARE ȑ¯ Ǒ $%$ ȑ BATHTUBS TTAASShh mmAANN &SINKS *&# %&#"#$ !%#!%$%# ٞOLD-WORN-STAINED-CHIPPED h o mECENTER * We Refinish Like New *&# %&#$%!#%! At Your Site! SCREENS • Do o RS *# Also h ARDWARE *&$!# Fiberglass Tub SALES & INSTALLATIo NS Ǒ !#%$! ɍ ' Repairs 7769 SANTA mo NICA bL. ((( !&$!# )!

All WorkGuranteed WEST h o LLYWo o D ۷¯ẇ TAX SERVICE Rick’s Porcelain (323)656-7028 Refinishing www.tashmans.com # Since 1961 " 8033 Sunset Blvd. #802 Family Owned & Operated /-'&00*-, $+ $3&12/, W. Hollywood, CA 90046 /&.$/$1*-, 1-800-200-TUBS hELP WANTED (323) 851-9142 Apply Now! ! Advertising Sales ! )*/%12*1& ComPuTER Representative -0,(&+&0 )-,& Ideal candidate has advertising " TThehe sales expeience, ȑ outstanding organizational ẇ DiscDisc skills, computer skills Graphic design skill welcomed! WEb DESIgN DocDoc Send resume to [email protected] Computer Problems? I CAN hELP! • Troubleshooting • Lessons • Purchase Consultation To Place a • Phone Support Classifed Ad Joel Rothman call (323)933-5518 323.240.5112 [email protected] ELDERLY CARE Nurse assistant/caregiver Experienced Female avilable Reliable care English speaking Great References. (310)500-5768 foR RENT Spacious Top Floor 1 Bdrm $995 1 parking space, laundry, elevator & on-site management. Controlled/gated entry. 344 S. Hobart Blvd. Contact Alimul Chowdhury at (213)446-3144 hELP WANTED Drivers: Home Nightly! Local - Flatbed Runs. 1yr CDL-A driving required. Estenson Logistics. Apply: www.goelc.com 1-866-336-9642 24 February 6, 2014 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press You’ll L™VE our Service

Specials! Express Maintenance Special Get 2 Lift Tickets to Mountain High Resort! $88.98 $99.98 With any Genuine Toyota parts and service Conventional Synthetic purchase of $59.99 or more, • Up to 5 quarts of premium oil • Tire rotation • Genuine Toyota oil filter • Multi-point inspection customers will receive a voucher for Valid only at Toyota of Hollywood. Toyota vehicles only. Up to 5 quarts of Genuine Toyota 2 lift tickets to Mountain High Resort. Premium Oil. Tax and haz. waste fees extra. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with some other offers. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See Hollywood Toyota for deails. Black out dates: February 15 - 17, 2014. Tickets expire at the Expires 2/28/14 end of the 2013/ 2014 season. Offer good at participating dealerships. While supplies last. Tire Alignment Special

$79.95 $109.95 2-WHEEL 4-WHEEL Tire alignment is recommended with the purchase of new tires. Proper alignment can increase gass mileage and extend the life of your tires. • Check suspension, steering, tires • Check and adjust camber and toe

Valid only at Toyota of Hollywood. Toyota vehicles only. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with some other offers. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See Hollywood Toyota for deails. Expires 2/28/14 mInOr ServIce IntermedIate ServIce maJOr ServIce 5,000 • 10,000 • 20,000 • 25,000 Miles 15,000 • 45,000 • 75,000 Miles 30,000 • 60,000 • 90,000 Miles INSPECT/CHECK: INSPECT/CHECK: INSPECT/CHECK: • Brake linings, discs, drumes, $ 95 • Brake linings, disc, drums, $ 95 $ 95 lines & hoses lines & hoses • Lubricate chassis plus tax plus tax (when applicable) • Steering linkage • Ball joints & 149plus tax • Lubricate chassis 189 PERFORM79 COMPLETE LUBE, dust covers • Steering linkage PERFORM COMPLETE LUBE, • Steering linkage PERFORM COMPLETE • Body & chassis nuts & bolts • Ignition and spark plug OIL & FILTER • Ball joints & dust covers OIL & FILTER LUBE, OIL & FILTER SERVICE SERVICE • Ignition & spark plug wires SERVICE wires • Body & chassis nuts • Up to 5 Qts oil • Lube chassis • Up to 5 Qts oil • Rack & pinion assembly & bolts • Up to 5 Qts oil • Genuine Toyota oil filter • Genuine Toyota oil filter • Rack & pinion assembly • Genuine Toyota oil filter • Set Timing • Rack & pinion assembly • Set timing • Rotate 4 tires • Ball joints & dust covers • Rotate 4 tires • Belts & hoses • Rotate 4 tires • Scope & adjust engine • Replace Engine air filter • Body & chassis nuts • Clean & adjust rear brakes • Inspect cabin air filter • Clean & adjust rear brakes • Belts & hoses • Inspect cabin • Clean & adjust rear brakes when & bolts when applicable • Inspect Tires for wear when applicable air filter applicable • Belts & hoses Replace: Synthetic Oil additional • Inspect Tires for wear Synthetic Oil additional • Inspect cabin air filter • Engine air filter • Inspect tires for wear Synthetic Oil additional Must be presented at time of purchase. TOYOTAS ONLY. May not be combined with other Must be presented at time of purchase. TOYOTAS ONLY. May not be combined with other offers or specials. Valid only at Toyota of Hollywood . Expires 2/28/14 offers or specials. Valid only at Toyota of Hollywood . Expires 2/28/14 Must be presented at time of purchase. TOYOTAS ONLY. May not be combined with other offers or specials. Valid only at Toyota of Hollywood . Expires 2/28/14

2/28/14 2/28/14 2/28/14

2/28/14 2/28/14 2/28/14 2/28/14

6000 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 323-419-3656 www.hollywoodtoyota.com