Real Life Cinderellas

WWW.BEVERLYPRESS.COM INSIDE • Funds sought for art centers. pg. 3 Partly cloudy, • Council approves with temps Arizona boycott. around 70º pg. 4

Volume 20 No. 19 Serving the West Hollywood, Hancock Park and Wilshire Communities May 13, 2010 Real Life Cinderellas Three Month Rent n Fairy Godmothers Grant Prom Wishes Freeze Proposed n LaBonge, Koretz Oppose, Citing Tough Market BY AMY LYONS BY IAN LOVETT Usually, Los Angeles allows lizabeth Amador, a senior at Fairfax High landlords of rent-controlled units to School, will head to the prom on May 15 ayle Santochi has lived in raise tenants’ rents by a minimum Ein a black dress that she loves. Though Park La Brea for 12 years, of three percent, or more if the Elizabeth’s father died last month and her mother, Gand almost every year her Consumer Price Index (CPI), an an elder care worker, is supporting four children, rent has gone up. When she moved algorithm used to calculate rents, is the prom dress was not a source of financial in, she was paying $1,140 a month higher. Last week, the Los Angeles strain on the cash-strapped family. That’s because for her two-bedroom apartment. City Council voted to direct the Operation School Bell, a program of Assistance Now, she pays $1,840 a month. City Attorney to draft an ordinance League of Southern California, let Elizabeth pick “I think I was getting a four per- that will freeze rent from July 1 out her dress for free. cent increase each year,” Santochi through October 31, with an option “They just told me to pick whatever I liked so I said. “I think every six years I get a to extend the freeze for two addi- did,” Amador said. “I also got high heels and break. I never questioned why, I tional months. The freeze is accessories.” was just glad for it.” designed to give the council time to Amador was one of 50 students from 12 high Park La Brea is the city’s largest look at a rent control study com- schools in the Los Angeles Unified School apartment complex. Like 66 per- pleted last year and possibly adopt District (LAUSD) who went to Operation School cent of the rental housing stock a new permanent rent control ordi- Bell’s headquarters last week to shop for the across the city — some 630,000 nance. prom from a supply of more than 300 dresses. units — Park La Brea is also rent The 4th and 5th City Council Half the dresses were gently used and donated by controlled, which means the City of Districts are home to more rent- daughters of the Anne Banning Auxiliary Los Angeles controls how much controlled units than any other dis- Assistance League of Southern California mem- rent can be raised each year. See Council page 22 bers. The other half were new, some purchased by Operation School Bell and others donated by two dress manufacturers in downtown Los Angeles. The students also picked out jewelry, makeup, shoes and wraps. Amador said the shopping spree allowed her and her peers to go all-out without worrying about financial limitations. “I am very grateful that I was given this oppor- 9photo by Amy Lyons tunity,” Amador said. “For kids who don’t have Wendy Mejia, a senior at Helen Bernstein High money, it really helps. It was a lot of fun, the School in Hollywood, models a dress that was donat- adults were very much there for us. They were ed through a program designed to help teens get out- See Prom page 20 fitted for their senior proms. Calling All 7th Graders n WeHo Middle School stay at the school next year. addition of a 7th grade for next “I know everyone here,” year, and the second floor has been photo by Amy Lyons Looking for a Few Friedman said. “It’s small, but it’s a picked out as the future home of the Jason Boarde founded the Pedal Patch Community to promote sus- Good Students great community. I’m really excited middle schoolers at Laurel. The tainable agriculture and provide food for the needy. for seventh grade here.” only remaining hurdle is enroll- BY IAN LOVETT Friedman and her classmates ment. To form a 7th grade for the won’t know for another week 2010-2011 school year, 70 students izzy Friedman has attended whether they will get to stay at need to enroll by May 21. So far, Laurel Elementary School Laurel for middle school. The Los only 34 have signed up—all of Patchwork of Garden Lsince kindergarten. Now, as a Angeles Unified School District them current Laurel Elementary 6th 6th grader, she’s hoping she gets to (LAUSD) board has approved the graders. Currently, 40 students attend 6th Plots Boost Food Supply grade at West Hollywood Elementary, while 84 kids attend BY AMY LYONS the majority of its support from 5th grade at Rosewood Elementary membership and program partic- School, where there isn’t yet a 6th ason Boarde is using his own ipants. Additional support comes grade. But each year, fewer than 40 backyard to help feed people. from charitable organizations students who attended elementary JA resident of Victoria Park, a and corporate sponsorship. schools in West Hollywood go to small enclave south of Hancock They collaborate with Feeding LAUSD middle schools. Park, Boarde is founder and America, World Wildlife Fund “Folks love their elementary executive director of Pedal Patch and other human service schools, but there is no real middle Community (PPC), a social providers. school option in the City of West group he formed last year to help The Victoria Park project, Hollywood for this community,” increase the food supply in urban aptly called Victoria Farms, will said LAUSD board member Steve areas and educate school-aged feature seasonal organic crops, Zimmer, 4th District. “We wanted children about sustainability. heirloom tomatoes from around A fledgling organization, cur- the world, a recycling center, cut photo by Ian Lovett to figure out how to keep these kids in LAUSD. We’re talking about a rently in the process of filing for flower garden, a mini orchard Sixth graders Lizzy Friedman and Carlos Chavez are hoping to attend non-profit status, PPC receives middle school at Laurel Elementary next year. See Students page 21 See Pedal Patch page 20 ! " %" !"#$ • Dynamic SuperRange Optical #%($!#( 0#1'")3 &($ Image Stabilization ( 48B74F (6AD9E6549 249@DC • 2.7” touch Panel LCD Screen • 15x HD CVideo Lens #$ ## #$ # % 2 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

14 18th Century free chamber music concert will begin Calendar at 6:00pm. 5905 Wilshire Blvd.; Etchings (323)857-6234. eginning Friday, May 14, the BForest Lawn Museum in Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Glendale will present “Goya: The Sondheim, Randy Newman, Brian 17 A Critic’s View at Caprichos Etchings, From the Wilson, Judy Collins, Dan Fogelberg, Redcat Collection of Keith Walker and Joni Mitchell and Cyndi Lauper. ilton Als, theatre critic for “The Robert Jensen”. These late 18th Tickets are $38 - $99 and can be pur- HNew Yorker”, will speak on Century etchings are an influential chased by calling (323)850-2000. Monday, May 17 at 8:30pm at the Roy graphic series in Western art. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater Francisco Goya, an artist of the Grand Ave. (REDCAT). Co-presented by the USC Enlightenment period, used his art to Annenberg School for express frustration with the Spanish Behind the Gates Communication and Journalism, the Inquisition, the abuses of the church production of Wendy Graf’s new discussion will focus on the role of the and nobility, social backwardness and Aplay, “Behind the Gates”, will critic in contemporary theater and art. greed. Through August 1, Forest open at the Lee Strasberg Creative Having contributed theater, art and lit- Lawn Museum, 1712 S. Glendale Center on Saturday, May 15 at erary reviews, Als will discuss how Ave.; (800)204-3131. 8:00pm. A troubled American teen the approach to theater criticism is vanishes into the world of the ultra- different from other artistic disci- Orchestra of the Orthodox haredi community while on plines. Tickets are $10. 631 W. a summer trip to Israel, cutting off all Second St.; (213)237-2800 or Americas www.redcat.org. n Friday, May 14, at 8:00pm, the communication with her mother and photo courtesy of Museums of the Arroyo OPhilharmonic Orchestra of the father. Her parents set out on a search Americas (POA), led by Founder and So Many Museums for their daughter throughout 20 Walter Mosley Music Director Alondra de la Parra, Museums of the Arroyo Day will take place on Sunday, May 16 from Jerusalem. Tickets are $30 on opening Honored at Hyatt 11:00am - 4:00pm. Five history-based museums that focus on preserv- night, which includes a party, and $25 will join Gustavo Santaolalla’s he Liberty Hill Foundation will ing and perpetuating early Los Angeles life will remain open, free of throughout the rest of the run. 7936 Argentine-Uruguyan music collective present author Walter Mosley charge, throughout the free event. Participating museums include Santa Monica Blvd., T Bajofondo for an evening of Latin with the Upton Sinclair Award at its Heritage Square, the Los Angeles Police Historical Society Museum West Hollywood; (323) 960-5772. fusion, celebrating the 2010 Mexican 28th annual gala dinner on Thursday, (pictured above) and the Lummis Home and Garden in Los Angeles, and Argentine Bicentennials. The per- May 20 at the Hyatt Regency Century plus the Gamble House and Pasadena Museum of History in Pasadena. formance is presented by the Los Plaza. The award is given annually to For more information, visit www.museumsofthearroyo.com or call 16 Indian Classical Angeles Philharmonic as part of the a person whose life-long crusade for (213)740-8687. Americas and Americans Festival. Dance justice serves as an inspiration. Tickets are $44-$79. The show starts ancer Rina Mehta will perform Mosley’s literary accomplishments at 8:00pm. Walt Disney Concert Hall, D“A Traditional Kathak Solo”, a and candid approach to race relations 111 S. Grand Ave.; (323)850-2000. form of classical Indian dance, on in America won him the award. Set in 15 Griffith 15 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Kinley, a Sunday, May 16 at 6:00pm at inner-city Los Angeles, his Ezekiel Kurosawa Films Observatory Turns 75 senior at La Canada High School, Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. Mehta will “Easy” Rawlins mysteries feature a paints original portraits of cultural exhibit the lighting fast footwork and black war veteran reluctantly pulled Celebrated riends Of The Observatory will icons, including Jimi Hendrix, pirouettes, rhythmic interplay, and into detective work. 2025 Avenue of he American Cinematheque at the present “Cosmic Conjunction: F Madonna and Michael Jackson. nuanced, graceful movements charac- the Stars. For tickets, call (310)453- Egyptian Theatre will hold sever- Diamond Nights, Northern Lights” on T Celebrity guest Brad Garrett will teristic of Kathak dance. She will also 3611. Saturday, May 15 from 5:30pm to al screenings of films by Japanese serve as auctioneer and all auction bring to life the ancient myths of 10:00pm, in celebration of Griffith filmmaker Akira Kurosawa over the proceeds will benefit the Dream India, including the sensual love Observatory’s 75th birthday. The Cabaret at the next week. Co-presented with the Foundation. A wine bar, appetizers between Lord Krishna and event will feature a new planetarium UCLA Film & Television Archive, the and a DJ are all part of the fun. Radha. Tickets are $15-$35. Barnsdall Magic Castle show, “Light of the Valkyries”, with two-part retrospective will celebrate Willardson Gallery is located at 105 Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood oin a great line up of artists at the music by Richard Wagner, as part of the career of one of cinema’s most N. California Ave., Glendale. Blvd.; (323)644-6269. JMagic Castle on Thursday, May inventive artists. The series starts on Ring Festival LA, along with live nar- 20, as they come together to pay trib- Friday, May 14 at 7:30pm, with a ration by special celebrity guest per- Patti LuPone Hits ute to the legendary team of Rodgers screening of “King Lear”, formers. Griffith Observatory, 2800 E. Emerging Artists and Hammerstein. The duo are Kurosawa’s take on the Shakespeare Observatory Rd., Griffith Park; Disney Stage famous for creating a string of popular classic. A once-merciless and blood- Friends of the Observatory can be ward-winning singer Patti Concert Broadway musicals, including thirsty Lord Hidetora leaves his king- reached at (213)473-0807. ALuPone will make her Walt he Colburn Chamber Orchestra “Oklahoma!” and “Carousel”. Doors dom to his three sons, and family Disney Concert Hall debut, on Tconducted by Ronald Leonard, open at 7:00pm, show starts at fighting ensues. Tickets are $11, with Art by Kinley Saturday, May 15, at 8:00pm in will perform three pieces at the Los 8:00pm. Tickets are $20 non-mem- discounts for students, seniors and een artist Kinley Winnaman will “Matters of the Heart”. She will per- Angeles County Museum of Art on bers, Call (323)851-3313. The Inner members. 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; Thave her work exhibited at the form a mix of ballads, pop, show Sunday, May 16 as part of the Circle at the Magic Castle, 7001 (323)466-3456. Willardson Gallery on Saturday, May tunes, up-tempo and cabaret songs by LACMA series, Sundays Live. The Franklin Ave.

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Money from the fund is Still Welcome Councilmember was not previously available for Authors Motion to use by the Department of Cultural BY EDWIN FOLVEN Allocate Funding Affairs, but LaBonge’s motion he future of the Fairfax Theater would free up the funding. The Twill likely be decided on June 3 BY EDWIN FOLVEN city council’s Arts, Parks and when the city’s Office of Historic Health and Aging Committee Resources holds a hearing on os Angeles City approved the motion on May 7, whether to preserve the theatre or to LCouncilmember Tom and it will soon be reviewed by allow the owner to move forward LaBonge, 4th District, has the full city council. with plans to turn the building into authored a motion designed to “I am glad we were able to get a condominium complex. keep the city’s art centers and more funds to the art centers The Friends of Fairfax Theatre, a some theatres operated by the around the city without further group that includes local residents Department of Cultural Affairs burdening the General Fund,” and members of several preserva- open during the next fiscal year. said LaBonge, who is chair of the tion groups, has filed an application The Department of Cultural Arts, Parks, Health and Aging asking that the city declare the the- Affairs is facing major cuts to its Committee. “There are so many atre a cultural historic monument. budget for the upcoming year, great classes and children’s pro- The group contends that the theatre, which could mean fewer hours, grams happening in those art cen- which is located near the corner of or even a complete closure, of ters throughout the city, I’m Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax places like the Barnsdall Art happy to help them out.” Avenue and was built in 1929, is of Center and Theatre in Will Caperton y Montoya, historic value because it is one of Hollywood; the William Grant director of marketing and devel- the only old-time movie houses Still Arts Center, near La Brea opment for the Department of remaining in the neighborhood. Avenue and the Santa Monica Cultural Affairs, said the addi- The group also contends that the (10) Freeway; the Madrid Theatre tional funding is badly needed. site is important because of its ties in the San Fernando Valley; and Approximately $365,000 has to the local Jewish community, the Warner Grand Theatre in San been allocated for the art center which used to gather at the Fairfax Pedro. and theatres in the proposed bud- Theatre in the 1930s and ‘40s to LaBonge’s motion seeks to get, which would enable them to learn about developments in World provide an undetermined amount stay open for a little more than War II. The theatre was also used from the city’s Public Works five months. It is estimated that for symphony performances during Improvements Arts Fund to keep the department needs $842,400 to its early days. the art centers and theatres open. keep all of the centers and the- “We believe we have a very cred- The fund is comprised of money atres open for an entire year. ible application,” said John collected when capital improve- “We are looking to fill a gap of Thomas, president of the Art Deco ment projects are conducted with- about $477,000,” Caperton y Society, members of the Friends of in the city. Approximately one Montoya said. “The question for the Fairfax Theatre. “We believe it photo by Edwin Folven percent of the cost of a project is which we are still waiting for an should be preserved, both as a cul- The Fairfax Theatre has been closed since January. A petition to have placed into the fund, and the answer is how much we can use money is to be used for public art See Theatre page 22 the theatre considered as a cultural resource will be reviewed on June 3. See Art Centers page 21 4 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Post Office Renamed for Late Hollywood Mayor Council Approves Economic n Johnny Grant Honored With Third Sanctions Against Arizona Walk of Fame Star BY AMY LYONS information about funds being diverted from Arizona. The reso- BY EDWIN FOLVEN he Los Angeles City Council lution calls for opposition to fed- he legacy of the late Honorary Tvoted 13-1 to approve a reso- eral funds that support the imple- TMayor of Hollywood Johnny lution to suspend the majority of mentation of Arizona SB 1070 Grant grew even larger on Monday city travel to Arizona and future and HB 2162. In his report, Miller when the U.S. Postal Service contracts with businesses there states that the laws “promote renamed the post office at 1615 N. because of SB 1070 and HB racial profiling, discrimination Wilcox Avenue in his honor. 2162, the laws in that state that and harassment.” Rep. Diane Watson, 33rd allow for police detainment of City Councilmember Tom District, led the effort to have the anyone suspected of being in ille- LaBonge, 4th District, voted in facility renamed the “Johnny Grant gal immigrant. HB 2162 is an favor of the boycott. Hollywood Post Office”, and amended version of SB 1070. “I recall my scoutmaster in the joined numerous public officials, Councilmember Greig Smith, Boy Scouts and he had been family members and friends of 12th District, was the only coun- interned with other Japanese- Grant, and a handful of celebrities cilmember to vote against the Americans during World War II. I for a ceremony to rededicate the measure. The law is set to be remember a story from Los photo by Edwin Folven building. A star similar to those on implemented on July 23. Angeles history about Mexican- Several celebrities, government officials and members of the local com- the Hollywood Walk of Fame was The call for a boycott on Americans being deported unveiled in front of the post office, munity unveiled a star Monday in front of the new Johhny Grant Arizona came in April when because of the color of their marking the third such star com- Hollywood Post Office. Councilmembers Janice Hahn, skin,” LaBonge said. “We recall memorating Grant’s contributions 15th District and Ed Reyes, 1st these stories with regret. I do to Hollywood. The post office is just north of Hollywood Boulevard Grant presided over star cere- District, drafted a resolution call- believe in comprehensive immi- now another landmark in the area and Highland Avenue. monies on the Walk of Fame for ing for a halt to travel and other gration reform, but I don‘t see named after Grant, including the Watson described Grant as a con- three decades until his death on financial investments in Arizona. how in this modern age this law Johnny Grant Building at 7024 summate promoter for Hollywood, January 9, 2008, and was also On Wednesday, Chief Legislative can be effective.” Hollywood Blvd., and Johnny and said it is fitting that the post active in promoting Hollywood in Analyst Gerry F. Miller revised The resolution calls on the Los the resolution, adding specific Grant Way, an intersection located office be renamed in his honor. See Johnny Grant page 21 See Boycott page 21 Letters to the Editor good work, and keep filling the journalists and city council mem- Kudos to Beverly Press vital niche that serves this eager bers must make that distinction reader. and refer to the legislation in the egarding the article titled correct context. R“The Tradition Continues…” Pini Herman in the May 6 issue, congratula- Manny Rodriguez tions on Emily Villalpando being West Hollywood accepted to Journalism school. I just wanted to let you know that it Distinctions Need to is great to receive the Beverly be Made on Intent of Press with the L.A. Times home delivery. That fills in such a vital Arizona Law Have an Opinion? gap in local news, and you can tell the L.A. Times that it makes their egarding the article titled Sound Off! paper more valuable to me. In “Arizona Law Triggers Calls R The Park Labrea News and terms of content, it’s a win-win sit- for Boycotts” in the May 6 issue, uation all around. The editorial you make an error in accuracy in Beverly Press encourages our quality of the Beverly Press cer- the first sentence, “Likening SB readers to submit Letters to tainly keeps pace with the L.A. 1070, Arizona’s new anti-immi- the Editor via e-mail at: Times. I’m sure Emily will add to gration law, to Proposition 8, the [email protected]. the quality when she returns from ban on same-sex marriage”. Just Letters must be signed by the her education. as Prop. 8 is not anti-marriage, author. Readers may also In addition, I know your adver- rather anti “same-sex” marriage, submit comments for publi- tising works because I chose to Arizona’s SB 1070 is not anti- cation as letters to editor via send my son to Pilgrim School last immigration, it is anti “illegal” postings on the website at: summer, and it was a great local immigration. There are indeed www.beverlypress.com, or educational resource that I’m glad very compelling arguments www.parklabreanews.com. I saw in your paper. 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WILSHIRE & FAIRFAX FAIRFAX & 6TH WEST HOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD 6121 WILSHIRE 601 S. FAIRFAX 852 N. LA BREA 5270 SUNSET BL. Museum Row (Corner of Fairfax (Corner of La Brea and (2 Blks. E. of Western at (1/2 Bl. W. of Fairfax) and 6th St.) Willoughby, North of Melrose) Hobart) 6 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Veterans Commemorate ʻBuybackʼ Program Takes Guns Off the Streets he City of Los Angeles’ 2010 TGun Buyback program was Anniversary of V-E Day held on May 8, and 2,511 firearms were collected citywide. In its second year, the event is designed to get weapons off the streets by pro- viding gift cards to people willing to voluntarily surrender their guns. Officials collected the guns at five locations throughout the city, including in Hollywood, where 386 firearms were surrendered. “I would like to thank all the Angelenos who joined us over the weekend to take us one step closer to securing a safer city for every family,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. “By helping us get 2,500 dangerous weapons off photo courtesy of Tyrone D. Washington the streets, this year’s successful Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (left), Los Angeles Police Department Chief turn-out shows that the gifts-for- Charlie Beck, and other law enforcement officials displayed the approx- guns method has been tested and it imately 2,500 firearms surrendered during the gun buyback. works.” The gun buyback program is an Approximately $197,400 in When bringing a firearm to the sta- initiative of the mayor’s Gang Ralphs or Visa gift cards were tion, always leave the unloaded Reduction and Youth Development given to individuals who surren- gun in a locked container or stored Office, and included a grassroots dered guns. Members of the in a vehicle trunk, and request outreach campaign with gang pre- LAPD’s Gun Unit staffed each site. assistance from personnel at the vention and intervention agencies, Individuals may still surrender front desk. For the locations of photo by Richard Settle community and religious leaders, guns to any LAPD police station, police stations, visit www.lapdon- Members of the Los Angeles Association of Veterans of WWII and the LAPD. but no gift cards will be exchanged. line.org. observed the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8 during a ceremony in Plummer Park in West Hollywood. The annual ceremony pays tribute to the individuals who lost their lives during World War II, and contributions members of the Russian immigrant community have made to the City of West Hollywood. Voters Can Begin Casting Ballots by Mail for June 8 Primary ecretary of State Debra Bowen flexibility to vote when it is conve- Shas announced that mail-in vot- nient for you,” Bowen said. “You ing for the June 8 primary election can cast your vote by mail ballot is ongoing through election day. now, or mark it as you make up Any California voter may use a your mind on an issue or candi- vote-by-mail ballot instead of date. Just make sure your county going to the polls, and the last day elections official receives your bal- to request a mail-in ballot is June 1. lot by 8:00pm on election day so it More than 5.8 million Californians will be counted.” are registered as permanent vote- The deadline to register to vote in by-mail voters, and thousands more the June 8 primary is May 24. For cast their ballots through the mail information, visit during each election. Ballots may www.sos.ca.gov/elections. be mailed or dropped off at any polling place within Los Angeles County on election day. Representatives of the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office will verify signatures on the vote-by-mail ballots with the signature on a voter’s registration card. ! " % “Voting by mail gives you the " " !"" ' Mid City West " " !

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ʻSmartʼ Meters Debut in Hollywood West Hollywood pproximately 10,000 new “A modern city needs modern Hosts Annual A“Coin & Card” parking technology,” LaBonge said. meters are being installed “These smart meters will allow Chalk Art Event throughout the city as part of the people to park with greater ease city’s effort to upgrade its parking and pay with a swipe of the card.” he City of West Hollywood will meters. According to Bruce Gillman, Thost its “Chalk Art in the Park” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa public information director for the event on Saturday, May 15 from (left) and City Councilmember Los Angeles Department of 11:00am to 4:00pm. Tom LaBonge, 4th District, came Transportation (LADOT), the Artists will turn the sidewalks in together in the Los Feliz District meters will be installed by July 1 the park into canvases of color. last week to announce the installa- in high traffic areas such as There will also be prizes, raffles, tion of the new meters, which Hollywood. Approximately 200 face painting, food and craft ven- accept credit cards. The meters have been installed in the Los Feliz dors, as well as family-oriented also run on solar power and can District, and more will soon be entertainment. send a signal directly to a techni- installed in the 3rd Street shopping For more information, call cian if a malfunction occurs, district between Fairfax Avenue (323)848-6534, or visit which will expedite repairs. and La Cienega Boulevard. photo courtesy of the 4th District Council Office www.weho.org.

Farmers Market Stuffed Turkey Breasts Offers Variety of Musical Performances

he Original Farmers Market, Tcorner of 3rd and Fairfax, will come alive with music during the next couple of weeks, with a special Ready musical performance titled “The Bartender’s Ball 2” on May 21, and to Cook the launch of the “Thursday Night Jazz” and “Friday Night Music” ! "# series on May 27 and 28. The Bartender’s Ball 2 is hosted Marconda’s Meats by EB’s, one of the bars of the Original Farmers Market, and will Puritan Poulrty feature live music on the West Patio. Bartenders Cynthia Catania, 6333 W. Third St. • Farmers Market Jay Souza and Lucky Islam will perform with their bands, beginning 323.938.5131 at 7:00pm with “Catania”. Special Family Owned at the Farmers Market for 65 Years guest “Speedtwinn” will perform second, followed by “50 Cent Hair Cut”, with Souza, and “ Chemistry of the Universe”, featuring Islam. For information, visit www.farm- Gourmet Food To Go! ersmarketbars.com. The Thursday Night Jazz program has been very popular over the last decade, and has built a loyal following. The series begins on May 27 with the return of the jazz and Latin quintet, Elliott Caine. Several other performers will be returning, including Bobby Matos, Bill Watrous with Rob Stoneback, Rob Kobayashi, and Sydney Weisman and the Chicago Trio. $ $ The Friday Night Music series $ $ # launches on May 28 with Eddie Baytos & The Nervis Bros. $ $ ! Numerous other bands will perform throughout the summer, with musi- $$ & cal styles ranging from flamenco and swing to country, roots rock and gypsy swing. The Original Farmers Market is located at 6333 W. 3rd St. For information, visit www.farmersmarket- la.com. $ "$ !!! $ Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 9 May 13, 2010 10 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

minds into a loner. Iron Man barely shows up, giving us only two real ʻIron Man 2ʼ Loses Momentum fight scenes and a drunken birthday spat. hough Robert Downey Jr. Business or action suit, Tony Tshows up with a great perfor- knows how to sport them all, but he mance, “Iron Man 2” isn’t nearly as spends most of the film wallowing good as the original. As Tony and attending parties rather than Stark/Iron Man, Downey Jr. works coming up with cool inventions. his magic to create an entertaining And then there’s something about popcorn flick, but everything just creating a new element, but it’s so feels thrown together. As entertain- underdeveloped and anticlimactic. ing and action-packed as it may be, The joy of “Iron Man” was a sense it’s hard to watch something like of discovery, watching Tony create this when its predecessor was so sensitive time is S.H.I.E.L.D. aka his suit through trial and error. We much better. Natalia Rushman (Scarlett watched as he interacted with The man in iron returns, facing Johansson), also known in the robots and a computerized butler as off against U.S. politicians who comics as the former Russian spy he created his suit. Instead of want his technology, a vengeful who goes by the alias Black spending time watching him create courtesy of Paramount Pictures Russian of equal scientific bril- Widow, though the Russian part is new toys, the camera dwells on far Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson), aka Black Widow, is a stealthy liance, Ivan Vanko (Mickey TBD here—maybe her back story less interesting matters. Rourke), and a jealous competitor, will make it into future films. And Regardless of flaws, there’s plen- fighter in “Iron Man 2”. Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell). let’s not forget director Jon ty to enjoy here. Even while disap- But Tony also faces internal battles Favreau’s role as Tony’s driver pointing, “Iron Man 2” still soars ter in future films. Rourke plays an there’s much to be excited about as the device keeping his heart Happy Hogan—more front and above superhero films like adequate villain as a mad scientist and I’m willing to let Downey, Jr. pumping is also killing him. Cue center than in part one. The casting “Daredevil”, “Elektra”, “Ghost with his own take on Tony Stark’s and the gang off the hook. Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow) and mil- alone gives you an idea of the diffi- Rider”, “X-Men: The Last Stand”, Iron Man technology: a mechanical Here’s the bottom line: I’m glad itary bud Rhodey (Don Cheadle) culty of portraying so many charac- both “Fantastic Fours”, both suit with some vicious electric they got this film out of their sys- trying to get our brooding hero to ters in two hours. “Punishers” and many more action whips…stand clear or get sliced in tem because the next one will be open up. Along for the ride are a It’s easy to see how the film tries movies. half. The film’s at its best when better. Most superhero films go few familiar faces from the Marvel to mimic “The Dark Knight” large Johansson as Black Widow pro- Downey, Jr. simply does his fast- wrong in part three, but “Iron Man Comics universe. Head of cast with more villains, larger roles vides a fantastic combat fight wit thing, talking up anyone who’s 2” just flip-flopped, and it still isn’t S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury (Samuel L. for minor characters, and bigger scene, getting plenty of fans amped around him. It never gets old. nearly as bad as other superhero Jackson) ups his cameo in the last explosions. Sadly, the majority of for what she’ll do with the charac- Even with such a mediocre film, sequels. film to supporting role, as he tries the film centers on Tony Stark act- to help Tony understand his past ing like a jack-ass. His cocky atti- and role as a superhero now. tude isn’t as endearing here, turning Keeping an eye on Tony during this one of the greatest technological

courtesy of Paramount Pictures From left, War Machine (Don Cheadle) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) are a power duo in “Iron Man 2.” Olympians on Ice at Staples

photo courtesy of Smucker’s Stars on Ice On the heels of a historic 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, gold medalist Evan Lysacek is one of the many skaters performing at the Smuckerʼs Stars on Ice Tour at the Staples Center on Thursday, May 20 at 7:30pm for a one-night-only performance. He will be joined by 2006 Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen; world champion and six-time national champion Todd Eldredge; and many more. Tickets start at $25 and a portion of Smuckerʼs Stars on Ice proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800)745-3000. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 11 May 13, 2010

prison camp, even though they’re spending out the final days of the Divine Drama: ʻHoly Ghostʼ war picking cotton, under the control of African American guards, hether it’s a tragedy or a who themselves know what it Wcomedy is neither here nor Mad About Theater means to be victims of circum- there in Jon Tuttle’s “Holy Ghost”, stance or, in Nazi parlance, racial a captivating play that has few of inferiority. The ‘Holy Ghost’ is the the earmarks of entertainment, but dread midnight visitor who whis- makes a huge statement, in a dra- pers in the ears of suspected Jews, matically shocking and, at the same or non-Germans who have been time, wildly funny play. subdued and drafted into the select Michael Rothhaar directs with by Madeleine Shaner ranks of the Master Class, that ‘sug- style and panache, and a very clear gested’ suicide is the best remedy understanding of the early ‘40s era prisoners, men who are not ready to for what they’ve got. Fear is rife in when the whole of Europe was in accept the fact of subjugation by the closed community while all an uproar and prison camps in American forces, let alone African efforts to treat the arrogant prison- unoccupied Europe were filled to American forces, who are their ers humanely are scorned by the overflowing. guards in many cases. Discipline is captured warriors who prefer their It’s toward the end of WWII and at stake, and the heretofore Master own methods. a POW camp in South Carolina has Race is still calling the shots, at Superb performances make been rapidly filling up with German least within the bounds of the ‘Ghost’ a memorable play and a moving, and often hilarious experi- photo by Darrett Sanders ence. Dan Wingard, in high style as A Nazi prisoner (Brad Light) plays games with an American GI (Rich slightly wimpy newcomer to the prison camp, Bergen, a hidden Jew PierreLouis) in “Holy Ghost”. himself, has advanced humane ideas for dealing with the captured and hillbillies he meets during his Cetnik; Ryan Vincent Anderson foe. Notwithstanding the fact that escape from his tormentors, where and Doug Burch (doubling in most of the prisoners don’t speak he’s later joined by Henry (an out- brass); Philip C. Curry as Waters; English – in fact many of them standing and hilarious Rich Reena Duff as a Gullah Woman; don’t even speak German – Bergen PierreLouis), an African American Lorianne Hill; Carl J. Johnson plans to put on a play, “Abe Lincoln private (himself a victim of fortune, (swell as Papa, King and in Illinois”, which could well be an who’s been sent out in search of the Professor); Brad C. Light (subtly insane kind of torture as a con- AWOL prisoner). The adventurers- essaying an SS officer and a glomeration of indentured troops by-default encounter a broad swath Southern sheriff); Joel Scher have to memorize lines that have of American ‘types’ that make this a (believably different and fine in absolutely no meaning for them. bit of a tongue-in-cheek, and three roles, as a German soldier- Outstanding in this latter group is severely funny guided tour of the victim, a mentally challenged Rick Steadman as Cetnik, a Serb, American South. There are mar- Southerner, and a federal agent). who happily puts on a Lincoln velous performances by a winning What a team. Theatre of NOTE, beard and learns a few lines by rote, team of actors who give it their all 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Fridays, which he happily and meaningless- in their characterizations in single Saturdays 8:00pm; Sundays Photo by Darrett Sanders ly exchanges, in a dreadful, but and multiple roles, including 7:00pm. Through May 30. Front, a Nazi prisoner (Brad Light) challenges an American officer (Dan sadly funny accent with the varied Rebecca Sigl as Patty, a very will- (323)856-8611 or www.theatre- Wingard) as an American GI (Rich PierreLouis, background) looks on. locals – gypsies, tramps, thieves ing pillow-mate of the lonely ofnote.com. A Festival Full of New Show Tunes usical theatre fans have some- John LaChuisa’s “See What I Mthing to sing about this sum- Wanna See” at the Blank Theatre mer. The 2010 Festival of New Company, Jonathan Brielle’s American Musicals, will be held “Nightmare Alley” at the Geffen May 16 through August 21 through- Playhouse, and “The Sunset out Southern California. Players,” the festival’s first Internet The festival will include full pro- musical, which can be accessed on ductions, staged readings, work- YouTube. shops of musicals in progress, Educational initiatives are a cabaret events, and concerts. The major component of the event. The organizers are working in partner- festival’s Academy for Young ship with more than 30 Southern Performers, will host a day-long California performing arts organiza- workshop for young musicians on tions; each will produce a new May 23, at the Gallery Theatre at American musical for the festival. Barnsdall Park. For a schedule of Local offerings include Michael events, visit www.lafestival.org.

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lower calorie version of a deli classic. One big bonus at Junior’s Itʼs a Bakery, Itʼs a Deli, Itʼs... is the option to order a half sandwich ($9.95) or a whole one ($13.25). Sandwiches are served with two mini-potato pancakes, on Junior’s freshly baked rye bread unless otherwise specified. I went with the half sandwich, making sure to leave room for the slightly crispy, melt-in-your mouth potato pan- BY AMY LYONS stuck with my original craving for a cupcake, picking the red velvet cakes. The sandwich was salty ed velvet cupcakes topped variety simply because of the gor- and satisfying, a half portion that Rwith rich swirls of cream geous presentation. Thick frosting was plentiful. cheese frosting and decadent The sandwich selection at blackout cake are just a few of the Junior’s is like the ice cream desserts sitting under the glass We spent selection at Baskin Robbins, so bakery counter at Junior’s, little many varieties that you know works of sweet art lined up in neat you’ll have to come back to sam- little rows, ready for your post- fifteen minutes ple more. lunch or dinner perusal. It’s the There’s the “Pulitzer”, a sweets that first drew me to this browsing the smoked white fish sandwich with sprawling two-in-one, bakery-deli cream cheese, onion and tomato combo. The sandwiches beck- rows and rows served on a bagel; and the oned me back for a second visit. “Oscar”, a stack of rare roast beef, But dessert was on my mind the of baked goods. cheddar cheese and thousand first time I paid a visit to Junior’s, island dressing. about two months ago. Out with The build-a-burger menu offers friends in Santa Monica, we had the choice of a beef, chicken or dined early in the evening and vegitarian patty, served with your were poking around the Third sat atop incredibly moist cake, a choice of such toppings as grilled Street Promenade when one mem- red and white gem that I couldn’t pineapple, sauteed mushrooms or ber of the group suggested we finish. Though I wanted to keep jalapenos. grab some dessert. After a round going, it only took four bites to Come for eggs in the morning, a of discussion about what everyone fully satisfy me, but I couldn’t sandwich in the afternoon, or wanted, one of our gang said get- bear to leave this beautiful baked corned beef dinner in the evening. ting in the car and taking the ten- good behind, so I did something I When you do come, don’t forget about dessert – Junior’s has the minute trip to Junior’s would suit never do with desserts – I took it photo by Amy Lyons everyone’s needs. I wanted a cup- to go. sweetest meal enders in town. Itʼs hard to decide which is better at Juniorʼs: the desserts or the hearty Junior’s, 2379 Westwood Blvd.; cake, another in our group wanted Of the other desserts that filled deli sandwiches. a shake and someone else wanted our party-of-four’s table, my (310)475-5771. coffee. When we arrived at favorite was the bread pudding, a Junior’s I was surprised to see just sweet, satisfying custard topped how many different dessert with a rum sauce so deliciously options there were. powerful that too much of it could We spent fifteen minutes necessitate handing over your car browsing the rows and rows of keys. baked goods before heading over Three weeks after that first to the main restaurant, an entirely after-dinner trip to Junior’s, I went different room in the large set-up, back during the Friday lunch hour, to grab a booth. a repeat trip that stemmed from Though both the tiramisu and the glimpses I caught of sand- lemon cake called to me from the wiches on visit number one. I pristine bakery encasement, I went with the turkey pastrami, a

Tall Ship Offers Summer Fun sland Packer Cruises has a Visitors can participate in the Inew excursion perfect for adventure by helping the crew those who like tall orders. Hop or choose to kick back aboard aboard the “Bill of Rights” tall the historic vessel. ship for a sailing trip within The new adventure sail is the Channel Islands Marine offered Saturdays, June 12, Sanctuary to view marine life July 17, August 21 and and other sights along the September 11. Fare is $65 per way. The ship departs from adult, $60 per senior, and $ 55 Channel Islands Harbor at per child. 10:00am and returns by The Bill of Rights tall ship is 4:00pm. berthed at the Marine Visitors will have the oppor- Emporium Landing, 3600 S. tunity to view seal and sea lion Harbor Blvd. rookeries off of the shoreline, Visit the web site at Arch Rock, high coastal island www.islandpackers.com for sea cliffs as well as other scheduled times and prices or marine life in its natural state. call (805)642-1393.

A HOLLYWOOD LANDMARK SINCE 1919 Finest Cuisine 11AM to 11PM Closed Sunday & Monday (323) 467-5123 • (323)467-7788 6667 Hollywood Blvd. Available for Private Parties Mondays Award-Winning Restaurant Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 13 May 13, 2010

packages are offered from May oceanfront resort’s bistro-style 13-16. restaurant that offers inventive Sonoma Wine RESTAURANT The California Strawberry seasonal dishes for breakfast, Festival offers a spectacle of lunch and dinner daily. Garden NEWS strawberry fun for all age groups. Overton will lead an award win- anta Monica Place will get a The annual event includes top ning team of chefs, sommeliers, Ssmall slice of wine country on musical entertainment, award servers and fromagiers who strive August 6, when Sonoma Wine winning and interactive exhibits, to actively involve guests in their Garden opens at Santa Monica gooey contests, and an array of dining experiences - from high- Place. Located on the dining deck players in NBA history in 1996. delicious strawberry foods and lighting artisanal ingredients on of Santa Monica Place, the restau- Grab & Go at Guests will have the chance to beverages. For the kids, the creative American menu to rant will be a hybrid wine bar and meet this legend in person as he Strawberryland provides free pouring hard-to-find boutique beer garden designed to bring the Hollywood Farmers answers questions from 710 rides, puppet shows and much wines and serving rare cheeses best of Sonoma wine country to ESPN hosts, Andrew Siciliano Market more. The California Strawberry with the perfect accompaniments Santa Monica. The vision of West and Mychal Thompson. at Festival celebrates the region’s from the interactive cheese Coast restaurateur Jeremy Morton’s The Steakhouse, he Hollywood Farmer’s rich agricultural heritage while gallery. Umland, Sonoma Wine Garden Beverly Hills. Guests will enjoy a Kitchen is currently offering a raising funds for numerous Overton joined Montage introduces a new approach to the T three-course lunch starting at grab & go lunch menu comprised Southland charities. Visit the Laguna Beach in 2005 as a cook traditional wine bar by incorporat- 11:30am. Enjoy a single cut filet of seasonal selections and fresh website at www.strawberry- at Studio, the resort’s signature ing the outdoor setting of Santa mignon, chicken or salmon as you ingredients. The offer is good fest.org. For hotel reservations, restaurant celebrated for modern Monica Place to create an indoor- hear from a sports legend. Tickets Tuesdays – Fridays, from call Embassy Suites Mandalay French cuisine with California outdoor feel. An outdoor bar will are $50 per person. Reservations 11:00am – 3:00pm. Salads include Beach Hotel & Resort at influences. be surrounded by olive trees, herb are required and can be made by organic roasted chicken; and baby (805)984-2500. 2101 Mandalay Due to his passion and dedica- beds and organic plants. The calling (310)246-1501. 435 S. La spinach and strawberry. Farm Beach Rd., Oxnard. tion Overton was promoted to menu will feature small plates for Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills. fresh spring tuna salad and roasted sous chef in 2007, working with sharing, as well as fresh pastas market sandwiches are just a few former Executive Chef James and a cheese and charcuterie of the midday selections on this Casey Overton at Boyce and most recently with selection. The expansive wine on-the-go menu. 555 North Vine A Berry Good Time executive chef Craig Strong. Prior selection will offer a namesake St., Suite 119; (323)467-7600. Montage to joining Montage, Overton com- “Best Of Sonoma” list, as well as And if you’re in the neighborhood at Embassy Suites pleted his apprenticeship at a variety of selections from across on Sunday, May 16, stop by the ontage Laguna Beach has Aubergine in Newport Beach. the globe. Hollywood Farmers Market for he Embassy Suites Mandalay Mnamed Casey Overton as For information and reserva- For more information, visit their 19th anniversary celebration TBeach Hotel & Resort, nestled chef de cuisine for The Loft, the tions, call (888)715-6700. www.santamonicaplace.com. at the corner of Ivar and Selma. along the Central Coast of California invites visitors to indulge in the fun, excitement and Lunch With tasty delights of the 27th Annual California Strawberry Festival a Laker taking place May 15-17. Embassy Suites offers a Strawberry Festival orton’s the Steakhouse, Package, which includes one or MBeverly Hills has partnered two night’s accommodations in a with ESPN Radio to host a special spacious two-room suite, two lunch on Monday, May 17 with California Strawberry Festival Los Angeles Lakers Legend tickets, full cooked-to-order com- James Worthy. Known as “Big plimentary breakfast each morn- Game James”, Worthy won a ing, manager’s reception offering Most Outstanding Player Award a variety of beverages including ! " from the 1982 NCAA Final Four beer, wine, well drinks, non-alco- and an MVP Award from the 1988 holic beverages and light snacks NBA Finals. He was also a mem- each evening, overnight self-park- ber of three NBA championship ing and internet access. The one teams with the Los Angeles night package is offered on Friday Lakers (in 1985, 1987, and 1988) night from $204 per night, and a and named one of the 50 greatest two-night stay is from $468. The

West Hollywood ! ! # Structures and Style ' !$ "

! ! " ( $ !"## " $" "!#%! !!

photo courtesy of The London, West Hollywood &#!#()"("* ordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood is one of sever- Gal restaurants being featured at The City of West Hollywood’s second annual “West Hollywood Structures + Style: Taste & Space” on Saturday, May 22, from 11:00am – 3:00pm. Participants will take a guided tour of eight restaurants with avant-garde architectural and $ interior design in West Hollywood. In addition to Gordon Ramsay at the London, participating restaurants include BOA Steakhouse; Cecconi’s West Hollywood; Comme Ca; Lucques; The Palm West !# Hollywood; RH at the Andaz West Hollywood; and Restaurant at Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation. Tickets are $100 per person. For tickets, call (310)890-1246 or visit #%(')#2# 6 6 4 www.whchc.org 333 %% '10$#(#" !'&641)5'1('("#(& 14 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

ment in the 1000 block of Laurel. Dead Body Found at Farmers Market POLICE BLOTTER May 3 man’s body was found 10. The deceased appeared to be An unknown burglar entered a resi- Monday inside a vehicle in a a Hispanic man in his 30s. His dence in the 1200 block of A The following information was reported to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station parking lot at the Original Formosa at 6:00pm and stole a Farmers Market. between April 25 and May 5, 2010. If you are a victim of a crime, here are the laptop computer, MP3 player and a telephone numbers of local law enforcement agencies; Los Angeles Police digital camera. The loss was esti- According to Sgt. Emada “He could have Department, Wilshire Division (323)485-4022 and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s mated at about $1,600. Castillo of the Los Angeles Police Department West Hollywood Station (310)855-8850. Department’s Wilshire Division, been there for May 5 the body may have been in the car WEST HOLLYWOOD computer, wallet, cellular phone, for several days. two or possibly identification and credit cards, all “Methamphetamine was found PROPERTY CRIME valued at about $1,840. The sus- At 3:40am, an unknown Hispanic even three pects fled in a vehicle. male thief stole a mountain bicycle, inside the vehicle,” Castillo said. April 25 valued at $600, from the parking “We’re not sure if that was the days before he lot of a strip mall in the 7900 block cause of death, but he appears to April 29 of Santa Monica. was found.” A woman reported at 12:30am that have died of a drug overdose. He an unknown thief had stolen a lap- The owner of a business in the 600 could have been there for two or --Sgt. Emada Castillo During the night, an unknown thief possibly even three days before he top computer, valued at $3,000, block of La Cienega reported at stole a GPS system, iPod and LAPD Wilshire Division from her business in the 8800 10:40pm that a newly-hired headphones from an unlocked was found.” block of Melrose. Caucasian female employee had vehicle in the 8200 block of Norton. The body was discovered by a stolen about $400 cash received The loss was estimated at about security officer at the Farmers During the night, an unknown bur- from customers. $550. Market on the morning of May name has not yet been released. glar entered a residence in the 1100 block of Greenacre and stole At 11:45pm, unknown suspects 5:25 pm, 1000 block of Orange a laptop computer, valued at stole a television, wallet, passport, Grove. At 5:25pm, an unknown $3,000, and two backpacks, valued iPod, cellular phone and miscella- thief stole a bicycle, valued at at about $80. neous items from a residence in $1,200, from the subgarage of an the 900 block of Hancock and fled apartment building in the 1000 Woman Dies in Hollywood Overdose April 27 in a vehicle. The loss was estimat- block of Orange Grove. ed at about $1,820. os Angeles Police Department Angeles City Fire Department At 10:00pm, a man reported that During the week, four suspects LHollywood Homicide detec- transported 21-year-old Meagan E. an unknown thief had stolen his May 1 were arrested for burglary or theft tives arrested a suspect who is Ryan, a resident of Los Angeles, to iPhone, valued at $500, from his after being observed shoplifting at believed to be responsible for the a local hospital. Shortly after her residence in the 1100 block of An unknown thief stole a bicycle local retail businesses. death of a 21-year-old woman. arrival at the hospital she was pro- Larrabee. valued at $500 that was chained to On May 8 at 10:50pm, officers nounced dead. a pole located on the sidewalk in During the week, following three from the Hollywood Patrol An initial investigation revealed April 28 the 7100 block of Santa Monica at separate traffic collisions, three dri- that the victim had been smoking 4:00pm. vers were arrested for driving and injecting heroin with several An unknown thief stole two gym under the influence of alcohol. Allbritton had other people. bags and a backpack from a busi- May 2 Investigators returned to the ness office in the 600 block of San During the week, nine vehicles Vicente at 4:44pm. The loss was At 1:40am, as she stood on the were burglarized by unknown sus- injected Ryan home on North Sycamore Avenue, estimated at about $100. sidewalk in the 1000 block of pects. Total estimate of damage with heroin at the residence of 26-year old Ogden, a woman had her $100 and articles taken was $82,500. Stephen Allbritton. At 6:30pm, a man reported that an purse snatched from her shoulder her request and Investigators established proba- unknown thief had stolen a laptop by an unknown bicyclist who fled. During the week, three vehicles ble cause to believe that Allbritton computer, valued at $2,800, from were stolen by unknown thieves. that the heroin had injected Ryan with heroin at his residence in the 8500 block of A man reported at 6:00am that an During the week, seven reported overdose was her request and that the heroin over- Rugby. unknown thief entered his resi- stolen vehicles were recovered dose was the proximate cause of dence in the 9000 block of Keith and the owners notified. the proximate her death. As he walked on the sidewalk in and stole a laptop computer valued Allbritton was arrested without the 400 block of Robertson at at $1,400. During the week, fourteen vehicles cause of her 7:50pm, a man was robbed at gun- were impounded for thirty days death. incident. He was booked for point by two African-American male At 10:00am, an unknown thief stole since they were being driven by an Involuntary Manslaughter, and is suspects who took the victimʼs a digital camera, valued at $600, unlicensed driver or a person with being held at the Los Angeles shoulder bag containing a laptop from a computer table in an apart- a suspended or revoked license. Metropolitan Jail in lieu of $62,500 bail. Division responded to a radio call Anyone with information about of an “overdose” that occurred in this crime, please contact the 1300 block of North Sycamore Hollywood Homicide Detective Gang-related Stabbing Nearly Proves Deadly Avenue. Chris Gable at (213)972-2910. os Angeles police are investi- “The attack started as a beat “We know the 5th-and-Hill gang Paramedics from the Los Lgating a near-fatal stabbing that down until the victim fell to the tries to control this area by taxing occurred in downtown Los Angeles sidewalk near a tree,” said Lt. Paul the street vendors for protection,” on Saturday, May 8. The unidenti- Vernon of the LAPD’s Central Vernon said. “The gang members fied Hispanic man, estimated to be Division. “According to one wit- are often vendors themselves. If Man Molests Teens on Metro Buses in his thirties, is currently on life ness, most of the attackers backed someone does not pay their tax, support in the intensive care unit of away, then a lone suspect began they get beat up or worse. We’ve Los Angeles man was Mims also has a previous con- a local hospital. ruthlessly stabbing the victim.” seen it before.” Acharged on May 7 with sex- viction on child molestation At 3:30pm, more than a half- Doctors took the victim into Saturday’s stabbing is the third ually assaulting five teenage girls charges dozen Hispanic men in their twen- surgery at the hospital, repairing since the Fall of 2009. The prior and an adult woman on MTA Mims was charged with five ties surrounded the victim on the damage to a dozen or more stab events occurred on the north side of buses over the past four months. counts of felony child molesting east sidewalk of Los Angeles Street, wounds. The victim had no identi- the same building. Detectives Allegedly, Larry Delve Mims, with a prior conviction, one count at 5th Street. fication, and has not been identi- believed those two daylight stab- 29, assaulted the victims between of felony lewd act on a child 14 fied. bings, a couple weeks apart, were January 11 and May 5, when he or 15, and one misdemeanor Witnesses described the related. Detectives made arrests in was arrested by Los Angeles count of sexual battery. assailants as Hispanic men in their the second of those two attacks. Sheriff’s detectives. Mims faces a possible maxi- twenties affiliated with the numer- The suspects were 5th-and-Hill The teen victims were high mum state prison term of 15 ous street vendors who clog the gang members who doubled as hot- school students who were 15, 16 years and two months if convict- sidewalk in that block. dog vendors to control the street. and 17 years old. ed.

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Unusual Suspects Dodgers Celebrate Star Wars Anniversary Theatre Company Holds Second Benefit Show Park La Brea Residents ctress and comedienne Melissa APeterman, of the “Reba Show”, will be the master of cere- Stop and Smell the Roses monies for the Unusual Suspects photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers Theatre Company’s second annual The Dodgers will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars: benefit, “The Future is Now”, being held on Thursday, May 20 at the Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back” on May 21, three decades Oviatt Building in downtown Los from the day the film first debuted in theaters. Angeles. Fans can sit in a special “My Town” section at Dodger Stadium Celebrities, community leaders dubbed “Dodgertown, A Galaxy Far, Far Away”. The first 20,000 and supporters of the award-win- fans in attendance will receive a numbered, limited edition 30th ning, youth theatre program will anniversary poster featuring “Empire Strikes Back” images, and a celebrate the work of honorees custom version of the Dodgers “This is My Town” logo. Festivities Bruce Greenwood and his wife will begin before the game against the Detroit Tigers, with appear- Susan Devlin; Unusual Suspects ances by classic Star Wars characters who will take photos with program director Melissa Denton, fans in Autograph Alley. The character “Chewbacca” will throw the and the groups’ youth alumni. ceremonial first pitch, launching an evening of “Star Wars”-themed Proceeds from the event will support the ongoing efforts of the the- in-game entertainment. atre company, an award-winning “Dodgertown, A Galaxy Far, Far Away” will be located in the Lower mentoring program that uses theatre Reserve sections 56-60. All fans sitting in the section will receive a arts to reach underserved youth in free t-shirt, and can enjoy a special “Star Wars”-themed menu. the juvenile justice system, foster For tickets, call (866)DODGERS, or visit www.dodgers.com. care, gangs and treatment centers. “I love this program,” Greenwood said. “The Unusual Suspects has taken kids with no vis- Google Launches Design Contest ible future and led them to college, created friends out of enemies and for People Living with Autism “The Unusual aster Seals has teamed up with report increased sensitivity to EGoogle to launch “Sketch-A- sounds, smells, tactile and visual Suspects has Space”, an online design contest for stimuli, unique needs to be people living with autism, and their addressed. It’s critical for families taken kids with family and friends. living with autism and profession- no visible future The contest allows participants to als to begin to see environments create the room of their dreams through the eyes of a person living and led them to using free Google SketchUp 3-D college, created modeling software, and a chance to Wilshire area residents Ann Burke and Helen Huff were pictured on friends out of win $2,000 to create the space at “Not only is it a the cover of May 6, 1976 issue of the Park Labrea News as they home. inspected a floral display at the Exposition Park Rose Garden with enemies and “A partnership between Google wonderful tool for SketchUp and Easter Seals to gardener Mas Nakashima. The rose garden is currently open and individuals with turned gang- launch this contest makes perfect the flowers are in full bloom. The garden is operated by the Los bangers into sense,” said Tom Wyman, manager autism to Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and is located at 710 of business development at Google. N. State St., near the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural teachers.” “Not only is it a wonderful tool for express them- History. For information, call (213)763-0114, or visit individuals with autism to express selves, it’s a www.laparks.org. --Bruce Greenwood themselves, it’s a great way for entrants to share their creative ideas great way for turned gangbangers into teachers.” for what makes a comfortable and entrants to share Greenwood, who starred as Capt. safe space, whether it be a bed- their creative Christopher Pike in the release last room, family room, classroom or year of “Star Wars”, has supported office.” ideas.” the theatre company for more than Google SketchUp is popular 17 years. He is also well known for among people with autism, many of --Tom Wyman his portrayal of President John F. whom are visually and spatially Google Business Development Kennedy in the drama, “Thirteen gifted and especially adept at creat- Days”. Additional supporters ing 3-D models. include actors George Clooney, Ed This helps people with autism Asner, Cindy Crawford and Ed use their strengths to express their with autism, and work together to Harris, as well as Los Angeles creativity and develop marketable find flexible, personalized solu- County Supervisor Zev employment skills. tions.” Yaroslavsky, 3rd District, the L.A. “When it comes to living with The contests runs through July County Arts Commission and the autism, a person’s physical space 16, and the winners will be L.A. Department of Cultural and environment can be particular- announced in the early fall. Affairs. ly important,” said Dr. Paula Entries can be submitted at For tickets and information, call Pompa-Craven, autism expert at www.easterseals.com/sketcha- Frances Carley at (213)488-8488 Easter Seals Southern California. space. ext. 205. “Many individuals with autism

as well as in many other magazines Matthew Shepardʼs Mom Speaks for Equality and newspapers. Lax is a member of the Board of udy Shepard, mother of anti-gay Shepard Foundation and authored Visitors, California Institute of the Jcrime victim, Matthew Shepard, the New York Times best-selling Arts, a board member and past pres- will speak at The Broad Stage on book, “The Meaning of Matthew: ident of PEN Center USA West, and May 17 at 7:00pm. My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a the author of the forthcoming The event, presented by Facing World Transformed”, an intimate “Faith, Interrupted: A Spiritual History and Ourselves and The look at how her life, and the entire Journey.” Allstate Foundation, will highlight fight for equal rights, changed when The event is the tenth in Facing Judy Shepard’s ongoing commit- her son was killed. History’s Community ment to equal rights and justice. Shepard will be in conversation Conversations series in Los In 1998, Matthew Shepard was with author Eric Lax, whose work Angeles. murdered in a hate crime incident in has appeared in The New York To RSVP, call (213)202-2811 Laramie, Wyoming. Soon there- Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Life, ext. 25. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th Answers on page 22 after, Judy established the Matthew The Atlantic Monthly, and Esquire, St., Santa Monica. 16 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

berment, or just plain fear of friends and rivals with him on Monica Boulevard, once harbor- getting lost in the upscale lanes the court. ing a dilapidated rail line ship- of the over-advantaged. Younger Son (YS) ‘wrote’ for ping oranges to the juice mak- Mad Besides, we had our own the WH Park News – he even ers, is now a public art gallery, advantages: West Hollywood gave himself a fake byline. We with fabulous colored installa- Park, where our children swam took him downtown one day to tions that change with the sea- in the summer and played bas- interview Mayor Tom Bradley son, much of it celebrating local Musings ketball in the winter, and soccer (my political sister had set it artists. West Hollywood, its own in the spring, and football, and up). I took a tape recorder and a City since 1984, with a forward- later tennis, and the boy/girl camera and we have a transcript thinking City Council, is a by Madeleine Shaner thing in almost any season. I (guess who typed it up) of the walker’s paradise, lined with had taught Older Son (OS) how whole wonderful interview. The high-end shops and galleries, to play a basic game of chess Mayor was a trouper and and enough restaurants to feed when he was about six or seven; answered YS’ piercing questions the hungry and enough coffee I came upon him one day at the with serious answers, and shops to sate all thirsts. park ‘teaching’ another boy to signed a picture of himself. Walking in these cool spring Weho! My How Youʼve Changed play the game, except it had We also had studios, health mornings is ‘paradise enow’ to transmogrified into something clubs and their offspring – steal a phrase from The with all new rules, engineered nightclubs; sushi bars and just Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam. The so that OS would win every plain bars; parades at the drop Boulevard – that’s Santa game. He was, for a while, of a hat, and late-night parties in Monica Boulevard to the unini- tiated – is lined with chic shops lthough we’re still con- hides, or our rowdy, jelly-faced WeHo Chessmaster. Fortunately, the park, along with a well- and restaurants, several with sidered to be out-of- kids at ‘phony beach’ at San he transferred his energies to mannered, good-looking sidewalk dining, which makes towners – OH (Other Vicente and the Pacific, where basketball and acting as chess Sheriff’s posse who kept us A under control, and would be for a very civilized street scene. Half) from the Bronx, NY, and the then current Hollywood elite lost its hold. Even Melrose, so recently M (Me) from the UK (I’ve flapped their flippers on the vol- there in the blink of an eye if plastered with outsized trashy, almost learned not to call it leyball courts north of the pier, anything went awry. graphic posters as those affluent England any more) – we’ve or paraded their pecs at muscle The median Everything was in its place, kids moved on, is blooming shared digs in the beach down the coast a-piece. and there was a place for every- strip of Santa with shiny new plate glass shop Hollywood/West Hollywood By the time the ‘70s brigade thing, up to and including all windows waiting expectantly area since WeHo was just a took over Melrose Avenue, we’d Monica the new living spaces that are for an extension of the Melrose gleam in L.A.’s eye. actually made the move into still being created all around us. Boulevard, once Heights designer hangouts – In those early days, especially West Hollywood, and truly And oh, I forgot the Blue which we still won’t be able to since we didn’t have anything resented the hordes of weirdly- harboring a Whale (Pacific Design Center) afford - but on an early sunny that resembled a car, any place dressed kids who’d taken over at San Vicente, breaking shore dilapidated rail morning, before the traffic takes west of Highland was The our main street and made it in 1975, and the box it came in over, there’s a feeling of unlim- Outback as far as we were con- theirs. Truth to tell, we were a line shipping that’s now a world-famous trav- ited hope in the air, in expectant cerned. There was nothing out bit afraid of them because they eler’s rest stop and money pit oranges to the contrast to the Cassandra warn- there anyway, just a couple of seemed so sure of themselves, that we call Beverly Center, and ings we’ve come to expect from empty store windows and some so devil-may-care, and they had juice makers, is the Green Whale, or Center Fox News and its relatives. dusty art galleries and, of beaucoup bucks to spend on Green conference center, fol- now a public art Driving into WeHo with a course, you could drive on tschochkes…and they were so lowing in 2006, and a third one, gallery, with couple of visitors a couple of through to Beverly Hills, where young! West Hollywood is not still in development, yes - months ago, our guests, quite our inside-out pocketbooks so much a city as a state of fabulous colored Center Red, a huge office build- taken with our neighborhood, wouldn’t even gain us an entry mind. ing, scheduled for 2011, a bit installations. asked, “Was West Hollywood visa. By the early ‘80s we had our further north. like this when you first moved In those days, if we’d thought own home in the nicest part of There’s a new library growing here?” of taking the boys to the beach, West Hollywood – well, only a up in the burgeoning park area It took us a while to answer. we’d take Olympic or Pico, block away at least, and like For a while, the Jackson Five that’s beginning to look like a We could hardly remember. where nobody would even ques- good almost-Westsiders, we – all of them – came to the park handsome new Civic Center. It’s But one thing I know for sure, tion our ancient rusty buggy, or never ventured east of La to play basketball because in spring in the City and every- I’m glad we moved here when count up the number of people Cienega, or south of Burton their own neighborhood they’d thing’s blooming, with not too we did. we’d crammed into someone Way, and we weren’t allowed be mobbed by ardent fans. OS, many hurrahs, but in very good We couldn’t afford the rent else’s less-dilapidated steed. We north of Santa Monica or west the same age as (the late) taste. now. wouldn’t even show untanned of Doheny on pain of dismem- Michael Jackson became fast The median strip of Santa Hollywood Chamber of Commerce ʻRock of Agesʼ Beverly Hills Bar Association Holds Honors ʻWomen of Distinctionʼ Holds Open 22nd Vintage Bouquet Fundraiser The Hollywood Chamber Casting Call of Commerce will honor six local business and civic lead- n open casting call for the first ers at its 17th annual Anational tour of the hit “Women of Distinction” Broadway musical, “Rock of Awards Luncheon on Friday, Ages”, will be held in Los Angeles May 14 at noon at the W on Thursday, May 13. Hollywood Hotel, 6250 Rock singers, dancers and come- Hollywood Blvd. dians are encouraged to audition. The honorees have helped Casting director Tiffany Little to create a standard of excel- Canfield will hold the auditions, lence and achievement with- which are open to men and women in their professions through who are Equity and non-Equity, their work with the commu- ages 18-50. nity. They include Brigid Singers should prepare a brief a LaBonge, owner of Brigid cappella rock song and female LaBonge Designs and wife dancers should be able to dance in of Los Angeles City high-heeled shoes. Councilmember Tom The musical will mark its Los LaBonge, 4th District; Angeles Premiere when it comes to Norma Foster, president of Brigid LaBonge the Pantages Theatre for a limited 2- Hollywood Bowl Easter week engagement, February 15-27, Sunday Service (HBESS); 2011. Aileen Getty, homeless In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a activist and founder of GettLove; News’ “Good Day L.A.” small town girl met a big city rock- photo courtesy of Lee Salem Wendy Greuel, L.A. City Proceeds from the event will er and in LA’s most famous rock The Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA) Barristers held the 22nd Controller; Dr. Margaret Martin, support local educational, cultur- club, they fell in love to the greatest annual Vintage Bouquet fundraiser on May 2. More than 450 guests founder of the Harmony Project; al and economic interests through songs of the 80s. The story is told enjoyed food and wine from some of the stateʼs top wineries and and Cynthia Ruiz, general man- the Hollywood Chamber of via the hit music of Journey, Night local restaurants. BHBA Vintage Bouquet committee member Brian ager for the City of Los Angeles’ Commerce Community Rangers, Styx, Pat Benatar, Twisted Smith (left) was joined at the event by KTLA reporter Victoria Foundation. Department of Public Works. The Sister and more. For more informa- Rencaño, BHBA Vintage Bouquet committee member Lee Jay master of ceremonies for the For reservations or information, visit www.rockofagesmusi- Berman, and event chair Leigh Leshner. The event raised $80,000 event will be Dorothy Lucey, tion, call (323)469-8311, or visit cal.com. Auditions will be held at entertainment reporter for Fox 11 www.hollywoodchamber.net. Hollywood United Methodist for the Beverly Hills Bar Foundationʼs pro bono legal services. Church, 6817 Franklin Ave. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 17 May 13, 2010

Town and Gown Honors USC President L.A. Childrenʼs Chorus Holds ʻStarry Nightʼ Benefit

he Los Angeles Children’s TChorus (LACC) held its “Starry Night” benefit on April 30, which celebrated the artistic and philanthropic contributions of opera star Suzanna Guzmán, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock; and arts volunteers

“These extraordinary people have long championed Los Angeles photo courtesy of Lee Salem Children’s Annela Flores (left), 16; Emily Boyd, 17; and Yulan Lin, 14 performed at Chorus.” the benefit. --David Scheidemantle LACC Board of Directors members Annela Flores, 16; Emily their major artistic, volunteer and Boyd, 17; and Yulan Lin, 14. philanthropic contributions, which “These extraordinary people have helped shape the choir on photo courtesy of Millie Farnsworth Stuart and Rebecca Bowne. have long championed Los Angeles innumerable levels and raise its Members of Town and Gown of the University of Southern California The benefit raised more than Children’s Chorus,” said David stature immeasurably.” recently honored retiring USC president, Dr. Steven Sample (left) $100,000 for the LACC’s artistic Scheidemantle, chair of the For more information on the and his wife Kathryn (right), as well as university benefactors, Bill and music education programs, and LACC’s Board of Directors. “We Children’s Chorus, visit are extremely grateful to them for www.lachildrenschorus.org. and Nadine Tilley. The Samples received Town & Gownʼs annual included a performance by choir Lifetime Achievement Award, while the Tilleys were awarded the Lifetime Scholarship Award for their support of university programs, particularly funding for USCʼs mascot horse, “Traveler”. In addition, longtime Town & Gown members, Bernice Christenson and Ruberta Weaver, were recognized for their contributions. The event held at L.A. Live also featured performances by the USC Trojan Marching Band, the USC Song Girls and tenor Dennis McNeil. Traditional African Art on Exhibit

os Angeles Tribal Art, an asso- Also included will be a wood drum Lciation of Southern California- carved and painted in the form of a based tribal art dealers, will present tiger, a tiger-motif statue from an exhibition titled “Cultural Borneo Island, and additional Crossroads II” running from objects with tiger motifs in honor of Thursday, May 20-25. the Chinese Year of the Tiger. The exhibit will include authentic The show will be held at 5900 traditional art from Africa, Asia and Wilshire Blvd., which is located the Americas, including masks, across from the Los Angeles sculpture, textiles and jewelry from County Museum of Art (LACMA), some of world’s most remote loca- and will include a benefit for tions. Highlights include an area LACMA’s Decorative Arts & dedicated to textiles, clothing and Design Council on Saturday, May body adornment, and large-scale 22 from 5:00 to 10:00pm. “Cultural pieces such as a maternity figure Crossroads II” will also include a house post from the Yoruba people tribal art appraisal clinic on May 24 of Nigeria, eight-foot ladders from and 25 from 1:00 to 5:00pm. Nepal, and a 10-foot door board, For information, call (888)980- circa the 1930s, from New Guinea. 2662, or visit www.latribal.com. 4!!1(�" !&!0!!3! (!&2& 5#$(%

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ʻEdge of Critical Destinyʼ on Natural History Museum Hosts 24th Annual Bug Fair Display at Hammer Museum he Natural History Museum of TLos Angeles County is holding its 24th annual “Bug Fair” May 15- 16. The event marks the re-opening of the Ralph M. Parsons Insect Zoo and the renovated museum store, and showcases the museum’s latest community science program, the “Lost Ladybug Project”. The Bug Fair features more than 70 exhibitors displaying everything from rare specimens of beetles and butterflies to entomological equip- ment, insect-themed books, insect toys and more. Private collectors display their exotic insects, including hissing cockroaches and silk- worms, which are also offered for photo courtesy of Ryan Miller / Capture Imaging sale. Visitors can handle insects and NHMʼs “Big Fair” will be May 15-16. discuss the specimens with museum scientists at interactive educational booths. The activities have greatly and butterflies will be featured in public are asked to help the effort expanded this year, with New outdoor live performance art by taking photographs of ladybugs Orleans bug chef Zack Lemann shows. and submitting them via holding cooking demonstrations The Lost Ladybug Project, which www.nhm.org/site/activities-pro- and handing out samples on the is being conducted in partnership grams/community-science. museum’s south lawn. “Annie and with Cornell University, studies the The Natural History Museum is the Natural Wonderband” will per- diversity of ladybug species in Los located at 900 Exposition Blvd. For form, and giant cockroaches, bees Angeles County. Members of the information, visit www.nhm.org.

photo courtesy of the Hammer Museum The Hammer Museum presents an exhibit by sculptor Diana Al- Hadid running Saturday, May 15 through August 15. The exhibit is part of the museumʼs “Hammer Projects” series, and includes pieces that resemble baroque architectural forms such as towers, labyrinths and pipe organs. Al-Hadidʼs “Edge of Critical Density”, which was created in 2009, is one of the works that will be displayed. Al-Hadid uses materials such as cardboard, plywood, plaster, and resin to create sculptures that are influenced by both eastern and western cultures, ancient Biblical and mythological narratives, Arabic oral traditions and Gothic architecture. For her first solo museum exhibition, Al-Hadid will be making a new piece inspired by a water clock built in 1206 by Islamic astronomer and inventor, Al- Jazari. The Hammer Museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. For information, call (310)443-7000, or visit www.hammer.ucla.edu.

Aid For AIDS Merges with Serra Project

id For AIDS and the Serra dent apartment sites throughout Los AProject have merged opera- Angeles County. tions into the non-profit organiza- Terry Goddard II, who has 19 tion, the Alliance for Housing and years of experience with HIV ser- Healing. vice providers and held top leader- Client services will still be ship positions at both Aid For AIDS offered at satellite offices in West and The Serra Project, is the new Hollywood and Pasadena, but the executive director for the Alliance organization will be headquartered for Housing and Healing. at 825 Colorado Blvd. in Los “This merger opens a new chap- Angeles. The move combines the ter in the delivery of AIDS services majority of staff in one location and while maintaining long-standing streamlines operations. relationships that include the cities Aid For AIDS has maintained of West Hollywood and Pasadena,” central offices and provided client Goddard said. “We hope a cure is services in West Hollywood for 26 around the corner, but we must do years. whatever is in our power to main- Some of the programs offered tain and expand essential programs include housing assistance, finan- for as long as it takes. The merger cial assistance and help with obtain- has already begun to help us ing prescription medications. The accomplish this goal.” Serra Project runs four group For information, visit www.aid- homes and more than 90 indepen- foraids.net.

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Autry Center Acquires the Roy Rogers Archive Walk for Wishes with Make-A-Wish he Make-A-Wish track, bounce house, face paint- he Autry National Center has TFoundation of Greater Los ing and more. Tacquired the Roy Rogers and Angeles is holding the 3rd annu- “We are thrilled that Mattel Dale Evans Archive, which con- al “Walk for Wishes” fundraiser has graciously offered to host tains key artifacts that represent on Saturday, May 15. this year’s Walk for Wishes, and the duo’s entertainment career The event raises money to we are looking forward to a suc- spanning more than 50 years in grant the wishes of children with cessful event,” said Tessa radio, film, television and music,. life-threatening medical condi- Bowser, director of development The items will be catalogued, tions. and communications for the conserved and digitized, allowing The two-mile walk begins at Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Last greater access to researchers at 7:30am at the Mattel headquar- year, we raised $235,000 to help the Autry’s Institute for the Study ters in El Segundo. Check-in us grant wishes.” of the American West, and to the begins at 7:30am, while the walk Registration is $25, and partic- general public. begins at 9:00am. ipants are asked to commit to “The Roy Rogers and Dale The event will also include raising a minimum of $75. For Evans Archive is an important food, music and entertainment, information, call (310)788-9494, addition to the Autry National including a “Hot Wheels” race or visit www.wishla.org/walk. Center’s significant collection of film and television performers and creators archives,” said Marva R. Felchlin, Director of the Autry Library. “Preserving and making these archives accessible to the research community

“Preserving and making these archives accessible to the research community and photo courtesy of the Autry National Center The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive includes 120 boxes of news- the public is a paper clippings, among other personal effects. top priority for files. Key items will be exhibited archive will be used to help devel- the Autry in a dedicated case in the muse- op the “Golden Age of Television Library staff.” um’s Imagination Gallery, and Westerns” exhibition at the Autry, will augment numerous artifacts which will examine the cultural --Marva R. Felchlin in the museum’s permanent col- and social history of television Director of the Autry Library lection. westerns. The highlight is the one-of-a- “The Autry is proud to be the kind plastic saddle Roy rode new home of the Roy Rogers and and the public is a top priority for aboard his horse, “Trigger”, as Dale Evans Archive, and we are the Autry Library staff.” Grand Marshal of the 1952 reaching out to their fans to help The collection includes Tournament of Roses Parade. us preserve this collection,” said approximately 120 boxes of Rogers liked plastic saddles, com- John Gray, president and CEO of newspaper clippings, programs menting that they were easy on the the Autry National Center. from the Tournament of Roses horse and rider. The Autry National Center is !& ! Parade and “The Roy Rogers The saddle is presently on dis- located at 4700 Western Heritage $ Show”, sheet music, promotional play along with Rogers’ parade Way in Griffith Park. For informa- %# ! !" materials, puzzles and coloring ribbons, in the museum lobby. tion, call (323)667-2000, or visit books, photographs, and business Over the next few years, the www.theAutry.org.

West Hollywood Sponsors E-Waste Collection Event

he City of West Hollywood and TCalifornia Recycles are co- sponsoring an electronic waste collection and document shredding event. The event on Saturday, May 15 from 9:00 to 3:00pm in the parking lot of West Hollywood City Hall, 8300 Santa Monica Blvd, and is free and open to the public. West Hollywood residents and business owners are encouraged to bring electronic items for recycling, such as televisions, laptop computers, DVD players, fax machines, telephones, radios, monitors, cellular phones, microwaves, computers and printers. Document shredding will be done on-site to ensure secure dis- posal. The event promotes environmen- tally-friendly practices, and during a similar collection last November, nearly 11 tons of documents and more than five tons of electronic items were dropped off. For information, call (323)848- 6404, or visit www.californiarecy- cles.com. 20 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Pedal Patch Community Offers Assistance From page 1 with citrus, apples, figs, pears and and the neighbors’ children about School will begin production in the blueberries, and a fully functional growing food.” fall. hen house. In addition, the farm Boarde has already had success “We want to go in and put in will double as an urban agriculture with educational gardens, including some raised beds and do a garden research and education center for one at The New School West, for the students,” Feldman said. PPC. Boarde aims to produce sev- which was completed in March. A “We live in an urban area, so it is a eral thousand pounds of fresh pro- portion of the garden’s crops will be huge step just to get the kids to see duce per year at Victoria Farms, donated to The Westside Food what corn looks like as it is grow- with more than half benefiting local Bank, which distributes nearly four ing, not just at the supermarket.” charities and shelters in the West million pounds of food per year to The garden at Hancock Park Adams District. Currently, there is a social service programs on the Elementary will be similar to one fig tree, an avocado tree and a large westside. that PPC installed at The New patch of soil being readied for Teresa Feldman, a member of the School West, with an additional planting. Boarde works on the gar- Mid City West Community Council sales component. The goal is to den daily with several volunteers. (MCWCC), works closely with have students involved in every “It’s not a huge space, but there is Boarde and PPC. Feldman, an step of the growing process, from a lot we can do with it,” Boarde instructional aide at the campus, readying the soil to harvesting the said. “We definitely want to have a hopes that a proposed PPC garden crops and creating a farmers market kids area to teach local school kids at Hancock Park Elementary to sell the produce and generate funding for the school. “We want to plant things that have a good yield, and have an area for composting, so kids think in terms of things that should be thrown away versus recycled,” Feldman said. “There’s a chain link fence so we would love to use that for vining plants, melons and squashes – we want it to look good and be productive.” Principal Ashley Parker said that though the garden at Hancock Park Elementary is still in the early photo by Amy Lyons stages of development the Pedal Jason Boarde is using his own backyard to grow sustainable crops that Patch Community proposal has a will be used to feed the needy, and to teach others about green practices. great deal of potential. “This garden would be a great also use the garden as part of an Smith said that PPC’s vision is in match for our school,” Parker said. existing culinary training program line with that of the Los Angeles “The community farmers market at the mission. Herbert Smith, Mission. idea is great and the garden has a lot CEO and president of the Los “We are engaged in everything it of curricular potential for our stu- Angeles Mission said there is takes to get a person off the concrete dents.” already a small garden on the Ann and into a sustainable living situa- Boarde is also in talks with the Douglas Women’s Center rooftop, tion, from rehabilitation to educa- Los Angeles Mission to create a and that the PPC garden would be a tion to transitional housing,” Smith rooftop kitchen garden at the mis- welcomed expansion. said. “It is so much more than just sion’s Ann Douglas Women’s “The Pedal Patch garden would giving people a meal. That’s why I Center, located in downtown Los yield more produce for our men and like Pedal Patch – they are teaching Angeles, to provide a source of allow the women to obtain skills in people how to grow, prepare and healthy food options for the growing food,” Smith said. serve food over and over again.” photo by Amy Lyons Mission’s clients, and double as a “Working in the dirt is a very thera- To learn more about PPC, visit Some of the crops Jason Boarde is growing include figs and citrus fruits. form of therapy. The clients will peutic process.” www.pedalpatchcommunity.com. Prom Dresses Donated to High Schools City Observes Asian and Pacific From page 1 Islander Heritage Month always like ‘try on this one’ or ‘this from teachers, principal Maria Elena loan program. Paramount Studios, one looks great on you’.” Rico-Aguilera suggested that the Out of The Closet Thrift Stores and he City of Los Angeles’ Asian ients embody this year’s theme, Ed Zubiate, principal at Fairfax the Hollywood Business Tand Pacific Islander American which is “Honoring Asian and High School, lauded Operation Improvement District (BID) Heritage Month was launched Pacific Islander Angelenos”. School Bell for helping students. He “Elizabeth is a answered the call and will donate with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa As part of the month’s activi- also said that Fairfax has a history of dresses in the coming weeks. presenting awards to Don T. ties, the mayor and the helping low income students go to really great kid In an attempt to reward students Nakanishi, professor emeritus and Department of Cultural Affairs’ the prom. and she should in good standing, Ruth established former director of the UCLA “Music L.A.” program will be “The faculty used to give each criteria for dress borrowing. Asian American Studies center; hosting music classes for elemen- other birthday presents, but we not have to skip “All girls must have a 2.5 or Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, an tary, middle and high school stu- decided to give that money to one of the prom above GPA, no more than five author and expert in Asian dents in May and June. Music our assistant principals for this kind absences this semester, and parental American studies; and Lisa Ling, L.A. partners with professional of thing. Last year, we gave two because of permission to borrow a dress,” Ruth field correspondent for “The musicians to expose local youth to girls money for admission to the money.” said. Oprah Winfrey Show” and con- the Asian and Pacific Islander cul- prom,” Zubiate said. “Elizabeth is a All dresses must be dropped off at tributor to ABC News’ tures. The program is free for all really great kid and she should not -Fairfax High principal Helen Bernstein High School, 1309 “Nightline” and National students under 18. have to skip the prom because of Ed Zubiate N. Wilton Place, by May 28. Geographic’s “Explorer”. For information, visit www.cul- money.” Dresses will be loaned to students Villaraigosa said the award recip- turela.or Also looking toward the prom on a first-come, first-served basis. with an eye on expenses is Lauren teachers do outreach to the commu- To learn more about Operation Ruth, a special education teacher at nity to stockpile more dresses for the School Bell, which donates clothes Helen Bernstein High School. The Neighborhood Watch Hosts new school is hosting its first annual senior prom on Friday, June 4, and Clean-up on Melrose Avenue Ruth is leading the charge to help students have a special night despite he Melrose Action Melrose Avenue Merchant Alliance, some students’ financial constraints. TNeighborhood Watch is holding Pacific Graffiti Solutions, and the Ruth started a prom dress loan pro- a clean-up project on Melrose Office of City Councilmember Paul gram and has already collected near- Avenue, between La Brea and Koretz, 5th District. The group will ly 30 gowns for girls to choose from. Fairfax Avenues, on Sunday, May meet at 10:00am at Melrose Avenue “Another teacher and I overheard 16 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Local Elementary School, near the corner some students talking, saying they residents and members of the public of Melrose and Detroit Street. weren’t going to go to the prom are encouraged to help beautify the Participants can enter to win prizes because tickets and dresses were so area. such as Sony Playstations, iPods, expensive,” Ruth said. “We decided The event is being held in con- Blu Ray movies and more. There to ask the other teachers in our small junction with the Los Angeles will also be free food and refresh- learning community if they could photo by Amy Lyons Police Department’s Wilshire ments, and other giveaways. For donate dresses.” Senior Wendy Mejia modeled some of the dresses that were donated Division, Fairfax High School, the information, visit www.melroseac- As the dresses started coming in through Operation School Bell. Melrose Magnet School, the tion.com. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 21 May 13, 2010 Students Sought for Laurel Middle School From page 1 sacred contract with the City of — though, starting next year, it will. Where would kids change for gym West Hollywood and the families Zimmer said that only after the class? Would the atmosphere feel who live here. We want to offer school board struck a deal with the like a middle school? LAUSD options for parents pre-K teachers could he start planning for Students also chimed in, making through graduation.” major projects like a middle school sure Zimmer knew what electives Fairfax High School, which is at Laurel. they hoped would be offered. located only a few blocks from the Still, it remains unclear whether “Drama,” said Friedman and her West Hollywood city limits, serves Laurel will add a 7th grade for the friend, in unison. “Definitely many of West Hollywood’s high 2010-2011 school year, or for the drama.” schoolers. The City of West following year. And, in the long “Ok, I hear you loud and clear,” Hollywood has even partnered with term, the school board will have to Zimmer said. “We’re looking for Farifax High, using taxpayer dollars determine if Laurel will offer drama. In a good way.” to help fund upgrades to the school’s kindergarten through 8th grade or Laurel Elementary School auditorium, as well as other pro- transition to a middle school that Principal Phyllis Scadron said she jects. No middle school exists near- offers only 6th-8th grades. thought there was a 50 percent by, however. To add a 7th grade for next school chance the school would add a 7th “We’ve been talking for a long year, at least 70 students need to grade next year. In her efforts to get time about having a middle school enroll in the next week, because the enough students, Scadron has been option here,” said West Hollywood district will have to hire at least four in touch with the two other elemen- City Councilmember Abbe Land. new middle school teachers — one tary schools in West Hollywood, as “Over the last decade, the elemen- for English and history, one for well as other schools in the area, tary schools in West Hollywood math and science, one for physical including Hancock Park Elementary have really blossomed. People education, and one for special edu- and Melrose Avenue Elementary. wanted to have their kids go to cation. Other classes that might be “Getting the students to enroll is school in their neighborhood, and offered would depend on enroll- the biggest challenge,” Scadron parents stepped up to the plate and ment, and the subjects the teachers said. “Once they enroll, I know made these elementary schools real- hired were able to teach. Raymundo we’re going to make them happy.” ly terrific. But as kids got older, they Vizcarra, the band and orchestra Carlos Chavez, a 6th grader who also wanted a middle school teacher at Fairfax High, also dis- has attended Laurel Elementary option.” cussed teaching music in the morn- since 1st grade, said he’d applied to For several reasons, Laurel ings at Laurel before heading to a number of other schools, including photo by Ian Lovett emerged as the best potential place work at Fairfax. a magnet school, but wasn’t yet sure LAUSD board member Steve Zimmer, 4th District. discussed the options to add a middle school in West Whether or not the school will what he’d do if he couldn’t stay at for attending middle school in West Hollywood at a meeting on Monday. Hollywood. Since the 2004-2005 ultimately offer a kindergarten Laurel. school year, attendance has declined through 8th grade, or become a “I want to stay here,” Chavez school year, and an 8th grade the space and the district budget in cri- from 446 students to just 269, which stand-alone middle school, will not said. “Switching schools, it would following year. sis, consolidation of small schools is has left more physical space avail- be decided until January 2011, after be a different environment. I’m a lit- “We wouldn’t be committing to a reality. I want to keep this school able than at some other local a planning committee has looked at tle nervous, because I don’t know if leaving all these classrooms open open.” schools. In addition, while the issue. I’m going to be able to stay or not.” for a year if we weren’t sure we Parents who would like to enroll Rosewood Elementary was also At an open house on Monday, What Zimmer is sure of, howev- would be putting 7th grade classes their children in 7th grade at Laurel eager to add a middle school to its parents asked many other questions, er, is that there will be a 7th grade at in them the next year,” Zimmer said. should call the school at (323)654- campus, it did not have a 6th grade as well. Would there be lockers? Laurel at least for the 2011-2012 “With charter schools in need of 1930. Johnny Grant Honored by Postal Service Art Centers May Receive From page 4 Additional Funding many other ways, including From page 3 through overseas trips with the USO. to fill that gap.” music, and hundreds of resi- It takes an act of Congress to Carolyn Ramsay, a deputy to dents and students utilize the change the name of a post office, LaBonge, said the exact amount programs, he said. Caperton y and Watson authored legislation will be determined once the city Montoya said there is also an authorizing the change that was council considers the motion. effort underway to determine passed by the U.S. House of She said LaBonge au-thored the whether many of the facilities Representatives and signed into law motion in could be operat- by President Barack Obama on response to ed through pub- November 30. public com- “I am glad we lic/private part- Watson said when she travels ments at a nerships, but outside Los Angeles, and particu- were able to get series of com- that in the short larly internationally, people become munity meet- more funds to term, the excited when she talks about ings held by department is Hollywood. She credited Grant the art the Arts, Parks just trying to with helping to generate that excite- and Health centers around keep the centers ment, as well as making Hollywood and Aging open. a destination for people all over the the city.” Committee, “We are hop- world. where numer- ing the council “Just as Hollywood is an institu- -City Councilmember ous residents is receptive of tion, so is Johnny Grant. There is no Tom LaBonge, requested that this so we can name more associated with 4th District the facilities continue to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame than be kept open. operate at the Johnny Grant,” Watson said. “I am Caperton y Montoya said the same level of service,” Caperton honored to have had the privilege of art centers and theatres provide y Montoya added. “There is def- knowing that Johnny will be vital services to the community. initely a need for this funding to remembered for all time with a photo by Edwin Folven The Barnsdall Park facility offers keep these places from going Congressional designation of the Rep. Diane Watson, 33rd District, spearheaded the effort to have the numerous classes in art and dark.” Johnny Grant Hollywood Post post office renamed in honor of Johnny Grant. Office.” In 1980, Grant was named the Several celebrities who Grant Los Angeles City Councilman Honorary Mayor of Hollywood by had become personal friends with Tom LaBonge, 4th District, added the Hollywood Chamber of over the years attended the ceremo- that Grant had a strong relationship Boycott of Arizona Approved Commerce, and received his first ny, including producer Vin Di with local government leaders, and From page 4 star on the Walk of Fame in front of Bona, and actresses Angie was a driving force in helping to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Grant, Dickinson, Ann Rutherford, Carol revitalize Hollywood during the who was personal friends with Connors and Kate Linder. Betsy past 10 to 15 years. Angeles City Council to direct all administrative officer to review the celebrities such as Bob Hope, Bing Burleson, grant’s niece, said her “We are all about relationships, city departments, to the extent terms of all contracts with Arizona- Crosby and Gene Autry, went on to uncle would have loved the recog- and Johnny was a great relation to practical, and in instances where based companies and report to the become the face of Hollywood star nition of having the post office me,” LaBonge said. “Whenever there is no significant additional council in two weeks on which of ceremonies. renamed in his honor. there was a problem, Johnny would cost to the city nor conflict with the those contracts can be legally ter- On February 1, 2002, Grant “We are so proud for Johnny. We pick up the phone and call. Johnny law, to refrain from entering into minated immediately. received his second star on the know he is up in heaven beaming supported the people of any new or amended contracts to The city council did not approve Walk of Fame, a special star bear- down,” Burleson said. “I’m sure he Hollywood, Johnny supported the purchase goods or services from a total boycott or the cancellation ing the Hollywood seal that is locat- is leading the choir in Heaven today armed forces, he supported every- any company that is headquartered of all existing contracts with ed at the entrance to the Kodak in ‘Hooray for Hollywood’.” body.” in Arizona. It also instructs the city Arizona businesses. Theatre. 22 May 13, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Council Considers Rent Control Freeze From page 1

tricts in Los Angeles. Both City to remain at Park La Brea, because real estate investment in Los Councilmembers Tom LaBonge, of other amenities the complex pro- Angeles. 4th District, and Paul Koretz, 5th vides. “It’s an issue of having confi- District, voted against the rent “There are certain things I like dence in the city,” Minniear said. freeze. Koretz also introduced a about Park La Brea,” Santochi said. “Property owners are given an motion, which was voted down, to “I like the fact that when I look out increase of three to eight percent a do away with the two-month exten- on the patio, there’s an expansive year. A moratorium destroys that sion on the freeze. lawn. And it’s built solidly. I never confidence in the city, because we “I’m sympathetic to both sides, hear my neighbors. For people who fear that it might not be a short-term though I’ve been active on rent con- live in apartments, one of the moratorium.” trol issues for 30 years,” Koretz biggest complaints is noise, but I’ve Many property owners will in said. “I don’t want to see people never had those problems living fact be exempt from the rent freeze. kicked out of their homes who here.” Buildings that include five units or aren’t able to pay rent, but I also Larry Gross, executive director fewer — which account for 35 per- don’t want to see landlords default- of the Coalition for Economic cent of the city’s rent-controlled ing because they can’t pay their Survival, said that even with rent units — will be allowed to raise mortgages. The moratorium was control, many tenants’ rent burdens rents. designed to be temporary while we have significantly increased during Complexes like Park La Brea study the impacts of the near-reces- the past decade. The rent control that include utility costs in the rent sion on the rent control study. The study — for which he was part of a will also be allowed to raise prices extension seems to me like an effort seven-member oversight commit- one percent each for gas and elec- to squeeze in a couple more months tee — showed that 58 percent of tricity costs, as usual. The utility that aren’t needed.” tenants in rent-controlled units now allowance is also why Santochi’s Santochi, however, re-signed her pay at least 30 percent of their rent has gone up by more than three lease in April, which included the incomes for rent, while 31 percent percent each year. regular 4 percent rent increase. of tenants pay at least 50 percent of Representatives of Park La Brea Rent at her office, which she uses their incomes. declined to comment on the rent for her work as a psychotherapist, “The rent control study came out freeze. also goes up each year. last year, but there is still debate It is unclear, at this point, how “It doesn’t seem fair to me that about what the council is going to great an effect the temporary rent they only froze it for people who do,” Gross said. “Because of that freeze will have on tenants and leased after July,” Santochi said. “It delay, we’re looking at a three to landlords. Darlene Horvat owns six wouldn’t be so bad if people’s five percent increase for renters in buildings in the area, all of them salaries went up in the same way July, even though the CPI is at .62 with fewer than five units. Though photo by Ian Lovett that they increase rent. I’m making percent. There’s no justification for she is exempt from the moratorium, Park La Brea is a rent controlled property, which is subject to the freeze more money now than I did 12 that.” she said she didn’t like how the being considered by the Los Angeles City Council. years ago, but a bigger percentage Ryan Minniear, executive direc- freeze would affect property own- of it than ever goes to rent. At some tor of the Los Angeles Division of ers like her very much. “I don’t raise rent every year, Things are hard for everybody right point, I’m going to be paying so the California Apartment “I think it pertains more to people maybe some that are very low, but now, and you have to take that into much I might as well buy a house.” Association, said the rent freeze who own big buildings, or bought generally not every year. I’ve even perspective and be fair. You don’t Still, Santochi said she’s decided diminishes landlords’ confidence in in the last three years,” Horvat said. lowered rent for some tenants. want to lose good tenants.” Fairfax Theatre to Be Reviewed as Resource Mayor Nominates Nutter for From page 3 Board of Public Works tural resource and a historic Bernstein said. ments are still welcome and will resource, and because of what it The Cultural Heritage be taken into consideration by the ayor Antonio Villaraigosa has Nutter has practiced labor and has meant to the community.” Commission meeting will be held commission. People can either Mnominated attorney Steve benefits law since 1977, and is cur- The developer, Alex Gorby, on Thursday, June 3 at 10:00am fax comments to (213)978-0017, Nutter to the Board of Public rently with the law firm of Reich, wants to build 71 condominiums in Room 1010 at Los Angeles or can submit them online by vis- Works Commission. Nutter has Adell, and Cvitan. over ground-floor retail space. City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. iting www.preservation.lacity.org experience as a union director, If confirmed by the city council, Plans call for the theatre’s façade Bernstein added that public com- and clicking on “contact us”. labor lawyer, organizer and nego- Nutter would replace Julie Gutman, to be preserved, but the rest of the tiator, and is a well-known labor who served as vice-president of the theatre and some adjacent shops advocate. Board of Public Works will be demolished. An environ- “Steve is a true public servant Commission and as a senior labor mental impact study on the pro- with the practice and determination advisor. Gutman was recently ject is currently being compiled. to get things done,” Villaraigosa named executive director of the A decision by the city’s Cultural said. “Throughout his career, Steve Program for Torture Victims, the Heritage Commission to desig- has been one of the strongest advo- first human rights organization of nate the theatre as a cultural his- cates for the hard working people its kind in the country. toric resource would force the of California, and I am proud to add The Board of Public Works developer to change plans for the his passion and expertise to the Commission oversees the five city condominium complex. public projects that make this city a bureaus responsible for design, Members of the commission unique and vibrant place to live, construction, renovation and opera- toured the Fairfax Theatre on work and visit.” tion of public projects. May 6 to see conditions of the building first-hand. The theatre has been closed since January when heavy rains caused a partial CRA/LA Approves Appointment ceiling collapse. The theatre had been divided into a triplex in the of New Chief Executive Officer 1980s, and screened mostly independent films until its closure. he Board of Commissioners of As a former commissioner and Regency Theatres, the company Tthe city’s Community chair of CRA/LA’s board from that operated the Fairfax Theatre, Redevelopment Agency (CRA/LA) 1992 to 1999, Essel presided over has indicated it will not reopen has approved the appointment of projects such as the Staples Center the theatre. Christine Essel as the agency’s new and the Hollywood and Highland Ken Bernstein, manager of the CEO. shopping center. Office of Historic Resources, Essel was appointed by Mayor said a staff report on the theatre is Antonio Villaraigosa, and comes to currently being compiled that the agency at a time when there has Answers From Page 15 will guide the commission in been an increased focus on creating their decision. The commission and preserving jobs by attracting will take into consideration how and retaining businesses. A top much of the original interior and executive at Paramount for more exterior features still exist. The than 25 years, Essel supported the staff report will be available on creation of thousands of jobs and May 24, and is available by call- improved the studio’s infrastructure ing the Office of Historic and profitability. Resources at (213)978-1200. The Calvin “Cal” E. Hollis, who has staff report will also be available served as interim CEO since online as a link to the commis- photo by Edwin Folven December, will continue to be an sion’s agenda, which will be The Cultural Heritage Commission will consider whether to designate integral part of the new CRA/LA posted on either May 27 or 28, the Fairfax Theatre as a cultural historic resource on June 3. team. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 23 May 13, 2010 Classified Advertising (323)933-5518 6720 Melrose Ave. P.O. Box 36036, Los Angeles, CA 90036 BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY BATHTUBS HANDYMAN INCOME TAX WINDOW CLEANING # RAMIZ WINDOW BATHTUBS " CLEANING & SINKS %& )$%" %& % and Maintenance (!" + '% + %#" /-'&00*-,$+ $3&12/, serving Park Labrea OLD-WORN-STAINED-CHIPPED /&.$/$1*-, We Refinish Like New #% "'" + #"%' + '$!&'$ #$% Residents At Your Site! % #% + "& %$"'%* + ! $& %&"$&"! for more than 35 years. Also ##" '%$%##" + '$!&'$ %&"$&"! ! 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