From the Newsroom

Shopping

New Vespa Dealership is a Stylish Return to Roots

By Eric Richardson — 03:36 PM
1 Comment

New Vespa Dealership is a Stylish Return to Roots

|Photo Gallery| When looking to open a Vespa dealership in Downtown Los Angeles, Roger Miyakawa didn't have to think hard before settling on Little Tokyo. After all, his grandfather was one of the Nisei pioneers who helped found the neighborhood. "These are my roots," he said. After two years of planning and process, the dealership at 3rd and Central finally opened last...


LAPD's Mounted Patrols Honored for Their Work on Downtown Streets

By Ed Fuentes — 02:17 PM — 2 Comments

IMGP0065 Ed Fuentes

They may look a little out of place sauntering through Downtown streets, but LAPD's mounted units have proven themselves an important part of neighborhood policing.

The horses have become a common sight in Skid Row, where mounted officers have been an integral part of the Safer Cities Initiative. — Continued Inside...


Everyday

Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice Opens 2009-2010 Season

By Eric Richardson — 01:20 PM

Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice Opens 2009-2010 Season

The first of Downtown's two outdoor ice rinks had its official opening this morning, as Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice returned for its 12th season. The ice is open seven days a week through January 18, 2010. An hour on the 70 foot by 50 foot sheet of ice is $6, plus $2 for skate rental.


Faulty Railing May Have Led to Alexandria Death

By Eric Richardson — 08:41 AM — 8 Comments

Spring Street Police Tape Eric Richardson

A failed fire escape railing may have led to the death of an 87-year-old resident of the Alexandria this morning.

Spring street was closed for over two hours this morning as police investigated what they are calling an accidental fall. They believe that the man was leaning on a railing which gave way, causing him to lose his balance and drop approximately nine floors. They do not believe the incident was a suicide or that foul play was involved. — Continued Inside...


Development

With No Parking Revenue, Moinian Faces Foreclosure Across from Staples Center

By Eric Richardson — Yesterday, 05:49 PM
1 Comment

With No Parking Revenue, Moinian Faces Foreclosure Across from Staples Center

In June, Moinian Group Director of Development Oskar Brecher said that the loss of parking revenue on an $80-million lot across from Staples Center could send the project into default. Turns out, he was right. The Downtown News reported today that Wachovia Bank has initiated foreclosure proceedings after the project missed payments. The paper reports that...


Metro Says Fully Underground Connector Feasible, Could Cost 20% More

By Eric Richardson — Yesterday, 03:54 PM — 19 Comments

Regional Connector - Underground Map Metro

Little Tokyo's call for a fully grade-separated Regional Connector has been answered. Metro today used its blog to unveil early engineering study results, which it then presented to a Little Tokyo working group meeting later in the evening.

The transit agency warned that the new configuration, which continues under 1st and Alameda below-ground, could add $200 million to the project's cost. That didn't faze community members, who voted to endorse further study of the new option. — Continued Inside...


School Search: Solano Elementary

By Susana Benavidez — Yesterday, 03:26 PM — 4 Comments

Solano Elementary Susana Benavidez

It seems like I have been looking for a school since Bella and Iza were kicking in my belly: first there was the traumatic daycare hunt that aged me five years, then the pre-school stressor and now the hovering animal called Kindergarten. To keep other Downtown parents from my fate, this series will showcase schools and day cares that can save your sanity, beauty and youth.

Solano Elementary is the needle in a LAUSD haystack. I considered not sharing it, out of fear that my own kids will not be able to get in when you all rush to enroll. My excitement got the best of me, though, and I decided that this local school is too good to keep to myself. — Continued Inside...


Arts/Culture

Win Tickets to See Julian Casablancas at the Palace Theatre

By Eric Richardson — Yesterday, 01:40 PM
11 Comments

Win Tickets to See Julian Casablancas at the Palace Theatre

Strokes lead singer Julian Casablancas is bringing a little life back to Downtown's historic Palace Theatre. Casablancas is halfway through a four-week solo residency in the 1911 venue, built to host the Orpheum vaudeville circuit. On Friday, he returns for show number three and we've got a pair of tickets to give to a blogdowntown reader who wants to be there... |Photo Gallery|


Development

SB Tower Reveals a Head-Scratcher of a Ground Floor

By Eric Richardson — Wednesday
26 Comments

SB Tower Reveals a Head-Scratcher of a Ground Floor

|Photo Gallery| Scaffolding was removed from the ground floor of Barry Shy's SB Tower at 600 S. Spring today, revealing the new look of what was once the headquarters of California Bank. I'll be honest, I don't get it.


In Tough Times, Talking Helps

By Ed Fuentes — Wednesday — 5 Comments

flowers Ed Fuentes

Last week, a stranger brought a Downtown neighborhood together.

In the days after a young woman committed suicide on Spring street, those who lived and worked nearby reflected on the event in comments here on blogdowntown. Perhaps they found it cathartic to share with others who had a shared experience of the neighborhood. — Continued Inside...