From the Newsroom

Shifting Sidewalk Highlights Hidden Dangers

By Eric Richardson — November 13, 2009 — 10 Comments

Broadway Sidewalk Ed Fuentes

Walking along Broadway, it is easy to see the disrepair of buildings that line what used to be the city's premier street for shopping and entertainment. Less apparent is the danger underfoot, where crumbling foundations and extended basements have left the sidewalks near collapse.

A shifting section of sidewalk near the Broadway-Spring Arcade building offers a glimpse, however. — Continued Inside...


Development

Shy Ordered to Pay $14 Million in 6th & Spring Case

By Eric Richardson — November 13, 2009
13 Comments

Shy Ordered to Pay $14 Million in 6th \u0026 Spring Case

Controversial developer Barry Shy was ordered to pay over $14 million to restaurateur Andrew Meieran this week, as an appeals court reversed a lower court ruling that had reduced that amount to just $2 million. The case centers around Mercury Liquors, a basement bar that Meieran had planned to open at the corner of 6th and Spring. Shy's residential conversion...


Hotels Hope to Be a Neighborhood Hang

By Eric Richardson — November 12, 2009 — 8 Comments

Paul Rossi Eric Richardson

Paul Rossi hopes 2010 will be the year he makes a lot of Downtown friends. As Director of Food and Beverage for the JW Marriott at L.A. Live, he sees locals as an important part of the clientele for the restaurants and bars he's preparing inside the hotel and condo tower.

"I know I need that mix," Rossi told blogdowntown on Wednesday. "I can't survive on just what's in house. I'm looking to be the place everyone wants to go to." — Continued Inside...


YWCA Breaking Ground in South Park After Receiving $82 Million in Federal Funds

By Eric Richardson — November 12, 2009

YWCA LA Eric Richardson

After years of delay, YWCA Greater Los Angeles is preparing to break ground on a new South Park campus for the Job Corp program after receiving $82 million in federal stimulus funds.

The seven-story, 154,000 square-foot facility, to be located on Olive street between Olympic and 11th, will house a classrooms, a library, computer lab, medical facilities and residential units for 400 students. — Continued Inside...


Everyday

Bolt Barbers Opens on Spring Street

By Eric Richardson — November 12, 2009
6 Comments

Bolt Barbers Opens on Spring Street

Spring street's Bolt Barbers makes its debut this afternoon, offering men haircuts and shaves in a social setting. Kicking things off, the shop is running a fundraiser called "Hawks for Homeless," raising money for the Midnight Mission.


Arts/Culture

Fairey's "Peace Goddess" Casts Her Gaze over the Arts District

By Ed Fuentes — November 11, 2009
8 Comments

Fairey's Peace Goddess Casts Her Gaze over the Arts District

Last fall, street artist Shepard Fairey's posters showing Barack Obama became a symbol of a campaign and then a symbol of controversy, as Fairey and the Associated Press squared off in lawsuits over photo rights. The famous work was first produced out of Fairey's former warehouse studio at 6th and Alameda, and posted around the Arts District. Tuesday, Fairey...


Food/Nightlife

Mendocino Farms' New Financial District Location Opening Monday

By Rich Alossi — November 11, 2009
8 Comments

Mendocino Farms' New Financial District Location Opening Monday

It's not uncommon to find a line of hungry office workers snaking around California Plaza during the lunchtime rush, the scene drawing onlookers wondering what could possibly attract such a presence. For those in the know, Mendocino Farms is nothing short of a way of life.


Art Walk Preview: November, 2009

By Ed Fuentes — November 11, 2009 — 5 Comments

IMGP7536 Ed Fuentes

November's Downtown Art Walk comes amid new Gallery Row signs and a change in the event's leadership. Yesterday's resignation of Executive Director Richard Schave probably won't be on the tip of the tongues of gallery goers, who will be more interested in art and food trucks.

Speaking of the art, Kelley Francis will again curate art and performance in the Spring Arcade building. It's a don't miss, and there's some good work to be found in the galleries. — Continued Inside...


Everyday

A Little Worse for Wear, 2nd Street Park Reopens

By Eric Richardson — November 11, 2009
12 Comments

A Little Worse for Wear, 2nd Street Park Reopens

Its grass may look as if a season of football has been played on it, but the park at the new Police Administration Building is again open to the public. The space was closed off for nearly two weeks to host Saturday's Police Foundation True Blue gala.


Everyday

Female Found Dead After Apparent Spring Street Suicide Jump

By Eric Richardson — November 10, 2009
44 Comments

Officers from the Police and Fire departments are on Spring street this evening investigating a fatal fall. The body of a black female was found in the parking lot between Spring Tower Lofts and Premiere Towers before 5pm.