It’s named after its visionary, Lewis L. Bradbury, who was a mining millionaire. In the creation of his dream, Bradbuy first hired Sumner Hunt to put his imaginative design on paper. Falling short of his expectations, Bradbury then  looked to George Wyman, to design thiw five-story office building.

Wyman,  at that time was just a young apprentice architect  who worked for Hunt; and initially he refused the commission. Interestingly, the decision to accept this enormous project was ultimately made by Wyman’s 22-year old brother, Mark, who had been dead for six years.

One Saturday evening, as Wyman and his wife sat at a planchette board – a forerunner of the Ouija board, equipped with a pencil to write out “spirit” messages – long dead Mark communicated with his brother. The message read: “Take Bradbury Building. It will make you famous.” The word Bradbury was written upside down, but the message was clear. With the assurance from the spiritual world, the Bradbury-Wyman partnership was born. Source: Public Art in LA

Influenced by Edward Bellamy’s 1887 science fiction book entitled, Looking Backward, which described a Utopian culture in the year 2000, Wyman proceeded to work on his design. Bellamy’s book described the typical commercial building:

“vast hall full of light, received not alone from the windows on all sides, but from the dome, the point of which was a hundred feet above….The walls were frescoed in mellow tints, to soften without absorbing the light which flooded the interior.”

This vision ultimately became the Bradbury Building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Designed in an Italian Renaissance Revival style, it features an exterior facade of brown brick, sandstone and panels of terra cotta details. But the real story of the Bradbury is in the its inside:

When you visit, be sure to look for the details like:

• A great center court with natural lighting
• Ornately designed railings of wrought iron which provides the illusion of hanging vegetation
• Cage elevators that are surrounded by wrought-iron grillwork
• Mail chutes which are actually tall poles of metal that are not supported by any wall
• Mexican tile floors
• Imported Belgian marble in the staircases

Originally estimated to cost $175,000, the totally cost was around $500,000 (which in 2008 dollars translates to $11 million). Sadly, Bradbury never saw the completion of his vision, dying a few months before it opened.

Amazingly, what started from science fiction came to also be known as the fictional residence of Ridley Scott‘s Sebastian, from the science fiction book and later movie entitled Blade Runner. At that time, the Bradbury Building wasn’t in the restored state you can currently see.

This Year’s 51st annual LA County Holiday Celebration is being held on December 24^th, at 3:00pm and at the downtown Music Center.

The theme for this year’s holiday theme is "Childhood Holiday Memories.” It will feature 24 groups and 800 performers.

The backdrop story for this event, is that this year the Holiday Celebration will not only feature the music and dance of the season–but mainly drawn from the many groups representing Los Angeles’ varied neighborhood and cultures of Los Angeles.

The Emmy-nominated music and dance extravaganza is one of L.A.’s biggest holiday shows, and it’s free, so bring the whole family, or your significant other!

Or, enjoy it from the comfort of your home on KCET-TV, KCET.org or KPFK 90.7 FM, while you finish decorating the tree or preparing your holiday feast.

Even if you don’t “celebrate” Christmas, it’s bound to be an evening to be remembered.

Some of the performers you’ll be able to enjoy include:

• Students from Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation
• Mr. Vallenato
• Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy
• LACESMA Women’s Chorale
• Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers
• Halau O Lilinoe
• Los Angeles Children’s Chorus
• Elliot Deutsch Big Band
• Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
• Loch and Key
• Santa Monica Chorus
• Young Angels Choir

Although no tickets or reservations are necessary, wristbands are required for entry. Wristbands will be handed out, one per person, starting at 11:30am. Seating is first come, first served. Once a wristband is obtained, attendees will not have to wait in line. When all wristbands have been distributed, standbys will be tracked in order of arrival and admitted if seats are vacated.

The L.A. County Holiday Celebration is a gift to the community from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/christmas-eve-at-the-music-center/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/how-to-save-1-hour-on-your-commute-time-if-you-live-in-west-la/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/how-to-save-1-hour-on-your-commute-time-if-you-live-in-west-la/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:18:06 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=24628 Do you live on the Westside?

If you do, you know how much of a hassle taking Metro can be. But don’t get me wrong, I really like Metro, but their service to the Westside isn’t the greatest.

If I want to get to downtown LA, either I have to take a Rapid Bus to the Subway, or I have to take the Rapid bus all the way there.

During the day, the time for either of these rides is about an 1 hour and 20 minutes, and that doesn’t include the wait time.

But, that could all be changing.

Currently in the final environmental and engineering analysis stage, the Westside Subway Extension aka the Purple Line Extension, is on the move.

Details still have to be ironed out, but at least the final route has been planned:

When all is said and done, it should take only 25 minutes to get from the Union station to the Veteran’s Administration in West LA, a savings of almost an hour.

Some salient facts that are what’s known right now as to the proposed Metro Subway Extension:

• The Purple Line Extension will be built in what Metro refers to as Minimum Operable Segments. The first segment (MOS 1) west is not sure to include a Crenshaw/Wilshire stop, but quite sure to have stations at Wilshire/La Brea & Wilshire/Fairfax.
• This will be a subway, not light-rail.
• Federal criteria on ridership levels must be met to receive Federal Funding.
• Environmental Impact Studies are not yet complete.
• When finished, it will take about another year to complete engineering design, prepare bid documents and award construction contracts.
• Based on this schedule, construction of the subway could begin in 2013. Notice that it says ‘could’.
• Measure R is the source of funding. It allocates money to a variety of transportation projects throughout the County over that time period. It’s funds are not entirely available for the westbound subway.
• The cost estimates are based on 2008 Dollars.
• Parking at Stations: They are leaning away from providing parking. Land values in the path of the subway are high, and the purpose is to get people out of their cars. In some areas that already have parking, it remains a possibility.
• Cyclists will be able to transport their bikes.
• MOS 2 (Year 2026) would extend to Century City. MOS 3 (Year 2036) would extend to Westwood/I-405 with stations being evaluated at UCLA and the VA Hospital.

As with all good things, it takes time.

Unique LA, of course!

Billed as “the largest independent design show in the country,” the 3rd Annual Unique LA Holiday Show, will feature over 300 hand-selected designers and artists, whom you can actually meet and greet.

This makes it easy for you to buy local and support LA’s economy. Unique LA will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 11^th and 12^th, so you’ll have two full days to browse the booths, discover great designs and deals and have fun at the same time.

The 0.00 entrance fee will provide everyone that attends with unlimited access for both days of the show. Also there will be t:

• Free drinks and a hosted bar (IZZE, Honest Tea, Dry Soda, Function, and cocktails by ROOT)
• Your very own collectible tote bag, exclusive to each show… The Holiday artist is secret for now, but the spring tote was designed by LA graphic designer Keith Scharwath!
• Free eco-workshops and cool handmade activities through the weekend, brought to you by Your Daily Thread , 826LA and Common Thread Studio.
• Family/Kids creativity zone and seating area
• Access to giveaways and door prizes all weekend long
• Souvenir copy of the Vendor Directory + Mini Magazine

So for a fun, quality, and fun Holiday shopping experience this weekend, head over to the California Market Center’s Penthouse at 110 East 9^th Street, in downtown LA, from 11:00am until 6:00pm.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as I’m sure you’ll be doing lots of walking, browsing, buying, and merrymaking!

"Jazz for the Holidays", is a lunchtime music series featuring well-known Jazz artists from across the nation. Its host will be LeRoy Downs, “The Jazzcat” of KJAZZ 88.1 FM.

For the next three weeks, on every Tuesday from 12:00-2:00pm, an opening act and a headliner, will comprise the entire series. And to keep the holiday spirit alive, each show will highlight a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to serving the people of downtown Los Angeles.

Here’s the concert schedule, along with a preview

November 30^th: Quartetto Fantastico

Opening Act: Nick Mancini Trio

December 7^th: Helen Sung

Opening Act: Gary Fukushima Trio

December 14^th: Alfredo Rodriguez

Opening Act: Thelonious Monk Institute/LACHSA Ensemble

[Disclaimer] The above video was taken during a recent visit of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz during their visit to China where Dee Dee Bridgewater accompanied them on their tour. She will not be at the “Jazz for the Holidays” event.

This year’s Auto Show will showcase an auto industry that’s rapidly changing literally right in front of our eyes–merging consumer brands, excellent and dependable craftsmanship and new and different types of automobile’s powering systems to include hybrids, electric cars,and other new and exciting features to today’s automobiles and the industries that manufacture them.

On display, for example, will be vehicles ranging from the 50 electric and fuel-efficient like the electric Nissan LEAF, along with KIA,s Optima Hybrid– to crossovers from the Saab and Range Rover; and the much beloved sports cars ranging from Porsche and Lotus. Plus, the Italian car maker, Fiat, is also returning to the U.S. after a 27 year hiatus.

First started in 1907 (pdf), the LA Auto Show was the first such event to take place on the West Coast, and the largest event west of Chicago. 99 cars were included in the 1907 Auto Show.

Amazingly, even though the first Auto Show was in 1907, the first traffic lights in LA–on Broadway between 3^rd and 7^th–weren’t installed until 1920. And even stranger the first traffic laws weren’t enacted until 1925.

To keep everyone up-to-date on the latest in the auto industry, more than 15 concepts will be unveiled:

Including Mazda’s dramatic Shinari concept, Jaguar’s C-X75 electric supercar, and KIA’s POP electric concept with a spaceship like cabin. Also, several yet-to-be-seen and highly anticipated concepts are planned from Cadillac, Honda, Nissan and Subaru.

The show provides a ton of fun for both car lovers and has plenty of family fun, with entertainment provided by the popular Nissan Quest Kids’ Fun Zone, open both weekends–including the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The play area will include video games, toy car rides and a variety of other crafts and free activities for the show’s attendees.

The 103rd Los Angeles Auto Show, takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, located downtown, at 1201 S. Figueroa Street in downtown LA.

Here’s the schedule:

The admission price is:

Adults: $12.00, but $2.00 off discount coupons, good for any day through Thanksgiving Day, can be found at the LAautoshow or participating LA new car dealers

Children 12 and under: free when accompanied by an adult

Seniors (65+): $8.00 – valid Friday, November 19^th through Thursday, November 25^th (Cash only and not valid with any other offer.)

The Triforium is a 6-story, 60 ton public art sculpture, located at the intersection of Temple and Main Streets, in Downtown Los Angeles.

It was installed in 1975, by sculptor and artist Joseph Young, whose original plan was for the sculpture to be a Kinetic sculpture, which uses motion sensors along with a computer-controlled system, to detect and translate the motions of all passing individuals, to be transformed artistically into patterns of light and sounds.

Conceived to integrate art, science and music into a unified physical, visual and audio theme, the work was described by Young as "a bold, confident statement that expresses man’s faith in the future." Source: Public Art in LA

its final price tag was $1,000,000!

Although spectacular in many respects, the Triforium has led to many nicknames:

• The Psychedelic Nickelodeon
• Trifoolery
• Three Wishbones in Search of a Turkey
• Kitsch-22 of Kinetic Sculpture
• Joe’s L.A. Space Launch

Nonetheless, after decades of disrepair, the city decided in 2006 to finally bring the sculpture up to current standards.

This undertaking cleaned and repaired its pod-like speakers.

They each hang between 22 vertical steel columns of Italian hand blown and colored glass prisms; which encircle the sculptures three two-legged arrow shaped legs.

Confused or curious?

To gain an understanding of what this amazing public art sculpture entails–the city has a technician to painstakingly clean each one of its 1,500 hand-blown glass prisms, along with changing each one of its bulbs.

If you’d like to see the Triforium when it’s all lit up, plan your visit between 6:00-8:00am; 5:00-7:00pm or 6:00-8:00pm, depending on the season.

Doling out that honor carries with it much debate, so it seems to be broken up into categories. At Bordello
this past weekend, one of the bartenders said something (barely audible over the music) about "the Bordello being the oldest bar in downtown Los Angeles".

As I was looking around, it struck me that the Bordello didn’t look that old, so with some online snooping, I later found out that the Bordello is actually the same location of Little Pedro’s, which they’re using as the basis for claiming theirs is the oldest bar in downtown LA.

Now, I don’t know why this gives them credit toward having the oldest bar, but the Bordello is certainly a fun place to hang out, and it does feel like there’s history there.

The bar is lush and decadent, with mirrors behind the bar, deep red walls, and antique furniture.

Located at 901 1^st Street, the Bordello opened its doors on December 23^rd 2006, and boasts the history of what was there before–the oldest bar downtown and apparently, a brothel.

In the good-natured theme of this original brothel, Bordello features burlesque shows and go-go dancers to get you in the mood. On Saturday night, in between sets, Daisy Meadows performs to her skivvies and purple tassels, much to the appreciation of those present– while two go-go dancers worked through the entire set of two bands. I have to give credit where credit’s due, those girls danced hard; and after I had to sit out a few sets, due to my aching feet, they were still going strong.

I arrived after 9pm on Saturday for Haunted House au Go-Go, to see The Finksville 5, and The Woggles.

The first band went on after 10 (maybe after 11), and were a self described "60′s dance band".

The Finksville 5 is a really great surf guitar band that was performing together for the first time, and they certainly rocked their set. Everyone was dancing and into it, and it was fun to do the mashed potato and every other goofy dance move you could think up. The audience was certainly theme appropriate, which really made the whole place a blast from the past.

During the break was when Miss Daisy Meadows performed her art of burlesque, it was not lost on this crowd. Gentlemen in suits, and ladies in knee high boots cheered for her sweet moves.

After Miss Daisy came The Woggles all dressed up in wool confederate army uniforms. Their band is 60′s rock along with surf guitar fusion.

Although their energy was fantastic, their set dragged on, and by the end they had emptied out most of the dance floor. If you had to walk a mile in my shoes, (actually high heels), a lot of my discomfort was due to me standing for so long (I’m sure some other guests agreed, because I saw some other women wearing immense high heels on Saturday night also).

Bordello boasts live music every night, from different genres, with burlesque and other performers. The bartenders are scantily clad, and this is a place you can dress up or dress down to come to.

To look at the Bordello’s picture Gallery, click here.

Before 10pm is happy hour, with $5 well drinks. Street parking is very do-able, but make sure you don’t screw up and drive over the 1^st street Bridge, as it’s under construction and you definitely don’t want to be caught driving around in detour hell.

I went, I saw, I danced, I drank, and I enjoyed!

DTLA?

Down Town Los Angeles, of course.

The main purpose of DTLA Citizen is to post “Event listings in Downtown LA.”

Upon researching his or her page, under the info section, I found the boundaries for the various districts in Los Angeles.

1. Arts District
2. Bunker Hill
3. Chinatown
4. Central City East (aka Skid Row)
5. Civic Center
6. Fashion District
7. Financial District
8. Flower District
9. Gallery Row
10. Historic Core
11. Jewelry District
12. Little Tokyo
13. Old Bank District
14. South Park
15. Toy District

For many Los Angeles residents, the multiple downtown districts have always been confusing. To be sure, various road signs will inform you where you are, but that’s like a 180 bird’s eye view of one certain area, but not the entire district. Therefore, with the help of DTLA’s Citizen’s list, I mapped the entirety of the downtown Los Angeles Districts listed above:

View Los Angeles District Map in a larger map

Be sure to friend Travelin’ Local on Facebook, as we’re always publishing new things to do, places to go, events of interest, and unique story’s that will appear on your Facebook news feed everyday.

As everyone likes to get where they want to go without undue hassle, it seems that everybody loves a good map.

Although, Travelin’ Local featured a mural yesterday, today’s mural is a little different. It represents Downtown’s LA Youth & Culture Center, “a great place for teens where they can learn a lot about art, music, computers etc.”

On their Facebook page, they feature this quote:

Everyone has got to be doing something here in this center. You have to be constantly on the move, even if it’s something small. The only time you don’t do anything is when you’re dead. – Carmelo Alvarez – Director of the Center

Instead of me telling you about the Downtown LA Youth & Culture Center, I’ll let the students speak for themselves:

I grew up in Pico Union, and I am now currently living in Boyle Heights. I enjoy coming to this youth center because I always feel welcomed here, and no one makes like a minority. I’ve had meetings here, art experiences, and I’ve brought friends over to jamm out in the band room. I’ve enjoyed moments of music, gatherings, and friends rapping here. I’ve prepared for a Youth Empowerment Summit here, and our youth group did an awsome job! Some friends and I organized a highschool boycott against the SB 1070 a couple of months ago. I’ve been allowed to utillize this center and I am very thankful! Sinnai Avila age 15 yrs

I had a great expirience here at The Downtown L.A Youth and Culture Center.I say I  had a great expirience here at the the youth center  because I learned how to do monoprints, how to manage money, and how to enlarge a small picture into a big picture. I feel really excited to work at this center because if i hadnt been placed here I think i wouldnt have learned what i learned and wouldnt have the knowledge I have know. Elizabeth Martinez 17 years old

I been working at Downtown LA Youth and Culture Center for about three mouths. Its a very cool place to kick it at because we do a lot of fun stuff. We get to take care of little kids and there so nice. I work in the morning so I dont get to do a lot of the activies that the other youth workers do, but I heard they learn a lot. I heard they play instruments, learn how to make beats, how to do a little bit of lighting, how to make a design on a shirt, how to monoprint, and how to work together. Carmelo, the director is a very nice person who wants to make a change in the community and truely DTLAYCC is a good way to start.I really like it here and Im planning on coming back and help out. My name is Luis Coto and Im 17 years old

My name is Carol Nguyen, 15 years old, and I have spent the majority of my summer at Downtown Youth and Culture Center. In general, I spent most of my time working with the Los Angeles Theater Academy, which collaborates with DYCC. All in all, I had a great time, and I have learned leadership skills, as well as valuable communication skills with children, as well as peers and adults. Working with the kids meant that I had to develop strong communication skills, both in speaking and writing. In addition, working with the children also meant supervising them, as well as look out for their well-being and most importantly, having fun with them. Going out with LATA for the first day, I did not know what to expect. I was nevous and anxious at what my responsibilites and duties were as a summer worker, but I was also secetly excited that I was granted the opportunity to work with such amazing children. As the weeks progressed during summer, I could feel myself gradually growing out of my comfort zone, and moving on to bigger and greater things. I had realized that my people skills and my communication skills had grown by far versus the first day, and I knew that it was at the hand of LATA, as well as DYCC. Working collaboratively with DYCC and LATA has taught me so many life experiences, and prepared me for speaking and communication skills that I thought that I would never possess. I am glad that I was granted the chance to work for DYCC and LATA, and I just wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate this opportunity to work side by side with so many wonderful and amazing people.  Carol Nguyen. Once in a Lifetime.

hello! my name is tai. i love to come to downtown la youth and culture center. Beacuse its so fun, and also learn more skills or experience. Well my experience is learn to dance shuffle and hardstyle , dj, music, art, graffti, and paint on the wall. If you guys want to learn how to shuffle, come to downtown la youth and culture center and i will teach you . Thank you all of you guys and comment me. Kha Tai Quoc age 15

Well my experience in Downtown LA Youth And Culture Center was really awesome.This place is a place where they give us a chance to be creative.They showed me how to do alot of new thing like how to DJ and how to manage money. It was also a really good experience because I got to be in a youth video and they showed me how to lip sing.I really liked this place and everything I learned is really going to help me in life. Veronica Castro Age 15

My expirience in this job is coool and I feel good being in this job. I have learnd many thing in DTLA for exmple I learnd how to do a comic book.I also learnd how to draw, and turnd a small picture n to a big picture by drawing it. I also learnd how to play insturment and my favorite insturment was the drums. I learnd how to play the DJ and the new version and how was diffrent back then. JONATHAN TAPIA 14 YEARS OLD

Being part of this program have greatly changed me. I have learned to socialize better with people. Working overtime for dances was the best part for me. I met a lot of great friends and acquired many newfound skills. My experience here have made my summer better than any other summer. I have joined many programs like the environmental thingie and went to astronomy camp. I hope I can come back next time.  Desmond Chu age 15

my name is edward and i am a 16 year old man. My experience at downtown la youth& culture center has been journey and an amazing experience as a musician and a scholar. DTLAYCC has  been a journey because of its involvement with the community and neighborhood  which enables my leadership and social skills to be demonstrated in a day to day basis. My life as a musician was very struggling because of lack of practice space; but DTLAYCC allows access to their excellent music equiptment and performance space. This center has gone above and beyond to create a center for all youth to feel in the comforts of their home and as a refugee for teens who want to excel in their future but certain events stop them.  Edward Salcedo and center

My name is Imani im 15 years old  and i been goin to the downtown la youth & culture center for about like 2 months. And i love it i learn so much about music, art,programs on computers, djing,mono art,and so much more.The one thing i really like about this place is the people that come here. They really great people and the event we have here are good to. I had an event here and it turned out really good i help rasied money for the center by doing this event. So i really think its a great place for everyone.  Imani’s note about the center

Each of these “Notes” can be found on the Downtown LAYCC Facebook page. 

The Downtown LA Youth and Culture Center sounds like a very special place!

Its commercial success only added to his burgeoning career. The book describes man’s attempt to colonize Mars, where the story and theme is about the effects of colonization on the Martians, and the colonists’ reaction to a massive nuclear war on Earth.

Another of Bradbury’s best-known works is the book Fahrenheit 451. It’s set in the future in which a totalitarian government has banned the written word.

The protagonist, in the book, enjoys his job as a professional book-burner. But he begins to question his duties the when he learns of a time when books were legal and people did not live in fear.

Subsequently, he starts to doubt what the actual purpose of his book burning serves and to whom; and he begins stealing books marked for destruction while meeting a professor who agrees to educate him.

When his pilfering is discovered, he must run for his life.

If not ironic and a sad commentary about our present world, many societies and government regimes regularly ban books to be offensive for various reasons, but the end result remains the same—people are denied knowledge and are kept in the dark for nefarious purposes.

How many times this has occurred throughout history is countless.

Fahrenheit 451 is similar in theme of mass brainwashing and loss of control in other books as well known including George Orwell’s, 1984, and Aldous Huxley’s, Brave New World.

The 1966 film adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 (1966) was made by the world famous French director Francois Truffaut, and starred Julie Christie, where it ended up receiving several nominations.

Bradbury’s work has won countless honors and awards, including the O. Henry Memorial Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award (1954), the Aviation-Space Writer’s Association Award for Best Space Article in an American Magazine (1967), the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction Writers of America. His work was also included in the Best American Short Stories collections for 1946, 1948 and 1952.

His total literary output is close to 600 short stories, more than 30 books and numerous poems and plays.

In 2004 Bradbury received a National Medal of Arts. He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. An asteroid is named in his honor, "9766 Bradbury", and the Apollo astronaut named a crater on the moon "Dandelion Crater", after his novel, Dandelion Wine.

Bradbury also received an Emmy Award for his work as a writer on ‘The Halloween Tree’, and many other awards and honors. His works are translated in more than 40 languages and sold tens of millions of copies around the world.

From August 22^nd – 28^th, 2010, Los Angeles will be host to Ray Bradbury Week:

The schedule of talks, movie screenings, special guests, plays, and other derivative works of Bradbury will be held as follows:

Monday, August 23^rd – The Diversity Department of the Writers Guild of America will present a stage reading of Ray Bradbury’s one act play, The Wonderful Part of Wisdom, starring James Cromwell. The play starts at 7:00pm.

Tuesday, August 24^th – The Playboy Foundation presents a special screening of Fahrenheit 451, preceded by a discussion with Ray Bradbury and Hugh Hefner moderated by Los Angeles Times reporter and Hero Complex blogger Geoff Boucher. The event starts at 7:00pm.

Wednesday, August 25^th – The City of West Hollywood and Green School of Hollywood is presenting a play based on Fahrenheit 451 adapted for and performed by children. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Thursday, August 26^th – The Downtown Central Library will host a special screening of Ray Bradbury’s The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit (1998), starring Joe Mantegna, Esai Morales, Edward James Olmos, and Clifton Collins, Jr. Special guests will include Joe Mantegna and Clifton Collins, Jr. This starts at 7:00pm.

Saturday, August 28^th – The Paley Center for Media will present Ray Bradbury on Television, which consists of three television productions based on works by Bradbury—Ray Bradbury Theater: The Banshee (1986); American Playhouse: Any Friend of Nicholas Nicleby is a Friend of Mine (1982); and The Electric Grandmother (1982). The productions start at 1:00 p.m.

All events are free to the public and are in celebration of the totality of all of Ray Bradbury’s writings and projects.

It’s bound to be a creative, serious, and screenwriter’s dream to have this opportunity to have this week held here throughout Los Angeles.

For more information, be sure to check the Ray Bradbury Week Facebook page.

Lastly, great stories and storytelling are timeless.

Born out of what used to be old oil fields, an earthquake fault and what had become a weed-infested, dusty lot; Vista Hermosa Park is a 10.5 acre treasure in a big city. Amazing, this park is downtown Los Angeles’ first new public park built since 1895.

Meaning “beautiful view” is Spanish, Vista Hermosa Park is located atop the hills on North Toluca Street, and does present wonderful vistas.

But, beautiful views are just one of the great features of this park:

All of the park buildings are topped with “green” planted roofs that retain rainwater and provide insulation, keeping the buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition, not only do they save energy, the plants absorb CO2 and other pollutants from the atmosphere. Personally, I love the idea. More houses should have a roof top garden included.

Being a self-contained watershed, Vista Hermosa Park uses almost every drop either by watering the native Southern California drought resistant plants or capturing it to use for irrigation. By combining permeable surfaces like the parking lot and sidewalks, which allows the water to soak into the ground; and the underground cistern system, which captures water and reserves for the drier months, Vista Hermosa Park is an example of state of the art landscape design and sustainable technologies.

Adjoining the park is a FIFA-regulation soccer field, which is made of synthetic turf that requires no irrigation and allows for absorption of rainwater. It’s used jointly used by the adjacent Edward R. Roybal Learning Center and the LA Department of Recreation and Parks.

Other Vista Hermosa Park features include:

• Walking trails
• Meadows
• Picnic grounds
• A nature-themed playground

With only 33% of Los Angeles residents living within a quarter-mile of a park, compared to 97% for Boston and 91% for New York, Vista Hermosa Park is an example of how our city parks should be expanding and built. BTW, nationwide, the average park space per 1,000 residents is six to 10 acres; in Los Angeles it’s only 3.4 acres.

Vista Hermosa Park is a joint project of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and is definitely worth visiting.

Based on the beauty and thought put into Vista Hermosa Park, we can do better and build a few–or a lot more parks like this in Los Angeles.

Do you live in downtown Los Angeles?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, then the Fourth Annual Downtown Dog Day Afternoon at the Cathedral on Tuesday, July 27^th, from 6pm – 9pm, is for you and your dog.

Everybody from all religious denominations is invited to enjoy an evening of music, food, getting to know your neighbors, their dogs, and just about everything pet related.

Here’s a few simple tips you should know before attending the Fourth Annual Downtown Dog Day Afternoon at the Cathedral:

• Downtown Dogs Only, Please!
• Downtowners without dogs are welcome, too! (A Downtowner is anyone who lives, works & plays in Downtown)
• Social Dogs Only, Please! Dogs must be on a leash and social
• Food and Drinks: No host bar and food by Levy Restaurants
• "Dodger Dogs" will be served to people only!
• Parking: $5.00 per vehicle at the Cathedral – 555 W. Temple Street

This event is free, but to register, click here.

Hey, it’s a Dog’s life but that’s the way it goes, so you might as well have fun at the same time.
]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/downtown-los-angeles-dog-day-afternoon/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/the-village-kitchen-serves-up-more-than-just-lunch/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/the-village-kitchen-serves-up-more-than-just-lunch/#comments Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:01:48 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=16857 A few days, after a doctor’s appointment I was hungry. Obviously since it was lunchtime, I wanted to eat something delicious for lunch. That’s when The Village Kitchen caught my eye.

Located at 1667 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles, it looks like a normal restaurant, serving sandwiches, salads, and soups. But, upon further investigation, The Village Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant.

It’s “Food that Warms Lives”

The Village Kitchen is part of a much larger organization dedicated to providing, “with dignity and love, a continuum of care from homelessness to self-sufficiency for women and their children.”

For 25 years, the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children has provided basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, plus supportive services for homeless women and children. Through programs such as mobile outreach to transitional shelter to long-term housing for mothers with disabilities, The Good Shepherd Center offers women a chance to restart their lives.

Included in the Good Shepherd Center is the Languille Drop-In Center, which provides basic services for nearly 400 women per year to the Lanquille Emergency Shelter, which provides a temporary home for up to 30 women who are taking their first courageous steps toward a more stable and productive life toward the Women’s Village, which includes three stages of transitional housing. The Good Shepherd Center assists women and their children every step of the way.

How does The Village Kitchen fit into this scenario?

It’s an actual working example of what can be done when women are transitioning from homeless to independence.

All the “employees” of The Village Kitchen are residents of the Good Shepherd Center, working their way back into a normal and independent life. In addition, all the proceeds from The Village Kitchen go back into the Good Shepherd Center.

As far as the food they serve simply put, it’s delicious:

I ordered a soup and salad combo; the Vegetable Lentil Soup, which included a piece of French Baguette, plus the Cobb Salad pictured above. Now, I know this salad looks delicious, but it looked much better than the above photo, because as soon as it arrived at my table, it looked so good, with the spring mix bordered by avocado, hard boiled egg, bits of real bacon, tomatoes, and topped with blue cheese and chicken, I started eating it and forgot to take the photo before I mixed it about.

A friend of mine with a bit larger appetite ordered the ⅓lb. cheeseburger with fries:

When we left my friend’s plate was empty, but I took a doggie bag for both the unfinished Vegetable Lentil soup and a small container of their homemade Ranch dressing.

One other item to be considered when you go to The Village Kitchen is their baked items.

You see all of those cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake, and pound cake above tastes even better than they look. Trust me on this one–the red velvet cupcake I had later that evening was melt in your mouth delicious.

If you don’t have time to sit and eat, the people at The Village Kitchen will be more than happy to take your orders to go over the phone and have them ready for you to pick up. This happened several times while I was there. So, just give them a call: 213-235-2284, and tell them Travelin’ Local recommended them.

Therefore, the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) is hosting free tours on this Saturday, July 10^th.

Usually I feature these events in Travelin’ Local’s Free Friday column, but because you need to call ahead for reservations for the CRA’s events, I wanted to give you a heads up.

To help with interested citizens to understand the depth and complexity of the CRA/LA’s accomplishments there will be a series of tours, exhibitions, and events offered by the CRA/LA, and other downtown organizations, tour operators, cultural institutions, and event participants will share how the CRA/LA has transformed downtown Los Angeles.

The CRA/LA’s mission is "to make strategic investments to create economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for the people who live and work in our neighborhoods.”

To help see and learn about many of CRA/LA’s projects, redevelopment areas, success stories, and swaths of downtown that they’ve literally changed, here’s their list of tours and exhibits:

Downtown Center Business Improvement District Housing Bus Tour:

On this extensive, four-hour bus tour, which begins at 9:00am-1:00pm, participants will visit a sampling of six or seven residencies – both for sale and for lease – among 75 existing residential properties, and many more under construction.  It’s free but click the link above to register.

CRA/LA Art Program Walking Tours – South Park, Historic Core, and the Financial Core:

Streets, parks and public buildings in the CRA/LA’s, Central Business District redevelopment project area, contain a wide variety of artworks paid for by developers’ percent-for-art contributions. Join CRA/LA staff, interns, and a conservation associate for a one hour docent tour.

South Park: Begins at 10:00am and meets at the FIDM entrance, 919 Grand Avenue, at the winged figure by Gwynn Murrill (near the corner of 9th and Grand Ave).

The Historic Core: Begins at 11:30am and 2:00pm, and will meet at Biddy Mason Park, located at the center of the Paseo between Broadway and Spring Street, at Broadway’s Spring Center.

The Financial Core’s CRA/LA commissioned public art: Begins at 11:30am and 2:00pm and will meet at the Fine Arts Building – 811 W. 7^th Street (7^th St. east of Figueroa).

These tours are free, but participants must RSVP in advance to Amanda Bromberg, at the Community Arts Resources, (213)365-0605, by Friday, July 9^th,beginning at 10am. Only the first 14 RSVP’s will be accommodated for each tour.

GRAMMY Museum Tour:

The Grammy Museum is more than just a celebration of music’s most prestigious award.  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that invites you to look behind the curtain.  On July 10^th, at 1:00pm, the public is invited to take part in a special tour of the Grammy Museum.  The tour will last approximately 40 minutes and it’s also a free event.  Tour participants will meet the tour guide in the Grammy Museum Lobby, located at 800 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015.  Participants must RSVP in advance to Amanda Bromberg at Community Arts Resources, (213)365.0605, by 10am on Friday, July 9^th.  Only the first 25 RSVP’s will be accommodated.

FIDM’s “Disney Alice in Wonderland Design Exhibition:”

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Museum & Galleries, located at 919 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, in downtown’s South Park neighborhood is currently presenting their “Disney Alice in Wonderland Design Exhibition.”  The exhibit will be open on Saturday, July 10^th, from 10am to 4:00pm. Entrance to the exhibit is free.  For more information, please call (213)624.1201, or clink the link.

Metro Public Art Tour:

Metro is pleased to offer “CRA/LA in the CBD” participants a specially designed public art tour of the eclectic artwork present throughout the Central Business District Rail Stations. Led by a trained Metro Docent Council volunteer, this unique public art tour is free to the public and will only be available for viewing on Saturday, July 10^th. Tours last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, and begin at 10:30am and 1:00pm.  Tours will depart from and end at the 7th/Metro Station, on the street level.  Look for the Metro Art Docent in the bright yellow vest. Metro stations to visit include: Pershing Square, Civic Center, Union Station, and Pico. Tour participants will receive a free, ride-all-day Metro pass at the beginning of the tour. Walk-ups are welcome, however, only the first 35 participants will be accommodated.

Docent Tour of Central Library:

Come downtown and visit Los Angeles’ Public Library’s state of the art Central Library, located at 630 W. 5^th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071.  Docent-led tours begin at 11:00am and 2:00pm on Saturday, July 10^th, and participants will meet in the front of the Library Store in the main lobby, accessible via the Fifth Street, Hope Street, and Flower Street entrances. The Tours are free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary, but tours are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

BEING PEDESTRIAN Walking Tour:

BEING PEDESTRIAN, is a cultural tourism campaign based upon walking, and is a collaboration between artists Sara Daleiden, Sara Wookey and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles. With its playful prompts, BEING PEDESTRIAN invites the experience of our public spaces of common sidewalks and crosswalks in consideration of the invisible decisions that form our common streetscape. The tour begins at 3pm on Saturday, July 10^th and is free. The tour lasts for approximately 1 hour and will meet at Grand Hope Park at the corner of 9^th Street and Hope. Participants must RSVP in advance to Amanda Bromberg at Community Arts Resources, (213)365.0605, by 10am on Friday, July 9^th. Only the first 14 RSVP’s will be accommodated.

Downtown Walking Tours with the LA Conservancy:

The Los Angeles Conservancy’s Walking Tour Program explores the history and heart of this amazing city through the interpretation of L.A.’s unique architectural resources.  On Saturday, July 10th, the LA Conservancy will offer its Historic Core Tour, the Art Deco Tour, the Downtown Renaissance: Spring & Main Tour, and the Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District Tour.  All tours begin at 10 am.  Tours average 2.5 hours and include 1 to 2 miles of total walking.  Meeting locations for each tour vary.  For information on the exact meeting location of your tour and to purchase advanced tickets, please visit the link above.

Tickets for LA Conservancy Members and Kids 12 & and under are $5; tickets for non-members are $10.  All tours allow day-of, walk-up participants, except the Broadway District Tour.

The LA Conservancy is pleased to offer “CRA/LA in the CBD” participants with a two-for-one promotion.  Enjoy two-for-one admission for any regularly scheduled tour at the non-member rate.  Advance reservations required; not valid for walk-ins.  One discount per guest per tour.  Offer valid through August 12^th, online or by phone.  To reserve, visit www.laconservancy.org/tours or call
(213)623-2489 and use discount code “CRA35.”

The 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival screened over 200 feature films, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 40 countries. This year, the Festival received more than 4,700 submissions from filmmakers around the world. The final selections represent 28 World, North American, and U.S. premieres, which more than doubled from 2009. The number of films competing in the narrative and documentary competition categories also increased this year from 13 to 18, of which half are World premieres.

Awards were given out in the following categories:

Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature

Winner: Four Lions
Director: Christopher Morris
Writers: Christopher Morris, Jesse Armstrong, and Sam Bain
Producers: Mark Herbert, Derrin Schlesinger
Cast: Riz Ahmed, Arsher Ali, Nigel Lindsay, Kayvan Novak, and Adeel Akhtar

Film Description: (England) Never one to shy away from taboo subjects, celebrated British satirist Christopher Morris tackles modern jihadism in this comedy of terrors about four bumbling suicide bombers in training.

Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature

Winner: Thunder Soul
Director: Mark Landsman
Producers: Keith Calder, Mark Landsman, Jessica Wu
Featuring: The Kashmere Stage Band, Conrad O. Johnson

Film Description: A high school band unlike any other, the Kashmere Stage Band was a worldwide sensation in the ‘70s. Thirty-five years later, the band reunites to pay tribute to the man who made it all possible.

Audience Award for Best International Feature

Winner: Presumed Guilty
Directors: Roberto Hernández and Geoffrey Smith
Producers: Layda Negrete, Roberto Hernández, Martha Sosa, Yissel Ibarra

Film Description: (Mexico) In Mexico, where 92% of convictions are not based on any physical evidence, two lawyers use the documentary lens to expose an abominable justice system and free one innocent man.

Audience Award for Best Short Film

Winner: Dock Ellis & the LSD No-No
Director: James Blagden
Producers: Christopher Isenberg, Donnell Alexander, Neille Ilel

Description: Dock Ellis’ legendary LSD-fueled no-hitter is revisited by the man himself.

Audience Award for Best Music Video

Winner: This Too Shall Pass
Directors: James Frost, OK Go, Syyn Labs
Producer: Shirley Moyers
Music: OK Go

The decision by Film Independent – Los Angeles Film Festival to hold the annual LAFF at LA Live was a success across the board.

For starters the venues chosen:

From the amount and frequency of their various events at LA Live, the Festival features unique signature programs including the Filmmaker Retreat, Ford Amphitheater Outdoor Screenings, Poolside Chats, and more. Additionally, the Festival screens short films created by high school students and has a special section devoted to music videos.

The Film Festival took no prisoners in hosting the media and filmmakers having a home away from home at both their Zone Media Lounge and Media Center, to the Red Carpet events and Q & A round tables with the submissions’ directors, producers, actors, and directors, including other venues nearby including the above mentioned John Anson Ford Amphitheater, the world famous Orpheum Theater, California Plaza, 7th and Fig, the Redcat, Disney Hall, the Downtown Independent and the Los Angeles Times Blog–the Los Angeles Film Festival can only grow in world importance, attendance, amount and quality of film submissions, and patron attendance.

Lastly the films and filmmakers–although Film Festival movies are more often than not a labor of love, especially during these tough economic times, this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival played host to all patrons of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in world class and unique venues that can only be described as a total and across the board success for the entire City of Los Angeles.

Typically, artists will not only find art in the most expected places but the opposite as well. Usually people find the most interesting aspects of a building on the front side, but I’ve learned that when taking photos, I have to look at my subject from as many angles as possible.

What does all this have to do with graffiti?

Well, that’s what I found on the building’s rear exterior—artistic graffiti.

According to the Los Angeles Graffiti Ordinance, “Graffiti” is defined as:

Any form of unauthorized inscription word, figure, or design, which is marked, etched, sketched, or drawn, sprayed, painted, or otherwise affixed to or on any surface of public or private property, included by not limited to, buildings, walls, signs, structures or places, or other surfaces, regardless of the nature of the material of that structural component.

The key word in the above definition of graffiti is “unauthorized.” Obviously this definition can be understood from the perspective of the public good.

At the same time it doesn’t prevent me from enjoying some “unauthorized” sprayed painted wall, while it lasts. I know that as soon as the Graffiti Removal people at the LA Public Works Department find time, they’ll remove it.

But, to me and for many others who once viewed graffiti as only an eyesore its grown in its scope, size, and appreciation. To be frank it’s now not only part of our national culture, much of today’s graffiti has character, beauty, and artistic flare. Even though more often than not it’s unauthorized–it still has value, attractiveness, and it’s still art no matter what label is slapped on it.

Graffiti has also gone International, but that’s a story for a different day.

What first caught my eye on this particular building was the symmetry of the various writings, with each one of them on each of the stair’s landing.

As shown below, the color, shape, and small details take the building into a form of public art. Indeed, looking at it up closer it becomes even better to be able to appreciate the outlaw artisan’s talent.

So here are a few pictures I took from the top of the building to the bottom:

Los Angeles is always a study in the amorphous relationship between city and its inhabitants, a place that’s between reality, and dreaming. What was once a cultural dilemma is now a cultural phenomena and reality, and one that many of us have come to appreciate and enjoy.

The LA Opera performs their season performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and visiting the stage can be an experience unto itself. I particularly enjoy the giant hanging chandeliers. I always get in the mood for a high class experience when I walk inside and see them, and the elegant experience is complimented by its posh surroundings.

Although complimentary, the LA Opera is really the height of the experience, and it’s completely accessible to everyone– even if the idea of sitting through an Opera sounds about as fun as a root canal.

The first opera I saw was Carmen–I was in the 12th grade while on a Sunday field trip that lasted all day. We had the equivalent of nose-bleed seats. And we were unprepared for the beauty that the Opera emotes, (I may, or may not have passed out for approximately 20 minutes). But I’ve really progressed in my Opera appreciation, graduating to the next level this past weekend with Der Ring des Nibelungen. After seeing Wagner’s Das Rheingold on Friday night (2 hours 40 minutes with no intermission), and Die Walkurie on Sunday, I comprised a list of tips I wish someone had told me from day one.

Here are my 5 tips for first time Opera goers who thought they’d never see the Fat Lady sing:

1. Dress up. If there was ever a time and a place to dress up, it’s for the Opera. Wear high heels (you can always take them off during the show). Wear a tux. Wear all your finery. I may be of the next generation of Operaphiles, but I still believe in showing my due respect to the experience, the art, and the performers and performance. If someone can devote their entire life to this art, I can devote a Friday night to wearing heels and lip stick. You cannot be overdressed. I repeat, you cannot overdress for the Opera. Find amusement in wearing your prom dress for the 2nd time ever.

2. Choose your opera wisely. There are many different kinds of Operas. They all tell stories, some more popular (bloody, violent, comical, or tragic) than others, some in French, some in Italian, some in English (warning, even though the Opera is in English, you’ll still need the supertitles to understand). Some are 2 hours long, while some are a marathon 7 hours. Die Walkurie, the longest Opera I’ve ever been to (4 hours and 50 minutes with 2 intermissions), was extremely doable, because I knew exactly what I was getting myself into.

3. Bring snacks and even a bottle of wine. When I say snacks, I mean quiet snacks. Don’t show up with a bag full of cheerios and start crunching those 15 minutes into the performance. Bring a sandwich for half time (I mean, intermission).  Bring cash for Opera dogs, sandwiches, and wine. An opera seems a lot longer if you’re just focused on your dinner that’s not going to happen until 8:30 pm. You can open a bottle of wine in the Pavilion before the show, and enjoy it leisurely, or purchase cocktails during intermission. Fruit snacks are good (and quiet).  Please be conscientious and unwrap all plastic items before the curtain goes up though.

4. Take a chill pill (and I mean this figuratively). We live in a fast paced world. The opera has not caught up and has no desire to. It may take the characters half an hour to discuss something that seems trivial. Plots unfold at a snail’s pace. Plot is not the objective of each Act. Sure, there is plot, and often it is dramatic, but the point of the Opera is listening to the incredible elasticity of the voices being showcase accompanied with a full orchestra–lead by Music Director James Conlon, whom I’d be remiss not to mention his bad-ass-ness. On Sunday, a friend of mine timed how long it took an actor to walk from one side of the stage to the other. It was almost a whole minute. Patience is a virtue. At the end of each act, it’s expected for you to applaud; for a long time, for each singer, and the entire cast that performed that Act. Although the applauding cuts into your intermission, don’t be the jerk who rushes out without applauding. Just be patient, you’ll have enough time for a glass of wine, a bathroom break, and a snack.

5. Do your research. You’ll be glad you did. My tickets this weekend were $20. We sat in the Orchestra section. The people next to us paid $200. The opera isn’t out of your price range. Carpool, split parking, bring your own wine. Read up on the interpretation you’ll be seeing. For instance, Der Ring des Nibelungen is traditionally portrayed with Vikings. The LA Opera’s interpretation was somewhere between post modern Star Wars, and a Lord of the Rings trilogy. I heard people griping in the audience that it was not a traditional portrayal, but I was just fine–I knew what was coming. I read the entire plot online, learned the characters names. The LA Opera’s website walks you through all the costumes, the set, the singers, etc. All the time I spent learning enriched my experience.

Finally, here’s my last ditch effort for you to find enjoyment at the Opera. If you’ve done all of the above, and you still find yourself stuck in Opera hell, find one thing that makes you happy. For one unhappy friend of mine, it was the curtain. Maybe it’s Loge’s red high top Converse. Maybe you think Tosca is hot. Find one thing, and cling to it. Hopefully it’s not just the flask hidden in your bag. Opera isn’t for everyone, but I do believe everyone can have at least one happy experience with the LA Opera. Enjoy this piece of LA (and worldly) culture.

At the very least, your friends will be impressed and you’ll have a great pick-up line for a classy girl at the bar. 

Der Ring des Nibelungen marks the end of the LA Opera’s 24th season, but check out their 25th anniversary season here.

We’re a great city full of the arts, and that makes us just as unique as all our other outstanding worldly attributes—btw, I recommend any Opera that includes Placido Domingo.

If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, then Meet your Neighbor, might be just the event for you.

On Sunday, June 27^th, at Pershing Square in Downtown LA, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks is throwing a Meet your Neighbor Day.

Starting off with a yoga warm-up at 9:00am (to get you ready for the bike ride), a Discovery Bike Ride at 9:30am. to a daylong “Art Squared Gallery Show,” Meet your Neighbor is a fun filled day with family, fun, friends, and music.

Have you ever been to City Hall, the Cornfields Park, Joel Bloom Square in the Arts District, the 4th and 6th street bridges, the Broadway corridor, the 3rd street tunnel, Grand Hope Park, LA Live, Good Samaritan Hospital and the Historic Core? 

If not, then the Discovery Bike Ride is for you.  And even if you have, I’m sure you’ll a leisurely ride of approximately 18.5 miles to reacquaint yourself with these Los Angeles landmarks, well known iconic places, and city favorites.

The ride should take about 2 hours and will start and end at Pershing Square.

Remember, this is a fun ride, not a race, so the average speeds will be around 10-15 mph. Riders must stay in the group and follow the directions of the Ride Marshalls. All traffic rules, light signals, and traffic regulations must be followed and helmets are required for all ride participants.

Oh, don’t forget you can register (It’s Free) for the event now, online, or on the day of the event at 8:30am.

Okay, back to the family and fun.

The Art Squared Gallery, an outdoor cityscape gallery will celebrate its opening day at Meet your Neighbor, and will be exhibiting shows until October, and will include large 2D prints, 3D sculptures, performance art and various design installations.

From 10:00am to 5:00pm, arts and crafts will be available for the kids; community booths, loaded with lots of information; and music will be played creating the perfect atmosphere for everyone. If you don’t bring your own, they’re will be food on site. Personally, I would bring a picnic, sit in the grass, and make every effort to Meet my Neighbors.

With the help of Charlie Chaplin, who wanted the Theatre for the premiere of his movie, City Lights, construction was completed in less than six months and at the time it cost $1.5 million, making it the most expensive theatre at the time on a per seat basis. Before the construction of the Los Angeles Theatre, William Fox was struggling both physically and financially.

Designed by S. Charles Lee, the inside of the Los Angeles was modeled after the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. Considered one of Los Angeles’ most copious theatres, the interior is French Baroque with crystal chandeliers, an ornate central staircase, marble, gold leaf, silk damask wall coverings, and an extraordinary fountain of marble and crystal in the upper lobby. With its soaring 50 foot ceiling, the Los Angeles’ main lobby and basement lounges were designed by Lee to accommodate up to 2,000 people per showing.

If you’d like to see photos of the inside, the Big Orange Landmark has some great shots.

Inside the Theatre, the main stage drape, designed by the B.F. Shearer Company, is an unbelievable three-dimensional scene rendered in silk, depicting events in the life of Louis XIV. It’s said to be one of the two most expensive drapes ever made for a movie palace.

Lee designed the theatre with many special features for the comfort and delight of patrons, including a children’s playroom; a refreshment room with a soda fountain; two ‘crying rooms’ on the mezzanine level: where mothers and their infants could watch the show in a glassed-in booth with its own speaker, air conditioning controls and a rest room; a large cosmetics room next to the ladies toilet with individual vanities and a three-sided full length mirror; a three-chair shoeshine stand in the men’s room; eight aisles on the main floor so that there were no more than six seats in each row; and separate loge sections on the main floor separated and elevated above the other seats. Source: LA Theatre History

Three months after the Theatre’s opening, Gumbiner’s company went into bankruptcy. After a closure in late 1931, Fox gained control of the Theatre again, and operated the Los Angeles as a second-run film house until 1939, when the theatre was leased to the Metropolitan Theatres which operated several other Broadway Theatres, including the Orpheum, Rialto, Palace, and the Tower.

Continuing through World War II, the Los Angeles was a wonderful place to go, and was financially successful successful with a $30,000 gross per week.

During the 1960′s, 1970′s and 1980′s, the theatre tried many formats, from first-run action films to adult films to Mexican films to English films with Spanish subtitles, but nothing worked. Just as with the other theatres on Broadway, the decline of the area proved too difficult to overcome.

In 1994, the Los Angeles closed its doors to hosting films, but continues today as a unique location for filming and video. From Chaplin to Charlie’s Angels II to numerous commercials, today’s Los Angeles is still hanging in there, but looking forward to heralding a new era with the Bringing Back Broadway City Hall initiative.

Here’s a time-lapse video of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s screening of Cabaret at the Los Angeles Theater: