As we close out 2010, hereis a look back on some ofthe biggest stories affect-

ing the Miracle Mile, WestHollywood and Hollywood areasduring the past year.

Food TrucksWhat used to be commonly

referred to as “roach coaches”,the food truck industry becamechic in 2010, with high-endrestaurants and other eateries tak-ing their fare to the streets.Restaurants in the Miracle Milebegan feeling the negative effectsof this new trend in dining in LosAngeles; whereas a handful offood trucks had been servinglunch in front of office buildingson Wilshire Boulevard, theybegan appearing in droves. Theissue prompted the Los AngelesCounty Board of Supervisors andthe Los Angeles City Council tolook for ways to even the playingfield for established restaurants,first by shortening the time limitsfor parking on WilshireBoulevard and issuing citations.Later in the year, the county, fol-lowed by the City of LosAngeles, adopted a letter grading

system to address public safetyconcerns with the trucks. LosAngeles City CouncilmemberTom LaBonge, 4th District, alsobegan looking into the possibilityof finding one central location inthe Miracle Mile where the foodtrucks could gather without inter-fering with other businesses. Theissue remains unresolved, how-ever, and the lunch wagons con-tinue to line up on WilshireBoulevard every weekday.

BillboardsThe issue of illegal billboards

was also at the forefront in 2010,with City Attorney CarmenTrutanich beginning a crackdownon supergraphics and tall wallsigns. Trutanich filed a lawsuitagainst 12 billboard companiesthat had illegal signs inHollywood, downtown LosAngeles and other areas. Theissue came to a head in earlyMarch during the weekend of theAcademy Awards, when a build-ing owner across the street fromthe Hollywood and Highland

When heavy rains fall on LosAngeles, an outbreak ofpotholes is sure to follow.

The city of Los Angeles sprunginto action Tuesday to fix potholescaused by the recent rainstorms thatswept through the city. City CouncilPresident Eric Garcetti, 13thDistrict, and Councilman TomLaBonge, 4th District, announced

the first “Operation Pothole” of2011, which will take place Jan. 8and 9 and will involve approximate-ly 50 crews from the Bureau ofStreet Services (BSS) filling asmany potholes as possible. TheBSS has deployed between 15 to 20crews per day since the rainstormsbegan last week.

“The recent storms created morepotholes and the city is moving

Fairfax High School seniorEmmanuel “Manny”Montiel has had a very

busy holiday season, not workingor hanging out with family andfriends during the two-weekbreak from school, but practicingevery day for his role as a drummajor for the Los AngelesUnified School District’s(LAUSD) All City Honor Band.

Montiel will be one of fivedrum majors who will lead theband during the 122nd annualTournament of Roses Parade inPasadena on Jan. 1, marking thesecond consecutive year that a

Fairfax high student has appearedin the prestigious role. Drummajors are the members whowalk in front and alongside theband, using a baton and theirhands to give the musicians com-mands about what and when toplay. Montiel, whose regularinstrument is saxophone, said itwas a crowning achievement inhis high school career to beselected as one of the drummajors in the All City HonorBand. Although he won’t be play-ing music, he said leading theband will be “an incredible expe-rience, life changing in fact.”

Montiel is actually very famil-iar with the Rose Parade, havingperformed with the All CityHonor Band for the past threeyears, playing the baritone. Hesaid this year he wanted to do

Viewers of the 122nd annualTournament of RosesParade on Jan. 1 will get a

sneak preview of the upcomingCirque du Soleil show “Iris” com-ing to the Kodak Theatre next sum-mer, as members of the acrobatictroupe will be performing on theCity of Los Angeles’ rose float.

The city has had the longest con-tinuous entry in the Rose Parade,dating back to 1898, and this year’sfloat is dedicated to Hollywood andthe entertainment industry. Thetheme is “Cirque du Soleil Comesto Town”, with members perform-ing on a red carpet in the center ofthe float as its travels downColorado Boulevard. The red car-pet links the Kodak Theatre to therear of the float with the pagoda atthe Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, set

Volume 20 No. 52 Serving the West Hollywood, Hancock Park and Wilshire Communities December 30, 2010

INSIDE• New laws take

effect. pg. 3

• Hate crimes riseagainst Jews.

pg. 4

Clear andsunny, withtemps around57º

See Potholes page 20

See Drum Major page 22

BY EDWIN FOLVEN

See A Look Back page 21

BY EDWIN FOLVEN

See Rose Float page 22

BY EDWIN FOLVEN

���������������� �������������������

������������������������������������ �!"������������������� #������!���! ��$

WWW.BEVERLYPRESS.COM

n Acrobats Will PerformDuring Rose Parade

n Manny Montiel toLead Honor Band on New Yearʼs Day

photo by Edwin Folven

Rachelle Granillo, assistant to the general manager for the KodakTheatre, helped put the finishing touches on L.A.ʼs Rose Parade Float.

n Operation Pothole Scheduled for Early January

Just a Few of theStories that MadeHeadlines in 2010

photo by Edwin Folven

The food trucks continue to line Wilshire Boulevard, an issue that willcontinue in 2011.

Food Trucks, Billboards and Pot

Float Celebrates Arrival of Cirque du Soleil

Rains Make for BumpyRide on City Streets

Fairfax Senior Marches to aNew Tune as Drum Major

photo by Rafael Guerrero

City Council President Eric Garcetti (right) and Councilmember TomLaBonge announced a program to fill in potholes caused by the rains.

BY RAFAEL GUERRERO

31 Seniors’ Party

The Claude Pepper Senior CitizenCenter, 1762 S. La Cienega

Blvd., is holding a New Year’s EveCelebration on Friday, Dec. 31 fromnoon to 4 p.m., with entertainment,speakers, food and gaming, includingslots, black jack, craps. There willalso be a poker tournament organizedby member Shirley Tye. For informa-tion, call (310)559-9677.

New Year’s Hike

Los Angeles City CouncilmemberTom LaBonge, 4th District, will

lead his annual New Year’s Eve hikeon Friday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m.Participants will meet at the north endof the Griffith Observatory parkinglot, and embark on a 1.5-mile hike upthe Charlie Turner Trail to the summitof Mt. Hollywood. For information,call (213)473-2351, or visitwww.tomlabonge.com.

Kristin Chenoweth

Emmy and Tony Award-winnerKristin Chenoweth will perform

in two special New Year’s Eve showson Friday, Dec. 31 at 7 and 10:30 p.m.at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Theperformances will include hits fromChenoweth’s albums and televisionappearances, and her many roles onBroadway. The year-end celebrationwas created by director Rob Ashford,and features back-up singers anddancers. The Walt Disney ConcertHall is located at 111 S. Grand Ave.Tickets are $60 to $176. For informa-tion, call (323)850-2000, or visitwww.laphil.com.

Holiday ScavengerHunt

The Natural History Museum ofLos Angeles County is holding its

“Holiday Scavenger Hunt” on Friday,Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. The scavengerhunt will be held throughout the day,and each group will have the opportu-nity to answer riddles and find clues inseven different locations throughoutthe museum on a self-guided scav-enger hunt. Those who solve everypuzzle correctly will receive a holidayprize. The museum is located at 900Exposition Blvd. For information, call(213)763-DINO, or visitwww.nhm.org.

NewYear’sPlay

Ipso Facto Theatricals and PIX/SEEProductions are hosting a special

New Year’s Eve performance of theplay “Cold Lang Syne” on Friday,Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. The new holidaythriller by Gregory Blair runs throughJan. 2, 2011 in the Ruby Theatre atThe Complex in Hollywood, 6472Santa Monica Blvd. Set on NewYear’s Eve, the play tells the story ofa reunion between four college friendsand their significant others, who cometogether at a holiday party that takes adeadly turn. Tickets are $25. Call

(323)960-4412, or visitwww.Plays411.com/Cold-LangSyne.

New Year at theMusic Box

The Music Box Theatre inHollywood presents a New

Year’s Eve show with Hard Nye withMr. Ozio, Congorock and Brodinskion Friday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. The showwill also feature electronic music andinclude appearances by Destructo,Mike Messex, Harvard Bass, SeanPerry, DJ Falcon, and Chris Holmes.The Music Box is located at 6126

HollywoodBlvd. For information, call (323)464-0808, or visitwww.themusicboxla.com.

1 Free Museum Day

The Autry National Center is hold-ing a “Free Museum Day” on

Saturday, Jan. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5p.m. Admission will be free, andthere are numerous family-friendlyevents occurring, such as gold pan-ning, family gallery tours, hands-onactivities, live music, and story time,as well as exhibits on display. TheAutry National Center is located inGriffith Park at 4700 WesternHeritage Way. For information, callthe Autry National Center at(323)667-2000, or visitwww.theautry.org.

2 Art Films

The Museum of Contemporary Art(MOCA) is hosting the “Xenakis

Film Series, Part II” on Sunday, Jan. 2at 3 pm. The museum will feature ascreening of “Orient-Occident:Images d’une Exposition” from 1960,and “Something Rich and Strange”from 1991. The screening will beheld in the Ahmanson Auditorium atMOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. GrandAve. For information, call (213)621-1745, or visit www.moca.org.

Viennese New Year’sCelebration

Guests can experience a tradition-al Viennese style New Year with

“Salute to Vienna” on Sunday, Jan. 2at 2:30 p.m. at the Disney ConcertHall, featuring a new cast of morethan 75 musicians led by Europeanmaestro, Mika Eichenholz. The pro-gram will feature Viennese sopranoPatricia Nessy, Viennese tenorAlexandru Badea and members of theVienna City Ballet performing theirfavorite polkas and famous operettaexcerpts by Johann Strauss Jr. TheWalt Disney Concert Hall is locatedat 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown.Tickets for “Salute to Vienna” are $42to $125. For information, call(800)982-2787, or visit www.salute-tovienna.com.

3 LomographyWorkshops

The Lomography Gallery StoreL.A., located at 7998 Santa

Monica Blvd. is offering a series offree workshops running Monday, Jan.3 through 7 from noon to 2 p.m. “Introto Lomography” will be held fromnoon to 2 p.m. on Jan. 3, followed bya workshop titled “LC-A+” on Jan. 4;“Diana Dialogues” on Jan. 5; “PlasticFantastic” on Jan. 6 and “AnalogueLove 101” on Jan. 6. For information,call (323)301-1414, or visitwww.lomography.com.

‘Indiana Jones’

American Cinematheque is hold-ing a triple feature of the Indiana

Jones series on Sunday, Jan. 2 at 3p.m. The screenings begin with“Raiders of the Lost Ark”, followedby “Indiana Jones and the Temple ofDoom” and “Indiana Jones and theLast Crusade”. The screenings will beheld at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712Hollywood Blvd. For information,call (323)466-3456, or visitwww.americancinematheque.com.

5 L.A. Arts Month

The L.A. Department of CulturalAffairs is holding a launch event

on Wednesday, Jan. 5 for “LosAngeles Arts Month”. The event willinclude a performance by DavidHidalgo and Louie Perez, of LosLobos, and a theatrical presentationby About Productions. The programruns from noon to 1:30 p.m. at theMusic Center Plaza, 135 N. GrandAve. for information, visitwww.laartsmonth.org.

Ongoing

Rock Musical

The rock ‘n’ roll play, “Head: ‘TheBrain That Wouldn’t Die’

Musical”, has been extended intoJanuary at the MET Theatre, locateddownstairs in the Great Scott Theatreat 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Hollywood.The play is based on the motion pic-ture “The Brain That Wouldn’t Die”.Performances will run Jan. 7 throughFeb. 12 Tickets are $20. For reserva-tions, call (323)960-5770, or visitwww.Plays411.com/headthebrain.

2 December 30, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

C a l e n d a r

photo courtesy of the Fahey/Klein Gallery

The Fahey/Klein Gallery presents an exhibit by artist David Drebin titled“Temptation: New Work” running through Jan. 22. The exhibit includesthe work “Waiting for the Call” (above) from 2009, as well as a selectionof color photographs. Also featured are murals of Drebinʼs vividcityscapes and landscapes, as well as the beautiful, seductive womenwho inhabit those spaces. Drebin uses the backdrop of cities such asRio De Janiero, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Barcelona, New York, andParis for his works. A graduate from Parsonʼs School of Design, Drebinʼsworks have been used in ad campaigns and publications such as GQ,Vanity Fair, The New York Times Magazine, Elle and Rolling Stone. TheFahey/Klein Gallery is located at 148 N. La Brea Ave. For information,call (323)934-2250, or visit www.faheykleingallery.com.

���������� ����� �������� �������

� ���� �������������� �����

�� �������� ���������������� !�

��������������� ��"���#�

������������� ����$� %��"���#�

� ���������&'()*+,-&.&+/01+&22�3*4

���$�

��������������2)5667+()&+,-&.&+/01+&22�3*4

�� �������������$ 88 9�$��

������������������� �

�!!"��"��������$��"$��� 9�$��

$:&� �5+;� 5-+&5� �&72� 5<'� �&.&+/0� �+&227&&;/0� <&72151&+2�� 1=-/(2:&'� *<�$:=+2'502��5(/� 2=-23+(1)(*<� (2� >!��� 5<<=5//0�� �&3+&&'<&72151&+2� *6� ?&<&+5/� 3(+3=/5)(*<�� &<)()/&'� )*1=-/(2:� /&?5/� 5'.&+)(2(<?�� 8&-�� !��� !���� -0�=1&+(*+��*=+)��+'&+��*��������

������� ��

Cathedral Chapel School Kindergarten through Eighth Grade

755 South Cochran Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90036A Member of the Miracle Mile Community since 1930

• Classroom Internet Access• Apple Mac Computer Lab

w/ Internet Access• Honors Math Program• Spanish Program• Music Program• Departmentalized Junior High• Extended Day Care• CYO Sports• Lunch Service• Outreach Concern Counseling Program• Fully Accredited by WASC and WCEA

Call for information:(323)938-9976

www.cathedralchapelschool.org

There will be many new lawsgoing into effect on Jan. 1.

They range from decriminalizingthe possession of marijuana tocharging parents with misde-meanors when their children do notshow up to school. Here is a partiallist of some of the new laws.

• Decriminalization ofMarijuana (SB 1449)

Possession of less than 28.5grams, or one ounce of marijuana,will now be an infraction asopposed to a misdemeanor.Violators will be subject to a fineof no more than $100, but will notbe arrested, are not required toappear in court and will not havethe incident appear on their recordas a criminal offense. The law wasintroduced by Mark Leno, D-SanFrancisco.

• Reckless Driving for PhotoMisdemeanor (AB 2479)

The new law introduced byKaren Bass, D-Los Angeles, willmake reckless driving while in pur-suit of a celebrity photo a misde-meanor. The law was prompted byincidents involving paparazzi andviolators face a $2,500 fine and upto six months in jail.

• Electronic Impersonation (SB 1411)

Creating a false social network-ing page, hacking e-mail accountsand other forms of electronicimpersonation will become a mis-demeanor. Violators are subject to a$1,000 fine and up to a year in jail.They are also subject to a civil law-suit but the victim must prove theimpersonation was done with intentto do harm, intimidate or to commitfraud. The law was introduced byJoe Simitian, D-Palo Alto.

• Parents Charged WithMisdemeanor for TruantChildren (SB 1317)

The new law is another intro-duced by Mark Leno, D-SanFrancissco. It would hold parents ofchildren in first through eighthgrade responsible for excessiveunexcused absences. Parents wouldbe charged with a misdemeanor andare subject to a $2,000 fine and upto one year in jail.

•Foster Care Coverage Until Age 21 (AB 12)

The new law introduced byKaren Bass, D-Los Angeles willextend foster care benefits until age21. The current law removes chil-dren from foster care at age 18. Thestate will pay for the care using fed-eral funds, but foster youths over 18must be in school, working 80hours a month, or declared inca-pable due to a medical condition toqualify for the coverage.

• Motorcycle Instruction Permits(AB 1952)

Motorcycle drivers under 21years of age must now complete amotorcycle safety course beforethey are issued a driver’s permit.The individual must then wait sixmonths after receiving the permit toapply for a Class M motorcycle dri-ver’s license. The DMV estimatesthere are currently 6,000 licensedmotorcycle drivers under the age of19.

• Medical Parole (SB 1399) The Secretary of Corrections and

Rehabilitation has the authority torelease medically or mentally inca-pacitated inmates. The prisonerswould be sent home on supervisedparole, meaning a corrections offi-cer will monitor the inmate for theremainder of the sentence while theinmate receives the appropriatecare.

• Amber Alert for PoliceShootings (SB 839)

The Emergency Alert System,

typically used to notify motorists ofchild abductions, will be expandedto alert motorists about policeshootings. The California HighwayPatrol will use the Amber Alert sys-tem to issue a “blue alert” to notifymotorists if an officer has beenkilled or wounded and to displayany available information about thesuspect.

• Expedited Civil Trials (AB 2284)

This law would allow both par-ties involved in a civil trial to sign aconsent form to expedite the pro-ceedings. It would allow for the useof eight jurors instead of the usual12, and limit each side to threehours to present their case.

Video recorders on dashboard(AB 1942): The new law intro-duced by Nathan Fletcher, R-SanDiego, allows motorists to place avideo recording device on the dash-board of their vehicles to recordaccidents or other traffic incidents.Drivers were previously notallowed to have anything placed onthe dashboard that would obstructthe view of the road. The videorecorders can be placed in a seven-inch square of the windshield on thepassenger side, a five-inch squareon the driver side or a five-inchsquare in the center. The videorecorders must not block airbagdeployment zones.

Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 3 December 30, 2010

WeHo Honors Local Arts Organization

photo courtesy of Richard Settle

Councilmember Abbe Land presented a proclamation to Lev Volovik,of Unity in Diversity Arts Foundation, at the West Hollywood CityCouncil meeting on Dec. 20 for their work in preserving the past,showcasing the talents of today and supporting the future of the artsin West Hollywood. For information, visit www.uidarts.org.

Numerous New Laws to Take Effect on Jan. 1n Rules Will Apply toPaparazzi, Parents ofStudents BY RAFAEL GUERRERO

The Los Angeles Department ofWater and Power (DWP) Board

of Commissioners elected ThomasSayles as its new president on Dec.20. Sayles will replace current two-term president, Lee Kanon Alpert,who announced shortly afterThanksgiving that he would retirefrom the Board atthe end of the year.

Sayles currentlyserves as vice pres-ident of govern-ment and civicengagement forUSC, and formerlyserved as thesenior vice presi-dent of govern-ment relations andcorporate commu-nications forRentech Inc., analternative fuelscompany head-quartered in LosAngeles. 

Sayles also formerly worked forSempra Energy and its predecessorcompanies, and has served asCalifornia Commissioner ofCorporations; California Secretaryof Business, Transportation andHousing; and practiced law in theprivate and public sector.

“I am humbled and honored to beelected president of the Board ofWater and Power Commissioners,”Sayles said. “As commission presi-dent, my priorities will be maintain-ing and establishing policies thatenable the department to provideour customers reliable and low-cost

water and power,ensure the safetyof our customersand employees,and enhance thedepartment’s tra-nsparency andaccountability.”

The Board alsou n a n i m o u s l yelected commis-sioner EricHoloman as itsvice president.Holoman is cur-rently presidentof MagicJohnson Enter-

prises, where he oversees opera-tions including strategy, financeand business development for theorganization. 

Sayles and Holoman will begintheir terms in January. Each com-missioner is appointed to five-yearterms by the mayor, and serves on avoluntary basis.

“I am humbledand honored to

be elected president of theBoard of Water

and PowerCommissioners.”

-Thomas Sayles, president of the DWP Board

New Leadership Selected forDWP Board of Commissioners

4 December 30, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

Complete Automotive Service - We Do It All!• Tires• Brakes• Shocks & Struts

• Lube & Oil• Air Conditioning• Wheel Alignment

• CV Boots• Timing Belts• Water Pumps

• Foreign & Domestic

• All Years, Makes & Models

• Latest Computerized Diagnostic Services

• Computerized Customer Service Files

105 South Fairfax Ave. at 1st St.(323)931-1481 • (323)936-6141

Chuck’s Auto &Chuck’s Auto & Dream Machines, Inc. Dream Machines, Inc.

Classic FordMustangs

1965-1970Sales &

RestorationServing the

Fairfax District for 50 Years

��������������

����������������� �����������������

����������

TAXILL..AA.. CCHHEECCKKEERR CCAABB

FAST & ON-TIME TO LAXProfessional • Courteous • Reliable

(800) 300-5007(800) 696-4919

24-hour radiodispatch service

������������ ������������� �������������

����������������������� ��!�"����#��������$����������������� ������������� ���

�������������� ���������������������

Storms Bring Tree Downon Gardner Street

photo by Edwin Folven

The heavy rains last week caused a tree to uproot on Dec. 22 andfall into the yard of a residence at the corner of 1st and GardnerStreets. A portion of the tree struck the home and caused minordamage. Between 8.1 and 8.6 inches of rain fell in the local areabetween Dec. 17 and 23.

According to the L.A. CountyHuman Relations

Commission, anti-Semitic hatecrimes historically make up thelargest number of reported hatecrimes every year and the trendcontinued in 2009.

The L.A. County HumanRelations Commission released itsannual report on hate crimes lastweek and found there were 530hate crimes committed in 2009,down from 730 in 2008, but crimesagainst religious groups jumped

from 120 in 2008 to 131 in 2009,with 88 percent of those crimes tar-geting the Jewish community.

The numbers for 2009 werereleased late this year because theHuman Relations Commissionmerged with the Department ofCommunity and Senior Services.

“We lost quite a few staff,” saidMarshall Wong, of the HumanRelations Commission.

The commission had to contractout much of the work to collect thedata. While the commissionreceived much of the data by theend of March, they did not collectall of the data until the end of theyear.

The report attributed much of theincrease in religious hate crimes tovandalism. There was a 40 percent

increase in vandalism, while only14 crimes involved violence. Butthat was little consolation to leadersof the Jewish community, whoremain concerned.

“It’s an alarming trend,” saidRabbi Denise Eger, ofCongregation Kol Ami in WestHollywood and president of theBoard of Rabbis of SouthernCalifornia. “We should all be con-cerned about the fear of differencein our society.”

Eger said her congregation hasfaced hatred in the past. Sherecalled seeing protestors at theGay Pride Parade in WestHollywood displaying both anti-gay and anti-Jewish slogans. Therehave also been phone and mailthreats at Congregation Kol Amibut Eger was thankful the threatswere not carried out.

“We are very disturbed by thistrend,” said Rabbi Mark S.Diamond, vice president of theBoard of Rabbis.

Diamond recalls experiencinghatred early in his life. He workedin a factory for an entire summerwhen he was 17 and experiencedanti-Semitism firsthand. He workedalongside another boy his age andone day the boy asked Diamondwhat he “was.”

“I told him I was American,”Diamond said. “But I knew what hewas getting at.”

When Diamond told the boy hewas Jewish, he was hit with anonslaught of of anti-Jewish slurs.

“His mouth dropped,” Diamondsaid. “And then it all came out atonce. Needless to say our friend-

Report Shows Rise in Hate Crimes Against Jews

Mid City West Council Seeks to Fill Three Vacancies

photo by Rafael Guerrero

Rabbi Denise Eger, of Congregation Kol Ami, said the rise in hate crimesis an alarming trend.

n Figures ConcernRabbis in the Local Community

See Hate Crimes page 22

BY RAFAEL GUERRERO

The Mid City West CommunityCouncil (MCWCC) is seeking

candidates for three vacant positionson the organization’s Board ofDirectors. 

The Board will be consideringcandidates at a meeting on Tuesday,Jan.  11 at 7 p.m. at the NationalCouncil of Jewish Women-LosAngeles headquarters, 543 N.Fairfax Ave. Candidates will have anopportunity to speak to the Board.

The three positions to be filledinclude the MinoritiesRepresentative, one of two suchpositions on the Board; Non-ProfitOrganizations Representative (oneof two such positions on the Board;and a Youth Representative.

Eligible candidates must be 18years or older and be a Mid CityWest Community Council stake-holder. Stakeholders are defined asindividuals who live, work or own

property in the area, or those whodeclare a stake in the neighbor-hood. Other people may identify asa stakeholder based upon regularparticipation in an educationalinstitution, religious institution,community organization or non-profit organization located withinthe MCWCC boundaries.Candidates should call (323)651-3512, or visitwww.midcitywest.org.

www.99only.com

Secretary of Health and HumanServices (HHS) Kathleen

Sebelius has provided an update onprogress made in implementing theAffordable Care Act (healthcarereform), and has highlighted thenew benefits available in 2011.

“The Affordable Care Act hashelped millions of Americansacross the country gain more con-trol over their insurance coverage,receive higher quality health careand start seeing some savings intheir pocket,” said SecretarySebelius.  “There is more in storeunder the new law in 2011, includ-ing scrutiny of large premiumincreases, free physicals forMedicare beneficiaries, and impor-tant new programs to improvepatient safety.”

Some important benefits of thelaw that went into effect in the firstnine months include the Patient’sBill of Rights, which stops insur-ance companies from denying cov-erage to children based on a pre-existing condition, and from drop-ping coverage when an individualgets sick because they made a mis-take on their applications. It alsoprevents insurance companies fromputting lifetime caps on the dollaramount that they will spend on ben-

efits. In the past, patients with can-cer or other chronic diseases ran therisk of hitting a lifetime cap and los-ing access to care. The law alsorestricts most insurance companies’use of low annual dollar limits on

benefits. In 2014, annual limits willbe eliminated.

Beginning in 2011, theAffordable Care Act will help con-tain rising health insurance premi-um costs by having insurers that

spend less than 80 percent of pre-mium dollars on health care andquality improvements — asopposed to administrative, over-head and marketing costs — pro-vide a rebate to enrollees.  In addi-tion, the new law will provide addi-tional resources to help crack downon unreasonable health insurancepremium hikes.

New benefits for Medicare bene-ficiaries are also included, andbeginning Jan. 1, people withMedicare coverage can get an annu-al physical examination at no cost.Also starting on Jan. 1, the govern-ment will take the next step in clos-ing the Medicare Part D coveragegap known as the “donut hole”,which is the amount of money, of“coverage gap” that is paid by indi-viduals over the amount Medicareprovides for prescription drugs.Individuals reaching the coveragegap will automatically get a 50 per-cent discount on covered brand-name prescription drugs. To ensureindividuals covered by Medicarealso continue to have access to pri-mary care providers, a 10 percentMedicare bonus payment will bepaid for primary care services.

For information, visitwww.HealthCare.gov/center.   

6 December 30, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

���������������������� ���������������������� �� ������

���� ����������������������������������� ���� !"�#��#

City Lot Available for More Permit Parking

photo by Edwin Folven

The City of Los Angeles has expanded the hours for Parking Lot671, located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Detroit

Street. Parking fees at the lot can be paid by the hour on-site, and bythe month with a permit. The Los Angeles Department ofTransportation (DOT) issues the permits, which are valid for parkingduring the day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and overnight from 6 p.m.to 9 a.m. There is a one-hour break between 5 and 6 p.m. when per-mit parking is not allowed to prevent long-term parking. A monthlyday parking pass is $125, or a monthly 23-hour parking pass can bepurchased for $150. For information, call the DOT at (310)843-5936,or visit www.parkinginla.lacity.org.

Benefits of Healthcare Reform Outlined

Proposal to Ban Raves Prompted by Safety Concerns

“The AffordableCare Act has

helped millionsof Americans

across thecountry gainmore control

over their insurance coverage.”

-Health and Human ServicesSecretary Kathleen Sebelius

Assembly Member Fiona Ma(D-San Francisco) has intro-

duced legislation to ban raves inCalifornia after recent raves in LosAngeles and Daly City led todeaths, overdoses and hundreds ofarrests.

Raves in California are notorious-ly associated with the use of thedrug known as Ecstasy, according tothe National Institute on DrugAbuse (NIDA). Many peopleattending the raves and all-nightdance parties are also using GHB,Rohypnol, ketamine, methampheta-mine, and LSD. Some of the atten-dees are minors, and the events haveled to extensive pressure on lawenforcement and emergency med-

ical responders.“Raves foster an environment

that threatens the health and safetyof our youth,” Ma said. “The intro-duction of AB 74 is the first steptoward eliminating these dangerousevents. AB 74 is about crackingdown on raves that harbor drug useand lead to teenage deaths.”

AB 74 will prohibit raves on pub-lic property and prevent raves onprivate property unless a businessowner has a license to host such anevent. The bill will not impact tradi-tional music concerts and sportingevents.

The proposed legislation resultedfrom a death last June of a 15-year-old girl who attended a rave at the

Los Angeles Coliseum and laterdied of a drug overdose. An estimat-ed 120 people who attended thatrave also had to be hospitalized. InMay, two additional people died ofdrug overdoses at a rave held at thestate-owned Cow Palace in DalyCity, and an additional five atten-dees were hospitalized in criticalcondition. An additional 68 adultsand five juveniles were arrested ondrug-related charges. Attendance atraves can range from 16,000 to185,000 people.

“Raves are a state-wide problemand require a state-wide approach,”Ma said.

The first hearing on the proposedlegislation will be held in January.

State OffersNew Guide onEducationStandardsAnew publication focusing on the

educational standards in the ear-liest grades, including the newlyadopted Common Core StateStandards (CCSS), has been releasedby the California Department ofEducation.

The publication provides descrip-tions of academic subject areas and afocus on content standards. A “stan-dard” is defined as the knowledge,concepts, and skills that studentsshould acquire at each grade level.Other sections of the publication linkthe information to instructionalresources, testing information, com-pliance with state and federalaccountability laws, how to provideaccess to all students, and addressclosing the achievement gapbetween higher-performing andlower-performing students.

The guide also has an easy-to-ref-erence format where all subjects aregrouped together by grade levels.The publication is designed to sup-port the transition to the CCSS,

For information, visitwww.cde.ca.gov/ci/cc/.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosarecently joined mayors from

27 major U.S. cities to discuss theproblem of hunger and homeless-ness, and outline approaches toreduce the severity of the problem.

The discussion was held via con-ference call, and was facilitated bythe U.S. Conference of Mayors(USCM). The discussion includedthe mayors of Chicago, Boston,Seattle, Denver, Cleveland,Minneapolis, St. Paul, Sacramentoand many other cities. The issuesremain a major challenge through-out the country, according to theUSCM report on the Status ofHunger and Homelessness.

“This year’s survey makes itclear that even working families areincreasingly at risk for hunger andhomelessness as a result of the crip-pled economy and rising unem-ployment,” Villaraigosa said. “Asmayors, it is our responsibility tocreate effective local programs andstrengthen federal partnerships tohelp those in need.”

Representatives of all of the 27cities surveyed reported thatrequests for emergency food assis-tance increased by an average of 24

percent over the previous year.Among those requesting emer-gency food service, 56 percent werefamilies and 30 percent wereemployed. The three main causes ofhunger were unemployment, hous-

ing costs and low wages.Over the next year, 56 percent of

surveyed cities expect a moderatedecrease in resources for providingemergency food assistance; andanother eight percent expect a sub-stantial decrease. In fact, increasingdemand and decreasing resources,particularly related to federal andstate budget problems, were citedas the biggest challenge to address-ing hunger in the coming year.

Among the programs being usedto address hunger and homelesswas an initiative in Los Angeles toraise community awareness aboutfood stamp benefits. The One E-App is an Internet-based programthat helps people determine eligibil-ity and assist individuals in navigat-ing through the application processfor social services. Informationabout food banks, hospitals, freeclinics and other healthcareproviders, Medicaid, food stampassistance and other benefits isavailable at www.state-wide.oneeapp.org.

Visitors to Hollywood willhave an easier time finding

parking using a new smart phoneapp designed to locate openparking spaces.

Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosaand City Council President EricGarcetti, 13th District, joinedStreetline CEO Zia Yusuf toannounce thelaunch of the“Parker foriPhone” app, thenation’s first-ever mobile appto give drivers afaster, more con-venient way tofind openmetered parkingspaces and near-by garages.

The app givesa simple inter-face giving usersan instant, location-based mappinpointing the city blocks withthe most available parkingspaces. Users can see whichblocks have more than four,more than two or less twospaces; as well as blocks withparking closest to their destina-tions, or with the most openspaces. The app also deliversinformation about parking spacetime limits, pricing, and whichmeters take credit cards orcoins. It will also direct drivers tothe nearest city parking garages

as an alternative to street park-ing.

“Sometimes, it feels like moremovie stars have been discov-ered in Hollywood than parkingspaces,” Garcetti said. “This appwill help drivers save time,reduce traffic and air pollution,and make visiting Hollywood

even moreenjoyable thanit already is.” Developed byStreetline inpartnership withthe Los AngelesDepartment ofTransportation(DOT), “Parkerfor iPhone” iscurrently avail-able for $1.99.The app isbased onS t r e e t l i n e ’ s

patented smart parking platform,which detects the presence of acar through a network of ultra-low power wireless sensorslocated in each parking space.The information is then transmit-ted back to mobile smart phonesand web applications that givevisitors a live, accurate picture ofopen parking spaces. TheSmartline technology is current-ly available in California andNew York, and several U.S.cities are expected to begin usingthe technology in 2011.

Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 7 December 30, 2010

Mayors Address Hunger and Homelessness

“This app willhelp driverssave time,

reduce trafficand air

pollution.”

-City Council President Eric Garcetti, 13th District

“It is ourresponsibility tocreate effectivelocal programsand strengthenfederal partner-

ships to helpthose in need.”

-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

������������

���������������� ��

������� ��� ���������

Phone App Makes it Easierto Find Parking in Hollywood

photo courtesy of the 13th District Council Office

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Council President Eric Garcetti,13th District, and LADOT Interim general manager, Amir Sedadiviewed a demonstration on the new parking app that will be used inHollywood given by Streetline CEO Zia Yusef.

West Hollywood OffersChristmas Tree RecyclingThe City of West Hollywood is

offering free Christmas treerecycling through Saturday, Jan. 15.

Residents should place theirtree at the curb for collection on theregular trash day. Decorative trim-mings and the tree’s base should beremoved. Trees should not be

placed in a plastic bag, which pre-vents the tree from being able to berecycled.  

For information, call the WestHollywood Office ofEnvironmental Services at(323)848-6404, or visitwww.weho.org.

8 December 30, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

Marconda’s Meats6333 W. Third St. • Farmers Market

323.938.5131

Make Your New Year’s

Special!!

Family Owned at the Farmers Market for 65 Years

������������� ������������������

PrimeLeg of Lamb

�������������� �������������

�������������� �� ��� ������� ����� ���

�������� ����

Order One of our Decorated Cakes

for your next special occasion!

Rum BallsReg. $2.50 Now $1.99 each������������� ������������������������

Thee’sThis Week’s Special

NEWNEWYEAR’SYEAR’S

CHAMPAGNECHAMPAGNE

�������������� ���������������������������

����������������

Zoo Hosts Gala for New Elephants ExhibitThe Greater Los Angeles Zoo

Association (GLAZA) presi-dent Connie Morgan (left),“NCIS” star and GLAZA TrusteePauley Perrette, and Los AngelesZoo director John Lewis cametogether on Dec. 15 for a previewof the new “Elephants of Asia”habitat at the Los Angeles Zoo.The state-of-the-art habitat focus-es on the connections betweenelephants and Asian cultures, andFor information, visitwww.lazoo.org.

photo courtesy of Jamie Pham

WeHo Seeks Participants forEmergency TrainingThe County of Los Angeles Fire

Department is holding freeCommunity Emergency ResponseTraining (CERT) courses in WestHollywood in 2011, and is encour-aging members of the public toenroll early, as space is limited. 

The CERT program was devel-oped to provide basic training insafety and life saving skills, andwill be held on March 5, 12 and 19from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in West

Hollywood’s Plummer Park, 7377Santa Monica Blvd.

The class will cover disaster pre-paredness, disaster fire suppression,responses to terrorism, medicaloperations, light search and rescue,disaster psychology and a simulat-ed drill.  

Participants must be 18 years old.For enrollment information, callShirley Berry at (323)848-6580, orMaria Grycan at (310)456-7923.

Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 9 December 30, 2010

If the Coen brothers decided toremake “Gone with the Wind” or

“Star Wars”, I don’t think most crit-ics would question it. No surprisethen that a John Wayne western meta similar lack of resistance. I can’tsay I’m as crazy about “True Grit”though. While largely enjoyable,it’s a genre film that’ll prove to bevery forgettable, yet still worth theviewing experience.

Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld)arrives at a distant city to collect theremains of her father and his pos-sessions. But after all his affairs arein order, she decides to stick aroundand hire a U.S. Marshall to huntdown her father’s murderer, TomChaney (Josh Brolin). If you’rewondering where the film’s titlecomes from, don’t worry, Mattiesays it quite frequently whendescribing the rough persona ofDeputy U.S. Marshall RoosterCogburn (Jeff Bridges), whom shepicks to shoot his way to justice.But before Mattie and Roosterleave town for “Indian” country,Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (MattDamon) joins the pursuit, hoping toreturn Tom for a Texas trial — anidea Mattie takes issue with as shewants justice to find Chaney for herfather’s murder, not a politician inanother state.

Can Jeff Bridges, fresh off hisBest Actor award last year and aDisney sci-fi blockbuster, fill in theeye patch once worn by JohnWayne 41 years ago? Sort of. Myconcern is less about comparinghim to Wayne than figuring outwhether his role is serious or satiri-cal. Bridges is normally stellar inmost of his films, but it’s hard to lis-ten to his accent without a snickeron deck.

The real gem of this film aren’theavy hitters — Bridges, Brolin orDamon — but Steinfeld. In place ofa 20-something Kim Darby in theoriginal film, this pre-teen takes onthe lead role of Ross, the no-non-sense daughter who won’t stopuntil her family has received justicefor the death of her father, with a

confidence that makes Juno looklike a poser.

Damon expands his performanceresume as a prudish authority fig-ure, who has little patience forbending the law or allowing a 14-year-old girl to insult him. In short,he’s a tool…but he doesn’t becomea likable tool. Brolin’s performanceis equally as baffling as Bridge’s,but he has a fraction of the screentime to do anything other than func-tion through clichés.

“The Fighter”

The real winner of the holidayseason is “The Fighter”. Director,David O. Russell, is an odd choicefor an inspirational sports movie,with “Flirting with Disaster” and “IHeart Huckabees” to his credit, butthe dramatic depth goes far deeperthan Sandra Bullock’s weakattempt at cinematic sincerity.

Based on a true story, MickyWard (Mark Wahlberg) is a boxerwith one more shot at the champi-onship before age takes him intoearly retirement. To make mattersworse, his brother, Dicky Eklund(Christian Bale), can’t help butrelive his glory days as the boxerwho once took down Sugar RayLeonard, but since then has becomea fraction of his former self.Underweight and always late,Dicky’s job as Mick’s trainer caus-es immense personal and profes-sional trouble, especially sincemanager and mother, Alice Ward(Melissa Leo), can’t help but loveDicky at the sake of her relation-ship with Micky. But Mick findsnew hope with his girlfriend,Charlene Fleming (Amy Adams),who helps him stand up to his over-bearing family.

Bale may have made waves lastyear for his short fuse and bad tem-

per on set, but “The Fighter” servesas further proof that pulling a “TomCruise” doesn’t mean the end forpure on-screen talent. Wahlberg islikable even in the worst of films,but Bale is the real star here. Who’sthe real fighter in this one?Definitely Bale as Dicky, a formerboxer, fighting the evils of addic-tion. Like “The Machinist”, Balemakes his performance a full bodyendeavor, becoming skin and bonesfor the sake of art. The dude mayhave a temper, but his acting here istop notch.

If sports movies aren’t yourthing, “The Fighter” is still a wor-thy character study. This is whathappens when Rocky’s older broth-er becomes jealous and tries to takedown the family legacy with him.Director, Russell, is a stranger tothe genre, favoring more indie-stylefilms, thus he cares less about thegenre’s conventions and moreabout grasping what the underdogstory can look like through a newlens. The film isn’t outlined by fightscenes, but key moments that occuroutside the ring.

ʻTrue Grit ̓Feels Half False;ʻThe Fighter ̓Presses On

“True Grit”

����������������

�������� ����� �� ����������������������������� �

������������������������������� ���������� �� � ��������������� ��������������������������� ��� ��� ��� ������������� ����� � ��� ������ ��� ���������������!��������"���!#���$���� ����� $����%����������%���� ���������$����� ������� � ����!&�������� %���� ��� $�������'��� ���������� ������$���� ����� ��� �������� ������������������� ������������������������ ��� ��(���� ������������������������� � ��������������� ������������������

�������!��� ������������ ��� ��� ��� ��� ����� �������������� ���������� ����������������������� ������������ ����� ��������� �� �� �������������������$��������$�� �� ����� ��� ������������������� ����� ������� ������ ���������)��������������*�� ������������ �� ������ �����! ������ $� ��������� �+�������� ��� ���$����������������� ��������������� ������������ �������� ����������� ������ �� ���� ������� ��������� ���$��� , ���� ������� �� ������-�����(������ ������ �����!�����$�������������������� � ������������ ��������������������

�������������

����������������././0�������1�� �

%����23.4�����������53367"626#578�9:33

����������������� �����

����������������� ��!

photo courtesy of Lorey Sebastian © 2010 Paramount Pictures.

Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, and Jeff Bridges plays Rooster Cogburn in Paramount Picturesʼ westernremake of “True Grit”.

photo courtesy of JoJo Whilden © 2010 Fighter, LLC

Mark Wahlberg plays Micky Ward in “The Fighter”, a film by directorDavid O. Russell.

photo courtesy of Lorey Sebastian © 2010Paramount Pictures.

Jeff Bridges takes on the role ofRooster Cogburn, formerly playedby John Wayne in 1969.

The Los AngelesDepartment of Water &

Power (DWP) has selectedOracle to replace its LegacyCustomer Information system.The move is designed to meet21st Century, Smart Griddemands.

The DWP chose Oracle toreplace antiquated systems andconsolidate processes.Improvements in customer ser-vice, billing processes, fieldservices and meter data man-agement is anticipated.

“By choosing Oracle,LADWP is advancing its ITstandards to be on par withthose that first class commer-cial enterprises demand. Thisinformation system will allowDWP to better manage its oper-ations,” First Deputy MayorAustin Beutner said. “We needthis system to support smartgrid, smart customers and all ofour programs.”

The Los Angeles CountyMetropolitan Transportation

Authority (Metro) is offering freefares for all bus and rail lines onNew Year’s Eve.

They are also providing 24-hourservice on Metro Rail and theMetro Orange Line busway toaccommodate patrons taking pub-lic transit to the Tournament ofRoses Parade in Pasadena.

The free fare program will be ineffect between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.on Dec. 31 to January 1. The pro-gram will apply to Metro bus andMetro Red, Purple, Blue, Green orGold rail lines.

On Jan. 1, all bus lines will oper-ate on Sunday and holiday sched-ule. Extra rail capacity will be pro-vided for travel to and from theRose Bowl game.

Patrons can still purchase a day-pass for $6,

For information, call (323)GO-METRO, or visit www.metro.net.

DWP Switchesto Oracle

MTA Offers FreeFares Dec. 31

10 December 30, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

My friend, David Depino, whowas a fellow theatre critic,

never came by my house withouttaking a cutting of one of the plantsor succulents in my front yard. Hewas a man who made friends easily,and when he wasn’t reviewing playsor movies for Park LabreaNews/Beverly Press, or taking careof the neighborhood stray cats, orhouse-sitting for a friend, he’d beout collecting seed pods and branch-es that he turned into elegant andunusual necklaces and ear-rings, orfashioning a trimming for a lamp-shade for a vintage table lamp. Hewas, after all, a proudly aging hippiewho’d given away his guitar whenhis neighbors complained about theracket his arthritic fingers were pro-ducing. I still have some of theapple pip earrings he gave me thatwere left over from the ‘60s. He did-n’t really have a garden at his littlecourtyard house on Fairfax, butsomehow he’d found space for adelightful potted haven fororphaned plants in the dollhousespace under his balcony.

When David sadly passed away acouple of years ago after a long ill-ness, his neighbor suggested I takesome of the plants, because thelandlord was planning some renova-tions for the slightly aging ‘30scourtyard apartments, and the littlegarden would be plowed under inthe process. That was the first timeI’d noticed that all those borrowedcuttings had grown into beautifulmature plants, obviously underDavid’s magic touch. I took a cou-ple for memory’s sake, and had mygardener repot them to watch over

my pool. Only one of the plants, asadly skinny one, made it throughthe transition to its new surround-ings. It was obviously happy to havebeen saved, because it grew andprospered in the next few months.Soon, it was a full-grown tree,understood every word I whisperedto its lush, velvety leaves, and madeits own statement among my otherplants. It was even arrogant enough,or happy enough, to stand out asvastly superior to most of its newcohorts, didn’t shed its leaves intothe pool, withstood wind, sun, andthe splashing of my neighbors’ chil-dren at play. When another plantwithered and drooped, probably inshame, I tossed its sorry twigs andreplaced it with some cuttings fromwhat I called The David Tree. Nothaving a natural green thumb, I did-n’t expect anything from the sulkycuttings, which had instantlydrooped in some kind of arborealdismay. I kicked the pot behind thegarden table until I could decidewhat to do with it, and sort of forgotabout it. Forgive me, but I do haverather a busy schedule, despitebeing semi-retired.

On sunny mornings, I often havemy coffee outside by the pool —even in our so-called winter, there’susually a warm spot in the sun forme to start my day — and pouringthe coffee dregs into the discardedplant cuttings was clearly a goodway of making my trip back into thehouse less hazardous with the news-paper, a yogurt carton and my otherbreakfast paraphernalia. (As evi-dence of my so-called retirement —I’ve become very much a breakfast

person). One morning, a fewmonths ago, I tripped over the cast-aside pot with the discarded cuttingsand, lo and behold, my coffeegrounds, probably mixed with thenight-time passage of scores of thenight-prowling small creatures whocome to drink from the pool, whoscuffle around in the dark “water-ing” my plants, had produced veryhealthy-looking green shoots whereonce there had only been discardedcuttings. “They’re alive! They’realive!”, I trilled happily to OH(Other Half), and dragged him offthe phone to show him my find.Within a few weeks, I had a veryhealthy-looking new David Tree,and soon was able to add it to mypatio collection. The new tree had

even more beautiful, large ovalleaves, a gorgeous green, somethingbetween olive and emerald, deeplydecorated with striated designs, big-ger and more lushly velvety thaneven the originals that had survivedthe passage from David’s miniaturegarden to my accidental one. Thenew tree went quickly from strengthto strength, surviving and thrivingthrough sun and wind and even agardener’s neglect, to become asplendid partner tree to the original.The nature of the tree is remarkablysimilar to my friend David’s, open-ly joyful, welcoming, always cheer-ful and terribly attractive in an arbo-real kind of way. First time visitorsto my house stop on their tour,immediately moved in some warm-ly psychic way, drawn to David II,

exactly as I was drawn to the origi-nal — the man and the tree. I wast-ed no time starting David III, givingit a little more attention than I’dgiven David, the Original, and soonhad visitors clamoring for cuttings— well, at least a son or two — whoso far haven’t succeeded in buildingtheir own David family, but can’tstop trying. I think the operativeword must be benign neglect, butI’m loath to tell them that. It encour-ages slovenliness, and one doesn’t

want to do that to a son.As long as they get plenty of

water, and some good sun, it seemsmy three Davids have learned tothrive wherever they’re planted. Onthat 113 degree day in September,several leaves of David II wereburned, eliciting a small heart attackfrom me, but I finger-snipped offthe burned leaves — they wereblack and angry — and pretty soon,new shoots appeared and took upthe slack. If any of the leaves showsigns of yellowing, I quickly finger-snip those off too, so the rest won’tget discouraged. It seems to keepthem on their toes.

Yesterday, my new pool man toldOH he’d never seen such a beautifultree and asked if he might take somecuttings. I’m going to advise him tobring a big terra cotta pot with somegood dirt in it, and I’ll do the start-up here. I’ve offered to do the samefor YS (Younger Son).

If I get enough requests, it seemsI might not be retired any more. Oh,David, you’ve possibly created amonster.

A Tree Named David

Mad Musings

by Madeleine Shaner

������������� ������

������������������

�� ����������������� ��!�"#�$%�&

� ������'����(�������")��*)""����+�))�%

����������� � ������������������������������������������

�� �������� ������������ �������������������������

������� ���������� �������������������������������

����������� �� ���������������� ������������������������

�����������������������������������������!������

�������������"������������������������� ������������

�������� ���������������������������������������������

������

#������$��%����������������� �� ��������������������

�������������������� ����� "������������������������������

������������������������ ����������"�����������������

�������� �� �����"����������� �������������

���%���� ������������, &������������������������

��������������'(����������)��������������

�����������"��������(������������

*+*�,-,�.*/0�

David Depino

“When anotherplant witheredand drooped,probably in

shame, I tossedits sorry twigsand replaced itwith some cut-tings from what

I called TheDavid Tree.”

AEG Donatesto MedicalCenterAEG recently held its

“December Season ofGiving” campaign at L.A. Live,which included a presentation ofa $50,000 check for the EisnerPediatric & Family MedicalCenter in downtown LosAngeles. The presentation cere-mony included Larry Vallon(left), AEG Live; MarkThompson, of 95.5 KLOS’“Mark & Brian” radio show; JoePerry, of and Aerosmith, BrianPhelps, of the “Mark & Brian”program; and Carl Coan, of theEisner Pediatric & FamilyMedical Center.

The $50,000 donation repre-sented $1 from every concertticket purchased for the “Markand Brian Christmas Show” onDec. 16 at the Nokia TheatreL.A. LIVE, and an additionaldonation by AEG. For informa-tion about the Eisner MedicalCenter, visit www.pedcenter.org.

photo courtesy of WireImage

The City of West Hollywood isencouraging residents to par-

ticipate in Energy UpgradeCalifornia, a statewide energy effi-ciency program that will begin inJanuary. 

Energy Upgrade California willprovide Los Angeles Countyhomeowners with a single, uni-form home retrofit program thatincludes state rebates, countyrebates, potential federal rebates,third-party incentives, workforcedevelopment programs, on-lineapplication tools, local outreachactivities, and financing alterna-tives. The Energy UpgradeCalifornia program in Los AngelesCounty will be the model forimplementing the programthroughout the rest of the state. 

The goal of program is toencourage energy-efficiency retro-

fits of the existing buildings in LosAngeles County, while reducinggreenhouse gas emissions and cre-ating construction jobs. Propertyowners who participate canachieve at least a 20 percent reduc-tion in energy consumption in theirhomes.

Homeowners will have a choiceof upgrade packages and optionsthat qualify for rebates and incen-tives, from basic weatherization,insulation and sealing of theirhouse, to installing energy effi-cient windows, tankless waterheaters, air conditioners and solarpanels. Homeowners can also findinformation about all federal, state,county, and utility rebates andincentives available.

For more information, call(877)78-LACEP, or visitwww.lacountyenergyprogram.org.

WeHo Encourages ResidentsTo Become Energy Efficient

Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 13 December 30, 2010

For my 2011 New Year’s reso-lution, I promise to eat health-ier. I’m going to cut out

refined sugars, eat fresh produceand stay away from fatty foods.Recently, I dined at a restaurant inBeverly Hills that will help me keepmy resolution all year long:Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop.

I met the owner of the restaurant,Jonathan Rollo, while lunchingwith a friend. We chuckled whenshe pointed to the back of Rollo’schef jacket that read “Commander-in-Leaf.” He looks a little like theactor Kevin Bacon, with adorabledimples.

Born and raised in SouthernCalifornia, he earned a swimmingscholarship to NorthwesternUniversity, yet turned it down to goto Vanderbilt. After graduating witha bachelor’s degree in Finance andOrganizational Development, he

flew home to enjoy one of hisfavorite holidays: Thanksgiving.While helping his mom cook for 50family members, he had anepiphany to become a chef. Hismother said she would give him herblessing, if he would first make acroquembouche for the familyfeast. While whipping up over 100profiteroles and filling them withchocolate mousse, he had sugar inhis hair and flour all over the floor.

He made a mess, yet the croquem-bouch was a success and his moth-er encouraged him to enroll in theCulinary and Hospitality Instituteof Chicago.

After graduating, he moved backto sunny Los Angeles and joinedthe Patina Group. He becamefriends with another chef, KristyRitchey. Years later when Rollodecided to open his first Greenleafrestaurant, he asked Ritchey to behis executive chef.

Rollo and Ritchey create thehealthiest salads, sandwiches andpizzas in town using the finestorganic and locally grown produceto create high quality and colorfuldishes. They built the restaurant inan environmentally conscious wayto use recycled and compostableproducts. Their delivery service isnot by car, but by bicycle. It’shealthier for the environment andfor the delivery person.

Ritchey lost over 110 pounds inless than one year by creating andeating the antioxidant salad. I hadto give it a try. Not that I need tolose that much weight, but wow,what a testimonial to lose andmaintain her new ideal weight byhaving this salad as one of her dailymeals. Chopped and mixed with thebaby greens from Scarboroughfarms are red seedless grapes, cel-ery, apples, dried cranberries, bluecheese, mint, red onion, cucumberand strawberries with pomegranateand whole grain mustard dressing.

My friend ordered the lemon-grass chicken salad with babymixed greens, grilled citrus chick-en, mango, grilled pineapple, jica-ma, toasted coconut, cashews, Thaichili and Thai basil tossed with alemongrass lychee vinaigrette. It isreported that Thai chili helps boostmetabolism and Thai basil offersanti-inflammatory benefits. All Iknow is when both of the salads

arrived, they were big enough toshare with three people. Besidestheir size and gourmet ingredients,they are a great value at $10 each.

I felt guilty when the grilledchicken panini with avocado pestoon foccacia arrived, because therewas too much food on our table.Yet, after taking my first bite, Islowed down on eating my saladand devoured half of the sandwich.The avocado pesto is made withfresh avocado, garlic and basil.That’s it! It makes the mostambrosial sandwich spread. I tookthe other half home for dinner. Thissandwich was not going to waste.

Located across the street fromSaks Fifth Avenue, they also offer abuild-your-own salad. Laminatedcards and pens are located near theregister to check off the ingredientsyou would like in your salad.Choose the type of greens and thena choice of four toppings. There are19 different vegetables, 7 differentcheeses, 6 nut varieties (they roasttheir own), 5 legumes, 5 herbs and8 kinds of fruit. Next, you can

choose a meat and one of the 18 dif-ferent house dressings. Just hand itto one of the super salad preparersand it will arrive at your table with-in minutes. Two gentlemen sittingnext to us had their custom saladmade with seared ahi tuna on top. Itlooked marvelous.

Greenleaf offers similar fare asmany of the fancy hotel restaurantsin the area, yet the service is fasterand the dishes are much moreaffordable. Gourmet soup of theday is $3.50. Sandwiches, paninisand pizza are all under $10. Withsuccess, Rollo opened a secondGreenleaf Gourmet Chopshop inCentury City. serving breakfast andlunch. Greenleaf also sells items togo at their restaurants and at Barry’sBoot Camp and some EquinoxGyms and Body Factory locations.

When it comes to eating right,Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop is anideal restaurant to fortify your bodyand soul. Price: $.

9671 Wilshire Blvd. (310)246-0756 and 1888 Century Park E.(424)239-8700.

Greenleaf GourmetChopshop

Here’s to Healthier Eating in 2011

photo by Jill Weinlein

The lemongrass chicken salad may boost metabolism and offers anti-inflammatory benefits with its healthy ingredients.

photo by Jill Weinlein

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop delivers – on bikes, of course.

www.hollywoodtoyota.com

20 December 30, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

Potholes Multiply After RainsFrom page 1

quickly to repair them,” Garcettisaid.

Bill Robertson, director of theBSS, said the period immediatelyfollowing a rainstorm is when thestreets are most impacted. It is dur-ing these times the BSS runs

Operation Pothole.“Every time we run Operation

Pothole we repair between 10,000to 15,000 potholes,” Roberstonsaid.

Garcetti estimated there are cur-rently tens of thousands of potholes

scattered throughout the city as aresult of the rainstorms. Most pot-holes can be filled in one to twominutes, while others can take up to10 minutes.

Operation Pothole began in 2005and Robertson said the BSS hasfixed an average of 300,000 pot-holes per year since its inception.He expects that only 250,000 pot-holes will be fixed this year, how-ever, due to a loss in personnel of392 employees to early retirementand transfers to other departments.

The loss of personnel also affect-ed the response time for fixing apothole. The BSS formerly guaran-teed a 24-hour turnaround to fix apothole, but that response time hasbeen pushed back to two workingdays.

Operation Pothole is part of thePavement Preservation Program,which is funded at $94 million andincludes resurfacing, crack sealingand small asphalt repairs. The cityspends $4 to 5 million annually fix-ing potholes.

According to Robertson, thereare 28,000 miles of road in L.A.That is the equivalent of one five-lane highway extending to L.A. toNew York and back again.

“That’s how big our street systemis,” Robertson said.

Garcetti also urged residents toget involved by dialing 311, thecity’s non-emergency line, to reportthe new potholes. Residents will beasked to provide an approximateaddress of the pothole location.

“The more potholes we can iden-tify, the more potholes we can fill,”Garcetti said. “Please do notassume that the city will magicallyknow about the pothole near yourhouse or on your way to work. Pickup the phone and report it.”

The city fixed 350,000 potholesin 2009, but only 10 percent ofthose were actually reported by thepublic according to Robertson.

Residents who suffer vehicledamage due to potholes were alsourged to file a claim with the L.A.City Clerk’s Office. While Garcettidid not have an exact number, he

said that he could think of hundredsof claims the city has paid out overthe years because of potholes andthat the city does not brush off theclaims.

LaBonge had other words ofadvice for residents driving on pot-hole infested roads.

“These storms have causedhavoc on our streets,” LaBongesaid. “Be aware because there arepotholes out there. Drive under the

speed limit and give yourself timeto react in case you do see a pot-hole.”

Garcetti is counting on the city todo its part in trying to fill the pot-holes scattered throughout the city.

“Our hope is to get as many pot-hole addresses in our repair data-base as we can before January 8,”Garcetti said. “The more potholeswe can identify, the more we canfix.”

photo by Rafael Guerrero

City Council President Eric Garcetti (left) and Councilmember TomLaBonge pitched in to help fill potholes in the East Hollywood area.

photo by Rafael Guerrero

Crews from the cityʼs Bureau of Street Services will be fixing the dam-age on Jan. 8 and 9 as part of Operation Pothole. Residents are encour-aged to call 311 to notify the city about potholes in their neighborhoods.

Cityʼs Ban onMobile Signs toTake EffectAcity ordinance prohibiting

mobile billboard advertisingdisplays from parking on citystreets and public lands will go intoeffect on Jan. 1. The city’s motionwas authored by City CouncilmanZine, 3rd District, and is designedto restrict the amount of advertisingblight within the city.

Legislation sponsored by the Cityof Los Angeles and authored byAssembly Member BobBlumenfield (D-San FernandoValley) was passed earlier this year.Known as the Mobile BillboardAdvertising Displays Ban, it creat-ed a new section of the state vehiclecode that defines a “mobile bill-board advertising display” as anadvertising display that is attachedto a wheeled, mobile, non-motor-ized vehicle that carries, pulls ortransports a sign or billboard, and isfor the primary purpose of advertis-ing. Zine is creating a task force todetermine ways to identify, reportand cite the mobile billboard dis-plays. Individuals who are interest-ed in participating should callZine’s office at (818)756-8848.

complex and the Kodak Theatredraped his building with an illegalsupergraphic advertising a movie.The Los Angeles City Attorney’sOffice had warned the owner,Kayvan Seterah, that the sign wasin violation of city ordinance.When Seterah refused to have thesupergraphic taken down,Trutanich had him arrested, jailedand held on $1 million bail.Seterah’s bail was later reduced to$100,000 after he agreed to takethe billboard down, but the inci-dent highlighted the problems sur-rounding the illegal signs.Trutanich claimed the supergraph-ic was a threat to public safety, andthat many building owners wereconsidering the threat of strictfines for putting up an illegalsupergraphic as the cost of doingbusiness. Trutanich continues topursue charges against additionalowners who allow illegal supergraphics on their buildings, andhas vowed to continue the crack-down into the new year.

Billboards were also in the newsin October when the WestHollywood City Council first cer-tified a ballot measure next Marchto tax supergraphics and tall wall

signs in the city. The measure,which will also allow the signs tobe placed on streets in other partsof the city, was later blocked bythe city council, but a judge over-turned the decision last month,allowing the decision to be putbefore the voters.

DWPThe Los Angeles City Council

and the Los Angeles Departmentof Water and Power (DWP)became embroiled in a disputeover rate increases in 2010. Thecity council approved a 4.5 percentincrease in DWP rates, which was25 percent less than the increaseproposed by the utility. As a result,the DWP Board refused to turnover $73.5 million in promisedfunding that the city council wascounting on to help alleviate thebudget deficit. The issue continuedto be openly contentious until anagreement was reached in mid-April to allow a 4.8 percent rateincrease to go into effect in July.The DWP Board eventually agreedto allocate the $73.5 million, butthe situation resulted in severalcity councilmembers calling formore accountability in the utility,

which operates outside of thecouncil’s control under the CityCharter. A ratepayer advocate posi-tion has been approved, but MayorAntonio Villaraigosa recentlyvetoed a city council initiative toplace a measure on the March bal-lot that would have given thecouncil power to fire top DWPofficials.

Medical MarijuanaThe City of Los Angeles’s per-

manent medical marijuana ordi-nance went into effect in June, lim-iting the number of dispensariesallowed to operate to 70, althoughapproximately 100 more that werein business before a 2007 morato-rium were allowed to re-apply forpermits. The ordinance mandatesthat dispensaries follow strict rulesand operate 1,000 feet away fromschools, religious institutions,parks and residential areas. Thenew ordinance was hailed in theMelrose District, where approxi-mately 15 dispensaries had openedbetween Fairfax and HighlandAvenues, and a majority of themlater closed. A Superior Courtjudge ruled against some portionsof the ordinance in December, andwhile the ordinance remains ineffect, the city council will have tomake revisions by Jan. 7.

Prop. 8One of the biggest news events

in California occurred in August,when Judge Vaughn Walker ruledthat Proposition 8, which barredsame-sex marriage in California,was unconstitutional. The decisionprompted a rally with the LGBTcommunity in West Hollywoodand other cities across the state,and provided optimism that mar-riage would soon be attainable forsame-sex couples. The 9th DistrictCourt of Appeals later issued astay on the ruling, however, whichremains in effect currently while afederal court panel considers theissue. A decision is expected with-in weeks.

ElectionsThe political season moved into

full swing in October, withDemocratic candidate Jerry Brownfacing Republican Meg Whitmanin the race for California’s gover-nor, and Sen. Barbara Boxer chal-lenging Republican candidateCarly Fiorina in the Senate race.First Lady Michelle Obama, whomade the first of two visits to thelocal area in June, dining at Pink’sHotdogs and Pizzeria Mozza withher daughters during a vacation toLos Angeles, returned inNovember for an appearance at theWilshire Ebell Theatre to endorseSen. Boxer in her reelection bid. Inaddition to the First Lady,President Barack Obama appearedat a large Democratic politicalrally at USC. Both Brown andBoxer went on to win their races,as did other local Democratic lead-ers such as Rep. Henry Waxmanand State Assembly Member MikeFeuer. The wins were characteris-tic of the overall political mood inCalifornia, where voters kept it a“blue state” while Republicanswere voted into office in manyother parts of the country.

Festivities also got into fullswing in West Hollywood in 2010when the city held a festival to cel-ebrate its 25th anniversary of city-hood. A celebration on April 17was the first of several events held

in the coming months, includingthe staging of an original musicalabout the city, and a commemora-tive art show. Longtime WestHollywood City CouncilmemberJohn Heilman was also appointedas mayor for the seventh time inApril, marking a tenure thatstretches back to the city’s found-ing in 1984.

The Hollywood Chamber ofCommerce also celebrated the50th anniversary of the Walk ofFame in 2010, with a community-wide party in July that included a

street fair, tours of famousHollywood buildings and liveentertainment. In addition, theHollywood Chamber held manyother special anniversary eventsthroughout the year, beginningwith a star ceremony for formerBeatle, Ringo Starr, and culminat-ing in a gala for inductees to theWalk of Fame.

Many of the issues that began inthe local area in 2010 have yet tobe resolved, and 2011 promises tobe as much a year of progress andchange as the previous year.

Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 21 December 30, 2010

photo by Edwin Folven

Many medical marijuana dispensaries, such as the La Luna Lounge, for-merly on Melrose Avenue, were forced to close when the cityʼs perma-nent ordinance went into effect in June.

photo by Edwin Folven

First Lady Michelle Obama visited the local area twice last year, first dur-ing the summer while on vacation, and the second time to support Sen.Barbara Boxer in her bid for reelection.

A Look Back on the Stories of 2010From page 1

photo by Amy Lyons

The owner of a building at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenuewho put up a supergraphic during the weekend of the Academy Awardswas jailed and held on $1 million bail until he agreed to take the signdown.

photo by Edwin Folven

President Barack Obama appeared at a rally at USC in October in sup-port of Democratic candidates who were running for office in California.

22 December 30, 2010 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

Drum Major Represents Fairfax HighFrom page 1

something different, however, anddecided to audition to become adrum major.

“I love the saxophone, but I knewthat wasn’t an option because thereisn’t a winds section in the All CityHonor Band, only brass. I knewabout the drum major position, andfelt I could do that. I prepared a rou-tine and went to the audition, andjust gave it my all,” Montiel said.“When the roster came out, I sawmy name listed in the drum majorspot, and I just couldn’t believe it. Ithas really been an incredible expe-rience.”

Montiel has been participating indaily rehearsals with the All CityHonor Band for the past two weeksat Dodger Stadium, which includeboth practicing the performances,but also marching around the stadi-um in preparation for the 5.5-milewalk down Colorado Boulevardduring the Rose Parade. Montielsaid he has been mentored by for-mer Fairfax High School studentAnahi Gonzalez, who served as adrum major in the parade last year.Although the preparation for drummajor is difficult, he said his pastexperience in the parade has helpedhim anticipate what to expect.

“Every day I feel like I accom-plish a lot,” Montiel said. “It’s myfourth time, so it’s not totally new,but it’s my first time as drum major,and it’s really mentally demanding.You have to remain focused andconfident.”

Montiel is one of seven FairfaxHigh Students who were selectedthis year for the 450-member All

City Honor Band. Other partici-pants include Lorenzo Del Castillo,Melissa Castillo, Andres Jacobo,Christian Pocasangre, GeorgeVargas and Raquel Guillen. Theband members are selected fromthousands of students in more than

60 high school band programsthroughout the city. Montiel saidhe is proud to be representingFairfax High School, one reasonbeing that the band program hasonly been in existence since 2006.

Ray Vizcarra, the band andorchestra director at Fairfax HighSchool, put together the school’sband program after it had beendefunct for more then 20 years. Theprogram has enjoyed much successduring its short tenure, winning firstplace in the LAUSD’s All CityBand Competition in both 2006 and2010. Vizcarra described Montielas one of the top members of theprogram, and added that he is notsurprised that Montiel was selectedto help lead the All City Honor

Band.“He is a person who gets things

done. He is very responsible inregards to his music education, andhe practices a great deal, “ Vizcarrasaid. “He started in the band pro-gram in his freshman year, and hadnever played an instrument, but youwouldn’t know that if you heardhim today. He puts a lot of time inon his instrument, and it reallyshows.”

Montiel plans to pursue a careerin music after high school, and willbe attending Pasadena CityCollege, which has a strong bandprogram. In addition to performingwith the All City Honor band andthe Fairfax High School Band andOrchestra, Montiel is a member ofseveral other musical groups. Atage 17, he is the youngest memberof The Hollywood Wind Ensemble,also known as the Freedom Band ofLos Angeles, and the band, “OyaJeuy”. He credits his father, whohas a strong interest in music, forigniting his passion, and counts jazzgreats such as Charlie Parker andChris Hunter as his influences.

“Jazz is what I want to play, andit is what I see myself doing in thefuture,” Montiel said. “I plan tocontinue working hard, and will seewhere it takes me.”

Joyce Kleifield, the director ofdevelopment for Fairfax HighSchool, added that she believesMontiel will be a stand out no mat-ter what he does.

“Manny is always the one whowould volunteer, he is extraordi-narily reliable and cheerful, and

extraordinarily talented,” Kleifieldsaid. “It’s fabulous for Fairfax thathe will be leading the band. Wewant people to know we have a

wonderful band program, and wewant kids to be encouraged tocome to Fairfax if music is one oftheir interests.”

ship ended after that day.”Eger and Diamond both said that

educating the public on other cul-tures and religions is the key tosolving the hate-crime problem.

“We need citizens and govern-ment to get involved and developorganizations and programs thatwill encourage people to getalong,” Eger said.

Diamond and the Board ofRabbis have gotten involved withthe International Visitors Councilof Los Angeles (IVCLA), a non-profit organization aimed atincreasing understanding betweenL.A. residents and the rest of theworld. The IVCLA has made theBoard of Rabbis a frequent stop forpeople from other countries tointeract with leaders of the Jewish

community. Diamond recalled arecent meeting with a group of reli-gious scholars and journalists fromEgypt and the Middle East.

“One of them turned to me andsaid he had read a book on theInternet that said Jews were deceit-ful,” Diamond said.

When Diamond heard the nameof the book, he understood wherethe misconceptions came from.

“He was quoting ‘The Protocolsof the Elders of Zion,’” Diamondsaid. “It is one of the most anti-Semitic books ever written.”

Diamond explained to the visitorthat the book was all hatefulrhetoric. The visitor thankedDiamond for clarifying the motiva-tions of the book, and explained itwas a book widely distributed in

the Arab world.“We change hearts and minds

one person at a time,” Diamondsaid. “Education, ultimately, is theanswer against hatred.”

Answers From Page 16

at the front. The float will alsoinclude additional Hollywood land-marks, such as the Hollywood Sign,golden stars symbolizing the Walkof Fame, and the arch at UniversalStudios. On both sides, there will befilm reels that change from blackand white to color to symbolize theevolution of the film industry.

Larry Palmer, the media relationsand marketing director for thePhoenix Decorating Company,which designed and built the float,said it was challenging to incorpo-rate all of the landmarks with amoving live display.

“The highlight will be the perfor-mance by Cirque du Soleil, whichwill be doing their act continuously.There are always challenges whenyou have performers doing acrobat-ics on a moving platform, but wehave been working with them andthey have been practicing the rou-tine and know what to expect,”Palmer said. “One of the things thatis particularly interesting about thisfloat is that the spotter will be locat-ed in a crawl-space in the arch ofthe Grauman’s pagoda. There wasno room to put him at the front ofthe float, so we built it in to the

pagoda, and he will give instruc-tions to the driver from there.”

The float has been a source ofpride for many people in theHollywood community, includingemployees at the Kodak Theatre.On Monday, Rachelle Granillo, theassistant to the general manager forthe Kodak Theatre, and her daugh-ter, Justine Alvarez, an usher at thetheatre, helped decorate the float.Granillo said she was thrilled tohelp, and added that the float sym-bolizes some of the best thingsabout Hollywood.

“It is an honor to do this, both forthe theatre, and for the paradeitself. I have been at the theater foraround ten years, since it opened,but this is the first time I have everdone something like this,” Granillo

said. “It is spot on, the way itshows the theater. I was standing infront of the arch in front of the the-atre earlier, and this is a mirrorimage.”

Alvarez, who has worked at theKodak Theatre for three years, alsosaid decorating the float was arewarding experience.

“It feels good to help, and I amglad people will be able to comeout and see what we are doing,”Alvarez added. “I hope people willcome out to see how we representHollywood on the float, and sharethe experience.”

Kerry Morrison, the executivedirector of the Hollywood PropertyOwners Alliance, said the float willbe a good representation of theHollywood area for people viewingthe parade both locally and aroundthe world. She said it also serves asa marketing tool that will showpeople the many entertainmentoptions that exist in Hollywood.

“It definitely exemplifies howexcited we are that Cirque du Soleilhas selected Hollywood as the siteof its next major production. Theyhave made such a commitment toHollywood, in renovating the the-atre and having a specificHollywood theme,” Morrison said.“We see it as a major destinationfor both residents and tourists, andthis is a marvelous opportunity toshowcase what is coming.”

Cirque du Soleil’s “Iris” willsalute the history of movies andHollywood, and will have a ten-year run at the Kodak Theatre.Previews will begin in July, and thegrand opening is scheduled forSept. 27.

The Tournament of Roses Paradebegins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1at the corner of Colorado andOrange Grove Boulevards inPasadena.

For information, visit www.tour-namentofroses.com.

Rose Float Features Hollywood LandmarksFrom page 1

Hate Crimes Continue to Cause Concern From page 4

photo by Edwin Folven

A model of the pagoda at Graumanʼs Chinese Theatre will be located onthe front of the City of Los Angeles rose float.

photo by Edwin Folven

Fairfax High School senior Manny Montiel will be leading the LAUSD AllCity Honor Band in the Rose Parade on Jan. 1. He primarily plays sax-ophone, but tried out as a drum major for the honor band this year.

“I plan to continue

working hard,and will see

where it takesme.”

-Fairfax High senior Manny Montiel

www.camsshuttersandinteriors.com

www.olympiamc.com