From the Newsroom

Development

Flower Street Getting ... a New Parking Lot?

By Eric Richardson — Wednesday
1 Comment

Flower Street Getting ... a New Parking Lot?

A small crew was hard at work Tuesday clearing rubble from the fenced-off site at 737 S. Flower, but don't get too excited thinking some mysterious project is about to start. The prep work appears to be related to long-dormant plans to turn the old building site into a surface parking lot.


Etc

Central Area Weekly Update: November 14, 2009

By blogdowntown Staff — Wednesday

Each week Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer of LAPD's Central Division, sends out an email to the community. Captain Chow has agreed to let blogdowntown bring his emails to our readers.


Swearing In For Beck, L.A.'s 56th Police Chief, is a Family Affair

By Ed Fuentes — Tuesday

BeckSwornIn Ed Fuentes

|Photo Gallery| With his family sitting behind him, Deputy Chief Charlie Beck was unanimously approved by council this morning to be the next police chief for the City of Los Angeles.

Before Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa introduced the nominated LAPD Deputy Chief at this morning's hearing, there was one last piece of closed door business: determining Beck's new salary. Then it was front and center in chambers where –– with the Mayor by his side –– Beck fielded questions from council members, mostly centered on each district's concerns. — Continued Inside...


Everyday

Thursday: Give Your Input on Greening Harlem Alley

By Eric Richardson — Tuesday
8 Comments

Thursday: Give Your Input on Greening Harlem Alley

Before Lost Souls Cafe could open in January of 2006, those involved had to convince the city that Harlem Alley was not an active street, full of dangerous cars that would endanger those making simply in search of a latte. Now DLANC's Sustainability committee and a team of masters students from U.C. Santa Barbara's Bren School for the Environment want to take...


36 Years Ago: Broadway Moves to 7th Street

By Eric Richardson — Tuesday — 5 Comments

Macy's Plaza Eric Richardson

|Photo Gallery| On November 17, 1973, Broadway department store opened the doors of the chain's new flagship, centerpiece of the massive, mixed-use Broadway Plaza. Described by its architect as a "totally integrated environment," the complex really did have a little something for everyone.

36 years and a name change later, Macy's Plaza is better known as a dated brick fortress. Perhaps, though, the structure isn't quite the tear-down many Downtowners would like to make it. — Continued Inside...


Roads/Rails

Software Upgrade Should Speed Gold Line's Freeway Crossing

By Eric Richardson — Monday
5 Comments

Software Upgrade Should Speed Gold Line's Freeway Crossing

The Gold Line Eastside Extension opened to much fanfare and big crowds on Sunday, but those looking to use the line for day-to-day commuting may have been a bit puzzled at why it takes so long for trains to travel the elevated track between Little Tokyo / Arts District and Union Station.


Arts/Culture

Win Tickets to See Snoop Dogg at Club Nokia

By Eric Richardson — Monday
39 Comments

Win Tickets to See Snoop Dogg at Club Nokia

It may not be a reunion, but rapper Snoop Dogg is back in the 213 on Thursday, November 19, for a show at Club Nokia. Tickets are on-sale now, but we've got a few pairs for blogdowntown readers interested in seeing the show for free courtesy of Goldenvoice.


Gold Line Eastside Extension Opens

By Ed Fuentes and Eric Richardson — Monday — 12 Comments

Gold Line Eastside Extension Dedication Eric Richardson

|Photo Gallery| Angelenos took to the rails on Sunday for opening day of the six-mile, $898-million Gold Line Eastside Extension. Metro estimates 75,000 Sunday boardings for the line, which connects Union Station with Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights and East L.A.

"Today's event was a must-attend," said Drew Lesso, an Arts District resident since the mid-80s. "I'm always happy to see new public transport and the sense of community that develops. Looking out at the neighborhood today, I almost got a feeling that I was in Europe . . . well almost." — Continued Inside...


Politics

Around the Halls: November 16 - 18

By Eric Richardson — Monday

Around the Halls: November 16 - 18

Today is Monday, November 16. Council's back from recess and met by a busy set of agendas that feature the confirmation of a new Police chief and rules to govern medical marijuana dispensaries. Also, an update on the state of Downtown's infrastructure.


Arts/Culture

MOCA opens "First Thirty Years"

By Ed Fuentes — November 13, 2009
3 Comments

MOCA opens First Thirty Years

|Photo Gallery| One year after the contemporary art world was jolted by news that Downtown's Museum of Contemporary Art was on the edge of financial ruin, it's a new day on Grand Avenue. The institution is in much more solid financial shape and this Sunday will open "Collection: MOCA's First Thirty Years," featuring works from the museum's permanent holdings.