August 3rd is “National Night Out.” This event involved 36.7 million people last year in over 14,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

The program is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is celebrated with outside and front porch vigils, block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs and youth events.

The event provides a great opportunity to “socialize with your neighbors by bringing whatever you would be doing in your backyard to the front of your property”, she Monique Frese, a resident of Los Feliz.  “Brighten your street by leaving the porch light on at night, take a walk through your neighborhood with some neighbors and in so doing, make your own neighborhood a progressive party.”

For free registration materials call 1-800-NITE OUT or visit the National Night Out website at www.nationalnightout.org.

HOLLYWOOD—Pat Boone received a proclamation from Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge and the City of Los Angeles, designating July 12th as “Pat Boone Day.”

The actor, singer and author met with LaBonge’s constituents at the Las Palmas Senior Center where adoring fans created their own Pat Boone Day, paying homage to the actor by screening “State Fair,” the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

“Pat Boone is a Hollywood legend and an American icon,” LaBonge said. “More than a part of Americana, he has become a huge part of Los Angeles through his charitable efforts.  Los Angeles loves Pat Boone.”

In an hour-long debate, the board granted Fontanesi half of her request, $3,100.

Fontanesi had originally asked for $6,300 from the board to curb the overall costs of the program, which run $220 per day.

During the two full rounds of discussion, the board unanimously agreed that the program was very important, but because the annual budget has been cut down so drastically the council gave only what it felt it could.

“I’ve lost sleep over this,” said AVNC Co-Chair Lenora Gershman-Pitts said, her eyes brimming with tears. “I’m a proponent of this, I think that nutrition is the most important thing that we can teach people because nutrition is the basis of health.”

The board intends to revisit the topic and possibly give Fontanesi more funding in September, when the group will have a clearer picture of what the remainder of the year’s spending will be like.

Most of the bikes taken were from under car apartment garages, according to the newsletter, that had locks on them. Items taken included
cameras, lens, bikes, electronic devices, computers, garage door openers, laptops, television and cell phones.

The newsletter reports that some locations where the thefts occurred were: 1900 and 2000 block of Rodney Drive; 3900 to 4300 block of Los Feliz Blvd., 2000 block of Hillhurst Ave., 4600 block of Clarissa and 1300 to 2600 block of Glendale Blvd.

Each resignation was tenured separately, and the three seem to be unrelated.

Owen, who served as chair of the Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation (PZHP) committee, sent his resignation letter to former president Charley Mims on April 10th of this year. He had held the position for nearly four years, and stated in his letter that he felt it was time to move on.

“The current situation facing the committee, because of the economic malaise, is less critical than it has been during the last five or six years,” he wrote, “and thus this is an appropriate time to pass the chair to another.”

During his time as chair, the PZHP committee worked on such issues as the expansion of local businesses, the commercialization of Griffith Observatory and affordable housing.

In his letter, Owen also reiterated the current status of several matters that are currently in front of the board, including pending requests for the committee’s support of liquor licenses for several local restaurants.

Owen was unavailable for comment.

Bernadette Soter, longtime activist on issues surrounding Griffith Park, submitted a letter to a group of undisclosed recipients on July 2nd announcing her resignation. Soter did not run for re-election to the GGPNC board this year, instead opting to serve only as the head of the neighborhood council’s Parks, River and Open Space (PROS) committee.

Soter did not respond to repeated attempts by the Ledger to reach her for comment, however members of the PROS committee expressed their sadness over her resignation.

“It’s a huge loss,” said Laura Howe, who also serves as co-chair for the PROS committee. “She’s one of the most dedicated people that have ever participated in the community.”

After joining the GGPNC in 2004 as the chair of the PROS committee, Soter, a longtime environmental activist, was an outspoken advocate for open space in Griffith Park. Beginning in 2005, she was a key player in drafting the Griffith Park Master Plan as part of a city-appointed team called the Griffith Park Draft Master Plan Working Group.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, with whom Soter worked closely on matters concerning the park and surrounding areas, expressed his surprise and disappointment over Soter’s resignation.

“Bernadette Soter has had a great impact on the betterment of Griffith Park,” he said in an e-mail statement, adding that her “love of the park” was evident in many of her endeavors.

Recently, Soter became involved in the long-standing conflict among members of the board when she suggested that board member Mark Mauceri had submitted letters to the city printed on falsified GGPNC stationary. Mauceri later accused Soter of inappropriately sending an e-mail to the PROS committee in which she encouraged members to vote in a certain way for GGPNC elections.

Neither accusation was ever confirmed, but the clash, among others, may have contributed to Soter’s decision to resign, said Howe.

“I think it’s in part because she’s tired of being hassled by the members of the GGPNC,” she said. “It’s a constant argument, arguing over small little things that have nothing to do with protecting the park and community activism.”

Newly appointed president of the GGPNC board Ron Ostrow expressed his gratitude for the work Owen and Soter put in to the board.

“Ken and Bernadette put in countless hours of service,” he said. “The two of them were fiercely dedicated to their committees, and they had the respect of the people who worked with them.”

Dan Hooper, who also serves as the pastor of the Hollywood Lutheran Church, resigned in an e-mail dated July 12th. According to Ostrow, Hooper was not present for six meetings in 2010 prior to his resignation. After being contacted by Ostrow, he replied with an e-mail his intent to step down.

“Please accept my resignation from the GGPNC,” he wrote.

According to Howe, Soter will continue to work with the PROS committee but in a different capacity. Owen will be replaced by Gary Khanjian.

Children’s Festival Set for Aug. 8th

HOLLYWOOD—The 25th Annual Children’s Festival of the Arts will be held Sunday, August 8th, from noon to 4:30 p.m.

The free event will have dance and music from around the world, family art workshops, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck from Six Flags Magic Mountain, puppet making and more.

Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Ave. Information: (323) 871-2787 or www.hollywoodartscouncil.org.

Sponsors include: Barnsdall Arts, Los Angeles Childrens Hospital and Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti.

Skylight Books Announces Literary Event, Oct. 24th

LOS FELIZ—PEN USA West, a literary organization, will partner with Skylight Books and other neighborhood organizations and businesses to present an all-day literary-related event at Barnsdall Park on Sunday, October 24th.

It will be a free event involving authors, schools, possibly interactive events for adults and kids, films and music.

Town Hall Set for Oct. 2nd

By Caitlin M. Foyt, Ledger Contributing Writer

ATWATER VILLAGE—A town meeting in October will reach out to a different suspect of stakeholders in the Atwater Village community: The people who are not on the internet.

“We have to make sure it’s people in far north Atwater Village and far South Atwater Village and those who for years and years—are for whatever reason—not online have the opportunity to let us know what they think,” said Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) Co-Chair Leonora Gershman-Pitts.

The meeting will take place Sat. Oct. 2nd, at 1 p.m. at Christ Church of Griffth Park, 3852 Edenhurst Ave.

The meeting will serve as an informal means of “checking in” with the people of the community, offering stakeholders the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions of local politicians.

Los Feliz Village Street Fair, July 31st

LOS FELIZ—The Los Feliz Street Fair—organized by the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District (LFVBID), will be July 31st.

The event will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Trolleys will shuttle attendees up and down Hillhurst and Vermont avenues. Life entertainment. Food.

Shakespeare Co. Moves to Griffith Park

GRIFFITH PARK—After six seasons in Barnsdall Park, Independent Shakespeare Co. has moved its summer festival of free performances to Griffith Park.

In 2009 despite diminished funding, the festival played to its largest audience ever: nearly 12,000. Audience members were routinely turned away due lack of space. The new site in Griffith Park, at the Old Zoo, can accommodate twice as many people.

William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” will be performed through Aug. 5th-29th. Old Zoo, near 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. Free admission. Bring blankets and low-backed chairs as there is no seating at the site.

Kiwanis Club Organizes Free Dental Clinic for Children

LOS FELIZ—The Hollywood/Los Feliz Kiwanis Club has announced a free dental clinic for needy children in the Hollywood and Los Feliz communities.

As of July 1st, in conjunction with the YMCA and QueensCare, the Kiwanis Club launched a summer long free dental clinic at Selma Elementary School in Hollywood.

The clinic provides basic dental care including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, with more advanced care available through follow-up visits. To date the clinic has improved the lives of 63 children and remains open to any child in need.

Info and applications are available at www.hollywoodlosfeliskiwanis.org or by calling Club President Robert Menz (323) 522-6941.

Tango at the Ford Aug. 21st

HOLLYWOOD—Fiesta Argentina will return for its 6th straight season to the Ford Amphitheatre, Aug 21st at 8 p.m. Free tango lessons and a picnic begin at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $40, $35 and $12 for children.

A portion of the event will be played in authentic old instruments and the artists will be dressed in the attire of the beginning of the tango age.

The performance will showcase Osvaldo Roval—known today as “The Tango Legend;”—Pablo Goldstein on the flute; Hugo Weinzinger, on guitar; pianist Jorge Bernieri; bassists Jorge Pineda and badoneonist Jorge Trivisonno.

ATWATER VILLAGE—“Friends of Atwater Village” wants all of your old photographs, newspaper clippings, documents and local business receipts.

If you lived in Atwater Village between 1900 and 2000, your history would be a welcomed addition to a photographic history book project that aims to preserve the memories and history of Atwater Village.

“If people pass away, that treasured photograph may be lost forever, but if it’s in the book, it’s there for forever,” said “Friends of Atwater Village” board member Luis Lopez. “It’s the 100 year anniversary of Atwater Village and it’s a great time to spark that interest.”

“Friends of Atwater Village” is also asking for former and current residents or business owners to share their personal Atwater Village History.

Submit all memorabilia to “Friends of Atwater Village” by late August to be duplicated and considered for the book.

The history book will be available on store shelves in early 2011. Visit www.friendsofatwatervillage.org for more information.

GRIFFITH PARK—Mike Azarian, the owner of the Roosevelt Café at the Roosevelt Golf Course in Griffith Park, smiles when he says he has seen many of his dreams come true.  In the past year or so, he first bought and renovated the Los Feliz Café (Formerly Eat) at the Los Feliz Golf Course; followed that up with purchasing and renovating the Roosevelt Café, and got married all around the same time.

Azarian gained valuable experience working in his family’s restaurant in Germany before coming to the U.S.  Even though he has yet to turn 30, he earned his stripes in food and catering managing large banquets and events in the Sunland, Tujunga, La Crescenta Area

The young proprietor brought back to life the bold red and white décor at the Los Feliz Café.  He kept the old neon “Eat,” sign front as a reminder of when it was first built in 1957.  Long-time neighbors said they appreciate the renovation and have re-discovered the shaded patio coupled with its American diner menu as a peaceful meeting place.

The Roosevelt Café, built in 1992, has served as a clubhouse for many, and a place to unwind after golf.  Located at 2650 Vermont Ave. across from the Greek Theater—in the heart of Griffith Park—the location is ideal, but, according to Azarian, the restaurant had fallen onto hard times before he took it on.

“In my mind I wanted to bring it back to when the people used to love it,” said Azarian.

Unlike the Los Feliz Café, there wasn’t much historical information for the Roosevelt to reference, but Azarian concentrated on sprucing up the surroundings and highlighting the best aspects of the restaurant—convenience and relaxing setting.

“It’s for everyone that uses the park—you can be hiker, dog walker, tourist, or just someone who enjoys having lunch in the park,” said Azarian.

Open for breakfast and lunch, Azarian brought the basics of any fine restaurant.   Working alongside his employees, they serve everything from hamburgers, salads and omelettes to Armenian Shawarma sandwiches.

New customers are finding out you don’t have to play golf to eat there.

“At the Roosevelt it’s a restaurant in the park, but you haven’t left the city,” said Azarian.   “I want to make the Roosevelt a destination for our community because it’s there for them.”

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 in July, to approve a proposal by Council President Eric Garcetti to create a new Office of Economic Analysis.

According to a statement, released by Garcetti’s office, the office will provide the city with rigorous and independent research to guide job creation and economic development initiatives and to assess other city actions for their impact on jobs and the economy.

The office will be funded by Garcetti’s office for one year. After that Garcetti would seek to permanently establish the office.

“The Office of Economic Analysis is about ensuring the City has the rigorous, independent research it needs to best create jobs and improve the economy,” Garcetti said, through a statement. “The Office of Economic Analysis will help ensure the big economic picture is taken into account in every City decision that directly or indirectly affects the economy, from business tax reform to traffic improvements.”

Hollyhock House

History buffs, come forward! The city needs your help in uncovering cultural assets, places that matter to Angelenos, which might otherwise be lost to demolition.

“Information will give property owners and developers greater up-front certainty about the historic significance of a place so they can plan accordingly,” said Silver Lake resident Janet Hanson, who is also the director of SurveyLA, with the Dept. of City Planning.

“Parks, stores, social halls, canals and bridges are being documented. Historic districts range from residential neighborhoods to industrial complexes,” she said.

SurveyLA seeks to uncover sites where significant social events occurred. For example, a 1964 demonstration by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), which prevented members of the White Citizens Council from leaving the building then located at 3201 Los Feliz Blvd., would be noted.

Hollyhock House at 4800 Hollywood Blvd. in Barnsdall Park, would be recognized not only for its revolutionary design, but the significance of its first owner, Aline Barnsdall to 1920s and 30s Socialism.

The hardware store at 1801 N. Western Ave. would be recognized as the former location of Flower View Gardens.  The Ito family who built it was among the first Japanese Americans in Los Feliz to tend flower farms in the foothills below Griffith Park from 1917 to 1942.

Also, SurveyLA would recognize Los Feliz for its significance to early 20th century film production. Today’s reminders, such as DeMille Drive in Laughlin Park and KCET’s brick studios on Sunset Drive, have already been noted by SurveyLA, according to Donald Seligman, through the efforts of the Los Feliz Improvement Association (LFIA) which Seligman serves as president.

“The LFIA is very supportive of this project and we provided SurveyLA with a trove of research formatted on DVD and hardcopy. We provided lists of important architects’ works, celebrity addresses through the last 100 years, as well as our oldest housing stock. I would be surprised if they have any more material from any other part of Los Angeles than what they have for Los Feliz,” he said.

Can you recommend a neighborhood or structure important to a Los Angeles trend such as race relations, film, transportation and aerospace?  Survey LA has already received some 1,000 nominations.

Visit www.SurveyLA.org to fill out the “My Historic LA” form. Identify a resource which warrants evaluation by professional consultants and you will lead the way to preserving history.

And watch footage of 1930s era Olvera Street, 1940s era Venice and 1950s era Hollywood at the SurveyLA.org site.