sales tax vote on the november ballot
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This weekend the state Senate and the California Assembly passed the AB 2321 sales tax measure after holding hearings. Unless Governor Schwarzenegger vetoes the bill in the next 30 days, the measure will appear on our November 4th ballot as Measure R - Traffic Relief, Rail Extensions, Reduce Foreign Oil. UPDATE: Metro has created a flashy new site for information on the measure.
The 1/2-percent sales tax increase is expected to bring in $30 - $40 billion over 30 years. LA County will see the largest investment of public transportation never before seen if this bill passes.
Attachment A is attached to this measure to note the distribution of funds with the Measure’s passage.
September 2, 2008 14 Comments
new signage added to downtown establishments
Better signage on dining and retail establishments have helped the visual progression of Downtown LA over recent years. Just as important as a new opening, well-placed placards and business lettering can significantly improve a business’s interaction with the street and pedestrians.
Owners of existing venues along Grand Avenue, as well as new and reopening places on the other side of town, are working out effective ways to best grab your attention.
Bar entrepreneur Cedd Moses purchased Casey’s in September 2007 with the hopes of increasing business at the signature Downtown pub.
One can only hope this new logo hung above the restaurant on Grand Avenue can give the subterranean venue better visibility and increased traffic flow.
New visual aids from Seven, Tranquility, Cole’s and Wurstkuche…
August 26, 2008 18 Comments
personal chef services enter the downtown market
How many times have you come home after work wishing you had a home-cooked meal instead of another fast food takeout?
A new Downtown service aims to change all that. Taryn Burks, the cosmopolitan chef, wants to be your personal cook. Burks provides fresh, wholesome dinners for busy people.
Complimentary consultations are offered to discuss your dietary needs and personal tastes. You can then sign up for a one-time, weekly, or bi-monthly meal plan. Taryn offers “5 x 2” and “5 x 4” plans.
July 22, 2008 3 Comments
casa beginning build-out at california plaza
New restaurant Casa has started building-out underneath the Two California Plaza building on Grand Avenue. Along with indoor dining, an outdoor patio is being constructed to handle up to 70 patrons.
Plans call for Casa to be a high-end Mexican venue with weekday happy hours and lunch and dinner servings — though without head chef Josef Centeno, who was originally planned to be a part of the project.
Weekend hours are also planned, which would bring some vibrancy to California Plaza after surrounding corporate offices shut down at 5:00pm on Fridays.
Construction started last week and is expected to be completed in October, according to construction workers on site.
Due to the history of restaurant openings in Downtown, it’s safe to assume that we’d be hopeful Casa opens before the end of the year!
-cantaloop frozen yogurt now open at california plaza
-california plaza famima opens december 11
July 21, 2008 6 Comments
2nd pastagina store open in the grand promenade
Pastagina has opened its second downtown location by joining Koo Koo Roo on the ground floor level of the Grand Promenade Apartments.
The “affordable gourmet pasta” chain opened last month atop Bunker Hill at 3rd and Grand, and per the store manager, has already become one of the chain’s highest performing stores.
Based on the location of the store, it is well positioned for the office crowd in the afternoon, with the residential, late night office folk, and the Disney Hall crowd at night. Also, with the neighboring Grand Concert Series at California Plaza, the pasta eatery is poised to attract new customers.
Pastagina is open from 11:00am to 10:00pm daily. Since not much is open on Grand Avenue during the weekends or late night, the restaurant’s respectable hours are a welcome addition to the area.
More on Pastagina’s next location at Market Lofts after the jump…
June 10, 2008 16 Comments
panini cafe lights up a street
Signage and classy new patio seating for the upcoming Panini Cafe has made an impact on the Skyline Condominiums at the corner of 9th and Hope, directly across from Ralph’s Fresh Fare.
Retail space on this side of Skyline has sat dormant for a few years, as rumors circulated that the developer was holding out for an upscale eatery once Ralphs opened up across the street.
As final exterior work on the new restaurant continues, the signage and sidewalk improvements — complete with heat lamps, iron railing and polished slate flooring — has brought a fresh touch not just to the residential tower, but also to south side of 9th street which lacks pedestrian appeal.
June 4, 2008 15 Comments
j lounge follows suit with new sunday brunch
J Lounge & Restaurant has started offering Sunday brunches from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
The venue joins Tranquility Base as the second resto-lounge in South Park to open for Sunday brunch in the last couple of months. I haven’t had the opportunity to try out J Lounge for dining yet, but would hope to report back sometime soon on the tastings.
J Lounge does offer plenty of hours for regular lunch and dinner dining, but this is their first venture for Sunday servings. If all goes well, we may get to see more hours on Sundays.
J Restaurant & Lounge
1119 S Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-746-7746
jloungela.com
Sunday Brunch: 10:00am - 2:00pm
June 2, 2008 1 Comment
