Open Culver City

State Controller John Chiang to Attend Culver City Democratic Club 60th Anniversary Luncheon

2012-02-22T00:07:05Z

Location: Culver Hotel
9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA

When: February 26, 2012
Time: 11:30 am–2:00 pm

California State Controller John Chiang will be honored during the Culver City Democratic Club's 60th Anniversary celebration and Officer Installation Luncheon at the historic Culver Hotel on Sunday, Feb. 26.

The Club's past presidents will also be honored during the reception. Attendees will enjoy a three-course lunch in the Hotel's classic 1920's Grand Lobby, and hear the State Controller address the Club.

Following longstanding tradition, the Club will swear in its newly elected officers: President Bill Wynn, First Vice-President Meghan Sahli-Wells, Second Vice-President Sylvia Moore, Immediate Past President Karlo Silbiger, Treasurer Eric Fine, Recording Secretary Patricia Levinson, Corresponding Secretary Lee Welinsky, and Membership Secretary Diane Rosenberg.

The Culver Hotel is located at 9400 Culver Boulevard, tickets to this unique event are $40 in advance, $45 at the door.

More information can be found on the Club's new website: http://culvercitydemocraticclub.com/.

2012 Officer Installation and Awards Luncheon

11:30 am - 2pm

Sunday, February 26

Culver Hotel 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City

Tickets $40 per person, $45 at the door

Please make checks payable to Culver City Democratic Club

P.O. Box 4254, Culver City, CA 90231-4254

or contact Diane Rosenberg at 310-398-5328

Website: http://culvercitydemocraticclub.com

Phone: 310-398-5328

Price: $40 in advance, $45 at the door

Whitney Houston Fans Gather in Culver City To Celebrate Her Life

2012-02-20T07:28:46Z

CULVER CITY (CBS) — A group of Whitney Houston fans gathered in Culver City Sunday night to celebrate her life, sing her songs and mourn her passing.

CBS2 and KCAL9 reporter Rachel Kim was there for all the hoopla and the love. And she reports, organizers of the event were also saying thank you to Houston, for her unheralded and largely-quiet but constant support.

The fans included Sabrina Johnson, a former Houston back-up singer, and a 12-year-old Mimi Sledge, who wasn’t even alive when Whitney Houston first soared on the pop charts 30 years ago. No matter, they were all united in their appreciation for all things Whitney.

As Kim reported, “Whitney Houston may be gone but her songs will live on.”

Said Johnson, “I felt like I lost a sister, a mentor, a friend. She taught me to really hone my craft as a musician, to take what I was doing seriously and to realize what I had was not my own, it was a gift God had given me.”

Sledge also talked about Houston and her spirituality. “I like all of her songs. She had a really beautiful spirit. She was a woman of God and she loved God.”

The celebration of Houston’s life was part of a gospel concert to help raise money for the Kierrah Foundation — they’re a support group for young women who are aging-out of the foster care system.

Mimi is one of those girls.

Foundation founder Brandy Sanders tells Kim that Houston was an unabashed supporter of the group. “Whitney was such a big part of all out lives. We love her. We know she would’ve supported an event like this and we want to honor her for that tonight.”

Kim reports the group — young and old — sang their hearts out in appreciation and rose to their feet on more than one occasion to mourn not only the passing of a legend, but the loss of someone who lent her heart to their cause.

$100 Million PCP Drug Bust in Culver City and L.A. Is Biggest Seizure Ever

2012-02-19T07:24:00Z

A man and woman were behind bars Friday in what authorities described as the biggest PCP bust in memory after 139 gallons of the drug, phencyclidine was seized in Los Angeles and Culver City.

Darryl Dwayne Burton, 55, and Lagina Bell Huckaby, 31, were arrested Wednesday at a UPS store in Culver City where they were allegedly trying to ship drugs, according to Lt. Scott Fairfield of the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force, or L.A. IMPACT.

"It's the largest PCP seizure I've ever heard of," he said. Enough of the drug was seized to dose about 10 million people at cost of about $15 each, authorities said. About $389,000 in cash was seized.

The investigation stemmed from information received from Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents in Los Angeles," Lt. Fairfield stated in a press release. L.A. IMPACT investigators developed the case and during the month-long investigation investigators learned that a suspect with links to a Los Angeles street gang was actively involved in the manufacturing of PCP.

That person was Burton, believed to be an associate of the Bounty Hunter Bloods street gang, Fairfield said. Search warrants were served at two South Los Angeles homes and two storage facilities, Fairfield said. An active drug lab was found in one home, and most of the PCP and chemicals for making were found in the storage facilities, he said.

Authorities believe the drug ring included at least 10 people locally, and that it was distributing to Texas, New York and Washington, D.C., and other points east. Investigators observed and intercepted suspicious deliveries that were addressed to locations in Texas. They detected a chemical odor emitting from the boxes and tests later confirmed the boxes contained PCP.

Two semiautomatic rifles were also seized, along with chemicals for making about 500 more gallons of the drug, which induces symptons similar to schizophrenia.

Burton, held on $3 million bail, and Huckaby, held on $2 million bail, pleaded not guilty to felony drug charges on Friday. Burton has two drug related convictions, authorities said. A gallon of PCP sells for about $12,000 in Los Angeles.

The psychoactive drug with hallucinogenic and neurotoxic effects was originally used as a surgical anesthetic after World War II, but later used only in veterinary medicine because of adverse side effects.

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LA Weekly Building Gets a New Paint Job

2012-02-18T02:30:33Z

The LA Weekly‘s office in Culver City just got a new paint job, courtesy of graffiti artists How & Nosm. The giant mural took a week to complete and short film about the project is in the works and will be finished in March. We’re hoping it includes footage of angry local residents chucking eggs at the mural. The Weekly‘s Shelley Leopold writes that residents of motel across the street were none-too-pleased about the sounds of boom lifts in the early morning hours.

In the meanwhile, trailer after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Culver City Nature Trail: The Westside’s No-Excuse Walk

2012-02-13T03:30:57Z

Some of the famous hikes in the L.A. area require physical fitness, acclimation to altitude, tenacity and a willing to tackle the unknown. However, there is only one prerequisite to walk on the 0.25-mile Culver City Nature Trail: a pulse. [ more › ]

Culver City Creates New Expo-Adjacent Development in 5 Days

2012-02-12T03:04:32Z

Image of Expo Culver City station via Streetsblog LA

The Culver City city council closed a deal with a developer for a 5.2 acre site adjacent to the under-construction Expo Line station, just before the city's redevelopment agency--formerly guiding the sale--was dissolved by the state last week. The city put out a request for proposals on January 25 and finalized the deal five days later, the Los Angeles Wave reports. Lowe Enterprises beat out a handful of other developers by paying $23.8 million for the parcel and "willingness to build the agency’s preferred project," according to Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld. Lowe must build "a mix of housing, office, retail and restaurant use surrounding a large central open space amenity and connect seamlessly with the new station and the emerging Washington National Transit Oriented Development District with public plazas, outdoor dining and a strong retail edge to encourage pedestrian activity." The project will have more than 1,500 parking spaces and a third of an acre of open space. This was not Culver City's only swift last minute deal made right before redevelopment agency death day.
· Culver City Acts Fast on TOD Development [The Wave]
· Expo Line Archives [Curbed LA]

Valentine’s Day Specials at Coffee Bean, Akasha, Royal/T and CoolHaus

2012-02-11T16:00:00Z

Buy One, Get One Free on Valentine's Day at The Coffee Bean

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf recently held a Valentine’s Day Facebook poll, and discovered that 34 percent of first-time daters would choose a coffee shop as a first date spot in order to have peace and quiet while engaging in quality conversation. Twenty-four percent of respondents said they’d choose a coffee shop so they could have a quick date and end it early if necessary (we’ve all been there), and 25 percent said they’d choose a coffee shop because it makes them feel comfortable. So in honor of potentially meeting a new flame or simply enjoying quiet time with your loved one, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is providing a two-for one offer for Valentine’s Day only on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Simply buy one drink and the second one (at equal or lesser value) free. While Culver City doesn’t officially have a Coffee Bean, there is one close by in the strip mall the corner of Venice and Motor at 10401 Venice Blvd., 90034.

Cool Pre-Valentine's Day Party for Singles at CoolHaus

CoolHaus Ice Cream store believes it’s still not too late to meet that special someone in time for Valentine’s Day. So on Monday, Feb. 13, CoolHaus is throwing a pre-Valentine’s Day party for singles only. For just $20 you’ll receive unlimited ice-cream sandwiches, ice cream floats, hot chocolate and all the comfort food you could want… just in case you don’t meet Mr. or Ms. Right. As an added bonus you’ll also be on hand for the launch of CoolHaus’s latest ice cream flavor… Fried Chicken and Waffles.

Akasha’s Romantic Prix Fixe Valentine’s Day Menu

Akasha has released its prix fixe Valentine’s Day Menu. For just $60 you and your special someone can enjoy a romantic dinner on Feb. 14. Reservations are highly recommended and you can even order a vegan meal if you like. The menu includes crostini with goat cheese, figs and truffle honey; saffron risotto with lobster butter, shrimp and scallops; tandoori lamb chops with spinach puree, eggplant with tomato masala and raita; wild mushroom and sheep ricotta ravioli and chocolate hazelnut crème brulee. This is just a small sampling of the Valentine’s Day menu on offer. To see the complete menu click here.

Royal/T Goes Ethiopian for Valentine's Day

Royal/T is offering an "Eat Your Heart Out" Valentine's Day menu with an Ethiopian flair. Bereket - LA’s only Ethiopian supper club, will host a seven course meal in honor of Valentine's Day. In a collaboration with chef Isaiah Frizzell of pHeast, Royal/T promises "this special event will feature our modern take on an ancient cuisine." There's a private chef's table if you're flying solo on Valentine's Day - for up to 15 people. For everyone else, there will be two seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. RSVP now to book your tickets by clicking here. Prices are $75 per ticket, $95 if youw ant wine pairings. There will also be a chas bar and a live DJ.

[Related Articles] Valentine’s Day Brings Sweet Deals

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Silverlining Extended Men’s Sale-35% off all men’s clothing the month of February!

2012-02-10T01:44:36Z

Location: Silverlining
12095 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

When: Daily
Time: 12:00 pm–7:00 pm

Due to popular demand, silverlining has extended its fabulous men's sale for the entire month of February! Shop with us and receive 35% off all men's clothing! Great labels, great prices, great cause!

Website: http://www.facebook.com/SilverLiningResaleBoutique

Phone: 3130.751.1483

Email: SilverLining@thehelpgroup.org

Price: $0

Gang Member Sentenced for Drug and Gun Running in Culver City/Venice Area

2012-02-09T01:25:00Z

A gang member was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for his role in a drug and gun running operation in the Culver City/Venice area, federal officials announced Wednesday.

George R. "Trippy'' Lopez, 42, of Lawndale, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge George H. King, who said the defendant must serve three years on supervised release following the prison term.

According to court records, Lopez - a documented gang member - gave a rifle to co-defendant Cesar P. "Downer'' Rios, a previously convicted felon and fellow gang member, in order to hide it from police. Rios was previously sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison, officials said.

Seventeen others were also arrested as a result of the four-month investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and other agencies into Venice/Culver City-area gangs known to engage in gun and drug offenses, federal authorities said.

Video: Culver City High School’s Yamen Sanders On Signing With University of Arizona

2012-02-07T03:00:00Z

Update: 2:15 p.m. - LA Sports Journal also has video interviews with Khalil Pettiway, Alex Jackson, Kevin Porche and Coach Jahmal White.

Click here for the Pettiway and Jackson interview.

Click here for the Porche interview.

Click here for the Jahmal White interview.

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The Los Angeles Sports Journal's Ed Gonzalez scored this interview with Culver City High School footballer Yamen Sanders on signing day where he discussed his decision to sign with the University of Arizona.

For more information and to learn about the site that covers Westside sports, click here.

To read about other CCHS players and who they signed with click here.

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Jason Wu Collection for Target in Culver City Sells Out Within Hours, Sunday

2012-02-07T03:00:00Z

Culver City Target was just one of a slew of the retail stores that opened its doors Sunday morning to debut Jason Wu’s collection. Shoppers lined up for hours ahead of the opening and the stores were cleaned out of the designer’s pieces within hours.

Wu is probably best known for creating Michelle Obama’s white, off-the-shoulder ball gown for President Barack Obama’s 2008 Inauguration Ball.

With pieces ranging from $19.99 to $59.99, many shoppers bought Wu’s clothing en masse and are now attempting to sell them for inflated prices on Craigslist. Culver City Patch discovered the following three listings alone in Culver City for pieces bought on Sunday. They can be found here:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/clo/2836030970.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/clo/2836190122.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/clo/2836181355.html

At 10:15 Sunday morning, one of Culver City Patch’s twitter followers tweeted, “#culvercity #target still has some JasonWu! Better get here quick!”

Click on the video to the right for an interview with Wu and footage of Sunday's shopping frenzy.

What do you think of the Jason Wu frenzy? Did you try and buy any of the pieces from his collection? Tell us in the comments.

Southern California Edison Offers Rebates on Pool Pumps

2012-02-07T03:59:04Z

Beverly Hills homeowners with swimming pools have a chance to save money and energy with a special offer from Southern California Edison.

SCE customers with pools can take advantage of a $200 cash rebate when they buy a new variable-speed pool pump and motor.

The rebates are available for single-family residential customers who purchase a new pool pump between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of this year, according to SCE. The pump must be installed by Feb. 28, 2013.

A pool's pump and motor operates every day of the year, regardless of whether the pool is in use. A single-speed motor for an average-sized pool with 20,000 gallons of water that needs cycling once per day takes six hours to cycle and can cost about $870 per year to operate, according to SCE. But a variable-speed motor for the same pool takes 12 hours to cycle and costs about $436 per year.

"It takes far less energy to move the large amount of water in a pool slowly rather than quickly," the South Bay Environmental Services Center announced in a news release. "Replacing a power-hungry, single-speed pool pump with a slower, more efficient variable-speed pump is a money-saving, energy-wise decision."

Besides the approximate $400 annual savings on energy bills, the newer pool pumps are quieter, last longer and provide more efficient daily filtration.

To take advantage of the rebate, a pool owner should purchase the new pool equipment, and submit the completed and signed rebate application form to SCE.

SCE is also offering rebates on Energy Star-qualified refrigerators, whole house fans, energy efficient single- or two-stage ducted evaporative cooling systems, portable room air conditioners, efficient electric storage water heaters and hybrid electric heat pump water heaters. More information is available on the SCE website.

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Culver City High Students’ ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ Art Installation

2012-02-06T04:49:00Z

Mondays with the Mayor Community Bike Ride

2012-02-04T06:30:00Z

If you’ve ever wanted to get fit, tour Culver City and/or talk turkey with the mayor, here’s your opportunity.

The Culver City Bicycle Coalition together with Mayor Micheal O’Leary have come together to create a Mondays with the Mayor morning community bike ride.

According to the coalition’s blog, every Monday morning those interested can hop on their bikes and take a tour of the city while discussing community issues with the mayor, including how to improve bike conditions in the city.

Barring inclement weather, cyclists will meet every Monday morning at 8 a.m. Syd Kronenthal Park at the east end of the Ballona Creek Bike Path, 3459 McManus Avenue, Culver City, 90232 beneath the canopies near the community room.

Cyclists should be ready to leave by 8:10 a.m. and the coalition promises that the ride will be an easy one.

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Witness scares off apartment burglary suspects in Culver City

2012-02-02T06:47:06Z

Police are searching for three suspects in an apartment burglary who were scared off by a witness in Culver City.

Frank Gehry is working for free as architect of new Jazz Bakery

2012-02-02T21:48:56Z

Having designed L.A.'s signature space for classical music, Frank Gehry is on board to do the same for jazz.

Jazz Bakery coming back to Culver City in style

2012-02-01T17:45:12Z

Ruth Price's Jazz Bakery received approval today from the Culver City city council to develop a new Frank Gehry-designed, 250-seat theater.

Culver City Man Convicted of 2nd Degree Murder in New Year’s Eve Crash

2012-01-31T02:07:00Z

A Culver City man was convicted today of two counts of second-degree murder for driving drunk and causing a New Year's Eve wreck that killed a husband and wife.

Jorge Alberto Molina, 28, could facing 50 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on March 15. A jury also found him guilty of a hit-and-run charge for leaving the scene of the Dec. 31, 2010 crash that killed Kelvin and Demetria Dorsey.

Prosecutors said Molina, who was driving a Geo Prism, ran through a red light at Florence Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard in the Hyde Park area of Los Angeles before slamming into an Infiniti SUV driven by Demetria Dorsey.

Molina was being pursued by police who had seen him run another red light while heading west on Florence at Van Ness Avenue.

The Infiniti flipped over three times. Dorsey, 50, and her 54-year-old husband both died as a result of blunt force trauma suffered in the crash.

Molina got out of his car and tried to run away, but was quickly arrested by pursuing officers.

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Low Cost Pet Vaccination and Free Microchip Clinic for Santa Monica and Culver City Residents

2012-01-29T01:15:55Z

Location: Clover Park
2600 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA

When: February 25, 2012
Time: 9:00 pm–3:00 pm

Website: http://spcala.com/special_events/event.php?id=145

Phone: 888-772-2521

Email: corolla.fleeger@culvercity.org

Price: Free

NASA video: Global warming in 26 seconds

2012-01-26T14:18:50Z

From Green Right Now Reports

NASA’s video depiction of our changing climate. Breathtaking.