LAist

Video: The 'Berlin Wall' Comes Down on Wilshire Blvd.

Zach Behrens — 2009-11-09T04:09:06-08:00

Video by Zach Behrens/LAist

The 20th Anniversary for the falling of the Berlin Wall was a big deal here in Los Angeles, a sister city of Berlin's. Thanks to the Wende Museum of the Cold War, Wilshire Boulevard last night was bisected by the 60-foot L.A. Wall, donned with images by such artists as Shepard Fairey and Thierry Noir, who began painting the Berlin Wall in 1984.

About a thousand people gathered for the 11 p.m. ceremony, which featured videos, speakers and music, all in anticipation of midnight when a 6-foot portion of L.A.'s wall would come down. As that moment grew near, the crowd's insanity intensified. Finally, artists and officials tore down the wall, complete with concrete looking pieces of styrofoam. Then... celebratory chaos.

Leading up to the event, 10 segments of the original wall were installed on the grass at 5900 Wilshire, across from LACMA. Noir, along with L.A. muralist Kent Twitchell, Marie Astrid González and Farrah Karapetian, added their own works to it, which will remain on display until next Saturday.

Previously: Muralist Adding Image of Kennedy to Berlin Wall Display on Wilshire

Extra, Extra

Manny — 2009-11-08T19:45:00-08:00

Blue Couch Red Wall | Photo by Tyler S. Andrews via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

A police chase might have turned up a man linked to three unsolved murders. The suspect is being held on $3 million bail.
After robbing neighbors, burglars were tracked by police back to their garage where they were found sleeping with the evidence.
Its that time of year... People can receive gift cards for turning in their guns... and GRENADES???
A Long Beach bicyclist was killed after running a red light. Police are asking for help in identifying the victim.
Rodney King is still hoping to get into the ring with one of the officers accused of beating him. But he says its all about educating people and having fun.
An LA Times/USC poll shows that Californians are really pessimistic about the future of the Golden State. Cmon! Chin up California!!!
Finally... If you're at Disneyland and need to know exactly how long the wait time is for the Jungle Cruise... There's an app for that.

Welcome to Schadenfreude Saturday

Jimmy Bramlett — 2009-11-08T13:00:00-08:00

The Chosen One Tim Tebow, Florida Gators quarterback, doing a victory lap after defeating Vanderbilt. AP Photo/John Raoux

As Adam Rose pointed out on his twitter it was schadenfreude yesterday with losing being the cool thing to do. Losses by Iowa, Notre Dame, Oregon, Michigan, Penn State and LSU made it almost seem trendy.

By looking at the rankings it’s easy to think college football is having a down year, but the rankings are only part of the story. There have been great games all weekend long with teams looking evenly matched. Whether that’s due to parity or mediocrity does not diminish the excitement.

For three quarters, the LSU-Alabama game was up in the air with LSU leading throughout most of the three quarters. But Alabama found their offense that had gone missing in the fourth quarter and scored a touchdown and two field goals to clinch the SEC West and an appointment to face Florida in the SEC Championship game.

Iowa has provided the world with their fourth quarter heroics all season long, however they couldn’t get it done at home over Northwestern.

And let’s not forget the thrilling end to the Navy-Notre Dame game where thanks to a late safety Navy was able to escape with their second consecutive win at Notre Dame Stadium at the feet of Touchdown Jesus.

In the Pac-10 the nation is starting to see the depth of the conference. The excellent showing by Stanford who beat Oregon and Oregon State beating Cal is raising the profile of the conference. Unfortunately it hurts the chances of a BCS champion coming from the conference. However with four of the ten teams ranked in the AP top 25 in USC, Oregon, Arizona and Stanford (with Oregon State merely eight points away from being ranked), the Pac-10 is finally being shown some respect.

Now for the LAist-CS top 16 rankings. Outside of the top three, it was a hard time ranking the other 13 teams. Another complication this week was Andy Sternberg not participating this week. In lieu of his rankings, I used the AP rankings. So here it is.

1. Florida (9-0, 7-0 SEC) - It really doesn’t matter the order of the top three. But here’s Florida.
2. Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC) - In what was essentially a playoff game, the Tide passed LSU to win the SEC East and ensure a much anticipated rematch against the Gators in Atlanta. (Adam Rose)
2. Texas (9-0, 5-0 Big 12) - I hate they scheduled such a cupcake in Central Florida.
4. Cincinnati (9-0, 5-0 Big East) - If you asked me earlier in the season whether a Big East team would be in the top five I would have laughed at you. But I guess this is where we’re at right now.
5. Boise State (9-0, 4-0 WAC) - A ten point victory over Louisiana Tech was much closer than the scoreboard indicated. Oregon should still be a double-digit favorite in a rematch. (Adam Rose)
6. TCU (9-0, 5-0 Mountain West) - Beating nobody special since 2009. Honestly, they're cute, but is this the team to bust the BCS? (Adam Rose)
7. LSU (7-2, 4-2 SEC) - It's hard to dock them for losing to what many consider the best team in America. They haven't always been stellar, but they're solid.
8. Oregon (7-2, 5-1 Pac-10) - Can you really see anyone below them in these rankings beat the Ducks? I think not.
9. USC (7-2, 4-2 Pac-10) - It could always be worse in a rebuilding year. I still have them playing the Fiesta Bowl.
9. Georgia Tech (9-1, 6-1 ACC) - An overtime victory over Wake Forest makes the ACC frontrunner almost as unimpressive as the Big East frontrunner. (Adam Rose)
11. Pittsburgh (8-1, 5-0 Big East) - How did this team lost to NC State?
12. Ohio State (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten) - They've outscored opponents 107-14 since the Purdue debacle, and this week they finally beat - nay, crushed - somebody good. A victory over Iowa next week revalidates the Buckeyes. Is revalidates a word? It could be one by next Saturday. (Adam Rose)
13. Miami (FL) (7-2, 4-2 ACC) - The Hurricanes are still hanging around trying to see if they have any chance for a BCS bowl. It’s very unlikely.
14. Houston (8-1, 4-1 Conf. USA) - The only reason they’re still on this list is because of all the losing going on all over the place.
15. Iowa (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) - It’s about damned time they lose. But if they get it together and beat Ohio State next week, they will be facing Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
16. Oklahoma State (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) - They will really be tested with games against Texas Tech, Colorado and Oklahoma.

Also receiving votes: Utah, Arizona.

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SuperClásico Playoff Series Finale Is Serious Business

Angel Magaña — 2009-11-08T08:00:25-08:00

Come Monday morning, only one L.A. side will remain in the hunt for MLS Cup 2009. The fortunate team that will continue its trek will be determined later this afternoon at the Home Depot Center when the Galaxy and Chivas USA close out the first-ever SuperClásico playoff series.

Expectations are high for this match following a high scoring and tense first leg last Sunday. A repeat is expected this afternoon and chances are this match will also live up to the hype. There is little else to add regarding this match that hasn't already been stated, so this time around, we'll leave the talking to some of the combatants and strategists.

LAist headed down to Saturday's Chivas USA practice and here is what they had to say:

Game Details

Galaxy vs. Chivas USA
November 8th, 4:30 PM @Home Depot Center
TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes; Radio: KWKW

Zenyatta Makes "Her"Story

Jimmy Bramlett — 2009-11-07T19:30:46-08:00

Zenyatta, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, crossing the finish line at the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Photo courtesy Benoit Photography

She did it. It took a shade over two minutes, 2:00.62 to be exact, but Zenyatta became the first mare or filly to win the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic in an improbable come-from-behind fashion that was indeed a classic.

“It certainly takes an incredible, incredible mare to do it,” hall-of-fame jockey Mike Smith said. “And you know, her size and just her style of running and the length of her stride is incredible.”

“We’re over the moon,” owner Jerry Moss said. “We knew we wanted to do this for her to prove what we thought that she deserved this chance. She just performed so beautifully.”

Moss, it should be noted, is a co-founder of A&M Records and named Zenyatta after the 1980 Police album Zenyatta Mondatta.

The Santa Anita crowd of 58,845 was behind Zenyatta all day holding up pink signs reading, “Girl Power! Go Zenyatta.”

Photo courtesy Benoit Photography

“The way the crowd took to her was just amazing,” Moss gushed. “They cheered for her, they clapped for her; they love her. What a wonderful relationship.”

“I’ve never seen a crowd so captivated,” trainer extraordinaire Bob Baffert said. “It felt like a horse winning the third leg of the Triple Crown.”

The race started off with a bit of drama as Quality Road, racing from the 12th position, refused to get in the starting gate. With the first 11 horses locked in the gate, they tried scaring him with the sound of the whip and by blindfolding him to get him in the gate. All attempts were futile as he kept bucking violently scraping his hind leg which eventually forced him to be scratched from the race.

The drama clearly affected Zenyatta a bit because she didn’t get any jump whatsoever out of the starting gate.

“She started getting a little agitated,” Smith said of the drama. “I was a little worried when the gates opened she wouldn't move period, and she didn't. So that was a huge, man, I thought oh, God, no, not today.

“She actually spotted a length or two leaving there. I had to get her out of there. I had to hit her out of there. I didn't know if she was going to stand or back out again. When she did come out she was in her left lead which isn't what you want to be in. You want to be in your rights on the straights and lefts on the turns. I let her go. Let her get back to the lead and she gathered herself up.”

At this point Zenyatta was 10 to 11 lengths behind the leader Regal Ransom. By the ½ mile point she had overtaken Kentucky Derby winner Mine that Bird.

“About the 3/8 pole I saw Zenyatta going,” Mine that Bird jockey Calvin Borel said. “I tried to follow her because I didn't want her to get away from me, but he couldn't do it."

As the horses approached the final turn, Zenyatta was still trailed Regal Ransom by a considerable margin and things looked bleak. While everyone knew her modus operandi was to make a late surge, even this huge deficit seemed too much to overcome.

“Zenyatta has a lot a lot of ground to make up,” Santa Anita race caller Trevor Denman announced. “Zenyatta, if she wins this she will be a superhorse.”

Right after Denman said that, Zenyatta made a move inside coming out of the turn with 300 yards left to go. At 200 yards, Zenyatta made a move outside getting the crowd on their feet. She kept her head down and with 25 yards left took the lead.

“This! Is! Un! Be! Lievable,” Denman exclaimed as Zenyatta approached the finish line with the crowd roaring. “Zenyatta! What a performance! One we will never forget! Looked impossible. But it is Zenyatta still unbeaten under Mike Smith.”

Jockey Mike Smith celebrating after Zenyatta's victory. Photo courtesy Benoit Photography.

“I still never got to the bottom of her,” Smith said. “That’s the amazing thing. She still had run left. She’s incredible.”

Christopher Clement, trainer of second place Gio Ponti, said, “She’s a freak. What can I say? She’s a freak.”

Zenyatta is now perfect in her 14 races becoming only the fifth horse since 1900 to reach that mark. And in this Classic she defeated the Kentucky Derby winner in Mine That Bird and the Belmont Stakes winner in Summer Bird. She defeated a four-time Grade I Stakes winner Gio Ponti. It was arguably the best Classic lineup since its inception in 1984.

Announcer Trevor Denman said it all after the race.

“What a dramatic performance! One of the most sensational ever! Zenyatta wins the Breeders’ Cup Classic. “

Zenyatta hamming it up for the cameras in the Winner's Circle after winning the Breeders' Cup Classic. Photo courtesy Benoit Photography

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Extra, Extra

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-07T18:00:15-08:00

Photo by hatehills via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

A man in his 60s died last night in Long Beach after being struck by a van while riding a bicycle near Magnolia and 6th.
A recent LA Times/USC poll shows that most California voters aren't planning on getting the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination.
Good news for Burbank newshounds; your local paper, the Burbank Leader, has announced they're expanding their coverage.
How does Rodney King (LAist Interview) fight the temptation to ruin his sobriety? Boxing!
A motorist who crashed his car into an LAPD patrol vehicle Wednesday night in North Hollywood has been charged with a DUI. The man "had a blood-alcohol content of more than 0.15" when he pulled an illegal u-turn on Lankershim Blvd.
Will Police Chief-designate Charlie Beck focus on transparency and public accountability in the LAPD? Many hope so.
We told you reservations would go fast for LudoBites at Royal/T next month (they're all booked!) but as consolation, maybe you can get in to Chef Lefebvre & his wife Krissy's favorite local eateries.

CB2's Can Do Food Drive: You Give, You Get

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-07T15:00:00-08:00

Got cans? It takes more than 5 to make this, but 5 will get you some savings at CB2. (Julie Wolfson/LAist)

The upcoming holidays are about giving, and for many of us that means both giving gifts to our loved ones and to those in need. One way to help out in both areas comes via Chicago-based retailer CB2, who opened up a branch of their home decor store in a segment of the onetime Virgin Megastore space at 8000 Sunset this April.

On Monday, CB2 kicks off their Can Do holiday promotion:

CB2 is offering a 15% discount on any purchase, to customers who bring in 5 non-perishable items. The food items will be donated to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank to help to fight hunger.

The event was well received last year in predecessor stores, as the CB2 blog describes:

Customers and associates awed us with their generosity by bringing in literally tons of food stuffs. Some interrupted their shopping to go to the grocery store while others donated food without asking for anything in return.

Can Do at CB2 runs from November 9th to the 25th. LA Foodbank will make use of customers' donated goods to "distribute to needy people through charitable agencies or directly through programs" to help combat hunger.

Can-thusiastic? Don't forget to check out Canstruction 2009, which runs through November 15th. Canned goods are used to form large-scale works of art...and then will be donated to the LA Foodbank. Win, win!

Classmates Honor Melody Ross; Her Teen Killers Charged as Adults

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-07T10:30:03-08:00

One week ago, 16-year-old Wilson High student Melody Ross was with her friends, watching the school's Homecoming football game. Last night the team observed a moment of silence in her honor, as Ross was gunned down minutes after she exited the Long Beach school's stadium. At last night's game students wrote MR on their cheeks, the team turned the school's "W" on their helmets upside down to make an "M" in their classmates honor, and attendees faced upped security, according to the Press-Telegram. Earlier that day in a Long Beach court Tom Love Vinson and Daivion Davis, both 16-year-old gang members, found themselves charged as adults; the Deputy DA said the charges are as a result of the "seriousness of the crime" and the fact that it was gang-related, notes LA Now. Ross was an innocent bystander; two young men who were wounded "may have been the intended targets."

License to Drive You Crazy: DMV Offices Closed 12 Straight Fridays

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-07T10:00:04-08:00

Inside the Santa Monica DMV this time last year (Photo by omar omar via Flickr)

Yesterday was yet another Friday on which the state's DMV offices were closed down, thanks to Executive Order S-13-09--a furlough mandate launched in July that sees the department darkened for the first three Fridays of each month. However, do a little figuring with the calendar, and yesterday kicked off a long string of Fridays when the DMV just won't be an option for motorists. "[F]actoring in upcoming holidays on top of those mandated furlough days, Friday marked the start of a 12-week stretch in which DMV offices will be closed for business every Friday," reports the Daily Breeze, which "means that the next Friday employees will be on the job - and that motorists can get their licenses and vehicle registrations renewed - won't come until Jan. 29."

Despite the Friday shutdowns happening for four months now, people still pull up to area DMV offices hoping to pay fees or renew licenses without an appointment. Those folks, however, will find closed gates, and perhaps workers from nearby businesses who provide similar proxy services for a fee, like vehicle registration, hoping to lure clients whose DMV hopes were dashed.

You're not totally out of luck, though: "Motorists who have a registration renewal date that falls on a Friday closure day will have penalties waived until the next business day," explains the DMV website, with a reminder that many services can be handled online, including making an appointment--something that is always advisable when it comes to government services like the DMV.

MTA Bus and Car Collide in Silver Lake Last Night, 19 Injured

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-07T09:55:00-08:00

Last night during rush hour an MTA bus collided with a private vehicle near 1959 N. Glendale Boulevard and the 2 Freeway. "According to Officer Gregory Baek of the Los Angeles Police Department, the No. 92 bus was driving northbound just before the freeway ramp when the accident occurred," explains LA Now. As a result, 19 people suffered injuries, of which 10 "were taken to the hospital," and of those, one "was reported to be in critical condition," according to CBS2. The other nine injuries were described as being "as minor to moderate." Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash, however Sgt. Gregory Hoyte of the Central Traffic Division notes that "the driver seemed to have lost control of the bus and hit the middle divider [also going Northbound on the road] and another object before crashing into the car."

Zach Thornton Helping Establish Chivas USA Tradition

Angel Magaña — 2009-11-07T08:00:53-08:00

2009 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Chivas USA's Zach Thornton. (Getty Images)

Injuries tend to have a yin-yang effect on professional athletes, sometimes they are good, other times, not. For Chivas USA 'keeper Zach Thornton, injuries opened the door to opportunities this year which he may not have had otherwise.

First joining the red-and-whites in August of last year, he competed with teammate Dan Kennedy for playing time through the rest of the season with the latter winning out on most occasions. The two were expected to compete for the starting job this year, but a pre-season injury sidelined Kennedy for the entire season. Thornton made the most of his opportunity at the starting job and put in an outstanding performance.

Despite some early season jitters, Thornton and his defensive four settled in quickly and started racking up clean sheets. By year's end, Thornton would register a league best 12 shutouts, a tally accounting for nearly half of the games he started. Many of those clean sheets came by way of heroics on the part of Thornton, making observers wonder if he had made an off season trip to the fountain of youth. However, no 'keeper can ever get through a season without yielding a single goal, but Thornton made sure they came at a premium and ended the season with a 0.87 Goals Against Average (GAA) -- also good for the top spot in MLS.

Earlier in the season, fans acknowledged his rebirth by electing him to his sixth MLS All-Star game, his first since 2003. On Wednesday, MLS followed suit by bestowing 2009 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors upon the 13 year veteran. It is the second time Thornton wins the award, having first earned it as a member of the inaugural Chicago Fire team in 1998. It is also marks the second time that a Chivas USA 'keeper earns the award in the club's short history, the first being Brad Guzan in 2007.

As a final side note, Thornton's rebirth also has him in the running for the 2009 Comeback Player of the Year award, whose winner will be announced this coming Tuesday.

Congratulations on a well deserved award and good luck on Tuesday.

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Extra, Extra

Manny — 2009-11-06T19:00:00-08:00

Getty Museum at Sunset | Photo by Scani-Salina Canizales via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

Who didn't see this coming? Michael Jackson's father is seeking an allowance from the late singer's estate.
Septic tanks are now banned in parts of Malibu... but the debate between residents, surfers and environmentalists is sure to continue.
Pay attention... The IRS might actually owe YOU money! Thousands of refunds are yet to be claimed because the IRS can't find the recipients. Funny how that doesn't work when you owe THEM money.
The city of Pasadena is adding more solar powered trash cans in an attempt to save time, money and space. Sounds like a winner.
A California voter's poll sends a mixed message on feelings about same-sex marriage
Straight from the "WTF?!?!" files... a couple who are already suspected of killing another infant are charged AGAIN of killing an infant and driving around with the body in a garbage bag.
The founder of "Girls Gone Wild" has been sentenced for tax evasion and jail bribery.
Finally... A youth mentoring group is helping South Central kids find good role models as well as raise money through the power of Facebook.

Big Expansion Plans for L.A. Live Submitted to City

Zach Behrens — 2009-11-06T17:36:32-08:00

When the two hotels and Ritz Carlton residences open at L.A. Live next year, that's not the end for development at the mega sports and entertainment complex in downtown. The Downtown News finds that AEG has submitted some big plans. It includes "332,618 square feet of office space and a 269,182-square-foot broadcasting studio that could accommodate a nationwide cable television network, a 275-room hotel and a 25-story residential building with 65 units adjacent to the L.A. Live campus." Currently, L.A. Live is home to two stage venues, the Grammy Museum, a movie theatre and various restaurants.

Good Luck Bar to Celebrate its 15th Birthday

Zach Behrens — 2009-11-06T16:29:00-08:00

Sean MacPherson, the man behind some of L.A.'s most popular bars, announced today that his Hollywood-Los Feliz-Silver Lake neighborhood hang, the Good Luck Bar, will celebrate its 15th birthday later this month. On Thursday, November 19, DJ Travis Keller and Chinese burlesque dancers will entertain patrons as they guzzle down $5.00 Stolichnaya, Sailor Jerry, Cazadores, or Jack Daniel's cocktails and selected beers for $2.00 beers (plus: Kogi BBQ will be outside). In 1994, MacPherson took over the space, formerly a Mexican transvestite bar, and based it on his favorite Chinatown bar, Yee Mee Loo, which closed its doors after 40 years. Nearby: 'Ironic Hipster Bar' Stinkers to Celebrate 1 Year on Sunday.

DUI Checkpoints This Weekend in Downtown and South L.A.

Zach Behrens — 2009-11-06T15:29:49-08:00

The holiday season always means more and more DUI checkpoints. With thousands of hit-and-runs and drinking-related crashes so far this year, the LAPD has two Sobriety & Drivers License Checkpoints set up for the weekend. The first is tonight 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. at West Florence Avenue and South Main Street in South L.A. Then tomorrow from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., a checkpoint will be set up on Figueroa between 7th and 8th in downtown. Stay safe out there!