Wednesday's ceremonial unveiling of Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria revealed the historic original facade of the famous restaurant for the first time since the 1950s. And luckily, at least one Angeleno captured the downtown L.A. event on video.
Video: Watch The Unveiling Of Clifton's Cafeteria Facade
History Revealed: Clifton's Cafeteria Facade Uncovered For First Time Since 1950s
It was a big moment today for the face of a famous restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles. At a special unveiling ceremony, the historic original facade of Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria was revealed for the first time since the 1950s.
LA Conservancy Announces Recipients of Their 30th Annual Preservation Awards
The Los Angeles Conservancy is one of the premiere groups who work to keep Los Angeles of today infused with the architectural wonder that was Los Angeles of years gone by. Every year, they hand out awards for the work of preservationists and their projects, and have just announced the nine 2011 winners of the highly-sought honor that recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of historic preservation. The awards will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, May 12, 2011.
Long Beach's Waters Made Big Splashes in News This Year
Who knew the waters that lap the shores of Long Beach were such a hot bed of headline-generating eco-focused news? 2010 was a banner year for environmental issues at the national and state level, and the Long Beach Gazettes.com takes a look back at the year at their beach.
The 'Big Wave' Lights Up Santa Monica Again
It's considered the unofficial gateway to Santa Monica, and now artist Tony DeLap's sculpture "The Big Wave" has been restored, and is lighting up Wilshire Boulevard at Franklin Avenue. Since its installation, the piece suffered from deterioration, including rust and corrosion, and the failure of the original light system, Now, however, using LED lighting, the "Big Wave" is shining once again.
Would Restoring the Malibu Lagoon Actually Destroy It?
Environmentalists are divided over the proposed $7 million plan to restore the Malibu Lagoon, according to the LA Times.
Tomorrow the Coastal Commission will consider the plan, which will see to it the lagoon's "stagnant, polluted waterways" be drained and rectified in order to better its "ecological health."
Santa Monica Mountains Brings $17 Million in Tourism, Says Report
Now here's a reason for L.A. politicians to finally pay attention to the unfinished Core Trail plan, which would giver hikers and equestrians the right-of-way along Mulholland Drive through the city (are you listening Sierra Club member Paul Koretz?). A report released today by the National Parks Conservation Association says visitors drawn to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area--it spans 153,000 acres from Runyon Canyon to the Santa Monica Pier and Point Mugu--spent more than $17 million in 2008.
Starlet's Beachfront Estate Now Open as Community Beach House
Once upon a time it was the beachfront estate of silent movie starlet Marion Davies, built for her by her lover, the infamous newspaperman William Randolph Hearst. It was definitely a "party house" where a who's who of Hollywood's golden era would frolic in the pool and on the shore. On the 5-acre site was a mansion designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan, boasting 110 rooms.
Absolut Vodka to Sponsor Walk of Fame Rehab
In a bid to revive the Hollywood stars after years of abuse and being stepped on, Absolut Vodka became the first corporate contributor to a $4-million dollar restoration plan in advance of the Walk of Fame's 50th anniversary in 2010. To recognize Absolut's initiative (and creative marketing tactics?), Leron Gubler, CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presented the company with an honorary star near the entrance to the Kodak Theatre. More on the "Friends of the Walk of Fame" project and the condition of the 2,365 stars at the LAT.
Restoration Update: Historic Garvanza Home
Last August in LAist's Neighborhood Project series we looked at the hidden jewel of Northeast Los Angeles (NELA, for those in the know) called Garvanza. In an area rich in history and craftsmanship sit several majestic old homes, grand dames in the Craftsman style dating back to the late 1800s.
Neighborhood Project: Angelino Heights
How does the idea of hilltop vistas, the quiet charm of tree-lined streets, and a quick and easy one mile trip on public transit to Downtown grab you? Well, it certainly proved an effective lure for the fresh-off-the-train Midwesterners settling in Los Angeles who flocked to our city's first suburb in the late 1880s. A real estate boom in 1887 saw the construction of numerous majestic Victorian homes in the new neighborhood, but a...

