Ice Crack Man

From today's L.A. Times:

The City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday to bar the sale of illegal replica guns, and other illicit goods, such as drugs, from ice cream trucks. Councilwoman Jan Perry introduced the measure after receiving a complaint that toy guns were sold to children from an ice cream truck.

Wait, so you mean all this time I coulda been pushing pills out the back of a Good Humor van? Damn. Always late to the party.

Bay Area Bests

We're planning a road trip up north to San Francisco -- Evan's first time out of L.A. -- and looking for a few good suggestions.

Maria and I have our faves (the Chinatown restaurant Lucky Creation, for example, or the free wine hour at the Triton Hotel), but could always use some new suggestions. What are your favorite eateries and activities in the Bay Area? (Particularly places that won't mind us bringing along a baby...)

We've Been Romenesko'd!

They say you always remember your first time. Being linked on Romenesko, that is.

Run, Katie, Run!

You've seen or heard about the "Free Katie" T-shirts. Now, Los Feliz's Y Que boutique also shows some support for Tom Cruise hostage Katie Holmes:

Summer Flava

Some new tastes to review -- some good, some not so much:

Trader Joe's Sweet Mole Tortilla Chips



As also experienced by la.foodblogging (where I swiped the image -- sorry, guys), I really wanted to like these chips.

I should have listened to the Trader Joe's cashier, who warned Maria and I that we'd be disappointed. And although I've eaten most of the bag (hey, when you're hungry, you're hungry), I'm less than thrilled. The mole taste is barely noticable, and the chips aren't any more tasty than your typical bag of Doritos.

Coffee Bean's summer flavors



I actually haven't tried any of the new ice blendeds yet -- they just sound like messy, sweet, calorie explosions. But I have ordered the limited-time-only Banana Caramel Latte a handful of times, and I must say, it's delicious. Surprisingly not too sweet (my common complaint for Coffee Bean's flavored lattes), the warm beverage has a nice banana flavor (rather than what you'd expect).

Coca-Cola Zero



Got my first taste of Coke Zero at work the other day from Joe... and immediately bought a two-liter bottle for the weekend. The mix of aspartame and acesulfame potassium sweeteners leaves much less of an aftertaste than Diet Coke -- or even Pepsi One, which I briefly flirted with a year or two ago. I've been told that Coke Zero gets old after a while, but given the choice between Diet Coke and this, I'll choose the Zero.

Of course, I've been a fan of Coke's C2, which was a flop but in my book was a nice compromise between regular and diet, with no terrible aftertaste.

Rodney on the Walk Update

As we wrote earlier this month, fans of legendary KROQ dj and "Mayor of Sunset Strip" Rodney Bingenheimer are pushing the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to award him a star on the walk of fame (see the official "Rodney on the Walk" site here.

The Hollywood chamber recently announced this year's star honorees... and unfortunately, Rodney didn't make the cut. (KOST's "Mark & Kim" are getting one, however, as is radio newsman Dan Avey and radio vet Wink Martindale.)

A member of the "Rodney on the Walk" team emailed Franklin Avenue and let us know they're ready to try again in 2006:

We had the money in time, but they didn't choose Rodney this time. We even called the mayor of Hollywood to ask about it and he said "Don't give up on your guy. There are a lot of applications each time, and sometimes it takes many years to get accepted. One of the ones that got accepted this year has been applying for 10 years!!

We're working with KROQ to decide how to proceed and hoping to roll over the funds to next year.

We're also planning to use the comments that were sent in with donations this year for next year's application - as proof of the effect Rodney has had on so many people.

The "Rodney on the Walk" campaign raised the $15,000 submission fee after KROQ's Kevin & Bean show held a mini-radiothon on June 17. Deborah Harry, Joan Jett and John Doe of X called in, and listeners quickly pledged enough money to cover the star's cost.

Rodney, of course, recently earned a little bit more notariety thanks to the documentary "Mayor of Sunset Strip," which chronicled his bizarre spot in rock 'n roll history. In the 70s, he helped run Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco, an L.A. club where Bowie, Iggy Pop, T.Rex, Suzi Quatro, Led Zeppelin, and Sweet were all regulars. And on his KROQ show, which he has hosted since 1976 (and which now subsides in a graveyard Sunday night slot), he helped popularize Blondie, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Go-Go's, Nina Hagen, The Cramps, The Clash, The Cure, The Smiths and plenty others.

T.G.I. Barney's?

Barney's Beanery owners David Houston and Avi Fattal tell the L.A. Business Journal that they plan to open a third location of the infamous roadhouse/divebar in the coming year, this time in Pasadena.

Houston and Fattal will convert their Q's Billiards bar into another Barney's, following the success of their Barney's Beanery location in Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade (which opened last year).

The original Barney's, of course, has sat on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood in 1920, and is famed as the preferred watering hole of Janis Joplin, The Doors and plenty others.

Houston and Fattal, who bought Barney's in 2001, say they have no plans to turn the brand into a T.G.I. Friday's-style franchise. But they do envision opening one new location a year, and say they could eventually see 30 Barney's Beanerys around the country.

Yet Another Endangered L.A. Institution

Jay's Jayburger is already gone... and the clock continues to tick on the potential demise of West Hollywood's Irv's Burgers.

According to LACOMfidential, fans of the popular Santa Monica Boulevard shack have one more chance to save the iconic landmark from demolition:

Last fall, the news broke that the burger palace (Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix were regulars) would be torn down and replaced by a Peet's Coffee & Tea. Peet's corporate pulled out of the plans, but the property owner still wouldn't renew Irv's lease. Then everyone from the Los Angeles Times to the Washington Post waxed poetic about the stand, and the fight to save Irv's has been waging on. This coming Monday, June 27th, there will be a public hearing at 7pm at Plummer Park (7377 Santa Monica Blvd.) with the West Hollywood Planning Commission, the Preservation Commission, the owners of Irv's, and the Burger Brigade, an ad-hoc committee to save Irv's. Wipe the ketchup from your mouth and go show your support!

Honey, They Un-Shrunk the Doonesbury!

A week after the L.A. Times shrunk-down Doonesbury in order to make room for the new puzzle "Sudoku," the newspaper has changed course.

Doonesbury is back to its normal size as of today. It appears like the Bridge column was abbreviated to make room for the return of the Garry Trudeau strip to its previous size.

Last week, we wondered whether Trudeau had dropped his long-time requirement that newspapers not shrink the comic below a certain size; editor Sherry Stern told us that the L.A. Times recently discovered that it was a recommendation, not a requirement, and that most other papers had already reduced "Doonesbury" due to space constraints.

Via email, Sherry explains today's change: We heard from enough Doonesbury fans who were finding it difficult to read that we took another look at the design. We were happy to find a way to get it back to four columns.

Press Release of the Day: Alfred E. Neuman Edition

I didn't even realize Mad magazine still published... but apparently the Chicago Trib still likes 'em... and apparently Mad's editors still know how to plant their tongue in cheek:

MAD MAGAZINE “disgraced” by the Chicago Tribune

NEW YORK, NY, June 23, 2005—The editor of MAD magazine expressed outrage today after learning that The Chicago Tribune had named MAD as one of their “50 Best Magazines.” “It’s a disgrace that with 17,500 periodicals in print, this supposedly respected newspaper would single MAD out for, of all things, excellence,” said Editor John Ficarra, barely containing his furor. “It’s further evidence of a growing decline in the standards of our culture in general, and of the lack of judgment of this paper in particular. It’s just the type of thing we’re always railing about in MAD’s pages.” 

Growing red in the face and pounding his desk for emphasis, Ficarra continued, “Frankly, it makes us distrustful of anything that The Chicago Tribune reports. Are their headlines legitimate? Can their sports scores be trusted?”

After several more minutes and the administering of a sedative, a groggy Ficarra concluded, “And we only ranked #43?!? Behind Time, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker? What’s THAT all about?”

MAD MAGAZINE ranks # 43 on the Chicago Tribune’s list of “50 Best Magazines”, narrowly edging out HELLO! (#45), Money (#46), Lincoln Lore (#47)  Whole Dog Journal (#48), Absolute (#49) and Lake Superior Magazine (#50).

(Thanks to Tom McLean for the heads up. See a goofy press release? Send 'em to Franklin Avenue, at mikemaria@sbcglobal.net)

Reality Check

Living in Los Angeles, it's almost a struggle not to stumble onto a reality show.

If you get this paranoid feeling that the reality cameras are everywhere... it's because they are. The latest currently shooting in our fine city:

::Hell's Kitchen




Fox's Hell's Kitchen doesn't take place at a fancy restaurant somewhere in Hollywood -- it's actually taped on the stages of KCOP-UPN13's former studios on La Brea. (KCOP is now housed with KTTV-Fox 11 on the west side.)

::Dancing With The Stars


ABC's surprise summer hit "Dancing with the Stars" struts its stuff at CBS Television City, on Beverly at Fairfax (above, John O'Hurley and partner). Wonder if it bugs CBS staffers that their studio facilities keep housing rival networks' hits -- Fox's "American Idol" calls TV City home as well.

::Rock Star: INXS


Silver Lake residents curious about the bright lights coming out of the Paramour estate eventually figured out what the whole commotion was about: The mansion (above, in a vintage postcard image) is home to the production of this summer's CBS series "Rock Star: INXS."

::Big Brother 6
Of course, everyone knows by now that the "Big Brother" house is located on the CBS Studio Center/Radford lot. But with the old house demolished to make way for the new KCBS/KCAL building, the network moved "Big Brother" to new digs -- on the soundstage formerly used by "Yes, Dear."

Blogger Baby Does It Again!

Evan's now two-for-two! First he chose the right Michael Jackson trial outcome, and now our little boy wonder correctly picked this year's NBA Finals champs! Maybe it's time to float a few lotto numbers by him...

Up next: Evan settles once and for all whether we're on the downside of a housing bubble. I sniff Daily News cover story potential!

Sucky Ways to Die

From today's L.A. Times:

Paul Suzuki of West Los Angeles, a former landscape maintenance worker who had officiated at local track and field meets for decades, was killed Wednesday when he was struck in the head by a 16-pound shot while shotputters practiced for the U.S. track and field championships at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

Suzuki, 77, was struck shortly after 4 p.m. He was treated at the scene and transported to Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where he died.

"He did this for the fun," said Sheila Suzuki Hubbard, one of his three children. "He retired a long time ago."

Firefighter Robert Bruce of Station 116 in Carson said the station received a call at 4:10 and arrived at 4:13 p.m. "He was in dire straits when we showed up," Bruce said. "It was obvious that he had a severe injury to his head.

Save the Historic Adams Hill Gas Station! (Continued)

Trying to do my part to save the historic gas station in our 'hood, I took my rants to the Glendale News-Press today. The paper published my letter to the editor -- the first time I'd written to a newspaper since my senior year in high school, when I sent something to the Honolulu Advertiser.

Here's my screed:



Editor:
I continue to be surprised by the Adams Square Merchants Assn.'s call to tear down the classic 1930s gas station at the corner of Adams and Palmer. The gas station and the Adams Square building are the two structures that give the neighborhood its art-deco/early century appeal -- an appeal that is central to drawing both residents and non-residents alike to shop in the neighborhood.

Without both structures, Adams Square becomes simply another random selection of stores with no identity. And it destroys some of the character that convinced Los Angeles magazine to highlight the neighborhood in its January 2005 issue. Rather than striving to be ordinary, the Merchants Assn. should be celebrating the fact that Adams Square boasts a unique structure that is, remarkably, still standing. And instead of trying to tear something down, the organization should perhaps channel that energy and instead focus on filling the area's long-vacant storefronts -- including the historic birthplace of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain, which has sat empty for far too long.

Ooh, shnap! Take that, Adams Square Merchants Assn.!

OK, so it wasn't such a withering indictment. But hey, still doing my part.

Pi - No Hollywood

Via blogging.la: Pinot Hollywood is no more!

Restaurant aside, Pinot boasted the perfect bar lounge. Not too crowded, not too loud, decent happy hour specials, and situated on the way home to Los Feliz (and, more recently, Glendale). I held a birthday event or two there, and didn't even have to reserve anything.

By the way, Pinot -- or whatever the Patina Group turns it into -- is the one-time site of the Columbia Pictures commissary, back when the studio operated at the Sunset-Gower lot.

Press Release of the Day: Lohan Edition

Sad news for many of you, from Access Hollywood (always a gold mine for "Press Release of the Day"):



LINDSAY LOHAN TELLS BILLY BUSH SHE WILL "NEVER" DO A NUDE SCENE

Lohan: "I Don't Think That's What's Needed to Win An Oscar(r) For Me"

BURBANK, Calif. - June 22, 2005 - In an interview with "Access Hollywood's" Billy Bush, teen star Lindsay Lohan says she will "never" do a nude scene. The interview airs on "Access Hollywood," Wednesday, June 22, 2005 (check local listings or www.accesshollywood.com for time and station).

"You will never see me in a nude scene," said Lohan. "Then there's no mystery for my private life."

The actress added that she doesn't believe that showcasing her body is the way to achieve her goal of winning an Academy Award. "I don't think that's what's needed to win an Oscar for me," she said. "Personally...I think there are other things you can do to show people you have talent."

Honey, They Shrunk the Doonesbury!

While everyone else goes on and on about the L.A. Times' "wikitorial" experiment, here's the paper's real shocker of the week: They've reduced the size of "Doonesbury"!

In order to make room for a strange, new puzzle called "Sudoku," the paper rearranged the structure of its first "Comics Plus" page.

The same strips are all there (including the notoriously unfunny "Mallard Fillmore," which has a super-fresh Clinton sex joke in today's edition) -- except the traditionally large-sized "Doonesbury" has been shrunk to match the size of the other strips. As a result, the wordy comic is rather tough to read.

What makes this noteworthy is I believe at one point "Doonesbury" creator Garry Trudeau had made it a contractural obligation that papers not shrink his strip below a certain point -- 44 picas, according to some published reports. Did Trudeau drop that requirement? Did the L.A. Times make a special deal with Trudeau to shrink it down?

Meanwhile, on page two of the comics section, apparently "Momma" is annoyed with her adult children.

UPDATE: Got the answer, straight from deputy editor Sherry Stern: We recently learned it was a request, not a requirement. And we were one of few papers left still running it that larger size.

Plate Lunch Wars

Much to my delight, Hawaiian-style plate lunch joints seem to be popping up everywhere these days. After moving back to the mainland for college, I used to long for spam musubi and chicken katsu... now there's no escaping it.

L&L Drive-Inn is the real deal, of course, a Hawaii-based chain that went national but still offers up a truly "local" experience.

But suddenly, another soon-to-be-ubiquitous chain has popped up, Ono Hawaiian BBQ, with locations in Westwood, Hollywood (across from the used-to-be-24-hours-Home-Depot) and elsewhere.

Ono isn't based in Hawaii -- actually, it doesn't even have stores in Hawaii -- so it loses some authenticity points. But I decided to give it a try.

Pros: They call their chicken katsu "chicken katsu." Unlike L&L, which dumbed it down for mainland audiences, and renamed it "chicken cutlet." Menu is also wider than L&L's mainland offerings.

Cons: Any self-respecting Hawaiian joint offers Aloha Shoyu -- but Ono only serves Kikkoman soy sauce. Also, they lose more points for calling their saimin "noodle soup."

In the end, advantage L&L. Not only does L&L also serve breakfast, but it always has Honolulu newspapers on hand to peruse while waiting for your grinds.

Still, Ono makes a decent Spam Musubi (below).

Save Public Broadcasting... or Don't

Apparently KCRW General Manager Ruth Seymour's on-air pleas to listeners to help save public broadcasting funding has rubbed some of the station's audience the wrong way.

In a new spot, which I just heard tonight, Seymour is now asking listeners with an opposing opinion to tape their point of view (in 30 seconds) and send them to the station, which will then air 'em.

Last week, in a letter to station supporters, Seymour wrote: If these cuts stand, KCRW may lose over $1,000,000 from its operating revenue. This would severely impact KCRW's local programming and our ability to sustain NPR.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is the independent organization created by Congress to support public broadcasting and act as a heat shield against political interference. But now, ironically, the Corporation itself is providing the heat.

Chairman Ken Tomlinson has politicized matters by framing the issue of balance on news programs as liberal versus conservative. We vehemently object to this characterization which is intended to put public broadcasting on the defensive and influence program decisions.

She may annoy me at pledge drive time, but Seymour's got a point. This whole debate over whether PBS is too liberal misses the point, plain and simple. (And seems to be centered on just one show, "Now with Bill Moyers." Unless they're also pissed at that left-wing commie Elmo.)

The majority of PBS's schedule isn't even political in nature. Or is simply serving the public too "liberal" for these groups? PBS has its problems -- relying too much on frivolous programs during pledge drives, etc. -- but it's still the only game in town for several kinds of programs. Cable networks that once rivaled PBS in offering classy, intellegent fare are now going the reality TV route -- making PBS just as important as it's ever been.

The 'Hoff Endorses L.A.

From Trained Monkey:



this is part of an ad that is on the wall at the pershing square station of the metro red line, and it always cracks me up. photographs of david hasselhoff are just always funny.

I must second that: It's the Law of Hoff. Add Hasselhoff to any equation -- the "American Idol" finale, for example -- and your comedic quotient is immediately raised at least 30 percent.

Meet the Mayor

I finally got to meet Antonio Villaraigosa on Friday, and I gotta say, there's definitely an aura building around the dude. Getting elected mayor of the nation's second-largest city looks good on him.

His lackluster campaign didn't excite me the way it should have, but since getting elected, I've seen some real energy. Go figure -- a mayor that the city of Los Angeles actually knows is mayor. (Haven't seen that in a while.) And not just because he made the cover of Newsweek. Villaraigosa is everywhere these days.


Including the groundbreaking last Friday for the future Studio City home of KCBS and KCAL. (Villaraigosa is standing between city council member Wendy Greuel and CBS honcho Leslie Moonves.)

I met Villaraigosa afterward, and mentioned that his original name -- Antonio Villar -- was the same as Maria's father. (Villaraigosa combined his last name with his wife's maiden name when they married.) Villaraigosa asked if Maria's dad was Filipino -- noting that "Villar" is a common surname in the Philippines, but much less so in Mexico (where Villaraigosa's family is from).

As for the event itself... as has been widely reported, the three story building – along with a five-story parking garage – will be situated toward the back of CBS Studio Center, known informally as “the Radford lot.” Construction is expected to be completed sometime in 2006. The new structure will be built where the house for the Eye’s “Big Brother” reality skein (now relocated to “Yes, Dear’s” soundstage) formerly stood.

More, from my story in today's Variety:

It’s also believed that CBS Entertainment will move its operations from Television City to the site – although the network still hasn’t officially confirmed the speculation (Daily Variety, April 16, 2004).

Not only were KCBS and KCAL staffers squeezed into the Columbia Square facilities in Hollywood after the two stations’ operations were merged, but the building is showing its age.

“We do feel like kids on Christmas morning,” said KCBS anchor Laura Diaz. “We’ve been rubbing shoulders at the duopoly.”


Once CBS’ grand west coast radio headquarters, the building is now known for its “dark hallways and dripping walls.” Moonves called the new home “tremendous” – and told station anchors and reporters in attendance that they’d finally have windows in their offices.

KCBS/KCAL vice president/GM Don Corsini thanked staffers in attendance for “putting up with” the current deteriorating facilities. He also announced that the new building’s newsroom would be named after the late anchor Jerry Dunphy, whose career included anchoring Channel 2’s “Big News” in the 1960s and helping launch KCAL’s three-hour primetime news.

The new building reps the third homes for KCBS, and at least the third home for KCAL. Originally owned by General Tire’s Don Lee Broadcasting, KTSL-Channel 2 launched at the Don Lee-Mutual Broadcasting studios (now home to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ film archives) on Vine in Hollywood.

General Tire eventually sold Channel 2 to CBS (which renamed it KNXT) and turned around and bought KHJ (now KCAL), Channel 9, which also operated in the same Vine St. building, although under different ownership.

KNXT and KHJ shared the building until the early 1960s, when Channel 2 moved to Columbia Square and KHJ relocated to Melrose, where RKO (which General Tire had bought) was based. It was a coincidence of history that Channels 2 and 9 would eventually merge under the same roof again, this time through common ownership.

The departure of KCBS and KCAL reps another end of a Hollywood era. The region was home to KABC, KCAL, KCBS, KCET, KCOP, KTLA, KTTV and KWHY until recently -- now, after the dust settles, just KTLA and KCET will remain.

CBS sold Columbia Square (which it built in 1938) to developer Ralph Horowitz in 2003 and has been leasing it since then; the building's ultimate fate is unclear, although Horowitz reportedly wants to tear down the structure to build a new development.

(Postcard credit: www.fybush.com)

Scenes from a Farmers Market

Maria, Evan and I checked out Atwater Village's brand new Farmers Market on Sunday. The brand new market will be open Sundays from 10 to 2 ("rain or shine") in the Wells Fargo parking lot (3250 Glendale Blvd.).

Good turnout for the first Sunday; not a lot of booths yet, but that's to be expected for a brand new market. And they were passing out cake and yogurt/granola parfaits, so we couldn't complain. Some images:

Best. Father's Day. Ever.

But that's no suprise, since it was my First. Father's Day. Ever. Now that he's close to six months old, Evan is starting to laugh at my funny faces and goofy voices -- finally, an agreeable audience!

Rate-A-Restaurant, #66 in a series

Restaurant: Auntie Em's Kitchen

Location: 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles (Eagle Rock)

Type of restaurant: Breakfast/Lunch/Bakery

We stipulated: We wanted to try some place new, and Auntie Em's was on the way back to Glendale from Pasadena. Also, a place to celebrate an early Father's Day

What we ordered: Mike: turkey Meatloaf Sandwich  ("old-fashioned turkey meatloaf served cold with mayo, mustard and ketchup, lettuce & tomatoes on country white bread") $7.95; Maria: grilled Chicken Breast  ("with applewood smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and mayo  on a rosemary roll") $7.95. Also: red velvet cupcake.

High point: I'm a sucker for cream cheese frosting, so I couldn't get enough of Auntie Em's sweet, sweet cupcake. Did I mention that it was sweet? Still, not bad. I'm not ashamed to admit I licked the plastic container when some of the frosting stuck to it. OK, I am ashamed.

Low point: Turkey meatloaf sandwich was surprisingly mediocre. Needs more sauce, or something. Perhaps a spicier mustard. (Joan's On Third is still the gold standard when it comes to turkey meatloaf sandwiches.)

Overall impression: If you live in the neighborhood, what a fantastic thing to have so close by. Otherwise, not sure it's worth the trip. There are plenty of other spots of Auntie Em's caliber. Check out the Mustard Seed Cafe on Hillhurst.

Chance we will go back: Probably not anytime soon -- except, perhaps, for more cupcakes.

For a complete archive of our Rate-A-Restaurant reviews, check out our newly revised companion ratearestaurant.blogspot.com website.

Who Are The People In My Neighborhood

Our 'hood, Glendale's Adams Hill (yes, one of L.A. magazines Top 10 Neighborhoods You've Never Heard Of -- trust me, every Realtor in the region is pimping that cover story), held its annual street fair on Saturday.

Mostly the usual fare: Funnel cakes, a ferris wheel, random booths, cover bands performing songs straight from the "Jack FM" playlist, and neighborhood organizations trying to get you to sign their petition.

Although, for the first time possibly ever, I actually put my name and address on a petition -- and I even put the real information. The Adams Hill Homeowners Assoc. was collecting signatures to help save the neighborhood's historic Streamline Moderne gas station, which is now abandoned but slated to become a part of a new park.

An evil business owner in the area wants to tear down the building and force the city to put parking their instead. Boneheaded, shortsighted business thinking. This gas station building defines the neighborhood, giving it a 20s/30s look that is Adams Hills' calling card.

The homeowners association will be testifying in front of a Glendale city committee on July 6 in order to keep the park alive and make sure the gas station is still restored. I hope to be there...

Phone Message of the Day

From my voice mail:

Hi Mike, it's (name withheld) at FY Public Relations. I'm calling to invite you to Victoria Gotti's son's birthday party, that's John Gotti Jr., on Wednesday, June the 22nd. If you could give me a call, that'd be great.

Sorry, but I'm holding out for coffee with the Gastineau Girls.

Whole Lotta Shakin'

You get this sneaking suspicion we're at the start of one of those cheesy disaster flicks -- you know, where there's a few minor earthquakes, and we're still all blissfully unaware of the big one that's about to come?

I definitely felt today's lunchtime tremor, which hit three miles outside of Yucaipa. Originally pegged at 5.3 magnitude on the Richter scale, it was later downgraded to a 4.9.

Of course, it's the third major earthquake to hit California in the last week. Maybe time to get that earthquake insurance?

Gooder Day L.A.

Fans of the goofy shenanigans on Fox 11's "Good Day L.A.," rejoice. The show is expanding to three hours next week.

The expansion comes several months after the cancellation of its national spinoff, "Good Day Live." The "Good Day L.A." team -- Steve Edwards, Dorothy Lucey and Jillian Barberie -- are all onboard to anchor the additional 9 to 10 a.m. portion.

The extra hour fills the spot on KTTV that had been occupied by "Good Day Live," until that show was axed in March. "I Love Lucy" episodes have been airing in the hour on the station since then.

Edwards, Lucey and Barberie all originally hosted "Good Day Live" in addition to "Good Day L.A." -- but Lucey and Barberie were eventually dropped and replaced with Debbie Matenopoulos and Arthel Neville.

In other local news, KNBC announced that it will fill the void left by the departing "Dr. Phil" (which moves to KCBS this fall) by sliding "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to 4 p.m. The new syndicated Martha Stewart vehicle "Martha" will take over "Ellen's" 3 slot.

Moves are effective Sept. 12. The same day, KCBS is expected to drop its 4 p.m. newscast in favor of "Dr. Phil." KCBS sibling KCAL will fill the void by launching a 4 p.m. newscast that same day.

With KNBC opting not to revive its 4 p.m. newscast, and KCBS moving its news over to KCAL, that makes KABC the last major O&O in the L.A. market with a news broadcast in the hour.

In other local TV news:

:: KCBS and KCAL will break ground Friday on their new Studio City digs. Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa, who's truly everywhere these days, will join CBS honcho Leslie Moonves for the ceremony.

:: UPN 13 anchor Lauren Sanchez (who also handles the entertainment report for Fox 11) will host the upcoming Fox series "So You Think You Can Dance," which debuts on July 20.

From the press release: Sanchez, who began her career at KCOP-TV, has held positions at the cable channel FSN, serving as anchor/reporter for “Fox Sports News Tonight” and as a correspondent for “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” and “Goin’ Deep,” where she earned an Emmy nomination for an in-depth investigative report. She also has served as a correspondent for “Extra.”

Sanchez has appeared in several major films, including “Fight Club” starring Brad Pitt and “The Longest Yard” with Adam Sandler. She will next be seen in “Fantastic Four” starring Jessica Alba and Chris Evans.

High-Speed Chase Tips

Get ready for a hot new trend in Los Angeles' high-speed chase subculture: Got tha 5-0 on your ass as you're zooming down the 10 or 134 or whatever? Get off the freeway and head straight to the closest shopping mall.

In all my years watching freeway chases in Southern California, they've always ended the same: The suspects are either arrested... or, um, end up dead.

Not yesterday. A motorcyclist trying to elude a speeding ticket managed to slip into the crowds at the Glendale Galleria... and at least as of last night (haven't seen an updated report), had escaped the CHP.

According to the L.A. Times: Television news helicopters taped the motorcyclist as he weaved in and out of oncoming traffic and squeezed between gridlocked cars and trucks.

The chase ended when the motorcyclist pulled into a parking structure at the Glendale Galleria, jumped off his bike and pulled off his helmet, multicolored leather jacket and gloves.

Manuel Baldovinos, 15, of Montebello, said he and a group of friends had just parked their car at the mall when they heard the whine of a motorcycle engine. They said they watched the rider throw away his helmet and strip down to a white T-shirt and blue jeans. They said he began running away from the mall at first, then quickly changed direction and ran into the mall.

"When we saw him get off, he had a nervous look to him," Baldovinos said. "He would walk, jog, walk, jog, so he would blend in."

Few people noticed anything as the suspect headed for the entrance near the Red Robin restaurant and J.C. Penney.

UPDATE: Turns out the suspect wasn't too bright after all. He actually tried to convince the police that his bike was stolen -- and they responded by telling him, "Hey, come on down and you can fill out some paperwork." He did -- and scored some nifty handcuffs. From fast escape to "America's Dumbest Criminals" in 24 hours.

Press Release of the Day: Early Father's Day Gift

ABC Sports honors fathers everywhere... by sharing footage of "Herbie: Fully Loaded." On the WNBA.

ABC SPORTS DEBUTS EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE OF WALT DISNEY PICTURES’ NEW COMEDY, “HERBIE: FULLY LOADED,” DURING HALFTIME OF THE WNBA NEW YORK LIBERTY VS. PHOENIX MERCURY GAME, SATURDAY, JUNE 18

An exclusive sneak peek of the Walt Disney movie, “Herbie: Fully Loaded,” starring Hollywood’s Hottest young star, Lindsay Lohan, with Michael Keaton playing her dad, will debut at halftime of ABC Sports’ WNBA coverage of the New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury game, SATURDAY, JUNE 18 (4:00-6:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

In celebration of the WNBA’s “Dads and Daughters” theme week, viewers and fans will get a rare treat during halftime, as ABC unveils a 60-second first-look at “Herbie: Fully Loaded,” Disney’s new revved-up comedy adventure. In the film, scheduled to hit theaters on Wednesday, June 22, Lohan stars as Maggie Peyton, the new owner of Number 53 – the free wheelin’ Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own – who puts the car through its paces on the road to becoming a NASCAR competitor.

The WNBA’s celebration of “Dads and Daughters” on Father’s Day weekend mirrors the relationship between Lohan and Keaton in this high speed comedy.

The relationship between Lohan and her real-life father, on the other hand, not so much.

Northwestern: National Champs!

In, um, women's lacrosse.

I have no idea what that actually is -- but hey, it's something!

Apparently the last time my alma mater won any sort of national championship? 1941. In men's fencing.

We're No. 1! We're No. 1!

Another Flip

I'm two days late on this, but another station has swapped formats here in L.A.: Oldies 540/1260 AM is now calling itself "The Shuffle" -- playing a wide, wide range of music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

In some ways, it's an older-skewing version of 93.1 Jack FM, which plays mostly music from the 70s and beyond. Sampling "The Shuffle" last night, I heard mostly 50s/60s oldies, such as "California Dreamin'" and "Hey Paula" -- and promos that promised Connie Francis and Wang Chung.

Both stations are responses to the popularity of the iPod (540/1260 AM even co-opts the title of the iPod's most popular feature -- its "Shuffle" capability), and audiences showing that they're more willing to listen to a wider variety of music.

Don't expect "The Shuffle" to last too long on the frequencies, however. Owner Saul Levine has shuffled through several formats on the stations through the years -- everything from jazz to showtunes to an all-traffic format.

The Further Adventures of Blogger Baby

Fresh off his accurate prediction of the Michael Jackson case, Blogger Baby today sets his sights on the NBA Finals.


With the Spurs up 2-0, will Evan pick San Antonio to win it all? Or does he have faith in the Pistons?


You read it here first! Blogger Baby picks San Antonio to beat defending champs Detroit.

Guess They'll Have to Surrender Now to Sam Rubin

Longtime KTLA reporter Warren Wilson announced his retirement yesterday, after 21 years at the station.

Wilson, of course, is best known as the go-to guy for suspects on the lam who want to turn themselves in -- but don't want to risk being shot up in the process.

According to KTLA, Wilson brokered the surrender of 22 wanted fugitives through the years. He also is known for interviewing Rodney King just days after his beating, and covering the 1992 L.A. riots, the O.J. Simpson trial and the violent 1997 North Hollywood bank robbery.

Notes the station: Wilson joined KTLA in September of 1984 as a part-time field reporter for the station's evening news. His journalism career actually began 50 years ago when he was a staff correspondent in the United States Navy, followed by positions with City News Service, United Press International KABC-AM and KFWB-AM. Just prior to KTLA he was with KNBC and NBC television for 15 years.

Save the Historic Adams Hill Gas Station!

Glendale is now threatening to back down on plans to restore and keep a 1930s-era Streamline Moderne-style gas station in Adams Square, The classic building is set to become part of a mini-park at the corner of Palmer and Adams -- but a vocal opposition by a few cranks is threatening to halt those plans.

It'd be a shame if a few whiny residents ruined it for everyone else. Part of the charm of our neighborhood comes from its history -- the 1920s homes (including our own), the art deco Adams Square building, and the long-abandoned gas station building.

The Adams Hill Homeowners Assoc. even beams about the unique structure on its website: Adams Square can also boast of its wonderful Streamline Moderne gas station, built in 1936 by the Richfield Oil Co. Currently abandoned, the gas station’s clean, sophisticated style remains solidly intact. Clearly, the historical significance of Adams Hill’s architecture is not limited to its housing stock; the classic commercial buildings of Adams Square further link the neighborhood to its rich past.

It hasn't been a good year for building preservation in the region -- the elimination of the old radio station building on Vermont; the end of Perino's on Wilshire and the impending destruction of the Ambassador have all been heartbreaking. This isn't on par with those classic structures -- but because it sits around the corner from our house, I'm taking a vested interest in hoping that we don't lose this little piece of Adams Hill history.

It Doesn't Matter Who's Wrong Or Right, Just Beat It

And Jacko did, not guilty on all counts. Of course, Franklin Avenue readers already knew the verdict's outcome -- our very own Blogger Baby called it days ago!

Blogger Baby... more accurate than John "Talks to the Dead" Edward!

Americana Delayed

Looks like it's going to take a little longer for Grove II: Electric Boogaloo to hit our neighborhood.

Construction on Glendale's new "Americana at Brand" shopping complex has been delayed, according to the Glendale News-Press, until at least early 2006.

According to the paper, the State Court of Appeals upheld a decision to suspend destruction of the old Fire Station 21 and the former Pacific Bell building on the site, until it determined whether they should be preserved.

I'm all for historical preservation -- but the group leading the charge to save these buildings? General Growth Properties, owners of the Glendale Galleria -- which is sure to take a hit once the Americana is built.

Really altruistic, guys.

Making the Cut

Last month I sent out the call: After several bad Rudy's cuts, it was time to jump ship and find someone new to cut my hair.

Several of you came up with suggestions; for starters, I decided to take Will Campbell's advice: I've been frequenting Tony's Barbershop for the last couple years on Glendale Boulevard near Fletcher (in the shopping center with the Ralphs and the Sav-On). Some may say you get what you pay for, but Tony's never done me wrong for the ten bucks he charges.

Tony's is a barber shop. It has all the essentials: The candy-stripe pole outside. Dean Martin blasting on the stereo. Loads and loads of old magazines. A black-and-white checkerboard floor. Lollipops for the kids. And barbers who aren't waiting for a commercial call back -- real, professional barbers.

I walked in on a Sunday morning -- open Sunday morning, a plus already -- and didn't have to wait long for a chair. Tony -- the barbershop's namesake -- was cutting someone's hair in the first stall; he was extremely friendly and giving a young boy (whose brother was busy raiding the lollipop bucket) a sharp 'do.

Another barber was fixing his pompador. I climbed into the third barber's chair; my guy whipped a bright yellow cape over me and went to work.

Now, I gotta say, it wasn't the best cut I ever had. But for $10, it sure wasn't bad. The barber (whose name I didn't catch) took his time, trimming the front and sides, shaving the back and even taking a fine blade to sculpt the back of my head's hairline.

At $10, that's less than half of what I paid at Rudy's -- and I sat in the chair twice as long. Not bad.

Tony's Barber Shop, 2552 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles (Silver Lake). Phone: 323-663-9589

Blog Mail: Blow Out Edition

From the Franklin Avenue mailbag (mikemaria@sbcglobal.net):

Good Morning, M & M-
Last year you posted the hilarious pic of Jonathan Antin riding the "Mummy" coaster. I wanted to show it to a couple of friends who enjoy watching the Über-Ego on "Blow Out" and I know they'd derive much pleasure from it. Can you send me the link or the image itself? Many humble thanks......

~Samantha Hallisy Cattaneo~
(LA transplant now living in Boston)

Samantha, so glad you asked. From last July's post:



Yup, that's Morrissey lookalike (OK, a younger, smirkier Morrissey) Jonathan Antin, he of the Bravo series "Blow Out" (and his Jonathan Salon, soon to go worldwide), sitting right behind me on Universal Studios' "The Mummy: The Ride."

Beyond marveling Antin's tan, you gotta wonder, how does he manage to still pull off the Zoolander/"Blue Steel" facial expression -- while riding a fast-moving rollercoaster?! Impressive.

UPDATE: The second season of "Blow Out" is currently airing Tuesday nights on Bravo. And of course, as is suddenly de rigeur, the show's website includes psuedo blogs written by the reality show's stars.

Here, Jonathan Antin talks about just how tough it is to be Jonathan Antin: "At the end of a day I am just a hair stylist living a dream and doing great hair." Word.

Tee-Off

Latest topical T-shirt designs from Los Feliz's Y Que boutique (the folks behind the famed "Free Winona" shirts):

"Deep Throat & Proud Of It" (sorry, Felt family, I doubt any licensing residuals are coming your way from this one)

"Have You Seen Me?" (runaway bride)

"Jesus Juice" (a nod, of course, to Mr. Jackson)

"Bush's Mandate" (love the pun!)

Rate-A-Restaurant, #64 and #65 in a series

Today, a two-fer: Maria had to leave Los Feliz's Mexico City early, in order to put Evan to bed... so I picked up something from Glendale's El Tapatio.


Restaurant: Mexico City

Location: 2121 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles (Los Feliz)

Type of restaurant: Mexican

We stipulated: It was a friend's birthday, and she was looking for a spot that wouldn't mind several babies joining in.

What we ordered: guacamole with chips; chicken enchilada with mole poblano sauce

High point: Plenty of room for a small birthday gathering -- and the staff didn't balk when Leslie brought in a cake (they even provided plates, without a cake cutting fee -- unfortunately, not all L.A. restaurants are as accomodating). Also, shout out to the mole poblano sauce -- nice sweetness mixed nicely with the dish.

Low point: Less thrilled with the rice and beans that came along with the entree -- very standard fare.

Overall impression: Nice environment for a small gathering, particularly on a weeknight. Food is decent; although, there are probably plenty of other Mexican joints you oughta try first, Mexico City is a great spot when you're meeting a group of people in Los Feliz.

Chance we will go back: Probably not for a while -- although, duly noted, couples with babies were welcome.

+++
Restaurant: El Tapatio

Location: 1266 S Glendale Ave, Glendale

Type of restaurant: Mexican fast food

We stipulated: While I was downing margaritas, Maria was putting Evan to bed. And was getting hungry. It was time to finally check out El Tapatio, a late-night fast Mexican counter near our Glendale home (and down the street from Glendale's Forest Lawn).

What we ordered: chicken quesadilla with everything ($3.85)

High point: El Tapatio is your classic, no frills L.A. Mexican counter. Which means it's fantastic. Plus it's open late, another plus.

Low point: Since it was my first time, I wasn't sure how it all worked. After I paid my money, there was no receipt or anything. Was I done? Should I wait at the counter? Don't worry, I figured it out.

Overall impression: I brought home the quesadilla, and it was exactly what Maria wanted. Gooey cheese, a spicy sauce, tender chicken and a fresh tortilla. Yum.

Chance we will go back: It's around the corner, so when we need a quick bite, a local joint like El Tapatio fills the bill.

For a complete archive of our Rate-A-Restaurant reviews, check out our newly revised companion ratearestaurant.blogspot.com website.