Pico Life LA

Hit & Run on Carmona

2009-08-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Many residents in the area know about the dangerous stretch of road between Pico and Saturn on Carmona, a pretty tree-lined block just west of Hauser. Vehicles often speed down this narrow, 2-way street. Some of the drivers are intoxicated and on many occasions, en route to or from the liquor store on the corner of Pico and Carmona. There have been near misses amongst humans and animals alike as well as some tragic deaths. One is the death of our beloved feline, Piyaa (a.k.a Pitti Cat, Honey Pie, Brad Pitt, Mitzah Pitti, and so on).

Piyaa was struck some time between 10pm and 11pm on Thursday August 14, 2009. He was loved by so many and will be dearly and greatly missed.

Always, please take caution when driving, especially down residential streets. If you have indoor/ outdoor cats, always be mindful that they may stray a bit further than you might think. Even the sharpest and most fit adult human or non-human animal can be caught off-guard by a speeding vehicle. The neighbors of Carmona have been trying to get speed bumps installed and we hope their efforts to implement this and other safety precautions come to fruition. Thank you to the neighbors who called to alert us of Piyaa's demise. Our joyous memories of him are plentiful and everlasting.

Getting Fresh with Fish

2009-07-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

by M. Frank

I sometimes have this urge to cheat...with fried food! I passed by this fairly new restaurant, Island Fresh, many times and was always a bit curious, but had never crossed that line. What I had finally experienced was incredibly fresh, perfectly seasoned and lightly fried fish and seafood. I talked to the owner, Andrew, a very friendly and welcoming Jamaican guy, as he fixed me up a combo of oyster, catfish and shrimp. Even the side of greens was delicious.

Island Fresh

5101 W. Pico Blvd. (at Redondo)

map

7/18 PVCA Meeting Minutes

2009-07-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

by M. Frank

The biggest news that came from the meeting on Saturday, was that VONS on Fairfax and Pico will be demolished in order to make way for a state-of-the-art Pavillions with deli/cafe, Starbucks and upper level parking. Supposedly it will be something along the lines of the West Hollywood Pavillions on Santa Monica Blvd. Permitting alone will take up to 10 months so who knows when this all could be completed, but this is very exciting news.

Crime is on the rise, including a rash of break-ins. One break-in consisted of the perpetrators climbing over a fence to get to the back door, through which they crow-barred their way in before pepper spraying the resident's large dogs. The pepper spray trick seems to becoming more and more common. A lot of these break-ins are occurring between the hours of 10am and 4pm (during the workday). Be alert and communicate with your neighbors. We're all in this together.

In these terrible economic times, everyone is looking for ways to make more money, including the city and utilities. Inspectors are reviewing trash separation practices and fining where households are not making the grade. Ticketing for parking in driveways while blocking even just mere inches of the sidewalk are on the rise as well.

For all of this info, as well as much more about our neighborhood, please visit www.picfairvillage.com

General Membership Meeting: Picfair Village Community Association

2009-07-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Picfair Village Community Association will be meeting this Saturday, July 18th, at 10AM at the SGI Friendship Center at 5899 Venice Blvd. (at Fairfax). All are welcome.

The petition for preferential parking on the 1400th block of Sierra Bonita Ave. (between Pico and Saturn) will be available for signing.

A ManiPedicure for Under $20

2009-07-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

The words jumped out from the KIM LY Nails banner:

Mani/ Pedi $17.99

For months, I've been doing my own nails, resulting in a professional-looking job, but with 2x the effort and no Us Weekly/ People/ Latina magazine perusal.

The Kim Ly wall o' varnish presented no familiar brands, but plenty of options. It was between two hot summer colors: a grown-up hot pink and a bright "red alert" red, by MonaLisa and Santee Plus, respectively. Having worn lacquer from little known brands as well as the well-marketed pricey ones, I can say that all polish chips with abuse. Top/base coat and maintenance are key. Nevertheless, Technician Jenny's manipedicures at Kim Ly last longer, in comparison to others.

Like a seasoned farrier, Jenny filed, trimmed, and smoothed like it was her job, which is more than I can say for some slicers and ticklers. She whipped out a Pedi-Paws-type tool for the rough spots and took a tiny paint brush dipped in remover to erase a little bit of the misplaced color.

Heels - less clickable
Nails - smooth and polished

KIM LY Nails
5103 Venice Blvd. (Redondo)
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323-936-5422
Mon - Sat: 9:30am to 7pm
Sun: 9:30am to 6pm
Walk-ins welcome

On all our minds

2009-07-08T09:10:00.001-07:00

Taken on Hauser and Saturn.

Smith & Hawkins' New Co-op Venture - Sanctuary

2009-07-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

Under construction, the new Sanctuary. Urban bazaar, the old space on Pico and Arlington.

Image by artist Sydney James.

Sanctuary, the brainchild of Kenyetta Smith, is a new retail and art gallery space on Pico, and an open invitation to like-minded creatives to sell their goods in a cooperative, entrepreneurial environment. Permanent residents of the co-op, Kenyetta's own Butterfly Kisses Botanicals (http://www.bkbstore.com/) and her partner Gail Hawkins' Cultural Interior Home Furnishings (http://culturalinteriors.com/) will make room for vendors during "MarketPlace" Saturdays at the co-op. Merchants may apply online for a spot.

Sanctuary's opening reception is this Friday, July 3rd from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. There will be an exhibition of celebrity-inspired paintings by artist Sydney James called "Full Deck" (http://www.sydneygjames.com/home/home.html).

Sanctuary
5372 W. Pico Blvd. (at Ridgeley)--across from La Maison du Pain
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 908-0689
Sanctuary@BKBstore.com
http://www.bkbstore.com/sanctuary/sanctuaryhome.html

Monday, Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday - Friday: 12n - 6:30pm
Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: by appointment, TBA

Sale: Visionary Boutique

2009-07-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

Pico's "Eco-boutique" is having a sale this week:
All housewares 50% OFF! Including candles, cleaning supplies, even books!
Kids Clothing 40% OFF!
Jewelry 10% OFF!
Free incense with every purchase!

Visionary Boutique 5285 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
310-659-1177
www.visionaryboutique.com

Pinky Rose Boutique Side Walk Sale

2009-06-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

From Pinky Rose Boutique...

$5 $10 $15

Pinky Rose

Annual Sidewalk

Sale!

$5 $10 $15

Starting TOMORROW, Pinky Rose Boutique will be discounting tons of new styles down to $5, $10 and $15!!! Saturday, June 27th to Sunday, June 28th, take advantage of this early summer sale.

Starts at 10am on both days.

PINKY ROSE BOUTIQUE | 5571 W. Pico Blvd. | Los Angeles | CA | 90019

Spicy, tossed Fruit Salad

2009-06-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Whether your destination is the gas station, Bank of America, or the National Council of Jewish Women Council Thrift Shop, a stop at Juan's fruit-stand is worth the slight detour. In front of the B of A parking lot on Pico Blvd. at La Cienega, Juan is serving up fresh fruit salads to please all palates, Monday through Saturday. The twist is that at your discretion, your salad can be tossed with Pico de Gallo chili pepper, fresh-squeezed lime, and Morton's salt. A $4 bag of chopped pineapple, jicama, watermelon, mango, coconut, cantaloup, and cucumber (the lone vegetable) makes a satisfying lunch.

Late Notice / Great Band!

2009-06-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

I know its a bit late, but if you don't have plans or if you want better ones... tonight at 10pm Passafire, reggae-rocks The Mint! $10 for a tight band - good deal.

Jazzy Party on Saturday at Pinky Rose Boutique

2009-06-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Pinky Rose Boutique is celebrating the start of summer with a pre-Playboy Jazz Festival party on Saturday, June 6th from 2pm to 7pm. There will be a bar, a live jazz band, and a fashion show, plus big discounts on summer fashions.

Doors open at 2pm

Fashion show at 4pm

Live Jazz band from 5-6:30pm

Pinky Rose Boutique

5571 W. Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90019

Free Workshop at the Apple Store...for Moms

2009-05-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

from Mom Lounge Founder - Sheinina West:
Mom Lounge members are invited to Meet Up at the Apple store located at the Grove in LA, Saturday, May 30, from 9am -10am. One lucky Mom will receive a One to One Apple membership good for 1 year! An Apple applications specialist will show you how to integrate iPhoto with your browser. We will upload pics to Flickr and showcase them on momlounge.com. Space is limited, please RSVP with Sheinina@momlounge.com.

http://momlounge.com/mom

A Dedicated Post: The Southern California Counseling Center

2009-05-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

1.) NEW 10-week Parenting Class: Best Practice Parenting

GOAL: Tuned-in Parents, Thriving Children

Begins: June 4, 2009 on Thursdays from 4PM to 5:30PM

To register, call Clay Crosby, MFT at 323-937-1344, ext. 207

2.) Ongoing group for people affected by the current economic crisis: Recession, Unemployment, Foreclosures...

These are hard times, but you DO NOT have to face them alone. The Southern California Counseling Center, in partnership with Jewish Vocational Services, offers a group for people impacted by the current economic crisis. The time-limited, low-cost group will provide:

A safe place to discuss the challenges you are facing. Peer support and experienced group leaders. Techniques to cope with stress and reduce anxiety. Help to reconnect with your strengths and regain the confidence you need to move forward.

Monday, 4PM to 5:45PM. For information, call Clay Crosby, MFT at 323-937-1344, ext. 207. Limited spaces - call immediately to reserve your place.

Satellite Auto Body Shops on Residential Streets?

2009-05-27T10:42:00.001-07:00

It appears that Pico auto body business is spilling into residential neighborhoods. The scene above (on Sierra Bonita Ave. between Saturn and Pico) is illegal in Southern California. Restricted or Preferential Parking for residents would abate if not eradicate this growing problem. Several streets such as Carmona, Curson, Stanley, and Ellsmere either have Preferential Parking in effect or are pending. Comments are welcome.

ATTN Residents: Dept. of Transportation Preferential Parking Meeting

2009-05-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

There will be a "mandatory" meeting of all residents of the 1400th block of Sierra Bonita Ave. with the Department of Transportation on Friday, May 22nd at 7:00PM, concerning Preferential Parking (District 137) on your blocks. At this time you will have the opportunity to diplomatically voice your concerns with your neighbors and the DOT. This meeting will be held at the 10th Council District field office located at 5631 Pico Blvd. at Stanley Ave. The petition in favor of Preferential Parking will be available for signing as well. For RSVPs and questions, please contact Ron Smith at rsmith90019@yahoo.com or 213-400-8193.

A Pico Life Tale: Kittilocks & The Three Hummingbirds

2009-05-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Mama bird, papa bird, baby bird...and the hungry Kittilocks.

Beware: Strange Folk Abroad

2009-05-19T13:50:00.001-07:00

On Monday 5/18, an unnamed caucasian male, about 5'9 - 5'10, curly dark hair, 25 - 35 years old, and heavily cologned, came to my door asking for the man of the house, Frank, by name. He said he was a "new neighbor" and with a 2-page document in hand, expressed the need for a fax machine. I said that Frank wasn't home and he pardoned himself and walked away.

I doubt this stranger is a "new neighbor" because we don't know him. He could have been casing our home and going through our mail. Pico Life, please be on alert.

"Keeping kids on horses...and off the street!"

2009-05-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

I have been crazy about horses since gestation and kids since I was a kid, so when I learned about the Compton Jr. Posse Youth Equestrians, becoming involved with this unique 501 c(3) non-profit was imminent. This past Sunday I volunteered for the Posse at a horse show where the promising riders (ages 5 to 20 years old) competed and were consistently "in the ribbons."

The Posse's Annual Benefit Gala will be held at Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank on May 30, 2009 (http://www.comptonjrposse.org/events/annualfundraiser/auction-add-donor-form). Led by Founder & Executive Director Mayisha Akbar, this year's goal is to develop the first inner city equestrian charter school and riding team. Please visit www.comptonjrposse.org to: learn more; donate $$$, expertise, English riding equipment and apparel, barn equipment, silent auction items; purchase event tickets; and/or to sponsor the event/ the Posse/ a horse/ a rider.

Hanging it up: Sierra Cleaners To Close

2009-05-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

They've cleaned, repaired, and altered well, but soon Sierra Cleaners will be packing it up (date TBD). Be sure to pick-up your unclaimed garments.

[See September 2008 archive for Sierra Cleaners post.]

Sierra Cleaners

5532 W. Pico Blvd. (at Sierra Bonita)

LA, CA 90019

323-936-8991

RECAP: Picfair Village Association General Meeting

2009-05-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

by M. Frank

Claudia Bayard led the meeting and started things off by introducing Elizabeth Carlin, Field Deputy for Council Member Herb J. Wesson's district office. Liz filled us in on a fair amount of things and here are the highlights:

1. Motion to extend the number of terms possible for Police Chief. Our Chief has drastically reduced crime in the area and a large majority would like him to stay on.

2. DWP has already begun enforcing "Watering Restrictions." Watering (via hose, sprinklers and even car washing) is only allowed on Mondays and Thursdays before 9AM and after 4PM.

3. The City of Los Angeles passed a "Billboards Ordinance" to drastically increase the fines for billboard violations.

Claudia took the floor again and the meeting switched focus to "Preferential Parking" for the 1400 blocks of Carmona, Sierra Bonita, Curson, Ellsmere, Stanley and the stretch of Saturn spanning those blocks. An informal vote was taken where 100% of residents residing upon those blocks voted in favor of Preferential Parking, primarily to remove the auto body shops' cars from their streets, which are sometimes parked for days at a time. 65% of that vote were in favor of 2-hour parking from 9am-6pm and 35% were in favor of 1-hour parking from 9am-6pm.

The Slashing: Neighborhood Council Budgets To Be Cut

2009-05-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

From the desk of Soledad S. Garcia, Department of Water & Power Committee President:

Dear Colleagues,

Although the DWP Committee's primary activities are directed at DWP ratepayers' issues, the indiscriminate slashing of Neighborhood Council funding must be addressed by all Council Boards, their stakeholders and ratepayer advocates. By reducing funding by 80%, the Budget and Finance Committee in effect will be closing down Neighborhood Council representation at City Hall.

The City Council Budget Committee has gone beyond the Mayor's recommendation of a 10% funding cut for the FY 2010. It would behoove us all to support the Mayor's proposal of $45,000 for each Neighborhood Council.

Every one is aware that the City has a $500 million budget deficit. Many have opinions on the reasons for the deficit, but the focus here should be on the appropriate reduction of $5,000 to neighborhood councils. Every Neighborhood Council has contributed to Community improvement where the City has not. Every Neighborhood Council has contributed to the education of the neighborhood on City-wide issues, security and emergency preparedness and representing the Community on matters of importance to the stakeholders.

As representatives of Neighborhood Councils, write, email and phone the Budget Committee--Chairman Bernard Parks, Wendy Greuel, Greig Smith, Bill Rosendahl, and Jose Huizar. Let your own Council member as well as the other members of the Council know of your budget reduction concern. And while you're at it, let the stakeholders know they can write too. Be sure to send a copy to the media.

Very Important: Go to the Budget/Finance Committee at 12 PM on Tuesday, May 12th at 1 p.m. and to the May 18th Special City Council meeting meeting. If you have time, stop by City Council at 10 AM any time before the final vote to support the ten percent reduction and briefly tell them what your Neighborhood Council has done to improve the Community.

Stand up for Neighborhood Councils,

Soledad S. Garcia
DWP Committee President

Q & A: Roman Raygoza Design Studio

2009-05-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Roman Raygoza is primed to revolutionize the design world with his unique upholstery creations, trimmings, and accessories. Upon walking into Roman Raygoza Design Studio on Fairfax, I was instantly convinced...that I loved what I saw. The studio is reminiscent of a posh yet unpretentious friend's home, except for the floor-to-ceiling custom made shelves, lined with Roman's beautiful pillows. I suppose an accent wall could be made of pillows. Your imagination will wander too and this is what Roman loves about working with his clients---the opportunity to go where no designer has gone before...

PLLA: Where are you from?
RR: I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. My grandmother, who made the most beautiful pieces of jewelry, inspired me to become a designer.

PLLA: Were you an apprentice?
RR: I began working at an early age in my family's furniture manufacturing company. I learned to make furniture before I went to school.

PLLA: What was your most challenging job to date?
RR: I custom made a 16' long sectional sofa for one of my clients in Long Beach. We brought it up through the 4th floor window with a crane because the stairs were so narrow.

PLLA: What trends or techniques have you started?
RR: I have created a new technique of making antique mirrors look more interesting by adding patterns to the mirror.

PLLA: What is the best fabric?
RR: Blended fabrics, like polyester/cotton and polyester/ linen.

PLLA: In addition to your showroom, where can we see your work next?
RR: Everybody can see it at The Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2009. This year I sponsored 4 different designers with furniture, wall upholstery, and accessories.

PLLA: Where have we seen your work already?
RR: The Pasadena Showcase House of Design, designer trade catalog www.designertrade.net, and p. 18 of Lucky magazine's February issue.

Thank you, Roman, and a Happy Mother's Day to your grandmother.

Roman Raygoza Design Studio

1080 S. Fairfax Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90019

323-933-3921

info@romanraygoza.com

Plant-a-Tree for Mom: A Dedicated Post from Visionary Boutique

2009-05-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

May

2009

Every day is (mother) Earth Day at Visionary!!!

This mother's day you can honor your birth mother and your earth mother at the same time, by choosing an eco friendly gift from Visionary Boutique.
How about a gift certificate for non-toxic make-up, a pair of earrings, or a fabulous pair of vegan shoes? We have loads of new things in the store so come on down and see! As always, Visionary will plant 1 tree for each item sold in the store!

Stay green,

Magda Rod
Visionary Boutique

Visionary Mobile at Worldfest May 16th.

Visionary Mobile will take part in this extraordinary celebration of our mother earth-we hope you can join us!!! We'll be at Woodley Park all day,listening to the great music and speakers at this amazing event!
You can also keep track of our events with the mobile store on our Facebook page.

Become a fan on FACEBOOK

Follow us on Twitter

Check out our new and improved blog!
here

Mother's Day Day Store Sale!!!
Take 20% off anything in the store on Friday,
and Saturday .
We'll be open from 12-5 each day.

Free Visionary water bottle with each purchase of $100 or more!

Contact Us

5285 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
310-659-1177
MAP

Join Our Mailing List!

visionaryboutique.com

A Dedicated Post from Pinky Rose Boutique for Mother's Day

2009-05-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

May 2009

Happy MOTHER'S DAY!!!

With just a few days left until Mother's Day, there is still plenty of time to take advantage of our GREAT DEALS here at PINKY ROSE BOUTIQUE.

We would also like to announce our NEWEST INVENTORY that arrived this week. FABULOUS!!!

But if you don't believe us, see for yourself...

White Floral Dress

Multi-Colored
Peasant Top

Black Aztec Dress

Red Maxi Dress

Lace-Back
Green Sweater

Butterfly Top

New Scarves and Handbags!!!

Scarves and Belts

Color Striped
Straw Handbags

So come in today and find something new. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

Sincerely,

PINKY ROSE BOUTIQUE

*LIVE*LAUGH*LOVE*

PINKY ROSE BOUTIQUE
5571 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019