viewfromaloft

Art Walk Add: Task Force In Action. City Hall releases statement.

Art Walk Talk: A release from City Hall taps into the current buzz as covered in Art Walk Preview.  It states that the August Art Walk will be the first month LAFD and the County Health Department will "no longer issue any permits for vending between 3rd and 7th street and Spring and Main, areas identified to be overly congested by art walk activities."

The two agencies, part of the Art Walk task force, are working to "expedite permits" with interested vendors in the areas outside the zone, designed to shift Art Walk's growth outside the four-block area in Downtown's Historic Core and Gallery Row.

“Art Walk is an organic event that has grown in attendance and popularity alongside the revitalization of our urban downtown," said Councilwoman Jan Perry in the Wednesday morning statement.  "Our number one priority is to support public safety efforts and ensure that Art Walk continues as a sustainable, positive event for the entire Los Angeles community."

“Art Walk is a fantastic event that draws thousands downtown and we want to ensure that it remains active and viable,” says Councilmember José Huizar.  “We’re hopeful that the safety changes we’re implementing for tomorrow’s Art Walk will allow us to reduce large crowds drawn to non-art related activities.”

In the Historic Core, Spring street divides Perry's 9th District and Huizar's 14th District.

The statement also says the city will continue police presence to handle previous turn restrictions on Main for northbound traffic at 3rd and 4th, and on Spring from southbound traffic at 4^th St. and 6th St.

Inspectors from different departments will keep sidewalks clear of DJ equipment, craft vendors and carts, plus monitor permitted food / craft lots. The city is prepared to shut down unpermitted lots.

 

Art Walk Preview for 8.11.11: Candles Lit, Food Trucks Moved, Galleries Go On

Memorial for Baby Marcello on Spring St, July 21 2011.

As can be expected, it is not the usual Art Walk Preview this month. After the jump, you will find information on a fundraiser for baby Marcello, learn about the first shot across the Spring Street bow from the task force, and a list of some of the exhibitions you can find during Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk on August 11, 2011.

Man Attempting to Jump from 13th Floor of Downtown Building Pulled in by LAPD

 

On Thursday, July 28, around 6pm, officers from Central Division saved a man who was attempting to jump from a 13th floor apartment building at 111 W. 7th, reports LAPD.

The man, in his 30s, was distraught over a break-up with his girlfriend, say authorities.  To save him, LAPD handcuffed the man to the grate, then brought in LAFD to cut and remove the grate and the foiled jumper. No arrests were made, but the jumper was taken to the hospital for evaluation. His name was not released.

"The most amazing thing about this is the officers' commitment to saving this man in the face of danger to their own lives," says Lt. Paul Vernon.  "What you don't see is the man actually biting the arm of Officer Rick Linton."

The video was taken by an observer witnessing the rescue.

ADD 2:26pm. Soon after the post was made around 11:30am, an e-mail came in from someone claiming to be a family member requesting the video to be pulled. The contact added the information from the source post on age and reason "for being distraught are incorrect."

"I hope you can understand that may of us are dealing with an extremely difficult situation & this is not making it easier." Writes the contact.

It was almost a reasonable enough request, except every L.A. media outlet is now posting the video.

 

Fallen Brother

The public memorial service for  fallen Los Angeles Firefighter Brent Lovrien just ended at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and Color Guards arrived as far as Arizona and San Francisco paid last respects. It's being broadcasted as you read on KABC, KNBC, KTLA, and KTTV. More at blogdowntown later in the day.

ADD: LAT's coverage of the day. [Firefighters pay tribute to brother who gave his life]

Morning Notice

FOR THE FALLEN: LAFD PIO Brian Humphrey sends word to "please allow extra time in tomorrow's AM commute into downtown LA."  via e-mail alerts . .–– Main Street will used to assemble those gathering to attend the services for Firefighter Brent Lovrien. [blogdowntown]  [LAFD] [Where to donate]

 

2.15.08

Downtown's LAPD will gather at Central Division at 9am, then caravan en masse to Crenshaw Christian Faith Dome church for today's services. LAO [Street closings, media coverage for services and burial] A hat tip to the Downtown Burger King who donated a day's proceeds to the family of Randy Simmons. For most of the day the line was out the door. view [CBS.com] [LAPDBlog] photo/viewfromaloft

Fatal Crash at 7th and San Pedro

A four car accident at 7th and San Pedro left one person dead and three hospitalized, including one bystander struck by debris, in what is being called a dramatic and fiery crash. The series of collisions, around 7pm, caused one car to shear a fire hydrant before catching fire when it struck a lamppost. The driver was caught in a blaze so severe, LAFD could not attempt a rescue. "One occupant of the burning and barely recognizable passenger car proved beyond their help," says Humphrey at LAFD's blog. Complicating firefighting were power lines downed by the accident, according to reports. LAFD LAT CBS2