the neighborhood

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First, Let's Laugh at Level One

I was going to write about an upcoming hearing for Level One, but then I went to their website and thought, Hey, today let's just make fun of them!

Here's the place in question:

Some images I stole from their webpage for this purpose:

1. The "Forgive Me For My Affair" Pose

2. "I'm Very Comfortable"

3. Stalking the Customers

While the last photo loooks like it could have been taken by a private eye hired by the woman's ex-boyfriend, for the most part the images have the look of either an ad campaign for a low-rent erectile dysfunction drug or stills from a corporate sexual harrassment sensitivity training video. This effort almost -- but not quite -- endears me to those wacky liquor-slinging new neighbors of mine.

Tagger of the Week Contest

Whatever the target, taggers get the job done. From the majesty of the whitewash wall-tag to the clever irony of the Neighborhood Watch sign-tag, life is enhanced by the tireless work of these underappreciated graffiti artists.

Today, I'd like to congratulate neighborhood tagger Midas for his Johnny-on-the-Spot tagging of the boarded-up window at Classique Beauty Salon. The salon was hit Friday night along with a couple of other establishments between Wilshire and 3rd Street on Fairfax, and Midas wasted no time in marking his territory.

First, as we check the work, we see some weak entries from up-and-comers ODDK and UEG at Kitchen Design in the South 400 block:

Come on, now! You got nothin'. NOTHING. Weak.

Those two, along with 3Ps, are also represented at the beauty salon:

...but that's no better. What, are you guys scared? Running low on paint? Clearly, Midas faced 'em.

So for Tagger of the Week, all bow down to King Midas!

Is there a dedicated, unrecognized tagger you know out there who's putting in a lot of hours? Nominate him or her for Tagger of the Week by emailing tagger@avantfolk.com.

Fairfax District Investigation

Sadly, some news about a murder-robbery from last week which occurred nearby. (I cribbed this from NBC4's website and attached the photo as well.) Note the phone number at the bottom of the article if you have any information.

Police Release Sketch In Case Of Waiter Stabbed After Shift
Waiter Stabbed After Sunday Night Shift
LOS ANGELES -- Authorities Wednesday circulated a composite drawing of a suspect in the stabbing death of a waiter, who had just finished his shift at the Marmalade Cafe in the Fairfax District when he was attacked Sunday night.
Eric Gelman, 32, was walking to his car in the 7900 block of West First Street when he was accosted about 10 p.m. Sunday. Gelman, who had recently moved to Los Angeles from Florida to pursue an acting career, was pronounced dead at a hospital, said Lt. Ed Winter of the coroner's office.

A woman who resides in the neighborhood, which is about half a block from The Grove shopping complex where Gelman worked, said residents saw him being attacked and called 911, but it was too late.
Although the motive appeared to be robbery, police are uncertain why the victim was stabbed. Police described the suspect as a bearded black man about 35-40 years old, around 6 feet tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing.
Call (213) 473-0551 with information.

Miracle, Schmiracle

Just a little site for spotty information about the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles. It also gives me a chance to make fun of my neighborhood, which I love. Any time you can add to any information which appears here, please use the comments feature.

Coming this week: Tagger of the Week contest and information about an upcoming local issue regarding the club Level One.