Below is a warning from the Huntington Library's Carolyn Powell:
Notice to all researchers:
The current acting Archivist of the United States has proposed to close the Laguna Niguel branch of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and move the materials to the Federal Record's Center in Perris (Riverside County). The Perris facility is a warehouse with no reading room. This proposal is part of a larger plan to reduce the number of National Archives branch facilities by closing some and turning others into "storefronts" with reading rooms only and off-site records storage.
Considerations:
NARA's Pacific Region (Laguna Niguel) has more than 35,000 cubic feet of archival holdings dating from about l850 to the l980s. In addition to textual records there are architectural drawings, maps, and photographs. These holdings were created or received by the Federal courts and over 50 Federal agencies in Arizona, southern California, and Clark County, Nevada. Federal law requires that agencies transfer permanently valuable, noncurrent records to NARA.
The National Archives facility in Laguna Niguel has been in its current location for over thirty years, since the early 1970s. From this location, researchers have easy access to National Archives records and can also conduct research at the many other archival facilities and libraries in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.
There is no public transportation available to the facility in Perris. The current facility in Laguna Niguel is freeway-close and is serviced by the Orange County Transit Authority with connections to area Metrolink and Amtrak stations. It is 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA).
The National Archives has a potential opportunity to move its Laguna Niguel facility to the proposed Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California, where it will be part of a museum district / cultural terrace. This location will be approximately 10 miles to the northwest of the current facility and will increase traffic and visibility for NARA (rather than the warehouse in Perris, which will likely do the opposite).
How You Can Help:
Write a letter of concern to: Adrienne Thomas, Acting Archivist of the United States, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001 (Fax: 301-837-0483).
If you live in Orange County, California, write a letter of concern to your Congressional representative as well.
Spread the news to others in the archival, historical, genealogical, and library fields to help garner support and generate more letters of concern to help keep the NARA facility in Laguna Niguel.
Contact Information:
National Archives - Laguna Niguel (Pacific Region), 24000 Avila Road, 1st Floor , Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677-3497
(949) 360-2640; laguna.archives@nara.gov; www.archives.gov/pacific/laguna/
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Have Any Of You Cowboys Ever Tried 'Hiving' Calves From A Herd? Well - That's What The New York Times Says We Do!
According to the New York Times, whenever it's branding time - and time to turn little bulls into little steers, all us cowboys take our best cutting horses to perform:
"...a timeless ritual, hiving off calves from the herd..."
Well, I've been on ranches in most of the Western states, though its been quite a few years since I have been accused of 'hiving' any calves - but I have never once heard that 'timeless' expression used before from any cattleman or woman.
So I looked up the phrase "hiving off calves" in GOOGLE and I got exactly - one... hit.
And that was from this article.
I then tried cows, cattle etc - and still failed to get a single hit. So I next tried every possible variation of the verb 'hiving' or 'to hive' with every possible variation of noun describing anything bovine in nature - and I still could not get a single hit.
Now the verb 'hiving' usually means when part of one bee hive swarms off and sets up its own hive. The verb 'hiving' can also mean to move any part of a group from the larger group, though mainly (though not always) it means to set up another residence and not just a temporary separation. It can also be used as a medical term.
But those are still very rare uses of the word - and even then it is mainly used in the UK - and not the US, much less the American West.
Now as far as the rest of the article - it is excellent as one would expect from one of the New York Times finest and most respected writers, Erik Eckholm. I can recall many articles of his over the years and I have read a number of his books.
This article is also a detailed and highly sympathetic look at one of the latest challenges facing independent ranchers - and I highly recommend anyone who is cattle minded reading it.
But, still... I would like to suggest to Mr. Eckholm - that in any of his future forays into our cowhand culture - whenever he is describing a "timeless ritual" of us cowboys - that he might try for a slightly more... timeless... way of describing what it is we are doing.
"...a timeless ritual, hiving off calves from the herd..."
Well, I've been on ranches in most of the Western states, though its been quite a few years since I have been accused of 'hiving' any calves - but I have never once heard that 'timeless' expression used before from any cattleman or woman.
So I looked up the phrase "hiving off calves" in GOOGLE and I got exactly - one... hit.
And that was from this article.
I then tried cows, cattle etc - and still failed to get a single hit. So I next tried every possible variation of the verb 'hiving' or 'to hive' with every possible variation of noun describing anything bovine in nature - and I still could not get a single hit.
Now the verb 'hiving' usually means when part of one bee hive swarms off and sets up its own hive. The verb 'hiving' can also mean to move any part of a group from the larger group, though mainly (though not always) it means to set up another residence and not just a temporary separation. It can also be used as a medical term.
But those are still very rare uses of the word - and even then it is mainly used in the UK - and not the US, much less the American West.
Now as far as the rest of the article - it is excellent as one would expect from one of the New York Times finest and most respected writers, Erik Eckholm. I can recall many articles of his over the years and I have read a number of his books.
This article is also a detailed and highly sympathetic look at one of the latest challenges facing independent ranchers - and I highly recommend anyone who is cattle minded reading it.
But, still... I would like to suggest to Mr. Eckholm - that in any of his future forays into our cowhand culture - whenever he is describing a "timeless ritual" of us cowboys - that he might try for a slightly more... timeless... way of describing what it is we are doing.
Friday, June 26, 2009
MOCA Starts Its Comeback
First, the above link is to the LA Times post on the MOCA financial story and below is the full press release on the current financial status at MOCA and the announcement of its new trustees and officers for 2010. MOCA has managed to raise over fifty-seven million in just six months (with over eighteen million from the trustees and three million from other patrons) in difficult financial times and when the museum's continued existence was questioned by even many board members.
Significantly, the amount raised by trustees and patrons almost equals the thirty-million Eli Broad has pledged to MOCA over a period of five years - in just one half of one year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 26, 2009
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT
ASSETS; NAMES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Los Angeles, CA—The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), has raised nearly $57 million in the
last six months, and the museum’s Board of Trustees voted June 25 to contribute $4.25 million to MOCA’s
endowment assets, which will be matched by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, for a total $8.5 million
contribution. Additionally, the Board elected three new trustees and its officers for 2010.
Since December 2008, MOCA has undertaken an aggressive fundraising campaign, raising $56.9 million, including
$15 million from The Broad Foundation for exhibition support over five years and $15 million from The Broad
Foundation to match contributions that replenish the endowment. Other notable gifts include $16.4 million from
trustees, in addition to their $1.9 million in annual giving, and $3 million in individual gifts from patrons.
“This is the biggest turnaround of any cultural institution in recent history,” said Eli Broad, a life trustee and
founding member of MOCA, who serves on numerous arts boards around the country. “MOCA has attracted nearly
$57 million in just six months, clearly demonstrating this institution’s importance to the local, national, and
worldwide arts community.”
In addition to MOCA’s dramatic turnaround, the Board elected three new members: Carolyn Clark Powers, Darren
Star, and Marc I. Stern. The board also elected its leadership for the upcoming year: David G. Johnson was re-elected
as co-chair for a second term; Maria Arena Bell was elected as co-chair; Jeffrey Soros was re-elected as president for a
second term, and Fred Sands was elected as vice chair.
“I am pleased that we have enabled a successful turnaround in such a short amount of time,” said MOCA Chief
Executive Officer Dr. Charles E. Young. “The process of right-sizing the institution has not been easy, but these
changes were necessary to ensure the museum’s solid future. This could not have been achieved without the
continuing generosity of The Broad Foundation, the Board of Trustees, major donors and members, as well as the
dedication of the many artists and friends in both the Los Angeles community and around the world.”
“MOCA has achieved an unprecedented level of fundraising during the past six months, while at the same time
reducing expenditures to a sustainable level,” said David G. Johnson. “We are making a substantial contribution to
the endowment assets at this critical time and welcome new trustees, who bring exceptional experience and
commitment to MOCA. Building a dynamic board of trustees is essential in enabling the museum to move forward
with a clear vision for the future and to continue presenting outstanding exhibitions, providing vital education
programs, and expanding one of the most important collections of contemporary art in the world.”
- more -
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT ASSETS; NAMES THREE
NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Page 2 of 4
The three new Trustees bring diverse perspectives to MOCA’s Board.
Carolyn Clark Powers has a strong history of involvement at numerous arts, cultural, and educational institutions
around the country. In Aspen, Colorado, Powers serves on the boards of directors of the Aspen Art Museum, the
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Jazz Aspen Snowmass. She also serves on the National Council for the Aspen Center for
Integrative Health, as a President Society Fellow at the Aspen Institute, and on the National Council of the Aspen
Youth Center. In Los Angeles, Powers currently serves on several groups that support the Music Center, including
the board of directors for Blue Ribbon, the Center Dance Association, and the board of overseers for the Los Angeles
Philharmonic. She also serves on the Collectors Committee and is a member of the Presidents Circle at The Los
Angeles County Museum of Art. In addition, Powers has served on the board of directors of P.S. Arts since 2006.
At the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Powers served on the executive committee of the National Committee
for the Performing Arts from 2004–08.
Powers has a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree
in clinical psychology from Antioch University. Powers and her husband, William C. Powers, reside in Manhattan
Beach, California, and in Aspen, Colorado, with their three children.
Darren Star has been a member of MOCA’s Acquisition and Collection Committee since October 2008 and a
MOCA Partner since February 2008. He has also been a major supporter of MOCA’s annual auction.
Star is the creator and executive producer of three of the last decade’s most popular television phenomenons:
“Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place,” and the three-time Golden Globe®-and Emmy® Award-winning HBO
comedy series “Sex and the City.” In each series, Star’s multi-dimensional characters, captivating settings, and
layered plot lines hooked viewers, and became significant elements of contemporary pop culture. Star recently
released the “Sex and the City” film, based on his award-winning work on the series. The movie grossed more than
$415 million worldwide, and a sequel is in development. In addition, Star served as executive producer of the series
“Cashmere Mafia,” starring the award-winning actresses Lucy Liu, Frances O’Connor, and Miranda Otto. Star has
also revisited the widely popular “90210” project, serving as a writer for the updated series for the CW network. He
is currently working on a project for HBO.
Star’s dedication to his projects speaks to his commitment to engaging, and thought-provoking material. Star
attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he majored in creative writing. Star currently lives in
Beverly Hills, California.
- more -
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT ASSETS; NAMES THREE
NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Page 3 of 4
Marc I. Stern has vast experience in business and as a major supporter of cultural institutions in California and
around the country. Stern is vice chairman and at the end of June will become CEO of The TCW Group, Inc., an asset
management firm based in Los Angeles. Prior to his appointment as vice chairman, Stern served for almost 15 years as
president of the company. Stern is also chairman of Société Générale’s Global Investment Management and Services
in North America (GIMS) and a member of the management committee of Société Générale Group, the parent company
of GIMS and TCW. Stern currently serves as a director of Qualcomm, Inc. (NASDAQ), and of Rockefeller & Co., Inc.
and is a member of the advisory board and an owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. Stern has a strong commitment to the
arts and to education. He serves as chairman and CEO of the Los Angeles Opera, leading the drive to bring
Wagner’s Ring Cycle to Los Angeles. He also sits on the boards of the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles
County, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the
Humanities, the California Science Center, the Aspen Music Festival and School, the California Institute of
Technology, and Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
A native of Vineland, New Jersey, Stern received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Dickinson
College and a master’s degree in government and a law degree from Columbia University. Stern and his wife, Eva,
reside in Malibu, California. They have two children and five grandchildren.
MOCA’s new board leadership for 2009–10 includes two previous officers and two first-time officers.
David G. Johnson has served as co-chair of MOCA’s Board of Trustees since June 2008, and he will continue
serving in this role through June 2010. He was first elected to serve as a MOCA Trustee in December 2005 and has
served as a member of the Acquisition and Collection Committee since 2004.
Johnson is a partner of the Johnson-Roessler Company, LLC., a film entertainment company. He also serves on the
boards of Children Now, the Dream Foundation, KCET, and Reach Out and Read. Johnson is former chairman and a
current board member of Public Counsel Law Center and is a member of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Economy and Jobs
Committee and the California Council for the Humanities. He is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School.
Johnson and his wife, Suzanne Nora Johnson, reside in Los Angeles, California.
Maria Arena Bell has been elected co-chair of MOCA. Bell and her husband, William J. Bell, Jr., have been involved
with MOCA for many years and have made significant financial and art contributions to the museum. Bell is chair of
MOCA’s Acquisition and Collection Committee. She also served as the chair of the Opening Gala for ©
MURAKAMI. Maria Bell became a Trustee in 2008 after her husband served from 1997–2008.
Bell is a television executive producer and writer. She is currently the co-creative producer and writer for “The
Young and the Restless.” She is a frequent essayist and contributor to publications including T The New York Times
Style Magazine, C Magazine, Aspen Magazine, and Women’s Wear Daily. Bell serves on the boards of numerous
arts-related non-profit organizations, including Center Dance Arts, Americans for the Arts, Dicapo Opera Theater
and as president of PS Arts. She also serves on the Education Committee of the Guggenheim Museum, the Blue
Ribbon, the National Council of the Aspen Art Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the
advisory board of Phillips de Pury & Company. Bell was appointed by Governer Arnold Schwarzenegger as a state
commissioner on the California Commission on the Status of Women.
- more -
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT ASSETS; NAMES THREE
NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Page 4 of 4
In addition to being prominent supporters of the arts, the Bells are active collectors of contemporary art. They reside
in Bel Air, California with their two children.
Jeffrey Soros has served as president of MOCA’s Board of Trustees since June 2008 and will continue in this role
through June 2010. Soros has served on MOCA’s Board and on its Acquisition and Collection Committee since
2003. Soros is also an avid supporter of arts education and served as chair of MOCA’s Education Committee from
September 2006 through June 2008 and as vice chair from September 2005 through September 2006. Soros and his
wife, Catherine, have been avid supporters of MOCA, through the donation of funds, artworks, and major support for
the museum’s fundraising events, most notably the annual auction and gala.
Soros is president of Considered Entertainment, an independent film production and finance company. He also
serves on the boards of Creative Capital, The Screenwriters Colony, and The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for
New Americans. Soros and his wife have been members of the MOCA Director’s Forum since 1997. They reside in
West Hollywood, California with their two children.
Fred Sands has been appointed to serve as vice chair of MOCA’s Board. Sands was first elected as a trustee in 2002
and currently serves as chair of the museum’s Investment Committee. Sands is involved with several cultural
institutions in Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Opera, where he serves on the board. He was also
appointed by President George W. Bush to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts and liaison to the
Kennedy Center, and by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California Arts Council.
Sands is chairman of Vintage Real Estate, which develops regional malls, and of Vintage Fund Management, LLC, a
private equity fund. He is the former chairman and sole shareholder of the second largest real estate and financial
services companies in California and the seventh largest in the United States, which merged into Coldwell Banker in
December 2000. Sands’s background also includes acquisition and turn around of distressed companies, including
radio stations, insurance companies, and commercial real estate projects. He was honored as the recipient of the
American Academy of Achievement Award, was named one of the “Top 25 CEOs of the Decade” by California
Business magazine, and named one of the industry’s top 13 “Movers and Shakers” in the country by the National
Association of Realtors. Sands and his wife, Carla, reside in West Los Angeles, California.
MOCA—Celebrating 30 Years as the Nation’s Leading Contemporary Art Museum
Founded in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), has achieved astonishing growth in its brief history—with three
Los Angeles locations of architectural renown; more than 17,000 members; a permanent collection of nearly 6,000 works international in
scope and among the finest in the nation; hallmark education programs that are widely emulated; award-winning publications that present
original scholarship; and groundbreaking monographic, touring, and thematic exhibitions of international repute that survey the art of our time.
MOCA’s mission is to be the defining museum of contemporary art. MOCA is a private not-for-profit institution supported by its members,
corporate and foundation support, government grants, and admission revenues. MOCA Grand Avenue is open 11am to 5pm on Monday and
Friday; 11am to 8pm on Thursday; 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday; and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. General admission is $10
for adults; $5 for students with I.D. and seniors (65+); and free for MOCA members, children under 12, and everyone on Thursdays from 5pm
to 8pm, courtesy of Wells Fargo. MOCA Pacific Design Center is open 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Friday; 11am to 6pm on Saturday and
Sunday; and closed on Monday. Admission to MOCA Pacific Design Center is always free. The Geffen Contemporary is open whenever there
are appropriate exhibitions for that space. For 24-hour information on current exhibitions, education programs, and special events, call
213/626-6222 or access MOCA online at moca.org.
Significantly, the amount raised by trustees and patrons almost equals the thirty-million Eli Broad has pledged to MOCA over a period of five years - in just one half of one year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 26, 2009
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT
ASSETS; NAMES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Los Angeles, CA—The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), has raised nearly $57 million in the
last six months, and the museum’s Board of Trustees voted June 25 to contribute $4.25 million to MOCA’s
endowment assets, which will be matched by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, for a total $8.5 million
contribution. Additionally, the Board elected three new trustees and its officers for 2010.
Since December 2008, MOCA has undertaken an aggressive fundraising campaign, raising $56.9 million, including
$15 million from The Broad Foundation for exhibition support over five years and $15 million from The Broad
Foundation to match contributions that replenish the endowment. Other notable gifts include $16.4 million from
trustees, in addition to their $1.9 million in annual giving, and $3 million in individual gifts from patrons.
“This is the biggest turnaround of any cultural institution in recent history,” said Eli Broad, a life trustee and
founding member of MOCA, who serves on numerous arts boards around the country. “MOCA has attracted nearly
$57 million in just six months, clearly demonstrating this institution’s importance to the local, national, and
worldwide arts community.”
In addition to MOCA’s dramatic turnaround, the Board elected three new members: Carolyn Clark Powers, Darren
Star, and Marc I. Stern. The board also elected its leadership for the upcoming year: David G. Johnson was re-elected
as co-chair for a second term; Maria Arena Bell was elected as co-chair; Jeffrey Soros was re-elected as president for a
second term, and Fred Sands was elected as vice chair.
“I am pleased that we have enabled a successful turnaround in such a short amount of time,” said MOCA Chief
Executive Officer Dr. Charles E. Young. “The process of right-sizing the institution has not been easy, but these
changes were necessary to ensure the museum’s solid future. This could not have been achieved without the
continuing generosity of The Broad Foundation, the Board of Trustees, major donors and members, as well as the
dedication of the many artists and friends in both the Los Angeles community and around the world.”
“MOCA has achieved an unprecedented level of fundraising during the past six months, while at the same time
reducing expenditures to a sustainable level,” said David G. Johnson. “We are making a substantial contribution to
the endowment assets at this critical time and welcome new trustees, who bring exceptional experience and
commitment to MOCA. Building a dynamic board of trustees is essential in enabling the museum to move forward
with a clear vision for the future and to continue presenting outstanding exhibitions, providing vital education
programs, and expanding one of the most important collections of contemporary art in the world.”
- more -
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT ASSETS; NAMES THREE
NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Page 2 of 4
The three new Trustees bring diverse perspectives to MOCA’s Board.
Carolyn Clark Powers has a strong history of involvement at numerous arts, cultural, and educational institutions
around the country. In Aspen, Colorado, Powers serves on the boards of directors of the Aspen Art Museum, the
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Jazz Aspen Snowmass. She also serves on the National Council for the Aspen Center for
Integrative Health, as a President Society Fellow at the Aspen Institute, and on the National Council of the Aspen
Youth Center. In Los Angeles, Powers currently serves on several groups that support the Music Center, including
the board of directors for Blue Ribbon, the Center Dance Association, and the board of overseers for the Los Angeles
Philharmonic. She also serves on the Collectors Committee and is a member of the Presidents Circle at The Los
Angeles County Museum of Art. In addition, Powers has served on the board of directors of P.S. Arts since 2006.
At the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Powers served on the executive committee of the National Committee
for the Performing Arts from 2004–08.
Powers has a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree
in clinical psychology from Antioch University. Powers and her husband, William C. Powers, reside in Manhattan
Beach, California, and in Aspen, Colorado, with their three children.
Darren Star has been a member of MOCA’s Acquisition and Collection Committee since October 2008 and a
MOCA Partner since February 2008. He has also been a major supporter of MOCA’s annual auction.
Star is the creator and executive producer of three of the last decade’s most popular television phenomenons:
“Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place,” and the three-time Golden Globe®-and Emmy® Award-winning HBO
comedy series “Sex and the City.” In each series, Star’s multi-dimensional characters, captivating settings, and
layered plot lines hooked viewers, and became significant elements of contemporary pop culture. Star recently
released the “Sex and the City” film, based on his award-winning work on the series. The movie grossed more than
$415 million worldwide, and a sequel is in development. In addition, Star served as executive producer of the series
“Cashmere Mafia,” starring the award-winning actresses Lucy Liu, Frances O’Connor, and Miranda Otto. Star has
also revisited the widely popular “90210” project, serving as a writer for the updated series for the CW network. He
is currently working on a project for HBO.
Star’s dedication to his projects speaks to his commitment to engaging, and thought-provoking material. Star
attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he majored in creative writing. Star currently lives in
Beverly Hills, California.
- more -
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT ASSETS; NAMES THREE
NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Page 3 of 4
Marc I. Stern has vast experience in business and as a major supporter of cultural institutions in California and
around the country. Stern is vice chairman and at the end of June will become CEO of The TCW Group, Inc., an asset
management firm based in Los Angeles. Prior to his appointment as vice chairman, Stern served for almost 15 years as
president of the company. Stern is also chairman of Société Générale’s Global Investment Management and Services
in North America (GIMS) and a member of the management committee of Société Générale Group, the parent company
of GIMS and TCW. Stern currently serves as a director of Qualcomm, Inc. (NASDAQ), and of Rockefeller & Co., Inc.
and is a member of the advisory board and an owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. Stern has a strong commitment to the
arts and to education. He serves as chairman and CEO of the Los Angeles Opera, leading the drive to bring
Wagner’s Ring Cycle to Los Angeles. He also sits on the boards of the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles
County, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the
Humanities, the California Science Center, the Aspen Music Festival and School, the California Institute of
Technology, and Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
A native of Vineland, New Jersey, Stern received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Dickinson
College and a master’s degree in government and a law degree from Columbia University. Stern and his wife, Eva,
reside in Malibu, California. They have two children and five grandchildren.
MOCA’s new board leadership for 2009–10 includes two previous officers and two first-time officers.
David G. Johnson has served as co-chair of MOCA’s Board of Trustees since June 2008, and he will continue
serving in this role through June 2010. He was first elected to serve as a MOCA Trustee in December 2005 and has
served as a member of the Acquisition and Collection Committee since 2004.
Johnson is a partner of the Johnson-Roessler Company, LLC., a film entertainment company. He also serves on the
boards of Children Now, the Dream Foundation, KCET, and Reach Out and Read. Johnson is former chairman and a
current board member of Public Counsel Law Center and is a member of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Economy and Jobs
Committee and the California Council for the Humanities. He is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School.
Johnson and his wife, Suzanne Nora Johnson, reside in Los Angeles, California.
Maria Arena Bell has been elected co-chair of MOCA. Bell and her husband, William J. Bell, Jr., have been involved
with MOCA for many years and have made significant financial and art contributions to the museum. Bell is chair of
MOCA’s Acquisition and Collection Committee. She also served as the chair of the Opening Gala for ©
MURAKAMI. Maria Bell became a Trustee in 2008 after her husband served from 1997–2008.
Bell is a television executive producer and writer. She is currently the co-creative producer and writer for “The
Young and the Restless.” She is a frequent essayist and contributor to publications including T The New York Times
Style Magazine, C Magazine, Aspen Magazine, and Women’s Wear Daily. Bell serves on the boards of numerous
arts-related non-profit organizations, including Center Dance Arts, Americans for the Arts, Dicapo Opera Theater
and as president of PS Arts. She also serves on the Education Committee of the Guggenheim Museum, the Blue
Ribbon, the National Council of the Aspen Art Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the
advisory board of Phillips de Pury & Company. Bell was appointed by Governer Arnold Schwarzenegger as a state
commissioner on the California Commission on the Status of Women.
- more -
MOCA RAISES $57 MILLION, CONTRIBUTES $8.5 MILLION TO ENDOWMENT ASSETS; NAMES THREE
NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS FOR 2010
Page 4 of 4
In addition to being prominent supporters of the arts, the Bells are active collectors of contemporary art. They reside
in Bel Air, California with their two children.
Jeffrey Soros has served as president of MOCA’s Board of Trustees since June 2008 and will continue in this role
through June 2010. Soros has served on MOCA’s Board and on its Acquisition and Collection Committee since
2003. Soros is also an avid supporter of arts education and served as chair of MOCA’s Education Committee from
September 2006 through June 2008 and as vice chair from September 2005 through September 2006. Soros and his
wife, Catherine, have been avid supporters of MOCA, through the donation of funds, artworks, and major support for
the museum’s fundraising events, most notably the annual auction and gala.
Soros is president of Considered Entertainment, an independent film production and finance company. He also
serves on the boards of Creative Capital, The Screenwriters Colony, and The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for
New Americans. Soros and his wife have been members of the MOCA Director’s Forum since 1997. They reside in
West Hollywood, California with their two children.
Fred Sands has been appointed to serve as vice chair of MOCA’s Board. Sands was first elected as a trustee in 2002
and currently serves as chair of the museum’s Investment Committee. Sands is involved with several cultural
institutions in Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Opera, where he serves on the board. He was also
appointed by President George W. Bush to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts and liaison to the
Kennedy Center, and by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California Arts Council.
Sands is chairman of Vintage Real Estate, which develops regional malls, and of Vintage Fund Management, LLC, a
private equity fund. He is the former chairman and sole shareholder of the second largest real estate and financial
services companies in California and the seventh largest in the United States, which merged into Coldwell Banker in
December 2000. Sands’s background also includes acquisition and turn around of distressed companies, including
radio stations, insurance companies, and commercial real estate projects. He was honored as the recipient of the
American Academy of Achievement Award, was named one of the “Top 25 CEOs of the Decade” by California
Business magazine, and named one of the industry’s top 13 “Movers and Shakers” in the country by the National
Association of Realtors. Sands and his wife, Carla, reside in West Los Angeles, California.
MOCA—Celebrating 30 Years as the Nation’s Leading Contemporary Art Museum
Founded in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), has achieved astonishing growth in its brief history—with three
Los Angeles locations of architectural renown; more than 17,000 members; a permanent collection of nearly 6,000 works international in
scope and among the finest in the nation; hallmark education programs that are widely emulated; award-winning publications that present
original scholarship; and groundbreaking monographic, touring, and thematic exhibitions of international repute that survey the art of our time.
MOCA’s mission is to be the defining museum of contemporary art. MOCA is a private not-for-profit institution supported by its members,
corporate and foundation support, government grants, and admission revenues. MOCA Grand Avenue is open 11am to 5pm on Monday and
Friday; 11am to 8pm on Thursday; 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday; and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. General admission is $10
for adults; $5 for students with I.D. and seniors (65+); and free for MOCA members, children under 12, and everyone on Thursdays from 5pm
to 8pm, courtesy of Wells Fargo. MOCA Pacific Design Center is open 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Friday; 11am to 6pm on Saturday and
Sunday; and closed on Monday. Admission to MOCA Pacific Design Center is always free. The Geffen Contemporary is open whenever there
are appropriate exhibitions for that space. For 24-hour information on current exhibitions, education programs, and special events, call
213/626-6222 or access MOCA online at moca.org.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
National Home Sales In May Rise - And Fall - With Five Different Figures - In Morning LA Times
Below are two of the top three headlines on the LA Times website's Business section:
Now the 3.6% fall in the Peter Hong LAT article is from May of last year to May of this year - while the increase of 2.4% in the Bloomberg wire report is from the prior month of April of this year to May of this year.
Even more confusing is that the Bloomberg prices are going up article has a typo when it mentioned the 3.6% fall:
Yes, according to Bloomberg - sales this May were only 3.6% of May of last year - a staggering over 95% decline in sales!
Also in Bloomberg's LAT wire piece are details of the yearly 2.4% increase:
Then in Peter Hong's LAT piece, he leads with the 3.6% year to year decline and he explains how that figure is arrived at:
Hong then addresses the April to May increase - but he now uses a different set of figures - the absolute number of sales that month as opposed to the adjusting the stats on an annual basis, which he does explain :
So now instead of the 3.6% decline - and the 2.4% increase - we now have 6.6% and 9.2%! And the scary point is - other than the typo - all of these figures are correct!
They are just using different metrics.
Now as for how all this confusion could have been prevented - Peter Hong's piece had more details and a better explanation to a lay person of what was really going on and how the various figures compared with each other. There was really no need to run the Bloomberg piece which just confused the issue. At most, the additional figures also in the Bloomberg article could have been added to the Hong piece - which would have left everyone a lot less confused then the present dueling headlines.
BUSINESS »
•
U.S. home sales fall in May despite low prices and tax incentives
•
Home resales in U.S. rise 2.4% in May to 4.77 million rate
Now the 3.6% fall in the Peter Hong LAT article is from May of last year to May of this year - while the increase of 2.4% in the Bloomberg wire report is from the prior month of April of this year to May of this year.
Even more confusing is that the Bloomberg prices are going up article has a typo when it mentioned the 3.6% fall:
"Sales were 3.6 percent compared with a year earlier."
Yes, according to Bloomberg - sales this May were only 3.6% of May of last year - a staggering over 95% decline in sales!
Also in Bloomberg's LAT wire piece are details of the yearly 2.4% increase:
"Purchases increased 2.4 percent to an annual rate of 4.77 million, lower than forecast, the National Association of Realtors said today in Washington"
Then in Peter Hong's LAT piece, he leads with the 3.6% year to year decline and he explains how that figure is arrived at:
"May home sales were down 3.6% from the same month last year, the National Assn. of Realtors reported. The industry group based that figure on the seasonally adjusted annual rate of home sales, which is the number of homes that would sell for the entire year based on May's sales rate."
Hong then addresses the April to May increase - but he now uses a different set of figures - the absolute number of sales that month as opposed to the adjusting the stats on an annual basis, which he does explain :
"The total number of homes sold in May was 451,000, or 6.6% below the year-earlier number, but it was up 9.2% from the 413,000 homes sold in April."
So now instead of the 3.6% decline - and the 2.4% increase - we now have 6.6% and 9.2%! And the scary point is - other than the typo - all of these figures are correct!
They are just using different metrics.
Now as for how all this confusion could have been prevented - Peter Hong's piece had more details and a better explanation to a lay person of what was really going on and how the various figures compared with each other. There was really no need to run the Bloomberg piece which just confused the issue. At most, the additional figures also in the Bloomberg article could have been added to the Hong piece - which would have left everyone a lot less confused then the present dueling headlines.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Why Isn't The US - And World Press - Headling The London Times Story Proving the Election In Iran Was Stolen?
And why did the London Times bury this is the middle of their story - and give so few details of the poll?
This proves who has fixed this election. This story needs to be gotten to the people of Iran. But even the paper that has the story - has dropped it from the new stories
They also don't break down the figures for the other candidates. The US and world press needs to keep the facts of how this election was stolen on their front pages and and give support to the people of Iran in their efforts to overturn this election.
"Private polling of 5,000 voters conducted for the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and seen by The Sunday Times, suggested the reformist candidate would win at least 58% of votes across Iran. However, the official result gave him just under 34%."
This proves who has fixed this election. This story needs to be gotten to the people of Iran. But even the paper that has the story - has dropped it from the new stories
They also don't break down the figures for the other candidates. The US and world press needs to keep the facts of how this election was stolen on their front pages and and give support to the people of Iran in their efforts to overturn this election.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
LA Times Covers Rebirth Of Downtown's Main Street
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-main-street11-2009jun11,0,4047200.story
From the Los Angeles Times
Ordinance brings new life into downtown L.A.'s Main Street
The stretch between 4th and 6th was once the scene of homeless encampments. Today, boutiques and cafes cater to new residents. The catalyst was the adaptive reuse ordinance, launched 10 years ago.
By Cara Mia DiMassa
9:54 PM PDT, June 10, 2009
A decade ago, the stretch of downtown L.A.'s Main Street between 4th and 6th streets was a desolate collection of empty buildings and homeless encampments, an area where drug dealing was conducted in the open, and the only longtime residents lived in residential hotels. These days, that stretch resembles a bustling small-town main street.
There's the neighborhood bookstore, where an attentive shopkeeper knows her customers by name. A DVD store that stocks the kind of films that appeal to the hip residents who live in the building upstairs. And shop owners and customers who live side by side above the stores.
While much of downtown is struggling to attract the kind of ground-floor retail that many urbanists say is essential to turning a cluster of residential units into something more like a neighborhood, downtown's historic core has been seeing a surge forward lately.
Some downtown boosters who track such developments say that the vast majority of retail space along Main Street, from 4th to 7th Street, is now leased -- an accomplishment that they are touting as a sign of the neighborhood's successful reinvention.
The changes along Main Street -- and in downtown's historic core in general -- were launched 10 years ago this month, when a new city ordinance went into effect that made it easier to convert former bank, office and industrial buildings into residential and small retail spaces.
The ordinance was little noticed at the time. But the adaptive reuse ordinance, as it is known, has profoundly changed the way the city thinks about its long-neglected urban center. It streamlined the city's permitting process for those seeking to re-purpose the old buildings and allowed for flexibility in the city's zoning and code requirements.
"After decades of beating a dead horse, they realized that commercial was not going to come back to this neighborhood the way it was," said Bert Green, owner of an art gallery at 5th and Main. "It made sense to change the use of the buildings."
In 1999, downtown Los Angeles was an area very much in transition. The Staples Center had just opened. Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Live and other downtown attractions were still years away from opening. Only 18,000 people lived in the city center.
"We had offices, we had some cultural attractions," said Carol Schatz, president and chief executive of the Central City Assn., a business advocacy group that pushed for the change. "But the one thing that we knew we needed to make downtown survive and thrive was residents."
While bigger, more extravagant projects for downtown were announced, and some even got underway, Historic Downtown kept plugging away.
"It may have been constructed," said developer Tom Gilmore, who many credit as the architect of the historic core's reinvention, "but it's not contrived."
Apartments and lofts in buildings were rented; some condos sold and retail spaces slowly began to fill along both Main and Spring streets. An art walk highlighted the assortment of galleries in the area. Restaurants began to draw people from beyond downtown.
"The community was organically grown by seeing what was needed and what could survive as destination retail," said Brady Westwater, a local activist and the former president of the Downtown L.A. Neighborhood Council, who has been instrumental in bringing businesses to the area.
Still, life in Historic Downtown is not for everyone. The area, just a few blocks away from Skid Row, continues to be a magnet for the homeless. It is still gritty and lacks the sort of luxurious high rises as other parts of the city center.
But even as other parts of downtown have seen some large-scale projects canceled and other condo developments switch to rentals as a way to ride out the economic storm, Historic Downtown has continued to collect new businesses: clothing stores, restaurants, bars and other amenities. Two new affordable housing projects are being developed.
Residents and shop owners in the area say that the relatively low cost of space in the area, combined with a certain amount of flexibility, has allowed them to take a chance in the area.
Jose Caballer, who lives in Gilmore's San Fernando building and runs a digital design firm out of an old bank building a few doors to the west, said that part of the appeal of the area is that it's like a sort of undiscovered country. "You can go and look at buildings and say, I want to do events here. If you are creative and resourceful enough . . . you can do it."
Brittany Hoa Pham, owner of Fremont clothing, said that her location along 4th Street has meant that, "We get an interesting group of people." But she admits that "once in a while, a homeless man or woman comes in and frightens me."
The challenge now for Historic Downtown, said Gilmore, is "how we end up a sustainable neighborhood, not a flash in the pan."
That's something that has been taking up a lot of Westwater's time recently.
After seeing success along Main and Spring streets, he has turned his attention to Broadway, where recent community efforts have focused on finding new uses for a collection of old movie houses and retail and office space along the street.
"We showed we could fix Main Street," he said. "Now, the challenge of developing a Broadway that works for everyone is the next step."
cara.dimassa@latimes.com
From the Los Angeles Times
Ordinance brings new life into downtown L.A.'s Main Street
The stretch between 4th and 6th was once the scene of homeless encampments. Today, boutiques and cafes cater to new residents. The catalyst was the adaptive reuse ordinance, launched 10 years ago.
By Cara Mia DiMassa
9:54 PM PDT, June 10, 2009
A decade ago, the stretch of downtown L.A.'s Main Street between 4th and 6th streets was a desolate collection of empty buildings and homeless encampments, an area where drug dealing was conducted in the open, and the only longtime residents lived in residential hotels. These days, that stretch resembles a bustling small-town main street.
There's the neighborhood bookstore, where an attentive shopkeeper knows her customers by name. A DVD store that stocks the kind of films that appeal to the hip residents who live in the building upstairs. And shop owners and customers who live side by side above the stores.
While much of downtown is struggling to attract the kind of ground-floor retail that many urbanists say is essential to turning a cluster of residential units into something more like a neighborhood, downtown's historic core has been seeing a surge forward lately.
Some downtown boosters who track such developments say that the vast majority of retail space along Main Street, from 4th to 7th Street, is now leased -- an accomplishment that they are touting as a sign of the neighborhood's successful reinvention.
The changes along Main Street -- and in downtown's historic core in general -- were launched 10 years ago this month, when a new city ordinance went into effect that made it easier to convert former bank, office and industrial buildings into residential and small retail spaces.
The ordinance was little noticed at the time. But the adaptive reuse ordinance, as it is known, has profoundly changed the way the city thinks about its long-neglected urban center. It streamlined the city's permitting process for those seeking to re-purpose the old buildings and allowed for flexibility in the city's zoning and code requirements.
"After decades of beating a dead horse, they realized that commercial was not going to come back to this neighborhood the way it was," said Bert Green, owner of an art gallery at 5th and Main. "It made sense to change the use of the buildings."
In 1999, downtown Los Angeles was an area very much in transition. The Staples Center had just opened. Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Live and other downtown attractions were still years away from opening. Only 18,000 people lived in the city center.
"We had offices, we had some cultural attractions," said Carol Schatz, president and chief executive of the Central City Assn., a business advocacy group that pushed for the change. "But the one thing that we knew we needed to make downtown survive and thrive was residents."
While bigger, more extravagant projects for downtown were announced, and some even got underway, Historic Downtown kept plugging away.
"It may have been constructed," said developer Tom Gilmore, who many credit as the architect of the historic core's reinvention, "but it's not contrived."
Apartments and lofts in buildings were rented; some condos sold and retail spaces slowly began to fill along both Main and Spring streets. An art walk highlighted the assortment of galleries in the area. Restaurants began to draw people from beyond downtown.
"The community was organically grown by seeing what was needed and what could survive as destination retail," said Brady Westwater, a local activist and the former president of the Downtown L.A. Neighborhood Council, who has been instrumental in bringing businesses to the area.
Still, life in Historic Downtown is not for everyone. The area, just a few blocks away from Skid Row, continues to be a magnet for the homeless. It is still gritty and lacks the sort of luxurious high rises as other parts of the city center.
But even as other parts of downtown have seen some large-scale projects canceled and other condo developments switch to rentals as a way to ride out the economic storm, Historic Downtown has continued to collect new businesses: clothing stores, restaurants, bars and other amenities. Two new affordable housing projects are being developed.
Residents and shop owners in the area say that the relatively low cost of space in the area, combined with a certain amount of flexibility, has allowed them to take a chance in the area.
Jose Caballer, who lives in Gilmore's San Fernando building and runs a digital design firm out of an old bank building a few doors to the west, said that part of the appeal of the area is that it's like a sort of undiscovered country. "You can go and look at buildings and say, I want to do events here. If you are creative and resourceful enough . . . you can do it."
Brittany Hoa Pham, owner of Fremont clothing, said that her location along 4th Street has meant that, "We get an interesting group of people." But she admits that "once in a while, a homeless man or woman comes in and frightens me."
The challenge now for Historic Downtown, said Gilmore, is "how we end up a sustainable neighborhood, not a flash in the pan."
That's something that has been taking up a lot of Westwater's time recently.
After seeing success along Main and Spring streets, he has turned his attention to Broadway, where recent community efforts have focused on finding new uses for a collection of old movie houses and retail and office space along the street.
"We showed we could fix Main Street," he said. "Now, the challenge of developing a Broadway that works for everyone is the next step."
cara.dimassa@latimes.com
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Bernard Zimmerman, FAIA RIP
Few people loved architecture and Los Angeles as passionately as did Bernard Zimmerman - and none more than he did. I first met him in the successful fight to save John Marshall High School and later during countless AIA functions and events. Below is the memorial notice from the AIA:
Our beloved Bernard Zimmerman, FAIA, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 4th. His family cordially invites you to be present at Bernard's funeral service. The service will commence on Monday, June 8th at 12 noon at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive,
Los Angeles, CA.
Following the service, you are invited to a reception to celebrate Bernards legacy at Temple Sinai of Glendale, 1212 N. Pacific Avenue, Glendale, CA. Food will be provided at the reception.
Map and directions here.
Bernard Zimmerman: The Conscience of the Architectural Profession
Bernard Zimmerman, FAIA, Architect, Planner and esteemed Professor of Architectural Design at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Department of Architecture of which he was a founder, passed away on June 4th, after a long illness, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79.
In honor of his "selfless and relentless love of architecture and design excellence, and the tremendous effect, over many decades, of that passion on the life and culture of Los Angeles, its architects, students and its architecture," the American Institute of Architects/Los Angeles recognized Zimmerman's many contributions by honoring him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, in 1999. By way of introduction, Ray Kappe, FAIA, Founder of the Southern California Institute of Architecture SCI-ARC, stated: "During the last 50 years no architect has been as concerned about the state of architecture in our city as Bernard. No one has been more concerned about the education of our future architects than Bernard. Throughout his lifetime, he has unsparingly donated his time and energy to further and promote the professional status of American architects and architecture, particularly Los Angeles architects and their architecture."
Bernard Zimmerman was a leading practitioner of architecture for over 40 years. He was president of Zimmerman Architects and Planners, and was a partner in the Collaborative for Environmental Design, Pulliam Zimmerman & Matthews, Zimmerman & Robbins Architects and Zimmerman/Stafford Architects. He was previously associated with Richard Neutra Architects, Welton Beckett & Associates, Victor Gruen Associates and Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall. Mr. Zimmerman was involved with a wide range of architectural and city planning projects including: the IBM Pavilion, Osaka, Japan; Citrus restaurant, Los Angeles; Twin Towers, Century City; Bunker Hill, Los Angeles; Old Town Pasadena; Olympic Building, Los Angeles; Sunset and Vine Tower, Hollywood; Case Study House #29, Silverlake; Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles. He made a special contribution in the area of chain stores such as Zeidler & Zeidler Men's Stores and Standard Shoes, by elevating the level of design, architecturally and graphically. His work has been published in national and international design reviews such as "Arts & Architecture", "Architectural Record", "Domus", "L'Arca" and "Progressive Architecture".
Throughout his career, Bernard Zimmerman vigorously expressed his social and design concerns through dialogue with national and international architects and organizations, an active involvement on a local and national level with the American Institute of Architects, and numerous community projects. He created and directed the AIA "Architectural Panel" in the 1950's, the first organization to offer exciting and important public programs in Los Angeles. Through the 1960's, he chaired the AIA Program Committee. The most important program he created was the "Masters of Architecture" lecture series, founded in 1991. It is held annually at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and is a very successful collaboration between LACMA and AIA/LA, to which the public is invited.
In 1999 he conceived the "9 in 99" Conference held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), featuring outstanding architectural thinkers, sharing "Big Ideas" for Los Angeles.
He was a board member of "Architects, Designers & Planners for Social Responsibility", and founder of "Architecture for Peace". He successfully provided leadership and generated support for countless committee initiatives to benefit threatened Los Angeles landmarks, such as the Angels Flight, the Dodge House, Hazard Park, Marshall High School, the Hollywood Sign, the Schindler Kings Road House and the Watts Towers. The "Citizens Committee to Build the Disney Concert Hall" which he spearheaded provided the incentive for the subsequent successful fund raising campaign.
Exhibitions on the work of Los Angeles architects and designers, conceived and directed by Bernard Zimmerman include: "Roots of California Architecture", "Irving Gill Architect", "Felix Candela Architect & Engineer", "Project Environment USA", "74 + 74: Best in the West", "Los Angeles 12", "L.A. 12+12+2", "L.A. 12+12+12", "Los Angeles: City on the Move", "100 Projects/100 Years" and "101 New Blood". These exhibitions were shown at venues such as the Milan Triennale in Italy, Pacific Design Center and the Yale University School of Art and Architecture Gallery. In the more recent exhibits, working with a younger generation of architects and designers, helping them to organize exhibits of their architecture, he had the amazing ability to inspire and energize them as he had energized his students throughout his years of teaching, which was so important to him.
A graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Architecture, Bernard Zimmerman was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. He completed his Masters in Planning at the University of Southern California (USC). He was a member of the American Planning Association and of USC's Architectural Guild that honored him in 2003 as "a Distinguished Alumnus who has enriched and honored the profession of Architecture". He was recognized by Mayor Tom Bradley for his architectural, planning and exhibit work. He was interviewed on PBS by Maya Angelou on the state of architecture and urban design in 1975, for the series "Humanities Through the Arts". As a founder of the Architecture for Peace, he traveled to Russia on a Peace Mission in 1978 and was subsequently honored with an invitation to the White House for the celebration of the Peace Accord between President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachov. In 1995, he was inducted as one of Pacific Design Center's "Stars of Design". The Los Angeles Institute of Architecture & Design (LAIAD) that opened in 2001 was also co-founded by Bernard Zimmerman. One of the last Zimmerman inspired ideas was to establish the Architecture + Design Museum, located across the street from LACMA.
Bernard Zimmerman was an irreplaceable human being, who has touched so many of our lives. He will be greatly missed, and forever remembered as a passionate advocate for the profession.
The funeral will be held at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park, 5950 Forrest Lawn Drive, in Griffith Park, on Monday, June 8th at 12:00 noon. A memorial is also being planned, to be announced.
Bernard Zimmerman is survived by his sons Eric, Josef and Derek; their wives Adela, Mamie, and Tamara; his daughter, Karla, her husband, Tom; his six grandchildren Katelyn, Kimberly, Kassandra, Thomas, Siren and Elijah; and a host of loving friends.
Our beloved Bernard Zimmerman, FAIA, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 4th. His family cordially invites you to be present at Bernard's funeral service. The service will commence on Monday, June 8th at 12 noon at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive,
Los Angeles, CA.
Following the service, you are invited to a reception to celebrate Bernards legacy at Temple Sinai of Glendale, 1212 N. Pacific Avenue, Glendale, CA. Food will be provided at the reception.
Map and directions here.
Bernard Zimmerman: The Conscience of the Architectural Profession
Bernard Zimmerman, FAIA, Architect, Planner and esteemed Professor of Architectural Design at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Department of Architecture of which he was a founder, passed away on June 4th, after a long illness, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79.
In honor of his "selfless and relentless love of architecture and design excellence, and the tremendous effect, over many decades, of that passion on the life and culture of Los Angeles, its architects, students and its architecture," the American Institute of Architects/Los Angeles recognized Zimmerman's many contributions by honoring him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, in 1999. By way of introduction, Ray Kappe, FAIA, Founder of the Southern California Institute of Architecture SCI-ARC, stated: "During the last 50 years no architect has been as concerned about the state of architecture in our city as Bernard. No one has been more concerned about the education of our future architects than Bernard. Throughout his lifetime, he has unsparingly donated his time and energy to further and promote the professional status of American architects and architecture, particularly Los Angeles architects and their architecture."
Bernard Zimmerman was a leading practitioner of architecture for over 40 years. He was president of Zimmerman Architects and Planners, and was a partner in the Collaborative for Environmental Design, Pulliam Zimmerman & Matthews, Zimmerman & Robbins Architects and Zimmerman/Stafford Architects. He was previously associated with Richard Neutra Architects, Welton Beckett & Associates, Victor Gruen Associates and Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall. Mr. Zimmerman was involved with a wide range of architectural and city planning projects including: the IBM Pavilion, Osaka, Japan; Citrus restaurant, Los Angeles; Twin Towers, Century City; Bunker Hill, Los Angeles; Old Town Pasadena; Olympic Building, Los Angeles; Sunset and Vine Tower, Hollywood; Case Study House #29, Silverlake; Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles. He made a special contribution in the area of chain stores such as Zeidler & Zeidler Men's Stores and Standard Shoes, by elevating the level of design, architecturally and graphically. His work has been published in national and international design reviews such as "Arts & Architecture", "Architectural Record", "Domus", "L'Arca" and "Progressive Architecture".
Throughout his career, Bernard Zimmerman vigorously expressed his social and design concerns through dialogue with national and international architects and organizations, an active involvement on a local and national level with the American Institute of Architects, and numerous community projects. He created and directed the AIA "Architectural Panel" in the 1950's, the first organization to offer exciting and important public programs in Los Angeles. Through the 1960's, he chaired the AIA Program Committee. The most important program he created was the "Masters of Architecture" lecture series, founded in 1991. It is held annually at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and is a very successful collaboration between LACMA and AIA/LA, to which the public is invited.
In 1999 he conceived the "9 in 99" Conference held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), featuring outstanding architectural thinkers, sharing "Big Ideas" for Los Angeles.
He was a board member of "Architects, Designers & Planners for Social Responsibility", and founder of "Architecture for Peace". He successfully provided leadership and generated support for countless committee initiatives to benefit threatened Los Angeles landmarks, such as the Angels Flight, the Dodge House, Hazard Park, Marshall High School, the Hollywood Sign, the Schindler Kings Road House and the Watts Towers. The "Citizens Committee to Build the Disney Concert Hall" which he spearheaded provided the incentive for the subsequent successful fund raising campaign.
Exhibitions on the work of Los Angeles architects and designers, conceived and directed by Bernard Zimmerman include: "Roots of California Architecture", "Irving Gill Architect", "Felix Candela Architect & Engineer", "Project Environment USA", "74 + 74: Best in the West", "Los Angeles 12", "L.A. 12+12+2", "L.A. 12+12+12", "Los Angeles: City on the Move", "100 Projects/100 Years" and "101 New Blood". These exhibitions were shown at venues such as the Milan Triennale in Italy, Pacific Design Center and the Yale University School of Art and Architecture Gallery. In the more recent exhibits, working with a younger generation of architects and designers, helping them to organize exhibits of their architecture, he had the amazing ability to inspire and energize them as he had energized his students throughout his years of teaching, which was so important to him.
A graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Architecture, Bernard Zimmerman was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. He completed his Masters in Planning at the University of Southern California (USC). He was a member of the American Planning Association and of USC's Architectural Guild that honored him in 2003 as "a Distinguished Alumnus who has enriched and honored the profession of Architecture". He was recognized by Mayor Tom Bradley for his architectural, planning and exhibit work. He was interviewed on PBS by Maya Angelou on the state of architecture and urban design in 1975, for the series "Humanities Through the Arts". As a founder of the Architecture for Peace, he traveled to Russia on a Peace Mission in 1978 and was subsequently honored with an invitation to the White House for the celebration of the Peace Accord between President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachov. In 1995, he was inducted as one of Pacific Design Center's "Stars of Design". The Los Angeles Institute of Architecture & Design (LAIAD) that opened in 2001 was also co-founded by Bernard Zimmerman. One of the last Zimmerman inspired ideas was to establish the Architecture + Design Museum, located across the street from LACMA.
Bernard Zimmerman was an irreplaceable human being, who has touched so many of our lives. He will be greatly missed, and forever remembered as a passionate advocate for the profession.
The funeral will be held at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park, 5950 Forrest Lawn Drive, in Griffith Park, on Monday, June 8th at 12:00 noon. A memorial is also being planned, to be announced.
Bernard Zimmerman is survived by his sons Eric, Josef and Derek; their wives Adela, Mamie, and Tamara; his daughter, Karla, her husband, Tom; his six grandchildren Katelyn, Kimberly, Kassandra, Thomas, Siren and Elijah; and a host of loving friends.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
LA Times Confuses Wilshire District/Koreatown With Westlake District - With - Downtown!
Whenever I see a headline on the LA Times website about a shooting near Downtown - I always fear for the worst.
Not for the victims - though I do worry about them - but at how wrong the headline usually is. And this time - near Downtown - is... supposedly... at 6th and Virgil - which is just before Vermont. And that is a lot nearer to Hollywood than Downtown. It is also in the heart of the Wilshire District, parts of which are often called Koreatown.
But that area is mistakenly - called Westlake - on new new Times map - nothing even near it has never been called since Westlake - and Westlake historically ended at the east side Westlake/McArthur Park itself. Wilshire started at the park - and that is where the Wilshire District started.
And even today - if you want to use non-historical demographic date - the furthest west Westlake can be said to go is Rampart since the demographics of population living starting just west of Rampart is far more like as the rest of the Wilshire District and Koreatown then the demographics of the true Westlake - east of the Park.
The article also says the shooting took place just west of McArthur Park - which it did not - it took place just west of Lafayette Park - which is itself - well west of the Westlake District which is west of Pico-Union which is west of Downtown. And that neighborhood is not a low income community as stated in the article. It is largely a middle class area with many condos and even several streets of upper middle class single family homes.
And, of course, none of these areas are adjacent... much less near.... to Downtown.
Not for the victims - though I do worry about them - but at how wrong the headline usually is. And this time - near Downtown - is... supposedly... at 6th and Virgil - which is just before Vermont. And that is a lot nearer to Hollywood than Downtown. It is also in the heart of the Wilshire District, parts of which are often called Koreatown.
But that area is mistakenly - called Westlake - on new new Times map - nothing even near it has never been called since Westlake - and Westlake historically ended at the east side Westlake/McArthur Park itself. Wilshire started at the park - and that is where the Wilshire District started.
And even today - if you want to use non-historical demographic date - the furthest west Westlake can be said to go is Rampart since the demographics of population living starting just west of Rampart is far more like as the rest of the Wilshire District and Koreatown then the demographics of the true Westlake - east of the Park.
The article also says the shooting took place just west of McArthur Park - which it did not - it took place just west of Lafayette Park - which is itself - well west of the Westlake District which is west of Pico-Union which is west of Downtown. And that neighborhood is not a low income community as stated in the article. It is largely a middle class area with many condos and even several streets of upper middle class single family homes.
And, of course, none of these areas are adjacent... much less near.... to Downtown.
Two wounded in shooting near downtown L.A.
5:20 PM | June 6, 2009
At least two people have been wounded in a shooting in Westlake and one person has been arrested, authorities said.
Police are searching for additional suspects, said LAPD Officer Jason Lee. The shooting occurred today shortly before 4 p.m. at 6th Street and Virgil Avenue, where a fight had broken out between two groups of men, Lee said.
By late afternoon, the intersection had been blocked off as police interviewed possible witnesses. Dogs were helping officers search for additional suspects as a police helicopter circled overhead. About two dozen helmeted officers stood by near a command post that had been set up in the neighborhood.
The shootings occurred in a low-income community in Westlake just west of MacArthur Park.
--Ruben Vives and Robert Lopez
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