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socorro May 11, 2013 at 07:59 am
I would never have guessed that Ayta is supposed to be Spanish slang for ¡Ahí…Read More está! Ayta is what an infant might say, much like a baby might say Dare for There. So the name meant nothing to me. And why use 'Spanish slang' to name an Asian-inspired restaurant? By the way, Ayta is a Filipino dialect, which adds to the confusion. A link to the menu or a pdf would be nice PR too. Is the food Japanese or are there Filipino, Chinese, and fusion-inspired dishes too. I'm thinking that a local version of Asia Cuba (on Sunset in Hollywood) would be a great addition to the neighborhood. And Mt Washington and Highland Park meet up at Avenue 50 and Figueroa. Before that, Figueroa is part of Sycamore Grove, and just below Avenue 40 and you're kissing my home-town, Lincoln Heights, which when you see it, you can say, ¡Ahí está! (Hope the restaurant succeeds; good PR and yelp food reviews would help.)
Ajay Singh (Editor) May 9, 2013 at 08:44 pm
Mara: The hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Although the take-away…Read More menu says the restaurant is open every day, it's not—it's closed on Sundays.
bobo May 9, 2013 at 08:36 pm
i live right next to this place, it is not very welcome-ing!
it looks dark and can't tell if it is…Read More even open or not, driving by you would not be able to even know what this place is. Maybe a karate studio, at least the last place you could tell it was a restaurant.
Carlos Lopez April 8, 2013 at 01:26 pm
Hey Patojo.... Gracias por mejorar nuestra comunidad.
Me avisas si te puedo ayudar en algo.
Josef Bray-Ali April 7, 2013 at 05:50 pm
I have the family's contact info from some property research and investigating I did a few years ago…Read More but I don't think copying it here online would be ... productive. Any of our local council offices, or anyone who works with a title insurance company, should be able to pull up the property owner information in a matter of minutes.
I think there needs to be a plan to either encourage the owners to allow an outside company to manage the place or to sell the building to a private party interested in doing a better job with the place.
A&A Auto Parts was there for 20+ years and they were booted out a year ago - and so ended the only commercial tenant there.
The pipes and the roof are in need of serious maintenance or replacement. The facade has really nice, big, windows and would look great with an awning and some sidewalk chairs. The corner of the building has a diner-type space with a kitchen space attached.
It really is a good example of an appropriate building size and type for this area - but it is being poorly managed.
nonoise April 6, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Anyone that trust the church to do the right thing, management the property correctly and care about…Read More the neighborhood is a real FOOL. Divine Saviour Catholic Church is a perfect example of being a bad neighbor. There are good and bad religious organizations. And, as we have seen, the Catholic Church has had some bad behavior. Don't trust the church will care about the neighborhood. It's all about the benjamin's$$$$!!! As Father Marco Ortiz told me, "are you going to pay my bills"? A direct quote. He did not care about being a good neighbor. All he cares about his the cash, cold hard cash.
Nimby pimp April 5, 2013 at 08:33 pm
What makes you thing that the church's intentions are good? And for whom is this…Read More "goodness" intended? (Certainly not the for the neighborhood in which they wish to erect their monstrosity.) Also, what makes you believe that the financial rationale that church and developers gave the public is genuine? I would welcome the selling of this land to the private, tax-paying developer that won't be able to hide their intentions behind both seniors and "The Lord."
Picorian April 5, 2013 at 05:59 pm
Hate to say it, but the church may be better off selling the land for a good price and doing…Read More altruistic deeds with the proceeds. While intentions are good, barely trying to breakeven on major project like this is almost financial irresponsible as construction projects generally require change orders/extra funding (not sure how much contingency is built into their budget). I'd hate for the whole church to become financially burdened because of it.
Lee Brown May 1, 2013 at 06:52 pm
Lee from Lake View Terrace
I was totally devastated when I arrived for dinner last night to find…Read More Sun's was closed. I have been a regular patron for over 20 years. I live in Lake View Terrace which is probably 20 miles one way but it was worth it. It was my very favorite restaurant and I took everyone there with me. In fact, my party last evening included a woman who now lives in Idaho but she once lived in the Highland Park area. Each time she came to So. Cal. we would visit Sun's. I wish Phillip and all the Sun family the very best.
AS May 3, 2013 at 03:33 pm
Rudy is far from a hero and one of the many reasons that people avoided his establishments (how the…Read More sub-par Mia's stays in business I'll never know). After years of staying away, I'm looking forward to visiting Sonny's and truly hope it's a huge success. Location was never the issue!
Montecarlo April 3, 2013 at 01:08 am
Thanks for clearing that up. Being an owner myself, I guess I get overly sensitive.
Jason April 2, 2013 at 09:05 pm
Just for the record, I'm a big supporter of what Derek is doing and want to see this restaurant…Read More succeed. I've been in contact with him on Facebook, and have been in touch with David Fonseca about doing follow-up stories about the restaurant, too. A simple comment about the seats perhaps being too close together shouldn't lead you to believe I'm not supporting the place.
ChickenBoyFan April 12, 2013 at 07:22 pm
Get out your bats, and get ready for a big game of Whack-a-Mole,with these developers. Since…Read More Historic Highland Park is a hot real estate market, they will pop up out of nowhere, and start to build, build, build. We need to join forces now,to thwart their advances. So...."ask not what Highland Park(Neigh.Council, activists,etal) can do for you, Ask what you can do for Highland Park!!" Let's put our stars in alignment, and come together on a line of defense, to get ready for the invasion. Come to Land Use,join the Heritage Trust, get involved with the Neighborhood Council. Just come to be an action figure, not just to complain. All hands on deck!
Culturevator April 12, 2013 at 07:11 pm
If the planners and developers are anything like the Dept of Transportation, or Metro, we are…Read More screwed. They lack 21st century vision. Responsible development is the only way to go. That includes community input. The people who are invested in our community as property owners or business owners should have more voice in the matter.
Neighbor April 11, 2013 at 07:57 pm
These are not necessarily distinct objections or concerns, all residents should be informed of new…Read More developments that will greatly impact their communities, as tenants and land-owners. If they are shut out or left out, their opinions on the added density, change in dynamics, increase in crime, etc. will not be taken into consideration. The developer will potentially be able to proceed without any community input or criticism. It's easier to stop it now then change it after the fact, when the problems associated with increased density, such as high-crime, become visible.
axolotl1 April 28, 2013 at 10:57 pm
Since when does building low income housing projects help to improve a neighborhood? 60 LOW INCOME…Read More HOUSING UNITS. I'm barely hearing this aspect mentioned at all. Why is everyone so worried about parking spaces, but seemingly completely unconcerned that our property values are about to be dealt a devastating blow? I've been here for a long time and things are finally getting better. Guess we're about to get screwed.
StevieB April 20, 2013 at 12:24 am
There is a need for affordable housing closer together in Los Angeles. Building farther and farther…Read More away spreading the city creates longer drives and more traffic. This is not desirable nor sustainable.
I do not own a car and am not the only one in the city. Not everyone needs or desires a detached single family house. There are more than enough tenants without cars or with one car who need housing within walking distance of public transit and adjacent to the Highland Park Gold Line station is perfect for them.
The 80 new households would no doubt use the Gold Line and walk to the shops along Figueroa. They would bolster the commercial district, contribute to the funding of the city of Los Angeles, provide an incentive to increase the frequency of service on the Gold Line, and eliminate unnecessary automobile trips on our roads. These benefits come along with the elimination of the visual blight of the underutilized barren asphalt that exists today.
Josef Bray-Ali April 19, 2013 at 05:16 pm
I agree with you about height and setback. Historic Highland Park has a nice little cluster of…Read More buildings flush to the sidewalk with 35 or 40' frontages with windows opening onto the ground floor. These make the sidewalks feel more like outdoor rooms and provide something interesting to look at when walking by.
I hope we don't get any "popped up" retail (with handicap ramps that would otherwise be unnecessary).
It is no surprise the Zaldivar mentioned car parking - this is central to the general public's dislike for local development. I don't mind a low parking building. South Pasadena's Mission Meridian development, with a beautiful mixed use TOD development (of the sort I'd like to see at our station), has an $80,000+/year parking garage albatross hung around the City's neck. They over-parked their development and the result is a parking garage and condo complex that cannot pay its own way. That is a design failure when you consider how charming the place looks and how lauded it has been in the press and in planning circles.
This place needs to be an economically sustainable building - if lowered parking requirements will help that happen, then let's do it.
ChickenBoyFan April 12, 2013 at 10:00 pm
Thank you Reuben, and Tony. I love the statue of Bruce Lee on the roof. It's a great parking place…Read More for him. Also, love the lions on the roof of Devon Glass.
Gabriel Jones March 27, 2013 at 04:20 pm
welcome, can't wait to check out with my boys and friends... Cantaloupe dreams until then.
Eliza Wells March 22, 2013 at 01:12 am
My family and I tried Ayta Grill this evening. We were very impressed with the Teryaki Chicken as…Read More well as the atmosphere in side. I think its in a great location. The owner was very pleasant. Also I have to mention the Cantalope drink, very tasty. I think Ayta will be a welcomed addition to Highland Park.
Lucinda Consort March 16, 2013 at 05:46 pm
Love, Love > Love. Already Found and Bought from Their ETSY Store.
ChickenBoyFan March 15, 2013 at 02:23 am
Looks like a pretty groovy shop. Now I can't get this song out of my head...…Read More
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes
John Carlucci March 14, 2013 at 10:26 pm
Awesome record store! Been collecting vinyl for many years & so glad I have a few places to shop…Read More close to home!
Monte Vista Neighbor March 1, 2013 at 05:27 pm
Taking this opportunity to plug Big Mama's Donuts, across the street toward Ave 54 from this…Read More location. Terrific donuts and apple fritters, very good croissants, and ice cream cones - a real mom and pop operation.
Paul Martin March 1, 2013 at 04:48 am
You all can thank Council District 1 for allowing Figueroa to appear as it does today. The funny…Read More thing is, the large trees that blocked businesses and allowed rats and other rodents to nest on the rooftops were not trimmed until the election. Almost all of the new businesses and enhancement has been on York Blvd, yes Council District 14. If you want the Figueroa corridor to be restored to the beauty it once had, you may want to ask Council District 1 why they have not taken this area seriously.
Mauricio Osorio May 19, 2013 at 05:17 pm
It's too bad about Fig Produce, most of it was in the works from the day they signed the lease. I'd…Read More chat with the owners about the struggle every time I visited, from he lease of well over 12K the contingencies etc that was part of the property. All combined to make a slim profit margin even thinner. I know that this isn't the end of the owners and it is part of what makes this country great, that they will be back with terrific foundation on what worked and what didn't. As for Mr. Riecher, he's the 2nd gen property owner who from all indications isn't changing anything soon.
Mark Kimbrell March 5, 2013 at 08:26 pm
I noticed that Autozone is taking over the old vacant Pep Boys space on Figueroa and Ave 55. It…Read More makes me wonder if they're moving out of the strip mall they shared with Fig Produce. If so, it looks like the property owner is going to be short one major corporation. Or perhaps he has a larger plan in the works.
Tina Gulotta-Miller February 24, 2013 at 01:04 pm
Shopclass is a great addition to Highland Park. I found some oak flat files that I know were less…Read More expensive than garage sale prices. The store has some nice vintage items that are more difficult to find now. I shop at the new and established businesses as well as the perennial garage sales that offer all kinds of items. There is something for everyone.
OmarA. G February 23, 2013 at 10:43 pm
Nice comment by dee-aych, hahaha. True that! HLP needs that love!
HPGringo February 23, 2013 at 06:50 pm
@neighbor they've been having this event for the past 5 years now, no one has ever been shot during…Read More it. you should come and definitely bring kids as the event is mostly for kids with plenty of activities at the park for them.
With all that fear you have it must be terrible for you living in Los Angeles. Very recently in Echo Park right on Echo Park Avenue a white family was shot at by gangs while putting their child in the car. The father was hit with a bullet. Echo Park Ave has stores just like the one this article is about I guess no one is safe anywhere no matter how over priced the stores are. Scary.
u May 13, 2013 at 11:08 pm
the plan calls for building additional 13 homes (plus one lot for a custom home to be sold as land…Read More only). One of the homes is planned to be built on TOP OF the historic LINDSAY OLIVE GROVE which has about 9 historic olives (150 years old). The city of Los Angeles is about to approve the plans from a decade ago or so (left from the prior developer).
the builder is intending on trying to move some of the trees for the additional home to maximize profit from the development. Anyone who had seen the trees knows this is impossible without killing them. The City of LA Historic preservation office has been contacted (5-13-13). permits are pending with building and safety and are now going through the process / testing but no mention of the endangered trees which are historical preservation issue.
Pasadena Adjacent April 9, 2013 at 05:17 pm
I hate these things. Greedy developers with their need to build them big and pack them in. Don't…Read More look forward to the night view when they stick in over amped street lights. People who choose these kind of homes. have a love of night pollution and motion sensors. Something hillside dwellers despise.
David Fonseca (Editor) February 20, 2013 at 05:32 pm
Hey Ben, I've got a quick post coming up on this.
Ben February 15, 2013 at 07:54 pm
I have no idea where North Staley Street is, and neither does Google Maps.
Elizabeth Ramirez March 16, 2013 at 11:56 pm
It is a sad day.....Sun's property has been bought by a development co. Sun's will be fazed out and…Read More closed in the next couple of months. They have told Sun's owner Phillip that they are not extending him any type of lease and that they want the restaurant so they can put a more upbeat trendy place. Oh well so much for sentiment and memories....it just really sucks that people don't care anymore for family owned businesses and the hard work of blood, sweat & tears to maintain for over 30+ years. I will truly miss Phillip, Sun's staff and the family atmosphere we have all once shared there.
Elizabeth Ramirez January 30, 2013 at 10:16 pm
I spoke to Sun's owner Phillip Sun right after the hearing and told him what had happened and who…Read More spoke at that hearing and he was very grateful to all who wished for him to continue at his facility. He stated that Mr. Kirk Hula is not telling the truth. The owner of the property has not talked to him to offer him a lease nor was he even given notification that they were planning to take the zoning variance to a public hearing. They have been vary shady with all their dealings with him. This is why he feels that they just want to kick him out of the area. It was very nice of Ms. Colburn to say all those nice things re: Sun's & her grand-parents/parents...but it just sounded like alterior motives to those of us who attended the hearing.
kelly thompson February 19, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Haa, I think you should do it. People will participate if they want or not. I'm still interested in…Read More exploring the existing surveys by LADOT. I could use to go to another one of those hearings myself as their are some things that aren't quite clear to me. Good Luck do it!
kelly thompson February 19, 2013 at 10:31 pm
I didn't speak at the meeting so you most likely don't know who I am. ;)
Elizabeth Ramirez November 21, 2012 at 05:30 pm
With the economy as bad as it is, we cannot afford these prices. This is Highland Park not Santa…Read More Monica or Melrose. The agent needs to get a reality check of what properties are really going for in our small area. It is a shame because it is a nice spot with lots of potential.
Josef Bray-Ali November 19, 2012 at 08:18 pm
I wanted to leverage everything I could at the time this place was up for sale, but the money…Read More required for a commercial property purchase meant that we'd be paying $5,000 to $6,000 a month - way out of reach for a bike shop (especially one with another bike shop just down the street).
There is only one solution for this property: hipster swap meet. Every large commercial space in this area is subdivided by individual tenants. This place should be an incubator for different tenants trying their hand at retail/food services/crafts/whatever. The rents on 1,000 sq ft spaces will be just right for the downsizing bourgeoisie the area is filling with.
Marlene Rivera February 1, 2013 at 01:25 am
It's a great shop and they offer excellent customer service! I would recommend this shop to ALL my…Read More friends......
No710Anywhere January 19, 2013 at 02:58 pm
awesome! i ride my bike to work thru fig, and love that you are there just in case.
Mrs. Montoya March 18, 2013 at 01:19 pm
Definately looking forward to the BBQ chicken sandwhich. OOh and I went to montevista elementary in…Read More the 80's and not once did we have it on lock down as I remember it. I also still live in the neighborhood a little higher but i have never had any issues. My kids go to school in the area as well. Wish this place much success.
Peter Bedard January 23, 2013 at 12:49 pm
I stopped in and ordered their Chicken Salad Sandwich with a side of Potato Salad...it was…Read More delicious! The sandwich was fresh and really good. The potato salad, which is normally has too much vinegar in it at other stores was super good. I even went back the next day for more!
Kim Richey January 14, 2013 at 04:07 am
So excited for this. Huge fan of The Park and am happy to have them close by.
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