Information provided by Paul Krekorian (Councilmember, Second District)

“Today, at long last, I am pleased to announce the opening of the Colfax Avenue Bridge. As of Thursday morning, cars will be free to drive over the bridge and Colfax Avenue will be open again, as the two-year project to widen and modernize the overpass comes to a completion.

I know how frustrating this process has been for businesses, drivers and residents; as one who drives near the bridge each day, it was frustrating for me as well. For that, please accept my gratitude for your patience and know that this project will help Studio City for years to come.

As you may know, this retrofitting project is part of a long-term program to renovate bridges throughout Los Angeles. In 2001, the city set aside $307 million for a bridge improvement program to rehabilitate and r eplace up to 83 city-owned bridges. Currently, there are 430 vehicular bridges in the city’s bridge inventory and the 83 prioritized bridges have been identified as being structurally deficient, functionally obsolete and/or seismically vulnerable.

One of those safety priorities was the Colfax bridge. The project has outfitted the bridge with a wider concrete arched base to meet the latest CalTrans seismic requirements. The new base is about 28 feet wider than the old bridge and will allow sufficient room beneath its surface for a bike path on both sides of the concrete-lined river channel. Additionally, the old pedestrian connection between the street level and the pedestrian bridge will be replaced with a stairway and ramp at the southeast corner of the new bridge.

In addition to solving serious safety concerns, the new bridge allows for new amenities that will add considerably to our quality of life and encourage non-motorized mobility. New bike paths, walkin g paths, ADA-accessible ramps and new landscaping will be finished within the next couple of months.

These are exciting developments for Studio City and they could not have been done without the help of many in the community, including the Studio City Neighborhood Council, the Studio City Residents Association, the Studio City Beautification Association and all the local businesses, residents and others involved. I want to thank them all – and you – for dealing with the great inconvenience of this closure, which has led to the great improvements produced by this project. I hope everyone enjoys the new and improved Colfax Bridge.”

Third Street Promenade Valentine’s Day action

By: Deena Nissley

Instead of sitting at home on an empty couch watching The Cape on Valentine’s Day, scooch over to a stranger on the Third Street Promenade. It’s The World’s Longest Sofa Speed Date, a combination of all the triviality of world record-setting and the economy of speed dating. You’ll join 149 other lonelyhearts on a ludicrously lengthy leather sofa for a three minute shot at love (no spooning). The 213-foot, red leather monstrosity of spinal comfort and awkward silences will be planted on the Third Street Promenade, where — finally — you’ll be the entertainment, as you move between 10-15 potential partners.

But it’s not just a comfy seat on the Promenade. Your ticket also gets you drinks, food, and post-event skating at Ice at Santa Monica.
Monday, February 14
6-10p
Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
hurrydate.com/longestsofa

Tickets: $26 for HurryDate members; $35 for non-members here

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

The top 3 spots you must keep a secret

By: Deena Nissley

Malibu: The Old Place
Tough guys like Steve McQueen came to this rustic, country store-turned restaurant for a hearty meal of steak, clam, and potatoes. And that’s exactly what you’ll get, because the menu hasn’t really changed in more than 100 years. Stop by the Cornell Winery Tasting Room next door and pick a bottle to bring in with you. (Make reservations — they only take them for three seatings.)
29983 Mulholland Hwy. (818-706-9001)

Downtown: The Bootleg Theater
“Pay what you can” pricing is typical for indie rock shows and film screenings at this Depression-era warehouse. Get back in touch with your artistic side (the one you forgot about after you got tired of eating Top Ramen six nights a week) at this unpretentious, d-bag attitude-free hang for young directors, photographers, and musicians.
2220 Beverly Blvd. (213-389-3856)

Hollywood: The Hungry Cat
The best raw bar selections in LA are at a signless spot hidden away at this modern seafood haunt in the back of the Sunset & Vine complex (it’s across from the north entrance to Borders). Order up straight-from-the-ocean shellfish, from the Pacific and the Atlantic. Don’t like fish? Covered with bacon, blue cheese, and avocado, the Pug Burger is the only thing on the menu that can’t swim. High-concept cocktails mean you’re cabbing it home.
1535 Vine St. (323-462-2155)

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Deena Nissley

…but that hasn’t stopped more than 50 vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains from producing delicious bottles of vino.

Malibu Family Wines
The wines featured here represent the bounty of the grapes harvested from the Semler family’s 1,000 acre estate in the SM mountains. There’s often an event here in addition to the standard tasting so whether you’re looking for a movie night or live music, make sure to check the schedule before you go.
31740 Mulholland Hwy., Malibu (818-865-0605)

Sip Malibu
At the Cielo Winebar, grab a seat at one of the shaded hillside tables and enjoy one of four wine flights for between $10 and $15. Some flights are Napa-focused, so if you want to try the local flavor, choose the reds.
2598 Sierra Creek Rd., Agoura (818-865-0440)

Rosenthal Estate Wines
Though the sprawling vineyard is closed to the general public, stop by the tasting room just off the PCH to try the estate’s wines and Surfrider wines for between $12 and $15. If you’re on your way North, make sure to snap up a bottle to prove to your NorCal buddies that SoCal can compete.
26023 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu (310-456-1392)

Cornell Winery and Tasting Room
Despite the name, there isn’t actually a winery here. Instead, they rotate the wineries they feature which gives you a reason to keep coming back. For $15, you’ll get to taste eight different wines while you browse the peacock-inhabited grounds and the gallery.
29975 Mulholland Hwy., Cornell (818-735-3542)

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Deena Nissley

Feast your eyes upon The Lifeguard Tower Project, set to dominate more than 30 miles of beach this summer.

Basically, every lifeguard tower for miles in either direction—from north of Malibu to south of Hermosa—is about to get an extreme makeover of patterns and colors so bright you’ll see them from your next flight out of LAX. (They’re doing the roofs too.)

The rails were painted over the weekend, and by mid-May the new looks will be in place through September, all thanks to the civic-minded bunch at Portraits of Hope, the same group that brightened whole fleets of NYC taxis not so long ago.

In addition to giving you something noble to discuss with your favorite lifeguard in residence (the artists are kids and volunteers), this project finally grants you the long-awaited opportunity to go to the museum… by going to the beach.

Maybe now LACMA will take a second look at your beach chair.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Mobile lunch trucks are easier to find

By: Deena Nissley

The problem with food trucks is that they’re so… mobile.

And sometimes your stomach doesn’t want to wait for you to slog through pages of Twitter, only to find out Kogi’s heading to Santa Clarita.

So I’d like to present the most important culinary invention since… the food truck. Introducing the RoadStoves GPS app, now available.

Basically, this long-overdue device doesn’t rely on (or wait for) Twitter updates from driver-chefs as they careen down Wilshire in a haze of burger smoke.

All you have to do is pull up the app, then select “Near Me,” and you’ll see the list of trucks within a few miles of you, in real time—thanks to the magic of, yes, GPS, which pulls location info from participating trucks every couple of minutes, whether or not there’s been any tweeting. Select the nearby truck that strikes your fancy, and you can easily grab driving directions, the menu and, if you want, their Twitter feed.

A couple caveats. The thing just launched, and it’s only got RoadStoves trucks—Kogi, Baby’s Badass Burgers, the Grilled Cheese Truck—for now, 21 total. But you can expect that number to rise very quickly.

Like the number of trucks did.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

24 Heaven

The Lounge at WP24

By: Deena Nissley

As much as you’re enjoying Downtown’s new renaissance period, you still feel like it’s missing something.

Something classy, with sweeping views, spicy drinks and some Baby Pork Belly Bao Buns.

Good news: it’s been found. Welcome to The Lounge at WP24, now soft-open on the 24th floor of the new Ritz-Carlton at LA Live.

Hang a right out of the elevator, and the sprawling lounge will reveal itself gradually. First is the bar, where you can down an Umami Cocktail (gin, ume plum, cucumber and shiso leaf) to take the edge off the 110 traffic.

Then you’ll be ready to settle into the two-tiered modern cavern beyond. Take a seat near the giant wall of windows at a small, brightly colored tree trunk if you two are just here for the gin-enhanced view (there’s one ring for every round). Or find sanctuary in the larger semiprivate circular coves farther back if you’re gathered here for canoodling purposes or for the game on TV.

Technically, this could all be viewed as mere foreplay for the actual restaurant at the other end—WP stands for Wolfgang Puck, and the dining room opens soon—but watching the sun go down over asian plates of dumplings, Peking Duck Rolls and sashimi, paired with a tequila and jalapeño-spiked Dragon’s Fire… you might just stick with the foreplay.

Just this once.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Get Chaya for cheap, new surf gear for half price, and Zooey Deschanel for a song.

By: Deena Nissley

New Drawers: Hurley Boardshorts Upgrade
Trade in any pair of board shorts and get Hurley’s new limited edition Phantom with Nike Flywire.
Win a surf trip: One upgrader will get a trip to the Mentawai Islands with Rob Machado.
Sat 4-6p. ZJ Boarding House, 2619 Main St., Santa Monica (310-392-5646). Nearby: The Galley; Urth Caffe; Chaya Go

See Zooey Sing: She & Him She and Him
Monster of Folk M. Ward joins with celeb chanteuse Deschanel, touring in support of their second record, the aptly named Volume Two.
Watch the video: High school-style “In The Sun” is directed by Bring It On director Peyton Reed.
Tonight 8p. El Rey, 5515 Wilshire Blvd. (323-936-6400). $23 here. Nearby: Little Bar; Frank N Hanks; Three Clubs

Cheap Eats: Chaya Pop-Up
Get all you can eat (and drink) for just $20 — from spicy tuna to edamame and sake — at this nearby pop-up while the Venice outpost is remodeled.
Sushi for a cause: Proceeds benefit C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program).
Sat thru Weds 5-10p. 245 Main St., Venice (310-396-1179). $20 per person. Nearby: Library Alehouse; Cache; Finn McCool’s

Daytime Date: The Avenues Annual Art and Design Walk
Walk to more than 90 design, fashion, and food events hosted by individual showrooms, with discounts and entertainment.
Don’t miss: Champagne, a burlesque interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, and an “Erotic Lifestyle Drawing Class” at Coco De Mer.
Fri 10a-6p; Sat 12-8p. Various WeHo locations.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Deena Nissley

If you’re look to get some extra cash or trade in some jewelry, I have a solution for you. I am having a Gold and Silver party at my house this coming Monday,  March 22nd 6:00-8:00 PM, where you trade in your old gold and silver jewelry, or tea servers etc., for cash! You can even leave your goodies with me beforehand if you can’t make it, and I will get you a price.

If you have anything you can come and trade.  Look forward to seeing everyone.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

What’s the deal with Jerry Seinfeld for one night only?

By: Deena Nissley

You’ve been waiting for this since 1998, playing back your favorite episodes, even adding Vandalay Industries to your resume.

The wait is over, pal. Your favorite observational comic is back on stage for one night only in Jerry Seinfeld Live! hosted by George
(er, Jason Alexander).

Ticket sales support Reprise Theatre  — where Alexander is Artistic Director — and its mission to produce great musical theater.

Snag seats now fast, since tickets went on sale at 10 am Monday. Click to buy tickets here to make your dream come true. You’ll be laughing like a schoolgirl. For one night, at least.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Jerry Seinfeld Live! hosted by Jason Alexander
Thursday, April 8 at 8p
Saban Theatre (formerly The Wilshire Theatre)
8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills (323) 655-0111
Tickets: $40-$150 here

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.