Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative - LANI
www.lani.org - Fall 2005
Little Ethiopia Neighborhood

'' In late September 2005 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman jack Weiss joined the Fairfax Avenue Ethiopian Business District (FAEBD) for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the many streetscape improvements implemented by the FAEBD Steering Committee and LANI. The hard work and dedication of the Steering Committee was recognized, as were the efforts of Studio One Eleven, the project architect, and Berg and Associates, the construction manager.

The most dramatic change along the avenue was brought with the introduction of vibrant and contrasting colors to the facades of four buildings, their signage and awnings and the SoFax (South Fairfax) banners waving along the project area. Colorful borders of geometric shapes, smiling suns, jebannas (coffee pots), messobs (food tables) and the Ethiopian "E" draw one's eye to the sidewalks and storefronts, inviting a closer look.

The community stakeholders chose the Messob Building (housing Messob Restaurant, Safari Store, Aster's Hair Salon, Rahel's Veggie Cuisine, Nile Travel and Marathon Restaurant), Fairfax Lock and Key, Union Pawn Shop and Pretty Nails / Little Ethiopia Restaurant for renovation. These selections were made based upon design, business owner participation, property owner maintenance agreements and a community-approved budget.

Also included in the scope of work drawn up by the Steering Committee were sidewalk repair/steam cleaning and tree well improvements along the one block project area, on Fairfax between Olympic and Whitworth. Cracked curbs and broken tree wells were repaired, asphalt covers were removed from overgrown tree wells and permeable decomposed granite in a rich temescal gold color was installed. This combination of promotion and beautification was designed to attract new business and customers, while giving existing business an economic boost.

Now that grant activities have been completed and all funds encumbered, the Fairfax Avenue Ethiopian Business District and individual property owners will assume maintenance of the improvements. LANI's organizational development program will continue to assist the business owners and residents in identifying resources and utilizing available City services.

The community will have its 3rd Annual Little Ethiopia Cultural Festival on November 27th this year. Come join the festivities - enjoy the beautiful new streetscape while eating Ethiopian delicacies and dancing to cultural favorites!

Pictures:
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa greets Councilman Jack Weiss, Joyce Perkins of LANI and Berhanu Asfaw of the FAEBD Steering Committee at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presents the FAEBD Steering Committee with a Certificate of Appreciation.