SAVE OUR SURFAS!
One of the things that I truly miss about LaLa is a visit to Surfas in Culver City. I could literally spend hours on end going through their amazing supply of kitchen equipment, food stuffs and little "chefy" odds and ends. Word is, though, Culver City isn't really appreciative of their little treasure. They want to pull that "eminent domain" crap.
Show them some support.
People say one can't fight City Hall, but Les Surfas is giving it a valiant try.The Front Page has a great interview with Les Surfa.
As local blog watchers are aware, Surfas and his eponymous restaurant supply and gourmet food store in Culver City have lately been the focus of frenzied online speculation now that Culver City has decided to use eminent domain to claim the land on which Surfas houses his warehouse and offices. The city wants a transit-oriented mixed-use development on the site in anticipation of the Expo Line, a light-rail line. Though the eminent domain claim did not include the building that houses the new store and cafe, Surfas has indicated that it could perhaps force him to relocate the business, possibly to Orange County. - LATimes
Q. You have rejected the city’s “final” offer of $4.89 million for the properties under four of your buildings. Is there any amount of money you would find satisfactory?Eating L.A. has some, well, slightly good news.....
A. This is not about money. This is about right and wrong, the little guy against the city. It is my understanding it is almost impossible to win an eminent domain case. Where eminent domain is wrong is this: I believe the forefathers thought of taking (private property) for the true public good, such as a right-of-way, a freeway, a school, a library, expansion of rapid transit. That would be for the general good. This is where it went sideways, and our Supreme Court backed it up: Well, if it just brings in more revenue, that is for the general good. Or, if you are knocking down a nice house so that someone else can build a bigger, more expensive house. I don’t see how that is right.
Our company is strong and will continue on the same growth pattern we have always set. We have been in several different locations over the (almost) 70 years since we opened the doors in 1937. All changes in our past have been exciting and this one will be too. You will find the only difference may be that we will be located at another address perhaps next year or in 2008. If Culver City doesn't want us, another city will. As soon as we have more information, we will post it on our website. Thank you for your interest." - Eating L.A.Others have had fun wandering through Surfas, too.....Immaeatchu, Franklin Avenue, The Food Section, and Green LA Girl.
Show them some support.
Customerservice@surfasonline.com.
Via Phone:
Surfas customer service representatives can be reached from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Saturday and 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM on Sunday Pacific Standard Time at 310-559-4770 or Toll Free 1(866) 799-4770. Se Habla Espanol: 310-559-4770 X211
hello there. i love surfas too and glad to see it's still around. i think the warehouse is in another space now but store is in the same location.
i would appreciate it if you asked for permission to use my pics next time? thanks!
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Tue Jun 05, 01:15:00 PM