Amend THREE STRIKES

Families to Amend California's Three Strikes, FACTS, will present a workshop on amending 3-strikes at UCLA's Haines Hall on Saturday, January 19 from 9:50-10:45 as part of a state meeting of the Green Party of California. FACTS is dedicated to amending the California 3-Strikes law so the law applies only to violent felonies. Nearly 75% of 2nd-strikes and 50% of 3-strikes imprisonments are for non-violent offenses - resulting in such inequalities as, for example, a 27 year sentence for stealing a tire. This grassroots organization, whose members who have lost family and friends in the drug wars, will detail how 3-Strikes brutalizes poor people, especially people of color, costs Californians billions every year, and benefits no one but the prison-industrial complex. Donna J. Warren, Green Party candidate for Lt. Governor, will speak on how FACTS and the Green Party can help build this movement in communities of color. This is the first Green Party state meeting since Greens received official recognition as a national party from the Federal Elections Commission, and it also marks the 10th anniversary of the Green Party of California, which now has over 140,000 registered voters in the state. The Green Party has over 140,000 registered voters in California and stands for the basic values of social justice, grassroots democracy, non-violence and ecological wisdom. Contact: FACTS 213-746-4844, www.facts1.com and facts1@netzero.net. Also, January 18-20 the Green Party will present four workshops of interest to the general public. The topics are Criminal Justice, Living Wage, Renter's Rights, and Political Theatre. These workshops on Green issues are open to the public for a suggested $10 donation. Complete information about the meeting and workshops is available on the Green Party of California website at www.cagreens.org/plenary. - Bob Morris, Green Party of Los Angeles County 310-600-5237, www.cagreens.org/ lacounty/ and bmorris@greens.org.

McCormick & Schmick's Launches Lunch on Weekends

One More Reason to Visit Downtown Most appropriately for the beginning of the New Year, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles begins a new tradition. Lunch is now being served on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 12 noon. This popular seafood spot, which is also known for an impressive selection of pastas, steaks, chicken and salads, is proud to offer this new service to the community. "Since our opening 10 years ago, our dining guests were always encouraging us to open on weekends for lunch," says General Manager Paul Roohani. "There are so many great things to visit in downtown, especially on the weekends, but there are so few places to have lunch in a setting like McCormick & Schmick's that is comfortable and inviting." Executive Chef Ray Hayes' extensive menu, which is printed and changed daily, will be offered from noon till 4pm, and dinner from 4-10-pm on the weekends. Favorites such as Salmon stuffed with Brie Cheese, Crab, Shrimp and Buerre Blanc, and Kasu Marinated Seabass with Stir-fry Vegetables and Sticky Rice are offered. The famous bar area known for having the Happiest Hour in Downtown, will be open. With a large screen TV and a 30-foot mahogany bar that stretches the length of this clubby-looking area, it is the winning spot for watching all the great sporting events that are offered throughout the year. McCormick & Schmick's is now the perfect place to lunch before visiting the museums, Central Library, architectural landmarks, theater matinees, artists' lofts and galleries, college sporting events or exhibits at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The restaurant is within walking distance of many of these key points of interest along with the soon-to-open Cathedral Of Our Lady of The Angels. Located at 633 West Fifth St., 4th level of the Library Towers, McCormick & Schmick's is now one more good reason to visit downtown Los Angeles on a weekend. Conven-ient self-parking is located at the Hope Place entrance, with three-hour complimentary parking. For reservations and information, call 213-629-1929.

St. Francis Statue Needs a Home

Mike Perry, shop owner of Metal Mad- dness Art Gallery (4357 Melrose Ave) has an 8 foot statue of St. Francis made of metal. This wonderful piece stood in front of his shop until the city made him take it off the sidewalk. This piece is now sitting in a back alleyway for no one to enjoy. The gallery has been approached by a dozen people so far asking what has happened to the statue. One woman came in and, in broken English and sign language, expressed that she missed the brief flash of holiness she felt as she drove by everyday. Mike is trying to find a home for St. Francis. The piece has been appraised at a very high price. But the artist is willing to work with whomever might be interested in it. He has even thought of donating it if the cause is right. Expenses for shipping would have to be raised, and also for making a 4 foot pedestal, making the statue a total of 12 feet tall. The piece is rugged in nature. It would be ideal for an outdoor, rocky, woody, or seaside location. Mike would greatly appreciate if anyone out there has any suggestions that would bring St. Francis back into the world and nature where it belongs. Please call 323-660-1400 or e-mail metal maddness.com with your suggestions. - LR