Pawnshops Los Angeles

When asked what's the one thing people pawn most often, Alex Elperin, owner of Stage Jewelry and Loan, is quick to answer: "Their soul." Although he's kidding--quickly disposable goods like jewelry and electronics are the most readily pawned--the response probably jibes with the popular opinion of pawn shops as somewhat shady establishments fit only for those with faded prospects.

When asked what's the one thing people pawn most often, Alex Elperin, owner of Stage Jewelry and Loan, is quick to answer: "Their soul." Although he's kidding--quickly disposable goods like jewelry and electronics are the most readily pawned--the response probably jibes with the popular opinion of pawn shops as somewhat shady establishments fit only for those with faded prospects.

LOCAL VICTORY: It took plenty of blood, sweat and community canvassing, but it all paid off for homeowners in the Windsor Hills area of Southwest Los Angeles. At a hearing before the county Business Licensing Commission, commissioners last week voted 4 to 1 against the opening of United Pawnbrokers at 5001 La Brea Ave. "It was a victory for the whole community," said Tony Nicholas, president of the United Homeowners Assn., which represents households in Windsor Hills and surrounding areas.

LOCAL VICTORY: It took plenty of blood, sweat and community canvassing, but it all paid off for homeowners in the Windsor Hills area of Southwest Los Angeles. At a hearing before the county Business Licensing Commission, commissioners last week voted 4 to 1 against the opening of United Pawnbrokers at 5001 La Brea Ave. "It was a victory for the whole community," said Tony Nicholas, president of the United Homeowners Assn., which represents households in Windsor Hills and surrounding areas.

Van Nuys residents who gathered more than 400 signatures on a petition to block a proposed pawnshop in their neighborhood celebrated victory Friday as officials reported the quiet withdrawal of the application. "We won," said Ellen Bagelman, one of the residents who circulated the petition against the proposed Schmidt Pawn Shop at 16105 Victory Blvd. "I think that it shows that a community--when people don't supposedly know their neighbors--can make a difference."

So you live in Beverly Hills and you're worth $6 million--or you will be when your uncle dies. The limit on your Visa Gold Card is $10,000, and you've never been turned down for a loan in your life. Tell it to your accountant, but don't waste your breath on Bruce Singer. Singer, owner of the only licensed pawnshop in Southern California that deals exclusively in motor vehicles, doesn't care about your credit history. Or your net worth.

Sam Rosenfeld's pawnshop on a busy street in suburban Reseda has the feel of 1940s film noir. Merchandise climbs the walls of the cluttered shop--cameras, light meters, tools, guitars, banjos, statues, vintage radios and TVs, drain gougers, swords and rifles. Plus scores of watches and rings, one with a Sultan's head he'll sell you for $2,000, negotiable. The place is so teeming with goods that even Brunhilda, his store mannequin mascot, is loaded with scuba gear for sale. You can buy her too.

Los Angeles, 1967 Nadia Tupica was driving down the freeway in her cream-colored convertible Thunderbird when she spotted what looked like a small body. She pulled over to investigate. As Tupica approached the object on the ground, she must have been alarmed that someone was hurt--or worse. The searing August heat pulsed against her skin. The wall of sound from cars racing by filled her ears.

Van Nuys residents who gathered more than 400 signatures on a petition to block a proposed pawnshop in their neighborhood celebrated victory Friday as officials reported the quiet withdrawal of the application. "We won," said Ellen Bagelman, one of the residents who circulated the petition against the proposed Schmidt Pawn Shop at 16105 Victory Blvd. "I think that it shows that a community--when people don't supposedly know their neighbors--can make a difference."

So you live in Beverly Hills and you're worth $6 million--or you will be when your uncle dies. The limit on your Visa Gold Card is $10,000, and you've never been turned down for a loan in your life. Tell it to your accountant, but don't waste your breath on Bruce Singer. Singer, owner of the only licensed pawnshop in Southern California that deals exclusively in motor vehicles, doesn't care about your credit history. Or your net worth.