MAGAZINE
January 12, 2003 | P.J. Huffstutter, Times staff writer P.J. Huffstutter last wrote for the magazine about the rise of Vivid Video Inc., the nation's leading porn producer.
During production of the 1997 movie "Mimic," American Humane Assn. representatives wandered through the Los Angeles set, ensuring that a herd of cockroaches was well taken care of. Licensed animal handlers were to follow state and federal anti-cruelty laws designed to protect the insects, which had been trained to swirl around actress Mira Sorvino's feet. The roaches had to be fed at a certain time. They could only work a few hours each day. They could not be harmed. At the same time, in studios in the San Fernando Valley, scores of other actors and actresses were working on movies.
BUSINESS
February 12, 2001
Today Data Overload? As pagers, cell phones, laptops and other digital devices become increasingly indispensable, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce examines whether round-the-clock access to data and communications can overwhelm its supposed masters. Priority management expert Hyrum Smith of Franklin Covey is the guest speaker. * Location: 350 S. Bixel St. * Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
June 26, 1998 | BRETT JOHNSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Introducing a tiny golden pill of parsley seed and sunflower oils at the Los Angeles Garlic Festival in 1992, Anthony and Lauren Raissen turned a universal problem--bad breath--into an international success story. With aggressive marketing strategies that included a radio ad campaign, the couple developed Calabasas-based BreathAsure Inc., which has sales of more than $18 million in 36 countries.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
May 2, 2000 | CONSTANCE SOMMER, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
In an office on the fourth floor of the Van Nuys municipal building, R. Vance Baugham spends each Tuesday trying to jump-start international trade. The manager of the San Fernando Valley trade office is holding seminars. He's attending meetings. He's planning publicity mailings. He says he's running at full speed all over the Valley, trying to help local businesses navigate the intricacies of overseas trade. But it's hard to spread the word one day a week.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
July 25, 1995 | ANN W. O'NEILL, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Stanley (Peanut Head) Bryant never fired a shot, but a jury in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday determined that the San Fernando Valley drug lord should die for masterminding a bloody 1988 crack-house ambush that killed four people, including a mother and child. The jury of seven men and five women also delivered two death verdicts against Donald (Duke) Smith, an employee of the ruthless, Pacoima-based drug syndicate that prosecutors say Bryant ran with his brother, Jeff.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
May 9, 2001 | RALPH FRAMMOLINO, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Uh, Senator? There's an adult film star here and she would really like to speak with you. Words to that effect echoed throughout offices Tuesday in the state Capitol as nearly two dozen adult entertainment professionals--actors, strip club operators, sex toy distributors and 1st Amendment attorneys--conducted a daylong lobbying blitz.