John Peterson is celebrating an important anniversary. Ten years ago he stopped panhandling and started a career working closely with Hollywood stars. Or, maybe it’s “on” Hollywood stars.
Here’s the story: In the 1990s, Peterson worked as a TV repairman for several companies that went out of business. By 1996, he was living on the streets, where he took to earning spare change by polishing the brass stars along Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
That’s where the bearded laborer was discovered by Kerry Morrison, executive director of the Hollywood Property Owners Alliance, which manages the Hollywood Business Improvement District wherein the stars lie.
“I found him incredibly engaging and extremely dedicated,” recalled Morrison, who recommended Peterson for employment to CleanStreet Inc., the Gardena company that maintains the district’s streets.
Since 1999, Peterson, now 60 and equipped with a pair of knee pads, has been polishing Hollywood’s estimated 2,400 stars five days a week for $10.30 an hour with health benefits and holidays thrown in. Peterson – who hasn’t missed a day of work – has become something of an icon among the business owners and tourists along Hollywood Boulevard.
He likes his job, but the sidewalks can get crowded.
“I try to avoid this place on weekends and holidays,” said the professional polisher.
Special Delivery
Japanese chef Katsuya Uechi tapped into a culinary custom from his home country when creating a delivery service for his Katsuya restaurants.
Growing up in Japan as the son of parents in the restaurant business, Uechi recalls the tradition of shidashi bento. It may sound exotic, but it’s just a meal delivered by a restaurant to a group of people – typically businessmen at work.
The “drop-off” catering concept is the brainchild of Uechi and SBE, the hospitality company headed by Sam Nazarian that has partnered with the chef to open the four Katsuya branches. Uechi said his personal experience in Japan will be useful. “It’s challenging, but I have the experience with the shidashi in Japan.”
Uechi said he expects people to use the service at home, too. Though customers probably won’t use it for those lazy nights when the options are typically Chinese food or pizza. Minimum order: $650.
Clicking With Cool Clique
Microsoft hasn’t been regarded as a hip company for a while. But that reputation may change, thanks to a swinging shindig the computer giant hosted recently in Los Angeles.
A large group of Microsoft programmers and executives gathered in downtown Los Angeles two weeks ago to host a tech conference. Among the notable attendees: Ray Ozzie, Microsoft’s chief software architect; Herb Sutter, a best-selling author; and Bob Muglia, a Microsoft president.
But the real draw, according to attendees, was the after-party thrown at the legendary Conga Room on Olympic Boulevard. There, local tech aficionados rubbed shoulders with Microsoft brass and members of the Laker Girls. One highlight was a cigar bar, where a man sporting a fedora hand-rolled smokes for free.
Perhaps the surest sign that Microsoft has kicked up its “cool” factor: One partygoer had the words “msdev” – for Microsoft developer –
tattooed on his forehead.
Staff reporters David Haldane, Daniel Miller and Charles Proctor contributed to this column. Page 3 is compiled by editor Charles Crumpley. He can be reached at [email protected].
