An emailer alerts us to the surprise, and not entirely legal, demolition of Johnie's Broiler in Downey. Demolition of the 50's era diner, an example of LA's famed googie style of architecture, began at 3 PM on Sunday. Preservationist-types learned of the demolition (pictured above) by 5 PM, leaving little time to organize and prepare new protest signs. Authorities arrived on scene Sunday and stopped the destruction, but it was too late to save the diner. The RoadSide Peek web site has pictures of the damage and reports that the Johnie's Broiler sign still stands, although terrifyingly it appears ready to buckle. Preservationist vow to show up to Downey city hall tomorrow demanding justice. Ooh, somebody is in t-r-o-u-b-l-e...
· Landmark Restaurant Mysteriously Demolished [CBS2]
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