On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an early morning fire at a local landmark with a jaded history.
Upon their arrival, at 4401 S. Crenshaw Blvd., the roof of the two-story, commercial building was on fire. It took 90 minutes for some 160 firefighters under Assistant Chief Katie Kepner to extinguish the blaze, which leveled the vacant structure, according to Public Information Officer Brian Humphrey.
One of the firefighters sustained lower extremity injuries as his crewmates were able to save an adjacent building from damage. Long time Angelenos may be familiar with the site from when it housed The Total Experience, a high profile nightclub fronted by music impresario Lonnie Simmons, who produced the Gap Band and other chart-topping acts. The property was eventually acquired by Botach Tactical, a law enforcement and military supply concern with ties to the Israeli Army.
This particular business is listed as owned by Yoav Botach, a wealthy real estate owner, and father to prominent clergyman Shmuley Boteach (popularly known as “America’s Rabbi”).
The younger Boteach has also been described as a friend and unofficial “spiritual advisor” to deceased music icon Michael Jackson.
Botach in turn was investigated by a congressional committee for arms dealing to Afghanistan and Iraq, and was the subject of criticism by local leaders including Rep. Maxine Waters (D-43). Among their concerns were the possibility of military grade weaponry being stored within it’s fortified interior, in the middle of the inner city. Other grievances included allegedly illegal sales of firearms and ammunition magazines to unauthorized customers.
The company has also been a political hot potato in the Leimert Park community, especially among neighborhood activists who argue the merits of having a firearms seller in the area.
The building was sold to it’s present owner, YB Real Estate Properties, for $1.3 million in 2016. Further research indicates that YB Real Estate Properties IV LLC c/o Yoav Botach is listed in a September 20, 2018 entry of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. (/content/files/StaffRpt/CHC/2018/9-20-2018/item-2008-20chc-2018-5097.pdf)
