As it was in the past.

Dearden’s, a department store located in downtown Los Angeles, is turning 100 this year.  Joining some law firms and the restaurants Cole’s and Philippe’s, Dearden’s is the only other downtown Los Angeles buisness to reach the century mark.  Don’t be fooled by the sign outside the store, though – it may say “Since 1910,” but the store actually opened in 1909.  Founding employees decided the sign should read as it does because 1910 had a better ring to it.

Dearden’s has had a bit of a make-over in it’s 100 years of existence.  What began as a simple furniture store in downtown has developed into a seven-store chain in Southern California.  It now also sells electronics, housewares, jewelry and perfume.  It offers in-store credit, cellular phone services and has travel agents in the store.  Catering to the predominantly Latino community of the South Land, Dearden’s also offers an export service that delivers to towns in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

As it is now.

Having survived one great depression and other economic downturns, Dearden’s has obviously survived it’s share of financial crises.  The store’s president and COO, Ronny Bensimon, feels that if the store, which has seen a decline in sales, will be able to survive this current recession because of its commitment to customer service.  The store’s dedication to good customer service can be evidenced by the numerous services that it offers.  Customers can pay bills in the store, which also offers a check cashing service.  By adding numerous other products to it’s floor, Dearden’s strives to be a one-stop-shop for every thing needed in a home.  Dearden’s requires that all its employees speak both english and spanish to better serve its community of shoppers, as well

Dearden's has been dedicated to serving families for generations.

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Levin, who himself was a lawyer before becoming a celebrity journalist, said that a new law that would prevent the paparazzi from coming within 20 yards of celebrities who are considered “paparazzi targets” would be pointless because of laws that are already in effect.

“It’s ridiculous.  Cops don’t walk around with tape measures,” Levin said.  “Laws already exist that need to be enforced.”

The “safety bubble” law was proposed by politician Dennis Zine after it cost taxpayers $25,000 to have police cars and helicopters escort Britney Spears to the hospital earlier this year.

The escort was deemed necessary after roughly 60 paparazzi, who were trying to get a picture of Spears in an ambulance, blocked the hospital entrance.

“The Britney Spears case, with police cars and helicopters all becoming involved, was insane,” Zine was quoted as saying in The Sunday Times in February.  “Such clashes have become a hazard to both celebrities and ordinary people.”

The law would require celebrities apply to become licensed as “paparazzi targets,” granting them protection from the paparazzi.

In spite of his disagreement with the proposed law, Levin acknowledged that overzealous paparazzi are a problem in Los Angeles.

“Something bad is going to happen that will have a huge impact on this city,” Levin said in response to a question about the problems that paparazzi cause.

When asked about the practices of his own photographers for TMZ, Levin said that they are heavily regulated to ensure that the rights of the targeted celebrities remain unbroken.

“At TMZ, we don’t take stories that are ill gotten, invade people’s privacy or break laws,” Levin said.  “Our cameramen and photographers sign contracts that lay out what they can and cannot do.”

Levin, who according to The New York Times is “the man that represents the future of celebrity journalism,” said that paparazzi who go to far deserve to be punished.

“Laws already exist that protect people’s safety,” Levin said.  “You can’t run red lights.  You can’t speed.  Paparazzi who threaten people’s safety deserve to go to jail.”

Still, Levin said that Zine’s proposed law was foolish.

“I’d love to be at City Hall and see what the application to become a ‘super-celebrity’ would look like,” Levin said.  “And I’d definitely interview the celebrities whose applications were denied.”