01-02-17 by Los Angeles Downtown News

January 2, 2017 I VOL. 46 I #1

A LOOK AHEAD AT 2017 A Rundown of More Than 50 Projects, Players and Events That Will Dominate Downtown in the New Year

inset photo by Gary Leonard

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20 Projects to Watch in 2017

surrounds a central meadow, and there’s a visitor’s center, a lookout point, a promenade, bathrooms and a paved parking lot. Expect regular programming with music and activities. Expect it also to be one Downtown’s most popular new additions.

From a $1 Billion Tower to a New Park and Beyond, Downtown Will Be Buzzing This Year By Eddie Kim and Nicholas Slayton t the beginning of almost every year since the turn of the millennium, Los Angeles Downtown News has predicted that the coming 12 months would be big for the local real estate and development scene. Indeed, each year that proves to be true, with a number of major projects coming online, breaking ground or being broached. That said, 2017 will be a really big year. We’re serious, as 2017 will be highlighted by the arrival of a pair of $1 billion projects, including the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Additionally, we’ll see the opening of a huge new park, as well as progress on developments that will change the look and feel of communities including the Arts District and South Park. In the following pages, we run down 20 projects to watch in 2017. OPENING THIS YEAR Tower of Power: The $1.1 billion Wilshire Grand replacement has literally reshaped the skyline of Downtown Los Angeles. Originally broached at the tail end of the recession, the 73-story edifice at the northwest corner of Seventh and Figueroa streets has been commanding attention for more than a year, and last September its spire was attached, making it the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Korean developer Hanjin’s landmark structure is scheduled to open in the first half of the year, and will bring new business to the Financial

District, both in the 400,000 square feet of office space and its slew of retail space. The 900 hotel rooms in the tower, to be operated by InterContinental, will help address Downtown’s shortage of space for travelers. Mega Homes: All eyes are on Metropolis, as the $1 billion South Park mega-project’s first phase, consisting of an 18-story, 350-room Hotel Indigo and a 38-floor structure with 308 condos, nears its opening. The Genslerdesigned complex is the first U.S. project for Shanghai-based development juggernaut Greenland Group. Metropolis has studio to two-bedroom condos from about 520 to 1,500 square feet. It also has some of the highest prices of any Downtown project, starting around $600,000 and going north of $2 million. Moveins are slated to begin early this year. It’s Not Easy Being Green: In April 2014, Los Angeles State Historic Park closed for what was supposed to be a year-long renovation. The project has been beset by numerous delays, including the discovery of contaminated soil and needing time to literally let the grass grow. Finally, the 32-acre attraction on the edge of Chinatown is nearly finished. The park is expected to open this month, according to a representative of the State Parks department, and the finished product is a far cry from the former flat, rustic expanse. Rolling landscape

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New Digs: The 1926 Hotel Figueroa has experienced quite the makeover. The shabby-chic Moroccan decor has been replaced by a more Spanish Colonial look, though with a modern twist. Capital Hall Partners and its investment partner Green Oak Real Estate purchased the property at 939 S. Figueroa St. in 2014, and closed the hotel in November 2015 for the renovation. There are 268 guest rooms, plus a pair of bars from cocktail star Dushan Zaric, two restaurants from chef Casey Lane, and a twolevel outdoor bar. The Hotel Figueroa is slated to debut in March. Reservations are now being accepted. Taking Ownership: Downtown’s parched condominium market is getting some relief with the imminent opening of Ten50, the South Park tower from San Francisco developer Trumark Urban. The 25-story, $100 million structure at 1050 S. Grand Ave. has 151 one- and two-bedroom residences ranging from 6861,368 square feet, as well as a few one- and two-story penthouses. Every unit has hardwood floors and large windows, and amenities include a fitness center, entertainment room and small areas of green space. Ten50 is more than half sold, according to Trumark Urban. Road Diet: The delay-plagued project known as MyFigueroa finally broke ground in October, and is reshaping a long segment of the

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The most anticipated project of the year in Downtown is the $1.1 billion Wilshire Grand replacement. The tallest building west of the Mississippi, it will have 900 hotel rooms and 400,000 square feet of office space.

photo by Gary Leonard

Figueroa Corridor from South Park to South L.A. near USC. The $20 million project will slash eight driving lanes to five on Figueroa Street, creating bike lanes with protected curbs and sidewalks that are friendlier to pedestrians and mass-transit users. Landscaping and new signage is also part of the package. MyFigueroa is scheduled to wrap construction in June, and could mean a new wave of Downtowners leaving the car in the garage and getting to and from Exposition Park on two wheels. Continued on page 4

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PROJECTS, 2 Glassy Heights: Carmel Partners made a splash in the Financial District by developing the massive Eighth & Grand complex, with 700 apartments and a large Whole Foods. Its sequel is Atelier, a 33-story apartment tower opening in March at the southwest corner of Eighth and Olive streets. Pre-leasing of 363 studio to threebedroom units began in December, and residences range from around 460 to more than 1,800 square feet. Units are outfitted with hardwood-look floors, high-end stainless steel appliances and Nest smart thermostats. Atelier will continue the evolution of high-end rentals in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Arts District Activation: The Arts District was crazy busy in 2016, with developers flocking to the area in the same way that gold seekers hit San Francisco in 1849. One of the most intriguing projects, developer Blatteis and Schnur’s At Mateo, is set to open on March 1. The project at Palmetto and Mateo streets has turned a lot with old warehouses into a commercial and of-

phase project that will spread across six acres in South Park. The first part of the development, a 362-apartment building dubbed the Wren at Pico Boulevard between Hill and Olive streets, is scheduled to open in February. Units average 761 square feet, and rents in the seven-story edifice average $2,700. It will add to the residential life in the quickly changing community. The second phase of the project, a 38-story tower at Grand Avenue and 12th Street, is under construction. Stay a Night: New York-based developer the Sydell Group has spent years transforming the 1924 Commercial Exchange Building at 416 W. Eighth St. The work on the project renamed the Freehand Hotel is nearly finished, and guests will begin checking in come March. The 200room establishment, designed by Killefer Flammang Architects, will add a twist to the Downtown hotel scene with five kinds of rooms. They range from traditional rooms and suites to hostel-like accommodations where guests can just book a bed. The building, with its exterior blade sign intact and restored, will also have a gym, a rooftop pool, a restaurant and two bars. IN THE WORKS A Grand Old Time: On Dec. 14, developer Related Companies received City Council approval for the $950 million Grand Avenue Project. The company also revealed that it has secured a $290 million investment from Chinese developer CORE. But what will the Frank Gehry-designed development across from Walt Disney Concert Hall look like? That should be answered this year, as the only renderings are old, and Related has been careful about releasing information. With a goal to break ground in 2018, this year could also bring more design details and perhaps the announcement of tenants for the retail component. The project would include a residential tower, a 300-room Equinox branded hotel, and a large retail and restaurant complex that faces Grand Avenue. The site is currently a parking structure.

photo by Gary Leonard

The hotel scene will also grow, as the Freehand Hotel at 416 W. Eighth St. will offer traditional rooms as well as hostel-style shared accommodations. Check-ins begin in March.

fice hub, with four buildings holding 130,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 50,000 square feet for office workers. No tenants have been announced yet, but expect to hear details very soon. Head West: City West will get a spike in residents in the middle of 2017. That’s because prolific developer Holland Partner Group is nearly finished with its Sixth and Bixel project. The pair of seven-story buildings at, you guessed it, Sixth and Bixel streets, will have a total of 606 apartments, which will come online in two phases; the first arrive in May, and more will be available in the summer. Residences range from studios to three-bedroom units. The $200 million project will also have 25,000 square feet of commercial space. The project will mean more street life and more patrons for nearby businesses such as the Teragram Ballroom, the Monty bar and the restaurant Plan Check. South Park Spot: Mack Urban and AECOM Capital are enmeshed in a $1 billion, multi-

January 2, 2017

Wake Up Call: Irvine-based SunCal’s megaproject 6AM is perhaps Downtown’s most ambitious development yet. Early designs from noted Swiss architecture firm Herzog + de Meuron show a sprawling complex composed of long mid-rise buildings that would create a maze-like collection of shops, restaurants, art spaces and more, with apartments perched above. Two 58-story towers would rise along Alameda Street. SunCal filed paperwork for the $2 billion development in September, and in 2017 the project could lock in initial approvals. Entitlements and final designs are expected to take two years. Heading North: Atlas Capital, which is already building out the Row DTLA complex in the Industrial District, is primed to make a splash in Chinatown with another mega-project, College Station. Rising on a 5.7-acre site at Spring and College streets, College Station would create six low-rise apartment buildings with retail space on the ground floor, and various plazas and paseos in between the structures. There would be 770 apartments and 51,000 square feet of retail, including a roughly 37,000-square-foot market. A late 2016 groundbreaking has been pushed back to early this year. Another Chinese Play: South Park is megaproject central, with Metropolis, Oceanwide Plaza and Circa all under construction. The

Downtown’s outdoor opportunities will expand with the debut of the upgraded Los Angeles State Historic Park. The $20 million attraction is expected to open this month.

photo by Gary Leonard

straggler is a three-tower project from Beijingbased Shenzhen Hazens, on the site of the Luxe Hotel. The $750 million effort has been in the planning stage for about 18 months, and the developer hopes to move forward in 2017. It would create a 32-story, 250-room W Hotel and a 32-floor condominium tower along 11th Street at Figueroa and Flower streets. The structures would be connected by an eightstory podium with open-air amenities on top.

A Streetcar They Desire: The Nov. 8 passage of the $120 billion tax Measure M means Metro has more money to allocate to regional transportation projects. That includes the Los Angeles Streetcar, which is slated to receive $200 million in funding — but in 2053, about 33 years after the streetcar is supposed to open to the public. A 2020 debut remains the goal for the nonprofit L.A. Streetcar, Inc. and City Councilman José Huizar, who has led the effort. In 2017, streetcar backers will push for expedited funding, though they could face competition from supporters of other proposed Metro projects. Additionally, an engineering analysis is underway and could be completed this year. The $266 million project has secured $65 million for construction from a tax on property owners along the route. The Times Are a’ Changin’: In December, Vancouver-based Onni Group revealed plans for its redevelopment of Times Mirror Square, which it acquired in September. Onni will maintain the Art Deco-style Los Angeles Times building, but the big news is that it intends to demolish two of the other four structures, and will erect a pair of high-rises that will have a whopping 1,127 residential units. Though construction is not likely to begin in 2017, expect to hear more details and see refined renderings of the structure that will change the look of the Civic Center. The project will be across the street from the under-construction Regional Connector station at Second and Broadway.

photo by Gary Leonard

The tight condo market will be slightly alleviated by the arrival of Ten50. The 25-story, $100 million structure at 1050 S. Grand Ave. will offer 151 one- and two-bedroom residences.

A later phase would bring a 42-story tower to Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard, where the Luxe hotel now stands. Altogether, there would be 650 condominiums and 80,000 square feet of retail space. Dive Into the Reef: The $1 billion mega-project The Reef could transform a fairly quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Downtown that is near major transit lines but lacking in new development. Owners Ara and Avedis Tavitian got a green light for the project at 1933 S. Broadway in late 2016, and this year could bring final designs and a groundbreaking. It would create a 208-room hotel and a sevenstory building with about 100 apartments, plus retail space and a 17,000-square-foot plaza, on a lot that the existing Reef building sits on. Another parking lot east of Broadway would see mid-rise buildings with about 440 apartments, as well as 32- and 35-story towers with nearly 900 combined condos.

My Fair Square: In May, the French firm Agence Ter was tapped to redesign the Financial District’s long-disappointing Pershing Square. This could be the year that the budget of the project is revealed, along with details on how to finance it (during the design competition teams were given a theoretical $50 million budget, but that could change). Agence Ter presented a concept of “radical flatness” for the five-acre park at 532 S. Olive St., and key to the project is improving the interactions with surrounding streets. Also, expect to see spruced-up designs this year, and possibly a timeline for work. Rock Revival: Patrons of the all-ages music venue The Smell were shaken last May when the L&R Group of Companies, the parking lot operator that acquired the parcel the building sits on and several other adjacent lots, slapped demolition notices on several businesses at Third and Main streets. An uproar ensured, and though no buildings have been razed, Smell owner Jim Smith instantly began raising money to find a new home. While The Smell has been in Downtown for nearly two decades, rising rents could force it to a different neighborhood. That means Downtown could lose a vital underground rock and roll hub in 2017.

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New Leaders, Huge Challenges Five Downtown Figures Will Have Their Work Cut Out for Them in 2017 By Jon Regardie owntown Los Angeles is ever-changing. This means not just the physical neighborhood, but also the people. As the community evolves, new leaders arrive. In 2017, the five below individuals will be faced with unique challenges. Each will be in a position in which the community looks to them for leadership, information and problem-solving ability. The moves they make could have a big impact on Downtown for the foreseeable future.

Jessica Lall: In January 2013, Jessica Lall became executive director of the South Park Business Improvement District. She earned praise for running the organization with a $2.5 million annual budget, and for her ability to work with businesses large and small. She launched innovative projects relating to art and streetscape improvements. On Tuesday, Jan. 3, she becomes president and CEO of the Central City Association, and the challenges are immense. First, she replaces Carol Schatz, who in 21 years running the CCA made it a powerhouse in both Downtown and City Hall — Schatz casts a long shadow. Second, Lall helms the business advocacy group at a time when divides with organized labor can be sharp. Additionally, the CCA has a $3 million budget and about 500 Downtown members, many of whom believe they are very important people who deserve instant answers to any question. This year will bring a new vision to one of Downtown’s most important organizations. Marissa Christiansen: Lewis MacAdams co-founded the Friends of the Los Angeles River in 1986, and for 30 years was the face of the stalwart environmental group. He stepped down late last year, and has been replaced by Marissa Christiansen, the former FoLAR senior policy director. Christiansen takes over at a crucial time, as potential huge new improvements are in the works for

the 51-mile waterway. City leaders, federal officials and the Army Corps of Engineers are partnering on a $1.3 billion revamp of the river (though funding remains uncertain), including tearing out some of the concrete stretches, and Christiansen will likely have to be “heart” and “conscience” of the effort as bureaucrats wrestle with budgets. Overall change will occur at a glacial pace, and Christiansen must be ready for a long slog. Marc Reina: On Christmas day, Capt. Marc Reina became the commanding officer of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division, succeeding Howard Leslie, who was promoted to commander. Central covers Downtown, and as Reina moves from the 77th Street Division in South L.A., he’ll find a strange new world of issues and challenges. Success in Central depends on making ties and having consistent, active communication with multiple Downtown communities. While there are overlapping needs, Historic Core and South Park residents can have different concerns than, say, Jewelry District merchants, Arts District developers or Bunker Hill business owners. Then there’s the challenge of dealing with Skid Row and a homeless population that has a tangled history with the LAPD. While Central claims about 400 officers and civilian employees, Reina is the one Downtown will rely on to keep the community safe. The Next City Administrative Officer: This month, Miguel Santana will become the head of the L.A. County Fair Association, ending a seven-year run as the person who a) orchestrates the city’s budget, in partnership with the mayor’s office, b) visits bond rating agencies to talk up L.A.’s fiscal situation, c) negotiates contracts with labor unions, and d) does many other things, potentially including tackling homelessness. So right away, the challenges for the next City Administrative Officer are clear. It remains unknown where the next CAO will come from and when a hire will be made — City Councilman David Ryu has called for a na-

photo courtesy Jessica Lall

Former South Park Business Improvement District Executive Director Jessica Lall will become president and CEO of the powerhouse business advocacy group the Central City Association this week.

tional search, though Mayor Eric Garcetti could appoint a local figure. Santana helped reduce a $485 million deficit, but the new CAO will face challenges regarding future pension commitments and other matters. The ability to say “no” to elected leaders, and to keep the long-term interests of Angelenos in mind, will be critical. Michael Ferro: Financial whiz Michael Ferro took charge of Tribune Publishing last year, and became the source of instant ridicule when he rebranded it Tronc and offered up sci-fi sounding plans for using artificial intelligence and creating a “content monetization engine.” No one still knows what this means, but Angelenos feel the pain at Tronc’s star property — the Los Angeles Times. Calls for local ownership of the newspaper have been loud, and though Ferro refused to sell, he did bring Los Angeles billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong on board as a minority owner. Local readers and leaders feel ill-served by the Chicago ownership, and Ferro would do well to communicate better with Angelenos in the coming year. A recent Los Angeles Magazine article that ripped the leadership style of Times Editor and Publisher Davan Maharaj only adds to Ferro’s L.A. challenges. regardie@downtownnews.com

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The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is the Lead Agency responsible for preparing the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Los Angeles Union Station Forecourt and Esplanade Improvements (Proposed Project) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The intent of the EIR is to evaluate and disclose the environmental impacts of the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project includes a series of pedestrian and bicyclist improvements on Alameda Street (between Cesar E. Chavez and Arcadia), Los Angeles Street (between the El Pueblo Plaza and Union Station), Arcadia Street (between Alameda Street and Spring Street), and the Union Station forecourt area. The Proposed Project would result in narrowing roadway and widening pedestrian and bicyclist facilities and reestablishing the connection between Union Station and El Pueblo and surrounding communities. Additionally, Metro has secured Active Transportation Program grant funds that include federal monies. The use of federal funds triggers the requirement for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The California Department of Transportation, acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration will serve as the Federal Lead Agency. Consistent with the provisions of 23 Code of Federal Regulations §771.117, it is anticipated that a Categorical Exclusion will be used to demonstrate compliance with NEPA. Learn about the project and share your thoughts on the scope and content of the information addressed in the EIR. Thursday, January 26, 2017 6pm-8pm Los Angeles Union Station, Historic Ticketing Concourse, 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, California 90012 Spanish and Mandarin translation provided. Other ADA accommodations and translations available by calling 213-922-2499 at least 72 hours in advance.

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Eric Garcetti’s Make-or-Break Year If the Mayor Thinks He’s Had It Tough Before, Look What’s in Store in 2017 By Jon Regardie ince being elected mayor in 2013, Eric Garcetti has had mixed reviews. On the one hand, he has garnered praise for some premium scores, including riding herd on the passage of the county sales tax Measure M and the homeless housing property tax bond Proposition HHH — voters ap-

THE REGARDIE REPORT proved both in November. He also got credit for propelling improved earthquake standards and preparation in the city, and sparked the effort to hike the minimum wage — Garcetti began with a $13.25 an hour proposal. The City Council ultimately settled on $15 an hour. Other cities followed suit. On the other hand, Garcetti has consistently been questioned and tagged for a perceived lack of toughness and a seeming penchant for taking the safe path and not alienating anyone. Though charismatic and intelligent, he was silent at key times such as when the LAUSD board was hiring a superintendent, and he never publicly weighed in on the controversial Proposition JJJ on the November ballot — labor unions loved the measure that requires affordable housing and local hiring mandates on certain projects, while business hated it. Voters said yes. Those victories and critiques build to a packed 2017. In the next 12 months Garcetti will face a series of hurdles and decisions, and the public will find out if the groundwork he’s been doing pays off. If he hits on many of these, then his future is even brighter. If he falters, it could slow his ascent. Here’s what Garcetti has on his plate in this make-orbreak year. Is the Force With Him?: Garcetti has spent a couple years urging George Lucas to bring his $1 billion museum to Los Ange-

les. The effort died when the Star Wars creator chose Chicago in 2014, but after Windy City residents put the kibosh on the deal for a museum on lakefront property, L.A. was back in the game. Garcetti has doggedly sought to persuade Lucas and his wife, businesswoman Mellody Hobson, that the Lucas Museum for Narrative Art would be a perfect fit for Exposition Park. L.A. is battling a site in San Francisco’s Treasure Island, which is not really filled with treasure. A decision could be made early in the year. If the self-financed museum winds up in Downtown, Garcetti will get to claim a lot of credit. Nice Rings: The Lucas Museum is the second-biggest thingamajig Garcetti is trying to bring to Los Angeles, trailing only the 2024 Summer Olympics. The mayor envisions a $5 billionplus Games opening and closing at the Coliseum in Exposition Park, and as with the Lucas museum, it’s been a stop-start affair, with L.A. losing to Boston as the U.S. nominee, then jumping back in when folks in Beantown protested the high cost of the Games. Garcetti has touted the abundance of local venues and intensely lobbied International Olympic Committee members to bring the Olympic rings here. If the IOC selects L.A. over Paris and Budapest — the vote will take place in September in Lima, Peru — then Garcetti has something huge on his resume forever. In this case, however, there is no glory in getting the silver or bronze medal. The Election, Part 1: Garcetti faces re-election on March 7. Ten other people have qualified for the mayoral ballot, but no competitor has any significant experience as an elected official. Mitchell Schwartz has raised about $250,000 and bashed Measure M in an effort to position himself as the anti-Garcetti. Still, the mayor has not suffered any scandals — he’s about as likely to lose as the powerhouse UCLA bas-

This year Mayor Eric Garcetti is up for re-election. He’ll also find out if L.A. lands the 2024 Olympics and George Lucas’ $1 billion museum.

photo by Gary Leonard

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ketball team is to fall to the squad from Trump University. Yes, I know it’s not a real university. The question is how Garcetti fares. People giggled in 2009 when Antonio Villaraigosa won just 55% of the vote against wimpy competition. Garcetti has to be aiming considerably higher. The Election, Part II: While he seems a slam-dunk to repeat as mayor, Garcetti does face a monster challenge on the ballot — it’s Measure S, the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative. The NII spins from what many see as out-of-control development in L.A., and of politicians doing the bidding of developers. While Downtown has largely embraced construction, residents of Hollywood and other communities complain that traffic is ridiculous and quality-of-life is tumbling. If passed, the measure would, among other things, put a two-year moratorium on any project that seeks a zoning change, which means almost any big project. Garcetti has sought to work with NII supporters, but they have refused to back off. Business and real estate circles like NII about as much as the rest of us like Ebola. Expect the mayor to orchestrate an anti-S campaign similar to his pro-Measure M and Prop HHH work. If Measure S passes, Garcetti’s efforts to address a city housing shortage could be seriously hampered. The State of the Streets: During a recent meeting with Los Angeles Downtown News editors and reporters, Garcetti said he spends about 40% of his time on efforts tied to addressing homelessness. It has emerged as the defining quality-of-life and moral issue facing the city, and after the Prop HHH victory, voters will expect the number of encampments to shrink. People seem to have finally realized that homelessness will never be fully eradicated, and that this is not a sprint but an ultra-marathon. Garcetti is working closely with county leaders, and has a lot of balls in play that most Angelenos are unaware of. Still, for many residents, success means eliminating the tent encampments that clog sidewalks, alleys and gulches across the city. If those are reduced, the mayor’s efforts will be applauded. If they worsen, then so do his problems. Dueling With Donald: Donald Trump will not be inaugurated until Jan. 20, but already Garcetti has been letting the next president know that he isn’t going to play any of Trump’s reindeer games, particularly if those reindeers seek to deport undocumented immigrants. Garcetti is not alone, and Gov. Jerry Brown, Attorney General-to-be Xavier Becerra, Secretary of State Alex Padilla and other leaders throughout California seem ready to battle Trump on issues such as immigration and climate change. However, as the mayor of the second-biggest city in the U.S., and as a telegenic guy with a progressive record, Garcetti is a natural candidate for the spotlight. Don’t be surprised if L.A. tangles with the Trump Administration over federal funds flowing to the city. If Garcetti proves adept at battling Trump, he’ll gain the attention of Democrats across the country. Coming Up Next: Then there is the really big question: What does Garcetti plan to do next, and when does he plan to do it? Garcetti has refused to hint of any ambition beyond mayor of Los Angeles — when people ask, he deflects it like he’s bearing Capt. America’s shield. However, after the March election, he’ll have the opportunity to run for governor, or for the U.S. Senate if octogenarian Dianne Feinstein retires. The 2018 ballot would mean a quick turnaround, but Garcetti has proved himself a prodigious fundraiser and has made plenty of friends in Washington, D.C. He has the connections to get in the game, even on short notice. But can he win and does he want to do that? There are challenges in either path, as Villaraigosa, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Treasurer John Chiang are already vying for Brown’s job. If Feinstein steps aside, some think Becerra might target her seat. Even if he doesn’t, another capable foe probably will. Whatever happens, you can be sure that Garcetti has thought long and hard of the various permutations of what’s next — that’s what politicians do. In a worst-case scenario, he hangs out as mayor of Los Angeles until late 2022 (terms have been extended due to the coming shifting of voting dates). This is L.A. and it’s sunny here and we might soon have the Olympics. Garcetti could do far worse. regardie@downtownnews.com.

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January 2, 2017

The Most Anticipated Restaurants of 2017

lops with winter greens and pineapple or the tea-smoked duck with Asian pear. Expect an opening by summer. Coming to 1124 San Julian St. or slanteddoor.com.

The Dining Scene Will Expand, With Projects Planned in Almost Every Downtown District By Eddie Kim bevy of top-flight restaurants debuted in Downtown Los Angeles in 2016, including Spring, Officine Brera and Shibumi. Others were supposed to arrive in the past year, but were slammed by construction problems, permitting delays or other issues. That sets 2017 up to be a big year for big debuts, with a number of hot transplants from around the country. Here’s a rundown of five intriguing projects.

Brandt-brand steaks from cattle raised in California. Alongside the meat and simply prepared seafood will be appetizers, Italian-influenced sides and handmade pasta. Coming to 700 S. Flower St or davios.com.

Dough Show: No, Downtown doesn’t need a bunch of Bay Area-transplants to hit peak coolness. The fact that a giant Tartine Manufactory is coming here, however, is awesome nonetheless. For those not in the know, Tartine Bakery is one of San Francisco’s hottest spots for baked goods, sandwiches and simple cafe-style eats. Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt opened it in 2002, then expanded with Bar Tartine and, last summer, unveiled the 5,000-square-foot Tartine Manufactory. That’s small-time compared to Downtown’s iteration, which will have nearly 20,000 square feet for a bakery, kitchen and dining space, according to restaurateur Bill Chait, who is a partner on the project. The lease was being finalized at press time, with the final location still unrevealed. At tartinebakery.com. Beef ’Em All: Admittedly, Davio’s Northern

photo by Wonho Frank Lee

Chef Steve Samson, known for his Sotto restaurant near Century City, will unveil Rossoblu in the City Market South complex this year. Expect a menu featuring regional Italian cooking.

Italian Steakhouse has a small red flag: It’s a chain with locations scattered from Massachusetts to Georgia. Normally, eating at a steakhouse with a bunch of branches means predictable, good-not-great food. Davio’s stands out thanks to the meticulous involvement of owner Steve DiFillippo, who started the joint in Boston when he was in his mid20s. The L.A. location will fill a large space at the Financial District retail complex The Bloc, and is expected to open in the middle of the year. The menu will be the same as other Davio’s locations, with the centerpiece being the

Feeling Blu: Chef Steve Samson’s been slinging killer Southern Italian pastas and wood-oven pizzas at his Sotto restaurant near Century City. Next up is Rossoblu, at the Fashion District’s City Market complex, near San Pedro and 11th streets. Samson will hone in on regional Italian cooking, including the city of Bologna, where he spent time as a child. Rossoblu will also have about 200 seats inside and on a patio. The restaurant is aiming to open by early March. It will be part of City Market South, the first phase of the $1 billion City Market. Coming to 1124 San Julian St. or rossoblula.com. Pham-ished: What do you know, there’s another City Market South entry. Near Rossoblu will be the second outpost of chef Charles Pham’s modern Vietnamese eatery The Slanted Door, which has earned a strong reputation after more than 20 years in San Francisco. This won’t be a chill spot to grab a quick bowl of pho or a cheap plate of broken rice. Pham’s menu flaunts an array of regional Vietnamese dishes, constructed with luxe local produce and highend meats: Check the roasted day-boat scal-

Six Key Issues Facing Downtown in 2017 Along With All the Good, Downtown Is Struggling With Some Tough Problems By Eddie Kim owntown Los Angeles is enjoying a period of wild growth, with a seemingly endless stream of new buildings, businesses and people descending upon the community. That’s good news, but it comes with some challenging side effects. Here are six issues that Downtown needs to address in 2017.

The Cost of Living: More than 1,600 apartments are currently under construction, according to the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, with 6,000 more in the pipeline. That bodes well for a tight housing market, but rents have yet to drop. It’s not uncommon to see prices north of $4 a square foot, and according to real estate firm Marcus & Millichap, monthly rents in Downtown rose 8.9% over the past year to an average of $2,245. New Downtown complexes tend to be upscale, with loads of amenities and luxe finishes. A glut of new apartments opening at the same time could mean some landlords offer early tenants sweet deals, but if housing prices stay high, there will be increased complaints, and diversity in the neighborhood will be impacted. My Kingdom for a Parking Space: While some residents are ditching cars for a transit- and pedestrian-oriented lifestyle, a number of Downtown business owners and commuters are concerned by the shrinking number of parking lots in the Central City. The culprit is all the office buildings and apartment towers rising on said lots. It could be years until many of the projects’ parking structures open to the public; until then, visitors must look within a smaller pool of parking, or seek out street spaces, which can mean endless circling of the block. Downtown already has a reputation with outsiders as an expensive, difficult place to park. This could get worse before it gets better.

photo by Gary Leonard

Downtown is seeing more young families, but a lack of conveniently located schools. One of the few choices is Metro Charter Elementary in South Park.

Surviving Construction: Another side effect of all the construction is that the noise and shuttered sidewalks make life harder for residents and especially businesses that need consistent foot traffic. Sometimes the blame falls on a developer that doesn’t maintain a walkway between their project and the road. Other times it’s the inconvenience and unpleasant nature of being near dust and activity — who wants to sip a latte outside if a jackhammer is pounding away? If life gets too bothersome, some residents may leave in search of a more peaceful neighborhood. School’s Out: Urban hubs like Downtown tend to be popular with a younger crowd — that’s partly why so many of the couples who meet here are starting families. Parents need good schools, and Downtown has too few. Consider the suc-

A Brewing Storm: Downtown beer fans need to keep their eyes on a pair of bars wrapping up construction in South Park. San Diego’s quirky Modern Times brewery is opening in a renovated building near Ninth and Olive streets. It will offer standard and experimental craft beers on tap, as well as produce some new recipes for the brand on-site. Then there’s the hyped arrival of Mikkeller, the acclaimed Copenhagenbased microbrewery that’s known stateside for its popular bar in San Francisco. The Mikkeller on Olympic Boulevard will feature 62 high-tech taps that can control the beer’s temperature. Both bars are slated to debut early this year. Coming to 830 S. Olive St. or moderntimes.com; and 330 W. Olympic Blvd. or mikkellerbar.com. Four More We’re Waiting For: Chinese noodle joint Monkee will finally fill the huge former McCormick and Schmick’s spot in U.S. Bank Tower; a new upscale food court on the ground floor of the Corporation Building at 724 S. Spring St. will offer eight vendors and a full bar; the long-awaited Clayton’s Public House will open in the Spring Arcade Building; two restaurants (Breva and Veranda) from chef Casey Lane and two bars (Bar Alta, Bar Figueroa) from Dushan Zaric will be part of the renovated Hotel Figueroa’s reopening. eddie@downtownnews.com

cess of Metro Charter Elementary, which opened in September 2013 and has grown a grade each year, with robust enrollment (there has been a wait list) and more than 200 students today. Metro Charter, now based in office space attached to California Hospital Medical Center in South Park, has struggled to find a permanent home in Downtown. In fact, other than some schools on the outskirts of the community, there just aren’t many options for parents who put a priority on neighborhood and high academic performance. If Downtown doesn’t get more schools, parents will leave for places with better educational options. Avoiding the Shutter: Some restaurants are closing because a landlord wants to raise rent or prefers a shiny new tenant. Others, however, are victims of too much competition and overwhelmed diners. Here’s just a few: Last year saw the closure of chef Bernhard Mairinger’s Bierbeisl Imbiss in the Spring Arcade Building, which won rave reviews but not enough of a following (it closed, reopened, and then closed again in the fall). Petty Cash, a second outpost of chef Walter Manzke’s Mid-City taco spot, closed abruptly in the Arts District after less than a year. Local Table operated for two years in the Financial District but then lost steam, closing in May. Many more restaurants are slated to open in 2017, but there doesn’t seem to be enough diners to support them all. Homelessness, Continued: Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis endures. Many cheered the Nov. 8 voter passage of Proposition HHH, which will fund the construction of 10,000 apartments for the chronically homeless. That longterm plan, however, is little comfort in Downtown and Skid Row especially, with homelessness jumping in recent years. Encampments continue to grow in and around Downtown, with the city moving slowly on issues such as storage for homeless people’s belongings and getting long-term care for the mentally ill. The new money in Downtown often makes for an uncomfortable mosh pit where the wellheeled must confront the daily realities of society’s poorest and most vulnerable individuals. Will tangible solutions come to light in 2017? Don’t hold your breath.

January 2, 2017

DT 17 Cultural CALENDAR

Events to Check Out in 2017 It’s a Year Full of Museum Exhibitions, Concerts, Festivals, Comedy Shows And More

By Nicholas Slayton here is never a shortage of entertainment in Downtown Los Angeles. This was proved again last year, as arts and cultural organizations large and small produced a shocking amount of quality work. There was theater at the major Music Center venues as well as an assortment of small spaces. Music was heard everywhere from Walt Disney Concert Hall to the Teragram Ballroom. Special events ranged from Nisei Week to the Broke L.A. festival in the Arts District to the Chinatown Summer Nights happenings. This list goes on and on. The entertainment will also go on and on in 2017. In the next 12 months, the Central City will host a plethora of happenings, from avantgarde theater to a celebration of Icelandic music at Disney Hall to a comedy festival to a classic car show. There is something fun to do almost every day of the year. Here are 17 cultural events to look forward to in 2017, arranged by date. Think of the list just as a starting point.

A Laugh Riot: We can all use a laugh. Fortunately, the Riot L.A. comedy festival will deliver those laughs in abundance. The fifth installment of the event organized by Abbey Londer bounds into Downtown on Jan. 19-22.

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DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM The four days will bring 80 comedians, who will perform at venues including the Orpheum Theater, The Novo at L.A. Live and the Theatre at Ace Hotel. Highlights include Tig Notaro, Whitney Cummings, Bobcat Goldthwait, Maria Bamford, Rachel Bloom, Brad Williams and many more. There are also showcases with upand-coming comics such as Troy Walker and Jackie Fabulous. Want more? There’s a “Super Deluxe Lot,” with arcade games, food trucks, a Ferris wheel, a photo booth and even animal adoptions. Pace yourself. At riotla.com.

Actor George Takei donated the items that make up the Japanese American National Museum exhibition New Frontier: The Many Worlds of George Takei. It opens March 12.

He Rode a Blazing Saddle: He may be 90, but Mel Brooks has not slowed down. He has been making audiences laugh for more than 50 years, including with the films Young Frankenstein, The History of the World, Part 1 and Spaceballs (“merchandising!”). The comedic legend comes to the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live on Jan. 20 for a screening of his 1974 Western sendup Blazing Saddles, starring Cleavon Little and the late Gene Wilder. After the film, Brooks will take the stage for a discussion of his creative process, and there will be a Q&A with the audience. At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or microsofttheater.com. Hot Rods: Every November, nearly a million people show up at the Los Angeles Convention Center to take in the L.A. Auto Show. Crowds ogle the newest vehicles and check out modern technology that will shape the future of driving. A twist takes place Jan. 2729, when the inaugural L.A. Classic Auto Show rolls into the Convention Center. There will be hundreds of vintage vehicles on display, including more than 50 set up on the “Grand Boulevard,” which traces automotive development over the last century. Classic car clubs, dealers and enthusiasts will all show off their favorite models. You can also get advice on how to care for and repair that prestige vehicle sitting in your garage. At 1201 S. Figueroa St. or theclassicautoshow.com. A Sharp-Dressed Revival: In 1978, Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit broke ground in the theater

The Scottish Ballet visits the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on May 19-21 for its version of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire.

photo by Andy Ross

photo by Jamie Noguchi

world, showcasing Chicano issues and talent. Now the Pulitzer Prize-winning work is being revived and is returning to the Mark Taper Forum as part of the 50th anniversary of Center Theatre Group. The show runs Feb. 12-March 12 (previews start Jan. 31) and stars Oscar-nominated Demián Bichir as El Pachucho. The show, with 25 actors, singers and dancers, melds fact and fiction in a story based on the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon murder in Los Angeles. Expect a compelling story and astounding costumes. Valdez is returning to direct the show, which is being co-presented by his El Teatro Campesino theater troupe. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org. For the Love of Books: Like to read? Of course you do. You’re in luck, as Grand Park’s Downtown Bookfest returns on March 11. Literature lovers will take over the space for a day of spoken-word performances, poetry readings and writing workshops. Small press and independent publishers will be on hand as well, and there will be plenty of opportunity to buy books. Visitors can even contribute to a collaborative poem about the city that will be created at the festival. Epilogue: The event will honor poet Emily Dickinson. At 200 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla.org. Life After Sulu: Last September, actor, ac-

tivist and longtime Little Tokyo supporter George Takei announced that he would donate his personal collection of photographs, awards and other items to the Japanese American National Museum. On March 12, the Little Tokyo institution will open a show featuring some of those goods. The exhibition New Frontier: The Many Worlds of George Takei will feature both expected and unlikely elements, from “Star Trek” scripts to posters from Takei’s 1973 bid for the Los Angeles City Council. It will also include artifacts from the years his family was held in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 20, reflects on the actor, cultural identity and Los Angeles itself. At 100 N. Central Ave., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org. A Dark Night of Music: The Microsoft Theater is screening Tim Burton’s 1989 cinematic take on the Caped Crusader on March 19. Dubbed Batman Live in Concert, the event includes a symphony playing Danny Elfman’s score as the film screens. Come for the music, and stay for Michael Keaton brooding as Bruce Wayne and Jack Nicholson’s flashy take on the Joker. At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or microsofttheater.com. A Visit to Town Hall: The avant-garde New York theater troupe the Wooster Group has made Continued on page 10

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ENTERTAINMENT, 9 REDCAT a sort of West Coast home away from home, with an annual spring show. The tradition continues March 22-April 1, as the gang brings Downtown Los Angeles The Town Hall Affair. The production is based on the 1971 Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker documentary Town Bloody Hall, which featured Norman Mailer and feminist speakers Jill Johnston and Diana Trilling in intense debate. Expect a blend of live performances and video projections. At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org. The Green Fairy: It is not often that shows jump from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Yet that is happening on March 22-April 23, as the spectacle Absinthe steps off the Vegas Strip and into Downtown. Part vaudeville and part circus, the show, being staged in a tent set up on the L.A. Live Event Deck, is an immersive cabaret with acrobats and comedy. Audiences can expect burlesque

January 2, 2017

dancers, a satirical look at the entertainment business and more. It is hosted by a foul-mouthed master of ceremonies known as The Gazillionaire. Note: Absinthe is recommended for an 18-andolder crowd, and contains some nudity. At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (877) 234-8425 or absinthela.com. Iceland, Iceland Baby: The Los Angeles Philharmonic has been ever-daring under Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, and the tradition continues with the Reykjavik Festival. Running April 1-17, the series at the Walt Disney Concert Hall will feature concerts with composers such as Daníel Bjarnason and Hauker Tómasson. The Icelandic rock group Sigur Rós, which in the past performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, is also in the mix. The closing show will feature a performance by Jóhann Jóhannson, the composer of films including Sicario and Arrival. Expect to be wowed by the musical output from a country with a population of less than half a million people. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com. Fables Come Alive: Think of Into the Woods as the ultimate fairytale mashup. Thought many people know it from the 2014 film featuring Anna Kendrick, James Corden, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep, it is also a stage musical. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s version of the show dances into the Ahmanson Theatre on April 4-May 14. The story puts a sometimes dark, but deliciously catchy and rhyming spin on Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, among other fairytales, as princesses, princes, a baker and his wife must deal with a witch’s curse. The songs include “Last Midnight,” “No One Is Alone” and, of course, “Into the Woods.” At 135 N. Grand Ave. (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

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photo courtesy of Center Theatre Group

and the rest of the gang turn “Paranoid” into “Pair-a-Buns” and “Iron Man” into “Frying Pan.” What would Ozzy think? At 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727 or theregenttheater.com. Return of the Warhorse: Blackmail, political intrigue, romance and revenge — Tosca has it all. A favorite of every opera company around the world, it lands on the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for seven performances on April 22-May 13. L.A. Opera Music Director James Conlon will conduct Giacomo Puccini’s three-act work. The opera follows the titular singer and her lover, who must contend with the cruel and lustful police chief Scarpia. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the show is both an epic political thriller and a tragic romance. Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky stars as Tosca. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7670 or laopera.com. Understanding Normal: Little Tokyo theater company East West Players’ spring show sounds like a simple family drama at first, but Next to Normal is something else entirely. The Goodman clan appears to be a happy group, but trouble is brewing as mother Diana struggles with bipolar disorder. EWP stages the

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New York’s Wooster Group makes another stop at REDCAT, this time with The Town Hall Affair, based on a 1971 documentary. It runs March 22-April 1.

Big Mac Attack: Have you ever wondered, “Can heavy metal and Happy Meals be combined?” The answer is yes, and Mac Sabbath is coming Downtown to prove it. This is a Black Sabbath tribute band decked out in McDonald’s-themed outfits, and they play fast food-focused parody songs. Enjoy it all at The Regent on April 8, as Ronald Osbourne, Grimalice, Slayer MacCheese

Luis Valdez’s thrilling 1978 play Zoot Suit returns to the Mark Taper Forum on Feb. 12-March 12. It stars Demián Bichir as El Pachucho.

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January 2, 2017

Downtown News 11

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Tony-winning rock musical May 11-June 11 at the David Henry Hwang Theater. Expect blistering lyrics, pulsating songs and a show that rattles your emotions, especially during the big reveal. At 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000 or eastwestplayers.org. Dance and Desire: Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire is an American treasure; it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948 and was immortalized on screen in a 1951 film starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. Now Scotland’s national ballet company is reinterpreting the work. The Scottish Ballet pirouettes into the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for three performances on May 19-21, with choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The dance of lust and pride will have a jazz-accented score from Peter Salem. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0711 or musiccenter.org. B-I-G With B-E-T: Once again, the entirety of L.A. Live is hosting the BET Experience. It has become a dominant showcase and celebration of African-American culture and music, and on June 22-25 the cable channel will again take over. The four-day festival wraps up with the BET Awards, which will be broadcast from the Microsoft Theater. The lineup of performers hasn’t been announced yet, but last year brought acts including 2 Chainz and Usher. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (866) 548-3452 or bet.com/bet-experience. A Theatrical Festival: In 2014, the Latino Theater Company hosted Encuentro: A Latina/o Theatre Festival. It brought together 15 Latino theater companies from across the United States, and not only did the troupes perform for enthusiastic crowds, they collaborated with one another. The event was such a success that it is returning to the Los Angeles Theatre Center. Few details have been released, but you can expect a diverse array of shows on Oct. 29-Nov. 19. At 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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January 2, 2017

CALENDAR LISTINGS EVENTS

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

Au Lac/Café Fedora 710 W. First St., (213) 617-2533 or aulac.com. Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Charlo Crossley. Belasco 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or belascous.com. Jan. 6: Monster Energy Drinks sponsor Kane Brown, so you know he’s legit. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Dec. 3: Michael Mayo and Josh Nelson. Dec. 4: Sam Hirsh Trio. Dec. 5: Harold Mabern Trio. Dec. 6: Daniel Rotem Group. Dec. 7: David Binney Group. Dec. 8: Say yello to Yonatan. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Jan. 2: Unfortunately for those with an unhealthy taste for Harry/Ron/Hagrid scenarios, Fan Fiction is a Jimmy Eat World styled indie band. Jan. 3: Tonight’s act is Kyle Morton from the band Typhoon, not Kyle Morton from ninth grade geometry class. Jan. 4: You’ll be delighted when the Nick Valentini Collective hands over a set list and you realize it is just a top-down ranking of Radiohead albums. Jan. 5: Of all the inquiries we need answers to right now, “So is Avi Buffalo a he or a them?” doesn’t even rank. Jan. 6: There is some intense ego mixed with undertones of melancholy solipsism in Puscie Jones. Continued on next page

From the world of cardigan sweaters and cassette tape music releases comes Thee Oh Sees, a San Francisco garage band steeped in the sort of muddled lo-fi that kids these days really love! On Friday-Saturday, Jan. 6-7, the guitar-crunching, organ-toting, reverb-mastering purveyors of sharply melancholy basement musings will shake up the Teragram Ballroom in City West. Last year the band released two albums, An Odd Entrances and A Weird Exits. What 2017 will bring for Thee Oh Sees, no one yet knows. At 1234 W. Seventh St. or teragramballroom.com.

THE DON'T MISS LIST 2 Spoiler alert: If you invite your girlfriend of over a year to the Natural History Museum’s exhibit Diamonds: Rare Brilliance, then you have unwittingly inflated expectations for your relationship. Yes, the show of hightest gemstones on display until March 19 is mostly about the function of chemistry as it interplays with sensory phenomena like light and touch. Yet, something tells us that your significant other is going to give new meaning to “Hope Diamond” after touring the show. The NHM in Exposition Park is open seven days a week. At 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.

photo by Ben Furuta, courtesy of JANM

Saturday, Jan. 7 is your last chance to skate your woes away at the L.A. Kings’ Holiday Ice rink at Miscrosoft Square in L.A. Live. In three daily sessions from 3-7 p.m., 7:309:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-midnight, you too can propel yourself along frozen water on two rented blades strapped to your feet with scraps of leather. The plaza will be alight with all the customary visual divertissements of L.A. Live, so bring some sunglasses or goggles to help break the glare. Advice: Don’t look up at that tall tree while skating, but keep your eyes on the ice. Admission is $18. Kids, seniors and veterans pay $14. At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (866) 548-3452 or lalive.com.

photo by David Cooper

by Dan Johnson - calendar@downtownnews.com photo by Gary Leonard

MONDAY, JANUARY 2 Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. or holidayicerinkdowntownla.com. Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday: The stretch of frozen water in the heart of the Financial District is open every day this week. Bring your own skates or rent them on site. L.A. Kings Holiday Ice L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd or lalive.com/events-calendar/holidayice. Daily 3 p.m.-midnight: It’s the final week to enjoy Downtown’s biggest skating rink, which sits in the heart of Microsoft Square across from Staples Center. There’s a giant decorated Christmas tree in the middle. Again, bring your own skates or rent them on site. It closes Jan. 7 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 The Idea of Sound MOCA Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org. Jan. 4-9: Those who find themselves meandering through Doug Aitken’s Electric Earth show this week will be serenaded with a minimalist score from composer Terry Riley as he and a band of collaborators reinterpret Aitken’s work into the sonic. SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 Oshogatsu Family Festival Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Grand Ave., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with this free family festival featuring arts, crafts and performances.

image courtesy Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Saturday Night Jazz Bar Fedora in Au Lac Plant-Based Restaurant, 710 W. First St. or saturdaynightjazzdtla.com Saturday, Jan. 7, 7:30-11 p.m.: Saturday Night Jazz (some Fridays + Blues Thursdays!) presents singer Charlo, with special guests. Charlo has been a Bette Midler “Harlette,” a backup for Chaka Kahn and Luther Vandross, and was featured in 20 Feet From Stardom. One of the best jazz venues in L.A. Great healthy food and drink. Right behind Disney Hall.

photo courtesy panacherock.com