01-26-15

Cooking In Style

JANUARY 26, 2015 I VOL. 44 I #4

Downtown’s Ellen Bennett Redefines the Apron Business SEE PAGE 6

Inside This Week

Should Parker Center Be Torn Down? : 5

LUNCH pages 11-16

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Let’s Do

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AROUND TOWN

Glass Tower Condos Breaks Ground in South Park

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condominium tower first broached before the recession has begun rising in South Park. San Francisco-based developer Trumark Urban last week broke ground on the 22-story, 151-unit housing complex known as the Glass Tower. The developer hopes to open the $100 million project at 1050 S. Grand Ave. in 2016.

The tower will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, along with amenities including a fifth-floor pool deck, cabanas and a fitness center. The ground floor will hold 5,672 square feet of retail space, with storefronts along Grand Avenue and 11th Street. The project was initially proffered by developer Amir Kalantari. However, his plans were stymied when the recession began and lending markets froze. Trumark Urban acquired the project last June. Downtownbased architecture firm HansonLA is handling designs for the building with several Rubik’s Cube-like accents jutting out along an edge of the structure.

Send a Free Downtown Love Line ove lifts us up where we belong. Love is like oxygen. Love can be found in the pages of Los Angeles Downtown News. All of those are true, and more evidence of the latter will come

the week of Feb. 9, when Downtown News publishes its annual Love Lines as part of a section on Valentine’s Day in Downtown. For the uninitiated, a Love Line is a free message in our pages to your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, companion, partner, kid, parent, etc. All you need to do is email the text to lovelines@downtownnews.com by Tuesday, Feb. 3 (put “Love Lines” in the subject line). The big catches: The messages must be 20 words or less, and there is one free message per reader (don’t be sneaky).

Be sure to mention the name of the person you are sending the Love Line to, and include your name, phone number and email address. Hey, we all wanna know what love is.

January 26, 2015

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Solar-Powered Trash Cans Come to DCBID

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owntown should soon smell a little better. That’s because the Downtown Center Business Improvement District has replaced its trash bins, which often overflow onto the sidewalk, with new, technologically advanced “Big Belly” Bins. The new refuse containers are completely solar powered and are equipped with GPS units and usage meters for remote waste management, said the DCBID’s Suzanne Holley. “Walking around the District I noticed the trashcans were unsightly — there’d be tied bags of trash just sitting on the street awaiting pickup,” Holley said. The new ones have a sensor that signals the BID when they are one-third or two-thirds full.

The BID, which provides cleaning and safety services in a large portion of Downtown, ordered 18 new waste receptacles along Seventh Street between Hill and Figueroa streets.

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Sixteen have been installed (construction in front of The Bloc is delaying the placement of two bins). One of the new devices is a trash compactor, which can hold more and be emptied less, Holley said. The compactor cost $3,000 and each trashcan runs $2,000.

Sausage Restaurant Coming To Little Tokyo

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he crew that turned a Korean BBQ food truck into a bricks-and-mortar hit in West Los Angeles is coming to Little Tokyo. Ted Kim

Pete Eckert

January 16, 2015

is working on plans to bring the Seoul Sausage restaurant to the ground floor of the recently opened Ava apartment complex at 236 S. Los Angeles St. According to documents filed with the city, Kim applied for a full liquor license at the 2,735-square-foot space. The restaurant, known for its Korean BBQ-style street food, would have 50 indoor and 36 outdoor seats and would be open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Seoul Sausage opened on Sawtelle Avenue in 2012.

Recently, Kim, his brother Yong Kim and chef Chris Oh won season three of “The Great Food Truck Race” on the Food Network.

Continued on page 9

January 26, 2015

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EDITORIALS

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January 26, 2015

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

Super Bowls and The Future

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his week’s Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots takes place in Glendale, Ariz. According to the private nonprofit Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, approximately 100,000 people will come to town for the game. Super Bowl XLIX is projected to have a $500 million economic impact on the state.

The economic impact figure is routinely trotted out come Super Bowl time, as the host city and state (it was in New Jersey last year) and the National Football League cheerfully tout the spending that occurs in the form of booked hotel rooms, meals eaten at restaurants, the costs of throwing parties, and more.

Some economists dispute the figure, saying that the money coming in for the game largely displaces cash that would otherwise be spent, usually by leisure tourists and business travelers.

The real economic impact, they say, is in the tens of millions of dollars.

Whatever the actual dollar amount, one thing is for sure: The money is flowing to Arizona this year. It is not coming anywhere near Los Angeles.

This is perhaps the biggest drawback to not having professional football in the city. Nothing terrible has happened to L.A. since the Rams and Raiders both fled following the 1994 season. Some say watching football here is even better now, as more games each week are broadcast on local television.

Unlike in smaller markets, there is always plenty to do on a Sunday afternoon. Los Angeles’ identity is not tied to pro pigskin.

Still, by not having football the city is losing something: the spending, including the sales tax, and the attention that occurs on Super Bowl weekend.

The NFL has a history of staging the game in L.A. Super Bowl I took place in the Coliseum in Exposition Park in 1967, and it has been held there or at the Rose Bowl six other times (though not since 1993).

This makes sense, as Los Angeles, and in particular Downtown, is a natural base for major events. The NBA All-Star Games held in Staples Center were big successes for both the league and the city. It was a similar result for the Democratic National Convention that took place here in 2000. We expect the same upside with this summer’s Special Olympics World Games.

Advocates of returning football to Los Angeles have opined that a state-of-the-art stadium would be awarded as many as three Super Bowls in the first 10 to 12 years after it opens. In the best-case scenario that means about $1.5 billion pouring into local coffers. Even if the actual figure is far less, it’s still sizable.

All this is worth taking into account as the NFL does its latest dance with the region. Rams owner Stan Kroenke has proposed building an 80,000-seat stadium in Inglewood and Anschutz Entertainment Group continues to push Farmers Field in Downtown Los Angeles. Plenty of people question whether either of these efforts will succeed.

While we don’t think local government should do too many backflips to satisfy a money-hungry league, we should keep in mind the spending and attention Super Bowls bring. They would be good for L.A. Whether the league itself is good for L.A., well, that’s another matter.

Another Step in the Retail Revival

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ast month, a Gap Factory Store opened at 737 S. Broadway.

Though Downtown Los Angeles got the San Francisco-based company’s discount outlet, as opposed to the traditional Gaps found in shopping malls and more established urban locations, it is still a positive addition to the community. We’re glad local workers and residents have the opportunity to pick up sweaters, pants, tops and cargo shorts, and if they save money in the process, all the better.

This is a win because it’s not just about the Gap. Rather, it’s about a growing collection of stores, and Gap executives are only the latest to recognize that one can turn a profit by investing in Downtown.

The Gap follows other name-brand retailers that have opened on Broadway in the past couple years. Discount chain Ross Dress for Less arrived at 719 S. Broadway in March 2013 and Urban Outfitters filled the former Rialto Theatre, at 812 S. Broadway, that December. That was the same month that the Ace Hotel opened in the old United Artists Theatre building at 929 S. Broadway.

Retailers have a history of being skittish investors, and when one store opens and finds success, others follow. We’re seeing that now,

and in the story on the Gap’s arrival that Los Angeles Downtown News did last week, one area retail expert mentioned that representatives of Burlington Coat Factory, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom have all been kicking the tires in the Central City. None has yet inked a deal, but few observers will be surprised if they or another chain store do.

There’s another reason the Gap Factory Store is a good addition: It ensures that there is a wide mix of price points in this nascent retail revival. Downtown is seeing a flurry of additions, and in the wake of the Ace debut, the corner of Ninth and Broadway has seen the arrival of a collection of upscale shops such as Swedish retailer Acne Studios and the New York City boutique Oak. There is a market for these goods, but the presence of the Gap and the mid-priced Urban Outfitters ensures that the corner won’t be swallowed by a wave of expensive chic.

This is an exciting moment for the Downtown retail scene, and we expect that, a decade from now, people will look back at 2015 as the last time they could rent a prime space on Broadway or the surrounding streets for an affordable price.

A Museum’s Homecoming

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ack in 2001, visionary developer and architectural enthusiast Ira Yellin set aside room on the ground floor of his Bradbury Building to house the new Architecture and Design Museum. Though by no means a competitor to MOCA or any of the larger museums in Los Angeles, it was an attractive, airy space, a pleasant diversion for people who had some time on their hands and who wanted to check out an intriguing exhibit.

Yellin died in 2002, and after he passed away the museum had to find a new home.

It bounced around, and looked to have finally achieved stability when it opened on Wilshire Boulevard in 2010. However, that stability has been shaken by coming construction on the Metropolitan Transportation

Authority’s Purple Line, and the museum needs to move again. Last month, Los Angeles Downtown News reported that the attraction, now commonly known as the A+D Museum, is headed back to Downtown.

It is unfortunate that A+D and its executive director, Tibbie Dunbar, have endured so much upheaval, but we’re pleased that she has found A+D a home for at least the next two years in a one-story building at 900 E. Fourth St. in the Arts District. With any luck the partnership between the museum and the building owner will be a success.

The location makes sense, as it is close to the Southern California Institute of Architecture. While the students at the school make apt customers for the museum’s lineup of progressive and thought-provok-

ing exhibits, so do other area residents and workers. The new A+D Museum is slated to open by June.

Another positive is that the museum is a cultural addition to a community that is seeing so many mainstream and big-budget, for-profit endeavors. The number of residential complexes in the area is expanding quickly, and the 438 apartments and the 25 restaurant and retail spaces at the recently opened One Santa Fe have forever altered the community. The A+D Museum is a nice reminder of the neighborhood’s historic creative side.

We’re pleased that Dunbar has chosen Downtown, and look forward to the opening. With any luck, this will be the museum’s last address change.

January 26, 2015

Downtown News 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Plan to Raze Parker Center Draws Opposition Key Commission May Recommend Granting Historic Status to Empty Building

By Eddie Kim arker Center has been empty since the Los Angeles Police Department left the structure in 2009 for the $440 million Police Administration Building. For many, that emptiness is a good thing: Long before the LAPD departed, officers complained about the bedraggled state of the aged building.

With the LAPD out, the city began looking at alternative uses, and appeared to have settled on a plan to tear down the 1954 edifice and build a 27-story office tower in its place.

Now, that route is uncertain. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission this week is expected to vote to nominate Parker Center as a Historic-Cultural Monument. A commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29.

The commission move would be unusual, said Ken Bernstein, manager of the city Office of Historic Resources. Normally, he said, outside organizations or City Council offices, not the commission itself, suggest a property for review.

Approval of the nomination would throw a wrench in the plans to build a new structure, though it probably would not prevent it. According to Mahmood Karimzadeh, a principal architect with the Bureau of Engineering and the lead architect on the Parker Center project, the plan to approve the tower, which would house workers from departments including General Services, Personnel and potentially Public Works, was expected to come to City Council by May. The commission’s nomination would push

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native plan, budgeted at $325 million, to save Parker Center and build an 11-story structure next to it. The Little Tokyo Historical Society also supports that proposal.

In a memo to Mayor Eric Garcetti in September, LTHS President Michael Okamura wrote, “The history of the block including the iconic Parker Center is significant to the Japanese American Little Tokyo community, so preserving the building is important and [it] should not be destroyed and forgotten after a life of only 60 years.”

The Bureau of Engineering has said the proposal backed by the Conservancy and the LTHS offers just 522,255 square feet of space, compared to 753,730 square feet in the 27-story tower. To make the preservation plan match in size, Karimzadeh said, the 11-story tower would need to balloon to 25-27 stories. Parking requirements, he added, would mean the creation of a 12-story parking structure, with eight floors above ground.

“The whole thing would be 33-35 stories, making it taller than City Hall,” Karimzadeh said.

“On the street, you would only see a parking structure. A small footprint like this is extremely inefficient and price-wise, there would be a huge feasibility issue.”

Still, Cultural Historic Commission President Richard Barron, who is also an architect, questions whether the Bureau of Engineering’s preservation plans are as ambitious as possible. The city’s desire to create so much new office space also needs closer inspection, he added.

that timeline, as the nomination would need to be reviewed by the council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee, then the full council. The process that could take more than three months.

If Parker Center indeed gains monument status, any effort to demolish or renovate it would need review by the Cultural Heritage Commission. That could take up to an additional year.

“We can’t touch the building at all during this process,” Karimzadeh noted.

The city needs more space to accommodate staff in the Civic Center. Some say the Parker Center plan, though costly to build, would ultimately save money by allowing the city to end leases in private buildings.

Multiple Plans A review of Parker Center by Office of Historic Resources staff found that it meets the criteria for monument status, Bernstein said. It deemed the structure from architect Welton Becket significant, and noted Parker Center’s status as a worldclass law enforcement building when it debuted.

Despite recognizing its historic importance, the Bureau of Engineering recommended demolishing Parker Center and building the new structure over two other plans that would salvage the property. A teardown and the creation of a 27-story tower is expected to cost $475 million.

Preservationist organization the Los Angeles Conservancy has been vocal about preserving Parker Center. Adrian Fine, director of advocacy at the Conservancy, said he supports an alter-

photo by Gary Leonard

City officials have recommended tearing down Parker Center and building a 27-story tower in its place. Some say the 1954 former home of the LAPD should remain standing and be given Historic-Cultural Monument status.

“We would like to see a more complete Civic Center master plan. The city has a requirement for 1 million square feet of additional office space, but that was reviewed seven years ago, and we question whether that’s still valid,” he said. “To tear down [Parker Center] without dealing with these issues seems problematic.”

Even if the building receives monument status, demolition is still possible. If that happens, Karimzadeh said, Bureau of Engineering staff would partner with historic architects and advisors to preserve items of interest and document every step of the teardown. eddie@downtownnews.com

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January 26, 2015

Out of the Kitchen and Into the Apron Business How Downtown’s Ellen Bennett Is Changing the Way Chefs Look

By Eddie Kim o say that 22-year-old Ellen Bennett faced a major decision is an understatement.

She had spent three years in Mexico City, working odd jobs and attending restaurant management classes at a culinary school. Bennett had also fallen into some modeling gigs and wound up in a rigorous program that developed young actors into telenovela stars.

Then came the offer: A 10-year contract to work in television in Mexico was put in front of her. The Los Angeles native had to decide between the job and retuning home.

“Either I take my close-to-nothing whatever culinary career back home and start from zero, or become a Mexican soap opera star,” Bennett, now 27, recalled.

She picked L.A., and a number of chefs around the United States are probably glad she did. Bennett now runs Hedley & Bennett, which specializes in custom-designed aprons for restaurants and serious home cooks.

The business, headquartered at the ANJAC building at Broadway and Olympic Boulevard, has a 14-person sewing staff and about a dozen office employees. All of its products are manufactured in Downtown Los Angeles.

The company makes aprons with dozens of patterns and fabrics including European linen, Italian chambray and Japanese selvage denim.

They have adjustable straps fashioned from soft, sturdy cotton webbing and brass hardware. The pockets are reinforced with bar tacks

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to prevent tears and interlining to stop edges from curling up in the wash or in a hot kitchen.

Bennett’s list of clients is impressive. Downtown’s Josef Centeno (Bäco Mercat and Orsa & Winston, among others) and Ori Menashe (Bestia) use her aprons, as do dozens of other high-profile chefs around the country. Big companies are also lining up: SpaceX has started a collaboration to outfit its corporate cooks, and outdoor lifestyle brand Patagonia is developing a line of rugged aprons with her.

Her goods aren’t cheap. Whereas it’s easy to find a basic apron in a chain store for around $10-$25, Bennett’s garments go for $65 and up, with full-length aprons about $80. Custom orders are available with a minimum of 25.

“They’re worth the price for a bunch of reasons, but one big thing is, how do you want your restaurant to look?” said Centeno, who was Bennett’s first order, asking for 40 aprons in 2012 for Bäco Mercat. “Of course you can buy some generic poly-blend apron from a big manufacturer. Hers is something that can leave an impression.”

Slow Build Bennett’s stay in Mexico started with a highschool trip that she didn’t want to end. Her parents, unsure of the venture, eventually whittled their financial support down to nothing. That was fine by Bennett, who supported herself by slinging tacos at street stands, among other jobs, and subletting her apartment.

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Downtown News 7

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face in mock disbelief.

When Bennett returned home, she was 23 and living with her mother. She decided to pursue cooking again, and a friend helped her compile a list of the top 10 restaurants in the city. She sent out resumes.

Two restaurants hired her: Providence, the acclaimed seafood establishment in Hollywood, and Little Tokyo’s Lazy Ox Canteen, where Centeno was leading the kitchen.

Over the next few months, Bennett developed two things: professional kitchen skills and, critically, an annoyance with her aprons.

Not only were they ugly, the cheap synthetic material would warp under heat, and the straps were flimsy instead of supportive and comfortable. So when she heard Centeno talking about ordering more aprons, she jumped in.

“My first horrendous aprons were for Josef,” Bennett said. “I didn’t know how to sew. I ran around asking for help from anyone who knew garments. I cooked meals for people for help.”

Centeno worked with her over several months to hone the design and construction of her aprons.

“She was always very ambitious — young, but had a vision,” Centeno said.

Bennett named her burgeoning operation Hedley & Bennett, utilizing her grandfather’s first name, Hedley. She leased a 400-squarefoot space in the ANJAC building and began hiring employees. The seed money came from her wages as a cook. Bennett eventually shed her personal chef job, then her gig at Bäco Mercat (where she had followed Centeno after his Lazy Ox departure). In late 2013, she gave up her final shifts at Providence.

Today Hedley & Bennett fills 2,000 square feet of space on the 11th and 12th floors of

Whereas many chain stores sell aprons for $10-$25, Hedley & Bennett’s gear goes for $65 and up. The higher price covers unique patterns and fabrics, and stronger materials that allow aprons to last longer.

photo by Gary Leonard

the ANJAC building. Her office has a rainbow of aprons hanging from a curving bar near the door and is full of binders with inventory notes, swatches of fabrics and stacks of books related to running a business. There is, inexplicably, a big wooden A-frame swing (“I thought it’d be cool,” explained Bennett).

On the 11th floor is the storeroom, where her staff deals with customer calls, quality control and distribution. Neat stacks of aprons, thousands in all, sit on tables and shelves. The room is a hive of activity, with staffers swooping in on Bennett with a never-ending stream

of questions and issues.

The business has expanded beyond aprons.

Hedley & Bennett also offers chef coats, fitted cook’s hats, potholders and napkins. As the company grows, Bennett wants to push for more sustainable products. She also plans to double her square footage.

Hedley & Bennett is not alone in hawking high-quality, stylish aprons. The booming foodie culture means restaurants want their cooks, bartenders and waitstaff looking sharp. Competition comes from brands such as Toronto’s Blunt Roll and Broken Cleaver, out of Portland.

Still, Bennett says sales continue to grow and the outlook is bright. It’s a bit of a surprise, she admits, considering the career she could have had.

“To this day, I will watch Mexican TV and see my fellow alumni on there,” Bennett said.

Does she regret not taking the contract, possibly swooning over a handsome co-star in a romantic scene? “[Expletive] no!” Bennett yelled, laughing. “I can swoon over aprons and chefs.”

Hedley & Bennett is at hedleyandbennett.com. eddie@downtownnews.com

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The Central City Crime Report A Rundown on Downtown Incidents, Trends and Criminal Oddities

By Donna Evans n the Central City Crime Report, we survey the recent week in public safety. All information is provided by the LAPD’s Central Division.

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Big Loss: An antique water cannon worth $18,000 was stolen from Engine Co. No. 28, at 644 S. Figueroa St., on Jan. 10. Surveillance video from the restaurant, a former firehouse, showed an unidentified man lobbing the item into a shopping cart.

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Restaurant Assault: The manager at Pestolini, at 363 S. Broadway, asked a person who

was not a customer, and who had been in the restaurant for an extended period of time, to leave. The man became angry during the 2:30 p.m. incident on Jan. 12, lunged forward and cut the employee’s chest and neck. The suspect fled.

Domestic Trouble: A verbal argument between two people at 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 led to a woman pointing an automatic weapon at a man. She ordered him to leave the home in the 700 block of West Ninth Street. She fled before police arrived.

Surprise Attack: A man asleep in his home in the 500 block of Spring Street at 5 a.m. on Jan. 17 awoke to see a shadow in his apartment. As he sat up, an unidentified person lunged for him, cutting his stomach. The suspect fled.

Gone Green: Someone pried open the front door of Grateful Meds, at 547 Seaton St., and stole an undisclosed amount of medical marijuana between 9 p.m. on Jan. 15 and 4 a.m. the following day.

Law Firm Burglary: Someone forced open a side door at Ackle & Whipple, a law firm at 811 Wilshire Blvd., on Jan. 9 and stole a $2,000 laptop and a pair of sunglasses valued at $600.

Always Lock Your Bike: A person who left a $1,700 bike unlocked and unattended in the 300 block of East Eighth Street at 5 p.m. expected it to be there hours later. Grand surprise: It wasn’t.

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January 26, 2015

AROUND TOWN, 2 Little Tokyo Crosswalk To Help Seniors

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n the effort to help Little Tokyo senior citizens, a portion of Third Street between San Pedro and Central Avenue is about to get easier to traverse. The city will install a mid-block crosswalk on Third Street at Omar Street. According to a recent motion authored by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar, there are nearly 1,000 senior and retirement housing units on the block bounded by Second, Third and San Pedro streets and Central Avenue.

The motion also mentioned the presence of a medical office building at the southeast corner of Third and San Pedro. Council District 14 has been working with the Little Tokyo Community Council to address what the motion terms a “critical need in pedestrian access,” as it is 900 feet from San Pedro Street to Central Avenue.

The cost of installing the crosswalk is $2,500.

No timeframe for the work has been laid out.

Rising Realty Buys Figueroa Courtyard

A

fter renovating the PacMutual office complex near Pershing Square, Rising Realty Partners is delving into its second Downtown project: The company last week announced that it has acquired Figueroa Courtyard, a five-building, 270,000-square-foot office park on Figueroa Street between Second and Third streets, from U.S. Bank Corp. The 1979 complex, notable for its series of aerial walkways, is 72%

Downtown News 9

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM occupied, with tenants including U.S. Bank, Associated Press, American Public Media and StubHub. As with the PacMutual building, Rising Realty, led by longtime real estate player Nelson Rising and his son Christopher Rising, will invest in upgrades to improve and modernize Figueroa Courtyard. After acquiring PacMutual in 2012, the Risings spent $25 million to gut and redesign it as flexible creative space.

Rising Realty did not reveal the acquisition cost, a renovation budget or specific tasks for Figueroa Courtyard. “We intend to leverage our experience creating the most desirable lifestyle properties in Los Angeles to upgrade this property with the technology and amenities that today’s growing companies need,” said Christopher Rising, Rising Realty president and chief operating officer, in a prepared statement.

Officials Offer $170,000 Reward For Information on Da Vinci Blaze No Suspects Identified More Than a Month After Huge Fire

By Donna Evans os Angeles Fire Department and other officials have had little success in finding the person or people who set fire to part of the under-construction Da Vinci apartment complex last month. Now, in the effort to jog memories or get those with knowledge of the crime to speak up, they have announced a $170,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, LAFD officials and 14th District City Councilman José Huizar announced that the city intends to put up $75,000 for a reward, and the amount is being matched by Geoff Palmer, the developer of the project on Temple Street just east of the 110 Freeway. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also offering $20,000.

ATF Special Agent Carlos Canino called it a “huge fire,” but said authorities believe it is solvable.

The blaze, which was ruled to be arson, broke out in the early hours of Dec. 8 and ravaged the southern portion of Palmer’s 526-apartment complex. It took about 250

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Palmer Seeks Pedestrian Bridge for Broadway Project

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he developer who convinced the city that a pedestrian bridge was needed for the Da Vinci project is now asking for one for a Broadway development. Geoff Palmer of G.H. Palmer Associates is seeking approvals for such a bridge for the Broadway Palace, a proposed 686-unit residential complex with 50,000 square feet of ground-floor retail at 928 S. Broadway. The bridge would be constructed over Olympic Boulevard and connect the two buildings in the development; Palmer has used pedestrian bridges at other completed City West projects. One was also approved for the Da Vinci, though plans for that bridge are stalled following the fire that burned down half of the complex.

firefighters approximately 90 minutes to extinguish the flames, which caused between $25 million and $30 million in damage. The fire also scorched nearby buildings, including the city-owned structure at 221 N. Figueroa St., which houses law firm Lewis Brisbois, as well as several city departments. At the Department of Water and Power headquarters, at 111 N. Hope St., the intense heat cracked 160 windows.

A week after the blaze the LAFD released surveillance video and images of two people who were seen walking near the fire.

They were identified as persons of interest, as opposed to suspects.

Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said the investigation is active, and that arson investigators continue to work with the ATF and LAPD to pursue leads.

“If you commit an act of arson in the city of Los Angeles, we will find you, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and you will go to jail,” Terrazas said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles Fire Department arson unit at (213) 893-9850. donna@downtownnews.com

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January 26, 2015

Let There Be Light, Again Neon Artwork Near Pershing Square Re-illuminated After Lengthy Darkness

By Donna Evans he colors of the rainbow swirled along the pedestrian arcade of the International Jewelry Center last week, casting a vibrant neon glow over a group of applauding spectators.

A flick of the switch on Thursday, Jan. 22, brought the 270-foot-long installation “Generators of the Cylinder” to life for the first time in eight years. The 33-year-old work from artist Michael Hayden, originally installed in 1982, had stopped working after dust and other airborne grime clouded its infrared sensors.

“I was really flattered and really pleased that they are bringing it back to the way I installed it,” a tuxedo-clad Hayden said during the ceremony at 550 S. Hill St. Refurbishing the work cost about $120,000, said Roxie Sarhangi, a spokeswoman for All Coast Construction, whose Michael Grosswendt handled the rehab. Building owner the Moinian Group footed the bill as part of an overall property update.

Damion Gardner of DG Designs replaced the outdated technology.

Part of the installation includes a mirrored ceiling above the neon. Thus, when pedestrians walk through the arcade, their movements are reflected back in green, yellow, blue, orange, pink, purple and red flashes and swirls.

While it is meant to be experienced by walking through the IJC arcade, people across the street in Pershing Square can also see the glow. The park’s skinny palm trees allow the light to be seen, Hayden said at the ceremony. He recalled arguing with the city decades ago that palm trees should be installed in the park so that the work could be glimpsed from several vantage points. “[Other trees] would’ve obliterated the view and I’d have to be like George Washington and admit to cutting them down,” he said to a round of laughter.

The 27 infrared sensors, placed every 10 feet along the work,

T

photos by Gary Leonard

After being dark for eight years, the 270-foot-long neon installation that lines the ceiling of the arcade at the International Jewelry Center came back to life last week. “Generators of the Cylinder” was created in 1982 by artist Michael Hayden, who showed up at the relighting.

detect foot traffic below. It includes 3,000 square feet of mirrorpolished stainless steel paneling. Re-creating the work today would cost $360,000, according to Sarhangi.

The uniqueness of the Hill Street artwork is expected to attract tourists, who in turn will stimulate the local economy, said Jan Perry, general manager of the city Economic and Workforce

Development Department.

Perry, who represented much of Downtown on the City Council for 12 years, and who attended the relighting, said the department is always looking for opportunities to celebrate improvements and artistic expression in communities. She said turning the work on again is a significant moment in Downtown art history.

“The fact that we’re celebrating at the International Jewelry Center, a hub for business and jobs, is not a message that should be lost on people,” said Perry.

“Generators of a Cylinder” will be illuminated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. donna@downtownnews.com

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Email it contests@downtownnews.com (subject line: Love Story Contest) Mail it 1264 W. First St., Los Angeles CA 90026 (postmarked by Feb. 1st) All or part of the submissions may be published in our special Romance in the City issue (or online), which hits stands Feb. 10 and become the property of Los Angeles Downtown News.

Must be 21 years of age to enter. Room night subject to availability. Performance tickets subject to availability, artist and program subject to change.

Performance tickets will be held at will call under the winners name. All other prizes will be mailed to winners.

January 26, 2015

Downtown News 11

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Let’s Do Lunch

Great Healthy Lunch Options F OR 2 015 Downtown Is Filled With Choices That Taste Good and Are Good for You

By Jacqueline Fox, Donna Evans, Eddie Kim and Jon Regardie t’s never been easier than it is today to eat healthy in Downtown Los Angeles.

That’s not to say it was difficult in recent years — the residential revolution that began in 2000 led to a surge of restaurants, and the management at most of them understood that area inhabitants and workers want more than meat piled on cholesterol piled on more meat. There were always a number of salads, vegetable plates and other options.

However, in the past couple years Downtown restaurants have gotten even more health conscious, and now it’s easy, whether you’re in South Park, Bunker Hill, the Arts District or somewhere in between, to get a meal without having to worry about fat-laden dishes and high calorie counts. Even better, these options are available at numerous price points.

In the following pages Los Angeles Downtown News runs down 20 of the Central City restaurants offering healthy lunch choices. Many of these establishments have come online in the past year, while a few others have been around longer and have a track record of keeping you fed, and helping you stay trim.

Happy eating.

Continued on page 12

photo by Gary Leonard

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January 26, 2015

Let’s Do Lunch

Lunch, 11 Helping Hand Kazunori Nozawa rose to fame as a notoriously strict sushi pioneer at his Studio City restaurant Sushi Nozawa. Today, he’s the mind behind an ever-growing Sugarfish empire, but it’s the Old Bank District’s diminutive Kazu Nori that serves as Nozawa’s purest and simplest endeavor. The restaurant, which opened in September, serves just one thing: hand rolls. Warm rice seasoned with sugar and vinegar is layered on toasted seaweed (or nori, in Japanese), then topped with a choice of seven fillings, including bay scallops, salmon, blue crab and cucumber. You can get the rolls à la carte or, for a better deal, in

set menus of three, four or five rolls. Whatever you pick, rest easy — there’s little guilt in eating pristine seafood with a bit of perfectly seasoned rice and seaweed.

At 421 S. Main St., (213) 493-6956 or kazunorisushi.com.

Meat Up No one pretends that eating a lot of beef is good for your arteries long term. However, Belcampo Meat Co., which has a stand in Grand Central Market, strives to make sure that the meat they serve is healthier than that served by most competitors. Just check their website to see why they’re different — they raise, process and butcher their own meat; they even describe the soil upon which the animals graze (a

photo by Gary Leonard

Pez Cantina, from former Patina Executive Chef Bret Thompson, focuses on sustainably processed seafood inspired by the dishes of Central Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja.

huge recent New Yorker article sang Belcampo’s praises). This is manifested in dishes such as the 5.5-ounce Belcampo Burger (dry-aged and grass-fed beef, of course), the poblano pork cemita and the twice-cooked duck. Note: The menu changes daily.

At 317 S. Broadway, (213) 625-0304 or belcampomeatco.com.

Green Giant

photo by Gary Leonard

The Arts District’s Zinc Cafe serves vegetarian fare in an attractive space. There’s also a dog-friendly patio.

Downtowners rejoiced last fall when Tender Greens opened in the PacMutual Building near

Pershing Square. The small chain is known for its reliance on locally grown, farm-fresh ingredients. “Big Plates” can be ordered as a hot plate, salad or sandwich: Options include herbbrushed albacore with sea salt, lemon and olive oil, or grilled and roasted vegetables. Salads are made with a variety of simple greens and are topped with a garlic herb crostini, while sandwiches come on ciabatta bread with roasted red peppers, aioli and greens. Of course there are straight-up salads, among them the Happy Vegan, with wheat, cranberry and hazelnuts,

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Downtown News 13

Let’s Do Lunch salsa negra. There’s also the El Pez, a sandwich built on grilled dorado and avocado. Or sample some of the refreshing ceviche options.

At 401 S. Grand Ave., (213) 258-2280 or pezcantina.com.

quinoa with cucumber and beets, green hummus and tabbouleh.

At 523 W. Sixth St., (213) 873-1890 or tendergreens.com.

Fish Your Wish Former Patina Executive Chef Bret Thompson opened Pez Cantina in December, delivering sustainably processed seafood and supporting ingredients to build up a menu of coastal fare inspired by the dishes of Central Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja. Lunch choices include Tacos Pescador, with a choice of beer-battered fish, scallops, shrimp or oysters, served on handmade tortillas with lime aioli, slaw and

Think Zinc While there are plenty of ways to break your diet at this bustling Arts District eatery (think bread crumb-topped macaroni and cheese and a host of wood-fired pizzas), the vegetarian restaurant Zinc Café also offers the waistline-conscious a host of appetizing choices. The Zinc Lunch Burrito Bowl melds black beans, brown rice, white cheddar cheese, avo-

photo by Gary Leonard

South Park’s Faith and Flower is one of the prettiest rooms in Downtown. It also has some health-conscious lunch items, such as the grilled broccolini or the seared trout.

cado and more. There’s a Thai salad, where brown rice and shredded Napa cabbage meet carrots, bean sprouts and braised tofu. Operator John Secretan opened the restaurant last May. It features an open kitchen, a cocktail room and a large outdoor patio where patrons can bring their dogs.

At 580 Mateo St., (323) 825-5381 or zinccafe.com. photo by Gary Leonard

The Must is known for its wine selection, but the Historic Core bar and restaurant also has some healthy options for the midday meal, among them several vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

A Seat at the Table

Based on Figueroa Street, Local Table utilizes

fresh, organic and locally grown ingredients.

Although there’s a solid offering of cleansing juices, the lunch menu is hearty and no one will leave hungry. Choices include crispy natural lemongrass chicken rice noodles with farmers market carrots, Valdivia sweet pea tendrils, toasted cashews and Local Table’s own Asian vinaigrette dressing. Need the meat? There’s the LT Bahn-Mi, a crispy pork belly sandwich with homemade carrot-daikon pickles, crisp cucumbers and spicy Fresno chilies served atop Continued on page 14

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14 Downtown News

Lunch, 13 a French baguette. Snacks and other goodies are available in the Local Table marketplace, among them kale chips, granola, fruit crisps and jams.

At 800 S. Figueroa St., (213) 488-2654 or localtable-la.com.

Have Faith

South Park’s Faith and Flower has one of Downtown’s most glamorous dining rooms, and that sense of richness extends to the

January 26, 2015

Let’s Do Lunch menu. That shouldn’t discourage the healthconscious from eating here, though, as chef Michael Hung has crafted dishes that won’t bust a diet. Start with a selection of fresh raw oysters or littleneck clams, dressed simply with peppercorn-infused vinegar or house-made hot sauce. There’s an assortment of light salads, including a fennel-and-citrus version with touches of Greek yogurt and sheep’s milk cheese.

Those wanting a heftier vegetable dish can opt for the broccolini, simply grilled and slicked with a salsa infused with garlic and anchovy.

Want some protein? Try the seared trout kissed

with Moroccan spices and served over a warm three-bean salad.

At 705 W. Ninth St., (213) 239-0642 or faithandflowerla.com

A Must Try

Since its return to the Historic Core in 2013, The Must has been complementing its ample wine offerings with ambitiously delicious mains, sides and healthy snacks. The lunch menu features a number of vegetarian and gluten-free options, such as the green bucatini, a hollow pasta tossed in kale pistachio pesto, parmesan and sea beans, and the fried tofu version of the Cholo Fried Rice. There’s also a Kasha Chop salad with baby kale, chickpeas, tomato, cucumber and toasted kasha (buckwheat), tossed in a “master cleanse dressing.” We think that’s a description, not a warning.

At 117 Winston St., (213) 628-2000 or themust.com.

The Natural

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The Springs, an Arts District facility dedicated to wellness, has a 92-seat vegan and raw food restaurant.

Cool Fusion Chef Mario Christerna’s fusion of cultural identity fuels the menu at The Briks, where North African, Spanish and French techniques are infused with a dash of Christerna’s Chicano roots. At lunch Spanish-style pizzas break the classic pie mold and include the chicken shawarma version with red onion, tomatoes, fetz and za’atar oil, and the seafood pizza, with shrimp scampi, calamari, clams, tomatoes, basil and pink vodka sauce. Pining for pasta? Try the Green Maquina, a rigatoni dish with Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, spinach and pesto.

For sandwich lovers there’s the La Torta, which comes with harissa chicken, avocado, black beans, harissa mayo, lettuce and onion cortido.

At 111 S. Hope St., (213) 746-7766 or thebriks.com.

Spring Toward Health

Think of The Springs as a gigantic temple of wellness. Along with yoga classes and massage,

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The Civic Center’s Au Lac opened last month, following a successful outpost in Fountain Valley. Nestled in the former home of First and Hope, across from the DWP headquarters, Au Lac offers Vietnamese and Buddhistinspired vegan and raw dishes. The restaurant’s pho soup is a mock-meat version with anise and clove broth, rice noodles, bean curd, bean sprouts and Thai basil. There’s also the Green Pyramid, a raw dish of soaked wild rice served with coconut meat, zucchini squash, Thai basil and pesto. The sweet and spicy tempeh is served with broccoli, snap peas and bell peppers.

At 710 W. First St., (213) 617-2533 or aulac.com.

Picks From the Mix

The Cal-Asian joint Chaya is just about perfect on a warm day — the restaurant at City National Plaza has a calm vibe and indoor and patio seating. Food-wise, there are plenty of healthy choices. There’s a daily “simply grilled fish” as well as a chef’s daily bento box. Entree salads include one with a grilled Jidori chicken breast and a chopped Cajun shrimp version. Or try the marinated sea bass. Side orders include farmer’s market daily vegetables. The menu also offers an ample selection of sushi.

At 525 S. Flower St., (213) 236-9577 or thechaya.com.

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January 26, 2015

Let’s Do Lunch

photo courtesy of Localita and the Badasserie

Localita and the Badasserie serves vegetarian and vegan fare in the Historic Core.

there’s a raw, entirely organic vegan restaurant. Chef Michael Falso helms the 92-seat establishment in which no food has been heated over 118 degrees (the purveyors say this retains the nutritional value and enzymatic quality of the food). Lunch options at the Arts District establishment include spicy “tuna” rolls made from nori, pate, cucumber, avocado and chipotle mayo, and a Reuben Collard Wrap that is prepared from collard greens, marinated mushrooms, sauerkraut and dill pickles. Among the salad choices are a falafel version and a seaweed Caesar salad.

At 608 Mateo St., (213) 223-6226 or thespringsla.com.

Noodle Complex

Everyone likes noodles. But at Gentaro Soba, located in the Taste food complex at the FIGat7th shopping center, you won’t find spaghetti. Don’t worry, as Gentaro has excellent chilled soba, or buckwheat noodles, served with a savory cold dipping sauce made from Japanese dashi stock and soy sauce. The variations meander from there: Get it with lean chicken in the sauce, or with an infusion of mixed herbs, or with crunchy fried vegetable and shrimp tempura (although that’s probably not the most health-conscious choice). There’s also a variety of hot soba, a soba salad and rice bowls, including one topped with spicy raw tuna. The cold soba, however, reigns supreme as the best light lunch option.

At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 622-0020 or gentarosoba.com.

Bad Is Good

The Historic Core’s Localita and the Badasserie is part health food market, part convenience store, sans the smokes and scratchers. Proprietors Melissa Rosen and Greg Horos are on a simple, but take-no-prisoners mission to serve what they call “badass food that happens to be healthy.” Vegan and vegetarian driven, Localita ingredients are locally acquired, with no GMOs, hormones or antibiotics. Try the Quinoa Kid bowl with tempeh bacon, black beans, romaine lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers and chipotle lime dressing. There’s also vegan chili, organic smoothies and a full lineup of salads including the Naughty Kale with sundried tomatoes, toasted walnuts and a lemon cayenne dressing.

Those seeking sandwiches can try the vegan Reuben with marinated mock meats, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing served on rye bread.

At 817 S. Los Angeles St., (213) 623-3223 or localiyours.com/localita.

The Wrap Game

The City West Kachi Deli Café and Grill has kale, kombucha and even something called a “Cholesterol Buster” on the juice list.

That’s a nice start, and when it comes to lunch, choices include the Miso Wrap, which has quinoa, miso spread, cucumber, avocado, sprouts and romaine. The Black Bean Wrap has, well, black beans, wild rice, red onions, feta, chopped kale and lemon vinaigrette. Kachi’s lemon tuna panini features fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and olive oil. That’s just the start.

At 1055 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 482-4553 or kachidelicafegrill.com.

Continued on page 16

Downtown News 15

16 Downtown News

Lunch, 15 Global Vision

The Third Street restaurant Eat.Drink.Americano describes its fare as “locally grown, artisanally produced and globally inspired.” Though some of the menu is meat and cheese inspired, dishes are comprised of “compassionately” bred livestock raised on organic, antibioticand hormone-free farms. The Speck Americano (smoked prosciutto), for example, is from Niman Ranch. The daily soups include pumpkin on Monday and cauliflower on Thursday.

Among the sandwiches are the Green Valley, with hummus, avocado, organic tomatoes, cucumber and more. There’s also a roasted poblano chicken salad with Mandarin oranges and croutons.

At 923 E. Third St., (213) 620-0781 or eatdrinkamericano.com.

In the House

The Historic Core’s Artisan House is a big joint with plenty of health-conscious dishes, among them vegan and vegetarian offerings. Choices include an organic farm chicken breast with marsala and wild mushroom sauce. Gluten-free penne noodles are available, and you might try them with the Bolognese sauce. Grains are plentiful here: Try the organic quinoa with zucchini, peas, asparagus, mushrooms, basil, pine nuts and vegetable stock. In addition to daily soup options, Artisan House has a dairy-free tomato soup and another with yellow lentils. In the attached market you’ll find goodies such as broccolini with crushed chili flakes and lemon vinaigrette, and Israeli couscous.

Let’s Do Lunch At 600 S. Main St., (213) 622-6333 or artisanhouse.net.

The Name Game

Sarkis Vartanian, the owner of Daily Dose, says he used to live off junk food. But everyone changes, and now he provides local, organically grown foods to Arts District denizens. Daily Dose opened in 2011 and serves some wittily named salads, such as the Super Bowl, which has quinoa, chickpeas, lettuce, etc. Then there’s the Kal-E-Fornication with kale, seasonal fruit and citrus vinaigrette dressing and croutons. Or try the assortment of sandwiches that run the gamut from vegetarian (The Tailor) to an extra meaty option known as The Butcher, with thinly sliced soppressata salami.

At 1820 Industrial St., (213) 281-9300 or dailydosela.com

Life After Pete’s OK, you can’t get a Hellman burger with blue cheese fries at Pete’s anymore. That’s because a) Pete’s is now Ledlow, and b) new chef Josef Centeno (Bäco Mercat, Bar Ama) has revamped the menu, delivering a New American lineup full of intriguing dishes, including a number that could compose a healthy lunch. There’s the caramelized cauliflower, awash in herbs, capers and lemon, that one could pair with aged beef carpaccio, served with an olive vinaigrette. Or try the grilled seafood cocktail flavored with punchy horseradish, lime and saffron, as well as an entree of market-selection fish served with a mix of cooked spinach, tomato and fennel.

At 400 S. Main St., (213) 687-7000 or ledlowla.com.

New love in your life?

A special valentine for mom?

n 12 Downtow

January 26, 2015

LOVE LINES Express Your Love

• Email your message to lovelines@downtownnews.com • 20 words or less • Include your contact info (name, phone and email) • Don’t forget the name of the person you are sending the love line to • Limited to 1 FREE message per reader (don’t try to be sneaky, we know)

DeaDline for entries february 3

photo by Gary Leonard

Lunch choices in the Financial District’s Chaya include a daily grilled fish, a chef’s bento box and plenty of sushi.

City Living

Yes, the gastropub City Tavern has thick burgers, a grilled cheese sandwich and plenty of beers that will pack on the pounds. However, the indoor-outdoor space on the bottom level of the FIGat7th shopping center also has a number of health-conscious lunch offerings. There’s a veggie burger built around a black bean and quinoa patty, as well as a veggie banh mi sand-

wich with carrot, cucumber, pickled daikon and more. Those desperately seeking salads can easily go beyond the traditional field of greens: Try the seared albacore salad, a shrimp and mango offering, a chopped vegetable salad or even a kale and quinoa version. Do your best to resist the urge for a bowl of chocolate pudding at the end of the meal.

At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 239-5654 or citytaverndtla.com.

Thinking about proposing?

New love in your life?

A special valentine for mom?

LOVE LINES Express Your Love

in our romantic Love Lines section online publishing February 9.

It’s FREE!

All you have to do is…

Streetcar... I can’t wait to have you ride all over me... Broadway

• Email your message to lovelines@downtownnews.com • 20 words or less • Include your contact info (name, phone and email) • Don’t forget the name of the person you are sending the love line to • Limited to 1 FREE message per reader (don’t try to be sneaky, we know)

DeaDline for entries february 3

M Dennisse… lov yesterday, I will… Luis

m Dan… You night sweete

Valentine gr Chicago! Gr deeds… Ca

Velt Villain We’re on th wished it e

TB129… someone day more than tod

Marc Ja

Streetcar... I can’t wait to have you ride all over me... Broadway

All you have to do is…

Jerome… You lov and my air. I

Alyssa…

in our romantic Love Lines section online publishing February 9.

It’s FREE!

Yo Robert Lee… Wende Lee

DT

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photos courtesy Loft Ensemble

January 26, 2015

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It’s a r e M M u MIds e v a r s ’ t NIgh Company r e t a e h T t n Arts Distric usic Spin o M e c n a D a Puts re Shakespea

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The Arts District theater company Loft Ensemble is adding electronic dance music to a staging of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The show runs through March 8.

spearean themes of letting go, shutting out ByE-N Donna EWS Evans wnNews.com Dowanto up atare Sign they SIGN UP the rules and doing what feels good with the lthough staple of high school way that ravers buck society’s traditions. To and college curriculums, the plays of SignShakespeare Up for OurcanE-News & effect, the modern twist on the 16th cenWilliam be daunt-Blasts that tury comedy begins in Club Athens, where a ing. The iambic pentameter that The Bard emBe Entered to Win Movie Tickets! raucous dance party is underway. Through the ployed can make English sound like a foreign course of the play, four young lovers are translanguage. Though there’s a certain fondness ported into a psychedelic forest with neon fairfor the love affair of Romeo and Juliet, not evies. The bar staff becomes The Mechanicals, eryone can embrace the travails of Hamlet and who are controlled and manipulated by the Macbeth, not to mention the characters popuforest’s inhabitants. Then there’s the mischieflating lesser-known works. maker Puck, the only character to go between Some theater companies try to connect with both worlds. audiences by updating the setting of Shake“Midsummer is one of those shows that is speare plays — Downtown’s Cornerstone Thevery adaptable to modern themes and conater Company, for example, once turned Twelfth cepts,” said Bree Pavey, who both plays Puck Night into a cross-dressing commentary on the and serves as the press agent for the Loft Enmilitary’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Now the Arts District troupe Loft Ensemble is semble. “You have three totally different stories taking a different tack: Its version of A MidsumnNews happening in Athens, then The Mechanicals are Facebook.com/L.A.Downtow off on their own path, and what’s happening in mer Night’s Dream, which opened last weekend the forest with fairies. They all intersect at very and runs through March 8, is filled with bassLike Downtown News on Facebook specific times. thumping, electronic dance music.

Yes, you can Entered say that Loft Manag& Be toEnsemble Win Movie Tickets!“It’s important to understand how one influences the other: Nature impacts mankind ing Director Kevin Meoak and the rest of the whether conscious or not, and I intercede a lot,” company are raving about Shakespeare. They she added. hopes audiences will do the same.

Loving Chaos “The rave culture really spoke to me,” said Loft Ensemble was founded in 2007 by ChrisMeoak. tina Joy Howards. Today it is led by Artistic He said he sees ties in the common Shake-

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tor playing both Oberon and Theseus dropped Director Adam Chambers (star of the Disney Channel movie Girl vs. Monster and the TVJan. show16 out suddenly (the performer booked a paying Starts gig, so Meoak was happy for him). The director “I Heart Vampires”). wasn’t worried, because he knows the material Tucked on the ground floor of a loft buildso well. ing on Vignes and Second streets, the theThe updating isn’t the only twist. During ater began staging full seasons in 2010. One the run, Loft Ensemble will hold two “Wear Shakespeare show is always part of its yearly What You Can Rave Nights,” during which aulineup of six productions. Most shows have a dience members are encouraged to don their six-week run. best flower crown, sparkly rave gear (the first To Pavey, Shakespeare once conjured highof those is Thursday, Jan. 29). Another lure is neck lacey costumes and left her wonderthat those performances are pay-what-youing what the playwright was trying to convey. can nights.

She admits that understanding the text can The rave aspect is a unique gamble, though be challenging. In Act 3 of Midsummer, for example, her lines are: “Then will two at once woo for Pavey, also a strategic one.

“If we get a bunch of 16-year-olds in here one/This must needs be sport alone/All these only because they want to experience the things do best please me/That do befall predance scenes and the rave aspect, I say, heck posterously.”

StartstwoJan. That translates, she said, to, “Then guys23 yeah!” she enthused. “Come and let us show you how awesome Shakespeare is.” will love the same girl! That will be chaos and I They just hope to get people in the door. love it.”

Pavey said that Meoak, through his direction, Once they do, it’s the job of Loft Ensemble to hook them. has made the show colorful and, she believes, A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs through enticing to young people, who may be drawn March 8 at Loft Ensemble, 929 E. Second St. or by the rave element. There are five dance numloftensemble.org. Performances are 8 p.m. on Satbers during the two-hour performance that inurdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays. There are Thursclude rave scenes. day performances on Jan. 29 and Feb. 19.

In addition to being the director, Meoak donna@downtownnews.com was forced to appear on stage when the ac-

Starts Jan. 30

18 Downtown News

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

January 26, 2015

Soaking in a Night on Broadway Councilman José Huizar’s Night on Broadway event will offer free entertainment on Broadway from Third to 11th streets.

The happening on Saturday, Dec. 31, follows last year’s Day on Broadway.

Free Festival Celebrates Ongoing Effort to Revive the Street

By Eddie Kim n Jan. 28, 2008, 14th District City Councilman José Huizar joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and scores of people from the business community to launch the Bringing Back Broadway initiative.

Seven years later, the historic corridor looks markedly different, and though the muchvaunted streetcar isn’t close to running, Broadway now boasts new stores, new restaurants and even a hip new hotel.

To celebrate the progress, Huizar and his team this week will host an event dubbed Night on Broadway. The program with a number of free entertainment options, takes place Saturday, Jan. 31, from 5-10 p.m.

Myriad festivities will take place on Broadway from Third to 11th streets. Six theaters, including three that have largely been closed to the public for years, will host live events. The blocks from Fourth to Seventh streets will be closed off and repurposed to host an outdoor stage, booths and pop-up shops from nearby stores and eateries.

“With the Night on Broadway, we’re trying to remind the public of the beautiful historic theaters we have, the amazing street that Broadway is, and everything that’s happening now with new stores and spaces,” said Huizar. “We’re bringing a focus on the biggest of Broadway’s assets.”

The event comes amid a contested City Council election, in which Huizar faces longtime County Supervisor Gloria Molina and three other contenders. Voters go to the

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polls on March 3.

Chessboxing, Anyone?

The Night on Broadway programming ranges from sleek theatrical art to absurdly silly entertainment. The Orpheum Theatre at 842 S. Broadway, for instance, is hosting a series of 30-minute shows from String Theory, a group of musicians and dancers that performs with instruments installed by stretching strings around the venue’s architecture.

Coming to the Los Angeles Theatre at 642 S. Broadway is Nova Han, a group that specializes in trippy shows with light effects, decorative props, dancing and more. The Tower Theatre will hold Chessboxing, which is, insanely, exactly what it sounds like: Opponents alternate between making moves on the chess board and punching each other, with the win coming via checkmate or knockout.

Other events include a magic show, a performance by accordion-wielding singer Jessica Fischot, a screening of Fritz Lang’s 1927 sci-fi film Metropolis and a neon signage tour from the Museum of Neon Art. “The councilmember has reiterated that there needs to be something for everyone on Broadway, and we have just that with this event,” said Jessica Wethington McLean, executive director of Bringing Back Broadway. “The L.A. Galaxy are coming out for a kicking session with kids, there will be vintage fire trucks, there’s a ukulele group. It’s all pretty cool.”

Night on Broadway follows last year’s Day on Broadway event, which featured a large-scale

photo by Gary Leonard

scavenger hunt and tours of historic theaters.

Planning for this year’s happening began over the summer. Theater and business owners jumped at the opportunity to collaborate, Huizar said.

“Having programming like Night on Broadway invites people in. Owners all around Broadway, they’ve been waiting for the time to be right to reinvest. That time is now,” Huizar said.

“The city has invested in the area and created legislation to benefit building owners and the public, too, which is bringing change.”

The city’s most prominent efforts thus far include creating a policy to expedite and reduce costs for commercial reuse of the upper floors of older Broadway structures, and trimming road lanes in a streetscape experiment with the aim of increasing walkability.

Orpheum Theatre owner Steve Needleman, also the chairman of L.A. Streetcar, Inc., is optimistic from all the growth. He’s thrilled with the start of construction on new housing on Broadway near Olympic Boulevard, and says that the

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area will be a key element in a “much different Downtown” in five years, especially in terms of the reinvigorated theaters.

“There’s a lot of life in these properties ahead,” Needleman said. “We need to continue to bring Broadway back to where it was. It’s going to be the closer in years to come that really secures the future of Downtown.”

Bringing Back Broadway was a 10-year project and is set to expire in 2018. However, Huizar envisions planning a “phase 2” of the initiative for the following decade.

“People want to see this urban core succeed,” Huizar noted, “and they want to explore Downtown’s beauty and history.”

Broadway’s revitalization still has a long ways to go before returning to its glory days. The celebration this week, at least, will be one more milestone for the timeline.

Night on Broadway is Saturday, Jan. 31, 5-10 p.m. More information is at nightonbroadway.la. eddie@downtownnews.com

Sacred Faces

Featuring the photography of Los Angeles artist, Andy Romanoff

Opening Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 5:00-7:00pm in Shatto Chapel This exhibit will be in collaboration with our 9:00am First Worship – a joyful, reflective worship experience centered on art, music and community.

540 S. Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020 • 213.385.1341 • www.FCCLA.org

DT

CALENDAR LISTINGS

T s i L s s i M T ' n o D The

EVENTS

,O , New Music a n d E e m a D

Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com.

Jan. 30-31, 8:30 p.m.: Proto-punk icon Patti Smith adds that New DTLA stamp to her urban passport.

Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com.

Jan. 26: Kinsey-Buckingham-Feraud-Borial.

Jan. 27: Scrote and Friends plays Electric Miles ’69-’74. See, Scrote does too have friends.

Jan. 28: Madeline Tasquin Trading Company.

Jan. 29: Quincy Jones Production presents Justin Kauflin.

Jan. 30-31: Orenda Records First Anniversary Festival.

Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org.

Jan. 26, 8 p.m.: The performers’ shoes will be the only surefire way to determine whether or not indie duo Mates of State is an elaborate Imelda Marcos reference.

Jan. 29, 9 p.m.: Robin Bacior is taking a new approach to folk music, by which we mean she isn’t painfully oblivious to the world around her.

Jan. 31, 8 p.m.: Don’t run from Jarell Perry.

Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com.

Jan. 28, 8 p.m.: Most things involving Sarah Silverman end in a horribly deviant punch line, but tonight’s Benefit for the Innocence Project, which also features Conan O’Brian and Nick Kroll, actually goes to litigation fees involved in processing DNA tests in questionable convictions.

Jan. 29, 8 p.m.: Classical crossover artist Jackie Evancho brings her cherubic looks to Downtown.

Jan. 30, 8 p.m.: FTISLAND aka F.T. Island aka Five Treasure Island aka five peace Korean boy band aka the consistently stagContinued on next page

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photo courtesy Waldemar Bastos

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Thursday, January 29 Andrew Keen at Live Talks Business Forum Gensler, 500 S. Figueroa St. or business.livetalksla.org.

7:45 a.m.: Dig into a continental breakfast and prepare to use your web-addled brain as Andrew Keen discusses his new book The Internet Is NOT The Answer.

Dr. Don Johanson at the Natural History Museum NHM, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.

6:30 p.m.: The famed paleoanthropologist discusses his most famous pre-human discovery in a talk labeled “Face to Face with Lucy: 40 Years Later.”

Ten x Ten at Last Bookstore Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7:30 p.m.: Join 10 writers as they spin 10 yarns that may or may not be true. Anyway, it’s not about fact. It’s about appreciating good storytelling.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

ohnson

By Dan J owntownnews.com d @ calendar

inn-Atlantic a P y z ra c e ter When you plop down in the ady for som r/songwri Are you re sm? Angolan singe be rocking li Ahmanson Theatre for l strumenta Bastos is, and he’l Saturday, r n Dame Edna’s Glorious Goodbye a o Waldem Aratani Theatre ight be ’s this week, you will see a purple” C g C in m the JAC . OK, “rock s will be .m p 7 t haired, bespectacled figure of femia , Jan. 31 ut Basto g things, b ninity. Enjoy it, because it may not happen again. overstatin is mix of Angolan h Since 1955, actor Barry Humphries has used delivering zilian samba ra his alter ego to illuminate the drudgery of B , semba o guese fad life as a suburban housewife, the plight of and Portu ther you’ve e mothers who lose children to koalas and the music. Wh rated tu a s sorrow of having a significant other succumb y alread ms with rd to prostate cancer. Though the latter comes a e your ru ssics la with a heavy dose of melancholy, more his latest C r are a o l u o often the sound heard in the theater is S y of M wcomer, e n e uproarious laughter. The show opens v relati ady to Wednesday, Jan. 28 (it’s currently in Bastos is re 44 S. 2 previews) and runs through March 15. deliver. At t., (213) S At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 San Pedro r o or centertheatregroup.org.

680-3700 credmusic. a festivalofs com.

photo by Greg Gorman

Wednesday, January 28 Larry Siems and Nancy Hollander at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org.

7:15 p.m.: A human rights journalist joins the defense lawyer for Mohamedou Ould Slahi as they discuss the publication of the incarcerated man’s Guantanamo Diary, a look into America’s detention of “enemy combatants.”

Two

photo by Edward Carreon

Friday, January 30 Printed Matter’s L.A. Art Book Fair MOCA, Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave. (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.

Jan. 30-Feb. 1: Art books, zines, eccentric individuals — the list of intensely curious reasons to attend this annual event of artoriented bibliophilia goes on and on.

What’s A Guggenheim? at SCI-Arc SCI-Arc, 255 S. Santa Fe. Ave, (213) 613-2200 or sciarc.edu.

7 p.m.: In symposium format, a gaggle of renowned architects discuss the predicaments inherent in designing a superlative museum.

Downtown News 19

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Three

rucifixion. nts of the c ose u o cc a l e sp ased on go deep into th ral works b Master Chorale digs LAMC, but the st e h rc o r o assions,” t t only the s Angeles nned five “P Jan. 31-Feb. 1, the Lo Passion” featuring no The Saturday show a e p h c a B .

S s. , ’s J. y e ru a rk e o d a fr h n M C u a S t. . with y and ildren’s ch’s “S On Saturda g performances of Ba nd the Los Angeles Ch rmance starts at 7 p.m o . a in rf rg st works, ho ca Baroque Orchestra . and the Sunday pe 972-3110 or lamc.o .m 3) eli Musica Ang Concert Hall is at 2 p 111 S. Grand Ave., (21 t y A e Walt Disn ur before each event. o lecture an h

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Calling all bitcrushers, Nintendocore refugees and vintage glitch junkies: The fourth annual Chipfest (once known as Frequency) returns to The Smell on Friday-Sunday, Jan. 30-Feb. 1. The lineup features three days of 8-bit music and the plethora of pleasures derived from long-obsolete musical technology, video game culture and digital pastiche.

Better still, an equally impressive cadre of VJs will man the video board to produce visuals that will have you flashing back to that Atari 2600. Tickets are $10 each night at the door, but the savvy will source out a $20 three-day pass via the venue’s website. At 247 S. Main St. or thesmell.org.

New York City’s renowned avant-garde theater troupe the Wooster Group found inspiration from an unlikely source as they geared up for their latest show. Testimonials, benedictions and congregational singing from a 1976 record of Shaker spiritual traditions proved fertile soil in which to grow the evocative Early Shaker Spirituals. Beyond the unusual thematic cant, the show features a hearty lineup of performers including Cynthia Hedstrom, Elizabeth LeCompte and Oscar winner Frances McDormand. Now in its final week at REDCAT, you can catch Early Shaker Spirituals Tuesday-Saturday, Jan. 27-31, at 8:30 p.m., and again on Super Bowl Sunday at 3 p.m. At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

photo courtesy of Wooster Group

January 26, 2015

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

20 Downtown News

A LittLe BLues, A LittLe LAughter

W

hat do Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rodney Dangerfield have in common? A few things, the most important of which, at least for this writing, is that there are shows about each of them at the Grammy Museum in Downtown Los Angeles. The Comedic Genius of Rodney Dangerfield, which explores the life of the late “No respect” comedian, runs through February. Items on display include the bathrobe Dangerfield wore throughout Easy Money, as well as a black leather duffle bag he used to store fan mail dating back to the 1960s.

Meanwhile, Pride and Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan digs into the career of the also late guitar phenom and shows off some of his instruments, including his “Number One” Fender Stratocaster (shown here). It runs through July. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

photo by Mark Sullivan/Wireimage

Continued from previous page gering puzzlement that is deciphering the original intent behind Korean band names.

Escondite 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com.

Jan. 26, 10 p.m.: The Scott Spiros 10 Piece Jazz Project’s name leaves little to the imagination.

Jan. 27, 10 p.m.: Matthew Van Winkle and the Rich Mcculley Duo learn that sharing is caring.

Jan. 28, 10 p.m.: A doff of the proverbial cap to the seemingly omnipresent Vibrometers.

Jan. 29, 10 p.m.: Black Water Jukebox, that band you have brief, alcohol-soaked memories of seeing on New Year’s Eve. Jan. 30, 11 p.m.: Jeremiah & The Red Eyes, an ode to prolonged overnight flights with Biblical characters.

Jan. 31, 10 p.m.: The Moonsville Collective sounds like one of those free love communes you find yourself trapped in for seven months up in Eastern Oregon.

Feb. 1, 10 p.m.: How apropos that the month of Valentine’s Day begins with RT N the 44s.

Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com.

Jan. 30, 10 p.m.: Knife Party.

Jan. 31, 10 p.m.: Anjunadeep.

Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum. org.

Jan. 28, 8 p.m.: Find out what it’s like to be behind blue eyes with emotion-addicted B.J. Thomas.

Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com.

Jan. 28, 8 p.m.: Can you believe “So You Think You Can Dance” has been on for 11 seasons? Neither can the producers. The best of the past season come spinning, twisting and shimmying.

Redwood Bar and Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar.com.

Jan. 26: Acoustic punk with Greg Rukus.

Jan. 27: Fiasco Sideshow with Serano Rose.

Jan. 28: Golden Hour, Sister Palace, Badlands and Wulfen Rag. Jan. 29: Chuck Norris Experiment, Monolith and You Know Who.

January 26, 2015

Jan. 30: Bombpops with True Rivals and 3 Chords.

Jan. 31: Galactic Polecats, Inazuma and So Cal Rocket Dynamics.

The Regent 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheatre.com.

Jan. 30, 7 p.m.: Tig Notaro brings a bit of humor to the 400 block of South Main.

Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la.

Jan. 26: The Kendall Moore Group is a loose confederation of musicians united by their common love of jazz and drink tickets.

Jan. 27: The Makers are your daddy. Search your feelings. You know it to be true.

Jan. 29: We see you Vibrometers.

The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org.

Jan. 27: Pow!, Dirt Dress and Fryborg.

Jan. 30-Feb. 1: 8BitLA presents it’s fourth annual Chipfest.

Sniper (12:30, 1, 3:40, 4:20, 7, 7:40 and 11 p.m.); Blackhat (12:50, 4:10, 7:50 and 11:10 p.m.); Paddington (11:50 a.m., 2:30, 4:50, 7:30 and 10:10 p.m.); Spare Parts (12:40, 3:30, 6:40, 9:40 p.m.); The Wedding Ringer (11:30 a.m., 2:20, 5:10, 8 and 10:40 p.m.); Taken 3 (1:10, 3:50, 6:50 and 9:30 p.m.); Into the Woods (6:10 and 9:10 p.m.); Selma (12:20, 3:20, 6:30 and 9:50 p.m.).

FILM

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Loft Ensemble, 929 E. Second St., (213) 680-0392 or loftensemble.com.

Jan. 31, 8 p.m. and Feb. 1, 7 p.m.: Puck will be in full effect as William Shakespeare’s classic receives a modern interpretation from director Kevin Meoak. Through March 8.

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 2509995 or bobbakermarionettes.com.

Jan. 29-30, 10:30 a.m. and Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2:30 p.m.: The March of the Sugarplum Fairy will never be the same after marionettes have their way with Bob Baker’s version of The Nutcracker.

Dame Edna’s Glorious Goodbye: The Farewell Tour Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Jan. 27-30, 8 p.m. and Jan. 31, 2 p.m., and Feb. 1, 1 p.m.: Barry Humphries has spent the past 50 years traveling the world performing as an irreverent crossdresser named Dame Edna.

Now, he promises he’s going to stop doing it. You’ve got til March to see it.

Sleepaway Camp

Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent. com.

Jan. 26, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., Jan. 27, 3 and 5 p.m., Jan. 28-29, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.: We empathize with the narrative of a curly hair identity crisis as presented in Mariana Rondon’s Pelo Malo.

IMAX California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 744-2019 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Galapagos 3D. If it was good enough to blow Charles Darwin’s mind, it’s probably good enough for you!

Forces of Nature promises a panoply of nature’s worst destruction.

Experience the gripping story full of hope, crushing disappointment and triumph in Hubble 3D. Regal Cinemas LA Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or lalive.com/movies.

Through Jan. 29: The Boy Next Door (12, 2:40, 5:20, 8:10 and 10:50 p.m.); Mortdecai (11:20 a.m., 1:50, 4:30, 7:20 and 10:20 p.m.); Strange Magic (11:40 a.m., 2:10, 4:40, 7:10 and 10 p.m.); American

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January 26, 2015

Downtown News 21

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.

Jan. 27, 9 p.m.: Every Tuesday this irreverent stand-up comedy cavalcade takes up residence at the Downtown Independent.

Early Shaker Spirituals: A Record Album Interpretation REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

Jan. 27-31, 8:30 p.m. and Feb. 1, 3 p.m.: When experimental theater outfit the Wooster Group got their hands on a 1976 LP of Shaker hymns, this work of theatrical examination featuring Frances McDormand could have been the only possible outcome.

Through Feb. 1.

CLASSICAL MUSIC Wednesday, January 28 Ivan Zenaty & Sandra Shapiro Thayer Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu.

7 p.m.: Two standout musicians perform pieces from Dvorak, Martinu and Strauss.

Friday, January 30 Last Masterworks of Mozart & Bruckner Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org.

Jan. 30, 11 a.m., Jan. 31, 8 p.m. and Feb. 1, 2 p.m.: Herbert Blomstedt leads pianist Richard Goode and the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 27, K. 595” and Bruckner’s “Symphony No. 9.” saturday, January 31 Bach: St. Matthew Passion Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org.

Jan. 31, 2 p.m. and Feb. 1, 7 p.m.: Bach’s musical interpretation of the Holy Gospel receives the double chorus treatment as the Los Angeles Master Chorale enlists the L.A. Children’s Chorus.

MUSEUMS African American Firefighter Museum 1401 S. Central Ave., (213) 744-1730 or aaffmuseum.org.

Ongoing: An array of firefighting relics dating to 1924, including a 1940 Pirsch ladder truck, an 1890 hose wagon, uniforms from New York, L.A. County and City of L.A. firefighters, badges, helmets, photographs and other artifacts.

FIDM Museum FIDM, second floor, 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1200 or fidmmuseum.org.

Ongoing: The FIDM Museum presents Artfully Adorned, an exceptional collection of fragrance, cosmetics, and ephemera from the house of Lucien Lelong. This group of objects was graciously donated by Monique Fink, wife of artist Peter Fink, who worked for Monsieur Lelong as package designer and interior decorator.

Ongoing: Accessories from The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection surveys footwear, fans, gloves, purses and hats.

California African American Museum 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org.

Through March 1: The figurative work of Michael Kilgore and Anthony “Eve” Kemp are featured in Curvature: Lines and Shapes.

Through March 1: The untold prejudices inherent to albinism are the creative catalysts behind this exhibit of Yrneh Gabon Brown’s work.

Through July 5: Formerly of Watts Tower Arts Center fame, Mark Steven Greenfield’s lengthy career in the arts receives its due in Lookin’ Back in Front of Me: Selected Works.

Through May 3: From Women’s Hands features work from five African-American women housed within the CAAM Courtyard.

Ongoing: The multi-functional Gallery of Discovery offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the lineage of their own family, engage in artistic workshops, educational tours and other programs of historical discoveries. Hear recordings of actual living slaves from the Library of Congress archives and discover stories from the past.

California Science Center 700 State Drive, (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Ongoing: Mission 26: The Big Endeavour presents Los Angeles’ very own space shuttle/tree destroyer in all its splendor.

Ongoing: Science in Toyland presents physics through favorite kids toys. This handson exhibit engages museum visitors with Dominos, Sails and Roller Coasters in a fun, but informational primer on friction, momentum and chain reactions.

Ongoing: The Science Center’s permanent exhibits are usually interactive and focus on human innovations and inventions as well as the life processes of living things. The lobby Science Court stays busy with the High Wire Bicycle, a Motion-Based Simulator, the Ecology Cliff Climb and Forty Years of Space Photography. The human body is another big focus: The Life Tunnel aims to show the connections between all life forms, from the single-celled amoeba to the 100-trillion-celled human being. The new Ecosystems exhibit explores how life on our planet is shaped by geophysical and biological processes.

Chinese American Museum 425 N. Los Angeles St., (213) 485-8567 or camla.org.

Permanent: Origins presents the story of the Chinese-American community in Los Angeles.

Permanent: Re-creation of the Sun Wing Wo, a Chinese general store and herbal shop, and Journeys: Stories of Chinese Immigration, an exhibit exploring Chinese immigration to the United States with an emphasis on community settlement in Los Angeles. Outlined into four distinct time periods, each is defined by an important immigration law and/or event, accompanied by a description and a personal story about a local Chinese American and their experiences in that particular historical period.

Continued on next page

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22 Downtown News

Continued from previous page Through 2015: Leadbelly: A Musical Legacy tracks the career of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical famous bluesman Huddie William Ledbetter.

Monument Through Winter 2015: The 75th anniversary of the illustrious jazz 124 Paseo de la Plaza, (213) 485-8372 or elpueblo.lacity.org. label gets the museum treatment with Blue Note: The Finest in Jazz.

Ongoing: The whole of El Pueblo is called a “monument,” Through July 2015: Late great guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan’s and of this monument’s 27 historic buildings, four function as legacy and career merge in an exhibit rich in personal memorabilia, museums: the Avila Adobe, the city’s oldest house; the Sepulveda instruments, clothing and his famous “Number One” strat.

House, home to exhibits and the monument’s Visitors Center; the Through Spring 2015: Dresses, personal items and gold records Fire House Museum, which houses late 19th-century fire-fighting illuminate the life of the “Queen of Disco” in Donna Summer: Four equipment; and the Masonic Hall, which boasts Masonic memo- Seasons Of Love. rabilia. Check its website for a full slate of fiestas, including Cinco Through May 2015: Shake off your expectations and dive right de Mayo, Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November and in to The Taylor Swift Experience.

December’s beautiful candlelight procession, Las Posadas. Open Ongoing: 360 Sound: The Columbia Records Story provides daily, hoursDowntown at shops andNews halls vary.

S I NanCin-depth E 19 look 7 2 at all aspects of Columbia Records’ history and Losthough Angeles Grammy Museum offers a virtual history of the music industry from its infancy, 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 L.A.phone: Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or tracing Columbia’s pivotal technological as well as business 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 grammymuseum.org. innovations, including its invention of the LP. web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

CROSSWORD

twitter: DowntownNews

January 26, 2015

MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews. com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.

2 YOUR EVENT INFO

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com stAFF4 writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim Email: Send aEditor: brief description, street address and public coNtributiNG Kathryn Maese phone number.

Submissions must be received days prior coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg10Fischer, to publication date to be considered for print.

Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard

S I N C E 19 7 2 Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt

ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield

clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins

circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

twitter: DowntownNews ©2014 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

©2014 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield

One copy per person.

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

S I N C E 19 7 2 Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

twitter: DowntownNews

ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield

S I N C E 19 7 2 Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News twitter: DowntownNews ©2014 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins

©2014 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard

One copy per person.

January 26, 2015

DT

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To place a classified ad in the Downtown News please call 213-481-1448, or go to DowntownNews.com Deadline classified display and line ads are Thursday at 12pm.

FORfor RENT All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Notice to RespoNdeNt: BaRRy daRNell FaNtRoy Notice! you have been sued.

Read the following information. you have 30 calendar days after this summons and petition are served on you to file a Response (form Fl-120 or Fl-123) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, you property, and custody of your children. you may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the california courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courts.ca.gov/selfhelp). At the california legal services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association. Notice: the restraining orders on page 2 are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further order. the orders are enforceable anywhere in california by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. Fee Waiver: If you

cannot pay the filing fee ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. the court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. the name and address of the court is: Los Angeles County Superior court Norwalk courthouse 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 Case Number: VD084541 Dated: July 08, 2014 clerk: sherri R. carter Deputy: A. Robledo The name, address, telephone number, and fax number of the petitioner’s attorney or petitioner without an attorney are: Jeanetta Randall 10853 Firestone Bl., Apt. 64 Norwalk, CA 90650 562-219-0983 Pub. 01/12, 01/19, 01/26, and 02/02/2015. fiCtitioUs BUsiness name

Civil sUmmons LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. VD084541 PETITIONER’S NAmE IS: JEANETTA RANDALL

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Gregory telian Personal effects

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Jose Manuel Pena Personal effects

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Fabienne Sarfati E-35, D34 Personal effects $2325.00 Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase in cash only. All purchased storage units with the items contained herein are sold on an “as-is” basis and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between thriftee storage co. and obligated party.

Thriftee Storage Company LLC Dated at Los Angeles, CA by Felipe F. Islas / Manager January, 22 2015.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAmE STATEmENT FILE NO. 2014353157 The following persons doing business as: laMUsicBooKING, 639 S. Spring, St., 8A, Los Angeles, CA 90014, is hereby registered by the following reg-

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istrants: (1) Justin Louis Wesley, 215 W. 7th St., 705, Los Angeles, CA 90014 (2) Richard Daniel Taub, 639 S. Spring, St., 8A, Los Angeles, CA 90014. This business is conducted by a general partnership. Registrants have not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein.

This statement was filed with the county clerk of los angeles on December 16, 2014.

NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and professions code).

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• Beautiful view of Sandia mountains • Great for large homes • Alfafa field with irrigation

• 5 minutes from shopping • 9 miles from downtown Albuquerque • 8817 4th Street, NW

For appointment call Alex Sanchez 505.898.3934 or cell 505.362.6488 One of the few remaining property of this size in the North Valley

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

24 Downtown News

January 26, 2015

Baby Got Backing

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency Call Now Fo is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one r bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room Move-In Spec with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and ial slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses s ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.

Grand Tower

255 South Grand Avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants

Promenade Towers

123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Spa / BBQ Grills ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies

On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Beauty Salon

museum Tower

225 South Olive Street Leasing Information 213 626 1500 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

www.TowersApartmentsLA.com MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING

RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM

The Endorsement Race In Council District 14

photos by Gary Leonard

Incumbent Councilman José Huizar has seen former ally Antonio Villaraigosa shift his allegiance to Gloria Molina.

By Jon Regardie he 14th District City Council race featuring incumbent José Huizar and former County Supervisor Gloria Molina has been curiously quiet. Now, with election day five weeks away, the curveballs many expected are finally starting to be thrown.

The most interesting was hurled by former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Though he helped usher Huizar into the job in 2005 (Villaraigosa occupied the CD 14 council seat before being elect-

T

THE REGARDIE REPORT ed mayor), he switched his allegiance and endorsed Molina.

However, the news, first reported by the Mayor Sam website, raises a question: Does this mean anything?

It won’t hurt, as Villaraigosa is a big name and has nice teeth.

That said, it’s not as if Angelenos are pining for the days of his administration. AnVil’s two mayoral terms were largely underwhelming, and many district residents were disappointed by his extramarital affair.

The biggest benefit could be financial, as Molina may now have a conduit to solicit campaign cash from those who have long supported Villaraigosa. His flirtation with a run for Barbara Boxer’s Senate seat also helps her, as it puts him (and his bigmoney connections) back in the spotlight.

Still, Team Molina fumbled a great opportunity. The Mayor Sam site sniffed out the endorsements from Villaraigosa, Boxer and Councilman Gil Cedillo on a League of Women Voters web page. The news splashed before she could release it. So instead of hitting in three news cycles, her endorsements got play in just one, and she didn’t even control it. Oops!

Neither the Boxer nor the Cedillo endorsements are surprising — Molina has a longstanding relationship with Boxer and Huizar backed Cedillo’s opponent, Jose Gardea, in the 2013 council race. Still, the Cedillo move is interesting: Councilmembers rarely openly go against another council rep. At worst they tend to remain neutral.

Huizar tried to counter-punch in the wake of the endorsements. He announced the backing of 11 current councilmembers, with the holdouts being Cedillo, Eighth District rep Bernard Parks and Sixth District Councilwoman Nury Martinez. Whether this means anything to anyone who will cast a ballot on March 3 is questionable. I can’t recall the last time I heard a CD 14 resident go, “Ooh, who are Paul Krekorian and Paul Koretz backing? I want to be on that team.”

This isn’t a slap at the Pauls. Rather, it’s that when it comes to endorsements, few people care about the support of politicians they don’t know.

The endorsements come as the money continues to roll. The candidates delivered their latest financial statements last week: Huizar stands at $821,000 raised with $531,000 in cash on hand, according to documents filed with the City Ethics Commission.

Molina has pulled in $157,000, and has $91,000 in cash.

Three other candidates, Mario Chavez, Nadine Diaz and John O’Neill, have qualified for the ballot, though combined they have raised less than $35,000. If no one gets a majority of the vote, the top two finishers will move on to a May runoff.

Which means the money and endorsement chase, whatever they mean, will continue. regardie@downtownnews.com