02-10-14

Money, Fear and José Huizar | 16 James Brown Storms the Ahmanson | 18

FEBRUARY 10, 2014 I VOL. 43 I #6

Downtown’s

Photo by Gary Leonard

Social Climbers A ‘Bouldering’ Joint Opens in the Arts District

See Page 14

INSIDE THIS WEEK

ROMANCE

IN THE CITY

Watch City Living on DTTV New Episodes Every Monday @ 9am on DowntownNews.com

PAGES 7-13

Leasing Lifestyle Office Spaces in #DTLA

523 W 6th St. | 213.943.4677 THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

ith the restoration of the exterior set to begin shortly, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is on schedule to open in the second half of 2014, and possibly as soon as summer, said executive director Marianna Gatto. The long-in-the-works museum’s permanent exhibition, focusing on the history of Italian Americans in Los Angeles and Southern California, is currently under construction. The $4.5 million facility at 125 Paseo de la Plaza near Olvera Street will display rare photos, documents, maps and artifacts illustrating the legacy, contributions and influences of Italian Americans in the region, Gatto said. As construction proceeds, the museum is seeking artifacts, photographs and archival documents to add to its collection of nearly 4,000 items that also include rare books, family photos, passports, diaries, clothing and more. Interested donors can call (213) 485-8432. Additional information on the museum is at italianhall.org.

Utility Boxes Get The Artistic Treatment

A

few forgettable utility boxes in the Historic Core have gotten an artistic refresher. Fourteenth District City Councilman José Huizar recently announced the debut of six

Deadline Approaching for Neighborhood Council Candidates

T

ired of complaining that things just aren’t getting better in your community? Then consider doing something about it by running for a seat on your local neighborhood council. Elections are coming up for the boards of both the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council and the Historic Cultural Neighborhood Council. The deadline for candidates to file for either election is Feb. 18. Both elections take place April 3. Neighborhood councils are advisory groups created to provide a link between the community and city government, and though they have no formal power in the decision-making process, local politicians often take into account their stances on proposed projects. DLANC includes Bunker Hill, Central City East/Skid Row, City West and other communities. The HCNC covers the Downtown neighborhoods

Chinese New Year

115th Annual Golden Dragon Parade

of the Arts District, Little Tokyo, El Pueblo and Chinatown, and other communities. Additional information is at empowerla.org/dlanc and empowerla.org/hcnc.

What Happened to Sushi Joint R23?

T

he doors are locked, the phone has been disconnected and the website is gone. But the famous cardboard Frank Gehry chairs remain visible through the doors in a darkened space that once held renowned sushi restau-

North Broadway

February 1, 2014

rant R23. Described on its Facebook page as formerly “a railroad loading dock, now a hip downtown hideaway for those who like it raw,” R23 was one of the first upscale restaurants to move into the Arts District, back in 1991. The gallery-like space at 923 E. Second St. offered a 12-seat sushi bar and exposed brick walls. Owner Marisa Cho did not return multiple phone calls, but a man who claimed to be Cho’s friend emailed several times with Los Angeles Downtown News to say that she had owned the restaurant for 10 years, but closed it recently due in part to illness.

Continued on page 6

LARGE Triple Cheese & Pepperoni PIZZA

$ BAKED FRESH. READY IN MINUTES!

5.

55

* Prices vary by location. At participating stores only. Plus tax where applicable. Offer expires 3/31/14.

1800 E. Olympic Blvd. (At Olympic & Alameda St.) Se Habla Español • ALWAYS OPEN • 213-627-5008 7 TH S

T

©

ATM

PROPANE, GAS & DIESEL 24 HOURS / 7 DAYS A WEEK

OL YM

ST

W

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

PI

C

BL VD

S ALAMEDA

Italian American Museum May Open By Summer

utility-box art installments on Main and Los Angeles streets between Fourth, Winston and Fifth streets. The artworks, which depict images of Native American history and Nelson Mandela, among other subjects, were coordinated

by Stephen Zeigler of Downtown gallery 118 Winston. Huizar previously worked with the city Department of Transportation (which owns the boxes) to bring nine utility box art projects to Boyle Heights. “This latest mural utility box project gives us another opportunity to bring art to the public right-of-way and celebrate local artists and history,” Huizar said in a prepared statement.

February 10, 2014

AL A VE

DT

AROUND TOWN

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

S CE NTR

2 Downtown News

H

February 10, 2014

Downtown News 3

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Real People, Real Stories

DOWNTOWN LA MOTORS 1801 S. Figueroa St. 888-319-8762 mbzla.com

PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1900 S. Figueroa St. 888-685-5426 porschedowntownla.com

TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN LA gave us such a great deal, we bought both the Tundra AND the Sequoia. We will recommend this dealership to all our family and friends.

The staff at CARSON NISSAN was wonderful and quite helpful.

In addition, they were very knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to make sure I got the vehicle I wanted.

— Paul Martinez

The staff at Porsche of Downtown, especially Roger and Keni were amazing and, beyond helpful.

I couldn’t be happier about the choice I made.

AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1900 S. Figueroa St. 888-583-0981 audidtla.com

— Katrina Flores

Preston, our salesperson at AUDI OF DOWNTOWN LA exceeded both my parents and my expectations. His knowledge of all the cars in Audi’s inventory was amazing.

— Kiyu Kalbor

— Advai Pathak

VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1900 S. Figueroa St. 888-781-8102 vwdowntownla.com

TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1600 S. Figueroa St. 800-399-6132 toyotaofdowntownla.com

Working with our salesperson Jack was a breeze. He made the entire process fast, easy and FUN! Thank you Jack and Volkswagen of Downtown LA.

This is my 3rd Mercedes from Downtown LA Motors Mercedes Benz. I have nothing but praise for the entire staff, especially the service department.

— Rachel Feldman

My buying experience at Felix Chevrolet was incredible.

The internet department- Daniel, Sal and Eric- were amazing!

They could not have been nicer.

— Johnnie Abner

My experience at NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN LA was pure adrenaline. I like the way I was treated. No pressure whatsoever.

— Gary Moore

SCION OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1600 S. Figueroa St. 800-560-9174 scionofdowntownla.com

NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 635 W. Washington Blvd.

888-838-5089 downtownnissan.com

— Veronica Marquez CARSON

Downtown L.A. Auto Group Family Owned & Operated Since 1955 W W W . D T L A M O T O R S . C O M

NISSAN

1505 E. 223rd St. 888-845-2267 carsonnissan.com

FELIX CHEVROLET 3330 S. Figueroa St. 888-304-7039 felixchevrolet.com

4 Downtown News

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

DT

EDITORIALS

February 10, 2014

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

Broadway’s Traffic Experiment

I

t seems that not a week goes by without an announcement of a major development on Broadway. Last month’s opening of the Ace Hotel followed the December debuts of Urban Outfitters and Acne Studios. Upscale boutiques are flocking to the street and a pair of developers are working on separate projects that would create a huge residential base near Olympic Boulevard.

One would expect this burst of activity to lead to more traffic on the historic corridor. Additional businesses, after all, seem likely to lure more patrons and shoppers, and in Los Angeles, almost everyone drives.

That is why a new effort from 14th District City Councilman José Huizar is so interesting. The Broadway Streetscape Master Plan, which began late last month, will take steps to make the street friendlier to pedestrians and businesses. By this summer Downtowners will notice the difference, with increased seating areas and a slashing of traffic lanes.

This is an intriguing experiment, and while we hope it will work, public outreach and flexibility from the council office and other branches of city government, particularly the Department of Transportation, will be key. Many people will be taken unawares by the effort, and the goal has to be not only to increase walkability on this corridor, but to ensure that neighboring streets are not swamped with traffic.

The biggest step in the two-phase project will be reducing the number of traffic lanes on Broadway from the current six to three. Although four lanes are now primarily used for cars and two are often dedicated to buses or loading, in the future all traffic (including buses) will flow on one southbound and two northbound lanes. There will also be two strips of parking partly protected by curbs that jut out from the sidewalk. The focus of the project is between First and 11th streets.

The streetscape plan is intended to proceed in two phases, starting with the use of temporary materials such as planters (the first stage is also referred to as a “dress rehearsal”), and leading eventually to permanent fixtures. This is where the flexibility comes into play. While Huizar, the DOT and others have models and expectations as to how drivers will react to fewer lanes, they may face surprises and must be ready to react quickly if the unexpected occurs. If those in charge are slow to respond, thousands could be inconvenienced and the public could turn against the project.

Communication with local workers and residents is also key. When traffic lanes are eliminated on Broadway, drivers likely will head to streets to the east and west. Plenty of advance notice and signage will be required. Similarly, we expect that timing of traffic signals on nearby thoroughfares may have to be adjusted.

Tentatively, we like the concept of the plan. Eliminating traffic lanes and adding seating has made Times Square in New York City far friendlier to visitors and pedestrians alike. There seems to be no reason that what works there cannot work here. The Downtown Los Angeles Broadway can be far easier to navigate and inviting for pedestrians, and the current surge in business on the street makes this the right time to try a grand experiment.

Pot, Booze and Community Responsibility

I

n Los Angeles in 2014, it’s hard to find people who are opposed to the use of medical marijuana. That’s a good thing, as sick individuals should have the ability to manage pain and other symptoms with pot prescribed by a reputable medical professional and secured through well-run and government-regulated and taxed dispensaries.

The problem is, the dispensaries are all over the map, both literally and in terms of how they operate. Some have their paperwork in line — ever more important since voters passed Proposition D last year — and are responsive to neighbors. Others spring up overnight and have owners who appear to care far more about profits than the concerns of those who live and work in the area.

The issue of pot clinics and public responsibility has erupted all across Los Angeles, and now it has come to the Arts District, too.

As Los Angeles Downtown News reported last week, a dispensary called Grateful Meds opened at Palmetto and Seaton streets in December. Although the clinic already appears to have a steady customer base (it relocated from La Brea Avenue in Hollywood), not everyone is pleased. The LAPD senior lead officer for the district pointed to trash in the streets that he believes comes from the clinic, and said as well that the dispensary owners have not reached out to the community the way that most new businesses in the area do.

There’s another issue in addition to the selling of pot: Many local residents say they were unaware the dispensary was in the works until it debuted. That was particularly frustrating to area stakeholders considering that a group of neighbors last year banded together to prevent a liquor store from opening at another spot a block away, worried about the repercussions on the community.

The irony is obvious: Although the proposed outpost of Ramirez Liquors appeared to be fairly upscale and a decent fit with a growing Downtown (plans called for a large selection of craft beers, hundreds of brands of tequila and a wine tasting room), the city zoning and approvals process had a clear system for public input, and the proprietors’ inability to secure backing from neighbors helped sink the effort. A business selling medical marijuana, by contrast, seems not to have had to jump through any public hoops before throwing open its doors. Its owner simply signed a lease,

and even some individuals a block away were surprised when Grateful Meds began operating. Somehow, under the right circumstances in modern Los Angeles, it is far easier to open a pot dispensary than a liquor store.

To be clear, Grateful Meds had not done anything untoward. The business is among the 134 dispensaries in Los Angeles that, according to a spokesman for City Attorney Mike Feuer, has “limited immunity from prosecution” under Prop D. In practice, these clinics are allowed to operate as long as they satisfy a list of criteria, including being a set distance away from schools and parks. The Arts District Healing Collective on First Street is also on the list of approved dispensaries.

Again, we are all for ill patients having access to something that can ease their condition, and we hope Grateful Meds is ensuring that its customers truly are individuals who need help, as opposed to healthy folks who game the system by securing a bogus prescription card so they can get drugs easily. Beyond that, however, we urge the owners to be proactive when it comes to the public.

Knowing that some neighbors will be skeptical, the Grateful Meds team should reach out to community groups and the homeowners associations in nearby buildings. They should learn what the concerns are and respond to them. If neighbors and the police, for example, say that trash has increased since the dispensary opened, then the owners should respect that and take steps to ensure that there are cleanup crews. If parking becomes scarce on nearby streets due to a surge in clinic customers, then the Grateful Meds team would be wise to find clearly labeled parking for its patrons.

It may seem unfair to the owners, and to the backers of medical marijuana clinics, if Grateful Meds has to do more than, say, a new cafe or a tech firm. However, the reality is that this arrival will be under more scrutiny than other businesses. This will come as no surprise to the owners of the dispensary, and they should err on the side of caution.

Ultimately, Grateful Meds has the same basic responsibility as any new business: It must prove itself a good neighbor. If the owners plan to be part of the community for the long term, then they should invest in and help better the Arts District, whatever that requires.

February 10, 2014

The Readers React Website Comments on Stories on Jaywalking Tickets, Rooftop Radio Towers And More Regarding the editorial “LAPD: It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like ‘Jaywalking Traps,’” published Feb. 3

I

agree that $250 for a jaywalking fine is excessive, but I do not agree that people shouldn’t be ticketed if they have a chance to get across the street before the red light. A verbal or written warning is also not enough of a penalty for people not to jaywalk. This happens many times in Downtown: I am waiting at the green light, wanting to make a right turn. People cross the street up until the red light. At least 10 people are jaywalking, entering the crosswalk well after the timer starts counting down. I do not get an opportunity to make that right turn then or a couple times after that. People have to learn that the road is shared by pedestrians and cars. Follow the law and things will go smoothly.

—Danny Lin, Feb. 4, 9:17 a.m.

C

entral Division officers are encouraged to use discretion when deciding to warn versus cite violators. Unfortunately, there are far too many egregious violations keeping officers busy. Let it be known that our officers are charged with enforcing the spirit of the law as a means to achieve our objective to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. We will continue to explore creative and friendly methods to achieve this objective.

—John McMahon, Feb. 4, 11:04 p.m.

Regarding the article “Historic Core Radio Towers Get Makeover,” about the KRKD beacons on top of the Spring Arcade Building, by Donna Evans, published online Jan. 27

T

hank you for this article! I had no idea the radio towers were threatened and I’m so glad to hear they’ll stay. The paintjob sounds extreme but understandable, but what will happen to the existing neon on the towers?

The very, very old KRKD call letters were originally illuminated with neon and the Museum of Neon Art worked to light the Broadway radio tower with neon in the mid-2000s.

It glowed in the shape of a two-tone blue obelisk and all that neon is still up there. Hopefully that neon won’t be going away.

—Lynxwiler, Jan. 30, 1:08 p.m.

G

reat news about the towers. But while some of Sister Aimee’s adherents might have thought she had the power to achieve miracles, buying that station probably was a bit beyond her reach. She died in 1944. Might KRKD have been bought by her Foursquare Gospel church? (I thought it owned KFSG.) —Vincent Paterno, Jan. 30, 1:41 p.m.

Y

es. KFSG and KRKD shared time on the same frequency (first 1120, then 1150) from 1928 to 1961, at which point the church bought out their partner, moved the KFSG call letters to KRKD-FM on 96.3 (where they remained until 2001, when the church sold it to the Spanish Broadcasting System). KRKD was sold in 1970 and became KIIS. It is now known as KEIB “The Patriot,” a recent change from KTLK “KTalk.”

—KM Richards, Jan. 31, 5:27 p.m.

Regarding the article “Arts District Residents Abuzz Over Pot Clinic,” by Donna Evans, published online Jan. 31

I

bet the same people complaining about this voted “yes” on Proposition D. Angelenos will regret not educating themselves before choosing to let a politically approved, coercive monopoly of pot-marts become law. L.A. needs fair regulations, not political favoritism.

—Dege Coutee, Feb. 2, 12:46 a.m.

OPINION

Downtown News 5

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

6 Downtown News

February 10, 2014

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.

I

Now open!

Thanks to Keck Medicine of USC’s newest location, accessing world-class health care just got easier. Offering same-day appointments, our new center is ideal for those living, working or visiting Downtown Los Angeles.

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Flo

3r dS hS t 5t t h 6t St hS t 4t

St

we

rS

t

Fig ue ro aS t

Keck Medicine — Downtown Los Angeles 830 S. Flower St.

Ol ym

Bus 1, Robber 0: A woman waiting for a bus at 7 p.m. at Main and Temple streets on Jan. 28 was approached by a man who demanded her stuff. She responded that she only had a bus pass, but he continued to threaten her. That’s when the bus arrived. She climbed on.

Soup Splash: Two men were arguing in the 400 block of Main Street at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 when one man tossed a can of soup at the other. The contents splattered the victim, but he was not injured.

Printer Blues: An unidentified suspect pried open the rear door to Los Angeles Printing, at 1364 S. Hill St., between 11 p.m. Jan. 27 and 8 a.m. the following day. The burglar ransacked the business and stole $2,800 worth of goods, including two computers and a tablet. Damage to the property was estimated at $650.

Ol ive

Exceptional Care.

Exceptionally Close.

Poor Planning: Police say 35-year-old Flomanda Heard stole an unlocked bike from in front of the Central Division police station. The bike’s owner ran inside to use the ATM, but when he returned it was gone. Police reviewed surveillance tape, canvassed the area and arrested Heard on suspicion of theft.

pi

cB lvd

Intoxicating Robbery: A group of friends got drunk at an apartment in the 900 block of Maple Street on Jan. 26 and decided to sleep over. When the five awoke at 4 a.m. their cell phones, laptops, wallets and other property were missing. They tracked the phones to Grand Hope Park at Ninth and Hope streets where they found all their items in a bag belonging to 61-year-old Cody Swain. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and four counts of petty theft.

Shattered Juice: A 24-year-old man, distraught that his girlfriend broke up with him, vandalized two windows at Juice Crafters, at 702 S. Spring St., on Feb. 1 and swiped a bottle of juice. Damage from the 6:30 a.m. incident was estimated to be $4,000. Police arrested Harvey Gallardo on suspicion of burglary.

AROUND TOWN, 2

(800)USC-CARE KeckMedicine.org/downtown

Next door at Eat Drink Americano, owner Michael Burke called the restaurant a “pioneer” for the neighborhood, but did not know why it closed. R23’s last Facebook entry was Nov. 5. Its final Tweet was last May.

Prominent Architect Returns to Downtown

A

rchitect Richard Keating has been an influential figure in Downtown, having designed the 52-story Gas Company Tower, among other projects. Though his firm Keating Khang (with his wife Bonnie Khang Keating) moved to Pasadena, it is now back in Downtown, having opened offices in the KPMG Tower at 355 S. Grand Ave., suite 1600. Pasadena was out of the way for some employees and many clients, Keating said, and the growth of public transit in Downtown Los Angeles made the community more attractive. “We missed the development and excitement that was happening here,” Keating said. “You want to be a part of all these big projects coming up, and there’s a lot of great new amenities here.” The new office is about 5,000 square feet. There are currently 10 employees in the space, with room for about 25 total workers.

Join us for our Open House February 19th from 3 - 6 p.m.

830 S. Flower St. USC-13113_DTAd-6.77x12.385-140121.indd 1

1/22/14 4:00 PM

February 10, 2014

Downtown News 7

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DT

ROMANCE IN THE CITY

e v o L f s s o es nd lo

l a T

a

n owntow D e h t f ontest ners o C n i y r W o t e Th ove S ared: News L be prep

, stories of st love e b ir honor e are th ned. In r h s a ir e o le t h t t s s ner s ju mit t. wn New readers to sub t Stoowntow heir best sho o t D n k s w a o f you eles D with t viting gemen est test, in Los Ang y/Enga hit you They’ll recisely what love story con t Wedding Da t love stinks, B k tha s: Bes That’s p ay, we held a tegorie hose who thin a D c ’s e e e r in motion Valent les. We had th ory and, for t n the e u r t . t a S e t a o t ic h t s t w n be of ses t Roma ry. respon glee and tales well as ry, Mos irst Date Sto d with f s e t o a a , s t d F n u n t abo ressio reWors re inu ere exp people dream al, others unp We we w e r e h s n T e . c io t n it u al gam were experie me were trad nsSo There t respo on. dread. he bes t w ones to le. f e o v e a are som prizes they h into dictab Below e t h o t g g with e who es, alon ks to everyon . n a h ir T ay sp it the V-D

I

Hot tub Love MacHine

SHadeS of ZooLander

D

owntown L.A. changed my life forever when I moved here in 2009. One night, I tried to finally break in a hot tub in my building, but a stranger jumped in. To this day we still debate who said what to whom first, but we quickly became best friends.

For an entire year we remained platonic; I think we were secretly scared of ruining a great friendship.

That summer we vacationed in Paris. We left L.A. as friends and came back inseparable lovers. I must say a year of buildup is pretty insane!

The years passed and one day we went on a daylong adventure to each of our favorite Downtown spots, starting with brunch. At each stop he would drop to one knee, but just to tie a shoe or pick something up. When the sunset came we rode Angels Flight up the steep hill to the park from one of our favorite movies, (500) Days of Summer. He proposed and six months later we had a surprise flash mob wedding at our best friend’s home.

We’ve been married a year now and I couldn’t feel more grateful for my husband and this beautiful city that brought us together.

—Kathryn Pawlik Kathryn wins the prize for Most Romantic Story and also the story contest’s Grand Prize. Go Kathryn! She’ll receive a one-night stay at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza including dinner for two at Noé, and a pair of tickets to James Brown: Get on the Good Foot at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Meant to be T

wo days before our wedding, the grand venue hosting it was shut down due to bankruptcy. I fell to the floor in tears: All of our dreams and hard work were ruined by a cruel twist of fate.

After the devastating shock, my husband-to-be and I remembered that first and foremost, our wedding was about declaring our love with our family and friends. A fancy space was nice but not necessary. While considering taking everyone on the F train to Coney Island for an illegal beach ceremony with hotdogs and fries from Nathan’s, the phone rang. The profusely apologetic venue owner was offering to work out a deal with their competition to save our wedding at no cost to us. They had a space for us to look at.

The new venue turned out to be a penthouse on 5th Avenue with windows on all four sides. You could almost see the curve of the earth while admiring Manhattan. Our wedding wound up being magnificent beyond our wildest dreams. Nine years later, now living in Los Angeles, we are still living happily ever after.

—Holly Ramos Holly gets the award for Best Wedding Day/Engagement Story. She wins a $100 gift card to The Palm and a gift card for a movie night for two at the Regal L.A. Live premiere house.

I

went on a first date with a male model (yes, I set myself up for this) who I met in college. I had never eaten sushi before so he decided to take me out for dinner. Everything was going well until I realized he was continuously referring to himself in the third person! He went on about his life, “Then John decided to give college a try. John had to do what John had to do.” It took me half the dinner to realize he was not joking. Then, when the sushi arrived, I swept an entire serving of the green paste-looking item into my mouth, thinking it was avocado. As it turned out, it was wasabi. Too late! I swallowed the entire serving and my face and lips swelled up and I started to choke. I thought I was dying, the whole restaurant was at my table trying to help. At the very least, John stopped talking about himself and offered to take me to the hospital. I asked him to take me home instead.

I never saw John again, but I think about him every time someone talks about himself in the third person.

—Katina Morales Katina has our Best Worst First Date Story. She receives a $50 gift card to Trader Vic’s.

Continued on page 13

8 Downtown News

ROMANCE IN THE CITY

February 10, 2014

All You Need Is Love, And Maybe Some Dinner, Music and Wrestling Downtown Comes Alive With Valentine’s Day Eating and Entertainment Options

By Joey Kaufman hen it comes to Valentine’s Day, preferences can vary. Maybe you’re single and are hunting for a simple, stress-releasing evening with close friends and interesting strangers. Or perhaps you’re a long-time couple on the lookout for a romantic evening spot. You could even be the player who chooses Feb. 14 for a first date.

No matter which of the above fits your description, you will find plenty of options in Downtown Los Angeles. They are all over the map, from a burlesque performance to a throwback prom to a public outdoor celebration to a choice of places to sit down for that romantic meal.

Really, you don’t need to spend the night binge-watching the new season of “House of Cards” on Netflix. Try any of the below instead.

W

VaVoom Shakes the Room: Love comes a little early thanks to the gang at Lucha VaVoom.

The annual Valentine’s Day spectacular of masked Mexican wrestling, sultry burlesque dancing and ribald comedy body slams the Mayan Theater on Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 12-13. Performers on the bill include the Crazy Chickens and Lucy Fur (quick, guess which one is the dancer). There is all sorts of special V-Day themed fun, including a photo booth. Also at Lucha for the first time is live music: The electronic musician Peaches will also open each evening with a song, and perhaps more than one. Tickets start at $35.

At 1038 S. Hill St. or luchavavoom.com.

I Love the Nightlife, Baby: Does your prom checklist include a tuxedo T-shirt and a guy who sounds like Rick Ocasek? If so, then head back in time to the Financial District for 80s Prom Night at Spin, the ping-pong club in the Standard Downtown (yep, the uber-hip hotel really does have a ping-pong club). The party, Continued on page 9

Valentine’s Day arrives early when Lucha VaVoom body slams the Mayan Theatre.

The mix of masked Mexican wrestling, burlesque dancing and comedy takes place Feb. 12-13.

photo by Todd Scheuerell

February 10, 2014 which is scheduled for 8-11 p.m. on Feb. 14, will feature a Cars cover band, a drag queen and a couple DJs. You are strongly encouraged to dress the part, as organizers will pick both a prom king and queen with the best ’80s outfit.

Each winner will receive a one-night stay at the hotel. The cost is $20 per ticket, which includes one drink. Start practicing your “Safety Dance” moves now.

At 550 S. Flower St., (213)439-3065 or losangeles.spingalactic.com.

Meet the Funky Drummer, and All His ParkLoving Friends: Usually people frown on public displays of affection. However, Grand Park is encouraging it on Feb. 14. From 8 p.m.-midnight, the 12-acre attraction stretching between the Music Center and City Hall will host the party Grand Park’s Gotta Funky Sole. The ’60s/’70s dance party will feature DJs Man Miles and Clifton spinning, you guessed it, funk and soul music. Also on the bill are the local bands Breakestra and Orgone, and they’re playing, can you believe it, even more funk and soul! There will be meals on wheels in the form of food trucks Oooh La La Crepes, Cousins Maine Lobster and the Grilled Cheese Truck. You can also purchase flowers, sweets, candles, and drinks from a full bar. Hey, take Metro! There’s a stop right by the park. Best of all, like other events at Grand Park, it is free to the public.

At 200 N. Grand Ave. or grandparkla.org.

Create, Fixate and Procre-err, Never Mind: There is art and there is love, and the nonprofit arts organization Create:Fixate brings them together on Saturday, Feb. 15, with I Art You, a one-night music and art extravaganza.

Downtown News 9

ROMANCE IN THE CITY The event in Lot 613 in the Arts District will showcase the work of more than 30 artists, along with an optical lounge and an audio lab.

The main event begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m., though there is a three-hour familyfriendly “Kids Welcome” period starting at 4 p.m. In addition to all the art, highlights of the evening include a card-making station and a singles mixer from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $15 before 9 p.m. and $20 for the remainder of the night (a $5 donation is suggested for the family period).

At 613 Imperial St. or createfixate.com.

There is free soul music and dancing on Valentine’s Day under the stars at Grand Park.

The park will host live bands and DJs from 8 p.m.-midnight. There will also be food trucks and a bar.

I Feel Good: There will never be another James Brown (no, Bruno Mars doesn’t count, even after the Super Bowl). However, the Godfather of Soul will be remembered, in loud, raucous and probably sweaty form, on Feb. 14-16, when James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, a Celebration in Dance storms into the Ahmanson Theatre for three performances. The Music Center and the Apollo Theatre are co-hosting the tribute to the late legend with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The performance by the Philadelphia Dance Company will include original choreography and a musical score that combines classic Brown tunes and some new contemporary compositions. Tickets start at $28.

At 135 N. Grand Ave. or musiccenter.org/jamesbrown.

photo by Javier Guillen

The elegant Patina in Disney Hall has special three and six-course dinners on Feb. 14.

Get the Spirit: The coolest new live music venue in Downtown Los Angeles debuts on Feb. 14-15. The British space rock band Spiritualized breaks in the theater at the Ace Hotel by Continued on page 10

VALENTINE’S DAY |

photo courtesy of Patina Group

$75

PER PERSON

1 ST

Scallop Crudo, jamon iberico, torpedo onion, sesame, whipped soubise

2 ND

Roasted Sunchokes, burrata, pickled onion, saba

3 RD

Prime Filet Mignon, maitake mushroom, pommes puree, winter truffle or Tai Snapper, pork broth, chinese long beans, lap cheong, chili jam

4 TH

Brioche Bread Pudding, bourbon caramel, candied pecans or Vanilla Malt Semifreddo, hazelnut fudge, biscotti

10 Downtown News

February 10, 2014

ROMANCE IN THE CITY

EVENTS, 9 performing its 1997 landmark album Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space in its entirety. As if that’s not enough, the show in the gorgeously restored 1,600-seat theater features a 30-piece orchestra and choir. The bad news: At press time, the show was sold out. The good news: There may be returns, and there is always the resale market.

At 929 S. Broadway or acehotel.com.

Power to at Least 106 People: Big holidaythemed shows organized by radio stations are tricky. Sometimes they’re boring and sterile. Other times, they blow the roof off the proverbial sucka. They’ll be aiming, obviously,

for the latter on Feb. 14 with Power 106’s Valentine’s Day Crush. Power 106 is putting on a party at L.A. Live’s Nokia Theatre with performances from a lineup that features Miguel, Jason DeRulo, Ciara, Sean Paul and Big Sean.

Hey, that’s one night, two Seans! Lucky you!

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the music starts an hour later. Tickets starts at $59.50.

At 777 Chick Hearn Court or nokiatheatrelalive.com.

Among the many Downtown restaurants offering special Valentine’s Day meals is Chaya. The fusion joint with the lovely patio in the Financial District has a threecourse prix-fixe dinner for $68.

Risque Business: When you title an event the Va! Va! Voom Burlesque Show, you’re both setting the bar high and creating all sorts of mental images in the heads of potential audience members. Will the folks at Risque Rhythm, who are organizing the performance on Feb. 14-15 at the Archway Theatre

photo by Gary Leonard

Friday, February 14th • 4-11pm Pre-fixed Menu, including a free pre-starter and a champagne cocktail The Chef Nicolas Jardin is pleased to show you the new menu for Valentine’s Day

ReseRve your valentine’s Dinner 2014 618 S. Broadway St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 • 213.622.2116 • figarobistrot.com

ers — and pianist and arranger César Camargo Mariano has released four studio albums and captured six Latin Grammys, including something called the Revelation of the Year.

Check out what all the hype is about. Tickets start at $46.

At 111 S. Grand Ave. or laphil.com.

in the Arts District, deliver? There’s only one way to find out. According to the website, performers include Jessabelle Thunder, Iza la Vamp and Lucy Lipstick (probably not her real name). Both evenings have separate shows at 8 and 10 p.m. General admission is $20 and VIP admission is $35.

At 305 S. Hewitt St. or risquerhythm.com.

Land, Sea and Love: Does Feb. 14 immediately bring to mind Hawaiian cuisine? It does at Roy’s, which is celebrating the holiday with a “Love at First Bite” four-course dinner designed by chef Monica Olaes and anchored by 11 entree choices. Appetizers include a wagyu beef tartare or crispy fried Brussels sprouts, and second-course options are either soups or salads. The meal is

Who’s the Bossa?: You don’t get a lot of chances to enjoy bossa nova in Downtown.

Fortunately, that problem will be rectified on Feb. 14 at Walt Disney Concert Hall when the Brazilian singer Maria Rita performs at 8 p.m. The daughter of the late Elis Regina — acknowledged as one of Brazil’s greatest sing-

Treat yourself and your Treat yourself and your Valentine to a brighter Valentine a brighter whiterto smile! whiter smile!

Two–For-One Special!

Buy a Gift Certificate for one Zoom InOffice Whitening and receive a second gift certificate for someone that you love for FREE!

Two–For-One Special!

Buy a Gift Certificate for one Zoom InCall our office for details.

Office Whitening and receive a second gift (Restrictions apply) Offerfor Valid until February 28,2014. certificate someone that you love for FREE! MKD Dentistry 523 W 6th Street, Suite 515 Los Angeles, CA 90014 213-550-2697 info@mkddentistry.com

MKD Dentistry ✔ Free Wi-Fi

Enjoy the upside of everything

✔ Free Parking 523 W 6th Street, Suite 515 ✔ Drive-Thru Los Angeles, CA 90014 ✔ Breakfast All Day 213-550-2697 info@mkddentistry.com

Discover the newly renovated Sheraton Club at our downtown hotel and enjoy free breakfast, snacks, beverages, internet and dynamic city views.

20% Off

Any Order of $15 or More No substitutions. Limit one coupon per customer. At participating locations only. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 3/10/14.

Treat yourself and your Valentine to a brighter Farmhouse whiter smile!

Classic Double COMBO Two–For-OneWith Special!

Fries

7

Find out more at sheratonlosangelesdowntown.com/offers

$ 99

& 22 oz.

With this Buy a Gift Certificate forDrink one Zoom In- coupon.

Office Whitening and receive a second gift No Substitutions. Limit one offer per coupon. State tax applicable.

One coupon certificate for someonesales that you love for per person, per FREE!visit at participating locations only. Not valid with

©2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

any other coupon, combo meal, advertised special or offer. Expires 3/10/14.

213-228-8999 | farmerboysla.com | 726 SheratonLA_DowntownNews_Ad_5x6_rev2.indd 1

Call our office for details.

(Restrictions apply) Offer Valid until February 28,2014.

1/7/2014 10:44:24 AM

MKD Dentistry

Call our office for details.

(Restrictions apply) Alameda St.Valid (Bay &February Alameda) | Open Offer until 28,2014.

24/7

Treat yourself and your

February 10, 2014

ROMANCE IN THE CITY

$52-$85 depending on your entrée selection.

There are land and sea choices, everything from lobster ravioli to a double cut pork chop. The three dessert options include Roy’s wonderfully gooey melting hot chocolate soufflé.

At 800 S. Figueroa St., (213) 488-4994 or roysrestaurant.com.

To Market You Go: Located on the ground floor of the JW Marriott Hotel is L.A. Market Restaurant, the joint specializing in California cuisine anchored by chef Kerry Simon. The L.A. Live destination is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a three-course prix-fixe dinner that runs $65 per person. If you’re really chummy with your dining partner and you both like meat, then consider the roasted rack of lamb for two coated in honey thyme sauce. The highlight may be dessert, where the choices are a heart-shaped red velvet rose macaroon with crème fraiche sorbet, or something labeled the Valentine’s Surprise Sweet Platter for Two. Odds are chocolate is somewhere in that surprise.

At 900 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-8600 or marriott.com.

Just Say Noé: There are always people who remain skeptical of hotel restaurants. Those doubters might wander over to Noé in the Omni Hotel on Bunker Hill on Feb. 14. The Valentine’s Day four-course meal (it extends to Feb. 15, in case you want to avoid the Friday night crowds) starts with a choice of scallop sashimi or roasted beet salad, and second and third choice highlights include a brioche-crusted striped bass, or a rice and tea-smoked duck breast. The dinner is $75 per person.

Downtown News 11

At 251 S. Olive St., (213) 356-4100 or noerestaurant.com.

The Scenic Garden: Few places do Asian fusion better than Chaya, and the Financial District restaurant’s garden seating might be close to perfect if it doesn’t get too cold on the night of Feb. 14. Chaya’s three-course Valentine’s Day prix-fixe offers plenty of variety. Butternut squash soup and big-eye tuna tartare are first-course options, and entree choices include a miso-marinated white sea bass and a grilled Angus filet mignon.

For dessert, try the Valentine’s Day Medley for Two, which includes chocolate-covered strawberries and a bunch of other sweet, delicious things that will make it hard for you to move afterwards. The meal is $68 per person.

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

Taste of Amour: If you’re going upscale on Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter), it’s hard to do better than Patina. The French restaurant inside Walt Disney Concert Hall is offering two different V-Day menus, and there is a special 5-5:30 p.m. seating for theater crowds.

The first option, dubbed the L’Artisan Fragrance Menu, starts with Nova Scotia salmon and moves on to Atlantic black cod before closing with a concoction of Valrhona chocolate and coconut sorbet. The meal is $80. Those who have more time, and more money, can opt for the six-course tasting menu ($160), with oysters in seawater, black truffle risotto, herb-roasted beef tenderloin and more. If you ask nicely, they’ll roll you out to your car after the meal.

At 141 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-3331 or patinarestaurant.com.

Roy’s on Figueroa Street celebrates V-Day with a Four-Course “Love at First Bite” dinner.

photo by Gary Leonard

Walt Disney Concert Hall gets a Brazilian spin on Feb. 14 with bossa nova performer Maria Rita.

photo by Vicente de Paolo

This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with Downtown LA! Savor tasting menus from LA’s best chefs, take in the views of the city lights, stay at Downtown’s award winning hotels, and find unique gifts for your loved one.

Enter our Facebook Photo Contest for a chance to WIN a Staycation for 2 in Downtown LA that includes tickets to TCHAIKOVSKYFEST: Symphony No. 5 at Walt Disney Concert Hall and dinner and overnight accommodations at The Westin Bonaventure & Suites. ($500 value)

12 Downtown News

February 10, 2014

ROMANCE IN THE CITY

Love Lines

to me and life will always be La Vie en Rose. I love you!… Nadya Nevarez Jonny Sun… I want all of you, forever, you & me, every day… J&J One/Seven <3

When It Comes to Valentine’s Day, Downtowners Say the Darnedest Things Robert Lee… You still make my heart flutter…

Wende Lee

best friend and lover. Loving you… Stella Gukasyan.

Jerome… You are my gem, true friend, lover and my air. I love you for life!... Antonia

Young Jin Shi… I love you! Happy Valentine!... Michelle

Dennisse… My heart beats for you. I loved you yesterday, I love you still. I always have. I always will… Luis

Mama… Thank you for all the love, the games, the hugs, the toys and taking care of us. You’re the best mama ever… Vivian and George

Dan… You make every day brighter and every night sweeter. I heart you forever… Donna

Rosemary… I love you babe… Jesus

NG… Te quiero. Feliz Dia de San Valentin…

ERB

Armando Luis II… People stand out for a lot of reasons but you stand out for all the best reasons Christopher R Mittweg… You’re my true love...

And I want the whole world to know!!!! Woop woop :)… As tave myliu, Diana.

Rania L… We Got That Cra’Mazing Vegas Love… Michele R Pip Neal and Michael Jr… Love Always! Hello kids. It’s Valentine’s. I’m saving my love and all your blessings. You haven’t missed out on any of the love, joy and happiness. I can’t wait to hug and kiss you all up in my arms… Love Mommy.

Letting the world know how much I love and adore you! Happy Valentine’s Day, Jonathan!

Forever yours… Erica Pat… I wanted to say Happy Anniversary & Happy Valentine’s Day to you. I Love you God Bless you… Stephen Javier Granados… Amigo, 30 years of sharing a friendship, a marriage, a business then a divorce I am still your fondest admirer… Paulina Astete (ex-Granados) Edouard… you are still the foie to my gras, Here’s to the next 100 Valentine’s Days indulging together… Julia

Valentine greetings to you, Annie and Ruth in Chicago! Grateful for your kind hearts & good deeds… Carol C and pet dog Ritz

Isela… Roses are red, Violets are blue, Brooklyn stole my heart & so did You! Happy Hearts Day to my babies… C. Urzua

Velt Villain… Be very, very good slick Rabbit.

We’re on the fun rollercoaster, not the one you wished it ends… Velt Lady

Happy Day to my HoneyPile! Hope you have a great day and that lots of neppies are coming your way! Lufu!… T. Isabella

TB129… Love was just a glance away, then someone took my pants away. Loving you today more than ever, and tomorrow even more than today… J

Landy… Loyal husband, brilliant guitarist and artist, thank you for the sacrifices and loving me unconditionally… Love, Aarion

Happy Valentine’s Day to the amazing ambassadors of Big Man Bakes, our BMB Angels. You guys are priceless!… Chip & Angela

Dear Fan… Career, university, or friends? Facts, all three attract. One ends. “Connects” rate! Networking economically impresses dates… Corlisa

Shyrelle Kalilikane… Compare, How can I? A woman just and fair. Eyes bronze and miele the lakes surrounding pools of moments anew…

Joaquin Nava

Dear Jen… We met at 6th & Main. I love you more than words can say… Love, Justin

Marion D… I can only give you love that lasts forever. That’s all. That’s all… TK

Rafael F. Nevarez… Give your heart and soul

Dearest Sergio… God Bless the wonderful

Alyssa… you’re the best! Love, Mom & Dad Marc Jacob Nelles… You are my soulmate,

Dine Your Heart Out. CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT MORTON’S

I love that we are in this adventure together. I love you, Brian! Your wife… Amy

Delicious • Quick Service

LOW PRICE!

Traditional Japanese Style Noodles Freshly Made Everyday

FEBRUARY 13 – 16 FEATURING MORTON’S STEAK AND LOBSTER TAIL served with drawn butter for only $55.

4 $

70

Up to

for % Valentines Day Off

& UP

Plain

Beef

$4.00

$5.00

1st Anniversary Campaign:

1

Fried Bean Curd

$4.75

$ for all Tempura items!

Tsurumaru Udon Honpo

Downtown LA I 735 South Figueroa St. I 213.553.4566 mortons.com/losangeles

Sophie… My funny little Valentine, you make me smile with my heart. Every day is Valentine’s Day... Edward

at Little Tokyo Galleria Mall • 333 S. Alameda St., Unit 301 • 213.625.0441

We buy, sell, accept trade and consignment.

100% authentic pre-owned, luxury purses

In Little Tokyo Market Place Open every day, 10am to 7:30pm

333 S. Alameda St. FREE PARKING 213.629.2730 signaturebyrsg.com

We offer a Wide variety of Hong Kong Style dim Sum DIM SUM ServeD 7 DayS/week from 8am-3pm.

DIM SUM SPeCIaLS

Mon-Fri (except holidays) at $1.89 per order!

Come Join uS for

Valentine’s Day! Honey walnut Shrimp Chicken with Orange Sauce Diced Beef Steak French Style House Special Fried rice Tangerine Beef Golden Dragon Chop Suey

GOLDen DraGOn reSTaUranT

Chinatown | 960 north Broadway | 213-626-2039

Shop Online for Philippe’s Famous Hot Mustard & Apparel Philippes.com/store Open Daily 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

1001 N. Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

Philippes.com

@philippetheog

philippetheog

#Philippetheog

February 10, 2014

Downtown News 13

ROMANCE IN THE CITY

StorieS, 7

Honorable Mention

PeRfect Day I

was a first-time bride at age 52; hubby Landy was 54. Even with the nooks and crannies in our huge church, I almost ran into Landy going into the sanctuary before the wedding. Ever see a bride do a James Brown slide on a marble floor to escape detection?

The procession was perfect. I lost control when Deanna sang “Ave Maria” as my mother walked me down the aisle. It was a dreamy, surreal, out-of-body experience.

I cried throughout the beautiful ceremony, even as I nervously dropped my Communion biscuit down my dress. But I digress.

The bishop asked the congregation who would be responsible for our well-being? Everyone rose. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. After our “I Do’s,” we immediately felt different. Better. Completely married.

Landy looked amazing in all-white. Our reception was in the church banquet hall. First dance? Luther Vandross, of course.

—Mrs. Aarion Shores

Put a Ring in it

Valentine’s Day at

I

had chosen to propose to Marlene during the same period I was directing my first play in L.A. It was very hectic. Marlene was impatient about getting her engagement ring, but I was preoccupied with having to build a six-foot tall cockroach (it was a weird play). So I started telling her, “Gee, maybe look under your pillow?” Or, “Look in your freezer and check in the ice cube tray?” Of course the ring wasn’t any of those places and Marlene was not amused. Then one night at dinner after rehearsal with the cast, Marlene wanted to know when she’d get her ring. I stood up, went to the store next door and returned with a box of Cracker Jacks. I gave it to Marlene and said, “Maybe your ring is the secret surprise?” Do you know how many boxes of Cracker Jacks I had to go through until I was able to put the ring in the prize wrapper and seal the box back up perfectly? Well needless to say, the Cracker Jacks were a hit.

—Ernest Kearney

Break bread. Share wine. Feed the soul.

Impress your date twice in one evening.

We invite you and your special someone to celebrate a most romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with Artisan House and Etoile Rosè, on the evening of February 14th, 2014.

Break bread.

Share wine.

Feed the soul.

We are preparing a four-course menu in four distinct themes — Thirst (specialty cocktails), Desire (appetizers), Lust (main course) and Bliss (dessert) — as part of our very special evening.

NEWnuggets HOURS, of loVe NEW OFFERINGS Helen’s Valentine

I

O

ne Valentine’s Day 2008, my girlfriend and I were ready for a nice romantic dinner after a long work day. I picked her up around 7. We hadn’t made a reservation, and after much deliberation we agreed to go to Olive Garden. After being told the wait time was an hour we decided to move on to another spot. Next was a great little Italian place. Sadly, the wait was over an hour yet again.

By this time we decided there’s got to be a spot out there where we don’t have to wait long. Then we turned the corner and saw… McDonald’s. We pulled into the drive-thru to order our Valentine’s Day dinner.

Two Filet O’Fish meals and a 10-piece chicken nuggets to split between us. The memory of that night will forever be embedded in our minds. We are now engaged to be married in October.

—Gabriel & Michelle

Complimentary glass of Etoile Rosè and long stem rose with purchase of Valentine’s menu $45

starting Monday, July 29th at 7:30am

t was 1943 and the whole world was at war. I stood on a busy corner in downtown Minneapolis with some other girls, passing out photos to soldiers who were going off to war without a photo of a girl in their wallets. A young uniformed soldier asked for one. I signed my name on the photo and handed it to him. He smiled and said “Thanks.”

Three years later the war had finally ended. It was Valentine’s Day and I was shopping for a sewing pattern at Sears. Suddenly I saw a man walking toward me who looked vaguely familiar. “Hi, Helen,” he smiled. “Remember me?” He reached into his wallet and pulled out an old photo. It was dog-earned and battered, but clearly recognizable. Me at 17. Then I remembered. We stood in the aisle and talked while shoppers passed. He had fought in the Pacific. He asked if I would like a ride home. I said yes.

We have been together every day since that Valentine’s Day 68 years ago. And once again I will make him a valentine, tell him that I love him, and hold his hand when we walk together.

—Darryl Holter (for his mother)

$45 per person prix fixe and featuring music DJtheV.soul.

Break bread. Share wine.by Feed

600 S. Main Street Losgives Angeles, CA 90014 Partnering exclusively with Intelligentsia Coffee and Babycakes, Artisan House you endless

NEW HOU NEW HOURS, NEW OFFER NEW HOURS, starting Monday, July 29t NEW OFFERINGS Hose Job starting Monday, July 29th at 7:30am NEW OFFERINGS

coffee and breakfast options to get your day started right. Grab something to go or join us at our indoor/outdoor market café.

Break bread. Share wine. Feed the soul.

Partnering exclusively with

I

went on a date with a guy named Brian. He insisted Partnering exclusively with Intelligentsia Coffee and Babyca his Mercedes was dirty and asked if we could go to coffee and breakfast options to get your day started righ the car wash. I thought it was romantic. He Partnering took me to exclusively with Intelligentsia Coffee and Babycakes, at our indoor/outdoor Artisan House givesmarke you e a jet wash and made me get out the car in my heels coffee and breakfast options to get your day started right. Grab something to go or join and dress as he hosed the car and dried it. Dinner was atArtisan our indoor/outdoor market café.

Partnering exclusively with Intelligentsia Coffee and Babycakes, House gives you endless Partnering exclusively with awful because he wanted to talk about nothing and coffee and breakfast options to get your day started right. Grab something to go or join us hated everything. Needless to say we never dated our indoor/outdoor market café. again, although he kept stalking me at theatgym.

Partnering exclusively Break bread.

Sharewith wine. Feed the soul.

—Jasmine Tangcay

starting Monday, July 29th at 7:30am

Partnering exclusively with

journey we started 18 years ago. So excited for the future… Love always, Gabriel To My Mississippi Queen… Will you please be my Valentine in 2014 and for many years to come? The spark having ignited between the two of us is a wonderful charge of electric connectivity…

Yours, Eric KM… love you so much… VM

facebook.com/artisanhouse Happy V day from a king to a queen love u AF… from L7

Lou Lou… You are so beautiful and I love you so much! Happy Valentine’s baby!...

Tom Tom <3 Cheryl Kahlileekah… To me an eternity lie within for days become, and are from the thought of you, dearest Solar Sailor Moon.

My Shantasy… I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you!...

Kimowar

RSVP 213-622-6333

mucho... Pistachon Dear Joong Oppa, Thank u for smiling at me and making every day happier than yesterday. Happy 39 years birthday! Love you… Jenny Hon… Thanks for making the dream come true. I hope I repay the favor every facebook.com/artisanhouse day. I love you… Lil

facebook.com/artisanhouse

twitter.com/ArtisanHouseLA

Caleb… 5 years. I love you. What an ad-

www.artisanhouse.net facebook.com/artisanhouse twitter.com/ArtisanHouseLA instagram.com/artisanhouseLA

twitter.com/ArtisanHouseLA instagram.com/artisanhouseLA venture so far! Let’s see Spiritualized!

Baby... Thank you for sharing our lives together, you make me strong, Te quiero

Camping in the woods… Olivia

twitter.com/ArtisanHouseLA instagram.com/artisanhouseLA

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

14 Downtown News

February 10, 2014

Social Climbing in the Arts District What’s Next for the Growing Community?

How About a Place to Go ‘Bouldering’

By Donna Evans armony Smith loves a good problem.

Standing atop a 14-inch thick crash pad, the 27-year-old scanned a chalkdusted wall flecked with orange, blue and yellow tape aligned with myriad hand and footholds. She zeroed in on her path and stepped off the ground, beginning a stretching, grinding trek that had her scrabbling sideways and climbing vertically. Her goal was a green handle 12 feet above the floor.

About five minutes later, she reached the cherished handle. Victorious, the Starbucks barista and actress beamed at her accomplishment, dropped to the mat with a gymnast’s grace and walked away, searching for the next challenge.

Smith was in LA Boulders, or LA.B (pronounced lab), a 13,000-square-foot facility that opened last month in the Arts District, sandwiched between the Los Angeles Gun Club and the Factory Place Lofts.

It is most easily described as an indoor rock climbing facility, though practitioners prefer the term “bouldering.” The attraction’s manager, Remi Moehring, had a different description.

“It’s an adult playground,” she said on a recent Tuesday afternoon.

LA.B is the ninth California gym for Touchstone Climbing, an indoor rock climbing company started in San Francisco in 1995 by Mark

H

and Debra Melvin. When they decided to look for a location in Los Angeles, they set their minds on an up-and-coming, industrial neighborhood. They settled on the mammoth structure just east of Factory Place, said Touchstone Climbing’s Director of Operations Markham Connolly. The neighborhood “has a great community of fun people, interesting businesses and good restaurants,” he said. He also pointed to the site’s proximity to three freeways.

Although most people have never heard of bouldering, and particularly the indoor version, Moehring said it has been gaining momentum over the past decade. Unlike traditional rock climbing, no ropes or harnesses are involved. Instead, it’s just the climber, usually wearing special shoes that allow for a firm grip on the wall.

At the bottom of a wall, the climber chooses a color-coded path or “problem” that guides him or her to the top. Those pathways, of which there are more than 100 at LA.B, are ranked in difficulty on a 1-12 scale.

While LA.B is a gym, complete with elliptical machines and treadmills (weights are scheduled to arrive this month), bouldering is not necessarily something people seek out as a means of getting in shape. Of course, hanging from fingertips and shifting your weight from one leg to the other to push yourself up a 17foot wall builds core strength and boosts fore-

Your Neighborhood Needs You! Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council elections are just around the corner and they are looking for candidates who want to make a difference.

All Elected Board Positions Are Open 4 4 4 4

Arts, Culture & Education Directors Business Area Directors Resident Area Directors Workforce, Social Service and more...

Prospective Candidate Open House February 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Palace Theatre • 630 S. Broadway

CANDIDATE FILING FORMS LOCATED ONLINE AT http://empowerla.org/dlanc/downtown-la-nc-elections/

DEADLINE: FEbruArY 18th Need help understanding the process?

Contact Russ Brown at dlanc.jr2brown@gmail.com or Call 213.999.0379 • dlanc.com

photo by Gary Leonard

LA Boulders opened in the Arts District in January. The 13,000-square-foot space has approximately 100 different climbs, with more to come.

arm, leg and back muscles, Moehring said.

“Exercise is a benefit, not the reason to do it,” said Tom Clancey, a climber for 28 years and a LA.B member who signed up before the gym

even opened.

“Yeah, those guns are just an occupational hazard,” Moehring joked, pointing to the Continued on page 15

February 10, 2014

Downtown News 15

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

climbing, 14

THE ULTIMATE SUPERMARKET Member Club discount on select items.

Receive a $10 Gift certificate for every 1000 rewards points!

Take 5% Off Any $500+ Gift Card

Fresh Seafood & Meats kobe brisket shabu-shabu $19.99/LB $17.99/LB MEMBER PRICE

unagi kabayaki

NOTICE:

$19.99/EA $17.99/EA MEMBER PRICE

PLANNED DOWNTOWN LA STREET CLOSURES

Fruits, Vegetables & Organic Foods green JaLapino

The Wilshire Grand Center, currently under construction at 900 Wilshire Blvd., will be closing streets in downtown Los Angeles in the area around Figueroa Street, Wilshire Boulevard, Francisco Street and 7th Street from 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 until 10 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014. In order to limit the impacts on our neighbors, we will be conducting this work over one weekend.

We look forward to being a part of this community and appreciate your patience as we continue construction.

Please visit www.wilshiregrandcenter.com/traffic for the latest information F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Visit our website: www.wilshiregrandcenter.com/traffic For real-time updates, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wilshiregrandcenter or follow us on Twitter @Wilshire_Grand

$.39/2 LB

photo by Gary Leonard

Manager Remi Moehring demonstrates “topping out” on a climbing wall at LA Boulders.

52-year-old’s rock-hard biceps.

When You Fall In the Downtown facility, harder problems are interspersed with easy ones, bringing together climbers of all abilities. The community is congenial, and if someone is stuck on the wall, another climber is often quick to offer guidance.

Climbing up a 17-foot wall without rope or security harnesses raises a serious question: What happens when you fall?

It’s an answer that has evolved over the past decade, said Moehring. Some older gyms have a padded floor with additional mats placed beneath the climber, but if a person lands half on, half off the mat, he or she can be injured. The LA.B team outfitted the entire climbing area with a continuous crash pad, 14 inches thick, comprised of two layers of foam and a layer of memory foam atop that. It’s more firm than squishy, lessening the chance of rolling an ankle.

Depending on the position you’re in, there are different ways to fall, but in general, the proper way is knees bent, then roll onto your rear end and back, Moehring said.

On a recent weekday at LA.B, the sounds of flops onto the mat were frequent, as were high fives and the light chatter between climbers offering tips on which path to follow. Smith, her back arched, head hanging and left leg stretched to find a hold, wondered if maybe she had missed a step. She hadn’t, she just needed to figure out where to go next.

“Problems are fun,” she said, noting that she brings her skills back into her Eagle Rock home, where her 7-year-old son will poke fun at her when she dramatically navigates the kitchen chair and counter to grab a glass from the cupboard.

Although Moehring would not say how many people have signed up for a membership, which runs $73 per month (day passes are $15-$20), she noted that 700 people attended the opening weekend festivities in January. There are no age restrictions, but for the safety of all climbers, Moehring only recommends bringing children if the parents closely supervise.

“It’s a scene, but not in a cheesy, threatening way,” Moehring said. “Everybody wants you to do your best.”

LA.B is at 1375 E. Sixth St. #8, (323) 406-9119 or touchstoneclimbing.com/la-boulders. donna@downtownnews.com

Sake, Wine & Craft Beers gekkeikan bLack & goLd sake gift set gIfT Box

$13.99 Premium Asian Gourmet Foods maeda-en green tea ice cream

$2.99/32 oz THE E OF !

M O H HOW NA S U T BIG 2pm 2pm EVERY SATuRDAY DAYS SATU

bragg appLe cider vinegar

$2.99/16 oz green tea pockey

$2.49/1.97 oz

FREE PARKING W/VALIDATION.....

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. • 213-617-0030 333 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles offers expire www.LittleTokyoMP.com 2-5-14

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

16 Downtown News

February 10, 2014

Money, Fear and José Huizar Can the Downtown Councilman Scare Off Challengers in His Re-election Bid?

By Jon Regardie osé Huizar is not a scary dude. If you were to run into him on the street or a bakery and started talking about the events of the day, and didn’t know that he is the 14th District representative on the Los Angeles City Council, you’d find him genial and eager. If for some reason you were asked after such a meeting to compare him to an animal, you might pick a friendly Labrador puppy. Not because he slobbers, runs into

J

THE REGARDIE REPORT tables, knocks over his food dish or chases tennis balls (I don’t think he does any of those too often), but rather because, in a non-political context, he’s a nice guy with a big grin and bounds of positive energy.

If you encounter Huizar in a political campaign, however, he’s one of the more frightening figures in Los Angeles. I realize this might sound odd given the recent bout of dark press concerning an admitted extramarital affair and a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him and the city by a former top staffer (more on that later), but when it comes to his own elections, the guy has a better winning percentage than this year’s Seattle Seahawks. Somehow, Huizar is 5-0, with three resounding victories in City Council races after two successful runs for the LAUSD Board.

Some people are just good at unexpected things. I happen to be a master at Whack-a-Mole, winning seven stuffed animals in my last eight attempts (I swear it’s true). Friendly puppy Huizar is a killer on the campaign trail.

For further proof of his prowess, consider the financial disclosure statements that candidates in upcoming elections filed last week with the City Ethics Commission. Voters go to the polls in March 2015, and the seven even-numbered council seats are up for grabs. Not counting Huizar, a total of 10 people reported fundraising figures through Dec. 31. The biggest score in the

group came from Carolyn Ramsay, the chief of staff to Fourth District Councilman Tom LaBonge, who is running for her termed-out boss’ seat. She pulled in an impressive $109,000. No one else raised more than $71,000.

Huizar, meanwhile, scooped up an astounding $321,859 (the other 10 candidates raised about $384,000 combined). It’s all the more startling given that the only person who has filed paperwork to run against Huizar is Alex San Martin, who according to his website is a reservations agent for Starline Tours, which makes him about as frightening as a daffodil. So far, San Martin has raised exactly 0 dollars and 0 cents.

You can also compare Huizar to council incumbents. Only two of the other four figures running for re-election have reported raising money, according to the Ethics Commission’s website.

Still-new Sixth District rep Nury Martinez pulled in $60,000 and Council President Herb Wesson, perhaps the most adept pol in the city, has gathered a meager $9,200, which pretty much indicates he’s not trying.

So what’s going on with Huizar?

Challenging the Machine Interestingly, Huizar’s huge war chest may stem directly from his personal troubles, and the pressure those troubles created.

By tradition, Huizar should have nothing to worry about. He’s a nine-year officeholder gunning for a final four-year term. He showcased his skills in the two most recent elections, garnering more than 64% of the vote each time (his big 2011 victory came despite an opponent spending $200,000 of his own money). Huizar is precisely the type of candidate that people in Los Angeles don’t challenge because, like The Matrix, he is one with the machine.

Then came Francine Godoy. Last October Godoy, who started as a receptionist in Huizar’s office and quickly rose to become deputy chief of staff, sued Huizar and the city, claiming the councilman engaged in a “campaign of sexual harassment and

Fourteenth District City Councilman José Huizar has already raised a whopping $322,000 for his re-election bid next year.

photo by Gary Leonard

retaliation.” Huizar was forced to publicly acknowledge an affair, which he asserted was consensual.

Huizar’s behavior and circumstances ignited speculation that he would be vulnerable in the 2015 election. One could easily envision a flurry of mailers blaring newspaper headlines about the lawsuit and affair and asking, “Doesn’t Los Angeles deserve better than José Huizar?” Immediately you started to hear whispers about potential candidates.

Although no one of note has yet to step up to challenge Huizar, for months City Hall and the political class have been chattering about a possible candidacy by Ana Guerrero, Mayor Eric Garcetti’s chief of staff. Neither Guerrero nor Team Garcetti have Continued on page 24

Training For Small Business Owners The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by Pacific Coast Regional Corporation offers no/low-cost seminars at locations throughout the Los Angeles area to help you obtain funding for your business, manage cash flow and market your business.

3255 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1501 Los Angeles, CA 90010 To Register Call: 866.301.9989 www.pcrcorp.org

d Visit the Premi n OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Come anacility in Los Angeer les n COMPLETE RETAIL CENTER Self Storage F n 24 HR RECORDING CAMERAS n BUSINESS CENTER AVAILABLE (FREE WIFI) THE FIRST 2 MONTHS! n SPECIALTY STORAGE SOLUTIONS (ART & PHOTO) Limited Time, New Customers Only.

50% OFF

801 E. COMMERCIAL STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 | 213-255-3021

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING BASICS - Feb. 11 & 13, 2014 $55 – 4 hours (2 two-hour sessions) GUIDED BUSINESS PLAN - Feb. 18, 2014 $60 – 4 hours (1 four-hour sessions) RECORD KEEPING / ACCOUNTING - Feb. 18 & 20, 2014 $60 – 6 hours (2 three-hour sessions)

The Lead Center for the Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network is operated by Long Beach Community College District. The Small Business Development Centers are funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, center host institutions, state and local funds, and corporate partners. Funding is not an endorsement of any product, opinion, or service. All Federal and State funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Special arrangements for individuals with disability will be made if requested in advance.

SALES 2.0 - Feb. 19, 2014 $30 – 2.5 (1 session) INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS - Feb. 25 & 27, 2014 $60 – 6 hours (2 three-hour sessions)

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM KNEE PAIN? Have you been told that you need a total knee replacement?

DO YOU WANT A NONSURGICAL SOLUTION?

Start to Feel Good Again!

Flexogenix Multidisciplinary Approach: • Free initial consultation.

• Advanced Image guidance.

• Thorough directed medical examination.

Most treatments provided • Cutting edge diagnostic medical imaging. are covered by Medicare & most medical insurance!

• Detailed treatment plan.

• Nonsurgical joint viscosupplementation & regenerative joint therapy.

• Advanced joint stabilization bracing techniques.

• Careful follow-up & evaluation in order to monitor therapeutic success.

219 W. 7th St., # 207

Quickly return to your daily activities with minimal risk or side effects.

Same day outpatient procedure with almost no recovery downtime.

Nonsurgical Treatment of Degenerative Knee Pain Using Advanced Image Guidance

| 1-800-695-6330 | healthyknees@flexogenix.com

“THERE IS NO RELIGION HIGHER THAN TRUTH” Independant minds and hearts coming together in the Downtown area since 1909.

Work / Live Downtown? Come join us to explore the eternal basis of nature, humanity, science and religion.

Everyone Welcome • Casual Environment • Books Available SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY: The Bhagavad Gita: 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

An Introduction to Theosophy: 6:15 - 7:20 p.m.

Studies in The Secret Doctrine: 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.

FRIDAY: The Voice of the Silence and the Key to Theosophy: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Open Discussion Class: 10:30 - 12:00 Noon Evening Presentations: 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.

No Donations, Dues or Fes • Security Guard • Ample Parking Historic Building, Office and Libraries Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

245 W. 33rd St. (at Grand Ave.) LA, CA 90007 (213) 748-7244 www.ult-la.org

February 10, 2014

Downtown News 17

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Powering a Hot Neighborhood Forward South Park BID Executive Director Jessica Lall Talks Development, Priorities and Concerns

By Eddie Kim outh Park is one of Downtown’s most dynamic neighborhoods, with investment flowing and development occurring at a seemingly non-stop rate. That’s both a blessing and a challenge for Jessica Lall, the executive director of the South Park Business Improvement District.

Lall took over the organization, funded by assessments to area property owners, a year ago. At the BID, which has an annual budget of $1.9 million, she tackles everything from making sure the streets are clean and safe to helping spur development.

Lall replaced longtime neighborhood fixture Mike Pfeiffer, who passed away in late 2011. Last week, she spoke about her first year, and South Park’s past, present and future.

S

Los Angeles Downtown News: Looking back, what prepared you to run the South Park BID? Jessica Lall: I began working for the city of Los Angeles in 2010 as part of a fellowship that [then-First Deputy Mayor] Austin Beutner had created, and that’s how I began learning about the economic development that was happening Downtown.

I left the city to work on Austin’s mayoral campaign from MarchDecember 2011 and came back in January 2012. I was then the mayor’s point person on the Farmers Field project and was working on the privatization of the Convention Center and other developments in the area. Indirectly, I was learning a lot about South Park.

Q: Mike Pfeiffer was such an instrumental figure in South Park, having been a neighborhood leader for decades. How was the transition after his death?

A: He was a legend. There was about a year that passed between his death and my starting, and so a lot of the initiatives and visions that he had went on hold in that time. A lot of the transi-

tion was just engaging with the board of directors. But much of what we’re doing now is the same thing that Mike had started to lay the groundwork for back even in the ’80s. Despite all the attention South Park has now, we’re not reinventing anything.

We’re fulfilling a plan that was laid out a long time ago.

Q: What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

A: No day is the same working at a BID, and my tasks sort of evolved over the course of the year. There was a focus on making the internal infrastructure more efficient. But the group had been without an executive director, so there needed to be a lot of outreach to get things back to normal. Luckily, I had a lot of relationships that I had maintained since working for the city, so I’m working to keep the council district and everyone informed.

I’m also always working with developers on their plans and really trying to help them, and other stakeholders, to see the bigger picture.

Q: What are some of the biggest tasks for the BID? A: Working with our branding and figuring out the identity of South Park is critical. All the neighborhoods around us have a great identity that people understand, whether it’s the Historic Core, the Financial District or the Arts District.

Specifically, we want each developer to have their own plan and vision, but also to know what their neighbor is doing and help create a cohesive look and feel throughout the neighborhood.

We’re forming a robust urban design committee to facilitate that.

Q: Development is happening across South Park. What are your priorities and concerns as the neighborhood grows?

A: Our clean and safe programs have to become more robust, and we need to help the homeless and panhandling problem.

Commercial Office Space for Lease

photo by Gary Leonard

Jessica Lall became the head of the South Park Business Improvement District in January 2012. She handles everything from clean and safe efforts to helping spur investment.

We also want to keep making the community family-oriented, creating green space and schools, and ensuring that kids and pets can fit into the neighborhood. We want people to eventually be property owners and to raise families here.

We’ve brought on a consultant to help activate some of the vacant streetscape and buildings in the area. There are cost-efficient ways to improve that. Pop-up programs might be good, as would partnering with USC and L.A. Trade-Tech to find uses like creative office space and incubator space. Some owners of empty property don’t live here and they don’t know that they’re sitting on gems. eddie@downtownnews.com

The

Petroleum Building .com

S ION T OP G SIN A E L AT E GR

Second Floor

400 to 20,000 Sq. Ft. Open Creative Space Available Build-Out Options Showroom Open Soon

E! BL A AIL AV

Third Floor

SUITES AVAILABLE

Will Consider Division and Space Build-Outs

BUILDING HIGHLIGHTS Price Range $1.75 to $3.00 per Sq. Ft. 24 Hour Security On Premises Beautiful 239,000 Sq. Ft. 11 Story Building Conference Room Parking Available

714 W. OLYMPIC BLVD.

LOS ANGELES, CA 90015 213.746.6300 Ext.1455 Fax: 213.765.1910 ghollis@shammasgroup.com

18 Downtown News

DT

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

February 10, 2014

photo by Richard Finkelstein

CALENDAR

s ’ n o s g n a a m h A B The w e N d n a t a o G Br

The 75-minute show James Brown: Get on The Good Foot, a Celebration in Dance lands at the Ahmanson Theater this week. It features contributions from choreographers from around the world.

Dance Performance Honoring James Brown Slides Into Downtown around the world. He utilized choreographers

By Donna Evans from the United States, the United Kingdom, he idea came to Otis Sallid during a deafAfrica and Vietnam. It all comes together in ening silence: He strained his ears to lisan evening that has a specific goal: to demonten, but, on any given day walking down strate Brown’s global impact on contemporary the street, he heard no James Brown music. culture and society over 40 years.

“I just woke up one morning and there were Sallid, whose choreography credits include no sounds of James Brown in the atmosphere.

Smokey Joe’s Café on Broadway and the Spike Lee I mean, like, it was crazy,” Sallid said by phone films Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X, said he is from Atlanta last week. always looking for how to present dance and theConfronted with and affronted by the situaater in unique ways. The 64-year-old Harlem nation, Sallid decided to do something about it. tive grew up listening to Brown and attended sevThe choreographer and director began planeral of his concerts at the Apollo Theater. When ning a stage show that would appropriately asked how many of Brown’s records he owns, Salhonor the founding father of funk. lid laughed and said he never bothered to count The result of all the work is James Brown: Get the myriad albums and seven-inch singles. on The Good Foot, a Celebration in Dance. Co“The guy’s got 3,000 songs. That’s more than presented by Gloria Kaufman Presents Dance at Beethoven,” he said. “Wouldn’t want to print the Music Center and the Apollo Theater, it preout that discography.” miered at the Apollo last October, and has since World Changer traveled to Atlanta. The tribute to the Godfather Although accounts differ, James Brown has of Soul comes to Downtown Los Angeles this said he was born May 3, 1933, in a one-room week, with S three performances at the AhmanE-NEW wnNews.com Downto up at14-16.

N UP Sig SIG shanty in Barnwell, South Carolina. He began son Theatre onnFeb. It starts an international tour by travelling to Germany in February. performing professionally at 19. Brown wore and brightly colored costumes, and Sign combines Up for Our E-News Blasts makeup & James Brown original choreogsometimes sported a cape. He used his feet raphy andBe a score comprised of classic Brown Entered to Win Movie Tickets! like percussion instruments, and danced faster tunes — the show features “It’s a Man’s Man’s and harder than anyone had ever seen, accordMan’s World” and “I Got You (I Feel Good),” ing to an article by Brenda Dixon Gottschild among others — as well as new contemporary in Dance magazine. He recorded his breakcompositions. The pieces are performed by 12 through album Live at the Apollo in 1963, the members of the Philadelphia Dance Company. same theater where he laid in state after dying To pull off the show, Sallid literally looked all

FEB 3 ✔ Sign Up for Daily Headlines!

Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings DowntownNews.com

FEB 10

photo by Lois Greenfield

T

The show uses new compositions as well as old Brown numbers such as “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”

people should continue to recognize, he also from congestive heart failure in 2006. has an easier approach: People, he said, should Though he is perhaps best remembered for have fun listening and watching the show. his incendiary live performances, for Sallid the Fun is exactly what Philadelphia Dance Comsignificance of Brown’s artistry extends beyond pany dancer Tommie-Waheed Evans has been the popularity of his music. Sallid pointed out having since joining the cast last fall. To Evans, a that he was a radically innovative dancer and Los Angeles native, the 75-minute, high-energy musician, and a figure whose culture, style and talents influenced a variety of genres, including performance reflects a characteristic of Brown that longtime industry figures always said funk, soul, R&B, jazz, pop, rock and rap.

Now Playing/Starts Feb 7 about him: He was the hardest working man in As a child, Sallid studied under composer show business. and conductor Leonard Bernstein. He learned The 32-year-old Philadelphia resident has that classical music is music you can make into been dancing since he was 15, and has had anything: jazz, rock, etc. He believes Brown’s Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” and body of work is just as transferable.

Though Sallid considers Brown to be a classic “Georgia on My Mind,” on his iPod for as long Continued on page 24 American musician and someone whose work

! dtowWnNein an s U e k Li ws wn .Do Facebook.com/L.A Like Downtown News on Facebook & Be Entered to Win Movie Tickets!

Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings DowntownNews.com

Now Playing/Starts Feb 12

February 10, 2014

Downtown News 19

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Restaurant Buzz Argentinian Steaks, Wolfgang Puck’s New Lounge and Other Food Happenings

Downtown Los AngeLes

1248 S. Figueroa St. #101

213-749-0025

EvEry WEEk: $2 Taco Tuesday & Thursday! reverse Happy Hour 10pm-1am Mon-Fri $7 House Margaritas, $2 Off All Appetizers regular Happy Hour 4-7 Mon-Fri

http://issuu.com/ladtn

Windy City Eats: It’s not easy to find decent Chicago dogs and hot Italian beef sandwiches in Downtown Los Angeles, but a taste of the Midwest has arrived at Exposition Park. Budacki’s Hot Dog, an offshoot of the 52-year-old Budacki’s drive-in in Chicago, offers gyros and burgers alongside the aforementioned dogs and beef sandwiches. Combos with fries and a drink are

Regent China Inn Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Chinatown

*Any purchase of $15 or more.

✤ Live Lobster and Crab ✤ Delivery, Minimum Order $15 ✤ Lunch Special $4.95 – Mon.-Fri. 11-5, Sat.-Sun. 11-3 ✤ Party Tray Available 739-747 N. Main St. Los Angeles, 90012 213.680.3333 Regentchinainn.com FREE PARKING

Haus of the Hungry: A new fast-casual eatery dubbed Food Haus has opened near L.A. Trade-Tech College and the Metropolitan Courthouse, which means you now have a convenient place to angrily eat away the stress of traffic violations, or a place to dine after your ice sculpting class. The restaurant offers a medley of sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads and more, and many of the dishes are around $10 or less. Highlights include truffle fries, French onion soup and various flatbread pizzas (try the MPC 187 with Cajun chicken, smoked Gouda, grilled corn and barbecue sauce). The eatery also has plenty of seating in the industrial-chic dining room, which features high ceilings and leather banquettes. Food Haus is open Monday-Sunday from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

At 2106 S. Olive St. or (213) 741-0007.

Got any juicy food news? Contact Eddie Kim at eddie@downtownnews.com

$2 OFF



*

Gourmet Fast Casual Restaurant Since 1973 7 Days-7am to 10pm • FREE Parking • We Cater 1657 W. 3rd St. at Union Ave. • 213-483-8885

why Cook?

Follow Us on ISSUU

1 coupon per customer, per visit. Expires 3/10/14

about $5-$8. The eatery soft-opened in January, and a grand opening is slated for later this month. Hours are 7 a.m.-11 p.m. weekdays, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturdays.

At 3782 S. Figueroa St. or (844) 283-7872.

10 PieCe



Building a Nest: The lounge at Wolfgang Puck’s modern Asian restaurant WP24, on the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton at L.A. Live, has always been a gem, featuring elegant drinks, a diverse menu and an unbeatable view. But it looks like Puck wants the space to have its own identity, as it’s being rebranded as Nest at WP24 (the main WP24 continues to operate as usual). The refresh brings a revamped menu of Asian-inspired dishes such as Singaporean beef turnovers and Sambal black sea bass, as well as new cocktails (check out the Bourbon Buddha with Buffalo Trace whiskey, Aperol, sage and lemon juice). The experience is flexible — you can wander in for a drink and a dessert, or order several dishes for a relaxed multi-course meal. Nest officially debuts Thursday, Feb. 13. Hours are 5 p.m.-midnight, Monday-Saturday, and 5-10 p.m. on Sundays.

On the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton at 900 W. Olympic Blvd. or (213) 743-9924 or wolfgangpuck.com.

Whiskey Business: The sitting area in the back of the Seventh Street bar Seven Grand just got a bit hipper, if that’s possible.

It’s now Bar Jackalope, an 18-seat space modeled after the intimate whiskey joints found throughout Japan. Jackalope has a separate entrance, where you flip a light switch to call for service, and a hyper-focused drink menu. You get your choice of an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan or a Highball, or straight pours of more than 120 whiskeys. Feeling like a big shot? Buy a bottle of whiskey (starting at $250) to stash behind the bar. The purchase comes with priority reservations. Bar Jackalope is open SundayThursday, from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

At 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0736 or sevengrandbars.com.

photo courtesy Don Riddle

The lounge at Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 restaurant, located in the Ritz-Carlton at L.A. Live, is getting a refresh with a new name, Nest, and a new menu.



A

Night Comes to Downtown: Arcadia’s outdoor Asian food fest 626 Night Market has gotten so popular that the event is expanding to two new locations, one of them in Downtown. On June 20-21, the event will fill a parking lot across from Staples Center on Figueroa Street. Expect a huge array of vendors slinging traditional Asian street foods such as fish balls, stir-fried noodles and the notorious stinky tofu. There will also be crafts, games, music and more, but it’s really all about the food. The festival is slated to run from 4 p.m.-midnight on both days. Pre-sale tickets are available online for $7; admission will be $10 at the door.

Coming to 1120 S. Figueroa St., tickets and info at 626nightmarket.com.

Dim Sum

Lunch and Dinner • An Extensive Seafood Menu including Dim Sum at Moderate Prices • Relaxed Dining in an Elegant Ambiance • Live Lobster Tank

700 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Free Parking Next to Restaurant Tel: 213.617.2323



By Eddie Kim Taste of Buenos Aires: Are you a lover of meats grilled in South American fashion? If so, good news: A Downtown outpost of Pasadena’s Argentinian restaurant 1810 is coming. Slated for the former L’Angolo Cafe space at Ninth and Main streets, 1810 will serve lunch and dinner, with a menu featuring a wide array of appetizers, salads, pastas and sandwiches.

The focus, however, is on simple preparations of steaks, chicken and fish, all at reasonable prices (entrees range from around $14-$23). There’s also a $28 three-course prix-fixe menu, or a $52 platter of steaks, short ribs, sausages, sweetbreads and chicken to share. The new location will have about 60 seats and is aiming for a mid-May opening, according to Horacio Ferrari, one of four partners in the project.

Coming to 101 W. Ninth St., more details at 1810restaurant.com.

City Living

sPeCiaL

thighs & Legs now accepting Credit Cards

Party Paks available

Flip through the DT News print edition on your mobile device, with more than 5 years of past issues available!

with Tortillas & Salsa onLy

$10.99 +

THIS WEEK CHECK OUT

Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition at FIDM Museum

taX

2 Downtown Locations Corner of BroaDway & 3rd

260 S. Broadway, (213) 626-7975 • (213) 626-8235, Tel/Fx: (213) 626-4572

Fashion DistriCt at Corner 9th/santee 226 E. 9th St. , (213) 623-5091 • (213) 327-0645, Tel/Fx: (213) 623-9405

WATCH IT ON DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM,

NEW EPISODE EVERY MONDAY AT 9AM

Downtown City Tavern at FIGat7th

20 Downtown News

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

DT

February 10, 2014

CALENDAR LISTINGS EVENTS

Some Globetrotters, Some Chekhov and a Lot of Art Are in Downtown This Week

Wednesday, February 12 Lucha VaVoom Club Mayan, 1038 S. Hill St., (213) 746-4674 or luchavavoom.com.

Feb. 12-13, 8 p.m.: If you’re not already acquainted with the semi-annual cavalcade of burlesque dancers, vintage muscle cars and masked wrestling, this week’s “My Kinky Valentine” tag team of shows is the perfect opportunity to see what has your Downtown neighbors staggering home drunk with wide eyes and smiles on their faces.

Sweet Georgia Brown! If you’ve been fiending for a little dose of bucket draining, fullcourt showmanship, then your prayers are answered, for the Harlem Globetrotters will be dribbling into Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 16, for two shows at 12:30 and 5:45 p.m. Sadly, the squad of wunderkind basketball players will not be playing their perennial opponents, the Washington Generals. Instead, guests will see the boys in red, white and blue demolish the “International Elite” or “Global Select” in a show of Naismith-inspired force so strong and lighthearted that it’ll make you forget Kobe and Blake. At 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or staplescenter.com.

sunday, February 16 Downtown Flea Third and Spring streets or dtflea.com.

10 a.m.: Now a weekly affair, this multi-lot flea market brings the best in odd purchases, rummaging and antiques into one body of coalesced variety shopping.

Three

Five

If you enjoy creative saturation and clever framing, you may just find yourself enamored with John Rabe’s latest exhibit, I Am a Camera, at the Julian Bermudez Gallery now through March 29. The show will be doling out little bits of Rabe’s remarkable perspective one snapshot at a time. The host of KPCC’s “Off-Ramp’ show will display candid photos, images of iconic Los Angeles and at least one print featuring the bearded mug of KEarth 101’s Shotgun Tom Kelly. The gallery is open seven days a week, so you don’t really have an excuse to miss it. At 117 W. Ninth St., space 810 or Julian-bermudez.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

ROCK, POP & JAZZ Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com/losangeles.

Feb. 14: We’re not really sure whether the real attraction here is ethereal proto-indie band Spiritualized with a full orchestra and choir performing Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space in its entirety, or the grand reopening of the ornately classical United Artists Theater. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

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

Feb. 11: Sheela Bringi.

Feb. 12: Matthew Stevens Residency.

Feb. 13-14: David Leibman, John Beasley, Dave Robaire and Jonathan Pinson.

Feb. 15: David Friesen Trio.

Feb. 16: Jeff Parker, Eric Revis and Alex Cline.

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

Feb. 10, 9 p.m.: L.A. based electro R&B upstart Jarell Perry is poised to explode out of the underground like a pyroclastic flow.

Feb. 11, 8 p.m.: Meg Myers has been haunting the L.A. singersongwriter scene (and the fantasies of lonely, spindly hipsters) for a minute now. She’s back to preach the wonders of leaving the South and the religion of her childhood!

Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.: A cataclysmic cocktail of psychedelic feedback straight from the devilish secondary growth and yonder hollers of the Old Dominion as Pontiak stops by to entertain you.

It wouldn’t be a year of fantastic plays at the Mark Taper Forum without a dark comedy focusing on a dysfunctional family. Enter Vanya and Son ia and Masha and Spike. Onstage through March 9, playwright Christopher Durang’s composite homage to the work of Anton Chekhov finds two contentious sibl ings faced with the arrival of their even more vituperativ e sister and her troubled boyfrie nd Spike. This week you too can bas k in the wonder of the incidental inner humor of a contemporary family as Vanya et al. runs Tuesday-Frida y at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m .

BTW: David Hyde Pierce directs.

At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628 -2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

photo courtesy of John Rabe and Bermudez Projects

saTurday, February 15 Atlantic Steps at World City W.M. Keck Amphitheatre, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 9727211 or musiccenter.org.

11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Be sure to line up an hour in advance if you want to score free tickets to see these Irish step dancers and their traditional folk music accompaniment shake up the outdoor amphitheater. Beware of high-flying knees.

The Southern Migration West at CAAM California African American Museum,600 State Dr., (213) 744-2024 or caamuseum.org.

2 p.m.: Dr. Angela James discusses the 20th century’s great migration of Southern African Americans to northern industrial centers and our own city.

photo by Craig Schwartz

photo by Jeffrey Phelps

Thursday, February 13 Edward Frenkel and Chris Carter at Aloud Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St, (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org.

7:15 p.m.: X-Files creator Chris Carter will join mathematician Edward Frenkel to discuss the intricacies of existence and draw attention away from the evil looking man with dark intentions smoking in the corner.

Traveling the Silk Road Lecture Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 7633466 or nhm.org.

7 p.m.: Culinary Historians of Southern California co-founder Charles Perry will discuss cuisine and recipes of the Silk Road.

Hint: it’s not hotdogs.

By Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com

home to Downtown Those who commute hted to discover that each night will be delig ursday of the nd Th it is yet again the seco k is upon us. Down at month. Thus, Art Wal of artists will create the Hive Gallery, a team d minor arcana ajor an unique portraits of m ally be published as cards that will eventu nature tarot card part of the gallery’s sig alk Lounge, meandeck. Over at the Art W ervescent throat the eff while, you can enjoy ter from the evening’s tickle of free bubbly wa ly rrier. The party official corporate sponsor, Pe en op but the bars stay runs from 6-10 p.m., ) the Historic Core, (213 much, much later. In artwalk.org.

617-4929 or downtown

With but a mere month separating us from St. Patrick’s Day, the Music Center’s World City program has elected to broaden this country’s knowledge of Irish culture. Welcome Atlantic Steps, a group of step dancers so steeped in the traditional moves of their native Erin that they’ll blow your leprechaun-name-dropping perceptions right out of the water when they do two shows at the outdoor W.M. Keck Amphitheatre at Disney Hall.

Fronted by the fantastic Brian Cunningham and backed by a full band of Irish musicians, Atlantic Steps will be putting heel to stage at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. Tickets are dispensed an hour before each performance. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org.

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

February 10, 2014 Feb. 12, 9:30 p.m.: Effervescent indie pop from Southern Louisiana? Better believe it.

Royal Teeth is the latest in Dangerbird Record’s stable of feel-good crooners.

Feb. 13, 9 p.m.: Colorfully textured indie psych aside, Desert Noises pulled a typical Utah move in describing their music as perfect for “getting married to the wide-open road.” That marriage is not valid in California, boys. Don’t even try.

Feb. 13, 9:30 p.m.: One part spaghetti western and another part harrowing journey to the sinister heart of evil men, Secret Chiefs 3 is the Mr. Bungle side project you’ve wait for all these years!

Feb. 14, 9 p.m.: If you’re looking to soundtrack a dismally pensive moment in your overwrought life, be sure to check out Peter Bradley Adams.

Feb. 14, 11:30 p.m.: Nothing infuriates us more than a double booked venue, but when Secret Chiefs 3 drop by to play ’90s sax legend John Zorn’s Middle Eastern tinged “Masada” we say it’s A-OK! Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.: The poorly timed “I Hate Valentine’s Day Dance Party” falls 24 hours after your yearly “accident prone” day.

Feb. 15, 9 p.m.: The Seshen will be doing their best synth pop Erykah Badu impression.

Feb. 16, 8 p.m.: A trio of glamorous singers from strange places across the globe features Natalia Kills of England, Miriam Bryant from Sweden and Ivy Levan from Bentonville, Arkansas. Hey, Wal-Mart is also from Bentonville. Maybe they know each other.

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

Feb. 13, 8:30 p.m.: Kevin Hart’s neophyte trio of stand-up comedians drops a few laughs as the Plastic Cup Boyz.

Feb. 16, 8 p.m.: Following up the resounding success of One OK Rock is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

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

Feb. 10, 10 p.m.: Brian Walker initiates an evening of wild entertainment that culminates with Yonatan’s Monster Monday.

Feb. 11, 10 p.m.: The illustrious Bunny West and the ever slinky Boom Boom Boom.

Feb. 12, 10 p.m.: Michael Kirkpatrick and Orion Walsh will be tag teaming the Escondite corner stage.

Feb. 13, 10 p.m.: Put on a little River Rouge before Blackwater Jukebox.

Feb. 14, 9 p.m.: Trevor Menear would like to thank The Diamond Light for warming up the crowd and the Escondite staff for floating their livers.

Feb. 15, 10 p.m.: Charlie Chan and the SOBs are a delight both inebriated and sober.

Feb. 16, 1 p.m.: Brunch with The Ghosts of Echo Park.

Feb. 15, 10 p.m.: RT N the 44s christens yet another Honky Tonk Sunday.

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

Feb. 14: Orjan Nilsen.

Feb. 15: Justin Martin, Catz ’N Dogz and Danny Daze.

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

Feb. 13, 8 p.m.: Benmont Tench, founding keyboardist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will be dropping his latest album.

Honeycut 819 S. Flower St., (213) 688-0888 or honeycutla.com.

Feb. 13, 10 p.m.: DJ Rob Ackroyd is no relation to Dan. Sorry.

Feb. 14, 10 p.m.: Jack of All Tracks is second only to Alvin of All Albums.

Feb. 15, 10 p.m.: DJ Aaron Castle.

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

Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Power 106’s Valentine’s Crush is a hip-hop mega-concert featuring Miguel, Big Sean, Ciara and Jason DeRulo and hopefully not a mass of humanity struggling to get out of a confined space.

Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Keep the loving vibes going with Charlie Wilson & Keith Sweat.

Feb. 16, 8 p.m.: Roberto Tapia really knows how to differentiate himself from other ranchera musicians with that black cowboy hat.

Nola’s 734 E. Third St, (213) 680-3003 or nolasla.com.

Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Ace Saturdays. No, this doesn’t mean go to the Ace Hotel on Saturdays.

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.

2YOUR EVENT INFO

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT

4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar 4 EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com

Email: Send a brief description, street address and public phone number. Submissions must be received 10 days prior to publication date to be considered for print.

Downtown News 21

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

888-838-5089 635 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. • DOWNTOWNNISSAN.COM

NEW ’’13 113 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S

LEASE FOR ONLY

129

$

TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

800-574-4891 1600 S. FIGUEROA ST. • TOYOTADOWNTOWNLA.COM

NEW ’1 ’144 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN

LEASE FOR ONLY

339

per month for 39 mos

$

per month for 36 mos

Plus tax, 39 month closed end lease on approved credit. $0 Sec. Dep. $5359 due at Signing. (Excludes taxes, title, other options & dealer fees).

Residual $14,280. Model # 13113. $0.15/mile over 12,000 miles/year. 5 At this Price.

Plus tax, 36 Month closed end lease on approved Tier 1 credit through Toyota Financial Services. $0 drive off with $2000 Lease Cash. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep, acquisition fee and additional options No security deposit required. 15¢ per mile in excess of 12,000 miles/year. 1 at this offer T140689/E3051411

$6,999 2007 Nissan Altima Sedan ..................... $13,999 Only 42,000 Miles, Must See, N130227-1/7N418393 2005 Nissan Armada SE .......................... $15,999 5.6L V8, Silver/Black, Leather, 38K miles, NI4111/5N706134

2012 Fiat 500 Sport ...............................

2002 Nissan Altima Sedan ........................

Only 87K miles, Looks and Runs great, N130239-1/2C197821

$13,588 2013 GMC Denali ................................... $41,988 Leather, Moonroof, White/Gray, 11K Miles. T140454-1/J114102 2012 Toyota Sequoia ............................. $53,135 New Factory Demo, Only 9800 Miles, 10K off msrp. S059007 1 Owner, Red, Leather, 16K Miles. TU0439/T381571

VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

DOWNTOWN L.A. MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ

NEW ’14 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA S

NEW ’14 MERCEDES CLA 250

888-781-8102 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • VWDOWNTOWNLA.COM

LEASE FOR ONLY

99

$

per month for 36 mos

Plus tax 36 month closed-end lease, by Volkswagen Credit.. Based on MSRP of $17,515 (including destination charges) for a 2014 Jetta S 2.0L with manual trans, excl. title, tax, options and dealer fees. $2999 due at signing includes $625 acquisition fee. Purchase option at lease end $9920.40. $0.20/ mile over 30,000 miles and excessive wear and tear. 1 at this price #390452 Offer ends 3/3/2014

$13,198 2007 Jeep Patriot Limited .................... $13,617 Auto, Red/Gray, Low Miles, Very Clean. V132201-1/D285953 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge ............................ $16,110 Convertible 6sp Auto, 38mpg. ZV2591/T201975 CARSON NISSAN 2008 Volvo C30 Hatchback ...................

5L Turbo, Red/Gray, Low Miles. ZV2583/068676

888-845-2267 1505 E. 223RD ST., CARSON • CARSONNISSAN.COM

NEW ’’13 NISSAN ROGUE S

LEASE FOR ONLY

179

$

per month for 39 mos

Plus tax 39-month closed end lease on above average tier approved credit., $2999 due at signing. (Excludes title, tax, 1st mo. pymt, options and dealer fees). $0 security deposit. $0.20/mile over 12,000 miles/yr. 1 at this offer # C130048/008216.

$6,888 2010 Toyota Tacoma .............................. $9,888 Auto, Super White, CD, ABS. CU1181P/ AZ712405 2004 Toyota Sienna LE AWD .................. $9,888 3.3L V6, Cap’s Chairs, 1 Owner, Rear AC. CU1241P/ S012435 FELIX CHEVROLET 2003 Buick Regal LE Sdn .......................

3.8L V6, Blue/Silver, Leather. C140613-1/275029

888-304-7039 3300 S. FIGUEROA ST. • FELIXCHEVROLET.COM

NEW ’14 CHEVY VOLT

LEASE FOR ONLY

133

$

per month for 36 mos

Plus tax 36-month closed end lease on Tier 1Credit through US Bank.. Total Customer Cash Down is $4,595, which includes the first payment plus the first payment tax Includes $2575 CCR Rebate plus $750 USAA discount $0 security deposit. $0.25/ mile over 10,000 miles/yr. Based on MSRP of $34,995. 5 at this payment.

$15,995 2012 Toyota Corolla LE Sedan .............. $15,995 1.8L, Great MPG, UC1386R/CP039570 2011 Chevrolet Impala LT Sedan ......... $15,995 3.5L V6, Looks Sharp, UC1400R/B1306437 2012 Ford Fiesta SEL Sdn ......................

1.6L, Great MPG, UC1464R/CM172020

888-319-8762 1801 S. FIGUEROA ST. • MBZLA.COM

LEASE FOR ONLY

329

$

per month for 36 mos

Plus tax, 36 Month closed end lease on approved credit through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. $2,499 CAP reduction, $795 acquisition fee. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options No security deposit required. 25¢ per mile in excess of 30,000 miles. Offer good on all with MSRP $33,925.

$27,979 2011 Mercedes GLK350 ........................ $28,979 Certified, Navigation, Special APR avail. 7066C/ BF661770 2010 Mercedes E350 .............................

Certified, Prem Pkg 1, Navigation, 1.99apr avail. 7082C/ AA231960 $30,991 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2011 Mercedes C350 .............................

Certified, Navigation, Panorama Roof. 7019C/ BR136475

888-583-0981 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • AUDIDTLA.COM

NEW ’14 AUDI A4 2.0T

LEASE FOR ONLY

315

$

per month for 42 mos

Plus tax 42 month closed end lease on approved credit. $2199 down, plus first month payment, tax, title, licensing fees and $695 bank acquisition fee.$0 Sec. Dep. Must qualify for the Audi Loyalty or Audi Acquisition Rebate of $1,000. $0.25 per miles over 10,000 miles/year. 1 at this offer EN022577.

$11,994 2005 BMW 745i ......................................

V8-32V, Kalahari Beige, Low Miles, Leather. A14005D-1/DP76405 $16,999 2011 Audi Q5 Quattro ...........................

Certified, 8 SP, Blue Pearl, Direct Injection. A140559D-1/BA017115 $32,998 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2005 Audi TT Turbo ...............................

Brilliant Black, 6 SP, Tiptronic, Low Miles. A140579D-1/1004023

888-685-5426 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • PORSCHEDOWNTOWNLA.COM

NEW ’14 PORSCHE CAYMAN PDK

LEASE FOR ONLY

549

$

per month for 27 mos

Plus tax 27 month closed end lease. Rates based on approved Tier 1 credit through Porsche Financial Services. $4995 down payment excludes tax, dmv fees, $895 Bank Acquisition fee, first payment and document fees. .30 cents per mile over 5,000 miles per year. No security deposit. 1 at this price EK172755.

$78,898 2013 Porsche Panamera Platinum ......

CPO, Black, 20” Spyder Whls, 3K Miles, Nav, Bose. ZP1666/ DL017576 $78,898 2012 Porsche Carrera S ......................... $87,894 CPO, Yellow, Bose, Nav, Only 19K Miles. ZP1678/ CS120162 2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid ..........

CPO, White, 5825 Miles, Pan Roof, Nav, Bose. P14313-1/ CLA93728

22 Downtown News

DT

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL lofts for sale

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper

213.598.7555

$1,200/mo 2bd/1ba in Chinatown. Minutes from Downtown.

Newly paint, range, refrigerator, carpet. Laundry on-site. One parking space. 433 Cottage Home Street 818-716-7297.

SENIOR APARTMENTS 62 + Studio $881 1 Bedroom $937.

Balcony, Full Kitchen, A/C, Clubhouse, BBQ, Resource room, Laundry, SEC 8 O.K. Visit GSL SAN LUCAS.com 213623-2010.

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.

EMPLOYMENT GENERal

U.S. GOVT JOBS NOW HIRING Civil Service / Postal Clerks No Experience. Job Security. $20-75 an hour and Benefits CALL NOw! (855) 631-0850

Luxury 2.5 BR/ 2 Full Bath.

Downtown. Heated pool, gym, parking $1550/month 818-6150400.

GET FIT with Lauren. I am a Los Angeles based Personal Trainer who is also obtaining advanced specialized certifications in both Corrective Exercise and Performance Enhancement.I provide meal plans, specialized workouts, training and everything you need to reach your fitness goals along with 24hour support. www. laurennicolept.com for more information 818-453-2328

Misc. Services

Old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts Apartments/Unfurnished

Health & Fitness

SERVICES

Loft/Unfurnished

FOR RENT

from $1,295 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com

CROSSWORD

February 10, 2014

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Legal WE KNOW how stressful it is to have a friend or family member in custody Allow us to help during this challenging time by getting your loved one released quickly. We are here to provide state and Federal bail bonds.

License #1B41341. (213) 4832245

SCREEN PRINTING Garment Decoration Service. T-Shirts Custom Printing/Heat appliquĂŠs for the fashion industry. All custom work. Text or e-mail: chihuahuatees@gmail.com (213) 344-7939

Cleaning CONCEPTOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants.

Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Volunteer Opportunities Do you have flu symptoms? If you are over 18 years old and having symptoms of flu, please call us at 213-261-3680. We are doing a research study testing an investigational flu medicine.

Compensation may be provided.

213-261-3680

DowntownNews.com

LOFT LIVING Your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development!

D ow n t ow n N ew s . c o m

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

February 10, 2014

Downtown News 23

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

wages, money, and property may number, and fax number of name or names listed above on INC, 1264 W. 1st Street, Los AnDOWNTOWN SHOPPER, 1264 be taken without further warning Plaintiff’s attorney is: 09/12/1972. geles, CA 90026. This business W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA from the court. There are other leD. Lilah McLean This statement was filed with is conducted by a corporation.

90026-5831 are hereby regisgal requirements. You may want (SBN 203594) DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles The registrant commenced to tered by the following registrant: to call an attorney right away. If CrossCheck, Inc. County Clerk on February 06, transact business under the ficCIVIC CENTER NEWS, INC, Civil SummonS you do not know an attorney, you 1440 N. McDowell Blvd.

2009. titious business name or names 1264 W. 1st Street, Los Angemay want to call an attorney referPetaluma, CA 94954 NOTICE—This fictitious name listed above on 09/12/1972. les, CA 90026. This business is LOS ANGELES COUNTY ral service. If you cannot afford an Telephone: (707) 665-2110 statement expires five years This statement was filed with conducted by a corporation. The SUPERIOR COURT attorney, you may be eligible for NOTICE TO THE PERSON from the date it was filed in the DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles registrant commenced to transNO. BC492507 free legal services from a nonSERVED: You are served as an office of the county clerk. A new County Clerk on February 11, act business under the fictitious PLAINTIff: fRANk MAYOR profit legal services program. You individual defendant on behalf of fictitious business name state2009. business name or names listed vS can locate these nonprofit groups CCP 416.10 (corporation). ment must be filed before that NOTICE—This fictitious name above on 09/12/1972.

SUPERIOR COURT Of DEfENDANT: JON kRAShat the California Legal Services Pub. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, time. The filing of this statement statement expires five years This statement was filed with CALIfORNIA, NA, Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.

02/24/2014 does not of itself authorize the from the date it was filed in the DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles COUNTY Of LOS ANGELES, AND DOES 1 ThROUGh 10, GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin org), the California Courts Online use in this state of a fictitious office of the county clerk. A new County Clerk on February 11, NO. EC061495 INCLUSIvE NOTICE! Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. business name in violation of the fictitious business name state2009.

PLAINTIff: CROSSChECk, You have been sued. The court FiCtitiouS BuSineSS name Editor: Jon Regardie ExEcutivE ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting rights of another under federal, ment must be filed before that NOTICE—This fictitious name INC. A CALIfORNIA CORPOmay decide against you without stAFF writErs: Donna Eddie Kim 7 2local court or county bar asyour state, Evans, or common law (see Sectime. The filing of this statement statement expires five years Losbeing Angeles RATION S I N C E 19 your heardDowntown unless you News refICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME Editor: coNtributiNG Kathryn Maese sociation. tion 14411 et. seq.

Business and does not of itself authorize the from the date it was filed in the spond 30 days.

1264within W. First Street,Read Los the Angeles, CA 90026 vS STATEMENT coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, NOTE: The court has a statutory Professions Code).Greg Fischer, use in this state of a fictitious office of the county clerk. A new DEfENDANTS: vAGhINAk information below. phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 fILE NO. 20090170655 I N C fictitious E 19 7 2business name statelien for waived fees and costs Pub.Jane 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, and business name in violation ofSthe Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Wakefield MARTIROSYAN, AN INDIvIDUYou have 30 CALENDAR DAYS • email: web: DowntownNews.com realpeople@downtownnews.com The following person is doing on any settlement or arbitration 03/03/2014. rights of another federal, mentNews must be filed before that Losunder Angeles Downtown AL; EAGLE EYE COLLISION after this summons and legal Art dirEctor: business as: 1) CIVIC CENTER Brian Allison award of $10,000 or more in a state, or common The filingCA of this statement CENTER, INC.,twitter: A CALIfOR1264law W.(see FirstSecStreet, time.

Los Angeles, 90026 papers arefacebook: served on you to file NEWS, INC, 2) L.A. DOWNAssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa tion 14411 et. seq.

Business and does not213-250-4617 of itself authorize the NIA CORPORATION, fICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME a written response at this News court phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: L.A. Downtown DowntownNews civil case. The court’s lien must TOWNER, 1264 W. 1st Street, ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins be paid before the court will disProfessions Code). use in this state of a fictitious AND DOES 1 ThROUGh 10, STATEMENT and have a copy served on the web: DowntownNews.com Los Angeles, CA 90026-5831 miss the case.

Pub. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, and business name in violation of the INCLUSIvE NOTICE! fILE NO. 20090187396 plaintiff. A letter or phone call will PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard are hereby registered by the The name and address 03/03/2014. email: realpeople@downtownnews.com rights of another under federal, The following person is doing notEditor protect&you.

Your written PublishEr: SuereLaris You have been sued. The court following registrant: CIVIC CENof the court is: state, or common law (see Secmay decide against you without AccouNtiNG: Tarabusiness LaPlante as: 1) L.A. DOWNsponse mustMANAGEr: be in proper legalEastin GENErAl Dawn facebook: TER NEWS, INC, 1264 W. 1st North Central Glendale tion 14411 et. seq. Business and your being heard unless you reTOWN NEWS 2) LOS ANGEfICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME form, if you want the court to hear L.A. Downtown News Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin 600 E. Broadway Professions Code).

ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardiespond within 30 days. Read the LES DOWNTOWN NEWS, STATEMENT your case. There may be a court This business is conducted by a clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway fILE NO. 20090189318 Glendale, CA 91206 Pub. 02/10, 02/17, 02/24, and information stAFF Donna Evans, Eddie Kim below.

1264 W. 1st Street, Los Angeform that writErs: you can use for your twitter: corporation.

The registrant comCase Number: EC061495 03/03/2014.

AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Josie Damian, have 30 CALENDAR DAYS coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn You Maese les, Yoji CA Cole, 90026-5831 are hereby The following person is doing response.

You can find these DowntownNews menced to transact business Dated: October 09, 2013 after Greg this Fischer, summonsKristin and Friedrich, legal Catherine Hollowayregistered by the following regbusiness as: 1) LOS ANGELES court forms and more information coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, under the fictitious business The name, address, telephone papers are served on you to file CENTER NEWS, DOWNTOWN©2014 SHOPPER 2) Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News Civic Center News, at Kylie the California Courts Online sAlEs AssistANt: istrant: ClaudiaCIVIC Hernandez Jane Wakefield is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. a written response at this court Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon Art dirEctor: Brian Allison The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newsand have a copy served on the ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law paper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every AssistANt dirEctor: Yumiplaintiff.

Kanegawa distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles A letter or phone call will library, or the Art courthouse nearMonday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown not protect ANd GrAPhics: Rawlinsyou. Your written redistributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla estProductioN you. If you cannot pay the fil- Alexis Los Angeles. sponse must be in proper legal ing fee, ask the court clerk for a One copy per person.

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard form, if you want the court to hear fee waiver form. If you do not file your case.

There may be a court your response onTara time,LaPlante you may AccouNtiNG: the LOFT expert! form that you can use for your lose the case by default, and your AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin response. You can find these wages, money, and property may AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Holloway court Catherine forms and more information beclAssiFiEd taken without further warning at theDamian, California Courts Holloway Online AccouNt ExEcutivEs: YojileCole, Josie Catherine from the court.

There are other Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.

AssistANt: Hernandez galsAlEs requirements.

You Claudia may want Downtown since 2002 ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law to call an attorney right away. If and get one month FREE. library, or the courthouse nearyou do not know an attorney, you circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon est you. If you cannot pay the filmay want to call an attorney refer3 blocks west of LA Live and the Bill Cooper MANAGEr: ing Ingles fee, ask the court clerk for a raldistributioN service. If you cannot afford Salvador an Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris heart of downtown L.A. distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla fee waiver form. If you do not file 213.598.7555 attorney, you may be eligible for GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin your response on time, you may TheLoftExpertGroup.com free legal services from a nonTheLoftExpertGroup.com Call for details (213) 386-6792 or lose the case by default, and your DRE # 01309009 profit legal services program. You BRE #01309009 Editor: Jon Regardie ExEcutivE visit our website www.curacaobc.com can locateCivic these nonprofit groups ©2014 Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim Voted BEST Downtown Residential Real EstatestAFF Agent!

Inc. All rights reserved. at News the California Legal Services coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese Thesite Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles Web (www.lawhelpcalifornia. andthe is distributed Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, org), Californiaevery Courts Online Angeles.

NOTICE Of BRANCh OPENING Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.

Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield S I N C E 19 7 2 One copy per person. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting Notice is hereby given that Open Bank, 1000 Wilshire Blvd. Suite Los Angeles Downtown News Art dirEctor: Brian Allison your local court or county bar as100, Los Angeles, California 90017, will be filing an application sociation.

1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on February 10, NOTE: The court has a statutory phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins 2014 for the authority to establish a branch at 3030 W. Olympic lien for waived fees and costs 724 S. Spring St. LA web: DowntownNews.com Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90006. Any person wishing to on any settlement or arbitration PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard comment on the application may file his or her comments email: realpeople@downtownnews.com award of $10,000 or more in a • 900 to 1500 sqft. in writing with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante civil case. The court’s lien must • Elegant tiled flooring and polished concrete floors Insurance Corporation at its regional office located at 25 Jessie facebook: be paid before the court will disAdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin Street at Ecker Square, Suite 2300, San Francisco, CA 94105, • Brand new A/C, bathrooms each unit L.A. DowntowninNews miss the case. not later than February 25, 2014. The nonconfidential por• Spectacular views of Downtown clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway The name and address twitter: on the ground floor tions of the application are on file in the regional office and are • Great Location, restaurant of the court is: AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, DowntownNews available for public inspection during regular business hours.

Los Angeles County Catherine Holloway Photocopies of the nonconfidential portion of the application file Superior Court sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez Central District will be made available upon request. ©2014 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown 111 North Hill Street News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All Los Angeles, CA 90012-3014 rights reserved. circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon Case Number: BC492507 Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read Fully furnished with TV, FurnishedThe single unit distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is disDated: January 15, 2014 telephone, microwave, tributed every Monday throughout the offices and with kitchenette, Mary Flores, Deputy distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, New Opening #1 Professional Massage refrigerator. Gustavo Bonilla The name, address, telephone bathroom.residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

Steam, Sauna, Gift Certificate Available, Full bathroom.

Massage, Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Jade Room, number, and fax number of copy per person.

Excellent One location.

Open Holidays Gift Certificate Available, Open Holidays Plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff Excellent location.

Open 7 Day A Week 10am-12am Open 7 Day A Week 8am-11pm Downtown LA.

LEGAL

without an attorney, is: Frank Mayor 424 Bamboo Lane Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-617-7200 NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual defendant.

Pub. 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24/2014

TM

LEASE OffICE SPACE AS LOW AS $250.00

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

Public Notice

Corporation Bldg. For Lease Creative Office Space

City of la, GSD Real estate Services Div, is accepting Request for Proposals from parties interested in leasing space at 155 South Main Street to operate a restaurant/cafe or retail services.

Call Joi at 213-922-8524 for details.

Sakura Spa

Royal Health Spa

111 n. atlantic Blvd. Ste #231-233, monterey Park

1020 S. Hacienda Blvd., Hacienda Heights

(626) 458-1919

(626) 369-8484

Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

Monthly from $695 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

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 Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante

Please call (213) 627-6913

Weekly rate $275 inc.

Monthly from $600 utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla ©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.

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

24 Downtown News

February 10, 2014

Huizar, 16

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 / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

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

On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / 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

given any public indication that she’ll enter the race or is even pondering it, but if you run down the invisible checklist of positives, she has many of them: a connection to a popular mayor; the ability (through that mayor) to raise gobs of money; a long history in city government; a basket of bunny rabbits she lets anyone play with; being a viable Latina candidate in a district that includes Boyle Heights (one of those isn’t true).

What makes things even more prickly is that Huizar is one of the few council members who last year backed City Controller Wendy Greuel in her failed mayoral bid. While Huizar was tight with former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, he now lacks an ally in Spring Street’s most important office.

Those circumstances might have made some candidates keep a low profile, hoping things would blow over. Instead, Huizar pulled a Marshawn Lynch and went into Beast Mode (one column, two Seahawks references!). Intriguingly, Wesson was part of the play.

Godoy filed her bombshell lawsuit five days before a longscheduled Huizar fundraiser in Downtown. Wesson then got himself on the invitation as a “special guest.” That night, he went on stage in front of a big crowd at the Spring Street club Exchange L.A. and proudly proclaimed that “Mr. Huizar is like my brother, my best friend on the council.”

The money started rolling in, and $322,000 later, Huizar may just have enough to scare Guerrero or any other big-name contender from entering. Money of course doesn’t guarantee victory, and Los Angeles has seen plenty of well-financed candidates drop a race. That said, Huizar’s first stage financial report is the political equivalent of a rattlesnake shaking its tail: It’s a warning that any competitor is entering hostile territory and might get bit (not literally).

For what it’s worth, the money is coming from all over. Eli Broad gave the maximum amount allowed of $700, as did Wendy Greuel and former Mayor Richard Riordan. Huizar has been backed extensively by Downtown attorneys, developers and landowners — he got $2,800 from four members of the Delijani family, which controls four Broadway theaters — and the tips must have been good at the restaurant Wabi Sabi, because a waiter named Franky Chan donated $700.

It isn’t only individuals. The Central City Association Political Action Committee gave $700. I don’t know if Huizar drinks Budweiser or likes Clydesdales, but he got $700 from Anheuser Busch. He also secured the same amount from Boo Boo Inc., which I mention solely because its name is, well, Boo Boo Inc. The election is more than a year away, and it remains uncertain if further repercussions will come from the Godoy affair and lawsuit. In politics things can dribble slowly and then suddenly erupt. About the only definite is that plenty of people are watching from the sidelines, waiting for something to happen, or perhaps for nothing to happen.

Is Huizar wounded in a political context? Sure, but the bigger question is, how much? He still boasts high name recognition and the power of incumbency, which are very important come election day. Given the aggressive fundraising push and his ties to Wesson, he’s clearly primed for a fight if he is unable to scare off competitors. Things could get interesting. regardie@downtownnews.com

James Brown, 18 as he can remember. Still, since participating in the project, Evans has earned a much greater appreciation for the man and his music.

“He had such style. He was a true leader,” he said.

Although appearing on the stage of the Apollo Theater was memorable, Evans is particularly excited about the Ahmanson shows. After all, he will be performing the work in his hometown for the first time, in front of family and friends. Already, he said, he is looking forward to everyone getting lost in the raw, sweaty, rhythmic world of James Brown.

James Brown: Get on the Good Foot runs Feb. 14-16 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0711 or musiccenter.org/jamesbrown. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. donna@downtownnews.com