03-06-17

the

March 6, 2017 I VOL. 46 I #10

SIGHTS SOUNDS OF

AND

g n i r p S A Rundown of 40 Can’t-Miss Concerts, Shows, Events, Exhibits and More Taking Place in Downtown See Pages 7-17

L.A. Downtown News Sells : 2 A Goodbye From Sue Laris : 5

photo by Andy Ross

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

The Scottish Ballet will perform its version of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion May 19-21.

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

2 Downtown News

Southland Publishing Buys Los Angeles Downtown News

T

he Los Angeles Downtown News, which has been covering Downtown L.A. for 45 years, has been purchased by Southland Publishing, an L.A.-based media group specializing in newsweeklies, magazines and affiliated online assets.

“We’re purchasing a sophisticated property and are pleased to bring the L.A. Downtown News into our family of media,” said David Comden, vice president of Southland. “Downtown Los Angeles has emerged as the most dynamic urban market on the West Coast and its future is very bright. The addition of L.A. Downtown News will greatly complement our coverage in greater Pasadena and the Westside of Los Angeles.”

Southland Publishing, which was founded in 1997 and is based in Pasadena, has media properties throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and Ventura counties and in five states. In Los Angeles, Southland owns the Pasadena Weekly, The Argonaut, Arroyo Monthly and Playa Vista Direct with a combined reach of more than 300,000 readers.

Downtown News was founded in 1972, and for the life of the publication has been helmed by founder, Editor

and Publisher Sue Laris. The paper has an audited weekly circulation of 40,000 with 795 distribution locations in 16 neighborhoods. It has a vibrant website, downtownnews.com, a daily email newsletter, an engaged social media fan base and a pair of high-profile annual magazines (the Downtown Guide and the Restaurant Guide).

Last fall, Laris announced her intent to sell the paper, which resulted in 40 serious inquires.

“It was key we find a buyer that understands and appreciates local newspapers,” explains Laris. “The immediacy, intimacy and personal relevance of the Downtown News has been the cornerstone of our success.

We have been a hometown paper.

David Comden and Southland get it. I couldn’t have hoped for a better hand-off. With Southland as the owner, Downtown News will remain the independent voice of Downtown Los Angeles.”

Comden will serve as the new publisher. The paper’s award-winning editor, Jon Regardie, senior writer Eddie Kim, and staff writer Nicholas Slayton will be staying on. Downtown News will continue to be headquartered in its building on First Street.

AROUND TOWN

DT

Paul Schimmel Out at Arts District Complex

L

ocal art fans were excited when Paul Schimmel, who had spent 22 years at Downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art, partnered with international gallery juggernaut Hauser & Wirth to turn an old Arts District grain mill into a 116,000-square-foot art facility with exhibits open to the public. Less than a year after the Hauser Wirth & Schimmel complex opened, however, Schimmel is out. Gallery representatives on Feb. 24 announced that Schimmel will no longer serve as director, partner and vice president of the Third Street space. No reason for Schimmel’s departure was given, and he declined an interview through a museum representative. “Going forward, Hauser & Wirth will continue building upon its longstanding, passionate commitment to Los Angeles with expanded programs, including an increasingly robust campaign of public events and community outreach activities,” Iwan Wirth, cofounder and co-president of Hauser & Wirth, said in a prepared statement. Schimmel has been replaced by Marc Payot, the vice president and partner who oversees Hauser & Wirth’s U.S. operations. Stacen Berg, senior director of the L.A. gallery, also remains.

New Art Museum Announces First Shows

T

he Arts District’s newest museum will open Sept. 9 with three exhibitions. The main gallery at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles will house

March 6, 2017 roughly 50 pieces that artist Martín Ramirez made in the first half of the 20th century. The exhibition is part of the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA project, which explores Los Angeles and Latino art. The museum’s Project Room will host works from multimedia artist Abigail DeVille, who is known for her installations. Additionally, painter Sarah Cain will create an installation in the museum’s courtyard. The exhibitions will be on display through Dec. 31. The institution founded in 1984 and formerly known as the Santa Monica Museum of Art announced last year that it is moving to a 12,700-square-foot space at 1717 E. Seventh St. in the Arts District.

Talk Zoning, Skid Row and Mini Golf This Month

T

he Los Angeles Poverty Department, a theater company born and based in Skid Row, last year won a $50,000 grant to produce a sociopolitical show on zoning and land rights dubbed The Back 9. As the name suggests, the production will feature a minigolf course that also serves as a stage and metaphor for the issues at hand. The LAPD is now embarking on a series of public workshops and talks as it develops the script and direction for the play. Next up is a Saturday, March 11, session dubbed “What Is Zoning?,” led by LAPD collaborator (and local artist and writer) Rosten Woo. The event will offer games and activities to spark discussion on an oft-misunderstood part of city planning. Coming March 18 is a presentation on “Rezoning Skid Row,” led by L.A. City Planners Bryan Eck and Tal Harari. It will feature a breakdown of the department’s DTLA 2040 plan with a focus on changes to the Industrial District. Both events run from 3-5 p.m. at the theater troupe’s headquarters at 250 S. Broadway. More information is at lapovertydept.org.

Continued on page 20

Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?

Find out at the landmark location near Downtown. Home of the original Chili-burger.

Quality and value since 1946:

Chili Hamburger .............. $2.60 Chili Cheeseburger ........... $3.10

Many Imitate, But None Compare!

March 6, 2017

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

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

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

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

Jeff Barber, Manager Currently Driving: Audi A6

|

Customer Since: 2011 NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

This is my fifth Audi – the third from DTLA Motors. Can’t imagine getting a car anywhere else. Great staff, great service, great deals. I feel like family at DTLA Motors.

635 W. Washington Blvd.

888-838-5089 downtownnissan.com

— Jeff Barber

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

CARSON

NISSAN

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

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

4 Downtown News

DT

EDITORIALS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Emily Manthei ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

March 6, 2017

©2016 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.

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

The Downtown News Endorsements

E

lection Day is Tuesday, March 7, and turnout is expected to be pitiful, with possibly less than 20% of eligible voters showing up at the polls. Still, we urge everyone to vote, as the ballot contains a number of important issues and races.

Here are four of Los Angeles Downtown News’ endorsements.

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris

GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim

STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton Re-elect Eric Garcetti: Since becoming mayor four years CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese S I N C E 19 7 2 ago, Garcetti has scored several landmark achievements, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre, Greg Los Angeles Downtown News including running herd on the county sales tax Measure M Fischer, Emily Manthei 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 to pay for mass transit projects, and helming the campaign phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 for Proposition HHH, which will fund the construction of ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison web: DowntownNews.com up to 10,000 apartments for homeless individuals. He also ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa email: realpeople@downtownnews.com initiated the move to hike the city’s minimum wage and PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard facebook: helped convince George Lucas to bring his $1 billion art ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt L.A. Downtown News museum to Exposition Park.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway It’s an impressive record, though Garcetti has frustrated twitter: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, SINC E 19 7 2 a number of Angelenos with his penchant for avoiding takDowntownNews Michael Lamb ing public stances on someNews thorny issues. There were times Los Angeles Downtown ©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. when1264 we W. wish had seized the bully pulpit and he did Firsthe Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newsphone: 213-481-1448 • fax:our 213-250-4617 not. Sometimes we just want highest elected official to CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon paper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com Monday throughout the officesdevelopments and residences of Downtown standweb: up on a controversial matter and help guide us. opportunity to remove tickets and fines ifDISTRIBUTION they will access vari- Salvadoring a dense, vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood.

Large almost MANAGER: Ingles Los Angeles. always require some sort of zoning change.

Downtown needs more ous social services.

He has also repeatedly prosecuted hospitals Still, we are far more swayed by the achievements than DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla One copy per person. facebook: twitter: for “dumping” homeless individuals, or sending them back to the of these projects and more housing. That is unlikely to happen if Meathe shortcomings, and we think his thoughtful, analyticsL.A. Downtown News DowntownNews sure S passes. streets and an uncertain future after being discharged from hospidriven approach can help the city address challenges such tals.

This issue needs the best minds in Los Angeles, and he is one as worsening homelessness and a potential fiscal crisis in EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris Yes on Measure H: This measure would institute a quarter-cent of them. the form of rising payouts for lawsuits and unfunded liabilGENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin county sales tax to pay for services to help homeless individuals. It ities (read: retirement burdens of city employees).

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie No on Measure S: This effort to rein in aEXECUTIVE real estateEDITOR: development would generate an estimated $355 million a year for 10 years. It’s Ten other people are on the ballot, but none has the relJon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim scene that can seem out-of-control is theSENIOR most WRITER: important item a big ask in the wake of city voters approving Proposition HHH in evant political experience to run Los Angeles. If Garcetti Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton on the ballot.

While plenty needs adjusting in the relationship November, but it is a vital step in addressing homelessness. is willing to take some tough stances, we believe he can CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton between developers and city officials, and while City Hall has too Proposition HHH covers only housing, and while that is the bigachieve great things.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese often been a pushover for developers, the measure’s two-year gest piece of the puzzle in getting someone the7streets, it is not Emily Manthei S I N C off E 19 2 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre, moratorium on projects that require a city General Plan amendRe-elect Mike Feuer: Feuer is running unopposed, but the only piece.

Greg Fischer, Emily Manthei ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison Los is Angeles Downtown News ment or certain zone or height changes would do more harm it’s still worth saying that he deserves another term. In his Every case of homelessness different, and there is no single 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa than good. It would hamper the evolution of Downtown Los Anfour years as City Attorney, he has consistently displayed solution. For example, some homeless individuals are addicts who ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard and a creative and consisgeles, which is the area of the city best positioned for growth. smarts, mindful aggressiveness need drug treatment programs. Others suffer from mental illness web: DowntownNews.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa Measure S could also worsen a citywide housing crisis. Voters tent approach to the challenges facing Los Angeles. and require counseling. Some of those on the streets may be out email: realpeople@downtownnews.com ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard must say “No.” of work and need short-term assistance or job training. There are His achievements include expanding the Neighborhood CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway facebook: as well as homeless Prosecutor program, a key link with communities.

He also To be sure, the city has not helped itself.ACCOUNTING: The failure over decades homeless families with unique requirements, Ashley Schmidt ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb L.A. Downtown News women escaping an abusive relationship. soothed a relationship with the City Council and the mayto update the 35 community plans that govern growth in individSALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez or’s office that had grown toxic under previous City Attorney ual neighborhoods has led to a situation in which developers rou-MANAGER: The point is,Holloway there are many reasons twitter: people become homeless, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Catherine CIRCULATION: Salmon Carmen Trutanich.Danielle Feuer has taken steps to help the city get tinely seek amendments to outdated guidelines.

These changes and an array of services are required.

Measure H would provide DowntownNews ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, DISTRIBUTION Ingles a handle on illegalMANAGER: billboardsSalvador and pot shops. He earned naare frequently granted, sometimes to the Brenda consternation neigh-Lamb funding that helps ensure that assistance is tailored to the individStevens,of Michael Castillo, Gustavo tionalDISTRIBUTION attention forASSISTANTS: going afterLorenzo Wells Fargo when the Bonilla bank bors who fear more traffic or other consequences.

Reform efforts ual situation.

SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez ©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown is a trademark of Civic News Inc. All opened accounts in the name of customers without informhave gone nowhere, and recent attempts by politicians to con Measure H would create News a five-person board toCenter review expen©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center rights reserved.

News Inc. All rights reserved. ing them. vince the public that change is coming feel panicky. ditures. We urge county officials select true watchdogs and emThe Losto Angeles Downtown News is the must-read Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon power the panel, and for the newspaper for produce Downtown Los Angelespublic and is disboard to regular re In The hisLos next term we hope Feuer continues to apply the Still, the two-year moratorium is a sledgehammer approach when and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los tributed every Monday throughout the offices and DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles Angeles.of his office to homelessness. He has held regports on where the cash goes and to determine whether it is being resources a more nuanced response is needed. We particularly worry about the residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

Castillo, effectively spent. ular “citation ” which offer those on the streets the impacts of Measure S on Downtown, whichDISTRIBUTION is on the pathASSISTANTS: to becom- Lorenzo One copy clinics, per person.

One copy per person.

Gustavo Bonilla

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin

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

twitter: DowntownNews

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Emily Manthei ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt

ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

©2016 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.

March 6, 2017

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Downtown News 5

Thank You, Downtown Los Angeles

By Sue Laris fter the first issue of this paper was published in 1972, a reader looked at me and asked, “Now that you’ve printed this, what else is there to say about Downtown Los Angeles?”

A hilarious remark, given that in the past 45 years we have published, on average, a million words a year about Downtown. That’s 45 million words. In short, we’ve printed more about Downtown than any entity in history. The further irony is that the story has just begun. Most of Downtown’s future is still to come.

That said, selling Downtown News was absolutely the right thing to do, and I did so last Thursday. See page 2. No matter how deep my passion for newspapers, for Downtown News specifically and for Downtown Los Angeles, it was time, as our Art Director Brian Allison said, to let the reins go. As I’ve said, I started the paper when I was 29, and now I’m 73. He had a point.

Brian has every right to be that blunt. Some of you may not know that he is my son-in-law, and his wife, rock star General Manager Dawn Eastin, is my stepdaughter. It was an amazing stroke of luck to have had family to help me run this very tough but enormously satisfying little business. They have poured heart and soul into doing what has needed to be done for more than 20 years. Smart, solid, focused, get-it-done people whose work ethic knows no bounds, Dawn has decided to take her vast talents elsewhere, and Brian is staying on.

And how can I even begin to thank Downtown Los Angeles more broadly before I acknowledge the great role that Executive Editor Jon Regardie has played in the always improving quality of award-winning journalism the paper has displayed during his 11 years here. We would not be where we are if Jon hadn’t decided to take the Executive Editor slot. He had been a consultant helping me find someone for the position, and on decision day he came in and said, “I want the job.”

A

It all started with Volume 01, Issue 01, in September 1972.

He saw where Downtown was going, and he wanted to be part of it. His fan base has become enormous, quite well deserved. Great writer, humorist, thinker and friend. A solid-based visionary and editor. I’m deeply grateful to all three of those key leaders of Downtown News — and to Catherine Holloway, Claudia Hernandez, Yumi Kanegawa, Ashley Schmidt, Danielle Salmon, Eddie Kim, Gary Leonard, Sal Ingles, Brenda Stevens, Nicholas Slayton, Michael Lamb, Ofelia Martinez, Lorenzo Castillo, Gus Bonillo, Alexis Rawlins, Doug Davis, Dan Johnson, and all the marvelous freelancers who have added their reporting on

Sue Laris, age 5, knows how to have a good time.

Downtown to this enormous body of work.

I feel compelled to mention more names, even though I know I’ll cringe later at those I forgot. I’m on a tight deadline, and this is the best I can do. You’ll note that some are living and some are dead, but all have in some way helped me or the paper, which means they helped Downtown.

In no particular order: I’m grateful to David Asper Johnson, Mary Staffa, Warren Procci, Al Greenstein, Tom Bradley, Jim Wood, Wendy Lestina, Jon Goodman, Nelson Rising, John Whitaker, Wayne Ratkovich, Mike Laris, Casey Laris, Claire Weston, Andrea Hsu, Rob Maguire, Jack Smith, Dick Riordan, Austin Beutner, Janice Wood, Steve Smith, John Semcken, Bill Luddy, Emily Gabel-Luddy, Ed Avila, Jim Thomas, Loren Herold, Liz Harrison, Michelle Isenberg, the whole Downtown Breakfast Club, Bob Harris and everyone who worked on the Downtown Strategic Plan including the Community Redevelopment Agency, Eric Garcetti, Mike Feuer, Darryl Holter, Brent Maire, Patrice Hopper, leakers behind the scenes at the 1990s Music Center and later at the Convention Bureau, Karen Hathaway, Tom Gilmore, Jan Perry, Steve Hathaway, Cory Hathaway, Ira Yellin, Darlene Kuba, Jim Laris, Gary Eastin, Marty Bannister, Jann McCord, Chris Martin, Ted Tanner, the person who provided the dirt on Mark Willes’ words behind the scenes at the L.A. Times, the waitress who told us about the children on Skid Row, Ryan Vaillancourt, Al Wickers, Marc Williams, Mark Tarczynski, Hamid Behdad, Lon Williams, Steve Boyer, Joe Faulkner, Robin Blair, Dollie Chapman, Bruce Bolkin, David Comden, Bill Cooper, Don Cosgrove, Don Spivack, Michael X. Ferraro, Greg Fischer, Mark Flaisher, Bill Forsythe, Ned Fox, David Friedman, Kristin Friedrich, Joe Gorman, Linda Griego, Robin Kramer, Jack Kyser, Tim Leiweke, John Lestina.

The list goes on: Nancy Hereford, Phyllis Moberly and the

Center Theatre Group crew, Barbara Casey, Paula Holt, Betsy Hailey, Diane Wittenberg, Brenda French, Phil Aker, Hal Bastian, Don Battjes, William John Behrendt, Paul Gordon, Kathryn Maese, Bonnie Kennedy, Blair Besten, Jake Loewenthal, Carl Muhlstein, Erin Daffern, Jack Needleman, Steve Needleman, Mark Ridley-Thomas, José Huizar, Robert Cushman, Bert Dezzutti, Nick Patsaouras, Dylan Yiyang Laris, Peklar Pilavjian, Gilbert T. Ray, Chuck Reed, Julia Schachter, Kevin Roderick, Dan Rosenfeld, Richard Rowe, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Jack Skelley, Faustino Mendoza, Lisa Hernandez, Marjorie Bernstein-Singer.

Really, I could go on for hours. After 45 years, you can imagine.

I give enormous thanks to all our readers, customers, business associates and friends. The paper would not be here without you. What a breathtaking gift you are to me and to Downtown.

The original goal of the paper was to humanize the city, and I think we have succeeded at that. The secondary goal is to create an identity for Downtown, uniting the 16 or so various neighborhoods on at least some matters. An ongoing goal is to shine a light wherever it is needed. These are works in progress. I wish I had another 45 years to do the rest of the job.

Downtown News and Downtown Los Angeles have been the center of my adult life. I was a kid when I started the paper, and I grew up while running it. As did the city.

Try to imagine my joy at the experience. I was a small town girl in the center of an enormous city. Through hard work, a good idea, lots of luck — and the help of so many people — I was able to have a voice in the formation of what is essentially a new city. It has been not only a joy but a deep honor. I mean, how many people get to do that?

Sue Laris is founding editor and publisher of Los Angeles Downtown News.

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

6 Downtown News

March 6, 2017

Angels Flight To Reopen by Labor Day Shut down in 2013, the Angels Flight funicular will reopen this year thanks to a new publicprivate partnership.

Partnership Will Make Safety Improvements And Operate the Funicular

By Nicholas Slayton ngels Flight has been out of service for three and a half years. If all goes according to plan, the funicular known as the “world’s shortest railway” will reopen by Labor Day. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday, March 1, that a public-private partnership has been achieved that will allow improvements to be made to the funicular — including the installation of a safety ramp — that will clear a path to resuming operations.

“Year after year we saw this city grow, and one thing remained: Angels Flight was here,” Garcetti said at a news conference at the base of Angels Flight. “It became an icon for this city, joining the Sixth Street bridge [and] the Hollywood sign as landmarks immortalized.”

Angels Flight will reopen through a partnership with the city, which owns the funicular, the nonprofit Angels Flight Railway Foundation, which has operated it, the Madrid-based ACS Group and the engineering firm SENER. The team will work together as the Angels Flight Development Company. That entity has a 30-year contract to operate Angels Flight.

Garcetti said his office has been working on the partnership for just over a year. The railway has been closed since a derailment in 2013.

Angels Flight opened in 1901, and for nearly

A

ERWaitingRoom_Inquicker10.25x6 16_158.pdf

C

M

Y

CM

MY

seven decades transported riders up and down the steep slope of Bunker Hill. It closed in 1969, then returned in a nearby location in 1996.

The revival was short-lived, as the railway closed following a fatal accident in 2001. The funicular’s drive system and other elements were replaced, and it resumed operations in 2010.

That return, however, also proved temporary, and there were periodic shutdowns. After the September 2013 derailment, a blistering report from the National Transportation Safety Board found a number of shortcomings, including operators in the control booth using a tree branch to manually override an automatic stop order.

The foundation, run by volunteers, made numerous fixes, but the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates the funicular, refused to allow operations to resume until an emergency walkway was built next to the tracks.

Hal Bastian, president of the foundation, said that the partnership provides a solution to a longstanding problem. He added that the foundation knew what needed to be done, but did not have the capital to build the safety additions.

Even though the funicular is not running, the foundation has been spending nearly $6,000 each month on maintenance and insurance, according to Adele Yellin, chair of the board of the 1

9/26/16

10:10 PM

photo by Gary Leonard

foundation. Although it has remained closed, the funicular recently had a short cameo in the Oscar-winning film La La Land. That led to a chiding of the foundation by the CPUC, as the regulatory agency said it could not ferry riders.

Geoffrey Yarema, a partner at the law firm Nossaman who represented AFRF, said that the foundation solicited interest from a number of companies, with several visiting the site. Representatives from ACS and SENER said this will be their first project in Downtown Los Angeles.

Under the partnership, the Angels Flight Development Company will handle maintenance and operations of the funicular, although the city will still own it.

Rides in the past cost 25 cents. Prices for the restored funicular have not been set, but Garcetti said Metro TAP card holders will get a 50% discount for three years.

City Councilman José Huizar, whose 14th District includes Downtown, said the solution to the Angels Flight conundrum could not have happened even a few years ago. Downtown’s growth,

Our new ER waiting room.

When you’re not feeling well, there’s no place like home.

That’s why we’ve made it possible for you to wait at home until your estimated arrival time. Find out more at dignityhealth.org/californiahospital.

CY

CMY

K

1401 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015

InQuicker should not be used for life-threatening emergencies or children under the age of three. Call 911 immediately for more serious conditions.

he said, has led to more activity and more people willing to work on revitalizing the area.

“If that re-emergence hadn’t been occurring, there wouldn’t have been as much attention on Angels Flight or other historic assets,” Huizar said.

Huizar said his office helped with details of the partnership. He said that the agreement makes Angels Flight sustainable for the future.

The project has already cleared one hurdle.

In January, the CPUC approved a plan to update the railway’s safety features, clearing the way for work to begin.

The Angels Flight Development Group will be making safety improvements including building the emergency walkway. There will also be upgrades on the doors of the Sinai and Olivet cars. That work is expected to last through the summer.

Garcetti called the extended effort to bring Angels Flight back “the longest journey to the shortest ride ever.” nicholas@downtownnews.com

the

Downtown News 7

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

SIGHTS and SOUNDS A Rundown of 40 Can’t-Miss Concerts, Shows, Events, Exhibits And More Taking Place in Downtown

g n i r p S OF

The Pixies appear at the Theatre at Ace Hotel on April 25-26.

BY EDDIE KIM, DAN JOHNSON, JON REGARDIE AND NICHOLAS SLAYTON | DESIGNED BY YUMI KANEGAWA AND ALEXIS RAWLINS

photo by Travis Shinn

March 6, 2017

8 Downtown News

March 6, 2017

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

New Frontiers: The Many Worlds All-Star c i s s a l of George Takei C Chef

ZOOT

SUIT

MARCH 12-AUG. 20 AT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

Craig ar tz S c hw

Free Wi-Fi | Drive Thru Free Parking Breakfast All Day

PRIME STEAKS.

LEGENDARY SERVICE. FINE WINE • PRIVATE DINING • EXCEPTIONAL MENU

DOWNTOWN 735 South Figueroa St. 213.553.4566 Mortons.com/LosAngeles

726 Alameda St. (Bay & Alameda) 213-228-8999 | farmerboysla.com

20% OFF

For Orders Over $15

(before taxes) With This Coupon. Expires 3/31/17.

No substitutions. Limit one offer per coupon. One coupon per transaction. Los Angeles Alameda location only. Not valid with any other coupon, advertised special or offer.

State sales tax applicable. Copies or replicas of this offer will not be accepted.

HONG KONG STYLE

DIM SUM SERVED 7 DAYS/WEEK from 8am-3pm

DIM SUM SPECIALS

Mon-Fri at $2.39 /order!

(Except Holidays)

GOLDEN DRAGON RESTAURANT CHINATOWN | 960 N. Broadway | 213-626-2039

Regent China Inn Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Chinatown

✤ Live Lobster and Crab ✤ Delivery, Minimum Order $15 ✤ Lunch Special From $5.50 – Mon.-Fri. 11-5, Sat.-Sun. 11-3 ✤ Party Tray Available 739-747 N. Main St. Los Angeles, 90012 213.680.3333 PARKING IN REAR



o by phot

Open24/7



photo courtesy of the Japanese American National Museum

George Takei is best known for appearing in “Star Trek,” but he has also made an impact through social activism and a heavy social media presence. It turns out, he’s an avid collector of artifacts tied to Japanese-American history, too. Last year, Takei donated his personal collection to JANM, and this month the Little Tokyo institution launches an exhibit based on the works. New Frontiers touches on Takei’s role as Sulu on “Star Trek,” and also collects photographs, books, documents and other items from his time in internment camps during World War II. Additionally, it digs into his civic acts, including a failed run for the L.A. City Council in 1973. Here he is shown with then-Mayor Tom Bradley.

At 100 N. Central Ave. or janm.org.



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



Center Theatre Group tapped the past with its revival of Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit, and crowds have raved — the groundbreaking 1978 show has already been extended three times. Demian Bichir plays El Pachuco, who is the soul of the production built around Los Angeles’ infamous 1942 “Sleepy Lagoon” murder. A group of young Mexican Americans were charged with the crime, despite scant evidence connecting them to the killing. Zoot Suit, directed by Valdez, was the first Chicano play on a major American stage, and the words and actions initially presented four decades ago still resonate today.

There are some pretty impressive dance numbers, too.

At 135 N. Grand Ave. or centertheatregroup.org.

L.A. Live’s blockbuster food happening returns this week.

As in previous years, the All-Star Chef Classic features two main venues: a “Restaurant Stadium” that hosts seated dinners, plus the large covered event deck (on top of a parking structure) for “strolling” events where you can meet chefs and taste their wares in a laid-back setting. The talent this year includes Curtis Stone of “Top Chef,” cake master Duff Goldman, Howlin’ Ray’s Johnny Ray Zone, Michael Voltaggio, Ludo Lefebvre and the Food Network’s Aaron Sanchez (shown here). No matter which tasting you attend, expect intriguing flavors, ingredients and techniques from some of the world’s best chefs.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd. or allstarchefclassic.com.

photo by Capra Photography/All Star Chef Classic

MARCH 8-11 AT L.A. LIVE

Through Apri l 2 at the Mark Taper F orum

why Cook?

10 PieCe sPeCiaL

thighs & Legs now accepting Credit Cards

Party Paks available

with Tortillas & Salsa onLy

$11.95 +

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

March 6, 2017

Downtown News 9

Few theatrical groups have the skill and vision to reimagine history and artworks like New York City’s Wooster Group. Whether it’s an abstract take on Shakespeare or an examination of Shaker spiritual songs, the avant-garde troupe never fails to surprise. Wooster Group makes its annual trek to REDCAT for a staging of its newest original work. The Town Hall Affair is based on a 1971 documentary of a panel discussion with famous feminist thinkers and artists and hosted by Norman Mailer. One subject of attention is the radical lesbian Jill Johnston and her attempt to disrupt the event.

Sound cryptic? That’s part of the fun with Wooster Group.

At 631 W. Second St. or redcat.org.

MARCH 8-12 AT THE DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION No matter which of the five Alvin Ailey performances you take in, you’ll get to see “Revelations,” the company’s signature 36-minute work built upon African-American spirituals and song-sermons. But that’s just the start as the esteemed New York company returns to Downtown. Also on tap is “r-Evolution, Dream,” choreographer Hope Boykin’s piece inspired by the speeches and sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Then there’s “Untitled: America,” a work that reflects on the prison system’s impact on African-American families; it was created by MacArthur “genius grant” winner Kyle Abraham. The run includes matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

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

photo by Paul Kolnik

photo by Pa

ula Cour t

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES

EASTER at First Church What is PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY?

Join us for a provocative discussion on what it means to be a Progressive Christian in our time. Every Sunday during Lent, Dr. Colglazier will share his thoughts and facilitate a discussion, starting at 9:30am.

The ART of Jesus

Each Sunday of Lent during 11am Worship, Dr. Colglazier will speak on the last day in the life of Jesus, as viewed through the lens of classic pieces of art. Join us for these innovative services.

March 11 at Grand Park

The return of Grand Park’s Bookfest celebrates both the power of the written word and poet Emily Dickinson. From noon-5 p.m., the Civic Center park will be filled with family-friendly activities, including performances by the Get Lit players, poetry readings and even Cut Chemist and Hymnal mashing up words and beats. Create at literary-themed craft tables, write your own poem with a little guidance from some experts, or peruse the stands where independent publishers are selling their wares.

There are even high school students reading Dickinson “response poems.” Word.

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

photo courtesy Javier Guillen for Grand Park

WOOSTER GROUP: THE TOWN HALL Alvin Ailey AFFAIR American MARCH 22-APRIL 1 AT REDCAT Dance Theatre

Bookfest

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING.COM

LENT & HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE LENTEN WORSHIP Sundays March 5th – April 2nd at 11am PALM SUNDAY - APRIL 9TH Sanctuary Worship - 11am

HOLY THURSDAY - APRIL 13TH 7pm - Shatto Chapel with Special Guests L.A. Choral Lab

GOOD FRIDAY - APRIL 14TH 12pm - Sanctuary

@ 1stChurchLA 540 So. Commonwealth Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020 213.385.1341 • www.FCCLA.org

EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 16TH Celebration Worship - 9am & 11am

MIRGA CONDUCTS MOZART & HAYDN

APRIL 25-26 AT THE THEATRE AT ACE HOTEL

S E I X PI

If your first thought upon shelling out tickets to each of the Pixies’ shows is, “where is my mind?” then congratulations, you are truly a fan.

The Beantown alt-rock heroes have been plying their guitar-heavy sound for 30 years. Frank Black and the forever-potent group has six albums to their name — including 2016’s Head Carrier — and an inexhaustible supply of street cred derived over decades of producing somewhat surfy, hard-edged rock with the “loud-softloud” ethos that Kurt Cobain loved.

At 929 S. Broadway or acehotel.com/ calendar/ losangeles.

March 31-April 2 at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Tosca

photo by Travis Shinn

photo by Ga

ry Leonard

One of the L.A. Phil’s brightest young talents takes the stage to lead one of the world’s most respected musicians. The former is Phil Associate Conductor Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, the 30-year-old who also is the music director of the respected City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in England. The latter is Stephen Kovacevich, the pianist renowned for his powerful renditions of the classical repertoire.

They will be joined by the orchestra and the Hornroh Modern Alphorn Quartet for three performances of Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 24 and Haydn’s beautiful Symphony No. 31.

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

006 s 2 e 4 d 9 a 9 1 o , h S J a s o n R n st a l l a t i o n I

THROUGH MAY 21 AT HAUSER WIRTH & SCHIMMEL

wn in Europe, Los AngelesAlthough he was well kno on Rhoades garnered little based installation artist Jas ing his life. He passed away attention in Los Angeles dur only now is he being fulin 2006 at the age of 41, and Installations spreads six jaw ly appreciated in the city. s Art the of t fee are 000 squ dropping works across 28, y question whether the cre ma e Som x. ple com t Distric rina lum rld of stuff, but art wo ations are art or just piles s’ ade Rho late swear by the ies including Paul McCarthy njierchandelier,” complete ata uan “Tij pse glim t vision. Jus ns. with 176 glowing neon sig serwirthschimmel.com.

At 901 E. Third St. or hau

AP RI L 22- MAY 13 AT TH E DO RO TH Y CH AN DL ER PAVI LI

ON

Few operas carry the drama and grandeur of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. L.A . Opera presents a revival of a production stag ed by John Cairn, and playing the titular role of Flo ria Tosca is soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, who has been lauded as one of the great expressive singers of the opera new school. The tale follow s Tosca as she’s torn between her rebel lover and a scheming police chief who won’t stop pursuin g her, all set amid Napoleon’s invasion of Italy in 1800. The threeact opera is known for its rele ntless drama and bloody conflicts, as well as Puccini’s thrilling score. James Conlon conduc ts the seven-show run, which includes two Sun day matinees.

At 135 N. Grand Ave., or lao pera.org.

FUN HOME er photo courtesy of the estate, Haus

& Wirth and David Zwiner

THROUGH APRIL 1 AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE photo by Joan Marcus

THE

March 6, 2017

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

photo by Robert Millard

10 Downtown News

Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music

MAY 13 AT THE MICROSOFT THEATER

Elmo, the red creature who is beloved by many and tickled by more, is stepping off the television screen and into Downtown. The latest Sesame Street Live show is based around music, with Elmo, Big Bird and other “Sesame Street” characters learning to perform. The plot, if it matters, is built on some missing musical instruments. Suddenly, the characters have to improvise with unconventional items such as trashcans and rubber duckies.

There are two shows on May 13, and they feature nearly two dozen musical numbers.

At 777 Chick Hearn Ct. or microsofttheater.com. photo courtesy of VStar Entertainment Group

Alison Bechdal’s coming-of-age graphic novel might not seem the stuff of hit Broadway musicals. But Fun Home succeeds thanks to some standout songs and smart staging. The show utilizes three versions of Allison, as a child, young woman and adult. She navigates life with a gay father and an unhappy mother, and over time discovers her own homosexuality. Fun Home won five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and songs like the pretend commercial “Come to the Fun Home” show precisely why. The show benefits from a handful of excellent performances and adept directing by Sam Gold.

At 135 N. Grand Ave. or centertheatregroup.org.

March 6, 2017

Downtown News 11

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

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

NEW ’16 NISSAN SENTRA S

LEASE FOR ONLY

109

$

$11,999 2014 Nissan Versa Note S Plus .............

Slvr/Blk, CARFAX: 1-Owner, Clean Title, Certified. N15753/405861 $12,999 2014 Nissan Sentra SV .......................

Red/Gray, FWD, CARFAX 1-Owner, Certified. N170365-1/318879 $13,999 2013 Nissan Leaf S .................................

photo by Drew Ressler

Certified, Blk/Grey, CARFAX – 1 Owner, LOADED! NI5692/417415

t the Shrine Auditori um 30 a 27-

Absinthe

149

for 36 mos

$1,999 Due at Signing. All new Toyotas come standard with ToyotaCare. No cost maintenance plan with roadside assistance. Lease example for a new 2017 Yaris iA model #2017 Models 6262. Security deposit waived. Plus tax and license. Individual dealer prices vary. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excess wear and tear, and pays $0.15 per mile for all mileage over 12,000 miles per year. Lessee to pay $ 149 a month for 36 months with $ 1999 drive-off. Payment may vary depending on model, equipment choice, and final transaction price. Lease cash, if advertised, is only valid in combination with lease program through TFS. Must be leased from new car dealer stock by 02-28-2017. Offers cannot be combined. See your Toyota Dealer for Details.ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25K miles, whichever comes first. The new vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet, or a livery/taxi vehicle. See participating Toyota dealer for plan details. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids. Lease cash valid in combination with program through Toyota Financial Services (TFS). See dealer for details. *(payment shown reflects $200 TFS lease cash applied)

$12,288 2015 Toyota Corolla L ............................. $15,488 4dr, Auto, Black. TU2459R/285940 2014 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner .......... $22,788 Auto, Access Cab, White. T171939-1/035162 2014 Jeep Patriot ...................................

47,469 Miles, Black. T171834-1/512009

NEW ’17 MERCEDES CLA 250

LEASE FOR ONLY * per month

89

$

*$1,999 Down at lease signing. Lease for $89 + tax per month for 36 months. Based on MSRP of $18,950 for Manual Transmission.

Residual Value $10,043.50 $3,204 total of payments. Includes $1,000 Owner Loyalty (must have qualifying VW at household. In lieu of Owner Loyalty requires an additional $1,000 Cap Cost Reduction) $1,999 due at signing excludes: First Payment, $625 Acquisition Fee, $80 Documentation Fee, Sales Tax, Title and License Fee. Based on 30,000 total miles, with 20¢ per excess mile. Closed-end lease offered on approved above average credit with VCI. One (1) at this offer HM280431. Offer Expires 3/6/17

$11,999 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Coupe ......... $13,450 1.8L, 6-Speed A/T. RZV4107 2013 Volkswagen Touareg Lux ........... $29,999 3.6L, 8-Speed A/T, 17/23 MPG. ZV4126 CARSON NISSAN 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan S .........

2.0L, 6-Speed A/T. ZV4139

LEASE FOR ONLY

149

$

$11,888 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5S .................... $15,888 Display Audio Pkg., Pwr Seat, Bluetooth CU2526R/884757 2015 Nissan Rogue S .......................... $16,888 Bluetooth, Back up Camera, Low Miles C163005-1/579485 FELIX CHEVROLET 2015 Nissan Sentra S .........................

Low Miles, Nissan Certified, 36 MPG C170141-1/294394

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

NEW ’17 CHEVY CRUZE H/B LT

LEASE FOR ONLY

115

per month for 27 mos

1 at this lease /price (F-18888) per month plus tax for 27 mos. Includes $2,000 Chevy Lease Loyalty or Competitive Lease Rebate and $500 select model cap cost reduction cash for a total of $2,500 in qualifying rebates. $2,800 customer cash. 10k miles per year. $0.25 per mile over.

Program subject to change and availability. See dealer for details.

$6,988 2016 BMW X3 ......................................... CALL STORE $15,888 FOR DETAILS Silver, One Owner, 9,300 Miles. F17851D/S16880 2014 Honda Civic LX CVT Sedan .......... $13,988 Low Miles, 39 MPG F18793-1/228711 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Hatch LT ..............

Manual, 4dr, Orange, Tint F17988-1/123860

LEASE FOR ONLY

329

$

per month for 36 mos

Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Not everyone will qualify. MSRP of $35,675 less the suggested dealer contribution resulting in a total gross capitalized cost of $34,676. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge and Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $11,844. Cash due at signing includes $2,499 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee and first month’s lease payment of $329. No security deposit required. Total payments equal $15,138. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 30,000 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee.

$27,989 2014 Mercedes E350 Coupe ................. $36,881 Certified, Slvr/Blk, Sprt Pkg, Prem Pkg 1. 9684C/240906 2014 Mercedes ML350 .......................... $40,981 Certified, Blue/Beige, Auto, Prem 1 Pkg. 9647C/401391 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2014 Mercedes C250 .............................

Certified, Wht/Blk, Auto, Keyless Entry, Alloy Whls. 9671C/283011

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

NEW ’16 AUDI A3 SEDAN

LEASE FOR ONLY

279

per month for 36 mos

2 available. C170444/135873 & C170218/739789 Lease includes $1,400 NMAC Lease Cash and $500 Nissan Bonus Cash. Closed end lease payment plus tax for 36 months on above average approved credit. Payment net of Lease Cash Rebate and/or Bonus Cash Rebate. $2,999 cash or trade equity, plus tax, license and registration fees due at lease signing. No security deposit. 12,000 miles per year, 36k total miles with 15 cents per mile thereafter. Subject to availability and charges for excess wear and tear. Not all lessees may qualify, higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Offer expires 3/6/17

$

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

for 36 mos

NEW ’17 NISSAN ROGUE

photo from Las Vegas production of Absinthe.

$

NEW ’17 VW JETTA 1.4T S

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

For six years, Las Vegas tourists have flocked to Caesars Palace for Absinthe, a show that melds elements of vaudeville, circus, comedy and burlesque. It revolves around a saucy emcee known as The Gazillionaire. If you believe the totally made-up storyline, The Gazillionaire’s need to cover the expenses of a bunch of his illegitimate children has prompted a spinoff version of the show in Downtown L.A. Inspired by the cabarets of late 19th century Europe, Absinthe offers feats of strength, demonstrations of flexibility and lots of laughs. It all takes place under an intimate big top.

At 1005 Chick Hearn Court or absinthela.com.

2017 Yaris iA model #6262 1.5L 4-cyl Monospec with FE equipment

LEASE FOR ONLY * per month

DOWNTOWN L.A. MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ

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

OPENS MARCH 22 AT L.A. LIVE

NEW ’17 TOYOTA Yaris iA

VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

ri l

De

Joe is the n l Zimmerma n otoriou and n sly bril liant, dance otoriously cr ball ha music. He’s r anky, prince e of n you ne dle — Dead cognized fo rh wbies mau5, — and he don or “dea is odds li d out, ho for public p ght-up rode -mouse” for erform nt helm wever, ances. is that ra What r et that nge fro his dedicat eally st ion to m in-y chestr writ and our al t descen racks straigh -face techno ing textured s songs t out o ds on t stomp fa ers he run. Do n’t exp Shrine for an movie score. to lush, orect cat Deadm unprec forwar chy s au5 ede d tu ductin nes. Instead ing-along an nted four-sh g the c , prepa o thems rowd t re to se and po w ergized h e p r o a u maste and ch g r conaotic d h a maze of At 665 a h n y pnotic ce mu W. J sic. , enor shrin efferson Blvd ., eaudit orium.c om.

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

per month for 36 mos

2 or more available, model #12016 Lease 36 mo - $1,999 due at signing, excl. first mo. payment, taxes, title and license. No security deposit required.

Valid only when finances through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation. Subject to residency restrictions and availability to well-qualified lessess. $18,645 MSRP incl. destination charge. Incl. a $595 non-refundable acquisition fee. $0.15 per mi. over 12k miles per year. Must take from new dealer stock. See dealer for details. Exp. 3/6/17.

au5 m d | Ap a

TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

$

per month for 36 mos

36 month lease. On approved tier A credit. $1,999 cap reduction. 7,500 miles per year. $0.25/mile charge for miles driven in excess of 22,500. Must qualify for acquisition or loyalty rebate. Excludes tax, title, license, registration, 1st payment, acquisition fee, options, and other fees. $0 security deposit. #G1114924. Offer ends 3/6/17.

$18,495 2015 Audi A4 .......................................... $19,895 Quattro, Xenon, more A170165-1/000498 2015 Audi Q7 .......................................... $38,895 Quattro, 13k mi, Like New. A171038-1/FD00194 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

2013 Audi A4 .........................................

Low Mies, Leather, Moon roof. ZA11401/035890

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

NEW ’17 PORSCHE MACAN

LEASE FOR ONLY

498

$

per month for 48 mos

$3,999 Down Payment. 48 months, 10k miles per year, VIN#HLB01128, residual $26,770.50.

1 at this price. Down payment excludes tax, dmv fees, $995 Bank Acquisition fee, first payment and document fees. Rates based on approved Tier 1 credit through Porsche Financial Services.

$43,898 2015 Macan S ..........................................

Grey/Grey, CPO Loaded, Exc. Cond., 18k Miles. P16848-2/FLB71796 $52,898 2016 Cayman ...........................................

Mahogany/Beige, CPO, 1 Owner, PDK, 4k Mi., P16851-1/GK170364 $55,898 2011 Panamera 4 ....................................

Blk/Blk, CPO, 20” Wheels, Nav, Must Sell! P17320-1/BL010459

12 Downtown News

! a i d n I e c Daunr Visions

March 6, 2017

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

Art of Motion Picture Costume Design

It was inevitable that heavy the cover fathers Black Sabbath would get that, in a nk thu da band treatment. Yet who s who ician mus of g gan a sea of knock-offs, Mclove also zer Gee and Bill y, Ton love Ozzy, SabMac in r Donald’s? They all come togethe AnLos n ntow bath, which returns to Dow Ronald Osgeles. Scarf a handful of fries as and, uh, alice Grim ar, urgl Catb bourne, the eky reboots che Slayer MacCheeze rip through and “Never ”) Man n like “Frying Pan” (think “Iro founders the y Enjo ).

Die” Say Say Diet” (“Never spectaa ash unle they as al met ru of drive-th cle of the postmodern age. ater.com.

At 448 S. Main St. or theregentthe

Get a glimpse of the diverse world of Indian dance, as the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo hosts the latest installment in its World Festival of Sacred Music. The night showcases dancers and groups versed in four classical Indian dance styles: Odissi, Mohiniyattam, Bharata Natyam and Kathak. Held in the JACCC’s Aratani Theatre, the performances will highlight the distinctions and overlap of the four traditions. Each style varies in flow, gesture and structure, but all reflect spirituality and emotion.

At 244 S. San Pedro St. or festivalofsacredmusic.org.

The Oscars have come and gone, but Downtowners can still check out some of the most impressive outfits from the films of last year, including the Academy Award-winning Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This marks the 25th annual edition of the costume showcase put on at South Park’s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and features more than 100 outfits from over 20 movies.

Other duds in this year’s display come from La La Land (shown here) and Jackie. Up close, you’ll notice details you never see on screen. The exhibit is free.

At 919 S. Grand Ave. or fidmmuseum.org.

photo by Alex J. Berliner

photo by Trevor Yale Ryan

gent April 8 at The Re metal founding

April 15 at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

photo courtesy of the Aratani World Series

Mac Sabbath

Fo

Through April 22 at FIDM

photo by Gary Leonard

Kerry James Marshall: Mastry A lot of people are unfamiliar with Kerry James Marshall, but the painter and sculptor has been working for 35 years. The MOCA Grand Avenue retrospective Mastry showcases almost 80 of Marshall’s paintings, many depicting scenes of African-American daily life. Marshall often paints figures in extremely dark, almost pitch-black hues, and contrasts the characters with vibrant background colors. The exhibition, Marshall’s first major retrospective in the United States, traces his work chronologically. Get ready for a unique look at race, society, beauty and other subjects.

At 250 S. Grand Ave. or moca.org.

No Justice, No Peace: L.A. 1992

DOWNTOWN ART WALK

photo by Sean Pathasema

March 12-July 3 at the Museum of Contemporary Art

11 MARCH 9, APRIL 13 AND MAY IN THE HISTORIC CORE

March 8-Aug. 27 at the California African American Museum The Los Angeles Riots took place 25 years ago, and the reverberations still linger today. It all started with the videotaped 1991 beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers. When a Simi Valley jury found four officers not guilty on April 29, 1992, the city erupted. No Justice, No Peace recalls the riots through photos, videos, documents, posters, flyers and other items that build a context around what happened and why. The tensions between police and the communities they serve remain sharp, and history shows how vicious a public backlash can be when race relations shatter.

At 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. photo by Cliff Wesselmann

ts to drink, eat and The mass of humanity that wan toric Core again this His the on d browse art will descen Walk, which takes place spring with the Downtown Art month. A bevy of galleries the second Thursday of each showing off wares from ht, will open their doors all nig find street artists workly bab pro local artists. You’ll also k with spray cans, brushing their magic on the sidewal site for an updated schedes and more. Check the web other festivities that and ule of activities, live music and Main streets between take place largely on Spring Second and Ninth. the Historic Core or At various locations around downtownartwalk.org.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

K I V A J K REY IVAL FEST

MARCH 23-26 AT REGAL CINEMAS L.A. LIVE Los Angeles has no shortage of film festivals. The lineup includes the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival, which showcases works by, you guessed, it, female directors.

The 13th installment includes more than a dozen featurelength films, plus five collections of shorts. The festival opens with Bette Gordon’s psychological thriller The Drowning. Other works being screened at the L.A. Live cineplex include the documentary Raising Ms. President, about women in politics, and the coming-of-age drama The Scout (shown here). The festival closes with the survival drama Endless Night.

At 1000 W. Olympic Blvd. or lawomensfest.com.

photo by Clive Barden

Do music es any city Icelan scene quit have a e lik d? T under o call it clos e Reykjavik statem , e-knit wo en artists happy t — it’s a co uld be an m to from c LT ontem meld idea munity of T WA A s and p d 7 o a r n a -1 c r te 1 ea y com T positio chniques APRIL celebr nd experim NCER O n C e s, a Y Reykja tes the city ntal genres. rock, pop, DISNE ALL ’s T v d ik h ynam Festiv H Pekka ic sou e L.A. Phil al, cur S a n lo a d t sw n e L.A. P en (sh d by c ompo ith the roster hil music dir own here; s ers E h range e to trad s from ctor) and D e’s also the sait io forme an up na which r has a t l orchestra -and-comin iel Bjarnaso n. T l g h tro re may b Ic e the r e-night run upes to the elandic art he ists ecord on Ap band -r S r comp elease show il 13-15. Th igur Ros, oser J e high from ó li Theory hann Jóhan Oscar-nom ght inated nsson of Eve rythin (Sicario

g). , The At 111 S .

Grand laphil.c Ave. o om. r

The Cruise

Leisure, politics, racial tensions and drinks co llide in the play The Cruise, the first production in the Latino Theater Compan y’s spring season. The world premiere comedy by Jon athan Ceniceroz follow s four wealthy cruise shi p passengers and a dir ector during a voyage in the Caribbean. Ric Salinas of Culture Clash leads the cast as Ramon, a lecturer who has lost touch with his heritage . The luxury vacation thr eatens to unravel when ide ologies clash and secret s are revealed. Also comi ng to the LATC is Rules of Seconds (March 16-Ap ril 15), about a pistol du el in Boston in the year 18 55.

At 514 S. Spring St. or latc.org.

MARCH 10-APRIL 9 AT LOS ANGELES THEATR THE E CENTER

Company

es The Los Angel nal tio a n r e t n I s ’ n e Wom Film Festival

Downtown News 13

photo courtesy of the Latino Thea ter

March 6, 2017

photo courtesy of the Los Angeles International Women’s Film Festival

BUY PROPANE HERE! We Re-Fill Tanks (SAVE $$ OVER Exchange)

TANKS 4 LESS ©

1800 E. Olympic Blvd.

(On the corner of Olympic and S. Alameda St.)

213-627-5008

PROPANE, GAS & DIESEL 24 Hours/ 7 Days a Week

Fast & Friendly Service Se Habla Español

A Winning Combination

JUST NORTH OF THE 10 FRWY @ Olympic & Alameda St.

10% OFF GelateriaUli.com

Spring Arcade Building 541 S. Spring St., #104 Downtown LA 90013

YOUR FIRST PURCHASE

BUSINESS INTERNET SERVICE 1000Mbps/$499.95

MENTION DT NEWS Broadband I Voice I WiFi I HDTV

800.900.5788 I aerioconnect.com

14 Downtown News

March 6, 2017

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

New Pornographers

ographers photo courtesy New Porn

cou rte sy of AM

The Natural History Museum already has extensive sections dedicated to mammals, but this upcoming show will focus on the some of the super-fast, heavily clawed and out-there creatures that have walked the Earth in the past and present. The Exposition Park exhibition traces the evolutionary history of mammals, exploring how they adapted to predators and survived threats.

With rare fossils, reconstructions, animated presentations and hands-on activities, visitors will learn about everything from cheetahs to sloths to land whales. Yes, land whales.

At 900 Exposition Blvd. or nhm.org.

NH

/D.

n Fin

in

MAY 19-21 AT THE DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION

L EATRE AT ACE HOTE

gle “High nth-dappled new sin With the bubbly, sy w PornogNe y nn Vancouver’s su Ticket Attractions,” forthcomg the world for their raphers are preppin nditions. Fans, album, Whiteout Co ing seventh studio amatic indr , can expect more and there are many r, Neko Case lde Ca calists Kathryn terplay between vo ear protecNewman. Pack some and frontman Carl s including dig deep into album tion and hope they Twin Cinema.

Electric Version and y or wa At 929 S. Broad r/losangeles. da len ca m/ acehotel.co

oto

Scottish Ballet

APRIL 12 AT THE TH

ph

When you think of Tennessee Williams’ classic play A Streetcar Named Desire, the first things that pop to mind are Scotland and ballet, right? Right? Okay, maybe not, but the esteemed Glasgow-based company Scottish Ballet is heading to Los Angeles with its presentation of the work set in New Orleans. Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is weaving together a number of dance styles in the three performances that tell the story of Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski.

The action on stage is backed by Peter Salem’s jazz-inspired score.

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

Extreme Mammals: Odd Features. Unusual Creatures OPENS MAY 14 AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

James Lapin e and Steph en Sondheim Into the Woo ’s ds is a deligh tful fairytale mash-up. Th e show, orig inally moun on Broadway ted in 1987, bec ame a star-s ded 2014 fil tudm, and now a 2015 reviva New York’s Fi l by asco Theate r bounds into Downtown Los Angeles .

Th e musical w Y ea R ves together A elements an TRAL LIBR N E C ac E d charte H rs T fr T om Little Red n of Los Angeles Ja Riding Hood APRIL 18 A rary Foundatio ck Lib e th an , of d y th tes e Beanstalk, photo cour ic Rapunzel, lly it’s a top Cinderella an ra u at n so , d other tales. ornia r This isn’t just kid sues in Calif , New Yorke s’ stuff, than are major is On April 18 . lf ry se it ra r b th e Li ks to ea at al D w tr d d n th n e a e an C cr fe e ts af Li h th : ty lyrics and Goes Water rig d event at infectious join e the Water songs such as n at an Alou book Wher ). Owen will is re h e s h e the title trac n of discussio ss w o f cu o is sh d h is n at r e p k ve w e ri an O th e d “No One Is on th s along writer David Alone.” Bewar y o River (a dam talk about communitie d an ra m f o lo e f o o th C e e e n witch and th is is o itt to Along th e wolf.

Lewis Merr . As usual, th isff d h u it a

st d e t d A Ju e u t r w 13 e cl s rt 5 in N. Grand Ave repo over it lights . or d the fights . Other high centertheatr olina on the river, an d schedule M egroup.org. u d lo re A lf d A r ke to ac p ac a h it n A o : w el film Infid events akespeare in îa discussing his book Ta cussion of Sh h but e lla e e fr d e b A d events ar d u lo A March 23, an st o ril 12. M Novel on Ap ood idea. s ions are a g at rv se re rcu fth St. or .

Ma At 630 W Fi an

o J y lfla.org. to b

DAVID OWEONUD AT AL

Into Woods THE

photo by by Andy Ross

4 at the April 4-May 1 eatre Ahmanson Th

pho

Oracle

© Andreas Gursky / 201

6 Artists Rights Society

(ARS), New York / VG

Bild-Kunst, Bonn / Cou

rtesy Sprüth Magers Ber

lin London

Opens April 29 at The Bro ad

Globalization is the topic du jour at The Broad, as tution’s first floor the exhibit Orac gallery. The show le arrives in the Bu will feature mor lection, with a co nker Hill instie than 30 works nnective tissue of from Eli and Edyt issues that impa cultures. Highlig he Broad’s colct our world and hts will include Ju the ties between lie Mehretu’s “Cair es, and Andreas people and o,” a pair of Mark Gursky’s 13-foot Bradford mixedlong photo “Am with no workers m az edia collagon 2016,” a shot of an but rows upon ro ws upon rows of Amazon.com war its at The Broad, goods waiting to ehouse Oracle is free, bu be shipped. As w t advance reserv At 221 S. Gran ith all exhibations are require d Ave. or thebroad d. .org.

March 6, 2017

Downtown News 15

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

photo by Dod Morrison

LER PAVILIO

N

S photo courtesy of

APRIL 6 AT THE BELASCO

AT THE DOR OTHY CHAN D

the Music Center

The

\

SLEEPLES

Damned [

MARCH 24

The Music Cen ter’s late-nig ht event retu Opera isn’t ju rns, proving st a place for that the hom old people in e of L.A. gowns and su from 11:30 p. its. Sleepless m .-3 a. m hair ., ad, an k-cl runs d blac the tr of y an to man sforms the D Pavilion into orothy Chan Have no doubt: Goth is back. Talk a dance hall, armay they dler and ks wal side with DJs thro n ue spinning swept youth clogging Downtow ughout the ve both up-tem you the tell will ned nDam The e. plac po tracks an key, psyched gue it never left in the first d more lowsco in celel Bela the ic visit tu image courtesy East West Players they n as ly es loud . it Along with th same, and they’ll do there will be e music, art installatio ing out. They originally ns, video per ebration of four decades of rock m an ce kish fors pun y an earl d and s other mediu gained fame for vampiric costume m-blending ments. The lin tain eleCap Yes, ” g.

Son e “Lov eup includes gems like “New Rose” and artists Peggy Hasegawa an in, aga then but d, age e hav g d Sean Hellfrits Sensible and the gan ch. Plan to load up on the original sonic caffeine and so have you. Check out some of te ll the Sa n d m an to leave yo purveyors in a rare visit. u alone.

A t 13 5 N. Grand A At 1050 S. Hill St. or ve. or musiccenter.o rg.

May 11-June 11 at East West Players belascocalendar.livenation.com.

CHRISTIANE JATAHY:

photo courtesy of Jim

Marshall Photograp

hy LLC

The Walking Forest

The Goodmans may look like an ideal family, but a close examination suggests otherwise. Next to Normal appeared at Downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre in 2010, and now esteemed Asian-American theater company East West Players puts its unique spin on a production at the David Henry Hwang Theater. The show won a Pulitzer Prize for its story on bipolar disorder, family ties and love. The Little Tokyo run will be directed by rising talent Nancy Keystone and is a highlight of EWP’s 51st season. It has a batch of bang-up songs, including young son Gabe APRIL 20-23 AT REDCAT singing the rollicking and potent “I’m Alive.”

At 120 Judge John Aiso St. or ruled over modern-day Have you ever wondered, what if Macbeth eastwestplayers.org. addressed it by taking the Brazil? Christiane Jatahy has, and she has whole new context. The Walka it g framework of Shakespeare’s play and givin people documentaries that depict young Brazilian ing Forest features video screens playing e eleThos . tures nt and social and economic struc who face oppression from the governme to unlot a with e rienc expe ing a flexible viewing ments meld with performing actors, creat dive lex comp a is t Fores ing Walk The supertitles, veil. Performed in Portuguese with English into what the everyday struggle looks like.

At 631 W. Second St. or redcat.org.

Jim Marshall’s 1967 MARCH 10-MA Y 14 AT THE GR

AM M Y M U S E U

M

photo courtesy of Christiane Jatahy

Jim Marshall w as always behind the camera, snap ages, including ping some of ro serving as the m ck and roll’s ico ain photograph exhibition at th nic imer for the Woods e Grammy Mus tock festival. Th eum at L.A. Live turing the mus e new focuses on his im icians and peop ages from 1967 le involved in th show includes , cape Summer of Lo shots of Jimi He ve in San Franci ndrix (shown he more, and expl sco. The re), Janis Joplin ores life around , the Grateful De the countercultu feel old? These ad and re and music w photos were ta orld of the city. ke n 50 years ago.

At 800 W. Olym Wanna pic Blvd. or gram mymuseum.org .

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

Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings DowntownNews.com

3/3 <Starts> 3/10

❪ ❫

March 6, 2017

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

BASTILLE

March 18-19 at the Natural History Museum

indie rockers Bastille. are on full display with UK ns tee 20the of e but s ing pp All the tra nnial whoop,” the pristin nies, the ubiquitous “mille mo lly uphar lfu al wil voc the the and re’s The torical icon name that alludes to a his hit game the ing lud effortless high fade, the inc of 2013’s Bad Blood, off s cut s iou er cop nd ect fou g. Get ready for lifting lyrics. Exp rld in an L.A. Live evenin Wo d Wil r’s sly. yea t les las end and ” “Pompeii, wild and Instagram w, and for the kids to go Dan Smith to run the sho . om or thenovodtla.c At 800 W. Olympic Blvd.

March 26 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

ARCHD U

un J 25 l i r Ap

erican Mus Chinese Am tesy photo cour

photo by Gary Leonard

image courtesy REDCAT

In 2009, playwright Rajiv Joseph (shown here) wow ed Los Angeles with Be ngal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo. Center Theatre Group premiere d the work, and now CTG and Jo seph partner ag ain with a commiss ion of Archduke.

Set in Belgrade in 19 14, it follows a tri o of poor, young m en who have all been diagnosed with tuberculosis, whi ch at the time was esse ntially a death se ntence. The no-fu ture outlook als o makes them candidates to be recruited by a Serbian nationalist organization seek ing to strike a blow ag ainst the govern ment.

Yeah, it sounds gr im, but those who saw Bengal Tiger — se t amid the Iraq w ar — will recall Joseph ’s gift for filling a rough story with loads of dark humor.

At 135 N. Grand Av e. or centertheatregrou p.org.

eum

Opera can be intimidating for those who aren’t familiar with the art form, but at its core, it is simply a medium to express the spectrum of human emotion through lavish productions and song. L.A. Opera seeks to amp up the accessibility factor, with an open house that features events for both seasoned fans and newbies (including children). For families, there’s a 30-minute sing-along featuring some of the most famous tunes in the opera repertoire, as well as art workshops for kids ages 4-10. Elsewhere are young artist recitals, a choir conducted by Grant Gershon, opera screenings and behind-the-scenes looks into how sets are made and operated. Best of all: The events and activities are completely free of charge.

At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.org.

dra

at the Mark m Taper Foru

b to

han

e4

ho

yR

tC ohi

days, construc cars and, these by ed tu at na in e m rs s is do e and dive Yes, Los Angele home to a larg so al e is Th ty . ci s) e te t th d coyo tion cranes, bu an squirrels an t (read: more th en e ecosysrs nm ve ro vi di e en l ra celebrates th m eu us ’s M y or in the museum Natural Hist ure Fest. Held at N A. L. e Ex th of tem with cludes tours o-day event in s gardens, the tw species of bird e th check out to rk Pa n io e sit ar po docket e. Also on the that call it hom on taxins tio ta en , pres snake feedings a d ornia bees, an dermy and Calif s al ts and anim look at the plan gion. Nature e th unique to be plenty rally, there will es. of kids’ activiti ion sit At 900 Expo . rg .o m Blvd. or nh

KE

L.A. OPERA OPEN HOUSE

P

photo courtesy Bastille

APRIL 19 AT THE NOVO

photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

16 Downtown News

REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival

April 29-May 13 at REDCAT

Although more and mo re families are moving to Downtown, there remains limited chi ldren’s activities. Thus, it’s no surprise that REDCAT’s annual fes tival of short films from around the globe draws such enthu siastic audiences of little ones and their parents. Expect a ser ies of weekend matinees , with approximately one-hour pro grams that bind together a diverse slate of animated and live -action works. Some film s are in English, others are subtitl ed and a few are silent, but there’s always a wondrous, whims ical connection that cro sses borders and sparks smiles. Ticket s for all programs are on

ly $5.

At 631 W. Second St. or red cat.org.

erican m A n a i s Roots: Aents in Movemgeles 1968-80s Los An

at June 11 useum Through se American M e egan the Chin y Area b

in the Ba fessors and izations n a rg ty pro o t in minori iaspora is exr studen e s e a th re o c d nd an in o an America ms and ideos, e, Filipin , Chines ic studies progra n of a new Asian al documents, v k c la b , s ric atio how stu ethn te 1960 d the cre ots presents histo nt. It examines ation of n a In the la f , rm o d fo e e s e h e ri Ro launc ing th War, the e movem useum. demand movement was erican M arious sects of th mid the Vietnam . Perhaps most m A A . e s ts e n .S a v in eU stude from lo’s Ch eology ups in th t El Pueb ganda and more fought over id sian gro A n d a plored a o n p a re ro r u n? gethe phy, p l press America photogra s both worked to ism and politica n Asian a c is p u ra o h ro d dent g eas, an entity: W . ism overs tion of id 67 or camla.org commun f all is the ques 5 -8 5 8 4 ) o 3 t 1 n (2 importa geles St., N. Los An At 425

March 6, 2017

DT

CALENDAR LISTINGS EVENTS

MONDAY, MARCH 6 Alec Baldwin’s “Here’s The Thing” Podcast at the Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com.

8 p.m.: Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally join the favorite Baldwin brother for a live taping of his acclaimed podcast.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Matthew Desmond at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org.

7:15 p.m.: Urban poverty and cyclical eviction-to-despair ratios come into play as the MacArthur Prize-winning sociologist chats with Steve Lopez.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 Peter Cook at SCI-Arc SCI-Arc, 960 E. Third St., (213) 356-5381 or sciarc.edu.

7 p.m.: Cook is an illuminated mind of the architectural world. Or at least we hope he is, because it would be awkward if he weren’t.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 L.A. Fight Club 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or belascous.com.

5 p.m.: Unlike Garcetti v. Schwartz, you’re guaranteed the semblance of an even fight tonight.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 African Guitar Summit Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro, (213) 680-3700 or festivalofsacredmusic.com.

7 p.m.: The stringed instrument draws its history toward the continent that provides tonight’s guest musicians: Alpha YaYa Diallo, Donne Roberts/Madagascar Slim/Kofi Ackah and Naby Camara.

Downtown Bookfest Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8080 or

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING grandparkla.org.

March 11: Hands-on activities, readings, a DJ set from Cut Chemist and, of course, book vendors make this exercise in bibliophilia pleasurable. Plus, there’s a special focus on poet Emily Dickinson.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

Au Lac/Café Fedora 710 W. First St., (213) 617-2533 or aulac.com.

March 9: Sista Jean’s Birthday Party.

March 10: Braz Trio.

March 11: P.L. Brown.

Belasco 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or belascous.com.

March 8: White Chapel is a band named after the ’hood where Jack the Ripper preyed.

March 9: Hey, DTLA taggers, make yourself useful: Skillet is just two Sharpie strokes away from becoming “Skullet.”

March 11: The Neon Paint Tour is like a Gwar show. Well, kind of like a Gwar show.

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

March 6: Ben Finley Group.

March 7: Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Ensemble Jam Session.

March 8: Vardan Ovsepian Chamber Ensemble.

March 9: Sinne Egg with Larry Koonse and Darek Oles.

March 10: Holophonor.

March 11-12: Endangered Blood.

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

March 6: LA Bouquet still has a ways to go before they actually become Perfume Genius.

March 7: Six Organs of Admittance, but who’s counting?

March 8: Come pick up Naomi Greene’s latest vinyl release and hear what a harp sounds like on shellac.

March 9: We wouldn’t be surprised if the Warbly Jets were really just Jet. March 10: A more discerning Listings Editor would attempt to solve the mystery surrounding Lady Lamb’s roots. Maine?

Train to Plane Connection Construction of the Burbank Airport – North Metrolink Station Join us at a community meeting on March 13 to discuss the construction of the new station!

Construction is expected to begin on March 21 for the much anticipated new Metrolink Station on the Antelope Valley Line between the Sun Valley and Downtown Burbank Metrolink Stations.

On March 13, come meet the Project team and learn more about the schedule, construction period, and other details. Project experts will be available to answer questions.

The new Burbank Airport - North Metrolink Station will be located at the northwest corner of Hollywood Way and San Fernando Rd/Bl within the cities of Los Angeles and Burbank.

The station will be approximately one mile from the Hollywood Burbank Airport terminal.

MEETING DETAILS / STAY CONNECTED

Monday, March 13, 2017 - 6pm Buena Vista Branch Library 300 N Buena Vista St Burbank, CA 91505 Presentation starts at 6:30pm Live webcast: www.tinyurl.com/train2plane

213.922.6913 babbw@metro.net metro.net/regionalrail facebook.com/regionalrail All Metro meetings are held in ADA accessible facilities. Spanish translation provided. Other ADA accommodations and translations available by calling 323.466.3876 at least 72 hours in advance.

Brooklyn? Portugal? Sweden? Alas, we work on the binary and all of those queries are a big old “0.”

March 11: Bambu and Little Tokyo’s DJ Phatrick.

March 12: Bird Concerns, a solid band name.

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

March 6: Even when their sponsor was handing the Jazzaholics their 90-day chip, they could hear the ghost of Bix Beiderbecke chanting, “Losers!”

March 7: The Sheriffs of Schroedingham stake out the Escondite.

March 8: You can’t spell Deronda without NDA. March 9: Feel the divinity with Standard Angels.

March 10: Vignes Rooftop Revival, the band dedicated to roofing tar!

March 12: Ben Bostick’s Honky Tonk Sunday goes on well into the wee hours of Monday.

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

March 10: Firebeatz.

March 11: Tritonal.

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

March 7: An Evening With Klaus Voremann, the dude who made the cover art for “Revolver.”

Ham & Eggs Tavern 433 W. Eighth St., (213) 891-6939 or hamandeggstavern.com.

March 6: The Do-Its, The Pretty Flowers and Surprise Vacation.

March 11: S. Moody and the Anzalones, Junk and Poor Babies.

March 12: Shiroishi+Casanova+Fujioka.

Microsoft Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or microsofttheeatre.com.

March 8-9: Fantasia and Johnny Gill join Charlie Wilson.

March 10: I Love the 90s features Salt N Pepa, Coolio, C + C Music Factory and Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray. March 12: Shell out fifty dollars and you’ll get a slightly better idea of what “King of Masked Singer” is all about.

REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

March 10, 8:30 p.m.: CalArts will be heard from tonight as

Downtown News 17 Burning Ghosts, Evil Genuis and RAGE Thormbones show off players from that fine institution.

Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or (323) 316-5311 or residentdtla.com.

March 6: Helado Negro.

March 8: Dude York, Naked Giants and American Nights.

March 10: Chastity Belt, Summer Cannibals, Lisa Prank and Mint Field.

March 11: Ian Moore.

March 12: The Return of Hot Biscuit.

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

March 7: The Makers are just delighted that St. Pat’s doesn’t fall on a Tuesday this year.

Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7326 or staplescenter.com.

March 7-8 and 10, 7:30 p.m.: The Red Hot Chili Peppers are the new Eagles.

The Novo 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or thenovodtla.com.

March 10: KPop standout Hyuna.

March 11: Tchami is descended from a long line of Parisian turntable jockeys.

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

March 9: The Ghostface Killah needs no introduction.

March 10: Darkest Hour and Ringworm on the same bill. Coincidence? Those who have survived ringworm before think not.

MORE LISTINGS@

downtownnews.com/calendar

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.

18 Downtown News

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

Pico Station Getting an Upgrade

The South Park Business Improvement District and Metro are partnering on some low-cost renovations at the Pico/Chick Hearn station, including the installation of new lights and fencing.

Business Group Partners in $1 Million Effort to Enhance Rail Stop

By Nicholas Slayton s South Park has boomed, community stakeholders have complained that the district’s Blue Line stop is outdated. In response, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and a community group have begun upgrades of the station at 1236 S. Flower St. Renovations of the Pico/Chick Hearn station began late last month. The project is a partnership between Metro and the South Park Business Improvement District. Ellen Riotto, the interim executive director of the BID, said the project was spurred by the opening of the Expo Line extension to Santa Monica.

“The time that the Pico station was built, the Expo Line didn’t exist. We’re dealing with a whole other route,” Riotto said.

The Blue Line runs from the Seventh Street/ Metro Center station in Downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach. The Pico station is the only stop inside the BID’s borders, and is particularly busy when there are games and concerts at Staples Center. The number of housing projects in the area stands to vastly increase the amount of people who access the station.

A

CROSSWORD

Riotto said the station needed an overhaul after years of “wear and tear,” and pitched an upgrade to Metro. The BID secured $1 million from the streetscape and bike lane improvement MyFigueroa project. Metro worked with the BID on the design, according to Marie Sullivan, a transportation planning manager with the agency.

Work is expected to last eight weeks and take place during off hours so as not to disrupt riders. The station will remain open throughout the process.

Crews will replace paneling and lighting and add new lights and signage to the platform.

There will also be new fencing with graphic designs, and coverings for the concrete barriers that block the station from automobile traffic.

The idea, Riotto said, is to improve accessibility, safety and the rider experience.

The station opened in 1990, a time when Downtown had only a small residential population, and nearly a decade before Staples Center arrived. The most recent upgrades to the station came in 2015 when Metro installed a steel and glass canopy and put in some new tiling.

Riotto said the current improvements won’t

March 6, 2017

photo by Gary Leonard

address all of the issues with the station, and there continues to be a need for a larger platform and greater passenger capacity. But Sullivan said that both Metro and the BID know funds for the work are limited, so they focused on low-cost changes that could improve usability for riders.

“It’s a little money going a long way,” Sullivan said.

Metro is treating this work as something of a pilot for future community partnerships. Sullivan compared the effort to the recent partnership between Metro and the owners of the shopping center The Bloc. They shared in the cost of a $9.3 million tunnel that connects the complex with the Seventh Street/Metro Center station in the Financial District. That pathway debuted on Feb. 7. nicholas@downtownnews.com

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

March 6, 2017

Downtown News 19

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Restaurant Buzz A new barbecue spot on the edge of Chinatown, Belle Belle’s Cue, offers smoked cuts of meat and simple sides for reasonable prices.

Barbecue in Chinatown, a Makeover for Kendall’s And More Food Happenings

By Eddie Kim moked Out: The Downtown L.A. dining scene is booming, but the roster of barbecue joints remains thin. There’s Horse Thief BBQ and Spring Street Smokehouse, which can both vary in consistency. The Park’s Finest near Echo Park is excellent, but also untraditional, considering it uses Filipino flavors.

In comes a new contender: Belle Belle’s Cue, on a stretch of Cesar Chavez Avenue on the edge of Chinatown. Owner Justin Mi is offering Texas-style barbecue, with options including brisket, ribs, pulled pork and turkey smoked slow over a wood fire. You can order by the half-pound or grab a meal with two traditional sides (think cole slaw and baked beans). Best of all are the prices: around $10 for a half-pound of meat, meal with two sides or sandwich.

At 701 W. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., (323) 897-9227 or bellebellescue.com.

S

What Up, Brew: Boomtown Brewery occupies a warehouse north of First Street in the Arts District. It hasn’t attracted the attention of neighbors like Angel City and Arts District Brewing Company. That’s starting to change now that the public taproom is pouring. Visitors can hit the brewery every day of the week (hours vary) and try an array of elixirs, from familiar IPAs such as the Nose Job to a dark Belgian strong ale (the Aliso), a pretty Scottish country ale (Kilwinning), and more. The space features room to mingle and a billiards table,

and the future could bring more live music and other programming. Don’t miss the rotating cast of food trucks outside.

At 700 Jackson St. or boomtownbrew.com.

Thirsty Throwback: Oh jeez, another Downtown L.A. bar? Yup, but this one looks like a standout. Birds and Bees at Second and Broadway has a notable pedigree and real cocktail hotshots overseeing the menu. Owners Dev and Ankur Desai tapped local barman extraordinaire Marcos Tello to help shape the ’50s-inspired concept, and the result is a witty ode to vintage personalities and flavors. General Manager Nikki Sunseri (Little Dom’s, Las Perlas) and bar manager Bethany Ham (The Corner Door) have crafted a menu with two main sections: “What Would They Drink?” with nods to personalities such as Doris Day and Desi Arnaz, and “Forgotten Classics,” which reinvents esoteric drinks from the middle of the century. Adventurous drinkers also have the option of crafting a custom cocktail with a bartender, and there’s a small section of wine and beer.

At 207 S. Broadway, (213) 537-0510 or birdsandbeesla.com.

Buy a Latte, Pay What You Want: The Historic Core cafe Fabrique Coffee is a gorgeous jewel box of a storefront. Nestled near Fifth and Spring streets, it’s got everything you would expect from a high-end coffee shop — gleaming espresso machines, long bottles of homemade syr-

photo by Eddie Kim

ups and a menu of signature beverages. What’s surprising is that, shortly after its soft opening in January, Fabrique unveiled a pay-your-ownprice system for all of its classic coffee drinks, including espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. It’s an unheard-of twist in Downtown Los Angeles, as those drinks normally sell for around $4-$5 at other shops. Meanwhile, the signature options include a Snickers-flavored latte and a macchiato laced with lavender. Fabrique is open MondaySaturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

At 125 W. Fifth St., (213) 536-9336 or fabriquecoffee.com.

Kendall’s Back: Many consider Kendall’s Brasserie, located at the foot of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, as just a spot for pre-theater dinner or maybe post-show drinks. A renovation and revamp of the menu, however, makes it one of the most satisfying spots in Downtown for an unpretentious French meal. The interior has been made sleeker and prettier without losing any of the warm, easygoing charm.

The food from talented chef Jean-Pierre Bosc is simple but with focused technique, and Francophiles will quickly spot their bistro favorites:

escargots with puff pastry, cassoulet with duck confit and sausage, coq au vin, skate wing with brown butter and capers. Don’t miss the “Tasty Pig Parts,” a dish of beautifully made headcheese, chip-like fried pig’s ears and little croquettes of tender trotter.

At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7322 or patinagroup.com/kendalls-brasserie.

Sushi Hijinks: We’re not sure why everyone seems to love giant sushi burritos, but fans will want to check out Goshen Sushi Burrito and Bowl, which serves, you guessed it, sushi burritos and bowls. The new spot near Seventh and Spring opened recently and is slinging items like the Tunarama burrito (tuna, crab, lettuce, kale and ginger guacamole and more) and the Goshen Shore Bowl (salmon, crab, sweet corn, seaweed), all at prices around $12-$15. The shop is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Try not to think about the fact that a sushi burrito is really just a morbidly obese hand roll.

At 212 W. Seventh St., (213) 265-7775 or goshencuisine.com.

Got juicy food news? Email eddie@downtownnews.com.

Where expertise meets convenience THE KECK EFFECT: MORE TIME TO CATCH UP

Whether you work, live or play in Downtown LA, you have access to cutting-edge therapies and treatments through Keck Medicine of USC. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., our downtown location serves as a convenient resource for your primary and specialty health-care needs. That’s The Keck Effect, and it means you get the exceptional care you deserve, without the commute.

Services include: • 3D Mammography • Cardio Stress Testing • Cosmetics • Dermatology • Endocrinology • Executive Health Examinations

• Facial Plastics and Reconstruction • Geriatrics • Hepatology • Internal Medicine • Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery • Neurology

• Nutrition • OB/GYN • Occupational Therapy • Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery • Rheumatology • Urology • X-ray Services

Keck Medicine of USC – Downtown Los Angeles 830 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90017

(800) USC-CARE KeckMedicine.org

Get expert health tips

Text KECK to 313131

Beverly Hills • La Cañada Flintridge • Los Angeles • Pasadena © 2017 Keck Medicine of USC

USC-16185_Ambulatory-DTLA-Ad_HP4c_DwntwnNews_170216.indd 1

2/16/17 4:19 PM

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

20 Downtown News

March 6, 2017

Huge Project Proposed for Little Tokyo

AROUND TOWN, 2

Development With Nearly 1,000 Residences Could Rise Near Shopping Center

By Nicholas Slayton he owners of the Little Tokyo Galleria have filed plans for a project that could change the look and feel of the southern part of the historic community.

Last month, plans were filed with the Department of City Planning to build 994 apartments at 333 S. Alameda St. That is the address of the three-story, 31-year-old shopping center, but it remains unclear if the building would be torn down, or if the new structure would rise next to the Galleria.

In 2008, a group of Korean American investors purchased the mall, and in 2014 they launched a renovation of the exterior, including installing LED light boards.

The new plans include 110 live/work units and 160 affordable residences. The development would also have 99,300 square feet of commercial space on the first and second floors.

The timeline and budget have not been revealed. Not have other key details, such as the height or the square footage of the overall project.

The Little Tokyo Galleria was built in 1985 and has roughly 295,000 square feet of space, with tenants including a grocery store, restaurants, shops and the X Lanes bowling alley.

The retail portion of the Galleria has long struggled, said Ellen Endo, president of the Little Tokyo Business Association.

She said that the mall is primarily known for its restaurants, and the four-story parking garage on the site helps bring people to Little Tokyo.

“There’s a lot of things to value with the Galleria,” she said. “If they can manage to incorporate them into the new mixed-use project it will be good for everyone.”

Endo praised the proposed affordable housing component, saying it would benefit the community.

It is not the only project in the area. The Wakaba L.A. housing complex opened last summer, bringing 240 apartments to 232 E. Second St. Developer Greystar has proposed building 138 live/

T

Downtown Buildings Receive Historic Designation

A

pair of Downtown buildings have received Historic-Cultural Monument status. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the City Council approved adding the Catalina Swimwear Building at 443 S. San Pedro St. and the Cecil Hotel at 640 S. Main St. to the list of the city’s designated monuments. Both are being upgraded, with residential projects in the works. Kent Hawkins, CEO of Statewide Acquisition Corp., which is redeveloping the Catalina Building, said the six-story edifice is notable both for housing the company that sparked its name, as well as its architect.

“William Lee was this famous architect who designed the Chateau Marmont and this was his first commissioned building,” Hawkins said. “We’re restoring it to try to preserve his work.” The building is expected to open in late 2018. Representatives of Simon Baron Development, which is renovating the Cecil Hotel, did not respond to phone calls.

MOCA Receives Nearly Two Dozen Works

photo by Gary Leonard

A project with 994 residential units has been proposed for the site of the Little Tokyo Galleria. It is unclear if the 1985 shopping center would be torn down.

work units at 330 S. Alameda St. A few blocks south, the Irvine developer SunCal has proposed the $2 billion mixed-use project 6AM. It would rise on a 15-acre site at Sixth and Alameda streets and include a pair of 58-story towers. nicholas@downtownnews.com

Commercial Office Space for Lease

T

he Museum of Contemporary Art last week announced that it has 22 new works in its permanent collection, courtesy of a gift from a pair of private collectors. The photographs and paintings come from collectors Alan Hergott and Curt Shepard, who have been buying artwork for decades; they have previously donated works to MOCA. Their collection is focused on themes of male identity and portrayal. The 22 pieces include works from artists already in MOCA’s permanent collection, such as Andrea Gursky and Jack Pierson, plus new additions from Doug Aitken and Catherine Opie. “We hope to see these works in various juxtapositions with other art in MOCA’s permanent collection for a long time to come,” Shepard said in a statement.

The

Petroleum Building .com

Offering a new LEVEL of living for professionals in downtown Los Angeles.

• Ideal for corporate housing clients, employee relocations, or anyone looking to experience more than a hotel – whether it’s for a few weeks, months, or years.

• Luxurious 33-storey tower offers fully furnished 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites with all the comforts of home.

• Fully equipped chef’s kitchen and in-suite laundry, as well as 24-hour concierge, weekly housekeeping, personal phone line, WIFI, and utilities included. Valet parking also available.

• Exclusive access to LEVEL’s private L CLUB, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop basketball court, 87’ heated outdoor pool, hot tub, cabanas, sauna and steam room, and more.

888 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles 213.873.8400

Second Floor

Third Floor

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

E! BL A IL VA A S ION T OP G SIN A E L AT E GR Designed for long stays that won’t feel that way.

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

March 6, 2017

Downtown News 21

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Momentum Grows for Art District Rail Stations Metro Examines Issue Amid Development And Vocal Support for New Stops

By Eddie Kim he eastern edge of the Arts District is lined with veins of train tracks that have long carried big hauls across Los Angeles.

Now, with an influx of new housing and retail, plus a handful of block-sized mega-projects in the works, momentum is building to have trains carry people, too.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is examining extending the Red or Purple Line into the Arts District. This includes exploring the creation of new stations at First, Third and or Sixth streets.

Currently, the closest rail line stop is a Gold Line station at First and Alameda streets in Little Tokyo. Community members say the area is also underserved by bus lines.

Former City Councilman Tom LaBonge proposed the idea of a rail spur from Union Station into the Arts District back in 2010. It went nowhere, but the recent surge of activity has brought the issue to light. The current review was initiated by a motion from Mayor Eric Garcetti, County Supervisor Hilda Solis and City Councilman Mike Bonin after a December community meeting in which Arts District residents and business owners pressured Metro to consider new service there.

One factor at play is the coming construction of a “turnback” facility at Metro’s Division 20 rail yard, which stretches along the Arts District eastern border from First to Sixth streets. Slated to be built adjacent to Third Street, the turnback would allow Red and Purple Line cars to reverse course and resume service more quickly than they can today at Union Station.

Arts District stakeholders worry the turnback might prevent the extension of rail service and the construction of new stations.

The Metro motion dictates that any Division 20 construction should not preclude an Arts District rail spur.

Metro staff is expected to deliver its findings next month. The issues to be determined include funding and scheduling.

The passage of the half-cent sales tax Measure M by L.A. County voters in November accelerated the construction of the Purple Line Extension, which requires upgrades (including

T

NOTICE

the turnback) at Division 20 to operate correctly when it debuts in 2024.

Arts District service, meanwhile, has not received Measure M consideration. The motion asks Metro CEO Phil Washington to begin working with the city to “establish innovative funding mechanisms dedicated to offset the costs of new stations in the Arts District.”

“The Arts District presents some intriguing possibilities to marry new urban development with Metro Rail,” Metro said in a statement to Los Angeles Downtown News. “Our first priority must be to support the Purple Line Extension needs at Division 20. But we’re also going to be doing a holistic study to see whether our future plans can also include the possibility of new station access in that area.”

Community stakeholders are managing their expectations, said Laura Velkei, vice president of the Historic Cultural Neighborhood Council and a familiar presence in Arts District community groups. Building two or three stops is financially unrealistic, but an early consensus suggests strong support for a Sixth Street station, she said.

“We’re putting in a $550 million capital improvement with a bridge and a park that serves Boyle Heights and the Arts District. It will be a destination point,” Velkei said, referring to the Sixth Street Viaduct replacement slated to open in 2020. “While it would be amazing to have a stop at Third Street, we would rather focus our attention on Sixth Street so we’re not forcing Metro to build two stations.”

Due to its longstanding history as a corridor for heavy commercial activity, with a limited residential base, the Arts District hasn’t seen serious transit plans until now, said Dan Rosenfeld, a development expert and a member of the board of the Arts District Los Angeles Business Improvement District.

The challenge is convincing Metro engineers that it would be safe and efficient to have railcars with passengers traveling through the Division 20 maintenance yard on their way to a station, he added.

“Mostly, though, the stations would be very easy to implement. The tracks are largely there already. A rough cost for a new station would be $90 million, which sounds like a lot but is

SAY “NO” TO CAVITIES & “YES” TO HEALTHY GUMS

Metro is considering building one or two new rail stations at existing tracks along the eastern edge of the Arts District. The stop or stops would serve the growing residential base in the community.

photo by Gary Leonard

a steal compared to any other rail stations in Metro’s plan,” Rosenfeld said.

Another wrinkle is the long-range, twophase West Santa Ana light rail plan, which does have funding allocated through Measure M. The line would run from Artesia through the Arts District to Union Station, with potential stations near Fourth and Seventh streets. The problem is the timetable: If built from south to north, the Arts District wouldn’t see stations until 2041, when the second phase is scheduled to wrap.

A number of major projects would debut before then, including 950 E. Third St. with 472

apartments, SunCal’s $2 billion 6AM at Sixth and Alameda streets, the renovated Ford Factory with tenant Warner Music Group and its hundreds of employees, and the large Bjarke Ingels-designed 670 Mesquit along the L.A. River.

Meanwhile, community advocates are honing in on more low-hanging fruit in the form of expanded bus service through the city Department of Transportation. LADOT launched a campaign to revise its DASH bus routes last year, and preliminary suggestions include an extension of the F line along Seventh Street and up Santa Fe Avenue in the Arts District. eddie@downtownnews.com

DOWNTOWN LIVING s9 wn New Downto

LIVING N W O T N D O W in My Loft?

DOW

r 10, Octobe

2016

NEW NTO WN

S.CO M

s What’

gs rite Thin r Favo of Thei a Few Gary Leonard ff O Show • Photos by sidents ei own Re Emily Manth Downt By Liana Rowan

oulis

Georg

Lofts

1

OUR ISSUE FOR THE DOWNTOWN DWELLER. Downtowners reveal how they live and what they love about their homes.

native Beach a edondo rgoulis has n Liana Geo Downtow with ers history rememb psho eles. She Los Ang nts taking her Jewher pare Fashion and Colithe to the ping in for the ricts, and elry dist Exposition Park . As an in pics seum mer Olym Down1984 Sum returned to as a she adult, use her degree hologist town to r clinical psyc ion.

Miss voluntee n Rescue ing elf visit Unio d hers at the n foun lofts.

She soo Arts District , and in city grow friends the d “I watche

2

R

at’s in

see Wh

e 10

?, pag

My Loft

Highlights on local business and a guide to Downtown services.

And the best places to live in Downtown.

Public Meeting to be Held at the LA-Federal Finance Station Post Office

Wednesday March 22, 2017 @ 11:00am Discussion of a new site for The LA-Federal Finance Station Post Office

MEETING LOCATION:

300 N. Los Angeles St. (Lobby) Los Angeles, CA 90012

New Patient Offer*(for a limited time) CALL TODAY! 213-634-2960

Thorough Exam All Necessary X-Rays Personal Consultation

$49 I Regularly: $284 I You Save $235

255 S. Grand Ave. #204, LA 90012 * Cannot be applied to insurance.

Don’t miss your chance to reach 150,000 readers!

Section Publishes: March 20, 2017 Space Reservation: March 15, 2017 1264 W. 1st St., LA, CA 90026 (213) 481-1448 • FAX (213) 250-4617

LADowntownNews.com

22 Downtown News

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

March 6, 2017

March 6, 2017

DT

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL LOFTS FOR SALE

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper

213.598.7555 FOR RENT

LOFT/UNFURNISHED

OLD BANK District The original Live/Work Lofts

from $1,500 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. n Childre ’s Performing Group

Sunshine Generation Singing, dancing, performing and fun!

For boys & girls ages 3 and up!

AUTOS & RECREATIONAL AUTO SALES

DoWNtoWN l.a. aUto groUp

Over 1000 vehicles on Sale Now!

Nearly Every Make & Model

909-861-4433

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.

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

DowntownNews.com

the LOFT expert!

108 W 2nd ST #705, 650 Sq Ft

$396,000 CASH

TM

Downtown since 2002

Corey Chambers

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

(213)

880-9910

TheLoftExpertGroup.com

Realty Source Inc BRE#01889449

DRE # 01309009

*Seller and Corey must agree on price and time of possession.

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

TheLoftExpertGroup.com BRE #01309009

Voted BEST Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent!

DOWNTOWN LIVING town Down

Visit us online

Octob

er 10,

9 News

NG I V I L N W D O W N T O My Loft?

DO WN

dtlamotors.com

2016

TO WN

NE WS

.CO M

s in ’ t a h W

hings vorite T heir Fad T f o ew ar Off a F s by Gary Leon Show to sidents anthei • Pho e R n w ily M Downto

By Em

Monthly from $800+ utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

Liana Rowan

oulis

Georg

Lofts

Is your teen experiencing

1

• School problems?

• Conflict at home or with friends?

Adolescent support group now forming Ages 13-17 Low fee

Call Marney Stofflet, LCSW

(323) 662-9797

SunshineGenerationLA.com

Downtown News 23

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

4344 Fountain Ave. (at Sunset), Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90029

FollowMyGut.com

OUR ISSUE FOR THE DOWNTOWN DWELLER. Downtowners reveal how they live and what they love about their homes.

native Beach a edondo orgoulis has n Liana Ge h Downtow wit rs history e remembe les. Sh r shopge he An ing Los rents tak n and Jew hio her pa the Fas to the Coliping in and k for the tricts, elry dis Exposition Par . As an ics in Olymp seum mmer Down 1984 Su returned to as a e she adult, use her degre ologist ch town to r clinical psy ssion.

Mi voluntee ion Rescue visiting Un herself ts. at the nd n fou t lof She soo Arts Distric w, and s in city gro friend ed the “I watch

2

R

hat’s in

see W

My

ge 10

pa Loft?,

Highlights on local business and a guide to Downtown services.

And the best places to live in Downtown.

Don’t miss your chance to reach 150,000 readers!

Section Publishes: March 20, 2017 Space Reservation: March 15, 2017 1264 W. 1st St., LA, CA 90026 (213) 481-1448 • FAX (213) 250-4617

LADowntownNews.com

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

24 Downtown News

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.

255 South Grand Avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777 www.255GRAND.com

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

On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Beauty Salon

MUSEUM TOWER

225 South Olive Street Leasing Information 213 626 1500 www.MUSEUMTOWER.com

TOWERS

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

T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

By Nicholas Slayton nother historic Broadway building is being revitalized, this time as creative office space.

Downtown-based development firm RYDA recently announced plans to transform the five-story structure at 510 S. Broadway, turning the top four levels into 45,000 square feet of office space while uncovering the property’s historic elements.

A

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

123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777 www.THEPROMENADETOWERS.com

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

New Plans for 1905 Structure Known as the Pettebone Building

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

PROMENADE TOWERS

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Spa / BBQ Grills ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

Broadway Building to Become Office Space

Re Ne no wl va y te d

255 GRAND

Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

March 6, 2017

MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING

RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM

image courtesy of RYDA

A Downtown developer plans to turn the Pettebone Building at 510 S. Broadway into creative office space.

“It’s been covered up by a lot of stuff over the years. We’re going to bring the façade back to its original condition,” said Ryan Neman, a principal at RYDA. The structure, also known as the Pettebone Building, opened in 1905. Businessman O.T. Johnson developed it, with designs from architect Robert B. Young. It was originally called the O.T. Johnson Building #2.

A new moniker came after the light fixture maker the ForvePettebone Company took over much of the building. That business manufactured many of the streetlights in Downtown’s Historic Core. It occupied the space through 1924.

The developer purchased the building in 2015. RYDA also owns an Arts District property at 810 E. Third St. Neman said RYDA will restore the upper levels, which have long been vacant. With designs from Wolcott Architecture, the developer is currently working on structural upgrades, including new floors and overhauling the electrical system.

Construction crews started on the property in early December. Work is expected to last until the end of the year. The budget for the project was not disclosed.

The brokerage firm Industry Partners is leasing the office space. Robert Erickson, a partner with the company, said they are not targeting any particular business sector, but that the upper levels are being marketed as modern creative workspace.

The Mexican restaurant Mezcalero opened on the ground floor of the building last year. A second street-level space could hold retail or another restaurant.

The Pettebone Building received Historic Cultural Monument status in April 2016, following an application from RYDA. Much of the building’s original brick exterior has been covered up over the years. RYDA plans to remove those layers. Work crews will also refurbish historic parts of the interior, such as wooden columns and a cast-iron staircase.

The Pettebone Building is the latest Broadway edifice to get an overhaul. The Broadway Trade Center on Eighth Street between Hill Street and Broadway is undergoing a major redevelopment, while a developer known as 640 S. Broadway plans to turn the mostly empty J.E. Carr Building at 646 S. Broadway into housing. nicholas@downtownnews.com