03-10-14

The Big Money in Downtown | 6 A ‘Boy Band’ in the Nazi Era | 10

MARCH 10, 2014 I VOL. 43 I #10

A New Look In Skid Row The $21 Million Star Apartments Opens See Page 9

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AROUND TOWN

Punisher Likes Maple Bacon Donuts; Creator to Sign Copies at Nickel Diner

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race yourselves, Marvel Comics fans: The Punisher is coming to Downtown. Turns out, soldier-turned-vigilante Frank Castle is a fan of the Nickel Diner’s maple bacon donut, which he gobbles up in a segment of the new Punisher series. Writer Nathan Edmondson and artist Mitch Gerads will kick off the new series by relocating Castle’s war on crime from New York to the City of Angels. Edmondson will sign copies of the series on Tuesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. at the diner at 524 S. Main St. in the Historic Core. Nickel co-owner Monica May said she is “totally honored” to have the restaurant she and Kristen Trattner own be a hangout for the story’s main character.

Another character in the new series is based on one of the diner’s cooks, and even May and Trattner make it into the story. “Nathan called and said he was looking for an iconic L.A. place. We think it’s fabulous,” May said.

“We’re now in comic book perpetuity.”

Plan in Place to Speed Up Arts District BID Replacement

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ollowing the agreement by two formerly competing groups to work together on

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS the creation of a new Business Improvement District for the Arts District, 14th District City Councilman José Huizar has introduced legislation to speed up the process. On Feb. 25, Huizar helped members of the Arts District Los Angeles and a rival group come together on a plan to get street cleaning and safety services back in place (a previous BID was dissolved by a judge last year following a lawsuit). On Feb. 28, Huizar introduced a motion that would allow the city to advance $208,000 to ADLA in order to ensure a new BID is operating as soon as possible, potentially by May 1. Otherwise, the BID would need to wait several more months until tax assessments on property owners start rolling in. The new BID will have an annual budget of $1.128 million, and will provide safety patrols, graffiti cleanups and other property maintenance. Under the compromise, ADLA agreed to expand its board of directors. The competing group promised not to file any lawsuits.

When Downtown Drains Clog, LaBonge Comes To the Rescue

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he recent storms didn’t only bring rain to Downtown Los Angeles: They also brought Fourth District City Councilman Tom LaBonge to the area. That’s what Jonathan Jerald, the treasurer for the Los Angeles River Artists and Business Association, found out on Friday, Feb. 28. The Arts District resident saw LaBonge pull up and scoop out debris from some clogged gutter guards along Third Street. The pooling water quickly receded. Though the sight

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may have surprised Jerald and other observers, it was nothing new for LaBonge, who said he always carries a shovel, cones, a safety vest and extra clothes in his car — just in case.

The three-term councilman, whose district includes parts of Silver Lake, Hollywood and Sherman Oaks, didn’t hesitate to climb out of his car even as rain droplets pelted his white dress shirt and tan pants. “If I see a problem and it saves one crew member from having to get out there, I’ll do it,” LaBonge said a few days later. He noted that it was the kind of “just do it” mentality that the late Arts District activist Joel Bloom employed.

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March 6, 2014

Win a Downtown T-Shirt Contest

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hat image reflects the ambience of the Central City and looks good on a T-shirt? To answer that question 14th District City Councilman Jose Huizar has launched a Downtown T-shirt design competition. The winning work will be used in an upcoming community clean-up program.

All illustrations must include “Downtown Los Angeles” or “DTLA” on the front, and applicants are urged to use a color that represents Downtown, whatever that may be. Designs must be emailed to diana.edoyan@lacity.org by March 17.

March 10, 2014

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EDITORIALS

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March 10, 2014

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

A Happily Eventful Spring

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t is no longer a surprise to hear about a cultural event in Downtown Los Angeles. The community’s reputation as a place for evening and weekend entertainment has been on the upswing for more than a decade. Once Walt Disney Concert Hall opened in 2003, the game changed, and an international light was shined on the Central City. The debut of L.A. Live and its multiple music venues several years later added to the momentum.

Yet those have not been the only additions of note, and as the community continues to mature, we are seeing an increasing number of options. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is that Downtowners now have a lively outdoor entertainment lineup, one that starts in the spring rather than the summer (as once occurred). No longer do people have to head inside for a concert, movie or festival.

Los Angeles Downtown News last week published its springs arts and entertainment preview, in which we highlighted 40 of the hundreds of cultural events taking place between March and May. The lineup reveals how Downtown continues to shine as an active and entertaining place.

This is important because, although housing complexes and mixed-use developments that cost hundreds of millions of dollars generate the most headlines, the people who live and work in the gleaming buildings need additional things to do. The cultural lineup goes beyond the function, demonstrating that Downtown is actually fun. It truly is a situation where the sum of all the events is greater than the parts.

The spring list includes a mix of opportunities. There are stalwarts like MOCA, which on March 31 will open a major retrospective of the artist Mike Kelley, and the FIDM Museum and Galleries, which is now in the midst of its 22nd annual exhibition of costumes from the past year’s films. There is the Blessing of the Animals (April 19) at Olvera Street and the plays and musicals at the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and East West Players.

These are complemented by newer arrivals, some of them in the open air. April 6 will bring the return of Ciclavia, an increasingly popular event that this time will shut down Wilshire Boulevard to cars and turn it over to pedestrians and cyclists. Over at Grand Park, meanwhile, there is Bookfest. The March 29 afternoon happening will be a celebration of the written word and a chance for people to check out and purchase writing they might otherwise miss.

There also continues to be a lineup of unique choices. The Natural History Museum holds First Fridays once a month, bringing DJs and dancing to a place long dominated by dioramas and dinosaurs. The wrestling and burlesque extravaganza Lucha VaVoom occupies the Mayan Theatre on May 1-2.

That is just the start. Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the spring lineup is that when summer arrives, there will be an even longer list of choices. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage.

Arts District BID Compromise Is Welcome, But Should Have Come Sooner

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he sighs of relief last month could be heard across nearly the entirety of the Arts District. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, 14th District City Councilman José Huizar announced that two warring groups had finally reached a compromise over the formation of a replacement for the defunct Arts District Business Improvement District. The resolution to an almost year-long battle means that the neighborhood on the east side of Downtown Los Angeles is finally on the road to having a program that will clean the streets and provide security patrols beyond those delivered by the city.

We’re pleased that common ground has been found, and congratulations go to Huizar and his team for getting the parties to the bargaining table and pushing the give-and-take process to find something that everyone can accept. However, we also have to ask what took so darn long, and why were a collection of experienced business and community leaders unable for months to reach an agreement that would better the area in which everyone lives or works?

We have to wonder if ego or downright pigheadedness got in the way, because the details of the compromise do not contain anything that vastly changes how people operate on a daily basis. We’re hardpressed to see what has been agreed upon now that open and reasonable minds could not have produced six months ago.

One of the best things to say at this point is that the situation could have gotten worse, and that scenario has been avoided. Huizar and the dueling Arts District stakeholders reached a compromise the night before the City Council was set to vote on the approval of a BID by one group, the Arts District Los Angeles (ADLA). The groundwork appeared to be in place for the council to give it the green light, and if that had happened the second group might have launched a legal challenge. This could have impacted everyone in the community by further delaying the creation of a BID. Perhaps the most frustrating thing about the situation is that it was avoidable, and mistakes made years ago kept snowballing. It all began when the leaders of the original BID expanded their territory in 2011, encompassing areas that included residential buildings on Industrial Street despite the objections of the developers who created those complexes (the developers said they already provided their own clean and safety teams). A lawsuit was filed, and a judicial ruling in May 2013 not only led to the immediate dissolution of the BID and the elimina-

tion of services in the neighborhood, but also threatened the existence of all BIDs that provide marketing in addition to clean and safe efforts.

Had the leaders of the original BID not overreached and been satisfied with what they had, then the conflict never would have arisen.

We don’t fault those who filed the original suit — it was a tough though ultimately reasonable response to being roped into the taxassessing body — but the problem worsened in the latter half of last year. That was when two competing groups began trying to create a replacement BID. The ADLA team, which had ties to the defunct BID, and individuals who led the legal challenge both believed they should run the new organization.

Despite their clashes, the two groups’ aims were fairly similar. Both BID proposals were built around providing clean and safe services, which gained importance as trash and petty crime increased in the Arts District. The biggest differences involved the specific areas they would cover, and one group hoped to create additional green space.

With so much in common, this page in September called upon the parties to work together and compromise, knowing it would benefit the area and reduce the fees that both parties were paying to attorneys.

Yet working together proved impossible, with each side seeming to feel the other should budge. The divide continued until the day before the council vote. The most notable steps in the compromise involve the expansion of the ADLA BID board: The panel will increase from 16 to 23 seats with four spots reserved for people from the competing group. The number of homeowners association seats on the board has also increased from two to five. Members of the second group in turn have agreed not to sue.

This is minor stuff. It seems that board expansion and agreeing not to sue could been have agreed upon long ago. Think of the time and money that people would have saved if everyone was not so intractable or if mediation proved more effective.

Fortunately, things are moving forward, and there is another plus as well. Huizar has taken steps to have the city advance the BID about $200,000, which will allow the clean and safe services to begin by May, rather than a month or more later. That’s a smart move that benefits the community. We just wish we had seen this kind of thinking from all the parties long ago.

March 10, 2014

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

From Supreme Court Justice to Video Gamer photo by Dane Penland, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States

Sandra Day O’Connor Makes an Appearance in Downtown

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor now has a website, iCivics.org, designed to teach people about the democratic process through interactive games and other online tools.

By Donna Evans t might be one of the least likely descriptions you’d ever expect to hear, but when she came to Downtown Los Angeles last week, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor described herself an “old cowgirl who’s gotten involved in video games.”

It was one of many lines from the 83-year-old retired jurist that drew applause and laughter. O’Connor spoke to an audience of approximately 300 people at a Monday, March 3, luncheon at the Jonathan Club hosted by the organization Town Hall-Los Angeles.

O’Connor retired from the Supreme Court in 2006, after 25 years on the panel. The first woman to be appointed to the nation’s highest court, O’Connor offered the swing vote for many key cases, including upholding the Roe v. Wade decision on abortion rights in 1992. A moderate conservative, she also was the deciding vote in the 2000 ruling that gave George W. Bush the presidency over Al Gore.

In Downtown, the octogenarian trumpeted the importance of life-long learning and shared her two main passions since retiring: advocating for judicial independence and promoting civic education. The latter has consumed much of her time, as she founded iCivics.org, a website designed to teach people about the democratic process through interactive games and other online tools.

The impetus for the nonprofit and its accompanying website grew out of the country’s dire need for a reinvigoration of civics teaching, she said. O’Connor believes fervently that “an informed and engaged citizenry is the lifeblood of our democracy and our country.” So with fewer than one-third of eight graders able to identify the historical purpose of the Declaration of Independence, she said the schools are failing to teach young people the essential skills of citizenship.

“This absence of civic knowledge leads directly to civil disengagement,” she remarked. “If they don’t know how it works, how are they going to get involved?”

Given that the world is very different from when O’Connor used the sun or a compass to find her way around her family’s Arizona cattle ranch as a child (read: kids today use GPS on their phones), O’Connor figured if young people are spending 40 hours a week in front of some type of screen, why not squeeze in some government lessons? One of the games on the website, “Do I Have a Right?” allows players to run a law firm and determine the constitutionality of various situations. The more the lawyers win, the larger the firm grows.

The website received 6.5 million hits during the last school year. Additionally, many of the units of study are aligned with state-mandated learning standards. Still, O’Connor noted that its users are not limited to children.

“Age is no limit to your ability to have an impact. I urge you to continue to better your communities,” she said.

Following that advice, an audience member asked a 21st century question: Is there an app for that?

The octogenarian paused. She said she hadn’t considered an application for a mobile device, but that it is something she will look into. Expect her to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. donna@downtownnews.com

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Downtown News 5

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March 10, 2014

Asian and Large National Investors Placing Huge Bets on Downtown

Shanghai-based Greenland Group broke ground on the $1 billion Metropolis development on Feb.14. It is one of two huge investments in Downtown from a Chinese firm.

Entities From Beyond the Community Are Swarming The Central City on a Scale Not Seen in Decades

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cago, Houston, Atlanta and Cleveland, are looking to cash in on Downtown. Even large Los Angeles-based developers such as Evoq Properties has been backed by out-of-town institutional funds from New York and elsewhere, said Evoq CEO Martin Caverly.

“Downtown L.A. was not a favored place for big institutional funding,” Caverly said. “Now it is. This isn’t flash-in-the-pan stuff, either. When you have these players making these kinds of bets, it’s because they see long-term, sustainable success.”

The biggest beyond-L.A. investment is anchored in housing. More than 5,000 apartments are being built in Downtown, and more than 3,000 additional units have been approved by the city, according to real estate sales and research firm Polaris Pacific.

Vancouver-based Onni Group has broken ground or submitted plans for more than 1,000 units throughout Downtown, all in mid- and high-rise structures. Carmel Partners is deep into construction on a low-rise 700-apartment building with a Whole Foods market at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue, and the San Francisco-based developer recently revealed plans for a 27-story, 363-unit tower nearby at Eighth and Olive streets. New York-based Related Cos. is constructing a 19-story apartment building

in the city, said Richard Green, director of the University of Southern California’s Lusk Center for Real Estate.

“We have some of the lowest vacancy rates in the country, and Downtown has a lot of parking lots to build on,” Green said. “On the Westside, prices per square foot are very high, which is partly why the attention has shifted.

But it’s all a function of the L.A. market improving fundamentally.”

A Greater Context The surge in outside investment stems from several factors. Part of it is price, as early Downtown developers were able to secure land and faded, empty buildings for a small fraction of what they fetch today.

Now, with all that has happened since Tom Gilmore launched the residential revolution with the Old Bank District in 2000, often only large national or international firms with deep

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on Bunker Hill adjacent to the upcoming Broad museum, and is aiming for a 2015 groundbreaking on the recently revived, $650 million, Frank Gehry-designed mixed-use project The Grand across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall.

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By Eddie Kim he surge of investment in Downtown in the last couple years has reminded many people of the pre-recession era. Then, as now, big-budget housing and other projects are announced seemingly weekly. Once again, construction cranes speckle the sky.

There is a big difference, however, between the current boom and the one that peaked around 2006. Whereas the first wave of housing was powered by local developers often on a piecemeal basis, today the residential and mixed-use projects (and sometimes mega-projects) increasingly come from deep-pocketed institutional investors.

What’s more, many of those pouring money into Downtown hail from Asia.

Consider some of the biggest recent developments: The sites of Figueroa Central and Metropolis, two mixed-use mega-projects near L.A. Live, were bought late last year by Beijing-based Oceanwide Real Estate Group and Shanghai-based Greenland Group, respectively.

The $1 billion Wilshire Grand tower comes from South Korean conglomerate Hanjin International. Singapore-based Overseas Union Enterprise bought U.S. Bank Tower last year.

While the Asian buying spree gets many of the headlines, developers from around the United States, including from New York, Chi-

March 10, 2014 reserves can afford the asking prices.

Some locals are still engaged in next wave investment. Sonny Astani is active in South Park and Historic Core pioneer Izek Shomof has plans for several more Downtown projects.

Still, experts say, many beyond-L.A. investors have a bird’s-eye view that locals lack.

“When you see the foreign investment and institutional investment, a lot of it is because those folks are seeing [Downtown] in the greater context of a world-class city,” Bohlinger said. “If you’re in Beijing or Germany or New York, it’s easier to see the dramatic change. A lot of people in L.A. are stuck in thinking about Downtown of the ’90s and ’80s.”

The feeling extends to office space. Despite a soft market (the vacancy rate in Class A Downtown buildings is 19.4%, according to brokerage Colliers International), Singapore-based Overseas Union Enterprise bought the tallest building in Los Angeles, U.S. Bank Tower, from troubled local office giant MPG Office Trust in June for $367.5 million.

New York-based Brookfield Properties picked up four more Downtown office properties from MPG in October for around $430 million. That has given Brookfield control of seven of Downtown’s most significant skyscrapers, including the Gas Company Tower and Wells Fargo Tower.

Meanwhile, Downtown-based Thomas Properties Group was purchased late last year by the Florida real estate investment trust Parkway Properties. That deal resulted in the liquidation of Thomas Properties’ share of City National Plaza, which it had co-owned with the California State Teachers’ Retirement System.

Continued on page 8

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Outside Looking In A Rundown of Some of the Developers Building in Downtown

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evelopers and institutional investors from across the country and around the world are pouring billions of dollars into Downtown Los Angeles. Here is a sampling of the projects.

International Company: Hanjin International Based in: South Korea Key Project: Wilshire Grand replacement, a $1 billion, 73-story tower at Seventh and Figueroa streets that will be the tallest building west of the Mississippi River when completed. It will have 400,000 square feet of office space and 900 hotel rooms.

Company: Greenland Group Based in: Shanghai, China Key Project: Metropolis, a $1 billion, 6.33acre mixed-use development adjacent to L.A. Live at Francisco and Eighth streets. The first phase, which broke ground last month, will create a 19-story hotel and a 38-floor residential tower.

Company: Oceanwide Real Estate Group Based in: Beijing, China Key Project: Figueroa Central, a 4.6-acre mixed-use development that will rise on two current parking lots east of Staples Center. It has been entitled for 45- and 33-story resi-

dential and hotel towers.

Company: Onni Group Based in: Vancouver, Canada Key Project: A $100 million, 32-story apartment tower at 888 S. Olive St. It will offer 303 one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2015.

Company: Overseas United Enterprises, Limited Based in: Singapore Key Project: U.S Bank Tower, which was purchased from MPG Office Trust last year for $367.5 million.

Domestic Company: Avalon Bay Communities Based in: Arlington, Virginia Key Project: Ava Little Tokyo, a two-building apartment complex that will feature a combined 280 units when phase two is complete in 2015.

Company: Carmel Partners Based in: San Francisco Key Project: Eighth and Grand Apartments, a 700-unit rental complex with a 42,000-squarefoot Whole Foods. Scheduled to open in fall 2015.

Downtown News 7

Company: Equity Residential Based in: Chicago Key Project: Jia Apartments, a just-opened $92 million project at the southern entrance of Chinatown. It has 280 apartments and 18,000 square feet of retail space.

Company: Forest City Based in: Cleveland Key Project: The $95 million Blossom Plaza in Chinatown. The long-delayed development, which broke ground last year, will have 240 apartments, 20,000 square feet of retail and a public plaza connecting Broadway to the Metro Gold Line station.

Company: Hanover Company Based in: Houston Key Project: Olympic and Hill Apartments, a 281-unit complex with 16,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Company: Lennar Multifamily Investors Based in: Miami Key Project: A 201-unit, seven-story apartment building at 1001 S. Olive St. Company: Wood Partners Based in: Atlanta Key Project: A 22-story, 290-unit apartment tower at Eighth and Hope streets. Slated for a late 2014 opening.

—Eddie Kim Some information provided by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

8 Downtown News

Investment, 7 The Financial District complex has since been acquired by the California Public Employees Retirement System.

Marc Renard, vice chairman of brokerage Cushman & Wakefield’s global capital markets group, isn’t surprised by the trend.

“Every institutional financing source is looking at Downtown,” he said. “Just look at what Brookfield’s done, and all the blue-chip institutions are coming in.”

Diversifying the Market The last time Downtown saw purchases on this scale was in the late 1980s, when Japanese real estate investors, buoyed by the yen and loose lending standards in Japan, started snagging key properties across the United States. That

was undone by the Japanese stock market crash of the early ’90s. Coupled with slow growth in U.S. markets, it spelled disaster for investors and their assets, which plummeted in value.

Experts say today’s investments lack the same speculative risk attached to the Japanese buying spree because of a combination of more sophisticated analysis data and the fact that, unlike previous foreign investors, buyers are now looking to contribute to Downtown, rather than just lock up assets for financial security.

“What happened in the past was buyers were just trading capital for buildings without much development, and no economic growth comes from that,” CBRE’s Bohlinger said. “But you’re now seeing money to create new product or renovate products to satisfy the needs of the community. It’s a different philosophy.”

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Perhaps most compelling is that global developers will sometimes back big projects that others shy away from. After all, Metropolis was first announced two decades ago, and Figueroa Central has foundered for years.

“Asian investors seem to be patient investors these days, with an affinity for land and a longer-term thought process,” observed Eric Sussman, a senior lecturer and real estate expert at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

The demand isn’t just because of the merits of local property, either. Foreign buyers are often looking to diversify their real estate assets, moving away from their home countries as overseas capital markets grow hotter.

“Take some Chinese investors, for example,” Sussman said. “I used to hear that the growth rate in China was preferable, but now people are seeing the market there as being overheated, as a bubble. They’re looking elsewhere now.”

That so many Asian investors, in particular, are considering Los Angeles may also have to do with the cultural or familial ties they have in the city, especially in terms of the large Chinese and Korean communities near Downtown. The upside is that international investment often brings new international tenants, which is critical in expanding Downtown into a global gateway, Evoq’s Caverly said.

Whatever the reasons, the interest is an indicator of the growing value of Downtown property to a wide array of investors. Many believe it is the beginning of a cycle that will feed on itself.

Of course, plenty of concerns remain about Downtown’s development future, and optimistic investments have failed in the past. Many of the experts’ concerns, however, focus on how the growth will happen and what it might

image courtesy AC Martin

One of the biggest foreign bets on the future of Downtown comes from the South Korean conglomerate Hanjin International, which is spending $1 billion to create a 73-story replacement for the Wilshire Grand Hotel.

mean for the community, rather than the fact that money is trading hands on a great scale.

USC’s Green, for instance, said that inclusiveness, or the lack thereof, is a huge issue considering that many developments are aimed at wealthier tenants. Bohlinger said his biggest concern is that parts of Downtown will become cold and lifeless if too many high-rises go up.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Renard believes that building schools and creating a lively smallbusiness base will prove critical.

Mostly, though, there is a sense of excitement that Downtown is headed toward a more diverse, financially stable future. If there are any doubts, just look at how the money is flowing. eddie@downtownnews.com

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Downtown News 9

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

The Star Is Born

The Star Apartments, designed by Michael Maltzan, assembled 102 prefabricated units constructed in Idaho and shipped to Los Angeles. They were lowered by crane onto a concrete structure at Sixth and Maple streets.

Skid Row Gets a Stunning $21 Million Low-Income Housing Complex

By Eddie Kim kid Row’s new Star Apartments may be affordable housing for the formerly homeless, but with its angular concrete supports in the middle of the building and the levels that seem to float in space, it is also one of the most striking structures to sprout in Downtown.

“We like the idea of building iconic structures that give residents a sense of pride in their home, and this is an important building for the community,” said Dana Trujillo, housing development director at Skid Row Housing Trust, which developed the $21 million complex at 240 E. Sixth St. Despite the aesthetic highlights, the Michael Maltzan-designed building’s most intriguing element hides beneath its skin: It’s the first and only low-income project in Downtown to be designed with prefabricated construction. Instead of building each level from floor to ceiling, the 102 units were assembled in Idaho by Guerdon Enterprises — complete with toilets, appliances and cabinets installed — and then trucked to Los Angeles, where they were lifted by crane into place on a concrete structure.

“They arrived as cubes with just the little utility connections sticking out,” said Sasha Truong, project manager on the Star.

The Star, which broke ground in early 2012 and began move-ins late last year, provides ap-

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photo by Gary Leonard

photo by Gary Leonard

The project includes 15,000 square feet of community space with an outdoor deck, garden, basketball court and a running track.

proximately 350-square-foot residences for people identified by the county as being the “most vulnerable,” often requiring emergency medical care and having a history of chronic homelessness. Each resident pays 30% of their income (or nothing if they have no income). Rents are subsidized by the county Housing Authority.

The project follows the permanent supportive housing model with a swath of on-site amenities and services, everything from offices for counseling and case management to an upcoming primary care clinic run by the county Department of Health Services. There is also a 15,000-squarefoot open-air deck on the second floor.

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“It could be a matter of scheduling different hours for residents from certain buildings to come by, but regardless, nearby residents are really excited to explore the space,” she stated.

The prefabricated units are not the only unique thing about the construction. The original property was a one-story building, and instead of tearing it down, the design simply poured a concrete super-structure over it, creating the large deck in the process. The units sit on a “tray” elevated by the structure’s distinct angular concrete pillars.

The prefabrication approach improves the project’s sustainability by eliminating much of the construction waste. Additionally, the units feature energy-efficient appliances and air-filtration systems. The stacking also results in improved insulation as the walls, floors and ceilings are essentially doubled up. Those achievements have propelled SRHT to apply for a LEED Platinum designation for the building.

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as well as a lounge with comfortable leather chairs. A large kitchen and dining room provide space for lessons on cooking and diet, which will take advantage of the vegetables and fruits in the community garden just steps away. Last week, rows of bright red and yellow Swiss chard were growing next to radishes and a bevy of herbs.

“The building is very much a response to Skid Row Housing Trust’s ambition to create the next generation of permanent supportive housing,” said Maltzan, whose credits include a number of for-profit projects, including the upcoming $160 million One Santa Fe in the Arts District.

Sitting on a Tray Other Star amenities are coming, including a running track. More significantly, the deck serves as a sort of experiment for SRHT. In addition to Star residents, it will be open to inhabitants of the organization’s two dozen other Downtown properties.

It will likely happen in phases, Trujillo said, as SRHT has no idea how many people will show

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March 10, 2014

Harmony

CALENDAR

and a

Difficult History photos by Greg Mooney

Show From Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman Recounts a ‘Boy Band’ From the Nazi Era

By Donna Evans t was the kind of meeting one hopes for when trying to land a job.

Theater director Tony Speciale met with Barry Manilow and his creative partner, Bruce Sussman, in New York in 2012. Speciale hoped to direct a production of the musical Harmony, for which Manilow wrote the music and Sussman penned the lyrics and book. The project had been on Speciale’s radar for years, and his name had been suggested to the production’s creators.

Their talk turned into one of those “magical meetings,” said Speciale, where they all felt like they’d known each other for years. Speciale said the men hugged at the end of the session.

Two years later, Speciale is helming a production with a 19-member cast and a nine-person band. Harmony opens at the Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 12. It runs through April 13.

Harmony tells the story of the Comedian Harmonists, a reallife sextet of Christian and Jewish men who met in 1920s Germany and rose to international fame with their voices and onstage antics. They became one of the most successful musical groups in pre-World War II Europe, selling millions of records. One of the world’s first “boy bands,” they also appeared in a dozen films.

Of course, few people today have ever heard of the Comedian Harmonists. That is precisely why Manilow and Sussman created the show, Speciale said.

The musical originally debuted in 1997 at the La Jolla Playhouse. It was reworked around the time Speciale came aboard, and the current version is a co-production with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. The show played there last year.

Still, the story has been told before. In preparing Harmony, Speciale joined Sussman to watch the 1977 documentary “The wntownNews com/L.A.Do Facebook.

Comedian Harmonists, ” directed

by Eberhard Fechner (ironically, they saw it during Hurricane Sandy; while much of New York was in a blackout, still had electricity).

Like Sussman Downtown News on Facebook For Speciale, the story immediately struckTickets! a chord. & Be Entered to Win Movie “It’s about a quest for harmony in a discordant world. It’s a very intimate, rags-to-riches, coming-of-age story during a very difficult time,” he said.

Calling it a “very difficult time” may be an understatement. The show’s backdrop is Hitler’s rise to power, and during the musical the men witness the atrocities of the Third Reich. Some become victims of Nazi tyranny.

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bility to “get it right.”

Memory Show As the cast gets ready to open the show in Los Angeles, SpeSpeciale said he is drawn to theater pieces based on real peociale said it is uncertain if Harmony will travel to other cities. He ple and historic events. It provides an opportunity to investigate hopes it does, he said, not only because he likes the production, a moment lost in time and to pay respect to the individuals and but because he thinks the story of the Comedian Harmonists the artistry of their work, he said. needs to be remembered and told.

While applause is one kind of success, Speciale said he is also Harmony runs March 12-April 13 at the Ahmanson Theatre, hoping for something else: He wants theatergoers to watch the 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4400 or centertheatregroup.org. show, then go home to their computers and learn about the donna@downtownnews.com people the characters were based on.

One such character in Harmony is “Rabbi” Josef Roman Cykowski, played by Shayne Kennon. Cykowski is a rabbi from Poland who shifts his career path when he joins the musical group. Cykowski was the last living member of the group (he died in 1998) and Manilow and Sussman wrote the show based largely on Cykowski’s memories.

As an actor, Kennon said it is rare to have the author of the work be available to the cast. Sussman guided Kennon through the script, and provided advice whenever he had a question about a line or the history behind it. Manilow coached him musically: The big love ballad, “Every Single Day,” is a song Manilow has performed many times himself in concert, and thus had an intimate understanding of the nuts and bolts of it. Kennon found that kind of access “invaluable,” and believed it improved the overall performance.

“A lot of times, you’ve got the script in hand and are left guessing as to what the intentions of the writer are,” he said.

“Perhaps it’s an older piece or the author has passed away. But with the author in the room you can find out what was intended.”

Kennon, who has acted in musicals since he was 10, was initially hired as an understudy, though he soon gained the Rabbi Now Playing/Starts Mar 7 role in the Atlanta and Los Angeles productions. The day that he got the script, the 24-year-old said, he read it alone in his New York apartment and wept as he finished it.

The musical Harmony “It’s a remarkable story. I’m so glad it’s being told,” he said. tells the story of the Because the Comedian Harmonists were real people who Comedian Harmonists, a packed the houses of the most prestigious concert halls around real-life performance group the world, Speciale researched the time period, 1927 to 1935, comprised of Christian and and used historical designs concepts, colors and patterns of the Jewish members in Germany. day to try to enhance the music and the look of the production.

They gained fame as Adolph While it is an artist’s prerogative to take poetic license when inHitler came to power. The terpreting someone else’s story, Speciale said he believes when show opens this week at the you direct an historic piece, one has an obligation and responsiAhmanson Theatre.

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Downtown News 11

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A Modern Family Affair East West Players Crosses Cultural And Romantic Boundaries With ‘A Nice Indian Boy’

By Jeff Favre t wasn’t the first movie to cover the topic of racism and love, but the impact of 1967’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner remains strong enough that the title alone serves as an unofficial dramedy subgenre.

In that film, a white woman played by Katharine Houghton brings her African American fiancé (Sidney Poitier) home to meet the folks (Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn), whose open-minded views are sorely tested by the surprise.

Playwright Madhuri Shekar devised a version apt for the current era with the simplistic yet somewhat charming A Nice Indian Boy, premiering at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo. Directed by Snehal Desai, the 100-minute one-act runs through March 23.

Although the Downtown show can’t hold a candle to the star wattage in the Hollywood film, Shekar’s creation is similar to Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in that it becomes a bit onenote, which is ultimately hard to sustain.

The young couple in this case, Keshav Kurundkar (Christian Durso) and Naveen Gavaskar (Andy Gala), meet in the opening moments at a Hindu temple in the Bay Area. The audience’s surprise revelation isn’t that they are gay, but that Keshav appears more observant and culturally Indian than Naveen — even though he clearly is white.

It is quickly explained that Keshav moved

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through the foster home system until he was adopted as a young boy by now-deceased Indian parents. The story then jumps to Naveen bringing Keshav home to meet his parents, Megha (Rachna Khatau) and Archit (Anjul Nigam). His sister Arundhathi (Mouzam Makkar) happens to be in town from the East Coast to drop the bombshell that her marriage to a successful Indian man that she never loved isn’t going well.

Shekar falls into a trap common to newer playwrights by telling more than showing. Naveen’s parents in early scenes talk about their son being gay as though they found out yesterday, and not six years earlier. Likewise, the play conveniently jumps six months after the opening moments when the couple meets, though their conversations about basic relationship issues sound like second-date material.

There’s a wonderful reprieve from forced exposition and exclamations, and it comes from Khatau. On paper, the actress is way too young to play the mother of grown children, but she is thoroughly convincing and funny. She comically delivers Shekar’s best lines as the mom who is doing everything to support her son, including watching graphic love scenes in the gaythemed movie Milk.

The arranged relationship between Megha and Archit is more compelling, complex and surprising, but as the B-story it is used mostly as a device to help Naveen learn about the different shades and sides of love.

November 11, 2013

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As with most goods there is no set price. A wedding ring can be almost anything the couple wish it to be. Most pricing is a reflection of market forces. Of course some items are intrinsically more ‘valuable’ than others or at least more desirable depending on a persons financial standing. A good starting point is an amount equal to one months pay. That said, you should only spend an amount that you can afford to avoid adding additional pressure to a life event that comes with plenty of pressure already. If the person you are dedicating your life to truly loves you, they will tell you that a simple band of gold is fine. If your betrothed wants a huge, expensive and elaborate ring that you cannot afford you should consider that a prominent red flag. Cut Your losses and Run Forrest... RUN!

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A diversified portfolio is generally made up of mutual funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs) that have holdings across a broad range of investments and companies, for example, a mix of stocks and bonds to start and perhaps real estate (in the form of REITs) and commodities too. There are other factors as well; the size of the company (small, mid or large cap), geographic location (U.S., international or emerging markets) and various sectors (health care, financials, energy). A diversified portfolio is preferable to just a few holdings, because over the long run, it should have higher returns with less volatility. You want to come up with a mix of investments that is appropriate for you. Think about how much you could see the price of these investments drop and the timeline in which you’ll need to use these funds.

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In A Nice Indian Boy, Naveen (right, played

by Andy Gala) and Keshav (Christian Durso) meet at a Hindu temple and begin a relationship. Then the parents get involved.

photo by Michael Lamont

Nigam, as Archit, is used primarily as the straight man and as the source of conflict, driving home the point that even enlightened people may have to go through emotional and psychological pain to grow.

Desai’s direction is hit-and-miss. On the plus side, he knows how to play up the comedy, in particular Keshav’s uncomfortable introduction to the family, during which his über-Hindi prostrations, ability to speak their native language and knowledge of Indian food — all while being stereotypically white — is laughout-loud funny.

Other enjoyable moments come when the characters are allowed to breathe, notably a quiet cooking scene between Keshav and Archit.

The pace lags, however, during purposefully dramatic moments. Also, several minutes are spent during the performance with scene and

costume changes. Kaitlyn Pietras’ multifunctional and attractive peach-colored set serves nicely, as does Wen-Ling Liao’s comforting lighting design, and Desai’s mostly minimal approach to props renders unnecessary the need for the cast to move furniture to shift locales.

With a few more productions under her belt, Shekar’s storytelling will likely mature. She shows strong signs of creativity and the concept for A Nice Indian Boy, even if it’s a child of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, is fresh. Also, it presents underrepresented voices, which is a longstanding East West Players forte.

Best of all, the takeaway is clear and universally relatable: Love’s failures and successes are the same no matter who you are.

A Nice Indian Boy runs through March 23 at 120 Judge Aiso St., (213) 625-7000 or eastwestplayers.org.

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March 10, 2014

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

How to Do St. Patrick’s Day Four Downtown Bar Veterans Run Down Highlights and Offer Tips for March 17

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L.A. Downtown News: So what’s going on at One-Eyed Gypsy on St. Patrick’s Day? Arianna Reel-Cook: The bar will be open that day though it’s normally closed [on Monday], and we’ll be hosting a special version of our drink-and-draw event, where you can have a drink and sketch live models in a workshop of sorts. The models will be St. Patty’s-themed, naturally. We’ll also be running Jameson and Guinness specials all night.

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Q: What are some of the most common mistakes people make on St. Patrick’s Day? A: The biggest mistake is drinking the green beer, because it usu-

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Q: What other Downtown bar or eatery would you recommend for the occasion?

A: Casey’s Irish Pub is the go-to for starting off St. Patty’s. I think that’s where everyone is going to be at one point or another, so you can already imagine the energy in there.

Q: Do you have a favorite, or maybe just weirdest, St. Patrick’s Day memory?

A: There are a lot of funny memories. But my fondest would probably be when Jameson sponsored a bar crawl in Old Town Pasadena, and they dressed up little people as leprechauns. It was so horrible — it was so politically incorrect I couldn’t believe it, but everyone was having a great time.

One-Eyed Gypsy is at 901 E. First St., (626) 340-3529 or one-eyedgypsy.com. The bar will be open from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. on March 17.

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Los Angeles Downtown News: When does the party start at the DnO? Steviee Hughes: We’re opening at 6 a.m. I’ll probably start off with some Lucky Charms and Guinness, but the Lucky Charms are free for everyone. I like the morning shift. That way I have the rest of the day to drink.

Q: Any specials?

Chris Schindler: We’ll have $3, 16-ounce Guinness, $4 Jameson shots and $5 car bombs. Murph from Two Bits Market is making us corned beef and cabbage throughout the day. It’s free. We want to make sure people have some food in them if they’re going to be drinking excessively. There’ll also be a DJ and a band, but I don’t have that lineup just yet.

Q: What’s actually in an Irish car bomb? Please share.

Schindler: They’re pretty gross. People love them. But if you don’t drink them fast enough, they curdle. It’s a half a shot of Jameson, a half shot of Baileys and you drop it into a half a pint of Guinness.

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Q: What’s the best part about St. Patrick’s Day? Hughes: Day drinkers. They’re always fun. The evening drinkers [clucks tongue], they’re amateurs, and when they mix with the ones who’ve been here all day, it gets messy. Like, they can’t hold their liquor.

Q: Speaking of messy, any advice for the folks who are coming out to celebrate all things Irish?

Hughes: You’ve got to realize that bartenders on St. Patrick’s Day are working twice as hard as usual. Tip. Tip big time. We put up with so much more stuff on that day: people being cheap, people puking. I get pinched and groped way more on that day — they just reach over the bar. We want everyone to have fun and be drunk, but you know, know your limits. And have a designated driver.

Q: Any green beer at your joint this year?

Hughes: Nah. I mean, we can pour some food coloring into your drink if you really want it, but we did the green beer one year and all it did was make a mess of the keg taps.

The Down and Out is at 501 S. Spring St. or downandoutbar. com. The bar will be open from 6 a.m. - 2 a.m. on March 17.

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By Eddie Kim or Arianna Reel-Cook, general manager of the Arts District carnivalthemed bar One-Eyed Gypsy, St. Patrick’s Day is particularly amusing.

“It really is a no-reservations kind of an event, said Reel-Cook, who has spent 15 years whipping up drinks. “People go all-out, for better or worse.”

Reel-Cook shared some of her March 17 insight, as well as the plans at One-Eyed Gypsy, with Downtown News.

By Donna Evans fter 20 years as a bartender, Steviee Hughes thought she had seen it all. Then came a St. Patrick’s Day at the Down and Out, when Hughes witnessed a bagpiper and a little person who opted to grope some women in the Historic Core bar.

He was quickly booted.

Needless to say, “don’t fondle the customers” is at the top of Hughes’ list of recommendations for how to behave on March 17.

She and bar manager Chris Schindler shared some other tips and ran down the happenings on St. Patrick’s Day.

Down and Out bartender Steviee Hughes will serve an array of drink specials, and the bar will have corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. But please, no groping.

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Q: What tips do you have for food and drink choices that night beyond Jameson and Guinness?

A: I think most bars will have some good food that day, especially if it’s Irish-themed. Corned beef and Arianna Reel-Cook, cabbage is a solid choice. A warm general manager of Irish coffee is what I person personthe Arts District bar ally look forward to in terms of One-Eyed Gypsy, will drinks. Cocktails with Irish whis whisnot be serving green ky are also good, and there are beer on March 17. some nice brands that are better than Jameson. Bushmills has some good labels, and Green Spot is a great Irish whiskey.

Historic Core Bar Will Start Slinging Cereal & Guinness at the Crack of Dawn

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One-Eyed Gypsy Takes an Artful Approach On St. Patrick’s Day

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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

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March 10, 2014

Downtown News 13

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

Pershing Square Presents

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

FREE CONCERT • PARADE • FOOD TRUCKS • BEER GARDEN

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014

Parade: 10:30am • Park & Stage Festivities: 11am • Concert: 12pm

Bagpipe & Drum Foot Parade at 10:30am Featuring the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society With Councilmember Tom LaBonge & Councilmember José Huizar Join the Parade! Assemble at the corner of 5th St. & Hill St. Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St. between 5th & 6th Los Angeles, CA 90013 www.laparks.org/pershingsquare

14 Downtown News

March 10, 2014

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

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Leonard

Los Angeles Downtown News: You’ve been in the restaurant business for a while. What have you seen on St. Patrick’s Day that really stands out?

Elizabeth Dominguez: I don’t know about “stand out,” but I’m thinking of all these girls laying down. A bunch of girls were dancing at Bar 107 one year and then one tripped over the other and the whole line of them went down like dominoes. It was like a pile-up on the dance floor.

Q: What kind of specials are you offering on St. Patrick’s Day?

Q: Unlike many bars Downtown, you aren’t opening early. Why not?

Den Haan: Because no one who works here is Irish. For us professional drinkers, St. Patrick’s Day is kind of amateur night. People tend to get sloppy.

It’s a reason for them to get wasted.

That’s fine, but if you don’t want a crowd where people are laying in the street and taking off their shirts, this is probably the place for you.

QQ: What if people are looking for the full Irish experience?

Den Haan Haan: There’s Casey’s and some Dublin’ s. But if you want someThe Must’s Coly Den Haan and thing on the more mellow side, I Rachel Thomas will offer a relatively recommend the Old Bank District. mellow St. Patrick’s Day experience.

The Must is at 117 Winston St., (213) 628-2000 or themust.com. It will be open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on March 17.

ness video game tournament, which takes place every other sup Monday in March. It’s supMad posed to be like March Madsug ness, like the name suggests. So we’ll have a good turnout. It was mostly our regulars who came here on St. Patrick’s Day last year, but there’s always more people than usual on the day at any bar.

A

Little Tokyo’s Far Bar will have plenty of whiskey specials on March 17.

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Q: What advice can you offer St. Patrick’s Day revelers, especially the ones who plan to work Tuesday morning?

A: First, don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver. Also, have a full belly. People sometimes forget to eat when they go out for a night like this. It’s a day of over-pouring, definitely, and sometimes crowds get rowdy. Pace yourself. It’s also a good idea to go out with a group of friends so you can all keep an eye on each other.

By Eddie Kim dam Acuff serves as the bar consultant at Little Tokyo’s Far Bar, which means that while he develops the cocktails and manages the beverage program, he won’t be slinging drinks come St. Patrick’s Day. Still, he has seen more than enough Irish-themed madness in his 10 years behind the bar. He shared some of his insights and the Far Bar highlights.

Leonard

By Donna Evans ith their first St. Patrick’s Day in their new Old Bank District spot approaching, The Must owners Coly Den Haan and Rachel Thomas said they want to do something festive. Believing nothing is more Irish than the green guy with the pot of gold, they have decided that one male employee will don a leprechaun outfit and take Polaroid pictures all evening with admiring patrons. The photos, like the humiliation, are free.

That’s just part of the fun. Den Haan and Must manager Elizabeth Dominguez ran down some tips and highlights at the wine bar on March 17.

At Little Tokyo’s Far Bar, a Video Game Tournament Is Part of the Fun

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Wine Bar The Must Preps for Its First St. Patrick’s Day in Its New Digs

Drink, Eat anD Play

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thE lEPrEchaun Factor

A: Green beer and green wine — adding green food coloring to the house pilsner and the house white wine — along with corned beef and cabbage. There is also The Must’s version of shepherd’s pie: heavy on the avocado, braised pork, mashed yucca instead of potatoes, and jalapenos for $10. While there’s no Jameson at The Must, we’ve got a fancier version called Irishman. The bar opens at 4 p.m. and the regular happy hour will run until 7 p.m.

Los Angeles Downtown News: Why do you think this holiday remains so popular in America?

Adam Acuff: It’s not really about Irish culture anymore. I think it’s popular just because people are told it’s acceptable to drink a lot. It’s an excuse, really. At this point there’s no mystique about St. Patrick’s Day. Q: What is Far Bar doing special that day?

A: We’ll have a couple Irish food specials. It’ll be our take on traditional stuff, like corned beef. And since we have 20 different Irish whiskeys, we’ll be serving several flights and making cocktails for just the price of a glass of those whiskeys.

Q: Are you hosting any unique events?

A: St. Patrick’s coincides with our second March Mario Mad-

Q: How do you feel about the ubiquitous green beer and other typical St. Patty’s drinks?

A: It depends on the beer. You can use the cheap stuff, but there’s nothing wrong with making good beer green. Irish Car Bombs, or a shot of Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur dropped into Guinness, are also popular. I think they’re kind of nasty but people like them, so we do them.

Q: Any tips on how to deal with the effects of such enthusiastic drinking?

A: Show up to work the next day. Seriously, everyone will know why you didn’t. As for the hangover, there’s really nothing better than food and maybe a little hair of the dog. A Bloody Mary works. It’s a Monday, so people might be toning it down somewhat. Then again, a lot of people won’t.

Far Bar is at 347 E. First St., (213) 617-9990 or farbarla. com. The bar will be open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on March 17.

St. Patrick’s Day Specials on Irish Whiskey FLIGHTS STRAIGHTS COCKTAILS

Come Enjoy Far Bar’s March Mario Madness Video Tournament!

347 East 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ~ (213) 617-9990 ~ contact@farbarla.com Hours: Mon. - Fri: 11am-2am, Sat - Sun: 10am-2am

HAnk’S BAr An Old FAshiOned bAr

Come and Celebrate with us

St. Patrick’s Day! Doors Open at 12pm on Monday, March 17th

213-623-7718 840 South Grand Avenue

March 10, 2014

Downtown News 15

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Festival Green Scene

That’s because the Boyd Street destination will be hosting its third annual all-day St. Patrick’s Day concert/party, with a musical lineup featuring a bevy of the acts that play the joint each week. Sounds will come from RT N the 44s, Boom Boom Boom, Speed Buggy, Johnny Moezzi and Boys School. Drinks will flow from the folks behind the long bar and food, including corned beef, will race out of the kitchen.

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

Three More St. Patrick’s Day Options

D

ublin Down: For years, one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Downtown Los Angeles has taken place in Pershing Square. It’s the same this year, as the park in the heart of the Financial District hosts a free festival, starting with a parade at 10:30 a.m. on March 17. The food lineup includes corned beef, bangers, fish and chips and funnel cakes. Since a few people seem to like indulging in alcoholic beverages on St. Patrick’s Day, there will also be a beer garden.

S I N C E 19 7 2 LosEntertainment Angeles Downtown willNews come from the Celtic rock band the 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Young Dubliners. The five-piece act tours extensively and has phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 clocked appearances around the world and even locally on web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Expect the band to be plenty energetic, facebook: twitter: as theL.A. Downtown concert comes just two weeks after the reDowntown News DowntownNews lease of a new album, dubbed 9. The show is free.

At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

On the Case: The epicenter of Downtown’s March 17 celebration is often Casey’s Irish Pub on Grand Avenue. This year, the joint, part of Cedd Moses’ 213 Nightlife empire, is hosting its annual St. ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie Patrick’s Day Street Festival. Although details were slim at press stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim time, expect the festivities to begin at 6 a.m. and continue, egads,

by DavidMaese Safian coNtributiNG Editor:photo Kathryn the way until 2 a.m. Last year’s action included the tribute coNtributiNG writErs: Favre, Gregall Fischer, Celtic rock band the Young Dubliners provides the entertainment at aJeff Pershing SIN C EPolice 19 7Experience.

2 Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield bands Hollywood U2, Fan Halen and The If you Square St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Los Angeles Downtown News show up at this indoor/outdoor event, there are two key words of Art dirEctor: Brian Allison 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 AssistANt Art dirEctor: advice: Pace yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Not So Hidden: If you translate “The Escondite, ” you getYumi “theKanegawa phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins At 613 S. Grand Ave.,web: (213) 629-2353 or hideout.” If for any reason you can’t visually make your way to DowntownNews.com Garyguide Leonard 213nightlife.com/caseysirishpub. the Toy District bar on March 17,PhotoGrAPhEr: then let your ears you. email: realpeople@downtownnews.com Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante

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

Photos: Tom Bonner

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

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

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BY Damian, THE SOCIETY DESIGN ADMINISTRATION sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez

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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 March 13th-16th Angeles.

One copy per person.

Featured in the Downtown Art Walk

Colossal structures on display created by LA’s top architecture, engineering, and construction firms Farmers & Merchants Bank Building 401 S. Main Street, Downtown LA March 13th 12-10pm; March 14th 11am-8pm; March 15th-16th 11am-5pm www.canstructionla.com | 213.924.8661 HOST

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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard

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

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ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante

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

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read facebook.com/grandparklosangeles newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is dis@grandpark_la tributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

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AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla ©2014 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

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

One copy per person.

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

EVENTS

Wednesday, March 12 Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee at SCI-Arc SCI-Arc, 255 S. Santa Fe Ave., (213) 613-2200 or sciarc.edu.

7 p.m.: Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee are the creative masterminds behind the respected and aptly named L.A. architecture firm Johnston Marklee. They’ll be chit-chatting about the process of building a diverse portfolio.

The Passion of Pussy Riot at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org.

7:15 p.m.: The hydra of dissent has surfaced in Putin’s autocratic Russia in the form of mask wearing, female punk collective Pussy Riot. Putin biographer Masha Gessen joins politics professor Suzi Weissman in a discussion of the social import of this irreverent renegade organization and the burr beneath Mother Russia’s saddle that they represent. No, we sure didn’t overstate it, did we?

LIST

Art From Tattoos, Cans and Big Voices Fill Downtown

By Dan Johnson calendar@downtownnews.com

TWO

Friday, March 14 Two Dollar Radio Night Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7:30 p.m.: Columbus, Ohio publishing house Two Dollar Radio presents authors D. Foy, Grace Krianovich and Karolina Waclawiak in a free reading. saTurday, March 15 LAUSD Arts Fest 2014 Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla.org.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: The finest artistic talent to emerge from the Los Angeles Unified School District will be on display at Grand Park. There’ll be music, dancing, theater, photography, paintings and, of course, food trucks.

Silk Road at Natural History Museum Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763DINO or nhm.org.

12 p.m.: In support of the museum’s Travelling the Silk Road exhibit, performers from UCLA’s Near East Ensemble will fill the space with tunes of central Asia before a 1 p.m. workshop with perfumer Sarah Horowitz-Tran on the “Scents of the Silk Road.”

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

March 11: Leah Zeger Group.

March 12: Alex Snydman, Brian Havey and Dave Tranchina.

March 13: Vardan Ovsepian and Tatiana Parra.

March 14: Jazzgene.

March 15: The Scott Kinsey Hard Ensemble.

March 16: Connie Crothers and Jessica Jones.

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

March 10, 9 p.m.: Moses Sumney is a resident singer/song-

photo by Kip Fulbeck

Thursday, March 13 Art Walk Historic Core, (213) 617-4929 or downtownartwalk.org.

5 p.m.: Does explaining this event to you each month insult your intelligence? You know what to do: Walk. See art. Get a drink and a meal. Repeat.

Los Angeles State Historic Park Open House/Update Meeting Goodwill Industries, 324 N. San Fernando Rd. or chinatownla.org.

7 p.m.: Cornfields? High-speed trains? Permanent installation art featuring under-clothed ravers? Discuss the future of the park on the edge of Chinatown before it shuts down for a year-long renovation.

Race, Empire, and the New Muslim Youth Culture at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org.

7:15 p.m.: Hisham Aldi discusses the burgeoning waves of musical culture emanating from and toward the recent youth driven upheavals in the Middle East.

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urdened as we are by the proliferation of body ink, garden variety tattoos have begun to swing into the realm of the banal. The Japanese American National Museum is stepping in to stem the tide of tattoo fatigue with a remarkable tribute to traditional Japanese body art. The just opened Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World tracks the methodology, origins and popularity of Japanese tattoo work today and through history.

Seven highly regarded tattoo artists and hundreds of willing participants provided the art and the canvases for this photographic study of ink.

Kip Fulbeck, a longtime JANM partner, took the pics. The show runs through Sept. 14 at 100 N. Central Ave., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.

he doors of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion will swing open three times this week as L.A. Opera delivers two productions. On Thursday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m., Benjamin Britten’s adaptation of Herman Melville’s Billy Budd casts the lustful story of a sailor and his enthusiastic shipmates into the realm of high drama. In case you’re busy, the all-male show will return on Sunday at 2 p.m., in its final presentation. In between, the company delivers the opening night of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. On Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. coloratura soprano extraordinaire Albina Shagmiuratova (shown here) plays the title role in a harrowing tale of romance straight from the classic category of Italian Romantic opera. Tickets are still available for all three shows. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.org.

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his may come as a shock to the legions of Miley Cyrus fans, but there was a time when popular music had a more substantial message than youth sexual expression. Hisham Aidi will visit the Central Library on Thursday, March 13, to discuss this topic in relation to the Middle East. Aidi has a new book, Rebel Music: Race, Empire and the New Muslim Youth Culture, which argues that increased music accessibility and regional tumult have created a cultural renaissance.

Not surprisingly, this thought-provoking evening comes from the Aloud series.

Rock on. At 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 2287500 or lfla.org.

P

laywright Christopher Durang shows off his Anton Chekov inspiration in Center Theatre Group’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, now in its final week at the Mark Taper Forum. The play takes a grittily humorous approach to the family drama as two siblings are confronted by their grossly famous, overachieving older sister and her recently acquired boy toy. You can catch the show at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, through Friday, March 14, twice on Saturday at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and again on Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Then it closes for good. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

photo by Tom Bonner

DON'T MISS

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photo © Arthur Cohen Photography

THE

hose who donate to canned food banks across Los Angeles are part of a chain of generosity that rewards charity and selflessness. Beginning Thursday, March 13, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is giving back with CanstructionLA, a whimsical building contest in which participants construct various shapes and structures using only donated cans. The affair will be judged by architecture and design experts, which should lead to a fairly rousing competitive spirit.

Stop by the Farmers and Merchants Bank between Thursday and Sunday, March 16, to see what’s good in the world of canned buildings. At Fourth and Main streets, (213) 924-8661 or canstructionla.com.

FIVE

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

photo by Craig Schwartz

DT

CALENDAR LISTINGS

March 10, 2014

photo by Pavel Vaan/Leonid Semenyuk

16 Downtown News

March 10, 2014

Downtown News 17

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

writer with an immaculate high fade. You don’t get that too often.

March 11, 8 p.m.: Day one of the cheeky West X West West Festival features hearty sonic pastiche from Mojo Stone.

March 12, 8 p.m.: West X West West continues with the Valley’s own Los Craters.

March 13, 9 p.m.: Kris Bowers, master of the jazz piano and all around decent fellow.

March 14, 9 p.m.: With rhythms borrowed from Richard D. James’ cassette tape days and a low-slung sensibility that sounds like a psychedelic Christopher Cross, Pharoahs will be keeping things interesting.

March 15, 9 p.m.: When Berlin native Nils Frahm isn’t playing piano, he’s staring aimlessly out of a window.

March 15, 11 p.m.: Roosevelt will be doing their best Phoenix impression as the French natives duck down Alvarado for a bit of late-night electronica.

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

March 13, 7 p.m.: Krewella’s bio suggests they don’t fit in with EDM because they stay true to their Fall Out Boy/pop punk roots. Gosh, you really know how to deliver an alluring pitch.

March 15, 7 p.m.: Emblem3 is a pubescent pop rock band that was milked from the udder of the “X Factor” television program. Turns out they had “It.” Escondite 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com.

March 10, 9 p.m.: Monster Mondays, an improvised jazz homage to Bobby “Boris” Pickett.

March 11, 10 p.m.: The regulars return with Bunny West and Boom Boom Boom.

March 12, 10 p.m.: Sam Outlaw and the Punch Drunks. With their powers combined you too can achieve a hangover.

March 13, 10 p.m.: River Rouge and Blackwater Jukebox, a veritable primer in the merits of American derived music.

March 14, 11 p.m.: Trevor Menear, three e’s and a lot of guitar.

March 15, 10 p.m.: Johnny Moezzi will be warming up the crowd so Charlie Chan and the SOB’s can swoop in for a ringing round of applause.

March 16, 1 p.m.: Triple Chicken Foot is merely the name of the band accompanying brunch, not food that will be served.

March 16, 10 p.m.: Honky Tonk Sunday with RT N the 44s.

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

March 14, 10 p.m.: Blasterjaxx.

March 15, 10 p.m.: Seth Troxler.

Ham and Eggs 433 W. Eighth St. or hamandeggstavern.com.

March 14, 9 p.m.: The Singles and 123Death.

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

March 12, 10 p.m.: DJ Dom P. March 13, 10 p.m.: DJ Rob Ackroyd.

March 14, 10 p.m.: Jack of All Tracks.

March 15, 8 p.m.: Aaron Castle.

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

March 15, 7 p.m.: Invasion del Corrido is not a real invasion, but rather one featuring some dapper-looking balladeers.

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

March 15, 10 p.m.: Ace Saturdays—Red Light District. What does this mean? We’re not sure.

One-Eyed Gypsy 901 E. First St., (626) 340-3529 or one-eyedgypsy.com.

March 12, 10 p.m.: Hot Club Vignati.

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

March 11: EZ Tiger and Inch Chua.

March 12: Couches, Bobby T & The Slackers and Suburban Serfs.

March 13: Thursday Night Booty.

March 14: Bastards of Young, Payoff, Gentlemen Prefer Blood and Surprise Vacation.

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

2YOUR EVENT INFO

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT

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

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

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$

per month for 36 mos

Plus tax 36 month closed-end lease, by Volkswagen Credit.. Based on MSRP of $17,515 (including destination charges) for a 2014 Jetta S 2.0L with manual trans, $2999 due at signing excludes. title, tax, options, acquisition fee and dealer fees. Purchase option at lease end $9743.25. $0.20/ mile over 30,000 mile.1 at this price # 390452 Offer ends 3/31/2014

$12,588 2008 Mini Cooper ................................... $13,521 6 Sp. Auto, Red/Blk, 27K Miles, Alloys. V131709-1/TT65870 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge ............................ $16,110 Convertible 6sp Auto, 38mpg. ZV2591/T201975 CARSON NISSAN 2008 Volvo C30 Hatchback ...................

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

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

NEW ’’13 NISSAN ROGUE S

LEASE FOR ONLY

179

$

per month for 39 mos

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

$8,888 2005 Mazda 6 i Sedan ............................ $8,888 2.3L Auto, Sepang Green, 31mpg, CD. CU1333R/M11631 2004 Toyota Sienna LE AWD .................. $9,888 3.3L V6, Cap’s Chairs, 1 Owner, Rear AC. CU1241P/ S012435 FELIX CHEVROLET 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible ............

Blk/Blk, Leather, 4.6L V8, CD, Alloys. CU1316P/ F320907

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

NEW ’14 CHEVY VOLT

LEASE FOR ONLY

129

$

per month for 36 mos

Plus tax 36-month closed end lease on Tier 1Credit through US Bank. Total Customer Cash Down is $4,605, which includes the first payment plus the first payment tax Includes $1,571 CCR Rebate plus $750 USAA discount $0 security deposit. $0.25/ mile over 10,000 miles/yr. Based on MSRP of $34,995. 3 at this price. EU1425453, EU141324, EU143304.

$7,995 2012 Chevy Malibu LS ........................... $14,995 White/Gray, ABS, 2.4L, 33MPG. UC1557R/CF353450 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS .................... $15,995 Auto, Blue/Gray, 2.4 L, 4 Cyl. UC1511R/CH420322 2004 Chevy Aveo SVM Sedan .................

1.6 L, 4 Cyl., Low Miles, Great MPG F14485-1/4B136890

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

LEASE FOR ONLY

329

$

per month for 36 mos

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

$26,780 2011 Mercedes GLK350 ........................ $29,980 Certified, Low Miles, Special APR Avail. 7198C/ BF573898 2012 Mercedes E350 BTC ...................... $41,981 Certified, Prem Pkg 1,Nav. 1.99 APR Avail. 7196C/ CA541449 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2009 Mercedes CLK350 Cabriolet .......

Certified, Premium Package 1, Must See. 7131-1/9F265581

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

NEW ’14 AUDI A4 2.0T

LEASE FOR ONLY

315

$

per month for 42 mos

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

$16,655 2011 Audi A4 2.0T ................................. $23,295 Black, Turbo, Bluetooth, Only 38K Miles. ZA10789/ BN042912 2008 BMW X5 .........................................

White, 4.8L, Sport Pkg, Tech Pkg, 44K Miles. A140719-1/8L160711 $30,995 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2009 Toyota Camry ...............................

Gray, Leather, Navigation, 38K Miles. A140091D-1/ U094273

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

NEW ’14 PORSCHE CAYMAN PDK

LEASE FOR ONLY

549

$

per month for 27 mos

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

$59,891 2010 Porsche Panamera S ..................... $63,827 Certified, Blk/Blk, Nav, 19” Whls, 31K Miles. AL060882 2011 Porsche Carrera S .......................... $74,898 Certified, Blk/Blk, Nav, 19” Whls, PDK, 18K Miles. BS754267

2011 Porsche Cayenne S .......................

Certified, Gray/Blk, Nav, Pano Roof, 1 Owner. ZP1730/ BLA55130

18 Downtown News

DT

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CROSSWORD

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

March 10, 2014

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.

2 UNITS AVAILABLE, $1,200/2BR/1BA, $650/STUDIO, 433 Cottage Home St. L.A. in Chinatown 818-716-7297.

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LEGAL FiCtitious Business name Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014019305 The following person is doing business as: 1) ENGRAVING DESIGNS BY ALFRED, 133 S. KENWOOD STREET #310, GLENDALE, CA 91205, is hereby registered by the following registrant: ALFRED GOLBOUDAGHI, 133 S. KENWOOD STREET #310, GLENDALE, CA 91205. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on January 24, 2014.

This statement was filed with dEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on January 24, 2014.

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

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

Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014040946 The following person is doing business as: Aladdin Bail Bonds, 900 Avila Street, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012 are hereby registered by the following registrant: Two Jinn Inc., 1000 Aviara Parkway, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is conducted by a corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/01/2004.

This statement was filed with dean C. Logan, Los Angeles County Clerk on February 14, 2014.

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

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

Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014040965 The following person is doing business as: Aladdin Bail Bonds, 5250 W. Century Blvd, #108, Los Angeles, CA 90045 are hereby

registered by the following registrant: Two Jinn Inc., 1000 Aviara Parkway, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is conducted by a corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/01/2004.

This statement was filed with dean C. Logan, Los Angeles County Clerk on February 14, 2014.

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

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

Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014041000 The following person is doing business as: Aladdin Bail Bonds, 11430 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731, are hereby registered by the following registrant: Two Jinn Inc., 1000 Aviara Parkway, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92011.

This business is conducted by a corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/01/2004.

This statement was filed with dean C. Logan, Los Angeles County Clerk on February 14, 2014.

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

Pub. 03/03, 03/10, 03/17,

Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014041061 The following person is doing business as: Aladdin Bail Bonds, 432 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802 are hereby registered by the following registrant: Two Jinn Inc., 1000 Aviara Parkway, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is conducted by a corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/30/2004.

This statement was filed with dean C. Logan, Los Angeles County Clerk on February 14, 2014.

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

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

Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014041135 The following person is doing business as: Aladdin Bail Bonds, 6213 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401 are hereby registered by the following registrant: Two Jinn Inc., 1000 Aviara Parkway, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92011.

This business is conducted by a corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business

under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/01/2004.

This statement was filed with dean C. Logan, Los Angeles County Clerk on February 14, 2014.

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

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

Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014051760 The following person is doing business as: On Purpose Unlimited, 253 Linwood Ave., #E, Monrovia, CA 91016 are hereby registered by the following registrants: George Albert Hunlock, Jr., 253 Linwood Avenue Unit E, Monrovia, CA 91016 and Jeanne Lynn Johnson, 253 Linwood Avenue Unit E, Monrovia, CA 91016. This business is conducted by a married couple. registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on January 02, 2014.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on February 26, 2014.

NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that

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name Change suPeRioR couRt oF caliFoRnia, countY oF los anGeles los anGeles suPeRioR couRt oRDeR to sHoW cause FoR cHanGe oF name no. Bs144399 Petitioner (name of each): Melisa Rayanne Greenfield, 833 S. Berendo, #103, Los Angeles, CA 90005, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: melisa RaYanne GReenFielD Proposed name: melisa RaYanne oWensGReenFielD

THE COurT OrdErS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. notice oF HeaRinG Date: 03/27/2014 time: 8:00 a.m.

Dept.: 20 Room: 310 The address of the court is 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in CIVIC CENTEr NEWS, 1264 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA of general circulation, printed in this county.

Prepared by: John A. Clark, Executive Officer/Clerk LOS ANGELES SuPErIOr COurT 111 NOrTH HILL STrEET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 Date: Aug. 01, 2013 Hon. Kevin C. Brazile, Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10/2014

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time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code).

Pub. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31/2014.

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Downtown News 19

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

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

Attorney at Law

825 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 109, Santa Monica, CA 90401

(424) 234-6381

trounds4esq@gmail.com lawofficeofthomaserounds.com.

5B#268274

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20 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

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March 10, 2014

The Central City Crime Report

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

I

Bully Got Busted: A 33-year-old man stole the beanie off the head of an 8-year-old boy playing in the puddles at 535 N. Main St. on March 1. Frightened, the boy stood motionless as the man then snatched his glasses off his face. The boy ran into a nearby church during the 9 p.m. incident and told his father. The dad flagged down a police officer who arrested the man.

Double Trouble: An unidentified person stole $3,079 from a desk drawer at American Lion Transportation on Feb. 23. Four days later, someone kicked in the door to the business at 767 S. Maple Ave. and stole $100 from the same drawer. The owner, following the first burglary, had purchased a safe.

Hot Scrubs: An unidentified person smashed the glass front door of Sasson Scrubs, at 821 Celia St., between Feb. 24-25 and swiped a 600-count box of scrubs worth $12,000.

Restaurant Robbery: Two men approached another man in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant at Cesar Chavez and Grand Avenue on Feb. 27 and demanded his cell phone. A struggle ensued during the 4 a.m. incident and the suspects pepper sprayed the man before taking his phone and fleeing.

Lock Your Bike: On Feb. 23, someone who clearly does not read this crime column left his bike unattended inside the entrance of the Walgreen’s at 617 W. Seventh St. while he shopped. When he returned, the bike was gone. The manager said he saw someone wheel it away.

STAR, 9 Still, things were not always easy. While the developer saved money using prefabricated units, the design’s complexity increased spending on installation. Despite that price hike, Trujillo classified it as a positive experience, and said other organizations and developers have been calling to glean information about how to pursue prefabricated construction.

“If we can get our costs of construction down and build more units for more people, that’s a fabulous outcome,” Trujillo said.

“We were happy to be the guinea pig even with the bumps and uphill climb.”

Meanwhile, the design is earning nods of approval. Will Wright, director of government and public affairs for the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles, lives a block from the Star and said the building’s arrival does much to enliven the neighborhood, especially considering the drabness of the LAPD Central Division headquarters and a Department of Water and Power building across the street.

“Maltzan and his team took a difficult site and added a sense of urban grace to an area that desperately needs more love,” Wright said in an email.

Although the Star may prove precedent-setting in terms of design, the developer understands that future projects won’t necessarily be easier.

With the Downtown real estate market heating up, Trujillo and SRHT Executive Director Mike Alvidrez worry that it will get progressively tougher to find sites and build in a financially viable manner. The Star suffered its own setback, after all: While the land was acquired in 2006, the recession pushed construction back until 2012.

But the success of the Star, as well as SRHT’s ongoing development of two other projects, bode well for the homeless community in Downtown, Alvidrez said.

“The Star is a catalyst for demonstrating creative solutions for ending homelessness, and in doing so multiplies the aspirational impact of this issue well beyond a single project,” he said.

In that sense, there’s optimism that Skid Row, and Downtown as a whole, will see more stars soon. eddie@downtownnews.com.