03-21-16 by Los Angeles Downtown News

Bunny Love: A Batch of Downtown Easter Options : 13 Three More Very Big Projects : 5 Talking With Metro CEO Phillip Washington : 6

DOWNTOWN'S

GARDEN

MARCH 21, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #12

STATE Volunteers Come Together to Create Community Garden On Spring Street

Arye Lipman (left) and Marty Berg hope to open the Spring Street Community Garden by the end of April.

photo by Gary Leonard

See Story Page 10

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AROUND TOWN

Vote for the Grand Park Shade Design

ince opening in 2012, Grand Park has emerged as a bona fide Downtown destination for families and individuals to hang out, see performances and splash in the fountain. But it is missing one thing: shade. The county this year called for local artists and designers to submit ideas for a shade structure in the Olive Court portion of the Civic Center park, and more than 50 designs have now been whittled to three. Public voting kicked off last week and runs through Friday, March 25. The three designs each have a bold aesthetic: “Undercover Picnic” features ribbons of blue and red woven like a plaid picnic blanket; “Paper Plane” offers a swooping series of literal paper-plane shaped structures; and “Sonar” has a bundle of orange and hot pink ribbons that coalesce into a flowing dome. The shade structure is funded by a MyLA2050 grant from the Goldhirsch Foundation. The winner will receive a $15,000 commission and their structure will be installed for two years. Voting and more info are at grandpark.org/tag/shade.

Hanover Olympic Apartment Complex Opens

ouston-based developer Hanover Company has made a splash in the Downtown residential market, building three mid-rise apartment

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS complexes along Olympic Boulevard with more than 800 combined units. Its Hanover South Park (939 S. Hill St.) and Hanover Grand Avenue (1000 S. Grand Ave.) opened last year. Now the third and final complex, Hanover Olympic, at 936 S. Olive St., has begun move-ins. The 263-unit building offers studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, with rents starting at about $2,000 for a 540-square-foot studio, $2,200 for a 670-squarefoot one-bedroom, and $3,100 for a 975-squarefoot two-bedroom. Commensurate to the pricing, Hanover Olympic’s units are gilded with stainless steel appliances, granite and quartz countertops, nine-foot ceilings and high-end bathroom finishes. One intriguing option is the 20 “Eco-Green” apartments that Hanover says have net zero carbon footprints because they draw power from solar panels and have features such as reclaimed wood floors, recycled glass countertops, and smart Nest thermostats. Building amenities include a fitness center, pool, rooftop decks, screening rooms and bike parking. More information is at hanoverolympic.com or (213) 262-6751.

Rams to Host Draft Party At L.A. Live

he Los Angeles Rams have relocated from St. Louis, and local football fans are eagerly awaiting the games that will take place at the Memorial Coliseum this fall, while construction proceeds on a permanent home in Inglewood. Downtown Rams fans who wish football would get here sooner are in luck, as the team is preparing to throw its official NFL Draft party at L.A. Live’s Microsoft Square at 5 p.m. on April 28. Details were still being worked out at press time, but fans in blue and yellow will be able

March 21, 2016

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to show up and watch the draft and see who the team selects with the 15th pick in the first round, and its other selections on day one of the draft. The event will also mark the local public debut of the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders.

Tea Service and Brunch at American Tea Room

he beautiful American Tea Room made a splash when it opened in a former brick warehouse at 909 S. Santa Fe Ave. in the Arts District last summer, providing an alternative to

all the coffee roasters and shops in the neighborhood. Now it’s growing its menu in a big way, with afternoon tea service and weekend brunch starting this week. Culinary Director Valerie Gordon (of Grand Central Market’s Valerie Confections) has crafted three afternoon tea options ($25-$45) with a variety of scones, sandwiches (including smoked salmon and cucumber-watercress) and petit fours to enjoy alongside tea. Talmadge Lowe of lauded traveling bartending outfit Pharmacie, meanwhile, has whipped up a menu of alcohol-infused tea cocktails for the weekend brunch. More info is at americantearoom.com.

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EDITORIALS

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

March 21, 2016

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

CCA Should Lead the Effort for a Permanent Home for Downtown’s Charter School

ver the past 15 years Downtown Los Angeles has piled success on top of success on top of success. The emergence of a thriving residential scene, combined with the explosion of buzzworthy restaurants and bars and an ever-expanding cultural lineup, has made the community a place that no one could have predicted at the turn of the millennium. Yet along with the grand victories, Downtown is at risk of a catastrophic failure. Yes, the word “catastrophic” applies, and though there is no physical danger, if local stakeholders cannot come together and find a solution, then a key piece of what makes Downtown a true community could be lost. At risk is Metro Charter Elementary School, the institution that opened in fall 2013 and gave the area something it sorely lacked: an educational outlet satisfactory to the growing number of families in Downtown.

REJECTING A SCHOOL IS SHORT-TERM THINKING. IT TAKES VISION TO GRASP HOW HOSTING THE INSTITUTION HELPS A BUILDING OWNER AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. The problem is, the school does not have a permanent home, and at this point in time it doesn’t appear close to getting one. A crisis was narrowly averted just this month, when the hospital that has housed the school since its debut — a relationship that was always intended to be temporary and expire after the current academic year — generously allowed the school to stay one more year. The value of a high-quality school in the heart of Downtown cannot be overstated. Someone or some entity needs to find the right real estate for its future. Since the school and its allies have not yet been successful, and since time is of the essence, we are urging serious consideration of another approach: Let’s put leadership in the search for that location in the lap of the “other side,” the business side. In short, we call on the Central City Association, the foremost Downtown business organization, to offer its services in helping Metro Charter find a long-term home. Given its past relationship with the school and its successes in solving knotty problems, it’s clear CCA has the skills to make this happen. The organization should pull together members which include Downtown developers, powerful lobbyists and other business leaders — the ones who have done so well here — to find and broker some kind of deal for a centrally located, permanent home for Metro Charter. Failure is not an option. Downtown can’t risk the school closing (which, to be fair, no one has indicated is a possibility) or having to move to a location where people must drive or take a big city bus to reach. A quick and easy DASH ride would be acceptable and even necessary for some, but

the school needs to be integral to the community. To explain further, the problem does not appear to lie with the school, its volunteer board members (mostly parents) or its staff. Rather, it’s the Downtown development and business community at large, which individually and collectively hasn’t grasped the worth of Metro Charter. That is why the CCA needs to lead the charge. The organization helped pave the way for Metro Charter’s arrival, and with no one able to solve the current problem — even 14th District City Councilman José Huizar’s office’s attempts have proved unsuccessful — a greater sort of carrot-and-stick approach is required. Doing deals is the bailiwick of the CCA’s members. There are deeply creative minds in Downtown’s business world, and they need to be put to work on this problem. In the past CCA has provided leadership on key issues such as sparking housing development, and it has often proved capable at uniting the business community. Now, once again, it either needs to lead that community to a solution, or it needs to find a funding angel, a philanthropist who understands what it takes to make a truly great urban center. Something needs to happen, and it can’t happen in a vacuum. Los Angeles Downtown News wrote about the situation last week, and recounted how, in approximately the past year, school brass reviewed more than 30 potential locations. The board went deep on 16 of these, assembling a budget and in some cases preparing engineering and build-out plans. The board looked all across Downtown, sussing out potential homes in South Park, the Historic Core, City West and other communities. Sometimes the negotiations appeared promising, and the school seemed to be on the verge of inking a 30-year lease, something that would guarantee its future. Yet every negotiation ultimately failed. The board members, several of whom are very involved in Downtown, were repeatedly stymied by developers who decided they could find a better (read, more lucrative) use for their space than renting it to a school. We’re not saying it is easy. Developers and others must plan their projects so that they can be sold. They have investors to answer to. Buyers like clean, simple deals, and in a couple years Metro Charter will have more than 250 students and a staff north of 20. That’s

wonderful, but it’s not clean and simple. As we say, there are developers with imagination in Downtown. Can’t one of them step forward and make this work? Can’t CCA prod this thinking? It’s important to note that Metro Charter officials haven’t been looking for free or cut-rate rent. Rather, in a situation that brokers and charter school experts say happens in other communities, too, the school has run into building and property owners who would rather hold out for a retail, hotel or other tenant. The CCA can also best remind the business and development community that having a high-quality school in the heart of Downtown is part of what makes the area appealing to families. If parents with school-age kids don’t have acceptable local educational options, then a number of them will leave Downtown for a place that meets their needs, and Downtown will be so much less a true community. Rejecting a school is short-term thinking. It takes vision to grasp how hosting the institution helps a building owner and the community at large. Also, we should be talking about more than a single school. With thousands of residential units under construction or in the pipeline, the number of families in Downtown will only grow. If Downtown loses its first charter school, how could other people be expected to do the work or take the risks to open a second learning institution? Fortunately, there are always solutions. The most obvious answer lies in South Park, where a number of mega-projects are under construction or being planned. These developments, at least four of which are worth more than $500 million, will have multiple towers and hundreds of housing units. They would benefit their residents and the community by setting aside space for a school. That’s just one neighborhood. Any number of places could work. California Hospital Medical Center deserves accolades for letting Metro Charter stay another year in the already tight 12,000-squarefoot space. Yet no one should take that reprieve as evidence that this is anything less than a crisis. The line of noble but unsuccessful attempts shows why the CCA and its deep business skills are needed. Downtown needs its charter school and, as stated above, failure isn’t an option.

March 21, 2016

Downtown News 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Another Day, Another Three Downtown Towers AEG Reveals New Details for J.W. Marriott Expansion. High-Rises Proposed for South Park, City West By Nicholas Slayton ne of the most anticipated projects in the Downtown development pipeline is the $500 million expansion of the J.W. Marriott hotel at L.A. Live. Plans for the effort came into sharper focus last week, when Anschutz Entertainment Group offered new details, such as a slanted roof for the 38-story tower and a large meeting space. The plans were shared at a Tuesday, March 15, meeting of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee. It wasn’t the only big project to get a public airing, as other developers revealed plans for a 24-story tower on Grand Avenue and a project that would bring more than 400 residential units and 126 hotel rooms to City West. AEG’s hotel expansion comes amid a South Park boom that includes several hotels. The company’s first hotel play came in 2010, when it opened the tower with 878 J.W. Marriott rooms and 123 Ritz-Carlton rooms. The new project would create a 38-story tower with 755 rooms at the northeast corner of Olympic Boulevard and Georgia Street. The project is currently in the entitlements phase, and Michael Roth, a spokesman for AEG, said the goal is to break ground early in 2017 and open the addition in 2019.

“We’ve had incredible occupancy rates since the hotel opened. With the upcoming conventions slated for Los Angeles and other meetings coming to the hotel, we thought it justifies the expansion,” Roth said in an interview with Los Angeles Downtown News. “We felt this was the number of rooms that the J.W. Marriott can best support.” The Downtown office of architecture firm Gensler is designing the project. New renderings show the tower with a slanted rooftop, taking advantage of new design rules that don’t require helipads on high-rises (the upcoming Wilshire Grand replacement tower will be the first building to feature a sloped roof). The expansion would feature the same steel and glass exterior as the existing hotel. Plans call for including digital signage on the building. The tower would also feature amenities such as a fitness center and rooftop pool. The project would also include a new conference center with ballrooms and meeting space on top of L.A. Live’s western parking garage, replacing what is now known as the “Event Deck.” The 170,000-square-foot building would be two stories and serve as an extension of the hotel’s existing conference space. The new hotel tower would be connected to the existing J.W. Marriott by a sky bridge above Olympic Boulevard and would not require its

Anschutz Entertainment Group’s proposed expansion to the J.W. Marriott (building on left) would bring 755 residential units to the north side of Olympic Boulevard.

photo courtesy of AEG Worldwide

own lobby. Instead, guests would check in at the current building. The plans also feature other sky bridges that would connect the J.W. Marriott and the new conference space with the building housing L.A. Live’s Regal Cinemas. Grand Vision The DLANC meeting also offered new details about a project from City Century LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of the Shanghai, China-based Shenglong Group. The 24-story building at 1233 S. Grand Ave.

is tentatively called the Grand Residences, and would be City Century’s first development in Downtown. Steinberg Architects is designing the project that would create 161 apartments, with 15 studios, 93 one-bedroom, 47 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom residences. The project would rise on a fairly small lot, just 18,000 square feet. It would include 215 parking spaces. The building would have an unusual slightly Continued on page 20

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March 21, 2016

CONVERSATIONS

Metro Is Not Your Grandfather’s Transit Agency Ten Months in, CEO Phillip Washington Looks at the Big Picture and Big Projects By Eddie Kim n May 11, Phillip Washington started one of the toughest jobs in Los Angeles: CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In replacing Art Leahy, who held the post for six years, Washington took charge of an agency with a $5.5 billion annual budget, more than 9,000 employees and a serious growth mission: Metro is currently building or expanding five rail lines, including Downtown’s $1.55 billion Regional Connector. Washington grew up in Chicago and joined the Army at 18. He would ultimately earn the secondhighest enlisted rank before departing to study transportation and join the Denver Regional Transportation District in 2000. He became general manager in 2009. Washington, 58, faces challenges well beyond building rail lines. There’s Metro’s bus system with approximately 170 routes that serves about 1.1 million riders a day, along with the region’s political pitfalls. Additionally, Washington is pushing

Measure R2, a proposed tax increase to pay for future transportation projects. It is expected to be on the November ballot. Los Angeles Downtown News sat down with Washington at Metro headquarters to discuss regional challenges, Downtown aspirations and why L.A. can be a transit leader for the world. Los Angeles Downtown News: You’ve talked about how Los Angeles is ready to tout a “worldclass” transit system. How far are we from achieving that vision? Phillip Washington: I don’t think we’re far away at all. What we’re striving for is connectivity — we need to show how our projects connect to other existing modes of transportation in a meaningful way. When I look at the potential for our system, I think about European cities like Paris and London. Our infrastructure forefathers are being vilified, in some cases, because we’re saying that they didn’t plan for future growth. They were looking out for

photo by Gary Leonard

Phillip Washington became the CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority last May after 15 years at Denver’s transit agency. He is overseeing an entity with a $5.5 billion annual budget. Metro is also currently building or expanding five rail lines, including Downtown’s $1.55 billion Regional Connector.

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March 21, 2016 30 or 40 years, but it still wasn’t enough when you look at the congestion today. We need to have a long-term view. We owe that to our kids and grandchildren and generations beyond. Q: The L.A. Times recently reported that Metro has had declining ridership over the decades. How does that figure in to your vision for the system? A: Ridership is cyclical — it goes up and it goes down. What we are focused on is enhancing the rider experience. [This] month, we are installing cell service in the tunnels from Union Station to [the] Seventh [Street station]. We’re looking at real-time information and apps, and at our on-time performance. When a bus is supposed to be there, we want it there. The mode share, if you will, will increase, and my goal is 20%. People say, “Phil, that’s insanely optimistic to think 20% of people out there will take transit.” But I think that’s where we’re going in the next 15 or 20 years. This is not your grandfather’s transit agency anymore. We do not need to set our hair on fire when ridership dips a couple percentages. Q: Let’s talk about some Downtown projects. First, how does the Regional Connector fit into this countywide network? A: The Regional Connector is a huge game-changer. We’re talking about a one-seat ride for passengers, east to west and north to south. Someone can get on a train in Azusa and go to Long Beach. That’s pretty doggone good. The Regional Connector is going to attract 17,000 new riders and carry about 88,000 daily riders. So you see why I don’t freak out about cyclical ridership dips? We’re opening up two lines this spring: the Gold Line extension and Expo Phase 2. I guarantee you that both of those will exceed ridership projections. I will make you a bet on that. The Regional Connector is opening everything up in the Downtown area to the rest of the region in a significant way. It’s making it so that someone can come Downtown, get something to eat, and continue to Santa Monica. That’s exciting, and it’s exactly what we want to see. Q: In November, the Little Tokyo community complained about

Downtown News 7

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM Metro construction that would have hurt businesses during the holiday season. They charged that Metro had ignored their concerns — you showed up at one of those meetings. Ultimately the schedule was pushed back. What happened? A: First of all, I think the right decision was made. You would think a big agency like Metro is not flexible, but we want to work with the community. There were some unknown utilities that were found as part of that Little Tokyo work, and we were looking to get in early to get out early. We have closure issues all over the county. What we want to do is understand communities better. When I first arrived here, I put a double-track project in Northridge fully on hold in order to better hear the community. Q: What about some other Downtown projects: the overhaul of Union Station, and the idea to expand light rail into the Arts District? A: The Union Station Master Plan has two parts to consider: We have our growth, just on the L.A. Metro end, that over the next 10 years is going to be significant. The flipside is, what do we need to do to support high-speed rail along with that? We need to have some financial commitments on high-speed rail before I go to my board and say we need to accommodate that. There have been some proposals made over the past few years for one or two at-grade rail stations in the Arts District. We’re looking at it but we haven’t taken a position on it. We do know about the Arts District’s renewed activity, and some of the restaurants and shops popping up are impressive. Q: Metro recently debuted Downtown’s Division 13, a bus maintenance facility, which has cutting-edge sustainability features. How important is sustainability in upcoming Metro projects? A: Sustainability must be taken seriously early on in the design specifications, and you may indeed have to spend more money early on. It’s a great payoff in the end, though, for the environment but also on our investment. What we don’t want to do is retrofit — retrofits are terribly expensive. We cannot keep up with tech advances. This is why we created an Office of Extraordinary Innovation last year. Govern-

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ment is incredibly over-prescriptive. What we want to do is get away from telling everyone exactly what widget to use. We’re going to unveil a policy that lets the private sector bring their ideas to us, unsolicited, because right now the private sector is totally reactive to government. They wait until we put out a [Request for Proposals], and then we evaluate their bids. With this policy, you bring them to us! These are ways to stay abreast of tech. Q: In 2008 county voters passed Measure R. A follow-up, Measure J, was rejected in 2012. Now you’re pushing Measure R2, a tax increase that would rase $120 billion to fund additional regional transportation projects. Is this critical? A: There’s a three-legged funding stool when you talk megainfrastructure projects. The first is local investment, like sales tax revenue, and the success rate of local initiatives was about 70% around the country. So that leg, in terms of local investment, is pretty strong. The second leg is the private sector. The private sector has capital and they’re willing to invest in infrastructure — for a reasonable return. We use that in exchange for project acceleration and to transfer some risk away, primarily. So that leg is strong. The third leg is federal dollars. We just got a new transportation funding bill late last year. People say it’s a long-term bill, but I argue [against] that because five years is not long-term to me. With local investments, we’re talking 30 years, like with Measure R. But that’s the best we can do. It would help to complete another part with R2. We are on the verge of being the infrastructure capital of the world. If we’re successful with R2, we have a lot of opportunities. Q: Developing transit can be very political. Do you have any takeaways so far on L.A.’s politics and how it affects your job? A: Absolutely not. [Laughs] The only comment I would make is that you work within the politics that you’re dealt. But we have a region and we have leaders who understand the importance of infrastructure investment — more so than any area in the country. eddie@downtownnews.com

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8 Downtown News

Man Dies After Fall From Wilshire Grand Thursday Incident Being Investigated as Possible Suicide By Nicholas Slayton man died shortly after noon on Thursday, March 17, after falling from the 53rd floor of the Wilshire Grand replacement tower. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the man, identified as Joseph Sabbatino, 36, of Palmdale, fell onto the rear end of a car traveling on Wilshire Boulevard. Authorities pronounced him dead at the scene. Sabbatino was an electrical worker on the tower. The Los Angeles Police Department and inspectors from the California division of the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Adminis-

tration began an immediate investigation. A spokesman for the county Coroner’s office said the death is being investigated as a possible suicide. An autopsy is pending. Work at the site was halted on Thursday and Friday. Crews are scheduled to return to work on Monday, March 21. Contractor Turner Construction Company issued a statement Thursday evening saying that safety precautions have been followed. “We have confirmed with Cal/OSHA and LAPD that the incident which occurred at the Wilshire Grand project site today was not

March 21, 2016

work-related. After an initial onsite investigation, Cal/OSHA has confirmed that no fall-protection violations were observed. “Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased. We are also sending our deepest sympathies to our loyal and dedicated workers for whom today’s tragedy is deeply saddening.” The driver of the car, a woman who has not been identified, was reported not to have been injured, though she was taken to an area hospital. The $1 billion tower being developed by Hanjin International and designed by AC Martin had a topping-out ceremony, marking the end of vertical construction, on March 8. The 73-story tower with a sloped roof is scheduled to open in March 2017. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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March 21, 2016

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Wesson Says City May Try Ballot Measure for Homelessness Fix

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Possibility Considered With Expected $1.85 Billion Price Tag Over 10 Years about some city measure, some By Jon Regardie city-county measure, or something. omelessness is one of the So that realistically could be a dimost vexing issues facing rection we go in.” the region, with people City leaders last fall indicated on the streets no longer just in that they would seek to declare a Skid Row or Venice, but in seemhomelessness emergency, poteningly every community. The city tially with the goal of unlocking and county, which have historifederal funds, though they later cally struggled to partner on the backed off that approach. They also issue, are now more in line. photo by Gary Leonard announced that they would seek The city and county both have to dedicate $100 million to the issue in the comreleased extensive reports on what steps to take ing year. Wesson said $30 million has been earto address the crisis, though questions remain marked so far. about funding. That is particularly the case with Additionally, a City Council Homelessness and the city effort, which is estimated to cost about $1.85 billion over the next decade, including get- Poverty Committee has been established. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authorting people off the streets and into housing. There has been talk of asking taxpayers to cov- ity’s most recent census found that more than 44,000 people were homeless in L.A. County. Reer part of the work, possibly through a bond or a special assessment. Last week, City Council Presi- sults of a new census, conducted in January, are dent Herb Wesson indicated that the plan indeed expected to be released in coming months. Wesson pointed at the hefty challenge, but may come to pass, and a proposal could be put said city leaders will not be deterred. on a future ballot. “I can’t guarantee you that we are going to fix “The commitment has been made, and we’ll or end homelessness, but what I can guarantee is get the resources creatively, probably by a varithat we’re going to frickin’ try,” he said at the Curety of sources, and that very well could be one,” rent Affairs Forum event, “that we’re going to do Wesson said on Wednesday, March 16, at a lunthe very best that we can, and that we’re going cheon hosted by the Los Angeles Current Afto do it together.” fairs Forum at the Palm restaurant in Downtown. regardie@downtownnews.com “Conversations are taking place as we’re talking

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March 21, 2016

Sowing Seeds, Literally, on Spring Street Residents Come Together to Create Community Garden in the Historic Core By Eddie Kim he long patch of dirt and gummy mud at 220 S. Spring St., against the side of a multi-story parking garage, looks like just another one of those awkward strips of property in Downtown Los Angeles. It seems unusable to all but those looking for a place where their dog can do its business. A handful of Downtown residents, however, see opportunity in the 2,700-square-foot lot near Spring and Third streets. Marty Berg, for one, strolled past the plot on a regular basis, observing its yellowing grass. The Higgins Building resident had seen community gardens elsewhere, and asked himself, why not here? Now Berg and a number of neighborhood volunteers are transforming the strip into an amenity where community members can tend their own plants, connect with neighbors, and learn about harvesting and cooking vegetables. “This is something that we think will be really special for this community,” Berg said on a warm afternoon last week, shovel in hand. “Not only is it people coming together, but they will be working to grow great fruits and vegetables where you usually can’t.” The volunteers have formed a nonprofit to run the garden, with a five-person board including Berg and fellow Higgins resident Arye Lipman. The team is working to open the garden by the end of April. The last day to apply for one of 40 personal planters is Sunday, March 27. About 70 people have applied so far, according to garden club Vice President Celia Esguer-

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Higgins Building residents Marty Berg (right) and Arye Lipman are leading an effort to create a community garden on Spring Street, where area residents will be able to grow fruits and vegetables. The goal is to open by the end of April.

photo by Gary Leonard

The property, next to a Joe’s Parking garage, will hold 40 private planters, as well as several large community plots.

photo by Gary Leonard

ra, who is an owner of the Old Bank District’s Raw Materials art shop. The applicants will be selected via a lottery process. The planters, which measure either three-byfour or six-by-two feet, require a membership fee of $120 a year, and the garden nonprofit is offering subsidies to people who qualify as low-income based on county median income figures. It’s a way to be more inclusive with the project, Lipman said, adding that the team also will install some larger communal plots for those who want to work the garden but miss out on an individual planter. Planning began last fall, with physical work commencing earlier this year. The team is about halfway done nailing planters together, and in the coming weeks the volunteers will

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haul in thousands of pounds of fresh, nutrientrich soil to fill them up. “We met someone who offered to test the existing soil. It’s exactly what you would imagine — bad,” Lipman said, kicking dirt off his shoes with a chuckle. “There’s all this traffic along here and this plot has been totally ignored.” The new soil will allow the team to grow a wide variety of plants, from tomatoes and cucumbers to herbs and leafy greens. Money and Water The garden was formed through early meetings in the Higgins Building and outreach around the neighborhood, but a few bigger players have played crucial roles. An important initial connection came when Berg’s wife, Stacie Chaiken, met Joe’s Parking Chief Operating Officer Kevin Litwin at a business event. Joe’s Parking is now offering free use of the land for five years, with extension options, and has also donated about $2,500 for expenses, Berg said. Fourteenth District City Councilman José Huizar is contributing $15,000 in discretionary funds as part of his DTLA Forward campaign, which promotes pedestrian activity and open-space amenities. Huizar commended the volunteers for pursuing the project, and expressed hope that more Downtown gardens will emerge. “We have a lot of plots that could be gardens, and that’s a good problem to have. We just need to find the means to assist them to kick off, and my office can,” Huizar said in a phone interview. “These are low investments with a really high return for the community.” There are a handful of urban gardens around Downtown, often on the rooftops of residential buildings, hidden from public view. One promi-

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nent project was the roof garden at the Charles Cobb Apartments in Skid Row. The effort, which opened in 2011, was spearheaded by South Park resident Jayne Torres. The small garden was considered a big success, especially as it supported a number of formerly homeless residents and their desire to eat fresher food. The Spring Street garden group has partnered with the Los Angeles Community Garden Council, a nonprofit group that advises community gardens and assists with managing finances, collecting dues, fundraising, paying taxes and other business tasks. The LACGC takes a 5% fee for the work. “It’s so important to have a leadership team that is committed to implementing rules and volunteering their time. Thankfully, the Spring Street garden seems to have great leadership,” said LACGC Executive Director Julie Beals. “Waitlist management is also important. With newer gardens we tend to make it so each gardener can keep their plot for one to three years. Sometimes, if the same people stay too long, the garden can stagnate.” The Spring Street team also consulted gardening experts on issues such as irrigation. Though the volunteers initially imagined using hoses to water the garden, they’ve invested in a more efficient drip system instead. They’re also installing a picnic table and a small shed for tools. The plot touts a strong steel fence with locking gates to ward off thieves or vandals. For now, though, the priority for the Spring Street garden group is the looming deadline to get everything done. Last week, Lipman, Berg, Esguerra and others were at the site, shoveling away with a vision for some real green living in Downtown. More information is at springstreetcommunitygarden.com. eddie@downtownnews.com

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photos courtesy MOCA

March 21, 2016

THROWBACK MOCA DAYS

CALENDAR

Sprawling Exhibit Digs Into the Art of the 1990s

By Kirk Silsbee rt collectors balance what they think will have lasting value against what will amount to the flavor-of-the-month. Visitors to MOCA’s new exhibition at the Geffen Contemporary, Don’t Look Back: The 1990s at MOCA, can be forgiven for sometimes asking themselves: What the heck were the buyers/ collectors thinking? MOCA’s chief curator, Helen Molesworth, raided the permanent collection to assemble this sprawling show. Using D.A. Pennebaker’s seminal documentary about Bob Dylan touring England in 1965 (yes, it was titled Don’t Look Back) to frame her survey, the assembled works form a picture of a demi-monde (the art world is never wholly representative of the era it occupies) that trades in vicious social critique, tedious methodology for its own sake, territorial politics and narcissism. The 1990s saw the end of the Cold War, the height of the AIDS crisis, the Clinton era, the birth of Queer Nation, the Balkan War, the rise of the Internet, the Rodney King beating and subsequent riots, the O.J. Simpson murder case, and the Monica Lewinsky imbroglio. The art world saw the proliferation of international biennials, installation as a chosen medium, and Los Angeles come into its own. Long an outpost of American high art, L.A. emerged as the center of the contemporary art swirl. In ’92, MOCA grew up with the blockbuster exhibit Helter Skelter: L.A. Art in the 1990s. Pennebaker’s Dylan was on the brink of superstardom in ’65 — changing the culture that was changing all around him — and trying to stay in front of the tidal wave. The art world in the ’90s moved from one sparked by an avant-garde to one driven by money. In wall text at the exhibit, Molesworth admits the film haunts her “for it shows an artist struggling to balance his personal creative needs with the new demands of the marketplace.” She separates the show into six themes: Installation; The Outmoded; Noir America; Place and Identity; Touch, Intimacy and Queerness; and Space, Place and Scale. The use of common ma-

MOCA Chief Curator Helen Molesworth used the museum’s permanent collection to assemble the survey show Don’t Look Back: The 1990s at MOCA. Among the artists included are Mark Dion (top left), Catherine Opie (bottom) and Downtown resident Gronk.

terials throughout meant that big-box home stores sold more goods than designated art suppliers, but nothing can date a work like outmoded stuff. Christian Marclay’s old movie clip montage of phones being dialed is fun, but elsewhere a stack of slide carousels sits like so many rusted-out Edsels. The Helter Skelter exhibition — curated by Paul Schimmel, who is a partner in the just-opened Hauser Wirth & Schimmel gallery in the Arts District — was awash in sex, violence and a generally depraved view of America. Only two artists from that grouping are represented in Don’t Look Back: Llyn Foulkes and Paul McCarthy. On the other hand, Molesworth includes an early suite of 40 platinum prints by photographer Catherine Opie. They’re tightly framed cutaways of freeway on-ramps and buttresses that emphasize dynamic angles and contours. It’s an update on the Bauhaus aesthetic and it shows that even then, Opie was a smart cookie. The poison of identity politics asserted itself in art at this time, and it’s now pervasive in politics and the larger culture. Barbara Kruger’s hysterical graphic exhortation sits across from John Baldessari’s condescending slap at a middle-class couple. Cady Noland’s “Basket of Nothing” sneers at the working class by piling a plumber’s tools together with Marlboro store signage. Representation of nature in consumer culture is the stated intent of Mark Dion’s diorama of a boy’s bedroom, where everything in “When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (Toys ‘R’ U.S.)” has a dinosaur motif. The sly contempt for the middle class can scarcely be disguised, but most children could only hope for such digs. Conversely, Christina Fernandez’s photo-and-text tracing of her grandmother’s journey from rural Mexico to California is compelling for its narrative. Process art was ascendant in the ’90s, especially for those who enjoy watching paint dry. Australian Toba Khedoori’s gargantuan wax papers with a tightly rendered image shows scuff marks, nail holes and general wear along its edges; the more it’s

handled, the more shmutz it picks up. Do-Ho Suh’s suspended, translucent canopy — signifying home comforts and a good night’s sleep — adds a city to its title each time it travels. A lifesize Cadillac silhouette gets a new coat of pomade and pigment whenever it’s installed. Personal wish fulfillment surfaces in the drag photo portraits by Yasumasa Morimura. Sarah Sze’s fascinating three-part Rube Goldberg layout made from household items becomes exponentially more Byzantine with each leg. With conduits of matchsticks, trained lights, slowly dripping water and the like, it looks like some grand science experiment about to come to life. Dark themes stretch back at least as far as Hieronymus Bosch’s hellish 13th-century visions. Accordingly, Sam Durant’s proposed monument to the Altamont Speedway — site of a horrendous crowd killing during a Rolling Stones performance — has twin sound towers stuck into a mound of urethane goo, while distorted Stones songs sound from an unseen speaker. But for depravity, it’s hard to beat McCarthy’s wilting plastic Christmas tree installation. Giant photo excerpts from an attendant performance border the room, with the artist as a crazed and perverted Santa. Joy to the world, indeed. Much of this work was laboriously constructed, yet very seldom is the joy of life or any joy in making art conveyed. A wall festooned with flowers doodled on coffee shop napkins by Jim Hodges is pleasant, but when Jack Pierson uses old marquee and building letter-forms like a large ransom note to spell “You Are Allowed To Touch Things,” the irony serves as comic relief. Downtown-based Gronk’s intense “St. Rose of Lima” is a welcome inclusion in that it’s an actual oil-on-canvas painting. As the late L.A. poet Wanda Coleman noted, the ’90s was a wild ride. Don’t Look Back: The 1990s at MOCA runs through July 11 at the MOCA Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 6266222 or moca.org. Open Mon. and Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Tues. and Wed.

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March 21, 2016

Another Kind of ‘Butterfly’ Effect Music Shines in a Restrained Staging of Puccini’s Classic By Eddie Kim merican imperialism always seems to leave a poisonous legacy, especially when it involves the presence of the U.S. military in other nations. Few works of art capture the callousness of the situation quite like Giacomo Puccini’s 1904 opera Madame Butterfly. The tragic story is also a classic one: A young and beautiful Japanese geisha falls in love with an American naval officer, who sails away soon after marrying her and returns years later, American wife alongside him, to retrieve the son she bore him. Madame Butterfly is a true workhorse of the genre, and one that L.A. Opera staged in 2012. Mounting it just four years later prompts a question: What merits a 2016 run? The answer is that this iteration of Madame Butterfly comes from Santa Fe Opera and is new to Los Angeles. Under the hand of director Lee Blakely, it strips away the visual spectacle and instead hones in on Puccini’s elegant but accessible music and a naturalistic, gripping performance by soprano Ana María Martinez. The run at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion has four more performances through April 3. Unlike some of Puccini’s grander operas, Madame Butterfly lacks a large ensemble or even much of an extended cast. Its heart is Cio-Cio San, or “Butterfly,” the 15-year-old geisha who is from a noble family that lost its honor and wealth. The production opens with workers building a traditional Japanese house as B.F. Pinkerton

(Italian tenor Stefano Secco), a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, giddily discusses his marriage to Butterfly with matchmaker Goro (Keith Jameson). It’s clear that Pinkerton sees this arrangement as temporary, but he comes off more clueless than evil, even when U.S. consul Sharpless (Kihun Yoon) reminds him to be gentle with the girl. Some directors and sopranos choose to play up Butterfly’s youth and exoticness. This production thankfully avoids that. Martinez’s Butterfly maintains grace even in the face of an exciting life change, and her nearly immediate devotion to Pinkerton feels grounded in optimism, not cartoonish romance. Her warm and restrained soprano, meanwhile, gives a lilting energy to the young geisha without painting her in broad, girlish strokes. Jean-Marc Puissant’s set eschews bombastic features in favor of a minimalist layout, with the house, built on a rotating pedestal, serving as the main focus. This is a massive departure from the 2012 production, but the simple design frames some memorable images, as when the wedding procession walks along the back of the stage, silhouetted by the blood-orange glow of a low-hanging sun. From the pit, conductor James Conlon kicks off the overture with a rousing pace and throws plenty of hard jabs with splashes of percussion, stabbing strings and sweeping crescendos. The orchestra rewarded Conlon with impeccable execution on opening night. Predictably, Puccini’s music shines bright in this production, and Martinez is an excel-

Soprano Ana María Martinez plays Cio-Cio San (aka Butterfly) and Stefano Secco (left) is the American Naval officer Pinkerton in L.A. Opera’s new version of Puccini’s 1904 classic Madame Butterfly. Keith Jameson is wedding matchmaker Goro.

photo by Ken Howard

that several years of waiting patiently has taken its toll on Butterfly, who looks older and has nearly no money to care for her son. The cannon shot that marks Pinkerton’s eventual return is cause for joy for Butterfly but a funeral toll for everyone else. When the disaster arrives, it feels like a proper gut-punch. As the finale approaches, the lighting from Rick Fisher shifts to saturate the stage in a gloomy gray. The creeping sunrise as Butterfly and her son wait through the night, kneeling by the door for Pinkerton, is melancholy perfection. Madame Butterfly runs through April 3 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.org. eddie@downtownnews.com

lent anchor, leveraging her crisp top-end power and navigating wavering, vulnerable phrases with ease. Secco’s Pinkerton lacks onstage charm and chemistry with Butterfly, but he comes alive for the emotional (and vocal) highs, especially melding well in duets. South Korean native Yoon is a surprise as Sharpless, who repeatedly tries, and fails, to protect Butterfly from Pinkerton. Yoon’s bigchested baritone gives the consul an aural gravity that reflects his role as a moral center of the story. Rounding out the main quartet is Suzuki (an impressive Milena Kitic), Butterfly’s devoted maiden, who like Sharpless recognizes disaster coming for Butterfly long before the young girl does. It’s clear in the opening of the second act

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Downtown’s Eggs-cellent Easter Options Holiday Brings Animal Blessings, Egg Hunts, Big Brunches and More By Nicholas Slayton aster means many things to many people. It is a time for solemn reflection and religious gatherings. It is also a day of family outings, trips to the park, copious candy and kids squealing in delight at the sight of rabbits and egg hunts. Easter arrives on Sunday, March 27, and once again, Downtown Los Angeles is marking the holiday in myriad ways. Whether you are looking for a church to worship in, a community event or a restaurant hosting a brunch, you don’t have to leave the Central City. Los Angeles Downtown News has rounded up some of the best events during Easter week, and yes, the fun and activities are not confined to Sunday. Make your reservations today, particularly if you’re planning that big brunch.

Bless That Snake: Can Earth’s creatures gather in a place without turning on each other? No, we’re not talking about a Donald Trump rally. Instead, we’re referring to the annual Blessing

of the Animals, which takes place Saturday, March 26, at Olvera Street. It’s a Los Angeles tradition, harkening back to the time of St. Francis of Assisi and giving people a chance to thank our furry friends for all that they provide us lowly humans. Events take place from noon5 p.m., but the highlight occurs at 2 p.m., when hundreds of pets join a procession that passes in front of Archbishop José Gomez, who will bless the creatures and sprinkle them with Holy Water. You’ll see loads of dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, but also keep a watch for parrots, bunnies, rodents and even the occasional albino python. It’s a charming and wondrous event. At Olvera Street or elpueblo.lacity.org. Big Week, Bigger Celebration: It makes sense that Easter is big for the New City Church of L.A. A series of services will take place throughout the week, including events celebrating Jesus’ resurrection at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Then, on Sunday afternoon, the church hosts its eighth annual Easter Fest. The event fills South Park’s Grand Hope Park from 2-5 p.m. and is chock full of festivities. The all-ages affair will include face painting, bounce houses, balloons, bubbles,

On Saturday, March 26, hundreds of Angelenos will bring their pets to Olvera Street for the annual Blessing of the Animals, presided over by Archbishop José Gomez.

photo by Gary Leonard

arts and crafts and plenty of food and drink. The highlight will be a series of egg hunts, and during the day an amazing 14,000 Easter eggs will be scattered around the park. This is purported to be Downtown’s biggest Easter celebration, and according to New City, last year 3,000 people came out. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for families (up to seven people). At 919 S. Grand Ave. or newcitychurchla.com/ about/easterfest.

Brunch With a View: Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 is known for its high-quality Asian fusion cuisine and the views it affords — that’s to be expected, considering it is on the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton/J.W. Marriott Hotel at L.A. Live. On Easter Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., it has an expansive brunch. The meal, which runs $75 per person, includes a number of inventive stations: In addition to a traditional sushi table, Continued on page 14

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EASTER, 13 there’s an omelet station where chefs will prepare char siu pork belly and ginger spiced ham versions, while the dim sum station features chicken dumplings, pork belly bao, pot stickers and more. There are salads, roasted ham, Belgian waffles and creamy rice congee. Finish the meal with macaroons, mini-cupcakes, fruit tarts and more. There are also bottomless mimosas, in case you’re into that kind of thing. At 900 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 743-8824 or wolfgangpuck.com. Hopping and Helping: For some people, Easter is a time to give back and help others. That will be the case at Downtown’s Midnight Mission, when plenty of locals volunteer to help the service provider throw its annual Easter/ Passover brunch for homeless individuals. The event, which runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., is intended to give a sense of family and community to those living in and around Skid Row. There will be an Easter Village, where area families and children can collect festive treats and meet the Easter Bunny. The Midnight Mission celebration always attracts a number of celebrity volunteers, including longtime supporter Dick Van Dyke. There will also be actors from shows such as “Castle” and “Justified.” At 601 S. San Pedro St., (213) 624-9258 or midnightmission.org. Say a Prayer: It goes without saying that some

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March 21, 2016

of the most solemn events during Easter week will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The modern landmark designed by José Rafael Moneo will host a number of services and Masses during Holy Week, many presided over by Archbishop José Gomez. There will be 13 services alone between Thursday and Easter Sunday, including several in Spanish. On Saturday, March 26, at 8 p.m., the faithful can attend an Easter vigil led by Gomez. On Easter Sunday, there will be English-language masses at 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The archbishop will lead a Spanish-language mass at 1 p.m. At 555 W. Temple St., (213) 680-5200 or olacathedral.org. Buffet Bonanza: The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is one of Downtown’s oldest hotels, and it continues a tradition with an Easter brunch buffet in its Crystal Ballroom. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., guests can dine on a vast assortment of food, including an egg station, a salad bar and a collection of breakfast items. There will be heartier fare too, such as ham, leg of lamb and seafood. Of course there’s a big dessert menu, highlighted by a cookie-decorating station for kids. Best of all, the latter will be helmed by the Biltmore general manager! Just joking — the Easter Bunny will run the cookie station. The brunch is $62 for adults and $28 for kids. At 506 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1011 or millenniumhotels.com. Double Brunch Option: The Patina Group has not one, but two Downtown Los Angeles options to stuff yourself on Easter Sunday. The first

Downtown’s biggest Easter celebration takes place Sunday at Grand Hope Park. The New City Church of L.A.’s eighth annual Easter Fest will be highlighted by a series of egg hunts.

photo courtesy New City Church of L.A.

is at Café Pinot, the restaurant with the lovely patio adjacent to the Central Library. From 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., they’ll be offering a three-course, French-inspired brunch. It starts light (think baby beets or smoked trout toast), then moves into main courses such as smoked sturgeon, Atlantic salmon and braised rabbit ravioli. It closes with a couple chocolate mousse options. The brunch is $55 per person and $19 for children 10 and under. Up on Bunker Hill, Patina’s Kendall’s Brasserie has an Easter meal that will be served

from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s another three-course feast, with starters including a yogurt parfait, avocado salad or chilled pea soup. There are 10 main course options, and the grilled salmon, skirt steak salad and thick-cut French toast only hint at all the choices. The desserts, again, are various chocolate mousses, and Kendall’s also has plenty of cocktails. The meal is $44 and $19 for the 10-and-under set. Café Pinot is at 700 W. Fifth St. or (213) 2396500. Kendall’s is at 135 N. Grand Ave. or (213) 972-7322. Reservations at patinagroup.com.

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Holy Saturday Easter Sunday

March 24 (No Noon Mass) Mass of the Lord's Supper and Washing of the Feet

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5:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:00 AM

March 21, 2016

Downtown News 15

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DT THE DON'T MISS LIST

CALENDAR LISTINGS EVENTS

ONE

By Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com

Ryan John son

own at the Con ve sanitized. Across ntion Center, the floors have be en buffed an buffalo wings. Th the street, Hooters has doub led up on its wee d the bathrooms at’s because Wo kly order of nderCon, a littl all its costumed e si glor anime section, bl y to Downtown on Friday-Sun ster to Comic Con, is bringing da oo to draw devotees d drive, children’s film festival y, March 25-27. Though the and cosplay mas , it’s the line-up querade promis of artists, illustrat in a horde of rave e or no penman Sergio us fans. Graphic novel cartooni s and writers that will bring Aragones, Guard st Kyle Baker, M AD magazine ians of the Galax “My Little Pony” yw ar 1201 S. Figueroa tist Agnes Garbowska are but a riter Brian Michael Bendis and few St., (213) 741-11 51 or lacclink.co of the featured guests. At m.

photo courtesy of Resident

3 D

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com. March 25, 8:30 p.m.: Whichever obsequious music writer thought to call indie-folk band Daughter “peerless” has apparently never heard of Wye Oak. March 26-27, 8 p.m.: The chances of the Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan disarming you with a smile during his two acoustic shows are slim to none. Liz Phair opens, however, and she has a mighty nice smile. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. March 21: The Necks. March 22: Dayna Stephens Group. March 23: Fabiano de Nascimento. March 24: Vardan Ovsepian Chamber Ensemble. March 25: Sock Belt. March 26: Josh Johnson Group. March 27: Joe Santa Maria. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. March 21, 8 p.m.: Fell Runner have enlisted the help of Ampersand in this, their penultimate residency appearance. March 22, 8 p.m.: As much as we like to gripe about the recent profusion of nostalgia-obsessed surf indie, it’s bands like Pins that help keep the vintage instrument dealers in business. March 23, 8:30 p.m.: Noisy UK outfit Yak sounds like a combo of the Black Keys, that NIN song “1,000,000” and a Heineken ad. March 24, 8:30 p.m.: Catey Shaw is the most recent acolyte of the ukulele school of singing and songwriting. Continued on next page

o by phot

n the category of delightful surprises, the Arts District’s stalwart theater company Loft Ensemble is staging its first musical. The world premiere of the newly song-adapted Wanting Miss Julie begins Monday, March 21, at 8 p.m., with regularly scheduled shows on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. It’s an all-too-familiar story of a loneliness that suddenly gives way to lust, and is adapted from August Strindberg’s Miss Julie, about a Hamptons-dwelling woman whose life of hedonism and seduction masks some dark drama. The show runs through May 8. At 929 E. Second St., (213) 680-0392 or loftensemble.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Richard Riordan and Antonio Villaraigosa at Town Hall-Los Angeles City Club, 555 S. Flower St., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org. 12 p.m.: Catch up with two former Los Angeles mayors as they chat with ex-L.A. Times Publisher Austin Beutner. What’s on the docket? The future of the city, administrative vision and how to appear slightly more competent than your predecessor. FRIDAY, MARCH 25 Hernan Diaz Alonso and David Ruy at SCIArc SCI-Arc, 960 E. Third St., (213) 613-2200 or sciarc.edu. 7 p.m.: The co-curators of SCI-Arc’s “Close Up” exhibition discuss the terms of their selection process and the eventual make-up of the design show. WonderCon Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., (213) 741-1151 or lacclink.com. March 25-27: We know what you’re thinking: Where can I get a plush, furry animal suit so I can fit in with the crowds of costumed attendees at the sister event to San Diego’s ComicCon? Start at the Pinata District, then cut, paste and plush to your heart’s desire.

An Arts District Musical, Costumed Characters at the Convention Center and More Downtown Fun

n Monday, March 21, Arts District joint Resident hosts violinist Sarah Neufeld. She isn’t your daddy’s fiddlin’ bard. A veteran of Arcade Fire, Neufeld’s most recent full-length release, The Ridge, builds off her experiences in contemporary indie pop with swirling rhythms and melodic textures that are united by an orchestral glue harkening back to her classical pedigree. Those who arrive early will be treated to the ponderous sonic musings of effects-treated Eartheater and ’60s vintage avant-garde found recordings from the Contact Field Orchestra. At 428 S. Hewitt or residentdtla.com.

5 Photo by Sarah Lee

espite all his rage, Billy Corgan is still just a rocker of the alternative age. After a career defined by raucous electric guitars thick with feedback and filigreed with the quintessential nasal scream of the mid-’90s, Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins are back, playing the Theatre at Ace Hotel this Saturday and Sunday, March 26-27. Dial your expectations down, as the evening features plenty of acoustic music. But do know that you can tell Billy all of your secrets, confess that today is the greatest day you’ve ever known, turn away from the night and decry “tonight, tonight” as the bald giant from Illinois strums through his catalog. Look for opening musician Liz Phair, an alt savant in her own right, to please the faithful. At 929 S. Broadway, (213) 6233233 or acehotel.com.

he time: Wednesday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. The place: the Last Bookstore, Downtown Los Angeles. The scene: The lights dim as former L.A. Times book critic David Ulin takes the mic and introduces author Polly Samson and her husband and writing collaborator, David Gilmour. You, the uber-Pink Floyd fan in the tattered Division Bell tour shirt immediately instigates a one-man “David! David!” chant before flicking your Bic. Later, after you’ve interrupted an otherwise erudite conversation about the writing relationship between Samson and Gilmour and Samson’s latest novel, The Kindness, you’ll wonder why you were forcibly ejected. Maybe you should quiet down and get comfortably numb for this one. At 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com. Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

photo courtesy of Theatre at Ace Hotel

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Baz Dreisinger at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org. 7:15 p.m.: The incarceration expert and founder of Prison to College Pipeline joins Scott Budnick for a discussion titled “A Journey to Justice in Prisons Across the World.” This has nothing to do with the old TV show “Prison Break.” Polly Samson and David Gilmour With David Ulin Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com. 7:30 p.m.: So dig this: Author Polly Samson is hitched to Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour. Both will be in Downtown chatting about their writing relationship, with author and critic David Ulin. Then Samson and Ulin are signing books while Gilmour tries desperately to avoid having a conversation with anyone.

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

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Continued from previous page March 25, 8:30 p.m.: Milk & Bone stack sub-shaking beats beneath precision harmonies and a pet treat name. March 26, 8 p.m.: Kississippi’s polished “popviolence” has neither the showmanship and narcissism of Kiss nor the oppressively humid atmosphere of Mississippi. Escondite 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com. March 21, 10 p.m.: We’re beginning to think that the Jazzaholics don’t actually have a problem and this whole dependency charade has just been an elaborate cry for help. March 22, 10 p.m.: Cody Hudock is on deck for tonight. No word as to whether the Cody Hudock Band will join him. March 23, 20 p.m.: Devil Winds, or the Santa Anas as our Spanish forebearers knew them. March 24, 11 p.m.: Massive Miss Snowflake is no longer just an alias for Honey Boo Boo’s mother, June. March 25, 9 p.m.: In an old school ’Dites throwback Boom Boom Boom opens for Charlie Chan. March 27, 10 p.m.: King Corduroy’s attempts to make an initials-only logo have been met with frequent cease and desists from the Kansas City Royals. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. March 25: Aly & Fila. March 26: A-trak. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. March 21, 7:15 p.m.: Le Butcherettes have supported the likes of At the Drive-In, Faith No More, the Stooges and the Melvins. Pretty decent resume there. March 22, 7:30 p.m.: All three Chambers Brothers will be in attendance to chat and perform. March 23, 7 p.m.: Kelly Rowland enumerates the untold, unseen stresses inherent to creating a female super group like, say, Destiny’s Child. March 24, 7:30 p.m.: To their credit, decade-confused Aussie fuzz rockers Wolfmother now feature industry-finest session drummer Josh Freese. Orpheum Theatre 842 Broadway, (877) 677-4386 or laorpheum.com. March 25-26, 9 p.m.: Joanna Newsom is living, breathing proof that you can still get big in the music game by playing the harp. Redwood Bar and Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar.com. March 21: Gonzo Phonic. March 22: Coyote Bred. March 23: Baptized in Sin. March 24: Burn the Stage.

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla ©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

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March 26, 8 p.m.: Dengue Fever briefly entertained the idea of changing their name to Tuberculosis for their show Downtown. March 27, 7 p.m.: The Rock and Roll Wrestling Bash features live hard rock accompanying gaudy wrestling. Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or (323) 316-5311 or residentdtla.com. March 21, 8 p.m.: Orchestra-adjacent indie with Sarah Neufeld. March 23, 8 p.m.: We think Las Pinas is Spanish for “band for female musicians with bangs.” March 24, 8 p.m.: Bayonne kicks out lush and frenetic music 

The Regent 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheater.com. March 22, 4 p.m.: To liberals looking aghast at Donald Trump and wondering how his supporters could be so stupid, take a larger look at your culture in which YouTube “celebrities” now travel the country in packs. Then consider entertainment à la tonight’s “Part of My Story Tour.” March 23, 8 p.m.: J Dilla’s former Detroit cohort Slum Village. March 24, 8 p.m.: French sound collective Roche Musique. March 25, 9 p.m.: For those of you still listening to Drum & Bass, Calyx & Teebee will be playing some of that. We hope you enjoy.

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March 25: The Love Me Nots, The Two Tens and Exes. March 26: The Folks & Company, Sun Graves and The Rebel Set. The Novo 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. March 25, 8 p.m.: It’s your last chance to see trap rappers Migos before their fan base melts their brains, thus depriving the Atlanta trio of the attention they so desperately crave. March 26, 9 p.m.: It’s the 25th anniversary of Quik Is the Name. Compton’s own David Marvin Blake, aka DJ Quik, will be performing cuts from the album.

Downtown News 17

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

stacked with inner tension. March 26, 8 p.m.: While we have no idea what My Body Sings Electric sounds like, we diligently doff our caps to their Walt Whitman reference. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. March 22, 10 p.m.: The Makers been down so gosh darn long that it seems like up to them. Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7326 or staplescenter.com. March 20-21, 23 7 p.m.: We don’t know what to say except that Justin Bieber is playing three shows in Downtown. Consider yourself warned.

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.

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18 Downtown News

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March 21, 2016

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SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CASE NO. YD 021506 PLAINTIFF: PHALA YOUNG VS DEFENDANTS: RANDY YOUNG To the person who received this “Request for Order”: if you wish to respond to this “Request for Order”, you must file a “Responsive Declaration to Request for Order” (form FL-320) and serve a copy on the other parties at least at least nine (9) court days before the hearing date unless the court has ordered a shorter period of time. You do not have to pay a filing fee to file the “Responsive Declaration to Request for Order” (form FL-320) or any other declaration including an “Income and Expense Declaration” (form FL-150) or “Financial Statement” (Simplified) (form FL-155).

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The name and address of the court is: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 825 Maple Avenue Torrance, CA 90503 Case Number: YD021506 Dated: Dec. 28, 2015 Hearing Date: May 12, 2016 Hearing Time: 8:30 Hearing Department: SWH Hearing Room: 180 The name, address, telephone number, and fax number of defendant’s attorney or without an attorney is: Randy Young 28634 Bay Meadows Avenue Moreno Valley, CA 92555 Pub. 02/29, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2016.

FOR RENT

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Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

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LOFT LIVING

• LEASING NOW $2,200-$3,350 • PRIVATE PARKING • 12-14 FT. CEILINGS • ARTS DISTRICT 1200 S. Santa Fe • (866) 977-8866 • arthouselofts.com

Monthly from $795+ utilities paid. (213) 612-0348

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Monthly from $895 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151

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Live/Work Space $1.00/sqft. Office Space ......$1.25/sqft. Industrial ............$1.00/sqft. Stores to Rent (213) 622-9513

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A comprehensive guide to restaurants in and around Downtown Los Angeles. An excellent reference for your office, car and home.

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(323) 662-9797

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

OLD WORLD Charm. Olympic and Highland. Very large 3 bdrm. 2 bath, 2 car garage. Private fenced yard. All appliances included, Stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer, carpet & drapes $2500/mo. 323-934-5666.

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20 Downtown News

March 21, 2016

PROJECTS, 5

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

GRAND TOWER

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

Re New no ly va ted

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

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

PROMENADE TOWERS

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

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

On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Beauty Salon

MUSEUM TOWER

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

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

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

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

RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM

photo courtesy City Century, LLC

City Century LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of Shanghai’s Shenglong Group, plans to build a 24-story apartment tower at 1233 S. Grand Ave.

hexagonal shape. Stuart Morkun, executive vice president of development for City Century, said the developer intends to move away from the “classic” and common rectangular layout. The hexagonal approach, he said, also will allow the building to take advantage of the changing light throughout the day in Downtown. One unique element in Grand Residences would be a pair of two-story townhouses with entrances on the sixth-floor podium level. They are intended in part to cover the fourth level of above-grade parking in the building. Morkun said City Century hopes they and some of the other large units will help lure families to the project. “We believe we have a larger average unit size than most apartments in the area, at 963 square feet,” Morkun said. There would also be an amenities deck on the 23rd floor, with a kitchen and communal space for residents. Simon Ha, a principal with Steinberg Architects (and a DLANC board member; he recused himself from the presentation) said after the meeting that City Century expects to break ground in the third quarter of this year. No budget was revealed. Stay a While Another large new project has been proposed for City West. A pair of buildings at 675 S. Bixel St. and 1111 W. Seventh St. would replace a parking lot and a vacant building with a residential tower and a seven-story, extended-stay hotel. The project from the developer Career Lofts, LLC, would rise on land purchased in 2010 by the Newport Beach-based United American Properties. Humphreys & Partners Architects would handle the designs A project representative would not confirm reports that the hotel, at 1111 W. Seventh St., may be operated by Home2 Suites, a Hilton subsidiary that operates extended-stay hotels. The seven-story building would feature 126 guest rooms, along with a pool deck on the second floor. A 36-story residential tower on Bixel Street would have 422 apartments. It would include a 39,000-square-foot podium deck with a pool, dog park and other amenities, and there would be 5,600 square feet of ground-floor retail. Project architect Daniel Gehman said 212 trees would be planted. Other amenities include multiple lounges and screening rooms, along with a fitness center. Overall there would be 596 parking spaces, with hotel spots in an underground garage. The entire project features wide sidewalks along Bixel and Seventh streets. The residential tower would have a grid pattern along the sides. That extends to the roof, providing a “basket weave” like canopy to the roof deck. No timeline or budget have been announced. nicholas@downtownnews.com