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the ailey company dances into downtown

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the ‘other lapd’ tackles public safety Page 11

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With Cannabis Enforcement in Downtown, When One Illicit Business Gets Shut Down, Another Pops Up THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

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AROUND TOWN

The Gang’s All Beer

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uds lovers, rejoice! The 11th annual L.A. Beer Festival is returning to Downtown Los Angeles this week. Taking place at L.A. Center Studios (450 S. Bixel St). in City West on Saturday, April 6, the event will include more than 80 breweries (among them Downtown’s own Angel City Brewery, Iron Triangle and Imperial Western), 200 beers and a bevy of food trucks. Admission is $45 and is divided into two time frames: noon-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Tickets includes unlimited samples of beer, and access to what is being called a “dueling piano bar.” VIP tickets are $85. Proceeds will benefit Noah’s B-ark, Inc., a nonprofit that finds homes for rescued pets. Tickets and additional information are at labeerfest.la.

Public Meeting for Huge Angels Landing Project

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ext week, Downtowners will have the opportunity to weigh in on a massive complex planned for Bunker Hill. The Department of City Planning has released an initial study for, and opened public comment on, the proposed Angels Landing development at 361 S. Hill St. Angels Landing is being developed by a team comprised of MacFarlane

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Partners, Claridge Properties and the Peeples Corporation; the team last year won a public bidding competition for development rights to the site. Angels Landing would rise just north of Fourth and Hill streets. Initial plans call for two towers, one 64 stories and the other 42 floors, housing two hotels with a total of 509 rooms. There would also be 180 condominiums and 261 rental units (an unspecified portion would be set aside as affordable housing). Additionally, there would be commercial space, facilities for educational or civic use, and approximately 57,000 square feet of public open space. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at the Omni Hotel (251 S. Olive St.). More information is at cityplanning.lacity.org.

LADOT Officer Memorialized With Street Sign

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ast week, the City of Los Angeles paid tribute to a late Los Angeles Department of Transportation traffic officer. Gabriel Acosta, a military veteran who had spent 15 years with the department, died July 21 following a traffic collision. On Thursday, March 28, LADOT representatives, including General Manager Seleta Reynolds and department Chief Devon Farfan, unveiled a memorial sign at Georgia Street and Olympic Boulevard honoring Acosta. Acosta was hit by a driver at the intersection while on patrol around Staples Center. He was 43.

He was the second traffic officer to die on the

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job last year. Acosta is survived by his wife, parents and three children.

Housing Group Purchases Skid Row Properties

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he Healthy Housing Foundation, the housing arm of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation that has upgraded two area single room occupancy hotels, announced that it has purchased two properties in Skid Row, and plans to create new affordable housing units. According to a news release, on March 15 the HHF closed escrow on properties at 431 E. Seventh St., a commercial building and an adjacent dirt lot. Michael Weinstein, president of the AHF, said the goal is to build a new housing complex for approximately $100,000 or less per unit; many low-income projects have cost $350,000 a unit or more.

“The property we build here will eventually house hundreds, help revitalize a tough area of Downtown and become the sixth complex in our affordable housing portfolio in greater Los Angeles,” Weinstein said. The HHF last year purchased and refurbished two Downtown SRO hotels, the King Edward Hotel and the Baltimore Hotel. In 2017, the HHF purchased Downtown’s Madison Hotel.

Fight for Air Climb Returns to Downtown

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owntowners can lace up their sneakers and break a sweat for a good cause this

APRIL 1, 2019

week. That’s because the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb is returning to the Aon Center on Saturday, April 6. The ALA holds nearly 45 stair climbs across the nation each year. The Downtown Los Angeles event starts at 9 a.m., and both teams and individuals will climb the 63 flights, raising funds through sponsorships and donations. Prizes and awards will be given out to the teams and individuals who finish in the fastest time. Located at 707 Wilshire Blvd., the Aon Center has 1,393 steps. Registration is available at action. lung.org. Donations can also be made online.

New Details on Civic Center High-Rise

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uniquely designed high-rise at Second Street and Broadway could break ground in 2022. According to a draft environmental impact report from the Tribune Media Company, which owns the land, the 30-story edifice at 200 S. Broadway, behind the former headquarters of the L.A. Times, would start construction once work wraps on Metro’s Regional Connector project. The building would rise over the station and plans call for 107 residential units and 534,044 square feet of office space. Designs from the Downtown office of architecture firm Gensler show a building that would resemble a series of glass cubes loosely stacked on top of one another.

Tribune anticipates construction would take three years; no budget has been disclosed.

The proposed project would rise south of Continued on page 7

APRIL 1, 2019

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EDITORIALS

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APRIL 1, 2019

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

No Affordable Housing in College Station Is a Blow to Chinatown

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n March 21, the City Council unanimously approved developer Atlas Capital Group’s plan to build the 725-unit College Station in Chinatown. In addition to the massive size of the project, one other thing stood out: The council approved a development with no affordable housing component. This marked a reversal of a recommendation from the City Planning Commission, which wanted 5% of the units (37 residences) in the five seven-story buildings set aside for low-income earners.

Atlas Capital is now free to build a market-rate project in a Downtown market where some new buildings charge more than $4 a square foot in rent. The developer’s intent was made clear in a March 18 document sent by its law firm to members of the council’s Planning and Land Use Management committee. It stated in part, “The Project has no legal obligation to provide affordable units — it does not seek Density Bonus or other affordable housing development incentives, and is not subject to any inclusionary housing requirement.”

That raises a question: Even if the developer is not legally required to serve more than affluent residents, does it have a moral obligation to benefit a wider swath of the historic community?

This page believes in a property owner’s right to build what it wants on its land as long as it follows laws. We also hope developers make money, as that spurs them to build more housing. At the same time, we think a developer should also strive to benefit its neighborhood.

Given the scale of College Station, combined with the affordable housing crisis in Los Angeles and concerns about the changing nature of Chinatown, we are disappointed in Atlas Capital’s approach. We hope its executives will look in the mirror, consider the community, and decide to set aside a portion of apartments as low-income and workforce housing.

We realize we may be living in dreamland, but including some affordable and workforce housing is the right thing to do.

Atlas Capital’s backers would surely state that the developer is taking a risk in financing and planning the project. They would mention that, as part of a deal brokered with First District Councilman Gil Cedillo, it is paying $500,000 in rent increases over a decade for residents of a nearby senior housing complex, and will set aside $2 million to preserve affordable housing in the district.

That is true, but it doesn’t change the fact that Atlas fought the proposal to dedicate a mere 37 units out of 725 as affordable housing, and $2.5 million in community benefits will ultimately be a very small drop in a very large bucket. This is also a bad precedent in a neighborhood where other large residential projects are being planned.

While Cedillo has worked to ensure that many low-income units have been built across his district, a project of this size in the heart of Chinatown without any affordable or workforce housing is a missed opportunity. We hope Atlas, which has other projects in Downtown and might want to establish a sense of goodwill, will consider the neighborhood and change course.

American Hotel

Ed Ruscha & Kent Twitchell

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COMMENTS

Regarding the article “Fur Ban Sparks Division in Downtown,” by Sean P. Thomas This L.A. decision is completely anti-ecological. Fur is a sustainably produced, long-lasting, recyclable and biodegradable natural material. The synthetic alternatives loved by animal activists are mostly produced from petroleum and are non-renewable, polluting, and another form of the materials California is trying to reduce.

—Alan Herscovici Regarding the article “Helen Coleman, Believed to be Bunker Hill’s Longest-Tenured Resident, Dies at 87,”

by Lisa Napoli I’m so sorry I never met lovely Helen as we were apparently neighbors. She discovered what I think many of us oldsters have found to be true of Downtown living: We have seen many losses of homes for middle-income people but in exchange, the Bunker Hill neighborhood has continually become more interesting. It is, to me, the perfect place for active and curious retirees. We can walk or use public transportation to shop, find medical aid, hear good music and lectures, and we have the Central Library at our fingertips. People are generally kind and the buildings have elevators. We have little pockets of green space, hidden gardens and hidden art. One EDITOR: Jon Regardie STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton, Sean P. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre

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can sit outside at a cafe with a cup of coffee and people watch. I’m sorry Helen isn’t able to see the next phase of our development. Now, if we can only keep some affordable places that allow for a mixed neighborhood.

—Judith Markoff Hansen Regarding the column “L.A.’s New Sheriff Stumbles at the Start, and It’s His Own Fault,” about Sheriff Alex Villanueva, by Jon Regardie Of course this is a view of a non-law enforcer who knows absolutely nothing about the Sheriff’s Department. This article is the typical “knee-jerk” reaction to a new department head who is unconventional and innovative. Give Villanueva the benefit of the doubt: He doesn’t answer to the County Board of Supervisors. He is elected by the people, who had lost confidence in Jim McDonnell, who was a puppet for the Board of Supervisors.

—Robert Ichikawa

Hey You! Speak Up! Downtown News wants to hear from people in the community. If you like, or dislike, a story or editorial, let us know. Or weigh in on something you feel is important to the community.

Participation is easy. Post a comment online at the bottom of any story, or go to downtownnews.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the “Letter to the Editor” link. For guest opinion proposals, email regardie@downtownnews.com.

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 5

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April 1 City Hall News Stories Only a Fool Would Ignore These Gotta-Be True Articles

By Jon Regardie oday is Monday, April 1. I could have sworn it’s a holiday, but I can’t remember which one. I do know that, because this is such an important day, I wrote these stories related to City Hall. Absolutely none are fake news. I think.

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THE REGARDIE REPORT Huizar to Run for Mayor!

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ity Councilman José Huizar has been under a cloud of suspicion since an FBI raid of his home and offices last November, but he’s not saying goodbye to politics. On Monday, April 1, the 14th District representative is slated to announce a campaign for mayor of Los Angeles in 2022. A committee, Support Huizar As Mayor Evermore, or SHAME, will be formed, and will accept cold hard cash, bank checks and bitcoin donations from anyone he has ever done or even thought about doing business with, including but not limited to Chinese developers building expensive mega-projects in Downtown Los Angeles.

A nine-foot-tall yeti close to Huizar said the councilman will employ the campaign slogan “Never Charged But In Charge!”

“This will be a warts and all campaign,” Huizar just might possibly maybe say at a kickoff event. “But you should vote for me because, while you think you know what I did, you have no idea what the other men or women running did. Which is worse?”

The yeti noted that a number of individuals wearing blue jackets with the letters FBI may be standing at the back of the room during the kickoff event, but that these men and women are not with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Instead, they are part of the Friendly Bunnies Institute, a nonprofit for which Huizar’s wife, Richelle, helped raise funds — a lot of funds — in the past. This is because the Huizars loves bunnies.

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Garcetti to Be in Los Angeles Entire Day!

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ric Garcetti has traveled frequently since he was elected mayor in 2013. But on Monday, April 1, he will spend the entire day in Los Angeles.

It’s a momentous occasion for Garcetti, who in 2018 alone traveled to states including Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Mississippi and Oklahoma. He also visited South Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Texas and Arizona. And he took trips to Florida, Iowa, New York and New Hampshire. He also went to Sacramento, which isn’t another state, but is another planet.

A vegetarian Democratic strategist deeply versed in City Hall said that the mayor went back and forth on the decision.

The source added that while Garcetti will not leave city limits, there are plans for the mayor to appear on at least seven different cable TV news and entertainment shows to ensure that no one forgets that he is a national figure and a possible member of a future Democratic presidential Cabinet or a potential worthy U.S. Senator if Kamala Harris thumps Trump or Dianne Feinstein retires.

Garcetti is expected to wear a dark suit during his day in Los Angeles, though he may change into a casual outfit. He’s flexible like that.

The mayor’s agenda is still being determined, but a planning body known as Garcetti’s Official Output Formula, or GOOF, is considering happenings such as a carefully orchestrated photo op at Grand Central Market, a carefully orchestrated photo op with the prime minister of Curacao at a bucolic hiking point in the Angeles National Forest, and a carefully orchestrated photo op involving homeless kittens that will be placed in the dorm rooms of international athletes coming to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“I’ve got frequent flyer points like you wouldn’t believe,”

Garcetti might utter during the day. “But sometimes you are reminded of the things that make Los Angeles special. This is a day for that.”

He might then add, “Be sure to follow me on Instagram!”

Council to Discuss Homelessness!

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esponding to a situation that has bedeviled Los Angeles for decades, the City Council on Monday, April 1, will hold a special meeting to address homelessness. During the session, council members will harrumph that homelessness is a “serious” “crisis” that “demands immediate action” and “no stone will be left unturned” and “everyone must work togethContinued on page 6

3/27/19 3:11 PM

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er” and operate “with a sense of urgency” because “we can no longer just provide lip service” and “the time for inaction has passed.”

The council, according to a talking zebra who asked not to be identified by name, will “discuss” organizing a “blue-ribbon committee” that will “conduct a nationwide search” to create an “appointed panel” that will “solicit expert opinion” to determine “best practices” and, after a “clear and thorough process,” will commission a “new report” that will “provide a roadmap to success.” This report, the council will promise, will “be a game changer.”

The unnamed zebra said another panel will be appointed to figure out how much the whole thing will cost, while a third panel will be organized to criticize the first two. The entire process will be overseen by yet another panel, this one called the Judicial Organization of Knowledge Empowerment, or JOKE. When Los Angeles Downtown News provided information about the panels to a translator who speaks City Hall, the person fell down laughing, then asked, “Seriously, how do I get some of that?”

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n Monday, April 1, shortly after a herd of pigs fly off from the lawn of City Hall, the members of the City Council will vote unanimously to prohibit accepting campaign contributions from real estate developers working on projects in Los Angeles. The legislation has been written by the group Building Unity Locally, Lovingly, Supporting Housing In Time, also known as well, you figure it out.

“We’re doing this because it’s the right thing,” one council member with crossed fingers will say.

“It’s important to restore trust in City Hall,” another will add with a wink.

“We know the public is watching, and besides, we don’t care about the millions of dollars that real estate developers throw us every year,” a third will remark with a smirk.

“Our decisions are based on what is best for every Angeleno, not just the ones who live in mansions,” a fourth will state while stifling a laugh.

The new law is slated to take effect in 2020, but according to a City Hall warlock who has seen how this game is played, after last-minute wrangling by all 15 council members and a collection of lobbyists who love them, the council will vote unanimously to, in their words, “slightly delay” the starting date. The council instead will vote to ban developer contributions beginning in the year 2795. regardie@downtownnews.com

resident Donald Trump has been unable to get Congress to fund his proposed wall on the southern border of the United States.

But one of his most lapdoggiest California supporters, Congressman Devin Nunes, is picking up the mantle and putting a local spin on it.

On Monday, April 1, the Central California representative will ride a stubborn donkey down the 5 Freeway and propose building a wall between Skid Row and the rest of Downtown Los Angeles as a “test case” to determine the feasibility of a U.S. border wall. He said 193 times that Skid Row would pay for it, though when asked how that would happen or what that even means, he just stuck his tongue out.

A group known as Nunes Unites The Sycophants, or NUTS, is helping organize the rally.

“Blah blah blah. Trump good. Media bad,” Nunes probably will say if questioned by reporters. “Excuse me, but I have go sue a Twitter cow.”

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in a forceful manner built on his belief that, when it comes to setting policy and making city decisions, he’s an equal to the mayor. As with past council presidents, he has given — for example, he made Huizar chair of the powerful Planning and Land Use Management Committee — and he has taken away — in November he yanked that post, and every other committee assignment, from Huizar.

On Monday, April 1, Wesson will go shopping for a new carrot and a new stick, which he will utilize in his position as council president even though he is also running for a County Board of Supervisors seat in 2020.

The shopping excursion will be organized by the group Wesson Holds Inexhaustible Power, or WHIP. Other council members will jostle and ask pleadingly if they can carry Wesson’s bags while he shops — well, other council members except Huizar, who has been stripped of the ability to shop with Herb.

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APRIL 1, 2019

DOWNTOWN NEWS 7

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The Central City Crime Report

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

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Someone left a bag and a cell phone at the security gate of a Hope Street parking garage at around 2 a.m. on Jan. 27. Two people rode up on bicycles, grabbed the items, then fled.

At around 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 27, an unidentified individual demanded to see another person’s phone at the Seventh Street/Metro Center station. The assailant then punched the victim, who fell to the ground, and snatched the person’s belongings.

A woman was driving into a Hope Street parking garage on the morning of Jan. 27 when someone jumped into the car from the passenger side, grabbed her phone, and then ran off.

e r u t u f r u o y r e v o c Dis graduate school

Someone entered a Figueroa Street department store on Jan. 27 and tried to stuff food into a duffel bag.

A witness intervened and was knocked down. The thief then fled.

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Three men at Second Street and Central Avenue tried to take a woman’s bicycle on the evening of Jan. 27. She held on, and they ran off.

April 27th-28th, 2019

An unidentified individual broke the side window of a Spring Street office building on the morning of Jan. 28. A laptop and other items were taken from a desk.

An unidentified individual snuck up on a woman in an alley on the night of Jan. 28 and tried to grab her purse. She was pulled to the ground but hung on to the purse, and the would-be assailant gave up and fled.

At noon on Jan. 29, someone tried to pry open the door of a government building at Arcadia and Main streets. Police arrested the suspect.

On the night of Jan. 29, the window of a Nissan parked on Flower Street was smashed. Money from the car was taken, as was the vehicle’s battery. nicholas@downtownnews.com

AROUND TOWN, 2 Second Street; north of Second, developer Onni Group intends to transform Times Mirror Square, including adding two residential high-rises.

A Possible Park for South Park

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parcel of land near the 10 Freeway could become a new park, if the city Department of Recreation and Parks acquires the site. According to a March 20 city report, the department is seeking authority to initiate the acquisition of a 1.45-acre lot at 15th Street, between Hill Street and Broadway. The site currently houses a pair of buildings previously used as offices by the state.

According to the report, the city is looking to create a park based on the residential boom in South Park. The report does not offer a timeline for the project, nor does it specify any design details.

Weekend Schedule Saturday, April 27, 2019 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

at our Information Weekend

Sunday, April 28, 2019 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Discover your future graduate school! Join us for a weekend in Santa Barbara on Saturday, April 27 & Sunday, April 28 for our Information Weekend and learn about our various degree programs in counseling, depth psychology, mythology, and the humanities. Faculty from each of the programs will be hosting program-specific information sessions and alumni will be present throughout the day for conversations and questions.

Don't miss out on this event!

Featured Presentation

At our April Introduction weekend, you will: Experience Pacifica’s unique interdisciplinary degree programs led by our renowned faculty.

Hear from alumni about their experiences & career outcomes.

Tour both of our beautiful campuses including the Joseph Campbell Archives and the Research Library.

A special complimentary yoga session during the event.

Learn how to navigate the admissions and financial aid processes to make graduate school a reality.

Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and lunch. Also join us for a catered dinner/wine tasting Saturday evening after the Saturday event.

We will be giving away a $200 bookstore gift certificate.

801 Ladera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA

Mary Watkins

Mutual Accompaniment and the Creation of the Commons In this evening talk, Mary Watkins will share some of the key ideas in her forthcoming book of the same title.

Using both historical examples and some of the work Pacifica students and alums are engaged in, she will illustrate both clinical and non-clinical expressions of accompaniment. While linking the private practice of psychology to various modes of public practice, she hopes to nourish your own imagination of the kinds of work you could do while and after studying at Pacifica.

Now Enrolling for Fall 2019. Apply Online at

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8 DOWNTOWN NEWS

APRIL 1, 2019

Competition and Confusion on the

T N O R F S I B A N N CA When It Comes to Unpermitted Marijuana Busin esses in Downto wn, Enforcement Is Like a Game of Whack-a-Mole

By Sean P. Thomas n March 8, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a report of a stolen bicycle in the 1100 block of South Santee Street in the Fashion District.

When police arrived in the bustling neighborhood they noticed three cannabis dispensaries. Two were operating in one building.

The third was across the street.

After checking with local and state officials, police determined that the businesses did not have licenses to sell recreational marijuana either from the state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control or the city’s Department of Cannabis Regulation. Officers returned with warrants that afternoon and searched the businesses.

According to Lt. Andy Mathes, who is in charge of the LAPD Central Gang and Narcotics Unit that executed the search warrants, the action resulted in the seizure of almost 1,000 pounds of marijuana, approximately $46,000 in cash, a small amount of cocaine and 10 guns, only three of which had legitimate serial numbers. One business also had a grow room filled to the ceiling with marijuana plants. By law, shops selling marijuana cannot operate a grow room on site.

In total, three people were arrested for owning and operating an unlicensed cannabis dispensary. Another 15 misdemeanor citations for working at an unlicensed cannabis

UPCOMING

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business were issued.

The bust was a significant get for the LAPD’s Central Division — on March 9, Commander Timothy Harrelson tweeted images of the grow room and the cash and weapons that were seized — but whether it will have any long-term impact is in question. Four days later, when a reporter visited the site, all three businesses were open, and there were no signs of police activity.

Mathes said that is a common occurrence.

“Generally speaking, a lot of these illegal shops are closed for a couple of days, and they just pop back up again,” Mathes said during an interview with Los Angeles Downtown News. “Sometimes next door or even in the same building.”

Dodging the Law Cities across California have struggled to get a handle on marijuana sales at a time of changing laws. Unlicensed and unpermitted sellers have long been an issue in Downtown Los Angeles. In 2014, Downtown News reported that more than 30 businesses were selling marijuana in the Central City, though only six appeared to have met the then-criteria for legal medicinal marijuana sales.

In 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, which legalized recreational use of marijuana throughout the state. The proposition required businesses that sell or otherwise deal with marijuana to acquire a license from the Bureau of Cannabis Control, along

photo by Sean P. Thomas

On March 8, a trio of Fashion District stores that sell marijuana, but lack proper permits, were raided by LAPD officers and were shut down. A few days later, they were operating again. Police say this is a persistent problem in Downtown.

with approval from a local agency.

In March 2017, Los Angeles voters passed Measure M, which created the city’s regulatory system for recreational sales. A few months later the city created the Department of Cannabis Regulation to administer and process all commercial cannabis licenses. Cat Packer, a former coordinator with the nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance, was tapped as executive director.

The rollout has been slower than some people hoped, and while many businesses are securing permits and paying taxes, scores continue to operate illegally, whether because they are waiting for permits, or are unphased by possible punishments.

During a January event at the L.A. Grand Hotel, Packer said that for every legal operation in the city, there are about seven unlicensed businesses.

The Department of Cannabis Regulation keeps a list of permitted cannabis businesses in Los Angeles — currently recreational sales are allowed at approximately 180 locations.

According to the map, there are just 10 authorized businesses within the core of Downtown.

Yet people who live and work in the area

have no shortage of places to buy. Weedmaps, an online directory of marijuana dispensaries, shows 26 storefronts in Downtown Los Angeles.

Rena Masten Leddy, executive director of the Fashion District Business Improvement District, said that her staff counted 19 cannabis businesses in the district in February.

Some of the storefronts appear on Weedmaps; others do not.

None of the businesses on the Fashion District’s list were found on the city’s map of compliant businesses.

Ramping Up Efforts Mathes’ team has conducted raids on illegal businesses across Downtown. He said that enforcement of the city’s cannabis policy has become a priority for the Narcotics and Gang unit.

“It’s part of the overall strategy,” Mathes said. “Some of these business, the licensed ones that are vetted by the state, they don’t have a lot of the other issues that these small shops have.”

The city has also taken steps to combat unpermitted businesses. Last September, City Attorney Mike Feuer’s office began its second wave of crackdowns on illegal can-

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nabis businesses, shutting down 105 locations.

Most were stores, while others were grow sites and delivery services. In total, 202 cases have been brought against 820 defendants since enforcement ramped up in 2018.

The office has been busy this year. According to Rob Wilcox, director of community engagement and outreach for Feuer’s office, in the six-week period since Feb. 20, 87 locations have been shut down.

But that doesn’t mean businesses stay shut.

As happened with the Fashion District dispensaries, closed businesses often quickly reopen, whether in the same space or nearby. It’s a scenario that has been compared to an endless game of whack-a-mole.

Adam Spiker, executive director of the Southern California Coalition, a cannabis trade group, said the situation hampers those trying to play by the rules. He said owners of illegal and unpermitted businesses understand the process and have devised techniques to skirt the law.

According to Measure M, operators of illicit businesses, as well as landlords who rent space to them, can face civil action with fines of up to $20,000 per day, though the tool is rarely used.

When it comes to criminal prosecution, business owners and employees who are convicted of illegal sales face only a potential sentence of six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

This, said Spiker, amounts to a gap in enforcement and makes it easy for illegal businesses to keep operating even after criminal charges have been filed.

“I know of no other industry that is licensed

that has this type of unfair competitive disadvantage,” Spiker said. “Any other legal industry, if there is some sort of illegal actively, it is shut down.”

He added, “Right now, the illegal storefronts know that they can’t get more than a slap on the wrist if they get caught. So it’s pretty much a line item and a cost of doing business.”

The issue has caught the attention of Mayor Eric Garcetti. Last week, according to published reports, he acknowledged the challenge of businesses that close and quickly reopen, and mentioned the possibility of dedicating city funds to crack down on illicit operators.

The city is seeking new approaches. On March 11, the City Council approved an ordinance to authorize the Department of Water and Power to shut off utilities to buildings that house unlicensed or illegal cannabis activities.

In a prepared statement, Councilwoman Nury Martinez, who co-authored the legislation, said that, among other challenges, it is a community safety issue.

“For years I have made the case that businesses who flout the rule of law must not be allowed to take advantage of taxpayer funded resources,” she said. “Moreover, it is unfair to the operations of properly licensed businesses who are playing by the rules.”

The ordinance went into effect on March 12.

Spiker said that the ordinance is a start, but questioned its potential impact. After all, he noted that unlicensed marijuana sellers who have their power shut off could just fire up a generator and keep going. sean@downtownnews.com

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Persons within the areashown inside the thick line onthe map are exposed toHexavalent Chromium at alevel determined by the State torequire a warning.

California Electroplating,Inc. emite Cromo Hexavalente (un químico conocidocomo causante de cáncer porel Estado de California).

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MedMen, on Broadway, is one of 10 Downtown cannabis dispensaries that have proper permits from the city Department of Cannabis Regulation. There are dozens of other sales sites in the community that lack permits.

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The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is visiting the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for seven performances on April 3-7. The repertoire program includes “Revelations,” the company’s signature work.

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Six Decades of Dynamic Dance Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Which Drops In to Downtown for Seven Performances This Week, Is Still Going Strong

By Nicholas Slayton he Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has a long history in Los Angeles. The New York City-based troupe has been a frequent visitor to the Music Center, presenting works that stand out both for professional finesse and a social conscience.

Still, this week’s visit is unique: First, it is part of the company’s celebration of 60 years of presenting dance. Second, there will be seven performances over five days, including two matinees.

“Los Angeles loves this company,” said Music Center President Rachel Moore.

“It’s partially because they’ve been regular visitors, but also there are really roots in L.A. Alvin Ailey actually studied with Lester Horton in L.A., so there’s this long history, and an emotional tie in the area.

They want to come here, and our audiences are always wildly entertained when they do.”

The troupe touches down at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Wednesday-Sunday, April 3-7. The visit includes a Saturday night party where people can meet, mingle and even dance with the performers.

T

During the Los Angeles run, 32 dancers will perform new works and classics, including the company’s signature “Revelations,” choreographed by Ailey himself in 1960. Variety is the focus of the tour, according to Artistic Director Robert Battle, with the aim both to show off Ailey’s range as a choreographer, and to display the diversity of styles in contemporary dance.

There will be four distinct programs, so hardcore fans can go more than once and get a different side of the company.

New works include “Lazarus,” which was commissioned for the anniversary. Choreographed by Rennie Harlin, the hiphop-style dance is based on Ailey’s life and his activism during the Civil Rights movement. Battle said it is the company’s first two-act ballet.

The title draws from the Biblical character of Lazarus and his resurrection, and Battle said it focuses on the theme of rebirth. The first act examines the Civil Rights movement and Ailey’s founding of the company at a time of systemic and overt racism. In the second act, the focus is on “the tenacity of the human spirit,

and how Ailey is alive in all of us,” Battle said. The whole story is told with intense and fast movement.

Other pieces show a different side of the company. Battle pointed to “Kairos,” choreographed by Wayne McGregor (of the London-based Company Wayne McGregory, another Music Center regular).

The work is less story-driven and more metaphorical, Battle said, and is set to music from Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” as reimagined by composer Max Richter.

There is also “Shelter,” choreographed

by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Battle said it harkens back to the social justice roots of the company. The work addresses homelessness and the precariousness of life on Earth, as it touches on climate change, the high cost of living and what it’s like to live without a home.

Jacquelin Harris, an Ailey company dancer who appears in “Shelter,” said it is a unique piece. The stage is almost completely bare, which puts the onus on the performers.

“We have to create the world with our bodies,” Harris said.

Having seen the Ailey company many times, Moore said it is the variety of genres and styles that sets the group apart from others. This remains the case even though Ailey died 30 years ago, in 1989.

“When Mr. Ailey passed away, the company really looked at what it means to be a choreography-driven company versus a repertoire-based company,” Moore said. “They’ve looked outside for different styles. So they train dancers and bring them in; the expectation is that they’ll be able to switch styles. It has led to their longevity.”

On Friday and Sunday, there will be special performances featuring excerpts from multiple Ailey compositions. The repertoire program, dubbed “Timeless Ailey,” weaves in three decades of dances that are presented over one act, with the performers repeatedly shifting in pace and style.

While the visit will give audiences a sampling of everything the company encompasses, Battle said there is still time for “Revelations,” which will be presented in every show. Harris said that the work capContinued on next page

photo by Paul Kolnik

10 DOWNTOWN NEWS

APRIL 1, 2019

DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

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The ‘Other LAPD’ Tackles Public Safety in Skid Row Theatre Troup the Los Angeles Poverty Department Visits REDCAT

“...breathtaking, groundbreaking, grandstanding and any other accolade you want to apply from your big bag of superlatives.”

—Irish Times

photo by Sean P. Thomas

John Malpede, who founded Skid Row’s Los Angeles Poverty Department in 1985, this week directs a show at REDCAT titled I Fly! Its genus is a 2015 incident in which a Skid Row resident died during a confrontation with a Los Angeles Police Department officer.

By Sean P. Thomas hen the topic of public safety is raised in Downtown Los Angeles, many people think of crisp uniforms, black and white cruisers, and shiny Los Angeles Police Department badges.

For people who live in Skid Row, public safety frequently means something else.

What that can be is multifaceted, and is the basis for I Fly! or How to Keep the Devil Down in the Hole, a new performance coming to REDCAT this week.

Created by the Skid Row theater troupe the Los Angeles Poverty Department, it has three performances on Thursday-Saturday, April 4-6. It is written by LAPD Associate Director and Producer Henriette Brouwers and directed by LAPD Director John Malpede.

On an afternoon visit to the Skid Row History Museum and Archive on Broadway last

W

Continued from previous page tures much of Ailey’s style, mixing intense energy with music that drives the dance, and deals with issues related to social justice. He noted that it shows the struggle of African Americans, going from slavery into a fight for freedom, and is built on gospel songs and spirituals.

“Ailey matches the choreography so perfectly to the music,” Harris said. “When I first saw ‘Revelations,’ I was in the front row of the auditorium, and saw dancers so graceful, so generous with their bodies, I felt they were telling my story on stage. It’s an experience people love to feel.”

week, Malpede said that the performance explores the nuanced skills developed by members of the Skid Row community, drawing on the real experiences of the troupe members themselves.

“Since I started working in Skid Row, I’ve been really impressed by the wisdom in the neighborhood and the residents and people who work there,” Malpede said. “To be able to calm things down and deal with a wide variety of personalities, and to do so in a way that creates peace, calm and harmony, as opposed to when less confident and open behavior could have turned it in a completely different direction.”

Brother Africa Malpede founded the Los Angeles Poverty Department, sometimes referred to as the “other LAPD,” in Skid Row in 1985. Filled Continued on page 16

There is also another kind of experience available. After the Saturday evening performance, there will be an after-party at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The 9:30 p.m. event is open to the public, and the $75 ticket provides beer, wine, and an opportunity to get out on the dance floor with Ailey company members. A ticket to the regular performance is not required.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs April 3-7 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0711 or musiccenter.org/ailey. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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SPECIAL

After wrapping “The Late Late Show” in 2014 and ending his eponymous radio program last year, funnyman Craig Ferguson has returned to his roots on the stand-up circuit, bouncing from town to town and raving into a microphone for anyone willing to listen. Thankfully for the Emmy-winning comedian, plenty are interested in what he has to say — or at least they know he will make them laugh. Ferguson recently added some dates to his “Hobo Fabulous Tour,” starting with a Thursday, April 4, performance at Downtown’s Theatre at Ace Hotel. Expect all-new material as Ferguson riffs on everything from social media to the struggles of growing a beard. The show is at 8 p.m. At 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or theatre.acehotel.com.

Another individual with Grammy chops is coming to Downtown this week.

Trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (shown here) will join a collection of standout musicians for the inaugural Jazz Tracks at Union Station on Saturday, April 6. Organized through a partnership between Metro Art and KJazz 88.1 FM, the free festival will take place in the transit hub’s ticketing hall and will include four contemporary jazz performances, a space featuring shots from jazz photographer Ave Pildas, an exhibition of jazz memorabilia, poetry and a lounge area. The event will take place from 4-9 p.m. You can’t take the A Train to Union Station, but you can ride public transit. At 800 N. Alameda St. or unionstationla.com/happenings.

Los Angeles’ own two-woman indie band Girlpool are playing to the home crowd this week. Currently touring across the Western states, Cleo Tucker and Harmony Trividad are bringing their socially conscious sound to The Regent on Saturday, April 6. The band recently released its third album in four years, What Chaos Is Imaginary, so expect to hear singles including “Where You Sink” and “Hire.” Doors open at 7 p.m. and Girlpool will be joined by Australian Hatchie as she does the singer-songwriter thing. At 448 S. Main St. or spacelandpresents.com.

Did you know that musician T-Pain recently took home the top prize on FOX’s “The Masked Singer” and that he performed while dressed as a giant, blue, one-eyed monster? We’re not sure where the award will go considering he also has a Grammy, but this week the monster duds will presumably be left in the closet when he performs at The Novo. The rapper and producer recently took a break from the music world, but returned with the February release of his sixth studio album, 1UP. He’s coming to Downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, April 4, at 8 p.m., and will be joined by Abby Jasmine. As for that outfit, well, when T-Pain starts belting “I’m N Luv” and “Buy U a Drank,” you won’t have to guess who is performing. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or thenovodtla.com.

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

BY SEAN P. THOMAS

photo by Ian Cunningham

3

THE DON'T MISS LIST

Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway or theatre.acehotel.com.

April 7: Enjoy an eclectic blend of Brazilian music from Grammy Award-winner Caetano Veloso. It’s another night that is part of the CAP UCLA series.

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

April 1: April resident Izaak Opatz is a self-described mountain man. Let him look for those mythical mountains of Downtown Los Angeles.

April 2: Neo-doo-wop with The Chances.

April 3: Nashville’s Donovan Woods & The Opposition are against it, whatever it is.

April 4: Austin’s nine-piece rock group Sweet Spirit comes to L.A. April 5: Susy Sun has a new album of ethereal and upbeat pop and a record release show to go with it.

April 6: Similarly ethereal, but a bit more subversive, is Stella Donnelly.

2

photo courtesy Metro Art

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

Keeping with the jazz theme, a single night in jazz legend Miles Davis’ life is the focal point of a play premiering at the Los Angeles Theatre Center this week. In Randy Ross’ Birdland Blue, Davis, on the heels of the release of the seminal album Kind of Blue, confronts a number of challenges, from substance abuse to the impending dissolution of his Miles Davis Sextet. Performed and presented by the Robey Theatre Company as part of its 25th anniversary season, Birdland Blue’s fictionalized retelling is a behind-the-scenes look at a creative genius. Previews take place Thursday-Friday, April 4-5, and the opening is at 8 p.m. on Saturday. It runs through May 12. At 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org.

photo courtesy Grandstand Media

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 Izaskun Chinchilla SCI-Arc, 950 E. Third St. or sciarc.edu.

7 p.m.: Chinchilla dives into matters of how architecture impacts ecology and the impacts that has on society. The key word is “impacts.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 4 Craig Ferguson Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway or acehotel.com/losangeles.

8 p.m.: The former (and still the best) late-night talk show host brings his wit and rage to Downtown. There might be puppets.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 Jim Jeffries Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway or acehotel.com/losangeles.

8 p.m.: There might also be puppets when Jim Jeffries does his “The Night Talker” show. He has a second show on Saturday.

Sound Pictures: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin The Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7:30 p.m.: Author Dr. Kenneth Womack talks about his new book on the legendary Beatles producer.

SATURDAY APRIL 6 Jazz Tracks Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St. or unionstationla.com.

4 p.m.: Grammy Award-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah headlines this five-hour, free jazz concert.

photo by Ian Moss

EVENTS

APRIL 1, 2019

DOWNTOWN NEWS 13

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

LISTINGS, 12 April 7: Go ahead, guess what type of music The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers perform. You do not win a prize.

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

April 5: The Gershom Brothers.

April 6: The Kings Inn Presents.

April 7: DJ Joe Dana, Blind Pony.

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

April 5: Vicetone.

April 6: Tchami’s Ghosts.

Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd. or grammymuseum.org.

April 6: The Lucky Band performs in a unique setup: a dimly lit, lower sounding concert designed to be sensory friendly for guests. Go relax.

Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Ct. or microsofttheater.com.

April 5: What does modern Christian rock from Oklahoma sound like? MercyMe will show you.

April 7: Indian songwriting giant Arijit Singh brings his sounds to L.A. Live.

Moroccan Lounge 901 E. First St., (213) 395-0610 or themoroccan.com.

April 1: No one in The Rubens is named Ruben.

April 3: The Moth and The Flame will make you moody with their haunting alt rock.

April 4: Retro beats and neo soul are on the bill with The Dip. April 5-6: Ukelele songstress Chloe Moriondo has two nights in the Arts District.

April 7: Smooth R&B with Maurice Moore.

Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or residentdtla.com.

April 2: The No Sleep Til Tour 2 features Mostafa and Viva Mescal.

April 3: Doctrine, Rosegarden Funeral Parlor (definitely the band name of the week) and Violator.

April 4: Eclectic jazz and electronic sounds with Goldwash, backed by Brandt Orange and Greisun.

April 5: Mateo Senolia and KCRW’s Garth Trinidad team up to spin dance tracks all night.

April 6: Bootie L.A. is back with Queen and Lady Gaga mashups, for those of you still debating the Oscars.

April 7: Mohdalsoul/Sicwest, Swanzu, Jillesque, Ch3wbaccabeats.

The Novo 800 W. Olympic Blvd. or thenovodtla.com.

April 3: What’s that? You want to start April off with country music? Oddly specific request, but the Brothers Osborne have you covered.

April 4: The one, the only T-Pain. First person to request “I’m On a Boat” gets judged, harshly.

April 5: Morat is a Colombian pop group, not a “Borat” tribute act.

April 7: Sik-K and his trap rap are here.

The Redwood 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com.

April 1: It’s a musical tribute to the late Christian Death singer Rozz Williams.

Wear black.

April 2: The Torrents have an April residency, backed by Dante Hell Hounds and The Creepers.

April 3: Palmyra Delran & Bubble Gum. April 4: Tilli, Ley Valentine, Paradoks.

April 5: Johnny Hootrock.

April 6: The Paper Hearts, Vampyre Bunnies, and Richard Duguay & F.U.F.W. April 7: Boots Electric, Black Magic Flower Power, Electric Spoons, Speed of Light.

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

April 6: Local indie-rock duo Girlpool team up with Australian dream-pop star Hatchie.

April 7: Do you miss second-wave emo music that might also be Christian rock?

Have you seen Copeland live? This is your chance.

Teragram Ballroom 1234 W. Seventh St. or teragramballroom.com.

April 5-6: Does two nights of Mt. Joy’s very upbeat indie-rock sound like your kind of fun? If so, you now know where to go.

April 7: Thy Antichrist, Witchaven, Aire Como Plomo, and Vile Descent remind us that the best death metal band names have already been taken.

THEATER

Lackawanna Blues Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

Continued on page 14

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LISTINGS, 13 April 2-5, 8 p.m., April 6, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and April 7, 1 p.m.: Ruben Santiago-Hudson brings his one-man show to Los Angeles. It’s a take based on his childhood and he plays 20 characters. Through April 21.

The Mother of Henry Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St. or thelatc.org.

April 3, 10 a.m., April 4-6, 8 p.m. and April 7, 4 p.m.: In 1968, a mother finds out her son has been drafted to fight in Vietnam. She turns to prayer, with surprising results.

Through April 14.

FILM

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

downtownindependent.com.

April 4: Check out the premiere of The Library Music Film, a new documentary about, well, library music.

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

Dogs can do more than just slobber over your shoes. Check out all of their unique abilities in Superpower Dogs 3D. Patrick Stewart narrates Journey to Space 3D, about the effort to send astronauts to Mars. Since we’ll never go to space ourselves, at least we can hear Captain Jean-Luc Picard talk about it.

Witness the destructive and raw power of volcanoes as Volcanoes 3D: The Fires of Creation tours different hot spots around the globe.

Regal Cinemas LA Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or lalive.com/movies.

Through April 7: Dumbo (12, 12:30, 1:30, 3, 3:30, 4:30,

APRIL 1, 2019

6, 6:30 and 9 p.m.); The Beach Bum (1:30, 4:20, 7 and 9:40 p.m.); Gloria Bell (1 and 3:50 p.m.); Us (12:10, 1:20, 3:20, 4:40, 6:40, 7:20, 7:30, 8:50, 9:50 and 10:40 p.m.); Five Feet Apart (1:20, 4:20 6:10 and 9:10 p.m.); Wonder Park (12:30, 3:30, 7:40 and 10:30 p.m.); Captain Marvel (12:20, 12:50, 3:30, 4:10, 6:10, 6:50, 9:20, 9:30 and 10 p.m.); How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (12:40, 3:40, 6:30 and 9:20 p.m.).

Rooftop Cinema Club Level Furnished Living, 888 S. Olive St. or rooftopcinemaclub.com.

April 2: Enjoy a talented and diverse cast, plus massive conspicuous consumption, in Crazy Rich Asians.

April 3: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial goes home, or at least comes to Downtown.

April 5: Let’s face it, Julia Roberts is charming. Pretty Woman is a good showcase of that.

April 6: Shakespeare meets high school rom-coms in 10 Things I Hate About You.

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Each spring, Los Angeles Downtown News honors the most important new projects of the past year with the Downtowners of Distinction awards, including the prestigious Project of the Year. The prizes pay heed to the housing developments, parks, restaurants, cultural endeavors and more that made their individual district, and the entirety of Downtown, a better place.

Look for all the winners in this years Downtowners of Distinction issue, publishing April 22.

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LEGAL FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019069368 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) GUANGZHOU TEXTILES HOLDINGS LIMITED, 110 E 9TH STREET SUITE A1155, LOS ANGELES, CA 90079 LA COUNTY (2) GUANGZHOU GUTEX HOLDINGS LIMITED, 110 E 9TH STREET SUITE A1155, LOS ANGELES, CA 90079 LA COUNTY (3) GUANGZHOU TEXTILES INDUSTRY & TRADE HOLDINGS LIMITED, 110 E 9TH STREET SUITE A1155, LOS ANGELES, CA 90079 LA COUNTY are hereby registered by the following registrants: ACCO, LTD. 110 E 9TH STREET SUITE A1155, LOS ANGELES, CA 90079. This business is conducted by a Corporation. Registrant(s) started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 01/2007.

This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on November 30, 2017.

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. 3/25, 4/1, 4/8 and 4/15.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019069503 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) GUEMEZ SCIENCE CONSULTING, 4005 N FIGUEROA ST #6, LOS ANGELES, CA 90065 are hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) GABRIEL ALBERTO GUEMEZ, 4005 N. FIGUEROA ST #6. This

business is conducted by an Individual. Registrant(s) began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 02/2019.

This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on March 18, 2019.

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. 3/25, 4/1, 4/8 and 4/15.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019 077957 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) THE BEACHWOOD TEAM, 2738 BELDEN DRIVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90068, LA COUNTY are hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) PETER LAVIN, 2738 BELDEN DRIVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90068. This business is conducted by an Individual. Registrant(s) began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 01/2019.

This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on March 27, 2019.

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. 4/1, 4/8, 4/15 and 4/22.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019 060391 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) HAPPI APATHI, 2020 N. MAIN ST., 3221, LOS ANGELES, CA 90031 LA COUNTY are hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) BRIAN RUPPEL, 2020 N. MAIN ST., #221, LOS ANGELES, CA 90031. This business is conducted by an Individual.

Registrant(s) began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 03/2019.

This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on March 7, 2019.

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

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another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code).

Pub. 4/1, 4/8, 4/15 and 4/22.

or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code).

Pub. 4/1, 4/18, 4/15 and 4/22.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019 073633 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) Avon Construction, 12016 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD SUITE 10, LOS ANGELES CA 90025 LA COUNTY, are hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) LET ME SLEEP PRODUCTIONS, INC. 12016 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD SUITE 10, LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 . This business is conducted by a Corporation.

Registrant(s) began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 07/2018 This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on MARCH 21, 2019.

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,

PROBATE PROBATE PUBLICATION REQUEST Decedent: Wileta Charmane Bailey Los Angeles Superior Court Dept. 2D Case No. 18STBP05619 Next Court date – May 6, 2019, 8:30 A.M. Department 2D The decedent Wileta Charmane Bailey is also known as WILETA CHARMANE ANTHONY and WILETA SIMPSON.

If you are a creditor or contingent creditor you may file a claim with the court and mail a copy top the personal representative with 60 days of the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under Section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may examine the file kept in the court if you are a person of interest. You may file with the court a Request for Special Notice.

Attorney for petitioner: Matthew C. Long, SBN 55857, 3580 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1785, Los Angeles CA 90010.

‘ Helping Everyone Find their Place in Downtown Los Angeles Since 2002 ’ Bill Cooper 213.598.7555 • LARealEstateExpert.com Bill@LARealEstateExpert.com LEGAL NOTICE

MORLIN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership as Agent for the JOINT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, an unincorporated association, will receive qualifications packages from general contractors wishing to become pre-qualified for an available bidding opportunity at Los Angeles Union Station. It is the intent of this Joint Management Council to select a firm that will provide construction services at Los Angeles Union Station at the best overall value. In order to be fully considered for prequalification and subsequent bidding opportunities, please proceed to the RFIQ questionnaire at:https://goo.gl/forms/DOiT3OiJJPyffo2i1. Completed forms are due on or before close of business by April 17, 2019. Submissions received after 5:00pm on April 17, 2019 will be rejected.

LEGAL NOTICE MORLIN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership as Agent for the JOINT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, an unincorporated association, will receive qualifications packages from consultants wishing to become pre-qualified for an available bidding opportunity at Los Angeles Union Station. It is the intent of this Joint Management Council to select a firm that will provide consultant services at Los Angeles Union Station at the best overall value. In order to be fully considered for prequalification and subsequent bidding opportunities, please proceed to the RFIQ questionnaire at:https:// goo.gl/forms/H23RYtG7Dl5qjpVI2. Completed forms are due on or before close of business by April 2, 2019. Submissions received after 5:00pm on April 2, 2019 will be rejected.

LEGAL NOTICE MORLIN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership as Agent for the JOINT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, an unincorporated association, will receive qualifications packages from consultants wishing to become pre-qualified for an available bidding opportunity at Los Angeles Union Station. It is the intent of this Joint Management Council to select a firm that will provide consultant services at Los Angeles Union Station at the best overall value. In order to be fully considered for prequalification and subsequent bidding opportunities, please proceed to the RFIQ questionnaire at:https:// goo.gl/forms/wtNFjZSlIhXMZI903. Completed forms are due on or before close of business by April 2, 2019. Submissions received after 5:00pm on April 2, 2019 will be rejected.

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16 DOWNTOWN NEWS

APRIL 1, 2019

I FLY!, 11

TRILOGY

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with a core group of artists, mostly amateurs, who reside in the community, it is considered the first arts program in Los Angeles where the majority of performers are homeless. Its productions often involve issues that impact Skid Row, and touch on themes of gentrification, homelessness and public policy.

I Fly! is part of the Poverty Department’s Public Safety for REAL project, which began in 2016 as an effort to cultivate a sense of mutual responsibility among people living in Skid Row. The genus of the show was the pain and outrage experienced in the neighborhood following an officer-involved shooting death of a resident in 2015.

The incident, which was caught on video by a bystander and circulated through social media platforms, drew national attention. It involved Charley Saturmin Robinet, better known in Skid Row as Charley Leundeu “Africa” Keunang. Following a confrontation with police outside of his tent on the 500 block of South San Pedro Street, Keunang was shot and killed by a rookie Los Angeles Police Department officer.

The encounter raised questions over how police respond to individuals with mental illness. Malpede said that, four years later, the death still resonates within the community.

The show’s title was inspired by a combination of texts from writer Fred Mouton about the incident, and the song “Keep the Devil in the Hole” by the Blind Boys of Alabama. “‘I Fly!’ is a reference to when Brother Africa was feeling threatened, and he imagined himself chasing rabbits as a boy,” Malpede said. “The rabbits would jump out of their holes and fly; now he is the one feeling cornered in his tent.”

The idea of feeling cornered is a key theme for the show, Malpede said. To connote that, the Poverty Department utilizes a rectangular space where images are projected, starting with scenes of nature, before transitioning to construction sites and later high-rise buildings.

“It’s sort of the idea of, we were just in this space and suddenly, we were the aliens in our own neighborhood,” Malpede said.

The Festival for All Skid Row Artists, a fall get-together of area painters, musicians and others, plays an integral role in the performance and serves as a tent pole for various scenes.

Familiar faces at the festival, such as the drum troupe The Skid Row Playaz, and Lee Maupin, a dancer and performer, appear in I Fly! In total, 22 people take the stage.

The performance will mark the LAPD’s fourth visit to REDCAT. Mark Murphy, executive director of the avant-garde performance space in the back of Walt Disney Concert Hall, said that LAPD’s productions are always provocative, fascinating and thought-provoking. He expects I Fly! to spark questions about whether public safety policy extends to those living on the streets. Murphy called the issue “complicated.”

“It is clearly art, and it’s a craft, and there is great intelligence about the way that John structures the performances,” Murphy said. “But it is also not a polished, professional performance that is meant to solely entertain. It’s a performance crafted for you and the audience to openly explore these questions with the members of the LAPD with an open mind.”

That becomes evident in scenes that involve outreach work being done by inhabitants of the neighborhood, and ones that spin off from the festival and pivot to community and public meetings for projects like the Skid Row ReFresh Spot, a hygiene facility on Crocker Street.

Malpede said the techniques that community members have fashioned, both in dealing with one another and through interactions with policymakers, are an unrecognized skill of people living and working in Skid Row. Malpede hopes that I Fly! reminds the audience that Skid Row is not simply the homeless capital of the United States, but is a living, breathing community, one where real discussions with lasting impacts are taking place.

I Fly! or How to Keep the Devil Down in the Hole runs Thursday-Saturday, April 4-6 at REDCAT, 631 W. Second St. or redcat.org. sean@downtownnews.com