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MAY 4, 2015 I VOL. 44 I #18

CAN YOU RAISE A FAMILY IN DOWNTOWN? Yes! In Honor of Mother’s Day, Four Downtown Moms Explain How They Do It See Page 13

DOWNTOWN READERS CHOICE

CheCk Out this Year’s NOmiNees Pages 8-10

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Noemi Garcia Tagorda with her sons Elijah (left) and Noah.

Son number three is on the way.

An Operator for the Grand Avenue Hotel : 6 | Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo : 19

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

photo by Gary Leonard

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2 Downtown News

DT

AROUND TOWN

Downtown Salon Celebrates 40 Years

F

ew Downtown businesses can say they’ve been here for four decades, but one salon is an exception. Wolf Thaesler opened his first salon in Stuttgart, Germany in 1960. After opening an outpost of his business, dubbed Wolf’s European Hair Design, in San Francisco in 1969, Thaesler came to Downtown Los Angeles. His first local salon debuted in the former Wilshire Grand hotel in 1975, and another opened at the Bonaventure hotel in 1989. The former closed a few years before the Wilshire Grand’s demolition in 2013, but the Bonaventure salon (at 404 S. Figueroa St.) still offers cuts, hair treatments, facials, manicures and other beauty services. Thaesler has customers whom he says have been coming to him “since the beginning,” but he is also pleased to see an influx of new residents and visitors throughout Downtown. “Honestly, if I was 20 years younger, I would be so excited about going into one of those new hotels like the Wilshire Grand replacement,” Thaesler said. “When I came to Downtown, there was just one other salon. Be-

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS yond that it was just a few small barbershops on Main Street. Now we have good competition.” Fun fact: Wolf’s European Hair Design was the favored stop of former LAPD Chief William Bratton.

May 4, 2015

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Gay Bar Precinct Opening in Historic Core

D

owntown’s revival as a leisure destination has led to countless new bars and lounges, but none have been dedicated to the gay community. That changed over the weekend with the debut of Precinct, at 357 S. Broadway.

The bar, which refers to itself as a “rock and roll gay bar,” was slated to open on Saturday, May 2 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to print). Precinct offers a menu of cocktails and beers on tap as well as live music, namely from resident DJ Josh Pence, who is helming a weekend music series dubbed “Sunday School” from 3-8 p.m. For now, Precinct is open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on weekends; the bar will expand to 11-2 a.m. every day in the near future, according to its Facebook page. Precinct isn’t the only gay bar opening in the Historic Core. Redline, a 1,900-square-foot bar at the Santa Fe Lofts at 121 E. Sixth St., was announced last fall. It owners hoped to debut in January, but no updated timeline has been revealed.

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High-End French Restaurant Coming to Historic Core

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50 Years of Service

05/01/2015

general manager for the Arts District French eatery Church and State, said a July opening is now expected for Spring, which will fill several vacant spaces inside the Douglas Building, including a former coffee shop and sushi restaurant. Esteves will also serve as general manager Continued on page 24

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EDITORIALS

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

May 4, 2015

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

Council Homelessness Committee Is a Good Start, but Not a Solution

H

omelessness has been worsening in Downtown Los Angeles for some time now, with a wave of negative impacts. The health of thousands of people is put at risk by living in filth. The addicted and mentally ill are preyed upon by drug dealers. Those who seek to turn their lives around have trouble doing so when surrounded by the poverty of Skid Row. Greater Downtown suffers too, as growing numbers of people living on the streets and setting up sidewalk encampments hampers the progress that has been achieved in the past 15 years. Too often we hear of people who have moved Downtown, drawn by the energy of the new housing complexes, restaurants and nightlife, only to leave a few years later, turned off by the drug use, the trash in the streets and those who spend hour after hour with their possessions on the sidewalk. Even if the community isn’t especially dangerous, rampant homelessness can evoke a sense of discomfort, and as the expression goes, perception is reality.

This is why a recent decision by a group of City Council members to more proactively address homelessness is a welcome move. We wish it would have occurred sooner, and the people stepping forward are going to need the active participation of many other individuals, including from the county and Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office. Still, this could be an important step in combating what may be the most serious problem facing not just Downtown, but Los Angeles County.

Yes, the scourge of homelessness is that big and is felt in that many places. Increasingly, there are reports of homeless encampments well beyond the familiar environs of Skid Row. The initial move is the formation of a council Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness to be chaired by Councilman José Huizar, whose 14th District includes Skid Row. Fifth District Councilman Mike Bonin, whose territory includes Venice, another neighborhood with a sizeable homeless population, will serve as co-chair. They are joined on the committee by Council President Herb Wesson and council members Curren

Price and Gil Cedillo; the make-up is important, as Wesson’s presence allows him to ensure that the effort gets attention and resources, while he and the other council members also oversee districts that struggle with homelessness. They all have a personal stake in addressing the matter.

It is vital that the 10 other council members not think and operate as if homelessness is someone else’s problem. As this page has stated before, the only way progress will occur is if people across the county agree to take some responsibility, particularly in facilitating the creation of housing and treatment services in the communities they represent. We need to break away from the centralization of homeless services in Downtown.

One of the committee’s top priorities is the appointing of a citywide homelessness czar. We couldn’t agree more with this aim, and we hope Mayor Eric Garcetti will move to select a person for this job and create a framework giving that individual the resources and authority to succeed. We also think this dovetails perfectly with the mayor’s Back to Basics agenda: Nothing is more basic than creating the conditions to allow people to turn their life around. Nothing is more basic than cleaning up the streets and getting people into housing.

This effort won’t be easy or cheap, and all involved would be wise to stop the pointless promises voiced so often that homelessness can be eradicated in such and such a year, or that veterans’ homelessness can be halted by a certain time. The fact is, homelessness continues to churn, and as some people recover, others wind up on the streets. Realistically, there is probably not an ultimate “win” in this effort. Rather, given issues such as mental health and addiction, the best-case scenario is likely incremental progress. Backsliding will be a constant threat. Vigilance and continued focus are required.

We are also pleased that the city leaders hope to work closely with county representatives. The creation of a city-county Joint Powers Authority to address homelessness and improve mental health and housing services could be a positive, providing the

JPA doesn’t bog things down by trying to micro-manage and demanding approvals of every little element. We have seen JPAs, such as the one that oversees development on Grand Avenue, slow progress, particularly as city and county representatives fight. That can’t happen here.

The human tragedy alone should spur progress. However, there is also a financial element. A recent report by City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana found that Los Angeles spends $100 million a year on homelessness, but without effective oversight or coordination of services by various departments. It’s a shocking price tag, and it’s mindboggling that it took the city this long to figure out how poorly things are run.

That timing of the formation of the committee, and the years of delays in action, cannot be ignored or forgiven. As mentioned above, homelessness in Downtown has been increasing, and nearly a year ago the situation gained additional attention when LAPD Senior Lead Office Deon Joseph, who has patrolled Skid Row for 17 years, wrote in Los Angeles Downtown News about how the area was in a “mental health state of emergency.” The hope for improvement that Joseph’s writing spurred was severely eroded by reports of additional crime as well as increased numbers of released prisoners on the streets after the passage of Proposition 47 by state voters.

Realistically, we should have seen top-level involvement from city leaders, long ago. It looks as if they ignored the problem until it grew outside of Skid Row into their own communities.

That said, we commend the council team for their decision to establish this committee and to begin, at last, to treat homelessness as a priority for all of Los Angeles. We just hope it doesn’t become a flavor-of-the-week issue, and we expect that Garcetti and the county will buy in. That buy-in is imperative for profound success to be a possibility. As stated above, there may never be a singular “win” on this matter, but without action such as this, there will be too many losses to count.

May 4, 2015

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Downtown News 5

Blood, Sweat, Black Underwear and Kidney Blows Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Club Takes Downtown Boxing in a New Direction

By Jon Regardie ast month I went to the fights, and a nightclub broke out.

This shouldn’t have been surprising. The night of boxing presented by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions took place in The Belasco, a historic Hill Street venue that typically functions as, yes, a nightclub. Still, given Down-

L

THE REGARDIE REPORT town’s rich pugilistic history, with championship bouts in places like the old Grand Olympic Auditorium and Staples Center, I was expecting traditional fisticuffs fare — you know, blood, sweat and beers.

It took me about three seconds after passing through the doors to realize this was different. My first hint was walking into the 1926 venue and looking up at the gorgeous carved ceiling and the elaborate proscenium arch. The second was that a thumping, bass-heavy track almost instantly knocked me to my knees with the power of a Mike Tyson uppercut.

The evening was filled with unexpected moments. There was a soundtrack that bounced between ranchera music and poppy fare like “Thrift Shop,” an ode to buying used clothes.

Speaking of clothes, there was a small contingent of waitresses heading to a balcony in outfits that might best be described as black underwear. Then there was De La Hoya himself, who looks so good for a guy who spent decades getting bopped in the face that he must have a Dorian Gray-type painting stashed in an attic somewhere.

There was also some of the strangest, most bloodcurdling cheering I’ve heard in years, and this includes having attended recent Clippers-Spurs playoff games. More on the noise below.

The fights? They were good too. Not as good as the crowd, but certainly entertaining.

Modelo Citizen Fight crowds are always interesting, and this one was no ex-

ception. There were a bevy of bulked-up dudes, and a glance at one reminded me that face tattoos are never a good idea, though propriety and the fact that his biceps were the size of cannons prompted me to keep my opinion to myself. There was a collection of frat guys, one standing just three feet from the bar but for some reason clutching two cans of Modelo, as if he worried they wouldn’t give him a second one later.

I saw ring girls whose heels were as tall as their hot pants were short. In the crowd were fighters, ex-fighters and a surprising number of older couples who looked to be on dates. Even more surprising, some of them spent an ample amount of time Tweeting and Instagramming.

Between bouts an MC whose power switch seemed to stuck in “Energizer Bunny” mode kept up a constant stream of chatter.

He tossed an endless array of hats, T-shirts, boxing gloves and other freebies into the crowd, which led to wrestling matches that complemented the boxing matches. After all, who doesn’t want free stuff that they don’t need?

He also made a point of introducing anyone sitting near the ring related to the fight game, particularly if they were boxers in the Golden Boy stable. He even introduced former TV personality Jillian Barberie, and the only one who looked more puzzled than the crowd was Barberie herself.

It was all unexpected, but still unique and fun. The crowd also was a multicultural mix of Los Angeles, with ample numbers of Latinos, African Americans, Asians and Caucasians. If there was a message, it was this: People of all races, ages and sexes will show up to watch other people get beat up.

Welcome Tomato Cans LA Fight Club’s mission is to build up young boxers fighting under the Golden Boy banner. Promoters have been doing this for decades, and it’s harder than it sounds — up-and-comers need to be carefully matched with people they can beat. The newbies have to learn from those they fight against, but they T:10.25 in

photo courtesy Golden Boy Promotions

The April installment of Oscar De La Hoya’s LA Fight Club was headlined by undefeated featherweight Julian Ramirez (left). He easily beat Raul Hidalgo.

also must be kept away from anyone who can knock them out and shatter their confidence. Compiling an undefeated record, even if the wins come against tomato cans, begets more lucrative fights.

That’s why instead of seeing two fighters, it sometimes felt like there was a boxer and a sacrificial lamb. I watched a young Continued on page 24

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May 4, 2015

Gym Operator Equinox to Run Hotel In Grand Avenue Development

The $850 million project The Grand would contain a hotel, a residential tower and a large shopping and dining area. It would rise across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Project Would Be New Endeavor for Fitness Facility.

Councilman Has ‘Tough Questions’ About Choice

By Jon Regardie ngelenos know Equinox as a high-end gym in which they can sweat. In a few years, they may also know it as a luxury Downtown hotel where they can spend the night.

Executives with developer Related Cos. last week announced that they intend to have Equinox operate the approximately 300-room hotel in the $850 million project that will reshape the northern edge of Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. In a Monday, April 27, presentation to the Grand Avenue Authority, the joint city-county panel overseeing the project that will rise on publicly owned land, Steve Eimer, a Related vice president, said it would be the first Equinox hotel in Los Angeles, and the second one overall, following a hotel in the Hudson Yards project in New York.

Under questioning from County Supervisor Hilda Solis, chair of the Grand Avenue Authority, Eimer acknowledged that Related is a significant investor in Equinox. The company has 75 health clubs around the world, and has been in Los Angeles for 15 years. There is an Equinox in Downtown at 444 S. Flower St. Ken Himmel, president of Related Urban, was enthusiastic about the potential.

“We are thrilled to partner with Equinox for this key part of the Grand Avenue redevelop-

ment,” he said in statement to Los Angeles Downtown News. “The Equinox branded hotel is a bold, lifestyle experience with world class design, restaurants, and amenities and sure to become a Downtown Los Angeles destination. Having the right hotel flag identified is another great step forward and consistent with our overall vision for the redevelopment.”

The high-rise hotel would be one of three major components of the project being designed by Frank Gehry. The Grand, which would rise on what is known as Parcel Q, across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall, would also contain a residential skyscraper, with an estimated 380-450 units, and a large retail and restaurant component built around a central plaza that opens to Grand Avenue.

Equinox recently announced its intention to expand into the hotel business after almost a quarter century in the fitness industry. The company will work with design firm Yabu Pushelberg on the projects.

Company CEO Harvey Spevak noted that Equinox has been in Los Angeles since 2001, and said the city has been a “key market” for the brand.

“We are excited about the prospect of bringing an Equinox-branded hotel to the area and to be a part of the Grand Avenue redevelopment that will continue the renaissance of Downtown,”

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Spevak said in an email to Downtown News. “As a fitness and lifestyle leader, a luxury lifestyle hotel is a natural extension of our brand and will be a compelling and unique offering in Los Angeles.”

Life After SBE The Equinox would replace an SLS-branded hotel in The Grand. In November 2013, Related announced that it had partnered with SBE Entertainment and its owner, Sam Nazarian, to be an equity investor in the project and operate the SLS hotel. However, this past January, Related elected to move forward without SBE and Nazarian. No explanation for the split was given, though it followed some well-reported troubles that Nazarian experienced in December when trying to get a gaming license for an SLS Hotel in Las Vegas. The license was granted, but Nazarian agreed to step back from the hotel and let a partner take over.

Equinox has never opened a hotel, and its first one would be in the New York project, also

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being developed by Related. That is expected to come online in late 2018. The Downtown Equinox would open “shortly thereafter,” according to a letter Eimer provided to the JPA. The lack of an Equinox track record raised concerns for City Councilman José Huizar, whose 14th District includes Downtown Los Angeles.

“I have some tough questions for Related as to whether this is the right fit or not,” Huizar told Downtown News after the JPA meeting.

“It’s an unproven hotel operator, and if we want to maximize the opportunity before us, we have to make sure this is the right fit.”

The questions, he said, concern what kind of outreach the hotel would do, and what kind of guests would be targeted. He also expressed an interest in the company’s financial status.

This is the latest turn for a project originally announced more than a decade ago. Related initially hoped to have the first elements open in 2011.

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May 4, 2015 Initial plans called for luxury brand Mandarin Oriental to operate the hotel, though that, and the entire project, was stymied by the onset of the recession.

Huizar referenced the previous hotel partners when raising additional concerns.

“When we had the Mandarin Oriental, there was a certain clientele they serviced. The SLS had a certain clientele, and we kind of knew what to expect in terms of the guests arriving to Bunker Hill,” Huizar said. “Equinox, you have your gym clientele. Now can they translate that to a hotel space? I’m not completely sold, but we have to have a sit-down again with Related.”

Financial Partner In addition to the hotel operator, Eimer said that Related continues to try to raise $250 million to $300 million for the project.

He noted that Related is working with the company Macquarie Capital, and that presentations have been given to more than 50 potential investors, among them insurance companies, pension funds and sovereign investment vehicles.

He said several entities have expressed interest, and Related is narrowing down possible investors. He said the company expects to pick an equity partner in 30-45 days.

Eimer also revealed the first two retail tenants: an Equinox gym and a Soul Cycle.

He said Related has hired a team to find retail and restaurant tenants. He added that Related is targeting some contemporary fashion brands not currently in Downtown, but also promised there would be diversity between chain and independent shops.

Solis said she hopes The Grand will be accessible in terms of price point. During a luncheon hosted by the Los Angles Current Affairs Forum on Wednesday at which Solis spoke, she said she wants stores and restaurants that appeal not only to wealthy visitors, but that nearby county workers might patronize, and that people who take the subway or other forms of mass transit could visit. She suggested the project include a Homegirl Cafe and a Jamba Juice.

“I’m all for bringing in nice retail development, but I also want to see a balance,” she said.

Related officials have said they hope to start construction in 2016. regardie@downtownnews.com

Wolf’s European Hair Design is located in

Downtown News 7

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Hospital Sued for Alleged Patient ‘Dumping’ City Attorney Says Mentally Ill Woman Sent to Skid Row Without Her Consent

By Donna Evans ity Attorney Mike Feuer’s office has sued a Hawaiian Gardens hospital for an alleged case of the “dumping” of a 38-year-old mentally ill woman in Skid Row. At a press conference on Wednesday, April 29, in City Hall East, Feuer announced that a civil lawsuit has been filed against Gardens Regional Hospital and Medical Center. According to the suit, on Sept. 4, 2014, hospital workers drove the woman, who has not been identified, to the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown and told her to get out of the van.

She was clad only in paper garments, and had no money, identification or medication, Feuer said.

The lawsuit added that the woman, who suffers from schizophrenia, depression and auditory hallucinations, was discharged from the hospital with little to no plan or instructions for future care on at least five occasions between December 2013 and September 2014. After one of the discharges, the woman was found by her sister covered in her own feces, flies and ants, and sleeping behind a liquor store in Hawaiian Gardens, the lawsuit states.

“This is the most appalling practice that exists in our city,” Feuer said on Wednesday, April 29. “Patient dumping disgusts me and it should deeply offend every resident of our city.”

The city is seeking an injunction that would prohibit the hospital from discharging indigent patients without plans for follow-up care. Gardens Regional could also face penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation.

In a prepared statement, the hospital said it is “appalled by the baseless, false and misleading allegations brought in a lawsuit.” The statement went on to say, “This non-

C

profit community hospital denies the allegations and is shocked by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s over-reaching action against this community hospital located in another city.”

Feuer has made cracking down on hospital dumping of homeless or indigent patients a priority of his administration. Three times since taking office almost two years ago, his office has prosecuted and reached financial settlements with hospitals accused of patient dumping. In January 2014, Feuer announced that Beverly Community Hospital Association agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a case. That May, Pacifica Hospital of the Valley settled a case by agreeing to pay $500,0000. Last August, Glendale Adventist Medical Center agreed to pay $700,000 to settle a case. In all three settlements, the hospitals denied any wrongdoing.

The Gardens Regional case is different in that no settlement has been reached, and instead a lawsuit has been filed.

Feuer said meetings were held with hospital representatives, but that they did not come to an agreement.

In the case from last September, Feuer said a security guard at the Union Rescue Mission turned the woman away because she had no identification and they were not expecting her. The woman wandered along San Pedro Street, eventually finding the Midnight Mission, which gave her clothing and a bed for the night.

The woman is currently living in a board and care facility and is being represented by Public Counsel, a pro bono legal aid firm, in her own case against the hospital.

The city lawsuit is being handled by Deputy City Attorney Will Pirkey, of the City Attorney’s Special Litigation Branch. donna@downtownnews.com

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Cafe Pinot Kendall’s Brasserie Patina Taix Church & State Perch Le Pain Quotidien

Best FrozeN Dessert

Gelateria Uli Cherry on Top Pinkberry Tutti Frutti Yogurtland Mikawaya Red Mango

Ben & Jerry’s Union Station Peddler’s Creamery Pazzo Gelato McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream

Best gastropuB

Eat.Drink.Americano Redwood Bar & Grill Little Bear Library Bar The Black Sheep Blue Cow Kitchen & Bar Peking Tavern Spring St. Bar Sixth St. Tavern The Briks The Stocking Frame Justice Urban Tavern

Best iNDiaN

Saffron Indian Cuisine Gill’s Cuisine of India Indus by Saffron Badmaash

Best italiaN

Drago Centro Colori Kitchen Terroni Portofino Cucina Cucina Rustica Olive Bistro & Catering San Antonio Winery & Maddalena Restaurant Amante Italian Restaurant Casa Nostra Soleto Maccheroni Republic Bestia Factory Kitchen Tione’s On Main

Best japaNese

Tenno Sushi Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant Izakaya Honda Ya 3rd Generation Curry House TOT / Teishokuya of Tokyo

Kokekokko Shabu Shabu House Kouraku Octopus Japanese Restaurant Yojie Japanese Fondue Izakaya Fu-Ga Oiwake

Best koreaN

Oleego by Parks Barbecue Manna Korean BBQ Korean Kitchen Hibachi Barbecue Korean BBQ House

Best latiN aMeriCaN

Mas Malo The Briks El Cholo Yxta Cocina Mexicana Border Grill La Luz Del Dia La Parrilla Coronado’s Las Morelianas Mexicali Taco & Co. La Adelita Chichen Itza El Compadre Rosa Mexicano Homegirl Cafe Bar Ama Loteria Grill Pez Cantina B.S. Taqueria Cerveteca Guisados

Best MeDiterraNeaN

Mediterranean City Grill Spitz Papa Cristos Tulip Cafe Sevan Garden Kebab House 10e

Best MiDDle easterN

Farid Restaurant Kabab & More Sevan Garden Kebab House

VOTEBESTOF.COM

Shekarchi Shish Kabob and Much More Sultan Restaurant California Kabob Kitchen

Best seaFooD

Water Grill Fisherman’s Outlet ABC Seafood Full House Seafood CBS Seafood Ocean Seafood Rock’N Fish Spear Steak & Seafood

Best steakHouse

The Palm Morton’s The Steakhouse Pacific Dining Car Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse L.A. Prime Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Riordan’s Tavern Spear Steak & Seafood Fogo de Chao

Best susHi

Zencu Sushi SugarFish Arashi Sushi Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant Octopus Sushi Gen Sushi Go 55 Tenno Sushi Oomasa Frying Fish Zip Izakaya Mako Sushi Hama Sushi Q Sushi Zo Toshi Sushi

HeaD-to-HeaD Best revolviNg susHi Bar

Kula Revolving Sushi Bar Frying Fish

Best tHai

Esaan Thai A Taste of Thai Soi 7 E-Sea Fresh Restaurant Sticky Rice Pok Pok Phat Thai

Best vegaN/vegetariaN FrieNDly

The Springs Cafe Gratitude Zinc Cafe Au Lac Localita & The Badasserie Azla Vegan Shojin Organic & Natural Tierra Cafe Cabbage Patch Blossom Homegirl Cafe Ocho Mexican Grill Simply Salad

Best vietNaMese

Blossom Hero Shop Via Cafe Pho 87 The Pho Shop Pho Saigon Pho Broadway Pho La Downtown

Best Meals of the Day

Best BusiNess luNCH

Water Grill Traxx The Standard Drago Centro Patina Morton’s The Steakhouse Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse Engine Co. No. 28 Checkers Downtown The Palm Chaya Downtown Stafford & Mathis Bunker Hill Bar and Grill Terroni

May 4, 2015

Downtown News 9

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

2015 BEST OF DOWNTOWN NOMINEES Cafe Pinot Sugarfish Faith & Flower Redbird

Best Fine Dining

Patina Water Grill The Palm Morton’s the Steakhouse Noé Restaurant & Bar Drago Centro WP24 Pacific Dining Car Church & State Chaya Downtown Spear Steak & Seafood Orsa & Winston KaGaYa Alma Q Faith & Flower Sushi Zo Redbird Stafford & Mathis Kitchen

Best BreakFast spot

Nickel Diner The Original Pantry Cafe Auntie Em’s Philippe The Original Uncle John’s Cafe Poppy & Rose Urth Caffe Daily Dose Cafe Nick’s Cafe L.A. Cafe Farmer Boys The Blue Cube Eggslut Local Table Restaurant Standard Jist Cafe Zinc Cafe

Best Brunch

Restaurant Standard Faith & Flower Poppy & Rose Bunker Hill Bar & Grill Border Grill Engine Co. No. 28 Cole’s Baco Mercat Bottega Louie Kendall’s Brasserie The Must Perch Ledlow Ford’s Filling Station Nickel Diner L.A. Cafe Local Table Grand Cafe Justice Urban Tavern LA Chapter The Escondite The Briks Figueroa Hotel Cerveteca Stafford & Mathis Kitchen Little Easy

Best Lunch spot

Wokcano Plan Check Little Jewel of New Orleans Tender Greens Nickel Diner Zinc Cafe Wurstküche Taix Lobsta Shack 643 North Urth Caffe Blue Cow Kitchen & Bar Cole’s Yxta Cocina Mexicana Yorkshire Grill Pez Cantina Justice Urban Tavern Mendocino Farms Colori Kitchen Pitfire Pizza Company San Antonio Winery & Maddalena Restaurant Nick’s Cafe Gill’s Cuisine of India Bunker Hill Bar and Grill The Briks Springtime in New York

Best Dinner

Redbird 10e The Must Terroni Cafe Pinot Water Grill Peking Tavern The Palm Local Table

Bestia Maccheroni Republic Mas Malo Faith & Flower Church & State Artisan House Alma Morton’s The Steakhouse Colori Kitchen Industriel Bäco Mercat Factory Kitchen Lazy Ox Canteen The Briks Orsa & Winston

Best restaurant Miscellany

Best new restaurant

The Briks 10e Spear Restaurant Au Lac Tione’s On Main B.S. Taqueria Pez Cantina The Springs Ledlow Pok Pok Phat Thai Plan Check Tender Greens Cerveteca Asian Box Redbird Little Jewel of New Orleans The Little Easy Hero Shop Fogo de Chao Q Guisados Zinc Cafe Cafe Gratitude Lobsta Shack 3rd Generation Auntie Em’s

Best custoMer service

Write-in only

Best restaurant DeLivery

Write-in only

Best Dog FrienDLy restaurant

Blue Cow Kitchen Zinc Cafe & Market The Must Jist Cafe Maccheroni Republic Würstkuche Blossom Restaurant Panini Cafe Urth Caffe The Escondite Border Grill

Best Fast service

The Melt Wurstküche Loteria Grill B.S. Taqueria The Pizza Studio Guisados Torta Company Hero Shop Aloha Cafe The Counter Ocho Grill Farmer Boys Mendocino Farms Spitz Eastside Market Italian Deli Cabbage Patch Mediterranean City Grill Simply Salad Gus’s Drive In Oleego by Parks Barbecue Georges Greek Grill Indus by Saffron Sandwich Shop Eggslut Wexler’s Deli Berlin Currywurst Olio Asian Box

Best Bargain Lunch DeaL

Eastside Market Italian Deli Zencu Sushi & Grill LA Cafe Hero Shop Egg Slut Saffron Aloha Cafe Springtime In New York Mendocino Farms Philippe The Original Farmer Boys Guisados

Gus’s Drive-In Gill’s Indian Restaurant

Best Downtown cLassic

Philippe The Original The Original Pantry Cafe Nick’s Cafe Uncle John’s Cafe Yorkshire Grill Kouraku Hop Louie

Best pLace to Break BreaD with FrienDs

Artisan House Border Grill Bottega Louie The Must Baco Mercat Bestia Pour Haus Local Table Eat. Drink. Americano Stocking Frame

Best restaurant aMBiance

The Must Bestia Ledlow Perch Spear Steak & Seafood Bäco Mercat Church & State Bottega Louie Terroni Water Grill

Best Downtown view

Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant Perch L.A. Prime WP24

Best restaurant Decor

Cicada Takami Patina Rivera Drago Centro Redbird Faith & Flower

Most roMantic restaurant

L.A. Prime Drago Centro Cicada Cafe Pinot Pacific Dining Car Rivera WP24 Patina Redbird

Best outDoor Dining

Border Grill Traxx Restaurant Maccheroni Republic Takami Cafe Pinot Casa Nostra Baco Mercat Perch Zip Izakaya Blue Cow Kitchen Chaya Downtown Bonaventure Brewing Co. The Must Yxta Faith & Flower Spear Urth Caffe Mendocino Farms Bunker Hill Bar & Grill The Briks Pez Cantina Bestia

heaD-to-heaD Best Dining huB

FIGat7th TASTE Grand Central Market

Best Figat7th taste eatery

Indus by Saffron The Melt Flying Pig Twist & Grill Soba Noodle Torta Company New Moon Cafe Pizza Studio City Tavern Oleego Mendocino Farms Loteria Grill George’s Greek Grill

Best granD centraL Market eatery

Ana Maria Belcampo Meat Co. Bento Ya Japanese Cuisine Berlin Currywurst Bombo China Cafe Egg Slut Horse Thief BBQ Jose Chiquito La Tostaderia Las Morelianas Olio Pizzeria The Oyster Gourmet Roast To Go Sarita’s Pupuseria Sticky Rice Tacos Tumbras A Tomas Valerie Wexler’s Deli

Best L.a. Live restaurant

The Farm of Beverly Hills Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Live Basil Pizza Tom’s Urban Smash Burger Yard House Boca at the Conga Room Lawry’s Carvery Rock’N Fish WP24 Ford’s Filling Station Katsuya Rosa Mexicano Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Best hoteL restaurant

Urban Justice Tavern DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown Moody’s - The L.A. Hotel Downtown L.A. Chapter - Ace Hotel The Brasserie - Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Checkers Downtown - Hilton Checkers Ford’s Filling Station - J.W. Marriott LA Prime - Westin Bonaventure Lakeview Bistro - Westin Bonaventure Bar & Kitchen - O Hotel Smeraldi’s Restaurant Biltmore Hotel Bugis Street Brasserie Biltmore Hotel Restaurant Standard Standard Downtown WP24 - Ritz Carlton Grand Cafe - Omni Los Angeles Hotel At California Plaza Noé - Omni Los Angeles Hotel At California Plaza Stafford + Mathis Kitchen Luxe City Center Hotel

DRINKING Best coFFee

Urth Caffe Spring for Coffee Groundwork Coffee Blue Bottle Coffee Cafe Dulce Demitasse Prime Grind Coffee Tierra Mia Coffee Elabrew Blends Coffee Expressamente Illy Il Caffe Barrista Society Verve Coffee Roasters Stumptown Coffee Blacktop Coffee

Best Juice

Robek’s Green Grotto Juice Bar Pressed Juicery Juice Crafters Sustain Juicery Fruit Farm Press Brothers Juicery Better Booch

Best wine Bar

Tapas and Wine Bar C BottleRock D’Vine Mignon gLAnce (JW Marriott) Pour Haus Wine Bar Bacaro LA The Must

Best sports (viewing) Bar

Big Wangs The Down and Out Nirvana Sports Bar & Grill Casey’s Irish Pub Dublin’s Bunker Hill Bar & Grill X Lanes Bonaventure Brewing Co.

Best Lounge Bar

Edison Mrs. Fish Elevate Lounge Bonaventure Brewing Co. Blue Whale Bar The Black Sheep Crocker Club Seven Grand Library Bar Pattern Bar Salvage Golden Gopher Broadway Bar Suede Bar & Lounge Villians Tavern The Falls Spring Street Bar The Varnish Cana Rum Bar Onyx Lounge The Association The Continental Club Sixth Street Tavern Eighty Two Justice Urban Tavern

Best neighBorhooD (Dive) Bar

Redwood Bar & Grill Grand Star Cole’s La Cita Five Star Bar Las Perlas Tony’s Saloon King Eddy Saloon The Down & Out Wendell Bar

Best restaurant happy hour

Weiland Brewery Underground Morton’s The Steakhouse Soleto Bacaro Casa Nostra Octopus Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse Border Grill Blue Cow The Palm Perch Spear 10e Pez Cantina Cerveteca Little Easy The Briks Plan Check Bonaventure Brewing Co. Yxta Cocina Mexicana Wokcano Chaya Downtown Escondite Justice Urban Tavern Mas Malo Peking Tavern

Best Bar happy hour

Seven Grand Cole’s La Cita Pattern Bar Nirvana Sports Bar & Grill Casey’s Golden Gopher Justice Urban Tavern Wendell Bar Salvage Las Perlas Big Wangs Broadway Bar Suede Bar & Lounge Tony’s Saloon The Falls Spring Street Bar Wolf & Crane

Best hoteL Bar

The Mixing Room – J.W. Marriott BonaVista Lounge – Westin Bonaventure Gallery Bar – Biltmore Hotel Standard Rooftop Bar – Standard Downtown The Veranda Bar – Figueroa Hotel Bar & Kitchen – O Hotel

Noe Restaurant & Bar – Omni Los Angeles Hotel Upstairs Bar – Ace Hotel

Best Late night gruB

Redwood Bar & Grill Casey’s Irish Pub L.A. Cafe Restaurant Standard The Original Pantry Yard House Big Wangs Wokcano The Black Sheep Sixth St. Tavern Spring St. Bar The Escondite Peking Tavern Guisados

Best Beer (DraFt/tap) seLection

Spring St. Smoke House Yard House Big Wangs Casey’s Weiland Brewery Underground Wurstküche Bonaventure Brewing Co. Little Bear The Black Sheep Far Bar Angel City Brewery Spring St. Bar Sixth St. Tavern

Best hangover reMeDy spot

Daikokuya The Original Pantry Fatburger L.A. Cafe Hakata Ramen Shin-SenGumi Nickel Diner Uncle John’s Cafe Full House Seafood Restaurant Kouraku Restaurant Eggslut

ENTERTAINMENT Best Music venue Large

Orpheum Theatre Nokia Theatre Club Nokia California Plaza (Grand Performances) Pershing Square Staples Center Walt Disney Concert Hall

Best Music venue sMaLL

Conga Room The Bootleg Bar The Regent Blue Whale Colburn School Grammy Museum The Smell Redwood Bar and Grill

Best nightcLuB

Exchange LA Club Mayan The Vault The Lash Elevate Lounge The Continental Club Belasco La Cita The Crocker Club Conga Room Edison Honeycut

Best Free event series

ALOUD at the Central Library Grand Performances at California Plaza Pershing Square Summer Concert Series World City at Disney Hall Dance Downtown at the Music Center Plaza FIGat7th Downtown Festival

Best FiLM series

Last Remaining Seats Downtown Film Festival L.A. Film Fest Electric Dusk Drive-in Pershing Square’s Friday Night Flicks REDCAT Film Series Films @ CAAM The Theatre at Ace Hotel Flix@Fig

VOTEBESTOF.COM

Best FiLM venue

Downtown Independent Regal Cinemas L.A. Live California Science Center IMAX Electric Dusk Drive-In

Best MuseuM

California Science Center Museum of Contemporary Art The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA Natural History Museum Italian American Museum of LA Japanese American National Museum California African American Museum FIDM Museum & Galleries Chinese American Museum Grammy Museum La Plaza de Cultura y Artes African-American Firefighter Museum Wells Fargo Museum Velveteria Museum

Best Downtown tours

Architecture Tours L.A. Las Angelitas del Pueblo Esotouric Los Angeles Conservancy Metro Rail Art Tours Segwow Undiscovered Chinatown Tour Walt Disney Concert Hall Tours Los Angeles Central Library Tour Urban Shopping Adventures Starline Tours Saturday Housing Bus Tour (DCBID)

Best tourist attraction Walt Disney Concert Hall L.A. Live Broadway Theaters Angels Flight Union Station Grand Central Market Olvera Street

Best FaMiLy attraction

Grand Park Downtown On Ice (Pershing Square) Bob Baker Marionette Theater Natural History Museum L.A. Live Ice Rink California Science Center Central Library Olvera Street Target Free Family Saturdays at JANM X Lanes Vista Hermosa Natural Park FIGat7th Kids Club Target Sundays at CAAM

Best perForMing arts venue

Ahmanson Theatre Dorothy Chandler Pavilion David Henry Hwang Theater at East West Players Los Angeles Theatre Center Mark Taper Forum REDCAT Bootleg Theatre 24th Street Theatre

Best Downtown event

Downtown Art Walk Holiday Ice Rink (Pershing Square) Golden Dragon Parade Dark Nights at L.A. Live Blessing of the Animals Hope For Firefighters Nisei Week Last Remaining Seats Downtown Film Festival Chinatown Summer Nights New Year’s Eve LA (Grand Park) Psomas Paper Yacht Challenge Dance Downtown (Music Center) 4th of July Block Party (Grand Park) Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival Grand Performances at California Plaza Pershing Square Summer Concerts Lucha VaVoom L.A. Film Fest Night on Broadway

Canstruction YMCA Stair Climb for Los Angeles

SERVICES Best resiDentiaL reaL estate agent (top perForMers)

Yvonne Arias Sura Azzam Russell Chan Allyson Connolly Bill Cooper Agnes Ferreyra Roxanna Godinez Randelle Green Abraham Hernandez David Hernandez Ted Trentman Ahn Tran Greg Stangl Christiano Sampaio Russell Roney Jessica Robertson Maple Navarro Kerry Marsico Alex Limandri Rasmus Ray Lee

Best FLorist

Downtown Flowers.Net Paradise Florist Glasswing Floral Darling’s Holm & Olson Florist Bloomies Flowers and Gifts Athletic Club Flower Shop California Floral Company G Fiori Floral Design Kuragami Little Tokyo Florist Ixora Floral Studio

Best Day spa

Bonaventure Club & Spa (Bonaventure Hotel) Oasis City Spa (O Hotel) Yolanda Aguilar Institute and Spa The Ritz-Carlton Spa The Spa (Omni Hotel) Checkers Spa

Best hair saLon

Candolyn’s Jacqueline’s Salon Salon Eleven Salon on 6 Salon on Seventh Neihule Salon Pure The Hub Factory Rendez Vous Salon & Spa Ultima Beauty Center C&J Beauty Center & Salon Elisa’s Garage The Artform Studio Hair + Records Vertigo Salon Curt Darling Salon Visage Salon Salon on Main Wolf European Hair Salon Bunker Hill Salon The Loft 8W Gold on Grand Salon K.C. Salon on 1st The Well Gerrick’s Salon

Best naiL saLon

Neihule Nail Service Nails on 9th Soleil Beauty Salon Hope Spa & Nails Soho Nails & Spa Ki Nail Bar & Organic Spa Nails On Spring Sugar Nail The Nail Parlor

Best BarBer shop

Rudy’s Barber Shop Angelo’s Barber Shop St. Vincent Barber Shop El Arte Barber Shop Goodbarbers Bolt Barbers Pacific Center Barber LA Barber College Imperial Barber Shop Barbering by Shane

Best Dentist or DentaL oFFice

Esthetic Dentistry Dental Group MKD Dentistry James C. Feng, DDS Zen Dental

Continued On Next Page

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

10 Downtown News

May 4, 2015

2015 BEST OF DOWNTOWN NOMINEES Plaza Dental River Dentistry Downtown Dental Washington Dental Calm Dental Silvia Kasparian, DDS West Coast Dental Honda Plaza Dental LA Dental Clinic Half Dental EnvironDental Little Tokyo Dental Group Dental Arts Dentistry

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Courtyard Wellness Dr. Boris Mayzels Chiropractic & Wellness Center Chiropractic Injury Care Chiropractic Care Center Downtown Live Chiropractic Akimoto Chiropractic Office Downtown Chiropractic B.E.S.T. Chiropractic Clinic Chinatown Chiropractic Clinic Akimoto Chiropractic Office Olympic Chiropractic

BEST GYM/WORKOUT FACILITY

Future Health Ketchum-Downtown YMCA The Main Barre Los Angeles Athletic Club Pilates Plus Downtown LA CrossFit 213 Tapout Training Center Trojan CrossFit Gold’s Gym The Stronghold Climbing Gym L.A. Sands Boxing Gym Equinox LA Fitness 24 Hour Fitness CrossFit Mean Streets Yas Fitness The Rec Center Crossfit Pure Barre City Athletix Cross Fit Sunset

HEAD - TO - HEAD BEST DANCE STUDIO

IDance Academy The Lindy Loft

BEST YOGA STUDIO

Yoga Circle Bikram Yoga Downtown LA Peace Yoga Gallery Evoke Yoga The Yoga Place Yas Fitness Center Factory Place Yoga

BEST DRY CLEANERS

One Click Cleaners Sloan’s Dry Cleaners Arts Cleaners Cleaners on 8th Tokyo Cleaners Urban Life Cleaners Elite Cleaner Cleaners Depot S & H Cleaners Executive Image Cleaners

BEST COMPUTER REPAIR SHOP

Downtown Los Angeles Computer Repair Digitech Solutions, Inc. Spring Street Mac PC Logic iYogi Ike Mac

BEST OPTOMETRIST

Downtown LA Optometric Vision Center Kurata Eyecare Center Los Angeles EyeCare Optometry Group East West Eye Institute Robert Shapiro, OD, FAAO LA Vision Optometry Richard Hoffman Optometrist LA Optical Gallery Dr. Garry Regier – Optometrist Lens Crafters – FIGat7th

BEST HOSPITAL

Good Samaritan Hospital White Memorial Medical Center St. Vincent Medical Center California Hospital Medical Center Silver Lake Medical Center

Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Pacific Alliance Medical Center

BEST CHURCH/ SYNAGOGUE/ PLACE OF WORSHIP

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Centenary United Methodist Church Founder’s Church First United Methodist Church New City Church of L.A. Live Church L.A. First Congregational Church St. Peter’s Italian Church Union Church of Los Angeles The Bridge at Union Church LA Jewish Community Center Chabad of Downtown Los Angeles Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple Third Church of Christ Scientist St. Vincent De Paul Roman Catholic Church Hillsong L.A. Church of Scientology Fearless LA Sovereign Grace Church

BEST AUTO DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Porsche of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Volkswagen of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Audi of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Downtown LA Motors Mercedes Benz – Downtown LA Auto Group Nissan of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Felix Chevrolet – Downtown LA Auto Group Toyota of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Honda of Downtown Los Angeles Nick Alexander Imports Kia of Downtown L.A. Motor Village Downtown LA Auto Group

BEST SHOE REPAIR

Sears Shoe Service Shoe Masters Shoe Wiz Pro-Shoe Repair King’s Shoe Repair MP Shoe Repair Mr. Shoe Man Tony’s Shoe Shine & Repair

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

New Japan Travel AAA Travel Liberty Travel Udaan Travel Jumbo Travel World Travel Eros Tours & Travel Inc. Cuba Tours & Travel Wing Mate Travel

BEST HOTEL

JW Marriott Doubletree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown Biltmore Hotel Westin Bonaventure Omni Los Angeles Hotel Ritz Carlton Hilton Checkers Kawada Hotel Los Angeles Athletic Club The LA Hotel Downtown Miyako Hotel O Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Residence Inn Standard Downtown LA Ritz Milner Hotel Sheraton Downtown Figueroa Hotel Luxe City Center Ace Hotel

BEST AUTO BODY/ AUTO REPAIR

E&L Auto Body Downtown Auto Repair & Body Shop Globe Auto Body 1st Choice Collision Center

Motor Village Downtown LA Motors Honda of Downtown LA

BEST PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

DASH METRO Subway/Lightrail METRO Buses Regional Rail Services (Metrolink)

BEST PRESCHOOL

La Petite Academy Lumbini Child Dev. Center Pilgrim School Nishi Hongwanji Child Dev. Center Chinatown Service Center Child Dev. Center Joy Picus Child Dev. Center Harry Pregerson Child Dev. Center Salvation Army LA Daycare Center Hope Street Friends Angelina Head Start Cal-Tot Child Care Center Los Angeles Universal Preschool

BEST DAYCARE

Chinatown Service Center Child Dev. Center Joy Picus Child Dev. Center Harry Pregerson Child Dev. Center Cal-Tot Child Care Center Hope Street Friends Salvation Army LA Daycare Center La Petite Academy Nishi Hongwanji Child Development Center Grace Lino Child Care Lumbini Child Development Center Little Angel Day Care

BEST PET DAYCARE/ BOARDING/PET SITTING

Go Dog LA Uptown Pup South Park Doggie Daycare Roxy’s Doggy Daycare Downtown Pet Lovers

BEST PET WALKING

Walka-Walka Walk Fido L.A. Paws Fitness Downtown Pet Lovers

BEST PET TRAINING

Bark & Clark Uptown Pup Southpark Doggie Daycare Roxxy’s Doggy Daycare

BEST PET GROOMING

Pussy & Pooch Muttropolitan South Park Doggie Daycare Spa and Supplies Downtown Doggie U Wash

BEST VETERNARIAN

Write - in

SHOPPING BEST FARMERS MARKET

Pershing Square Farmers Market Historic Core Farmers Market FIGat7th Farmers Market Bank of America Farmers Market Arts District Farmers Market City Hall Farmers Market Grand Farmers Market

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

DTLA Bikes Just Ride L.A. El Maestro Bicycles Wabi Cycles Rotelli Cyclery

BEST PET SUPPLIES/ BOUTIQUE

Pet Project LA Pussy & Pooch South Park Doggie Daycare Spa and Supplies Muttropolitan

BEST ART, CRAFT & DESIGN STORE

Gather DTLA Raw Materials SCI-ARC Art Supply Store Michael Levine FIDM Scholarship Store B. Black and Sons Moskatels Luxury Fabrics

BEST STORE FOR THE HOME

Novecento Antiques Realm Dearden’s Tiffany Auction House Cleveland Art District Millworks Angelo:HOME Hammer & Spear Austere Ashley Furniture

BEST BOOKSTORE

Caravan Bookstore The Library Store Christian Science Reading Room Kinokuniya Bookstore The Last Bookstore

BEST CIGAR/SMOKE SHOP

Living Room Smoke Shop Diplomat Cigars Broadway Smoke Shop 2nd Street Cigar Lounge and Gallery

BEST VAPE SHOP

The Vape Supply Company Downtown Vape Good Vapor DTLA

BEST MUSIC SHOP

International House of Music Caveman Vintage U-Space

HEAD-TO-HEAD BEST CANDY SHOP

Jack’s Wholesale Candy Company Raquel’s Candy and Confections

BEST JEWELRY MART

St. Vincent Jewelry Center California Jewelry Mart LA Jewelry Plaza Fox Jewelry Plaza Great Western Jewelry Plaza International Jewelry Center Jewelers Mall Los Angeles Jewelry Center

BEST FLEA MARKET

Arts District Co-Op Artists & Fleas The Rock N’ Roll Flea Market

BEST CONSIGNMENT & VINTAGE STORE

Kapsoul Tiffany Auction House Round2 Hammer and Spear Kool’s Clothing Store Buttons and Bows Raggedy Threads Vintage Shoppe Popkiller/Popkiller Second Fold Gallery & Curio Shop

BEST GIFT & STATIONARY STORE

Bring Something to the Party FIDM Museum Shop LA Phil Store MOCA Made by DWC Poketo The Library Store Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle Sanrio Smiles Qpop Tanner Goods Daiso

BEST RETAIL STORE (LARGE)

Macy’s ROSS Target

BEST RETAIL STORE (MEDIUM)

Victoria’s Secret Gap Zara

H&M Urban Outfitters

BEST STREET FASHION BOUTIQUE

RIF Blends Popkiller/Popkiller Second American Apparel

HEAD-TO-HEAD BEST MENSWEAR – SUITS

Roger Stuart Clothes Art Lewin & Co.

BEST MENSWEAR BOUTIQUE

Skingraft Nicholas Bowes RNT23 Seven Points Apolis Kool’s Clothing Store Haus of Love SixHundred Kapsoul American Love Affair Raggedy Threads Vintage Shoppe The Well

BEST WOMENSWEAR BOUTIQUE

Skingraft ROUND2 Haus of Love bliss Nicholas Bowes Kapsoul Kool’s Clothing Store SixHundred FIDM Scholarship Store Buttons and Bows Brigade American Love Affair Raggedy Threads Vintage Shoppe The Well Pale Violet Althouse Jessica Louise Cerre

BEST AUTO DEALER – NEW CARS

Porsche of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Volkswagen of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Audi of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Motor Village LA(Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram) Downtown LA Motors Mercedes Benz – Downtown LA Auto Group Nissan of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Felix Chevrolet – Downtown LA Auto Group Toyota Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Honda of Downtown Los Angeles Nick Alexander Imports Kia of Downtown L.A. Downtown LA Auto Group

BEST AUTO DEALER – USED CARS

Porsche of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Volkswagen of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Audi of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Motor Village LA Downtown LA Motors Mercedes Benz – Downtown LA Auto Group Nissan of Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Felix Chevrolet – Downtown LA Auto Group Toyota Downtown L.A. – Downtown LA Auto Group Honda of Downtown Los Angeles Nick Alexander Imports Kia of Downtown L.A. Downtown LA Auto Group

MISCELLANY BEST NEW BUSINESS

Write-in

BEST-LOOKING BUILDING

City Hall Bradbury Building Walt Disney Concert Hall Caltrans Headquarters Central Library U.S. Bank Tower Eastern Columbia Ritz Carlton

BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Brookfield Office Properties CALCO Management CBRE Charles Dunn Co. Cushman & Wakefield Newmark Grubb Knight Frank DAUM Commercial Real Estate Services JLL Downtown Properties Transwestern Colliers International Major Properties

BEST BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Downtown Center BID Historic Core BID LA Fashion District BID Chinatown BID Downtown Industrial District Little Tokyo BID South Park BID Arts District Los Angeles

MOST BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC THEATER

Orpheum Theatre Los Angeles Theatre Million Dollar Theater Palace Theatre Tower Theater State Theatre Mayan Theater Belasco Theater United Artists Theatre (Theatre at Ace Hotel) The Regent Theater

BEST DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FIRMS

Brookfield Office Properties Cushman & Wakefield Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Colliers International Charles Dunn Co. Studley CBRE DAUM Commercial Real Estate Services Major Properties Realty Advisory Group, Inc. DAK Realty Bieker Real Estate Rising Realty Partners JLL DTLA Real Estate Habitus Real Estate

BEST LAW FIRM

Latham & Watkins, LLP Gibson Dunn Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP Paul Hastings LLP O’Melveny & Myers, LLP Sheppard Mullin Sidley Austin LLP Norton Rose Fulbright Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP Skadden Jones Day Morrison & Foerster LLP Kirkland & Ellis LLP Milbank Buchalter Nemer

BEST MOVING/ STORAGE COMPANY

Thriftee Storage Company Remington Moving and Storage Los Angeles Self Storage StorQuest Self Storage Magellan Storage

BEST ARCHITECTURE/ DESIGN FIRM

Leo A Daly, Los Angeles SmithGroup JJR Gensler Altoon Partners LLP NBBJ Arquitectonica Levin & Associates Architects

VOTEBESTOF.COM

RAW International Inc. RMCA RTKL HNTB HMC Architects AC Martin Johnson Fain SRK Pfeiffer Partners Architects Inc.

BEST BANK

Bank of America Bank of the West CA Bank & Trust Cathay Bank Citibank City National Bank East West Bank Union Bank Wells Fargo Chase U.S. Bank State Bank of India Open Bank American Business Bank

BEST CREDIT UNION

California Bear Credit Union Water & Power Community Credit Union NuVision Federal Credit Union LA Financial Credit Union First City Credit Union

BEST INVESTMENT/ STOCK BROKERAGE FIRM

Morgan Stanley UBS Wedbush SFE Investment Counsel Payden & Rygel Crowell, Weedon & Co. Raymond James Wells Fargo Merrill Lynch

BEST EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Act •1 AppleOne Adams & Martin Group Helpmates Staffing Services Workplace Hollywood Zion Partners Staffmark

MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL

The Biltmore Ritz-Carlton Westin Bonaventure Omni Los Angeles Hotel Figueroa Hotel Hilton Checkers

COOLEST HOTEL

The Standard Figueroa Hotel O Hotel The Biltmore Ritz Carlton Luxe City Center JW Marriott Ace Hotel The L.A. Hotel Downtown

BEST WEDDING SPOT

Exposition Park Rose Garden Oviatt Penthouse Los Angeles Athletic Club DoubleTree by Hilton Walt Disney Concert Hall Music Center Vibiana Guadalupe Wedding Chapel Figueroa Hotel City Club Los Angeles Cafe Pinot The Biltmore St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Cicada Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

BEST PRIVATE EVENT VENUE

JW Marriott Los Angeles Convention Center Center at Cathedral Plaza California African American Museum AT&T Center The Biltmore LoftSEVEN Penthouse Los Angeles Center Studios Lucky Strike Orpheum Theatre Figueroa Hotel Alexandria Ballrooms Lot 613

City Club Los Angeles The Majestic Downtown X Lanes Oviatt Penthouse Elevate Lounge Milwick

BEST RESTAURANT MEETING SPACE

Drago Centro Plum Tree Taix French Restaurant Morton’s The Steakhouse Patina Cafe Pinot Palm Restaurant San Antonio Winery & Maddalena Restaurant Faith & Flower Soleto Spear Fogo de Chao

BEST ADAPTIVE REUSE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

San Fernando Building Continental Building Hellman Building The Flat 1010 Wilshire Glo Apartments Barker Block Molino Street Lofts SB Tower The Chapman Gas Company Lofts Pegasus Pan American Lofts Little Tokyo Lofts Santee Village Pacific Electric Eastern Columbia Metro 417 Orpheum Lofts Packard Lofts The Reserve Lofts Toy Factory Lofts Biscuit Company Lofts Sky Higgins Building Flower Street Lofts Library Court Douglas Building Mercantile Lofts Alta Lofts Roosevelt Lofts 655 S. Hope El Dorado Rowan National City Towers Metropolitan 940 E. 2nd St. Haas Bldg.

Union Lofts The Jefferies Ford Apartments Huntington Apartments Beacon Lofts Chester Williams Brockman Lofts The Elysian

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May 4, 2015

Downtown News 11

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Planning Ahead for Downtown’s Transportation Future

City Councilman José Huizar has launched an effort to analyze transportation patterns and implement pedestrianand bicycle-friendly measures.

Huizar Offers Package of Motions to Review Traffic and Revive Public Spaces

By Eddie Kim s Downtown Los Angeles grows, so do the questions about that growth.

Among the issues are how residents, workers and visitors move through the streets, and what the city can do to make traveling in Downtown as efficient and safe as possible.

In the effort to plan for the future, 14th District City Councilman José Huizar has launched an initiative dubbed “DTLA Forward.” It is composed of four separate City Council motions that were introduced on Friday, May 1.

One motion calls for reevaluating street configurations in Downtown and how they relate to pedestrian and “multi-modal” (including public transit and cycling) transportation options.

It calls for making Downtown safer for pedestrians and cyclists while also reducing vehicular congestion. It would begin by reviewing transportation along Spring and Main streets between First Street and Olympic Boulevard.

“There’s a new Downtown emerging thanks to private development, but on the public side, we need to keep up,” Huizar said. “Especially as you look at traffic patterns, some of these configurations were set decades ago. Do some of these one-way streets make sense? Are we reducing congestion?”

A second motion suggests tools to make walking around Downtown safer. Huizar wants

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to see, for instance, crosswalk signals that give pedestrians a head start before the light turns green for drivers, theoretically reducing the chances that someone gets hit after stepping off the curb. It also calls for the city Department of Transportation to consider “additional lowcost measures” for pedestrian safety that could be implemented quickly.

The third motion is to use the Harlem Place alley in the Historic Core as the site of a pilot program for activating and “greening” alleys into public amenities. It urges the city Bureau of Engineering, City Planning and DOT to find other prospective sites.

The final motion calls for a consistent “palette” of options for tree planting and removal in South Park, a concept that could be expanded to other districts in Downtown.

Ease the Giant Office Park Much of the impetus for “DTLA Forward” came from a March meeting between Huizar’s office, DOT, the group Pershing Square Renew and architecture firm Gensler, where the need for an overarching plan became clear, Huizar said. For years the city has developed individual pilot programs and projects, such as the Broadway streetscape plan (now in a semi-permanent “dress rehearsal” stage) and the MyFigueroa bike lane plan, without determining how they all fit together, he noted.

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Blair Besten, executive director of the Historic Core Business Improvement District, thinks the effort has great potential.

“I think the timing is perfect with all of the initiatives that the city and councilmember have produced in terms of putting pedestrians in a better position,” said Besten. “With more and more people living here, we’ll have more people traveling around out of their cars, along with just more cars in general, too.”

A benefit of bringing multiple departments together is that it will be easier to implement ideas and reduce miscommunication and conflicts, said Rob Jernigan, managing principal at Gensler. Jernigan said he is glad to see that “DTLA Forward” will review transportation holistically, rather than simply focus on how quickly cars move on the street.

“We’ve designed a giant office park that’s intended to vacate at 6 p.m. We need to design the city so people stick around,” Jernigan said.

“In an urban city, roads are the majority of the open space. And if you look at roads purely as a matter of traffic flow rate rather than a public resource to manage, it’s a problem.”

Honoring:

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Thursday, May 14, 2015

Eric Bruins, director of planning and policy for the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, offered a similar sentiment. He noted that the future arrival of a county-wide program allowing short-term bicycle rentals will have a significant impact on how traffic works around Downtown.

“A comprehensive review is so important, especially in an urban center where we’re willing to allocate resources away from cars for other modes of transportation,” he said. “Even for creating a network of protected bike lanes, with MyFigueroa coming in and improvements along Seventh Street, that’s going to require different signals and maybe new traffic routes.”

Huizar said he had long mulled over the various components of his “DTLA Forward” initiative, but had not brought them under one umbrella.

He is unsure how long it will be before any of the ideas are implemented, and the city will need to find funding to make them happen. Still, Huizar believes collaborating within the city on these issues is a key and long overdue step as Downtown continues to transform. eddie@downtownnews.com

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May 4, 2015

The Central City Crime Report

grand theft auto on April 20.

A Rundown on Downtown Incidents, Trends and Criminal Oddities

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Domestic Dispute: A woman fighting with her boyfriend in the 500 block of South Spring Street on April 21 slammed the man to the ground and choked him until he lost consciousness. She was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault.

AL A VE

Running Into Trouble: Cynthia Trujillo was arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto after allegedly trying to steal a car in Downtown on April 22 while the owner left the engine running.

Another Week, Another Nine Bike Thefts: Nine bikes were stolen in various places around Downtown from April 19-25.

In three instances the owners left their bikes unlocked. Five times, thieves cut the locks on bicycles that were secured. On one bike, the key to the lock was left on top of the seat.

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Travel Blues: An 83-year-old woman who withdrew $14,000 from her bank in preparation for a trip to Japan was robbed in the 400 block of East Third Street at 12:30 p.m. on April 23.

The suspect snatched the money from her unlocked car.

Furniture Fiends: Approximately $20,000 worth of antiques were stolen from Expo Furniture Outlet, at 1363 S. Olive St., between April 20 and 21. Items taken included a $9,500 porcelain lamp, three clock sets worth $8,000 and a $1,500 crystal rotary phone. The burglars cut the iron gate and then pried open the back door.

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The driver was moving items from one vehicle to another during the incident. The suspect has four felony convictions and seven prior arrests for grand theft auto.

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

Exercising Bad Judgment: Sometime on April 21 or 22, an unidentified person opened the rear sliding door of an apartment in the 200 block of West Seventh Street and stole bicycle clothes and electric cables.

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May 4, 2015

Downtown News 13

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DT Notes

CELEBRATE MOM

the

Mom Zone O

ne of the biggest changes in Downtown Los Angeles in the past five years has been the appearance of so many children. That coincides with another necessary and natural change: the appearance of so many mothers.

Downtown moms have a number of tricks and tools they employ in raising their children here. It’s not like the suburbs, where so many easy options are at hand. Downtown moms need to be creative, and they work hard to find fun for their families.

In honor of Mother’s Day, which arrives on Sunday, May 10, Los Angeles Downtown News turned a few pages over to four area moms.

They wrote about their discoveries and challenges, their joys and hopes for their children and their neighborhood.

There’s also a rundown on where kids and dads can take mom and say thank you (see page 16).

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in Downtown.

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14 Downtown News

MOTHER’S DAY

May 4, 2015

It Takes a Downtown Village For One 2-Year Old, an Extended ‘Family’ Is Everywhere

By Blair Besten ver since I was 6 years old, I’ve been fascinated and stimulated by the urban world. That has continued into adulthood and through my professional life.

I moved to Los Angeles for the entertainment industry, then traded one dream for another and started working in Downtown in adaptive-reuse construction and project management. By 2009, I had toured nearly every historic building in the area, and fantasized about making at least a thousand different lofts my home. In early 2012, the fantasy became reality as I moved into a Downtown loft.

It was either something in the water, or the romantic ambiance of so many lovely bars and restaurants within walking distance, but three short months later my husband and I were expecting a baby. Obviously, given the number of strollers on the sidewalks, we weren’t alone.

Oddly enough, I never thought of Downtown as an inappropriate place to raise a child. Too many Manhattan friends speak fondly of their childhoods. It just made sense for our family to stay here.

As a relatively new mother — Duke is just 2 — I can say the urban life with my son has many advantages. Rather than playtimes alone in a backyard with the family dog, Duke gets different parks twice a day where he can play with other Downtown babies and park visitors from all over Los Angeles County. He

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sees and pets dozens of dogs on the street as we move about our day. My job at the Historic Core Business Improvement District keeps me in constant contact with folks from the neighborhood, although I think many of them are now more interested in Duke than in me. His extended “family” includes the staff at the local coffee shop, the dry cleaners and the stores we frequent.

The Central Library has a mindboggling array of children’s books, as well as amazing story times for infants and toddlers. Fortunately, there are a number of young people who love the opportunity to draw a picture or read a story to him before going back to their own Downtown adventures. Duke’s family pool is as wide and deep as his vocabulary. There’s no doubt that he benefits from all of the diverse, adult interaction he receives on a daily basis.

Taking the train is an adventure that trumps any car ride. We make it to the doctor or the Natural History Museum in a quick and exciting trip. Then there are the experiences that fall closer to home: Duke has tried anchovies at Artisan House and chili sauce at Guisados — he likes them both. He also knows the name of every construction vehicle and almost gets as excited seeing them as I do. He is a bit inured to ambulances and fire trucks at this point, of which we see far too many in Downtown. But he gets a big-sky view of the moon and fantastic sunrises and sunsets, which never seem to get old.

Blair Besten and her 2-year-old son, Duke.

photo by Gary Leonard

Duke isn’t the only one learning things about Downtown. I now have the added bonus of experiencing it with fresh eyes, and going through the community with him has taught me big lessons about the big city — not to give in to concerns of danger at every corner.

The reality is that living among density heightens your awareness. Sure, there is more pollution and more hazards, but it also offers more laughter, more dancing, more learning and more life.

There’s another advantage, too, about raising our family here: commuting. Or, rather, the lack of it.

All of the time that people spend in their cars going to and from a job is time our family can spend together. We get about three hours together a day that many Angelenos must lose.

Zero time feels wasted.

The lessons and the interaction are everywhere. Duke regularly sees his Tia Nica, who lives two blocks away. Instead of being strapped to a car seat watching other cars whiz by, he sees George trekking through the area with his cane, or visits Jacob and Babak in the ballroom at Fabric Planet, or stops to play with the security guard, Andy, from Spring Arts Tower.

Duke’s entire book collection comes from the Last Bookstore. I doubt it would be as extensive or diverse had I selected them from random on Amazon.

Duke even has something most kids won’t get for another 21 years: His first birthday was hosted at The Must. They even made him his own signature cocktail.

You won’t get that in the suburbs.

As a Community Grows, So Does a Family The Ups and Downs of Life With Kids in the Arts District

By Lauren Craniotes oving Downtown in February 2006 was exciting for several reasons. Primarily, I had bought a loft in the Arts District and was excited to be a first-time homeowner. I was also thrilled to be in a part of the city that was both unfamiliar and yet very familiar. At the time, the Arts District felt isolated from the rest of Downtown. There were few community amenities beyond Groundwork Coffee (which then became Novel Cafe, and recently became Groundwork again). If you wanted good coffee or food, you had to head over to Little Tokyo or another community. Still, I enjoyed how quiet it was and how removed I felt from the rest of Los Angeles.

I grew up in New York, in an apartment building right on Broadway, and the sound of 24-hour traffic would lull me to sleep. The Arts District was sort of a hybrid: I could hear birds singing in the morning and crickets chirping at night, all while surrounded by concrete and brick.

I moved to the Arts District as a single woman. About a year later, I met a man in our building. We were married three years after that and had our son, Azzie, about two years ago.

We are now expecting our second son. During that time, we have watched the neighborhood go through an incredible transformation, with many positives and some negatives.

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When you live in a city like Los Angeles, where the weather is wonderful year-round, it’s difficult to come up with a reason to not have a backyard, especially if you have children. But having Downtown as our backyard is hard to beat!

I work full-time, but thanks to our wonderful nanny, Azzie has all of Downtown as his playground. There is always something to do, some adventure to go on that is within walking distance of our home. Whether it is story time at the Little Tokyo Library or the Central Library, indoor playtime at Around the Globe, splashing through the fountain or playing at the new playground at Grand Park, it’s always fun. On colder days they’ll head to the arcade in the Little Tokyo Galleria where Azzie loves to touch the buttons and marvel at all the neon lights.

Another favorite activity for my son is just walking around — this kid loves to strut his stuff and say hi to the people he encounters.

It reminds me of growing up in New York City: Learn to engage. Be cautious but don’t be afraid, and the more you do that, the quicker you learn who you are. Several times, other parents or nannies have recognized my son from around the way. I always feel like he’s the one introducing me.

There is also something to be said for apartment living. We are good friends with many people in our building, but are particularly close to

Arts District resident Lauren Craniotes and her son Azzie.

photo by Gary Leonard

our next-door neighbors, whom Azzie loves to visit. Every time we walk by their door he says, “Mark and James! Mark and James!” It is such a treat for him to wander around their loft and touch and play with their dog’s toys. Fortunately, Stanley is always a good sport. Even more fortunately, James has babysat on several occasions.

Will we one day leave Downtown? Probably.

Having a second baby is going to present some challenges while living in an open space with no walls. But we will do our best to delay it as long as possible. I want my younger son to experience the same delights and adventures of Downtown that Azzie currently enjoys.

For me, there are two significant drawbacks with being a Downtown parent and, in particular, with living in the Arts District. While it is wonderful to have markets and cafes and restaurants to walk to, these new developments

attract more people, and thus, more cars. The city has done nothing about this increased vehicular traffic. There are obvious places where stop signs and crosswalks should be, yet no progress has been made despite community efforts. I hope we see change before an accident occurs.

The other drawback is the lack of green space. While we have Grand Park and a small playground on Spring Street, both are significant walks. A small park is planned for the space across from Urth Caffe, which will be great, but we were told it would open by the summer, and it doesn’t look it will be ready anytime soon. If the city hopes to make the Arts District better for families, then local leaders need to create some parks.

After all, who makes a community? Last time I checked, it wasn’t the developers.

May 4, 2015

Downtown News 15

MOTHER’S DAY

My Three Downtown Sons For One Mom, Living Downtown Means Ties to the Past, the Present and the Future

By Noemi Garcia Tagorda amilies are not new to Downtown L.A. My grandparents lived here with my mother and her siblings. They were one of the many families residing in the apartments that were replaced by the Convention Center back in the 1970s.

Downtown was rough then, and most families lived there out of necessity, not by choice.

When my family heard that we were considering moving to Downtown, they were confused.

After all, they had worked hard to make sure they could leave the area for the greener and safer suburbs.

As newlyweds in 2002, my husband and I considered living Downtown, but decided it wasn’t right for us. After living in Boston for a few years, we came back in 2006 and signed a lease for a loft on Fifth Street. While on the East Coast, we had lived without a car and had relied on public transportation. We wanted to continue that lifestyle in L.A. Downtown was the only way to make it happen.

Our first son, Noah, was born in 2008. Despite the questions, especially from our parents, as to when we were going to move somewhere more family friendly, we decided to stay.

While Downtown was and still is rough around the edges, we felt that it was the right place to raise our son. Sure, the air and the sidewalks are dirty, there were few parks and school options were limited. But we found that being able to get home quickly and spend time with Noah

was more valuable than all the family friendly options the suburbs can provide.

While we don’t have our own back yard or tree-lined streets, we do have lovely parks and world-class cultural attractions within walking distance of our home. Sometimes friends and family complain about the traffic Downtown, but I rarely have to deal with it since we walk or take public transportation.

When our second son, Elijah, was born in 2011, leaving Downtown didn’t cross our minds. We had made a home for ourselves and didn’t feel we needed more room. Having limited storage space has made us very good at giving away, selling or donating items that we no longer use. Our rule of thumb is, if it hasn’t been used in a year, it’s time for it to go. We have established a relationship with St. Anne’s Home and donate the boys’ toys to their thrift shop regularly.

We are expecting our third son in June. The question is already coming: Will you leave Downtown?

The answer is still a resounding “No.” We will continue to live in our loft and will make it work.

It might be a little crazy to have three boys in a 1,400-square-foot loft, but we think it will be right for our family. Noah attends a local school easily accessible by bus, and takes piano lessons from a neighbor. There are Japanese lessons close by, and he is a strong swimmer because we have easy access to a pool. Elijah, who is almost 4, has different interests than his brother,

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Noemi Garcia Tagorda and her boys, Noah and Elijah.

photo by Gary Leonard

but his love of dinosaurs and trucks — especially construction vehicles — is easy to satisfy here.

Some experiences are not as pleasant, but they are still important for us as a family. It’s hard to explain to a child why a person is sleeping on the street or why a stranger might be yelling at no one and everyone. We want our children to know that the world is not perfect, that poverty is not just something you read about in a book. We also want the boys to know that, as members of our community, there are ways to help. We teach them to be compassionate but aware of the world around them. We teach them to be safe and help them to develop street smarts.

With the accelerated change happening in Downtown these past three years, living here with children has become much easier. There are more clothing stores, playgrounds and parks geared toward children. Still, we had to be creative when teaching our oldest how to ride a bike or practice his baseball swing — we have used the top level of our parking structure.

Eventually, we may need to move. Unlike my grandparents and parents before us, however, it won’t be because we want to leave. It will be because our growing boys just require more space for their larger things. We are sure that won’t happen for a few more years, and will enjoy our urban lifestyle for as long as we can.

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16 Downtown News

May 4, 2015

MOTHER’S DAY

A Meal for

Mom

When It Comes to Expressing Your Appreciation on Mother’s Day, Brunch Is a Good Start

By Donna Evans he cleaned your room, bandaged your wounds and washed your dishes more times than she’d care to count. Plus there are all those meals that she cooked. OK, so you weren’t thrilled with Mom’s meatloaf. Still, it’s probably your turn to do something nice for her.

That opportunity comes this week. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, and restaurants all across Downtown Los Angeles are offering brunches and specials that will allow you to express appreciation to the most important woman in your life.

Below are just six of the many options.

Be sure to make a reservation. Also, be sure to make a card. Moms like that.

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Mom and Mimosas: If you are looking for something traditional, there is no better choice for mom that the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

Steeped in history (presidents have stayed here, after all; remember when mom said you could be president one day?), the 92-year-old Grand Dame of Downtown boasts soaring Moorish plaster ceilings, Italian travertine tile and a working astrological clock from 1923. On May 10, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., the hotel’s Smeraldi’s restaurant is serving a big brunch. Options include an omelet station, Belgian waffles, a seafood display with king crab legs and jumbo shrimp, and carving stations. Of course, there are desserts and plenty of mimosas. The price is $59 for adults and $25 for children.

At 506 S. Grand Ave., (213) 612-1562 or thebiltmore.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

Food, Music and More: Ever thought your mom was a character? Turn that thought into art by having an actual caricature artist capture those traits, as you enjoy the Mother’s Day celebration from Patina Group at the Music Center. A brunch buffet will be offered from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the fifth floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. A meal at this Bunker Hill event includes freshly squeezed juice, tea or coffee. There are a variety of egg options, a farmhouse leek quiche, rockfish and shrimp pot pie, as well as a Belgian waffle bar. The meal is $55 for adults and children are $22. If mom likes sparkling wine, you can pay an extra $12 for bottomless bubbles.

At 135 N. Grand Ave. Brunch information at patinagroup.com.

Figueroa Street’s Local Table is serving up a Mother’s Day brunch not just on Sunday, but on Saturday, too.

Brunch in the Sky: Unless Mom is afraid of heights, the 35th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites might be a nice surprise.

On Mother’s Day, the hotel’s top-floor restaurant

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L.A. Prime will start a meal by giving violets to all moms. A jazz trio will play and there will be a five-course menu with highlights such as salmon, Maryland crab cakes, a Maine lobster omelet and Chilean sea bass. Yes, mom gets Maine, Maryland and Chile without leaving Downtown L.A. The 11 a.m.-2 p.m. brunch is $56.

At 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 624-1000 or thebonaventure.com.

Surprise!: Speaking of surprises, another one is in store for moms at Fleming’s Steakhouse on May 10. The manager called it a “surprise and delight,” but we hear it’s a $25 gift card to a future visit. The South Park restaurant’s brunch runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s a threecourse prix-fixe meal with choices such as blue crab omelet and prime rib. Among the sides are mashed potatoes and herb-roasted carrots, while a dessert highlight is the white chocolate bread pudding. Make sure to share some with mom. The brunch at the L.A. Live restaurant is $39.95 for adults and $18.95 for children.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-9911 or flemingssteakhouse.com.

Hooray for the Buffet: In case you haven’t figured it out yet, hotels are great at doing Mother’s Day. Another option is at the Grand Café in the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. Executive chef Simon Warren’s Mother’s Day buffet will delight with sticky bun French toast, eggs, an assortment of vegetables and prime rib, among many other options. Adult beverages include mimosas and Bloody Marys. The Bunker Hill brunch runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. It’s $59 for adults and $25 for kids.

At 251 S. Olive St., (213) 617-3300 or omnihotels.com.

Local Love: Is Mom the type who wants to know which farm her fruit and veggies hail from? Does she lovingly nag that Cheetos and soda are not the makings of a meal? If so, or even if not, you should consider taking her to Local Table. The Financial District restaurant is offering a threecourse prix-fixe meal for $45 (adults) and $15 (kids); it includes bottomless mimosas and a special gift for your favorite gal. Bonus: Local Table is offering the brunch both Saturday and Sunday.

Double bonus: 10% of the weekend proceeds will be donated to nokidhungry.org. Mom always told you to help others.

At 800 S. Figueroa St., (213) 488-2654 or localtable-la.com donna@downtownnews.com

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May 4, 2015

Downtown News 17

MOTHER’S DAY

Ahead of the Curve and Here to Stay For One Mom, a Daughter and a Business Are All Part of a Busy Life

By Nikki Olson e moved to Downtown in 2006 when I was pregnant with Zoe. Downtown was a different place then: We still had to drive to buy groceries.

I was unsure about planting roots here, but my husband Simon persisted. He knew that the growth and development were coming, and he really wanted to be a part of it. Since then we’ve moved around a few times, starting at the Gas Company Lofts, then to Library Court, and finally settling at the Market Lofts.

I absolutely love our South Park neighborhood. It is close to almost everything, and a great environment to raise my daughter.

Zoe has never lived anywhere but Downtown Los Angeles. She really knows her way around, and can give back-seat directions to anybody who seems a bit lost probably better than most adults. She has a great group of friends who live here and I have a network of supportive parents who understand the unique challenges of raising a child in this environment.

There have also been benefits I didn’t think about at first: Raising Zoe in Downtown means exposing her to myriad different people and cultures in a very short radius. This teaches her about multiculturalism in ways that wouldn’t be possible in other parts of the city.

Zoe is a first grader at Metro Charter Elementary School. She absolutely loves it and is doing extremely well — she has made the principal’s

honor roll since kindergarten.

Still, this simple bit of life that people take for granted in the suburbs wasn’t easy. We realized when Zoe was about 3 that we wanted to stay in Downtown for good. However, at the time, we were unhappy with the lack of schools here. My husband and I found a lot of parents who felt the same way, and we all decided to do something about it. The process of opening a school is long and complicated — it took almost three years — but now we have a school for not only my daughter, but all the other children in Downtown.

Last year, I opened my own business, Soleil Beauty Salon, in the Fashion District. It is something that I had been wanting to do for quite some time. Being a business owner and a mom can definitely be overwhelming at times. Fortunately, I have a network of Downtown parents who can help with daily responsibilities such as picking Zoe up from school and looking after her until I can close the shop. On the other side of the coin, sometimes I am the one collecting kids and giving them a safe place to play at Soleil until their parents can come pick them up. We have also used the salon to host baby showers and children’s birthday parties.

Being a mom in Downtown has so many wonderful advantages. By far my favorite is that I don’t have to drive anywhere. I sold my car last year, and with my business just five short blocks from home and Zoe’s school only six

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blocks away, I can literally walk everywhere.

Our everyday life is an experience that allows us to bond and talk as we walk — we much prefer it to Zoe watching a screen in the back of a car during our daily commute.

We originally chose to live Downtown because my husband was working long hours and didn’t want to spend even more time with the horrible commute here in L.A. We have given up having a lot of living space, but the trade-off is so worth it. Being close to my business, my daughter’s school and my husband’s work makes our lives so much easier.

Downtown definitely has its challenges — the dirt, trash, smells, noise and sometimes aggressive homeless people can get to me from time to time. Zoe, however, accepts it as part of her life and takes it all in beautiful stride.

Nine years after coming Downtown, I can honestly say there is no place I would rather be. Everything from the street art to the colorful characters make me look forward to our daily walks together. With all the new development happening, there is always something new to see and explore. I think we are here to stay.

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grapefruit juice and soda water for a refreshing kick, from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Those in the mood to dance will be entertained by all-female mariachi band La Victoria. All the festivities come without a cover change.

At 107 E. Sixth St., (213) 988-8355 or 213nightlife.com/lasperlas.

CALENDAR

East L.A. stalwarts Los Lobos will perform at The Regent on Tuesday, May 5.

Finding a Fiesta for Cinco de Mayo Downtown Offers a Bevy of Celebrations on May 5

By Eddie Kim inco de Mayo, like its Irish holiday cousin St. Patrick’s Day, is often more an excuse for Americans to imbibe than to truly celebrate the culture and history of Mexico. Did you know, for example, that May 5 has nothing to do with Mexican independence? It actually commemorates the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla, when a small number of Mexican troops beat back a much larger French army.

That said, Cinco de Mayo is still a day filled

C

with intriguing festivities, good food and cheap drinks. Here are a few of our favorite events and dining options in Downtown Los Angeles.

Tequila Time: The Historic Core bar Las Perlas has one of the best selections of tequila and mezcal (tequila’s smokier sibling) in the city, which makes it a perfect fit for a round or four of Cinco de Mayo drinks. Better yet, Las Perlas is celebrating the holiday by offering $5 margaritas and palomas, which combine tequila,

Latin Jams: In 1973, four East L.A. high school students came together to form a band that played everything from American Top 40 to blues rock to jazz. The first real spark of success, though, came when the quartet decided to take on the Mexican music of their youth. The rest, as they say, is history: Los Lobos would go on to write hit songs, tour the world, and win three Grammy awards. The Eastside natives take The Regent’s stage on May 5 to romp through their catalog of groovy Latin rock, and you can be sure the venue will blow up when they kick into their smash version of “La Bamba.” Also on the bill are roots rockers Dave and Phil Alvin and The Guilty Ones, as well as The Mighty Echoes. General admission tickets for the 21-and-over event are $45 online.

At 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727 or theregenttheater.com.

Mexico Meets Morocco: The beautiful 1925 Hotel Figueroa is hosting a big celebration on May 5, with a bevy of dirt-cheap drinks and plenty of music. The magic number is five, as $5 gets you well cocktails, well shots, house wine, draft beer or a pair of tacos from 4-11 p.m. There will also be a DJ spinning from 6-10 p.m. The festivities are taking place at the hotel’s pool and bar area, which features a warm Moroccan/ Spanish atmosphere. It’s a nice oasis from the hustle and bustle of L.A. Live and the Financial District, on Cinco de Mayo or otherwise.

May 4, 2015 At 939 S. Figueroa St., (213) 627-8971 or figueroahotel.com.

Viva La Rosa: Over at L.A. Live, Rosa Mexicano is in the midst of its “Five Days of Cinco” celebration, which began May 1 and runs through May 5. The restaurant is offering a $30 prix-fixe menu that begins with a choice of guacamole (mashed and served in the traditional molcajete, or mortar) or three-cheese nachos for the table. Each guest then picks an entree from seven choices including Baja-style battered fish tacos with grilled “street” corn and grilled carne asada with roasted poblanos. The meal wraps up with a bag of crisp churros, served with three dipping sauces. Also on the menu are pitcher cocktails to share and a few specialty drinks. Rosa Mexicano is open for dinner from 4-10 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd, (213) 746-0001 or rosamexicano.com.

Ready to Rumble: The return of Cinco de Mayo means the return of a wacky Downtown stalwart: Lucha VaVoom. For those not in the know, the event mixes professional wrestling, specifically the Mexican lucha libre style, and burlesque striptease. The pair of shows on May 4-5 at the Mayan Theatre carry the name “Psychedelic Cinco,” and will also feature lots of tequila, Aztec dancers, tamales, mariachis, sweet lowrider cars on display and even something called a “Living Piñata,” which sounds suspiciously dangerous. The 21-and-over event begins at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $50 for general admission — get there early to snag the best seats.

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

Cantina Party: The Financial District restauContinued on page 20

May 4, 2015

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Asian Food Festival Coming to Little Tokyo Marketplace Five-Day Event Offers Free Tastings and Demonstrations

By Eddie Kim ittle Tokyo has long been a focal point for the Japanese community and its culture in Los Angeles. In 2015, however, it is so much more than that: Residents of all ethnic backgrounds now call Little Tokyo home. Additionally, the neighborhood’s food scene has expanded to include not just Japanese, but also Korean, Chinese and Asian fusion establishments.

The Little Tokyo Marketplace, located inside the Little Tokyo Galleria mall, is paying heed to that change this week with its second Asian Food Festival. The free event takes place WednesdaySunday, May 6-10. It offers cooking demonstra-

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tions and tastings throughout the market.

The market is using its Japanese and Korean deli section and setting up 25 food stations, according to store director Steve Oh. “We get a lot of American customers here now so this is a good opportunity to show off foods like kalbi and kimchi and some different ingredients like Japanese fermented natto beans,” Oh said.

Other highlights include traditional Korean chicken soup (simmered with red dates and potent ginseng), Japanese curry, vegetable stirfries, crisp pork tonkatsu, ramen and Korean glass noodles. Tasting samples are free, and

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CinCo De Mayo, 18 rant Pez Cantina has earned plaudits for its fresh seafood and regional Mexican dishes.

Now it’s got a big Cinco de Mayo celebration going on. A five-day affair that began last week continues May 4-5, with margaritas made with pricey (and excellent) Don Julio tequila going for $12. Mexican beers on tap and a Mexican Chardonnay are $7. Each day features a selection of food specials and live music on the patio. Check out the Orquesta Son Cache, a seven-piece band that will be performing from 5-8 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo.

At 401 S. Grand Ave. (213) 258-2280 or pezcantina.com.

Party With a Pig: Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken have made Border Grill a Los Angeles institution, with food that blends the elements of various Latin American cuisines in untraditional but delicious ways. As it does every year, the restaurant is holding a Cinco de Mayo bash with plenty of food and drink specials. Diners on Tuesday will see a pig roast taking place on the patio, and the really thirsty can buy a ticket for the all-you-candrink sangria bar. Border Grill is also hosting a band that will jam out salsa and other Latinhued tunes all night long. Reservations are recommended.

At 445 S. Figueroa St., (213) 486-5171 or bordergrill.com. eddie@downtownnews.com

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attendees are welcome to ask the cooks questions about techniques or ingredients, Oh said.

The market decided to hold the event last year to draw in new customers and inspire them to try new dishes, and turnout was strong, Oh said. The company has ramped up the number of booths this year and hopes to continue to expand in the future, he added.

The Asian Food Festival and other events will continue to get action as Little Tokyo sees more and more people living, shopping and eating there, said Dean Matsubayashi, executive director of the community nonprofit Little Tokyo Service Center.

“The streets of Little Tokyo have become more diversified, and it’s a larger function of what’s happening across Downtown,” he said. “It’s not a big recent shift, but I’ve seen an increase of people waiting in line for restaurants, new types of places, and a much younger crowd.”

Longstanding businesses like the Little Tokyo Marketplace, which was formerly a Mitsuwa supermarket but was acquired by the Korean company HMart in 2009, are now straddling the line between serving its traditional customer base and more recent arrivals. Chances are, people from both camps will taste something new at the Asian Food Festival.

The Asian Food Festival is at the Little Tokyo Marketplace, 333 S. Alameda St. or (213) 6170030. Hours are 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. eddie@downtownnews.com

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CALENDAR LISTINGS

Kids' Movies, Vintage Rock and African Culture Are in Downtown This Week

EVENTS

By Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com

Typically, REDCAT is a destination for highbrow and avant-garde pursuits. Now through May 16, the adult-oriented venue flips the script with the 10th annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival. Parents are encouraged to bring their wee ones to the space beneath the Walt Disney Concert Hall this Saturday-Sunday, May 9-10, for a trio of programs each day. All last about an hour, feature shorts from around the globe, and are pitched to a different age group. For example, the 5-and-up set might enjoy High Tech Hijinks (Saturday at 1:30 p.m.; it includes “Bitseller,” shown here). Those with children 7 and older might try Family Matters (Sunday at 3 p.m.). Hint: Get your tickets in advance. At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

photo by Gary Leonard

ThuRSDay, May 7 Chinatown After Dark Far East Plaza, 727 N. Broadway, (213) 680-0243 or chinatownla.com.

6 p.m.: A new monthly food-tasting program debuts with offerings from Chego, Cognoscenti, Kim Chuy, Qin West, Ramen Champ, Scoops and Thien Huong. Jason Arimoto, Ph.D., will be on ukulele.

Dan Casey at the Last Bookstore Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7 p.m.: The Marvel universe gets a little wider as Casey shares his in-depth work of fan analysis in his book 100 Things Avengers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.

Since 1969, Kùlú Mèlé has interpreted centuries of African culture through traditional dance and song. On Saturday, May 9, the troupe drops by the W.M. Keck Amphitheatre at Walt Disney Concert Hall for the last performance in this year’s Music Center World City program. The theme is Afro-Cuban celebration, with an emphasis on the rhythm and meaning of Carnival. You can catch Kùlú Mèlé in two free performances at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Ticket reservations are available online. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org.

photo courtesy Darryl Holter

FRIDay, May 8 Juliana Romano at the Last Bookstore Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7:30 p.m.: “Young Lust” is a great Pink Floyd song and the theme of First There Was Forever, the book author Juliana Romano will be reading from tonight.

SaTuRDay, May 9 Kùlú Mèlé at World City Keck Amphitheatre, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org.

11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: The Philly-based folk ensemble embodies African folk traditions from both the classical and contemporary ends of the spectrum. Complimentary tickets are available with an online RSVP. Talking Back: Voices of Color Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7 p.m.: In this case the classification “Voices of Color” includes those emanating from people who identify as Black, Latina/o, Indigenous, Asian Pacific American, Palestinian and LGTBQ. Because the Q&A is at the end of the program, it is you, the audience member, who will be talking back.

Continued on next page

Diehard Seattle basketball fans will be disappointed when they learn that The Sonics playing at The Regent on Saturday, May 9, are not their erstwhile hoops team. On the other hand, music fans will be delighted to hear that the ’60s proto-punk outfit from Tacoma has hit the road again to spread some good, sardonic sonic gospel. The band has nearly enough former members to pack the club on its own, so let’s dispel all confusion: Original singer Gerry Roslie, lead guitarist Larry Parypa and sax-man Rob Lind will all be on hand to kick out old tunes and jams from the new album, This Is the Sonics. At 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheater.com.

photo courtesy of The Music Center

MONDay, May 4 Lucha VaVoom Mayan, 1038 S. Hill St., (213) 746-4287 or clubmayan.com.

May 4-5, 7 p.m.: The Mayan Theater hosts the finest spectacle of burlesque, Mexican wrestling and sly commentary you will ever witness. Careful with the tequila, friends.

photo by Merri L Sutton

Sounds of LA 333 S. Grand Ave. or artsbrookfield.com/event/ soundsofla_wfc Arts Brookfield presents the free lunchtime concert series Sounds of LA at the Wells Fargo Center. The shows feature Kamasi Washington, May 6; Sam Marsey, May 13; J Mosley, May 20; Quetzal Guerrero, May 27; Moonchild, June 3; and Iliana, June 10.

Smiling Photography Exhibit 333. S. Grand Ave. or artsbrookfield.com/smilela/ Arts Brookfield is exhibiting 85 photographs by the award-winning shooters of the VII photography collective that examine how smiles manifest in our world.

The exhibit is free and open to the public and runs from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 4-July 17 in the Bank of America Plaza lobby.

Honoring Adele Yellin 701 State Dr., (310) 472-1990 or laparksfoundation.org Adele Yellin, a 2015 Rose Award recipient, will be honored for her contributions to the quality of life in Los Angeles, at a lunch on Thursday, May 7. Hosted by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, the 11:30 a.m. reception and noon lunch will be held at the Rose Garden at Exposition Park. Parking is available for $10 (cash only) at the California Science Center. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and promote recreation and parks for Angelenos.

image © Genoma Animation

SPONSORED LISTINGS

You may know Darryl Holter from his role in the automotive powerhouse the Shammas Group. However, don’t think he is just some corporate suit. Holter has deep passions in the realm of Americana and folk music, and on Friday, May 8, he shares tracks from his latest recorded testament to old timey tunes, Radio Songs. The Grammy Museum hosts a free night of musical nostalgia and cross-genre conglomeration that begins at 7 p.m. and ends with an after party. Spots are limited, so be sure to RSVP online ASAP. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or darrylholter.com.

Fifth Street’s Last Bookstore throws its doors open for three consecutive nights this week. Best of all, the programs are all completely different. On Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m., comic book aficionado Dan Casey defends his hardcore fan thesis/narrative scavenger hunt as he talks up his new book 100 Things Avengers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. On Friday at 7:30 p.m., painter-turned-novelist Juliana Romano shares excerpts from her precocious coming-of age-novel First There Was Forever. Finally, on Saturday at 7 p.m., a crew of contributors from Talking Back: Voices Of Color offer perspectives on making the transition from object of history to subject. At 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

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

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22 Downtown News

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$45,898 2014 Boxster .........................................

Blk/Blk, CPO, PDK, Infotainment Pkgs., Only 10k Miles. ES120116 $52,898 2013 Cayenne S Demo ........................... $69,988 Silver/Blk, Nav, XM, Prem, Pkg., PASM, Pk. 5k miles. DLA85183 2011 Cayman S ......................................

Blue/Beige, CPO, 6 Spd, Navi, Bose (BU780672)

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May 4, 2015

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May 4, 2015

AROuND tOWN, 2

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of the French restaurant at 257 S. Spring St., which comes from Church and State owner Yassmin Sarmadi and executive chef Tony Esnault. Esteves said Spring will lean more toward fine dining than a French bistro. The plan to put a higher-end restaurant in the space at Third and Spring streets has been a long time coming, with word of a restaurant from Sarmadi and Esnault first surfacing in 2012.

Bartending Competition at J.W. Marriott

S

ome of the city’s best bartenders are converging at the Mixing Room, in the lobby of the J.W. Marriott hotel at L.A. Live, during the month of May. They’ll be there for the lounge’s third annual May Mix-Off, a competition that pits bartenders in a battle of cocktail skills. The event takes place every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. The May 6 edition is a casual “meet the mixologists” event where guests get to know the contestants over drinks and small bites. The next three events each have two competition rounds: One with featured spirits (such as Sailor Jerry rum and Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey on May 13) and another with a mystery spirit. Winners from each week will advance to the finals on May 27. The winners will be picked by a panel of judges based on taste, presentation, performance and even the intensity of the crowd’s support. Downtown participants this year include Brian Quint of the Ace Hotel, Dylan Snyder from Acme Group and The Standard’s Melaney Schmidt. More information is at lalivemariott.com.

Fight Club, 5 brawler named Everton Lopes, from Brazil, dispatch an overmatched opponent from Wichita, Kansas, knocking him out with a body blow just 84 seconds into the first round; Lopes spent more time posing for photos with the ring girls after the bout than he did fighting. Since I like to say nice things about people, I can state that Wichita had some of the prettiest glittery gold pants I’ve ever seen outside of a Broadway production.

I saw Joet Gonzalez, from Glendora, beat Ali Gonzalez, from Tijuana. I spent more time pondering how two fighters with the same last name were matched against each other than they did in the ring — Joet kept his record unblemished with a second round KO. I also watched a guy with the fantastic name of Yamaguchi Falcao outclass a fighter from Fort Smith, Arkansas. During the one-sided match I kept thinking about how Yamaguchi Falcao sounds like the greatest Star Wars character never invented.

The main event matched 13-0 Julian Ramirez, from East L.A., against Raul Hidalgo, from Casas Grandes, Mexico. While Hidalgo’s record of 23-12 might be great in baseball, in boxing it means you pretty much have a sign over your nose that reads “Hit hard here.” Indeed, Hidalgo proved proficient at taking gloves to the face, body, sides and head. He didn’t go down, but he did lose all 10 rounds on every judge’s scorecard.

It was a rout, but again, that doesn’t mean that it lacked entertainment value, or that the entertainment was relegated to the ring. The crowd was partisan Ramirez and ready to cheer, or admonish, when necessary.

“Come on, somebody hit each other!” I heard a high voice shout in the second round when the going was slow. A round later, as Ramirez picked up the pace, the same voice screamed, “Give it to him!” The tones contained the type of fury that Gunnery Sergeant Hartman unleashed in Full Metal Jacket (seriously, go watch it again on YouTube).

I turned around, carefully, to see from whom the vehemence erupted. Imagine my surprise when I glimpsed a dark-haired woman in a short black dress. The numbers 5 and 2 popped to mind — they applied to both her age and height.

As Ramirez kept up a steady pounding, the woman kept up a steady diatribe. At one point I think she even yelled, “Hit him in the kidneys!” I’m not sure if Ramirez did as requested, but she didn’t stop screaming until the final bell sounded. I don’t know who got it worse: Hidalgo or the lady’s vocal chords.

LA Fight Club returns to The Belasco on Thursday, May 7. I can only hope kidney lady is there, too.

The Belasco is at 1050 S. Hill St. Tickets and additional information for LA Fight Club are at goldenboypromotions.com. regardie@downtownnews.com