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May 21, 2018 I VOL. 47 I #21

s ' A L DT e Year: h T f O t e P

OWEN A CELEBRATION OF DOWNTOWN’S ANIMAL COMPANIONS See Pages 13-18

Big Change for the Main Museum | 10 A Clever and Funny ‘Soft Power’ | 20

BEST OF DOWNTOWN

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AROUND TOWN

Time to Vote for the 30th Annual Best of Downtown

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veryone likes to talk about their favorite restaurant or store. Now, Downtown workers and residents can do more than talk. That’s because Los Angeles Downtown News is opening voting for its 30th annual Best of Downtown issue. Starting Monday, May 21, people will have three weeks to cast ballots in more than 100 categories, with sections devoted to eating, drinking, entertainment, shopping and businesses. All voting takes place online at votebestof.com, and anyone who fills out at least 20 categories will automatically be entered in a contest to win some prizes courtesy of Downtown News. Voting closes on June 14; one online ballot per person, please. The Best of Downtown will be published on July 23.

Developer Plans 41-Story Tower For Fourth and Figueroa

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oreatown-based Jamison Properties is looking to get into the ground-up construction game in the Financial District.

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The developer recently filed plans with the Department of City Planning for a 41-story residential building at 350 S. Figueroa St. That site is currently occupied by the Los Angeles World Trade Center, which contains 375,000 square feet of office space and connects to the nearby Westin Bonaventure Hotel via sky bridges. Jamison Properties, which owns dozens of buildings across Los Angeles, purchased the site in 2004 for more than $53 million. The plans filed with the city call for partially demolishing the existing structure to make way for the tower. Jamison is also working with Brookfield Properties to modernize the California Market Center at 110 W. Ninth St. The budget and timeline for the World Trade Center replacement have not been disclosed.

The news was first reported by the website Curbed L.A.

City National Gets Signage On Second Building

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inancial giant City National Bank has expanded its presence in Downtown Los Angeles. The bank, a longtime leading stakeholder in the Central City, is taking over 11 floors at Two California Plaza at 350 S. Grand Ave., filling approximately 300,000 square feet of office space in the Bunker Hill tower. The building will be renamed City National 2Cal. The bank will retain its Financial District headquarters at 555 S. Flower St. “The expansion and

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

MAY 21, 2018

new signage on Bunker Hill positions us as one of the largest employers and tenants in Downtown Los Angeles, and signals our continuing commitment to our clients, colleagues and communities in Southern California,” City National Bank Chairman and CEO Russell Goldsmith said in a prepared statement. The expansion was first announced in December 2016. The length and terms of the lease were not disclosed.

Several hundred employees have already moved into the new offices in the 52-story skyscraper; a total of 1,600 are expected to work in the building. City National Bank currently employs more than 2,100 people in Downtown.

Soccer Team Takes Downtown Offices

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os Angeles’ newest sports team has doubled down on Downtown. The Los Angeles Football Club signed a lease for 25,000 square feet of office space at 818 W. Seventh St. in the Financial District. The 12-story, 1924 structure sits at the same intersection as the Wilshire Grand Center high-rise. “Located just minutes up Figueroa Street from the Banc of California Stadium and near our Performance Center in East L.A., this is the perfect location for us to continue to build our club’s connection to the city,” LAFC President and co-owner Tom Penn said in a prepared statement.

Terms of the lease were not disclosed. The

Los Angeles Football Club is in its first year.

The team played its first home game at the 22,000-seat Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park, on the site of the former L.A. Sports Arena, on April 29. A team from the Downtown office of CBRE represented the landlord, Downtown Properties, in the deal.

Performers Wanted For Annual Holiday Celebration

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or most people, the holiday season doesn’t begin until after Thanksgiving, but that isn’t stopping the Music Center from getting a jump on the festivities. The performing arts hub has begun accepting applications for L.A-based arts and cultural groups wishing to participate in the 59th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration.

The event happens on Christmas Eve every year from 3-6 p.m. at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and typically dozens of local choirs, dance troupes and more each take the stage for about 10 minutes. The free event is pitched as the county government’s gift to local residents. Interested parties can attend one of seven workshops running across Los Angeles from June 2-30 to learn about the application process and how to prepare performance materials. A Facebook live webinar will also be held on May 31 at noon. The application deadline is Aug. 2. More information and workshop forms are at holidaycelebration.org.

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MAY 21, 2018

DOWNTOWN NEWS 3

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Downtown L.A. Auto Group “Our Customers Say It Best”

The staff at Porsche of Downtown L.A. were amazing and, beyond helpful. I couldn’t be happier about the choice I made.

— Kiyu Kalbor

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4 DOWNTOWN NEWS

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EDITORIALS

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MAY 21, 2018

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Re-Elect Dianne Feinstein

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hen it comes to Dianne Feinstein’s quest to win a sixth term in the United States Senate, one subject is frequently referenced only elliptically by her opponents, as if they know it’s politically uncouth to raise the concern directly. So let’s get that matter out of the way: At 84, is Feinstein too old to serve a six-year term that will keep her in office until 2024?

We don’t see any evidence that Feinstein’s age hampers her ability to serve. She is focused and determined, and operates as a strong and consistent voice in an era of divisive partisan politics. Age has not compromised her. Instead, her commanding record, and her steady leadership and thoughtful approach to issues such as climate change and gun control, make her the right person to represent the state.

An era when one party controls Washington is precisely the time when Feinstein is needed most. Much in Congress depends on seniority, and Feinstein’s status as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, her role on the Appropriations Committee, and her former slot as chair of the Intelligence Committee provide her with a perch to advocate for California. Any new senator would start at the bottom of the seniority system, taking years to achieve true power.

Feinstein’s record by and large reflects the interests of state residents. She has sought to protect our environmental resources and increase fuel economy. She is a longtime advocate for common sense gun control going back to a ban on assault weapons in the 1990s. She was outspoken in reviewing the U.S. use of torture as an interrogation technique.

Ironically, the leading complaints brought by Feinstein’s top opponent, the accomplished state Sen. Kevin de Leon, are testaments to why she should remain in office. The de Leon campaign is seeking to appeal to California’s most progressive voters, and built a foundation upon a couple lines that Feinstein uttered: Very early in Donald Trump’s presidency, she urged patience with the new leader, and suggested that, given time, he could be a good president.

This wasn’t blasphemy. Instead, it was the kind of wisdom we would hope to hear from a senator. While slamming a routinely offensive President Trump may garner applause on the campaign trail, politics requires the ability to negotiate and compromise. A senator must work with the White House and the Republican majority, no matter how distasteful the office holder(s). Patience and building relationships on both sides of the aisle — something Feinstein has accomplished during her decades in D.C. — is how you deliver for constituents.

During his time in office (his 24th District includes the Civic Center, Little Tokyo, the Arts District and Chinatown) de Leon has built an admirable record. He served as president of the state Senate for four years. He has worked on issues such as climate change and infrastructure repair. He is a vocal advocate for immigrants’ rights. We expect he will have a long career in California politics.

We understand the call for a changing of the guard, but Feinstein’s relationships and experience at this time outweigh the need for something new. She deserves to be re-elected.

Blessing of the Bicycles

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COMMENTS

Regarding the article “Proposed Aerial Tram Would Connect Dodger Stadium, Union Station,” by Sean P. Thomas, and the editorial “Can the Dodger Stadium Gondola Really Fly?” Bring it!

—Bob Devin Jones How would such a system be maintained? How would it react in a magnitude 7.5 earthquake? What landowner of a parcel lying underneath the cables would wish to have aerial development/density thereby limited? Do the proponents include the cost of buying the unused development rights of all such parcels? Why would anyone ride a gondola in the off-season or when the team plays out of town? This only adds to the cost of tickets to make up the difference to provide a profit.

Instead, there ought to be a light rail line connecting DTLA, Chinatown, Dodger Stadium and on up to the center of the second-most populous city in L.A. County: Glendale. This rail line could be an extension of the planned West Santa Ana Branch line that will provide light rail service from Downtown to Artesia. Light-rail transit would then run beneath the stadium parking lot seven days a week, all year long, and Frank McCourt could develop the area to his heart’s delight. Fans could transfer off of the Red

EDITOR: Jon Regardie STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton, Sean P. Thomas CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre,

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May 15, 2018

or Purple line at Pershing Square. Riders on the Gold or Blue or Expo lines could transfer to such a new line at the Second and Hope Regional Connector station atop Bunker Hill. Just Leave Union Station alone. Don’t mess it up with such a propeller-head contraption.

—John Crandell To me the biggest question is how fast can you fill the stadium with the gondola system? I ran some math and it seems like two to four lines would be needed. Still, it would be a delightful ride!

—Susan Di Giullo [The system’s operators] said the proposed design would carry 5,000 passengers per hour. It’s not nearly enough to fill the stadium, but I guess you can’t really expect everyone to use a single mode of transportation either.

—Neil Okamoto

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MAY 21, 2018

DOWNTOWN NEWS 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Eric Garcetti Goes to the Great State of New Hampshire!

The Imaginary Backstory Behind the Mayor’s Totally Real College Commencement Speech

By Jon Regardie rom Mayor Eric Garcetti’s official schedule: MAYOR GARCETTI’S EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 13 9:45 AM (EDT) Mayor Garcetti will give the commencement address at Southern New Hampshire University.

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Scene One: About two months before that. Garcetti is in his office, an aide waiting nearby. The mayor, square-jawed, fit and wearing a fine blue suit with an American flag pin on the left lapel, stands at the mirror, gently applying dabs of gray to his dark hair in an effort to appear more distinguished.

Excited shouts are heard as another aide comes running down the hall. The breathless aide careens into the room.

Aide 2: Mr. Mayor! Mr. Mayor! Mr. President!

Garcetti’s ears perk up and he turns from the mirror.

Aide 2: Mr. Mayor! We got it. The big East Coast invitation we’ve been waiting for!

Garcetti: They want me to address the United Nations?

Aide 2: In time I’m sure. But that’s not it.

Aide 1: They want him at the National Press Club?

Aide 2: No. Aide 1: Good God, not “Fox & Friends.”

Aide 2: No, it’s New Hampshire. They want him to come back to New Hampshire.

Aide 1: That’s one of our 50 greatest states.

Garcetti [grins]: And the site of one of the earliest presidential primaries.

Aide 2: Ka-ching!

photo by Gary Leonard, treatment by L.A. Downtown News

THE REGARDIE REPORT

Garcetti: I was there in August, stumping for Manchester mayoral candidate Joyce Craig. She won, didn’t she?

Aide 1: Yes Mr. Mayor.

Aide 2: You have the golden touch. You’re like King Midas, but

elected by a city where 81% of the people love you.

Aide 1: You got so much press out of that visit, and back then you were only pretending to run for president. But now you’re running and pretending that maybe you’re not.

Garcetti: I think what’s important is not who runs and represents the Democratic party, but rather that we come together and remind America that this is the party that fights for the underdog. Washington, D.C. is the place where nothing gets done, but across the country people have real problems and are trying to put food on the table.

A moment of silence, then a sheepish aide speaks.

Aide 1: Mr. Mayor, there are no television cameras in this room.

Garcetti: I know. I always know. Just practicing.

Aide 2: This is big, Mr. Mayor. A college wants you to deliver its commencement speech.

Garcetti: Wow, Dartmouth is reaching out. That’ll make headlines.

Aide 2: Uh, no. It’s not Dartmouth.

Garcetti: University of New Hampshire then. A fine university.

Go Wildcats!

Aide 2: It’s not that one either. But close.

Garcetti: Not Dartmouth? Not UNH? What could it be?

Aide 2: It’s Southern New Hampshire University, Mr. Mayor.

Aide 1: That’s ridiculous. There is no Southern New Hampshire University.

Aide 2: For reals. It’s like the University of Southern California, but for a much smaller state.

Aide 1: Is there even a Southern New Hampshire? I thought the whole state was the size of a buttermilk biscuit.

Aide 2: There is a Southern New Hampshire. The university is Continued on page 9

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Regional Connector Reaches Halfway Point Massive $1.77 Billion Rail Project on Pace to Open in 2021

By Sean P. Thomas ne of most ambitious public transit undertakings in Los Angeles County reached a milestone last week.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it has hit the halfway point on the Regional Connector, a $1.77 billion project that will streamline cross-county rail travel by enabling people to ride from Santa Monica to East Los Angeles and Azusa to Long Beach without having to change trains. The work involves extensive tunneling in Downtown Los Angeles, along with the creation of three new stations.

Metro was set to celebrate the construction milestone with a “Halfway There” event on Saturday, May 19 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press) in Little Tokyo. The community is the site of extensive construction for the project, including a new station that will open at First Street and Central Avenue.

The project is on pace for completion in December 2021.

“This project is unique,” said Gary Baker, project manager for the Regional Connector. “Normally, you build and extend outward. For this one, it’s the opposite.”

The project has been in the works since 2007, and construction began in 2014. The work involves digging a pair of 1.9-mile tunnels that will connect Metro’s Blue, Expo and Gold lines in Downtown.

According to Metro’s estimates, the Regional Connector will increase ridership across the entire transportation system by 17,000 people per day, while saving commuters an

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average of 20-30 minutes by reducing the need to travel to other transit stations or to transfer onto different lines.

Metro’s 1,000-ton boring machine, named Angeli, completed the tunnels in one year. Angeli displaced approximately 400 feet of rock and rubble per day.

Once the first tunnel was completed, the machine had to be completely disassembled, then moved back to the starting point in Little Tokyo to begin the second tunnel.

Construction has not been without snags. The route passes through some of Los Angeles’ oldest streets.

Baker said that construction was halted at times as workers bumped up against almost 100-year-old water and electrical lines. Metro worked with various utility companies to devise a plan to either remove the components, or completely rebuild them if necessary.

“One of the lessons learned is that knowing where things are isn’t good enough,” Baker said. “We also need to know what condition things are in.”

Metro received $670 million for the project from a federal grant, with an additional $160 million provided through a loan with the caveat that the work be completed by May of 2021. According to Metro, the loan allows for deadline extensions for “unforeseen circumstances.” An additional $940 million comes from a combination of state bonds and funding from Measure R, which was passed by county voters in 2008 to support mass-transit projects.

The project was initially budgeted at $1.35 billion, but costs have steadily risen.

The underground Little Tokyo station will replace a street-level Gold Line station. Another station is being built at Second Street and Broadway, accessible to the Historic Core and the Civic Center. The final station is on Bunker Hill, at Second and Hope streets, and will provide easy access to The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall and other attractions on Grand Avenue.

On Monday, May 14, Metro officials showed off progress on the soon-to-be completed Little Tokyo Station as part of

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MAY 21, 2018

photo by Gary Leonard

Metro staffers last week led a tour through the Little Tokyo Station that will be part of the agency’s Regional Connector. It is one of three Downtown stations being constructed as part of the $1.77 billion project.

an event dubbed Infrastructure Week. Activities during the sixth annual happening, intended to highlight infrastructure deficiencies across the country, and the response to those problems, took place on the East and West Coast.

In Little Tokyo, approximately 20 local stakeholders were provided with boots, a hard hat, goggles and gloves, and Continued on page 12

MAY 21, 2018

DOWNTOWN NEWS 7

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Fashion District Gets $2 Million in Street Repairs Year-Long Project Repairs Sidewalks, Adds Trees and Lighting

By Nicholas Slayton eople across Los Angeles regularly complain about pothole-filled streets and sidewalks that are buckled from overgrown tree roots. City and private groups try to keep up with that. Last week, Fashion District stakeholders came together to celebrate a project that addressed damaged infrastructure and improved pedestrian access.

A coterie of community leaders gathered on Los Angeles Street on the morning of Tuesday, May 15, to celebrate the completion of a $2 million streetscape repair program. The work took place on Los Angeles Street between Seventh Street and Olympic Boulevard, and encompassed approximately 13,000 square feet of sidewalk repairs. The project also included new signage, lighting and plants.

The Fashion District Business Improvement District had been trying to launch such a project since 2007, according to BID Executive Director Rena Masten Leddy. The work was needed not just for dealing with aging infrastructure, but also to adapt to a changing neighborhood.

Los Angeles Street has historically housed menswear and fashion shops, along with designer showrooms, Leddy said. However, the residential population is growing, as is the creative office sector. She pointed to the Nor-

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City and business leaders last week celebrated the completion of $2 million worth of infrastructure improvements in the Fashion District. The work on Los Angeles Street includes new plants, lighting and the repair of 13,000 square feet of sidewalks.

photo by Nicholas Slayton

ton Building at 755 S. Los Angeles St., which a developer is remodeling as part of a larger creative office campus.

“There’s a number of things that are happening in this district and changing the makeup of the retail,” she said. “This improved streetscape is going to entice and help businesses thrive.”

R O O L F E TH OV DAY R P M I

In addition to sidewalk repairs, the work included adding 27 new trees to the threeblock area, along with 14 crosswalks, Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant ramps, and 18 pedestrian lights. The final component, 13 new trash bins, will be installed in coming weeks.

The improvements were funded by a

$1.9 million grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The Fashion District BID contributed another $50,000, and worked with the Bureau of Street Services and the office of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar.

Work took approximately a year, and Leddy noted that business owners along Los Angeles Street had to put up with a lot of aggravation during the construction. She said that although the work seems simple, it required extensive coordination between businesses, the BID and city departments.

Huizar said the improvements will not only make Los Angeles Street safer for pedestrians, it will also help the continued growth in the Fashion District.

“We strongly believe livable cities are walkable cities,” Huizar said. “In order to restore Downtown to its former glory, we must build the necessary improvements to make it easy for people to come by foot, bus, bike or car. I’m proud to champion complete streets. Increased safety and access leads to more foot traffic, community building and more business.”

The Los Angeles Street improvements are part of an ongoing series of efforts to upgrade Downtown streets and make them more attractive for people on foot and bicycle. A previous project reduced vehicular lanes on Broadway. The $20 million MyFigueroa effort is expanding cycling and pedestrian access along the Figueroa Corridor, while similar work is occurring on Main and Spring streets. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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MAY 21, 2018

VOTE NOW! POLLS ARE OPEN ONLINE @ VoteBestOf.com

The readers decide, your vote counts!

By filling out at least 20 Best Of categories, you will automatically be entered to win prizes courtesy of the L.A. Downtown News. Vote for Downtown businesses only; please don’t list chain stores or national companies.

30th Annual

2018

N W O T N W O D F BEST O

VOTING ENDS 5 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 The top two for each category will be listed in the Best Of Downtown issue on July 23rd.

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INNER

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BEST OF TM

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THE RULES: One online ballot per person. You’re not allowed to write in any one business more than three times on a single ballot. We reserve the right to exclude any ballots that we believe to be part of an evil ballot-box-stuffing scheme. Please don’t submit multiple ballots, we can tell if you do! All ballot info is kept confidential. Good luck!

THE CATEGORIES FOR 2018 BEST OF DOWNTOWN ARE: EATING Best American Best Asian Fusion Best Gelato Best Ice Cream/Yogurt Best Bakery/Desserts Best Cajun Best Chinese Best Dim Sum Best Farm To Table Best French Best Gastropub Best Indian Best Italian Best Japanese Best Sushi Best Poke Best Korean Best Latin American Best Mediterranean Best Middle Eastern Best Seafood Best Steakhouse Best Thai Best Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly Best Filipino Best Vietnamese

Best Burger Best Crepes Best Pizza Best Ramen Spot Best Sandwich/Wrap Best New Restaurant Best Dog Friendly Restaurant Best Bang for Your Buck Best Downtown Classic Best Restaurant Ambiance Best View Best Decor Most Romantic Restaurant Best Outdoor Dining Best Dining Hub Best Figat7th Taste Eatery Best Grand Central Market Eatery Best L.A. Live Restaurant Best Hotel Restaurant

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ENTERTAINMENT Best Music Venue (Large) Best Music Venue (Small) Best Nightclub Best Escape Room Best Free Event Series Best Film Series Best Film Venue Best Museum Best Downtown Tours Best Tourist Attraction Best Family Attraction Best Performing Arts Venue Best Downtown Event

SHOPPING Best Farmers Market Best Wine Store Best Bicycle Shop Best Pet Supplies/Boutique Best Art, Craft & Design Store

Best Store For The Home Best Bookstore Best Cannabis Dispensary Best Cigar/Smoke/Vape Shop Best Candy Shop Best Jewelry Mart Best Flea Market Best Consignment & Vintage Store Best Gift & Stationary Store Best Retail Store (Large) Best Retail Store (Medium) Best Street Fashion Boutique Best Menswear Best Womenswear Best Auto Dealer – New Cars Best Auto Dealer – Used Cars

BUSINESSES Best Florist Best Day Spa Best Hair Salon Best Nail Salon Best Barber Shop Best Dentist or Dental Office Best Chiropractor Best Gym/Workout Facility Best Dance Studio

Best Yoga Studio Best Dry Cleaners Best Computer Repair Shop Best Optometrist Best Hospital Best Auto Dealer - Service Department Best Shoe Repair Best Travel Agency Best Hotel Best Public Transportation Best Preschool Best Daycare Best Pet Services Best Veterinarian Best Coworking Space Best Residential Real Estate Agent Best Property Management Company Best Business Improvement District Most Beautiful Historic Theater Best Downtown Commercial Real Estate Firm Best Law Firm Best Moving/Storage Company Best Architecture/Design Firm Best Bank Best Credit Union Best Wedding Spot Best Private Event Venue

BEST OF DOWNTOWN PUBLISHES - MONDAY, JULY 23

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MAY 21, 2018

DOWNTOWN NEWS 9

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Aide 1: Flawless as always, Mr. Mayor.

Aides 2: Huzzah! Huzzah! Eric Garcetti for President!

GARCETTI, 5 in Manchester and is located on the Merrimack River. It has 3,000 on-campus students and 90,000 online students.

Aide 1: Now I know you’re making it up.

Aide 2: Again, it’s for reals. What do you think of the idea, Mr. Future POTUS? The room falls quiet for 30 seconds, 45 seconds, a minute.

Two minutes. An array of expressions play across the mayor’s face as his brain’s internal Eric Garcetti Analytics Department (EGAD) assesses the news, weighs the pros and cons, and anticipates how it would play during his next Jimmy Kimmel appearance. Finally, Garcetti speaks.

Garcetti: Southern New Hampshire University. That’s the Harvard of Southern New Hampshire, isn’t it?

Aide 2: It is, Mr. Mayor. Top of the class.

Aide 1: It’s Ivy League in every way but for inclusion in the Ivy League.

Aide 2: And if we put the speech on your daily schedule, then media across the country will report on how you have also visited other early voting states such as Iowa and South Carolina.

Aide 1: This is a golden opportunity. It’s only about 22 months until voters head to the polls in the New Hampshire primary.

Aide 2: I should also add that your speech will be to the graduates of the university’s College of Online and Continuing Education.

Aide 1: Come on. That sounds like something you’d get from a college Internet name generator. That can’t be a thing.

Aide 2: It’s 100% a thing. Totally true. It’s SUNH’s College of Online and Continuing Education, or SUNHCOCE for short.

Aide 1: What do you say, Mr. Mayor?

Garcetti is silent for another 37 seconds as the EGAD crunches the data. Finally he looks up and pats himself on the back. He speaks in an assured manner.

Garcetti: SUNHCOCE. Soon-kose. In Spanish, el soon-co-say.

Scene Two: Two days before the speech. The mayor is looking in the mirror and the aides sit in front of laptops.

Aide 1: You got a lot of media play in April when you visited Iowa and described how Iowans are like Angelenos. I think you should do the same here.

Aide 2: What do we say? How are people from New Hampshire and Los Angeles similar?

Garcetti: It’s about granite.

Aide 1: Huh? Garcetti turns from the mirror and launches into speech mode.

Garcetti: New Hampshire is the Granite State, and granite is rocks. And in Los Angeles, we have rock stars. Rocks and rock stars, uniting people on opposite coasts who are connected by the thread of being American, a thread that grants us a stake in the hopes and dreams this country offers. But those hopes are being threatened every day by what goes on in Washington, D.C. And the leaders of tomorrow, whether they come from New Hampshire or California, will provide a better future for all Americans.

The aides stand up and applaud.

Aide 1: That was presidential.

Aide 2: USA! USA! Garcetti: I’m not sure if I’ll use it though. What else should we include?

Aide 2: It’s time to dangle the word “patriot” again. That plays well.

Aide 1: Yes, you’ve sprinkled it in several media appearances and reporters always include it in the story.

Garcetti: I may hold off. Southern New Hampshire borders Northern Massachusetts, and the New England Patriots play in Boston. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is a Donald Trump supporter, and what’s rule number one of this campaign that NB:9.81” isn’t officially a campaign?

Aide 1: We never do anything where we can’t control the narrative.

Garcetti: And can we control Tom Brady?

Aide 2: No sir. No one can control Tom Brady.

Garcetti: And what’s rule number two?

Aides 1 and 2 in unison: No event in an early voting state is too small or too unimportant, no matter how small or unimportant it really is.

Garcetti nods in agreement.

Garcetti: I think I’ll mention borders, and the idea of navigating borders. I’ll reference the students reaching across borders to be here. Physical borders and online borders. Everyone will think of borders and California and Trump and the wall.

Aide 2: That’s brilliant. It’s so Democratic party!

Aide 1: Super Democratic party!

Aide 2: Big tent!

Aide 1: You should probably mention L.A. getting the 2028 Olympics and the Lucas Museum.

Aide 2: Bigger tent!

Aide 1: And the response to homelessness and your proposal for temporary emergency shelters.

Aide 2: In the biggest tents!

Garcetti glares at Aide 2.

Aide 1: Sorry. Not funny.

Aide 2 (changing the subject): Mr. Mayor, Kamala Harris hasn’t been to New Hampshire yet. You can stake your coast-tocoast claim before she does.

Aide 1: It’s your turn. After all, Los Angeles has more residents than two dozen states.

The EGAD spins. Garcetti thinks for a moment, then looks at the imaginary teleprompter of the future.

Garcetti: SUNHCOCE! The Harvard of Southern New Hampshire! Here we come!

The mayor and the aides pat each other on the back and all begin break dancing while whistling “Hail to the Chief.” regardie@downtownnews.com

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10 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MAY 21, 2018

Main Museum Partners With ArtCenter Art Institution Gets Financial Support From College as First Step in Possible Long-Term Deal

By Nicholas Slayton ne of Downtown’s newest museums is experiencing a shake-up. At the same time, one of the region’s most prominent arts institutions is getting a foothold in Downtown Los Angeles.

The Historic Core’s Main Museum of Los Angeles Art and the Pasadena-based ArtCenter College of Design last week announced that they will form what a press statement described as an “exploratory agreement” that will provide the museum with “financial sta-

O

bility.” It also opens the door to a long-term relationship, with the museum possibly becoming a part of ArtCenter.

The initial deal will last through the end of 2018. The college will help the museum at 114 W. Fourth St. financially — specific terms of the economic relationship were not revealed — while the institutions work on a longer partnership, according to Main Museum Director Allison Agsten.

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ArtCenter President Lorne Buchman said the Main Museum first reached out early this year. The current agreement calls for ArtCenter, which has approximately 1,700 students, to lease the museum facility for $1 per year. Buchman said that ArtCenter

photo by Gary Leonard

The Main Museum is partnering with ArtCenter College of Design to provide what the institutions termed “financial stability.”

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had previously been aware of the Main Museum and its programming, and it made sense to work together.

“We have a mission to provide the best education for artists and designers,” he said.

“And here’s a project, a museum in a growing and dynamic part of the Los Angeles area, that is giving voice to a creative community wrestling with important questions.”

ArtCenter started in Downtown Los Angeles in 1930, focusing on art and design education. It relocated to Pasadena in 1973. The private college offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Main Museum was first announced in 2014 by Old Bank District developer Tom Gilmore and his business partner Jerri Perrone. The two described plans to create a “non-museum museum” in properties Gilmore owned.

The museum launched in October 2016 in a “Beta Main” phase while construction continued on the larger building. Programming has focused on Los Angeles-based artists; most recently it showcased the works of Dora de Larios, a ceramicist who passed away shortly before the exhibition’s opening.

The museum also gained attention for its “office hours” exhibits. These allowed non-professional and burgeoning artists to come in and talk with Agsten about their work. Agsten provided feedback and it led to a group show.

The museum occupies 12,000 square feet in the Hellman Building. Initial plans called for a multi-purpose, 100,000-square-foot facility in the Hellman Building, the Farmers

DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

and Merchant Bank Building, and a garage, with work expected to be finished in 2020.

That plan is now on hold. Agsten said the option to expand the Main Museum into the Hellman Building’s basement is still on the table.

Agsten said that for the long-term viability of the Main Museum, the staff had to look at alternatives to how it had been operating.

Gilmore provided the seed money for the institution, but the current funding methods were not disclosed.

“We needed to move to a new model, where other kinds of support were possible for a museum,” she said.

The Main Museum is one of a wave of high-caliber museums and galleries that have sprung up in Downtown. The Hauser & Wirth gallery complex opened in the Arts District in 2016. Last year, the former Santa Monica Museum of Art moved to Seventh Street in the Arts District and was renamed the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.

Under the new partnership, the Main Museum will carry on with its currently planned but as-of-now unannounced programming.

Buchman said that in the future, should a full partnership come together, design-oriented programs would likely be incorporated, given the college’s focus, and educational programs could be added as well.

The specifics of any long-term deal, including education and programming operations as well as how much would be budgeted for the Main Museum, require an in-depth study and analysis, Buchman said. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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12 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MAY 21, 2018

CONNECTOR, 6 were led down a winding, almost erector set-like flight of stairs, into a cavernous construction pit. Massive slabs of concrete and other building materials were stacked to one side, waiting to be fashioned into the eventual subterranean station.

Baker led groups into the 19 1/2-foot tall tunnels. The tunnels are constructed with massive, rectangular-shaped sections of concrete that appear as if they were snapped together like perfectly fitted puzzle pieces.

The train tracks have yet to be installed; the lack of tracks allowed the tour to freely traverse the tunnels.

Only a few workers were visible in the pit. A Metro official said that 250 people are currently working on the project in Downtown at any given time. sean@downtownnews.com

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MAY 21, 2018

DOWNTOWN NEWS 13

NATIONAL PET MONTH

DTLA’S BEST PET CONTEST 1st

Owen

Luka (cat) & Raisin

2nd

Ernie

3rd

L

ast month, Los Angeles Downtown News asked our readers to send in photographs of their animal companion for our second DTLA Best Pet Contest. Scores of people responded, offering photos of happy dogs, cats and other critters. Some were shown at home and others out in the world. We got playful pups and resting kitties.

The contest was open to people who live or work in Downtown and winners were chosen by staff members of Downtown News. While it’s completely subjective (after all, everyone thinks their pet is the top dog or cat, and who can argue?), first prize went to Corinne Siacunco for her photo of her dog, Owen. She wins a $100 gift card to Palermo Italian Restaurant and a gift package from Pussy & Pooch.

Second place went to Debby Zhou for a photo of her cat Luka and dog Raisin. Karin Liljegren, who sent a pic of her dog, Ernie, came in third place. Debby and Karin will each receive a $50 gift card to Palermo and a gift package from Pussy & Pooch.

The following pages show all of the submissions.

Even though we had to name some winners, we admit it: All of them are pretty cute.

Brooklyn

Baby

Baby

Boba

Brody

Bronco

Baxter

Almond Joy (AJ) Continued on next page

14 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MAY 21, 2018

NATIONAL PET MONTH

Sam Peckinpaw

Dandy & Daffy

Winston, Leica & Lola

Drexel

Duke

Gandalf the Grey

Sparky

Clyde

Kitsie

Pilaf

Bodie

Pepino

Precious

Rockee

Rollo

Bailey

Baxter

Bodey

Nelson

Bogart

Dweezil

Moses

Mickey

Grantham

Jager

Joy

Mr. Jarhead

Koa

Portos

Rosabella

Spencer

Sydney

Volta

MAY 21, 2018

Beans

DOWNTOWN NEWS 15

NATIONAL PET MONTH

Benito Juarez

Seamus & Ms. Kitty

Bowie & Stevie

Darla

Dash

Fergie

Fredrick Nugg

George (front) & Ellie

Cheeva

Carittoto

Eus

Charley

Charlotte

AVAILABLE!

Dreidel

Hailey

Caddy Continued on page 18

NATIONAL PET MONTH

16 DOWNTOWN NEWS

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A DOWNTOWNER’S BEST FRIEND Meeting Canines and Their Humans at Local Dog Parks PHOTOS BY GARY LEONARD

By Sean P. Thomas concrete jungle isn’t the most welcoming setting for our four-legged friends, but that hasn’t stopped huge numbers of Downtown Los Angeles residents from buddying up with a canine companion. The community is well known for its sizable dog population, which has sparked the creation of several parks where the animals can run, exercise and socialize.

Los Angeles Downtown News last week visited a pair of places where people with pooches gather. The pet owners detailed what it’s like to live in Downtown.

A

LAPD Park Who’s Hanging Out: Arion and Sunshine Home: Rowan Building In Downtown Since: 2014 Sunshine’s Favorite Place: The LAPD lawn. “We went to Silver Lake. Didn’t go so well.”

Best Thing About Being a Dog Owner in Downtown: The LAPD park. “We all kind of watch each other’s dogs grow up.

If I take Sunny to a dog park, they all judge her because she’s a pitbull, but everyone here is like, ‘Sunny! Give me a hug.

Let’s play!’”

Worst Thing: People who don’t pick up after their dogs.

“Some people do not take care of their dogs the right way.”

LAPD Park Who’s Hanging Out: Kai and Tobie Home: Spring and Sixth Streets Kai’s Favorite Place: Grand Central Market.

Tobie’s Favorite Place: The LAPD lawn and Horse Thief at Grand Central Market. “The outdoor seating area. That’s where he gets the bones.”

Best Thing About Being a Dog Owner in Downtown: “It’s a great way to meet people, which is sometimes not easy.”

Worst Thing: Lack of space. “There is very little green space.

Before we moved here we thought the Spring Street Park was here for the dogs, but it closes at sunset, which is a problem.”

Spring Street Park Who’s Hanging Out: Paul and Monster Home: Santee Street In Downtown For: A few months Paul’s Favorite Place: Restaurants around his apartment building.

Best Thing About Being a Dog Owner in Downtown: “I don’t think there is a best part; everything seems harder here. I’m not used to living in a city while also having a dog.”

Worst Thing: A lack of green spaces for the dogs.

Spring Street Park Who’s Hanging Out: Mirena and Maestro In Downtown For: Six months Mirena’s Favorite Place: Local cafe and bars. “I’ve only been here for six months, so I’m still going around trying to find the best spot.”

Maestro’s Favorite Place: The L.A. Live Dog Park.

Best Thing About Being a Dog Owner in Downtown: “The positive thing is that dogs are very much embraced down here. There are a lot of stores that you can take your dog into.”

Worst Thing: Lack of safety and dog parks. “There are a lot of dogs that I see with booties on because people are worried that they will get glass or needles in their paws. That is really problematic.”

MAY 21, 2018

PET TALK FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 17

NATIONAL PET MONTH

ussy & Pooch is your local pet market retail shop geared toward modern cats and dogs and their humans. The DTLA location is a pet-friendly urban oasis featuring a one-of-a-kind Pawbar, in-store pet cafe, a full-service pet grooming salon, and the Pethouse boutique filled with a selection of pet lifestyle products. Our Meat Market pet grocery is stocked with a variety of premium, organic, raw, alternative and traditional pet food products, plus a variety of smallbatch cakes/treats from our bakery. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the diet and health supplements that work best for your pet. We offer same-day local delivery or convenient in-store pickup when you order online.

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et Project LA is DTLA’s friendly neighborhood pet store. Located in the heart of the Historic Core, Pet Project LA is proud to offer the community carefully curated dog, cat and bunny supplies. “We really strive to support the DTLA and surrounding communities that support us,” says owner Rachel Long.

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18 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MAY 21, 2018

NATIONAL PET MONTH

PET CONTEST Continued from page 15

Jack

Lilabelle

Lilo

Lucy & Desi

Jax

June

Kali

Kevin

Kumo

Lisa

Louie

Martini

Missy

Master Marley

Maxerson

Mercy

Garbo

Hamilton

Happy Gronk

Hunter

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Abbey

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Miles

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DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DT

DOWNTOWN NEWS 19

The recen Beyond th tly opened exhib it e from mo Streets features w re than 1 o rks 00 in artists. H ighlights ternational in the ex housed in hibit a edge of C warehouse on th hinatown e inclu Finley’s “G angsta G de Ron arden.”

CALENDAR

photo by Sean P. Thomas

MAY 21, 2018

Downtown Gets a Huge Show of the Works That Are Adored by Some and Dismissed by Others

By Sean P. Thomas treet art is a tricky subject. Although it has entered the mainstream, and is a focus of everything from museum exhibitions (think Downtown Los Angeles’ MOCA launching Art in the Streets in 2011) to films (Banksy’s Exit Through the Gift Shop), many people still consider it a public nuisance, and think of it as indistinguishable from illegal graffiti.

So is it a valid art form, or a scourge on the streets?

The subject has returned to the spotlight in Downtown, with the recently launched Beyond the Streets exhibition. The show in a sprawling 40,000-square-foot warehouse on the edge of Chinatown once again seeks to celebrate a different form of creative expression.

The exhibit, which opened on May 6 and runs until July 6 (regular admission is $25), was curated by Roger Gastman, a wellknown street art historian and curator who also helped put together the MOCA exhibit. During a recent press event, Gastman expounded on his passion for showcasing the work of those he sees as artistic rebels who

S

operate on the fringes of society.

“There is 100% a misunderstanding and 100% not a misunderstanding of graffiti and street art,” Gastman said, standing in front of a wall dedicated to the work of actor and artist Dennis Hopper. “At its purest form it’s vandalism, it’s illegal and it’s on the street. No matter how amazing and beautiful it might seem, it’s always somewhere that it shouldn’t be and people are always going to have a problem.

“But at the same time though, a lot of that energy and the school of the streets results in where you’re standing now.”

Beyond the Streets features work from more than 100 international artists across mediums including photography, installations and, of course, graffiti. While many of the participants will be unfamiliar to most museum goers, it includes a section by arguably the most famous name in the craft, Shepard Fairey.

Known for his eye-catching “Obey” prints referencing the late wrestler Andre the Giant, and the headline-snatching “Hope” poster, featuring Barack Obama (which also prompted a lawsuit), Fairey believes that events like

Beyond the Streets will further help people understand the importance of street art.

“There are a lot of artists who, if you saw their original sketch on a canvas or in a sketchbook, you might have thought they are never going to go anywhere,” Fairey said.

“But look at what they have achieved now.

This work, isolated in a gallery setting, holds up alongside any art with a capital A that you’ll see in a gallery or a museum.”

Enter the Chambers Visitors to the space on Main Street are greeted by a re-creation of Lee Quinones’ “Lion’s Den,” a painted handball court on the Lower East Side of New York, and the outdoor gardening landscape that is Ron Finley’s “Gangsta Gardener.” If the latter name sounds familiar, it may be because Finley delivered a 2013 Ted Talk on urban gardening.

The exhibit is divided into various twisting and turning hallways, and contains large open spaces for some of the bigger exhibits.

There are also some room-sized installations such as Takashi Murakami’s ceiling-reaching shower curtain and Brooklyn-based FAILE’s interactive temple piece. The latter is a walkin installation utilizing ceramic, steel and mo-

saic elements placed around a horse-like sculpture centerpiece.

Reflecting the mainstream aspects, and the fact that big business has jumped on street art, Adidas, an event sponsor (another sponsor is NPR), partnered with Los Angeles graffiti legend Risk to dutifully re-create the Venice Beach Pavilion.

Before its removal in 2000, the Westside hub of was a destination for skateboarders, metal heads, break dancers and, of course, street artists. The latter group added layer upon layer of designs to the concrete walls.

As in the original, the Downtown re-creation is fully skate-able for those who come armed with their boards.

Among the most colorful and eye-catching works is “Garden,” created by Los Angeles-by-way-of Australia duo DABSMYLA. The husband-and-wife team is known for their use of floral design (their work is also on the side of the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre in City West). In this case, visitors come upon a field of multi-colored flowers unexpectedly.

“We wanted to create something where you come around the corner and it really Continued on page 24

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20 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MAY 21, 2018

Soaring on a Soapbox David Henry Hwang Delivers a Funny, Timely and Potentially Short-Lived Show

By Jeff Favre he metaphorical prop that’s usually present in political theater is the soapbox. The stories and characters are secondary to the message, which tends to come across in an overbearing fashion.

Given the make-up of city-dwelling theater audiences, it tends to be a preaching-to-the-choir moment that will not appeal to anyone in disagreement — and will have the shelf life of fresh-baked bread, soon growing hard, old and tasteless.

Soft Power may suffer a similar fate of losing the relevance of immediacy, but unlike most topical soapbox theater, this world premiere by David Henry Hwang is an inspired, clever and wildly funny musical. Deftly directed by Leigh Silverman, Soft Power runs through June 10 at Downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre.

In collaboration with composer Jeanine Tesori, whose breadth and understanding of modern and classic musical theater is as obvious here as it was with her Tony-winning Fun Home, Soft Power is, first and foremost, enjoyable and smart entertainment. Secondly, it’s a sharp satire about cultural appropriation and America’s unwillingness to look at world situations from other perspectives.

That intractably American viewpoint is what is making it hard for a Chinese-American writer named David Henry Hwang (Francis Jue, though he’s listed in the program as DHH) to work effectively with Chinese producer Xue Xing (Conrad Ricamora), who wants Hwang to alter his TV series idea to only show China as an ideal society.

It’s 2016, and Hwang, whose on-stage character is inspired by the playwright (though it’s not strictly autobiographical),

One scene in David Henry Hwang’s Soft Power is set in a futuristic McDonald’s.

The show at the Ahmanson Theatre runs through June 10.

T

photo by Craig Schwartz

thinks China can create international cultural hits — and in turn gain what’s called soft power, influencing the rest of the world — only if they show China with warts and all.

After the meeting, the men attend a production of The King and I — it’s worth noting that the playwright’s conflicted feelings about the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical were an initial motivation for this show — which doubles as a fundraising event for Hillary Clinton. They are accompanied by Xue Xing’s love interest, actress Zoe (Alyse Alan Louis). She explains to Hwang that despite the racism, inaccuracies and Western-centric storyline, the musical works because of its “delivery system,” namely emotionally charged and beautiful music.

The show switches gears when Hwang, mirroring the playwright’s real life, is stabbed in the neck. As he passes out in the hospital, his world transforms into a musical, one in which

Xue Xing becomes the star who tries to help America and Hillary Clinton understand its problems and how China has the solutions (an inverse King and I).

America is transformed into a world where almost everyone is blond, ignorant and carries a gun. The best comical and musical moments come from Clinton (also Louis), who delivers a raucous, funny campaign song and dance at America’s favorite restaurant, McDonald’s, during which she takes off her clothes to reveal a classic Wonder Woman outfit.

In the musical, Xue Xing, who begins an affair with Clinton, is deeply confused by a song about the Electoral College, but he assumes the seemingly magical ballot box will declare Clinton the winner. Instead, the winning sign reads “Not Hillary Clinton.”

Trump is never mentioned by name, only as a Chinese-hating Continued on page 24

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CALENDAR LISTINGS

V yn

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REDC

an

BY SEAN P. THOM AS

image cour tesy

EVENTS

Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway or acehotel.com/calendar/losangeles.

May 23: Songstress Natalie Lafourcade brings her sultry vocals and soulful lyrics to the Theatre at Ace Hotel’s stage. You can sing back at her from the Theatre at Ace Hotel’s seats.

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

May 21: Tim Lefebvre Group.

May 22: Jeff Pifher and Socrates’ Trial have a new CD out. Tip: Don’t drink hemlock.

May 23: Cormac De Barra.

May 24: Jamie Shew also has a CD coming out.

May 25: Danny Janklow Group.

May 26: Joe LaBarbera Quintet.

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

May 21: Toliver and Eddington’s residency continues. So enjoy some soul and R&B. May 22: Raw, rock and roll piano from Sarah Walk.

May 23: Indie rock group The Brevet is apparently big on the indie rock trend of singing “whoa-oh” as a hook.

Continued on next page

Don't Miss List

Los Angeles has no shortage of film festivals, but one that mom, dad and the young ones can enjoy? There might only be one. That’s why families will be flocking to the back of Walt Disney Concert Hall for the 13th annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival.

Over three consecutive weekends, from Saturday, May 26, to June 10, there will be a lineup of shorts from around the world. There are three programs per day, each lasting about an hour and each containing a variety of work. Get ready for a slew of animation techniques, as well as live-action films. On both Saturday and Sunday there are programs at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Check the website for the full schedule and age recommendations. At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.

What Is Scientology?

Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, 4810 W. Sunset Blvd., (323) 953-3206 7 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: What is Scientology? Find out for yourself by attending recorded lectures by L. Ron Hubbard available at the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles. Call now to reserve your seats.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

The

1

SPONSORED LISTINGS

photo by R

o by n

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wa nk

Austria meets Germany, with a little bit of Detroit, Chicago and New York thrown in. That’s because Wajatta is coming to Downtown. If you’re unfamiliar, Wajatta is an electro-pop collaboration between the Austrian-born musician John Tejada and Reggie Watts, who hails from Germany and is best known for the TV series “Comedy Bang! Bang!” The duo will visit the Teragram Ballroom on Wednesday, May 23, in support of their debut album, Casual High Technology, which mixes Watts’ vocals with Tejada’s West Coast electronic-inspired sounds. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the pair will hit the stage at 8 p.m. At 1234 W. Seventh St., (213) 689-9100 or teragramballroom.com. up,

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oto

gra

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y

Gro There’s nothing funny about gun violence, but the team behind Fun Lovers Unite! isn’t about to get all depressed. On Thursday, May 24, the FLU! gang will host a fundraising evening of music, comedy and gun sense at The Regent. Organized by Joshua Mills and Mac Montandon, the event seeks to shed light on gun violence, while raising money for a worthy cause.

Former Headlined by comedienne Sarah Silverman (shown here) FBI Director James Comand musician Moby, with an appearance by Los Aney is taking a break from publically geles City Attorney Mike Feuer, the proceeds from trading barbs with President Donald Trump the event will benefit the organization Women to swing by the Aratani Theatre — where he Against Gun Violence. At 448 S. Main St., will likely fling a few more bombs the President’s way.

(323) 284-5727 or theregent­ Comey recently published the book A Higher Loyalty: Truth, theater.com.

Lies and Leadership, and on Thursday, May 24, he’ll read from it and talk about topics including prosecuting the Italian mafia, the Hilary Clinton email scandal, and his role in investigatPicture ing alleged ties between Trump and the Russian government a classical music conduring the 2016 election. Veteran journalist Jim Newton cert. You’re probably imagining a will join Comey onstage in a major get for the Library cavernous ballroom, stuffed with people in Foundation’s Aloud series. Note: Tickets were sold their Sunday finest — maybe there’s a monocle out at press time, but sometimes additional or two. Now blow that up and imagine hearing some

by Michael Amico photo seats are released closer to the date. At classical strains while inside one of Downtown’s favorite 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 680breweries. The L.A. Chamber Orchestra, in collabora3700 or ilfla.org. tion with the theatrical enclave Four Larks, this week is launching Sessions, an effort to bring classical music to unconventional locations. The inaugural concert will take place at Angel City Brewery on Thursday, May 24.

There will be food trucks, beautiful music, a chance to hang with the musicians and, of course plenty of beer. The event begins at 9 p.m. At 216 Alameda St., (213) 622-7001 or laco.org.

e Ph

MONDAY, MAY 21 Piper Weiss at The Last Bookstore 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7:30 p.m.: The author chats about her new book, “You All Grow Up and Leave Me,” with writer Jennifer Romolini.

TUESDAY, MAY 22 Michael Ignatieff at Zocalo Public Square National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 N. Central Ave. or zocalopublicsquare.org.

7:30 p.m.: The Zocalo Book Prize winner asks if local, ordinary virtues are stronger than universal values. We’re not sure, but we still say we should all be excellent to one another and party on.

THURSDAY, MAY 24 James Comey at Aloud Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St. or lfla.org.

7:30 p.m.: The former FBI director and noted Trump tangler discusses his new book defending the Bureau’s actions, “A Higher Loyalty.” Expect him to drop an “Oh lordy.”

Fun Lovers Unite! at The Regent 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheater.com.

8 p.m.: A group of musicians and comedians, including Moby and Sarah Silverman, come together for a night of entertainment and to oppose gun violence.

FRIDAY, MAY 25 Helen Benedict at The Last Bookstore 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7:30 p.m.: The author’s newest novel, “Wolf Season,” dives into the lives of women in Iraq during the recent and ongoing war.

SATURDAY, MAY 26 Silent PLAY Experiment Undisclosed location, silentplayexperiment.splashthat.com.

9:30 p.m.: A group of up to 30 strangers will come together for a riff on an immersive theater experience. Participants will throw a ball, build a fort and otherwise play with those they have never met. No talking is allowed, and shoes must be left at the door.

DOWNTOWN NEWS 21

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

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MAY 21, 2018

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LISTINGS, 21 May 24: Lean in with Lean.

May 25: The Posies are still going strong.

May 26: Capital letter-hating mc chris raps about nerdy things. He’s also a veteran of several Adult Swim shows.

May 27: Doncat carries on the California folk-rock tradition.

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

May 26: Jazz guitarist Yu Ooka teams up with singer Yvette Nii for fresh and modern rhythm and blues.

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

May 24: Lasers Lasers Birmingham, Neon Moon. We have no idea what’s happening, but we are intrigued and are getting glow sticks.

May 27: The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers really do sing gospel songs from the early 20th century, in a kind of roots rock style. So to the one Eagles of Death Metal fan who misread the band name, it’s not what you’re expecting.

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

May 24: DJ legend Armin van Buuren.

May 25: Gareth Emery.

May 26: Dada Life.

May 27: Metro Boomin.

Moroccan Lounge 901 E. First St. or themoroccan.com.

May 21: Gang of Youths roll into town for all kinds of hootenanny and rascally trouble. We are now old.

May 22: Lykke Li is lit.

May 23: British electro-pop act Colouring says it creates a “post-dubstep atmosphere.” And now we’re haunted by memories of dubstep.

May 24: Synths and terrain studies from Geographer.

May 26: Amyl & the Sniffers are a pub rock group from Australia and sport far more mullets than should be allowed.

May 27: The Americans. Not the show, but the rock band. It’s not an America cover band, either.

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

May 21: It’s a night of sundrenched new age California desert folk from RF Shannon, Jesse Woods and Alex Dupree.

May 22: Lizzy Land has set up an amusement park outside Buellton.

May 23: Unless we’re mistaken, The Knitts believe their rock music pairs well with well whiskey.

May 24: Matt Hollywood and the Bad Feelings. Finally, a band name we can relate to on a deep level.

May 25: Relive the era of Boys II Men as Honeycut, DJ Ash B, Sasha Marie and Kyle Woods curate a night of ’90s R&B. May 26: Carla dal Forno promises moody songs.

May 27: The Obsessed come ready to fight with four decades of hardcore punk, metal, and a tumultuous band history.

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

May 21: Michael Starr has heard all of your astronomy puns by now. Yes, even the one about the white dwarf.

May 22: The Makers are ready to endorse the next governor of California.

May 23: Rosa Lee Brooks, as far as we know, is not tied to Garth Brooks. Take that, Chris Gaines.

May 24: Curtis Parry’s Jazz Cartel is stoked for the new Sicario film.

May 26: Junkyard Duo. May 27: The California Feet Warmers are ready, rested and rehydrated.

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

May 24: DJ and producer Sango is in town.

May 25: Rapper Pouya represents his Miami background strong, with a Dolphins necklace in his artist photo. That takes dedication.

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

May 23: Sean Wheeler and the Reluctant Messengers want us all to be greatly concerned about the rising levels of income inequality in the country.

May 24: AreaMan, Jean Caffeine, Images, DJ Powerop Jeff.

May 25: Bruja and the Coyote, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Tramp for the Lord.

May 26: The Relative Minimum, Consciously Dying, Final Fall and Animal King are all metal bands, but this also sounds like an indie electronic lineup.

May 27: Black Rose, a Thin Lizzy Experience.

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

May 23: It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Bloodbath is here.

May 25: The dream of the ’80s and ’90s is alive at The Regent. Karinas, Que Madre and DJ Rawn will be spinning house tracks from the decades. Enjoy the beats, ignore the politics from that time.

MAY 21, 2018

DOWNTOWN NEWS 23

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

May 26: Turbonegro, Against Me!, A Giant Dog. That’s a hardcore bit of Beat poetry there.

The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org.

May 24: Wasi, Earth Is a Death Star, Chill Trigger.

May 25: Kuromi, Whaja Dew, MoonFuzz.

May 26: Birote the Musical, Sabrina Is Not This Chat, Greaseball, Alice.

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

May 21: In what seems to be a trend, Pond is one of a half-dozen Australian bands in Downtown this week. This act does psych rock.

May 22: Smooth and danceable electronic music plus Reggie Watts’ iconic hair as Wajatta performs.

May 23: Lawrence is not one person.

May 25: Joe Kay & Friends.

THEATER

Bob Baker Marionette Theater: The Circus!

Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com.

May 23-25, 10:30 a.m. and May 27 11 a.m.: The puppet masters at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater have brought back a 1948 show with lions, elephants, clowns and puppet acrobats.

Antigone, or Are We Rebels Asking for the Storm Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org.

May 24-26, 7 p.m. and May 27, 2 p.m.: Based on a letter from the frontwoman of the Russian band Pussy Riot, this play puts a modern twist on Sophocles’ work. Through June 2.

Soft Power The Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-1967 or centertheatregroup.org.

May 22-26, 8 p.m., May 26, 2 p.m. and May 27, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: East and west collide in this modern spin on

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“The King & I” from Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. Centered around the 2016 presidential election, a Chinese businessman finds himself in the United States and has a chance encounter with Hillary Clinton.

Love ensues. Through June 10.

Rigoletto Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.com.

May 27, 2 p.m.: Giuseppe Verdi’s tale of revenge comes to life at the Music Center. The titular court jester plots his vengeance against his ruler, while his beautiful daughter is caught in between them. Through June 3.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

All-Schumann Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.

May 22, 8 p.m.: How much Schumann? All of the Schumann. Well, okay, not exactly all. The L.A. Phil will play two string quartets and one piano quartet.

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

2YOUR EVENT INFO

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FOR for RENT All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. efit and a request has been made by the County of Los Angeles, a city within the County of Los Angeles, or nonprofit organization to purchase the parcels through Chapter 8 Agreement Sales, which will have been defaulted for three or more years.

The Tax Collector will record a Notice of Power to Sell unless the property taxes are paid in full or the property owner initiates an installment plan of redemption, as provided by law, prior to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, on Friday, June 29, 2018. The right to initiate an installment plan terminates on Friday, June 29, 2018. Thereafter, the only option to prevent the sale of the property at public auction is to pay the taxes in full.

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The Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office will furnish, upon request, information concerning making a payment in full or initiating an installment plan of redemption. For more information, please visit our website at ttc.lacounty.gov.

The amount to redeem the property, in United States dollars and cents, is set forth in the listing opposite each parcel number. This amount includes all defaulted taxes, penalties, and fees that have accrued from the date of tax-default to the date of Friday, June 29, 2018.

I certify, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 4th day of May, 2018.

JOSEPH KELLY TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES STATE OF CALIFORNIA PARCEL NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION The Assessor’s Identification Number, when used to describe property in this list, refers to the Assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map, if applicable, and the individual parcel

on the map page or in the block. The Assessor’s maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available in the Assessor’s Office, 500 West Temple Street, Room 225, Los Angeles, California 90012.

The real property that is the subject of this notice is situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and is described as follows: PROPERTY TAX DEFAULTED IN YEAR 2015 FOR TAXES, ASSESSMENT, AND OTHER CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015 2001 $8,296.32 SUNGLIM KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN SITUS:964 N VIRGIL AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2943 AIN: 5539-006-011 CN949215 553 May 23,3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2018097517 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) FRANKIES PARKING, 1406 W. 7TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017 LA COUNTY and 1016 W. 22ND STREET APT. #02, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007 LA COUNTY, are hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) FRANCISCO ROCHA, 1016 E. 22ND STREET APT. #02, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007. This business is conducted by an Individual. Registrant(s) began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on APRIL 20, 2018.

NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk.

A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself

authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code).

Pub. 5/7, 5/14, 5/21 and 5/28.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2018089145 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) AMERICAN CREATOR AGENCY, 626 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 500, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017, LA COUNTY, are hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) WILLIAM PARKER MARSHALL, 479 RUSTIC DRIVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90065. This business is conducted by an Individual.

Registrant(s) began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on April 11, 2018.

NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk.

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

Pub. 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 and 5/21.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to Sections

21700-21716 of the Business & Professions Code, Section 2328 of the UCC, Section 535 of the Penal Code and provisions of the Civil Code.

The undersigned will sell on the 17th day of May 2018 at 11: 00 A.M. on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Thriftee Storage Company LLC, 1717 N. Glendale Blvd. in the city of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, State of California, the following: Name of owner: Space number Description of goods Amount Johnny Howard D-37 Personal effects $539.00 Frank Palomares U-55 Personal effects $478.00 Sandra Mendoza A-1 Personal effects $640.00 Craig Mason H-11 Personal effects $333.94 Antoine Shelton U-10 Personal effects $522.90 Jordan Kushner U-12 Personal effects $356.54 Alfonso Ortega B-24 Personal effects $277.00 John Hartman D-23 Personal effects $541.00

Patrick Ramsey L-51 Personal effects $160.00 Jennifer Johnson A-28 Personal effects $265.00 Sherry Stewart D-83 Personal effects $277.00 Darren Mueller L-56 Personal effects $220.00 Mary Renn D-67 Personal effects $334.00 Carlos Torres A-15 Personal effects $353.00 Julian Alston U-69 Personal effects $471.00 Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase in cash only. All purchased storage units with the items contained herein are sold on an “as-is” basis and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between Thriftee Storage Co. and obligated party.

Thriftee Storage Company LLC Dated at Los Angeles, CA by Felipe F. Islas / Manager May, 2 2018.

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MAY 21, 2018

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candidate who wants to make American great again.

Tesori and choreographer Sam Pinkleton expertly mix a variety of styles, including hip-hop, and there are nods to a few musicals, most notably The King and I. Silverman’s pacing is spot-on, getting the most out of the comedic moments while allowing the more emotional passages room to breathe.

The trio of leads are impressive and diverse in style. Louis isn’t trying to impersonate Clinton as much as capture her spirit and frustrations. Ricamora is charismatic and understated as the leading man, while Jue is the soul of Soft Power as Hwang tries to understand his place in the world as someone who is Chinese and American.

Only in the climax of the two-and-a-half hour production does playwright Hwang pull out the soapbox, but it’s softened a touch by the “delivery system” of Tesori’s soaring, heartfelt music.

Although this is one of the most original shows to appear at the Ahmanson in several years, it’s unlikely that Soft Power will survive beyond this presidential administration.

A left-leaning L.A. theater crowd likely will soak up this message, but it’s hardly going to be a winner in red states. There’s also little chance that something this current (it echoes headlines this week about China and trade) would feel anything but dated a few years from now.

None of those shortcomings should discourage anyone from attending Soft Power. If anything, the fact that it may never return to L.A. should lure audiences. Soapbox theater rarely is this entertaining.

Soft Power runs through June 10 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

STREET ART, 19 pops,” Darren Mate, one-half of DABSMYLA, said. “There is this juxtaposition of: We’re in a warehouse, but then there is this fresh and alive thing.”

Gastman has a long history in street art. He showcased the form in his mid-’90s magazine While You Were Sleeping and in a later periodical, Swindle Magazine, co-published with Fairey.

He said he spent more than three years organizing the current exhibit.

At first glance, Beyond the Streets doesn’t appear much different from Art in the Streets, the MOCA exhibit. Both shows highlight street art and graffiti culture in a gallery setting.

However, with the previous show Gastman was a partner alongside then-MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch and filmmaker Aaron Rose. In Beyond the Streets, he said, the artists have more freedom to step outside of the lines.

“I just wanted to do something really large that really shows where the culture is and where it has gone, while not having to worry about other people’s rules. Here we respect the culture and respect the history,” Gastman said.

Gastman brought together a wide array of artists for the current show. That includes graffiti pioneers Taki 183 and SJK 171, who were members of the landmark group the United Graffiti Artists, which was active decades ago.

SJK 171 (real name Steve Kesoglides), said the New Yorkbased UGA was one of the first graffiti groups to have its work commissioned and shown in a gallery setting, and to have pieces reach across international waters. He noted that culture has shifted since he began tagging his name on the A trains of New York. In the 1960s and ’70s, he said, the idea was to scribble your name on as many things as possible in a creative way. Now, graffiti has been pulled under the greater umbrella of street art, and gets its due in large events like Beyond the Streets.

What come next in the realm of street art is up to the artists and the audience, Gastman said. In fact, visitors might leave the warehouse with a new question in mind: What isn’t street art?

Beyond the Streets runs through July 6 at 1667 N. Main St. or beyondthestreets.com. sean@downtownnews.com