06-22-15

Streetcar Price Tag Put at $282 Million : 6 Reviewing ‘Matilda the Musical’ at the Ahmanson : 10

JUNE 22, 2015 I VOL. 44 I #25

What Menus Say About L.A. Central Library Exhibit Explores the City’s Changes Through Its Food Scene

photo by Gary Leonard

SEE PAGE 9

To Live and Dine in L.A. curator Josh Kun in the new exhibit.

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

Geoff Palmer Taking on Broadway Renovation

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eveloper Geoff Palmer is known for his massive Downtown apartment complexes with a faux-Italian/Mediterranean flair.

Now, the man who has created thousands of

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More Beer in the Toy District

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hose looking for a drink in the Toy District now have another option, thanks to Mumford Brewery. The establishment at 416 Boyd St., a few steps from The Escondite, opened June 13 on the ground floor of a five-story building. The brewery is owned by brothers Todd and Peter Mumford and offers four craft beers, including its flagship American black ale called Black Mamba, as well as a light cream ale and two IPAs. Additional varieties are expected in the future, and in addition to in-house pints and tasters, Mumford fills take-away growlers.

In the future the building will hold apparel and other tenants on the upper floors, said Dilip

Bhavnani, a principal of building owner Legendary Developments.

Press Club Awards in Downtown this Week

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he eyes of the local journalism world will focus on Downtown this week, when the Los Angeles Press Club honors the best print, radio, TV, online and other journalism of the last year. The club’s 57th annual Southern California Journalism Awards will take place Sunday, June 28, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. In

addition to the presentation of approximately 100 prizes to local journalists (Downtown News is a finalist in 12 categories), the club’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Willow Bay, the longtime TV journalist and current director of the USC Annenberg School of Journalism. Additionally, the Daniel Pearl Award for Courage and Integrity in Journalism will go to the French publication Charlie Hebdo. There is also a silent auction. Doors at the Biltmore (506 S. Grand Ave.) open at 5 p.m. and the dinner and program begin at 6 p.m. Tickets and additional information are at lapressclub.org.

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he $140 million museum The Broad won’t open until Sept. 20, but the 120,000-squarefoot Grand Avenue attraction drew some big buzz last week, when its leaders announced the acquisition of 50 contemporary artworks, including pieces by Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. The majority of the acquisitions are recent and current contemporary art, including a charcoal drawing

by Robert Longo that depicts a line of police officers confronting protestors during a racially charged riot in Ferguson, Mo. last year. Another new addition is an ink-and-acrylic-on-canvas piece by New Yorker Julie Mehretu (the third Mehretu acquired by The Broad in the last two years). Older works added to the collection include one of Rauschenberg’s earliest “combines,” five Ruscha lithographs and three sculptures by the late Cy Twombly. The 120,000-square-foot museum will open with a survey exhibition of 250 works. Admission will be free.

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rental units in his Medici, Orsini, Da Vinci and other buildings is tackling something very different: a renovation of a small 1913 edifice at 950 S. Broadway. The seven-story structure would be turned into 30 apartments, and include a rooftop deck and about 7,500 square feet of retail space on the street and basement levels, according to documents filed with the city. The design from Killefer Flammang Architects, which has taken on numerous Downtown adaptive reuse projects, would restore the original facade’s aesthetic, namely by recreating a decorative cornice along the roofline and adding some balconies. White plaster would replace the current gray concrete surfacing on the exterior. The 102-year-old building happens to sit adjacent to Palmer’s under-construction Broadway Palace, which will create nearly 700 apartments in new seven- and 10-story structures at Olympic Boulevard and Broadway. A budget and construction timeline have not been revealed.

June 22, 2015

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EDITORIALS

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June 22, 2015

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

A Big and Busy Summer

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or all the advances that Downtown Los Angeles has made in the last 15 years, challenges remain. Even as billions in investment flow into the area, and thousands of people come to live in the new housing complexes, skepticism still simmers here and there. Some recall the Downtown of the past, when the community tended to more or less shut down after 5 p.m. Others are turned off by the grit of urban living, including a homelessness situation that seems never to improve.

It is against this backdrop that one should consider this summer’s extraordinary arts and entertainment slate. And it is because of this backdrop that the line-up of cultural events must be understood not only as something to do, but as a tool in the ongoing revitalization of Downtown.

Los Angeles Downtown News last week published its annual summer arts and entertainment preview.

This lineup is as varied as Downtown itself, with concerts, theater productions, community celebrations, museum exhibits, special events and more.

Equally diverse are the places where the action occurs. Musicians might perform in a huge arena (think Taylor Swift at Staples Center in August) or a historic theater (Woody Allen’s New Orleans Jazz Band at the Orpheum Theatre that same month).

Theater takes place in traditional venues (Matilda the Musical at the Ahmanson Theatre) or outdoors (Cornerstone Theater Company’s California: The Tempest at Grand Park). Some events have a hefty price tag, while many others are free (for example, Art Walk, Chinatown Summer Nights, Dog Day Afternoon or the Nike Basketball 3 on 3 Tournament).

The above are just the beginning of the options, and if you take those and other happenings together, then it becomes clear just how much opportunity is in Downtown. It’s the type of cumulative lineup that makes people in other areas envious.

It’s also something that Downtown can use as a boasting (and marketing) point. While communities such as Santa Monica and Culver City host some excellent summer offerings, they don’t have nearly as many unique options in such a compact area as Downtown does. People in the Central City can catch a free reading one night at the Aloud series at the Central Library, and the next evening there may be a free outdoor concert at the California Plaza Watercourt or a free outdoor movie screening at Pershing Square. Yes, the word “free” is heard frequently over the summer.

This comes with many benefits. In addition to adding to the momentum of Downtown, the lineup means a lot of people can leave their car in the garage and go from event to event by foot, bike or Dash bus. The activity exposes people to South Park, to the Arts District, to Grand Park and other communities and landmarks.

Does Downtown still have shortcomings? Absolutely. However, more progress is made each year, and a growing roster of summer arts and entertainment is another step in getting the community where it needs to be.

Bring Back Twitchell’s ‘Ed Ruscha’ Mural, And Do It by Sept. 20

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owntowners routinely celebrate the completion and announcement of big new projects. It’s the mega-million or even billion-dollar housing and mixed-use developments that add a critical mass of residents to the rebounding community. It’s the bars, restaurants, museums and nightspots that give the Central City a buzz that pulls people in from across the county and generates stories in the national media. It’s the supermarkets and service businesses that mean locals don’t have to drive, and might even be able to walk, to get the things they need for daily life.

At the same time, smaller and different types of projects can have a big impact on life in Downtown Los Angeles. One of these was just announced: the re-creation of Kent Twitchell’s iconic mural “Ed Ruscha Monument.”

Los Angeles Downtown News last week wrote about the return of this artwork, and the announcement resonates both for what it will provide and for the wrong that will be righted. We’re thrilled that Twitchell has found a way to re-create the mural on the side of the American Hotel in the Arts District.

However, amid the glee there is concern: Not all the money has been identified for the artwork, and Twitchell does not have a final budget, as the price will depend on how long things take — Twitchell estimates a three- to six-month completion, but noted that it could last beyond that. Help will be needed to ensure that the project doesn’t linger into uncertainty.

For those unaware, Twitchell’s original 70-foot-tall rendition of prominent California artist Ed Ruscha was erected on the side of a building at 1031 S. Hill St. in 1987. That was another era in Downtown, a time when businesses were fleeing and there was little to do after dark. Twitchell’s 11,000-square-foot artwork, which took nearly a decade to complete, injected life into the neighborhood. For two decades it was impossible to miss and sent the message that Downtown was special even then, that a creative community existed.

The mural was destroyed on June 2, 2006, when crews working on a YWCA of Greater Los Angeles building painted it over. The artwork had been treated roughly and was badly damaged in previous months as part of the effort to rehab the structure. Someone — exactly who was never revealed — gave the order to erase it.

The whitewashings, both kinds, were a travesty. The physical

cover-up was also illegal, violating federal and state laws requiring that the creator of a public artwork be informed before a piece is altered or destroyed. Instead, the work crew did as told, and even started covering the mural on the counter-intuitive right side of the building, where Ruscha’s nearly full-body image was depicted.

It appeared to be an effort to eradicate the artwork before someone could object.

Twitchell sued and ultimately won a $1.1 million settlement from the YWCA and 12 other defendants. However, it took two years to resolve the legal tangles.

Many individuals would have accepted that as the end of the artwork, and Twitchell had further setbacks when attempts to find a Downtown location for a replacement were stymied by the recession. Still, he never stopped trying.

We credit Twitchell for his tenacity, for always looking for a new home for “Ed Ruscha Monument.” We also appreciate the owner of the American Hotel, who provided the wall, and to other Arts District stakeholders such as Art Share Los Angeles, which are helping Twitchell achieve his vision.

We like that Twitchell isn’t copying the past, but instead is responding to the present. The Arts District site is only 30 feet tall, and Twitchell is using a new image of Ruscha and depicting not his full body, but the artist from the waist up, which should give it the dramatic presentation it deserves.

Still, it would be a mistake to accept this as a done deal. While the main pieces are in place, we hope that those in the art and civic sectors will reach out to Twitchell (there’s a contact link on his website, kenttwitchell.org) and see that he has the money and other resources needed so that the new “Ed Ruscha Monument” moves forward quickly. Too often we have seen projects that seem like sure things stall because finding cash is harder than anticipated.

That can’t happen here. In fact, we think the art community and local leaders would be wise to put this on the fast track. The $140 million Bunker Hill museum The Broad opens Sept. 20, and the international media will flock to Los Angeles for the event. Wouldn’t it be great to have “Ed Ruscha Monument” complete by then?

It would be a victory for Twitchell, the local art scene and all of Downtown.

June 22, 2015

Downtown News 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

The Lone Wolf’s Last Run Looking Back on Bernard Parks’ Phenomenal 50-Year Career in Public Service

By Jon Regardie ere’s a new way to think about the members of the City Council: Knowing you would never get the time back, how long would you spend watching a documentary about a councilmember’s life?

For eight of the cabal I’d waste no more than the 30 seconds it takes to watch a McDonald’s ad. For another five I’d drop about

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THE REGARDIE REPORT 10 minutes each. I’d use a sit-com length of time for a documentary on Council President Herb Wesson, primarily for the combative elements.

That being said, I recently watched a 110-minute documentary on outgoing Eighth District Councilman Bernard Parks. According to the councilman and Bernard Parks Jr., his son, chief of staff and the film’s director and producer, that means I have no life.

I won’t disagree, but Biography, Battles and Bernard (which is getting some final edits) is a reminder of an incomparable and fascinating career. It arrives at a fitting time, as on June 30 a termed-out Parks will close a 50-year run in public service, with the last 12 on the council.

That career, including five years as chief of police, is what brought me to Parks’ office last week on the fourth floor of City Hall. Sitting in a sparsely decorated conference room, Parks, in a tie and a white shirt with his B.C.P. initials monogrammed on the cuffs, was thoughtful and engaging. He was relaxed, which hasn’t always been a hallmark of his career, and opinionated, which has been a constant.

Bernard Parks calls it like he sees it, and when making those calls he operates with a steely confidence and a fearno-consequences approach. That, however, can put him at odds with his fellow council members. Just consider the schedule worked by most Los Angeles Police Department of-

ficers: Although few people realize it, many cops work three 12-hour or four 10-hour shifts a week. Parks has long railed against this, arguing that a five-day-a-week schedule would significantly boost deployment.

The current schedule is a favorite of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing rank-and-file officers. The LAPPL is also a financial and endorsement force in local elections. Council members, Parks maintains, are loath to upset the apple cart. “[Changing the schedule] makes a lot of sense, but you find in many decisions, particularly in elected officials, sense is at the bottom of the barrel,” Parks said. “The issue is, there’s a tendency that people want to satisfy those who support them, and there’s a herd mentality, that if we stick together they can’t kill us all.

Therefore we keep making these same mistakes.”

Highs and Lows Parks’ career has been defined by a series of highs and lows that range from inspiring to heartbreaking.

He joined the LAPD in 1965, just months before the Watts riots erupted. He met his future wife, Bobbie, while on a traffic detail at Sixth Street and Broadway in Downtown — she approached him with the line, “What does a girl have to do to get arrested?” It was a fortunate question, as it not only led to five children, but it came the day before Parks was moved to another post. They might have never met.

Parks rocketed up the ranks, and at 33 became the youngest African American to make captain. However, as Biography recounts, when he received the car that came with the job, someone had scrawled the N-word across it.

Race and racism were major factors in then-Chief Daryl Gates’ LAPD, though Parks continued to ascend. The documentary notes that when Gates finally resigned in the wake of the Rodney King riots, Parks was so sure he would get the top job that he bought the four silver stars traditionally af-

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Eighth District City Councilman Bernard Parks last week at the opening of an affordable housing development for seniors in South Los Angeles. On June 30, Parks will be termed out of office, ending a public service career that began with 38 years in the LAPD, including one term as chief of police.

fixed to a chief’s collar.

Instead, outsider Willie Williams was hired. His reign was disastrous, filled with missteps, including the demotion of a popular Parks. Williams didn’t get a second term, and Parks, with the backing of Mayor Richard Riordan, became chief in 1997.

There were numerous highs during his time as top cop. Crime fell to historic lows, and diversity in the department increased, Continued on page 16

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6 Downtown News

June 22, 2015

Streetcar Cost Put at $282 Million Officials Hope to Open Urban Circulator in 2020, but Huge Funding Gap Remains

By Eddie Kim he projected price of a Broadway streetcar has bounced around wildly, from an initial $125 million to a worst-case scenario of $327.8 million in a 2013 city report.

Now, project manager AECOM has a new estimate, saying the 3.8-mile project that would operate in a loop with a main spur on Broadway would cost $281.6 million.

Current plans call for service to begin in December 2020, but numerous challenges remain, most significantly a funding shortfall of at least $144.1 million, according to a report from the City Administrative Officer, the Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Engineering.

The cost is one of a number of issues that were discussed at a meeting of the City Council’s Transportation Committee on Tuesday, June 16. City staff also talked about the need for a comprehensive financial plan and concerns with streetcars travelling at roughly the speed a person walks.

Fourteenth District City Councilman José Huizar kicked off the streetcar effort in 2008 as part of his Bringing Back Broadway initiative. Huizar last week called the new cost analysis a “big step forward,” and expressed optimism that the price will come down. He also stressed the project’s budgetary independence.

“I want to be clear: We have committed to the council that we will not be seeking dedicated general funds for the project,” Huizar told the committee.

Money has been hard to come by. Area residents in late 2012 approved taxing property owners along the route up to $85 million for the project ($62.5 million would go to construction costs, with the remainder being for “interest cost,” per the new report).

Up to $75 million could come from a Federal Transit Administration Small Starts grant. However, streetcar officials have twice tried and failed to get federal money for the project, and Small Starts projects can not have a budget exceeding $250 million.

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The streetcar also has $10 million from the former Community Redevelopment Agency and $1 million in Measure R transportation funds, but that money is being used for pre-development and management work, not construction.

AECOM’s report suggests removing a route spur on First Street and Grand Avenue, which could save approximately $15.4 million. The firm also states the city could save money if it partners with a developer on land acquisition (estimated at about $36.2 million) for a streetcar maintenance facility. A mixed-use building with revenue-generating uses could offset costs, the report states.

Other tweaks could help push down the estimated $69.3 million price of utility relocation and replacement.

Even if the city brings the cost to $250 million, and the local tax funds and federal funding come through, the project could still face a construction funding gap of about $110 million. Huizar has pushed the idea of a public-private partnership, and noted in January that 24 firms from around the country responded to initial outreach via a “Request for Information.”

“Throughout the country, they’re looking at L.A. as one of those streetcar projects that’s far ahead of anyone else competing for different types of funding. That’s why we believe the private sector is extremely interested,” Huizar said.

More engineering work is needed to clarify costs, and Huizar told the committee that he anticipates preliminary engineering will be complete next summer. That would open the door for an RFP, or Request for Proposals, to court private partners.

Other factors, however, could push the price higher.

An analysis by LADOT and AECOM found the average travel speed would be “significantly” slower than previously thought. James Lefton, executive officer of transit services at LADOT, told the committee that the current analysis puts average streetcar speed at 4.5 miles per hour, or 3.5 miles per hour during peak hours. The statement led 11th District

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image courtesy of L.A. Streetcar, Inc.

A rendering of the proposed Los Angeles Streetcar. The project would connect Bunker Hill with the Civic Center and have a main spine on Broadway.

Councilman and committee Chairman Mike Bonin to ask, “Isn’t that how fast a person walks?”

With the slower speeds, LADOT now projects that four more streetcar vehicles would be needed to maintain a preferred travel frequency. Adding those cars would throw an additional $24.3 million on the budget, though Seleta Reynolds, general manager of LADOT, noted at the meeting that there are other options to improve travel times.

The next step is for city staff to recommended changes that bring the project price down and hire a financial planner and consultant to complete preliminary engineering. A draft of the project’s environmental impact report could come within six months, Huizar said.

AECOM estimates that delays to the proposed project schedule would result in a cost increase of $8 million-$10 million a year. eddie@downtownnews.com

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June 22, 2015

Downtown News 7

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Calling All Sails Managers Annual Paper Yacht Race Returns to City National Plaza

By Heidi Kulicke achting is a subject rarely discussed in the concrete canyons of Downtown Los Angeles. This week, however, dozens of boat builders and aspiring skippers will do their best to launch seaworthy vessels.

Actually, make that fountain-worthy.

The seventh annual Psomas Paper Yacht Challenge takes place Thursday, June 25, at City National Plaza. From 5-7:30 p.m., Downtowners, some in costume, will race paper boats across the fountain of the “Double Ascension” sculpture on Flower Street.

The challenge involves a series of heats in which up to 10 boats, helped by giant blowing fans, speed across the fountain. Andrew Nickerson, a senior project manager at the engineering and consulting firm Psomas, anticipates at least 70 entries. The three fastest times from the various heats earn trophies.

Boats can be no longer than 12 inches, a maximum of 24 inches tall and up to six inches wide. Adhesives such as tape or glue can only be applied on the joints, and no water-resistant coatings are allowed.

Some participants craft their boats just by folding paper, while others use lots of staples, tape and glue, said Nickerson. Many add colors, stickers, decorations or corporate logos.

“The personalization of the yacht is a reflection of the individual,” Nickerson said. “Some create pirate ships, or functional vessels, or comical rafts, while others are very artistic. A great paper yacht will put a smile on your face.”

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This is Nickerson’s first year running the event and he is replacing Joel Miller, who founded the fundraiser in 2009.

The registration fee is $35 per boat, and the proceeds have been growing each year. Last year, Nickerson said, the event raised $30,000 for the Hope Street Family Center, a community-based organization that provides educational, social and health services for children and their families.

Nickerson hopes to raise a similar amount this year. The money will go toward the construction of the Budokan of Los Angeles, the Little Tokyo Service Center’s planned 38,000-square-foot sports and recreation facility at 237 S. Los Angeles St. The $23 million project would include athletic courts, community space, a jogging track and a rooftop garden.

Money is also raised through a silent auction with approximately 50 items. Among the pieces up for bid are a Lakers jersey signed by Magic Johnson, a sailing trip for up to six people and even interactions with various politicians.

People can bid on a lunch with Downtown Councilman José Huizar or bowling with Fifth District Councilman Paul Koretz.

In addition to the races and auction, there is food and drink, and one new addition for 2015: Nickerson has arranged for Pink’s Hot Dogs to sell their goods. Other food will come from Border Grill and Ben & Jerry’s, and there will be a DJ, a caricature artist and a magician.

Then there are those who use the yacht challenge as a way to tap their seafaring side. Nicker-

photo by Gary Leonard

Dozens of paper boat builders will converge on City National Plaza on Thursday, June 25. Last year’s Psomas Paper Yacht Challenge raised $30,000 for its beneficiary.

son said people take the opportunity to dress up as sailors, pirates and more. Awards are given to those with the best group or individual costume.

“Some of the best costumes I’ve seen are from people dressing up as real skippers,” Nickerson said. “Those are a lot of fun.”

Although the event often brings out a competitive edge, Nickerson said the most impor-

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The Psomas Paper Yacht Challenge is Thursday, June 25, 5-7:30 p.m. at City National Plaza, Fifth and Flower Streets. Registration and rules at psomas.com/yachtchallenge. heidi@downtownnews.com

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City Announces Winning Convention Center Renovation Design

June 22, 2015

The Central City Crime Report

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

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Another ATM Theft: Be careful where you put your cash machine. Unidentified individuals cut the lock on the roll-up door of a digital printing shop at 200 E. 15th St. after the business closed on June 9. The thieves stole an ATM machine containing more than $3,000.

photo by Eddie Kim

By Eddie Kim ity officials last week announced that the team of Populous and HMC Architects has been selected to design the renovation of the Los Angeles Convention Center. While the city is just starting the development process, a $350 million transformation could be complete in 2019.

Last month the city announced that Populous/HMC was one of three finalists, along with the teams of Gensler and Lehrer Architects, and AC Martin and LMN Architects. The Populous/HMC design features a number of major additions to the aging complex. A new

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structure built over Pico Boulevard would connect the South Hall with the West Hall, providing multiple floors of meeting spaces.

Those rooms would surround an open-air “courtyard,” with pedestrians and cars visible below.

The renovation would tweak the 45-yearold West Hall to create what designers dubbed a large “outdoor ballroom.” It would feature a grand staircase drawing people in from Gilbert Lindsay Plaza just south of Staples Center.

The Populous/HMC design would also build a large ballroom on top of the West Hall with a ceiling of skylights. It would connect to outdoor terraces that offer views of Downtown.

The Populous/HMC design could see additions or other changes in the future, said Convention Center Executive Director Bud Ovrom.

“We’re extremely pleased with the quality of the three designs. Any of these firms are capable of doing the work,” Ovrom said. “The staff recommendation for Populous and HMC is a starting point. We’ll look at the best ideas from all three plans to see what we can include as we move forward.”

The three finalists were told to design a renovation with a budget of $350 million. The final scoring was conducted by a four-person panel of representatives from the city Bureau of Engineering and Convention Center staff.

The Bureau of Engineering will work to formalize a contract with Populous/HMC for the renovation. eddie@downtownnews.com

Rocky Road: A security guard escorted a man off private property at Eighth and Figueroa streets on June 10. The individual then picked up some rocks from the ground and threw them at the guard, who was able to dodge the projectiles.

Work Trouble: Two met got into an argument in a parking lot at 700 S. Flower St. on June 9.

One called the other a derogatory name. This prompted the second individual to grab a

AROUND TOWN, 2 Gay Bar Opens, Then Closes, Then Opens Again

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owntown celebrated on May 30, when the Precinct Bar, billed as the community’s first new gay bar in decades, opened at 357 S. Broadway. A huge crowd turned out on opening night, said co-owner Thor Stephens, and the bar ran out of half its alcohol. However, the crowds stopped coming through the 8,000-square-foot bar that has a dance floor, stage and DJ booth, as less than two weeks after Precinct’s debut, it was forced to close when the Los Angeles Fire Department cited building code violations. Fortunately, the situation flipped again, as Stephens said he and his team had resolved their issues with the Fire Department, and Precinct was scheduled to reopen on Friday, June 19 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press). Would-be patrons are urged to check the bar’s Facebook page for updates.

gun from his car and point it at his co-worker.

Danger in the Park: A man approached a 10-year-old girl at Alpine Park at 817 Yale St. on June 10. He got the girl’s attention by showing her a large stack of money, then proceeded to touch her inappropriately in front of two witnesses. One witness called 911. Police arrested the man, who was a registered sex offender in Kansas.

Ride-Share Scare: An Uber driver picked up a passenger at West Road and Georgia Street on June 10. They argued over traffic conditions and the passenger pulled out a gun, waving it around and telling the driver he was lucky people were around.

Street Fight: A homeless couple living in a tent at Sixth and San Pedro streets got into an argument on June 12. A man allegedly pushed his girlfriend to the ground and doused her face and body with bleach, then ran away. Paramedics treated the woman for a knee injury and facial pain.

Night on Broadway Coming Back in January

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his past January, 35,000 people flocked to Downtown for the free festival known as Night on Broadway. Fourteenth District City Councilman José Huizar, who represents the district and is behind the Bringing Back Broadway initiative, announced last week that Night on Broadway will return on Jan. 30, 2016. “Last year’s event was such a hit that we’ve gotten lots of inquiries about when we would do it again,” Huizar said in an email. “It opened a lot of people’s eyes to what Broadway has to offer and why we focus so much time and attention on this very special corridor.” The event, which will celebrate the eighth anniversary of Bringing Back Broadway, will feature live entertainment along an eight-block strip of the street.

Seven historic theaters will host on-stage events, and an outdoor stage will be erected for additional entertainment. There will also be booths and pop-up stores from nearby retailers and restaurants. The full lineup will be announced closer to the event. More information is at nightonbroadway.la.

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Downtown News 9

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CALENDAR

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By Eddie Kim he fast and furious world of Los Angeles dining, which is rife with new technology, world-spanning flavors and experimental cooking techniques, would probably confuse anyone from the early 20th century.

One thing, though, wouldn’t: Being handed a menu after sitting down.

A just-opened exhibit at the Central Library, To Live and Dine in L.A., delves deep into the Los Angeles Public Library’s collection of 15,000 menus, offering a retrospective of how eating out has defined the city over the course of the last century.

The project, which includes a complementary 200-page book of the same title, is a collaboration between the Library Foundation of L.A., the L.A. Public Library and Josh Kun, a professor at the University of Southern California. Kun also curated the library’s 2013’s exhibit Songs in the Key of L.A., the first of the library’s archival exhibition series.

Ken Brecher, president of the Library Foundation, said the series helps people define their history and the city beyond physical developments and political happenings.

“What people ate when they came here, what foods they could or couldn’t find, what music they listened to, that’s huge,” Brecher said.

The library’s second-floor Getty Gallery has been transformed into a makeshift “dining room” that opens up a new understanding of restaurant culture in Los Angeles. The free exhibit, which runs through Nov. 13, displays menus from the most regal and exclusive dining rooms, such as Downtown’s Jonathan Club, as well as the cafeterias that offered cheap eats for all.

A Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce banquet, held at Fourth Street and Broadway in 1895, served refined dishes such as “Filet of Sole à la Redondo Beach Railway.” A nearby Clifton’s Cafeteria menu from the 1930s offers far simpler comfort foods and a radical payment system: “Our cashier will cheerfully accept whatever you wish to pay — or you may dine free.”

Other sections use menus to frame issues of ethnic communities, democratic and affordable lunch counters, faddish theme restaurants and geography. A collage of happy eaters and countless more menus line the walls.

Kun began the research for To Live and Dine in the winter of 2013, and soon connected with chef and Kogi food truck founder Roy Choi. When they first began exploring the library’s menu collection, Kun made a beeline to find old, rare menus that showed off elaborate banquet dinners and other high-class dishes.

Choi had other things in mind, Kun said.

“I was so excited and was saying, ‘Look at these amazing menus, Roy!’ And he just said, “Okay, that’s cool, but where do regular people eat?’” Kun recalled. “That question of who had access to what kinds of food really came up again and again and made me tune

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photo by Gary Leonard

Josh Kun, a professor at the University of Southern California, served as the lead curator of To Live and Dine in L.A. He and chef Roy Choi were part of a team that pored through 15,000 menus in an effort to understand how Los Angeles eats and what has changed over the course of a century.

image courtesy of L.A. Public Library

The exhibit includes menus from a number of Downtown and Chinatown restaurants, including Golden Pagoda at 464 Gin Ling Way.

into themes of class and race and cultural identity.”

Menus serve as important documents because eating remains one of the most important and common cultural acts people participate in, Kun added. What people eat and the ways they dine are part of how they express their identity over time, he said.

“Communities are fierce about their food, their heritage, their traditions,” Kun said. “At the same time, we break bread together.

We want to share our food and our history. Food is transformation. That’s a real commonality.”

Empty Plates Just as dining is part of identity, so is not having anything to eat, said City Librarian John Szabo. Los Angeles County ranks first in the United States in the number of young people with food insecurity, he said, and To Live and Dine’s questions about the socioeconomics of dining tie in with the library’s efforts to feed hungry children (more than 10 branches are serving free hot lunches throughout the summer) and raise awareness.

“This was my message to the team: Let’s use the menus and this historic collection to talk about the bigger issues. Let’s not just have an exhibit and a book, but program teen cooking workshops, bring in speakers to talk about food insecurity, and discuss everything around this issue,” Szabo said.

Questions about food access also come up in a section on prison dining, with recipes from inmates for improvised dishes such as a jailhouse “menudo” soup made with Corn Nut snacks and spicy pork rinds. The section stands in stark contrast to a nearby assortment of menus from jail-themed restaurants like Hangman’s Tree Cafe, a mid-century joint promising “lousy” jail fare with “sneering service.”

Theme restaurants and cafeterias aren’t common in today’s dining scene, but other trends have taken their place. Both hyper-regional cooking and a mashing-up of ethnic ingredients and flavors are more common than ever. Traditionally elegant fine dining is increasingly giving way to operations that meld high-end cooking with a casual appeal.

“Maybe it’s romantic, but it deals with street culture and a populist motivation that has little patience for the trappings of fine dining,” Kun mused. “If people of all classes came together to eat tacos in a room, everyone would hunch over in that funny stance and end up being messy.”

In that sense, To Live and Dine argues that dining is a social and political system as much as nourishment, Kun said, and not just food on a plate with a price tag.

To Live and Dine in L.A. runs through Nov. 13 at the Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 288-7000 or lapl.org. eddie@downtownnews.com

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June 22, 2015

The Kids Are Alright

While it’s true this is a child’s story, and there are plenty of skilled young performers, Matilda is a showcase for the adults.

As Mr. Wormwood, Mattfeld is pure slime and smarm, the stereotypical used car dealer. The second act opener, where he directly addresses the audience with the house lights on about the virtues of “telly,” is so funny that no one should dawdle during intermission and miss it.

But the show-stealer for sure is Ryness. His intensity as Trunchbull is comedy gold, culminating in the delightfully devilish “The Smell of Rebellion,” which includes Ryness’ display of rhythmic gymnastics.

The show overflows with satirical songs, but the one people will remember is the heartfelt “When I Grow Up,” which includes a visually beautiful dance of sorts on swings.

Almost every song receives a major boost from Darling’s Tonynominated choreography. He mixes styles and genres, even using moves that resemble martial arts, providing beauty, intensity or humor to each scene. At one point in “School Song,” blocks of letters appear in the holes of a tall gate as dancers climb higher and higher through the alphabet. The effect is remarkable and drives home the concept that words and books have almost magical powers.

Also impressive is Hugh Vanstone’s moody lighting, which builds to the nightmarish quality of Rob Howell’s scenic design.

Warchus, who has directed all major versions of the show, is a master of pacing. Yes, Matilda runs more than two-and-a-half hours, but he knows how to keep things moving, and he milks the comedy only when it’s really rolling — pretty much any time Ryness is the center of attention.

The lone drawback concerns the accents. Most of the young actors, Jenness in particular, can’t maintain a believable English accent, and not using them is much less noticeable than using them poorly. It also hurts Minchin’s lyrics, because they are harder to understand when sung with a poor dialect.

Accents aside, this is a prime example of capturing on stage the spirit of a book. Dahl’s work has never been brought to life with more joy than Matilda the Musical.

Matilda the Musical runs through July 12 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4400 or centertheatregroup.org.

An Infectious Joy Powers the Ahmanson’s ‘Matilda the Musical’

By Jeff Favre f Roald Dahl had one overarching theme in his best-known books, it’s that most adults think kids are self-indulgent, petulant brats who should be locked away, possibly in a basement or a dungeon.

It’s a dark look at childhood. Often, his protagonist is a misunderstood loner (think Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and the character Matilda has been a favorite since the book came out in 1988 (it was followed by a 1996 movie version).

These days, the 5-year-old genius has never been more popular, thanks to a mega-hit musical, still playing at its original home on London’s West End. Downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre is now the first stop on a new tour for the precocious, captivating, musically thrilling production. Directed by Matthew Warchus, Matilda the Musical runs through July 12.

In the vein of Spring Awakening, Matilda finds outlets for adolescent angst (albeit younger here) through dark humor. They come via angry songs from Tim Minchin, a deft, sharp book by Dennis Kelly and Peter Darling’s highly physical and wildly creative dances.

Younger children won’t grasp all that’s going on here, but there’s still plenty for them to enjoy. There is even more for adults, beginning with the opening number, “Miracle,” an ode to how parents think their children are perfect in every way.

That’s not the case for Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood (Quinn Mattfeld and Cassie Silva). They didn’t want Matilda (Mia Sinclair Jenness on opening night, one of three girls sharing the title role during the run) in the first place, and they aren’t shy about expressing their disdain. Her father even repeatedly refers to her as a boy.

Matilda’s biggest failure, in their eyes is that, unlike her dim-

I

photo by Joan Marcus

Miss Trunchbull (right, played by Bryce Ryness) is not amused with the children and a teacher, Miss Honey (Jennifer Blood, left) in Matilda the Musical. The show based on Roald Dahl’s book runs thorough July 12 in Downtown.

witted older brother Michael (Danny Tieger), she refuses to watch the “telly” and instead keeps reading books.

The only people who appreciate her brilliance are a librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Ora Jones), who loves Matilda’s stories, and her new teacher, Miss Honey (Jennifer Blood), who gives love and care to her students.

Miss Honey, and all of the kids, have a problem, though: It’s headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Bryce Ryness, who continues the tradition of the role being played by a man). A former Olympic hammer thrower, she’s beyond evil, even devising a punishment closet lined with sharp objects called the Chokey.

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ree spirits abound on Friday, June 26, as the Grand Performances program features a day full of indie rock. Los Angeles’ own Korean American neo-folk rockers Run River North get the day started with a free performance at noon at the Cal Plaza Watercourt. In fact, the band is doing double duty, as Run River North is also on an 8 p.m. bill with the trombone-augmented, positivity-bound, San Francisco-based outfit The Family Crest. Once again, the evening show is free. At 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2190 or grandperformances.org.

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photo by Gary Leonard

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ach summer, Chinatown celebrates warm evenings and enduring traditions with a monthly exercise in cultural education and sanctioned indie rock. It is called Chinatown Summer Nights, and it returns to Central and West plazas on Saturday, June 27, with a slate of crafts, activities, an ever-popular capuchin monkey, KCRW DJs and six, count ’em, six bands! For those who prefer the great outdoors to the confines of General Lee’s, Hop Louie or Melody Lounge, the craft beer garden is open from 5 p.m.-midnight. The music kicks off at 6 p.m. with The Fontaines and concludes with an 11 p.m. set from The Janks. Admission is free, but the beer and food truck cuisine will cost you. At Central and West plazas, (213) 680-0243 or chinatownsummernights.com.

photo by Danielle Masucci

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heir mother was dead to begin with, seemingly swallowed without a trace by the lake she loved to study. Now three half-sisters return to the lapping shores of that same bottomless abyss to sort out mom’s affairs and unwittingly embrace a psychological gauntlet in The Midnight Swim. The winner of last year’s Audience Award at AFI Fest, the film has collected a gaudy amount of laurels on its way to the Downtown Independent, where it opens Wednesday, June 24, and screens for a week beginning Friday. Summon the seventh sister and take that last plunge. At 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.

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ince March, the MOCA Geffen Contemporary has hosted the installation art of disenfranchisement champion William Pope.L. Now is your final chance to take in the huge flapping American flag and myriad other forms of complex symbolism that comprise William Pope.L: Trinket before the show closes on Sunday, June 28. Augmented by a living, breathing aspect, the show’s accompanying “Migrant Performance” will challenge visitors two last times at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The three-hour performance is free with admission. Guests are reminded that the museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. At 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.

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

Continued on next page

By Dan Johnson calendar@downtownnews.com

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FRIDay, JuNE 26 Bring Your Own Dance Moves Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

7 p.m.: Two weeks ago, Peanut Butter Wolf kicked off the Bring Your Own Dance Moves series with a little help from hiphop pioneer Egyptian Lover. This week’s DJ lineup wasn’t revealed at press time, but expect something equally awesome. Dancing is highly encouraged.

Manifest Destiny Billboard Project Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel. com.

8 p.m.: The Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Dublab co-host a night of video art and DJs as they celebrate the conclusion of a countrywide billboard project.

SaTuRDay, JuNE 27 Chinatown Summer Nights Chinatown Central & West Plazas, 943-951 N. Broadway, (213) 680-0243 or chinatownla.org.

6 p.m.: Food trucks, a beer garden, KCRW DJs, live bands and a slew of local bars make a lovely kick-off for this monthly summer series.

Five Artists in Search of a City MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.

3 p.m.: The L.A. Times’ David Ulin helms a panel discussion centered on the recently released book Both Sides of Sunset: Photographing Los Angeles. Zoe Crosher, Bettina Hubby, Michael Shields and Ed Templeton will be on hand.

SuNDay, JuNE 28 Lambda Literary Emerging Fellows Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

6 p.m.: This event should give you a sneak peak at upcoming voices in the genre of LGBTQ literature.

Free Music and Festivals, the Last Week of a MOCA Show, And More Downtown Fun

courtesy of the artist and Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York

L.A.’s Largest Mixer XVII 700 W. 32nd St., (323) 230-5656 or lamixer.com Join Los Angeles area chambers and business organizations at L.A.’s Largest Mixer XVII, taking place at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center July 16 from 5-9 p.m. Mingle with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of business people representing a wide variety of industries and companies in and around Southern California. The 17th annual event is a great opportunity to reach small and large companies, meet prospective clients, generate new leads and renew business relationships. Admission is $20 per person.

9th Annual Downtown Dog Day Afternoon at the Cathedral 555 W. Temple St., downtownla.com/dogday The property owners of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID) invite Downtown L.A. residents and their dogs to a free evening of mixing and mingling on the plaza of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Wednesday, July 8, from 5-8 p.m. Pamper your four-legged friend with free giveaways, and enjoy a cash bar and food by Levy Restaurants. Featuring booths and displays from Downtown pet-friendly companies. Social dogs only; dogs must be on a leash. Free admission. RSVP at DowntownLA.com/DogDay. Dames ‘N Games Sports Bar & Grill: MMA Girl Cage Fighting 2319 E. Washington Blvd., (323) 589-2220 or damesngames.net Spearmint Rhino’s Dames ‘N Games Sports Bar & Grill will host an MMA Girl Cage Fighting event on June 22. The event is part of an ongoing summer tournament through Aug. 17. The girls will compete for $3,000 in cash and prizes.

Downtown News 11

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

photo courtesy The Midnight Swim

June 22, 2015

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e have this fancy word, bricolage, that describes an artistic process by which available bits of inspiration are borrowed and re-contextualized in new forms of culture. Typically the purview of visual art, early-’80s outfit ESG proved that bricolage is just as relevant to popular music. On Friday, June 26, Emerald, Saphire and Gold, otherwise known as ESG, pops into The Regent to show off the blend of punk, hip-hop and disco they pulled together off the predominant musical tastes of their native South Bronx. Tickets were still available at press time. At 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheater.com.

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

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

12 Downtown News

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Continued from previous page June 22: Ami Maeda.

June 23: William Harrington Group.

June 24: Katie Thiroux Quartet.

June 25: Slumgum and Kris Tiner with Beth Schenck.

June 26: Learn to count to three with the Mitch Forman Trio.

June 27-28: Mark de Clive-Lowe with strings featuring Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

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

June 22, 8 p.m.: The final night of Hunny’s residency has been coined “Monday Night Fever,” which sounds suspiciously like a residual Saturday night hangover or perhaps a bad reaction to a recent inoculation.

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

June 23, 8 p.m.: Pastiche is the order of the day as Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox reimagines contemporary songs with a vintage twist.

June 25, 11 p.m.: A little late-night old-school action as Doug E. Fresh accompanies New Edition offshoots Bell Biv Devoe.

June 26, 11 p.m.: Electro R&B crooner Miguel just wants to adore you. Maybe not you in particular, but the idea of “you” as a general reference to his audience.

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

June 22: Using this newfangled thing called “logic” we can deduce that the Gabe Rosen Trio is likely comprised of someone named Gabe Rosen and more than one but less than three compatriots.

June 23: The Matthew Van Winkle Band, because eponymous band names are so in vogue.

June 24: Boys School is here.

June 25: The Jazzaholics’ very existence brings to light a sad shortage of 12-step programs for 12-bar players.

June 28: RT N the 44s endure.

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

June 25: Excision.

June 26: Adventure Club.

June 27: Art Department.

Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

June 22, 8 p.m.: Enjoy an evening with three-named Texas country singer Robert Earl Keen.

June 24, 7:30 p.m.: The Supremes’ Mary Wilson chats about her life and career.

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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie sENior writEr: Eddie Kim stAFF writEr: Heidi Kulicke coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla ©2015 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

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June 22, 2015

Downtown News 13

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The Return of the BET Experience Festival of Black Culture, Music and Art Fills L.A. Live and Convention Center

By Eddie Kim he city’s biggest celebration of black culture returns to Downtown this week, with a deep lineup of concerts and events, including numerous freebies.

The third installment of Black Entertainment Television’s BET Experience will fill L.A. Live and the Los Angeles Convention Center on Thursday-Sunday, June 25-28. Alan Seiffert, vice president and assistant general manager for the festival, said attendance could exceed last year’s 110,000 people, thanks to a lineup that features more high-profile acts and speakers than ever before.

The BET Experience includes ticketed concerts and performances in Staples Center and Club Nokia, and the free Fan Fest in the Convention Center.

Acts range from the current (rapper Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and comedian Kevin Hart) to the old-school (Ice Cube, Bell Biv Devoe, Doug E. Fresh), and tickets go for $39-$160. Three-day ticket bundles are $170-$400.

Appearing gratis at the Fan Fest are performers such as Janelle Monaé, Cypress Hill and a slew of up-and-coming acts (rap fans: Don’t miss Vince Staples and Casey Veggies).

The big names keep coming elsewhere in the Fan Fest. Kobe Bryant, Floyd Mayweather, Al Sharpton and others will be featured in conversations. A celebrity basketball game includes Snoop Dogg, Furious 7 star Tyrese

T

photo courtesy of BET

Snoop Dogg returns for the celebrity basketball game and a June 27 concert at this year’s BET Experience.

Gibson, 2 Chainz, Chris Brown, Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (who will be coaching) and more.

New this year is a gaming lounge and a kids’ area with basketball and bowling. Then there’s the expanded fashion show, a dance competition, a Sneaker Con and even an indoor zipline.

“A big shift this year is we realize our audiences want not just bigger and better music and attractions, but more features for kids, too,” Seiffert said. “It’s all part of making an entertainment center for people to spend the whole day at.”

Seiffert, a Los Angeles native, said he hopes to see Downtown businesses and organizations program events around the festival to inspire visitors to explore the rest of the community.

“When you go to South by Southwest or other major festivals like that, part of the experience is that it’s embraced by the rest of the city,” Seiffert said. “We’ve only been here three years and Downtown has opened its arms to us, and we want to grow on that.”

The growth in Downtown is a perfect backdrop to the talent at the BET Experience, Seiffert added, and the network plans to return to L.A. Live and the Convention Center in years to come.

BET Experience is at L.A. Live and the Los Angeles Convention Center on ThursdaySunday, June 25-28. Tickets and information at bet.com/bet-experience. eddie@downtownnews.com

June 26, 12 p.m.: Free lunch time entertainment from Los Angeles folk fanatics Run River North.

June 26, 8 p.m.: SF’s The Family Crest join forces with Run River North for an evening of accessible indie rock.

Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or microsofttheatre. com.

June 28, 5 p.m.: It’s a pretty safe bet that Rachel Dolezal won’t be in attendance at this year’s BET Awards.

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

June 22: Rubber.

June 23: The Dramedy.

June 24: Oblio, So Social and The Roughcuts.

June 25: Thursday Night Booty.

June 26: Megatherium, Whaleshark and Genius Archimedes.

June 27: Dirty Eyes, The Ravagers and Generacion Suicida.

June 28: The Damn Times.

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June 26, 7 p.m.: Nicki Minaj headlines a BET Fest bill including Ne-Yo, Tinashe and Rae. June 27, 7 p.m.: More BET Fest action, with a multi-generation bonanza of L.A. hip-hop featuring Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Schoolboy Q. The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org.

June 22: Kaz Mirblouk, The Squids and Pure Muscle.

June 26: The Lovely Bad Things, Melted, Tongues and Jurassic Shark.

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survey class of Trumpetology.

June 23: The Makers could really use a wish right now.

June 24: Ray Brooks is not a biased Brooks & Dunn cover band.

June 25: Downtown’s own stout and tall Israeli bass blues player Yonatan.

June 28: The California Feet Warmers may be a bit too hot for summer.

Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7326 or staplescenter.com.

June 25, 8 p.m.: What he lacks in size, Kevin Hart makes up for in humor.

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Continued from previous page The Regent 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheatre.com.

June 24-25, 8 p.m.: Before you write off man of the cloth Rob Bell, let’s just be clear that the pastor authored Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spirituality.

June 26, 8 p.m.: The South Bronx’s ESG are back on the road and in your neighborhood.

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

June 22: After many requests, Seven Grand is now offering a

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14 Downtown News

June 28: Whitman, Night Auditor and Curt Oren.

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

June 24, 8 p.m.: Fun vocalist Nate Ruess steps out on his own with a new solo record to be dropped tonight.

Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org.

8 p.m.: We’re hoping that encyclopedic DJ Bob Parlocha will be on hand for the KJAZZ 88.1 Summer Benefit Concert. We can guarantee that Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Lee Ritenour and the Sara Gazarek Band will all participate in a “Swinging Tribute to Count Basie.”

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.

2 YOUR EVENT INFO

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT

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

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

June 22, 2015

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LEGAL fictitioUs BUsiness name Fictitious Business name statement File No. 2015134964 The fol-

Downtown News 15

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

To place a classified ad in the Downtown News please call 213-481-1448, or go to DowntownNews.com Deadline classified display and line ads are Thursday at 12pm.

FORfor RENT All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. lowing person(s) is (are) doing business as: Cinevision Global, 424 Bamboo lane, los Angeles, CA 90012, are hereby registered by the following registrant(s): Frank Mayor, 2665 Aberdeen Ave., los Angeles, CA 90027.

This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant has not commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above.

This statement was filed with DeAN C. loGAN, los Angeles County Clerk, and by J. Perkins, Deputy, on May 20, 2015.

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. 06/01, 06/08, 06/15, and 06/22/2015.

Fictitious Business name statement File No. 2015157331 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: AZ-Recruiting, 1245 N orange Dr Unit 11, los Angeles, CA 90038, are

hereby registered by the following registrant(s): Travis Hatfield, 1245 N orange Dr Unit 11, los Angeles, CA 90038. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant has not begun to commence to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above.

This statement was filed with DeAN C. loGAN, los Angeles County Clerk, and by Miguel Macias, Deputy, on June 12, 2015.

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. 06/22, 06/29, 07/06, and 07/13/2015 name change suPeRioR couRt oF caLiFoRnia, countY oF Los anGeLes oRDeR to sHoW cause FoR cHanGe oF name No. lS026810 Petitioner (name of each) Sonia Ghani, 17200 Burbank Blvd., encino, CA 91316, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Sonia Ghani Proposed name: Sonya Zela Azeemey THe CoURT oRDeRS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for

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91401. A copy of this order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in lA DoWNToWN NeWS, 1264 West 1st Street, los Angeles, CA 90026 of general circulation, printed in this county.

Prepared by: Sherri R. Carter, Executive Office/Clerk.

Van Nuys Courthouse east 6230 Sylmar Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91401 Date: June 05, 2015 Hon. Huey P. Cotton Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 06/15, 06/22, 06/29, and 07/06/2015.

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change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NoTiCe oF HeARiNG Date: 07/10/2015 Time: 8:30 Dept.: M The address of the court is 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that: Cathay Bank, headquartered at 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles CA 90012 has filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO), an application to establish a new office: Cathay Bank Rancho Cucamonga Branch To be located at: 9759 Baseline Road Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730 Any person wishing to comment on this application may file his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 25 Jessie Street at Ecker Square, Suite 2300, San Francisco, California 94105 and/or the Commissioner of Business Oversight, California Department of Business Oversight, 45 Fremont Street, Suite 1700, San Francisco, California 94105, not later than 15 days after the date of this newspaper publication. The non-confidential portions of the application are on file at the appropriate FDIC office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours.

Photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request.

This notice is published pursuant to 12 CFR §303.7.

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16 Downtown News

June 22, 2015

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File Name: 3-16reaching posts such as captain with more women andG&K minorities or commander. In 1998, CH People magazine featured Parks in its Rep: “50 Most Beautiful People” Date: 3-9issue, complete with a dapper photo in a sharp suit.

Creator: ba/yk There was tragedy, too. In 2000, Parks’ granddaughter, Lori Changes: Gonzalez, was shot and1killed near a fast food restaurant in South Los Angeles (a gang member was later convicted of the crime). The murder rocked not just the close-knit family, but the city.

There was also acrimony. Parks could be irascible (the nickname Bitter Bernie came later) and developed a reputation as a strict disciplinarian and a micromanager, even dictating how officers’ boots should be laced (the documentary questions why he got the “micromanager” tag, rather than the more praise-worthy “hands-on leader”). He was tested by the explosion of the Rampart scandal. He fired 140 police officers who, he said last week, “we thought were inappropriate to be employees of the city.”

He also continually drew the ire of the LAPPL, and in 2002, Mayor Jim Hahn refused to nominate Parks for a second fiveyear term. Many observers were shocked by Parks’ rise and rapid fall.

William Bratton became chief, but Parks refused to go away.

He won his City Council seat in 2003. Two years later he ran for mayor against Hahn.

He finished fourth, but had his revenge when Hahn lost to Antonio Villaraigosa. African-American voters who had largely supported Hahn in 2001 this time turned against him.

Parks today sees that run as a victory.

“We ran for mayor for a couple of reasons,” he said in the interview. “We thought we could do a good job as mayor, but the secondary issue was we thought the city needed a new mayor.

And so the key is, we didn’t succeed in our first effort, but we succeeded in our second.”

Today Jim Hahn is a Superior Court judge.

Falling Out Parks had a strong initial run representing the Eighth District, which covered a large portion of impoverished South Los Angeles, but also included landmarks such as Exposition Park. He established a good rapport with then-Council President Eric Garcetti and got the plum assignment of chairing the council’s Budget and Finance Committee. He earned credit for a tough austerity approach, including the reduction of thousands of jobs, helping pull the city through a bitter financial crisis.

Things changed when Wesson became council president.

Parks refused to back Wesson’s ascent, and he and then-Councilwoman Jan Perry had a notorious falling-out with Wesson. That was followed by a city redistricting process in which Wesson appeared to punish Parks and Perry by carving up their districts, giving key economic drivers to other council members.

Parks also lost his Budget and Finance post (the committee is now chaired by Paul Krekorian, whose work there is often praised).

Biography describes Parks as having become a “lone wolf” on the council. The Los Angeles Times last year put it differently, describing him as being in the “political wilderness.”

Whatever the terminology, the veteran lawmaker saw his clout severely diminished. Still, Parks makes no apologies, saying he would rather maintain his integrity than support someone or something he doesn’t believe in.

“We’ve not done poorly in the sense of the things we’ve worked on in our district,” he said. “My district is the only one building sidewalks — not because Herb Wesson blessed that, but because we found a way to do that. My district led the city five out of six years in creating jobs. Not because of Herb Wesson, but because we figured out how to do it. These are things we find out, that your success is more dependent on what you do, as opposed to all these little games people play at council, where they believe their life is dependent on what committee they have, where they must bow and genuflect.”

Parks said he’s finished with City Hall. He’s looking forward to a vacation with his wife and finishing a remodel of his house.

He’d like to join some corporate boards and help companies play a bigger role in minority communities.

“I never want to get elected for anything,” he told me. “I never want to take another exam.”

After 50 years, it’s clear Bernard Parks has done enough.

Biography, Battles and Bernard will be available on the city’s Channel 35 in July. regardie@downtownnews.com